March 3rd WHMonth: HORSETAIL

TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH (WHM), during the month of March ~ in addition to my weekly postings ~ I will be making DAILY postings of time tested herbal and medicinal foods used from a Medicine Woman's bag, which holds many, many herbs, generating many, many formulas, as one herb used for a cold (mullein), when combined with totally different herbs, can be used as an antispasmodic for inflammation or as an expectorant to relieve asthma or general lung congestion.

WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OUR MEN FOLK!!!

HERBS ARE NATURE'S MEDICINE . . . MEN'S HEALTH – Men, let's begin to make some SERIOUSLY SIMPLE choices. We are going to look at alternatives in our life habits and herbal remedies to improve the longevity and quality of life for our men. We will begin to look at herbs for the top five killers of men: cardiac herbs (for hypertension and stroke), urinary tonics for the prostate, pulmonary herbs for the lungs and herbs for cancer, and depression. 

Horsetail ~ also known as "scouring brush"

Though difficulties with the prostate gland affect almost every American male over the age of 50 – DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN, PREVENT IT.

First of all commit to getting an annual checkup. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE! It doesn't hurt; it's free as part of your insurance coverage; and it keeps you ahead of the game. Many years ago a brain tumor was discovered – it was only discovered because at my annual GYN checkup my blood pressure was soo high I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital, (and I never had high blood pressure before); the tumor was only discovered upon further testing to find the cause of the elevated blood pressure! Revere yourself. Get an annual checkup.

The prostate gland can become inflamed (prostatitis), enlarged (causing a sensation of fullness in the rectum) or infected, causing backache, impairment of sexual potency, frequent and/or burning/discomfort/pain upon urination, recurring flare-ups and sometimes a slight discharge or blood in the urine.

Here are some herbs that treat a variety of these symptoms: Ginseng, fenugreek, parsley, oats, pumpkin seeds, kelp, melilot, bee pollen, buchu, juniper, echinacea, golden seal, chaparral, horsetail, sarsaparilla, wild yam root, yellow dock, yarrow, mullein . . . MAKE NATURE'S MEDICINE YOUR OWN

Horsetail is an astringent herb and has a diuretic action. It has an affinity for the urinary tract where it can be used to sooth inflammation, haemorrhaging, cystic ulceration, ulcers, cystitis and to treat infections. It is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland and is also used to quicken the removal of kidney stones.

Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. It may be applied to such conditions as urethritis or cystitis with haematuria, reducing haemorrhage and healing wounds thanks to the high silica content. This local astringent and anti-haemorrhagic effect explains the application of horsetail to such conditions as bleeding from the mouth, nose and vagina, its use to check diarrhoea, dysentery and bleeding from the bowel, and for slow-healing wounds, chilblains and conjunctivitis.  

Horsetail, not to be confused with cat-tail, is possibly the most abundant source of silica in the plant kingdom, so much in fact that the herb can be used for polishing metal. It got the name “scouring rush” from this very application. The horsetail constitutes one of the most diuretic species in all the plants. That is to say that it possesses a great capacity to eliminate water from the body, in such a point to increase urination up to 30% more than what is habitual. This fact makes that its scientific name Equisetum arvense generally appears in the composition of most of products that habitually are sold to reduce weight. This property is due to the action of several components, among which it is necessary to highlight equisetonin and potassium, but there are another ones that also take part such as calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid.

As a diuretic it is particularly suited to metabolic or hormonal oedema during the menopause. The diuretic action is thought to be due partly to the flavonoids and saponins. Equisetum is restorative to damaged pulmonary tissue after pulmonary tuberculosis and other lung disease, as the silicic acid is said to stabilise the scar tissue.

It may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or curb heavy menstrual bleeding. It may also be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. Externally it is a vulnerary and may also be applied as a compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, skin problems and a gargle for mouth and gum inflammations.

“Horsetail is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, coagulant, demulcent, diuretic and astringent activity. Reportedly, it has been used in the treatment of a number of health conditions which include brittle bone, hair, teeth and nails, white spots on nails, gingivitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, rheumatic disorders, edema, osteoarthritis, diabetes, acne, wounds, itchiness, rashes, burns, frostbite, chilblains, athlete’s foot, cracked and tired feet, drawing out pus from boils and carbuncles, ulcers, fistulas, herpes simplex, dyspepsia (impaired digestion), gastrointestinal conditions, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, fever, malaria, bladder problems, urinary tract infection, bed wetting in children, kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), prostate problems, hemorrhoids, muscle cramps, tumors, broken bones, fractures, sprains, nose bleed and other heavy bleeding. Horsetail is also known to strengthen the body’s immune system.”

