An Encounter with Mugwort

This evening I adorned my home with mugwort after taking a spring stroll thru Millennium Park. There I found angelica, yarrow, and wild indigo. Knotweed, elder and boneset. But it was mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) that I chose to collect and bring home.

I made a bundle from the fresh leaf stalks and hung it on our front door. I strategically placed the dried stalks, (which were so artfully frozen in time), in the entry way, over doorways, and on a wall which leads to the back porch.

Mugwort was reminding me to place less emphasis on the mundane aspects of my life and to enter the realm of dreams, etheric vision, and otherworldliness. And for some reason, I needed to hang that reminder all over my house!

Mugwort, an artemesia, carries the moon energy. This can be seen on the silvery underbelly of her leaves. She is a shamanic herb; a priestess. Used for smudging and lifting the veil of ordinary waking reality, allowing us to see and become aware of other subtle states of being.

Tonight I go to sleep feeling comforted by mugwort's presence, knowing that I will have a deep sleep with dreams that will carry messages and symbols of importance; connecting me to the wisdom of my soul.

Blessed Thistle, Nettles, and Fennel

Every now and then, I stumble upon a blend of herbs that stand out as a superior tonic for health and rejuvenation.

While digging in my herb cabinet last week, I found some blessed thistle that needed to be used up within the next few months, so I put it in a basket next to my stove.

Into the pot went blessed thistle, nettles, and fennel.

I strained the tea into my favorite mug and sipped on the bitter concoction before going to bed.

When I awoke in the morning, I felt so refreshed. My skin looked like it had cleared and softened, my abdomen was nice and flat (good digestion), I felt flexible and mentally clear.

So I've decided that this is going to be this year's spring tonic. 1 cup a day.

Here is the recipe:

If you're making just one mug of tea, I like to use the kind of tea strainer that rests on top of the brim of your cup. Put in 1 teaspoon blessed thistle, 1 teaspoon nettles, and 1/2 teaspoon of fennel. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let it steep about 15 minutes or so.

This will make a nice strong cup of tea. Don't be repelled after the first sip. It may seem that the bitter taste is too much, but if you keep sipping, most will find that the flavor grows on you and becomes quite pleasant.

Blessed Thistle: A great herb for the liver and for eliminating toxins, including xenoestrogens.

Blessed thistle is also great for lactating women, and can help increase milk supply.

Nettles: A nutritive herb, rich in calcium, chlorophyl, and betacarotene. Also good for the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. Has antihistaminic properties.

Fennel: A warming carminative, great as a digestive aid after a meal, warms up the interior and dispels wind. Mildly increases bile flow.

Green Blessings and Happy Spring!

A Message from Essence

We are not purely physical beings. We are emotional, conceptual, and spiritual beings too. Therefore, not all of our ailments can be addressed on the physical level.

Plants are not only physical beings either! They have a vibration, an essence, a teaching, a message.

As part of my practice over the years, I've been working with plant medicine and flower essences. When we use this subtler form of plant spirit medicine, we are attuning ourselves to the vibrational qualities of a particular plant.

I have found that matching words or phrases to the energy of a flower essence deepens its effects. We are more likely to embody it's message and make the necessary shifts for true healing. These shifts could be a change in a belief structure, a clearing out of stuck emotions, or a repair to a damaged energy body.

The words provide a felt sense of the plant's vibrational shape. By saying the phrase slowly and silently, we can receive the medicine that this plant has to offer without even working directly with the plant, tincture, or flower essence.

It is a true gift to receive the wisdom of a plant. The words are transmitted from the soul of the plant, to your soul, and then translated into your conscious awareness. Here are a few examples of phrases that match the energetic nature of these flower essences:

Pink Yarrow- I love and approve of myself and all the magnificence of my being.

Garlic- I live in a safe universe. I am held in a space of love and protection.

Angelica- I connect with my spirit guides. May I be open to receiving their wisdom.

Impatiens- My resonant pace is in flow with the rhythms of the universe.

If you feel drawn to a particular plant or you have been using a flower essence for awhile, try finding it's essential teaching and incorporate it into your healing.

