ROSEHIP HARVEST in NOVEMBER
Hard to believe Rosehip harvest in November and my little companion wanted me to share the feast with him.
I cannot believe that I went out harvesting Rosehips at this time of the year. It is truly a gift from nature. Typically I like to go out right after the first frost but this year I was not able to fit it into my busy schedule. I will make a delicious Rosehip with my harvest and enjoy some of them in a tea (for Rosehip tea recipe see previous post).
ROSEHIP SYRUP
In herbal medicine, syrups refer to a form of herbal preparation that preserve the herbs using a sweet medium such as honey. There are many ways to prepare syrups but the following is my favourite for rosehips.
Ingredients
– 1 part Rosehips
– 4-6 parts water (using less water will produce a thicker syrup; rosehips absorb a lot of water)
– Honey
– Brandy (as a preservative)
Directions
– Combine rosehips with water
– Simmer over low heat until you have half the liquid left; in order to increase the extraction of the juice from the rosehips use a potato masher to create a pulp
– Strain the liquid through a sieve first, followed by straining through muslin or cheese cloth. Any particles left in the liquid increase the risk of fermentation and spoilage. It is recommended to use a clean and moist cloth because the moisture will help to trap smaller particles including dust.
– Pour liquid back into pot, bring to simmer over low heat
– Add honey to liquid (i.e. for 1 cup liquid add 1/2 to 1 cup honey) and stir until dissolved
– Remove from heat
– Add Brandy, 1 tablespoon (15ml) for every cup of syrup as a preservative
– Bottle in clean, sterilized jars
– Label and date bottles (ALWAYS label to avoid the creation of what I call “mystery products”)
– ENJOY – for yourself or as a great gift!
Green blessings,
Gudrun
FLU SEASON SPECIAL
FLU SEASON is just around the corner. Protect yourself and your family with the FLU SEASON SPECIAL of 4 homeopathic remedies available at my office.
1. Vitamin D drops (vegetarian)
2. Immune system support
3. Anti-bacterial formula
4. Anti-viral formula
Cost: $85 including GST for all 4 (savings of over 20%). Suitable for children.
In addition you can take some preventative measures in order to enjoy perfect health throughout this season.
1. NUTRITION – Eat a wholesome diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts; enjoy one liquid meal a day (green smoothie or vegetable juice). Avoid all foods that stress the immune system such as sugar, any processed foods and allergens. Dairy creates mucous in most people so it is best to reduce or eliminate it from the diet. Make your foods your medicines and your medicines your food.
2. REST – Ensure adequate rest in order to be able to recharge your batteries adequately. Avoid getting run down. Listen to your body.
3. EXERCISE – Exercise among others increases oxygenation in the body and disease causing organism typically do not like an oxygenated environment.
4. STRESS REDUCTION – Take time for yourself and do something that feeds your own spirit every day even if it is only for a few minutes. Remember health is not only the absence of disease. Our physical well-being depends on the harmony of all aspects – spiritual, emotional, mental and physical.
5. STAY WARM – Adequate clothing during the winter months to stay warm allows the body to use its energy for vital functions rather than diverting it to create heat. We lose a lot of heat through the head. When I travelled in India in 1974 in a mountainous area where it was very cold at night, it was interesting to see that everyone was wearing a toque even if they had bare feet.
Did you know that CORN SILK has medicinal properties?
The “beard” of corn on the cob is called CORN SILK. If you want to use it for medicinal purposes I suggest you only use the silk from organic corn. Corn Silk is easy to dry for later use. Just spread it out on a mosquito screen, in a basket etc. and within a few days it should be well dried. Store it in a sealed glass jar away from the sun for future use in form of a tea or make a tincture.
MEDICINAL USE: As a soothing anti-inflammatory its primary focus is the urinary system. It can be applied in urinary tract infections, kidney stones and bed wetting formulas for children. Some research suggests that corn silk also promotes bile flow.
“ALTERNATIVE BAKING”
Alternative Baking by Marita Dreger
For all of you who need to avoid wheat, gluten and eggs. Check it out!
The cookbook gives classic, contemporary and folk baking recipes that use alternative ingredients to wheat flour, cow’s milk, butter, chicken eggs and cane sugar. The way the book is set-up, you can customize the recipes to your own needs.
Details specific to each type of flour and other ingredients are provided. Some of the recipes included are: crepes, pancakes, waffles, cookies, various cakes etc.
Hopefully the book is still in print.
Green blessings from the white north,
Gudrun
Mother Nature in Your Home
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.
- Also remember the Herb Walk on August 20 if you would like to learn more about local plants and their medicinal properties.
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.
“HERB WALK #2” – Saturday, July 4, 2015
Upon request, I have decided to offer a second herb walk on Saturday, July 4.
Last week we were blessed with fantastic weather while exploring the bountiful gift of Mother Earth. Come to enjoy a day in nature while honouring the Earth, learning about local plants, herbs & weeds and their medicinal and food uses.
Please feel free to share this information.
CONTENTS:
- Ceremony to honour the Earth
- Gathering and identifying of plants, specifically medicinally used herbs
- Herb Walk through the bush (You might want to bring mosquito repellent!)
- Exercises to connect to plant spirit
- Time permitting, the movie: “The Sanctity of Sanctuary: Paul Strauss and the Equinox Farm” or “Juliette of the Herbs” (Both movies are biographies of great herbalists.)
LOCATION: 1/2 hour west of Grande Prairie at our place
DATE: Saturday, July 4, 2015, 10 am – 5 pm (rain or shine)
COST: $80.00 incl. GST
REGISTRATION: SPACE IS LIMITED – Register early!
Registration Form
Once you have registered, you will receive further instructions.
Questions? Please call me at 780.532.2464.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
“HERB WALK” – JUNE 24, 2015
It’s time to enjoy a day in nature while learning about local plants including herbs & weeds, their medicinal and food uses.
CONTENTS:
- Ceremony to honor the Earth
- Gathering and identifying of plants, specifically medicinally used herbs
- Herb Walk through the bush (You might want to bring mosquito repellent!)
- Exercises to connect to plant spirit
- Time permitting, the movie: “The Sanctity of Sanctuary: Paul Strauss
and the Equinox Farm” or “Juliette of the Herbs”
*Both movies are biographies of great herbalists.
LOCATION: 1/2 hour west of Grande Prairie at our place
DATE: Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 10 am – 5 pm (rain or shine)
COST: $80.00 incl. GST
REGISTRATION: SPACE IS LIMITED – Register early!
Registration Form
HERB WALK FOR CHILDREN: I am hoping to be able to offer a herb walk specifically for children some time in the first two weeks of July. Stay tuned for more news…
Once you have registered, you will receive further instructions.
Questions? Please call me at 780.532.2464.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
Follow Us!