Medicine in the Spice Cabinet

This month's blog party is hosted by Tansy

I am singing the praises of many herbs this winter. And dancing too with their health giving benefits.

You see, I fell terribly ill suddenly due to what seems to be low thyroid. I am uninsured and do not have the $225-$500 I have been quoted to get an exact diagnosis, but from the symptoms I have suffered, I am pretty sure that is the issue.

An herbal friend of mine is helping me keep tabs on good and bad choices as well as incorporating some new herbs into my diet. I would love to share a few with you.
Rosemary I fill my quart stainless steel pot with lid full of filtered water, bring to boil then add a sprig of organic rosemary and allow to steep. This makes a delicious tea and is useful as a nervous system tonic, good for circulation, strengthens the heart and aids in memory. Also may be helpful for hair and skin although I have not applied externally, only internally as a tea. Delicioso!

Cinnamon A mild stimulant and warming herb, this is rich in tannins, volatile oils, mucilage and coumarins.
Coumarins can thin blood, fight tumors,and fight fungus.
Tannins are bitter and astringent(help dry things up like excess mucus or diarrhea)
Cinnamon has antiviral and also antiseptic properties and is useful in fighting infections.
Can be blended with other herbs as well to increase their efficiency.

GingerI am greatful for this powerhouse. I have been taking care of sick family for 2 weeks and due to this herb and chicken soup made with lots of garlic and astragalus, I have fared strong.
Ginger is helpful in improving circulation, especially to the pelvic region. This herb is diaphoretic and opens the pores to promote sweating which helps the body remove waste. Also good for cramps and morning sickness. Good for the respiratory system as well. I have heard that if you feel the flu begin to creep up on you, make some ginger tea immediately and it may by-pass you. I feel this has been true this winter thus far.
So keeping warm inside is easier with a good ginger tea or added to your favorite stir fry.

Garlic A delicious powerhouse of medicine in this bulb! Garlic is one of the aromas most often found in my home. With some Italian heritage in my roots, garlic has always been included in our meals. But once I understood the medicinal benefits of garlic, my family gets more of it when needed.
Antiseptic with its sulphur and volatile oils, it works internally and externally. Garlic stimulates the immune system and is known to expel intestinal worms. Garlic is antimicrobial, antibiotic, antioxidant and more. I have a recent article published in the Essential Herbal magazine on ways to apply garlic if you are interested in a good read (the magazine is so wonderful). Garlic is most potent in its raw form, but light cooking should not diminish the potency too much.

Other spices we use often are basil, nutmeg, comino, curry powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, to name a few. I love cooking with spices and herbs. Enhancing the flavor of our favorite foods while aiding the health of the body is an exciting ritual in our home. I will write more on spices soon I hope. ~Bless

Winter Recipes Blog Party

Winter. The season of rest and contemplation. At time when most plant life naps as the cold air intensifies.
Last winter we had an ice storm. It broke my heart to see what the trees had to endure. I would peek outside and an eery silence would be broken with a crash of a fallen branch that could not endure the weight of the thick ice. However, although we lost some of our berries and nuts on our land because of the ice storm, most of the plants stand strong.
Sometimes our lives are smooth sailing and then something may occur to disrupt that momentum. In the winter, humans typically battle colds, infuenza, respiratory issues as well as sore joints or chronic cold body that cannot seem to stay warm.
Herbal preventatives are often employed during this season by those of us that love the plants. My herbal friends and I will be sharing with you a variety of things we live out in the winter to bring good cheer, warm the body, nourish and feed, or treat winter illness. Please enjoy our December blog party simply called


Winter Recipes

I will begin with a simple recipe anyone can create especially if you are armed with a food processor. I create in my kitchen and usually do not know parts so please bear with me on some of this. You and your family will enjoy this.
We will call this recipe
Dreamseeds Balls
Throw in a handful or 2 of pitted dates
A handful of dried berries such as Goji, Bilberry or even Elder berry
A couple of handfuls of organic rolled oats
Raw honey

You are seeking a consistency sticky enough to roll little balls out of the dough without it being too sticky.
These are good just as they are but there are many ways to vary this to create something medicinal

If immune support or strengthening is needed, I may add powdered schizandra, elecampane, rose hips, astragulus, etc...
You can see how variable this recipe can be tempered to what you need in your life at the time.
We often add extra fun things like sesame seeds, coconut, pumpkin seeds or nuts.

Cold Weather Soup
One thing about the way I work in my kitchen is very undocumented.
I am a mother to 7 children and have basically struggled each month to make ends meet my entire adult life.
The blessing in this stressful condition is that our family has learned to use everything we possibly can in order to survive.
One year we lived on raw milk and the products I made from it and eggs. Our family farm friends gave us a month credit, we would pay when my husband got paid. It was tough, but we were healthy.
So, once again, I will share the basics with you of what I do and you have the power to create this soup "your way".

I save our chicken bones, turkey carcass and beef bones. If not using soon I freeze.
When I am ready to use the bones, I bring them to boil in filtered water.
I am told adding vinegar to the pot helps bring out more nutriton from the bones. I have never done this and maybe I should. What I do is cook all day long early on until late.
I like to add garlic and spices toward the end of cooking if I will use the broth immediately. I sometimes add astragulus tongues or echinacea root too.

