How Herbs Can Help in Times of Sadness and Death

by | Feb 11, 2022 | Grief or Stress, Herbal Remdies, Life change, Medicinal Weeds

“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.”

AESCHYLUS

Sadness and death can creep up at anytime. I don’t think one can ever be fully prepared for either.

I know I wasn’t.

My father passed away rather quickly just a few weeks ago.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around it and keep asking myself, “Why?”

I also can’t help but wonder if I shouldn’t have done more, taken action, asked more questions, pushed harder, spoken up, made inquiries, etc. Why didn’t I?

These are questions that plague me everyday. I try to convince myself that it was his time.  But was it?

The grief that overwhelms me is constant and heavy.  Day in and day out, I ponder and wonder how I’ll be able to go on.

So I bring back happy memories.  Those days filled with good things, like birthdays and weddings.

“When a cardinal appears in your yard, it is a visitor from heaven”

** Red cardinal I received from a co-worker when my Dad passed away**

Comfort During a Time of Grief

Everyone needs different forms of comfort and support when grieving.  For me, it’s litttle things that don’t otherwise seem to matter.

Take the red cardinal for instance.  A few days after my Dad’s passing, a bright red cardinal came and landed in the snow right outside my patio door.  How it stood out in the snow!

I hadn’t seen a cardinal in the backyard for quite some time, so was pleasantly surprised.

A couple days later when I returned to work, a co-worker gave me the red cardinal, saying she had received one the year before when her father passed away.  What a coincidence! 

The appearance of a red cardinal has the spiritual meaning of a lost one who is thinking about you and sending you a message.  That brought some comfort to me.

 

Using Herbs to Help With Grief

Deep rooted emotions of grief can be hard to cope with for everyone. Grief can affect people emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Grief also has the ability to affect you physically as well as mentally.

In these cases, we may need something more then just comfort to help us move through our grief.  I needed something to help me fall asleep so I wasn’t constantly questioning my actions, or rather, lack of action before my Dad passed away.

So I turned to my plant allies.

Herbs have been around since the beginning of time. They have been used for many different things from illness to helping cope with situations such as loss, sadness and death.

Lets take a look at some herbs that have been used, and still used today as ways to help with dealing with grief and death.

Frankincense

The first herb/plant that came to me when thinking about grief and death, was frankincense.  And for good reason.

 Frankincense was one of the gifts from the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.  It has been used for over 5000 years in religious ceremonies in a number of cultures and religions. 

Frankincense is a resin that comes from the bark of the boswellia tree that is native to the Middle East and north Africa.  It is extremly fragrant and has a sweet, citrusy aroma.

Spiritually, the smoke from the resin is said to call the angels and send prayers to heaven.

I feel at peace during that time of church, when the incense is burned.  The aroma has a very calming effect for me.

Peppermint

We all know, or should know, the smell and taste of peppermint.  It is all around us, from room sprays to candies.  

Why?  Because it is so uplifting.  

Peppermint works to clear the mind and regain focus.  It helps us to keep going in times of grief.

If you would like to take a little journey with the plant, here is a guided meditation with peppermint from herbalist Correne Omland, from Spiraea Herbs.

Motherwort

This herb is dear to my heart because it grows abundantly on my parent’s farm.

As it’s name suggests, Motherwort is there to comfort and protect.  This is the plant you want to go to when you just can’t do it anymore.

It’s latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, means “lion hearted”.  Strong and heart centered is what this plant offers.

Motherwort is a member of the Mint family, just like peppermint.  It doesn’t have the pleasant aroma like the other mints, but it is strong and robust, and will grow almost anywhere, like most mints.

If you would like to learn more about how Motherwort can help you, check out my blog post, “Motherwort – It’s Uses & Benefits“.

Rose

The rose is probably the most highly recognized plant for uplifting one’s spirit.

It has always been a symbol of love and forgiveness. 

I like how a blog post from the Herbal Academy describes the thorns: “The thorns are not to wall you off from the outside world, but instead, they express the complexity, beauty, and darkness that accompanies grief.”

The rose has the capacity to help us see the love, comfort, compassion and kindness in the world around us.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is the classic heart tonic remedy in Western Herbalism.

It’s red berries are best known for helping the heart.

It is also known as a mild sedative and can help calm one’s nerves.

Hawthorn encourages one to find hope, love and longevity in the journey forward.

When our spirit becomes weak and frail, hawthorn will help in restoring strength once again.

