Tea is quite likely the oldest drink in the world.  It is said that a person brought tea to their people when, heating water to drink, some branches fell into the pot.  Pulling the pot from the fire and waiting for it to cool slightly before they were able to pull the leaves out, the leaves steeped in the water and tea was born.  Tea has maintained its integrity and charm ever since.  

Infused with any herbs you like, teas can be used to heal, calm, invigorate, center, or soothe.  The art of making tea is a meditation in itself.  Each tea drinker seems to have their own preferred ritual.  

Recipes are not set in stone.  A recipe comes from someone who created it, passed it on, you tried it, changed it, played with it, and  then passed it on.   Some people keep them a secret, which gives people like me a fun challenge, because I will  try to create something similar or even better. Then there are those who give with their hearts and share their recipes.    

Recipes are forever changing.   You need to add your spice to it, your enjoyment to it, what you crave to it,  take that recipe and add more of something,  or decrease an amount, or just omit an ingredient that you do not care for.  It is just that easy.  

Remember when you are creating your teas and herbal cocoas, roots, bark and seeds are the more tenacious parts of a plant, therefore it is a little harder to extract the constituents from these parts.  This means a slow simmer or an overnight infusion is often required.   When you use roots, barks and seeds, you will need to make a decoction

To make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.  Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes.  The longer you simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be. 

When you are using the leaves,flowers and aromatic parts ( aromatic plant part, like valerian root,some people call it poop root), you make an infusion.   These parts of the plant are more delicate.  These fragile plant parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than the tougher roots and barks.  

To make an infusion, simply boil 1 quart of water per ounce of herb.  Or 1 cup water to 1 - 3 tablespoons of herb.  pour water over the herb and let steep for 30 minutes.  

Pictured below is an Nourishing Herbal Infusion of High Calcium Tea.  The jar in the picture is a gallon jar. 

High Calcium Tea Recipe: Make as a tea infusion or nourishing infusion

1 part dried horsetail

1 part dried Nettle

1 part dried oat tops

1 part dried oatstraw

Nourishing Herbal Infusions:  A Quart A Day

You will need herbs, a scale, two quart canning jars with lids, boiling water, and a strainer. Boil a quart of water. While it is heating, measure out one ounce of dried herb and put it in one of the quart jars. When the water boils, pour it into the jar, filling it to the very top. Using a wooden spoon, stir the herb down into the water. If needed, add a little more water. Cap tightly and let sit. After it has brewed for four hours or overnight, strain the liquid from the herb. Use your hands to squeeze the herb so you get every bit of nourishment.  Store the liquid, the infusion, in the refrigerator. Drink it hot or cold.

Sexual Energy Boost: 

1 part dried Damaina

1 part  dried dried Oats

1 part  dried Oatstraw

1 part Epimedium/Horny Goat Weed

Mix, put in a jar and label.

Directions:  1- 2 tablespoon of dried herb to 2 cups of hot water. Bring to a slow boil, cover turn heat down and simmer for 20 minutes.

Kava Kava Root - has the unique ability to relax the body while awakening the mind.  It helps reduce tension, anxiety, and stress.   It's analgesic properties help alleviate pain.  

Kava Kava Hot Cocoa: 

Recipe: http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2011/02/kava-hot-cocoa.html

What I did differently: 

I added 1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips. 

I used coconut milk plus water. 

This is my recipe: you will need: 

Kava Kava Root

Sweet Cinnamon Chips

Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder

Organic Coconut Milk

Organic Vanilla Extract 

Directions:

1/2 cup Kava Kava Root

1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips

3 cups of spring water or filtered water 

Make a Decoction with the Kava Kava Root and Sweet Cinnamon Chips 

STRAIN: 

Heat strained herbal mixture, add: 

1/2 cup Organic cocoa powder, even better fair trade organic cocoa powder

1 can organic coconut milk

2 cups spring water or filtered water

Bring to a simmer: 

Add: 

1 Tbl. organic vanilla extract 

Stir

Drink 

Enjoy 

You could also top it with some wonderful Marshmallow Root Coconut Cream! Recipe below: 

http://sweetroots.blogspot.com/2012/09/peppermint-hot-chocolate-with-whipped.html

Some other links to Herbal Cocoas: 

http://www.herbco.com/t-chocolate-recipes.aspx

http://bellavistafarm.wordpress.com/tag/herbal-hot-chocolate/

Hot Dandelion Root Cocoa:

 http://mountainroseblog.com/dandelion-hot-cocoa/

Creamy Turmeric Tea, Yummy! 

1 can organic coconut milk

2 - 3 cups spring water or filtered water

1 tsp. Turmeric ( or 2 tsp.)

1 tablespoon fresh minced organic ginger or grated 

pinch of cayenne

pinch of cardamom powder

pinch of cinnamon powder 

Heat coconut milk and water

Then add the rest of the ingredients, stir really good! .  Strain and enjoy! 

Link below:  Turmeric Tea 

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/creamy-turmeric-tea/#axzz2mU0AS2L3

Benefits of Turmeric: 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6873/25-Reasons-Why-Turmeric-Can-Heal-You.html

http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_ayurvedic_use.htm

Herbal Tea Tasting: 

First Round: 

High Calcium Nourshing Herbal Infusion of horsetail, nettle, oats and oatstraw

Hops- valued for its relaxing effect on the nervous system, and great for insomnia.  Useful for hypertension and eases tension and anxiety in men, as well as decreasing excessive sexual desire.  potent bitter and is excellent as a digestive bitter.  Useful for indigestion due to nervous energy and anxiety. 

Passion Flower - Calming and relaxing.  Has been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.   Can be used for hyperactive children as well as adults. Can be used as a pan reliever for toothache, headache, and menstrual pain.  

Rose Petals- http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail50.php

Lavender Buds- strong nervine and a mild antidepressant.  Offers great relief for headache sufferers. 

Chamomile - a calming, soothing herb, this goes will with the end of the day or before bedtime to ensure restful sleep.  Also beneficial for the skin, used with calendula in teas or baths.  It soothes irritated skin or rashes.  medicinally, it can be used to ease headaches, nerves, and menstrual cramps. 

Valerian Root (described by some of you, as poop root, do to the strong smell)

Second Round

Hibiscus - high in vitamin c and bioflavonoids.  has slight astringent properties.  useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Elderflower - is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Rosehips -  contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit.  Antioxidant with disease fighting abilities.  

Elecampane Root - an expectorant and stimulating tonic, used for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, chronic lung ailments, and even tuberculosis.  

Elderberry- is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Lobelia (  This one made some of you really dry in your throat) - used for serious respiratory problems.   stimulates the respiratory center in the brain, producing  deeper and stronger breathing.  It is a powerful antispasmodic herb, meaning that it relaxes the chest and opens constricted bronchial passages, it is a superb expectorant,  and excellent for spastic or dry coughing and wheezing.   Great for asthma and bronchitis.  Applied externally, lobelia soothes inflammation  and reduces the pain of boils and rheumatism.    This is one powerful herb and it is best to formulate with other herbs and taken with moderate amounts of water.  Please use tiny amounts when you first try this herb.  It would be best to read more information on it, so you can have a good experience with using it.  http://www.herballegacy.com/King_Dosages.html

Lemongrass - aids digestive health. 

Third Round

Astragalus Root- energizing and tonic herb,  builds up immune strength and it is energizing to the entire body, particularly the spleen and lungs.   It is used to treat chronic imbalances.  It stimulates the rebuilding of the bone marrow reserve that supports and regenerates the body's protective shield.   It is used to prevent and treat long term infections, including chronic colds, recurring flus, and candida.  It promotes circulatory health.  

Fennel- a licorice tasting herb, a little goes a long way.  don't let it over power your tea.  In addition to easing flatulence, this herb tones and strengthens the stomach, cleans the liver, and helps with chest afflictions. Externally it's said you can crush the herb ans use it as a flea powder.  Besides the digestive combination of fennel, anise and licorice, it's also nice with lemony herbs, lemongrass, lemon balm or fresh lemon. 

Raspberry Leaf - another bright red tea maker, this is nice in combination with clover and hibiscus ( the latter is another strong flavored herb, so just a little bit).  A good one for pregnancy, it strengthens, tones and cleanses during or after pregnancy.  It can also be used to soothe menstrual cramps. 

Burdock Root- is truly a superior tonic herb.  It is simply the best herb for the skin and can be used internally and externally.  It is a specific for the liver and because of it's pleasant flavor, it is often formulated with other less tasty "liver herbs." 

Damaina Leaf - has a strong reputation as an herb of passion and romance.   It is an herb to add to your longevity herb formulas  because it is completely restorative.  It restores exhausted nerves, exhausted dreams, and exhausted spirit.  It will help restore sexual vitality, can strengthen the reproductive systems of both men and women.  Great to use for nerves, a relaxant and antidepressant.  

Combo: Sassafras, rosehips and cinnamon

Sassafras - Traditionally this was the herb used in Root Beer tonic drinks that were made from roots and barks for seasonal cleansing.   Cleansing and stimulating for congestion in the liver and gallbladder.  It has a ground action (yang).   A powerful astringent, used externally for insect bites and internally for diarrhea.   A great herb for male tonic drinks.  

