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To The Market We Go..

Building Connections In Your Community

Tis the season, to support your local artisan,  crafter's, knitters, honey bee farmers and farmers.  I would like to challenge you to go to farmers markets, craft markets, arts and craft markets and local artisan markets,  This weekend.................

There are  Saturday Markets and Sunday Markets.  

Supporting  small local business owners will give you such an empowering feeling.  You are face to face with the person that  has either made or harvested their products.  You can ask questions directly, without punching in numbers or waiting on hold forever. You will build community in your life by supporting these people at the markets.

Community is what all of us need, this builds strength in our environment. 

Some of us even have great local organic even bio-dynamic winery's around us.  Take advantage of this and go check it out.  I love going to Maysara and purchasing my wine and talking to them directly!   I also have some friends in Pacific City that have a wine tasting room and sell their wine, (Basket Case).  You can also purchase their wine at  the PSU Market on Saturday's  

My daughter Sophia will be selling Christmas Wreaths at the Market At The Grange.  Her wreaths are beautiful and a great price.  She will also be selling her lip balms, tinted lip/cheek balm and a new Body Butter called Summer Bliss.  I will be selling different Salves, a massage oil and a Body Butter called Heavenly Holiday. Heavenly Holiday Smells incredibly good! Not only am I there selling herbal products, I am  there to offer help, if you would like to stop by and ask some questions about health and herbs please do.  At this market you can find all kinds of gifts from gorgeous cutting boards, knits, necklaces, wood pens and pencils, organic produce, canned goods and local honey (bee keepers are right there to talk to).

Sophia and I will be at the Market At The Grange this Saturday:

Information on Salves and Body Butters:

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/salves-balms-and-massage-oils-available-for-purchase

Date: Saturday December 21st. 

Time:  10:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Where:  Market At The Grange, on SW Old Sheridan HWY 

The next thing you should support this weekend is your local small businesses in your area.  This does not mean your local Walmart, your local Costco,  your local Safeway or your local Starbucks.  None of these are local, they all belong in the big box category.  They are the big, the bad and the ugly.  If you have a down town strip, go check our what is there.   Our downtown is very cute, with lots of little stores.  We even have a small  locally owned, toy store, called Hop Scotch. 

Farmers and Crafters Market At The Grange: SW Old Sheridan HWY 

Map To The Grange

http://itouchmap.com/?d=1639207&s=OR&f=building

Facebook Page For The Market At The Grange

https://www.facebook.com/McMinnvilleGrangeFarmMarket

Hop Scotch Toy Store: 

http://www.hopscotchtoys.com/

McMinnville Downtown:

http://www.downtownmcminnville.com/

Maysara

http://maysara.com/

Basket Case Wine - Pacific City

http://www.twistwine.com/basket-case/

PSU Market - Portland Oregon 

http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/psu/

HOW TO FIND A FARMER OR MARKET NEAR YOU: 

http://www.localharvest.org/

Remember Tis The Season Is About

Helping Each Other Out in Your Community

This Is How We Build Strength 

 

A Christmas Wreath Is A Symbol Of Strength 

Circular shape represents eternity,

For it has no beginning and no end

It is a symbol of growth

A wreath over the hearth brings a warmth to our hearts as we Stop to reflect upon what is the  true meaning of this very Special day

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The morning was cool, (35 degrees) calm and misty.  Feeling a bit low on energy I decided to move manure first.  I knew after several wheel-barrel trips my mind and body would warm up and wake up.   Robbins are one of my favorite birds and I love how they arrive when spring is about to happen.   I heard a Robbin, and I felt a stir of excitement.  I was not sure if it was one of the few that hang out here for the full winter, or will it be one of many that will bring the song of spring.   The  Robin landed in the Hawthorn Berry tree in front of me and sang a song, this led me to many thoughts.

 I stood there in silence and observed nature.  Nature gives such unconditional love, it gives calmness, it gives serenity, it gives happiness and it lets you know you are alive. 

Climate change, is a change that is happening all across our solar system.  The climate change that is happening on earth is a reminder to humans, that change is happening with or without us.  There is no doubt the tragedies caused by weather can be scary and take life.  These tragedies let us know we are alive, by waking us up, like having ice cold water dumped on you.  These weather patterns give us a chance to change what we are doing. It is a chance to wake up, pull together and save our planet.  All the planets in our solar system are heating up and going through climate change and  these planets have no humans....