Hawthorn can bring back the confidence and help one to not live in fear of death.

Here is a short podcast with more info on hawthorn from HerbRally.

Other Herbs

There are many other herbs and plants that can help with grief as well.  The list is rather endless, as all plants support us in so many ways.

Here is a list for you to reference:

  • Skullcap
  • Lavender
  • Tulsi
  • Chamomile
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Wood Betony
  • Borage
  • Bee Balm
  • Lemon Balm
  • Blue Vervain
  • Linden

Handling Grief

Grief enters our lives in so many ways.  It can come as a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, health issues, arguments, etc.

The important thing to learn from grief, is how to handle it in a healthy way.  Know what your limits are and how much you can handle.

Never be afraid to ask for help, or ask someone to just listen to what you have to say.

Taking a walk in nature or meditating can also help take away some of the sadness you may be feeling.

Just know that grief is a part of life and bonds us closer together.

 

Grief is praise, because it is the natural way love honors what it misses.” -Martine Prechtel

References

https://herbandroot.com/blogs/collections/frankincense-myrrh-more-valuable-than-gold

http://www.flowerfolkherbs.com/articles1/frankincense-a-sacred-resin

https://www.happiness.com/magazine/health-body/essential-oils-for-grief/

http://northforestfarms.com/2021/10/07/good-grief/

https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/2018/07/13/herbs-for-grief/

Why Stinging Nettles are More Than Just Weeds

by | Jan 4, 2022 | Health, Herbal Remdies, Herbs in Your Diet, Medicinal Weeds

The world is a nettle; disturb it, it stings. Grasp it firmly, it stings not.

Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton

Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to treat various maladies, including anemia, arthritis and skin diseases. Its leaves are edible in salads or cooked like spinach.

And yet many people see it as a weed and want to pull it up by its roots to eradicate it.

But the benefits of stinging nettle include supporting urination, increasing blood flow and reducing neural inflammation.

Let me show you that this plant is more than just a weed.

The Plant Itself

Stinging nettle is generally considered a weed and can be found growing wild in woodlands and on river banks.  It also prefers disturbed soils, such as on farmsteads, manure piles or near abandoned buildings.

Stinging nettles have long fleshy roots that can grow deep into the ground.  This is important, because this is how the plant becomes so nutritious, by pulling up vitamins and minerals deep in the soil.

The leaves, stems and roots are covered in tiny hairs that release histamine and other chemicals that can sting painfully.  These chemicals cause an itchy, irritating sensation on the skin which only lasts about 15 minutes.

Growing up, my mother called this plant “itch weed”, because it made you itch.  So I highly recommended that you wear gloves when handling this plant.  Or if you want to get the true feeling of stinging nettle, don’t.

This plant is a very fast grower and spreads easily by seed or underground shoots.

For optimal nutrition and medicinal properties, it should be picked before flowers appear.  I like to harvest the tops in early spring when the plants are still young.  They will grow back, so you can get a number of pickings.

Susun Weed says to grasp it by a top leaf and cut just the very top (no more than 8 leaves) and put that in the foraging basket. Since nettles are so fibrous, she says to only pick the very tops. If the scissors have difficulty cutting, it’s too far down.

young nettles

The Nutritional Benefits of Stinging Nettle

The leaves and young shoots of stinging nettle are edible. They have a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that most find pleasant.  Nettle leaves can be a simple substitute for spinach in any dish.

Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, D and K as well as iron, potassium, calcium and manganese.

One serving of stinging nettle provides almost all of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin K per day.

Nettles are also rich in chlorophyll, which gives them their green color and may be responsible for some of its health benefits.

Two studies published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” evaluated the antioxidant activity of nettle extract and found it to be higher than other popular drinks like cranberry juice, grape juice and green tea.  The researchers concluded that the high antioxidant activity may be due to nettle’s chlorophyll content.

The leaves are said to have a beneficial effect on the urinary system because they contain high amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium. They also can help reduce inflammation in the bladder lining which may prevent chronic infections from developing.

In addition to its nutritional value, some studies suggest that stinging nettle may also have medicinal properties.

Medicinal Benefits of Stinging Nettle

In addition to its nutritional content, stinging nettle is said to have medicinal properties. Its roots and leaves are used in traditional herbal remedies for conditions such as anemia, arthritis and skin diseases. In addition, modern uses include supporting urination and increasing blood flow. Nettle root may also help relieve symptoms of the common cold.

