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Fire Cider (A traditional tonic for Winter Health/ Immune & Sinus Support) 1 pint raw apple cider vinegar (Bragg’s)—warmed slightly Fill your jar with all of the herbs and pour warm apple cider vinegar over the mixture. Shake well. You can use it in a few days or let it brew for up to 6 weeks, shaking often.
For years I have been recommending two cups of hibiscus tea per day for mild to moderate hypertension and dyslipidemia. Finally, this important herb is now available in capsule form. Gaia brand liquid-caps Hibiscus and Blood Pressure Health by Terry Naturally are two commercially available dietary supplements that feature the health benefits of hibiscus flower, a traditional folk remedy whose time has come.
Recently, the Dr. Oz show discussed the benefits of a little known herb, sea buckthorn—“the beauty berry” (Hippophae rhamnoides) . Sea buckthorn oil has a long history reaching back to ancient Greece as a treatment for racehorses. The scientific name Hippophae literally means “shiny horse”. It is a traditional healing agent for skin conditions such as eczema, burns, wounds and sun damage. One of the primary components of sea buckthorn oil, palmitoleic acid, is a component of human skin. The oil has some UV-blocking activity as well. The juice and oil of sea buckthorn berries is loaded with antioxidants—it contains large amounts of vitamin C, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, phytosterols, vitamin E and phenolic coumpounds. Sea buckthorn is also a potent anti-inflammatory. Studies on laboratory animals show promise as an adjunct treatment for cancer. A double blind clinical trial on sea buckthorn showed that cholesterol level, circulation and cardiac function improved with use. There is some evidence that the seed oil taken internally can also help to heal gastric ulcers by reducing inflammation. It may help to protect the liver as well. Taken internally and used topically, sea buckthorn is soothing and replenishing to body tissues.
In Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, aromatic tulsi is used for gastritis, nausea and vomiting, colds and flus, fevers, bronchitis and asthma. Tulsi is one of many plants that is considered to be an adaptogen, meaning that it enables the body to adapt to stress of all kinds. Research studies show that tulsi can lower the stress hormone cortisol and help with symptoms of depression. Tulsi tea is a good remedy for the winter blues or for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) The tea is especially good for this purpose when mixed with lemon balm and oat straw. Tulsi is calming and soothing to the nervous system as well as uplifting. It promotes clarity of mind, enhances memory and is one of the herbs that will aid meditation and promote enlightenment when used regularly. The essential oils in tulsi possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-ulcer activity. Studies on diabetic rats have shown that tulsi can help to lower high blood glucose, help normalize blood lipids and lower blood pressure. Tulsi extracts protect against radiation damage and are anti-carcinogenic. Tulsi also has a reputation as an anti-fertility herb, and limited animal studies have shown that very large amounts of the extract may exert this effect. Like clove, tulsi contains the chemical compound eugenol, a potent anti-microbial which is also a natural mosquito repellent. Tulsi is available at New Morning in capsules, soft gels, as a bulk herb, in tea and in liquid extract forms. You can find some of my personal loose tea blends with tulsi for sale as well! There are no well- known drug interactions with this herb. The safety of tulsi in pregnancy and lactation has not yet been established, so it is best avoided at these times.
As we approach the end of summer and look forward to the crisp, cool autumn weather, it is time to start transitioning to a warmer diet. Now is the time for apples, pears, winter squashes, beets, potatoes and deep green leafy vegetables like kale. According to the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fall is the season when our lungs, nervous and immune systems are most vulnerable. This is the time to start drinking warm fluids such as daily herbal teas which nourish and tonify these systems. We see an increase in the quality of coldness and dryness as the season progresses and are best nourished by wholesome soups, beans, meats and root vegetables. Heavier foods are more easily digested now and the whole of nature turns inward to a more contemplative time. Fall is the season to take herbs that replenish the adrenals and protect the immune system, such as astragalus, elderberry, Siberian ginseng, Holy basil, ginger root, reishi mushroom and many others. Allergies are often problematic for many individuals as the seasons change. Ragwort, leaf mold and more time indoors causes breathing difficulties for many. Nasal rinsing using a neti pot or my new favorite nasal wash system by Nasopure can help. Taking quercetin, bromelain, vitamin C and nettles herb can help ease the histamine response due to allergies. Desensitization of allergens using a homeopathic combination such as the BioAllers line of products can also be effective. For those who suffer from chronic sinusitis, I recommend the Baraka sinus rejuvenation oil blend. This therapeutic grade essential oil blend is applied to the nostrils three times daily for three months. I have seen it clear up stubborn sinus problems when used regularly. It contains soothing, decongesting and anti-microbial essential oils that can clear up lingering fungal infections and allow sinus tissues to drain. I also recommend applying a moisturizing ointment inside of each nostril to prevent dryness. Pure shea butter is one of my favorite products for this purpose.