Cinnamon - is a wonderful and used in combination with clove ( just a pinch), all spice, nutmeg and orange peel.  It is said that cinnamon awakens all five our our senses, allowing us to enjoy meals more thoroughly as well as clear the path to our sixth sense, intuition.  This is a warming herb, along with ginger.  Drink it to fight off the winter chills

 I use sweet cinnamon chips for teas and regular cinnamon chips for salves and liniments.  

Last Round

Longevity Chai- Ashwagandha, astragalus, fo-ti, burdock root, dandelion root, ginger root, cardamom seeds,  sweet cinnamon chips, organic black tea, water and organic original oat milk. 

Other Tea Ideas and Recipes:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/making-herbal-teas-warming-winter-tea-recipe.aspx#axzz2mI3PwpVY

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2012/12/hawthorn-tea-for-the-winter-heart/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/7-herbal-teas-that-will-make-you-healthy

These days there is a lot of talk about heart health.  It is the number one killer of men and women.  There is tons of information out there on the top healthy foods for a healthy heart, but I want to dive into the emotional side of it.    You can eat all the organic healthy, holistic, awesome food out there, take the best herbal tonics, exercise regularly  and still have heart problems if you are not taking care of the emotional side of your heart.   Not only can you build walls in your arteries from a bad diet, but you can also build walls in your heart due to the negative emotions, fears, loss, sadness, ego, anger, that you do not process or let go of.     There is only so much your heart can take before it implodes or hardens and stops.  

So, here I will begin with my story of understanding I was Hopelessly Holding On.... 

Humans hold onto way to much.  To much storage of physical things and emotional things.. 

I have been concerned with heart health.  You can do all the right things with your health, like eat organic healthy food, finding out your food allergies, exercise, etc. 

But, if we don't laugh enough, get stuck in the fast pace of life, a life that does not feel like it  completes you, a stressful job, no community and holding on to the past,  this will  clog and malfunction your heart.     These negative emotions, will give you a traffic jam in your system. Broken Hearts, (either physically broken,emotionally or both) are the number one killer for humans.  

They say that you heart is your brain  and that 40,000 sensory neurons  relay information to the brain from the heart.   The heart connects to your nervous system,  it produces hormones and it receives energetic information from strong electrical and electromagnetic fields. 

The heart is a muscle and if it is not worked on it will become weak.  It provides the body with nourishment and oxygen.  If you are not being emotionally nourished it would be hard for your heart to produce it's breath of life (oxygen) to feed all the other organs of the body.  Therefore you get stagnation and stagnation brings pollution and pollution brings disease.  

Dis Eases of life.  

Your heart carries away waste, but if it is clogged with negative emotions and holding on to what will never be, how can it carry the waste away?  If your system is short circulating due to this process, where will this waste end up?  Holding on to waste is toxic and it can effect you physically and mentally.

The heart consists of chambers, arteries and more, which to me represents the paths that you have walked in your life and where you have lived.   And from the paths, if there was stress, hurt, anger, jealousy and unforgiving, these negative hurtful times are the brick and mortar of the cement walls that are being built in your arteries.   And for some, this process started at a very early age, literally ones heart is bursting from the overload of heartache 

There are two chambers, one chamber of your heart gives and one  receives.  

If the giving and receiving in life are off balance this can negatively effect your chambers and fill them up with waste.  If you give too much, because you do not set boundaries and people keep coming and taking from you, this negatively fills you up with emotional waste.The other side of this, is you do not give enough to community at large, family or friends and this leads to sour heart becoming tight and stiff (remember the story of the Grinch).  

Your receiving chamber of your heart, do you receive giving from others well?  Or do you expect it, Has your receiving made you a taker?  Hoarding and taking to much,  builds walls within this same system... 

As you can see with two chambers it is much like a yin yang symbol. It really is all about balance. 

Holding onto happy memories that are  dear to ones heart feels good, but if you hold on to them hoping you can have it back again, then this is not good for ones heart.  Which means you are  building cement walls within the tiny paths within the chambers of your life, a hardening of the arteries, stagnation and shut down in the system.   

Holding on to negativity eats your heart out like acid...  Acid Relfux, heart palpitation, insomnia, anxiety and stress induced asthma, 

I wish I could deny the fact that I have had serious turmoil in my life.  No glass slippers here.  It has been ongoing since I was a child.   My heart is stacked full.   I believe my heart has been speaking to me and I am glad I am listening.   Most people would either ignore it or medicate it.  Ignoring builds more walls and medicating it adds more toxic waste.  

It wasn't until I hit my two year anniversary from the bad accident, that  I had  been hit with some serious emotions from the past.    There was a couple of times that some serous quietness, deep thinking and depression had hit me for a couple of days in a row.  During these times I was seriously in my head, which really meant I was trying to break down the walls that have been built in my heart for to many years.  

I have been known to be a person who does not cry and if I do I stomp it out quick, I am full of fire, stubborn.   Being very connected to the earth, I find that at this age, I get even more angry towards,farmers, the city, the  county, with their chemical applications that they toxify the earth with.   I am also past the middle of my menopausal journey.. This means, I am going through a journey of my past, present and who I am going to become..  It is a bit painful at times but this process is important.  Just as important as a butterfly hatching out of its cocoon.  You can't help it otherwise it will be deformed.  Menopause is just the same, it is a process that can be hard, painful and joyous all at the same time.   I feel blessed to be on this journey and especially blessed that I am listening..  For the men out there, you also go through a process it is called Male Menopause.  Some might call it mid life crisis 

It was December 21st 2015, Winter Solstice, seven days from my TWO year anniversary date of my accident.   I was dealing with a lot of emotions.  I was feeling dragged down by all the things that have been left undone, physically and mentally in my life.  I already had  big list of to do's, prior to my accident.  The list is now bulging and I am feeling overwhelmed and trying to find a starting spot to continue the journey.

 When your activity has been reduced to a minimum and you have so little help with things, life just feels overwhelming.    Starting points seem unclear but you have piles and piles in front of you.  

On Winter Solstice, something was stirring in me.  My husband and I headed up the mountain with our animal family, tea pot, candle and smudge stick.  It was beautiful and quite.  We talked of changes, heart aches from our past, enjoyed a cup of tea, had prayers and mediation time.

That night I had something come to me that spoke so strongly that it stuck in my head.  The message was this "LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE YOU"   It was if I had a revelation of some sort.   A few days later, I am headed up the mountain to the spot that I had my accident.  I was going to sit there and have tea and work on letting go.    As my husband and I were walking the horses up the mountain they  made a turn down another road.    This never happens on this road.  I usually have to lead them down.   My husband asked me what I wanted to do, at that point they ran.   At first I got tense, but then a few seconds after I realized my message was happening right in front of my eyes.  "LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE YOU"   It was time to finally let go of what happened to me, not only from the accident but from everything that has been backed up, clogged up in my heart center.  This means a purging process has begun and that I need to make sure it does not get damned back up.  

I know most people were looking for a blog from my husband about our New Year.  They were probably expecting a funny story about his wife (me) and our empty nester experiences.  But our New Year experience has been about purging. We have been taking dump loads of stuff from our past or things that are just not going to get done, to the dump.    Believe it or not some of these things have been holding me back without me realizing it. Storage is nothing but a place to store things that do not serve you.  Some of those things you hold on to tightly hoping to feel that feeling again... These things effect your heart,  your center and they take you off balance.

As I am purging I am getting things done, as I purge it is opening up opportunity's in my life to heal and have new experiences.

Today January 8th 2015 marks another step.  We had a old dodge van.. She just left to live the rest of her life to be scrapped out and become something new again.   As the man was loading her up. I kept having to hold back tears.  I thought how funny that would be if this strong woman started crying as the man was towing away a rusty old metal dodge van.  I held strong, took a few pictures, helped him out of the drive way and cried as he drove away.     

 I am going from a Mom that was needed, to a Mom that is finding herself as her kids find out who they are because they have spread their wings in the flight called life.  

That beast of a van held so many fun memories when we were a family of 8..    Memories that I cherished and loved.  It was a time of me being mommy and step mom.  I loved being a mom ( I am still mom)  Kids laughing in the back seat, singing, sleeping, being grumpy, being excited, fourth of July fun on the beach and so much more.  I can still here the kids singing we will rock you in the van.   I can still hear my son Brandon laughing in the back seat and years later on my birthday I sat in back as he drove us home from the beach.  

Having a mixed family was not easy and this is what I have held on to.  Hoping for the good memories to come back. This has built up in my heart and letting this beast of a van go is the last purge of the past.  

The "Time Of The Van", there were life changes, people changes, people come and go and we all had to to except that without it affecting our hearts.   

Holding on to that which is not...

To much hope and change, without change becomes stagnation and no growth

Holding on to happy memories is what  also creates holding onto  to much hoping to create that situation again

You never know until you finally release something that holding on was holding you back

Yes, there is such a thing as hope but one must realize that holding hope for too long can hold you back

Release breaks up stagnation

Release is what brings in the new

You can't fix what has been lost

Let Go Of What Does Not Serve You

What serves your heart? 

This is my year of new,  It is my new birth year, a new year to birth out new ides, more happiness, more nature, more epic adventure out in the Oregon Wild, success, community, knowledge, love, peace and for me it is the year  to 'LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE ME)

Besides a fantastic diet, herbs  and exercise this is what will heal my heart and yours.   For the heart is the brain and this brain controls the functions of you... 

If you don't take care of  your body,

where are you going to live?

