Wild Crafting

Proving that the Goddess provides when you need her the most.  This Friday I came down with an ear infection that became complicated with a sinus infection (one of the things that come with Lupus). So I figured I would go for a run/walk to help elevate my temperature to aide in breaking the fever.

Since this is also an optimal time to harvest many wild herbs, I brought my 'wildcrafting kit' with me, it includes, several bags for samples, a marker, notepaper to write the names of herbs on, my camera,  a pair of gloves, and a small book about local plants. I also bring my phone because I can surf the internet and use that to double check the plants as well. Off I went to the woods to do some harvesting of some local  mugwort  I was also really on the look out for mullein I see it near the highways all the time but haven't seen it in any accessible places recently.

 As I'm walking I notice plant looking very beautiful, these lace like flowers kept calling me, so I took pictures, then realized I can't identify the plant if I don't have a sample. At first I thought this might be deadly hemlock, so i put on my gloves, got my sample bag and pulled it out at the roots.

I get home, pull out my research books, The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood, and my herbal teas guide, I picked thru the book comparing the pictures, and discovered I had picked up :  Yarrow!!!  How amazing is that??  want to know why?? Yarrow is best for colds, fevers, stomach cramps, and menstrual flow encouragement.  So it's perfect for me at this moment (well for the first few things not the last one)!!!

Caution:

In rare cases, exposure to fresh  yarrow can trigger itching, rashes, and small skin blisters. Discontinue treatment IMMEDIATELY. It has been shown that prolonged oral use of the herb may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Not to be taken in large amounts during pregnancy.

Herbal Name: Yarrow:
Latin Name: Achillea millefolium,
Derives from:  the Latin name comes from the hero Achilles, who used the herb to staunch wounds during the Trojan War,
Folk name is "nosebleed" which also describes it's frequent use as a styptic to stop bleeding.
Current Use it is one of the most well known herbal remedies for the flu, fevers, stomachaches, sore throats, and menstrual problems.
Plant Facts: It's a hardy perennial that usually grows in bushy clusters. The stalks will grow as high as 24 inches tall, with white or pink flowers appearing from summer to fall. the aromatic white flowered yarrow is most effective for medicinal use with leaves rich in vitamins and minerals.
Origin: Native to Europe and to western Asia, it can be found throughout North America thriving in Temperatic climates, the herb grows wild along roadsides and paths, as well as in sunny meadows.
Parts Used: The entire plant can be used except for the roots, Fresh or dried the herb can be taken internally as well as applied externally, depending on the needs.
Why it Works: Yarrow is valued as a wound healer due to the tannins and chamazulene in the plant. It also contains alkaloids and flavonoids, which lower blood pressure, as well as coumarins, lactones, triterpenes, eucalyptol and camphor. The essential oils found in the yarrow are similar to the those found in chamomile, it's got astringent, antibacterial and some anti-inflammatory properties.

Hot infusions:

• is highly effective in reducing fevers and helping colds and flu
• the bitter tonic relieve stomachaches, diarrhea, and cramping, as well as sore throats, & gum irritation.
• the tannins help to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease menstrual pain
• externally the herb is often used to stop bleeding and prevent infection of topical cuts and wounds. here is a great recipe for herbal salve
• For chronic lower back pain:
  a yarrow compress on the site can help. Apply a towel soaked in the tea, as hot as you can handle it, then place a hot water bottle over it. (can be used in other areas of chronic pain)

Cool infusions:

• used externally or yarrow ointment relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Methods of Administration:

Tea Infusions:

for fever and flu, 

• pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of finely chopped dried herb, or 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves or flowers; 
• cover and steep for 10-15 min. Strain.
•  Drink 2-3 cups daily between meals

Tincture:

For indigestion, 

• chop 1 cup of fresh leaves and flowers or use 1/4 cup of the dried leaves and flowers, 
• add to 2 cups of vodka. 
• Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and tightly cap.
• Shake the jar every few days and steep for 4-6 weeks; strain. 
• The liquid is now your tincture. 
• Use 20-100 drops or 1 tsp, up to 6 times daily
• You can also use the tincture diluted in water or tea.

Sitz Bath:

For Hemorrhoids & menstrual complaints

• pout 2 qt of boiling water over 1 cup dried yarrow or 2 cups of fresh yarrow
• cover and steep for 20 minutes.
• Strain and add the liquid to the sitz bath. For optimal healing keep the bathwater as hot as can be tolerated. 

Yarrow Tea:

• Drink i large cup of the tea before every meal.
• Adding 1 tsp of yarrow to other medicinal teas can make them more effective.
• can relieve chronic gallbladder pain

For Coughing:

1 1/3 oz yarrow flowers

1/4 oz narrow leaf plantain leaves

1/4 oz thyme leaves

1/4 oz calendula leaves

This will loosed tough mucus and tighten the tiny blood vessel located in the lungs bronchioles.