One small study published in the “Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine” found that patients who suffered from frequent colds showed a significant decrease in number of colds after taking nettle root extract daily for 12 weeks. These results were not found with the placebo group.

Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia found that drinking stinging nettle tea reduced the total number of colds by more than one-third among patients who suffered from chronic respiratory infections.

Brigitte Mars talks about how people have used nettles for thousands of years to help with pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia and as an early substitute for Viagra!  By gently brushing a stem of leaves over one’s skin, the irritation causes a huge blood flow to the area (called irtication).   Thus helping with pain, inflammation, etc.

Nettle is a wonderful herb for those with allergies.  A study published in “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine” suggested that an extract from this plant may reduce inflammatory responses due to allergies, which suggests it may be effective in relieving symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Herbalist Matthew Wood says the seeds in particular, may help get rid of allergies, both food allergies and seasonal ones.  He also recommends the root be taken for prostate problems.

Stinging nettle also helps get rid of mucus in the lungs.

David Hoffman calls this plant the “ultimate green tonic”.  That should tell you something.

powdered nettle

Ways to Get Stinging Nettle into Your Diet

There are a number of ways you can incorporate stinging nettle into your diet.

A very easy way is to cook it like spinach or added to soups and stews for extra nutritional benefit.  Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar likes to saute it with a little olive oil, lemon juice and feta cheese.

Herbal Revolution preserves their nettles like this to to enjoy all year:

  1. Harvest fresh leaves
  2. Blanch them
  3. Measure out a cup and place the cup patties onto a baking sheet (save the liquid for soup stock and to water the plants in the house)
  4. Place the baking sheet into the freezer
  5. Once frozen, store in a bag or glass storage container

These little “patties” can be added to soup, pesto, sautéed, in frittata, scrambled eggs, smoothies, etc.  This could also be done with dandelion greens!

The young shoots may also be eaten fresh or steamed.  But make sure to get the tops of young plants.  Nettles are very fibrous in older plants and growth near the ground.

To make stinging nettle tea, steep one teaspoon of dried herb for eight to 10 minutes in hot water. This makes an excellent substitute for coffee that is high in antioxidants and many other nutrients.

People who suffer from chronic conditions like allergies and arthritis may find relief by drinking stinging nettle tea.

Taking nettle in a tincture form is available if you can’t stomach eating the greens, or don’t like drinking teas.  As a tincture, it is a more concentrated and you can take it as needed.  You can find tinctures in most natural food or wellness stores.

Making a herbal decoction with nettles is another great way to take this plant.  Just follow these simple instructions:

  1. Use one teaspoon to one tablespoon of herbs per cup of cold water.
  2. Add the herbs and cold water to a pot.
  3. Place that pot on the stove and bring up to a gentle boil.
  4. Put a lid on the pan and lightly simmer for twenty to forty minutes.
  5. Remove from the heat and let your decoction cool to drinking temperature.
  6. Finish up by straining out the herbs.
  7. You can often use these same herbs to brew up a new batch of decoction a couple more times as long as the decoction is still strong after brewing.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 48 hours.

My favorite way to use nettles is by making Nettle Gomasio!  This herbal spice blend can be used on almost everything.  I personally like it on my fried eggs and popcorn.

In the video below, I show you just how easy it is to make your own Nettle Gomasio!

Still Think Nettles are Weeds?

I hope I have shown you just how beneficial stinging nettles are for us.

Not only are they nutritious in terms of the vitamins and minerals they provide, but they also help support our health and body in a number of ways.

Nettles have been around for thousands of years, and I hope they will be around for a thousand more.  Because we need them.

So go and “nettle” up!

21 Reasons to Get Orange Peel into Your Diet!

by | Mar 16, 2021 | Health, Herbal Remdies, Herbs in Your Diet, Medicinal Weeds, Recipes

 “An anthology is like all the plums and orange peel picked out a cake.” Walter Raleigh

Orange Peels…

Eat orange peels?

Now most of us will drink orange juice or eat the inside slices of an orange.  But the peel?  Too bitter!

But before tossing that orange peel into the garbage, continue reading and be amazed!

The peel has so much to offer us in terms of medicinal properties and keeping us healthy.  It has been used for thousands of years to treat different ailments.

Orange peel contains a large amount of Vitamin C and is a powerful antioxidant.