From MRH: “When taking horsetail powder for its diuretic effect, be sure to drink extra water for maximum benefit. Avoid if there are kidney stones. Don’t take horsetail herb if you take an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and you have congestive heart failure, as the combination of the herb and the drug can cause accumulation of excessive potassium. Not recommended while pregnant. Toxicity similar to nicotine poisoning has been seen in children who ingest large amounts.”

Make your own Plantain Poultice

While I was looking for pictures for today's original Post on Plantain - I came across the process below for making plantain poultices.  I thought it would be great if you are an "outdoorsman" or your family camps a lot or get a lot of insect bites in your back yard or during the summer months.  Enjoy.  Here's the web link where I found the info: http://thepassionatewisewoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Freezing-plantain-collage2.jpg

PLANTAIN

Plantago major and P. lanceolata

Parts used: Seeds, roots and leaves

Benefits: Plantain is a common weed across almost all of North America and is a highly nutritional food.  It is one of the best poultice herbs and is often referred to as the "green bandaid."  Plantain seeds are rich in mucilage.

Suggested uses: first aid for infections or poultice of fresh leaves to soothe irritations and infections.  I've used it for bee stings, burns and the like.

So below is a simple way to store a whole bunch of plantain and have ready on the go for your family.

You can use ice cube trays or other shapely fun things of your liking. You can use it as a poultice once allowed to melt.

1. Rinse off your plantain

2. Get out your food processor

3. Add water until a chunky consistency is achieved

4. Ready your ice trays or whatever you're going to use

5. Pour into your ice cube tray. I use some Tupperware I had so that they are shaped in round disc

6. Freeze - but be mindful of freezer burn, so make sure it is sealed and covered well.

7. A couple of hours later they will be frozen and Voilla!

8. Pop them out and store them in ziploc bags; or if you use ice cubes you can put them in a bowl and cover in your freezer. Easy for the kids to use.

And here my Passionate Wise Sista is an easy way to use 

what may be right outside of your front door.

March 2nd WHMonth: PLANTAIN

TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH (WHM), during the month of March ~ in addition to my weekly postings ~ I will be making DAILY postings of time tested herbal and medicinal foods used from a Medicine Woman's bag, which holds many, many herbs, generating many, many formulas, as one herb used for a cold (mullein), when combined with totally different herbs, can be used as an antispasmodic for inflammation or as an expectorant to relieve asthma or general lung congestion.

HERBS ARE NATURES MEDICINE . . . and there are amazing relationships between flora and fauna that serves as guides to man. One such relationship is between the Mongoose and the Snake. In ancient India when the mongoose often fought the cobra, it was noticed that if bitten, the mongoose would scurry off to eat the herb PLANTAIN to neutralize the venom.

PLANTAIN  (Plantago major; Plantago lanceolate) belongs to a group of herbs categorized as "alteratives," which are herbs that gradually alter and correct impure conditions of the blood, and thus are often considered 'blood purifiers.' Alteratives do not simply purify the blood stream but at the same time steadily tones up the organs which may not be able to secrete impurities from the blood themselves. Oftimes the impurities may arise from improper food, beverages or impure air.  So not only as healers must we strive to remove the cause - but also purify the blood.  Too many times we simply take herbs to cleanse, detoxify and clean the blood, but don't change our habits to eliminate the cause for the imbalances in the first place.  We need to make a Spiritual Decision to change that, since our "minds" have failed us.

PLANTAIN grows profusely in the streets and parks.
You've probably walked by it a thousand times.

 Once we understand that our major organs for carrying off impurities and waste matter - liver, kidneys and skin - the cleansing process becomes clear. So in these instances it is necessary to know what organ is at fault when using alteratives, as we must also use herbs to rejuvenate and strengthen the liver (dandelion, cascara, bupleurum, gentian, sassafras), kidneys (gravel root, parsley, horsetail, juniper berries, rehmania),  and skin (comfrey, plantain, marshmallow, mullein, witch hazel, white willow bark) - depending on other signs and symptoms. If the liver is torpid, and bile retained in the system, we may find in one case the retained bile has affected the digestion. In another  instance we may find a skin eruption. If the kidneys fail to secrete as they should, the blood stream is polluted. The skin may be retaining impurities, or the lungs may be unable to oxygenate the blood due to impure air being breathed.  In addition, there are stimulating and toning alteratives as well as relaxing alteratives - depending on the other symptoms that are presenting . . . MAKE NATURE'S MEDICINE YOUR OWN

