October Box

Elderberry Syrup

elderberry juice, cinnamon, ginger, and honey

Elderberry Syrup is one of my favorite daily tonics for keeping healthy, especially during the cold and flu season.  Elderberries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals that help the immune system. Take 1 teaspoon a day, or 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours when you are sick. Medicine has never been such a treat!  Store this product in your refrigerator.

Bee's Knees Tea Blend

mullein leaves, bee balm, hyssop, red clover, nettles, anise hyssop, licorice root

A lovely, somewhat spicy, and sweet wildcrafted tea blend. This blend is especially good for when you feel that little cold coming on. Anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, lymph-stimulating, expectorant, nourishing and more. Drink it hot, with or without a little honey or elderberry syrup for added benefit.

Herbal Deodorant

coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch, essential oils of rose, jasmine, lemon and tea tree

Commercial antiperspirants contain ingredients that have been linked to widespread disorders, even Alzheimer’s and cancer! Enjoy our natural alternative—a simple recipe that neutralizes odor and is anti-microbial. Roll a small pea-sized amount of deodorant between your fingers and apply to the underarms.

Mullein & Garlic Ear Oil

mullein flower and garlic infused olive oil

Helpful for ear infections, particularly the type of ear infections that produce a lot of hard wax. This oil will help to soften the wax and clean out the ear canal. Mullein flower helps to reduce pain and inflammation and is a lymphatic stimulant. Garlic gives the oil anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, making this remedy good for infections.  Herbalist Jim McDonald cites this combination to be good for healing up infected piercings too. Store in refrigerator, and use by the end of the month. Caution: if you suspect any rupture of the ear drum, DO NOT use this oil in the ear or put any other products into the ear canal!

Cold and Flu Kyphii Incense

mullein, pine needles, rose, osha root, rosehips, honey, mead, elderberries, white pine sap, Douglas Fir pine sap, makko powder, rosewater

A traditional whole plant incense, this kyphii blend is wonderful to burn and gently breathe to heal lung congestion and sinusitis. Its aromas are clearing and aided when paired with a hot bath. The kyphii this month comes with a charcoal disk. To enjoy the kyphii, light the disk and set on a stone dish or pottery until it becomes red. (I usually break the disk into 2-4 pieces because they burn for a long time and can be quite smoky). Then place a small crumble of kyphii on the charcoal, and inhale the aromatic vapors flowing out of the smoldering incense. (Alternately, you can take a lit coal out of a bonfire or wood stove for burning your incense.)

Member’s choice of one of the following three tinctures:

Kids Cold and Flu Tincture

echinacea, lemon balm, thyme, licorice root, elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, honey, 40% alcohol

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) - full dropper (adult), 3 times a day, as a preventive. When symptoms are occurring, take the same amount 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 cold and flu tea. Feel free to sweeten your cup with honey, but remember that any additional sugar can compromise the immune system!

Lip and Mouth Rescue

tulsi, lemon balm, honeysuckle, glycerin, honey, alcohol

This formula is anti-viral, immune-activating, anti-stress, and anti-inflammatory. Use it to respond to the first signs of an outbreak of herpes simplex, and it will tame fever blisters, to stop them from forming. 20 drops up to half a dropper full several times a day (every few hours) during times of stress to minimize outbreak. 

Echinacea Tincture

echinacea, alcohol, water

Stimulates the immune system to produce T-cells, which then fight off invading pathogens. Take 20 drops up to half a dropper full every hour or so, when there are signs that your body is actively fighting a virus (i.e., fever). By the way, did you know that echinacea can also be used topically to fight infection in wounds, and on bites and stings to draw out poison? Wound healing and bite remedies were the prime applications of this plant in many traditional Native American herbal practices.

(When using tinctures, take a drop or two on the tongue and wait 15 minutes, giving yourself time to watch for any unwanted or unexpected reactions to the herb.)

Kombucha

green tea, Wild Berry Zinger tea, sugar

A sweet and tangy blend full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and probiotics, oh my!

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.

Sweet Cedar Kyphii Incense- Batch 1

I've made my own incense for years.  Partially because I couldn't stand that thick artificially scented stuff, and also for the sheer joy of making something myself to use ceremonially.  However, the incense I've made has usually been from mixing different resins, and with a makko powder base. It works, I roll little sticks or form cones, mixing in other resins and sometimes essential oils. 

It wasn't until this year that I tried making a bioregional incense.  An incense that I (mostly) wildcrafted, one that not only smells beautiful but is truly la medicina for the soul. (And, with all the allergies I've had this year, one that was going to be good for my lungs as well!) 

