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The Gifts Of The Wind

Never pick the lichens off the tree they take a long time to grow and you will be contributing to the destruction of a healthy eco system.  Believe me the wind provides plenty.  They will be on the ground after a wind storm.

The gifts of the wind are more than just finding wind blown medicine on the ground. 

It is the gift of fresh air filling up your lungs with the aromatics of the forest.  Natures gifts are abundant and depending on the season she provides the vital nutrients, for your every need.   

Winter, a time that most are inside way too much, living in stagnant warm air and it is these confines that people will suffer more sickness.  Therefore the winds of winter bring medicine to those that are willing to take a step and  walk outside, into the forest.   It is not just the medicinal herbs that you find that are going to help you through winter time ailments, but it is the gifts of winter seasonal weather that you are experiencing outside that are truly keeping you healthy on many levels.  

You are being given the gift of movement, as you move, walk, bend, squat, pick up and breath. 

A heavy wind, is a reminder as you stand still watching the tops of the trees, that even as you stand in stillness, everything is alive and moving in your body. It reminds you to take breaths of oxygen deep into your lungs.  It is what keeps you alive, healthy and moving. 

Breath, breathing relaxes you, teaches you to slow your mind down and  take in the beauty that surrounds you.  Beauty is what the spirit and soul need,  Manna is Breath Of Life...

Feel the winter, its wind, it's  coolness, it's stillness, it's beauty, 

It is these gifts that move stuck and or stagnant energy (Chi) in your body.  It is these gifts, the gifts of nature, that if we listen to the Laws of Nature, will lead us to the  path of great health.  

Lungwort ( lobaria pulmonaria) Not to be confused with lungwort pulmonaria officinalis
Bitter, sweet and cool. Most often grows in shady environments and is an indicator for rich, healthy ecosystems such as old growth forests.
Organs Affected: Respiratory system
Actions: Antioxidant, antiasthmatic, expectorant, tonic, astringent, demulcent
Because it resembles lung tissue, humans have used lungwort (lobaria pulmonaria) for lung ailments. It is used for a variety of respiratory ailments, including coughs, colds, bronchial detoxification, asthma, tuberculosis and catarrhal problems. Lungwort is high in antioxidants.
Gather what has fallen to the ground during the wet season, from early spring to early summer
Decoction or infusion –
1 tablespoon per cup
Lightly simmer 5 minutes, steep 10 minutes
1 to 3 cups a day
Tincture 1 to 2 dropperfuls, 1 to 3 times per day
Generally regarded as safe

Usnea (usnea barbata)

Bitter, sweet, cool and dry
Organs Affected: Kidney, lungs and spleen
Actions: Antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal, immune-modulating, demulcent, vulnerary laxative and nutritive
Usnea can be used as an immune system tonic in acute situation as well as in long term immune enhancement. Its antibiotic properties are specific for the respiratory and urinary system’s. Known to be used for staph and strep infections, heal wounds, respiratory issues and infections, pheumonia, colds, flus, allergy symptoms, sore throat, fungal infections, urinary infections, kidney and bladder infections, sinus infections, vaginal infections, yeast infections, HPV and more.
Tincture is best- 1 dropperful 3 times a day
Decoction and infusion
1 tablespoon per cup
Lightly simmer 5 minutes covered, steep 10 minutes
1 to 3 cups a day
Should not be taken during pregnancy

Cottonwood Buds February 4th, Check out the Events page for more Information

Pictured Below: 

Cottonwood Tree Down, Gift from the Beaver.... 

