Spring Greens: Garlic Mustard!

I love spring time and all of the medicinal, nutritious and liver cleansing greens that start popping up in my yard. Pictured here is a pile of Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, that I picked from my yard a few days ago. It is considered invasive, producing up to 800 seeds per plant and most of my neighbors want it out of their yard as soon as possible. If collected before it flowers it will curb this powerful friend from taking over and I'll have a nice stock of garlic mustard pesto in my freezer. As I learned from Susan Weed the roots make a delicious edible as well as the seeds make a spicy condiment. Here is a link to one of my favorite foraging websites article on Garlic Mustard http://www.eattheweeds.com/garlic-mustard-jack-by-the-hedge-sauce-alone/

Garlic Mustard Pesto

• 3 c garlic mustard greens, chopped and packed. (Pick greens from an unsprayed area and thoroughly wash and dry them)
• 1.5 c walnuts
• 1 tsp- 1tbsp garlic mustard root, sliced
• 1 c fresh basil, chopped and packed
• 6 tbsp virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• extra garlic to taste (I'm a garlic fanatic so I often add a few more cloves to the mix)

Process ingredients in food processor, take liberties to adjust ingredients to taste and explore flavoring with other medicinal and culinary herbs

Serve over favorite pasta such as:

• 8 cups cooked penne pasta

Hello Folks! Our next class is Sunday April 27th down in Riverside, IA We will be teaching about Spring herbs, dandelion, cleavers, plantain, chickweed, yarrow and nettle. We will also be lecturing on important of spring cleansing: lymphatic and kidney care and hormone balance. Cost of class is $25 with a $5 materials fee. If you are interested email wildroseapothecary@gmail.com for more details

April CSA Share

April showers bring May flowers and we couldn't be happier for it!

Spring Cleanse Elixir

Comfrey, Plantain, Evening Primrose, Violet Leaf, Flowering Skullcap, Lavender, Rosemary, Honey, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Honey, Agave, Organic Sugar, ALC 40%

Jump into spring with our delicious berry elixir! It's intended to awaken all parts of the body and act as a tonic to our sleepy winter systems. Nutritive and tasty, add to tea, water, juice, or take a spoonful on it's own, 1-3x daily

Deep Forest Salve

Pine resin, Self Heal, Elder Leaf, Olive Oil, Local Beeswax

A wonderful removal/moving salve. Great for splinters, slivers, bug bites, spider bites and any deep old wounds that are taking to long to heal.Pine is great for moving blood thus it works wonders on old yellow or green bruises, and wonderful for sore muscles and topical pain related to bruising or sore muscles. This salve is harder then our typical salves due to the resin +, scrape out some with the flat of your nail and warm between fingers for easier application

Spring Renewal Tea/Tisane

Nettles, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Linden Flower, Hawthorn Berries, Blueberry Leaf, Licorice

This falls into the category of what I call a "green tisane" (A tisane is any tea that does not contain the tea plant. Most of our herbal teas are actually tisanes.) A Green Tisane, is a tisane that is nourishing and full of lots of vitamins and minerals that come from green foods. Nettle, red clover, and alfalfa based teas fall into this category. Nettles are high in iron, calcium and magnesium. Red clover is particularly high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. Alfalfa is rich in calcium, vitamins A, K, C, and D. Linden flowers have been used in folk medicine to relieve anxiety and insomnia. This tisane is pairs quite nicely with a splash of our Spring Cleanse Elixir!

Osha Tincture

Osha, Honey, ALC 40%

Osha is an intoxicating plant that hails from the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains. Warming and diffusing, this root has a specific affiliation with the lungs. Works wonders against respiratory infections, and achy sore throats. It's an expectorants to it will draw out congestion in the lungs as well. Take 1/2 dropper to full dropper full 3x day for 5 days, resting for 2 and repeat.

Berry & Green Tea Kombucha

Green Tea, Hibiscus, Raspberry, Blackberry, Chicory, Rose Hips, Orange Peel, Blackberry Leaves, Red Raspberry leaf

Tasty and full of probiotics for healthier gut flora and an important dose of antioxidants for fighting free radicals

Kahlua 

Organic Coffee, Organic Sugar, Vanilla Bean, Cocao Nibs, Rum,

This kahlua is a tasty treat! You can use it in your coffee, to make white russians, or as an ingredient in baking.

March Box

It's almost Springtime, hang in there every body! We've got a delightful kit of herbals for you for March.

Here it is:

Sunny Time Tea

tulsi, st. john's wort, calendula, oatstraw, violet leaf, lavender, lemon balm, dried mango 

This is a nice relaxing and stress relieving tea blend. The calendula and lavender flowers give it a nice floral taste and reminds me of summer. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an adaptogenic herb that has many healing properties. It's good for coughs, colds, relieving stress, strengthening the heart and kidneys, respiratory disorders, and more. It also has a delightfully sweet flavor that reminds me of bubble gum. St. John's wort gives a nice lift to the spirits and calms the nervous system. Caution: St. John's wort may interfere with some prescription medications including antidepressants and hormonal birth control. Please consult your healthcare provider before using if you take these kinds of medications.