Here are some questions you might ask that help to get a sense of a plant's energetic shape. Let's use rose as an example:

If you love rose, what is it about rose that you are drawn to? How does rose make you feel? What is the energetic shape and vibrational quality of rose? What does she teach you physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually? Which chakras are effected? Don't "think" about rose, rather, use your inner senses to feel the shape of rose.

You won't find yourself trying to put words together. They will be presented to you. And it will be clear.

Two different people focusing on the same flower may get two different phrases, but the essence of both phrases will contain the truth of that flower.

Cradle Cap Remedy

Cradle Cap is not really a big deal.  The yellow crust on your baby's head is caused by a temporary over-secretion of the still developing sebaceous glands.  If left alone, it would eventually go away, but with the help of herbs, oil, and a little exfoliation, the "cap" will quickly disappear.

My little one developed cradle cap at about 8 weeks.  It was very

thick and scabby and I'm sure it bothered me much more than it 

bothered Elijah Jay.  My friend Deanna discovered this great recipe

created by Rosemary Gladstar.  I've been using it one week, and the cradle cap is almost completely gone.  (Usually this condition would take a few months to clear up.)

If you can get the loose herbs to make this oil, it is simple to make, smells wonderful, and is pleasant to use.  In fact, I'm hoping to have some left over for myself to use as an after-bath oil! It leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.  

Here's the recipe:

1 part chamomile flowers

1 part mullein leaf

1 part dried nettle leaf

Olive Oil

Lavender essential oil

*Combine the herbs in a double boiler.  Cover with olive oil.  Cook over low heat for about 1 hour.  Strain and bottle.

*Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil for each ounce of oil.  Store in the refrigerator and warm to body temperature before applying.

Instructions for Use:

First, gently exfoliate your baby's scalp with a soft, natural bristle brush.  Then apply the herbal oil.  Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, and then shampoo it off.  I've been using Weleda's baby shampoo, since it's natural, organic, and moisturizing.  

Repeat this as necessary.  I've had success doing this once every day, but Rosemary suggests doing it 2 or even 3 times a day.  

If it is a particularly stubborn case of cradle cap, and you are breast feeding,  you can try drinking a tea of burdock root, mullein leaf, and red clover.  Probably taking the tincture of burdock alone would be effective, as it helps to balance oil production.  

And lastly, don't worry.  Your baby's little noggin will be as soft and fuzzy as a peach in no time.

Natural Pregnancy

If you're planning on delivering your baby naturally, you'll want to start preparing yourself 6-4 weeks before your due date.  Of course you've been preparing all along by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and drinking herbal infusions like red raspberry leaf and nettles, -but these final preparations are important steps for insuring the best delivery possible for you and your baby.  Now is the time to get plenty of rest, boost your immune system, build your energy reserves, address any health problems that could interfere with a healthy delivery, and let go of any fears associated with the delivery of your beautiful angel (or angels!).

Preparing the perineum-  find a nice oil (Olive, coconut, almond, ...etc), and massage the perineum several times a week.  Start by gently massaging in and around the vagina, labia, and perineum to get comfortable with the feeling of applied pressure.  Apply a little more pressure with every massage, gently stretching the area to the point where it starts to get slightly uncomfortable. Breathe and relax.  Perineal massage won't necessarily stretch the muscles or make you any bigger.  It allows us to get familiar with the sensation of stretching so that you can learn to trust the feeling and relax into it.  This can be very healing for women, especially for those who have experienced sexual trauma.  

There are 2 reasons that women tear during delivery: 

1. pushing too hard, too fast when the baby's head is crowning and

2. holding tension in the perineal area. 

Your midwife will know how to guide you during crowning to avoid tearing.  The second reason is where perineal massage comes in.  Remember to trust and relax.  Your body is very wise and knows how to accommodate your baby's head.

Avoiding a herpes outbreak-  if you are one of the many women who have genital herpes, you'll want to start proactively preventing an outbreak before your due date.  If you have a lesion at the time of labor, more than likely you'll need to have a c-section to not pass the virus onto the baby.  Don't worry, there is no reason why you can't prevent an outbreak naturally. 

