Agrimony

Agrimony, also known as church steeple, cockeburr, sticklewort and Philanthrops, has the latin name of Agrimonia eupatoria.  This plant is part of the rose family and can usually be found near hedgerows and fences in England

. It has yellow flowers with egg-shaped petals on spikes. The very pleasing aroma is similar to that of a apricot.

The plant is mainly unbranched and has many leaves which vary in size from three inches at the top of the plant to seven inches at the bottom. It is a deep green plant with soft hairs. Even when the flowers and stems are dried they still maintain the pleasing scent.

This plant has been used to help those with sore throat, plain, inflammation, indigestion, bladder infections, arthritis, rheumatism urinary incontinence, gallstones, food allergies, asthma, cough, wound healing, psoriasis, acne, eczema, hemorrhoids, eye irritation, colitis, liver and kidney disorders, pimples, and skin irritations. Whew!

Most commonly the plant would be dried and then mashed into a powder which can then be mixed into a slurry, a decoction, herbal tea, or essential oils.

Agrimony also makes a good dye. When the plant is harvested in September it gives a pale yellow color to wool. Otherwise, when harvested later, it yields a darker, richer yellow color.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-604-agrimony.aspx?activeingredientid=604&activeingredientname=agrimony

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/agrim015.html

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/agrimony/profile

Acerola Berry

Eric Gaba – Wikimedia Commons user: Sting

The Acerola Berry, also known as Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry (Malpighia emarginata), is a member of the malphighiaceae Family.

This is considered a tropical shrub or small tree. After the plant is three years old it produces a bright red drupe, which grows in pairs or trios. Each individual berry has three triagular seeds. 

This berry is native to South America, south Mexico and Central America. The berry is very high in vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, Be, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids.

Sailors would often use this to prevent or treat scurvy. It has also had a history of preventing heart disease, hardening of the arteries, blood clots and cancer. It can also be used to treat a common cold, pressure sores, bleeding in the eye, tooth decay, gum infections, depression, hay fever and collagen disorders. 

Some of the side affects can include nausea, stomachcramps, sleepiness and insomnia and it can worsen gout. If taken in too large of doses, it can cause diarrhea and can increase the chances of getting kidney stones. 

The fruit can be eaten when ripe or can be made into jelly, jam or syrup if done soon after harvest. If allergic to latex, this berry should be avoided.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Make a Skin Brightening Vitamin C Mask

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tsp of natural Vitamin C powder that  says L-asorbic acid Vitamin C (find it here)
• 1 tsp of fresh aloe gel or raw honey
• 1/8 tsp spring water— Optional (if the mask is too gritty, add more water a few drops at a time until smooth)
• 1-2 drops sandalwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, tea tree, geranium, or helichrysum essential oil (you can get great essential oils HERE)

Instructions–

• Mix ingredients with a small brush until smooth
• Apply with the brush in an even layer all over face, avoiding the eye area
• Leave on for up to 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water or wipe away with a warm cloth (if you put it on really thick you can peel it off in pieces if you like)
• You may experience some redness for up to an hour afterwards but this is normal

Here is a smoothie recipe which includes this wonderful berry:

This recipe is adapted from a great book I’m reading called “The Hormone Diet” by Natasha Turner, Naturopathic Doctor. It is anti-aging, satisfying (keeps cravings away) and a delicious breakfast idea!

1 serving hemp protein powder (or brown rice protein powder)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1/4 cup blackberries

1 cup water

2 tsp flaxseed oil – for your Essential Fatty Acids

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Garnish with some mint and a berry on top! Make sure you use all organic ingredients because berries are highly sprayed with chemicals – pesticides and fertilizers. You will avoid genetic modification as well aka super-strawberries. See my post on genetic modification!

Nutrition Information:

Calories 340 | Carbs 30.4g | Protein 26.9g | Fat 11.87g | Fiber 9.3g

Thoughts for a Saturday

I was remembering a trip that my husband, daughter and I took a few summers ago. We went to Monticello and Williamsburg. While at one of these places, I forget which one, I had the honor of meeting a lady making a wonderful lotion called Calendula lotion.