Lance-Leaf Plantain

PLANTAIN has a cool, pleasant and mildly astringent taste and the roots, leaves, flower spikes and seeds (which you probably know as 'psyllium seeds') are used medicinally. The therapeutic effects include strengths as a vulnerary, astringent, diuretic, emollient, antiseptic and expectorant.  As I said in the last posting, I've used this herb many times (along with others, like Mullein, especially when experiencing serious physical pain).  Plantain is a stimulating alterative, and is good for bruises (stuck blood),  inflammation (congealing infection fighting fluids) and pain (stuck Chi). Combined with other herbs, it will relieve pain and "move things along."

Both the roots and leaves are strong healers of the circulatory system and the glandular system as it proves marked healing success to affected lymph and epidermal areas in skin diseases.

FORMULAS


For stings, bites of poisonous insect, plants animals or boils and tumors: bruise the fresh leaves (or chew them) and apply directly to affected area, cover and keep moist; changing every couple of hours.

   

 
To heal hemorrhoids, piles and arrest diarrhea, steep one ounce of the herb in one pint of water for 1/2 hour (covered) and inject 1 tbs three to four times daily (especially after each bowel movement).

As relayed in the book School of Natural Healing (see Book List on the side), page 54: ". . . a mad had come to us for help who had blood poisoning. Red streaks were running up his arm; he had a large lump under the arm pit, and he was in extreme pain. His fingers were swollen so large that his hands were spread wide. We simply bruised some leaves of plantain herb, made them into a poultice and applied it over the entire arm. Within twenty-four hours, the fingers were normal, the lump was gone and the tell-tale red line had entirely disappeared.  The herb had drawn the poison completely out.

Harvest the 'psyllium' seeds before or after
the stem "flowers."

There are two types: broad leaf and lance leaf plantain. They all have similar properties, but the wider leaf (at top and to the left) has a more marked diuretic effect and is more effective in water retention and kidney and bladder infections.  Plantain is really useful in salves and ointments, alone or combined with chickweed, comfrey or elder flowers, as it is one of the best herbal remedies for cuts, skin infections and chronic skin problems.

Plantain is an ancient herb in China, and is given as a tea for general debility, spermatorrhea and loss of sexual power, as well being known for promoting fertility. To strengthen the health of the prostate, steep 1 ounce of the psyllium seeds in boiling water, covered, for 20 minutes; in another pot pour 1 1/2 pints of boiling water over once ounce of flaxseed (which contains Vitamin F, a critical nutrient for the prostate), covered, for 20 minutes. When done, mix the two together and drink three to four cups daily. The tea can be reheated and taken warm or hot.

Don't forget to share your personal experience (in the comment box below or via email: theherbalist1750@gmail.com) with herbs you use for similar conditions ~ so we can all EXPAND OUR MEDICINE BAG.

March 1st WHMonth: MULLEIN

TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH (WHM), during the month of March ~ in addition to my weekly postings ~ I will be making DAILY postings  of time tested herbal and medicinal food healing information in honor of Women, who have been the traditional Healers of their Families, Communities, Villages and Nations from time immemorial. 

HERBS ARE NATURES MEDICINE . . . and they are the primary tools women have used from time immemorial for healing the mind and body and spirit of her family and community. Woman's History Month is honoring women, who as inherent healers, have always pulled from the earth all the tools she needs to maintain her family and community, nurturing love and good health. A medicine woman's bag would hold many, many herbs, generating many, many formulas, as one herb used for a cold (mullein), when combined with totally different herbs, can be used as an antispasmodic for inflammation or an injury.