1.  Reduce your stress

2.  Take 500-1000mg of vitamin C daily

3.  Take 500 mg of L-lysine daily.  Take 1,000-1,500 mg if an outbreak is coming on, but do not stay at this dosage for more than 15 days.

4.  Take 3-4 droppersful of echinacea tincture everyday

5.  Limit foods that contain a high amount of the amino acid arginine.  These are foods like coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, and wheat.

6.  Eat lysine-rich foods like eggs, kefir, and yoghurt.

Hemorrhoids-  It's normal for women to get hemerrhoids toward the end of pregnancy due to the amount of downward pressure.  Sitz baths are soothing, and there are many salves that contain witch hazel that will help.  It's a good idea to keep a pack of seventh generation baby wipes on hand (toilet paper can really aggravate the situation).  Don't worry, they will eventually go away on their own after you deliver your sweet pea.

Low energy levels-  Yes....it comes back.  But there is always ashwagandha!   Dr. Vasant Lad, one of the world's leading experts in Ayurveda, considers ashwagandha a superior pregnancy tonic.  It helps to boost energy and immunity, while reducing stress levels.  Who doesn't need this???  This is a great herb for debilitating fatigue and for balancing the nervous system.  Be diligent with this herb and you will be glad you did.  Take 10-30 drops of the tincture 3-4 x's daily.  And continue taking it for several months after the delivery.  Ashwagandha will also increase your milk supply.  You may also place an order with me for a special preparation of ashwagandha using ghee, raw honey, ginger, and cinnamon.  This is very concentrated, and it's my favorite way of taking this herb.

Preparing a first aid kit- Here are some natural healers you may want to have on hand during and after your labor:

Arnica-  To reduce your recovery time and help speed up the healing of any tearing, homeopathic Arnica Montana 30x should be taken 3-5 pills under the tongue, every hour, for the first 5 hours after birth.  Then continue with 3-5 pellets, 5 x's daily for 1-2 weeks.

Coconut Water-  I can't say enough about agua de coco.  This is nature's best electrolyte replenisher.  If your labor is long, drinking coconut water throughout can give you the hydration and strength to carry on.  Have your doula or birthing partner offer it to you every now and then.  It's very important to avoid dehydration, and laboring women often forget to drink.  Straws are helpful.

Black and blue cohosh are used in labor when the cervix isn't properly dilating.  I don't have any direct experience with these plants, but there is something to be said for their certuries-long use as labor facilitators.

If the cervix is not ripening and you think it's due to stress, then try a combination of kava and passionflower.  They will help to calm and relax you and hopefully allow your body to open up.  20-30 drops every half hour for 2 hours.  

Indian Pipe has been traditionally used by Native Americans to help one disassociate from pain.  It's been said that Indian Pipe helps us to step outside of the pain, and consciously observe it from the outside, so that we are not in it.  Indian Pipe is an endangered plant, so only use it if it's speaking to you, and get it from a reputable source.  This has been a great year for Indian Pipe.  Perhaps this is nature's way of telling us that Indian Pipe wants to help.

Nettles- It's wonderful to drink a cup of nettle tea right after your baby is born.  It is nourishing and has great blood building properties.  Nettles will also help increase milk supply, so keep on drinking it! This is one of the richest plant sources of vitamin K, so if you've been drinking nettle tea during your pregnancy, your baby is not likely to have a vitamin K deficiency.

Blood Builder by Megafood is an unsurpassed iron supplement.  Definitely buy this and take it for one month following your delivery.  

Releasing Fear-  It's completely natural that most women have fear about their delivery- especially if it's the first time.  We have all heard the horror stories and tales of traumatic birth experiences, but what we don't hear is that pregnancy and labor is a profoundly healing experience for many women.  When people ask me how my natural labor was, I say, " Awesome!  The most amazing event I've ever experienced!"  And I mean this whole heartedly.

Birth is sacred.  And for a moment, we are an active part of the creative life force.  

These last several weeks left of your pregnancy is the perfect time to retreat from the world, to go inside yourself, to start journaling if you haven't already.  Meditation, affirmations, and creative visualization are all powerful tools to prepare your body, mind, and soul.  Please visit my other webpage, www.sacredchanting.blogspot.com to learn mantras and meditations for releasing fear and having a positive birth experience.  Many blessings to you.  You are about to be an active participant in the biggest miracle of life!

