Plant Allies (or How I Came to Know Comfrey)

When I first began 'formally' studying herbs about 15 years ago, I was tasked with choosing a plant that was near my home, close enough to see daily, to ally with. My favorite definition of ally is, "to combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit" (thanks Google). I was to sit with this plant, to breath its air, talk to it, study with it, and otherwise make it an integral part of my everyday life for my entire course of study.

At the time, I hadn't really considered that this sort of thing was actually possible, even though I had felt it for most of my life. I can remember leaving high school on late spring afternoons and nodding or speaking to the dandelions which had returned to the grounds outside the building. Further back ... playing in the soft sand driveway of my grandparent's home and smiling or laughing at (with) the 4 o'clocks blooming nearby in the shade at the end of a long summer day. They meant something to me. More than a pretty face to admire, more than a delicious fragrance to enjoy passing by. More than witnesses. They were living, breathing players in the script of my life.

Later on, plants would take a backseat to adulthood, deadlines, and financial burdens. They became simple eye candy, romantic gifts, or tools for improving curb appeal. Weeds were annoying, invasive things that destroyed lawns and free time.

And so it is for most folks that the magic of childhood inevitably is crushed under the weight of burdened adult lives. Myths, folklore, legends and strange tales drift out of memory while we struggle to enjoy the fruits of our labor and along the way, the laughter of the 4 o'clocks is lost. But not forever. Not for me.

We had just moved across the road to a small house on a beautiful, wooded piece of family farm land when I accepted the plant ally challenge and it so happened that there was a large, interesting, but unidentified plant directly beside our new front porch steps. A weed, I presumed, prickly and thick, but it spoke to me. I pulled up the grass around it so it could stretch out. My mother in law informed me the plant was 'Comfrey' (Russian Comfrey, or Symphytum x uplandicum, I later discovered, which does not re-seed but will spread quite prolifically when and where the roots are disturbed), and she had quite a nice patch of it in her yard, as well.

Pull up a bit of Comfrey by the root, toss it on the ground, and voilà! You have almost certainly started yourself a brand new patch.

Every day from then on in the comings and goings of my new life, Comfrey would change me in ways I never dreamed possible.

My plant ally challenge became a cool drink of water in the heat of my studies. Anatomy and physiology, phytochemistry, medical terminology, online lectures and essays, etc., etc., all interesting and exciting to me but I longed for breaks to sit and relax with my patient new green friend out by the front steps. And not only did I sit with her ... I talked to her, about everything. Yes, you read that right. I admit at first it was a bit odd, even for me, but I was persistent and it quickly became comfortable, and something I looked forward to. I learned some very important lessons during those visits. Lessons that came during the perfect time, about patience, and the peace found in stillness and quiet introspection, followed by a deeper understanding and appreciation of "Other" ... or all that which is not me. That it's okay to not be in control of or micromanage every aspect of my personal world. I learned about the value of ALL LIFE, and the joy of living what I came to refer to as 'Macro', or outside and above myself and my small, ordinary life. To this day, when I find myself mired in the pits of everyday drama, the thought comes unbidden to me ... "Macro". Rise above. SEE.

I took photos and drew pictures and read everything I could get my hands on about Comfrey. History, cultivation, botany, medicinal uses, folklore, you name it. I learned how to harvest and dry Comfrey and made medicine with her aerial parts. Medicine that is invaluable to me now and always will be, and it began with one forgotten plant waiting patiently by my front door. You don't need to study hundreds or even dozens of plants to be an herbalist. Pick a plant that means something or is interesting to you - it doesn't matter how or why - and study everything you can find about it. It will prepare you for an exciting, magical, lifelong journey in herbalism. Yes, I really mean it.

The bulk of my Comfrey medicine begins with infused oil: I use two different methods for infusing Comfrey in cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, which I prefer for its impressive resistance to rancidity and because it naturally contains vitamins, essential fatty-acids, and antioxidants. First is the easy peasy folk method: Pack a glass jar (I make it by the quart) with the freshly dried leaves, stalks, and flowers, cover with oil, gently press out air bubbles with a butter knife or spoon, cap, let sit for about six weeks in a sunny window, and give it a poke or stir every once in a while. Strain through cheesecloth when it's ready, bottle it up, and don't forget to label/date it. That's it. The second method involves heating the oil and plant material in a double boiler over very low heat for about 48 hours, turning the heat off at night and allowing it to cool in the pot. Strain, bottle, and label. I prefer the plant material freshly dried because Comfrey is a juicy girl who smells pretty foul when processed, and drying seems to lessen not only the odor but cuts way down on the chances that your oil will contain rot-inducing water. Yay! Adding a few drops of good quality vitamin E oil (another natural antioxidant) will also extend the life of your infusion.

I have used Comfrey oil for many things, including superficial skin wounds, blisters, bruises, pregnant bellies, diaper rash, sore nipples from breastfeeding, and on my own daughter's eczema. It is easily made into a powerfully healing skin salve by gently melting in .25 (+/-) oz beeswax per 1 oz of oil. Comfrey is an important part of our muscle and joint pain salve, 'Elbow Grease', made with descendants of the very plant I found by my front door on that fateful day. I also love to add Plantain Leaf (Plantago spp.), Yarrow Leaf/Flower (Achillea millefolium), and Chickweed (Stellaria media) oils to make a versatile, all-purpose skin salve. Have fun with it. The weeds in your area are quite useful ... dare I say important ... but that's for another post.

I guess I should mention that there has been some controversy over the internal use of Comfrey, which contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may cause severe liver damage when consumed in extremely large doses. Those last three words being the operative thing to note here, although I should also mention that the FDA has officially declared it unsafe for internal use. I really do not want to get into a debate about it here, but you must do your OWN research and decide for yourself if you want to use Comfrey internally. I personally have no desire to inject myself with an isolated compound made from the roots (where the highest concentration of PAs in Comfrey are found) of any plant from any laboratory. I also do not wish to drink copious amounts of Comfrey infusion or tea, as I simply don't enjoy the taste. However, I have ingested cultivated Comfrey leaf infusion on several occasions with no ill effects. Quite the opposite, actually, specifically during bouts of respiratory illness. We make and sell Comfrey Tincture in the store at Red Barn, used internally by drops, with great success I might add for tissue and bone healing. I'm not advising, either way.

Comfrey is also known as, Knitbone, or **Boneset, because it contains a substance called ‘allantoin’ that is able to accelerate cellular mitosis, meaning it speeds the process of new tissue growth. Pretty cool, huh?

To me, Comfrey signifies not only healing, but stability and grounding. The feeling of security that
comes from familiarity, the permanence of family ties, and lifelong friendships. A sturdy, loving grandma who tends your wounds but demands your respect. I hope you'll consider growing some of your own, if you're able. She blooms so beautifully (as you can see in the pics above), and is such a lovely addition to any place.

If you see her, give her a nod and a smile from me :-)



**Also the common name of a local favorite, Eupatorium perfoliatum. Which leads me to note that I cannot stress enough the importance of correct botanical identification and proper labeling of plant medicine! Relying on common names will get you into a lot of trouble.

Wildharvest!

I thought I'd share some photos from recent wildharvesting trips we've made around the community. There's nothing I'd rather do! Later, when the harvest slows a bit, I'll post more information on the many wonderful benefits these lovely plants offer, and how to utilize them.