Warming Pain Relief Salve

cayenne, cottonwood bud resin, cayenne, olive oil, beeswax

This combination of herbs reduces inflammation while increasing circulation to an affected area. Great for arthritis, sore muscles, and pain/swelling in the joints. Caution: Cayenne burns when it comes in contact with mucous membranes, so take care and wash hands after using this product! For external use. 

Herbal Soup Supplement

shiitake mushroom, nameko mushroom, nettle, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, dulse, dandelion, burdock

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most medicinal mushrooms! They are anti-cancer, stress relieving, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and are also a great source of vitamin D. Dulse is a kind of seaweed that is full of trace minerals. Nettles are rich in iron and nourishing to the kidneys. Dandelion and burdock roots are both also rich in iron and cleanse the liver. Suggested use: Add 1-2 teaspoons into a soup broth (like miso) or into rice or quinoa while it cooks.

Clementine Conifer Elixir

Eastern red cedar, Douglas fir, white pine, clementine & mandarin oranges, lemon balm, 50% alc, honey

A most exciting and delicious elixir that can be enjoyed sipped on it's own as an alcoholic beverage, or used as daily supplement by adding 1tsp-1tbsp daily to water, juice, kombucha etc. Conifers are Winter's vitamin, high in Vit C and minerals and are a wonderful expectorant to relieve stagnant lung congestion and good for sore throats. Conifers can also be warming, anti-bacterial, and aid circulation t0 assist the body's natural detoxification that happens during spring.  Lemon balm and oranges help to boost the immune system in a variety of ways, making sure you get off to spring with a good start!

Yarrow Antibacterial Spray

yarrow flower, witch hazel

A powerful healing agent to be used on fresh cuts, scrapes, rashes, red irritated skin, fevered skin, cat scratches. Yarrow is a strong antibacterial plant, used as an anti-infective topically, and to stop bleeding. Witch hazel is a soothing astringent for skin, cooling red inflammation and relieving pain. Suggested use: 2-5 sprays on fresh wound, and follow up with as many sprays as needed for the next few days, depending on severity and size of wound.

Kombucha

jasmine-green tea, yerba mate, nettle, sugar, SCOBY, apple juice 

Bright and sparkly, with many bubbles!

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.

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! 

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.

Kits & Seasonal Goods

Check out our work for the past few months!  We have pulled together several bags suiting a variety of needs and would love to send them out to you. Great for self care or gifts to loved ones. We have also listed a handful of seasonal items which can be purchased a la carte. 

Email wildroseapothecary@gmail.com to order or inquire further about these items. 

Kits:

Winter Wellness Bag (Fire Cider Tonic, Winter Buster Syrup, Warming Respiratory Elixir, Bees' Knees Anti-Microbial Tea, Sore Throat Pastilles) $50

Moontime Kit (Pre-Moon Tincture, Red Moon Syrup) $40

Beauty Bag (Prairie Rose Sugar Scrub, Sweet Pits Deodorant, Rose Chamomile Facial Toner) $30

Calming Concoctions Bag (Cool Blue Elixir or Three Little Birds Elixir, Calming Tea Blend, Russian Sage Bath Soak or Oats & Rose Bath Soak) $35

Fertility Kit for Women (Mama Tea, Sweet Tart Liquid Vitamins, Vitex Tincture, Love Lotion) $45

Lovers' Bag (Snuggle Elixir, Herbal Hot Cocoa, Stress Less Relaxing Tea, Love Lotion, Peppermint Bark Chocolates or Adaptogen Pastilles) $40

First Aid Bag (Heal All Salve, Herbal Disinfecting Tincture, Belly Calm Elixir, Rose Vinegar, Yarrow Tincture, Skullcap or Valerian-Hops-Passionflower Tincture, Warming Pain Relief Salve) $60

Healthy Pregnancy Bag (Mama Tea, Oats & Rose Bath Soak, Growing Belly Balm, Nerve & Muscle Repair Salve) $50

Birth & Beyond Kit (Nursing Mama Tea, Soothe & Stretch Peri Oil, Motherwort Tincture, Post-Birth Sitz Bath Blend, Baby Balm) $50

Other Seasonal Items (a la carte):

Happy Heart Elixir, 4oz $20

Elder Immune Elixir, 2oz $12 or 4oz $20

Inner Fire Cider, 4oz $15

Immune Roots Chai with Reishi Blend $8

Breathe Deep Chest Rub $10

Oats & Rose Bath Soak $6

Body Butter Bars, 2 for $5

Warming Pain Relief Salve with Cayenne, 2oz $7

Bones & Joints Anti-Inflammatory Tea Blend $6

Cold & Flu Tea Blend $8

Kids' Cold & Flu Tincture $10

Herbibiotic Tincture (usnea, echinacea, Oregon grape, honeysuckle) $10