Mickey Spillane

What Is Good Heart Medicine?

21 Principles That Keep Your Heart Happy and Healthy

1. Put your emotional life in balance

2. Keep it  corny, laugh and play frequently

3.  Make life juicy, not dry

4.  Peel the extra layers of heaviness off of your life

5.  Size matters, eat many small healthy meals a day

6.  Reject violence with your whole heart, but if violence is used on you, fight back with your whole heart

7.  Practice daily acts of kindness towards yourself and others

8.  Keep it cool in life

9.  Shake it up,  dance more

10. Perfect you smile, use it more

11.  Light you fire, kindle the flame inside you, what are your desires?

12.  Rest your head, nap when you can, cat nap when you can, go to bed early, winter time get more sleep

13.  Ease back on stimulants and addictive substances (if you can’t fall asleep at night by 20 to 30 minutes you could             be drinking to much coffee,  eating to much sugar or having to much screen time) 

14.  Remember a negative environment breeds illness.   Positive grows  happiness

15.  Exercise, this is a must

16.  Eat simple, delicious, unadulterated foods and liquids

17.  Eat organic berries

18.  Eat good clean sources of protein

19.  Summer lovin,  get your daily dose of sun, as much as you can

20.  Make bone broth

21.  Include the cardiovascular nurturing herbs in your daily diet

Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry– Cardiovascular tonic -Motherwort—Calms the heart, reducing heart palpitations—Ginkgo– peripheral vasodilator( Peripheral vasodilators are agents which act on the most distal parts of the vascular system i.e. the arterioles and venules. They dilate these distal blood vessels and lower the blood pressure, therefore makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through these peripheral blood vessels).—Passionflower– calms—Yarrow– vascular tonic—Garlic normalizes blood pressure -Cayenne and Ginger—circulatory stimulants

Recipes For Heart Health

Hawthorn Leaf, Flower and Berries

Grandmother Hawthorn, the tree of the heart. Hawthorn is the 6th tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham, representing Love, fertility, protection, the release of blocked energy and preparation for spiritual growth.

Hawthorn is the prime remedy for the heart, the circulation and is safe to take over long periods,  The flowers, leaves and berries can all be used as a safe heart tonic,  Hawthorn is helpful for high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart palpitations and all heart conditions. The leaves, flower and berries also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety They bring calm sleep if drunk at night.

Hawthorn Recipes: 

http://natural-healing-guide.com/Therapeutic-Teas/Hawthorn-tea.htm

Linden Leaf and Flower Tea, relieves nervous tension, calms the mind, could help with insomnia, soothes the digestive system and is a great heart tonic

2 tsp. linden leaf and flower

1/2 tsp. rose petals or a couple of rose buds (organic only)  

Bring a cup of water to boil, add herbs, cover and steep 10 minutes, strain and enjoy. 

I personally make 4 cups at a time in a french press and steep it longer.   I also make linden leaf and flower infusions.   For more information on herbal infusion click on link below. 

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September08/anti-cancer.htm

Kale and Nut Pesto

Small bunch of kale (4-6 leaves, remove the thick part of the stems*)

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted or soaked dehydrated almonds or  soaked and dehydrated pumpkin seeds.

1/2 to 1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup olive oil (or more for a smoother pesto)

Juice & zest of one lemon

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: grated raw cheese, or organic Parmesan 

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
2. Blanch kale for about 30 seconds, remove and place in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Dry the kale a bit, squeeze out some of excess water and set on a towel for a few minutes more.
4. Blend everything together in a food processor. Pulse to create a chunky pesto, blend longer to create a smoother one. Taste and adjust, adding more salt, pepper, lemon, olive oil, as necessary.

High Vitamin C Tea

Ingredients:  rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemon grass, cinnamon chips

Note:  Vitamin C is a noted antioxidant with disease-fighting abilities.  

Rose Hips:  They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit when measured gram by gram.  

Hibiscus:  high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has slightly astringent properties.  It is useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Lemon Grass:  http://planetwell.com/lemongrass-health-benefits-and-healing-proper...

Cinnamon:  Although cinnamon is considered to be simply a spice by most Westerners, herbalists have been using it for centuries as a warming digestive aid.  It is a wonderful mild stimulant and can be combined with ginger to treat circulatory and digestive problems.  It has antiviral and antiseptic activities, making it useful for fighting infections.  

High Vitamin C Tea Recipe: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips 

Information on beef heart:  

Beef heart is a muscle like other cuts of steak, but more dense with a higher content and additional protein. Beef heart contains all essential amino acids, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. It has more than double the elastin and collagen than other cuts of meat and a highly concentrated source of coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10.  Make sure you purchase organic grass-fed beef rather than grain-fed beef because it may have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Below is the link to the information about how to cook the beef heart: 

http://ruhlman.com/2011/08/how-to-cook-beef-heart/

Taking Care of the Heart - Heart, Art and Herbs – by Phoenix
Date: Saturday February 11th 2023 -Time: 3:00 Pm – 7:00 Pm ish
Where: Mountain Warrior Kung Fu School
Cost: $100.00
Bring: Bring yourself and your favorite mug
“When You Get Down To the Heart of the Matter, the Heart Is What Matters”
Each year when February comes around, most of us think of it as a romantic holiday, a day to share love and of course a day to share and enjoy chocolate. February is a time that I often think of the heart, my heart, my family’s hearts and the hearts of our community. Valentine’s Day has to do with love and it reminds me to think of my heart, my heart center and my heart path. It is a reminder to walk with love. It is also a reminder to check in with myself to see what I could be missing, mind, body, and spirit. It is a reminder to check in to see what I have walled up in there, am I stressed, things I should forgive, gratitude list, my self-care, my diet, my exercise plan and am I on my heart centered soul path.
I also think about how I am (or others are) digesting life because this also affects the heart. If someone is not digesting life then this could cause a multitude of health problems. When we think of the health of our heart most think about changing their food, adding exercise and reducing stress, which is great. But there is one big subject that needs to be added to this list, which is how our emotions affect our hearts (and those around you), past and present life struggles that affect the heart and is one digesting life with ease, or all clogged up? .If any of that sounds familiar let me just say not only is it important to make some serious life style changes but it is also time to call on the help of herbs.
The last BIG one is life stress, the current stresses of our lives especially these last few years is most likely the highest most of us humans have experienced in our life time. Let’s make 2023 more enjoyable by making the changes we need to make and by calling upon the help of herbal nervine’s, flowers and flower essences.
In this four hour workshop you will learn the Matters of the heart: The best way to strengthen your relationship with your heart by adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes mind, body and spirit care. Not only will you learn what your heart needs by learning about a combination of nutrients to help you function at your best. You will also go home with some knowledge on herbal remedies, movement, meditation, community, creativity, mind and spirit self-care, letting go and more.
Come join me and others and let’s learn to feed our hearts with positive information, wellness and wisdom.
Class Subjects: Herbs For The Heart, Herbal Nervines, Bitters, Foods For The Heart, Foods To Avoid, Using Flowers, Flower Essences, Rituals for Healing The Heart – Letting Go/Self Care ,Chocolate, The Power of Words, Meditation/The Breathe of Life, The Art of Mandalas/The Making of a Heart Mandala
You Will Create: A Heart Health Tincture, Bitters and Create a Heart Mandala
You will go home with your heart health tincture, a bitter, heart mandala, Let the Sunshine In Syrup (adaptogenic tonic), a tea blend and notes from the workshop.
Space is limited, please sign up ASAP.
Mountain Blessings,
Phoenix

Herbal Syrups

Sweet, Soothing, Delicious 

It's the Ahhhhh.... of Herbal Medicine

www.mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com

I love making syrups, the smell of a syrup simmering on the stove is one of the best smells!  You can get very creative with your herbal syrups, try adding some berries, spices, or fruits, be creative!

 Syrups are pretty easy to make. They are a wonderful remedy to keep on hand, they are tasty sweet medicine that can be used for a verity of aliments. There are not just for illness.  You can make immune syrups, energy syrups, LOVE syrups and more! 

To Make a syrup, you simply make a strong herbal brew ( think strong strong tea).  For a sweetener you can use honey (Honey will help store your syrup for a couple months in the refrigerator, it is also very healing for sore throats and coughs) maple syrup or fruit juice concentrate or fruit juice.  If you need to preserve it for a longer amount of time add vodka, brandy, whiskey etc.. 

Things to do with syrup- You can add syrup to your herbal teas, on pancakes, in your smoothies, herbal pop-cycles...  There are many things you can do, so have some fun! 

Basic Syrup Making: 

Use 2 ounces of herb mixture or fruit or both,  to 1 quart of water.  Over low heat, simmer the liquid down to 1 pint (half way).  This will give you very concentrated tea.  

Strain the herbs from the liquid.  I use a strainer with a cheesecloth over a 4 cup measuring cup.  Squeeze out all the excess liquid from the cheese cloth.    Pour liquid back into the pot

To each pint of liquid, add 1 cup (more or less) of honey/or other sweetener to the pot. 

Warm it gently, on low.  Mix well.   You can cook it on a higher heat to thicken it up, but watch it closely.  I prefer mine, cooked gently on low and it is a bit waterier, but it will be more alive with the enzymes from the honey and herbs, than the high heat method.

If you like, once mixed you can add fruit concentrate.