Recommended reading:

Susun Weed- The Childbearing Years

Aviva Jill Romm- Natural Pregnancy Book

Ina May Gaskins- Guide to Natural Childbirth

I challenge you to get UNSTUCK!

Do you believe that you create your own reality?

Do you believe that anything is possible?

If so, why not put your beliefs to the test:

I challenge you to a one week experiment.

Instead of getting fixated on what you don't want or what you are not happy about, what would happen if you directed all that energy on what you DO want?  For one week, try focusing your consciousness on exactly what you truly want at the core of your being.  This is what the buddhists call "changing poison into medicine", and how desire can actually become fuel for your enlightenment .

For example:  Instead of repeating to yourself, "I am so tired, I am so drained, I hate feeling this way...etc", try catching that negative mental chatter and say something like, "I want to be full of flowing energy and life force."  This completely shifts your frame of mind and gets energy moving in a positive direction.

Or instead of saying, "I will never be able to afford a house or live in a beautiful place", try something like, "I would like to find my home and create a beautiful life."

Or instead of, "I will never feel healthy, I will never be completely well," try "I want to experience radiant health.  I want to release my dis-ease and fill myself up with healing energy."

PLEASE, TRY THIS AT HOME!

The possibilities are endless.  The trick is to catch yourself when you are stuck in a negative mind loop.  Everyday for one week:

#1  Get into a quiet space with no distractions.

#2  Notice what is nagging at you;  a health problem, an irritating person, shame, guilt, a  job, etc...

#3  Negate that limiting, self-defeating thought with a new thought that starts to move it in a positive direction.  Write down this new thought so that you can remember it.  Put the piece of paper in a place where you will see it everyday.    When you say this new thought to yourself, repeat it over and over until it starts to sink in.  Notice what it brings up for you--fear, doubt, or maybe contentment or inner peace.

Just doing this simple exercise can open up new doors to unlimited possibilities.  You may even become aware of new concrete actions you can take to alter your situation.  

I invite you to return and post your comments.  I'd love to hear what has shifted in your life!

Blessings, Melanie Rose

HERBS FOR PREGNANCY

As an herbalist now into the 3rd trimester of my 1st pregnancy, I feel compelled to write about the safe use of herbs for pregnant women.

It concerns me that women fall into poor health unnecessarily when most pregnancy-related health concerns can be avoided with a good diet, medicinal herbs, supplements, and getting adequate rest and exercise. There is much fear out there pertaining to the safety of taking herbs while pregnant, so I hope this article serves to put your mind ease. May you step into your pregnancy with grace, wonder, and empowerment.

DANDELION ROOT- in small amounts taken throughout pregnancy can help prevent gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (toxemia). Dandelion also helps the liver to flush out waste by-products (remember, now you are excreting waste for two!) and helps to prevent constipation. Dandelion is a bitter herb, and so should be taken in small amounts. (Bitter herbs have been known to cause contractions). I have enjoyed combining dandelion root with equal parts of burdock and yellowdock in a tincture bottle. I take between 5-10 drops 3 times a day, typically after meals. I have noticed that it has helped my body deal with the hormonal overload, while also improving digestion and assimilation. It also can help to improve your complexion if you are experiencing hormonal acne.

ECHINACEA- I have met so many pregnant women who honestly believe that they can't take anything if they get a cold or a flu. Echinacea tincture has a good reputation for being safe to take during pregnancy. I took echinacea on a few occasions to help fend off a threatening cold. Take a dropperful of the tincture every few hours until symptoms subside. If you are already sick, you can take echinacea to shorten the duration of your cold or flu.

RED RASPBERRY LEAF- this herb has long been associated with tonifying the uterus. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, and makes a wonderful nourishing infusion. I recommend taking a regular cup of red raspberry leaf tea. I typically drink one cup a day. (You may even find that your body craves it). Yogi Tea makes tea bags of red raspberry leaf, which makes it easy and convenient if you're on the go.