So lets learn a bit about how orange peel is good for us, make a cup of orange peel coffee, look at ways to get orange peel into your diet, and lastly, check out other ways to use up those orange peels.

In Need of Organic Orange Peels?

You can save the peels from organic oranges you purchased and dry them yourself.  Easy peasy.

Or you can purchase them from Mountain Rose Herbs, who stand for organics, fair trade, sustainability and more.

Why Orange Peel is Good For You

Orange peel, along with other citrus fruits, have been used for thousands of years as medicine.

It contains flavanoids, Vitamins A, C, B5 and B6, calcium, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, folate and dietary fiber.

Lets look at the 21 ways orange peel has been used over the years to help with overall health and how you can benefit.

Digestion

1. Diarrhea

2. Indigestion

3. Constipation

4. Cleansing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the orange peel has been used for hundreds of years to help with gas, bloating and other digestive issues.

The orange peel contains pectin, which is a beneficial carbohydrate that the good bacteria in your gut feed off of.

Cold & Flu Season

5. Colds

6. Coughs

Because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, orange peel is a great for warding off cough and colds.  It helps in getting excess phlegm out of the lungs.

Weight

7. Weight Loss

8. Obesity

9. Athletic Performance

A team of scientists in Taiwan researced the effects of four different orange peel varities, and found that they remarkably reduced the production and accumulation of triglycerides in fat cells.

Cholesterol

10. Cholesterol

When taking in large amounts of orange and orange peel, the HDL increases, while the LDL decreases, which is great for those with high cholesterol.

Blood Pressure

11. High Blood Pressure

The potassium in orange peel plays a huge role in lowering the risk of high blood pressure.

Mood

12. Anxiety

13. Stress

14. Hypertension

15. Depression

Studies are now showing that by just inhaling the aroma of orange and orange peel, can have an uplifting effect on people.

Joint Pain

16. Arthritis

17. Rheumatism

Orange peel contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents that help with swelling, redness and inflammation.

Orange Peel Also Helps With:

18. Asthma

19. Oral Health

20. Hangovers

21. Poor Circulation

So how can you get more orange peel into your diet?  Let’s start with a cup of Orange Peel Coffee and then look at more ways to use those peels.

 

Orange Peel Coffee

This coffee recipe is not only easy to make, but so good to drink!

Coffee has always been associated with caffeine and a morning pick-me-up.  This cup of freshness is much more.

Smelling the citrus aroma while the orange peel is steeping in the hot coffee is just up-lifting.

Are you ready for some?

Here is the recipe for Orange Peel Coffee.  I’ve taken it from HERE and adapted it to my tastings.  That’s what makes this recipe so wonderful!  You can adjust it to your likings.

Orange Peel Coffee

Ingredients:

  • Your favorite hot coffee
  • 1/8 of an organic orange peel
  • Heavy cream, cold (I use about 1/4 cup)
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Pour hot coffee into your favorite mug.
  2. Add the orange peel and steep for 5 minutes.
  3. Shake the heavy cream in a sealed container until it starts to thicken.
  4. When the steeping is done, remove the orange peel from the coffee.
  5. Pour cream slowly into the coffee.
  6. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top if desired
  7. Enjoy!

Enjoy my fun little video below on making Orange Peel Coffee!

More Ways to Get Orange Peel Into Your Diet

  1. Make a tea
  2. Candied Orange Peel
  3. Zest – for use in baking, toppings, etc.
  4. Orange Peel in Vinegar for use on salads
  5. Olive Oil Infused with Orange Peel
  6. Orange Peel Bread

Other Uses for Orange Peel

Besides eating orange peel, there are a number of other uses for orange peel, so don’t throw it out!  Unless it’s into the compost pile.

Here is a list of uses:

  • DIY Orange Peel Cleaner – just orange peel and vinager!
  • Orange Peel Home Scent – boil orange peels and some cinnamon in water for a wonderful aroma.
  • Orange Peel Garbage Disposal Cleaners – get rid of that nasty odor!
  • Protect the plants from your cat – rub the oils from the orange peel onto the leaves of your plants to stop cats from chewing on its leaves.
  • Save the brown sugar – put a 3″ strip of orange peel in with your brown sugar to prevent it from getting hard.
  • Insect repellent – put some orange peel and water in a spray bottle. Mosquitoes and roaches can’t stand orange oil.