 The climate change that is happening on our earth has nothing to do with  humans... 

What we are doing to our planet is killing it.  Killing the water, the micro-organisms, we are giving the planet and all it's species cancer.  This cancer is growing at an incredible rate.   It is not your cars and the cows farting away.  It is your way of life that is making our planet a red planet..  It is your detergent, Teflon, plastics, soaps, paints, chemical agriculture, GMO food, cell phones, shoes, synthetics, the gadgets no-one needs, it is the dollar store mentality,  it is our lack of concern, our selfishness, our lack of growing our own food, our lack of walking more, it is our lack of support for our seniors/elders, it is our support of massive water in bottles, it is the Costco's, the Petco's, the Walmart, the soda, the fast food, the video games, the lack of caring about nature, the lack of being out in nature, therefore you do not care about nature, it is the generations, that complain, but do nothing, it is the generations that are all about selfishness, it is the generations that have let TV raise their kids,  it is the kids who love getting for Christmas, but do not give, Christmas is not for consuming, Christmas is not for greed, Christmas is not Walmart and cheap crap from the Dollar Store, Christmas is not a new big screen TV, Christmas is not junk food, new video games, more plastic toys, more barbies, more dolls, more candy, more candy, more candy, more red dye, more rushing, more need to want, more stress, more stress on the earth, more trash for the earth, more trees cut down, more soda, more fast food because you are rushing around shopping, more junk, more junk more junk, that ends up in the dump..... in the ocean, in the bellies of birds and animals, in the blood streams of the world, including your body.  Is this what we as humans are all about??

It is easier for all to think we are having climate change, to let the government tax us, controls us and blame us.. To truly change what we need to change to save our world, we will need to change how we  live on a daily basis.   If the government was really concerned about our world, they would out-law chemical agriculture, and outlaw bottled water production, outlaw petroleum made products that humans use on a daily basis.  The climate change the government speaks of is the change they want in their greedy pockets, to make off of you.  They see this $$$$$$$$ 

Nature lets you know you are alive, by wind, ice, snow, freezing temperatures, extreme heat, tornado and hurricanes.  All elements that bring life together and can give life an end.  Elements that give tragedy, but these tragedies bring miracles, bring people together and wake people up. 

Tragedies and Rebellions bring change, it is these moments in the circle of life that these energies connect people.  At these moments we have been given a chance to react in a positive way and care, or react in a negative way, not care.  Who are we..

"WE" are a  world that is raising a population of I wants who are unattached to nature. .....

Remembering to breath, and to only allow peaceful intentions in my mind, body and spirit. 

Thoughts of spring, it is coming soon

Thoughts on  celebrating the "Return Of Light".  Winter Solstice is near... 

My eyes caught a big figure flying across a field, a blue heron,  there seems to be more around here for the first time in years, this year.  As I watched this blue heron fly across an old hay field that needs lots of love, I dreamed of some day having my own hay field.  I dreamed of how I would farm it, how I would weed it, how I would harvest it.  It would the old ways, hard, but worth every blister and sore muscle that came with it.  Someday I will do this and it will make my spirit proud.  The land, animals, micro-organisms will be grateful for the light, love, gentleness and nourishment I will bring.  

The chick-a-dees were out,  more robins arrived and were eating the hawthorn berries,

Fresh air, peaceful intentions, love being sent out into the universe.  Deep breaths of thankfulness 

Early spring...

they're still flocks of geese hanging around, more robins today, blue herons hanging around. 

Just maybe an early spring

I am excited, thoughts of seeds, and new crops, new fences, building beds, bees and flowers

I stood silently taking nature in, 

Last night I herd, the Great Horned Owl Hooting, a little early for mating season.... 

Thoughts of early spring 

Thinking of my actions of this past year

I am thankful

I am thankful for knowledge

I am thankful, I read every label of every-purchase I make. Where does it come from, how is it made, what is in it ??? 