It will last a month if refrigerated or in the kitchen cupboard for few weeks.

If you need it to last longer than add a small amount of alcohol such as brandy or vodka.   I have used Whiskey to.    Add about a 1/4 cup per 2 cups of syrup. 

Honey Onion Syrup: 

A delicious remedy for colds, flu's sore throats, and coughs.  Great for children and adults.  

Ingredients:

one large onion

1-2 cups honey

Optional Ingredients:  few cloves of chopped garlic or some fresh grated ginger

How to make: 

Cut onion in half, then cut into very thin discs, 

In a medium sized saucepan add onion and optional ingredients.  Add enough honey to lightly cover all of the cut items.  cook over low heat for 30 minutes(do not boil), until onions get juicy and soft..  Place in a glass jar and cover with lid and lable.  No need to strain. 

This will store in the refrigerator for several weeks.  

Take by teaspoons when you feel a cold or flu coming on,  Soothes coughs and boosts immune system.   You can eat the onions in the syrup.  

Horseradish Honey Syrup for Cough:

Horseradish syrup quells coughs and soothes a sore throat; grate a small piece of horseradish into a small saucepan. Squeeze the pulp over the pan to extract additional juice. Add a little honey and enough water just to cover the pulp; boil for 5 min. let the pulp cool, and then squeeze the pulp again to catch any additional juice; discard the pulp. Mix the horseradish juice with enough honey to make a palatable syrup. Take up to 5 tbsp. of the syrup a day.

Elderberry Syrup

"The Way You Do Food Is The Way You Live Life"

Digestion 

Welcome to Wild and Weedy Wellness.  You are about to take a journey down the  holistic health hike.    This journey will tease your senses, satisfy your taste buds, bring you new ideas and knowledge.  

We  are starting our Wild and Weedy Wellness with items that aide your digestion.   It has been a long winter, a lot of heavy foods have been eaten and it is time to get things moving.   

The digestive system is one of the most important systems in your body and I personally feel it is very abused.  This is why  Colon cancer is one of the highest cancers out there.  

The digestive system  consist of many important organs for digestion, absorption, assimilation, distribution, and elimination.    It begins at your mouth and ends at your rectum.   So next time you think about eating something think about this.  Does the food your about to eat give your body what it needs?  Will your digestive system be able to digest it, absorb nutrients out of it, will it be able to assimilate nutrients out of it,  can it be distributed healthfully and can you eliminate it all the way comfortably? 

It is time to start eating those spring greens, cut sugar out, start moving and start breathing.   

Here are a few pointers to help you with your digestion.  After all this is your gas tank and what happens when you put bad gas in your car? 

Take  a bitters extract.  Bitters stimulate bile production.  You can take them before or after meals.  I will also take them if I feel like I have heartburn.  I just put a few drops on my tongue or a few drops (10 plus) in a 1/8 cup of water swish in my mouth and swallow.  

Bitters Information: 

http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/bitters-the-revival-of-a-forgotten-flavor/

Eat bitter food, like fresh dandelion greens

Eat spring greens, cooked greens, lots of veggies and eat a vegetable rainbow 

Limit your fruit intake and up your green veggie intake

Cut out sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup 

Make sure your honey is real honey.  

Shop at your local farmers market and purchase organic produce 

Most people are not drinking enough water.  Drink filtered water or spring water.

Eat Slowly 

Turn off all screens.  No cells, no computer, no movies etc...

Breath slowly while eating.  Take deep breaths.  When the blood lacks oxygen absorption decreases.  

No late night eating.  Eat dinner by 7:00 pm or earlier.  If you are full with food when you go to bed then your body is working on digesting and not repairing and rejuvenating.  

Drink relaxing teas to calm your nervous system down. 

Don't overeat,  instead undereat slightly 

Don't eat when unhappy

Think positive thoughts when you are eating

If you are constipated and you are having trouble going poo, don't try to force it out.  Relax drink some chamomile tea,  drink some water, take a walk, do some exercise, eat green veggies, cooked  veggies and big salads.   Let the poo come out when it is ready.  

Check out the Squatty Potty: 

https://www.squattypotty.com/unicorn-a/

All -Purpose Herbal Salt 

All purpose herbal salt tenderizes food, making it more digestible.  Rub it on fish, vegetables and meats.

1/4 Cup salt (mixture of sea salt and pink himalayan  salt)  

2 tablespoons pd. coriander

1 tablespoon pd. turmeric

1 teaspoon pd. cumin

1 teaspoon pd. fennel seed

1 teaspoon pd.  mustard seed

1/2 teaspoon pd. star anise

Honey Spice Packet - Digestive Aid

Ingredients:  orange peal, dandelion root, ginger, burdoct root, star anise and cloves

Let this herbal honey help you digest you meals.  

For a wonderful cup of tea add 1 tsp of this honey to a cup of warm water, stir and enjoy.  

You will need:  local honey (make sure it is real honey), one 16 oz jar

I cup of honey

I packet of Digestive Aid Spice

Directions:  

Put herb packet in jar, top with honey, stir, and cap with a tight-fitting lid. Place in a sunny windowsill, and turn the jar over at least once per day.

Label the jar

Add more honey if the herbs rise above the honey.

Allow to infuse for two weeks.

Just leave the herbs in the honey, there is no need to strain.  

Cranky Belly  Seed Chew

Keep this seed chew on your kitchen table or bring it along with you if you are traveling.     When you travel there are times you might get constipation, icky belly or digestion issues.   Chew on this seed mix to help you these issues.  

2 tablespoons whole sesame seeds

2 tablespoons whole fennel seeds 

1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds 

Mix together, put in a jar and label

Rejuvenating Foot Soak -External Use Only- Shake Well 

Fill tub or basin with warm water

Add Rejuvenating Foot Soak 

Mix well 

Soak feet for 20 minutes

Ingredients:  apple cider organic, vegetable glycerin, epsom salts, tea tree EO and peppermint EO 

Better Belly Bitters: - Made with alcohol 

Ingredients:  Artichoke leaf, hawthorn berries, fennel seed, star anise, orange peel, hibiscus, local honey, brandy (alcohol) and LOVE  

Use 10 to 40 drops in a small amount of water  before meals.  Sip slowly to let it mingle with your taste-buds.    

About Bitters: 

https://www.herb-pharm.com/blog/digestive-bitters-compound/

My  big dog Rocky, pulled me under a horse last weekend.  I was airborne in a matter of seconds from one simple yank, then I was stomped on by the horse.   Next thing I new I had holes in my mouth and blood all over... 

I lost a tooth, I had one dangling, I thought I had lost more teeth but I had two others shoved back in the back of my mouth.  The roof of my mouth felt like an accordion.  My nose stung,     My hip was stomped on, my neck and lower back were out of whack.  

Something I did not do was go to the emergency room.  I know most people would have.  Most  people would have transported themselves in an ambulance.  .  But I had too many reasons in my belief system not to go.  Don't discount the seriousness of my accident just because I did not go to the emergency room.   I am also not by any means telling you to do the same.  If you feel you need to go to an emergency room, then please do!

My first stop was, Dr. Oliver at All About Smiles.  He was calm, and went right to work.  This man is wonderful  and positive,  I am forever grateful for this.     My tooth was  put back,  another pushed back in, the other ones moved back into place,  I got stitches on my upper lip, I had a fracture on the upper roof of my mouth and I now have braces on the top front teeth.   Besides the accident, because of my MCS, we needed to get help immediately to detoxify all the dental products out of my body.    Next stop was Dr. Meloche.  Again the most caring Doctor you can have for you physician.  I feel blessed to have such great doctors in my life.  

December 28th, 2013

December 29th, 2013

January 1, 2014

January 4,2014

January 7th 2014

Comfrey Root Tea 

Started December 28th, 2013 My Wellness Plan and Progress: 

Comfrey Root tea

Golden Seal, Oregon Grape and Echiinacea Tinctures

High Calcium Tea

High Vitamin C Tea

Turmeric Tea

Vitamin D

Bio-Inflammatory.  A herb and food type

Comfrey Gel

CQ10

Kava Kava Root

Deep Healing Tissue Warming Balm

Self Heal Salve

My Wild-crafted St. Johns Wort Oil 

Restorative Chinese herbs

Clay toothpaste with herbs and colloidal silver

Green and fruit smoothies

Bone Broth with blended veggies

Lipoic Acid

Massage, thank you Joseph!

Little walks, 

Longer walks

Light duty work only 

Organic Nutritious Food Made Into Smoothies 

Organic Smoothies

Today January 7th, 2014, I had my first appointment since the accident with Dr. Oliver, everything is looking really good.  I had some type of scan done to check my jaw.  Thankfully it was not broken, and my fracture was already healed!  My stitches were taken out and we made a four week appointment.  At this point we are still at the waiting game, but I am confident, that everything is going to work out.  

I also took a longer walk  today to the spot where the accident happened.  I can't tell you how many times my mind has had flash backs of this incident.  I am so happy to be alive. 

 I feel nervous  about taking the dogs and horses up together but, I need to do this.   Thursday or Friday will be the day, time to heal emotionally. 

I am still healing, time, patience and positiveness is what's on the menu.

Someday I am going to get back to doing my forms.... I Will! 