Early Spring Medicine:

Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia and Forsythia suspensa, a commonly grown landscape plants.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is called Lian Qiao, Forsythia suspense
Flowers bloom before the leaves in early spring.
The seeds are bitter ( a bitter flavor with an antiseptic effect) and cooling.
Actions: Antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic (reduce fever) antitussive (helps with coughs), antiviral, astringent, choleretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant and laxative.
Parts Used: leaves, fruit and seeds

Forsythia, is used to treat multiple health conditions, including sore throat, respiratory tract infections, colds, flus, encephalitis B, meningitis, fever, vomiting, bronchiolitis, tonsillitis, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS as well as acute skin rashes and mumps. The fruit has a bitter flavor and its astringent properties are used to help invigorate the heart, gall bladder and the nervous system.

In The Green Pharmacy, by James Duke, he often combines it with Honeysuckle(antiviral) and Lemon Balm (antiviral). The Way Of The Herbs, by Michael Tierra he also combines it with honeysuckle. Mostly teas were used. Tincture and powders were used to. James Duke used Forsythia, honeysuckle, gentain as a powder, mixed in apple sauce for earaches, colds and flu.

Forsythia is often combined with Honeysuckle for treating colds and flu.
Forsythia Seeds can be ordered from Mountain Rose
Flowers:

Forshythia Blossom Syrup – For Sore Throats and Coughs
3 cups fresh flower blossoms
3 cups spring or filtered water
Sweetener of choice
You could add some dried honeysuckle flowers and some Lemon Balm. If you do add these herbs you need to increase the water.
Example
1.5 cups dried honeysuckle
1.5 cups dried lemon Balm
3 more cups water
Bring the mixture to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes (covered)
Turn off heat when reduced by half.
Cover
Let sit overnight
Strain
Add Honey
1 cup liquid to 8 ounces of honey
If you would like a stronger medicinal syrup you can add 1 part tincture to 3 part syrup
Example:
1 ounce tincture to 3 ounces syrup
Harvest the flowers for making a flower essence. The flower essence is used by filling you up with sunshine, gives a boost of energy, inspiration and motivation. Provides motivation, to bring one out of bad habits, to rid oneself of useless patterns, like bad habits, addictions bad thoughts. If you are sad and feeling like an Eeyore, try the flower essence to help lift your spirits.
The fruits (seeds)are harvested only after they have ripened completely and subsequently dried up for preparing.

Always properly identify your plants.

Do Not harvest in toxic areas that have been sprayed with chemicals 

I am not giving you medical advice, it is up to you as the reader to do your research if you are interested in using plants for your health. 

In the event of an emergency and people are hurt or sick do you have the knowledge to help them? 

I would like to encourage you to grow your knowledge on herbal first aid, wilderness first aid, first aid, wilderness survival, in the event that you can not get medical help. Meaning no hospital, no doctor, no EMT's  and/or you are many hours away from help.  

Ask yourself these questions.  

Do I know what to do if someone is bleeding really bad?  

Do I know what to do if someone has a broken limb?

Do I know what to do if someone is shot?  Shot in the chest?

Do I know what to do if someone is impaled by an object, such as a knife in the leg?  

Do I know what to do if some one is bit by a Snake?  Brown Recluse?  

Do you know what to do if someone reacts to a bee sting?  Anaphylactic Shock and there is no epi-pen? 

There are many more questions I can ask you, but are you ready to deal with any of those?  If not then it is time to educate yourself.   

Self Defense comes in many forms and protecting yourself, loved ones, friends and neighbors by knowing how to help them in the event of needing first aid in my opinion is vitally important.     Protection comes in many forms and First Aid is definitely one of them.  

I am compiling a small list of herbs for this particular blog.  I am trying to keep this list as local as possible.   I feel if we are using herbs for first aid, sickness or other health issues that are not local, and then something happens, what will you do if you do not have the knowledge to use the plants in your area or the ones you have grown.  

I feel these days people are always looking for the popular herb, the in herb or the cure all herb.  Most of the time these herbs are coming from far away.   People get excited about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) , Ayurveda Medicine (is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) but forget the Native American Indians used many plants on this continent.  We should also remember that the Europeans brought over the healing plants and seeds that they used.   We have beautiful healing herbs right in our own backyards, in our cities,in our mountains and out in the desert.  Plus, the herbs coming from TCM and Ayurveda Medicine are testing high for toxins.   It is time to bring ourselves back to the plants that are here, that know us better and what are needs are.   