I am proud of the way that I live, I have taken more plastics out of our life,  we eat organic,  I am growing my food and herbs, I strongly support local organic farmers and a great CSA (growing wild)  I am becoming a stronger herbalist 

I am proud that I rarely buy produce from the store

I am proud that 99% of our meat is sourced local organic 

I am proud that I raised a lot of meat for my family

I am proud that I work on living lightly on this earth

I am proud that I did not overly consume again this year for Christmas

Proud that each family member will only receive one gift from a local artisan some food and my special tea 

Proud that I have not set foot in a Walmart or  a Mall in over 12 years

I paused, my  thoughts, for my goals for  next season

I think in seasons, not new years, what will I do for the next season

Keep decreasing plastic in our life.  I want to get to a 5% goal

I will not ever, never ever purchase CFL Bulbs for my house, it is either leds or candles.  I refuse to be apart of the Mercury poisonings to this world from CFL bulbs. I hope you will join me on this one.  Imagine 313.9 million houses across america, (minus me), will be contributing to the mercury poisonings to the world and themselves.  Remember if you break a CFL in your home or anywhere else, open the windows and leave immediately and do not come back for 20 minutes. While you are at it make sure you hold your breath while opening the windows. 

I will.....

 build a rocket stove, 

 bake more bread

  hike more

 make more herbal remedies

 teach others about herbs

put more food away at the end of the summer

grow, more potatoes

 figure out how to feed my dogs,  by making their own food.  

 sign up on the Woof-USA Program again, this will bring helpers( as long as they are scent free) to our farm.  We will be able to teach them sustainability and receive extra help. 

continue the Saturday Market, selling herbal products

add more art in my life

add more sleep to my life

cut down computer use

help others with health

I have to make a lighter foot print .......

Lighter Foot Prints, Can You?

Our would is raising a population of I wants, who are unattached to nature and nurse off of video games TV screens, get empty calories through sugar, sucking off a straw of big gulps, soda pop, energy drinks, boxed food, frozen food, toxic fat and fast foods which is in return.. growing a nation of obese or skinny fat zombies 

Could you use this time that you gather with  families and friends this holiday season and talk of how you can be more giving, , how you can support your local organic farmers, set a goal to grow herbs or some food items together, to hike more, to be outside more, to put the TV in the closet,  to give up big box store shopping, to give up video games, how to give up fast food, junk food, unhealthy food,  give up bottled water, give up soda, how can you as a community help your community become a community that gives, grows and is not toxic.  

Take a pause, be still, reflection of  thoughts for last season and the new, stand,  silent, and observe.  Remember ....All things are connected................

What you do, purchase, speak, act, eat, will affect all in this world, your choices will either harm or heal the connection to others and this planet. 

We are at a critical time in the history of the Earth.  We are apart of shaping the future we want for ourselves and for future generations.  We are all responsible for creating a new future based on a culture of peace, universal human rights, economic justice and respect for all life on Earth. 

Money is a kind of energy .  Every single thing that your money buys supports that product.  It support the way that product was made, the people who were involved in making it and, unless it was produced by a cooperative or was fairly managed, it supports the person at the top who makes the most money.  Consume less and consume consciously, with awareness of how each product came to you.

We enter the new season and the return of light, pause and take a moment to look back on your last seasons journeys, what have you completed and what are your insights?  It is a great time to look at the new journeys and new dreams.

It is time, to set your new path, new goals, new creations, for next the seasons journey.  Who do you want to be, what do you want to give, how can you help your world, what can you change,  these are the questions I will ask myself

New paths, new foot prints, new journeys, new life, the seeds are being planted, last years energy is being cleared and this years energy is coming soon.  

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This Season Is The Season To Pause, Be Still, Reflect, Be Silent, Observe, To Help, To Care, To Grow, To Support, To Be Free, To Be Healthy, To Be In Nature, Be Happy, Life Can Be Good With This List Of Be's ....... 

Seasoning Blessings  And Peace To All...

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Another Law Put Into Place, That Is Wrong

Actually CFL are not efficient and they are very toxic.  Just because a factory spews out mercury already does not give us the right to keep using more toxic mercury.  It does not matter if you bring it to home depot or anywhere else.   Hazardous waste facilities are full.  So, let me get this straight, most households have increased how many computer screens and TV's  in their houses.  Not only are they in the living room, people have them in each child's bedroom and even kitchens.  Does this not increase our energy usage?   We are going to outlaw incandescent bulbs but, we have increased how many TV screens and computer screens are in houses... Yes, go ahead and put all those toxic CFL's in your house, that do not last as long as they are supposed to and cause cancer.  While you are at it add a few more TV's,   This is just what America needs, to close more American factories.  Let's just ship every last job over to China

http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/60-40-watt-bulbs-banned-2014-know-211800860.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gjvOOlHmsU

http://www.richsoil.com/CFL-fluorescent-light-bulbs.jsp

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Be A Participant Not A Tourist

The question is whether we are to be tourist or participants in our heritage.  I am interested in the question, because I believe it to be an eminently practical one.  I do not believe that tourists can preserve anything, including themselves, for very long.  And one of the tragedies of the modern world is that it has made us tourists of our own destiny.  It has taught us to turn to the past for diversion rather than instruction.  It has taught us to look into our inheritance for curiosities rather than patterns.  