Weed Heaven! :)
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Mullein - without a doubt, one of my all time favorite herbs.
Leaves to dry and to tincture!

Mullein flowers, close up. Aren't they beautiful? They're a bit labor intensive to harvest, but it's a true labor of love. It's very calming and good for the soul. I'm going to tincture some, and make a healing infused oil with the rest.
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Beautiful Sumac berries, jam packed with Vitamin C and makes a delicious lemonade!
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Elderflower, a gorgeous cold and flu remedy, if there ever was one. I wouldn't be without this reliable remedy in my cupboard! The berries are ripening now, as well, and I'll be harvesting some this weekend for yummy elderberry syrup.

Elderflower, close up. Lovely.
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Canada Goldenrod, so bright and cheerful! So very underappreciated, and one of my favorite remedies for upper respiratory congestion, among other things ... I look forward to seeing this wild beauty bloom every year in late Summer.
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My husband and 4 year old daughter, harvesting Red Clover.

Bountiful Harvest! Some to dry, some to tincture ... another gem for the herbal medicine cupboard.
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Stay tuned, and happy harvesting! :)

Herbal Teas for Better Health

From a previous article I wrote on herbal teas:

Herbal teas, as well as being pleasurable to drink, can be used as a preventative measure. If drunk regularly, they can help to tone and balance the body. The transition to herbal tea (from your regular caffeinated tea or coffee) can be gradual. Lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, apple mint, and peppermint all make incredibly delicious teas and also add lovely flavor to otherwise less than pleasant herbal preparations. Try to drink 3 cups of herbal tea every day, after meals (to prevent interference with gastric juices and hinder proper digestion). Sweeten your herbal tea with honey or sugar if you like. A slice of lemon or orange is another tasty addition. Here are a few common herbs for tea preparations, with associated indications.

Basil Leaves: Soothing, cleansing, diarrhea, poor digestion.

Calendula: Indigestion, skin troubles.

Catnip Leaves: Headaches, restlessness, menstrual pains, hyperactive children.

Chamomile Flowers*: Headaches, nervousness, & indigestion.

Chickweed*: Coughs, colds, weight problems.

Dandelion Leaves & Root*: Liver & kidney troubles, fluid retention, constipation.

Elder Flower: Chills, fever.

Fenugreek Seeds*: Cleansing, soothing, excess catarrh, increase breast milk supply.

Lavender Flowers*: Headache, nervousness.

Lemon Balm Leaves: Headache, insomnia, melancholy.

Lemon Grass: Skin troubles, high in vitamin A.

Mullein Flowers*: Coughs, inflammation.

Nettle Leaf*: Kidney trouble, fluid retention.

Oatstraw*: Dry, brittle hair & nails, excessive mucus.

Peppermint*: Flatulence, nausea, stomach cramps.

Plantain*: Colds, diarrhea.

Red Clover Flowers: Nervousness, cleanser, whooping cough.

Red Raspberry Leaves*: Profuse menstruation, great for pregnant and/or lactating mothers.

Rosehips*: Coughs, colds.

Rosemary: Circulation, nervousness, depression, headache.

Sage: Fevers, tonic, sore throat.

Thyme: Colds, indigestion.

Valerian*: Tension, headache, insomnia.

Yarrow: Colds, indigestion, fevers.


Basic herbal tea preparation instructions:
1 T. dried herbs
½ pint water
Place herb(s) into a non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil; turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain through a non-aluminum strainer. Herbal tea may be enjoyed fresh and warm or chilled. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added, although milk tends to mask the delicate flavors. Refrigerated unused tea to prevent spoilage.

There are no definite rules for combining herbs in a tea mixture. Taste is a major priority! Aromatic herbs such as peppermint, fennel, mint, ginger, lemon balm and lemon verbena will all enhance the flavor of a bland tea such as oatstraw, or a bitter tea such as valerian (valerian has a VERY strong odor which is unpleasant to some).

*Considered safe in moderation for pregnancy and lactation. Always consult your professional herbalist or naturopath before consuming any herbs while pregnant.

This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. You are encouraged to seek professional medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner, naturopath or local professional herbalist, especially if you are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription medication.

:D

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula, or Pot Marigold, is probably one of the most useful medicinal herbs. It comes from the daisy, or Asteraceae family. The name Calendula comes from the Latin kalendae, meaning "first day of the month", presumably because the calendula flowers are present during the first days of it's blooming calender months, normally from May to November. Other folk names include "Bride of the Sun", "Marybud", and "Summer's Bride". Although a native to the Mediterranean, the bright and cheerful calendula is now cultivated throughout the world for its beauty, garden virtues, and valuable medicinal qualities. Calendula officinalis is edible and was in fact first cultivated for food use. It adds color and flavor to soups, stews, cereals and rice dishes and the petals are pleasant on salads.

Medicinal preparations are usually made from the fresh wilted or dried flower petals or the entire flower head and may include Tea, Wound Dressings, Mouth/Throat Gargle, Tinctures, Compresses, Washes, Infused Oils, Essential Oils, and Ointments, Creams and Salves.

WARNING ~ Calendula preparations should not be used over an existing infection as it may stimulate tissue growth and heal over the infected site.

Externally, calendula's strong antibiotic action and immunostimulant properties painlessly promote healing of minor wounds by reducing inflammation and pus formation. Calendula is also a strong Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, and Astringent, among others. The flowers have reportedly shown slight anti-tumor activity. Its medicinal uses are legendary and includes but are not limited to:

Externally: Abscesses, Boils, Bruises, Burns/Scalds, Cold Sores, Cuts, Diaper Rash, Hemorrhoids, Inflamed Eyes, Scar Tissue, Sores, Sprains, Stings, Sties, Varicose Veins, Warts, Wounds.

Internally: (Do not use calendula internally without professional medical supervision): Bronchial Troubles, Crohn’s Disease, Diarrhea, Endometriosis, Fevers, Fibroids, Gastritis, Indigestion, Liver Congestion, Menstrual Irregularity, Mouth Ulcers, Nausea, Pelvic Inflammation, Stomach Cramps, Ulcers (gastric/duodenal).

In The Garden

Calendula is an easy to grow, somewhat hardy annual that prefers full sun in rich, well-drained soil but will tolerate most average or slightly poor soils in zones 3-10. Most will bloom reliably all summer.

Calendula is deer resistant but attractive to bees, butterflies and some birds.

Transplant with plenty of organic compost and add a general purpose organic fertilizer once a month. Mulch for moisture retention and weed control.

Sow seeds in the spring but once established calendula will generally self-sow.
Seeds need dark to germinate so take care to cover.

Grows up to 2 feet in height. Water once or twice weekly during dry spells. Once your plants bloom, deadhead or snip dead blooms off to keep them attractive and encourage new blooms.

Calendula is light frost tolerant but will not survive heavy frosts or freezes.

Folklore Uses

-Pick Marigolds at noon when the sun is high and hot to strengthen and comfort the heart.

-Marigold garlands strewn under your bed will protect you while you sleep and make your dreams come true.


Make Your Own Calendula Infused Oil for a soothing skin treatment.