Cedar, Rose Petals, and Cottonwood buds: My foundation

I started with cedar that I harvested this spring. In some Native American traditions cedar is used for blessings, and put on the ceremonial fire with intentions and prayers. Rose petals, of course! And anyone who knows my love affair with cottonwood trees and cottonwood medicine would not be surprised to find this in my incense. 

The mixing began, and continued for a literal 3 months on my altar. I added white sage, mullein, elder berries, pine pitch, honey, Ansel's home brew meade,  local beeswax, and frankincense. (It's not entirely bioregional, I did harvest the pine pitch and white sage in Colorado, and the frankincense is from Egypt.) If you didn't know, mullein smoke actually helps to clear the lungs. More on that here.

The end result is lov-er-ly! I could not be more pleased with this incense. It is truly a "Food for the Gods." I recommend burning it on a coal (the kind you'd use for a hookah, or one from your wood stove or ceremonial fire), and using it ceremonially. Set your intentions and let the smoke carry your prayers to the heavens.

Blessed be!

September Box

Contents and instructions...

Cooling Tea Blend-

hibiscus flowers, apple mint, peppermint, rose petals, wild rose whole plant
This tart and minty tea is thirst-quenching, cooling, and nourishing. Hibiscus is high in vitamin C, which we need for a healthy immune system and for iron absorption. This tea also improves digestion-- hibiscus stimulates bile production, and mint soothes indigestion and dispels gas. Did I mention this blend is delicious? Watch your kids slurp it up and want more! Drink it warm with honey or iced. A tablespoon will make a nice quart of tea. I like to blend one quart tea with half a quart of lemonade-- makes some awesome popsicles!


Cottonwood & Propolis Salve-

cottonwood infused olive oil, propolis extract, honey, beeswax

Cottonwood salves are great for relieving sore, tight muscles.  Cottonwood is pain relieving and anti-inflammatory. Propolis is especially antibacterial and anti-infective adding these qualities to this amazing salve. We've had great results using this salve around inflamed wounds. (As with all salves, be certain you've cleaned the wound thoroughly, and wait to apply on directly on top of the wound until the skin has closed.)

Three Little Birds Elixir

fresh and dried herbs (blue vervain, lemon balm, St. John's/Joan's wort, and roses) extracted in brandy and honey

Both heavily aromatic and slightly bitter, this concoction of relaxing herbs nourishes brain and nervous system. For those of us who struggle with bouts of anxiety, tension, or who go through phases of nervous irritability or overactivity, this elixir provides respite. Lemon balm uplifts mood and brings us calm. Balm also settles the stomach, easing indigestion and nausea, whether those troubles are of nervous origin or caused by virus. Lovely rose herb cools body and emotions and is known for gladdening our hearts and opening us up to joy. St. Joan's steadies mood; over time, an alliance with this herb tames the blues in people prone to getting them. Blue vervain, lemon balm, and St. Joan's are all known for alleviating physical pain and spasm rooted in an under-nourished or inflamed nervous system. Take this elixir every day to allow the herbs to do their tonic work. Stick to the recommended dose, as blue vervain can cause nausea in too large a dose. Avoid taking this elixir during pregnancy or giving to the kiddos. One-two teaspoons full daily, taken in water, tea, juice, kombucha, or other beverage. Try dribbling your daily spoonful on a scoop of ice cream-- yum!

Sage Witch Hazel Facial Toner-
sage, witch hazel
Spray this toner on your face and body to revitalize skin. It will clarify while also calming redness and irritation. Both sage and witch hazel are mildly astringent, antiseptic, and balancing for most skin types. The aroma of sage relaxes while improving mental clarity and memory. Sage is also known to  rejuvenate aging skin.

Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse-

apple cider vinegar and fresh rosemary, nettles, and horsetail herbs, with rosemary and lavender essential oils, diluted with pure water
Did you know that apple cider vinegar is great for the hair and scalp? This rinse closes the cuticle after shampooing, restores pH, and makes the hair smoother, healthier, and shinier. It corrects any dry/flaky scalp conditions and works great for all hair types. Slowly pour or dribble the rinse on your head after washing hair, making sure that it saturates the scalp. I use up about a half cup with each application and do it about once a week. There is no need to rinse the vinegar away after applying-- we added lovely lavender and rosemary essential oils to mask the vinegar smell.

