Coming Soon...

Hi All...
I have been on haiatus for a bit, just taking time as a new Mom to make sure I catch all the great milestones! I will be back with more great herbs and natural health articles, tips, and pics this summer.

Stay tuned!

Herbal Alchemy

Making an Herbal Wine is EASY!


Yeast, Sugar, and Water are the main ingredients in turning an herb into wine. Yeast consumes the sugar and water to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide, the herbs provide micronutrients and give the wine it's flavor.


Some things you will need:

1. large glass container with a lid
2. sieve or cheese cloth
3. large enamel or stainless steel pot
4. small sterile jar or sterilized glass
5. a sterilized glass, or ceramic crock
6. plastic wrap
7. rubber bands
8. sterile bottles with crew on caps OR sterile wine bottles with new corks
9. sterile funnel or siphon
   
   *Note: instead of plastic wrap and rubber bands you can purchase a relatively cheap airlock from a brewing shop. These allow the escape of gasses without letting any enter the bottle :)
   
   
10. 6 quarts of Dandelion (taraxacum officinale) flowers
11. 2 gallons boiling water
12. 2 oranges
13. 1 lemon
14. 4 pounds of sugar
15. 1 packet of wine yeast

Now for the fun part... The "How to":

Place herbs in the large glass container. Pour the boiling water over the herbs, cover with the lid and let steep for 1 day.

Peel and juice the lemon and oranges, set the juice aside.

Strain the herbs from the infusion with the sieve or cheesecloth into the enameled or stainless steel pot. Add the rinds of the oranges and lemon to the infusion and bring just to a boil then remove and strain once again. Stir in the sugar.

Let this cool until it is lukewarm. Pour a small amount into a sterile glass and add the yeast to the glass. Let this sit for about 10 minutes or whatever the instructions may state on the yeast package.

Add to the crock: lemon/orange juice, herb/sugar infusion, and the yeast from the cup.

Cover with layers of plastic wrap secured with rubber bands or use an airlock. Let this sit for 1 month, until vigorous bubbling stops and there is a thick film of yeast on the bottom.

Siphon or funnel wine into the sterile bottles. Loosly cap or cork the bottles to continue to allow gases to escape. (otherwise you could have a little explosive mess to clean up!) Store the bottles in a cool dark place!

After about 1-2 months you can check the jars to see if there are anymore bubbles. If there are no more bubbles package then in sterile wine bottles tightly corked. Keep in a cool dry place for another 5-9 months before serving :)

Tips:

• 3 pounds of sugar to 1 gallon of water makes a very sweet wine
• 2 pounds of sugar to 1 gallon of water makes a dry wine
• Home brewing shops sell "specialty" yeast strains cultivated over centuries by vintners to make some of the best wines around.
• If in the fermenting process a cork pops off, you can use the wine for cooking instead of drinking.
• The sedimnent from the wine is rich in nutrients... add it to your composting :)
• Sneaking a taste of your wine before it's time.... may be a little yuk! LOL

Green Manure

There are many plants than can help to reinvigorate the garden soil. Green Manure generally give back more nutrients to the soil than they take away. They have deeper roots than most plants and can draw nutrients from deep in the soil. The deeper root system also aerates the soil! The plants can be composted or turned directly into the soil, as they decompose they return nutrients to the soil.

Good Green Manure Crops :

Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Mustard, Field Peas, Hairy Vetch, Oats, Crimson Clover, and Winter Rye/Rye Grass.

"Green manure reduces the fossil fuels required to produce fertilizers, they keep the soil rich and ALIVE!"

Healing Salve Recipe

Here is an easy recipe for a healing salve, uses include : psoriasis and scars... but also for cuticles, dry feet, knees, elbows and hands! Great gardeners hand salve.

