Blogs

I am (Sue) working on a blog that talks about my recovery from my accident. On December 28th 2013 I was involved in a bad accident with my horse and it literally changed my life (and family). My life was changed in so many ways that I need to share my experience of what I did to stay on my healing path. Hoping I can encourage others and to be patient with what ails them. The struggles, the emotions, the depression, the healing, the positive, the good, the bad, the ugly. Even today I am still struggling with physical and emotional issues, but every day and week the healing is still taking place. This healing is due to using massive herbs, and only alternative medicine.

Let's start this year right!  

With health care at an all time high ($)  Isn't it time to think about your health needs?  

Let's get started! 

I believe knowledge is power, so make a cup of herbal tea and take some time to read these articles.  

Need some herbal teas?  Wild and Weedy Apothecary has a great selection and we can make you, your own special batch.  

It is time to get rid of these..... Toxic K Cups:

http://complete-health-and-happiness.com/k-cups-might-damage-metabolism-reproductive-health-cause-cancer/

Throw that Ibuprofen away... It is toxic.   How to make a healthier version: 

http://expand-your-consciousness.com/natural-ibuprofen-alternative-herbal-anti-inflammatory-capsules/

Misdiagnosing Fibromyalgia:  This is a great article for all of us.  If you have any tiredness, muscle soreness or lack energy then read this article 

http://theheartysoul.com/natural-treatment-for-fibromyalgia/?t=HHL

Stop feeding children goldfish crackers, toxic

http://fitlife.tv/do-me-a-favor-stop-feeding-goldfish-to-your-children/?t=HHL

Toxic Cell Phones: 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/06/cell-phone-use-brain-cancer-risk.aspx?x_cid=20151219_ranart_cell-phone-use-brain-cancer-risk_facebook-os-hhl

Gluten Free Pizza Crust: 

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/gluten-free-pizza-crust.html

Wild and Weedy Apothecary Holiday Hours

Questions:

E-mail: wildweedyherbs@gmail.com

Phone: 503-472-6656

Sunday December 20th 2015 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Monday December 21th 2015 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Tuesday December 22th  2015 10:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Wednesday December 23th 2015 10:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Thursday December 24th Christmas Eve Closed

Friday December 25th Christmas Day Closed

Wild and Weedy Apothecary has a selection of beard oils, face creams, foot butters, hand creams, body butters, a variety of salves, balms, creams and liniments for what ales you.  There are yummy teas and we can make you  a specialized tea.   We have a lot to offer, our items are hand crafted, some are wild crafted and everything is made with care and love.   

We have some nice Christmas Gift box sets here at the shop and all you have to do is put it under the tree. 

Create your own gift box.  Select 3 items and we will give you a 10% discount. 

You could create a Sweet Dreams box:

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sweet-dreams-foot-bath

How about a box created for that someone special that gives the gift of calm and relaxation? Put a few teas together a foot soak and some bedtime balm.  Maybe you should give yourself this gift.. 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tension-tamer

There are a couple Naughty Boxes left.  This is a great date night treat.   

Naughty Box Includes:

Aphrodite Massage Oil
Tea's Me Tea
Get It On Body Balm (edible)
Lust Roll on Perfume
Tulsi Rose Cardamom Vanilla Lip Balm
1 beeswax Candle 
Price: $45 ($50 value)

Do you need some holiday recipe ideas? 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/holiday-recipe-ideas

Holiday Box: $34.50
Coco Mojo
Peppermint Coco Nib Candy Cane Tea
Gingerbread Bath Mix
Holiday Foot Soak
Peppermint Lip Balm

You can find unique Christmas gifts at the shop.

 Need a tea for a special someone?  Sophia can make a unique blend for that individual.  

