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Herbs & Nutrition

The Magic of Mother Earth

The abundance and beauty of the Earth at this time of the year in the Peace Country is amazing. I encourage you to bring some of the magic of Mother Earth into your home by adding the wild greens to your food, preparing a cup of tea with fresh plants or harvesting and drying herbs for later use. Goldenrod is one of those amazing herbs you can see everywhere right now.

Goldenrod is a fairly tall plant with beautiful, vibrant golden-yellow flowers. You will find it in dry woodlands, forest clearings and roadsides.

The Latin name Solidago originates from “solidus” & “ago,” Solidus, meaning “healthy and strong,” and ago meaning “to make whole.” Both of these terms refer to the plant’s ability to heal wounds.

Some common names for Goldenrod from various cultures also give an indication for its medicinal use as a wound healing herb, for example in Germany the herb is often called “Fastening Herb”. In fact in ancient German history Goldenrod was gathered as a wound herb before engaging in battle, just in case it was needed.

However, the focus today for its use has shifted from a wound healing aid, to a very reliable herb to support the kidneys. It promotes the elimination of urine and is applied for acute as well as chronic conditions of the kidneys and bladder including inflammation. In addition, it has been found to support the body during times of upper respiratory infections, especially when dealing with a chronic situation.

For medicinal purposes the leaves and flowers (early flowering stage) are being harvested and may be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves and flowers can be used for wound healing or made into a tea, which can also be used as a wound wash. The dried herb may be used in the form of a tea as well but also as a tincture. A tincture is an alcoholic extract of a plant and is more concentrated than an herbal tea. The “crafty” person might want to try to use the flowers as a natural dye.

This summer Goldenrod has been brightening up the landscape in so many places and the quality of it has been superb. Many times you will find it being “infested” with many small bugs, but this year the only insects I have watched enjoying the bright, yellow flowers are butterflies and bees!

If you are not sure how to prepare the herbs, remember that the DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone provides clear and easy to follow instructions, teaching a great variety of herbal preparations. Check my website www.herbalinstructions.com for more information.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. The use of any of the herbs and preparations is the sole responsibility of each individual and does not replace the services and advice of a medical practitioner and qualified healthcare provider. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. No responsibility is assumed should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner’s services.

FOOD IS MEDICINE

There is no such thing as “health foods”.

fruitveggiesIf what we eat does not nourish and support our bodies it should not be called food. Therefore at least 80% of what is sold as “food” in the grocery stores does not classify as food. It fails to provide the building blocks to the body required to maintain healthy cells and tissues.

It not only does not provide what is required by the body to function properly, but it also typically burdens and damages our body with chemicals such as preservatives, colouring agents, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified/engineered foods. A high percentage of so called health issues can be remedied with a change in dietary habits. I see this happening every day in my practice.

Many people would never feed their animals the food and drinks they themselves are consuming on a daily basis. Why not? Because they know all too well that their own diet would not be good for their pets!

So, I suggest make your foods your medicines and if you do this you will be surprised how your energy increases, your skin clears up, no more phlegm, achy joints …. I recommend you eat 70% raw on a regular basis.

As always, green blessings,|
~Gudrun

Healthy Snack Ideas

– Seeds and nuts: Both are full of healthy fats and protein, which help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoid pre-salted nuts.

– Seed and nut butters with fruit or vegetables: The classic “ants on the log” (nut butter spread on a celery stick and decorated with raisins) – fruits such as apples dipped in nut butter.

– Veggies and dip: Any vegetable you enjoy for example carrots, celery, broccoli, tomato, cucumber and cauliflower etc. can be enjoyed with a healthy dip such as hummus or guacamole. Avoid commercial dips such as ranch. Typically they have very little nutritional value and are high in fat and therefore calories.

THE MAGIC OF HEALTHY CHOICES

Can give even dogs different voices. Watch how herbs and nutrition turned *Bentley into a musician.

*Bentley is my daughter’s dog. We discovered his musical talent when he was visiting the other day.