Medicinal herbs share their many valuable uses with those who listen

January 7 2010  Happy New Year

CANCER AND HOLISTIC METHODS

Non medical practiioners are not allowed to "diagnose and treat medical disease' , so let this disclaimer clarify that for readers.  Cancer is a generic term, like a cold or flu.  Cancer is a tissue condition.  Cancer is likely happening on and off in most bodies a lot of the time, with the emphasis being on "off " since the body can generally take care of it. 

Herbalists and Naturopaths have tradiitionally used herbal formulas, internally and also as external poultices (for example, on the breast and nearby lymph node area), along with other natural therapeutics as supportive measures such as energy healing, dietary healing (focus: tissue cleansing and immune system building).  We caution anyone concerned about cancerous conditons to seek natural healing as soon as possible AND NOT AS A LAST RESORT WITH THE BODY BEING SEVERELY DETERIORATED THROUGH CHEMO AND RADIATION.  Natural healing works by promoting the bodily healing forces and we want as much of that present as possible. 

Choosing chemo and radiation:  cancerous conditions still potentially benefit greatly from the addition of natural therapeutics as support.  IT IS NOT AN EITHER /OR situation.  I have worked with many, many people whose journey with cancer healing (and all of these people are now alive and well) was made more comfortable, quicker, and easier when complemented by natural therapeutics effectively administered by a specialist (me, in this case, giving this narrative) fully trained in traditional naturopathy and herbal healing, and with the co-creative effort from the client/patient and their helpful family.  Don't put all your eggs in one basket with this one- I sure wouldn't.

One more observation, out of many which could be shared but for lack of time and space - herbal/naturopathic healing of cancer tissue conditions may show a slight increase in such tissue conditions as lesions/tumours during treatment, as the condition moves out of the body.  This is a cleansing reaction and not more cancer tissue. The healing process could look (but not feel- key word) a little worse before it is over.  The "surgical strike" of drugs/chemo/radiation is not at work here, so do not look for it.  Keeping in touch with your practitioner is the best advice so that they can assist in adjusting herbs and dietary measures in service of supporting the body regain vitality and healing power.

October 26, 2009   DIABETES, and more

Its been a long time since I have posted.  There has been a lot on my plate, what with starting a naturopathic school and all that entails.  However - we continue to hear from our clients with requests for replenishments of various formulations because herbs are working obviously very well for them. Skin healing, sleep improvement, hormonal balancing, skin care, gastrointestinal improvement are high among the success stories.  We have had a client reverse their condition of diabetes - we facilitated, in part, that recovery, but they take credit for doing the work of changing their diet, and lifestyle, and taking herbs thus improving the function of their liver, gall bladder, and pancreas back to natural function.  Support through the book "Reversing Diabetes" by Julian Whitaker, MD, with the wisdom offered by a medical doctor, (albiet inspired by classical naturopathy) helped them as well.  The trickle down effect is improving the health of the entire family.  Reversing diabetes is much more than "getting blood sugar under control" - it is restoring the original natural function of the holistic ecology of the body.  While I applaud the trend of other doctors writing books to show diabetes can be reversed (see amazon for a flock of them), I must say that this cash cow which has been around since our country's food supply went down the drain, about 50 years ago, was not approached in that way until Julian Whitaker had first done his ground breaking work, based of course on (some of ) the principles of naturopathy to begin with, and had the successes and testimonials he had.  See and read also Sugar Blues if you resonate with this topic- nearly 40 years old, still more than relevant, and a terribly good read, today.

JULY 26  OUR PLANTAIN BASED OINTMENT SUCCESSFUL WITH EXCEMA

We have heard back from numerous individuals speaking of their success with clearing excema with our plantain salve.  This is sold at the Farmers Market, and may also be obtained through our apothecary by contacting us.  This is one of those many, many stories and types of feedback that true herbalists know very well- success stories from direct personal experience from clients- priceless, in place for eons, and not worth waiting for funded testing , and certainly not biased and corporate influenced "testing".  It just works, period.  Excema is also greatly helped by adding internal herbal treatment to the protocol- indiviudal cases vary, but a good start is gentle guided liver support with a blood cleansing tea using burdock root (gobo) or broths of Gobo. 