Ingredients:
1- liter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 cup, Comfrey Leaves (Dried)
3/4 cup, Calendula Flowers (Dried)
3/4 cup, St. Johnswort Flowers (Wilted)
1/2 cup, Plantain Leaves (Dried)
1 - tsp, Myrrh Gum Resin (Powdered)
1 - tbs, Vitamin E oil
1/2 cup, Bee's Wax

Method:

1. Warm olive oil in a saucepan over low heat (Just warm it... do not simmer!) **Note: Can be heated in a slow cooker :)
2. Add all the ingredients EXCEPT: Vitamin E and Bee's Wax
3. Gently heat for 12 hours stirring occasionally
4. Strain the herbs from the oil using muslin cloth, and again through coffee filters to get all particulate matter from the oil
5. In a separate pan heat the Bee's Wax on a low heat
6. Stir in the herb infused oil, blending thoroughly
7. Remove from heat
8. Vitamin E acts as a preservative! Now is the time to stir it in :)
9. Pour salve into containers and label

This recipe makes quite a bit of salve, you can reduce the recipe or better yet... give some to your friends!

**Tips:

• Dont throw away the herbs you strain from the oil... use them in your garden compost!
• If you refrigerate the salve it will keep for up to 1 year!
• Clean baby food jars make great salve bottles!

Podcasting Herbalrain

I have just started my podcasting for herbalrain!
I plan to submit it to iTunes to increase my audience...

Listen to the first podcast! Introduction... click the link!

Herb Profile: Cat's Claw

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat's Claw is found on trees in the rain forests of the Andes mountains, particularly in Peru. It earns its name from the sharp thorns on its stem. Cat's Claw appears to give the immune system a boost, accounting for its popularity in the treatment of AIDS, cancer, viral diseases, and other infections. At this point, however, there's little hard evidence that it has a major impact.

This herb also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it a candidate for treatment of arthritis, gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disorders. Again, however, there's no clinical research verifying its actual value.

In its native South America, Cat's Claw is a popular folk medicine for intestinal complaints, ulcers, arthritis, and wounds, and has been used (in large doses) as a contraceptive. Elsewhere, it has also been used for ailments ranging from asthma and diabetes to menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome, depression, acne, and hemorrhoids.

A Remedy For: Infections

Cat's Claw lowers blood pressure and studies have shown some anticancer effects.

Long term use can produce a dramatic drop in the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone. In one study, it was found to prevent estrogen from binding to the estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells.

Avoid If: Cat's Claw may cause the immune system to reject foreign cells, anyone with organ or tissue transplants should avoid it, as should those with autoimmune illnesses, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis. Cat's Claw should also be avoided during pregnancy, and is not for children under 2 years of age.

Special Cautions: Children over 2 and adults over 65 should begin with mild doses and increase the strength gradually if needed. Use by children for more than 7 to 10 days should be done only under the supervision of a doctor. The only potential side effect is diarrhea.Possible Drug InteractionsEuropean herbalists avoid combining Cat's Claw with hormonal drugs, insulin, and vaccines. When it's taken in conjunction with other herbs, the dosage may need reduction.

Special Information: If You Are Pregnant or BreastfeedingBecause of its potential effect on hormone levels, avoid Cat's Claw during pregnancy, and use it with caution, if at all, while breastfeeding.

How To Prepare: Cat's Claw is available in capsule, powder, and liquid form. To prepare a Cat's Claw liquid, simmer 30 grams of powder in approximately 3 cups of water for about 45 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by one third. Allow to cool, then strain and refrigerate.

Dosage: Dosages of commercial preparations range from 250 to 1000 milligrams daily. Since potency may vary, follow the manufacturer's directions whenever available. When using the homemade liquid, take 2 ounces once daily on an empty stomach in the morning.



Overdosage: There is no information available.

Resources: PDR for Herbal Medicines, Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses.


***Disclaimer: Information is intended for reference purposes only. No medical advice is intended or given. Always consult your family Physician or a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner before using any herbs or herbal therapies. Information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Case Study #4

Herbalist's Comments and Suggestions for:
35 Year old woman with Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Candida Infection, and Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

Herbalist’s Comments and Suggestions:

Decrease use of Sugar, White Flour, Yeast Breads, Alcohol, Fruit Juices, Cheese, Mushrooms, Refined Carbohydrates, Salt, Saturated Fats, Stimulants, Excessive Meat consumption and Vinegar.