For stomach cramps & stomach pain

1 1/3 oz yarrow flowers

1/4 oz chamomile blossoms

1/4 oz fennel seeds

use this combination of plants to help relax the stomach mucous membranes & prevent inflammations. Fennel improves the taste and eliminates any flatulence.

To ease menstrual bleeding:

1 oz yarrow flowers

1/3 oz dried licorice roots

make the tea with 1-2 tsp of this mixture in 1 cup of hot water.

 Steep 10 minutes, strain, Sip slowly. 

Drink 3 cups daily during heavy menstrual bleeding. 

Drinking 1 cup of the mixture each day also relieves chronic sinus congestion in both adults and children.

To strengthen weak veins:

Yarrow has blood regulating effects that can help make the vein walls stronger. It is often used in combination with other medicinal plants for minor inflammations of the veins and even help with varicose veins. 

Mix equal parts of yarrow & either of the following herbs: calendula or hawthorn flowers. steep 1 cup of boiling water and drink 3 cups daily. 

Yarrow Wine:

To stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the heart. 

Place 1/4 oz of the following:

• Dried yarrow,
•  lemon balm leaves, 
• hawthorn flowers or berries, 
• 1 cinnamon stick, 
• Place in 1 qt of red wine Steep for 3 weeks; strain. 
• Drink 1 glass a day.

Harvesting:

• the flowers or the tops of the plant are typically dried for use.

I hope you enjoy the tea, as much as I did, as it came at a perfect time. Make sure to double check ALL plants before using them, I also used the Internet to look up pictures of yarrow and compared them, then I used my Mom (a garden witch if there ever was one, "even if she doesn't think so" and she identified it for me as well). You can also check with the local botany group or local herbal store, they generally have one person who is great at identifying flowers (my local store has a botany major working there to help you get the right herbs and their uses).

Be Blessed and Happy Wildcrafting!!

Oh the North Wind’s mighty gale

bar the door and set the sail…

Today, Monday January 24th is supposed to be the coldest day in the Northeast on record since the 1930s.. Last night my little weatherbug, on the computer warned that the nights temperature would drop to the single digits, actually to 1 degree,(yes you read that right ONE) and when I went to bed last night it was actually already at 10 degrees. the weather is calling for high winds, with the wind chill factor dropping the temp to below zero(0) in some place even as low as -50. 

Now I know many people like to dress "cute" no matter the weather, and if you happen to be one of those, here is how to cure the resulting cold feet or hands; frostbite (on places that one should never get frostbite on) and hypothermia, 
You can also read this as a way to be prepared should you be stuck somewhere for more than a few minutes in this cold weather.

Prevention:
1) Dress in layers, so that when indoors, if needs be, you can remove a jacket, a sweater, long sleeve shirt, and undershirts.  In the cold, the layer will add insulation and allow the sweat your body creates to evaporate instead of drying on the skin.  One would think this wouldn't be necessary to share with grown folks, but as I have seen many people who should know a whole lot better end up in the emergency room seeking treatment, for the beginnings of hypothermia, due to being improperly dressed for the weather. 

2) Wear a hat, yes I know it will give you hat hair, but  consider that anywhere from 7-55% of your body temp is lost through the head. It would be smarter and healthier especially on days like to today to have that 'cute head of hair' covered, or you will be in the hospital with bed head, which sounds worse??

3) Gloves, I know this sounds crazy but frost bitten fingers aren't cute, cover your hands please yes, even you men. Mittens actually insulate more, as your fingers help to keep each other warm.

4) Wear insulating breathable socks and proper shoes, this one goes to all my favorite college co-ed who wear uggs in the summer and slippers (with socks) during the winter O_o

5) Wear a scarf, or a ski mask (just don't run into any banks), a scarf wrapped around your face especially your nose will help to protect your skin from the wind, as well as give your nose a chance to warm the air that your breathing so it's not as cold when you inhale.

6) Your jacket should be wind, and waterproof, while being lightweight & breathable since your wearing the other layers.

if your going to be out for any number of hours, bring extra socks, and gloves to change into. 

Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite, and Hypothermia ( and how to help 'cure' them)
Frostbite happens when your exposed to cold air for a either a short period of time in extreme cold weather, or long periods of time in "nippy" weather. This happens because your body attempts to protect the most vital of organs by cutting off circulation to the extremities, namely: ears, nose, fingers, and toes. In severe case the tissues of the affected parts will freeze, leasing to loss of parts of the body.  

