In Celebration of Herbs
In Celebration of Herbs – IHA (International Herb Association) Conference in Michigan
I just returned from the herb conference in Michigan where I taught a class on Bach Flowers. The conference was held at the old Kellogg “summer cottage” on Gull Lake, an absolutely amazing place. The primary focus of the conference was Hops because it has been chosen as the “herb of the year”. I am now back in Ontario for a book signing tour, another interesting (ad)venture.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
Cold Infusions Quench the Thirst
Cold infusions (water infusions) are a great way to quench the thirst and cool down during the summer heat. They are easy and fast to prepare and at the same time delicious.
Cold infusions can be made with dried or fresh herbs and are of great benefit. See the recipe below or the DVD, disc one, chapter “Infusions”.
One of my favorite herbs to use is dried HIBISCUS flowers. They colour the water deep red and make a most refreshing drink. Add fresh lemon and ice cubes and you have the prefect drink. For an additional cooling effect you may want to add spearmint or peppermint leaves. Be creative and find your favorite combination.
You don’t need to use Hibiscus flowers, you can just make the drink with any fruit, herbs and spices depending on your personal preferences. This is the time to forage in the wild and add those lush green herbs for food and medicine to your daily menu. For example, you may want to add Chickweed and Fireweed to your drinks (and salads). Fireweed flowers add not only flavour, but also provide food for the soul, visually and spiritually.
ENJOY! Feel free to share your favorite recipes here.
Instructions
- Place herbs in a glass, ceramic or stainless steel container
- Add cold water (NOT city water!)
- Cover with a lid to avoid pollutants or insects from falling into it
- Let sit for 30 minutes to several hours at room temperature (personal taste preference)
- Strain
- If desired add natural sweetener or lemon for flavor
- Drink cold
Green blessings,
Gudrun
CALL for TESTIMONIALS for BACH FLOWERS UNFOLDING
Hard to believe (or maybe not!) I am fully immersed in another big project. I have finally decided to go ahead with publishing the second, updated edition of the card deck BACH FLOWERS UNFOLDING. I would like to include a page of testimonials/experiences from people who have had previous experiences with working with the cards. Please email your submission to gudrun@rainbowhealing.ca and include your name, contact information and credentials. Anyone chosen for the book will receive a free deck of cards once it is being published.
Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more information on the progress of this project.
HEMP HEARTS & VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians are at risk of two possible nutritional deficiencies: taurine and vitamin B 12, both found in animal protein. Taurine, an amino acid is deficient in about 84% of depressed individuals and in many with epilepsy. B 12 is ordinarily present only in animal protein.
Hemp hearts are the best source of protein. They have about 33% of quality protein, better than the best sirloin tip beef and far better than fish. They are the best source of essential fats, vitamins and enzymes on the planet. Hemp hearts are the only vegetable containing taurine.
Hemp hearts are the shelled seed of simple hemp, a non-hallucinatory relative of marijuana.
Hemp fibre is the longest and strongest of all natural fiber and requires no fertilizer of pesticides etc, to grow exuberantly. It produces 4 times as much fibre per acre as trees. Indeed, it is a superb source for making biomass alcohol,–far superior to corn!! In fact, hemp is the oldest known agricultural crop, used as a source for rope, cloth and paper.
So, vegans and vegetarians, rejoice and eat up! Add hemp hearts to all your meals including fruits, salads, baking, smoothies… the sky is the limit.
Marketing tour quickly coming to an end
Herbs and Herbal Communities are sprouting everywhere. Whatever nature provides for us cannot be taken away from us. My marketing tour is quickly coming to an end. I am happy to say that both the book “Healing Spirituality” as well as the DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone” have been very well received by many libraries along the way. The Vancouver Island Herb Conference provided a great opportunity to connect with many fantastic people. A weekend of peace and harmony among like-minded folks. Great times and a big thank you to my dear friend Lana who did a marvelous job at my vendor table!
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
There is no such thing as “HEALTH FOODS”
If 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.
STINGING NETTLE – HARVESTING & RECIPES
Harvest the early spring shoots of plants four to eight inches high. You might want to wear heavy cotton gloves or even leather gloves for harvesting. Wash in cold water and remove with thongs from water. I enjoy the stinging feeling when harvesting nettles but most people will have a different feeling about this!
Stinging Nettles have a delicate flavour and pleasant texture. It is important to NOT overcook them.
I consider myself a “free flowing cook”; therefore see the following recipes as suggestions and use your own intuitive, creative senses to adjust the recipes and discover your own recipes.
(1) STINGING NETTLE – BASIC
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Water
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 cup Stinging Nettle, fresh, young leaves – washed
1 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Sour Cream
Directions
Bring water to boil, add salt and nettle leaves.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Drain right away.
Melt butter in skillet, add nettle leaves and sour cream.
Stir well for a minute or two.
Serve as you would use spinach.
(2) NETTLE FRITTATA (by Darcy Williamson)
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups cooked, chopped spinach
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp. (freshly grated) nutmeg
8 medium-sized organic eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
Beat together eggs, seasonings and cheese. Set aside.
