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Herbal Healing

DELICIOUS FLAVOURS FROM NATURE

One of my favourites is to create drinks with the delicate and subtle flavours of nature.

There really is no recipe; as always my favourite recipes are easy to create.

I add flowers to my glass of water, let the glass sit in the sun (or not) for a short while before enjoying it.

Needless to say, you only want to use nontoxic, edible flowers. I suggest, you do NOT use the flowers from plants bought at any of the stores because most of them will have been treated with chemicals.

Examples of flowers: Dandelion, Borage, Wild Rose, Fireweed, Pansies, Lilacs.

Be creative and enjoy.

Green Blessings,

Gudrun

WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – DANDELION

Finally the bright yellow flowers are brightening the landscape – a sure sign that spring is here to stay. Hard to believe that herbalists have great appreciation for this marvelous creation of nature? We use flowers, buds, leaves and roots as food and medicine. My grandkids nibble on the flowers and young leaves.

Last year I made a crown out of dandelion flowers for my then 4 year old grand daughter. She was wearing it proudly as we walked into Canadian Tire. With great joy I observed the reactions of customers especially when we were wandering around the Round-up shelf. So much fun!

Be creative and “brave” – eat flowers and young leaves, add both to salads, make a Dandelion flower cold infusion. Decorate ice creams and cakes … and most of all, have fun and be grateful for the gift of this plant that most consider to be a pesky weed.

DANDELION – Taraxacum off. – Asteraceae famly

PARTS USED: Roots, stems, leaves and flowers

HARVEST TIME
Roots: Spring before flowering or fall after first frost
Leaves: Early spring, throughout summer (leaves increase in bitter taste with age)
Flowers: When in full bloom

NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, and zinc. Vitamins A, B complex, C and D.
Carotenoids, fatty acids, flavenoids and phytosterols.
NOTE: The roots are exceptionally high in vitamin A

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Leaf: Diuretic (high in potassium) – Choleretic (stimulates bile production by liver) – Aperient (mild laxative)
Root: Bitter digestive tonic; nutritive – Choleretic, cholagogue – Aperient, laxative – Anti-rheumatic, anit-inflammatory (animal studies)
Sap: Keratolytic (breaks down outer layer of skin)

INDICATIONS
Leaf: Water retention
Root: Inadequate bile production, gallstones, liver/gall bladder insufficiency, congestive jaundice, Dyspepsia, lack of appetite
Sap of stalks, roots, or leaves: Warts, cankers

FORM OF PREPARATION
Infusions (leaves; flowers) – Decoctions (root) – Tinctures – Vinegars (roots, leaves, flowers) – Infused Oils – Salves – Food (leaves, petals, young roots)

CONTRA-INDICATIONS
No reported toxicity; however some people experience sensitivity reactions

PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE

As the seas of the world are rough right now
Let’s remember to build bridges, not walls.
Let’s sow seeds of hope, peace and love.
Let’s foster kindness, trust and tolerance.
Let’s remember that each one of us can make a difference.

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. 

– Mother Teresa

Green Blessings,

Gudrun

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberry syrup is a delicious and healthy way to support your IMMUNE SYSTEM. One of its additional great benefits is its ANTI-CATARRHAL action. This means it helps to prevent mucous formation and aids in the removal of excess mucous. This is especially useful at this time of the year, when so many of us are dealing with colds, runny noses and coughs, all of which are accompanied by an excess of mucous production.

Elderberry syrup is safe for children and can be taken straight, added to soda water, smoothies, beverages, ice cream, yogurt etc.

ACTIONS:
               Immune System Support/Stimulant – Anti-Viral – Anti-catarrhal – Anti-Inflammatory

INDICATIONS:
               Colds – Flu – Fever (reduces symptoms and duration) – Upper Respiratory Infections – Allergies – Urinary Tract Infections

Amazing ONLINE OPPORTUNITY coming up November 5-8

The FIRST CANADIAN HERB CONFERENCE (online), Plant Medicine as People’s Medicine, focuses on how plants can help heal ourselves and the community.
 
SAVE $20 off your registration, enter SAVINGS CODE, gudrun20.
 
OPEN to EVERYONE – from the beginner herbalist to the expert, student & practitioner of all walks of life.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to enrich your life, gain new tools and knowledge, get inspired, and connect with like minded people. Includes: marketplace & tearooms for networking. Choose from three different registration packages.
 
Visit http://www.herbconference.com/ for more details and to register
— SAVINGS code: gudrun20

 
My workshop topics:
 
1. Virtual Herb Walk – The Difference between an Herb and a Weed is a Judgement
2. Earth Wisdom – Communicating with Plant Spirit (scheduled for two mornings, each day will include a different morning meditation connecting to plant spirit)
 
Please share the information freely, including the savings code. Hope to “see you there”!
 
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
 
http://www.herbconference.com/

CANADIAN HERB CONFERENCE, November 5-8

I am happy and excited to be joining over 25 fellow herbal practitioners in this three day event. The event provides incredible opportunities to learn from some of Canada’s leading herbalists.

SAVE $20 off registration fees by entering my code: gudrun20

For workshop details and registration information go to: https://herbconference.com/

Hope to “see” you there!

Green Blessings,

Gudrun

WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – DANDELION

Finally the bright yellow flowers are brightening the landscape – a sure sign that spring is here to stay.