1/4 c. dried Calendula flowers
1/2 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Put flowers into a pint-sized canning jar. Add the olive oil and stir well. Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny window. When the oil turns deep, golden yellow (1-2 weeks), strain the oil through several layers of cheesecloth into a container to remove all the flowers. Place into a container with a tight fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark place. Will stay fresh for approximately one year.

Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Common, or Eastern Ninebark takes her name from her unusual but beautiful, peeling bark. I bought one for two dollars at the Master Gardener's Annual Plant Sale in May and put her in my garden, before I did some reasearch and realized she's going to get too big - as in up to ten feet wide and tall - for her plot. I'm planning on moving her to a place where she can really spread out this Fall.

A membef of the Rosaceae, or Rose, family, Ninebark is a deciduous, hardy, spring-blooming shrub, but mine didn't bloom this year so we'll have to wait and find out about her flowers first-hand next Spring.. I can't wait to see them! It is native from to Quebec to Tennessee and is cold hardy to Zone 2. It has a medium growth rate and gorgeous yellow to bronze autumn foliage. Mine was wildharvested and will blend perfectly with my "Wild & Wooly" yard and garden theme ;)

I don't know much about Ninebark yet, but I've read that it can be propagated from cuttings or seeds, which germinate without pre-treatment. It transplants easily and apparently grows well in a wide variety of light, moisture, and acidity, making it a very hardy, friendly, adaptable shrub to grow.

Common Ninebark's spring-blooming flowers are an excellent nectar source, and the red fruits which appear in Autumn are eaten by many species of birds (some species flower and fruit in the same period). Physocarpus monogynus, or Mountain Ninebark, of the Southwestern US was used by Indians to relieve pain – the roots were boiled to softness and placed on sores and lesions as a poultice.

Updated Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) Post

Check it out! My Spilanthes has fully matured and she's glorious! I updated my original post with the new pics so all of the information would remain together.

I hope you enjoy them! :D

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Today is a New Moon, and I celebrated by harvesting wild Goldenrod with my family. There's an old country road off the beaten path beside a big brown, muddy pond about two miles from my house, and the Glorious Goldenrod is proliferous there. Acres of yellow as far as the eye can see, along with Joe Pye Weed, Trumpet Vines, and Thistles. I've never seen so many bees and butterflies in my life! What a lovely day. Too bad that by the time I got home my camera batteries were dead and I couldn't upload them! My camera karma appears to be off lately. Technology and I do not jive. Thanks again to Wikipedia for providing a very nice pic for us. I do promise to post my pics when I replace my camera battery.

Goldenrod is a very common, widespread plant of the Asteraceae (Aster) family, and she grows in dry, sunny areas. Unfortunately, she has earned a reputation she does not deserve as a harbinger of late summer and fall allergies/hay fever. The lowly ragweed, green and inconspicuous, usually blooms at the same time as Goldenrod but lurks in the shadows and so her bright and beautiful neighbor takes the blame. The opposite is actually true ... Not only is she a sunny, friendly girl, Goldenrod is a very useful herb for the treatment of seasonal allergies and the red, itchy eyes and noses which accompany them. Matthew Wood states in his "Earthwise Herbal" that Goldenrod is specific for cat allergies. I'm hoping my friend Melissa, who suffers from a cat allergy, is going to test this for me in about six weeks, when my Goldenrod tincture is ready.

In "Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians", Patricia Kyritsi Howell lists other names for Goldenrod as Farewell-to-Summer, Aaron's rod, Woundwort (not Stachys palustris, a.k.a. Woundwort, a smelly European mint naturalized in North America), Sweet Goldenrod, and Anise-Scented Goldenrod. There are between 40 and 60 different species of Goldenrod, but the medicinal properties of most species are similar.

It was too late for me to harvest the leaves (a wonderful stomach tonic) on this late August day because the prime time for Goldenrod Leaf harvest is before she blooms. But bloom she does and so I've started a tincture using coarsely chopped flowers (easily stripped from the stems), filled but not packed into a quart jar, covered with 100 proof vodka, capped tightly, and labeled. I allowed the flowers to sit and dry a few hours before chopping. My tincture will be ready to use in six weeks, and I'll give it a gentle shake or two each day in the meantime.

My tincture will be not only be useful for allergies and upper respiratory inflammation/congestion but also for sinus infections, colds and flu, and kidney/bladder infections. Goldenrod is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic, and is a well-known kidney medicine, stimulating them to greater efficiency, particularly during times of disease or stress. Solidago virguauria, the European species of Goldenrod, has even been used to dissolve or eliminate kidney stones.

Goldenrod also makes a yummy medicinal tea (yes, I've tried it and it really is good), which is great for heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea. Take that, Pepto Bismol! An infusion is a remarkable sore throat gargle. I used it with great success during a recent, nasty bout of strep throat, along with two Poke Berries, swallowed whole, and two dropperfuls of yarrow tincture in a little water every day with lots of good, clean water and rest.

I hope you find some Goldenrod where you live and give her a try. At the very least, give her a kind nod and a "Fare-thee-well."

Happy harvesting! :D

Plantain (Plantago major)

Plantain is one of my favorite herbs of all time. It grows profusely on my property and I'm never without plantain-infused oil and salve. The fresh juice (a good old fashioned spit poultice) is indispensible. We literally use it for just about every skin condition on ourselves and our pets, from cuts, scrapes and burns to insect bites. It's incredibly versatile and tremendously effective at taking the itch out of rashes, including those from poison oak/ivy, poison sumac and viriginia creeper reactions. Oh yes, and we eat it, too. ;) If you're ever going to try your hand at salve making, I highly recommend plantago!

The following information is from an article I wrote and posted on the Moon Bees/Herbaluna website I share with Mel. Also, my camera is broken (one of the abosolute worst things ever for a blogger, you know), so I borrowed the photos for this post from www.wikipedia.org.

Plantain's common names: Ribwort, ripplegrass, waybread, broad-leaved plantain, snakeweed, Englishman’s foot, greater plantain, and lamb’s tongue.

There are a number of species of plantain. The two major species are Plantago major, the broad-leafed plantain, and Plantago lanceolata, the lance leafed plantain. These plants look very different but are treated as medicinal equivalents.

Both species are very familiar perennial weeds and are found anywhere in the country, by the roadside, in pastures, in lawns and in city parks worldwide. The Native Americans called Plantain “White Man’s Foot”, as it came with the Europeans, and followed them westward across the land. Plantain has been naturalized throughout North America and can be found around people: in lawns, fields and disturbed soil. It is often found on trail sides, as people walk through and spread the seed.

Plantain has a very wide range of medicinal uses (see below), particularly in first aid situations as the fresh leaves quickly relieve the itch and heat from insect bites and stings, and the styptic quality will stop bleeding of minor cuts and wounds. Plantain has been reported to heal infected wounds when used as a poultice and taken internally simultaneously. It is also a very useful blood cleanser with a special affinity with the kidneys, bladder, and digestive system.

Parts Used: Leaves, root, flower spikes, and seeds.

Collection: Plantain is such a common weed it is generally collected from the wild. The fresh mature leaves may be used, but are best collected just before flowering. Remember when collecting wild herbs and weeds never collect from the side of the road! Plants absorb toxic substances such as lead and cadmium that would contaminate any medicine prepared from them. Rinse any dirt or debris from plant and pat dry. Dry as quickly as possible but not in the sun. The herb becomes ineffective if dried slowly.

