Herbal Botanicals

Herbs for Skin: The Goddess Steam

The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense against infection. Treating the skin with tender loving care is important in order to look and feel great. Many lotions, creams, and butters are available over the counter to treat issues of the skin. However, most of these contain harsh synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and artificial colors. The FDA does not regulate topical cosmetics so no governing body is looking out for the safety of your body. No one knows the long term effects of the synthetic chemicals used in over the counter body care products. No one knows the results of using multiple types of chemical infused body care products over a lifetime. Natural alternatives do exist and are safer than potentially toxic synthetic lotions and creams.

Herbal medicine is the people’s medicine. It predates all Western Medicine and has existed as long as humans have inhabited this earth. The basic principle of herbal wisdom is that plants coevolved with humans and exist for our benefit. Using herbs for skin is basic ancestral knowledge passed down through the generations. Nature provides as it always has.

One of the most beneficial and delicious treats for body, mind, and spirit, is treating yourself to the Goddess facial steam. Herbal facial steams are easy and quite delightful. They are most effective at relieving stress, decreasing wrinkles, and lightening one’s countenance. To make an herbal facial steam, choose one to three herbs for skin. Three common and readily available herbs are lavender, rose, and calendula. These three herbs are good when used alone and downright divine when combined in an herbal steam. Always purchase organic and local whenever possible.

Add one quarter to one half cup of each to a stainless steel one gallon pot and slowly bring to a boil. Always use stainless steel when preparing herbs as Teflon and other coatings decrease the healing powers of the herbs. At boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot securely with lid, letting the herbs steep and allowing the steam to build. Wait five minutes. During this time, prepare the area where you intend to “take” your steam. You will need three large bath towels. One towel is laid out beneath the warm pot to protect the surface from any spilling. Another towel is wrapped around the pot to hold in heat and protect your body from the hot pot. The third towel is draped over the head and around the pot to contain the steam and keep it from escaping. If you are taking your steam at a table, you may want a cushion for the chair.

Remove the pot from the flame and set it on the towel. Wrap the second towel around the outside of the pot. And drape the third towel over your head. Use caution when “taking in” the steam. If the steam feels too hot, give it another few minutes to cool down or open up some space for the steam to escape around the towel.

Deeply connect with the power of the plants. Breathe them into your lungs. Feel the pores opening and delight in the fine fragrance of the flowers. Toxins and chemical residues will be removed by sweating during a steam. Enjoy the facial steam as long you wish or until the steam stops rolling off the water.  Dry your face gently and feel the softness of your skin. Notice any changes in your state of mind. You may use the herbs for a hand or foot soak before disposing of them in the compost or garden. Enjoy!

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Making Tincture

One easy way to be self reliant is to learn how to make tincture. When making tincture, you are making the most of Nature’s medicine cabinet. Herbal medicine is free, potent, and has been used for all of history to treat and prevent the ailments of man. Many powerful compounds exist in common plants growing around our homes, rural areas, in woodlands, and even disturbed urban environments. Learning about the medicinal properties of plants and making them available for our bodies to use, empowers us to take responsibility for our own health.

This article takes a look at wildcrafting herbs for making tincture. Ethical wildcrafting is the preferred method of harvesting plant medicines from nature. Tincturing fresh plant material in the field connects the medicine maker to the natural world and is a most rewarding experience. It requires very little equipment and time.

First, search out the medicinal plants you want to harvest. In general, harvesting in the morning just as the sun is evaporating the dew from the plants is preferred. Perhaps you have already noticed an amazing stand of mullein flowers or a particularly stunning willow. Look for areas away from roads, heavy traffic, pets, and toxins. You want your plant medicines to be as pure and clean as possible. Wooded areas, land near streams, and pristine natural ecosystems provide medicine with the highest potency. You may want to find out who owns the property and get official permission if you do not already have it. When you find what you are looking for, spend a few moments connecting with the space through observation. What is around you? Are there birds, insects, trees? What do you hear? How does it smell? How does the air feel on your skin? Use all of your senses to deeply connect and become fully present in the space.