LOCAL HERBS TO HEAL YOUR COMMUNITY

Things to think about:

1.  If you were on an island, and you could only use one herb, what would it be? What about 4 herbs?  10 herbs?
2. Think about your community that you are involved with.  Put all your people from the different groups you are in into one community.  Now think about their health, their needs, and their health issues.  Examples:  Chronic respiratory issues, constipation, allergies, acute first aid, digestion issues, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. 
3. Are there any common ones among your community?   Put those in groups
4. What are the shared physical and emotional issues?  Examples:  seniors, female problems, depression, chronic pain…
5. Have you identified the wild wonderful weeds that are growing around your home?  What trees, shrubs, vines, wild herbaceous plants, wild roots, cultivated roots, cultivated herbaceous plants, mushrooms (like artist conk red belted conk and turkey tails), sea weed, and lichens.
6. Books on plant identification, tree and shrub identification, herbal medicine books and mushroom identification books. 

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source on Medicinal Plants.   There are many great herb books on identifying plants, such as Michael Moore  and in his books there is a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions.  

Tree Medicine:

Douglas fir/Pine/Sitka Spruce/Western Hemlock Parts

Used: bark, needles, pitch, pollen, young green cones

Has the ability to warm or cool, depending on the situation

Medicinally:  analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic

Pine, along with the spruces and firs, has traditionally been used for food, medicine and shelter. 

Nutritionally pine needles contain super high vitamin C.   They also have calcium, beta carotene, iron, potassium thiamine (B1) riboflavin (B2) niacin (B3), sodium, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Oak:  Part used is the leaves, stems and bark.   Collect the young bark carefully from the branches or trunk.  PLEASE keep in mind that if you ring the tree you will kill it.   The bark is collected in mid-spring or late spring and make sure it is free of blemishes.   Oaks actions are astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.   Use a decoction of the bark for a gargle for tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis.   Use as a mouth rinse for inflamed or receding gums.  For diarrhea, drink bark tea.   A powder or decoction of the bark will help heal cuts and abrasions.   Can be used as a treatment for hemorrhoids and a douche for leucorrhea (yeast) and as a wound healer and a hemostatic ( herbs that stop minor bleeding). Can be used as an external wash for first to third degree burns. 

Cottonwood:  The buds, twigs and bark are used .  Sometimes the leaves.   Cottonwood resin is cooling and drying.  The major constituent of the resin is a group of aspirin-like compounds, or salicylates, that relieve pain and inflammation (inflammation of all kinds).  Antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antibacterial, stimulant, pectoral, analgesic and anodyne, anti-galactagogue, antipyretic, cholagogue, antioxidant and tonic

More On Cottonwood: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/black-cottonwood

Western Red Cedar:   DO NOT EVER INGEST THE ESSENTIAL OIL.  Parts used leaves and make a tea or tincture for treatments.  Cedar’s action is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and stimulates the immune cells.   Helps with athlete’s foot, ring worm, jock itch, nail fungus, chronic vaginitis, respiratory issues and the urinary tract.  Use the tea or tincture to speed the healing of acute respiratory or urinary tract infections.   Use the tea as a steam to aid the lungs and upper respiratory tract.    A tea wash or an infused oil can be applied to skin conditions like poison oak rashes or weeping eczema.   A salve can be applied to fungal infections of the skin.  For warts apply the tincture several times a day. 

Red Alder:  Parts used are bark, twigs, leaf buds, leaves and catkins.  Fresh alder bark will cause vomiting.   It’s actions are alterative, vulnerary, astringent, anodyne, hemostatic, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, anti-infective, lymphatic, bitter tonic and mucilaginous.  A decoction of the bark makes a good gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as a tonic. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces an external wash for lice, psoriasis, rheumatism, inflammations, shingles, impetigo, poultice for swellings including enlarged glands. You can use the liquid (strong tea) to clean your teeth and tighten gums  and  for toothache.

Black Walnut:  Parts used are nuts, green hulls, bark and leaf.  Its actions are antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-parasitic.  Taken internally as a tincture (green hulls) it can help with gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea, constipation, caused by intestinal parasites, including giardia and candida.  Externally it is used for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.   Bark and leaves can be used of skin troubles, like herpes, eczema etc. 

Elderberry:  Parts used are flowers, berries, bark and leaves.  The actions of the flowers are diaphoretic, anticatarrhal and pectoral.  The actions of the berries are diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative.  The actions of the bark are purgative, emetic, diuretic.  The Actions of the leaves are externally emollient and vulnerary, internally as purgative, expectorant, diuretic and diaphoretic.   Use the leaves for external issues such as bruises, sprains, wounds, chilblains (an inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure as of the feet or hands to cold) and possible antitumor.   Elder flowers are great for colds, flu and fevers.   Elder berries are high in flavonoids, high vitamin C, strongly antiviral and can be used like the flowers.

Hawthorn:  Parts used are leaves, flowers and berries.  Hawthorns actions are cardiac tonic, hypotensive antioxidant, tonic and diuretic.   It is one of the best tonic remedies for the heart and circulatory system.   As a tonic for the heart it dilates arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow more freely and releasing cardiovascular constrictions and blockages.  It lowers blood pressure and can help maintain a healthy cholesterol levels.   It can be used for preventing heart problems and for treating heart disease, edema, angina, and heart arrhythmia.  It is used to fight free radicals in the system.  Hawthorn works beautifully for broken hearts, for depression and anxiety. 

Willow:  Parts used are bark.  Its actions are anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic, antiseptic, astringent and vulnerary.  Collect the bark in the spring when the new growth starts.   Willow is a safe natural source of aspirin like chemicals.   It may be used for connective tissue inflammation anywhere in the body.  It is especially useful in rheumatoid arthritis. It is useful for reducing fevers, such as with the flu.    Willows provide bitter bark that is used for relieving pain and inflammation and can clear urinary tract infections.  Gargle the tea or tincture in water for mouth sores.   The tea used externally soothes eczema or other red itchy skin conditions. 

Herbal Actions:

Alterative- traditionally been considered blood purifiers, they improve the function of the liver, kidneys, skin, bowels, and/or lymphatic system to help the body better excrete metabolic waste products and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Analgesic – pain reducer

Anodyne - pain killing

Anticatarrhal- reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat

Antifungal- destroying or inhibiting the growth of fungus

Anti-infective- counteracting infection

Anti-inflammatory- controlling inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection

Antimicrobial – Kills pathogenic microbes, usually refers to virus and bacteria

Anti-parasitic- anti parasites

Anti-pyretic – preventing fevers

Antiseptic- agent used to produce asepsis and to remove pus, blood, etc.

Anti-tumor- inhibiting the growth of tumors

Astringent – tightens tissues and assists with bleeding and diarrhea

Bitter Tonic-  acts chiefly by stimulating the appetite and improving digestion.

Diaphoretic – promotes sweating

Diuretic – opens urinary elimination and promotes urination.

Emetic- produces vomiting

Emollient - Similar to demulcents, these herbs are also mucilaginous, but used as topical applications to help soothe, condition, and protect the skin.

Expectorant – promotes phlegm expulsion, breaks up mucus in the lungs and expelling it more effectively.

Immunostimulant- increases the activity of the immune system

Hemostatic – reduces or stops bleeding

Mucilaginous- soothes and coats

Pectoral- relating to the breast or chest

Purgative- laxative, causes the evacuation of intestinal contents

Vulnerary – protecting tissue and promotes tissue healing

ALWAYS LABEL YOUR PRODUCTS RIGHT AWAY

The Kitchen Is Your Lab:

Your kitchen will supply you with most of the utensils you need for preparing herbal products.

Rule Number One:  Never Use Aluminum.  No aluminum pans, bowls, molds ect. 

Aluminum is "Toxic" and the toxicity is easily released by heat into your, food and herbal products. 

Use:  Glass, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron or enamel cookware. 

Other useful items:  beeswax, organic olive oil, other carrier oils, some essential oils of choice, herbs, alcohol, canning jars for storing herbs and making tinctures and liniments, cheesecloth or fine muslin for straining herbs, coffee grinder reserved for grinding herbs, not coffee, grater reserved for grating  beeswax, large, double-meshed, stainless steel strainer, measuring cups, stainless-steel pots with tight fitting lids. 

Recommended Books:   Please Support Your Small Business Book Store! 

Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

The Herbal Home Remedy Book , by Joyce A. Wardwell 

Purchase Of Bulk Herbs and More: 

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Herb Learning Site: 

http://www.herbmentor.com/

Infused Herbal Oil 

Herbal infused oils can be used on their own or as a base for salves and ointments.   You can either make strong medicinal oils or sweet scented massage oils.   I like to use organic olive oil but you can use other good quality organic  oils, such as almond, apricot, coconut, sunflower, jojoba ( do not use soy or canola)

Solar Infused Oil:

Place the herbs and the oil in a glass jar, cover tightly.   Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let steep for 2- 3 weeks.  Strain the oil through cheesecloth or muslin.  When the oil has been poured off, put the herbs in the cheese cloth or muslin and wring thoroughly and squeeze all the oil you can get.  If you want a stronger oil, add a fresh batch of herbs to the oil and infuse for 2 more weeks.  Strain again.  This will give you a very potent medicinal oil.   

Use of the solar infused method is the preferred method to extract all the healing benefits of the herbs. 

Double Boiler Method: 

Place the herbs and the oil in a double boiler and bring to a low simmer.  Slowly heat for 30 to 60 minutes, checking frequently to be sure the oil is not overheating (preferably between 80- 100 degrees Fahrenheit).  The lower the heat, the longer the infusion, the better the oil.  