Adult dosage: all 3 to 4 times daily unless stated otherwise.
Infusion: 3 to 4 T.
Powder: ¼ to ½ t.
Tincture: ½ to 2 t.

Administration:

Bites, boils, bruises, cuts, mastitis, ringworm, scratches, & wounds:
Apply the freshly crushed leaves or juice, over, and keep moist. An infusion of leaves internally can be used simultaneously.

Burns and scalds:
Wash are with a strong infusion and give the infusion internally.

Constipation:
Use the seeds: for adults 2 to 4 t., children 1 t. Soak seeds in a glass of cold water until mixture becomes thick. Stir frequently and drink. It may be flavored with a squeeze of lemon or eaten with yogurt and fruit. This is a mild laxative and will cause no griping.

Cystitis, diarrhea, kidney trouble, leucorrhoea (excessive discharge), lumbago & water retention:
Use the infusion or tincture.

Eczema:
Use the tincture or extract. The affected area can be washed with the infusion.

Hemorrhoids:
Prepare an ointment/salve or use the fresh juice externally.

Inflamed Eyes:
Bathe the eyes with the strained infusion

Toothache:
Apply the powdered roots and leaves to area. The homeopathic preparation Plantago is also useful.

Thrush:
Use a decoction of the seeds.

Culinary uses: Plantain can be steamed, the leaves dipped in batter and fried, or the young leaves eaten raw.

Precautions: Excessive internal use should be avoided during pregnancy. Internal overuse can also have a laxative effect.

Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information I provide is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. Thank you and have a nice day. :D

Peptic Ulcers

"Peptic ulcer" is just a general term to describe a "hole", or mucosal erosion in the mucous membranes that line parts of your digestive tract. A common symptom is pain below the ribcage. They appear when the balance between the stomach's mucous lining and the production of acid or pepsin is upset. This may result from excess stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, or drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs & cortico-steroids).

A gastric, or stomach ulcer often causes excessive saliva production and a tender upper abdomen. Eating may induce pain. It may also cause nausea and feelings of general crappiness.

A duodenal, or duodenum ulcer can cause extreme pain which usually appears mid-morning. The pain is usually relieved by eating but reappears an hour or more after a meal.

There are other types of ulcers but those are the two I'm familiar with.

If you've ever heard of H. pylori and were dying to know what that "H" stands for, it's "Heliobacter" (yawn). It's present in up to 80% of gastric ulcers and up to 100%of duodenal ulcers. I'm loathe to say it but sometimes antibiotics will straighten things out. Antibiotics can be great things, of course (as in the case of the treatment of my chicken-egg-sized lymph node which was caused by a nasty infection), but I only turn to them as a last resort.

Now. What to do if you suspect or know you have an ulcer? Well, since I'm not a doctor I can't make you a prescription, but I can pass on some useful information I've picked up over the years in my studies.

Try to rest. No one knows how difficult this can be more than me. I am mother to a beautiful and socially active teenage daughter and an almost-three-year-old, intelligent female Tasmanian Devil. This equals little to no sleep right now.

Try to eat lighter, healthier (whole foods) meals. This should go without saying.

Another doozy: Try to reduce some of the stress in your life. Even if you have currently unresolvable situations, take up some Restorative Yoga (it's very easy and relaxing) or learn to meditate, even if its just for a few minutes every day.

You may have heard that milk is good for ulcers, but research shows that cow's milk actually increases stomach acidity, so if it hasn't worked for you, now you know why.

Now, the fun part! Herbs indicated for ulcers include alfalfa, burdock, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, fenugreek, flax seeds, garlic, ginger, licorice, marshmallow, nettle, plantain, slippery elm (endangered!), and yellow dock. I've had luck with clients using simple daily stinging nettle infusion.

Note: Excessive use of ginger can interact with anticoagulants, cardiac meds, or antidiabetic prescriptions.

Good luck!

Alteratives

Because I have a very painful, swollen lymph node in my neck, just under my left earlobe, I'm thinking about alteratives and ways to get my blood tidied up. Alterative herbs stimulate, tone, and regulate eliminative organs (kidneys, lungs, liver, bowels, lymphatic system), and are fundamentally blood-cleansers. They normally have a slower action, needing two to three months of continuous administration to really do their job. Using them with another herb which targets a specific eliminative organ can speed things up a bit. There are a lot of alterative herbs out there, but here are some of my favorites:

I'm drinking Stinging Nettle Infusion for extra nutrition and waste elimination. Nettle has iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamins C, A, K, and more. It tastes like, well, to be fair I'm going say try it and see what you think. I drink mine with unsweetened cranberry juice.

My yard is a big salad right now of plantain and dandelion. I went out this morning and picked a bag full for salads, soups, tea, and general munching.

Garlic! How can you not love it? It's very easy to grow and incredibly versatile. I use it in everything from ear oil to flea repellent. I'm eating it in/on almost everything right now. I also love to soak 4-5 crushed garlic cloves in raw honey for 2-4 hours and take a spoonful every half hour or so for throat pain.

Not only is it growing in our pasture, but since I decided to stop mowing down into the dry creekbed in front of my house, I've discovered I have yellow dock growing there, too! Woo Hoo! The root is considered to be the most medicinally active part, but I like to use the whole plant as an infusion or chopped into soup. Yellow dock is a fantastic alterative which is often combined with dandelion. It stimulates the liver and also happens to be a long-term immune response enhancer.

I might go into further detail on these herbs later.

I'm not an "herbal cure-all" advocate (I'm actually an active protestor against it), so let's see what else I can do:

Hydration, hydration, hydration. Plenty of clean water every day. Check!

Diet. Well, maybe not so great for the past week. I snuck a Mtn Dew and and a handful of Doritos Monday. Not a death sentence, but not good, either. I've been getting plenty of leafy greens because my kale, collards, and mustard are all up and waiting patiently for me in the garden, and my lettuce and spinach are still holding on for dear life. I also made a huge pot of chicken soup stuffed with fresh veggies and a ton of kale yesterday to get me through the weekend. I always need to incorporate more nourishing herbs, cooked veggies, and whole grains into my diet.

Exercise. I was doing fair to poorly with this to begin with, and then along came my crud. Now there is NONE. Nada. I feel like crap and don't want to. I normally spend a lot of time outside in my garden and hiking around in the woods, but I need a more structured exercise routine to achieve and maintain optimum health. I have no excuses. It's simply something I have to work on.

Rest. This is so very important but difficult to do whilst wearing a fashionable 33 lb, almost-three-year-old girl wrapped around your head and neck. I'm tired and not convinced I will ever have four or more uninterrupted hours of sleep again.

Hopefully I'll feel much better come Monday.

Understanding domestic doses and their equivalents

I've had a lot of trouble with this in the past, so I thought I'd post these numbers to help you in the future when you're reading recipes and trying out your own herbal preparations. Cups and glasses are approximate.