June 15:  A Few of Our Current Medicinal garden plants, and
                  their uses- adapted from the hand-out for our seasonal lecture talks.  We have 9 tour groups coming in beginning tomorrow morning,
so this is a view into our world as medicine farmers, natural health practitioners, and stewards of the land.

MEDICINAL HERBS OF GARDEN AND FIELD

 

Feel free to touch the plants, and note the aromatic quality of the many plants by gently rubbing the leaves to release the aroma.  The aroma is often indicative of the potency  and health of the plants, as is the color, vigorous presentation, and size.

ANGELICA :  grows easily, self seeds; 4-6 hours or more of sun in

                          looser soils.  Medicinally the plant is increasingly a substitute for the At – Risk and overharvested Osha- as an antibacterial, particularly useful in connection with respiratory infections.   Traditionally for women’s health balancing- the Chinese version of this Genus is Dong quai.  The Stems of the plant were traditionally candied as a confection.

 

And obviously – beautiful flowers for arrangements !

 

 WILD LETTUCE:   This particular plot self-seeded from a few wild lettuce volunteers we were very happy to see last year, as Wild Lettuce makes one of the very best extracts for sleeplessness, and is useful in cough preparations and general nervous system support.  This is particularly useful to help with insomnia, it has no side effects or hang-over. 

 

COMFREY:   Easy to grow, propagate by root cuttings.  This hardy plant is used medicinally internally and also in external preparations.  We show an oil here in the process of infusing with the therapeutic effects of comfrey (along with some other herbs).  Because comfrey is so very useful, the pharmaceutical industry plotted to discredit it (which they have covertly done with many other plants as well), however the “scientific” experiments used were shown to be very flawed, and herbalists will continue to use it wisely as they have for thousands of years. 

 

 CALENDULA:  You will see this herb growing in a variety of places here in the yard gardens.  At this point, it is young, but within a few weeks we will have blooms, and pick abundant flower heads into October for medicinal purposes ranging from teas, oils, creams, ointments.  Here we show the Calendula Cream, and the Dried flowers from which the oil for the cream was originally made.  Calendula has properties of cell regeneration (creating new healed tissue), cell tone and nourishment, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial – making it an ideal protector for all manner of topical problems.

 

VALERIAN:  These beautiful fragrant flowers top off an earthy smelling root which some think smells a bit strong.  Cats are drawn to valerian root similar to they are catnip.  Interestingly, both plants are helpful nerviness for humans.  Valerian root is best taken in a tea or a tincture extract.  It is a sedative for most people, although a very small percentage ( I have run across one person in 30 years) feel more restless when they take it.   The second year roots are used.

We include valerian in the Sweet Sleep tincture we offer at the products table.

 

St. John’s Wort – This is generally a wild flower, which we have seeded and cultivated here.  We have less SJW in our area due to habitat destruction- it likes open fields which are well drained and sunny- this is often where construction and building occurs. 

 

The uses go far beyond the mainstream media depiction of SJW as “antidepressant”, although it is very effective for this if taken consistently over a 2-4 month period as recommended by a qualified herbalist.  It is anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, soothing to nerve ends; it is useful externally and internally.  Note the beautiful red oil this amazing plant makes , which we in turn use for salves /ointments.

 

Lemon Balm – We have this plant growing in several places on the land, and in general it likes well drained soil and some period of time with full sun.  This particular place is probably not ideal for lemon balm, although this 4 year old plant is doing well and produces nice essential oils.  I use it for teas, calming, and also in connection with other herbs it is useful for balancing the thyroid from “hyper” conditions.  Lemon balm is mild enough for babies .  Topical use includes an antiviral ointment to effectively treat herpes simplex. 

 

The lemony aroma does not translate all that well into flavor- lemon balm is useful for teas in connection with therapeutic (calming) value, however if a lemony flavor is desired, use Lemon Verbena and/or Lemongrass.

 
Culvers Root- This lovely plant produces beautiful large white flower spikes.  The root is superior for treating gall bladder and liver issues, and I would use it for general digestive balancing, gall bladder disease, clearing stones, and in long term liver regeneration.  There are younger plants in the “barn garden” we just left.  It is difficult to find among herbal supply houses, so I grow my own.  Culvers Root was part of the official US Pharmacopia , as were many other plants.