Turn off let sit a few hours, then repeat the above instructions.  Do this for a third time. 

Strain, wring, squeeze, bottle and label. 

Much care needs to be taken when creating herbal oils this way because you do not want to deep-fry your herbs! When placing herbs into a crock-pot, double boiler, or electric yogurt maker  cover with organic extra virgin olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice) leaving at least an inch or two of oil above the herbs. 

Second Quick Option:

Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1-5 hours until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb.  Some texts recommend heating the oil 48-72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Turn off heat and allow to cool. Once that the oil is ready, strain using cheesecloth, and bottle into dry and sterilized amber bottles for storage.  Store in a dark and cool place.

Crock Pot Method: 

 Place herbs and oils in crockpot and set on lowest possible heat. You will have to experiment with your own crockpot as the strength of the heating element can vary quite a bit, but as a general rule 2 to 4 hours will do it.  One of my crockpots  is just too hot for this method, so I do one hour and a few hours off.  I repeat this method for a few days.

More on Infusing oils:

 http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy.php?prep_ID=30

http://wildroseherbs.blogspot.com/2012/05/savvy-tips-for-herbal-sal...

Making A Salve: 

Step one, prepare an infused oil following the above instructions.

Step two, to each cup of herbal oil, add 1/4 cup of beeswax.  Heat until the beeswax is completely melted.  To check for consistency, place 1 tablespoon of the mixture in the freezer for just a minute or two.  If it's too soft, add more beeswax, if too hard add more oil

Step three, remove from heat immediately and pour into small glass jars or tins.  Store any extra salve in a cool, dark place.  Stored properly, salve will last for months, even years. 

Making Salves: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/diy-herbal-salves/

Compress

A compress is made by soaking a cloth in an herbal tea for 5 to 10 minutes, wringing the cloth out and then laying it on the affected area.

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.

Add 1/2 ounce of dried herbs

Cover and steep 20 minutes.

Soak wash cloth in tea for 5 to 10 minutes.

Wring out cloth (you may need to let it cool in a separate bowl for a few minutes before wringing).

Place cloth on affected area and lie still for 20 minutes.

Repeat as needed for healing.

Do not reuse, if you are treating infection or open wounds! 

Poultice

A poultice is mashed plant material applied directly to the body on the affected area or wrapped in thin cloth and then applied.

A poultice is similar to a compress, except that plant parts are used rather than liquid extraction. Dried herbs or fresh, if you are using fresh, mash or crush fresh plant parts.  Add herbs to a pot of boiling water turn off, put lid on and steep for 5 minutes . Apply the pulp directly to the skin, as hot as can be tolerated, holding it in place with a gauze bandage. 

When making poultices from fresh plant material you can use the spit poultice method (simply chewing up the plant material and mixing it with your saliva) or add water and crush the plant material in a mortar and pestle or blender.

Apply directly to the wound and hold in place with a band-aid.

Poultices can also be wrapped in thin cloth and then applied to the skin.

Herbal Wash: 

A wash is simply an herbal tea splashed on an affected area of the body.

Edible Wild Fir, Evergreen And Cedars

Side Note:  The Yew is not edible

Cedar Infused Oil

Place some needles into a mason jar one quarter full; add olive oil until all the needles are covered. Let infuse for 4 weeks (out of direct sunlight), then strain.  You can use this to make salad dressings or to cook with.

Nutrients in Coniferous Trees

Pine needles are loaded with vitamins A and C, and it doesn't end there. The vitamin C levels are so high (on average 5 times greater than lemons) who needs oranges! 

• Vitamin C is considered to be important in preventing cancer.
• Pine oils, according to Russian studies,  lower cholesterol and aid in lowering the blood pressure.
• Proanthocyanin and resveratrol are potent anti-aging compounds.

Making Coniferous Teas

It was once believed that vitamin C will be destroyed if extracted into boiling water – this is not true. Vitamin C boils at over 500 degrees centigrade and this is a temperature that cannot be reached from boiling water on the stove or in a kettle – therefore you will benefit from all that vitamin C!

Fir, Pine or Spruce Tree Powder

Take the dried needles and powder them in your blender. Store the final product in a mason jar. Use this powder to add a lemony taste (yes, there is a lemon-taste to these) to your cooking – fish, chicken, and even in some of your desserts! To make tea, use one teaspoon of powder per cup of boiling water and infuse twenty minutes.

Balsamic Vinegar

Fill a mason jar with (preferably) white pine needles. Douglas fir, balsam pine or spruce will work as well.  Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar and let infuse minimum six weeks in a dark location.  Strain and decant. (Important – do NOT use a metal lid from the mason jar as the vinegar can cause it to corrode. Use plastic wrap or a sandwich baggie to seal the jar.)

Pine Needle Syrup

Fill a mason jar with finely cut up organic lemon with the peel and pine needles.  Pour honey into the mason jar until the jar is filled.  Cover and let sit for 3 weeks.  Strain and decant.  This is am amazing syrup which can be used as a beverage, poured over ice cream and it tastes great. Some people use this as a cough syrup due to the healing power in honey and the high content of vitamin C in the pine needles.

Cedar

Take a fresh sprig of cedar and place it in your mug – add water and let infuse twenty minutes. Cedar can also be dried and powdered and stored to be used for tea.

Herbal Liniments:  EXTERNAL USE ONLY 

Note: Rubbing alcohol is typically used to make liniments because it extracts the therapeutic herbal constituents, rapidly penetrates and evaporates from the skin.  I personally will not use rubbing alcohol because it is made from petroleum.  I use Everclear to get the same effect as rubbing alcohol.

 You could also use Vodka, Witch Hazel Extract, or Vinegar as a solvent.  Basically, you’ll need a menstruum to extract the properties of the herbs which will absorb quickly and deeply to penetrate skin.  If alcohol alone is too harsh or drying on your skin, try mixing it with Witch Hazel Extract or Vinegar until you find a medium that works for you. - 

Simple to make, herbal liniments are a great element for any home medicine cabinet!  They offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains.

Depending on which botanicals are included, liniments can be used to disinfect cuts and wounds, and may benefit a variety of conditions including sore and inflamed muscles, joints, circulation problems, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, and bruises.

More On Liniments:

http://mountainroseblog.com/making-herbal-liniments/

Muscle Liniment: (we made this in class)

In this liniment we are using cayenne and cinnamon as a warming herbs that will help increase circulation in the area affected.

The valerian root will work to relax the muscles.

The comfrey and calendula are soothing herbs that will help with healing bruises and injuries. This combination can also be helpful in easing the pain of arthritis.

1 ounce (weight) of comfrey root (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce valerian root (NOT powder) 

1/2 ounce calendula flowers (NOT powder) 

3/4 ounce cinnamon (powder) 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (powder) 

1 quart  grain alcohol such as Everclear (available in liquor store in some states).

A quart jar

A strainer

Cheesecloth

A #4 coffee filter with filter holder (for straining out the ground herbs)

How to make;

Weigh out the appropriate amount of each herb and put them into a quart jar.

Pour  grain alcohol (preferred) over the herbs to fill the jar.

Stir to release any bubbles, and put a lid on the jar.

LABEL the jar.

Stir or shake once each day for two weeks.

Strain through cheese cloth, squeezing the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.

Pour into new jar through coffee filter to get out any extra particulates.

LABEL the jar you are storing the liniment in.

How to store your liniments:

Store the liniment in a spray bottle or small jar in your medicine cabinet. Be sure to label the jar with the words: “For external use only.”

Dr. Kloss Liniment: 

The Herbal Kloss Liniment is an extremely old but very strong remedy created by Dr. Kloss. Together with the revisions made by Rosemary Gladstar in her book Family Herbal, it is one of the most effective recipes for disinfecting wounds you could ever have on hand. However, this liniment is not only useful for disinfecting, it is highly beneficial in treating the following:

-all pains
-insect bites
-painful swellings
-bruises
-boils
-skin eruptions of any kind (i.e. pimples, eczema, etc.)

How to Make the Herbal Kloss Liniment

-1 ounce Echinacea powder
-1 ounce goldenseal root powder
-2 ounces myrrh gum powder
-1/2 ounce cayenne pepper powder
Everclear to cover, approximately 1 quart

Directions: In 1 quart glass jar combine all of the powders. Pour alcohol over herbal powders to fill jar, leaving 1-2 inch head space. Mix thoroughly. Place lid tightly on jar and let mixture stand in a warm and dark location.

Let jar stand for at least 4 weeks, shake well every day. After 4 weeks strain liniment well using a piece of cheesecloth and re bottle. Note: Be sure to clearly label For EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

Dosage: Apply the liniment every few minutes for an hour or two in acute instances. Otherwise, use freely until desired results are achieved.

Tips:

Re- bottle  liniment in 2-4 ounce spray bottle for ease of use.

- By applying the liniment to the temples, back of the neck, and to the forehead it can be used as an excellent remedy for a headache.

-Spray on to painful and swollen joints to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

-Useful as a treatment for athlete’s foot. Apply frequently and saturate the affected area thoroughly.

-Treat a toothache or sores in the mouth by saturating a cotton ball with the liniment and then cleaning the mouth with the medicated swab. Focus on the area surrounding the toothache/mouth sore. Take extreme caution not to swallow the liniment; spit it out.