Take a first aid class.  Learn what to do if the above questions happen in your life.  There are going to be situations that require first aid applications before herbs so, in the event of an emergency, example, someone bleeding severely, herbs are going to be used as a secondary action your first action is compression badge.  

As with all healing modalities apply the first rule, "First Do No Harm.

Herbal First Aid Basics: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/herbal-firs...

First Aid Kits and other products: 

Emergency Medical Roll (Bag) 

https://www.lapolicegear.com/emmerobl.html?utm_source=emmerobl&...

Medical Bag Ideas: 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/medical-bag/

First Aid Kits Plus

http://www.bookbind.net/First-Aid-Kit-Plus-p/e-first-aid-plus.htm

Interesting Perspective On Invasive Plants:  I Do Agree With It

https://gathervictoria.com/2015/09/21/ending-the-toxic-costly-and-u...

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. 

Local  Herbal First Aid

But first I need to say this.  This list is not all the way tested and there are no guarantees of how they may work.  What I am saying is part of this list is my thoughts and ideas of what to use when we do not have anything else.     I am at the experimental stage of some of these local herbs.  We have many many medicinal local plants around us and I want to tap into their healing power.  More then ever, this year  I am focusing on using what we have available in the wild and what I can grow.  I Love researching what to use for first aid and taking classes on it.  But, every time I take a class, the instructor uses herbs I can not get to, which, makes since because they are using what resonates with them and what they have harvested.     A couple awesome first aid plants are chaparral and prickly pear  but we can not find those plants in our area.   My daily weekly curiosity is what I can  use around me.    I guess you or I could try growing them but in the mean time what do you use in the event of a first aid emergency?   

Again there are no guarantees because some of them I have not used and when a first aid situation happens in my family I will try them out.  So before the shit hits the fan, try some of these plants, when a very minor first aid situation happens and only if you feel good about it.  Plus YOU SHOULD research the plants you would like to stock up and use.  Don't just take my world for it or anyone else.   Knowledge gives you confidence  and if your are confident, you can handle the situation.  

This compiled list is a local list of herbs to use for first aid for our area, which means within three to four hours of where we live (McMinnville, Yamhill County) 

Japanese Knotweed:   This is not a forest growing weed.  It has many many medicinal uses.  It is super invasive and there are places where you might find this.  

Devils Club: 

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue62/article2697.html?ts=15...

Rose:   Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic,  aphrodisiac,  antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue (promoting the flow of bile) , antibacterial, hemostatic (stop bleeding),  uterine, nervine and emmenagogue(promotes menstrual discharge).

Flowers: Make a strong tea out of the flowers for a skin wash to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds.  Also a gargle to relieve sore throats, use it to heal mouth sores and tighten bleeding gums.  Flower tea  to relieve diarrhea ,calm the nerves and/or lift the spirits.   

Rose Hips: The fruits slightly aperient (used to relieve constipation) and good in treatment of female ailments.  They are very rich in vitamin C.  Great tonic helps with exhaustion  Culpepper's book, dried powdered and taken in white wine, they will remove strangury (painful urination in which the urine is emitted drop by drop to muscle spasms of the urethra or urinary bladder) and to strengthen the kidneys.  Can help in cases of mild gall-bladder problems.  Boiled in a strong decoction of the roots they are good for venomous bites.   The hips made into a conserveand eaten occasionally, help digestion and dry up the moisture from a cold. They will help the body's defences against infections and the development of colds.  

Leaves (wood rose):  The Okanagan-Colville Indians used the leaves as a poultice for bee stings and added to smoking mixtures.   Thompson Indians made a tonic for general illness from the stems.  

