NEW PAGE! Healing Properties

Our Blog has a New Section!

Discover all you need to know about the Healing Properties of Herbs and Crystals. 

 

PREVIEW the Page HERE:

OR

access the Healing Properties Page via the Navigation Bar at the top of Our Website

 

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An Excerpt from Our New Section

HEALING PROPERTIES

of

HERBS and CRYSTALS

 

On this page you will find simple and complex descriptions on the Healing Properties and Common Uses for Herbs and Crystals.

In Section One you can browse charts and photos of easy to understand quick guides that will provide you with basic information on each crystal or herb.

 

In Section Two I will go more in depth into each of the crystals and herbs that I work with. 

This section is fully searchable. To use the search feature simply press the Ctrl and F keys on your keyboard in rapid succession and type in the word you are looking for.

This is a dynamic project, I am always adding to it. Please bookmark this page and come back for more and updated information. 

Thanks for stopping by.

SECTION ONE

 

 SECTION TWO

This section is not divided into sections, it is in alphabetical order, and is fully searchable by pushing the Ctrl and F keys on your keyboard in rapid succession. 

 

LAVENDER

 

Sleep: a sprinkle or a sachet under your pillow at night guarantee a lovely trip to dreamland; try a cup of soothing lavender tea for ultra relaxation
Headache: massage into your temples, or use on of our Lavender Eye Pillows to soothe away the pain
Freshener: place in a bowl or diffuser in any room makes for a most welcoming home
Bath: soak your cares away buy adding a handful to a warm bath
Laundry: yes, laundry!
TEA: oooh yummy...and good for the tummy too. Just add two teaspoons of lavender flowers to steaming boiled water. Add a sweetener such as wildflower honey for a special treat.
Anxiety: Lavender, in tea form, has been used for ages to calm a worried mind and body
Tummy: Lavender in tea helps immensely with a colicky tummy, gastritis and calms flatulence
Mood: It has been suggested that lavender has mood stabilizing properties and promotes an overall feeling of well-being
Skin: safe to use topically, a tincture or tea of lavender helps disinfect wounds and sores and soothes insect bites and sunburn, and has an anti-inflammatory effect to aid in psoriasis and eczema
Oral Care: try swishing lavender tea in your mouth for sweet smelling fresh breath
Hair: unsweetened lavender water/tea makes an excellent hair rinse, helps with hair loss and dandruff
Pain: lavender, in tea form, and under medical supervision, is used by many to aid in the pain of cancer, arthritis and backache. As mentioned above, headaches too!
Breathing: aromatic lavender has been said to help with bronchial difficulties, soothe the respiratory tract due to colds and allergies. Steam some dried flowers in plain water and inhale the vapors.
Personal Care: ladies.....a tincture or water (tea, unsweetened) of lavender is used Externally for personal freshness and as an antiseptic wash
Antioxidant: lavender has been used throughout the ages as a powerful antioxidant to slow and counter the effects of aging
Insect Repellant: use as lavender water or rub flowers on skin to help keep those skeeters away
Athlete's foot: Soak in lavender water (cooled, unsweetened lavender tea) to soothe the irritation, add a few flower heads to your shoes to keep fresh all day long

 

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SPIRULINA

or

BLUE GREEN ALGAE

 Mother Natures' Super Food. This nutrient packed powder is composed of a collection of single celled, spiral shaped organisms with an incredible ability to survive in a wide range of environments. Spirulina cell walls are also not made up of cellulose as in other algae, but are in fact composed of complex sugars and proteins.

A power packed supplement, it is often added to fruit smoothies or taken in capsule form. Used as a pre-meal supplement, it is believed to aid with nutrient absorption. It is also popular among athletes and body builders as it can help improve stamina and strength .Modern herbalists sometimes prescribe Spirulina to pregnant women because of its wide array of nutrients. Some studies, including those done by the FDA, have indicated that it can help lower blood glucose and lower harmful fat levels, therefore it may be useful in treating diabetes.

Spirulina has a slightly salty, freshwater aroma and taste and may take some getting used to. Because of this, some prefer to have their Spirulina encapsulated for easy ingestion.