First Salve We Made:  

Solomon Seal- for treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It is used  to treat broken bones, sprains, injured tendons and ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, dryness in joints and "slipped"/herniated discs. Solomon's Seal has the remarkable ability to restore the proper tension to ligaments, regardless of whether they need to be tightened or loosened. This makes it a valuable remedy for sports & activity related injuries, used either before resorting to or along with conventional surgical procedures.

http://www.herbcraft.org/solseal.html

Birch Bark is a natural pain reliever containing salicylate, the compound found in aspirin.  Birch Bark relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and generalized muscle pain. Another reason birch calms arthritis and gout is it's cleansing diuretic action that eliminates toxins and excess water. 

Comfrey Root - Rich in allantoin and mucilage, comfrey is highly valued for its soothing qualities and is a common ingredient in poultices, salves and ointments.  It facilitates and activates the healing of damaged tissue.  It is one of the best herbs for treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises, and any injury to the bones or joints.  Comfrey root and the leaf have similar properties; the root is stronger, but the leaf is more palatable.  use them both in salves and ointments.  

Juniper Berries - The juniper berry has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s of great help to those suffering from arthritis, gout and other diseases such as rheumatism and pain in the joints and muscles. These joint related ailments occur because of the fluid retention around these joints, and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably. Juniper also helps in reviving the muscle tone and significantly reducing the effects of ageing for most people.

Peppermint- Cooling, for swelling, inflammation, and areas that are hot due to sprains, bruises, and other injuries. 

Essential Oil Of Rosemary

Second Salve We Made:  Added Cayenne and Cinnamon:  Name:  LR Salve 

Soloman Seal- for treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It is used  to treat broken bones, sprains, injured tendons and ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, dryness in joints and "slipped"/herniated discs. Solomon's Seal has the remarkable ability to restore the proper tension to ligaments, regardless of whether they need to be tightened or loosened. This makes it a valuable remedy for sports & activity related injuries, used either before resorting to or along with conventional surgical procedures.

Birch Bark--is a natural pain reliever containing salicylate, the compound found in aspirin.  Birch Bark relieves the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and generalized muscle pain.  l. An other reason birch calms arthritis and gout is it's cleansing diuretic action that eliminates toxins and excess water. 

Comfrey Root- Rich in allantoin and mucilage, comfrey is highly valued for its soothing qualities and is a common ingredient in poultices, salves and ointments.  It facilitates and activates the healing of damaged tissue.  It is one of the best herbs for treating torn ligaments, strains, bruises, and any injury to the bones or joints.  Comfrey root and the leaf have similar properties; the root is stronger, but the leaf is more palatable.  use them both in salves and ointments.  

Juniper Berries- The juniper berry has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s of great help to those suffering from arthritis, gout and other diseases such as rheumatism and pain in the joints and muscles. These joint related ailments occur because of the fluid retention around these joints, and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably. Juniper also helps in reviving the muscle tone and significantly reducing the effects of ageing for most people.

Peppermint-   Cooling, for swelling, inflammation, and areas that are hot due to sprains, bruises, and other injuries. 

Cayenne - excellent warming and circulatory herb

Cinnamon - warming and aids circulation

The Art Of Making Herbal Remedies

Congratulations to all that joined Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop.  Joining this class takes some serious commitment and it truly shows how strong you are for joining this class.  

You are working hard toward great accomplishment with your health and it gives me great joy to help guide you on your path to becoming a heather new you..   

First Class:  Tea time conversations,  book,  homework, food diaries and recipe handed out.   

One of my favorite teas that I have been drinking is creamy coconut turmeric tea.   Turmeric is great for inflammation and many other things.  

Recipe: http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/creamy-turm...

I am healing really good.   I am at a point that I need to make sure I stick with my wellness plan and I do not forget anything.  

I have left all my tinctures, herbal supplements and vitamins on the table, that way it is right in front of me and I will not forget  to take them.  

I will be seeing my doctor once a week, at least til the beginning of February. 

One more adjustment with Dr. Seward, and  my body will be aligned. 

Smoothies until February.  I am getting really creative with my drinks.  

Stretching, all body, but specially the head, neck, and hip area.  I  am also using my Deep Tissue Warming Balm on injured areas and it is working great. 

Singing, it moves my jaw around, unplugs my ears and makes my heart happy.

Massage to the face to heal  nerve damage.  I am using my own wild crafted St. Johns Wort Oil, my Self Heal Salve and my Doctors comfrey gel.

I have post traumatic stress syndrome.   I did not realize it (well I kind of new) until someone bumped into me with a grocery cart yesterday and I freaked out.... I laugh at it now.  We are adding an herb formula called  Adernal Support Formula.

My biggest struggle is, it is that time of year that I need to be prepping  and repairing things on our farm.  But I can not do it.  This is really hard for me.   I have to heal first. If I do not listen I could create more damage to my body.  I have been known to not listen....   But I have to listen this time.  

I have walked up the mountain a few times.  I have already  led the horses up the mountain.  I will need to work on some emotional fears that I am having.  This means getting back on the horse, so to speak, up the mountain with the horses more and more.   I choose courage over fear.... 

I did sneak in about two sets of 15 push-ups.  I was really sore... 

My advice below is HARD-CORE.  For most it will feel like to much.  I have had at least 15 years to get this way.  Take this list and start with a few, make a habit and add another few.  But remember this, this list is easy compared to walking around in pain, being depressed or having constant fatigue.  This list is easy compared to getting your gallbladder taken out, heart surgery, taking expensive pharmaceuticals that have side effects, losing a loved one to a preventable disease or dealing with an un-balanced child or teenager due to lack of nutrients.    All diseases are preventable. Take for example gallbladder removal.  People loose their gallbladders do to bad diets.

When scrolling down, instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself what can you change in your life to be the healthiest you have ever been.  This is possible no matter what your age is. 

The advice I have to all, take care of your bodies, take care of your health, take care of your fitness.  Eat organic food, organic veggies, clean sources  of meat that are GMO free.  Eat GMO Free foods.  Stay away from junk food even organic junk food.  

Don't put soda in your body ever, don't eat artificial colors ever, hydrogenated oil and toxic preservatives ever.  Just cut that toxic crap out of your life.  It does nothing but create disease, weakness and depression.  

Support a local organic CSA.  Add herbal knowledge to you life.   Exercise daily.  Add nature hikes to your life, add creativity to your life,  add love to your life, add kindness to your life, add getting more sleep to your life, add meditation to your life, add kung fu forms to your life.  

Get rid of hand sanitizes, petroleum based soaps and cleaners, nail polish,  perfume, cologne, toxic deodorant, febreeze, synthetic scented candles, toxic air freshener, dyer sheets etc... 

Get rid of video games, they destroy your health

Only pull your cell phone out for important things.  Stop staring at it so much, it WILL take away your intuition.   

Get rid of the addiction of TV.  Those TV series are toxic to your mind and body.  

Music.  If you listen to Techno and Dubstep, you are creating dis-harmony to your body.  

This is what keeps you and your family  healthy.  This is what will help you in the event of an emergency.  Your recovery and emotional state will be able to heal faster...

Pictures of progress.  I know when I think back to what happened it sends shutters through my body.  But at the same time, I am healing so well it is hard to believe it even happened.  

December 28th,  2013

A few days after.

January 13th 2014

January 14th 2014, My son Brandon is moving  to San Diego. I am excited for his new adventures in life.    My lips  are not ready to smile yet.  I am trying to learn how to smile with my eyes... :)  

 Wild and Weedy Herbal Wellness Box 

This is a great way to build your herbal medicine chest, stock your kitchen pantry with nourishment and become active in your health.  

A journey into the beauty, the benefit of herbs and a hike on an incredible trail to your health.  

Let us be your personal guide on your journey to wellness . 

Monthly wellness boxes will be either seasonal or have a theme.   Herbalism creates a deeper connection to healing for most people than other methods.  It provides nourishment to your body to prevent disease in the first place.

It is ideal for anyone who would like to use natural healing on a more regular basis, through nourishing their bodies, boosting their immune system and wants to become active in their journey to get healthy.  

The wellness boxes will help to build your herbal medicine chest. As we all know being prepared when illness and injury hit is half the battle.   You will  receive items that will help with your kitchen cookery. Becoming a better cook puts  you on the path of taking responsibility with your health and builds  your immune system.  All items are petroleum free products.  

You will receive 3- 5 items , handmade new products each month. Often times these ingredients will be wild crafted or grown on our farm.  

Items range from: pesto, elderberry syrups, tinctures, elixirs, powders, creams, salves, soaps,  fun teas, cold and flu products, infused oils, infused vinegar, body care products, medicinal teas, infused salts and more. 

You will learn more about new plants and herbal products

All products made with intention and love

from your local herbalist.  

 This is a commitment to learn about natural ways to boost your immune system and care for yourself. With the cost of health care on the rise, this truly is one of the best decisions you can make for you or your family's health.    