In a cast iron skillet saute garlic and onion in olive oil until just wilted.
Add Stinging Nettle and heat through.
Pour egg mixture over ingredients in the skillet.
Place skillet in oven and bake until eggs are set, approx. 45 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve hot.
STINGING NETTLE – Great Spring Vegetable but BEWARE
“In early spring, anxious for some fresh greens, my friend Paula and her husband Dennis went to harvest some Earthy greens including Stinging Nettle. Due to circumstances lunch was missed. Paula had a variety of vegetables and grains for supper and added a helping of Stinging Nettle. Dennis on the other hand chose to only eat plates full of steamed Stinging Nettle enjoying them thoroughly. But alas during the night he was awakened by funny numbing sensations. These developed into localized paralysis that moved from one area to the next. After a scary night he was only too happy when the rising sun brought an end to his unusual experience. The moral of the story is: Don’t eat too many steamed nettles alone on an empty stomach because even with heat they’ll sting you numb.”
The above is a true testimonial; nevertheless I encourage you to enjoy the bountiful palette of wild spring greens this year. Watch for the next post with a recipe for Nettles.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
“A Mother is like a flower – each one is beautiful and unique.”
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?
On Sale May 1-14: “Healing Spirituality”, “Healing with Bach Flower Mandalas” & “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone”.
Buy any one, get 10% off, buy two of a different kind get 20% off or buy all three and save 30%. Shipping not included.
Contact me via email at gudrun@rainbowhealing.ca or phone 780.532.2464 to order your signed copies now.
Regular Prices: Healing Spirituality – $29.95; Healing with Bach Flower Mandalas – $21.95; Herbal Pharmacy DVD – $39.95.
Green blessings,
Gudrun
Time to think about SPRING CLEANSING
Time to think about SPRING CLEANSING – even though it may not feel like it while winter wonderland is still with us.
Spring cleansing made easy! I have a homeopathic drainage kit available to support the LIVER, KIDNEYS & LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. See below for more information or call me at 780.532.2464 to reserve your kit.
WHY SPRING CLEANSING
• When toxins accumulate in the body, they can cause tissue damage, disrupt cell metabolism, and bring about localized or systemic disease. Thus, “diseases” are what happens when the organism fights against toxins as it attempts to counteract and expel them.
• Toxins can either come from outside the body (exotoxins) or within the body (endotoxins).
• Homeopathic drainage provides strong stimulation of the elimination processes of the organs, tissues, and cells. It also has beneficial effects on emotions.
LIVER SUPPORT
Breaking down most of the body’s dietary and metabolic waste and preparing it for elimination via the bowels or kidneys, the liver is the primary organ of elimination. When structural or functional liver disturbances occur, digestive sluggishness, headaches, bloating, constipation, and skin irritations can result. Furthermore, due to toxic burden, bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal bloating, heavy head, overall tiredness and fatigue, flatulence, and constipation can be indicative of structural and functional dysfunctions in the liver and gallbladder. These dysfunctions can lead to chronic issues and may result in cholecystitis, biliary calculi, hepatitis, and hypochondria. Many consider the liver to be the centre of all therapies for chronic degenerative disease as well as for allergies, digestive disorders, skin problems, chemotherapy-associated ailments, and the side effects of pharmaceutical medications. Several remedies can assist in stimulating the liver’s detox pathways, facilitating the speedy removal and drainage of accumulated metabolic toxins. Some remedies can even regenerate the liver through their stimulation of hepatocytes.
KIDNEY SUPPORT
The kidneys are the primary filter of minerals, electrolytes, and protein metabolites, such as nitrogenous wastes. It also maintains acid-base balance. Improper kidney function can lead to inflammatory and congestive conditions within the urinary system. Stubborn organic wastes, such as uric acid and other inflammatory toxins, accumulate in the kidneys and can sometimes refuse to exit the body. Successful kidney and bladder drainage can be achieved using remedies with potent diuretic properties. Furthermore, particular attention should be given to ionic balance to help the kidney maintain a proper alkaline environment. Structural and functional dysfunctions of the kidneys or urinary bladder can lead to symptoms such as sharp, stinging pains in the kidneys (renal area), pains in the sacral region, burning sensations upon urination, piercing pains in the bladder, and chronic inflammatory conditions of the kidneys, and renal calculi.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM SUPPORT
The lymphatic system is one of the most important and yet least talked about drainage pathways. It runs alongside the vascular system and drains the entire extracellular matrix. It is designed to pick up and remove all left-over metabolic waste around individual cells. Any improper functioning of the lymph system can lead to edema, glandular swelling, abnormal fat metabolism, and a weakened immune system. Supporting the lymphatics supports all other organ systems (liver, skin, kidneys, etc.) and helps purify both blood and body. Proper lymphatic function boosts innate immunity, neutralizes pathogenic infiltration, and facilitates the elimination of inflammatory toxins.
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