Juliette de Bairacli Levy book says,  use the flowers leaves and fruits.  Treatment of catarrh, diarrhoea, haemorrhages.  Tuberculosis.  Eye ailments. The fruits all female ailments including leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge, could be normal discharge or possible infection), and metritis (Inflammation of the uterus).  The essential oil of roses is an active stimulant of the nervous system and the uterus, it is an important nerve heart and brain tonic, and is also a tonic for he ovaries and uterus.  Petals of white rose for sore inflamed eyes.  

Side Note: In an emergency situation, you are not going to find rose essential oil.  Essential oils take a ton of plant matter.  Example, it takes 60 roses to make ONE DROP OF ESSENTIAL OIL or 10,000 roses to make a 5ml bottle.   

I personally feel if you have oil and fresh or dried roses you can make a simple infused medicinal oil to use.   

Pine Trees:

If you don't have pine, you can use Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Spruce, Other firs.  Most of the Pinaceae Family.   

Do not use the yew which is the Taxaceae family  

The cypress family there are some trees in the cypress family that you can use for certain health problems, but caution should be taken with this family.  Examples juniper, cedar and redwoods 

Northfold Island Pine (do not use) is not a pine it is in the Araucariaceae family

Pine

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

Pungent, bitter, dry and neutral

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.

Jethro Kloss, Back To Eden: 

White pine is a very old reliable remedy for chest ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, croup and influenza.  It is excellent for use in tonsillitis, laryngitis and sore throats.  Found useful in rheumatism, kidney troubles and scurvy. 

Pine Needle Tincture: 

For treating coughs, colds and other respiratory conditions.  It is antibacterial, antiseptic antiviral and expectorant. Opens the sinuses, breaks up stuck phlegm, increases secretions to clear the lungs of mucus.  Will dry up excessive flowing mucus, resolve respiratory infections,coughing and soothe sore throats. 

Adults:  15 - 60 drops 4 x a day

Children ages 2 to 6 - 2 - 10 drops 

Pine Needle Vinegar:

Use as a liniment or as a tonic and can be used in place of balsamic vinegar.  Add to water with some pine needle syrup or infused honey and you have a yummy tasting tonic. 

As a liniment it as analgesic (pain relieving), antispasmodic (relieves spasms) properties and acts as a rubefacient (increases blood flow to the area).  It can energize the body (stimulate) and can be used as a tonic.  Pine has antioxidant benefits, so it may help protect cells against the effects of free radicals. 

Pine Needle Vinegar Recipe: 

http://www.thegreenkitchen.co.nz/recipes/sides/kahikatea-pine-needl...

Pine Syrup Made With Honey:

http://www.herbgeek.com/winter-medicine-evergreen-syrup/

Pine Pitch: is antibacterial and antiseptic.  Chew pitch to release warm aromatics into the lungs.  Use like you would pine needle tincture.  Pitch is warm.  Soft pitch is pliable and  you can put directly on the skin pulls out splinters, other foreign objects and insect bites.  Works for small cuts and wounds. Because of its antiseptic qualities it acts as a natures band aid by keeping out germs, facilitates healing and eases pain.  

Infuse the pitch in oil and you can use as a chest rub, relieve or soothe sciatica, boils, spinsters, sore muscles, sprains, strains, bruises and some skin conditions.   The pitch oil can be made into a salve and use the same was as the oil.  

How To Make Pine Pitch Salve

https://theherbalacademy.com/make-pine-resin-salve/

Pine Needle Tea: 

Super high C tea.   I personally would use it the same as the tincture, making it a gentler medicine that really is  a strong medicine that heals.   Plus, if you don't have alcohol, you can't make tinctures.  

Pine Needle Tea: 

https://www.wildedible.com/pine-needle-tea-natural-vitamin-c

Fir Spruce and Western Hemlock Tea: 

http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/fir-hemlock-and-spruce-tips/

Pine Bark

Can be used as a  powder for urinary track infections.  Because of its diuretic and demulcent properties it is used for kidney and bladder problems.  