This is investment in your health 

March to May is a 3 month commitment to your health

Cost:  $180.00 

USPS Mail Shipments Add  $27. 00 for the full 3 months

June to November Is a 6 month commitment to your health

Cost $360.00 

USPS mail shipments add $54.00 for the full 6 months

Pick up is the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:00 am - Noon

Herbal Hair Infusions

Herbal Hair Infusion,  is used as a hair conditioner.  This method is perfect if you are trying to go all-natural, free of toxic chemicals, free of synthetics and your impact will be light on the environment. This method costs a fraction of the normal hair care routine, even using the cheap stuff. It also cuts down on garbage and pollution because you aren't buying, all those conditioner bottles. Your hair, our wallet, and the planet will thank you.

Rosemary Rinse:  

3 Heaping Tablespoon of Fresh or dried Rosemary (If you like it stronger, feel free to add more.)

1 Pyrex pan or stainless steel pot 

Approximately 4 cups of water in

A fine Mesh Strainer or a Strainer covered with Cheesecloth

Glass bowl or 4 quart mason jar

Plastic flip top container 

Directions:  

1. Bring water to boil, add Rosemary, turn off and cover with a lid, let sit over night  or simmer for 20 minutes, (Leaving it sit over night allows it to become stronger).

2.  In the morning strain the mixture into a large glass mason jar or bowl.  

3.  Store in plastic flip top container.

Pour the rosemary infusion into your hair. Work or comb it in. Don't rinse! You want to leave this in. Simply wring out your hair a little and then dry and style as usual. The lovely scent will stay with you most of the day.

Hair Rinse Recipes: 

Golden Highlights:

2 parts calendar flower

1 part chamomile flower

1 part comfrey leaf

Dark Highlights: 

2 parts garden sage leaf

1 part black walnut hull, chopped 

1 part comfrey leaf

Dry Hair Formula:

1 part calendula flower

1 part marsh mallow root

1 part nettle leaf

Oily Hair Formula; 

1 part rosemary leaf

1 part witch hazel bark (not extract)

1 par yarrow leaf and flower 

Bring the water to a boil.  Add the herbs, cover, turn off let sit overnight or a faster method let simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.  

Strain

Store in a plastic container with a flip top lid in the shower  or bath. 

After shampooing and rinsing, slowly pour the cooled mixture through the hair and massage into the scalp.  Do not rinse out.  

Lemon Verbena:  http://www.healthyliving-herbs.co.za/index.php/herb-articles/568-le...

More recipes for lemon verbena: http://oldfashionedliving.com/lemonverbena.html  

Lemon Rose Tea

Ingredients:

1/2 cup torn lemon verbena leaves

1/4 cup rose petals

4 cups filtered water or spring water

Honey 

Place 4 cups of water in a teakettle or medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the lemon verbena and rose petals. Remove from the heat and steep for about 15 minutes. Return to the heat and simmer for 1 minute. Pour into individual tea cups or mugs, sweeten with honey and serve.

Basil is not the only herb that you can use to make pesto.  

There are so many varieties of pesto that you can make.  Lately we have been making a nettle pesto,a wild greens pesto (the wild greens were dandelion, plantain and yellow dock),    and today I made sage pesto.  The sage pesto was incredibly awesome.  I added the sage pesto to our pasta and eggs.    

For the garlic I used 3 garlic scallions and for the cheese I used raw organic cheddar.   

Anyone up for a challenge?  I would like to challenge you and your taste buds in making this wonderful recipe.  

This is a great recipe for a healthy, healing herb paste.  Sage dominates the flavor of this pungent, strong pesto.  You can use less sage fi you find it overpowering.  If you would like to add more healing nutrients try adding fresh wild herbs such as dandelion greens, chickweed, and plantain.  

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's book:  Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1/2 cup parsley

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, first time making it try the 1/4 cup version and if you would like it stronger than next time add more

3 cloves garlic

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts or a mix

1/4 cup raw cheese (optional) 

Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt 

To make: 

Combine the herbs, garlic and olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy.  Mix in the nuts or seeds and cheese (if using) and salt and pepper ot taste.  

To use: 

Serve on toast or crackers, pasta, steamed grains, omelets, vegetables or organic meat.

Today. was my first day of my Mountain Mama Wellness Box Delivery.  I am sending all of you my information I gave out, because you can shop for organic/no spray food at your local farmers markets or you could look for a local organic/no spray farm that offers a CSA and join and  then use this information.     Eating lots of organic/no spray veggies on a daily basis will keep you healthy strong and mindful.   The herb information will keep your immune system strong.  It is your investment in a wellness program for yourself and your family.  It is a form of health insurance, true HEALTH INSURANCE, not sick insurance. 

I strongly believe that if we really want to change our world  one of the things  we have to do is look at our food system and what we eat on a daily basis.   

I will be sending out health information and recipes on a weekly basis on seasonal foods and herbs

I am here to help you, so please if you have any questions or need some help e-mail me.

Seek in your life, the "slow food",  a meal that is remembered by the taste-buds of your tongue, food that gives conversation, food that makes you feel alive, awake and energetic.

Peace to all and may the green of veggies come your way everyday.  

Click on link below for recipes and health information: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mountain-ma...

This recipe comes from Rosemary Gladstar's Book:  Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health 

Longevity herbs are known to restore energy and promote well-being.  

This wonderful liqueur is a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of damiana and ginseng.  She suggests that you be creative with other herbs such as astragalus and fo-ti.   Which I did do  .. 

Prepare it ahead of time and serve it at the beginning of a hot date. 

1 ounce dried damian leaves

1 ounce fresh ginseng (dried root will also do)

I also added the two extra herbs that she suggested: 

1 ounce astragalus root

1 ounce fo-ti 

2 cups vodka or brandy (I used imported vodka)

1 1/2 spring water.  It has to be spring water.... 

1 cup honey

real vanilla extract 

rose water

1.  Soak the damiana leaves, ginseng, astragalus and fo-ti in the vodka or brandy for 5 days.  Strain:  

Reserve the alcohol liquid.  Return the ginseng, foti, and astragalus to the reserved alcohol.   You need to pick them out of the damiana leaves.  After you pick those herbs out, press the leaves, so you can drain the rest of the alcohol out.   Put a lid on the jar with the reserved alcohol and the herbs.  Put a side. 

2. Now take the alcohol soaked damiana leaves and soak them in the spring water for 3 days.  Strain and reserve the liquid. 

3.  Over low heat, gently warm the water extract and dissolve the honey in it.  Let cool.  

4. Strain alcohol reserve of the roots. 

5.  Combine both of the extracts (water and alcohol)  and stir well.  pour into a clean bottle and add a dash of the real vanilla and a touch of the rose water for flavor.  

I did a teaspoon of real vanilla and a tsp of rose water.  

6.  Let it mellow for one month or longer, it gets smoother with age.  

I just made my first batch.  I will not be able to try it until January 6th 2013.  

Happy Longevity Liqueur Making To  You.....

Where to purchase herbs:  http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Finished product and bottled 

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health 

This is where I order my herbs: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

HIGH-CALCIUM CHILDREN'S TEA

An excellent blend of herbs that add high quality, naturally bio-chelated calcium and other important minerals to the diet, High Calcium Children's tea is excellent for babies who are teething.  It is also beneficial for children who are undergoing growth spurts or who have had a bone or muscle injury.

3 parts rose hips

2 parts lemon balm

2 parts lemongrass

2 parts oats

1 part nettle

1 part raspberry leaf

1/2 part cinnamon chips

Combine the herbs and store in an airtight container.  To make a tea, prepare as an infusion.

Infusions: 

Infusions are made from the more delicate parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, an aromatic parts.  These fragile plant parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than  the tougher roots and barks.   To make an infusion pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 30 to 60 minutes.  

Herbal Mixture suggested dosages for children: 1 cup of water/to suggested amount of herb

Younger than 2 years 1/2 to 1 teaspoon

 2 to 4 years 2 teaspoons

4 to 7 years 1 tablespoon

7 to 11 years 2 tablespoons 

Example: If you have a 4 year old.  I cup boiling water poured over 1 tablespoon of herbal mixture.  You can sweeten it with honey while it is warm and steeping.   Strain after 30 to 60 minutes.   Have your child sip away while you read them a book.  

Adult High-Calcium Tea: 

This calcium-rich tea is soothing and calming to the nerves.  This  is most effective when used over a 3 to 4 month period. 

1 part horsetail ( shave grass)

1 part nettle

1 part oats and oatstraw 

Combine the herbs.  prepare as an infusion.  Drink 3 to 4 cups daily 

Calcium

Add Calcium to your diet! Not only is it important for strong bones and teeth, it is also essential for healthy nerve function.   It will help prevent nervousness, irritability, muscle spasms, muscle cramping, hyperactivity, and insomnia.

Digestive forms of calcium are in seaweed, cultured RAW milk products without sweeteners,most dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, broccoli, turnip greens,kale, beet greens, and parsley.   Organic RAW almonds and sesame seeds.   

Herbs that are excellent sources of high quality calcium: Amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, horsetail, mustard greens, nettle, oats and watercress

Remember milk is touted as a good source of calcium, it is in fact, sorely lacking in the amounts and type needed by our bodies.  Do not rely on getting your calcium  from milk products.....  

For comparison:  

3 1/2 ounces of cow's milk contain 118 mg of calcium.  

The same amount of Hizike ( a mild-flavored seaweed) contains 1,400 mg. Kelp contains 1,093 mg, and wakame, 1,300 mg.  

If you choose to take a calcium supplement, look for supplements that are bio-chelated for easier assimilation and drink the High Calcium Tea.  

Pictured Horse Tail