3 cups of GF Organic Namaste perfect flour blend or GF flour blend  of choice

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1 1/2 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp clove powder

1/2 tsp cardamom powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg powder 

1/2 cup organic maple syrup

1/2 cup organic butter

1/2 cup organic molasses 

4 tablespoons of chia seeds soaked in water, needs to be like a thick gel OR 1 egg 

1 tsp organic vanilla 

1. Whisk together all the dry ingredients. 
2. Now add 1/2 cup butter, mix until the mixture is crumbly (use a pastry cutter)
3. In a seperate bowl mix chia seeds, maple syrup, molasses and vanilla, stir until well blended 
4.  Add wet ingredients to the dry  ingredients and mix until incorporated 
5. Divide the dough in half, and place each half on a piece unbleached wax paper. Pat the dough into flat disks, wrap completely, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight 
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
7. Remove the the dough from the refrigerator and roll disks out about 1/4" thick.
8. Cut the dough with your choice of cutters,
9. Allow to cool completely before decorating 
10. Yield: 24 more or less.  Depends on your cookie cutter size

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: 

1/2 cup organic butter softened

1 organic cream cheese softened 

Mix until light and fluffy

Add a few tablespoons of organic maple syrup (You might want to add more, if you want it sweeter)

1 tsp real vanilla extract 

Ideas on Natural Food Coloring:

1.  I would imagaine you could squeeze some pomegranate juice in the frosting to make it red

2.   Some elderberries for purple

3.  Activated charcoal for black  

Internet Ideas for natural coloring: 

http://www.ashleysgreenlife.com/2013/06/how-to-color-frosting-naturally-quickly.html

Tranquil Pine and Star Anise Bath (or foot soak)

This recipe cleanses and helps center your body .  Both Pine and anise have stimulating and antiseptic properties.  This will help your body detoxify, ridding it of stress and impurities. 

BUT FIRST.... Let's go over a few very important things about this recipe. 

This recipe is going to activate some things that might be asleep in you... 

It is a great anti-dote for many... 

Rain or shine take a walk and look for some pine

I know its been a long day or week at work

Trying to  balance family life

I can hear you moan

I can hear you say, I will do this another day

This is not an ingredient you can leave out

Nature is the antidote, take it everyday

This  is not something you should put off day by day

Nature is the antidote

This walk is part of the recipe

It requires you to look around

So, put those cell phones down

Take a breath, 

Look for some pine

Spruce and evergreen will be fine

They are calling you

Giving off their sweet scent 

The euphoric scent of waking through a pine forest,

The scent of sweet Douglas fir or  even coastal spruce 

Euphoric scents that slow your breathing and reduce stress

Pine, Douglas fire and spruce filling your nostrils and going deep within

Restores your emotional state to calm

Clears the heart and mind, to allow more creativity

Nature as an antidote will give

Greater physical health

Deeper sense of spirit

Sense of play

These awards await you

Just take a walk rain or shine and 

Look for some pine 

I am well again, I came to

Life in the cool winds and 

Crystal waters of the mountain

----John Muir 

Take Two Hours Of Pine Forest and Call Me In The Morning:

Great Article 

http://www.outsideonline.com/1870381/take-two-hours-pine-forest-and-call-me-morning

Tranquil Pine and Star Anise Bath For One

An evening soak to give calm to your inner spirit.  Can be used as a foot soak 

You will need:  scissors, bag, dress for weather

Take a walk (leave cell phones in pockets) your mission is to find some pine, douglas fir or spruce.  If you are not sure about your trees go to the library or the local book store and get a book on trees.   

Word of caution:  Please be respectful of the trees and how you harvest.  

1 cup of fresh pine needles, douglas fir or spruce (pesticide free)

1/2 tablespoon organic fresh ginger chopped

3 star anise or 1 1/2 tablespoons of broken star anise 

2 cups filtered water

Pan (no aluminum or Teflon)

In a saucepan place above ingredients.  heat gently until mixture begins to boil

Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes

Strain out all of the solids

Pour scented water in your hot bath and stir

Soak in the tub for 40 minutes 

Be careful after, you will feel really relaxed 

For a foot soak, just pour strained ingredients in a foot tub and enjoy! 

Evergreen Tea (pine, fir or spruce)

1 tsp. evergreen needles (pesticide free) 

2 cups filtered water

Bring to a boil, cover, simmer 10 minutes, strain and enjoy 

Before you enjoy this tea..

Please consult a physician if you are pregnant or nursing.  