1 teaspoon (t) = 60 drops = 5 ml = 1 dram (double this for two drams, and so on)

1 tablespoon (T) = 15 ml = 3 t = 1/2 fl oz

1 wineglass = 1.5 to 2 fl oz = 56 ml = 3 to 4 T

1 teacup = 4 to 5 fl oz = 150 ml = 8 to 10 T

1 American pint = 16 fl oz = 453 ml

1 English pint = 20 fl oz = 567 ml

1 American quart = 32 fl oz = 906 ml

1 English quart = 1.134 liter = 1134 ml

1 ounce (oz) = 28.3 grams (g)

2.2 pounds = 1000 g

1 gram = 15 grains

1 ml = 15 drops or minims

30 ml = 1 fl oz

I also use the Online Conversion website quite frequently. I hope this helps you in your future herbal endeavors! :)

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis, Matricaria recutita)

Sing it now! "... Isn't she loooooov-ely ... Isn't she wooooon-der-ful ... " Oh, I just LOVE Chamomile, don't you? Seriously, sometimes when I'm feeling blue I just stroll out into my garden and sit down beside her. She's so sweet and gentle, and a truly trusted friend. Being with Chamomile makes me feel happy and lighthearted.

She's a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is related to Sunflowers and Ragweed, so watch out, allergy sufferers! We'll have a lesson on Ragweed later. Chamomile is an Eastern European native but is cultivated and naturalized from here to Australia and back. Egyptian Chamomile is supposed to have a particularly high essential oil content, but I haven't made a personal comparison. I try to use the least amount of essential oils possible (It takes tons of plant material to make them, and it seems like overkill to me).

She is also known as English Chamomile, Camomile, Roman Chamomile, Chamomilla, Fleur de Camomile, German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Hungarian chamomile or wild chamomile, Manzanilla, Matricaire, Pin Heads, Sweet False Chamomile, and True Chamomile. Good grief! It's no wonder plants can be so confusing. Sometimes I think a bunch of important people were sitting around a big table arguing about what to name plants, but couldn't agree on just one name and so in their great importance decided to use them ALL. This is why I love Latin botanical names. They can be hard to pronounce, but they're safe (you know exactly which plant your working with), reliable, and they cut down the confusion. I would much rather remember one fancy name than two dozen simpler ones. Interesting note: Her fresh blossoms have an apple scent, thus her Greek name "chamos" (ground) and "melos" (apple).

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) the "official remedy" and my favorite, is a low growing perennial herb with hairy stems, and she creeps, which I adore. She may be propagated from seeds in early spring, by runners, or transplants. Either should be spaced about 18 inches apart. I have had great success with transplants. She loves a sunny site with any good, well-drained garden soil (a bit of soil acidity is also appreciated by Chamomile). For some reason I'm unaware of, seeds often produce mostly the single-flowered variety. She forms a gorgeous, aromatic (my mom thinks Chamomile's foliage smells like bubblegum) ground cover and has fine, feathery leaves and single or double sweet little pleasant tasting daisy-like flowers with a yellow center and white florets on a single, long erect stalk. She has a jointed, fibrous root.

Roman Chamomile flowers' therapeutic actions are anodyne, antiallergic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, sedative, and stomachic.
***According to Newall, Anderson and Phillipson, large doses of Roman Chamomile have been reported to cause vomiting and stomach irritation. Excessive use during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided due to reputed abortifacient actions, its ability to affect the menstrual cycle, and the potential allergic affects. Its coumarin constituent may interfere with anticoagulant therapy if used in excessive doses.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an erect annual with round stems, is branched, and about 15-24 inches in height. She may be propagated from thinly sewn seeds. They'll flower in about 8 weeks and can be harvested until the plant dies. Remember to leave some flowers to set seed for next year's crop! The German's flowers are similar to the Roman but with a hollow conical center 2 cm across, and stronger, more bitter tasting flowers. It has a fibrous root and fewer leaves which are divided and threadlike. It also smells similar to Roman but stronger and less aromatic.

German Chamomile flowers are anodyne, anthelmintic, antiallergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiulcer, antiviral, calmative, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, stomachic and tonic. WHEW! I hate typing therapeutic actions!
***German Chamomile should be avoided by people with sensitivity to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, especially asthmatics. It is not recommended for teething babies, and should also be avoided in excessive dosesduring anticoagulant therapy. Newall, Anderson and Phillipson recommend avoiding excessive use during pregnancy and lactation due to reputed effects on the menstrual cycle and uterotonic activity.

Needless to say, both Roman and German Chamomile flowers have similar medicinal properties. The wild, single-flowered variety is considered to be more medicinally powerful than the cultivated double-flowered. They are used to treat abscesses, colic, conjunctivitis, cramps, fevers, fluid retention, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, inflammation (external or internal), loss of appetite, menstrual troubles, migraines, nausea, scalp disorders, swellings, teething, ulcers, vomiting and wounds. But the lovely Chamomile is most famous for her sedative action which is useful against nervousness and induces relaxation and deep sleep. I can tell you from personal experience that it is an excellent mild sedative for restless babies and children. A cold Chamomile infusion will relieve congestion in the uterus and stimulate menstruation (emmenagogue).

Never boil the flowers because the volatile oil that contains much of the active constituents will evaporate. Always brew chamomile tea in a closed container! Allow it to steep a minimum of 10 minutes. For colic, restlessness and teething, use 1/2 to 1 t of the cool infusion. For fevers, indigestion or headaches, use a hot infusion with the addition of Ginger root. Chamomile infusion is also a wonderful, soothing addition to your bath for minor aches and pains.

I hope you'll give Chamomile a try in your garden! Happy planting!

Toothache Plant (Spilanthes acmella) UPDATED PICS!

My Spilanthes seeds are finally coming up nicely. I was beginning to think I'd dreamed the whole Planting of the Spilanthes, but there they are, nice as pie, and thriving (so far).

A member of the Asteraceae family, Spilanthes acmella is an East Indian tropical native (USDA Zone 10-11!) but I'm giving her a try here in Zone 7 anyway, with a strong feeling she will behave as an annual. Normally she should be spaced 24 to 30 inches and should reach somewhere between 12 and 15 inches in height. I've babied her like no other plant in my garden, and so far so good. Once again in my seed paranoia I planted way too many, so I've also thinned her several times and plan to try and transplant some of the babies on the next round. We'll just have to see how that goes. She's reported to enjoy high humidity and regular watering in well-drained soil, so planting her in one of my raised beds in this crazy Alabama weather is definitely in our favor! She blooms all summer into early fall, loves full sun, is heat and frost tolerant, and requires only low maintenance {two thumbs up!}. I bought my Spilanthes seeds (along with a whole bunch of other herbs) from www.sandmountainherbs.com.

Her common name is a dead giveaway, but here goes anyway! Chewing the flower buds and/or leaves (which have a peppery flavor) produces a numbing effect that can ease toothaches and gum pain. I once heard Rosemary Gladstar say in a live webcast that Spilanthes is her favorite herb for teething babies, and tooth pain in general. It also stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva, and may function as a simple tonic for healthy gums. I have some guinea pigs ... I mean family members who suffer from gum disease, so they're going to be trying Spilanthes this year! :D

Harvest Spilanthes leaves and flower buds as needed. The dried flower buds are great in teas! I like to use a 1:1 mix of catnip and spilanthes tea for fussy, teething babies and children. It's not too shabby as a mild sedative for worn out parents, either. It's also yummy with Lemon Balm and Ginger.

A Spilanthes tincture is said to ease toothache from a decayed tooth with remarkable efficiency!

