on my back

i haven't posted lately because i got bucked off a horse :(  and have been ailing. after making sure nothing was broken - of course my doctor prescribed anti-inflammatories, pain killers and muscle relaxers. i don't want to to do this - so back to the books to refresh what i have learned to help deal with this. 

i reread jim mcdonald's article on back pain: http://www.herbcraft.org/backpain.html

if you have back or neck pain - this is the most amazing article i have read that addresses these issues.

and then pulled out my solomon's seal root (Polygonatum biflorum) and mullein (Verbascum thapsus) tincture.

chickweed vinegar

got my chickweed (Stellaria media) and started my vinegar  :)

yesterday's finds

i was to excited on my walk yesterday when i found chickweed (Stellaria media) and shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). funny - same walk i have done for years - but my eyes were open this time.

chickweed  - known for it's ability to cool inflammation and speed healing of cuts, minor burns, eczema, and rashes. it is mild diuretic, promoting the flow of urine - can cleanse and soothe the kidneys and urinary tract and help relieve cystitis. it is edible and very nutritious. it contains vitamins a, c, d and b complex. it is high in iron, copper, silica, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. it aids the absorption of nutrients in the body and is good for digestive problems.

i am going back today to harvest some of it and i will make a chickweed vinegar. i fill a jar with the herb, cover it with organic pasteurized apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 6 weeks. then strain the herb out. do not use metal lids when making vinegars - the vinegar will rust the metal and the rust will get into your vinegar. i will use the vinegar for salad dressing to get extra vitamins and minerals.

shepherd's purse -  one of the important herbs for stopping hemorrhages of all kinds - of the stomach, lungs, uterus, and bleeding from the kidneys. it is used for a number of number of condidtions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, and as a post-partum herb.

i remember this plant from when i was little - i always loved its little heart shaped leaves  :)

more on dandelion

i went out again this morning looking for more dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flowers. found a few more and started my oil.  just put the flowers in a jar and cover them with oil. i used olive oil this time since i had it around. stir it around for the first few days to make sure no flower parts are exposed. do not cover it with a metal lid - instead use cheesecloth or a paper towel with a rubber band. this will let any moisture evaporate and the oil will not get moldy. let it sit for 4 to 6 weeks - strain the flowers out. i can't wait to try this one out for sore muscles, sinus headache, achy joints and stiff neck.

for quick help for a back or headache - make a tea from the flowers. put flowers in a jar - cover with boiling water - let it steep for 20 minutes - strain and drink. add honey if needed. you can use the strained flowers for a sunburn. just press flowers on skin for relief. or save the dandelion tea in fridge and use it as a skin treatment or tonic - but use it within a few days.

dandelion sap - squeezed straight from the stems  - can help with skin warts, cuts or blisters.

the roots can be made into a tincture. it is a detoxifying herb that supports the liver and strengthens the kidneys. it encourages the steady elimination of toxins from the body - a powerful diuretic that does won't deplete the body of potassium.

that pesky weed....

... i had been pulling for years turns out to be medicine. so i go out to my yard and look for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). i will collect the flowers and infuse them in oil - it is an amazing oil for arthritis pain. i will also pull a few plants and start collecting the roots to make the tincture just described in the last post.

k.c. :)

this is my doggy, k.c. - stands for 'kinda cute' - but i think she is really cute. k.c. just had a huge tumor removed. it had completely taken over one of her kidneys - and was as large as a grapefruit. the biopsy showed there were cancer cells present - but the doctor also removed a close by lymph node - and it was clean. she is recovering amazingly from the surgery for a 14 year old puppy - and i will monitor her every few months with xrays. i started researching and reading and researching. i got a book that specifically deals with herbs for pets and put together this regimen for k.c.. my thought was - cleanse - and strengthen ! i didn't have time to make these tinctures - so i purchased them to get her started immediately.

burdock (Arctium lappa) - a blood purifier. it helps the kidneys filter out impurities from the blood very quickly. clears congestion in respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and circulatory systems. releases water retention, stimulates digestion, aids kidney, liver and gallbladder function.

dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) - used for the treatment of the gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders. strengthens the kidneys. an infusion of the root encourages the steady elimination of toxins from the body.

red clover (Trifolium pratense) - purifies the blood by acting as a diuretic (helping the body get rid of excess fluid) and expectorant (helping clear lungs of mucous), improving circulation, and helping cleanse the liver.

astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) - improves depressed immunity, recommended for the treatment of AIDS and other viral diseases, and as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. helps strengthen the body against disease. helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. protects the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. protects the liver.

milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - protects the liver from a variety of harmful substances. prevents toxins from penetrating the interior of liver cells, while promoting the growth of healthy new cells to repair liver damage. has a renewing effect on the kidneys.

i have her taking .5ml twice a day. i am mixing the tinctures into healthful raw wet food.

one dropper full of tincture is approx. 30 drops which is 1ml. - so half a dropper full twice a day.

although this is all new to me - i am feeling really confident in what she is taking and truly believe in the power and medicinal value of these herbs. i know i am helping her to keep as healthy as possible at this time  :)

drying calendula

i had gotten some calendula (Calendula officinalis) plants a month or so ago and i am just starting to harvest the flowers. i spread them out and let them air dry. once they are all dry - i will infuse them in either grapeseed, jojoba or sweet almond oil and then let it sit for six weeks. strain the flowers out and use this amazing skin softening and tissue regenerating oil when ever and where ever.