Fresh Evergreen  Facial Toner(pine, fir or spruce) 

The power fragrance lifts the spirits and relieves stress. 

All skin types can benefit from this recipe.  This slightly astringent evergreen water improves circulation, giving skin a healthy glow.  

Make sure evergreens are pesticide free

1 cup evergreens

1 cup distilled water

1/4 cup witch hazel ( I suggest Mountain Rose Herbs)

Pan ( no aluminium or Teflon)

Place evergreen needles in the pan and cover with the water

Bring mixture to a boil

Remove from heat, cover and cool completely

Strain liquid into a clean bottle

Add witch hazel

Shake gently to mix

Label

To use:  Apply to your skin with a clean cotton pad after cleansing ( do not rinse) 

As you can see we are not short on trees

Oregon, Mt. Hood Area

Need to ease some tension in your body and life?

 How about soaking your feet in a relaxing foot bath while drinking a cup of relaxing tea

You can add to this by lighting some candles and listening to  some soft positive music

Tension Tamer Tea

When you are overly tired  or having trouble winding down

1  part passionflower

1 part chamomile

1 part lemon balm 

Sleepy Time Tea: 

Calms the mind, relaxes the nerves and lulls you to sleep

1 part dried passion flower

1/2 part milky oats

1/4 part lemon balm leaves

1/4 part chamomile flowers 

1/8 cup california poppy 

1/8 cup catnip leaves

Combine tea ingredients together  and store in a glass jar.  Label

To use:  

Add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of boiling water. 

Steep for 20 minutes 

Strain

You can enjoy your cup of tea during or after a warm bath or food soak 

Tension Tamer Foot Bath

1 cup of dried lavender

1/2 cup dried oatstraw

1/2 cup dried oat tops

1/2 cup dried lemon balm

4 quarts of water 

Put 4 quarts water into a large pot (no aluminium or Teflon pots) 

Bring water to boil , turn off the heat, cover and let herbs infuse for 20 0 30 minutes.  You can let them infuse for an hour. 

If you leave them in for an hour you might have to gently re-heat.

You can either stain the herbs out or leave them.  I personally like to leave the herbs and they will continue to infuse in the water.  I also love  the color and texture.  

Soak you fee for at least ten minutes or far as long as you like.  

When you are  finished pour the foot bath water into the garden bed outside 

Sore Joint Bath 

1/2 cup juniper berries

1/2 cup dried holy basil 

1/2 dried orange peel 

1/4 cup celery seed 

4 gallons of water

First Method

 4 gallons of water 

Bring water to a boil

Add herbs cover and turn off heat

Step for 30 minutes to an hour

Strain or leave herbs in 

Pour into a hot bath

Second Method:

Quicker way but the therapeutic effects of the herbs are not as strong

Place above mixture into a sock or cotton muslin bag.  This  makes an herb sachet

Tie shut

Hook the  sachet of herbs under the tub spout so the water will pour through the herbs as it goes into your bath tub.   

Once the bath tub is filled just let the bag of herbs float in the tub.  

Enjoy 

If you have a sore foot or sore hand you can use this as a foot soak or hand soak.  Use method one for this.  

This is a relaxing  foot soak and a great end of the day treat.  

You can add to this by drinking some sweet dreams tea while you soak your feet.  

Then put some sweet dreams balm on your pulse points and feet  after your food soak.. 

4 quarts water

1/2 cup dried lavender

1/2 cup dried rose petals 

1 tsp nutmeg 

Use organic ingredients 

Put 4 quarts water into a large pot (no aluminium or Teflon pots) 

Bring water to boil , turn off the heat, cover and let herbs infuse for 20 0 30 minutes.  You can let them infuse for an hour. 

If you leave them in for an hour you might have to gently re-heat.

You can either stain the herbs out or leave them.  I personally like to leave the herbs and they will continue to infuse in the water.  I also love  the color and texture.  

Soak you fee for at least ten minutes or far as long as you like.  

When you are  finished pour the foot bath water into the garden bed outside 

We Have some great products at the apothecary that would go wonderfully with this bath!