 

Note:  Herbs are not drugs.  Regardless of whether one sees that word in connection with herbs, they are not.  Drugs do not grow – they are made in laboratories with chemicals.  Plants are whole nutritional systems with naturally protective compounds, and , although they must be used intelligently, they are not drugs.

 

FEVERFEW – the French put a few leaves of feverfew on their sandwiches.  Culinary uses of herbs arose in part because of flavor, and in part because herbs lend health benefits in our food.  The Chinese and Indian cultures use herbs generously in this regard in their broths, curries, stews, and beverages.  Feverfew may be made into an extract and used for cerebral circulation, and to clear migraines.   Note the aromatic quality of the leaves.   We can chop one or two finely and add to salads- they are bitter but interesting.

 

 MOTHERWORT:  Medicinally this very common native herb is used for night sweats, general tension relieving, and as a cardiac tonic for men as well as women.  It is very important to have motherwort in the apothecary collection for older women.  This plant starts out with cute little sprouts (lots of them- it seeds vigorously) , which grow into maple shaped leaves, and then at a later state, the upper leaves are trident.

 

It is prickly!  The aerial parts are used medicinally.  We offer motherwort extract for sale on our products table.

 

BORAGE-  again, we are at a young and early stage here in June, however Borage grows quickly to produce beautiful small star shaped flowers with a lovely sky blue color.  The flowers are edible, and are also used, as many other flowers are used, for Flower Essences.

 

I use extract of borage as an adrenal restorative, in general cases and when chemo and radiation deplete the adrenals and general body function.  Borage is a strengthening and restorative tonic to the adrenal glands, and is also useful in that regard to those who have damaged their bodies by taking steroids, such as prednisone , for any condition.

 

Borage grows vigorously, and often this is an indication from the plant world as to how vigorous the plant can make us in our health building.

 

MARSHMALLOW – In olden times, the mucilaginous roots of this plant were boiled with sugar to make a confection chewed and eaten by children and adults.  Thus, the prototype for ……the marshmallow sold in bags for hot chocolate and other treats.

 

This same mucilage- a quality found in other plants as well- soothes our gastrointestinal system, including the stomach and any other ulcerations.  It is also soothing to the skin.  The leaves and flowers may also be used, however, the root is the potent part of the plant for medicinal purposes. 

 A tea of marshmallow leaves and catnip, along with perhaps some fennel , may be used for “colic”, intestinal discomforts, and stomach ache by babies and adults alike.

 And if that is not enough, this is a beautiful plant for the flowers and foliage, returning each year, and attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

 

CATNIP – We grow this for people, primarily!  It is a superior nervine herb which may be tinctured, or made into a tea, or even capsulated.  Catnip lends a lovely twist to herbal tea blends.  The flowers attract beneficial insects such as honey bees and other protective garden creatures, and the flowers and foliage lend a nice touch to bouquets. 

 

It self seeds and spreads nicely.  Catnip may be cut back several times per year for a harvest , regenerating easily each time.

 

HYSSOP -  This herb does well in sunny, dry climates with good soil drainage…. which is possibly one reason it is mentioned in the Bible.  Other reasons likely include the fact that it was an important health herb since that time and before that time, being antiviral, antibacterial, cleansing, and pleasantly aromatic, as well as flavorful.

I use hyssop in tea blends, for respiratory formulations, and as a special aromatic in a variety of settings.   I also include hyssop in all the gardens, including the vegetable garden, because it keeps pests away, as does the ground ivy borders in our biodynamic vegetable garden.

  SKULLCAP -    This is a superior all-age nervine, antispasmodic, and calming herb.  It will address muscle spasms and is used by me for conditions such as “restless leg” syndrome, colitis/diverticulitis, sleep disorders and nervous debility. 

 Skullcap is not that easy to grow, or rather, to get going, but once it is established is slowly spreads and re-seeds.  A moist environment is needed with frequent watering in cultivation.  The aerial parts are used for medicinal purposes.

 Skullcap grows wild along river and stream banks in sunny, well drained areas, often in a slight slope.  Later in the season smallish but pretty blue to blue-lilac color flowers appear on spikes.

 

I might easily add some skullcap to a “Calming Tea” blend, or make a more potent medicine by tincturing the aerial parts to be taken in smaller doses for specific conditions.