Resources

https://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/citrus-peel-medicine-coffee

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-908/sweet-orange

https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/citrus-peel-medicine

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/25-proven-health-benefits-orange-peel-tea-dr-paul-haider/

https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/24-ways-to-use-up-orange-peel/news-story/23f82d6451318199fb818b3b08e7e6aa

 

 

 

Is CBD for You?

by | Feb 9, 2021 | Health, Medicinal Weeds

 “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I thought there were probably only a few people out there that haven’t heard of CBD.  Because friends and neighbors talk about it, it is advertised on the television, you can find it in natural retail stores and even at gas stations!

And it comes in all kinds of forms: liquid extracts, capsules, gummies, balms, ointments, lotions, bath bombs and even shampoo!

It’s like the new best thing!

But a recent Gallup poll showed that only 64% of US adults know about CBD.

Working in a retail store in the supplement and body care department, I deal first hand with customers looking for CBD.  It is very interesting to listen to them as to what they have heard or read about it.  There is a lot of misconceptions about CBD and some people don’t understand it.  Some think it is marijuana.  Yikes!

 CBD doesn’t get you high, it gets you healthy.

So sit back and let me share with you some of the CBD basics I tell my customers at the brick and mortar store and if it may be beneficial for you.  Because CBD is not for everyone.

So What is CBD?

CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol.

Canna what?

That is why we just go with CBD.  Much easier, right?

CBD comes from the cannabis plant and is only one of over 100 phytocannabinoids (phyto meaning plant) that have been identified up to now.

THC, another phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is the one that creates intoxicating effects.  CBD does not.  So you can NOT get high from taking CBD.

In relation to all of this, you may have heard the term hemp.  So you may be asking yourself, how do all of these differentiate?

Let’s take a look.

First we have the genus Cannabis.

Cannabis is then broken into two species, hemp (CBD) and marijuana.

The infographic below shows the entire tree lineage for cannabis.

Fun Fact: Hops is in the Cannabaceae Family!

In talking to customers, I compare apples to show the difference.  We have apples, many varieties of apples, but they are all still apples.  Same with cannabis.

The term hemp is used to differentiate the two species of cannabis because it has 0.3% or less of THC.

I will have a customer here and there ask for hemp oil, when they are really looking for CBD oil.  Hemp oil is derived from the seed of the cannabis plant and contains no CBD or THC.

How does CBD work?

CBD works on the endocannabinoid system, which was only discovered 25 years ago, so it is still fairly new in the field of science.  It works on the receptors throughout the body to help keep the endocannabinoid system in balance.

The endocannabinoid system receptors are responsible for managing a variety of different things, including appetite, mood, energy, and much more.

Our body naturally synthesizes what are called endogenous cannabinoids, which are chemical messengers that interact with these receptors.  CBD, a phytocannabinoid, interacts the same way.

So all in all, receptors in our nervous system and immune system react to cannabis compounds and produce specific effects that may benefit many bodily processes.

Fun Fact: Cannabis is one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans!

What is CBD taken for?

According to the Gallup Poll mentioned earlier,  14% of Americans use CBD products.  What they take it for is as follows:

  1. 40% take CBD for pain
  2. 20% for anxiety
  3. 11% for sleep
  4. 8% for arthritis
  5. 5% for migraines/headaches
  6. 5% for stress

This coincides with what I see at my workplace.  Most people are looking for help with pain.

Hemp is hope, not dope

Remember, CBD does not cure any disease, it is just a way to help the body feel better.

CBD Comes in Many Forms

When looking for CBD, you’ll see that it is available in almost any form you can think of.

CBD comes in a number of edible forms, such as liquid extract, oils, capsules, gummies, etc.  Some people don’t want to take another pill, so they opt for the extract or gummy.  Others are worried about the taste and will go for the pill to avoid tasting the hemp.  And yes, some of the extracts and gummies come in flavors, such as peppermint or cherry, but all the ones I’ve tasted do give me an aftertaste of hemp.  I don’t mind the taste, but a number of people do mind it.

Me taking a CBD gummy!

The liquid oils are usually the most potent and unprocessed form. Also, it is the easiest way to control your dosage.

CBD also comes in a number of topical forms.  You can find balms, ointments, lotions and even bath salts!  These are nice for those who don’t want to ingest anything. And it can be applies right where you want it, like on arthritic hands.

Is CBD For You?

Everyone reacts differently to CBD.  And you need to find a dosage that works for you.  CBD is not a one-size-fits-all.