Take a good look at the stand of plants you are ready to harvest. Take it in and remember how it looks. After the harvest, it should look almost the same. Opening up your senses and being fully aware connects you to the innate human wisdom that your ancestors used to harvest plant medicines generations ago. Listen and feel. Which plants are calling to you? Do some plants feel “off limits”? Try not to disturb bees or other pollinators. Avoid plants that are not vibrant. When harvesting medicinal plants, you are harvesting the plant essence in addition to the plant material. If you are out there whacking away with knife trampling seedlings and disturbing the environment, your medicine will reflect that quality. Becoming one with the ecosystem and finding harmony in the space creates a medicine that resonates with a high vibrational energy.

Some people prefer to use a sharp knife or scissors when harvesting. Others use only their hands. Remember to wear gloves if you are harvesting plants like nettles. The idea is to be fully present, show gratitude, and treat each plant with the tender loving care you want it to provide for you. Take only what you need and try to leave no trace. Harvesting smaller parts of many plants is preferred over taking whole ones. Sometimes that is not possible if you are doing a whole plant preparation. Remember how the stand of plants looked at the onset of your journey? Does it look about the same now that you have finished? Some folks leave an offering of tobacco or sage at the harvest site. An offering of gratitude works as well.

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Essential Oil Uses for Burns

Burns are traumatic. They happen fast and pain is immediate and lasting. This article takes a brief look at the different types of burns and how they may be treated with essential oils.

Essential plant oils are one of Nature’s most potent healing medicines. Plants (herbs) have been used for thousands of years for healing. Before the onset of modern medicine less than two hundred years ago, plant medicine was the only choice for healing. Today, science is taking a closer look at plant medicines. Many physicians are including herbal medicine and essential plant oils as part of their healing protocol. Modern medicine has very few ways to treat burns. Burns cause such trauma that often skin grafts are the only way to heal serious burns. For less severe burns, lavender oil can be a soothing, effective way to heal the delicate burned tissue.

There are three types of burns. First degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin. Sunburn and windburn are first degree burns. Second degree burns damage both the outer layer and the dermis, which lies directly under the outer layer of skin. Second degree burns have blisters. Third degree burns destroy outer layers and damage underlying tissue. Burns are caused by chemicals, electricity, fire, radiation, heat, and environmental factors like sunlight and wind. All burns can be serious. Seek medical attention when necessary. If the burn is severe the individual may go into shock.

Sunburn can be first or second degree. The best treatment for sunburn is to prevent it. Apply a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when spending time in the sun. Be sure it is water proof or water resistant if you will be spending time in the water. In the case of a sunburn, lavender oil can be an excellent first aid treatment. Lavender essential oil is an all natural remedy for healing sunburn. Dilute 3 drops of lavender oil with 3 drops of coconut oil for a simple sunburn treatment. Apply 2-4 times per day for best results. Lavender oil for burns is one of the most effective essential oil uses.

For second and third degree burns, seek medical attention. Lavender oil may be misted over the burn by diluting in almond oil 50/50 and mixed in a small glass spray bottle. Use care when applying lavender oil directly to burns where tissue is blistered or severely damaged. A spray bottle is preferred application in the case of more serious burns. For the most effective healing experience, use lavender oil on burns often.

Never let a burn dry out completely.  Dehydration of burns is the most dangerous aspect of a serious burn accident. Burns tend to swell and blister due to fluid loss from the damaged blood vessels. Always keep the burn well hydrated with aloe vera, coconut oil, lavender oil, calendula oil, or an herbal salve. Be sure the burn victim drinks twice as much water as normal, even in the case of  sunburn. Rehydrate a burn from the inside and the outside. NEVER treat a burn with petroleum jelly or synthetic chemicals. Damaged skin is too delicate for any chemical substances.

Other essential oil uses in the case of burns includes using anit-inflammatory herbal essential oils such as Idaho balsam fir and helichrysum. Burns are often quite swollen and using these oils helps to calm the inflammation.

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Mushrooms for Cancer

Healing with herbs is becoming more popular as an adjunct therapy, especially in cancer treatment. But what about healing with mushrooms? Herbs are considered plant material. Where do the fungi fit in? From a botanical standpoint, herbs are herbaceous plants. Leaves, roots, and flowers of herbs may be used in herbal medicine. The plant kingdom is comprised of plants. The fungi kingdom is comprised of mushrooms. Science is taking a closer look at the value of medicinal mushrooms in treating serious medical conditions including autoimmune disease, nerve disorders and cancer. This article uncovers some of the mystery surrounding mushrooms and takes a brief look at their use in natural medicine.