Member's choice of one of our freshly pressed tinctures (herbs extracted in alcohol)-

Skullcap tincture: Relaxes body tissues that are constricted by nervous tension, thereby relieving pain and inflammation. It is one of the best herbs to have on hand for moments of great stress or agitation. This herb has been known to ease headaches, insomnia, panic/anxiety, and muscle spasms. Up to half a dropper full can be taken at a time. As with all tinctures, take a drop or two and wait for 15 minutes, giving yourself time to watch for any unwanted or unexpected reactions to the herb. 

Dandelion Root Tincture: Strengthens the liver so it can do its filtering work more effectively. Stimulates bile production and promotes better digestion overall. Helps kidneys remove wastes from the blood. Encourages movement of lymph and blood to congested and inflamed areas. Herbalist Susun Weed points out that dandelion root can help relieve food allergies and sensitivities and repair damage done to the liver by drugs, chemicals, alcohol, and infections such as hepatitis. Take several drops before each meal, or at least a couple of times a day.

Breast Health Compound Tincture (dandelion root, lady's mantle, violet): Supports healthy breast tissue by clearing lumps or cysts and by fighting and preventing breast infection (i.e., mastitis). These herbs are also touted for their anti-cancer properties. Lady's mantle and dandelion root are tonic to the female reproductive system and balance the hormones, thereby normalizing menstrual flows and easing pre-menstrual symptoms. A tonic dose would be 10-30 drops once a day, taken in tea or water. Take the tincture at a lower dose (10 drops) more often (three times a day) if you are actively trying to clear plugged ducts or lumps. 

White Sage Bundle-
White sage is used traditionally used to purify the mind, the body and the atmosphere. It is usually burned (plate/bowl/shell) and the smoke is wafted around the area for purification. Be sure you fully extinguish the smudge stick after each use.


Kombucha-
black tea, yerba mate, wild rose white tea, passionflower herb
Ready to drink. Passionflower is a calming and gladdening herb. We like to use yerba mate in the tea blends we feed to our kombucha SCOBY, because of mate's vitamin and mineral profile-- magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc, along with other nutritive goodies. If you like your kombucha a bit sweeter, you can add a tablespoon or so of fruit juice to your glass or to the bottle.

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.

Bike Wildcrafting

I can't get enough bike wildcrafting these days! It's so fun to ride around the countryside spying all these beautiful and medicinal prairie plants. Today I picked blue vervain, boneset, evening primrose, goldenrod (for my dye pot!), and ragweed (which I tied to the back of my bike, so as to breathe in less of its pollen!). More on ragweed later...

Some amazing blue vervain (Verbena hastada)

Enjoy your day, folks! 

Breathe Deep

Even though I love being up in the middle of the night tinkering around in my apothecary, I'm not too thrilled about having to get up because I need to medicate myself with my herbals. But, here I am, early this morning up listening to the coyotes howl and feeling quite a bit better than when I got up two hours ago.

The first hour I was up I just tried to go back to sleep. I love my sleep. I also nursed my boy, tried not to cough. It's high allergy season for me- and even though I do take an over-the-counter antihistamine, it's sometimes still too much.  And sometimes I take the o-t-c meds too early and it wears off halfway through the night.  Since I have no rescue-inhailer, I rolled out of bed, put on a sweater, and trudged upstairs, hacking and coughing all the way. By this time I was wheezing and felt out of breath. The coughing had triggered bronchial constriction, known as asthma or air hunger. (Not that these are exactly the same, but I would certainly say similar-- and I am an undiagnosed person)

So I started the tea pot, took allergy meds, and walked over to my apothecary to grab some herbs for immediate relief. My lobelia tincture (Lobelia inflata), always helps with the breathlessness immediately, but I personally don't enjoy the taste, and a dropper of lobelia leaves me feeling nauseous. Instead, I take a mullein leaf and start burning it. I waft the smoke towards my face, close my eyes, and breathe it in. Immediate relief! I no longer feel panicked for oxygen. Next I get some licorice root off my shelf and put a couple teaspoons in my gourd. I take my osha tincture, drop 5 drops into the gourd and take one on my tongue. I find osha to be incredibly centering, comforting, and relaxing to my lungs/bronchioles.

I poke around looking for my Warming Respiratory Elixer, (violet-mullein-wild ginger). I don't find it anywhere, and imagine that it's probably in one of my baskets somewhere, so I go to the fridge and pull out my bulk bottle. I pour a new bottle, fill the dropper and squeeze it onto my tongue, I squeeze another into my gourd. I grab my Breathe Deep Chest Rub and rub it up and down my neck and on my chest. It's got mullein-infused olive oil, menthol, thyme, and eucalyptus and definitely helps me to breathe deep! All this has taken as long as it takes for my water to boil, so I fill my gourd with the hot water. I take one more dropperfull of that Elixer, for good measure, and because its so darn tasty!