Will it work?

I tell my customers that CBD doesn’t know what you are taking it for.  You may want it for pain, but it helps you sleep much better. CBD just goes in and does its thing.  I ask customers to pay attention to any and all suttle changes that may occur when taking CBD.

Also, some people will notice changes quickly, while others may take hours, days or even weeks to feel a difference.

And more is not always better.  Some people think they need to take a high dosage right off the bat.  NO!  All experts I’ve spoken too say to start with a low dosage and work your way up till you find that it works for you.  There are a number of reasons for this.

First, if you take too much CBD, it may do nothing at all.  I had a customer tell me she was taking a smaller dosage for some time that worked for her.  She then wanted to try a higher dosage.  She did and nothing happened.  She went back to her lower dosage and it started working again.

Second, if you take to much, you could have some side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, headaches or dizziness.  That is your body saying you took way too much CBD for your system.

So far, it does not look like one can build up a “tolarence” for CBD.

According to Junella Chin, DO, an osteopathic physician and a medical cannabis expert for cannabisMD, about 5% of people say they feel altered after taking CBD.  She says these are usually the same people who have side effects when taking Advil or Tylenol.

But with all that, most of the customers I talk to say CBD has helped them in some way, whether for pain, sleep, anxiety, etc.  I even had one elderly lady say she didn’t know if it was just in her head, or if it really took away the pain, but she was going to keep taking it either way because she felt better.

Make sure when shopping for CBD to that it is third-party tested for quality assurance.  Because CBD is not regulated by the FDA, it may not be exactly what the label says.  The 2017 Journal of the American Medical Association study, for example, which tested 84 CBD products, found that 26% contained lower doses than what was stated on the label.

Keep in mind, if you take CBD, it could show up on a drug test.

 My recommendation

There are a lot of CBD brands out there, so where do you start?

First, make sure the brand you are looking at is third-party tested.  That way you know you are getting what is listed on the label.

Second, research the brand or brands.  Have they been working with CBD for years or did they just get on the band wagon?  What is their mission statement?  What do they stand for?

Third, don’t just look at the price. There are some brands out there that are more expensive, but you are paying for their marketing and packaging.  Research the company.

Lastly, compare apples to apples.  Some of the brands will list serving size according to CBD content, while others use hemp.  And with liquids, the amount listed on the front of the bottle is usually for the entire bottle, not a single serving.  So make sure you are comparing like to like.

My go-to brand is CV Sciences (also know as PlusCBD) for many reasons.

  1. Only produce CBD, that is their only focus
  2. First company to achieve GRAS safety status for hemp derived CBD
  3. Leader in shaping the pathway to legalizing hemp CBD products
  4. Founding member of the US Hemp Roundtable
  5. Had the first US grown hemp
  6. Had the first hemp extract randomized control study
  7. And I love their mission statement: “Improving quality of life through nature and science“

I take it to help me get a good nights rest.  It helps to calm me down after a busy day.  I don’t take it everyday, just when I feel I need it.  

You can find out more about CV Sciences and ordering CBD HERE.

As with any supplement, before taking research it.  Know what it does, how it affects people, etc.  You know yourself more then anyone, so you decide what you need to live a more happy and painfree life.

Resources

https://www.health.com/condition/pain/what-is-cbd

https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana#legality

https://draxe.com/nutrition/what-is-cbd-cannabidiol/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/263147/americans-say-cbd-products.aspx

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128007563000016

https://www.cvsciences.com/

https://www.beautyarmy.com/lifestyle/to-understand-the-misunderstood-15-great-quotes-about-cbd-oil/

 

**Some links in this article may be affiliate links.

 

Yarrow – Over Twelve Medicinal Uses

by | Aug 1, 2020 | Herbal Remdies, Medicinal Weeds, Varicose Veins

Yarrow

Yarrow is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants and has been used for centuries. It was found among other medicinal herbs in a Neanderthal burial site in Iraq, which dates from around 60,000 BC.

Throughout history, it has been used for treating wounds, hence its common names “soldiers’ woundwort” and “staunchweed”.

Achillea millefollum

 The genus, Achillea, was named after the Greek hero, Achilles, who used plant extracts to treat soldiers’ wounds in the battle of Troy. Millefolium means “a thousand leaves”.

Wound Healing

The most common and well known use for yarrow is healing wounds. It also helps to control the bleeding of lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions.

