chia sage

i forgot to write about chia sage (Salvia hispanica) from my herb walk. i collected about 8 seeds from the dried seed pod and i am going to try to get it to grow. so far... it is just of pot of soil... so nothing to write about yet. but here is some info on this amazing plant: 

the name Salvia derives from the Latin salvere, which means "to heal". this herb is highly regarded for its healing qualities. an ancient proverb states, "why should a man die who has sage in his garden?"

the chia sage seeds were an important part of native americans diet. in the Mayan language, the word for chia means "strength". chia seeds are rich in nutrients; so much so that a single teaspoon full could sustain a person for a whole day of travel. apache and aztec warriors sustained themselves by bringing the seeds along on conquests.

chia seeds are high in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants and minerals. they are used for suppressing the appetite, weight loss, leveling blood sugar, and for aiding intestinal regularity. chia seeds readily dissolve into the water, creating a substance that looks like gelatin. this gel-forming action is due to the soluble fiber in the seed. this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when chia seed is consumed, thus creating a physical barrier between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes and slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. fascinating huh ?

the chia sage seed pod - if you shake the pod - the seeds fall out.

herb walk two

i went on an amazing herb walk yesterday. so much is growing due to the heavy rain in sunny southern california.

the black mustard (Brassica nigra) was everywhere. the seed is ground and made into a paste then applied to the skin for treating rheumatism. applied externally, mustard relieves congestion by drawing the blood to the surface for head afflictions, neuralgia and spasms.

also there was plenty of oats (Avena sativa). oats are high in calcium. calcium rich foods and herbs are the basis for remedies that relax the muscles and nervous system.

i saw yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium) which is helpful for coughs, colds, asthma and mucus.

...and yerba mansa (Anemopsis californicum) which can help treat inflammation and infections of the lungs throat and sinuses. they way it was explained to me was that yerba santa will help dry mucus, and yerba mansa will help move it. the white flowers in bloom on the yerba mansa were quite a beautiful sight.

i got to see yucca (Yucca whipplei) which was amazing... since this is what i currently have k.c. on for pain and inflammation from arthritis - and i have seen incredible improvement with her in the past few weeks.

there was so much black sage (Salvia mellifera) and purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) everywhere. below is purple sage flower. sage is antibacterial and antifungal - helpful for mouth sores and sore throats.

i didn't know it - but fennel (Foeniculum vulgaris) was growing wild too. fennel helps with gas, constipation and indigestion. eating a few fennel seeds before dinner can help if you have these issues.

i saw yellow dock (Rumux crispus) for the first time. yellow dock, or curly dock, is helpful for poor liver function and poor digestion. it's high iron amount makes it very helpful for correcting anemia.

... and willow (Salix ___ not sure) willow bark has a high content of salicyclic acid - which is the main ingredient in aspirin today. very helpful for aches and fevers.

it was an amazing beautiful day. i learned a lot... saw a lot. couldn't ask for more.

fresh plant oil

i have so much of everything growing here -  i am making an infused skin oil from fresh plant material. i used calendula (Calendula officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lavender (Lavendula dentata), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and some sage (Salvia officinalis). all fresh from my garden. i did a rough chop on it - put it in a jar and covered with sweet almond oil. some of it was dried and some not so i am going to keep a close eye on this - since i had an experience where mold grew in my oil because of moisture from fresh plant material. oil and water don't mix !

day trippin'

i have been spending more time outdoors lately since i have found a few areas locally that do have some good plant medicine to look at. i thought i was isolated in the cement pit i live in - but no - there are places to go.

tons of sage (Salvia leucophylla 'Figueroa')...

there is an abundance of horehound (Marrubium vulgare)...

fields of prickly pear (Oppuntia engelmanni). native americans used the younger pads for food and mature pads were used as a poultice for wounds and burns.

i even saw rose hips - not sure if it is dog rose (Rosa canina) or rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa). they are high in vitamic c, e and k and can help with colds and flu.

i saw a lot of these two - which i am going to have to research to find out what it is... but it was everywhere. i like the white puffs.

whats out there... ?

well. there are no open lush fields around here where i can go harvest... i live in a cement pit - 20 minutes from downtown los angeles. this isnt all so sorry and sad... i have angeles crest national forest 45 minutes away... and the santa monica mountain range is close enough.

got me thinking about my herb garden.... some things i planted that did well and then did not. its to hot for the fragile chamomile... not sure what happened to the horehound... rue is putting up a good fight... mints are struggling, but i have faith in the mints. catnip is doing so-so.... and valerian comes and goes. lemon balm has dwindled back. comfrey is trying. lemon verbena was vibrant - but is now pale. basil was strong but is now twiggy. feverfew was abundant - now it is not - but i think it will bounce back.

so - i thought - work with what is working out there. concentrate on the plants that are thriving and have held tight for years. the herbal pillars in my little community that have held strong. everytime i walk out to the garden - there they are - standing tall and proud.

and even though i can just as easily order big batches from mountain rose herbs (mountainroseherbs.com) and they will be here in a few days... something is tugging at me to go look in my own backyard. i know who they are.... lavender has stood tall and quiet in the corner for 12 years. i cut her back many times when she got unruly - but she stays. and sage keeps going strong. and the surprise oregano. beautiful flowing happy. and marjoram who has the bunko spot where all the water collects and its sludge under my feet where you live, but you like it i suppose.

what i want to do is gather some information on those plants. the ones who have stuck it out in my yard.

my new allies

sage

lavender

marjoram

oregano

in the garden

this is what i have in the herb garden right now and then a brief basic description on how the herb can be used medicinally. they can be prepared in an infusion (steep in hot water for at least four hours) or for stronger medicine - a tincture (soaked in alcohol for 4-6 weeks).

what is that sentence i am supposed to say now ? something like: these statements have not been evaluated by the food & drug administration. they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. consult with your health care practitioner for proper use. there.

thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - antiseptic properties - can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and anti-parasitic for lice

sage (Salvia officinalis) - for mouth sores and sore throat. for sore throats, mix sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - a benefit for stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression

rosemary (Hyssopus officinalis) - a digestive aid. treats depression and headaches. use as an expectorant and for muscle spasms

marjoram (Origanum majorana) - relief from symptoms of hay fever, sinus congestion, indigestion, asthma, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs, and nervous disorders. marjoram essential oil has been one of my favorites for headaches - a few drops on forehead and temples

catnip (Nepeta cataria) - very mild herb medicinally. it has calming and sedative effects. which surprises me since cats go bonkers for this stuff !

parsley (Carum petroselinum) - a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. a natural breath sweetener. eat the leaves right off the plant to combat breath odors

feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - helps dramatically in some cases of migraine, arthritis pain, painful menstruation, rheumatism, and muscle spasms

lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla or Lippia citriodora - confused on the latin name here) - relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system. has the ability to break down cellulite, and has a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin

basil (Ocymum basilicum) - digestive and anti-gas properties. also for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety

comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - a priceless herb for wounds, sprains, bruises

valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - a central nervous system relaxer and a sleep aid

common rue (Ruta Graveolens) - the leaves applied externally will ease the severe pain of sciatica and headaches

horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - benefits chronic cough and asthma

spearmint (Mentha spicata) - relieves hiccough and flatulence

chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - a remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women (!) has a wonderfully soothing and sedating effect

calendula (Calendula officinalis) - a remedy for the pain and swelling caused by bee or wasp sting. a lotion from the flowers helps sprains and wounds