Strain the bones and fat from the stock and allow to cool if refrigerating or freezing.
If it is cold outside I cover my pan and let nature be my refrigerator until it is time to create the soup.

So once your stock is strained and ready to go, then create a soup with either what you have or what you need.
Typical ideas might be sauteeing onion and garlic and adding them to the pot.
Chopping carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, potato, green beans, collards, mustards or kale, you name it.

Then to add something to really fill your belly, try brown rice, lentils or barley. 1 cup to a large potful is good.

This meal can last several days and fill the family up at the same time. With cheese toast or cornbread on the side it is fabulous. Nutritious. And not very expensive at all.

Chili
We like meat in our household so this has it. You can always onit what I suggest if you have a different eating style.
This is just a quicky recipe for busy days. My friend Julie from Louisiana gave me this recipe years ago and I am greatful for it when my family needs a warm chili and I am super busy.
1-2 # ground meat
1 1/2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tbsp Cumin Powder
1 large chopped onion
3 cans of tomato soup
2 cans filtered water
3 cans pinto beans
jalepeno pepper
2 dashes of tobasco or so
Fry meat with onion until done with garlic powder to taste (we use a few shakes)

Add Chili Powder and Cumin;Fry for 15 minutes

Add soup and beans and water. Bring to boil, then add jalepeno and tabasco.

Simmer 2-3 hours or until desired thickness is accomplished.


My friend Michelle shares this recipe with me
Cheesy Corn Chowder

Combine and cook til tender

2 cups water
2 cups chopped potatoes
1/2 cup carrots
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sliced celery
salt and pepper to taste

Combine
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup unbleached flour and set aside

Add
2 cups milk to flour and butter mixture. Take a bit of the warm soup and add to this mixture and mix. Then add this to the soup pot witht he veggies and water broth.

Add
1 cup grated cheese and 16 ish oz can of whole corn and add to soup pot of water and veggies. Heat.

Another family favorite is Greens

We had our eyes opened to all kinds of greens while living in Northern Florida which is really still deep south there. Alot of African Americans still living there and the tradition of food there is astounding.
White people really need to thank the black folks for all they have brought to our people, including music and food. The spirit of this culture is strong regardless of the suffering they have endured. They know good healthy food too, I tell ya.
Greens are made in this area of the country by taking pork or beef bones and making a good strong broth. I like using ham hocks, but some use salt pork and some use beef bones. Cook the bones all day just like the above mentioned soup recipe. You want the nourishment from the bones as well as that flavor that marries the greens just right.

Wash your greens really well. In Arkansas we have little soil left in the greens but in Florida you will have to change your water at least 7 times to get the gritty sand off the leaves. Any grit will take away from the delicious experience, lol, so you will want to be SURE they are free of dirt. Usually filling a clean dish pan with water and washing the leaves with your hands, then draining is pretty good way to accomplish this. Doing it over and over.

Once clean and your broth ready, add your greens to the broth and cook low for a good long time.
We lived on Collards in Florida with HUGE bundles that grew together. Here in Arkansas, Kale, Mustards and Turnips are more popular.
Once your greens are tender, sit down and enjoy.
No kidding, LIFE will be felt down to your bones upon your first spoonful of greens.
A few shakes of peppered vinegar adds great flavor too.

Garlic Soup
This is contributed by my mama friend Renee
Garlic Soup

1 TBSP Olive Oil
12 cloves fresh garlic plus another head of garlic
2 large onions
1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
2 cups chicken broth
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 TBSP fresh Basil
Sea salt (or regular salt)

Directions:

1. Roast a head of garlic.

2. While the garlic is roasting. Peel and thinly slice your onions. Then peel and thinly slice your garlic cloves. Pound the cloves with the side of a large knife to more easily remove the peel.

3. Add garlic and onion to a large saucepan with oil. Cover and saute for about 25 minutes on low, or until they are cooked through and almost translucent.

4. Put the cooked onion and garlic into a blender with 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and the thyme. Puree.

5. Put puree back into saucepan. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Stir in cayenne, basil and salt to taste. More is better Heat 2 more minutes.

7. Enjoy with crusty bread and maybe top with some cheese or add in some veggies.


Liver Tea
I would like to leave you with this herbal tea recipe. We do not get as many fresh vegetables in the cold months and depend on fats, meats, and storage vegetables and tubers for our food more in this season.
Some folksjust might not feel like they are digesting properly eating this way for an extended period of time. Coupled with shorter days and cabin fever, depression might try to creep in.

I have used this safe herbal tea formula to treat these symptoms with great success.
The addition of grated ginger and a small cinnamon stock also adds warmth to the body.