May 17 2009  Poison Ivy Treatments

What a beautiful month we are in! Our gardens are coming in beautifully thanks to a wonderful student staff of herb gardeners. 

 Recently I had a bit of poison ivy on my arms and legs, and our jewelweed lotion- lotion here meaning a water based blend and then straining out of plant matter juice succus- worked wonders for me.  My condition was immediately comforted and cooled, with the itching about 90% down, which is quite manageable.  As time went on during the period of one day, the rash reduced; some might say "dried up" and that appeared to be the case also.  I needed to reapply a couple more times as could be expected.  And did so the next day, although within 24 hours this condition was all but forgotten by me as it no longer bothered me.  Our lovely orange colored (due to the natural color of the flowers of the plant) Jewelweed Lotion is available at the farmers market and at our private tours, and to our clients by request.

 

April 27  SWINE FLU - GENUINE PROBLEM OR SCAM?

Ok- a few people are getting sick..... out of millions and millions. And in Mexico (might that be NOT unusual? A question.)  Certainly there are viruses all around us, and new strains developing all the time.  I would not mean to discount suffering of any kind- after all , we have all had a flu or "coughs".... and on occasion some weaker people, perhaps with pre-existing conditions, have died after being infected. 

 However, does anyone take a moment to consider the media fear -froth frenzy this has all turned into?  Or- how about the fact that strengthening immunity is NEVER discussed in any of these articles !!  How about the fact that we are subject to MANY bacteria and viruses for which we "have no immunity" ; the excuse for paranoia that is being touted and blown up as of late.

Strengthening immunity is as easy to do as getting more sleep, examining and improving your diet, and using herbs, some short term (Echinacea is a short term usage) or longer term  (nutritive herbs used in culinary preparations strengthen immune systems).  Strengthening the immune system is WHAT THE BODY DOES!  We can do this. 

If you are concerned about your health, and about avoiding disease and infection whenever possible, you can and should strengthen your immune system, and this is best accomplished naturally.  Herbs are part of a protocol making for a superior remedy to this health challenge. Strengthen your immune system- there are people (natural medicine practitioners) who can help.

It doesn't make millions for pharmaceutical companies pushing their new and very often untested vaccines, however.  Listen to the fear, the repetition, the push for medical intervention in what is really....nothing. Even back in the era of the Ford administration, "swine" flu was touted as an upcoming pandemic....never happened.

The latest news report I read indicates 8 people have died (8!!), and that the flu combines viral material in a way that "researchers have never seen before".  Well, have they seen everything?  I would guess if something is new they have not...yet how is this pertinent or newsworthy?  Here is an excerpt from today:
Health officials in Washington were quick to point out Sunday that none of the 20 cases identified in the U.S. so far has been fatal; all but one of the victims has recovered without needing to be hospitalized.

Is this news?  The rest of the article goes on to focus on issues in a completely fear based manner, with no mention whatsoever about simply taking better care of yourself.  Herbs - common local herbs- have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, adaptogenic (support body functions) properties, and they, combined with sensible self care, can go a long way in the prevention of infection , as well as the clearing of infection. 

The energy, the very negative energy of paranoia, the bombardment of fear, violence, and fear based news impairs our immune system.  Avoid too much of that.  Many happy people avoid it altogether.  Nourish yourself with positive practices, energy, beauty, self care.  This practice truly has an impact, as many doctors, such as Bernie Seigel, Christianne Northrup, Carolyn Myss, Andrew Weil, Norman Shealy, and others have noted. 

Remember the "bird flu"?  It was supposed to rip through the planet and kill us all.... hmmm we seem to have forgotten all about it.  This latest frenzy is likely to be similar. 



April 16 - The healing wonders of one simple plant -
                   Plantain (Plantago major) - Comments from a graduate of
                   our Medicinal Herbalist core program

Hi Mary,
2 summers ago (the summer I took your class) I made salve from plantain only.
The most astounding thing I found about that was the instant relief from bee/wasp etc stings.
Other people reported the same.
Also that it was effective on burns (from cooking), clearing up long term skin rashes (I don't know the source of the rash).  A cousin wrote "I had these little bumps on my ears and after using the salve they went away."