Like burns there are several degrees to frostbite: (each numbered bullet is a degree of severity)

1. numbness and a loss of color
2. deep reddening and stiffness in the affected parts
3. Look out for :

• pale or purplish waxy skin, sometimes discolored
• swelling
• tissue death occurs, and blisters form as dead cells discharge their fluids
• can become blackened.
• thawing of the frozen skin can create a painful burning sensation

If it reaches cell and tissue death, medical treatment is necessary.

For the beginnings of frostbite, like the numbness, here are a few natural first aid steps to hasten healing:

• try to get to a warm shelter as soon as possible, and remove any wet clothing
• to warm the body, drink hot tea: lemon juice diluted in warm water with honey can supply needed energy and a dose of vitamin C to help resist infections. Add the juice of 1 lemon to 1 cup water.
•  or clear broth and take a lukewarm bath 
• if a warm bath isn't available, wrap yourself in a warm blanket
• Do NOT dunk any of the frostbitten body parts in to scalding hot water, this will NOT  help.
• DO NOT rub the skin, the friction will advance any damage to tissue instead of helping.
• DO NOT ingest alcohol, although it may make you feel warm, it actually encourages heat loss and increases the risks of frostbite.

Herbal Healers:

• Ginko helps to dilate blood vessels and enhances circulation. Take 3-4 capsules daily, or 1 tsp of tincture 3-4 times daily.
• arnica and calendula make a effective salve for damaged skin
• Aloe, will help relax constricted vessels. It also boosts the effectiveness of medical frostbite treatments. cut open an aloe leaf and squeeze out the gel. Apply liberally. can use the commercially purchased ones as well. 

Hypothermia is caused by a drop in the bodies core temp. As it drops the body attempts to warm it self by shivering to generate heat. As the temp drops the following happen:

• Shivering and confusion are key signs that you are going into hypothermia.
• irregular slow pulse, sluggish reflexes
• rigidity and edema
• weak heartbeat, delirium
• loss of consciousness
• death

Hypothermia generally has frostbite along for the ride, exposed skin and wet parts will get mild to severe frostbite.

• Severe hypothermia starting with rigidity need medical attention.  DO NOT ignore the signs. 
• On a day like today the elderly and children are at greatest risk, check on elderly family members throughout the day, and make sure to bundle children up. the rule of thumb is two layers for every one you wear.

Herbal Healers:

• Cayenne tincture: a stimulant cayenne help to warm the body system from the inside out, improving blood flow to extremities and organs. Take 1 dropperful every 20-40 minutes in juice or water until body temp rises. (can be found at health food stores)
• ginger tea, ginger is a great warming herb, ti stimulates blood flow especially to the extremities. Add 2tsp of herb to 1 cup of water, steep 10-15 mins, strain. Sip 1 cup every 1/2 hour. 
• to prevent cold and other infections after hypothermia, drink teas high in vitamin C, lemon tea, rose hips, hibiscus flowers, chamomile &, peppermint. Mix 2 tsp of each herb into a jar (except the lemon). to make the tea, add 2 tsp of the blend to 1 cup hot water, steep for 10 mins. Drink 4-5 cups daily in sips.

Information from The Guide to natural Healing, cards: Ailments and treatments, frostbite, and hypothermia. And knowledge gleaned from school (and living in NE for 10 years)
Stay warm and healthy my loves

Today is a cold one

Be Blessed 

Healing Teas

Many people drink tea just for the taste but there are so many other reasons to drink tea!! Tea can help build the immune system, some teas even work with your medicines to enhance them, as in the case of St. John's Wort, (which can aide in lifting depression).  Other teas can be used as substitutes for coffee for those junkies who want the benefits of caffeine but none of the harsh side effects. 

Share with me as many of your tea favorites and i will put up information as well as its benefits, which teas you can add them to so that you make healing teas for yourself.

Ill link in many of the videos that i have seen that can help you learn about different teas and what they can be used for.

One of the best companies out there that has alot of tea varieties is Mountain Rose Herbs. They carry just about everything. I love the different flavors that they carry and even the ones you would consider not teas.

They are located at www.mountainroseherbs.com

I am learning a lot about herbal science and reading a lot of the books contained on www.bastyr.edu

they have an amazing herbal science program and they also have classes you can take online, there are many other programs found online just make sure you research them properly first.

Another good program to aide in learning herbs iswww.herbmentor.com they also have a youtube account where they show so many great recipes for using the herbs you grow. 

I will also post new blogs about the healing teas as well as videos i have found on YT. 

Love and Light Always

Aisha

Healing Teas: St John's Wort

I have uploaded to my YT account a video detailing the healing properties of St. John's Wort. You can watch it here also. I will posting videos like this more often as i am attempting to gain a degree in Herbal Sciences, so as i learn i will teach you what i know because this is the best way to study.

So here it goes: Hope you get some good information


Love and Lighr