CHAMOMILE- This was just the right tea for my first trimester nausea. I found that ginger was too warming and irritating for my body, and it did not relieve any symptoms associated with morning sickness. In fact, pregnant mamas need to be careful with taking large amounts of ginger as it can be too stimulating to the uterus. Ginger in moderation should be ok.

HERBS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

Here is a list of common herbs to avoid. Either the toxicity levels are too high, or they are too stimulating to the uterus.

Andrograhis, blue vervain, buckthorn, bloodroot, angelica, celandine, comfrey, devil's claw, goldenseal, jamaica dogwood, lomatium, mugwort, lobelia, pulsatilla, oregon grape, osha, pennyroyal, poke, senna, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, uva ursi, thuja, wild carrot, wild ginger, wormwood.

SAFE HERBS FOR PREGNANCY

Here is a list of safe herbs to take during your pregnancy. As a rule, the more bitter herbs should be taken in tincture form in small doses. Mild and pleasant tasting herbs can be taken as a tea.

Burdock, blessed thistle, dandelion, nettles, red raspberry leaf, elderberry, echinacea, shepherd's purse, mullein, passionflower, skullcap, eleuthero, ashwagandha, red root, wild yam, fennel, hawthorn, lavender, lemon balm, calendula, milky oats, cleavers, chickweed, alfalfa, lemon verbena, reishi mushroom.

*black cohosh and blue cohosh should only be used during the last 2 weeks of your pregnancy.

*The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure any health condition.

The Magic of Cayenne

This feisty little kitchen herb came into my consciousness as a foot and a half of snow fell over Boston this weekend.  It is so commonly used in cooking that it is often forgotten as a valuable medicinal.  And after reviewing some miraculous stories regarding cayenne, I realize that she is an indispensable plant in our herbal pharmacopeia. Here I'm going to share with you some of cayenne's therapeutic and magical qualities:

Properties:  Circulatory stimulant, antioxidant, 

hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent,

carminative, anti-spasmodic, cardio-tonic.

Uses:  Lesley Tierra considers cayenne the "superior crisis herb".  It has been used as a first aid remedy to stop bleeding, heal ulcers, help inhibit the growth of h. pylori in the gut, cure colds and flu's, break up congestion in the body, reduce cramping or pains, dispel gas, and relieve symptoms of arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.  Here is one case story and a few useful recipes:

Tommy Bass's Story 

I recently had the pleasure of taking an intensive workshop with Alabaman herbalist, Phyllis Light.  Phyllis is a 4th generational herbalist that specializes in  Traditional Southern Appalachian Folk Medicine.  She had the amazing opportunity to apprentice with Tommy Bass, who was a renowned folk herbalist and healer in Alabama.  Here is the story she shared with us:

Tommy Bass lived in the middle of no where in Alabama.  He was a simple man who did not own a car, nor did he have access to transportation.  All he had was his bicycle and miles of dirt road that led to his tiny shack.  Now Tommy had quite a history of heart attacks.  And every time he felt that sensation coming on, the shortness of breath, the numbness and tingling in the arm...he did the same thing every time.  He'd take a tablespoon of cayenne pepper--right off the spoon, call 911, and wait for the EMT's to come and get him.  It was difficult to get to Tommy's place, so they would bring in a helicopter to rescue him.  And every time it was the same story. Tommy would be standing outside waiting there for the them, calm, and in no apparent distress.  By the time the doctors would run the diagnostic tests on him at the hospital, they always came to the same conclusions:  that he had experienced a massive heart attack, however there were no traces of any damage done to his arteries or capillaries, and he was perfectly fine to return home.  They were baffled.  I'm quite sure they had never come across this phenomenon.  Cayenne Pepper.  

So why does cayenne pepper work to prevent or protect from heart attacks?  It's actually quite simple.  Cayenne stimulates the circulation, meaning, it helps to move the blood thru the capillaries and arteries.  It also reduces inflammation and breaks up mucous and "crud" in the body....including plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis).  It breaks up stagnation.   It's astringent property suggests it's tonifying effects.  And on top of that, the antioxidant activity and  high vitamin c content is going to be very healing to the lining of the arteries and bodily tissues in general.  And Wa Lah!  Nature's own very effective heart attack medicine.