There are many myths surrounding the Kingdom Fungi. You may be thinking, “Well, some mushrooms are poisonous.” And yes, this is true. Some plants are also poisonous. Mushrooms get a bad reputation because often cases of mushroom poisoning attract a lot of attention. Most mushrooms are not poisonous. You may be thinking, “Will I see visions or hallucinate?” Many cultures around the world use hallucinogenic mushrooms for healing. But medicinal mushrooms are being researched in laboratories around the world and practicing physicians, cancer doctors, and alternative medicine practitioners are taking mushrooms seriously and prescribing them for serious medical conditions.

Which mushrooms are medicinal? When searching for mushrooms for healing cancer, look first to the polypores, or shelf fungi. These mushrooms are the oldest from an evolutionary standpoint. Some mycologists (those who study fungi) believe that all mushrooms have evolved from polypores. Polypores are hard, not soft like gilled fungi. For any mushroom to be digestible it must first be cooked, heated, or tenderized. This is especially true in the case of polypore mushrooms. They must be heated first in order to be bio available. Historically polypore mushrooms have been heated and steeped in hot water, strained, and the resulting drink served as a mushroom tea.

Historically, polypore mushrooms were quite valuable to native peoples all around the world. Some hard, shelf mushrooms were used as tinder or spunk to start fires and carried over long distances. These same species were also chopped up and steeped in water for tea. Shamans in cultures on every continent treated serious medical ailments with polypore mushrooms.

Which mushrooms for cancer treatment are polypore mushrooms? The most famous and widely used polypore mushroom is the Reishi mushroom. It is used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine, by mainstream Japanese physicians, and throughout Korea, Vietnam and Eastern cultures. Also known as the Ling Chi, this medicinal mushroom is available in supplement form over the internet and directly from alternative medical practitioners.

Another powerful medicinal polypore mushroom is Grifola frondosa, also known as Maitake. Maitake is a soft fleshed polypore with nutritional and medicinal value. It is attracting a lot of attention from pharmaceutical and neutraceutcal companies because initial studies show it is quite effective as an anti-tumor medicine, especially in cases of liver and breast cancer. Look for Maitake supplements that address the D-fraction and beta glucans. Maitake supplements are widely available over the internet and from natural pharmacies.

After dispelling some of the myths around mushrooms and briefly exploring the history of mushrooms as medicine, it makes sense that the mysterious fungi hold healing power.

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Essential Oil Uses for Children

Calming a crying baby is every parent’s dilemma. No one wants their child to be unhappy, but sometimes it is inevitable. Whether it be a painful diaper rash, an upset tummy, or simply an unhappy moment, there is a solution. Nursing, cuddling, and soothing your child is a great place to start. But have you ever considered using essential oils? Essential plant oils are the most potent part of healing plants. They are very fragrant and all natural. They do not need to be applied directly to children’s delicate skin, although in many cases they can, to be effective. One of the best essential oil uses is calming crying children. And using essential oils for treating colds, diaper rash, emotional problems, and skin care is a great, all natural way to keep your baby happy.

One of the greatest essential oil uses also deepens the bond between parent and child. Babies respond to touch. And applying a bit of calming lavender oil to the nape of the neck or bottom of the feet, is one way to connect with your child and enjoy the presence of touch. Laughter is often the result of a sweet interaction where parent and child are bonding through the art of mindful touch. The application of essential oils and baby massage, are great ways to connect with your child and deepen the ancient bond between parent and child. Studies show that children who have bonded with parents, are happier and have less anxiety. Preventing outbursts and temper tantrums before they begin is much easier than dealing with them after the fact.

All essential oils that are safe for adults are safe for use on children over age three. Lavender oil is appropriate for babies and very young children, because it is gentle and soothing. Lavender oil may be used directly on diaper rash or mixed with an all natural herbal salve for the best results. Never mix essential oils with petroleum jelly, baby lotions or creams that contain synthetic chemicals, or soaps. Personal care products containing synthetic chemicals can cause hyperaccumulation of essential oils and may cause a skin reaction.

Although many essential oils are safe and gentle for use with children, some are too strong. And as with all essential oils, it is important to keep them out of the reach of children and the lids on tightly. Essential oils rich in menthol, like peppermint and wintergreen, should not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of age. Keep essential oils away from eyes and never put them directly into the ears undiluted.