She told us how she made it and let me sample some. She also told us how it has many healing properties, including to help scrapes, cuts and as an anti-inflammatory. As I have had arthritis in my fingers for a number of years, I was intrigued that I would be able to make something like this from my home. At this time I had not started trying to go natural.

This summer I decided to grow calendula in window boxes and in my flower garden. Well this has been the year of rain in our area, so the garden flowers have been struggling to survive. However, the ones in the window boxes have just begun to bloom. Yesterday, I went out and cut a few of the flower to begin the drying process. I will try to keep everyone in touch as I go through the process of making the lotion.



Now, I will try to keep you guys informed whenever I try something new or when I make a new discovery. Please post any questions you may have or you would like me to look into.

For today, I would like to let you know a little bit about some of the ways that a few plants can help you.

Acai

Acai, Euterpe Oleracea is a member of the Arecaceae family. It is commonly known as acai berry or cabbage palm.

Generally, the plant where the berries are harvested grow to about 25 meters high. The leaves are ribbon like and the berries hand from the branches in clusters. Each tree produces about 20 kg of fruit per year.

These berries are good to eat raw or juiced or frozen. However, they will spoil if they are not frozen or juiced within 24 hours of harvest. 

This fruit is high in antioxidants, in fact, they have more than cranberries, blueberries and strawberries. They also are high in anthocyanins, protein, fiber vitamin E and iron. 

Natural Face Cleansing Oil

There are many different kinds of facial cleansers on drug and grocery store shelves, but when the ingredients are looked at closely, many of them are so many syllables long that they boggle the mind. I found a nice facial cleansing oil that will not only cleanse the skin but it is gentle enough to use to remove eye makeup and the castor oil actually encourages the eyelashes to grow.

Ingredients

Castor Oil - 

Castor Oil is a shiny oil which acts as a barrier agent, plus it helps protect the skin. Castor oil stores well as long as it is kept away from high heat. 

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil has a nice strong flavor and odor to it. It can be used in salad dressings or in other foods. However, for this recipe it is useful as well. Generally it is considered a base oil for creams, lotions, plus it is a general carrier oil. When used in cosmetics it does not leave a greasy feeling behind. It is also considered to have non-allergenic properties which makes it great to use when there are skin sensitivities. 

Wheat Germ Oil

Wheat Germ oil is good to use on rough skin, or skin that has cracked or chaffed. Generally, this oil needs to be refrigerated to help reduce exposure to temperature fluctuation, light, or oxidation. As with grape seed oil, wheat germ oil can be used on food also, but it is generally great when added to body care products because of its anti-oxidant property and its ability to regenerate. 

That's it for the ingredients. Now here is the actual recipe:

1 ounce castor oil

1/2 ounce grape seed oil

1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil

Place each of the oils in a dark glass bottle, place a lid on top and shake to mix. 

To use: Place a little on a cloth or the fingertips and gently apply to the skin. Rinse cleanser off with warm water. It may be followed by a foaming cleanser if desire. 

Store this in the dark glass container for up to 18 months. 

Natural Deodorant

I have been spending time finding a good natural deodorant recipe. There are many out on the internet but I feel like the simpler, the better.

Most of the recipes call for baking soda, cornstarch and coconut oil. This basic recipe did its job very well, however, by that afternoon I felt like I had razor burn. I washed that night and the next morning and tried it again. As the pain and the burn got worse I looked at my new recipe.

After some research, I discovered that many women seem to have this same reaction to baking soda. OK, so there went that idea. Instead of starting my search over again I decided to try to revamp the recipe with items that I have on hand, and with the knowledge of what they do.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used in so many products including hair, and skin. It can also be used for stress relief, cholesterol maintenance, weight loss, immune system boost, digestion and so much more. In the deodorant, coconut oil works as a moisturizer. 

Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot Powder can be used for cooking and for skin care. It help to thicken the deodorant, plus it has the added benefit of helping to eliminate toxins. 

Cornstarch

This is also another form of thickener for this recipe.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth can be used in so many areas of the house. DE can be used in the garden, to take care of pests, like fleas and in homemade toothpaste and deodorant. This is an item that is almost entirely made up of silica, a trace element throughout the body. It also helps to eliminate toxins from the body as it moisturizes this sensitive area. It is important to get food grade DE

Here’s where things may really get a bit different than what you typically see in homemade deodorant recipes. 