Add filtered water to a quart saucepan. Then add a small handful of milk thistle seeds, small handful of dandelion root and small handful of burdock root. Add cinnamon stock and put a lid on and simmer 20 minutes or so. Add your grated ginger and allow to steep ten minutes or so. Strain and drink.
Once when having some depression related to digestion, I was completely revived of the emotional symptoms after the first cup. Give it a try~

Please enjoy the contributions by these wonderful herbalist friends and study their blogs. These that have contributed are passionate about food, nutrition, and herbal living and I guarantee you will learn a thing or two from each one.
May your winter find you healthy and happy as you explore these wonderful ideas people





Darcey of Gaia's Gift

Hetta of Henriette's Herbal

Rebecca of Crabapple Herbs

Dancing in a Field of Tansy, with Tansy of course:)

Kiva of Medicine Womans Root's


May I also suggest this Butternut Miso soup with Ginger, Broccoli and Tahini on Kiva Rose's blog. I made this a week ago when I was not feeling so well and it really perked me up and gave me strength to get through the day. I was fortunate to have about everything in my pantry.Butternut Miso soup with Ginger, Broccoli and Tahini
http://bearmedicineherbals.com/?p=200

The Birth of Megan Rayne

A phone call at 11:30p.m. on the 24th came to announce that my 17 year old daughter, Rachel was probably in labor.
She called back some time later to let me know the doctor suggested she go into the hospital. I was exhausted from the week before and I figured it would be awhile and I could catch some more sleep. I told my daughter I would sleep a bit and to keep me posted.

Her husband, Brian happened to be home on leave for a weekend visit, so he was present as well as Brians mom Melonie. Brian is in the Army and soon to be sent to Iraq. That was an aswer to Rachels prayers, him being home as well as her doctor being on call (he was). She was 5 days early too so it all worked out so perfectly.

About 3:40 a.m. Melonie called to update me that she had not really progressed yet and that contractions were truly coming as real labor.
So I told her I would rest a bit more, then come. I do not drive well in the dark especially when I am tired. So I rested aobut 20 more minutes, then awoke and began to tend to the needs of the family and household. I knew it would be a long day away from home. With a large cup of coffee, I was out the door by 5:30 and to the hospital by 6.



Upon arriving, her contractions were coming about every 5 minutes and she was able to breathe through them. She had a couple shots of Nubain to help her relax and sleep between cotnractions. Resting on and off between contractions, Rachie was cheerful, but tired. Brian and Melonie stayed up most of the night sleeping in little spurts or not at all. Melonie and I drank quite alot of coffee that morning trying to keep ourselves awake enough to help anyway we were needed.

About 9 a.m. the dr came to check on Rachel. She had not progressed much so he ordered pitocin to get the contractions stronger.
It took a little while, but the rushes became pretty intense for Rachel and some of them left her in tears. It is very heartbreaking seeing your daughter cry and there is absolutely nothing you can do to make it better. I tried to get in her face and encourage her to breathe through the contractions, but they were to strong, it was hard for her to relax through them. I would breath just as she should hoping she would pick up on my cues.
She tried.
But would just cry.
It was so familiar.
I remember when I birthed my first child, Robyn. I too was 17 and childbirth literally scared me to pieces. I remember feeling so helpless against the natural course of uterine tightening and pushing the baby down onto the cervix.
I wanted to be done, yet the intense sensations of labor would not stop.Being powerless against them, I cried and screamed during her labor.
I knew what my daughter was up against, and yet I, as well as generations of women before us had endured the very same thing and had come through. Strength is in a womans lifeline and we had to encourage her to tap into that power.

Melonie asked the nurses to give Rachel something more to help her relax.
I really was not in favor of that since she would be so wiped out during delivery, but looking back, Rachie probably needed something to take the edge off.
Once she had progressed to her cervix being dilated to at leat a 4 she could have an epidural. I dont recall exaclty when that was but I think lunch time approximately. I think she was also more dilated than a 4 as well.

Rachel was allowed one person in the room during her epidural and her husband felt it should be me. I was in front of her while the anesthesiologist inserted her spinal catheter and administered pain medication.

I have never had an epidural in any of my 7 births, but I tell ya it sure changes things. I saw that in my oldest daughter when she gave birth to my first grandchild.

Once the medicine began to work, Rachel was able to sleep off and on. She was wore out though adn could only have ice chips.

About 2:30 or so, the nurse encouraged rachel to begin pushing the baby as she gently moved part of her cervix off the baby's head during a contraction.

Rachel was having a difficult time pushing. And not exaclty feeling everything correctly, she at first was using the wrong muscles to push. Her face was shaking and red.
Then the doctor came in and really tried to get Rachel to push harder. Her pushes weren't bringing the baby down enough. Also the babes heartrate was dropping so oxygen had to be administered to Rachel. she had to wear an oxygen mask pretty much teh rest of the delivery.
Then for many pushes the baby did not move any further and the Dr told one of the nurses to get things ready but not to open anything, then this nurse left the room.
I really feel they were preparing for a C section because the doctor told Rachel he would not be able to help her if she could not push harder.
I got into Rachels face right then and firmly said, Rachel you have got to push this baby out hunny. Seriously, I did not want her to know that they were preparing for a section right then, but was hoping she could pick up on my concern that she had to make it happen.
And she did! Brian, Melonie and I continued encouraging her to push hard, we were holding her head and legs in positions she could work with and we were all extremely engaged in the process.
It was intense. I cried a few times seeing the babes head coming through the birth canal. One the baby was past a certain point, it was ok. I saw the doctor grab for instruments to perform an episiotomy. I watched everything going on with my daughters vagina in case she needed to know later. And of course wanting to watch the birth.
I thought I saw the doctor behave as though the baby had been cut during the episiotomy and that memory was lightly etched in my memory as he told the nurses that this one particular instrument that looked like scissors were not sharp and needed to be removed.
We continued to encourage Rachie to push hard. She was doing several sets of 3 pushes for 10 seconds.
And at about 3:31 pm on November 25, Megan Rayne emerged from Rachel body into this world.