More on Pine Bark 

https://draxe.com/pine-bark-extract/

Harvesting Wild Pine Pollen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9pimnqbU54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ2YewIdUnQ

Pine Pollen For Sale:

https://harmonicarts.ca/product/pine-pollen-powder-wild-harvested/

Pine Needle Steam for Congestion: 

Make a strong tea and use as a steam and inhale for sinus and congestion 

Make A Compression Bandage Out Of Pine: 

Pine Pitch Glue Recipe:

If you do not have charcoal powder you can use wood ash.  

http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/general-survival/how-to-make-pine-res...

http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/pine_pitch_glue.html

Pitch Varnish

Dissolve about one part crushed pitch to four parts rubbing alcohol 

Make A Compression Bandage

When you can't get to a hospital and you need a compression bandage. 

1 Pound of pine (conifers), branches with their needles

1 Gallon of water 

Put pine and water in a big pot

Boil until it is reduced by half

Then: 

Strain and boil until a thin syrup forms

DO NOT PUT THE STRIPS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE SKIN

Wrap the joint in a soft clean cloth. Follow with a layer of cotton, cat tail down or other soft filling 

Dip strips of flannel or muslin into the syrup

Now you are ready to make a compression bandage

Make sure the sprained joint is in a good position

Put the wet cloth strips, so that they form a firm but not overly tight bandage.

Part Two Will Be Coming Soon 

What you Should Avoid: 

All sugars in any form whatsoever

All flour products ( even gluten-free)

All processed food

All gluten and dairy

All grains and starchy vegetables and fruit ( except for 1/2 cup berries a day) 

What To Include:

High-quality foods

Low-glycemic-load meals

Phytonutrient-rich foods

Slow carbs, not low carbs

Omega -3 fats and other healthy fats

High-quality protein

Herbs and healing spices

Three square meals and two snacks

Mindful eating 

Breeding the Nutrition Out Of Our Food:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/11/modern-food-nutritional-content.aspx

Week One Daily Checklist

Wake up 1 hour before breakfast.   Engage in a physical activity you enjoy such as a walk, exercise video, kickboxing,  or yoga

Breakfast.  Try a protein shake, eggs or use on fo the breakfast recipes in the meal plan.   At breakfast time eat the foods you would normally eat for dinner.

Journaling.  Record what you ate and how you felt. 

Midmorning snack.  A handful of nuts and some veggies.   

Journaling.  Record what you ate and how you felt

Lunch  Try one  of the quick meals provide in your blood sugar solution book. Page 157-158. Or  look for some books that have quick meal recipes. 

Journaling  Record what you ate and how you felt

Midafternoon snack  Experiment with something different.  How about half an avocado with lemon juice, salt and pepper or hummus and veggies.  Search the net for more healthy snack options 

Journaling Record what you ate and how you felt

Dinner  Again you try one of the quick meals outlined on pages 157-158 or do a search for veggie meals

Journaling  Record what you ate and how you felt. Think about how your experience with food impacted your day. What improvements do you see in your energy, your ability to focus?  How does your body feel different?  How do theses changes make you feel?  

Salmon Salad In Steamed Collard Greens 

http://bloodsugarsolution.com/2012/07/31/salmon-salad-in-steamed-collard-wraps/

Garlic Mashed Parsnips:

http://www.lifeasaplate.com/2010/11/03/garlic-mashed-parsnips/

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

"TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH"

Disease goes away as a side effect of getting healthy

Hand in food diaries

Hand out food diaries

Recipe of the week

Discussion 

Meditation

Positive Words

Picture 

Get a journal 

Slow Medicine:

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsaymZARwOg

Web-Site

http://slowmedicinedoctor.com/

Parasympathetic nervous system:  

http://www.mercola.com/article/mind_body/applied_psycho_neurobiology/dca.htm

http://www.mercola.com/article/mind_body/thought_field_therapy/overview.htm

Tea Recipes:

Flower Nerve Tonic Tea

1 part chamomile

3 parts lemon balm

1 part oats

1/2 part chrysanthemum flowers

1/2 part lavender flowers 

1/2 part rose petals

Root Nerve Tonic Decoction: 

1 part licorice root 

1 part astragalus

1 part cinnamon

1/2 part ginger

2 parts dandelion root

2 parts burdock root

Make a mix, put in a jar, label

1 tablespoon per cup of water 

Make a decoction, strain

Then add 15 drops of american ginseng root tincture and 15 drops of eleutherococcus (siberian ginseng) tincture, sweeten and enjoy.  

Instructions on how to make a tea and decoction, click on link below: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/medicine-making-basics-herbal-infusions/

Breakfast Nut Shake: 

http://bloodsugarsolution.com/2012/07/31/nut-shake/

Califlower Tortillas: 

http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/05/05/cauliflower-tortillas/

Lite Russian Style Macaroni and Cheese 

Preparation Time: One Hour

Yield:  At Least 6 Servings (cut in square and freeze) 

You can improvise further by increasing or varying the vegetables.  Try cauliflower, broccoli, and /or carrots, leeks and other root vegetables:   Go for color 

Bake at 350, lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan 

3 cups cooked pasta of choice 

3 tablespoons organic butter

2 cups chopped onion 

6 cloves garlic, minced 

1/2 lb shitake mushrooms, sliced

4 cups organic cabbage, shredded (about 1/2 an average head)

1 tsp sea salt or celtic salt

1 tsp caraway seeds

2 tsp dried dill

1 tsp black pepper

1 lb of meat of choice chopped and cooked

1/2 cup organic sunflower seeds

1 bunch organic spinach, stemmed and coarsely chopped 

2 cups organic cottage cheese, omit if you need this to be dairy free

1/2 cup organic yogurt, omit if you need this to be dairy free 

Dairy free option 6 eggs liquid scramble

Diary free option 1 cup Nutritional Yeast

Preheat oven to 350, lightly grease pan

Cook the pasta until just barely tender.  Drain thoroughly, and transfer to a large bowl

Melt the butter in a large, dep skillet, and add the onions and meat.  After saute'ing for about 5 minutes, add garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, salt and caraway.  

Stir, cover, and cook until the cabbage is just tender and meat is cooked. 

Stir in spinach, and remove from heat.  

Add to the pasta

Stir in cottage cheese, yogurt, dill, and black pepper.  Taste to adjust seasonings, then spread into the prepared pan.  

Dairy free option:  Once you have poured  mixture into the pan, mix egg liquid  with nutritional yeast and pour liquid over pasta and veggies in prepared pan.   

Sprinkle with sunflower seeds 

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until heated through.  

Healthy Halloween Treat:

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons honey or organic maple syrup

1/4 Cup organic almond, sunflower or peanut butter

1/2 Teaspoon  organic pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons honey or organic maple syrup

2 Tablespoons  organic extra virgin coconut oil

1/4 Cup organic almond, sunflower or peanut butter

1/4 Cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 Teaspoon organic pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons  honey or organic maple syrup

Instructions

1. MAKE THE BOTTOM LAYER: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until very smooth.
2. Set 10 mini baking cups in a mini muffin pan. Pour about one tablespoon of the bottom-layer mixture into each baking cup without dribbling it down the inside of the paper (or you’ll get streaks in the final product). Place on a flat surface in the freezer. 

1. MAKE THE TOP LAYER: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until evenly incorporated. Remove the pan from the freezer and fill each baking cup to the top with the top-layer chocolate mixture.
2. Put the tray back in the freezer and let chill until the chocolate layer has hardened, about 15 minutes. Store the peanut butter cups in the freezer for up to 4 months.