If you are at risk for a heart attack, never leave home without a bag of cayenne OR a tincture of the liquid extract.  

And, by the way, Tommy lived to a ripe old age of 88.

Cayenne Foot Bath

This recipe was given to me by herbalist James Redden who lives in Canada.  It's a traditional foot soak that is not only useful for cold feet, poor circulation, flu's with a chill, and frostbite, but it has actually been used successfully to prevent the amputation of the feet or legs for diabetics.

Prepare a warm/hot foot bath and add several tablespoons of cayenne powder.  Make sure the water is not too hot or you might scald your feet.  Let your feet soak in the brew for 10-25 minutes.  For diabetics with extreme circulatory issues, let this be a daily ritual.  

After the foot bath, you will feel a tingling sensation for several hours.  If your feet feel too uncomfortably hot, you can wash your feet with soap and the tingling will subside.  Next time use a little less cayenne or cooler water.  

Cayenne will increase peripheral circulation in the legs and feet and bring the blood to the surface.  If you are diabetic and your circulation is being threatened, this simple treatment is crucial. This can actually save your leg and your life!

Lemon and Cayenne Tonic

This is one of my favorite drinks.  It's basically the Master Cleanse recipe without the use of Maple Syrup.  Simply squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass of pure water, and add a pinch of cayenne (about 1/8 tsp).  Add drops of stevia to naturally sweeten it without adding sugar and you've got a spicy lemonade.

This drink clears out your sinuses (making it great for allergies), dispelling mucous from the nasal passageways and your intestinal tract.  It also cleanses the liver, boosts your immune system and leaves you feeling invigorated.  For best results, always do this on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning.  It's interesting to note that I always experience a sharpness and clarity in my eyes and vision after drinking this concoction.  It's also a great remedy for constipation.

Please feel free to post your favorite cayenne recipes.  

Hope this adds a little spice to your winter.  

Blessings, Melanie Rose

WINTER HEALTH TIP #1

INHALING HERBAL VAPORS

Here's a simple winter health tip that any of us can do. 

And most likely, you already have the ingredients needed for this at home. Leave a pan of water on the stovetop at a light simmer.  Add pieces of aromatic herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.  Use them fresh if you can, but dried will work.  You can add drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your steam brew.  Breathe this in several times a day.  Let the vapors fill your kitchen and your home.  Not only will the herbs help clear out your sinuses, but they'll also help to clear the air of germs and bacteria.  

Now, if  you want to get real fancy, you can add cut up pieces of osha root, which is a powerful bronchio-dilator and germ fighter.  This is great when you've got more than one sick person in the home.  It will disinfect the air while helping everyone to breathe a little deeper and get that gunk out of your lungs.  

Raw Chocolate Milk Recipe

Isn't there a way to be "bad" and healthy at the same time?

Absolutely!  The answer for me was this raw chocolate milk recipe that I recently created.  Cacao is one of the healthiest foods we can possibly consume. It is one of the highest antioxidant foods on the planet; making it good for the skin, eyes, heart, mind, and soul. Cocoa, on the other hand is cacao which has been processed by high heat and stripped of its health-giving properties.   This recipe can be drunk in the cold, chocolate milk fashion, or heated up into a satisfying raw hot chocolate.  

*4 Tbsp hemp seeds

*8 whole cacao beans

  (or 1 Tbsp of virgin coconut oil)

* 2-3 Tbsp cacao powder

* 1/2 tsp nutmeg

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* agave nectar or raw honey to taste

* 28-30 oz pure water

Place all the ingredients in a blender (a vitamix or a blendtec is the best for the job) and blend till it's not gritty.  If you don't have access to whole cacao beans, then try substituting virgin coconut oil.  You need a good healthy fat to emulsify the raw chocolate powder.  Sweeten it to you heart's delight and let yourself be overcome with bliss and radiant health.  And go ahead; get funky with it.  Try adding some cinnamon, or add some cashews for a real creamy treat, or raw almond butter.  Add maca or ashwagandha for a rejuvenating tonic.  Try using it as the base for your own smoothie creation.  Cheers!