She as covered in vernix and had a long cone head. She was very white from all that vernix , gave some cries, and pinked up really quickly.
Her top lip and gums were really prominent at birth and I remember wondering "what side of the family has such large gums and lips"?
I spent the first few minutes with Rachie, then ran over to the table where the baby was and talked with her. It was most amazing because as I spoke with her she responded to my voice. She looked around and listened. If she cried, I spoke and she was quiet.
She also did that with Brian and Melonie. That was amazing.

I rubbed the vernix into her skin as I sat observing her and taking some pictures.



Then the nurses tended to Megan again and I saw Rachel was alone while the doctor stitched up her episiotomy.



So I ran back to Rach to rub her and talk with her.
The doctor was very thorough on stitching her up. I asked how badly she tore and he said about 2 1/2 out of 4 being the worst.

The epidural was not as strong then and Rachel could feel some of the stitching pressure going on as well as a darned hemorrhoid the size of Maine.
She tried to nurse the baby before she was taken to the nursery and Megan latched on! GREAT START!
However, the medication must have hit her belly now that she had room Rachel managed to puke just as I got a hospital tub under her chin. Rachel was afraid to puke with the baby in her arms but I could tell there was no time for me to grab Megan and catch...Baby was fine and after Rachie was sick, she did so much better.
I wiped her face off with a clean cloth and rinsed the pan out.
Then Mama and Baby felt better:)



She was so sweet. So young and yet she had just crossed over into the most intense job of a womans life. Mothering.
That night there must have been 20 people in and out of her room post delivery. It was what she wanted at the time. She did not care who saw what in those hours.
Brian and i watched thorugh the nursery glass when they took the baby for some measurements, apgar checks and first bath. She would cry then quiet. Then cry again.
It seemed like such along time I was apart from Rachel so I went back to her room.

Rachel had enough of sitting in bed so she walked to the nursery to watch them check out Megan. I pushed her IV pole and Rachel was just "zipping along" for a new mother.
They were moved to another room and I left then.
At that point I too was tired, and it was very intense being with my little girl though suffering and triumph. I worried too as I knew breastfeeding was her next challenge and with my lifes work being related to birth and breastfeeding, it was hard to let her make her own choices and maybe mistakes. I chose to leave then so I would not butt into her business.
She made the decision to breastfeed, but bottles were already being encouraged by people around her to be sure the baby was not hungry and I was getting tense. All the research I know of shows that the reason why mothers milk does not come in for a few days is because her baby is not hungry until then. I shared that with her but other voices seemed louder.
I wanted to be sure her baby had that wonderful colostrum to help immune her to bacteria and virus and things colostrum prevents.
It is liquid gold for a baby!

The next day I went to see the family in the hospital and introduce Olivia to Megan.
And what did I see? 2 cuts on megans head. Just as I suspected, her head was cut when the episiotomy was happening. She is fine but jsut goes to show how easily things can happen especially with so much intervention. However, the staff overall was very good with Rach. I am not complaining.


I bought Rachie the Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding published by La Leche League so she woudl have 24 hour access to the questions she may have. The hospital lactation consultant also gave her some info and her numbers for support anytime.
However, 3 days after birth, Megan has had soem formula, but Rachel has not given up on breastfeeding. It has been challenging for her, though. I received a call from Rachie last night and in joy announced "My milk is in"!

As of this writing, Megan is 2.5 days old. Beautiful. All of her family loves her already so much. We were concerned how Olivia, who is my youngest daughter, would accept Megan. Olivia has been the little princess for about 4 years now and even though Ariella took away some of Olivia's novelty, I think we all have been able to show love to all without anyone feeling they are not special to each of us.

I will go spend the day with Rachel today. I am looking forward to it. I do look forward to being with Megan and Brian too, but I am just drawn to Rachel right now. I want to hold her and wrap her with all the love I have for her and help her anyway I can.
For now, we are armed with lanolin, witch hazel extract, calendula and I will make her a hot cup of prenancy tea when I get there for nourishment and uterine toning.