Even from conception, herbs like lady's mantle, red raspberry, wild yam, cramp bark, damiana, false unicorn are used in various combinations to increase fertility and to secure the fetus in the womb; every female starting her menses should have a cup of red raspberry tea every day for the rest of her life – as it will forever tone, harmonize and 'shore up' her reproductive system; to help her milk flow, herbs like anise seed, blessed thistle, fennel and parsley (as a hot compress on the breasts) are used. Herbs that promote menstruation pennyroyal, myrrh, black cohosh, rue and angelica. To calm nervous/hyperactive children – catnip which has been used in ancient times for babies and young children for expelling wind, or curing hiccups and stomach spasms (colic), with camomile, lemon balm, valerian, lady's slipper as relaxers and soother to the nerves. Echinacea has great antiseptic qualities; cleanses the blood as well as destroying bacteria, used following childbirth to relieve post-partum disease . . . MAKE NATURE'S MEDICINE YOUR OWN

Mullein (verbascum thapsus) has a special affinity for the respiratory organs, with a valued reputation for its remarkable narcotic properties without being poisonous and harmful. It is a great pain killer, calming and quieting all inflamed and irritated nerves.  Its high nutritive value steadily increases weight in wasting disorders. Mullein soothes and strengthens the bowels and renal system, and is one of the most important agents for influencing the endocrine glands.The roots, flowers and leaves are all medicinal and can be used for many different ailments when combined with various other herbs.

Mullein is one of my favorite herbs (yeah, that's me in the photo, during my early teaching days back in the 80's when I did many herb walks with students in the streets of The Bronx).  Oohh . . . maybe I'll post some of my herb walk pictures and photos of herbs I've taken.  Would you like that, just out of curiosity, or find it beneficial?  Actually, from the photos you might be able to learn to identify some herbs in your own community that you walk by every day on the way to the train or bus or store or doctors office [umm, we have to work on cutting out "the trip to the doctors office" <;o)) ] 

CALLING ALL HEALERS ~ MEN AND WOMEN ALIKE – Let's expand our Medicine Bags and share our personal experiences with this herb (or others you've used for similar conditions.  I'm sure many many of you have used various herbs for sprains, injuries and wounds; and parents have their own arsenal of what their families have traditionally  used for children's earaches. Send me what works for you. From this sharing, I will do a whole new weekly post, and we'll call it: EXPAND YOUR MEDICINE BAG!

I have used Mullein many times over the years for various sports and martial arts sprains and injuries.  I would boil some water and wrap some Mullein (along with some PLANTAIN which is a powerful pain reliever, antispasmodic - maybe I'll do Plantain tomorrow) in a towel and let it sit in the pot (covered) for 30 minutes or more. Then apply the 'hot compress' to the inflamed area - as it cooled, I would simply pour more of the hot infusion to re-soak the cloth. 

Mullein has a neutral taste, mildly pleasant and affects the lungs, glands and lymphatic system. Its properties and therapeutic actions are as an expectorant, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, vulnerary and antispasmodic.

It can be smoked to relieve lung congestion and coughs. Mullein flowers also provide a soothing and cleansing effect to the skin. As a wash, they are an easy treatment for minor wounds and scrapes. These same flowers can be picked throughout the growing season, placed in olive oil and left to infuse. The resulting infusion is wonderful for earaches that do NOT involve a ruptured eardrum.

Formulas

For respiratory congestion, combine mullein with yerba santa, wild cherry bark, licorice and comfrey root as a tea or tincture.

2 parts Mullein with ½ part Lobelia and 1/8 part Cayenne as a fomentation is excellent for bronchitis, rheumatism, stiff joints, mumps and swollen glands.

For glandular imbalances combine equal parts Mullein leaves, wood sanicle and ½ part Lobelia simmered in 2 qts water for 15min, strain – use as hot compress for one hour 3x daily. My personal formula for lymphatic cleanse includes mullein, bayberry, echinacea, yarrow and yellow dock.

For earaches, discharge or disease of the ear (NOT ruptured ear drum), simmer 2 ounces of Mullein flowers in olive oil (enough oil to cover the herbs) until 'done'. Strain and press out the oil and bottle when cooled. Or create a 'Sun Oil' by placing Mullein flowers in a jar and cover with olive oil 1” above the flowers, cover tightly and shake well daily for 2 weeks. Strain and press out the oil and bottle. Apply a few drops in the ear overnight. Add beeswax to the infused oil, and you will have a balm that makes a great addition to any baby's bottom. The delicate skin of a baby's diaper area can benefit from a light layer of this mullein balm.

For asthma combine equal parts Mullein, sage and plantain, steep for 15min in 1 pint of water, strain and sweeten with honey, bottle and keep in cool dry place.

FEATURED CRYSTAL/GEMSTONE 2 of 2 for FEBRUARY: Carnelian

A beautiful orange colored gemstone, Carnelian is linked both to the Root Chakra and the Sacral Chakra.  Carnelian's main qualities are energizing and grounding/centering. Carnelian also has protective qualities, and can fill one with warmth, joyful gratitude and a genuine simple happiness. It is a stone that activates one's flow of inner power and sexual energy flow, and is often recommended for women. 

