Poppy Swap Forum » Forum: Community Events and Education

Poppy Swap Forum » Forum: Community Events and Education - Recent Posts http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/forum/community-events-and-education We Bring People Herbs. en-US Thu, 23 May 2013 19:55:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.3 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/search.php Crystal on "Simple Home Remedies: Wk 5" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/simple-home-remedies-wk-5#post-3397 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:13:42 +0000 Crystal 3397@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Greetings Lover's of the Green, Simple Home Remedies: Wk 5, the final class in the 5 week series, is this Saturday, April 27th, from 12-2pm.  Duirng this last class we will discover the art of tincturing using both alcohol and glycerine as our menstruums. We will dicuss how to make a concentrated tincture/glycerite using the weight to volume method, and will compare how to make a tincture using both fresh and dried plant material.  Tinctures and glycerites are one of the more expensive preparations to purchase on the market, yet are relatively easy to make and are far more cost effective when make at home.  We will also cover how to effectively dilute down essential oils to make them safe to use by making alcohol based spirits.  Come empower yourself by learning how to make your own herbal medicine, it's simple and fun!!!  Contact Dandelion Botanical Co to register, <a href="http://dandelionbotanical.com">http://dandelionbotanical.com</a>. Crystal Hamby May your herbal medicine support you in health and well being! Crystal on "Simple Home Remedies: Wk 4" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/simple-home-remedies-wk-4#post-3393 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:34:42 +0000 Crystal 3393@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Greetings Lover's of the Green, Simple Home Remedies: Wk 4 is this Saturday, April 20th, from 12-2pm.  This week we will learn how to make herbal creams, essential oil emulsions, and spritzers.  Creams and essential oil emulsions are truly magical preparations that bring two liquids that repel one another, water and oil, together with the help of an emulsifier.  Creams and lotions have a short shelf life and are one of the preparations that manufacturers put a lot of preservatives in that can be toxic to your health.  They can also be very costly.  Making your own creams and lotions is relatively easy, they are therapuetic- not toxic, and cost much less to make.  Come empower yourself by learning how to make your own herbal medicine, it's simple and fun!!!  Contact Dandelion Botanical Co to register, <a href="http://dandelionbotanical.com">http://dandelionbotanical.com</a>. Crystal Hamby May your herbal medicine support you in health and well being! Crystal on "Simple Home Remedies: Wk 3" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/simple-home-remedies-wk-3#post-3373 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:26:59 +0000 Crystal 3373@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Greetings Lover's of the Green, Simple Home Remedies: Wk 3 is this Saturday, April 12th, from 12-2pm.  We will be exploring how to make herbally infused oils, healing salves, potent vapor rubs, relaxing muscle rubs, and luscious lip balms.  Come learn how to make your own herbal medicine, it's simple and fun!!!  Contact Dandelion Botanical Co to register, <a href="http://dandelionbotanical.com">http://dandelionbotanical.com</a>. Crystal Hamby May your herbal medicine support you in health and well being! Crystal on "Simple Home Remedies: how to make your own herbal medicine" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/simple-home-remedies-how-to-make-your-own-herbal-medicine#post-3343 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:44:24 +0000 Crystal 3343@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Have you been yearning to learn how to make your own herbal medicine products right in your very own home?  Come join Crystal Hamby in a 5week course designed to teach you the fine art of crafting a bevy of herbal products.  These home remedies are perfect for integration into your daily life as nutrition, beauty care, and first aid treatment, and are wonderful home-crafted gifts to give to those you love.  We will be focusing on recipes that will invigorate energy, provide immune support during the cold and flu season, support digestive health, and those that will stimulate body and mind. Sign up for one class, or take the series of five for only $110! Wk1:Intro to Herbal Medicine Making, Syrups, Elixirs, and Cordials       Sat, March 30th, 12-2:30pm, $25 Wk2:Honey, Vinegar, Oxymiel, and Wine Infusions                           Sat, April 6th, 12-2pm, $25 Wk3:Herbal Infused Oils (fresh and dry), Salves, Lip Balms, and Vapor-Rubs                                                                                        Sat, April 13th, 12-2:30pm, $25 Wk4:Creams, Lotions, Essential Oil Emulsions and Spritzers              Sat, April 20th, 12-2pm, $25 Wk5:Glycerites, Tinctures (fresh and dry), and Spirits                         Sat, April 27th, 12-2pm, $25 Classes are 2 -2.5 hours and will be held at Dandelion Botanical in Ballard.  Cost is $25 per class or at a discounted rate of $110 for those registering for the full 5 week course.  Classes with fewer than five attendees are subject to cancellation. Registration is limited. Prepayment for the full five week course is required for the discount rate.  Payment is due in full at time of registration and is non-refundable. To Register Contact: Dandelion Botanical at 206-545-8892 Contact Crystal with questions at <a href="mailto:crystal@green-blessings.com">crystal@green-blessings.com</a> Crystal on "Spring Cleanse: herbs and recipes to help support proper elimination" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/spring-cleanse-herbs-and-recipes-to-help-support-proper-elimination#post-3342 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:31:25 +0000 Crystal 3342@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ It’s spring, the traditional time of year to cleanse our systems, and the herbs to help support this cleansing process are just starting to poke their heads up from their winter’s hibernation.  At this time of year we hear the buzz word, detoxify- we are told it’s important to detoxify our system- but what does this really mean?  In this workshop we’ll talk about what it means to cleans the system, and how to use herbs to help support the cleansing process.  We’ll discuss the herbs that are native to the Pacific NW that can help facilitate your cleanse, and we’ll explore a bevy of recipes that you can easily make at home.  Handouts will be provided, including herbal recipes, and samples will be passed around for tasting yummy herbal remedies. Class will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, from 12-2pm, at Dandelion Botanical in Ballard.  Cost is $30, which will include handouts. Registration is limited.  Payment is due in full at time of registration and is non-refundable.  Classes with fewer than five attendees are subject to cancellation. To Register: contact Dandelion Botanical Co. at 206-545-8892 Contact Crystal with questions at <a href="mailto:crystal@green-blessings.com">crystal@green-blessings.com</a>   Crystal Hamby graduated from Bastyr University receiving her BSc in Herbal Sciences.  She is an adjunct faculty member in the Herbal Sciences department at Bastyr, teaching classes on herbal medicine making, herbal first aid, and plant ID.  She is passionate about sharing her herbal knowledge and offers community classes on how to make herbal medicine, materia medica, and how to use herbs to care for common ailments. She also provides herbal consultation utilizing western herbal medicine, aromatherapy and flower essences. kbredin on "Review of Susun Weed and Rosemary Gladstar's correspondence courses" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/review-of-susun-weed-and-rosemary-gladstars-correspondence-courses#post-2958 Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:25:04 +0000 kbredin 2958@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ This is great! Thanks Jadeswan for volunteering your review, and to all the others for sharing about their correspondence courses! I too have been looking for a good correspondence course, but not sure exactly what I want. I think I'm leaning toward something more shamanistic as I prefer to work with the plants and people on a spirit level, and I'm looking to help people in places where access to Western medicine/diagnosis is limited, so I'm especially interested in figuring out ailments/healing solutions and/or matching plants with the people and what's going on for them. I could stand to gain more insight on the science side of things as well, but sometimes I wonder if studying too many modes can be conflicting. Anyway, the BC course sounds great. I've apprenticed with Robin Rose Bennett and worked with Ryan Drum, but I'm hoping to get a third course to become certified by the AHG. If anyone knows of any other correspondence courses in line with what I mentioned above, or can share any insight on working toward membership in the AHG, I would be glad to gain more insight/recommendations! I'm happy to speak more on Robin's apprenticeship if anyone is interested in studying with her. ayo on "Review of Susun Weed and Rosemary Gladstar's correspondence courses" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/review-of-susun-weed-and-rosemary-gladstars-correspondence-courses#post-2917 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 12:42:33 +0000 ayo 2917@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Also came across Midwest School of Herbal Studies' Master Herbalist Diploma Program.  Might anyone have any experience with that one too? Thanks! ayo on "Review of Susun Weed and Rosemary Gladstar's correspondence courses" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/review-of-susun-weed-and-rosemary-gladstars-correspondence-courses#post-2916 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:04:46 +0000 ayo 2916@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ I am interested in the Heart of Herbs Master Herbalist course to further continue my education.  I am currently finishing up Rosemary Gladstar's course, and have found it excellent, but really want to continue studying herbs, as I feel we never stop learning, especially in the world of herbs.  I don't live anywhere near an herbal school, so my only choice is distance learning. Can anyone tell me if the Heart of Herbs Master course would be good to continue on with after taking Rosemary's course?  It's hard to tell from the synopsis if it will offer more, or different information beyond Rosemary's.   Also, can anyone recommend any other Master Herbalist courses? I'd appreciate any insight so I may continue my herbal education! :) jamesfromthewoods on "Kathleen Maier's "A Western Energetic Approach to Anxiety and Depression"" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/kathleen-maiers-a-western-energetic-approach-to-anxiety-and-depression#post-2440 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:43:22 +0000 jamesfromthewoods 2440@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ A Western Energetic Approach to Anxiety and Depression Kathleen Maier, RH (AHG)            Sacred Plant Traditions, LLC The statistics regarding the numbers of people reporting some variation of anxiety and or depressive disorders is depressing in and of itself.  According to the CDC, one in every ten adults will report some form of depression. More demographics are; <ul> <li> Women experience about 70% more depression than men. Over their lifetime about 12% of women will have clinical depression. </li> <li> Blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races are more likely to experience some form of depression </li> <li> From 1980 to 1986, the suicide rate for African-American males ages 15-19 increased more than 100 percent. While that was over 20 years ago researchers have continued to watch that trend continue</li> <li> Four out of every five young people that contemplate or attempt suicide exhibit clear warning signs.</li> <li> One out of every five young people and one out of ever four college students or adults suffers from some form of diagnosable mental illness. Deeply disturbing is the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24, and the second leading cause of death in college students ages 20-24.</li> <li> Approximately 80% of people experiencing depression are not currently receiving any treatment. 80-90% of people who live with a serious mental illness are unemployed. </li> <li> More than half of all people caring for an older relative show clinically significant depressive symptoms.</li> <li> By the year 2020, depression will be the 2nd most common health problem in the world.</li> <li> Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44.</li> <li> Clinical or major depression is the top cause of disability throughout the world for persons 5 and over.</li> <li> In the United States alone, businesses may spend anywhere from twelve to seventy billion dollars caring for or paying for the medical expenses of employees that have depression or suffer from a related mental illness.</li> <li> Depression often exists with other diseases, including chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes and HIV patients.</li> </ul> It's not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. <ul> <li> Anxiety disorders are thought to be the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18% of the U.S. population or 40 million adults in the age range of 18 - 65</li> <li> Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.</li> <li> Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(7), July 1999).</li> <li> People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.</li> <li> Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.</li> <li> Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population.  Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 2.2 million, 1.0% Equally common among men and women. The median age of onset is 19, with 25 percent of </li> </ul> While almost all of us will experience a period of transient depression or anxiety, the statistics reveal that these conditions are becoming a permanent pattern in the American health landscape.  For those that suffer from these conditions it is well known the disability that these disorders causes can be very debilitating. The differential diagnosis for both these patterns can be exhaustive. Many chronic illnesses can have direct or indirect impact on our nervous/hormonal system. As we shall see, both these disorders can arise from dysfunction in endocrine, digestive, respiratory systems and almost any other systems imbalance.  Western allopathic practice will often look to hormone levels and the chemistry of a patient in order to know which direction to take. The limitation of this approach is that there can be physiological derangements in the organs or tissues that will create a situation where the body’s response towards balance is either thwarted (stagnation) or accelerated, leading to an excited state (heat/excitation). While this paper is in no ways attempting to simplify these complex, labyrinthine processes, when we trace the illness in relation to the person’s history, more often than not there is an event, or series of events, habits, lifestyle practices that began the disruption. To understand how to apply the basic tenets of energetic herbalism to these very challenging health situations we need to begin with a little background. Vitalism There is an exciting movement afoot in American herbalism. The Western understanding of energetic medicine, once prominent, has largely been forgotten until recent years. Herbalists Michael Moore, Matthew Wood, David Winston and others, have had a large role in this revival.There are more and more curriculums attempting to restore Western energetic medicine to its rightful place in the pantheon of medical systems.  As a recovering scientist, I can now safely say that I believe herbal medicine is best suited in an energetic model given the limits of practice herbalists encounter. This being said, the value of western diagnostics such as bloodwork, tests, panels and biopsies cannot be understated. It is simply that where we can really serve our clients is to learn the art of observing and begin to perceive the patterns of disease and where we can profoundly affect the vital force of those we work with. The physiologic approach, based on the scientific understanding of the body is more prominent in our culture and is represented by Western medicine, Naturopathic medicine and most current herbal medicine.  The energetic approach is best represented by Chinese medicine (TCM), Five Element Theory, Ayurvedic medicine and other traditions and cosmologies.    The maxim, “treat what you see” never seems to fail the energetic practitioner. Seeing here includes all senses plus the history; what you are hearing. Whether it is PCOS, Hashimoto’s, or metabolic syndrome, signs of stagnation, low fire, dull expression and dryness can all be approached from an energetic pathway. Too often what happens in physiologically based practices is the chemicals that are imbalanced are chased and there is more attention to hormones, blood sugars or other markers as versus treating what the person is presenting with. Hypothyroidism can lead to depression but both the depression as well as overall metabolism can be effectively helped with moving/clearing stagnation. As the seasoned practitioner knows, it is never this simplistic, but with a patient approach and a deft skill at observing nature, many challenging pathologies can be helped by energetics when other approaches are either not successful or sustainable.   Patterns of Nature – Patterns of Health To observe patterns of health and disease we need to observe patterns in nature first to grasp harmonies and disharmonies. Winds that dry, waters that swell, heat that rises, cold that depresses are all vital expressions of nature that play out in our organs, joints, muscles, thoughts and spirit. This is the practice of traditional folk herbalism where nature is observed and the inherent self-regulating systems of the body are acknowledged and supported. The notion and teachings of vitalism are at work here. This is a doctrine that states the processes of life are not solely explicable by laws of science and that there is a force that is immeasurable yet is the very spark of life.    Tissue States When we refer to energetics in reference to a plant we are talking about the nature of that medicine or food. Hot, cold, moist dry, moving, relaxing are all descriptions of how this plant behaves. Tissue states are also descriptions of energetics when seen in observable patterns of harmony or disharmony within a person. These diagnostics have their root in Greek humoral medicine. In the 1900s physician J.M. Thurston, clearly presented such patterns in his tome The Philosophy of Physiomedicalism The Four Qualities that are most often referred to in these discussions are hot, cold damp and dry. As other writers have noted, two more states, tension and relaxation deepen the understanding of the processes and how they are relating within the body. Matthew Woods states: “Galen acknowledged only the four qualities of Aristotle, but for the sake of completion, and better clinical work, we need also to include the two basic conditions described by his opponents, the methodist physicians: too much tension (status strictus) or too much relaxation (status laxus). The four qualities represent fixed, oppositional imbalances, while the two states represent dynamic imbalances due to change or exhaustion. Putting them altogether we have a system of six types, which corresponds to the system of six “tissue states” introduced by the physiomedicalists, or botanical physicians (the descendants of Samuel Thomson) in the early twentieth century.”    The Six Tissue States The following discussion of the tissue states is a very brief introduction for the student to begin to think of anxiety and depression in a different light. We will go into greater depth in class as well as discuss case histories. For a deeper discussion of this area of western herbalism please see the references and resources at the end of this article, especially the writings of Matthew Wood and Michael Moore.  The other application of looking at our clients in this fashion is to re-direct a pathology that may be emerging early on in a person’s life and to address the imbalance before the pathology takes hold. If you read the above statistics you see that one of the major groups affected by depression/anxiety disorders are the young. While our culture today is often one of isolation and alienation for young folks, improper diet and exercise are also contributing to pathologies in the tissue states that can be avoided by looking at the individuals nature. Sedentary childhoods lead to stagnation and depression with literally bad blood/toxic blood playing a major role in young peoples lives and having a direct impact on their mental health as we shall see below. <ul> <li> Heat – Excitation</li> </ul> Thurston describes this state as “an exaggeration of the normal function rate” of the tissues. This excitation arises from an increase in tissue heat and this leads to swelling, redness, irritation and increased vulnerability as the tissues are weakened due to inflammation and stress. Since heat rises, many of the characteristics will be seen in the mental states and affect mood by creating more anxiety. Presentation: <ul> <li> Increase in temperature</li> <li> Increased red in tongue, mucosa, facial coloration</li> <li> Restlessness</li> <li> Wakefulness</li> <li> Irritation of stomach and upper GI (nervous stomach)</li> <li> Over excited children/ADD /ADHD</li> <li> Sensitivity to pain/sharp pain</li> <li> Capillary fragility</li> <li> Tendency to elevated blood pressure</li> <li> Tongue – pointed, red body</li> <li> Pulse – rapid, bounding</li> </ul>   Therapeutics – Herbs helping this state are cooling in nature and the sour and bitter flavors of plants and foods are best suited here. Matthew Woods refers to these herbs as ‘sedatives’ Bitters – These fabulous medicines are multifaceted and you will notice that the majority are also considered nervines so they will be considered in an herbal protocol for anxiety. Yet instead of just ‘calming the nerves’ when working with the tissue state , you can correct the underlying pathology as vs treat purely symptomatically <ul> <li> Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca</li> <li> Yarrow Achillea mill.</li> <li> Scullcap Scutellaria laterifolia</li> <li> Chamomile Matricaria recutita</li> <li> Yellow Dock Rumex crispus </li> </ul> Sour – this flavor is very helpful with irritation and is cooling, especially to the liver <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Rosa Family <ul> <li> Hawthorn lf, flower and berry Crataegus spp (also great for capillary fragility due to high proanthocyanidin)</li> <li> Rose hip/flowers   Rosa spp</li> <li> Strawberry Fragaria</li> <li> Peach Prunus persica</li> </ul> </li> <li> Sumac berry    Rhus spp</li> <li> Lemon Balm Melissa off.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Demulcents – Oftentimes the heat that arises is secondary to a dry/atrophic state where there is a lack of fluids to lubricate/calm the tissue. This is what is referred to as yin deficiency and can be characterized by hot menopausal symptoms where there is not enough fluid (yin) to calm the yang (night sweats) and anxiety is a presentation of this as well. <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Marshmallow    Althea off.</li> <li> Linden Tilia spp</li> <li> Shatavari    Asparagus racemosas</li> <li> Licorice    Glycyrrhriza glabra</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   <ul> <li> Cold – Depression</li> </ul> As you would imagine, this state is the opposite of heat/excitation. This underactivity of the tissues leads to a slow response to stimulation on a cellular level. There is a lack of oxygenation and this leads to toxicity from the build up of waste products (ama in Ayurvedic language). The vital force and digestive fire is low and this oftentimes is the beginning stage of many of the cases of depression that we see today, especially with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and many others. This state is also the result of recurrent antibiotics as this cold/depression leads to greater infections due to it’s lowered immune response as well as the sluggish, putrid conditions that make the environment more prone to infections. Also, the energetics of antibiotics is cold so this further complicates the situation.   Presentations <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Internal cold</li> <li> Cold extremities</li> <li> Slow mentation/ decreased response to stimulation</li> <li> Depression</li> <li> Pallor</li> <li> Fatigue/sluggishness</li> <li> Pale tongue/Slow pulse</li> <li> Slow GI – flatulence, bloating, food stagnation</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Therapeutics The herbs to move this state towards balance would be the warming herbs. These can be spicy, pungent and aromatic, the plants Matthew Wood calls “stimulants” as they increase internal energy. Aromatics <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Rosemary   Rosmarinus off.</li> <li> Calamus  Acorus calamus</li> <li> Lavender    Lavandula  spp.</li> <li> Juniper Juniperus spp</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   Stimulants – Kitchen apothecary <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Ginger Zingiber off</li> <li> Cayenne Capsicum</li> <li> Tumeric Curcurma longa</li> <li> Garlic  Alliums pp.</li> <li> Thyme Thymus</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> And then the irreplaceable Prickly Ash Xanthoxylum <ul> <li> Dry – Atrophy</li> </ul> Wood states, “Atrophy should …be associated with dryness because fluids carry food. Without them there is no nutrition. This includes water and oil, both of which move foodstuffs to the cells and waste products out of them. Well-nourished tissue holds more water and oil”  Aside from dehydration causing heat in the system, our fat phobic society is contributing to an increase in this tissue state. Fat and cholesterol are vital to the myelin sheaths that protect the nerves and the brain requires 25% of the daily requirement of good fats. Many mental disorders have a direct correlation to types and amounts of fats and oils consumed. It has been observed with unnaturally low cholesterol, which is occurring due to overuse of statins, there are more aggressive behaviors associated with low blood values for total cholesterol.   Presentation <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Anxiety due to heat</li> <li> Dry skin, hair, and brittle nails</li> <li> ‘Brittle’ emotions/Thinned skinned responses</li> <li> Constipation</li> <li> Stiff joints</li> <li> Reproductive issues -Lack of sex hormones as these are made from cholesterol</li> <li> Tongue – dry, possibly narrow, cracked</li> <li> Pulse – weak, feeble, tight</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   Therapeutics Demulcents <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Marshmallow  Althea off</li> <li> Soloman’s seal - Polygonatum</li> <li> Licorice  Glycyrrhriza glabra</li> <li> Comfrey  Symphytum off</li> <li> Slippery Elm – As  member of United Plant Savers, I no longer recommend the use of slippery elm but favor other mucilaginous plants of which there are many and can be harvested without concern for sustainability…such as plantain Plantago</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   Adaptogens – Address Atrophy/Deep Nourishment <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Ashwaganda  Withania somnifera</li> <li> Licorice  Glycyrrhriza</li> <li> Atragalus memb</li> <li> Reishi  Ganoderma lucidum</li> <li> Milky Oats – Avena sativa</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Damp </li> </ul> There are two states that involve dampness and they are relaxing (allowing too much water to flow) and stagnant (fluids getting stuck/phlegm). In my practice what I have seen is that depression is intimately linked with this tissue state. It has also happened more often than not that someone will begin the continuum towards stagnation/torpor with relaxation. Strengthening the tissue at the early stage can do a lot to mitigate the damage and difficulty of moving someone out of the latter as the phlegmatic state can be quite obstinate to move.  Relaxation – As Wood states, “ Relaxation describes tissue that is atonic, flaccid, saggy or collapsed. In addition to sagging and losing its tone, it does not hold fluids, so there is a continuous loss of fluid, called “free secretion” by the old authors” He goes on to say that not only is water lost but minerals as well. So, along with astringents, there is a need for nutrition. The relaxed state also leads to congestion in vital organs but pertinent to this class we will look at the liver. Liver stagnation can be a cause of hepatic depression so aside from astringents we would also look to what David Winston has coined the aromatic bitters.   Presentations <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Loss of nutrients causes fatigue & low vitality</li> <li> Skin is dull without elasticity</li> <li> Possibly edema</li> <li> Organ prolapse</li> <li> Recurrent infections due to excessive, damp environment and low nutrition</li> <li> Tongue will be wet and flaccid</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Therapeutics Astringents <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> White Oak  Quercus spp (in small doses)</li> <li> Rose   Rosa spp</li> <li> Agrimony   Agrimonia eupatoria</li> <li> Black walnut hull and leaf  Juglans nigra</li> <li> Sage   Salvia off.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Bitters <ul> <li> Gentian  Gentiana</li> <li> Oregon Grape  Berberis aquifolium</li> <li> Blue Vervain   Verbena hastata</li> <li> Dandelion Taraxacum off.</li> <li> Yellow Dock   Rumex crispus</li> </ul> <ul> <li> Damp – Torpor</li> </ul> As stated above, this is where fluids build up to the point of stagnation and then builds into thickened phlegm. These were called the ‘humors’ in Greek medicine and is referred to as “ama” in Ayurvedic medicine. The cell membrane is where all the action is; transport, nourishment and excretion for the cell happens here. This is where derangement of receptors can occur to create ineffective uptake of neurotransmitters, hormones and especially insulin. Also, when you have this type of build up there is malnourishment of the tissue. There is a toxic build up that is called ‘Bad blood’ in traditional herbalism. Most pain is a form of congestion so you can see where this tissue state, over a period of time would lead to fatigue and muscle pain and overall sense of toxicity. Bad blood leads to bad thoughts and low energy provides little chi to accomplish tasks. Wood likens this feeling to that of a hangover. All of this is seen in the clinical picture of depression as well as hypothyroidism and a host of other metabolic imbalances. What the practitioner wants to accomplish here is to drain damp, move lymph and increase GI, hepatic, renal and circulatory function. In general the body needs to move in order to increase elimination.   Presentation <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Edema</li> <li> Dull, flat expression of tissue as well as countenance</li> <li> Low vital energy</li> <li> Low digestive fire</li> <li> Thick, swollen, coated tongue</li> <li> Pulse can be slippery, low and slow</li> <li> Slow wound healing due to low peripheral circulation (Ulcers in diabetics)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Therapeutics   Alteratives <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Burdock   Arctium lappa</li> <li> Oregon Grape root   Berberis aquifolium</li> <li> Goldenseal root  Hydrastis Canadensis</li> <li> Dandelion root  Taraxacum off.</li> <li> Blue flag  Iris versacolor</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Wind – Constriction – Tension</li> </ul> Most have experienced the effects of being in the wind too long. There is tension in the body and after awhile you feel fatigue as if something has been taken from the system. Wind is stimulating and stimulation causes contraction. If you are familiar with Ayurvedic language this is the energy of vata, or ‘that which moves’. Movement is critical to life systems but too much can cause tension and dryness as winds will evaporate water.  Today this state is also expressed by getting stuck in the HPA (Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal) axis where the person cannot turn off the sympathetic response which causes epinephrine or adrenaline to course through the vessels stimulating the fight or flight response which causes a whole cascade of hormonal effects.   Presentation <ul> <li> <ul> <li> <ul> <li> Muscular tension</li> <li> Spasms, tremors</li> <li> Intermittent symptoms (wind)</li> <li> Pains that move around the body</li> <li> Symptoms may come and go</li> <li> IBS type GI symptoms</li> <li> Pulse is wiry, tense, hard</li> <li> Tongue may be red, quivering</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>   Therapeutics  Most of the western anti-spasmodics are acrid in one degree or another <ul> <li> Lobelia   Lobelia inflata</li> <li> Valerian   Valeriana off.</li> <li> Blue vervain Verbena hastata</li> <li> Agrimony   Agrimonia eupatoria</li> <li> Wild Lettuce Lactuca virosa</li> </ul>   Conclusion The majority of the discussion in this class will be the application of the above descriptions in the treatment of anxiety and depression. While these pathologies can be quite complex, we will see if we can reduce tension, quiet the winds that make a person anxious, moisten the tissues that are affected by that state and improve nutrition (oils) then we can serve our communities in a different way than simply looking at mental disorders as chemical disorders. Once we are able to increase and improve the function of the major organ systems there is an inherent movement towards a clear expression of self. Aline Crehore on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-2085 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:39:54 +0000 Aline Crehore 2085@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Darn, that link isn't doing it today, either. I am able to bring it up by going thru google, but not by pasting the link here. Try googling Cornucopia Institute, or try these links later. Sometimes servers are too busy, and there has been another storm back east... Curious me? Aline Crehore on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-2084 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:30:05 +0000 Aline Crehore 2084@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Your right Cassandra, I'm getting an error on that permalink today also. Try this one for <a href="http://www.cornucopia.org/">Cornucopia Institute's homepage</a>? Thank you for your support! My next step is to get in touch with my state's GMO-free Oregon group. I met these folks at a Green Faire last spring who I can connect with locally. Is there a like minded group in your state? Oregon has an initiative process like California, if enough residents sign a petition, and it gets approved for the ballot we get to vote on it. What about North Carolina? As to your question, no the forum is basically open to everyone who has email. The blog is more selective, you have to put a puzzle together to comment there, and posting is limited. Of course the site administrator can delete forum posts at will, and I have requested they look into this recurring problem. I'll contact the programmer Aaron and let you know if I hear anything. Prevention would be best, yes! I'd hate to see this forum shut down. Ugg is the word, but I spell it Ugh! Love, Aline RosemaryandRue on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-2069 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:30:10 +0000 RosemaryandRue 2069@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ @Aline: I came back this morning to check out your article and the link does not work :( RosemaryandRue on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-2048 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:21:03 +0000 RosemaryandRue 2048@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ @Aline: I have no idea why all of this spam has just crept up all of the sudden. Does the forum have as high a level of security as the site itself? I wish there was some sort of way that it could be prevented. Maybe we can all help Kiki, once she's able, to solve this issue. Back to the topic at hand: I was deeply saddened when I learned the results of Prop 37. Thanks for sharing this article! I'm going to check it out. I admire your passion and willpower. I believe people like you will inspire others to eventually understand how important this matter really is. Aline Crehore on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-2038 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:19:40 +0000 Aline Crehore 2038@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ With election results coming in, let's turn our attention back to this issue. (Thanks to this spammer for bringing it back to the top of the forum.)   This has been called the Food Fight of the Decade, but it's beginning to feel like the food fight of my life! Yes, as an organic gardener/farmer, I'm proud to be a foodie, and I'm not ashamed to buy organic whenever possible. I consider it a right not a privilege, a necessity not a luxury. A way of life, not a fad. GE foods are not even worthy of composting, to my way of thinking. So, we have lost the first battle, but not the war! California's Prop 37 was defeated yesterday by corporate greed, but with 95% of the vote counted, the difference was only 6%. People are getting hip, and this truly grassroots campaign has done much to raise awareness of genetic engineering. When I think that Organic brands contributed to the defeat of this GMO labeling initiative, I feel sick. I'm going to fix a cup of tea and refer you to <a href="http://www.cornucopia.org/2012/11/monsanto-throws-gmo-victory-party-in-california/#more-6622">Cornucopia Institute's report</a>. That's the the news from the farm! Green Journey goes on... Love, Aline (rhymes with green)     mayamade on "International Roma Day (April 8) : Creating a more kind handmade community" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/international-roma-day-april-8-creating-a-more-kind-handmade-community#post-1940 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:38:20 +0000 mayamade 1940@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ on facebook and herbmentor (and other places i am sure) she was giving away recipes and a cold care one was one of the recipes. wortsandcunning on "International Roma Day (April 8) : Creating a more kind handmade community" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/international-roma-day-april-8-creating-a-more-kind-handmade-community#post-1808 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:28:53 +0000 wortsandcunning 1808@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Thanks, mayamade!  Does Rosalee do work around the Roma cause and/or similar causes?   P.S. On a side note, has anyone else noticed the strange additions to the tags for this and other forum threads?  Like "nike air max 2"?  greenjourney on "Notes: from Amanda McQuade Crawford's Respiratory Infection class" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/notes-from-amanda-mcquade-crawfords-respiratory-infection-class#post-1119 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:31:45 +0000 greenjourney 1119@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ What a wealth of information, here! Thank you,  Amanda & James! I was considering what to do with all of our horseradish and ghost chilis, just yesterday, and now I'm going to try this fire cider recipe. I want to add that antibiotics are also indicated for bacterial pnuemonia which falls under "severe or complicated respiratory infections" in her outline, above. I agree that antibiotics are over prescribed, and can bring on a host of other symptoms. Another berberine containing herb is Chinese Coptis from TCM. Sharing is oneness, Love, Aline mayamade on "International Roma Day (April 8) : Creating a more kind handmade community" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/international-roma-day-april-8-creating-a-more-kind-handmade-community#post-1113 Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:37:47 +0000 mayamade 1113@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ i gave this like to rosalee de la foret, just so you all know. i think the thread explains everything much much better then i could. i hope that she has additional ideas for us. jamesfromthewoods on "Notes: from Amanda McQuade Crawford's Respiratory Infection class" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/notes-from-amanda-mcquade-crawfords-respiratory-infection-class#post-1111 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:21:55 +0000 jamesfromthewoods 1111@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Infected Mucosa. Will Local Mallows Replace Althaea? What are the alternatives for Golden seal, Oregon Grape, and Yerba Mansa? Synergy between abundant demulcents and antimicrobials move us beyond berberine for URT conditions and mucus membrane health. Intro In examining complex physiological effects from herbs, our understanding of "heroic" remedies is improved. Stimulating expectorant remedies like Lobelia, Squills, Primula (cowslip), Bellis (daisy) may be active - not in the lungs themselves - but by stimulation of triggers in the upper digestive tract.   Mucilages   How can mucilaginous expectorants ease irritable and ticklish dry coughs? The carbohydrate starches cannot transfer their demulcent properties directly to the bronchial mucosa. Mucilage contains protein and polysaccharide molecules which do not survive digestion and absorption. Mucilaginous remedies are used for their direct, if temporary benefits for inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract. GERD, reflux esophagitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, enteritis, ileitis and colitis have all been treated with high-mucilage plants like Ulmus (slippery elm). When used in quantity these also become bulking laxatives, particularly the seeds of psyllium and flax seeds. There is even a tradition of using such remedies for urinary spasm (in IC and UTI's). But these do not explain how demulcents soothe lung inflammation. Their anti-inflammatory effects contribute to antibacterial effects of other herbs at least in part by physically holding herb material in contact with infected mucosa longer. In addition, many polysaccharides such as those in Marshmallow may have direct antibacterial effects.   Antibacterial Herbs - Examples of adult doses in liquid extracts:   -Echinacea 1:2 60ml/wk -Nettle 1:2 60ml/wk -Licorice 1:1 15ml/wk Notice difference in dose -Wet, sticky root licorice root helps hold water, and prevents over-drying. If a person already holds too much water (edema), kidney weakness, or has high blood pressure related to fluid volume, use an alternative herb, in this case Linden or Goldenrod. Other herbs may serve, especially if it fits the constitution of the patient, And combines emollient, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects. -Cautions and C/I’s with licorice root: water retention, kidney disease, HTN -The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-allergenic actions of licorice make it especially suitable as an addition to herbal formulas for URI or hay fever. -Essential oils increase the effectiveness and aesthetic appeal of herb treatments. Add one or more of the following to a large salad bowl or saucepan for steam inhalation, after removing water from heat source. Use 4 to 8 drops total in 1 qt. (32 oz.) water:   For example: -Thymus species, Thyme 1-2 drops -Lavendula spp., lavender 2-4 drops -Ravensara 2-4 drops -Pinus spp., pine 1 drop -Eucalyptus globules 1 drop -Steam should not sting or irritate. If you are sensitive, start with 3 drops of Lavender in your bowl of water, or use plain water and steam.   Althaea officinalis, Marshmallow -Rich in mucilages (heteropolysaccharides) -These mucilages are structurally similar to pectins -For healing irritated skin & mucous membranes; antitussive -Other mallows are similar -Modern herbal practitioners recommend using poultices (moist substances applied to injuries) prepared from the herb or its derivatives to alleviate pain or soreness from insect stings as well as swellings in the body.   PARTS USED Leaves, flowers, root.   USES Compared to the ordinary mallow, the marsh mallow has more medicinal values. Nevertheless, even the common mallow has effectual soothing properties and is generally used to relieve irritated or inflamed skin or mucous membranes. Both the leaves as well as the flowers of mallow have soothing or softening effect on the skin, particularly in the susceptible areas. Poultices prepared with mallow are effectively used to diminish swellings and throw out the toxins from the affected parts. Ingestion of mallow, i.e. in form of infusion and tincture prepared from the herb leaves alleviate burning inflammation and also helps in promoting bowel movements. The ordinary mallow blended with eucalyptus gives rise to an amalgam that is highly effectual in healing coughs and other chest ailments. Root of the mallow is effective in relieving problems arising during teething and hence can be administered to children. Infusions and tinctures prepared from mallow may be used to help in the recuperating processes. They are highly effectual in healing gastritis and stomach ulcers, laryngitis and pharyngitis, upper respiratory catarrh (inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially in the nose or throat) and even bronchitis. Mallow may also be added to bath water to cure skin ailments as well as for glowing skin. It may also be used as a compress to cure abscesses, boils and trivial burns.   HABITAT AND CULTIVATION The ordinary mallow plant grows naturally in Europe as well as Asia. However, presently even the Americans and Australians have adopted this herb and can be found growing in the open areas like roadsides and even on enclosures and fences in the Americas as well as Australasia. The leaves of mallow are collected in spring, and the herb’s flowers during summer.   CONSTITUENTS Chemical analysis of the ordinary or common mallow has shown that it contains flavonol glycosides that includes gossypin-3-sulfate, mucilage as well as tannins. The purplish-pink colored flowers of the herb also enclose an anthocyanin (a water-soluble pigment that produces blue, violet, and red colors in plants) known as malvin. Similar to the marsh mallow (Althea officinalis), another member of the same family, leaves and flowers of the common mallow are rich in mucilage content. It may be mentioned here that mucilage is composed of compound carbohydrates and provides mallow with most of its comforting properties. In fact, the flavonoids as well as anthocyanidins play a crucial role in offering the soothing properties to mallow. Herbal medicine practitioners consider mallow to be an effectual demulcent - a comforting agent that helps in alleviating irritations, swellings and minor inflammations. Significantly, the German Commission E has accepted the use of both the mallow leaves as well as flowers to treat sore throats and dry coughs. In such cases, mallow is generally used as a tea or gargle. Studies conducted in the laboratories have shown that one carbohydrate element in mallow possesses properties to retrain a constituent of the immune system in the human body. This constituent of the carbohydrate is known as the complement cascade. It may be mentioned here that unwarranted initiation of the complement cascade is said to be associated with chronic inflammation and autoimmune (caused by allergy to own body) syndrome. This amply suggests that more research is required on mallow’s actions in these areas. In another laboratory study, scientists found that a polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) extracted from the seeds of another member of the mallow family - Malva verticillata - motivated white blood cells also known as macrophages. In yet another test tube study, the raw powder of another species of the mallow family displayed properties of combating or resisting cancer.   Mahonia repens, M. aquifolium, Oregon Mountain Grape root   Berberine & relatives predominate Some hydrastine Actions similar to Goldenseal g.i., respiratory mucosa, u.g.t. as well Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2003 Jul;22(1):48-53. Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. extracts: antimicrobial properties and interaction with ciprofloxacin. Musumeci R, Speciale A, Costanzo R, Annino A, Ragusa S, Rapisarda A, Pappalardo MS, Iauk L.   Abstract Previous research showed that berberine-containing Berberis species synthesise the substances 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin-D (5'-MHC-D) and pheophorbide a, which have no antimicrobial activity but inhibit the expression of multidrug resistant efflux pumps (MDRs) in Staphylococcus aureus and potentiate the action of berberine. The MDR pumps extrude synthetic and natural antimicrobials from bacterial cells. We searched for these compounds in Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. (Berberidaceae), an endemic plant of the volcano Mount Etna. This work confirms the presence of pheophorbide a and permits us to hypothesise the presence of 5'-MHC-D in leaf extracts. In fact, the activity of ciprofloxacin was improved when two chromatographic fractions isolated from leaf extracts were added. These results are indicative of the presence of MDR pump inhibitors. Moreover, crude extracts were tested on several micro-organisms and showed antimicrobial activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. Berberis nevinii is a large shrubby member of the barberry family (Berberidaceae) that grows to 4 meters tall, with blue-green, spiny pinnate leaves. Federally-listed as endangered, B nevinii is also cultivated in drought-tolerant gardens, and because it has bright red edible berries and beautiful clusters of yellow flowers that bloom mid-spring, depending on weather, March through April.   Hydrastis canadensis   Contain water-soluble berberine & related alkaloids: antibacterial, antifungal; antibiotic alternative Trophorestorative tonic for mucus membranes Upper respiratory conditions & UTI’s Allium sativum, Garlic   -Fresh Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial -Strengthens immune system -Helps lower blood pressure -Normalizes blood lipid profiles -Inhibits platelet aggregation -Antioxidant -Antifungal -Anticarcinogenic -Anti-inflammatory -Alliin (stable compound in Garlic) + -Alliinase (an enzyme in fresh, whole Garlic or correctly dried Garlic powders) -Crushing cells mixes these, & allicin, the active antimicrobial compound -Alliin, a precursor of allicin. -Alliinase, the enzyme which mixes with alliin when Garlic is crushed, & transforms it into allicin. -Allicin sulfides, ajoene, dithiins, etc. -Allicin, the spicy, pungent antimicrobial compound. Allicin is rather unstable, and transforms itself into sulfides (if in air or water) & if in oil, ajoenes & dithiins. -See: <a href="http://www.herbalchem.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.herbalchem.net</a>   Plantago species, Plantain   -Aucubin & catalpol are iridoid glycosides, found in both species of Plantago -Antiseptic & anti-inflammatory (topical) -Diuretic, laxative -Antiseptic: aucubin -Astringent, drawing: tannins -Anti-inflammatory: flavonoids, iridoids -Skin healing: mucilage, allantoin, tannins, sorbitol   Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosemary   -Cineole, a monoterpene, can represent up to 60% of the essential oil -Strong antiseptic, anthelmintic, & expectorant -Phenylpropanoids: -Rosmarinic acid -Chlorogenic acid -Caffeic acid -Extracts used in many antioxidant formulas -Food preservation -Powerful antioxidant constituents   Salvia officinalis var purpura, Sage leaf, especially red leaf variety   -Phenylpropanoids: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; help memory & concentration -Diterpenes: bitter principles, digestive bitters -Thujone (in essential oil) is anthelmintic, neuroactive; toxic in excess -Cineole & other antiseptic monoterpenes are found in the essential oil -Proanthocyanidins are antimicrobial, astringent   Other Demulcents Cinnamonum species, Cinnamon bark Tilia species, Linden flower Filipendula ulmaria, Meadowsweet - demulcent, stomachic, antacid, astringent, anti inflammatory, protects and soothes GI, reducing acid and gastritis, relief for ulcer and heartburn. Symphytum officinale, Comfrey root – demulcent, vulnerary, anti microbial.   Other conventional medicine includes aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen to bring down a fever, and decongestants or antihistamines, purely for symptom relief. However, in rigorous scientific studies, most of these show little to no benefit compared to placebo. Acetaminophen has been the most common children’s treatment tho’ it can cause serious toxicity. Let’s change that common practice.   Recipe #1:   While there are many traditional herbal remedies used for upper respiratory infections, including common colds, ‘flu, cough, sore throat, sinus infections, and ear infections, few clinical trials have been performed to prove they work. Tea for illness with fever, not just viral infection, 1st home Tx for 'flu: Approx = parts ea: Elder flower diaphoretic, gently reduces fever by ^ blood flow to skin, perspiration ^, plus circulating immune factors   Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), many subspecies, avoid hybrid varieties with big leaves, colored flowers -digestive aid, mildly bitter flavor, diuretic, diaphoretic -English name from Gaerwe Celtic for Healer, known throughout Europe since last ice age as premier medicine. -The salicylic acid derivatives are a component of aspirin, which may account for its use in treating fevers and reducing pain. Yarrow tea is also said to be able to clear up a cold within 24 hours. -Any one can be allergic to anything but true problems from herbal tea as opposed to concentrated products are few. -Avoid in pregnancy.   Peppermint - flavor 25 species 2000 research on protection of epithelial cells vs. Influenza A relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulate bile flow, so are useful for indigestion, flatulence, colic, and similar conditions. They reduce nausea.   Herbalists agree it isn't that accurate to speak of "antiviral herbs," though plants do prevent and treat viral illness. Some herbs do kill viruses directly, in vitro (think of germs + herbs in test tubes). But that doesn't always match up to human use. Still, a great deal is known, from centuries of historical use and good science on safety. When we do have human studies, the news seems promising.   NOT ALL REMEDIES WORK FOR ALL PEOPLE. The garden of wild plants on every continent provides valuable allies for our future, more than we have time to summarize in one show.   -Sangre de grado (Croton lechlerii) S Amer – clinical trials RSV especially children -Pelargonium sidoides S Africa – 2 clinical trials successful vs. acute bronchitis -2003 DBPCT study of 468 adults with acute bronchitis of less than two days' duration. -Over 90% of people in the geranium group had no fever in 7 days, compared to only 60% of people on placebo, or dummy pills.   This scented geranium has been used as medicine for centuries and is currently used in several countries with good regulatory control. In other trials, safety rating in humans is good: in clinical trials on a total of over 2,500 adults and children, the extract produced few side effects, other than the usual occasional allergic reactions or digestive upset.   -Andrographis from Ayurvedic tradition in India, available here, profoundly bitter, best from someone experienced in Ayurvedic formulating for individual health care. -Ligusticum – Osha (member of celery family endangered b/c habitat destruction) (See ?V/O at end) -Lomatium - Indian Consumption root, Biscuit root helped Native Americans survive the 1918 flu pandemic while these have been invaluable, like gold, in my private practice, I won't show you where they grow or how to use the, but we can buy ethically grown and harvested. because they are also endangered in the wild. -Big box stores and new strip malls are the main reason our best homegrown herbal antivirals can't be made available to you today. -Only one study to date has been done on a strain of 'flu in test tubes …found no antiviral effects there, suggesting it acts on human host resistance -Native medicine people have a different way of explaining their surprising survival rates. Groups working to preserve wild places or grow these plants so we may have updates for you about these.   Most viruses that infect humans cause no Sx at all. There are so many, we'd be right to view viruses as a natural component of human ecology, like colonies of good bacteria in the gut and on our skin. Symptoms are just too variable to list them simply: maybe fever, maybe not, lack of appetite but not necessarily, others might include cough, sneezing and excess mucus. Our immune system defends us vs. viral infection in sophisticated ways. This may be why herbs work -- they are not killing off one mutation or another, but enhancing several lines of defense in the body against an excessive or dangerous viral load.   -Osha is considered a supreme lung herb. It strengthens the resiliency of the alveolar sacs. -Astragalus root, used in chronic viral infections -Ganoderma spp, one of many mushrooms that benefit immune function, research shows reduced effects of viral infection and reduced cancer risk. Folklore is a teaching story to remind us its power is near magical when life hangs in the balance. -Star anise, a flavorful remedy I have used in my practice for years, is now receiving attention as the source of shikimic acid, actually a phenolic acid in many herbs, and the starting point for the drug Tamiflu used vs. Avian bird flu. Any one who tries to sell you herbal Tamiflu based on star anise is suspect; the herb doesn’t work like the drug. There isn't enough Tamiflu if a pandemic hits. I'm thankful protection that is more realistic exists in nature, though not in one pill.   Herbal Allergy Formula (combine) 30 ml Goldenrod glycerite 40 ml Nettle glycerite 30 ml Eyebright glycerite (Quality questions?) 10 ml Thyme extract 10 ml Licorice glycerite 120ml =4 oz. Flavor with cinnamon. Dose by weight or age. Use Clark’s rule for dose by weight. For example, 50 lb child gets 1/3 tsp. three times per day, 1/3 of adult dose (1 tsp. 3X day), between or before meals. Upper Respiratory Infections Fire Cider Coarsely chop one medium sized root of the following: Burdock Horseradish Ginger Add 1 tsp. powdered cayenne or red pepper, or 2-5 fresh chili peppers, to taste. Pour organic apple cider vinegar to cover. Put the lid on, leave 14 days. Strain herbal vinegar. Stir in 1/4 c. local unheated honey to every 10 ounces. Take 1 Tbl. with or without water every 1-4 hours as needed at first sign of cold or flu.   Antibiotics don't work against viruses, yet data shows that doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis and other viral respiratory infections as much as 70% of the time. When ab’s ARE indicated, it is for: -severe or complicated respiratory infections (acute group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus), -very sick children under 2, -people with poor immune strength, or -when supportive care and natural medicine has not worked. jamesfromthewoods on "Herbal Approaches to HPV- Understanding Fact Fiction and Treatment" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/herbal-approaches-to-hpv-understanding-fact-fiction-and-treatment#post-1074 Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:18:35 +0000 jamesfromthewoods 1074@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Here are some notes from Brittany Wood Henderson’s class at 2012 NE Woman’s Herbal Conference. Thanks to our friend Summer Singletary, we can all benefit from this informative and educational class on treating HPV with herbs. <div>   Herbal Approaches to HPV- Understanding Fact Fiction and Treatment   (Notes from Brittany Wood Henderson’s class at 2012 NE Woman’s Herbal)   -100 strains -40 effect the genital area -Anal Pap smear available may be good for homosexual and transgender folks who are concerned and would like to be tested! -If the Pap smear is not enough, get a colposcopy! It is a further test.  -Gardasil only covers 6 + 11 and 16 + 18 -Usually after a few years many of these clear up anyway, because it is a virus! -The idea behind this workshop (that I got) was that with a strong immune system we could often fight viruses like these off… and maybe even prevent them. There are so many and they are always changing. So we must make sure our systems of elimination are working correctly! Which is a great way to prevent cancer anyways, soooo…   Assess the Constitution:   Is the system out of balance?   How is the digestion? How is sleep? Are there other signs of weak immunity? (like allergies, repeating illnesses) Stress? Current or past unhealthy sexual dynamics? Is there a history of trauma or abuse? (Which is also stressful)   Strengthen the Immune System:   Lifestyle   Reduce or eliminate coffee an caffeine Quit smoking Reduce sugar consumption Reduce stress levels (physical, mental, and emotional) If possible, stop taking oral contraceptives (which reduce absorption of folic acid)   Supplements (Not necessary to take supplements if you eat them in whole food form, which the body processes better anyways!)   Folic Acid- Nettles B Vitamin Complex- found in many foods Cod Liver Oil (Provides Vitamin A in a healthy/non toxic amount) Probiotic supplements (Brittany uses Perscript Assist which is soil based!) ***Great idea from her workshop: Take the probiotics just before bed so body has time to rest and processes them. Also advised when it is colder in the house to take a week supply out from the fridge and put them on your bedside so that you don’t forget. They only last a week out of the cold though!    From the Diet   Vitamin C- parsley, lemon, lime, citrus, and many other things. Carotenoids Anti-oxidant Rich Foods FERMENTED FOODS-which are rich in Lactobacillus, B Vitamins, C Vitamins, AND Folic Acid!   Herbs   Adaptogens that is good for YOUR personal constitution.    Such as: Astragalus, Reishi, Ashwaganda, Tulsi, Eluthero, and more!   Treating Symptoms and Outbreaks   Internally:   Immune Stimulants: Echinacea, spilanthes, garlic   Anti-Virals: St. John’s Wort, Thuja, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Garlic, Yarrow   Lyphatics: Red Clover, Calendula, Violet leaf and flower, Nettle leaf, Dandelion leaf and root, burdock root   ***Note: These formulas need to be used for at least a few weeks-months once out break has occurred, I believe it will be more effective at eliminating the virus.  Apparently Susun Weed has used St. John’s Wort for 2-6 months in one of her books and has found it to be effective.    Treating the Site   Warts   Thuja- Dilute 25 drops of essential oil in 1oz. of herbal infused oil (St. John’s Wort, Lemon Balm, and Calendula). Shake well and apply topically, on top of skin, to the warts. This formula is an anti viral and will help the body manage the virus and eliminate warts.   Celandine- Topically apply the bright yellow juice of the lead and stem to external warts. Apply once a day 2-3 until they clear. You can use the tincture, but more effective fresh.    Cervical Dysplasia (can be used for anal too)   Suppositories:   Apply at night before bed, as close to cervix as possible. Use daily for 3-6 months, especially just before a Pap. A good formula will include herbs that treat the virus, heal the skin, and stimulate/encourage circulation and immunity!   Bases: Gelatin (lasts the longest inside before leaking out), glycerin, coconut oil, coco butter. Look up how to make herbal suppositories, or buy them pre made!   Herbs: Echinacea (p/t), Yerbal Manza (p/t), Calendula (p/t), Thuja (t,eo), Goldenseal (p,t),Tea Tree (t,eo), Marshmallow (p,t), Yarrow (p,t), Usnea (p,t), St. John’s Wort (t,eo), Oregon Grape Root (p,t).   p=powdered form preferred t= tincture form eo=essential oil   Other: Vitamin A and E </div> greenjourney on "October is Non-GMO Month" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/october-is-non-gmo-month#post-1072 Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:03:59 +0000 greenjourney 1072@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ My list of harvest chores is long and duty calls, but I also feel the need to renew this thread, as it is October once more. I'll just give you a <a href="http://cookingupastory.com/vandana-shiva-the-future-of-food-part-1">link</a> to a short 3 part video interview with Dr. Vandana Shiva, whose understanding of these issues (genetic engineering and all of its ramifications)has informed my work. She is the brightest star in my personal constellation of seedwomen! I had the distinct honor of meeting her at the Uof O in spring 2011, just long enough to introduce myself and give her a gift of our seeds! Please listen and pass it on! Aline herbalrevolution on "To all the Beautiful Ladies that attended this weekends Women's Herbal Confernce" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/to-all-the-beautiful-ladies-that-attended-this-weekends-womens-herbal-confernce#post-979 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:45:40 +0000 herbalrevolution 979@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Awesome!  Thanks ladies, great idea I will try emailing the instructors! xo   kiki on "To all the Beautiful Ladies that attended this weekends Women's Herbal Confernce" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/to-all-the-beautiful-ladies-that-attended-this-weekends-womens-herbal-confernce#post-978 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:06:47 +0000 kiki 978@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ We have Ellen Zimmerman's notes on the way! I had the same thought as Geko and contacted her 2 days ago....she'll post em to me and we get to do a feature interview as well! More to come....xox Kiki good4you on "To all the Beautiful Ladies that attended this weekends Women's Herbal Confernce" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/to-all-the-beautiful-ladies-that-attended-this-weekends-womens-herbal-confernce#post-976 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 05:57:32 +0000 good4you 976@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ hi herbal revolution ! i had an idea, u could probably email the teachers directly for the handouts . i remember more than one saying 'i ran out of handouts, so just email me and ill send u a copy' ...im sure if u searched there emails down, u could prob get those handouts !! much love yooo herbalrevolution on "To all the Beautiful Ladies that attended this weekends Women's Herbal Confernce" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/to-all-the-beautiful-ladies-that-attended-this-weekends-womens-herbal-confernce#post-972 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:16:53 +0000 herbalrevolution 972@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Hello to all the beautiful women that attended this weekends amazing herbal conference!! I am curious if anyone would be willing to scan and share or copy and mail there handouts from any of the classes for me.? I would love to trade handouts for your choice of flower essence fro m the Herbal Revolution line. I am looking for any and all of the classes taught by Mimi Hernandez, Dealing with Adren <div class="text_exposed_show"> al Fatigue before its Adrenal Exhaustion w/ Ellen Zimmermann, one or both of the classes taught by Dr. Jody E. Noe, Sacred Tree Medicine with Robin McGee, Materia Medica and Formulas for Pain (Intensive) and Herbs and Nature Cure for our Beloved Canines and Felines both taught by Cascade Anderson Geller and Sexual Health & Vitality; Beyond Healthy Hormones (Intensive) As it was my first time vending, didn't really quite know what to expect and I was unable to make it to one classes, which left me craving for more! Thank you again and so much love to you all that attend, what beautiful event!</div> good4you on "Who is attending the 2012 New England Women's Herbal Conference?" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/who-is-attending-the-2012-new-england-womens-herbal-conference#post-954 Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:21:04 +0000 good4you 954@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ 12:30 to 2 ! i would love to gather a poppyswap party ! anyone else down ? love SpiritHorseHerbals on "Who is attending the 2012 New England Women's Herbal Conference?" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/who-is-attending-the-2012-new-england-womens-herbal-conference#post-946 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:54:25 +0000 SpiritHorseHerbals 946@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ No sweets, I won't be. Darn. I really look forward to meeting you one of these days! Maybe at International next year. :-) Did we try last year and we both totally spaced. ha! But Kiki will be teaching at the conference this weekend. I hope you two can link up as well as other Swappers. Perhaps Saturday at lunchtime. Might that work? I think it will be REALLY powerful to connect with each other in person and hopefully you and Kiki can do that this weekend. Wishing you a WONDERFUL time, sister! xo KN good4you on "Who is attending the 2012 New England Women's Herbal Conference?" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/who-is-attending-the-2012-new-england-womens-herbal-conference#post-941 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:31:35 +0000 good4you 941@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ oh man ... kristie ... u will be there too ?! yes ! SpiritHorseHerbals on "Who is attending the 2012 New England Women's Herbal Conference?" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/who-is-attending-the-2012-new-england-womens-herbal-conference#post-937 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:11:44 +0000 SpiritHorseHerbals 937@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ Attendees! How about a Poppy Swap lunch gathering on Saturday at the event sometime during the lunch break?!! 12:30pm - 2pm for swappy hugs and herbal giggles. What do ya say?! xo Kristie kiki on "Who is attending the 2012 New England Women's Herbal Conference?" http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/topic/who-is-attending-the-2012-new-england-womens-herbal-conference#post-874 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:37:20 +0000 kiki 874@http://community.poppyswap.com/forum/ I am so excited!!! We should plan a Poppy Swapper party and have lunch or dinner together one day!