I am a blessed woman

Doing your best with what you have

Several acres with herbal beds. Herbs for immunity and herbs for flavor. Tea herbs, decorative herbs. A hops arbor with a swing or bench to sprawl out on while enjoying a favorite book and lemon balm tea. An outdoor clawfoot bathtub with roses surrounding this place to enjoy on a summers night.
These are my dreams and desires that I look forward to creating.
We are currently living in a small house on a small sloped lot in the NW Arkansas Ozarks. It is beautiful here, but for someone with little gardening experience it has been challenging.
This year the knowledge of endangered herbs became an intense reality. ALong with our herbal dreams, we had work to do to save these plants!
So we would pack our 3 smaller children into our Honda and travel the counnrysides and curving Mountain roads for land we could call home. A place to create our dream and devote a portion for endangered herbs.
The summer sun was hot and the ticks and mosquitos flourished. These insects surely loved our curiousity about all the properties we explored. We spent many days treating bramble injuries, bites and itching but I have to be honest, it was a fun expedition.
During this season, the financial institutions began to clamp down hard on granting loans for property ownership. Self employed carpenters and soapmakers are not favored easily when it comes to loaning money.
The present economy is one that is difficult for many people and we were included in those ineligible for a loan at this time. We were pretty devastated to have our dream squashed like that.
However, as fall began to roll in, we were given a quiet message of hope. We realized that maybe our land is not ideal, nor very large, but it is enough to forge through and begin a good work.
Our first endangered plants to add to our property are Black Cohosh, Goldenseal, and American Ginseng that we obtained in a UPS fall give away. We have them planted and mulched along our property and the woods edge as they prepare for their winter nap.
Nearby perilla, elder and poke are saying good night for now too.
We are delighted to have these plants on our land and check on them often as we gather chickweed and dandelion leaves for our salads.
We purchased old ceramic tiles from Habitat for Humanity and painted them to help identify the areas where these herbs are planted.
Our dreams have not changed, however we feel they have partially begun. We realize sometimes you just need to begin right where you are and watch the process blossom with time. And this lesson is what we have learned from the plants themselves.
Dont be afraid to begin where you are and grow with it. Be blessed~ Kristena

Thanksgiving 2007

What do you get when you have conservative Christians, Radical Hippies, a tree hugger, a carpenter, an herbalist and a bunch of kids?
Why Thanksgiving of course:)

Originally my Mother and father in law were going out of town, so we invited my dear dear friend Joy and her family for Thanskgiving dinner.
Well Mom and Dad decided not to go out of town, so it looked like the day woudl be at our house with this interesting mix of people.

I will admit, Ray and i were nervous. I know that Mom and Dad want everyone to make it into heaven, and that they strongly beleive in their fundamental values. I totally respect that as a Christian myself, but I am between Christian and earth based and really feel those fundamental extremes hurt people soemtimes. I knwo I dotn feel very close to God when people shove their dogma in my face.
But all in all it went very well. The inlaws fit in ok and my friends, knowing that mom and dad have strong beleifs were very honring to them even though they themselves are agnostic.

We were so glad that our msot precious people could in fact eat together and all go ok.

Olivia and Rowan ran aroudn and needed a palce to play so they hung out in my bedroom. They decided to play in teh closet to which they found Bens birthday presents there wrapped and ready for his birthday in a few days.

They must have thought, OH LOOK A PRESENT. WE NEED TO OPEN PRESENTS. Out they ran with one unopened present. I was not sure what to think at first until I told them it was Bens bday and to leave the gifts alone. I realized they had not a clue what was right or wrong in that situation. presents are fun and are meant to be opened. So they did....lol I had to laugh.

Our friend Duane who really is a hermit came later. After everyoen had left, we opened a bottle of wine and sat around and visited. It was so good to catch up with our old friend who absolutely loves trees. He is such a unique fellow with a great big heart.

I dont have pics of everyone but what I do have I will share.

Rachie and her belly the day before Thanksgiving. She is due in a week


Ray and Joey help me clean and prepare things


Here is Joey again


Jon is silly:)

Tragedy turned to miracle and Winter nap for the farm

Well, after a week of deep emotional distress, we ended it at the farm for our last session. As a matter of fact, I pulled the kids out of school so we could all go. There is healing in the land and we needed it.

You see our neighbors 2 year old son ran behind the car while he was backing up his car and he was run over. The neighbors phones were off so I had to call 911 and felt compelled to go wait with the mother to give her support while she was waiting. I was so afraid of what I would see. From a distance I could see the boys limp body in her arms, as the mother and father wailed in the road awaiting the paramedics to arrive.
I knelt down beside the crying mother and was so moved with their pain, yet all I could do was lay my hands on the boys head and pray that healing would come for him, that he would survive this tragic accident.
I know many many prayers went up for this family. The miracle is that within 1 week
the family was home with their son and everything looks like he will be just fine.

For several week I had carried a burden...I could feel soemthing bad in the air and would pray often. A deer ran into our car and I thought maybe that was it, but I still was not released from the burdens I carried-NOT UNTIL the accident with our neighbor.
I felt for many days after that like I had been in shaken deeply emotionally. Hard to sleep at first, prayed alot. My strength seemed to leave me for a several days. But the burden was released.
I dont understand this all now but it did trouble me. Maybe my prayers going up were imprtant in his survival....maybe that time of burden prepared me to go be with them in their time of need. Honestly I dont do trauma well adn that was a huge step for me.
Or maybe none of it is related. I dont know. What I do know is that I felt something in the air, near, I felt afraid and danger and that feeling did nto leave until news of the boy's recovery came.

So the kids and I went to the farm together for some laughter, smiles and sunshine. Seeing the dogs for our last time in the year. To mulch the beds and prepare them for their winters rest. To see Patrice and hear what he has to say this week.
It does the soul good to work at the farm. Here are some pictures from our day. And our last until the spring

Are capsules a good choice for supplements?