Here's some info on Spilanthes I snatched from www.mountainroseherbs.com: A mouth rinse of spilanthes extract can be used daily to promote gum health, and chewing as little as a single bud of the plant can numb the mouth and reduce the pain of toothache for up to 20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of the person. The most promising research into the use of spilanthes, though, is in its antibacterial properties. So far, in vitro testing has shown that the plant's extract has strong effect against E.coli, pseudomonas, salmonella, klebsiella pneumonae and staphylococcus albus (sorry, no link for that one .. you'll have to google it), as well as inhibiting the growth of candida albicans.

I think that's one very interesting and beautiful flower, don't you? I wish I could mail out some of my extra plants to my readers, but I just don't think she'd make the trip. I'm sure I can find some locals to share with!

POST ADDITION!

08/03/08

I've recently started a jar of Spilanthes tincture and thought I'd share my method with you in case you're curious: Loosely fill a glass jar (I am tincturing a pint of spilanthes but do use quarts sometimes for tinctures, especially yarrow) with "arial", or above-ground Spilanthes plant material (leaves, stems, blooms) and cover with 100 proof vodka. Cap and label, then wait six weeks. Strain (or don't, it's up to you), and your tincture is ready for use! Besides being a famous toothache remedy, Spilanthes tincture enhances immune system function and is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & is used to treat candida.

I did take a bite out of one, though, and joyously report that it did, in fact, numb my mouth! :D

Making Herbal Tea

I thought you might enjoy (and benefit from!) this video of one of my very favorite herbslists, John Gallagher of www.learningherbs.com, teaching how to make herbal tea from his own kitchen! Enjoy!

How To Make Your Own Herbal Preparations

Here you will find a few simple, easy-to-follow instructions for creating your own indispensable herbal preparations at home. Please remember that these are basic recipes and can be personalized, modified, or otherwise tweaked to your heart's content. You have some friends out there in your yard who are just waiting to help make you feel better, so have fun educating yourself on your local plant life and get to work!

Have you ever read about using an herb and wondered what the words infusion, decoction, or tincture meant? Have you thought about making your own remedies but don't know where to start? All natural, herbal rememdies need not be expensive or hard to make. With a few basic tools and ingredients and the right instructions, you can easily make fresh, effective preparations at home that you'll feel good about. Remember that many medicinal plants can also be eaten! Herbs will prevent sickness as well as assist with illness if they are used in the daily diet.

It is true that many medicinal plants taste unpleasant. Many also require an extraction method to draw out their active constituents. This is where preparations are invaluable! As you will see, the methods are not as difficult as they sound. Remember to never use aluminum ware when preparing any herbal medicine. Aluminum can react with the chemicals in the herb and affect the end product. It is also known to accumulate in the body over time and has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Use stainless steel, Pyrex, earthenware, or enamel, free from chips and cracks.

Safety first! Only buy herbs from trusted, reputable, reliable sources, and always check botanical plant names to be sure you are buying the correct plant material. Many different plants share the same common names. Start with simples, or one herb at a time, before trying herbal combinations. This makes it much easier to eliminate herbs you might be allergic or sensitive to, or those you might simply dislike. It will be very difficult to pinpoint an herbal allergy from a tea containing five different herbs! Do your homework and make intelligent, informed choices. Organic is best. If you are wildharvesting, remember this: Never harvest from roadsides where plants have been contaminated by vehicle exhaust and road maintenance weed killers, and harvest ethically by never taking all of one plant species from any location. Leave some for Mother Nature and for others.

If you are using fresh herbs in your preparations, double the quantity of the amount stated for dried herb(s). Water used in herbal preparations should be free from fluoride and chlorine. Make sure you have a small accurate scale on hand when making herbal preparations.

TEAS

Whether for health or simple pleasure, herbal teas are gentle, soothing, beneficial, and enjoyable any time of day. They are also a wonderful substitute for caffienated colas and coffee. Mix flavors and have fun creating your own blend!

Basic Tea Recipe

1 T. dried herbs

½ pint water

Place herbs into a clean non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain in a non-aluminum strainer and drink. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added if desired.


INFUSIONS

An infusion is stronger than a tea and will extract glycosides, alkaloid salts, and water-soluble vitamins. Infusions are intended for immediate use. Store for a maximum of 24 hours in a cool place. Nourishing herbs packed with vitamins and minerals and perfect for infusions include oatstraw, nettle leaf and red raspberry leaf.

Basic Infusion Recipe

1 oz of dried herbs

1 pint boiling water

Pour water of herbs. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes then strain and drink. Sweeten if needed.

DECOCTIONS

This method is used for hard woody substances such as roots, bark, and stems whose constituents are water soluble and non-volatile. Decoctions are intended for immediate use. Store for a maximum of 72 hours in a very cool place. Decoctions extract mainly mineral salts and bitter principles.

Basic Decoction Recipe

1 oz of dried herb or root

1 pint water

Cut or crush herb or root and add to water. Simmer with the lid off until the volume of water is reduced by ¼, so ¾ of a pint remains. Cool, strain, and take in divided doses according to the herb’s use. Sweeten if needed.

TINCTURES

Tinctures extract the chemical constituents in alcohol, cider vinegar (white vinegar is synthetic and defeats the purpose, I think), or vegetable glycerin. Alcohol is most effective and therefore the most commonly used. Vinegar or vegetable glycerin can be used where there is a reason not to use alcohol, such as for children. Tinctures are invaluable, as water will retrieve only some of the medicinal properties. You can certainly use 90% or higher alcohol for any tincture, but to save money, find out the required alcohol concentration for each herb. For example, garlic requires only 25% alcohol, while Chaste Tree berries require 75%.

Tinctures are extremely useful, quick, easy, simple to dispense, and will last indefinitely if stored correctly. They are also great for when an infusion or decoction is too bitter to drink.

Basic Tincture Recipe

1 to 2 oz of powdered or chopped herb

1 pint of alcohol such as vodka or Everclear, or cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin

Mix herb with liquid. Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun), for approximately 2 weeks. Shake the tincture 2 to 3 times every day. Strain through a coffee filter, folded cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all the herb.

Store your tincture in a dark bottle or cabinet. Half a pint of tincture should equal the medicinal potency of 1 oz of the fresh herb, so approx. 1 t. will equal the medicinal strength of 1 cup of infusion. Dilute at least 1 t. of tincture in ¼ cup of water.

Another tincture formula is to add 1 part herb to 5 parts of alcohol.

POULTICES

A poultice is an effective way of applying herbs directly to the skin. The fresh leaves can be bruised and mashed, or powdered or dried herbs can be used. Pour over just enough boiling water to wet the mixture. Ground linseed, white bread, or bran can be added to give the poultice bulk and help retain the warmth. Apply the mixture wrapped in a cloth (cheesecloth, old cotton sheet sections, etc.) over the area and cover with another hot, wet cloth. Replace the cloth with another when it cools. Repeat this process keeping the poultice hot. Poultices are useful for drawing inflammation to the surface or easing painful joints. Wash the poulticed area with chamomile infusion to ease any inflammation.

SYRUP

Syrups are very useful for cough mixtures.

Basic Syrup Recipe
1 pint decoction of herb of your choice

1 cup honey

Vegetable glycerin, for preservation (optional)

Prepare your decoction of choice. Add honey to decoction and simmer 10 minutes. Vegetable glycerin can be added to help preserve the syrup using 4 T. of glycerin to every 8 T. of syrup. Honey has some natural preservative action of its own.