The Recipe - Sensitive Skin Deodorant

5-6 T. Coconut Oil

1/8 c. arrowroot powder

1/8 c. cornstarch

1/4 c. Diatomaceous Earth

5 drops of Vitamin E is also helpful 

Several drops of essential oil for fragrance (opt.)

Mix arrowroot powder, cornstarch and DE in a jar, then slowly add the coconut oil until it is the desired consistency and the powders are pretty much dissolved. Add the vitamin E and the essential oil. 

To use this, scoop out a fingertip amount and then rub this between the fingers to help melt and to help make it smooth. Apply to the underarms. 

Enjoy!

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

http://www.scratchmommy.com/effective-easy-homemade-deodorant/

Basil

Basil is the sweet smelling herb which is a member of the mint family. It is often used in cooking to make sauces or added to salads. In addition to cooking, however, this herb has many uses for natural health.

This wonderful herb is filled with vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium.

The leaves of the basil plant can be eaten straight from the plant, as long as they are washed to remove dirt or other unwanteds from the leaf. When eating the leaves the stomach becomes strengthened and perspiration may be cut down. In addition, just by eating the leaves phlegm can be removed from the bronchial passageways.

When mixed with a couple of drops of coconut oil, or other carrier oil, basil as antiseptic properties so it can be used to help heal ulcers, cuts, wounds and bug bites.

Other uses for basil include:

Fever: 

Basil is high in phytonutrients and healing oils. By boiling the leaves into a tea and then drinking it, every few hours it will help to alleviate fever.

Colds and Coughs:

Just by chewing a few leaves or drinking a tea made of dried basil leaves relief can be found from colds, coughs or sore throats.

Anti-stress

To feel relief from stress, try chewing up to 12 leaves two times a day.

Headaches

When suffering from a headach place one tablespoon of dried basil leaves in two cups of hot water in a large pot. Then cover the head with a towel, lean in, carefully, over the pot and breath this in for five to ten minutes. 

Essential Oils

There are also many uses for Basil essential oil. ****Remember essential oils are not made to be taken internally****

Basil essential oil has been used to treat indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, nausea, motion, sickness. 

Just by diffusing, or inhaling a drop or two from a clean cloth, anxiety will seem to melt away. 

As someone that suffers from migraines, I have used basil essential oil from time to time to ease the pain. Just by diffusing it or by massaging it into the temples, the base of the neck or other areas of pain, really helps. 

Place 1-2 drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil (about 3 drops) to apply to insect stings, or cuts.

To aid in carpal tunnel place this mixture on the areas that are effected and massage with moderate pressure toward the heart along the tendons and muscles.

A beauty tip for basil is to place one to drops of basil essential oil to any shampoo to help cut down on oily hair. 

As with any herbs or medicines, it is always a good idea to check with a physician before using basil regularly as a treatment for any ailment.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is used as a thickener is some cooking recipes and in natural cosmetics.

It is harvested from a number of plants including the roots, tubers, or rhizomes of Maranta arundinacea

, or 

Zamia pumila.

 

To create a powder from these tubers, they must be washed first, then the paper-like skin needs to be removed. After removing the skin wash the root again and then let it drain thoroughly. Next the roots are placed in a mortar and mashed into a pulp. The milky liquid that is obtained needs to be passed through a coarse cloth and then the pure starch should be allowed to settle at the bottom. Place this in the sun to dry. When it is finished a light, white powder is the product which is odorless when it is dry. If moist it has a peculiar odor. 

If you don't want to make the powder, it can be purchased at Amazon.

Deodorant

The powder is great when made into a deodorant. The recipe is very simple

combine 1/4 c. baking soda; 1/4 c. arrowroot powder; 5 T. coconut oil until it makes a firm texture, similar to that bought in a store. If desired, a few drops of essential oil can be added, depending on the desired results, I have added up to 10 drops of lavender oil to create a calming scent. When finished the mixture can be transferred to a lidded container and then store in a fridge. This should last a couple of months. 