Coconut Chia Seed Pudding 

http://mountainroseblog.com/pumpkin-spice-chia-pudding-recipe/

Tuesday December 15th. 

Interesting Reads: 

Cutting Sugar:

http://fitlife.tv/cutting-sugar-improves-childrens-health-in-just-10-days-original/?utm_content=buffera2bf7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

GMO Butter - Kerry Gold 

http://althealthworks.com/4730/does-kerrygold-grass-fed-irish-butter-contain-gmos-and-should-you-put-it-in-your-coffee/?c=ngr

Wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow, moving horse poo and creating a new path while working in the misty rain.. I think I moved 10 full heavy wheelbarrow loads.   Then I moved a lot of mud off of a few paths.  

You come in the house after long day of physical work, wet and tired and you have two tiny coals left in the wood stove. Yes, I am the fire goddess today. It is now roaring with just a little effort and patience.

Today was literally a breath of fresh air. The misty rain, the robins and the quietness of the valley was what my soul needed. Sipping tea, sitting in my greenhouse and making plans for next years growth. Dreaming of new beginnings, goals for spring and summer. The path to mud building has been strong, the plants and mud are calling 

Today's meals are lentil veggie soup with rice pasta.  Drinking lots of spring water and  few root chai's.   My body is really feeling all the wheelbarrow loads, now it is time to stretch..    

I will finish the night studying... 

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie 

http://learningherbs.com/newsletter/healthy-pumpkin-pie/#newsletter_more ;

Coconut Milk Eggnog Recipe

http://wellnessmama.com/3536/coconut-milk-eggnog/

Dairy Eggnog: 

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/12/eggnog-recipe.html

Almond Flour Cinnamon Rolls: 

http://realhealthyrecipes.com/2014/02/06/best-paleo-cinnamon-rolls/

http://theurbanposer.com/best-almond-flour-cinnamon-rolls-paleo/

Almond Flour Frosted Sugar Cookie Cutouts 

http://detoxinista.com/2012/03/almond-flour-frosted-sugar-cookies/

Dairy Free Christmas Recipes: 

http://www.jamieoliver.com/christmas/collection/dairy-free/

Healthy Holiday Recipes: 

http://learningherbs.com/healthy-holiday-recipes/

Sue's Onion Gravy: Make about 4 cups

Organic ingredients is best:

1 onion 

1 leek 

2 tsp olive oil, butter or coconut oil 

5 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups water

2 Tbs. organic red wine

1 tsp lemon juice

2 Tbs coconut amino

2 Tbs (or more) nutritional yeast

2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp powder sage

1/4 tsp powdered rosemary

1 tsp thyme

dash more or less of salt

dash lemon pepper

1/4 cup arrowroot

Saute the onions in oil until they are translucent.  Add the garlic and brown.  Add water, wine, lemon juice, and coconut amino's, and bring to a simmer

Using a whisk, beat in remaining ingredients, except arrowroot.

Simmer 15 minutes.

Mix the arrowroot with a 1/4 cup orso of cold water to make a slurry

Whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy and stir.

Simmer over medium heat u ntil thick.

Adjust the thickness b y adding more slurry mixture

Optional suggestions:  I like to use some of the turkey drippings for the liquid part of this recipe.  I also enjoy adding fresh herbs if I have some on hand.   Some chopped fresh parsley saute in with the onions will give it a really nice flavor.  

Remember to play with  your food.  This will give you your own creation.  

Great story

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nd7dz0HKGb4?autoplay=1

Real:  Unreal candy 

http://getunreal.com/collections/unreal

Organic Candy Canes:

http://www.trujoysweets.com/products/candy-canes/

Organic Holiday Candy: 

http://www.naturalcandystore.com/category/organic-holiday-candy/1

Other stocking stuffer ideas: 

Organic or grass fed beef jerky

pomegranates

Nuts

Healthy trail mix

 Pens, pencils, note pads, color books, art supplies, ice skating, bowling, roller skating gift certificate, homemade coupons for a family beach day, camp  trip, 

Some fun ideas for making some healthier versions of candy sweets: 

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2011/10/12-healthy-homemade-candy-recipes.html

O

The Dangers of Ibuprofen 

http://www.curejoy.com/content/turmeric-smoothie-recipe-overall-health/

What is in your meat:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/08/25/horses-beaver-may-both-be-in-your-burger?cmpid=tp-ptnr-gfnl

This is a great recipe, with one exception, TAKE the BANANA out of it... I am starting to think we have a banana addiction going on out there.... 

