International Day of Peace
Monday September 21, 2015 is International Peace Day.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. It is sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day. The day was first celebrated on Tuesday 21 September 1982. The theme of the first International Day of Peace was the Right to peace of all people.
International Peace Day is dedicated to world peace, and The United Nations “invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day.”
As individuals we can take a moment on Monday to do a random act of kindness, simply something to brighten someone’s day. Speaking a kind word, writing a note of gratitude to someone you love, holding a door open for someone, lighting a candle, buying a coffee for the person in the vehicle behind you at your local cafe drive-thru, or simply acknowledging someone with a smile, are things we’re all capable of. The smallest act of nurturing inner peace can change the world one person at a time.
Inspirational Thought
“Age is a quality of mind:
If you have left your dreams behind
If hope is cold,
If you no longer look ahead,
If your ambition-fires are dead,
Then you are old.
But if from life you take the best,
And if in life you keep the jest,
If love you hold,
No matter how the years go by,
No matter how the birthdays fly,
You are not old. ”
Author unknown
ROSEHIPS and VITAMIN C
Rosehips are from the Wild Rose (Rosa canina).
They are especially high in vitamin C but also contain vitamin A, B1 and B2 in the pulp. Vitamin C was first discovered in Rosehips. Long before the discovery of vitamin C Rosehip tea was used for the common cold and locally for inflamed and bleeding gums.
Most animals are able to manufacture their own vitamin C but because of a lack of a major enzyme in the human liver, the human body is unable to manufacture its own vitamin C. This is why we need to ensure adequate vitamin C intake through our diet or supplements. Rosehips also help to maintain healthy collagen, the substance that holds trillions of cells together in our body.
ROSEHIP TEA
Following are two of my favourite ways of preparing Rosehip tea:
1. My preference is to make a cold infusion and let it sit over night or at least a few hours before straining it. Cold infusions have the advantage of preserving the mineral content provided by the herbs.
2. Make a cold infusion and then slowly bring the infusion with the rosehips to simmer to make a decoction.
For instructions of the different water extractions such as cold infusions and decoctions I suggest you refer to disc 1 of the DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone”.
“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
Thought of the Day
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.
“Many people walk in and out of your life, but only love will leave footprints in your heart…”
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.
STAYING COOL with the help of HERBS!
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
“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
FINALLY: CALENDULA OINTMENT
The long awaited Calendula ointment is ready. As some of my clients have witnessed, it is one of a kind and works wonders for irritated skin, wounds, dry lips etc. Feel free to share your experiences here.
HERBWALK, June 24 – remember to register. For details see previous post.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
A LEAP OF FAITH & BIG THANK YOU
I took a leap of faith and have landed in a whole new world of international marketing opportunities, starting in New York. Recently I was a guest on a two hour live radio talk show in New York discussing the DVD and the broader message of the importance of respecting and being connected to the Earth. I am happy and excited to know that the DVD “HERBAL PHARMACY FOR EVERYONE” & “BACH FLOWERS UNFOLDING” will be shared with much wider audiences through radio, TV and magazines. Finally my efforts are beginning to bear fruits.
A big THANK YOU to all of you have have supported me, believed in me and encouraged me – in whichever way – in this dream. A very special THANK YOU to my children who have been there for me at all times and “pushed” me to take this leap of faith.
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