OINTMENTS AND SALVES


This is a useful method of applying herbs topically. The herb is held in suspension and a certain amount of absorption of active constituents occurs through the skin. The ingredients making up the bulk of the ointment can also have therapeutic value. For example, beeswax has natural antibacterial properties.

Basic Ointment/Salve Recipe

4 oz good quality cold-pressed oil (olive, sweet almond, etc.)

½ oz bees wax

8 oz fresh herb(s) or 4 oz dried herb(s)

Slowly heat oil over a pot of hot water or in a double boiler over med-low to low heat. Add herbs and heat gently for ½ to ¾ of an hour. Do not allow the oil to boil; it can cause your infusion to lose important healing properties. (If you do allow it to boil, carefully discard the oil and start over.) Strain through muslin or cheesecloth, squeezing the herb to extract all the oil, being careful not to burn yourself. Add the beeswax, varying the amount depending on how firm the final ointment needs to be, and stir gently until the wax is melted. Pour into sterile, labeled jars and cool before putting on the lid.

Note: Tinctures or essential oils can be used instead of the fresh or dried herbs. Use 1 ½ t of tincture or oil to 4 oz of oil, stir before pouring tincture into sterile jars, so the tincture does not settle on the bottom.

HYGIENE

Cleanliness is important when preparing herbs for medicines, particularly if you intend to store the preparation. Sterilize all jars and bottles. This can be done by boiling them and their lids separately for 20 minutes or putting them in an oven and heating them to 350 F for one hour.

Don't let any of the recipes daunt you; they are much easier than they look. You'll be surprised how much fun it is to make your own remedies, and practice makes perfect!

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only! I am not responsible for any accidents, miscalculations, or other mishaps whatsoever that may occur from your own herbal preparations. Be smart! Be safe!

Herbs for Arthritis

I'm feeling particularly lazy as of late, so I'm just going to (once again) copy and paste something I've already written on the subject of treating arthritis naturally. I believe poor nutrition is at the root of almost every health problem today, and never recommend any herb or natural treatment as a "cure all" or "quick fix". The foundation of good herbalism is treating people as a whole and providing good, current information (as current as possible .. sometimes it seems herbal info changes daily) and guidance to positively change your *lifestyle* in the name of overall good health. If your diet is awful and you aren't properly hydrated, then I would be suprised if you weren't having some problems. Many people treat their animals better than they do themselves. Think about it. Would you get a puppy and feed him sugary sweets and Big Macs, and never give him water? Why do we do this to ourselves? Doesn't make sense, does it?

Anyway, here is the pasted information. There's a lot of it, but don't let it scare you. There are a lot of herbs out there and many, many different natural therapies for just about whatever ails you. Unfortunately, the same things don't always work for everyone, so there may be some trial and error in store for you. It's worth it. It's also worth your trouble to find a good local, professional herbalist or natural health practitioner (your local chiropractor might have some suggestions) and have an evaluation. You didn't ruin your health overnight, and you aren't going to 'fix' it overnight, either.

The best nutrition is found in whole, properly cooked foods, but if you’re like most Americans and aren’t eating a balanced, healthy diet, then supplementation might be for you. Only buy fresh supplements with no added dyes, flavors, stimulants, etc., from reliable, reputable sources. It is also important to note that more does not mean better, and natural does not mean safe! Take recommended daily doses of vitamins and supplements only unless advised otherwise by your trusted healthcare professional. Become and remain vigilant about monitoring what you put into that body of yours. It’s the only one you have.

Poor nutrition isn’t just a third world problem. Most of us find it difficult in this hectic day and age to pay close attention to what we are consuming, especially when we can drive through for fast food or open a box and have dinner in minutes. Regardless, a proper diet including good fats, adequate protein and the vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and whole grains has proven to be successful in treating many diseases, including each type of arthritis. I also cannot say enough about the importance of an adequate, clean water intake. At least 64 oz every day will decrease fluid retention (oh yes it will) and help with inflammation and increase important (good) fluids surrounding joints, easing movement (among a host of other dramatic health improvements it provides).

According to The Complete Guide To Natural Healing, toxins absorbed from the intestines promote joint inflammation. In cases of food allergies or intolerances, intestinal irritations and malnutrition, foods are not fully digested, and the intestinal lining begins to "leak" toxins, allergens and partially digested proteins into the bloodstream. Here are some guidelines to prevent this from occurring:

**Avoid constipation.

**Support the growth of beneficial bacteria with acidophilus supplements.

**Eat a high-fiber diet low in commercial, non-organic animal products, chemical additives and pesticide-treated foods.

**Avoid any foods that cause adverse reactions.

**Consider taking herbs that support liver function, including licorice, burdock, milk thistle, and red clover, and herbs that aid the intestines, including peppermint, aloe vera, alfalfa, ginger and marsh mallow.

**For some, an enema can reduce pain by releasing toxins and buffering intestinal acids. Discuss this with your healthcare professional. Hyperacidity, in addition to intestinal toxins, has been linked to acute inflammations. Try an enema using 2 cups of clean water. Or, combine 1 qt. of clean water or fresh, warm chamomile tea with 1 tbsp. of sodium bicarbonate (never use an enema if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant without consulting your physician!).

Try eliminating nightshade plants, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes from your diet to make sure you aren’t sensitive to them. Foods affect arthritis symptoms differently from person to person so it is worth the effort to discover if any of them are causing symptomatic flare-ups for you.

Also try systematically eliminating refined, processed sugars and flours. Eliminate each suspect food for about six weeks to determine if there are any symptom changes. Record your progress.

If you are not pepper-sensitive, regular use of cayenne pepper in the diet has been shown to ease arthritic pain.

Herbs and Herbal Teas for Arthritis (my next post will be "How To Make Your Own Herbal Preparations" with instructions on making herbal teas.)

~Stinging Nettle a.k.a. Nettle, or Common Nettle (Urtica dioica): Rich in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, sulfur and magnesium, Stinging Nettle has many anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps the kidneys excrete uric acid, which builds up in cases of gout. Drink at least 3 cups daily. Nettle tea may be drunk long term.
~Alfalfa a.k.a Lucerne (Medicago saliva): Literally packed with nutrients; vitamins, minerals, proteins and good fats for increased overall health.
~Chickweed (Stellaria media): A very mild, gentle laxative which aids in overall cleansing of the body.
~Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): An anti-inflammatory, analgesic, digestive stimulant.
~Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Contains silica, vital in rebuilding bone and strengthening and regenerating connective tissue. Simmer 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
~White Willow Bark (Salix alba): Contains salicin, a natural pain reliever which is used to make aspirin, but does not irritate the stomach.
~Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa): Is an anti-inflammatory and can help reduce pain. It also has mild diuretic properties to gently cleanse the body of toxins and waste.
~Yucca: Contains saponins which help aid digestion. An impaired digestive system may result in excess histamine production, which may leads to increased inflammation and pain in some people.

Bromelaine is an anti-inflammatory food enzyme from the pineapple plant. Also available in pill form, bromelaine is good for pain reduction and has been shown to help with connective tissue disorders over time.