Wendell Berry 

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Winter Bliss - Evergreen Balm
Contains:  Cedar, fir, pine, juniper berries, orange peel, olive oil, bees wax, orange essential oil and cedarwood essential oil.   The cedar, fir and pine were harvested locally.
The evergreen balm, gives a warming action to your muscles and joints.  It can help heal dry or cracked skin, help alleviate sadness, used as a chest rub for chronic coughs, and great for stiff achy muscles.  
Orange essential oil has uplifting properties, soothes the mind, relieves stress, refreshing and relaxing, stimulates circulation and is commonly used to treat anxiety. 
Cedarwood Essential Oil:  soothes, is grounding, promotes circulation, stimulants the lymphatic system, anti-fungal, antibacterial, calming great for the respiratory system that has excess phlegm. 
Cost:   $ 4 oz 20.00
            $ 2 oz 10.00
            $ 1 oz   6.00
       
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Deep Tissue Healing
Warming Muscle Balm:  Great for strains, sprains, arthritis, hurt back, sore muscles, gout, chest rub and it is also a great muscle warm up rub.  
 
Ingredients: olive oil, cayenne, cinnamon comfrey root, st. johns wort, plantain, self heal, comfrey leaf, calendula, bees wax, essential oil blend of camphor, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, clove and LOVE
Cost: 4 oz $ 25.00
           2 oz $15.00
           1 oz $  7.00
13417454278?profile=originalSelf Heal - All Purpose Salve
Self Heal, is an all purpose salve great for, bee stings, bug bites, small cuts and scrapes, strains, sprains, hurt back and sore muscles.
Ingredients: st. johns wort, comfrey, plantain, calendula, self heal, organic olive oil, bees wax, lavender essential oil and love. 
Cost:  4 oz $ 20.00
            2 oz $10.00
            1 oz $  6.00
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Body Butters:
Shea Butter:
It is incredibly nourishing to the skin. It can be used to heal damaged skin as well as further support healthy skin.

Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. " Mountain Rose Herbs" 

Cocoa Butter:  

Sensitive Skin Healer and can help with skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis. Can help reduce stretch marks. It seems like the secret tip is shared with every pregnant woman in the world. It is also high in antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals. Free radicals are causes of skin stress and signs of aging.

Coconut Oil: http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

Forms a protective thin layer on the skin to keep moisture in.  It is also wonderfully soothing to the skin.

Herbal-Infused Oil 

Heavenly Holiday- olive oil, sunflower oil, rosemary, cedar, cinnamon, clove, all spice

Summer Dreams - apricot oil, jojoba oil, rose petals, lavender buds, all spice, vanilla and lemon verbena

California Countryside - olive oil, eucalyptus, lavender buds, lemon peel, rosemary, bay leaves 

Hydrosol:

Hydrosols  have a mild but wonderful scent and contain all the health benefits of the herb they were distilled from. 

Aloe Vera
It is  wonderful and  nourishing to the skin and can help soothe dry and inflamed skin as well as add elasticity to healthy skin. 

Borax powder
It  is added to help emulsify the oils and the waters together and it also serves as a mild preservative.

Body Butter Product List 

Heavenly Holiday Body Butter
Ingredients:  Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, clove, all spice, rose hydrosol, aloe vera, orange essential oil, patchouli essential oil, borax and LOVE  
Summer Dreams 
Ingredients:  Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, rose petals, lavender buds, all spice, vanilla lemon verbena, geranium rose hydrosol,  essential oils of geranium rose and lemon, borax and LOVE 
California Countryside
Ingredients:  Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, eucalyptus, lavender buds, lemon peel, rosemary, bay leaves, essential oil of bay  and amyris, borax and LOVE
 
Cost:  4 oz $20.00
           2 oz $10.00
           1 oz $ 6.00
Herbal Cream For Muscle Pain and Arthritis 
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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. 

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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.

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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

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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

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Herbal Tea Tasting: 

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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)

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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. 

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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

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Herbal Hair Infusions

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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.  

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