Hard to believe that herbalists have great appreciation for this marvelous creation of nature? We use flowers, buds, leaves and roots as food and medicine. My grand kids nibble on the flowers and young leaves.

Last year I made a crown out of Dandelion flowers for my then 4 year old grand daughter. She was wearing it proudly as we walked into Canadian Tire. With great joy I observed the reactions of customers especially when we were wandering around the Round-up shelf. So much fun!

Be creative and “brave” – eat flowers and young leaves, add both to salads, make a Dandelion flower cold infusion. decorate ice creams and cakes … and most of all, have fun and be grateful for the gift of this plant that most consider to be a pesky weed.

DANDELION – Taraxacum off. – Asteraceae famly
PARTS USED: Roots, stems, leaves and flowers
HARVEST TIME
Roots: Spring before flowering or fall after first frost
Leaves: Early spring, throughout summer (leaves increase in bitter taste with age)
Flowers: When in full bloom
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, and zinc. Vitamins A, B complex, C and D.
Carotenoids, fatty acids, flavenoids and phytosterols.
NOTE: The roots are exceptionally high in vitamin A

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Leaf: Diuretic (high in potassium) – Choleretic (stimulates bile production by liver) – Aperient (mild laxative)
Root: Bitter digestive tonic; nutritive – Choleretic, cholagogue – Aperient, laxative – Anti-rheumatic, anit-inflammatory (animal studies)
Sap: Keratolytic (breaks down outer layer of skin)
INDICATIONS
Leaf: Water retention
Root: Inadequate bile production, gallstones, liver/gall bladder insufficiency, congestive jaundice, Dyspepsia, lack of appetite
Sap of stalks, roots, or leaves: Warts, cankers
FORM OF PREPARATION
Infusions (leaves; flowers) – Decoctions (root) – Tinctures – Vinegars (roots, leaves, flowers) – Infused Oils – Salves – Food (leaves, petals, young roots)
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
No reported toxicity; however some people experience sensitivity reactions

PLAGUED BY A PERSISTENT COUGH?

Here are some tips and simple home remedies to support the body in overcoming this affliction regardless of what causes the cough.

1. Cut out all mucous forming foods, especially dairy and wheat as well as all foods you know you are sensitive to.

2. Change your diet to at least 70% raw and drink lots of carrot juice and green smoothies.

3. Drink lots of good water – city water is typically full of chemicals and not recommended for consumption on a regular basis.

4. Keep the chest warm with appropriate clothing.

5. Apply poultices to the chest, i.e. onion poultice or castor oil pack (see DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone”, Disc 2 for instructions)

6. Cough Syrup – homemade, simple yet effective:
Cut up an onion, place in glass jar and cover with honey (honey can be hard; the juice of the onion will liquefy the honey).
Let sit for several hours to several days and strain. Take 1 tsp. as needed.

7. Herbs to use are the ones with anti-microbial properties such as Garlic and Thyme and expectorants for example Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

You can find good combination teas for the support of the respiratory system at the health food stores.

CORONA VIRUS

Tired hearing about it? Worried about it?…

CORONA VIRUS - Tired hearing about it? Worried about it?...

The best defense against any so-called invading organisms is a strong immune system. Keep the terrain, your body, strong and it will ward off potential dis-ease causing critters. Tend to your body like you would to a garden, nurture it with the nutrients it requires to grow and stay strong and healthy. Eat organic foods, stay away from fast foods and processed foods, eliminate sugar etc. See below for more information. Please contact me, should you be interested in herbal remedies or a consultation.

It is hard to understand, why there has been no mention in the media about some common sense measures, that are simple and effective.

A few days ago, I listened to a medical doctor on the German news. He said, that he would be more afraid of the regular flu than the Corona virus.

EXAMPLES OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES TO KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONING AT TOP PERFORMANCE LEVEL

  • Ensure adequate rest and sleep
  • Eat a diet of high nutritional value (no junk foods, avoiding allergens and toxins)
  • Reduce/eliminate all refined sugar (refined sugar suppresses the immune system instantly and long-term – it really is an addictive substance that messes with our brain and overall health!)
  • Eat (local) honey; honey has antibacterial properties and can be a good source of antioxidants
  • Garlic: chop up a clove at night and swallow after supper
  • Add the JUNGLE JUICE to your daily routine
  • Follow a regular exercise regime
  • Spend time outside even if it is for short periods
  • Minimize/eliminate stress factors as much as possible
  • Dress according to the weather
  • Be conscious of bringing joy into your life – whatever this may be for you
  • If available, make use of an infrared sauna frequently (one of my favorites)

Even if you should get sick, following the above guidelines will allow your body to bounce back more easily.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberry syrup is a delicious and healthy way to support your IMMUNE SYSTEM. One of its additional great benefits is its ANTI-CATARRHAL action. This means it helps to prevent mucous formation and aids in the removal of excess mucous. This is especially useful at this time of the year, when so many of us are dealing with colds, runny noses and coughs, all of which are accompanied by an excess of mucous production.

Elderberry syrup is safe for children and can be taken straight, added to soda water, smoothies, beverages, ice cream, yogurt etc.

There are still a few bottles of high quality Elderberry syrup (some with added Ginger) available at my office.

ACTIONS:
               Immune System Support/Stimulant – Anti-Viral – Anti-catarrhal – Anti-Inflammatory

INDICATIONS:
               Colds – Flu – Fever (reduces symptoms and duration) – Upper Respiratory Infections – Allergies – Urinary Tract Infections