Because of yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oils, astringent tannins and resins, it possesses excellent wound healing qualities. It also contains silica, which will help in repairing damaged tissue.

Achillea millefollum has antibacterial and antimicrobial so it will help in preventing any infection from setting in.

Make yarrow a staple in your first-aid kit. You never know when it will come in handy.

Digestion

Yarrow is considered a bitter, which makes it a great partner for digestion. This in turn helps the body absorb more nutrients. It also helps with poor appetite due to low digestive secretions and general inflammation that makes tissues not function well. It has a slight affinity for the gallbladder and liver.

This plant can also help if you get food poisoning, by getting the toxins out of your system.

Cardiovascular Friend

Yarrow has been used throughout history in relation to blood. It both activates blood platelets and breaks up coagulated blood. By thinning the blood, it moves congestion in the portal vein, the pancreas and the lungs.

It also stimulates the bone marrow and increases white blood cell production.

Achillea millefollum may also lower blood pressure by moving blood to the skin and easing the burden on the heart.

Yarrow is an astringent, and because of that, it is wonderful for varicose and spider veins. It astringent properties help tighten and tone the walls of the veins. This is the key ingredient in my ever popular varicose vein cream. Check out my blog post on varicose veins to learn more.

 

Toothaches

Place some crushed leaves up against the aching tooth and it will help relieve the pain.

Skin Irritations

Yarrow is used to protect the skin from excessive sun or wind. It can also help to clear up skin acne.

Diarrhea

The astringent properties make it a go-to herb when one is hit with diarrhea.

Urination

Because it is a diuretic, yarrow promotes urine production and flow, which helps let out excessive fluids and toxins through enhanced urination.

Fevers

The diaphoretic actions of yarrow can help move toxins out of the body through sweating, which helps the body to break fevers.  By relaxing the skin, it will open the pores to allow copious sweating and the release of toxins.

Colds and Flu

Yarrow fights infection, helps with nausea, stimulates sweating, and lowers fever. Through thinning the blood and increasing circulation, it also helps congested people breath better. A classic cold and flu remedy is a combination of yarrow, peppermint and elderflower drunk hot.

Asthma

Yarrow has been used successfully to treat asthma attacks through thinning the blood and increasing blood flow in the lungs.

Nosebleeds

If you ever get a nosebleed, all you have to do is pick a few fresh leaves and rub them between your hands to bruise them, releasing the aromatic oil. Roll the leaves into a nasal plug, insert into the affected nostril and leave until the bleeding completely stops before gently removing the plug.

But beware – yarrow can also cause nosebleeds as well. It is one of those plants that can cause what it cures. Hence, one of its nicknames is “nosebleed”. 

Menstrual Cycle

Yarrow contains sterols, which have actions similar to hormones, and aid in balancing the menstrual cycle. So it is applicable in both extremely heavy or very scanty (and absent) menstruation. It may also be used externally as a sitz bath for painful cramping during menstruation.

Beer Making

In Sweden, they sometimes use yarrow in place of hops when brewing beer. It is said to be more intoxicating that way.

Garden Friend

Yarrow has many uses in the garden. It’s small, delicate flowers are wonderful for bringing in bees and butterflies.

Yarrow is a great companion plant. It’s root secretions strengthen and protect nearby plants and help them become more disease resistant.

The roots of the yarrow plant bind loose soil together, thus helping prevent erosion.

Every garden should contain at least a clump of yarrow to help maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Spouse Selector

Many of the superstitions and incantations that involve Yarrow are focused on finding one’s partner. Many traditions suggest that the seeker, mainly young girls, would sew an ounce of Yarrow in a piece of their clothing or place it under their pillow before going to sleep.

“Good morrow, good morrow,
To thee, braw yarrow,
And thrice good morrow to thee;
I pray thee tell me today or tomorrow
Who is my true love to be.”

Spiritual and Protective

Yarrow is viewed by some as having a protective quality from “bad vibes” or that feeling of “everyone is against me”.

By using it as a flower essence or having the actual plant, it can help protect one from the negative outside influences one may have.

 

 

 

I wildcraft my yarrow in central Minnesota and make tinctures. They are available for purchase HERE.

Resources

https://susunweed.com

https://motherearthnews.come

https://botanical.com

https://wildfoodsandmedicines.com

https://rowanandsage.com

All photos are the property of theHERBAL Cache, unless otherwise noted.