This year my salve contained plantain, comfrey, and calendula.
- I have no reports about bee stings yet but a lot of reports about skin rashes.
- One woman bought several jars as she said it cleared up psoriasis.
- Several people reported using it on other skin rashes and irritations and finding that they clear up. (e.g., one said she had this strange patch of skin, was going to go to the dermatologist but tried the salve in the mean time and it went away.)
- Another indicated cracking in the corners of her lips, and that applying this clears it up, when trying other moisturizers and lip balms didn't help.
- Again, burns.
- One reported using it on hemorrhoids and getting immediate relief.
- Another said it soothed the dry, cracking skin on her hands (from winter time)
- Cuts: healing cuts (One woman whose husband is a truck driver indicated that he insists on keeping it in his truck as he often gets cuts on his hands and the salve helps.)
Almost all of these are people who had no expectations, and I believe were a bit skeptical about how useful the salve would be.
I hope this is helpful.


April 13   update UTI

The system was back to order two days later, and now, about two weeks later continues to be optimum, no recurrence of infection.  Herbs, when taken properly, work beautifully.

March 28  UTI - URINARY TRACT INFECTION - an herbal approach

For the past day or so I have had the very unusual (for me )
symptoms of early, non-threatening level, you might say developing level Urinary tract infection.  I did not see a doctor, I googled my symptoms, which are very mild, but in natural health every red flag should be attended to.  The symptoms are a feeling of pressure in the urethra, much of the time, along with frequent but very little output of urination.  As symptoms progress they might include (but do not for me at this time) aching in the lower back, perhaps urine tinged with blood. 

Still, nothing to be ignored.

I went straight for the Apothecary I keep here at home for a Chapparal/coconut oil based pessary, which is made with other herbs as well, including slippery elm, a little goldenseal, some marshmallow root.  This suppository will act as an internal poultice, nourishing the tissues, reducing any inflammation, and acting in ways to interrupt infectious processes, while also nourishing the tissues directly.  These pessarys are cool and soothing.  I prescribe 2 per day through Tuesday for a total of 8 of these herbal treatments right at the site of the infection.

I also doled out 5 chapparal based pastilles- pastilles are hand made pills, non capsulated yet formed for easy swallowing.  The formulation is supportive of blood cleansing and infection control.
We teach our students how to make these in our programs, and how to dose them.  I will take one about every 2 hours, for two days, and then mid week (Wednesday) for another 2 days I will repeat.  Chaparral is potent and there is no need to overdo.

I will also switch to a diet of more raw fruits , along with wholesome cooked vegetables and grains.  I have been eating that way all my adult life but it is really time to get the healthy proportions up, and away from the coffee drinks and easy- to chow- down -but-really- not- that -healthy as a daily diet sandwiches.  I will have a few organic pasture raised eggs and possibly some organic meat in the diet, but I am not really a big meat eater, having sustained nicely for many many years on a varied vegetarian diet with lots of pulses, grains, veggies, fruits, seeds and beans - and thoroughly sickened at the very thought of our so-called "food" system and the diabolical conditions in which our fellow sentient beings are raised- do watch "Food, Inc" if you are not sure what I am talking about.   Infectious conditions benefit from the balancing and supporting  effect of whole plant foods.  Some preparations of raw cabbage and carrot as a salad will provide their own form of probiotics, as well some of the chopped herbs coming up now- chives, catnip, sage from the garden. 

Will I be drinking cranberry juice?  Not particularly.  if I had some fresh cranberries farmed without pesticides to juice, I might, but commercial preparations are generally acid, not alkaline, and many contain loads of sucrose (SUGAR).  Fresh fruits are alkaline enough, and I have some on hand - pineapple, mangos- which are rich in enzymes, and some - black and blue berries, apples- rich in bioflavinoids.  Staying away from sweets and processed foods is important now to keep the system alkalinized rather than going into acid- ash overdrive and feeding/prolonging the infectious condition.  This condition should turn around by tomorrow, and it should be supported and balanced beyond that.
Will keep progress posted.