 

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 VALERIAN ROOT

AKA Valerian, Tobacco Root, Garden Heliotrope, All-Heal 

 

Valerian Root, also known as Valerian, Tobacco Root, Garden Heliotrope, and All-heal, is widely used as a sleep aid and sedative, anti-anxiety potion and even as a muscle relaxant. While effects are often seen immediately, it sometimes takes a few weeks to work its most effective magic. Some herbalists also recommend valerian for treating digestive issues from stomach pain to irritable bowel syndrome.

Valerian is often combined with other herbs traditionally known to promote sleep such as st. johns wort, lemon balm, hops, passionflower, chamomile, and lavender. The advantage of valerian over tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax is that it reduces sleep latency, the time required to fall asleep, without a period of bedtime drowsiness and without creating a hangover or grogginess the next morning. Valerian has greatest effect in treating chronic insomnia, rather than short-term sleeplessness.

In tea, valerian tastes sweet and spicy if somewhat bitter, but the aroma calls for combining with more pleasant smelling herbs. To prepare tea, steep in hot steamy, but NOT boiling water, as boiling may drive off the lighter oils. As a sleep aid, drink a cup or two about 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime.

Dosage for the treatment of insomnia ranges from 300 to 600 mg of liquid root extract, or the equivalent of 2 to 3 g of dried valerian root. Lower dosages are typically used for the treatment of nervous tension and when the root is used in combination with other supplements.

Anyone who has experienced the unpleasant "dirty socks" odor of the roots would be surprised to learn that the pink or white flowers are actually quite fragrant. Because of its bitter, somewhat unpleasant taste and odor, Valerian is commonly taken as a dietary supplement in capsule form. If you would like your valerian root encapsulated, I can do that for you at a very nominal cost. (just search for *encapsulate your herbs*) in our shop.

Valerian offers:

Acetic acid
ascorbic acid
beta-ionone
calcium
caffeic acid
magnesium
manganese
quercitin
valeric acid

Valerian root is not believed to carry a risk of dependency, however,If you use valerian for several months and suddenly stop using it, although rare, you should watch for withdrawal symptoms such as headache, insomnia, racing heart, and general grouchiness. Instead, reduce dosage of a period of about a week.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives valerian a class 1 safety rating, indicating that it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range. Some people, however, experience adverse reactions to valerian. Rather than feeling the calming or sleep-inducing effects, they suddenly feel nervous, anxious and restless after taking the herb and may experience heart palpitations.

Valerian root should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing, if you suffer from liver disease, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Valerian root has the potential to interact with other medications, and may not be recommended in those cases.

Medication Interactions With Valerian Root:

Valerian root may cause drowsiness if taken with prescription medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, narcotics such as codeine, barbituates such as phenobarbitol, and over-the-counter cold and sleep remedies.

The supplement may also interfere with the effectiveness of medications broken down in the liver, such as allergy medications, cholesterol medications, antifungal medications and cancer medications.

Side effects of valerian root are rare but may include headache, upset stomach, daytime drowsiness, and dizziness.
Risks Associated with Valerian Root:

Unlike prescription sleep medications, the supplement should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, and caution should be exercised if taking the supplement over an extended period of time. Do not operate heavy or dangerous machinery until you know how the supplement affects you.

Other supplements for social anxiety disorder:

Chamomile
Kava Kava
Passion Flower
Rhodiola Rosea
St. John's Wort
Winter Cherry

 

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 BLUE VIOLET LEAF

 

Traditionally used as a tea, the dried leaf can also be sprinkled on salads, soups and other goodies. A warm Blue Violet Leaf Tea can soothe a headache, relax your mind and body, and ease aches and pains. Sip slowly to relieve a dry sore throat.

Blue Violet Leaf is best known for supporting the natural health of our upper respiratory system and lungs. A tea or tincture of Blue Violet Leaf works naturally to clear the respiratory tract of excess mucous and phlegm, helping bring relief to those suffering with the common cold, chronic bronchitis, asthma and COPD. Folk lore has it used in symptomatic relief of whooping cough. Blue Violet Leaf is well known by Herbologists for supporting and maintaining a healthy blood supply as well as naturally detoxifying the blood and body It works hard to relieve headaches, promote healthy skin, support a healthy nervous system, boost the immune system to fight infection and reduce swelling in lymph nodes (glands). As an added bonus it assists the body into a state of natural relaxation....great for insomniacs or those suffering with anxiety.