I was curious so I emtpied out my capsules to see how many would be the equivilant to 1 TBSP.

It took 29 capsules and my TBSP was not completely filled and my guess is 2 more capsules would have filled it.


I have 3 different oil filled capsule bottles and here are the directions

Evening primrose-take 1 soft gel 3-6 times per day....that is not even a tsp

Vitamin a from fish liver oil
take 1 daily

Cod Liver Oil 1-3 caps daily with a meal

But here is plain cod liver oil in a bottle that you take in tsp
Amazon.com: Twinlab Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, Unflavored, 12 Ounces (Pack of 3): Health & Personal Care

They recommend 1-3 tsp daily.
3 tsp is close to that TBSP whcih took 30 capsules.

Herbal supplements are the same way. You get so little of herb for your money adn the dose is way too low.

So my thoughts upon this experiment is that if to try to get your supplements or herbs in teh most whole way possible. If you need capsules remember this experiement and ask your doctor is you should up your dosage. The doc may not know if they are not trained in supplements, but really 1 cap compared to 1 tsp is a huge difference and probably a waste of money on some of these products.

The Baby Shower For Rachel, Brian and Megan Rayne

Iola was so gracious to do the cake for us. Rachel was surrounded with friends, family, and our dear elder women who have walked the birthing path before us ina time where things were so hidden and conservative. A different time indeed, but so blessed to have them present.
Jenny Miroballi was our game coordinator and did a great job spreading out the time we spent together. Melonie, Rachels mother in law adn I kept busy making food and trying to keep the flow going.



There were 20 people in my tiny living room. It was amazing we all fit...lol




We made a special centerpece for them


See the resemblance? lol


I made a scrapbook for them with some special pages inside


Here is Melonie (Brians Mom) and some of Brians family that were there.


It was a great time. Rachel had 2 great showers. Robyn organized both to which I am so proud of her for stepping up to do that for Rachel. I am so blessed with wonderful daughters.
Melonie, the Miroballi's and my mother in law Marie were all very helpful in makign this special day happen.

I think Megan's first year of life will be worry free~ I think all Rachels needs have been taken care of by so many generous people. What a blessing! the best is yet to come

Ode to the basil beds

My apprecticeship with FF is coming to a close. Patrice said this coming week would close out there year as farmers markets begin to lay down for their winters nap.

Patrice has asked us to come to his classes in Bentonville and we are excited to do so and learn more -I know it will take years to understand by doing for me, but the classes will help when he dives into money invested and all.
Patrice is a very smart man with a degree in Finances. He gave it all up for farming. So Amazing and yet as an herbalist, I totally get it.

Some crops are still thriving in the cool fall weather. The carrots and lettuce grow together.

While the tomato beds and pepper beds have been put to rest.

My last days at the farm will be performed with Norma, a 61 year old creole/Italian who is really fun to work with


Pierce adn Liz will probably be there along with the farm dogs, Roux and Billy and Clyde and Perry.


This years work at the farm has created a deep appreciation for life...all life. I cultivated life all summer, not only my own and my family's, but plants for others to survive on.
The quality of food this summer was amazing. One of the benefits of the work at FF. Patrice was always very generous.
I will miss Patrice and sure Ray and I will go see their family this winter in Eureka when we can.

Thank you Foundation Farm, the land on which a new aspect of life and gardening has been birthed within me. A chance to help work the farm and be educated on the no till method of organic farming. I have made new friends on the farm, including a new relationship with the plants themselves. I am truly blessed!

Homeade bars-a healthy choice for a great sweet snack

I am C/P a post from local homeschooler Terrabeth. I made these the last time she and I were togehter and discussed them with Staci, another homeschooler.

I placed dates, coconut, desert honey, walnuts and oats in the food processor, let it mix together and them rolled up into littel balls. Awesome

So here is TB's post.

This vegan blog author gives the ratio of 1TB date to 3 TB other dry
ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, and spices, with a few specific
combinations and ratios to try:
http://bunnyfoot.blogspot.com/2006/02/homemade-lara-type-bars.html

You can see the Larabar product listings with ingredients at:
https://www.larabar.com/secure/index_.php
Below, since I was already typing them up for myself, I'm sharing the
ingredients lists from that link, in case any of you who are
interested would like to experiment with ratios, flavors, and textures
that taste good to you. If you haven't tried them already, I recommend
picking up a few Larabars at ONF, to see what you're aiming for and
which flavors you may like best.

