Tuesday, February 25, 2014

2014 Herbal Classes

Herbal Classes
with 
Wild Rose Apothecary


Monthly herbal classes held the last Sunday of each month. We'll focus on seasonal herbs and how to identify, harvest, and make various herbal medicines to keep you healthy throughout the year. 

Classes will run March- November.

$25/per class, discounts available for our CSA members and folks who sign up for the whole series!

To Sign Up, please email us at wildroseapothecary(at)gmail(dot)com

Classes will cover:
Plant identification
Ethical wildcrafting
Growing your own herbs
Herbal vinegars
Herbal syrups
Elixir making
Tea blending
Oil infusions
Salve making
Tinctures
DIY Kombucha


Come learn with us! 

Thursday, February 6, 2014

February Box

Box Contents

Snuggle Elixir

ashwagandha, cacao, honey, skullcap, glycerin, damiana, brandy, vanilla bean, distilled water
A chocolate-y libido enhancer that tones the reproductive system, nerves, kidneys, and heart. Damiana is said to relax the mind while improving circulation and arousing desire. Here damiana is paired with ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb that boosts energy, focus, and increases stamina, while also helping the body to cope with stress. Over time, taking ashwagandha has been known to encourage sounder sleep. This elixir makes a wonderful daily tonic, in teaspoonful to tablespoonful doses in a little water. It makes a nice hot toddy too-- add 1-2 tablespoons to a cup of warm milk. Or, enjoy Snuggles as a cordial-- add a tablespoon of elixir to an equal part heavy cream and an ice cube. Snuggles is also delicious and decadent drizzled on ice cream! **Refrigerate this elixir, to extend its shelf life. Separation is natural, shake gently before pouring. Best by 05/2014.

Winter Moon Chai Blend

conifer needles, juniper berries, reishi, orange peel, black tea, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, fennel 
Warming and cozy, chai blends are perfect for the last months of winter. Local conifers are paired with the traditional flavors of chai tea herbs, for an Iowa twist on a familiar hot beverage. Black tea-- traditional in most chai blends-- gives a little caffeine kick. Juniper berries impart a "winter taste," along with vitamin C and minerals. These aromatic little berries contain a strong volatile oil and are affiliated with the kidneys, so this herb can help jump start your spring kidney cleanse. Sip on a cup daily for immune building properties of reishi mushrooms, and say goodbye to the winter cold. Simmer 1tsp of the mix in 10oz water for 25-45 minutes. Strain tea mix from liquid. Add cream and honey to taste.

Love Lotion
coconut oil, cocoa butter, apricot oil, vitamin E, beeswax
This lotion is made with pure enough ingredients that it’s actually edible! It can be used all over the body, but is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Enjoy!

Kids' Cold & Flu Tincture
echinacea, elder flower, lemon balm, thyme, licorice root, elderberries, honey, cinnamon, ginger, rosehips, alcohol, distilled water
Supports the immune system while it aids in fighting off viruses. This tincture can help calm the symptoms of colds and flus, such as body aches, fevers, runny nose and cough. Dosage would be 10 drops (small children), or a dropper full (adult), in a little water, 3 times a day as a preventive. When symptoms are occurring, take half those amounts as often as every hour. Remember to continue taking the tincture for about a week after symptoms have subsided, as this practice will strengthen the immune system and lower susceptibility to other colds, flus, or viruses. You can add your dose to a cup of tea. Feel free to sweeten your cup with honey, but remember that sugar can compromise the immune system!

Breast Health Massage Oil

dandelion flowers, violet flowers, olive oil
Strong lymph cleansers, these flowers are wonderful to use topically to break up stagnant toxins and fluids. Combined with a natural cleansing massage this oil is to be used daily or weekly for breast health.

Bourbon Balls

gluten-free ginger snaps, powdered sugar, pecans and walnuts, Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, cocoa powder, honey
A distinctly adult sweet, included in this month's CSA for no reason other then for a little boozy treat. Enjoy! **This item contains nuts.

Kombucha
green tea, jasmine, yerba mate, nettles, peach nectar
Mmm, floral tastes of summer! It will be warm again one day...


Disclaimer:  All information here within is for education purposes and is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease.  Consult your healthcare provider before self-treating.