Ingesting Blue Violet on a regular basis has been said to help relieve common skin such as boils, pimples, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. In addition, make a simple soak in the same manner as you would make tea, cool slightly, soak a cotton cloth and apply to the affected areas of the skin as a 20 minute warm or cool soak; this can help to improve skin integrity.

Containing a major component of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, Blue Violet Leaf has been used effectively to relieve muscle and joint pain and inflammation. Even severe headaches have been calmed by the use of Blue Violet Leaf.

Used externally as an herbal antiseptic, Blue Violet Leaf's disinfectant properties are often included in eye and mouth washes and sore throat gargles.

To Make Tea

Fill pot with cold water and bring to a boil.
Add dry tea or herb to your reusable cotton drawstring teabag (included) (experiment with amounts for the taste you prefer)
Tie the bag securely
Steep in steaming hot, not boiling water for 10 minutes to gain full taste and nutritional benefits

Contraindications: Copiously large amounts of Blue Violet Leaf ingested as a supplement (many times normal daily usage amounts) may cause nausea and vomiting because of the irritant effects of saponins, substances found in numerous plants such as ginseng and spinach, and often used as pharmaceuticals, nonetheless, they can be harsh on the digestive system.

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Cultivated as far back as ancient Egypt, peppermint is still being used for medical purposes today. Most commonly used in herbal teas and capsules, the leaf itself is also chewed as a breath freshener. Old lore also holds that it is quite good for stimulating visionary dreams and psychic ability.

Modern herbalists use peppermint to aid in digestion, relax intestinal muscles, reduce cramping and reduce nausea and heartburn, thus calming the stomach. Also used as natural respiratory relief and reduce inflammation, benefiting those with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease. Some herbalists believe that peppermint can also inhibit bacterial growth.

Use as alternative medicine, as a yummy tea, in your recipes. Great all around herb!

Hot or cold tea is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of our Organic Peppermint Leaf. Follow these simple steps for a yummy treat.

~ Boil water.

~ Pour the boiling water over about two tablespoons of dried leaves.

~ Cover and let steep for ten to twenty minutes

~ Pour leafy-tea into strainer over a mug, straining out the leaves

~ Add sweetener of your choice and enjoy!

ALTERNATIVELY and even easier, you can use one of our natural cotton reusable tea bags and simply steep a couple of tablespoons of tea within the bag in an entire pot of steaming water.

HINT: any tea tastes best when not boiled after the leaves are added.

FOR MORE VISIT OUR NEW SECTION, Healing Properties of Herbs and Crystals, HERE! 

 

 

 

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How to Make a Natural Herbal Wound Healing Poultice

Got a nasty cut? A painful bruise or sprain? Is it getting inflamed and it looks like it might turn to infection? A burn that is just irking you to no end?  If you have no medical ointment around or you just don't want to use chemicals and pharmaceuticals when you don't need to, here is the solution you've been looking for.

This all natural organic remedy has been recommended by Mother Nature and Your Grandmother for all time. So easy, you'll wonder why you haven't done it sooner.
 
A Poultice is a concoction of herbs mixed together with a carrier oil for a specific intention and applied to the skin. It is 100% natural in all aspects.

If you are using the poultice on a deep burn or a wide open wound, you'll want to apply the poultice to a porous cloth such as gauze or cheesecloth and then apply it to the wound. If the wound is not open or the skin is not easily irritated (like a sprain or bruise) you may apply it directly.

You may make your first poultice immediately before applying, but make extra, because it works much better if allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator to impart the herbal properties into the oil.