Lambs Quarters & Zucchini Casserole

by | Jun 28, 2020 | Health, Herbs in Your Diet, Medicinal Weeds, Recipes

Lambs Quarters & Zucchini Casserole

lambs quarters and zucchini casserole

I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to waste anything I don’t have to. So when I saw all the lambs quarters in my mom’s garden that she wanted pulled out, I knew I had to step in and utilize them.

Mom’s garden

Now my mother tends a very large garden, and always has. With the help from a few of my siblings, we help plant and take care of it through the summer. Then in the fall we all benefit from our labor of love with some wonderful vegetables. This is a wonderful time for us to bond as siblings and family as well.

Video by Megan Herzog

It is always fun to think ahead to the harvesting and canning of the delicious vegetables. Some of our favorites are making salsa with all the tomatoes and peppers and booyah, which utilizes just about every vegetable from the garden, with the addition of chicken.

Right now we are in the middle of summer and working on maintaining the garden, such as watering and weeding. Yes, I said weeding. But not just any weeding.

Weeding out the lambs quarters

In this garden are many “weeds” (according to my mother), such as lambs quarters and amaranth. So instead of just pulling and tossing the weeds, I collect them. This time I collected lambs quarters for eating.

lambs quarters
Young lambs quarters

Lambs quarters, also known as wild spinach, is very nutritious and can be eaten like any other green. It is one of the most common weeds you will find in gardens and backyards.

So you definitely don’t want to toss out such a plant! Well, I least I don’t.

I took the lambs quarters I collected and created a casserole dish that is absolutely divine! And I wanted to share it with you so you can enjoy this wonderful plant too.

Using lambs quarters

So the first thing you will need to do is to gather about 5-6 cups of lambs quarters leaves. If you have little ones, this would be a great way to have them help you out. They can help pick leaves for you! Once picked, rinse them and let drain.

chives and lambs quarters
Cilantro and lambs quarters

Then, over medium heat, brown the ground beef in a fry pan. I add in the onions and mushrooms when the hamburger is almost done browning. Once the onions are translucent, drain off any excess grease.

hamburger
Browning the ground beef

While the ground beef or hamburger is browning, you can prepare the zucchini. I like to spiralize mine. You can either buy it spiralized, or buy whole zucchini and do it yourself. I like this spiralizer. It is simple to use and cleans up nicely.

zucchini
Spiralized zucchini

Now you can start pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees.

Once you have the ground beef browned and the zucchini prepped, it is now time to put your casserole together.

Get out a glass casserole dish or cake pan. Spread a couple scoops of spaghetti sauce on the bottom to help prevent the other ingredients from burning to the bottom. Then start layering the zucchini, ground beef, lambs quarters, cilantro, cheese and sauce.

lambs quarters casserole

Keep layering till all ingredients are gone. Top the dish off with cheese. You can use more or less cheese, however much you prefer. I usually end up with about 2 layers of each ingredient before the pan is full.

Ready for the oven

Once the oven is pre-heated to 350 degrees, put the casserole in the oven to bake for about 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is starting to turn brown.

I serve this with some garlic bread and a side salad. It is a very nice way to enjoy an Italian style dish without the pasta and carbs.

And of course, I have to have a nice glass of red wine to accommodate the meal.

I hope you enjoy this simple and nutritious dish as much as I had fun creating it.

Bon appetit!

[recipe title=”Lambs Quarters and Zucchini Casserole” servings=”6-8″ preptime=”30 mins” cooktime=”30-45 mins” difficulty=”easy” rating=”★★★★★” image=”https://www.theherbalcache.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/out-of-the-oven.jpg” description=”A healthy take on lasagna without the pasta.”]

[recipe-notes]
Credit: theherbalcache.com
[/recipe-notes][recipe-ingredients]
– 1.5 lbs ground beef
– 1 medium chopped onion
– 1/2 cup mushrooms
– 2 zucchini, spiralized
– 5-6 c. fresh lambs quarters
– 1 c. chopped cilantro
– 1 jar spaghetti sauce (I like to use my homemade sauce)
– 3 c. mozzarella cheese
[/recipe-ingredients][recipe-directions]
1. Brown the ground beef; add the onion and mushrooms and cook until onions are translucent.
2. Layer the hamburger mixture, zucchini, lambs quarters, cilantro, cheese and sauce. Add another layer of cheese on top.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until cheese starts to brown up.
[/recipe-directions][/recipe]

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