Foundation

I also enjoy using arrowroot in a homemade foundation for my makeup. Many days this is all that I put on my face. The shade can be varied by changing the amounts of some of the ingredients. 

For example for lighter skin:

1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder should be slowly added to up 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 t. nutmeg, 1/4 t. ginger until it is the desired tone.

After playing around with this recipe I have also added about 10 drops of vitamin E.

If you have a darker complexion begin with less arrowroot powder. 

I have also seen, but have not tried, recipes that use bentonite clay and essential oils. I don't know the amounts or how this works out, but if you try it and like it, let me know the amounts and if you like it. 

I also prefer a powder foundation, but have heard that by adding a drop or two of olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil, you can have the creamy foundation you are looking for. Maybe I will become brave enough to try this some time. If I do I will let you know how it works. 

If you have any other ways that you enjoy using arrowroot, please let me know.

Angelica or Master Wort

Angelica, or Master Wort, is found in wet areas and is recognized by the purple stems and the downy white flowers edged with pink.

This plant has fragrant stems which can be candied for a nice treat plus it has the added advantage of relieving flatulence.

It also has angelicin, a resin, in the roots. Angelicin has been shown to stimulate the lungs and the skin.

To make an infusion of this plant pour two cups of foiling water for every ounce of bruised roots used. To use to help with digestive pain from flatulence take two tablespoons twice daily.

In addition, Angelica is also great to plant when desiring bees as they find this plant very appealing.

In Iceland they chew the stems and roots of Angelica raw with a bit of butter to help with rheumatism and gout.

Angelica can also be found in an essential oil. When used in this form it calms and settles the nerves. It can be applied to the bottom of the feet, over the heart, on the forehead, or wrists to help give a sense of protection and security.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used for millennium by many different cultures. According to Web MD, it has been used for healing and softening skin, constipation and for skin disorders.

It can also be taken as a juice, latex, which works as a very strong laxative. However, those that have heart conditions need to take care and check with their physicians as it can lead to other troubles.

As with most items, there can be side effects or risks that will need to be watched for. It can cause skin irritation. Or if taken orally it can lead to cramping or diarrhea. Those that are allergic to garlic, onions or tulips may be allergic to aloe vera.

I checked various locations around the internet and discovered on How Stuff Works a list of 40 ways to use aloe vera. I encourage anyone interested to check out the site. Here are just a few of the ways to use it.

It is great to apply topically to treat minor burns, or for a scald it can be mixed with vitamin E to be applied as a person prepares to see their physician. When stung by a bee or a mosquito, applying a little of aloe vera can help reduce or eliminate the resulting pain or itch.

It can also be applied to help fight athlete’s foot, or to help relieve blisters.

Aloe and Honey Mask

This handy little recipe can be made very easily with equal proportions of honey and aloe gel. For example, one tablespoon of each can be mixed in a bowl. Then this can be applied to any place where the acne is. Let it stand for about 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.

More can be made just make sure the ratio is 1:1 and that the ingredients are pure without any other chemicals added.

Aloe can also be used as a lotion, either by itself or by placing it in a favorite lotion recipe. It can also be used on the hair, in a conditioner.

Aloe Hair Conditioner

This wonderful plant can also be used as a deep conditioner on the hair. Take one of the leaves off a plant, then scrape it with a knife and apply the gel directly to the hair. Work it in from the roots to the ends of the hair and then let it set, wrapped up in a towel, for up to 25 minutes. Finally, rinse it with warm water and marvel in the wonderful texture of the hair. Wow!

Aloe Scrubs

We Love Aloe has several scrubs that can be made with Aloe also. Just remember that if the gel is coming directly from the plant, to only use the amount that is needed to help spare the plant.

Fruit and Sugar Scrub

Place one cup of white sugar, two tablespoons citrus juice such as lemon, lime or grapefruit, use 2 drops of the same type of essential oil in a bowl and stir. Add four tablespoons jojoba oil, two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons aloe vera gel.