Add these foods to your diet for health: Oats,Whole non-gluten grains, Fresh Fruits especially Pineapple and it’s juice, and lightly cooked Vegetables especially broccoli, peas, celery, parsley, strawberries, avocados, tomatoes. Nuts and Seeds, Legumes, Yogurt (no sugar added) with live cultures, Garlic. Also add Salmon and Tuna which are heart healthy foods, rich in folic acid, B12, and essential fatty acids. Use organic eggs.

Increase fiber consumption through raw foods, high water content foods such as fruits and vegetables, or a fiber supplement such as 3g Glucomannan, 5g Konjac fiber or Psyllium, 1 tsp. powder to 8oz. juice or water 30 mins to 1 hr after other herbs or any current medications, for stool frequency, consistency, and improvement of pain or distension of abdomen.

Avoid foods including wheat, dairy products, alcohol (esp. yeast containing alcohol like wine), caffeine, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, artificial fats, MSG, chocolate, dried fruits.

Other Suggestions: Try a “diet diary” record the foods that you eat and how you feel after. Record any cravings or reactions, try eliminating foods associated with symptoms/reactions as it is possible that an allergy exists, and/or candidiasis.

Recommended Herbs & Nutrients:
Multivitamin and Multimineral with at least 15mg Zinc, 50 mcg Selenium and 300mg Magnesium. Vitamins and minerals should be taken 15 mins. before or after a meal.

Antioxidant complex

B Vitamin Complex

Vitamin C 1000mg Twice per day, a natural anti-inflammatory, immune system booster, and antioxidant.

Caprylic acid 700mg Twice per day, an essential fatty acid which helps control cadidaisis

Cat’s Claw 500mg, Cat’s Claw has antiviral, immunostimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Grapefruit seed extract 15 drops Twice per day, natural antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral.

Grape Seed Extract 100mg, In addition to antioxidant activity, Grape Seed Extract may also have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and anti-atherogenic activities

Acidophilus 10 billion cells, at bedtime; a beneficial bacteria also used to control candidaisis

Digestive Enzymes, Papaya or Bromelian 350mg; With each main meal; Digestive enzymes are proteins that are integral to the proper functioning of the digestive system

Dandelion, 10 drops, Three times daily for urinary & kidney health

Vitex 30mg, for menstrual irregularities and uterine pain.

Tea of Lady’s Mantle and Marigold (1-3 grams)between meals, for both candida and menstrual issues.

Shepard’s Purse tea may be used throughout the day, for excessive menstrual bleeding.

Other Suggestions: Have your physician check for Endometriosis, Consultation with a Nutritionist for extent of Candidiasis infection, and read The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford. You can try Echinacea, 10 drops, twice per day if you are not allergic, for general immune boost and treatment of candida.

Lifestyle Modification Changes:
It’s never too late to learn something new! Take a class, join a club, or develop a hobby to enrich your life, ease boredom and stress, and make new friends.

Clubs: Sierra Club, Meet new people, get exercise on guided hikes of varying activity levels.

Yoga, Most gyms offer some Yoga classes

Join a Gym, Gyms offer a wide variety of classes including kickboxing, strength training and Yoga; in addition to fitness equipment, swimming pool and personal trainers.

Relaxation Techniques and Exercise:
Increase aerobic activity to at least 3 times per week. Exercise improves digestion and relieves menstrual symptoms!

Add a strength training routine with weights, build muscle to burn fat!

Vary your workouts to prevent boredom

Qi Gong is a branch of Chinese Medicine that integrates physical movement and postures with breathing techniques and focused intention. Practicing Qi Gong (Chi Kung) means cultivating your body's capacity to heal, maintain wellness, and increase your vitality. Yoga and Meditation for stress relief and relaxation.

Regular Massage will aid in the elimination of toxins from the body, circulation, and relaxation. Reflexology may help balance and harmonize. Accupressure, similar to Accupuncture but without needles, using pressure points to alleviate symptoms.

Comments: Regular exercise increases metabolism for up to 15 hours after workout, reduces stress, suppresses appetite, and lifts the spirit!

Other Suggestions: Massage Referral

This consultation was based on a detailed health history, not revealed in this blog. Always consult your health care professional before you begin any treatment.