Banana Cookie:
Almonds, dates, unsweetened bananas

Apple Pie:
Dates, Walnuts, Unsweetened Apples, Almonds, Raisins, Cinnamon

Cashew Cookie:
Cashews, Dates

Chocolate Coconut:
Dates, Almonds, Walnuts, Coconut, Cocoa Powder

Cinnamon Roll:
Dates, Almonds, Walnuts, Raisins, Cashews, Cinnamon

Lemon Bar:
Dates, Cashews, Almonds, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Lemon Flavor

Key Lime Pie:
Dates, Cashews, Almonds, Coconut, Lime Juice Concentrate

Pistachio:
Dates, Pistachios, Almonds

Pecan Pie:
Ingredients: Dates, pecans, almonds

Gingersnap
Ingredients: Dates, almonds, pecans, ginger, cinnamon, cloves

Maya Chocolate Mint
Ingredients: Organic dates, organic almonds, organic cocoa, organic
cocoa nibs, organic peppermint flavor, organic vanilla flavor

Cherry Pie:
Dates, Almonds, Unsweetened Cherries

Cocoa Mole:
Dates, Almonds, Walnuts, Cocoa Powder, Cinnamon, Chili

Tooth Powders

This was posted this summer by Suzen at oils and herbs list on yahoo.
Decided to c/p here for to archive it for anyone that reads my blog. It could help someone.
Mint soap can work too or using soap, tea tree eo, and baking soda

Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
2 Tbsp dried lemon or orange rind
1/4 cup baking soda
2 Tsp salt
Place rinds in food processor, grind until peel
becomes a fine powder.Add
baking soda and salt then process a few seconds more
until you have a fine
powder. Store in an airtight tin or jar. Dip moistened
toothbrush into
mixture, brush as usual.

Basic Toothpaste
1 Tsp of the Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
1/4 Tsp Hydrogen peroxide
Mix into a paste and brush as usual.

Loretta's Toothpaste
1 Tsp baking soda
1/4 Tsp hydrogen peroxide
1 drop oil of peppermint
Mix to make a paste, dip toothbrush into mixture,
brush as usual.



Toothpaste Recipe
by Carla Geovanis
February 3, 2001

2 tablespoons vegetable glycerine (I use NOW brand)
1/4 cup of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon peppermint flavoring oil

Mix these together, and if you prefer a thinner
consistency, feel free to add more glycerine. The
easiest way to dispense your toothpaste is from a
plastic frosting bag--I keep mine in a teacup in my
medicine cabinet. If your grocery store doesn't carry
frosting
bags you can use any small plastic bag--just snip off
a corner. If you use essential oil of peppermint you
may need less flavoring. By the way, do not use
essential oil of wintergreen
in this (or any other!) recipe. Essential oil of
wintergreen is toxic, and should never be used either
on the skin or internally.



Easy Fizzing Toothpaste

1 Tsp baking soda
1/4 Tsp hydrogen peroxide
1 drop oil of peppermint

Mix to make a paste, dip toothbrush into mixture, brush as usual.

The herb freak returns...with good news:)

Today, I decided to take Liv out to our backyard and spend time watching our elder tree which has been weed whacked aobut 3 times and comes back strong thank goodness.
I grabbed scissors and a basket and we would also harvest some dandelion greens for already cooking kale and mustards.

So we walk down our hill and sit by the elder. We lay on the weeds around us and watched the clouds go by. Leaves that have turned golden brown would flutter in the air above and drift down to the cool ground near where we lay.
I spent time thinking of my children...Oh how I worry about them all. Marriage and grandbabies only leaves more room in my heart and mind to pray and worry. I need to get over this worry I feel!

My health is going through some funky time I have not experienced previous and I am trying to be observant to how my body feels and how I can prevent it in the future.

So I feel the ground I lay upon so cooling andfirm and watch the clouds go by. Thinking of my friends that are going through difficult times. So much suffering in the world. I wish I could make it all go away somehow.

The wind blows and the sun peeks from behind a cloud. High in the sky is a v of birds flying south.
I breathe in the air the plants give me and breathe out the air I give them upon the cool ground.
Oh yes, I was coming out here to visit with my elder. But wait, is this chickweed I am resting upon?
I pick a stalk and chew....mmm it tasts like chickweed.
Its leaves are larger than usual so I am suspicious. Examining closely I see the hairs on one side of the plant only and my excitement builds as I cut a handful and stuff the plant into my mouth. I know this is chickweed....I know it is if I can just find a flower I think to myself.
I wander around my tiny peice of land in search of a clear sign and there she was! A stand of Stellaria Media with flowers atop!
My, this fall chickweed is larger than the spring, tasty and cooling as she always is. I gather with excitement and am here to announce

RED CLOVER CHICKWEED SALVE WILL BE AVAILABLE BEFORE CHRISTMAS for the winter needs. Thank goodness I am almost out! WOO HOO

__________________

The Pungent Powerful Medicine of Garlic

Garlic-
Most of us have heard of garlic and majority have eaten it at some
point in our lives I am sure.
Garlic proves not only to liven up foods with its pungent flavor, but
also to add its medicine to prevent illness.
Garlic is antibiotic, antimicrobial antioxidant, antifungal,
antiparasitic and probably several other ANTI's. (maybe anti social
for those opposed to the aroma which is excreted throught eh breath
and skin)
Harvard describes an antimicrobial as an agent that acts against
bacteria, fungi, and parasites in the body.

MD Anderson describes it as a substance that kills microorganisms
such as bacteria or mold, or stops them from growing and causing
disease.

Who would have thought this culinary herb to be so powerful?

Garlic also acts on the circulatory system and has been used
traditionally for cholesterol regulation.