This can then be placed on the skin and used to exfoliate by scrubbing. When rinsing, to get the best results begin with warm water and gently allow it to become cooler until it is cold. Gently pat the skin dry and seal the extras in a jar for another time.

Have fun experimenting with this wonderful plant in other skin products to enjoy a refreshing and toning new item. 

Tinctures

A liquid extract from a plant is commonly known as a tincture, however to use the dried herbs it is best to create a tincture from alcohol and the herbs. The alcohol helps with dissolving the plant parts and it is a perservative, so the tincture can be kept for up to five years.

The end result of the tincture should be made up of at least 20% alcohol. Vodka is generally used to create a tincture, due to the fact that there is not a taste with it. Other alcohols include whisky, brandy or rum. Wine can be used but will not work as well. The alcohol helps the herbs to quickly enter the bloodstream whie it offers a warmth.

To create a tincture, a glass jar needs to be filled with the desired herb and then filled with the alcohol. Another method is to place the items in a blender before placing in a glass jar. After bottling the tincture, place the bottle in a dark, cool place for one day to one month. After this time, strain the tincture and place it in a bottle.

This mixture can be stored very easily in a cool place.

Storing Dried Herbs

Storing Dried Herbs

Now that we have successfully, hopefully, dried all of our herbs, it is time to think of how to store them. It is important to use containers that will shield the herbs from the sunlight, as this will tend to dry them to the point of not being able to be used.

So the best type of containers is dark, glass jars or paper bags. Before placing them in the container, remove any large stems and keep the remaining flowers and leaves whole, if possible. There are some herbs that naturally have large leaves and flowers. These can be crumbled so they take up less space. By breaking them down they are more easily measured when it is time to use them.

When looking for containers, if using clear glass containers, keep the container in the dark so the leaves and flowers do not fade as quickly.

Once stored in a cool, dry place, most herbs can be stored for a year. However, if a new harvest comes along, feel free to replace them when you can. 

Drying Herbs

After the herbs have been harvested, either in the backyard or along roadways or wherever, they need to be prepared to be used. One of the easiest way to save these plants is to dry them. After drying, the plant parts can then be used in teas, tinctures, infused oils and so on.

Air Drying

One of the easiest ways to dry herbs is just to bundle a few together and tie with string or a rubber band. Then to hang them in a dry area. This could be in a laundry room, or from rafters. If hanging is not an option, they can be laid on a drying screen or on a piece of brown paper.

A drying screen can be easily made by stretching an open-weave fabric to a frame. Drying frames work well because the air is allowed to circulate around the entire plant without having small pieces becoming lost.

If neither of these appeal to the user they can place the bundle in a paper bag with the stems facing upwards. The end of the bag should be closed and then a few holes should be placed in the bag to allow for air circulation.

No matter which way they are dried, they can be ready to be used in as little as a week.

Oven Drying
Oven Drying is an alternative way to dry herbs. To do this the material should be placed, shallowly, on a cookie sheet. Then place these herbs in an open oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for about two to four hours. When the leaves crumble easily they are ready. This method can take away some of the flavor and potency of the herb. So when using the herbs, a little more may need to be used.

Harvesting herbs from nature

Throughout this blog I will be doing research through many sources, but when it comes from harvesting and using herbs foun in nature, I use "Backyard Medicine" by Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal as my main source.  This book takes the reader through many different natural herbs and how they have been used through history.

When finding herbs to use in home, look for an area that has the type being searched in large quantities. To help the quantities to remain in supply, only the amount that is needed of the herb should be harvested. It is best to avoid areas that are surrounded by pollution. This will help the body to be healthier.The time of harvesting is important, also. Most should be harvested on dry, sunny days when the plants are not moist from rain or dew.

Why Natural???

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I turned 40. After this it seemed like I started falling apart.....Two knee replacements, two shoulder replacements, neck surgery, severe arthritis in my hands and feet, obesity, depression, and high blood pressure.

I decided to try to take a gradual natural approach to dealing with each of these. In addition to looking for natural ways to help my body heal, I am also looking into going natural with cosmetics, natural shampoos, deodorants, etc and natural cleaners.

I invite all to follow my trek as I try to go natural and as I explore the uses that can be made of different items.

Welcome all!!!!!