In honor of Herbal Awareness month I thought my readers might enjoy learning more about the organizations that support the use of herbal medicine. Listed below are some of the most valuable resources for anyone interested in using herbs: 1. The American Herbalists Guild, An Association of Herbal Practitioners (AHG). The American Herbalists Guild was founded in 1989 as a non-profit, educational organization to represent the goals and voices of herbalists specializing in the medicinal use of plants. Our primary goal is to promote a high level of professionalism and education in the study and practice of therapeutic herbalism. http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ Mailing Address
If a new mother is having difficulty nursing, she should first be evaluated by a board-certified lactation consultant, who can pinpoint problems with the baby’s latch and can help resolve any presenting issues. Nursing mothers need to rest and should drink plenty of liquids. It is important that she also feel relaxed, unhurried and positive about lactation. During lactation, women need even more calories, protein and calcium than they do when they are pregnant and should eat accordingly. Eating whole, unhulled barley can often increase milk supply. Nursing moms should eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables and often benefit from supplementing with a daily protein smoothie. Taking a prenatal vitamin during lactation is also recommended. There is a long tradition of using herbs to help increase a nursing mother’s milk supply and these can be used if there are no other known reasons why she is not producing enough milk. Herbal teas that can aid nursing include: raspberry leaf, blessed thistle and nettles. These herbs are often mixed with aromatic herbs such as anise, dill or fennel seed. The oils from these herbs pass into the milk and can help to prevent colic in newborn babies when taken in tea form by the nursing mother. The herb fenugreek has a long tradition of use as a galactagogue (lactation stimulant) and has been shown to increase milk supply in one small uncontrolled human study. Although larger studies are not yet available, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that fenugreek works. Fenugreek has GRAS status and is safe when used appropriately. For lactation, 2-3 capsules are taken three times daily. More may be needed by some women. The nursing mother’s urine will smell strongly of maple syrup when the correct dose has been reached. Very large doses of fenugreek may cause hypoglycemia and should be used with caution in diabetics. Some digestive distress such as gas, bloating or diarrhea may also occur with large doses.
It’s that time of year again--- the season for itchy, scratchy eyes, ears, nose and throat. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who suffer from hayfever, you might find it comforting to know that nettle leaf is an effective remedy. Choose dried or freeze-dried nettle capsules, (with or without added quercetin) to help quell the histamine response associated with seasonal allergies. Nettle tea or medicinal infusion is another way to use this deeply nourishing, mild tasting herb. Nettles are a rich source of minerals, including iron and calcium. They are high in vitamin c, antioxidant flavonoids and numerous other bioactive constituents. Nettle leaf is known for its traditional use as a remedy for anemia, water retention, allergies, eczema, gout, arthritis and many other chronic health problems. Nettle root has been shown in clinical studies to help manage the symptoms of enlarged prostate. Nettle infusions are used as hair rinses for dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. A rich source of organic nitrogen, nettle garden teas can be made by soaking the fresh plants in water for several days until fermentation begins, then pouring this liquid onto nitrogen-loving garden plants. Also known as stinging nettle, this herb is covered with many small hairs that release formic acid when touched. Nettles can sting only when fresh, so thorough cooking or drying is necessary before using them for food or tea. If you are lucky enough to have nettles growing in your garden, harvest the tops when they are very young (< 4 inches tall) in early spring. Cook these and use them as you would spinach. Nettles are great in soups, quiche, spanakopita and more! Look for dried organic nettles in capsules, chewables and in freeze dried preparations. Nettles are also available as packaged teas and in the bulk herb section. For more information on National Kidney Month: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/mar2010/niddk-01.htm |
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