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9/29/2017 0 Comments Plant-Grow-Bloom: Goldenrod Goldenrod, also known as Solidago canadensis, can be identified by its tall stem and yellow flowers. There are many different kinds of Goldenrod which can be difficult to identify. This species of Goldenrod, Solidago canadensis is the most common. The name comes from Latin and means causes to solidify or bring together, specifically speaking of a wound. In fact, Goldenrod was a wound remedy used in the Middle Ages. In the past, it has been used to stop blood in ulcers and wounds. Rademacher states that Goldenrod is a “very old and good kidney medicine.” The main job of the kidney is to filter waste from the blood. When someone is dealing with a lack of endurance or unable to preserve through a difficulty, the kidneys are weakened and unable to do their job. Specifically, uric acid needs to be removed by the kidneys. If they are unable to do so, it must leave through the bowels, skin or lungs, which can cause many other problems, such as diarrhea, ulcers, sores, acne, etc. Goldenrod helps to pull the blood from the vessels into the kidneys. Fun fact: The kidney and sexual organs have a close relationship. This is why Goldenrod can benefit both organs.  With this herb, the entire plant can be used. Goldenrod’s leaves are bitter and stimulate the stomach and digestive tract. Leaves should be harvested during early summer. The flowers have a higher amount of volatile oils which cuts back on their bitterness. Flowers help balance the respiratory system. Flowers are harvested in late summer and early fall. Goldenrod’s roots are peppery and slightly bitter; they help to stimulate the kidneys. Harvest the roots during the fall. According to Ludwig Kroeber, flowers and leaves were used to remedy diarrhea, scrofula (another name for Tuberculosis), asthma, cough, chronic catarrh (excessive mucus), bedwetting, jaundice, throat problems, gum ulcerations, teeth problems, ulcers and swellings. Goldenrod has also been used for menstrual problems like cramping and excessive bleeding. Symptoms of weakened kidneys:
A decoction of Goldenrod helps to bring the urine back to being clear and normal.  Pick flowers directly from the plant.  Pull up the entire plant to get the root system. Check out all of this new growth! In the fall, the roots start to grow horizontally. You can tell the difference because the new growth is almost white in color.  We pulled all the flowers off of the plants that we uprooted also. There were some aphids on them, so we left the bowl outside for a day to encourage the little critters to crawl out. Using scissors, cut the roots off of the plant.
Recipe1. Get a small, glass jar and fill about half way with chopped flowers from Goldenrod plant. 2. Fill the rest of the jar with a high proof alcohol. 3. Put the lid on the jar and put somewhere out of direct sunlight. 4. After 4-6 weeks, strain the flowers out. 5. Don't forget to label your jar so you know which tincture it is! *Usually good for at least one year. Resources:The Book of Herbal Wisdom Using Plants as Medicine by Matthew Wood
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8/23/2017 0 Comments Plant-Grow-Bloom: Lavender  Lavender is a very common herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its many healing properties. The Lavender plant is quite finicky, though and requires specific conditions to grow. The easiest lavender to grow in the northern United States is S. Munsted. It grows best outside in sandy soil. It is not recommended to mulch around Lavender plants because the mulch helps hold in moisture. Best soil for planting Lavender: two parts potting soil, two parts peat, two parts sand and one part compost. These plants need at least six hours of sunlight a day. According to scientific research, lavender flowers do have healing properties. The pure essential oil of the plant can be applied to cuts, scratches, burns, blemishes and insect bites. Other practitioners of natural medicine recommend it for anxiety and depression, due to its calming and tranquil effects. This versatile plant’s essential oil can be used in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil to massage the body. It can also be added to steaming water for inhalation of the vapors. Please make sure that you are purchasing essential oils from a trusted and reputable company! Essential oils that are not pure can often do more harm than good when used as stated above.  It is best to harvest at the end of the flowering season. Lavender is antispasmotic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Historically, it has been used internally as a tincture for insomnia, irritability, headaches, depression and asthma. External uses other than listed above are relief from scabies and head lice, repels insects, and masks odors. Source: the good Herb: recipes and remedies from nature by Judith Benn Hurley
For more information, check out: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922.php 8/15/2017 1 Comment Plant-Grow-Bloom: Black Walnut
Fun Fact: Black Walnut leaves can be used to kill fleas. Simply pick branches with leaves and lay across the floor of home. Black Walnut is a great source of iodine, especially in the outer hulls of the nuts. This plant also has potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, copper and silica. The nuts contain lots of fatty acids. The Black Walnut plant can help balance the nerves, intestines, Lymphatic System and the skin. It affects the following meridians: Large Intestine, Spleen, and Kidney.
 Here's our walnuts!
Tincture Internal uses: Diarrhea Parasites (intestinal worms) Warts Dosage: Take 15-30 drops 3-4 times daily.
Leaf and Bark Tincture
5. Repeat blending with dried bark, making sure to have a 1:1 ratio of leaves to bark. We used 1 oz of each and poured 8 oz of 100 proof vodka into jar. *Although, the recipe only requires 20 proof vodka. 100 proof is just our personal preference. 6. Seal & set in the sun. Gently shake twice a day for 2 weeks. Then, strain and bottle the liquid. Don't forget to label your bottle! Tincture External uses: Abscesses Acne Eczema Hemorrhoids Psoriasis Shingles Dosage: Apply 15-30 drops 3-4 times daily to the area of concern. Resources:
-The Book of Herbal Wisdom Using Plants as Medicine by Matthew Wood -Practical Herbalism Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Powers by Philip Fritchey, MH, ND, CNHP -https://draxe.com/black-walnut/ -http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/astronomy-and-space-exploration/astronomical-observatories/black-walnut 8/4/2017 0 Comments Plant-Grow-Bloom: Wormwood General Information
PropertiesAnthelmintics
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Many essential oils also have antiseptic properties. Aromatic
Bitter
Cholagogue
Hepatic
Tonic
RemediesMake a tincture, infusion, powder or decoction to help with parasites and other problems of the digestive system.
1. Pick fresh Wormwood leaves and place in a jar. 2. Cover leaves with 80-100 proof alcohol - the higher the proof the better. 3. Wait six weeks. 4. Strain leaves and pour alcohol into glass dropper bottle. 5. Label and store in a cool, dark place. 6. Recommended dose: Take 20 drops 3 times per day for 2 weeks. It is recommended to use Wormwood in conjunction with Black Walnut and Clove tinctures for the best results in removing parasites.
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CategoriesAll Bread Class Recap Clean Eating Fermentation Herbs Nutrition Plant Grow Bloom Plants ARE Medicine Sourdough Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins Sourdough Pizza Crust Starter Weston A. Price 
AuthorHeather Brooks, Marketing Manager & Blog and Administrative Assistant 
None of these posts have been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to cure, treat, or diagnose any disease. As with any medical concerns, always consult your medical professional before trying any of the ideas presented on this blog. All information has been obtained from various sources and personal experiences. |
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