Essential oil uses for children are varied. One of the safest most effective places to use essential oils is on the feet. This works especially well for babies and small children. Lavender oil is gentle enough for use directly on children. Most other essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil like olive, almond, or coconut oil. For dilution, add 15-30 drops of essential oil to 1oz. of a quality carrier oil. Keep in mind that some children are allergic to nuts and may have a reaction to the carrier oil and not the essential oil.

Using essential oils with children and babies can be a rewarding, effective way to bond and keep children happy and healthy. Knowing all you can about the safety of essential oils is especially important when treating young children. Much can be learned from a simple internet search, a quality essential oil book, or an aromatherapist. Having an open mind and an open heart is equally beneficial. Your happy baby will love you for it.

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Mushrooms for Cancer in Eastern Medicine

In the Orient, the Far Eastern countries of Japan and China, mushrooms are a vital part of the material medica, the plant medicines. The Eastern way of treating disease with herbs and mushrooms is ancient and dates back over 10,000 years. Healing formulations have been passed down through the ages from teacher to student. These formulations treated emperor and peasant alike. Today, acupuncturists and practitioners of Eastern medicine the world over prescribe mushrooms in the treatment of cancer. Medicinal mushrooms, including the Reishi, are deemed the highest class of medicines in traditional eastern modalities.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is over 4000 years old. The Ling Chi mushroom, also known as the Reishi mushroom, is perhaps one of the most famous and common medicinal mushrooms for cancer. This mushroom goes by many different names. The latin, Ganoderma lucidum is most recognizable and scientifically appropriate. The Reishi is also known as Ling Zhi and Varnished Conk. Recorded historical uses of this mushroom in healing go back 2000 years. Reishi is often found in paintings and carvings because of the medicinal importance and folklore surrounding this mystical, medicinal mushroom. China’s famous natural history book, the Ben Cao Gang Mu, written in 1578 states “continued use of the Ling Zhi will lighten weight and increase longevity”.

Reishi is one of the primary mushrooms for cancer in eastern medicine. Historically, Ling Chi has been used as a fortifying medicinal herb in tea. The mushroom grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially maple and oak, throughout North America and across Asia. Reishi is a polypore, meaning “many pores” and is a shelf mushroom. The fruiting body is hard, not soft like a gilled mushroom. Today, Reishi is cultivated for use in natural medicine. The whole mushrooms may be broken up into small bits, chopped, or powdered and added to hot tea. Below is a recipe for a strong infusion of Reishi mushroom. It may be taken for detoxification, for energy, or as an alternative or compliment to traditional cancer therapies.

Reishi Mushroom Infusion

1oz.   Reishi Mushrooms

32oz. Purified Water

Chop mushrooms in a coffee grinder and place in a glass quart jar. Add boiling water to the quart jar. Let steep four to eight hours. Strain out the mushrooms and discard. Drink 16oz. per day for a revitalizing health tonic. Discontinue use immediately if any adverse reactions occur.

As with most herbal remedies, it is important to use Reishi Tea for a sustained period of time to see benefits. For serious health conditions, drinking 16oz. of Reishi Tea everyday for two months is recommended. If it working for you and you notice decrease in symptoms, increase in energy, better immune system, etc…continue the 16oz. dosage. The anti-tumor properties of this fungi are powerful and it takes time for herbal medicines to be effective.

It is of the utmost importance to know the source of your medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms absorb toxins. So medicinal mushrooms grown in environmentally compromised areas can be very dangerous. Experts suggest sourcing NO Reishi mushrooms from China. Whole Reishi mushrooms are available at herbal apothecaries and directly from Chinese Medicine practitioners. They may also be sourced online. Many companies are also offering Reishi Mushroom in the form of supplements. Powdered Reishi is put in capsule form and taken directly. To ensure your mushrooms are safe and free of heavy metals and toxins, know where they were grown and always buy organic when possible.

Scientific research shows that Reishi mushroom is anti-tumor, anti-microbial, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatiguing. This mushroom has been used for thousands of years to impart longevity and increase energy and vitality. When it comes to finding great medicinal mushrooms for cancer, be sure to include Ganoderma lucidum, the great Reishi mushroom in your health protocol.