Boswellin (Boswellia serrata) is a natural and safe herb for optimum joint health. Also available in pill form, it contains the active constituent Boswellic Acid, a pyrazoline derivative shown to be very effective in supporting healthy joints.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website (www.umm.edu), Omega 3Fatty Acids from natural sources like fish (such as tuna or salmon, twice a week), broccoli, spinach, kale, roasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds, and seaweed eaten regularly can reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. Omega 3s may also be found in fresh, high-quality, certified mercury-free supplements. Rancid fish oil has been scientifically linked to serious health problems.

Vitamin C helps repair and maintain cartilage and bones, but PLEASE NOTE: Study results appearing in the June 2004 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism showed that the long-term use of supplemental Vitamin C may worsen the severity of osteoarthritis (a different disease process than rheumatoid arthritis) of the knee. Osteoarthritis sufferers should never take more than the daily recommended dose of Vitamin C. Good sources of Vitamin C are broccoli, cantaloupe, grapefruit, green bell peppers, fresh orange juice, oranges, red peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, tropical fruit juices, and tropical fruits such as papaya and mango. Keep in mind that the Vitamin C in your fresh squeezed orange juice is susceptible to oxidation, so only squeeze as much as you’re going to drink immediately.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant and helps with bone formation. Foods containing Vitamin A include eggs, milk, butter, sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin, raw carrots, cantaloupe, mango, spinach, broccoli, kale, collards, and butternut squash.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant reportedly as effective in long term pain relief as NSAIDS (Advil, Ibuprofen). Food sources include dry roasted nuts, olive oil, avocado, peanut butter and fortified cereals. PLEASE NOTE: If you have high blood pressure or are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, be sure to consult your physician before starting supplemental doses of Vitamin E.

According to Dr. John M. Ellis, the master vitamin in processing amino acids, B6, helps to support the structure and function of the muscles. Vitamin B6 has also been shown to be effective in relieving the pain, stiffness and locking of finger joints. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include fish, meats, poultry, avocados, and bananas.

Make sure you get folic acid, also known as folate, or Vitamin B9, every day. Good sources of folic acid are: dried peas and beans, oranges, orange juice, green vegetables, and whole grains.
Vitamin B12 helps to maintain a healthy blood supply and stimulates osteoblasts, a type of bone cell that generates not red blood cells but bone. You can meet the Recommended Daily Allowance mainly by consuming foods with added B12 (such as low sugar fortified cereals) or by taking a supplement containing B12. B12 in crystalline form (look for the word “cyanocobalamin” on the supplement label), is better absorbed.

Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) is a naturally exisisting amino sugar important in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids (glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage). GS improves flexibility of joints, rebuilds lost cartilage, prevents further deterioration of joints, alleviates stiffness & is scientifically tested. It generally takes about 3 months to notice progress and up to 6 months for real benefit, so be persistent. Liquid form (if you can find it) is best. Look for “Glucosamine HCL” or “Glucosamine Sulfate” on the package. Since glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish, those allergic to shellfish may wish to avoid it.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound which occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages. MSM supplies sulfur and in a double blind study showed that patients with osteoarthritis found pain relief within 6 weeks.

Chondrointin Sulfate rebuilds cartilage and eases joint discomfort.

Manganese Ascorbate is a mineral essential to forming connective tissue/cartilage, and helps keep bones strong.

Spending time in water relieves strain on joints! Swimming, water aerobics and aqua jogging (running in water) are very effective for any type of arthritis. They can restore joint mobility and help you lose weight (and reduce any unnecessary load on your joints) if you are overweight.

One of the secrets to any natural therapy is patience and persistence, which is why they don't work for those who expect immediate results and give up too soon. It often takes weeks or even months to see results, but in the long run you will be making positive changes in your health and saving money.


***This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to prescribe, diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It should not substitute the advice or recommendations of your physician or health professional, nor should it replace prescription medications without proper supervision. You are encouraged to seek professional medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner, naturopath or local professional herbalist before making dietary changes or beginning a new supplement program.

Wild Violets (Viola papilionacea, et. al.)

One of my favorites! Sweet Aunt Vi is in the Violaceae (vy-oh-LAY-see-ay) family, and Viola (vy-OH-la) genus. She grows 2 - 5 inches tall and is found throughout the United States, except for the Rocky Mountains, I'm told. She also grows in Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India and other places. She loves moist gardens, shady wood edges, and meadows. She is a "clumping" perennial with a fibrous root system, and she is aggressive. She walks over with a purpose, hikes up her ample skirts, and plops right down to stay.

There are many other species of violet, including V. arvensis, V.calcarata, V. canadensis, V. clandistina, V. diffusa, V. heterophylla, V. japonica, V. kauaiensis, V. palmata, V. pedata, V. pubescens, V. rotundifoli, and maybe a hundred or more others (S. Weed: Healing Wise, 1989, Ash Tree Publishing). Some of her common names include Blue Violet, Butterfly Violet, Common Violet & Sweet Violet.

Vi is easily identified by her beautiful green, smallish, heart-shaped leaves which are rolled in around the egdes, especially the young ones. They often take on a funnel shape. Click on the pic above to get a closer view. The leaves have been known to externally irritate some with sensitive skin (they've never bothered me at all, and are safe and yummy to eat), but that's just Aunt Vi. She doesn't mean you harm ... she just wants some respect. Keep in mind, though, that large doses of her roots or seeds could be toxic, causing upset stomach, nervousness, breathing problems, and also may affect blood pressure. Violet leaves are very nourishing and are wonderful in salads. They are alterative, anodyne, antineoplastic, antiseptic, demulcent, depurative, dissolvent, diuretic, emmolient, expectorant, laxative, mucilaginous, nutritive, suppurative & vulnerary. Whew! That's a mouthful! Violet is a cooling, soothing herb. Imagine a kindly aunt smiling sweetly while gently stroking your fevered brow with her cool, soft hand. That's Sweet Aunt Violet.


Her flowers (Thanks for the bloom pics, Mel!) range from white to blue to purple, and appear in my area (Zone 7) from March to May. The flowers have three lower petals and two lateral petals on long single flower stalks. I love that you can pick violet flowers to your heart's content. They don't set seed! In Susun Weed's "Healing Wise", she says that some botanists say violet's flowers are "just for fun" and "out of sheer joy". I love that! The seed-making flowers don't appear until autumn, and are green (can you say camoflage?). The flowers are antiscorbutic, aperient, and are all edible. They are used in syrups for sore throats and coughs, and given to children for digestive upsets. Violet flower oil is used for relief from tinnitus. They are also absolutely dreamy crystallized in sugar. YUM! Besides having her on the menu, I love to make Violet vinegar, oil & tincture.

Now, in my Master Gardener class, Wild Violets were a topic of conversation during our "Weeds" lecture. I was suprised to learn that I was the only person in a class of 12 who loves Wild Violets, and was horrified to sit and listen to all of the creative ways mankind has devised to torture and kill her! Okay, so she's agressive and resistant to some herbicides. I loathe the very word "herbicides", and hope you do, too! She's prolific, and I love that about her. I can see why people who are lawn-obsessed harbor ill-will toward Wild Violets, but I've never been a "Lawn Person", so I allow her to run wild and free wherever she may roam in my yard. The more the merrier! Grass doesn't grow under Aunt Vi, and that's just fine with me.