The earthy and grounding carnelian comes in many colors, the most powerful ones being red and deep orange carnelian. As with any crystal or stone, there are benefits to be discovered by the proper use of rich and beautiful carnelian. 

As a healing stone it has long been believed to help cure diseases of the blood, as well as to stop nose bleeds.  It is said to aid in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body, and has been used, in the form of an elixir, to help cuts and abrasions heal more quickly.

Carnelian helps fight negativity and depression, enabling us to look at the brighter side of life, bringing with it a feeling of optimism.  It is believed to help quell feelings of anger and annoyance, allowing for logical and clear thinking to rule our actions.

Carnelian is a grounding stone and also helps with stress-related problems - next time something makes your ‘blood boil’- think about reaching for some carnelian to help calm you down!  It is stone of courage and inspiration, helping us to overcome our fears - especially beneficial for those nervous of public speaking as it said to aid the speaker to be not only relaxed and confident, but more eloquent too (turquoise is the #1 stone for “communication” at the Throat Chakra). This also makes it an ideal talisman for actors and those involved with the theater.

Carnelian is both an energy booster and stabilizer, too. Although it does increase the energy flow in any space (or for any body) carnelian does it in a happy and calm kind of way. It is a joyful stone that feels very secure in its essence and transmits the same warmth, protection and inner security to its surroundings. 

On our website, we have further information regarding the 2nd Chakra and Carnelian: http://www.sacredhealing7.com/Carnelian.html

Feng shui-wise, carnelian is used for its energy activating and protective qualities. It is often used along with citrine in the so-called feng shui gem tree for wealth, as well as various bracelets and amulets. Carnelian is also associated with the flow of abundance.

FEATURED HERB 2 OF 2 FEB 2014: EYEBRIGHT

Eyebright is an herb that we use the “whole above ground part” medicinally.  Eyebright is taken by mouth to treat swollen (inflamed) nasal passages, allergies, hay fever, common cold, bronchial conditions and inflamed sinuses (sinusitis).  It is also used for cancer, coughs, pink eye (conjunctivitis), earaches, epilepsy, headaches, hoarseness, inflammation, jaundice, runny nose, skin ailments and sore throat.

The eyes are considered the Windows of the Soul, and it is the liver that opens into the eyes. The Liver is like a “General of an Army” because it maintains evenness and harmony of movement throughout the body. When the Liver is harmonized and receives blood properly and plentifully, the eyes can see; many eye and vision disorders are liver-related. (Infertility is often an imbalance of the liver as well.) During physical activity the Liver allows the blood to move freely outward when the body needs blood for nourishment. During rest or inactivity the blood returns to and is stored in the Liver. When we have difficulty sleeping, or restless sleep, or wake unrested, it may partially be due to our Liver being out of balance and is unable to do its job fully. (Inquire about our Liver-Giver formula to remedy this.)

Eyebright can be applied directly to the eye in the form of a lotion, poultice, or eye bath to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation of the eyelids at the edge of the lashes (blepharitis), eye fatigue, inflammation of the blood vessels, and for "glued " and inflamed eyes.

Eyebright aids in stimulating the liver to clear the blood and relieve those conditions that affect clarity of vision and thought. In a formula, it should be taken liberally on a daily basis to treat all eye problems. For conjunctivitis, eye weakness, dry or tearing eyes, ophthalmia and other eye disease, the tea can be used as an eyewash and combined with goldenseal, rue or fennel.

Other herbs that invigorate and restore balance to the eyes: red raspberry, jaborandi (glaucoma), yellow marigold (c. officinalis) (glaucoma).

Some herbs that restore balance to the liver include: Burdock, Chaparral, Dandelion, Yellow Dock, Gentian, Prickly Ash Bark and Sassafras.  

You may have your favorite herbs for the eye irritation or dryness. Feel free to share, and if you want I'll post them.

COMING MARCH 1st - 31st WOMAN'S HISTORY MONTH

TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 

during the month of March - in addition to my 
weekly postings - I will be making DAILY 
postings of specific herbal and 
healing information 
for women.

Pictured here are my WOMEN WARRIORS: 

my Healers, Sistas, teachers, Spirit Guides.

If you have specific concerns, interests and/or conditions you'd like me to address, please let me know in the comment box.  I'm sooo excited, I hope I can wait another week to begin.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU