100 Best Herbs for your Health & Wellness

Kelly was kind enough to send me this link for her article so I could share it with my readers.

http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/32/100-best-herbs-for-your-health-and-wellness/

Thanks Kelly...

Morning Harvest

6:30 am: I went out to our garden and harvested betony, calendula, California poppy, chamomile, gotu kola, speedwell, skullcap, placing it in my little basket, one stalk, then a flower, another leaf, omming and singing, praying and thanking, feeling the sun on my neck, smelling the sweet scents of the earth, hearing the morning songs of the birds.

Poetry of life.

The bounty escapes onto the counter.















Unique unto itself, it is easy to sort.













Betony








Calendula








California Poppy

Chamomile








Gotu Kola








Heartsease








Peppermint








Skullcap











Speedwell







By 8:00 am, they are on trays and ready to go into the dehydrator.


















It will take eight hours to dry the herbs. Then they will go in their jars.










4:00 pmThese herbs are organically grown. With proper handling, they retain their vitality, effectiveness, taste, aroma, and colour.

Balancing the Imbalances

It is my belief that we become ill due to an imbalance in the body. These imbalances come about through:

1. A diet lacking in the daily intake of nutrients and phyto-nutrients

We need a variety of fresh, live foods and herbs every day. Allow yourself a sweet treat once a week and thoroughly embrace and enjoy it with no guilt.

2. Lack of physical movement

Take yourself out for a walk every day for at least 20-30 minutes. The benefits of this one act are amazing and I hope that, at the end of a month, you’ll be able to tell me all about it. Do one better for yourself and go dancing on a regular basis.

3. Not enough water

We need at least 2 quarts of water daily to nourish our cells and clear out waste products. Tea, coffee, soda, and juice do not do this. Juice is good if it is fresh but don’t count it as part of your water intake, and it is very high in sugar.

4. Not enough rest and sleep

Being able to stretch out and relax is one of the most important blessings to our overall well-being. Retiring at a time that will ensure we get seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a key to healthy living. If an opportunity presents itself to have a nap, take it and enjoy the luxury of being peaceful with your self. It seems so simple but it is vital to your life.

5. Improper breathing

Most people ‘shoulder breathe’ and the breath may make it only to the breast bone; we need to take our breath down into our power centre about an inch below the navel.

6. Limited evacuation of waste matter

Each day we need to sit in the washroom at around the same time and relax each muscle involved in the process of elimination. We can say prayers, read spiritual literature, chant OM, or whatever it takes to relax our bowels and allow free-flow of that energy.

7. Feelings of being disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbours, our planet, our Spiritual Being
Make a connection to someone you love every day. Ensure you have a good uplifting or funny story to tell them to make their spirits soar with laughter and joy. You will feel wonderful when you do this – like you are ‘a part of’ the life around you. You will attract great people and keep the friends you already have.

8. Enormous amounts of stress

We live in a 24/7 world and we all feel like we are the most important one and that things cannot get along without us. As well as putting your e-connections to bed by a reasonable hour, so you can watch a good movie, take yourself out of the game one day a week. Do something for your self – shop, lunch with a friend, personal grooming, drive in the country – whatever it is that will nourish you on all four levels of being: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

9. Lack of tools to deal with stress

Take a course in meditation, Reiki, balancing your Chakras. There are lots to choose from, such as: Tai Ch’i, Reflexology, Sound Healing, Crystals, etc…Continue, develop, and/or explore the topic of hobbies. Make a list of those that interest you and begin your research, finding ones that really resonate with you and feed your Inner Child.

10. Irregular clearing and balancing of the energy field

Develop a relationship with an Energy Worker and see that person regularly. It is suggested to go twice a week for two weeks then every two weeks for two times, then once a month for maintenance. This protocol (these six sessions) will generally clear up those daily, bothersome, and chronic situations, and regular sessions will keep your energy system clear and strong.

As individuals, there is a lot we can do for ourselves. When we do for ourselves, we empower our life with hope, gratitude, peace, and joy. We begin to harmonize the dense energies that have been created through unbalanced living.

Life still happens; devastating illness, which had been already set in motion through years of unhealthy choices, may still come to us. By following these simple remedies for healthier living, we will better be able to ‘survive and thrive’ through most of what life has to offer in a serene and grateful manner.

Taking a regular inventory of our wonderful and attractive qualities is a good daily practice, as is doing a ‘gratitude list’ for that which we receive each day and hold dear to our hearts: our family, friends, home, food & water, overcoming a fault, doing something a better way… there is always a lot for which to be grateful.

The Reductionist’s View is too simplistic

Allopathy says:
Physical life is the most important thing to be treated. Hang on, going to extreme measures, far beyond your personal lifespan.
Give the psyche some good drugs so it won’t bother you.
All can be corrected with a good diet and lots of exercise

Alternative says:
Psyche is the most important thing to be treated.
Analyse your thoughts and dreams to see where that is affecting your personality.
A healthy psyche will heal you physically.
Herbs, vitamins, supplements are all you need for a long life.

Energy Practitioner says:
Energy body is the most important thing to be treated.
All dis-ease starts in the aura and works its way into the physical body.
A healthy aura that is regularly cleansed and Chakras that are regularly balanced is all you need to heal on all levels of Be-ing.

The truth may lie with all of these points of view when they are combined into a cohesive whole. No one has all the answers. A balanced approach is required for Holistic healing.

Individuals are a holograph for society and often reflect the ills of that society on a personal level, which results in various neuroses.

Conversely, when we become ‘healed’, at peace, and full of joy, this affects and heals society as we interact with it, one person at a time.

If we have a persistent infection that, left untreated, will compromise body and soul, antibiotics may be a good answer. If our limb has irreparable damage, allopathy will come to the rescue. If cancer is plaguing our body, chemo, surgery, and/or radiation may save our life and give us time to make our contribution to the world.

Herbals help heal on all levels – physically, emotionally, and as we develop an awareness of and gratitude towards the botanicals we join with each day, spiritually. Our energy benefits from the energy of the earth.

Cleansing the aura and balancing the Chakras is preventative to dis-ease in the body. Staying in our own energy, clearing our own side of the street, and respectfully allowing others the same privilege is key to a healthy energy system.

Getting Organized

I have decided on which herbs I would like to use in my practice.
















On Monday, I accepted delivery of eight dozen 500 ml jars with gold lids. I spent most of Tuesday sterilizing them. On Wednesday, I filled them with my herbs and ran off labels for the side.















Then I put them in alphabetical order on the dining room table, put a hand-written label on
the top, and placed them back in the boxes.

Later that night, I made a list of the herbs and created signs for the end of the boxes.

These 96 jars are now stored in a dark location, very handy to just pull out and put a remedy together.

Medicinal Herb Garden Part VI

Live Plants from Richters

Yesterday was better than Christmas around here... gifts galore...

First off, at 7: am the postman showed up at my door with four dozen live plants from Richters. Wow! that was awesome. : ,) They are Meadowsweet, Goldenseal, Blue Vervain (the three pictured below), LaLot, Gotu Kola, Speedwell, Piss-Off plants to keep intruders at bay, Wood Betony, Skullcap, White Sage, Vicks Plant (indoor plant that smells just like the Vicks salve and can be used to make a salve for respiratory), and Rosemary. I have grown 28 plants from seed and along with what I already had growing, I now have 46 plants in my medicinal herb garden that are doing great. Yeahhhhh!

Herb Walk 2008 Slideshow

Oregon Grape (root)

Hi, Everyone

I have created a slide show in Google Picasa at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Lyn.Ayre/HerbWalk2008

I can identify some of the flora but not all and wonder if you would like to help in my herbal education but letting me know the photo number and the name of the plant. I appreciate your help. Just email me at: LynAyre@telus.net

Thanks so much. Be well; be at peace.

Warmly, Lyn

PS: I just finished watching a wonderful DVD on a Herb Walk by LeArta Boulton at: http://www.learta.com/index.html

Medicinal Herb Garden Part V

We had one day of sun and great temperatures last Saturday the 12th, so we took the herbs outside and moved them as the sun moved so they would have sun for several hours. There are 20 plants showing here and we have at least another 30 coming from Richters. These 20 have been recently transplanted into 6" and 8" pots. In another few months, they will need even bigger ones as they grow. Life is a great adventure.

Medicinal Herb Garden Part IV

It was a bit sunny for a few minutes today, so I put some of my stronger plants on the steps to soak up the rays. They were out for about an hour. I was hoping the weather was changing so I could put all 24 outside but alas, not today.

I noticed the Sweet Violets and Soapwort are slowing making their way out of hibernation. These seeds needed to be put outside in the frost so that they can break through their tough outer shell and make their way into the world.

As well, the Senna and English Lavender seeds had to first be soaked for 24 hours. I placed them between two sopping scott towels for a full day. It took quite a while before they showed any signs of life in the soil. Now, they are coming along, too.

We are expecting 30 live plants to come from Richters' Herbs in the next month or so. I will have a wonderful variety of herbs to share with my class in mid August, when they come.

It's like Christmas every day as these beauties sprout, grow, and expand one cell at a time... a real miracle.

Be well; plant a herb garden.

Creating Herbal Capsules

I have been researching herbs specific to harmonizing the energies of diabetes, high cholesterol, and peripheral circulation. Fortunately, I have a rather hearty herb reference library at home here, as well as the internet to refer to for information and guidance.

I've come to understand the three-point herb formula concept and word-processed a form to employ it. I created a formula with

1-80% feature herb/s: Gymnema, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Devil's Claw
2-10% supporting herbs: Burdock Root, Fenugreek, Stevia
3-10%stimulating herbs: Cinnamon, Pau D'Arco.

The herbs I used have multiple uses and the following notes are greatly simplified to my specific needs. I had thought to use Astragalus in the original formula idea but research indicated that it would not be good for someone with Lupus, so I have used Ashwagandha instead. Please, always do extensive research on your own behalf. Here is a very brief look at the herbs in this formula:

Gymnema sylvestre stabilizes the blood sugar, stops sugar cravings, and lowers high cholesterol
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera is an adaptogen that helps with diabetes and stress
Schisandra chinensis is indicated for diabetes, is an adaptogen so helps with stress, improves eyesight, metabolizes toxins and cleanses the blood and liver
Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens is good for diabetes, joint pain, and high cholesterol
Burdock Root Arcticum lappa stimulates the release of waste from cells, diabetes, yeast issues
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum stabilizes the blood sugar, and lowers high cholesterol
Stevia rebaudiana lowers blood sugar, stabilizes blood pressure, useful in weight-loss
Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum stabilizes blood sugar, improves peripheral circulation
Pau D'Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa indicated for candida, is an antifungal, helpful in lupus

I have literally put months of research into this formula. When my notes were done, I ordered the powdered herbs through a reputable source: Mountain Rose Herbs http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/








I carefully measured out each one onto a plate. They all have their own distinct aroma. I decided to taste each one.
Shown below, starting from the back left, are: Gymnema ( deep green; tastes bitter); Devil's Claw (tan; tastes bitter); Schisandra (deep rust; tastes salty); Ashwagandha (light tan; tastes pungent); to the left of that is Fenugreek, which is light yellow and tastes spicy; at the front are: Burdock Root (tan and brown granules; taste bitter); Pau D'Arco (brown; tastes pungent); Stevia (medium green; very sweet); and Cinnamon, which is reddy-brown and tastes spicy.
















I mixed the herbs together in a bowl and filled the capsules.

I put a tsp. into a teabag to see if I might like the blend that way. I also plan to make a tincture to try, too.

















I created my label, calling this one "Sweet Enough Formula"
















The front of the label says:
Sweet Enough Formula
124 - 500 mg capsules

The left side panel at the top says:
Supplement Facts
Daily allotment: 4 caps
Servings per bottle: 31

and under that is:

Daily values not established for contents
Gymnema sylvestre 40%
Withania somnifera 15%
Schisandra chinensis 15%
Harpagophytum procumbens 10%
Arcticum lappa 5%
Tabebuia impetiginosa 5%
Cinnamomum zeylanicum 5%
Trigonella foenum-graecum 3%
Stevia rebaudiana 2%
Other: quick dissolve Vegan gel cap

on the right panel, it says:
Keep in a cool dark place.
Take one capsule at breakfast, one at lunch, and two at supper, 30 minutes before eating.
Do not use with other diabetes medications.
Consult your physician before starting this or any other dietary supplement.

So, the great experiment is on and I'm sure it will unfold as I go along. I may make multiple changes to this formula as I experience how it operates in my body. With my doctor's blessing, I am off my meds for this week and will take my blood first thing in the morning, before each meal and two hours after, and at bedtime to see what the effect, if any, I receive from this herbal supplement.

Here is how the math plays out and all herbs are well within the daily/weekly limits:

Herb used/ % of whole /mg per each capsule /per 4 caps

Gymnema sylvestre 40% 200 mg 800 mg
Withania somnifera 15% 75 mg 300 mg
Schisandra chinensis 15% 75 mg 300 mg
Harpagophytum procumbens 10% 50 mg 200 mg
Arcticum lappa 5% 25 mg 100 mg
Tabebuia impetiginosa 5% 25 mg 100 mg
Cinnamomum zeylanicum 5% 25 mg 100 mg
Trigonella foenum-graecum 3% 15 mg 60 mg
Stevia rebaudiana 2% 10 mg 40 mg

Obviously, diet, exercise, water intake, and stress-reduction and play a huge role in the harmonizing of the energies of diabetes. I already have these issues in place and will continue on in much the same vein as I have with a few changes here and there. I'll let you know how it goes. Be well; be at peace.

Warmly,
Lyn

Medicinal Herb Garden Part III

I've found a new use for my Tibetan singing bowls... right now, they are housing my herb seedlings. It took about three and a half hours on Sunday to re-pot them... singing and ommmming all the time. Today, they are looking good and enjoying the sunshine. We still have frost... there was ice on the car windows today... so they won't be going outside for month or so. Good thing I got that last CD created and burned as I think my bowls are going to busy for the foreseeable future.

Seedlings
30Nov 2004

We are dropped
Into
The earth
From
Spirit

Like seeds
Of a tree
Ever-reaching
And
Continuing
Our journey
Back up
To the
Light

Medicinal Herb Garden Part II

These last few weeks, I have been pouring love all over these wonderful beings. They have been daily misted and weekly soaked. I have shifted the trays around so that they receive even light. Their domes have been off for a while and on for a while. I've changed the temperature in the room from very warm through very cool (50F).

Here is a photo taken this morning. Note the tall and lanky dwarf nasturtium in the front. He is being re-potted today as are many of them.


Some of the herbs have come up and some have not. This is a list of what has happened:

3.5 Weeks
These have come up:
Ashwagandha
Betony -very sparse
Catnip -very sparse
English Daisy
Dusty Miller
Heartsease
Marshmallow
Motherwort -very sparse

These have not come up, at all:
Wild Indigo
Lemon Balm
Meadowsweet
Passionflower

3 Weeks
These have come up:
French Dandelion
California Poppy
English Lavender
German Chamomile
Dwarf Nasturtium
Sheep Sorrel
Stevia
White Yarrow
Zhi Mu
Zuta Lavana

These have not come up, at all:
Greater Plantain
Senna
Skullcap
Soapwort
Speedwell
Sweet Violet

It's always up to nature, which plants grow well from seed in these conditions and which ones won't. I have decided to go ahead and order live plants from Richters Herbs, which will be here between May 15 to June 15, to complete my herb garden, as follows:

Betony
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
Meadowsweet
Passionflower
Skullcap
Soapwort
Speedwell
Blue Vervain

I have also ordered several plants that will deter critters (cats, dogs, rabbits) from eating my herbs. Oddly, the name of it is the "Piss Off Plant". I've also order a couple of "Vicks Plants" for inside my home. They are just what they sound like - plants that can be processed for respiratory conditions.

All-in-all, I'm very happy with my experience so far.

I've also have my usual culinary herbs planted:

Basil
Calendula
La Lot
Lemon Balm
Marjorum
Rosemary
Sage
St Johns Wort

A friend of mine named Elizabeth gave me several plants, as well. It's going to be a huge garden this year. I'll keep you posted on the progess.

Today's Recipe - "Clear Chest"

After my husband had surgery to remove a colon cancer, he was left with a very heavy chest, which caused tremendous coughs to wrack his body with pain. I blended three tinctures together to make him a remedy for this congestion, which was likely caused by the anesthetic.

2 parts Echinacea - great for viral and bacterial infections in the respiratory system
1 part Osha Root - has an affinity for the digestive, respiratory, and immune systems. It can be used as a liniment for sore muscles and is indicated for colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, and sore throats. Its main action is anti-microbial.
2 parts Usnea lichen - is useful for chest infections and respiratory complaints. It is anti-microbial and antifungal. It is a hardy immune system ally.
1/4 part Glycerin - used as a sweetener

According to a book I have here, each of these herbs are dosed at 3-7.5 ml/2-3 x a day. I always go with 'less is more' and trust Spirit to do the rest. In light of the information given to him, he has decided on 3 ml twice a day and it is working for him. As well, he is recieving a lot of energy work and taking another formula I made for him to support his liver/kidneys and he is taking Essiac Formula - four herb blend.

I am simply sharing our experience of what has worked for us. Please do your own research and trust your own instincts. There are a lot of herbs out there that do similar actions and will work well in a synergistic formula. Be well; be at peace.

Warmly, Lyn

Creating a Medicinal Herbal Garden

After much research and searching, I decided on Richters Herbs in Ontario, Canada, who carry medicinal, culinary, and aromatic herbs of all kinds. http://www.richters.ca/

I wanted to have a variety of plants for each body system growing right in my own backyard. We live in a small space and there is no grass at the back, so we have decided to do container gardening. All of the herbs are organic and grown without the use of chemicals.

The following information comes from my own experience as well as a variety of external sources. Our list of herbs includes:

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera – adaptogen, tonic, used to increase vitality, energy, endurance, stamina, promote longevity, and strengthen the immune system without using the body’s resources

Betony Stachys officianalis – general tonic, relieves headaches, sedative, calms kids, astringent, and antiseptic

Calendula Calendula officianalis – heals wounds, treats chronic infection, great for all skin conditions, good for kids, calming to the digestive system, detoxifying, crush a live flower to place over bee sting

Catnip Nepeta cataria – helps control fever, colic, pain, great for kids, chronic bronchitis, diarrhea, sedative

Dusty Miller Senecio cineraria – is useful in clearing cataracts

German Chamomile Matricaria recutita – tummy issues, irritable bowel, reduces inflammation, antispasmodic, sedative

French Dandelion Taraxacum officinale – cleans the blood, stimulates the immune system, strengthens kidneys, diuretic, increases bile to the intestines, helpful with ‘lack of appetite’. Leaves are edible in salads.

English Daisy Bellis perennis – gentle laxative, helps with inflammations and burns, strengthening to stomach and intestines

Gotu Kola Hydrocotyle asiatica – revitalizes brain cells and helps to retard the aging process, great for wounds, scars, helpful with connective tissue issues. Leaves are edible in salads.

Heartsease Viola tricolor – helpful for epilepsy, eczema, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, rheumatism, and cystitis. Flowers are edible in salads.

Wild Indigo Baptisia tinctoria – roots are antiseptic so good for mouth sores, sore throat, respiratory system, and skin issues

English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia – helps with stress headaches, relieves gas, calms muscle spasms, gentle for kids, stimulates blood flow, antiseptic, antibacterial, depression

Goldenseal Hydrasis Canadensis – fights infection, heals gastro-intestinal tract, tonic to spleen, cleanses urinary system, heals bruises and wounds

Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis – proven effective against herpes zoster, which shows itself as cold sores on the lip; relieves muscle cramps and spasms, nerve tonic, helpful for headaches, depression, good for kids

Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria – useful for gout, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, contains salicylic acid, anti-inflammatory

Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca – strengthens the heart, calms palpitation, good for circulation, helpful for PMS symptoms and menstrual pain, calms the entire nervous system

Marshmallow Althaea officinalis – soothes irritations and inflammations of the skin, oral cavity, throat, digestive and intestinal systems, calms the respiratory system

Dwarf Nasturtium Tropaeolum minus – the whole plant is antibiotic, antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant; useful in chest conditions as it breaks us congestion in the respiratory system, promotes the formation of blood cells

Greater Plantain Plantago major – astringent, diuretic, expectorant, useful in respiratory and gastro-intestinal issues, externally for ringworm, crush live leaf and cover bee sting, and shingles

California Poppy Eschscholzia californica – used to help toothaches, bronchitis, colds, coughs, insomnia

Passionflower Passiflora incarnate L. – reduces anxiety and relieves depression, great for kids, expels worms, lowers blood pressure, increase urine output, allays pain, enhances libido

Rosemary Rosemary officinalis – refreshes the mind, good for memory, stimulates blood flow, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral

Sage Salvia officinalis – relieves excess mucus, astringent, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, eases mental exhaustion, soothes the nerves, good for sores, sweating, styptic

Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora – good for headache, neuralgia, insomnia, restlessness, great for kids, hysteria, and convulsions.

American Senna Cassia marilandica – expels worms; taken with coriander or ginger, it is an effective and immediate laxative

Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella – anti-cancer, fever, inflammation, diarrhea, expels worms, astringent, good for proper liver function

Soapwort Saponaria officinalis – rinse for skin irritations or itchiness, shampoo, rinse for delicate clothing

St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum – used to treat nerve pain, neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, trauma, concussions, bruises, and shingles. Use caution when employing this herb especially if you are taking MOA inhibitors. Check out the contra-indications for yourself regarding any drugs you are using.

Stevia Stevia rebaudiana – herbal sweetener, free of calories, does not affect the blood sugar adversely, inhibits dental caries and plaque, useful in the treatment of diabetes, candida, obesity, high blood pressure, reduces tobacco/alcohol/carbohydrate cravings, useful with kids

Speedwell Veronica officinalis – useful for coughs, catarrh, slow-healing wounds, and skin eruptions, relieves itching

Sweet Violet Viola odorata – leaves reduce swelling and sooth irritation, some anti-cancer properties, laxative, arthritis, gum disease.

Vicks Plant Plectranthus purpuratus – the leaves smell like this beloved remedy for chest colds and are used to make ointment that decongests

White Yarrow Achillea millefolium – useful to reduce fevers, helps respiratory/digestive/nervous system, enhances liver/gallbladder/kidney functions

Zhi Mu Anemarrhena asphodeloides – useful in bronchitis, fever, irritability, pneumonia, insomnia, infections, anti-diabetic, antibacterial

Zuta Levana Micromeria fruticosa – useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers, wonderful minty tea. Do not take this herb if you are trying to conceive.

As usual, before using any of these or other herbs, do your research especially in regards to the contra-indications. There are several herbs that you should not take if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are lactating, or have major organ damage or disease. Please use caution and common sense.

12March2008 One week after planting, half the seedlings have sprouted and sent up little shoots. I am excited beyond words. I’ll keep you posted as to how it is going over the next few months and on into blooming.

My plan to become a Master Herbalist

26Oct07 updated on April 4, 2013

This journey has not come easily. Four years ago (2003), I did extensive research into formal courses on herbalism. Two years later (2005), it came down to two colleges: a Can Am College, and Heart of Herbs. I choose the first one because it is Canadian.

I was beside myself with excitement on receiving the course. When I went through the first chapter, I was shocked beyond words. In thirty-seven pages there were one hundred and thirty-six type o's and other errors. It was like someone had written the course but no one had proof read or edited it after that. I had no satisfaction from the man who was running the college and ended up eating $77.00 upon returning the course. I gave up on getting a formal education for a while, as I regrouped.

In the fall of 2007, I began mull it over again. A few months later, I received some wonderful news from a dear friend about her new herbalist degree but she could not recommend the local college she studied with. Her news lit a fire in my heart once again. I dug in and spent an entire day reading every word on eleven herbal websites. I found a file in my documents and was reminded of Heart of Herbs. There was a link, which took me to the Master Herbalist page. I read every word on that website and then I called Demetria Clark (I had already spoken to five teachers from the other websites I'd visited in the morning) and when I got off the phone I knew I'd found my teacher-someone who knew their stuff and with whom I could connect and share. I prayed about it and left it for overnight. The next day, I ordered the course. This course was disappointing to say the least. When I sent in my homework, I never heard back from her. When I asked questions, there was no one answering me back. After spending a year trying to get some feedback,

I moved on and found Rosemary Gladstar. Her course through Sage Mountain is the one I recommend to anyone who emails me about it.

I already have thirty-five years of experience of ‘personal, family, and friends’ in the use of herbal remedies. I want to become certified through formal learning so I can help more people in a deeper way. I've earned a Ph.D. in Energy Healing and have worked with the body systems for years. I have taken courses in Aromatherapy, and I’m a Natural Perfumer. I adore plant life and work with Gaia and my Spirit Guides when I collect herbs. I am grateful for all that the earth provides. Over that weekend, I came up with a plan of learning. To me, it seems very comprehensive and covers all angles.

Part One:
Enroll in a comprehensive program. Done
http://www.sagemountain.com/herbal-home-study-course/course-overview-and-curriculum.html

Part Two:
Herbal Preparations
Order a DVD course on herbal preparations. Done
I have ordered the Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies DVD course and will proceed with that. This way I have a pseudo-instructor to make sure I’m in line with the generally accepted protocol for creating product. I have been making my own product for years and have never had a problem. That being said, I heartily advocate the ‘checks and balances’ system.
http://www.econaturalsolutions.com/

Part Three:
Herb Identification DVD. Done


http://www.learta.com/index.php?id_category=8&controller=category   I've also read 49 books on Herbalism and love living from this point of view. See the book list down the right.

What is a Master Herbalist?

A Master Herbalist sees the whole person rather than a set of symptoms or diseases. He or she considers the emotional state, the general vitality, and the nutritional needs of the client, involving them in an integrated holistic herbal program, which targets specific health issues and concerns.

A Master Herbalist is trained in every aspect of herbalism including plant identification, wildcrafting, herb gardening, botany, human anatomy & physiology, preparing herbal remedies, referring, combining herbal formulations, and suggesting protocols for sound health. There is a lengthy Intake Process to get the full picture. Often adjunct therapies are suggested, as well, to assist in overall wellbeing.

Lastly, a Master Herbalist neither diagnoses nor prescribes. We are consultants only and can simply listen and make suggestions, sharing what has worked for ourselves and others. No health claims are made. Our clients take full responsibility for their own wellbeing, actively researching on their own behalf.

And so, once again, I'm on my way to becoming... a blossom opening to the warmth of the sun... a tree reaching beyond its limits... a seed splitting the atoms of my armor and coming out of the shell that was 'I'...

Dream Seeds Herbal Project Interview

30Janary2008

Dream Seeds Herbal Project Interview
I was asked to participate in this project by way of an interview with Kristena at: http://www.dreamseeds.org/

Do you remember what was going on in your life that lead you to herbs?

I was living in rural British Columbia with my first husband and our two kids. Self-sufficiency was the necessary life-style in that situation back in 1972. I was 21 years old at that time. We had an extensive garden including many culinary and medicinal herbs. I learned a great deal about the effects of herbs on the body as I added them to some of my favorite recipes.

Can you share some of the work that has most influenced you? Such as books, blogs, video, and lectures.
Until I enrolled in the Heart of Herbs Master Herbalist course http://www.heartofherbs.com/ , I had no formal education. I’d just been growing and using the herbs I always had such as: Rosemary, Sage, Marjorum, Thyme, Basil, Fennel, Bay, Calendula, Chamomile, Cleavers, Dandelion, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Spearmint, Raspberry leaf, Red Clover, and Yarrow.

I’d also read many books on the subject of herbs and anatomy, as follows, and all of them helped educate me and made me want to learn more:
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs by Jiri Stodola and Jan Volak
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman
The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines by Michael Murry
The Botanical Pharmacy by Heather Boon
The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines by Charles Fetrow & Juan Avila
The Healing Spirit of Plants by Clare Harvey & Amanda Cochrane
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White and Steven Foster
The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier
Healing Herbal Teas by Brigitte Mars
Healing with the Herbs of Life by Lesley Tierra
Atlas of Anatomy-Know Your Body by Emmett Keffee, MD
Traditional Herbal Remedies by Michael Howard

When making plant medicine, are you drawn to any particular method?

When I collect herbs, I chant Om to the Mother plant. I give thanks to Gaia as she is my earth Mother who takes care of every one of my physical needs including my medicine. Source looks after my spiritual and energetic needs.

Then I dry the herbs in my Ronco food dehydrator and either tincture the material or infuse it in oil. Of course, it is used in the food recipes I create as well as medicinal teas, baths, pot pourri, given as gifts, and other ways.

When tincturing, I will use both the measuring system and the Simpler Method.

Do you have a most memorable event, conference, or one on one experience with any of our herbal foremothers and forefathers or any other key person used in your path of herbalism? And how has that influenced you today?

I was born and raised in the southwest corner of beautiful British Columbia. In this beautiful land, we are surrounded by mountains, forests, and many varieties of wild life. The Fraser River runs through our area only a few blocks away, and the Pacific Ocean is nearby. This wild beauty has consistently captured my heart. I’ve always experienced a heart-swell when I look at the plant life around me. I’ve talked to plants and sang to them my whole life.

My most memorable herbal event to date is the discovery of Calendula in 2002. My Spiritual Mentor of 26 years passed away in September 2001. As we were leaving her property for the last time, my husband reached down and took a couple of handfuls of seeds from one of her plants and stuck them in his pocket. We didn’t know what it was, we only wanted something of hers to live on with us.

We planted these seeds in early spring. When the flowers bloomed, our neighbour identified them as Calendula. I did research on this beautiful plant and began to make Calendula Balm in 2002. I made ten jars and those same first customers keep coming back for more. Each year, when the plants set seed, I give some away to whomever is my student at that time. Calendula plants are now growing all over the world and Louise Campbell Silver lives on. Her affect on my life was incredibly deep and lasting. I will never forget her.

Do you work with the public and could you describe your work? such as: Do you teach classes?

I do work with the public teaching classes in Energy Healing and Natural Perfumery. I don’t teach Herbal classes just yet as I want to first graduate from the Master Level course and another herbal course I’m taking in person this fall of 2008, and get extensive experience with herbs in a formal way. The class I'm taking this autumn has us going out into the bush to do some wildcrafting and plant identification, bringing back the plants to Langara College and making medicine.

Do you offer consultations?

It is my plan to do herbal consultation when I graduate. I have been doing them on an informal basis over the years, doing lots of research for particular cases. I look forward to broadening my scope of practice.

Do you have a vision for your work in the future or are you seeing how it unfolds?

For over thirty years, I have been using the herbs that I have grown myself for cleaning products, health and beauty aids, food, first aid, and many other reasons. I also use several over-the-counter herbs when I have an acute situation. I have peace of mind when using herbal remedies, as I know what is in the product and how it will affect my health.

By learning more about herbs, going deeper into the botany, chemistry, wild crafting, human anatomy & physiology, and increasing my knowledge and experience of other certified organic herbs that I have not grown myself, I hope to be able to help myself even more so I will be really healthy. Eventually, I want to have a consulting practice and help people physically as well as energetically.

What career opportunities will be available to you after you complete this course?
There are many ‘jobs’ that I could be suited for: growing and distributing herbs; teaching about herbs; taking interested folks on herb walks, lecturing about herbs, writing about herbs; owning/running a herb store; doing herbal consultations; and working in a herb store. There may be others that I haven’t thought of yet.

My plan is to do what I always do with that which I learn and that is to write, teach, and help others via consultations. My husband has come on board with me and will be expanding our herb garden this year. We have a good-sized order pending for live plants and organic seeds. We are always interested in seeing where Spirit will lead us next.

Most of the readers are new to herbs and if there is one word of wisdom or sage advice you could leave them, what would that be?

I am a writer so it is unlikely I can do this in one word. : ,)
What I would like to convey is to be ever-curious; find out all you can about the herbs you are interested in. Don’t skim over the contra-indications, rather fully learn those, too. Herbalism is the world of possibilities: to overcome chronic health situations, for health maintenance, for safe bath and beauty products, for a clean home environment, and for a nutritious way to eat. The possibilities are indeed endless.

I am so grateful to have you participating in this project I know you will inspire others with your deep appreciation, knowledge and love of herbalism.

You are so welcome. Thanks so much for allowing me to share my love of herbs.