Other ailments that have been trated with garlic are
acne, allergies, asthma, tumors, candida and vaginitis, urinary tract
complaints, chronic fatigue, hemmorhoids, HIV/Aids, hypoglycemia,
impotence, liver problems, and respiratory issues.
It has been reported that some midwives have treated their clients
with garlic to fight strep b in pregnant mothers.

If a cold begins to creep on you, eating a raw clove of garlic can do
wonders for many people, pretty much wiping the cold out immediately.
Eating huge amounts of garlic may cause stomach upset or sore rectum
upon elimination so small amounts are recommended until you are aware
of how much your body can take at one sitting.

My husband typically craves Italian food when he begins feeling bad.
Once we read the research on garlic, we both agree that it must have
been a natural craving for some germ killing needs in the body.
Pretty cool I'd say.

If eating raw garlic does not appeal to you, you can create pesto or
hummus. I sometimes chop mine up small and swallow like a pill,
although some disagree on the potency of doing it that way.

I would like to leave you with a simple rememdy any of us can make at
home to help ourselves or our children.

Garlic Foot Application
I was recently reminded of this simple remedy by John Gallagher of
learningherbs.com

Crush a few cloves of garlic in a mason jar or even a small bowl and
cover with olive oil (or whatever food or skin grade oil you have at
home)
Allow the garlic to macerate in the oil for at least a half hour, or
warm on the stove for 20 minutes or so. The goal is to extract the
medicinal constiuents from the garlic into the oil.

At that time, you can apply the garlic oil to your feet and apply
socks on your feet after application.
(this helps keep the oil on your feet as well as prevents slips)
Rest and relax while the garlic is absorbed through the pores of the
feet and circulates through the body. Of course, it will go to the
lungs since it has that affinity to do so, and you will probably have
garlic breath not long after application or the next day.

This might be a good time to have pizza delivered for the family
since you probably will not feel like cooking anyway. You will all
have the same garlic smell and you wont feel like you stick out like
a sore thumb.

Well wishes and Green Blessings
Kristena Roder
http://www.dreamseeds.org

Growing as an herbwyfe Last part for now

So after these activities it felt like the next 5 days was truly vacation. I spent time with my family without work in front of me or research.
Here is Ariella and I (tired Granny)


Josh had so many questions about Hoover Dam so I decided to pay the money for a tour. It did help clear up some questions.


Was able to hike with Nicole and the littles


And harvest vitex from my parents place



We left on Wednesday morning, spent the night with Anabelle in NM and Dina was there with her kids all ripe for birth


While still in Arizona, I observed the Mullein and how HUGE it grows there as well as fanning out on the top. the mullein here does not fan out and grows a third to some of those huge stalks of yellow flowers some still in bloom

Growing as an herbwyfe part 4

It was vacation at that point. I had the next 5 days to soak up the desert sun and air and embrace my loved ones.
So it was Ella time Sunday.
Did I post this one yet...so funny. She loves her parents

On the 14th, Robyn and I fast and furious cleaned the house and created food. At 3 oclock we were throwing a suprise baby shower for Rachel (which she found out about by the way)
The women that came were so generous. In attendance were my stepmom and brother, Rachels grandma on her dad's side and aunt, and strangers either attending Robyns church, or were Robyns friends.
They really blessed her with LOTS of great items she can use for her babe.
We played several games, one getting into teams and diapering one from each team with toilet paper.

Growing as an Herbwyfe Part 3 ~Herb Day~

Herb Day is a fairly new recognized celebration. The second Saturday of October will be the day herb lovers unite and share their passion of the plants with others.

Herb Day Fest in Las Vegas was organized by Nicole Carter who is a master herbalist under Clayton College.
She and I shared a visit in her home earlier in the week and decided upon my lecture being on my organic farm experience. I was to open the event.EEK!

We arrived at 9ish and began to set up the welcome table and the one for Las Vegas Herb Co op a large cooperative herb buying club once again with Mt Rose herbs being their largest supplier. They save money buying like this.

At 10:15 a Paiute shaman came to bless the event and smudge the pavilion where all the classes were to take place.
It was very moving.

I spoke until 11:15 or so ending on something that moved me almost to tears which was the lack of education in the city about conservation. each time I go to LV, the lake is lower and lower. Thinking about the changes in 20 years already, imagine 20 years from now with the growth the valley is experiencing.
There is no time to waste. I encouraged people to garden responsibly and organically and told of the same events you all have heard over the summer.
It seemed by the feedback, people received my words well. YAY

After my class, I spent some time networking with others.


Here is a master gardener (reducing adn reusing) a plastic bottle to start seeds.

I hate plastic, but felt like this was a better choice than jsut throwing them away. Paper towel works like a wick keeping the soil moist so the seed can germinate. 5 or so days in a cabinet and then it should sprout and can be places in a brighter spot.

The children did crafts and planting


For 3 hours we served Mt Rose herb tea and gave samples from them and Pacific Botanicals. I also had some of my teas I gave as samples.
Local beekeepers doanted thier desert honey so we could also offer a healthy choice for our guests.
We also had catalogs from our supporters as well as Horizon Herbs.

It was an energetic time for me and one I truly will not forget.

Here is the crew

Home to shower and get ready. It is party time!

Happy 65 birthday Dad. I love you so MUCH!