Turmeric Smoothie Recipe 

http://www.curejoy.com/content/turmeric-smoothie-recipe-overall-health/

So many of us who are discovering our food allergies are feeling stressed, feel left out, discouraged, frustrated, have cravings for what we miss.   It is important that you find things that can replace what you are missing.  Example below.  Coco Mojo with mushrooms coconut milk, organic maple syrup, coconut marshmallow root cream and a organic candy cane.... 

Time to work on wellness,  time to work on healthy life style changes, time to cook, what supplements to take, time to mediatate, time to find new snack ideas, time to make a snack bag, time to prepare, time to food shop, working on eating veggies, eating protein, finding out food allergies, cleaning out the kitchen cupboard, exercise, to much time to worry, to much time on depression, balancing out full time jobs, time for yourself, time for your family, time for life's enjoyments, time to get out in nature, time for beach, how do you take care of your to do list and how do we add enjoyment in your lives.  How do we find enjoyment in our life?  How do you find this before it is to late?  How do you find ejoyment for self through so much businuss in life?   How do you find balance when it seems like it is so hard to take car of our health?  

You/me/we all need new recipes because if we eat the same thing over and over again we can develope food allergies, plus you are not satifying the taste buds.   You should make it a point to try one new recipe a week.  

Bitters, you must eat bitter.. This is for your taste buds and life....  This is growth and helps digest life from the inside out. 

How do you not fall off the health and wellness train.  How do you recover if you fall of the health/welness train?  How do you keep yourself from putting it off?  

Today was our last Wellness Class.   I would like to say I am very proud of you.

Take two and call me in the morning:

http://www.outsideonline.com/1870381/take-two-hours-pine-forest-and-call-me-morning

Snack Ideas:  

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/5-healthy-dips-to-power-up-your-veggies.html

When the power was out and we were flooded in we still made it a point to eat healthy and go for a walk...  If you have all the right tools, better choices are made and stress less.   

Outdoor Cooking in the rain.... Cabbage, beef, rice pasta, chai tea

Bowl of home cooked organic soup feeds the soul on a blustery winter day....

Pictured below, buffalo, spinach, kale, celery, onions, garlic, rice pasta and more..

My point on the Edible Body Butter....Your skin is the largest organ on the body... What ever you put on your skin should  be edible...  Your body absorbs everything you put on your skin.   Your skin shows you the results of what you put in your body.  

What goes in, shows on the outside of your body... ecezmea, psorisis, acen, fungus, etc...

.  What is put on the outside goes inside... 

Oh My How Time Flies... Thanksgiving has passed.

It's November 30th.. Already! 

Our food for the holiday has been wonderful and very healthy.   

I have really enjoyed my time off.   Thursday we decided to opt out and go for a hike.  I decided it should be a long torturous hike and it most certainly was.   You can click on the link below to read about our adventure.  

Thanksgiving Day: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/epic-14-4?xg_source=activity

Sunday's Hike: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/getting-my-exercise-in-this-holiday-season?xg_source=activity

Friday, we participated in our towns Santa's Parade.  We have been participating in this parade for 14 years!    Saturday we had a nice slow paced day and prepared for our Sunday hike.   We planned a family hike and headed out to Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain in the Mount Hood area.    It was absolutely amazing!  

Where are your blogs about cooking and eating your Delicata  squash?  Pictures? 

How are you?  How was your holiday?  Did you stick with eating healthy meals this holiday?  

How are you doing with starting your day eating cooked green veggies and a good protein source? 

Have you exercised in the last four days? 

Positive word for the day?

Journals... Journal Journal Journal.... 

For those of  you who are in the wellness class, this Saturday's class we are repeating part three and four.  

I want us to develop life style changes and in order to do this we have to take it slower than what the books suggests.