My tea is still cooling, so I decide I'll take a picture of my mid-night medicines. I've been thinking of compiling that Breathe Deep Herbal Kit, and all of these things will be in it:

Dried Mullein Leaf

A Licorice Root-based tea

Warming Respiratory Elixer (violet, mullein, wild ginger)

Osha Honey Syrup

Breathe Deep Chest Rub

Lobelia tincture (optional)

Well folks, the birds are beginning to chirp, the sky is lightening, and I am feeling much better. :-) I'm off to my yoga mat until the boy wakes up!

August Box

Contents and instructions...


Damiana Love Elixir-

damiana, brandy, rose syrup, orange, vanilla 

Damiana is a famous herb known for its aphrodisiac qualities but is also a wonderful tonic for the reproductive system and a fantastic nervine. In this elixir it is teamed up with rose, a cooling astringent,  and orange for a strong dose of vitamin C. Vanilla adds a creamy tone, binding all of the flavors together. Enjoy this elixir many ways-- by adding a 1-2 Tbsp to an adult beverage for a romantic night, or by taking 1/2-1 tsp a day by adding it to juice, water or tea for toning effects on your reproductive and nervous systems. The cooling astringent properties of rose will help to keep your internal temperature cool during these final hot months of summer. Enjoy!

Disinfecting Tincture-
This is a tincture for external use only.
plantain, cleavers, chickweed, lavender essential oil
This tincture is a great thing to take along on any outdoor adventure.  It is great to put on itchy, angry bug bites that are red and inflamed, or to rub on the area after a tick bite. (Of course, visit your doctor if you have concerns about those bites.) It is even good to rub on cat scratches and poison ivy.  This formula will help calm inflammation, while soothing the area and drawing out possible infection.

Meditation Tea Blend-
lemon balm, tulsi, alfalfa, wild rose, gotu kola, red rose petals, oatstraw, rosehips
A nourishing and rejuvenating blend with freshly harvested and dried tulsi, lemon balm, and wild rose. Oatstraw, alfalfa, and rosehips are great sources of vitamins and minerals we need every day-- calcium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, iron, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and the list goes on. Rose and lemon balm cool the body and balance the body-warming effect of tulsi. Tulsi or tulasi, also known as holy basil, is a relative of the sweet basil we use in pesto. It is held sacred among Hindus of all sects and is incorporated into spiritual practices in India, consumed as tea and burned as an incense. On a physical level, tulsi has been used to strengthen the immune system, clear toxins from the body, and calm the nerves. We are delighted to let you try our homegrown! This tea is nice to have warm with just a bit of honey, or iced with a splash of juice-- I recommend local peach.

Sweet Relief Herbal Bug Repellent-
catnip, apricot kernel and coconut oils, vanilla extract, witch hazel, essential oils of lemongrass and lemon eucalyptus, rosewater
A moisturizing yet non-greasy bug spray with all natural ingredients and a lovely floral-lemony aroma. It combines fresh, homegrown catnip-infused oils with vanilla and skin-toning witch hazel and rosewater, to repel a variety of pesky insects. We formulated this specifically to guard against biting insects prevalent in Iowa in the summertime-- gnats, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. For external use only. Shake well and spray on, re-applying every 2 hours or as needed. The glass bottle preserves the integrity of the oils in the spray. Do not leave your spray in direct sunlight or store it in a place with a high temperature.

Nerve and Muscle Repair Salve-
arnica, St. John's/Joan's wort, cottonwood bud resin, olive oil, beeswax
An amazing synergistic blend, this salve is great for sore muscles, bruises, nerve pain, and inflammation.  It will soothe everything from bonks to sciatica to a numb nerve line, to muscles sore from a hard day's work.

Kombucha-
black tea, yerba mate, rose petals, black cherry juice
Enjoy!

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.

Join us for an Herb Walk!

Join us for an herb walk through St Joseph's Cemetery, Oakland Cemetery and Hickory Hill! We will be meeting at 931 N Summit St at 9:30am on Sunday Aug 11th and be leaving for the walk at 10am sharp. Items to consider bringing include water bottle, snacks, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, pen and paper, camera. Expect to be out walking for about two hours, but duration of walk will depend on who attends and what ya'll prefer. This will not be a wild crafting expedition but rather a walk to learn to identify common medicinal plants and their uses. As always please RSVP if you will be attending so we can prepare a head count and idea for what to expect.