March 26   C-section Scar Reduction

I am introducing  a study in a process that I know works very well, but has not been formally documented as of yet.  C-section scars are a private matter, after all.   The research study will provide documentation in a confidential manner which honors participants.  C-section scars may be greatly reduced in dimension and appearance for future personal comfort by employing a combination I have designed of advanced massage therapy, compresses, and botanical therapies.  Some of the work is taught to clients, so that they may continue the techniques at home, in between private sessions.  My web site, www.marylightnaturalmedicine.com, has a page on this topic, along with a notice calling for participants in a local study.  Do go to that link for more information.  We wish to connect with qualified participants now.  More information:  734-769-7794; our office number. 

March 10

After several weeks of drinking horsetail/milky oats broth, and two more of a body tissue /connective tissue building formula made of powdered comfrey root, burdock root, bee pollen, and  eleuthero , and other herbs mixed with pureed dates and tahini ( a regular herbal truffle, this was) I AM FREE OF KNEE AND FOOT PAIN.  And no thanks to the balmy weather conducive to outdoor recreation because we haven't had any.  I believe the burdock contributed to tissue cleansing , some of the herbs strengthened tissue and helped restore elasticity, and some - the adaptogens, helped my system assimilate the process.  This nutritive solution feels like a miracle , however it is really common sense and putting the nuts and bolts of herbal knowledge to use.  Herbal knowledge we all can learn and put to practical use, I will remind.   Of course, I had a very compliant client- myself.  No worries there of "are they taking the herbs?....are they eating too acid a diet?...."

There is freedom from pain, a good feeling in the limbs, new life energies, flexibility.  This is good!  Mission accomplished.

February 17 Case History of Healing Knee Pain, a Sprain, and a
in mammary gland. 

COMFREY POULTICES- let's look at a single plant use for healing with amazing results .  It is demonstrated again and again in herbal practice that an amazing outcome will take place, and we have no truly comprehensive way to explain it, except to say that the plant itself brings qualities to the healing process which are unknown by us.  Actually, that could be, and maybe should be , quite enough to know.....and that is called empirical or even folk knowledge.  These herbal pathways have been passed along between communities, villages, families and generations for thousands of years. 

First- how did we get comfrey in mid February? Well, an herbalist friend and student in the Master Herbalist program, Peggy Jones, had made quite a number of fresh leaf poultices this past season and then froze them. 

She took the fresh leaves, which can measure 6 inches to nearly 20 inches, and average about 12-14 inches, and fashioned a few into a packet , encased on a gauzy cottom.  Cheesecloth, gauze, muslin- all would work.  One fabric layer is plenty- we want the herbs to reach the body.  These packets, which were about 8-10 inches by about 2-3 inches- about the size to wrap around an ankle, wrist, or knee- were layered and put in a plastic bag for later use.  That's it- a therapeutic preparation , fini.

I had been having knee pain as noted in earlier writings.  I was down to one knee, but that knee had limited range of motion as well as pain, and a feeling of restriction as from swelling .  I was fine walking, but if I sat in the car or at a desk, there was hell to pay getting up and about again for a few moments.  Tiresome, and no end in sight. 

After putting the poultice on (which earlier this year had helped Peggy's daughter with a strained ankle , overnight) I felt interesting levels of relief within a few hours.  The poultice was secured with a wrap, which was wrapped with another cloth and tied around my knee, with placement at the medial knee structural tissues where the pain was focused.  This is where is is good to be in touch with pain as a guide instead of taking drugs to blot out pain and awareness.  I slept with the poultice on until 4 a.m.- from about 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.  Amazingly, in the middle of the night, I felt none of the usual pain - dragging, shooting pain- and no pain at all.  Amazingly, in the morning I felt about 80% reduction of pain and about the same reduction of restrictive feeling- and I plan to administer another poultice tonight for overnight use as well. 

Clearly, my tissues took in something from the comfrey.  Despite being warmly wrapped and subject to body heat, the comfrey continued to feel cooling at all times.  I also felt a sense of vitality and nourishment enter my being on other levels, quite beyond the knee.  Clearly, some kind of exchange was taking place- the tissues were able to utilize something the comfrey offered (nutrition, mucilage , etc) and work towards balance. 

Another student from last year's program wrote to tell us she used a comfrey poultice which cleared up a blocked lactation duct - she is a nursing mother of a new infant.  It seems that drawing properties, and support for tissue change takes place through our tissues to deeper areas within. 

I will be planting a new row of comfrey bushes this year- the School has