There are many types of poultices for many uses. The recipe I am going to give you here will do several great things for you:

Reduce Pain
Reduce Inflammation
Help Prevent Infection
Soothe the Skin at the Wound Site

TO MIX

You Will Need

Mortar and Pestle

2 Tablespoons Each (in dried form) of:

Lemon Balm (anti-bacterial)
White Willow Bark (pain reliever, anti-inflammatory)
Lavender (antimicrobial, disinfectant, skin conditioner, anti-oxidant)
Queen of the Meadow (Joe Pye Weed) (pain reliver)
St. John's Wort (pain reliver, anti-inflammatory)

Oat Straw (skin conditioner)

4 Tbsp. of Organic Coconut Oil, 76 or 95 degree type (carrier oil, infusion, skin skin softener)

Lavender Tea, 1/2 cup at Room Temperature (made by combining 1/4 c lavender flower heads and 1 c water. Boil 5 min and let cool)

In a large mortar and pestle set, mash all of the herbs until there are no large stems or other large debris left.

Add coconut oil and mash into a paste.

The paste will be rather thin at hot temperatures and thicker at cooler room temperatures. It will thicken when refrigerated.

For best results, allow poultice to sit overnight in refrigerator.  If needed for immediate use, make extra for tomorrow's application.

TO USE

You Will Need

Gauze Pads, (NOT non-stick)
Plastic Wrap (such as Saran Wrap)
Ace or other self-adhesive wrap bandage
Disposable Tongue Depressor, Popsicle Stick or Other disposable applicator (plastic spoon will do)
Poultice Mixture
Lavender Tea Mixture

Prepare wound by gently cleansing with a gauze pad dipped in Lavender Tea. Cleanse in a gentle circular motion from the center of the wound outward. Do not go back over the inside of the circle with the used pad. Use a second clean pad to re-clean if necessary, using the same inside to out motion.  Pat dry with clean gauze if necessary.

Examine the wound and note the color, size and condition of the skin at the site. 

If you are working with a burn, or a large open wound, lay a thin layer of clean gauze over the wound. (1-ply).  If the wound is not open or not easily irritated, you may apply the poultice directly to the skin.


 Spoon a heaping mound of the Poultice Mix over and around the wound area.

Cover with a second layer of clean gauze and pat firmly but gently to make a pancake-like area out of the poultice. Cover the entire wound site as well as the edges around it.

Wrap the area with saran wrap. (If it is an area such as the forearm or wrist, you may wrap around the entire arm. An area such as the abdomen will do better with a smaller area of plastic wrap over and around the wound only. This will not only protect clothing and prevent leaking as well but will allow the body's natural heat to melt the oils and infuse the healing properties of the poultice into the skin and wound area.

After applying plastic wrap, cover again with a layer of gauze wrap or simply secure it by wrapping the area with a self-adhesive wrap or ace bandage. If treating a larger area or an area that is not conducive to wrapping, use a larger layer of guaze and tape over the plastic.

Leave on for a minimum of 4 hours or all day long.  May be left open to air at bedtime, depending on the condition of the wound. Air drying is an effective method of healing as long as the wound is not exposed to dirt and contaminates while open to the air. 

At dressing change, re-clean the wound with Lavender Tea and apply a new Poultice. Examine the wound for increased swelling, redness and pain, as they are signs of infection. If the wound becomes more painful, red or swollen, or if it has not healed significantly within a week, seek professional medical advice.

Continue daily treatment until the wound is well on its way to healing or as long as it is causing pain.

Remember to make your poultice mixture a day ahead and store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to  allow the herbal mixture to bind with the oils. After brewing and cooling to room temperature, the lavender tea should also be stored in the refrigerator, capped. Store coconut oil, covered, at room temperature.

  Be Well!

 Peace,

 Jo

Just in case you happen to be wondering..HEMP SEED BUTTER is The BEST all around stuff on the face of the Earth.

I have a patch of excema on my elbow (pretty sure I've developed a wheat allergy) and I couldn't find anything that worked well.  Not even RX really worked for more than a day or two. 

BUT by accident while fooling around with my soap-making ingredients, I've found out that a little HEMP SEED BUTTER is the way to go. Not only has it softened up the area but its nearly gone! Its the best skin softener I've ever used too! 

It can be a bit heavy so using at night is what I would recommend for large areas, but for hands and face, just a dab goes a long way. 

A Miracle Plant...those Native Americans knew what they were doing! Thank you Hiawatha :)
 
I got mine here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69354704/1-oz-hemp-seed-butter?ga_search_query=hemp&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5812882