Holistic Heath | Alternative Medicine | Herbal Remedies

Keepers of the Earth ~ Part 2

June 7, 2013 by Shiva Rose

I was sad to see my plant gathering class end a few weeks ago. Mostly because it brought me together with a group of like minded sisters and I am finding that I need that more and more in my life. Part of my path towards being more in tune with the feminine, is seeking circles of kinship where I can feel inspired and nurtured. Our wonderful wise mentor Stacey Small taught us the basics of how to recognize medicinal plants, and then how to make essences and teas from them. Below is just a bit of information on the incredible Elder Tree which connects us to our ancestors and can uplifts us. We learned how to make a mother essence by placing the plant in pure spring water, and then from there into little bottles with droppers with brandy to keep the essence in tact. For more information on how to make this look on Stacey's site. The wonderful thing about Elder is it grows all around us in Northern America. You will start recognizing it in many places with its's little serrated leaves and sweet butter yellow blossoms.

Elderberry Sambucus mexicana

The tree and its products are quite popular in Europe, where it is known as elder, elderberry tree, or bour tree. Several species of Sambucus are well known, especially S. nigra, which is native to Europe, and S. canadensis from North America. The flowers, or cymes, are the parts that are most favored in herbal therapy; the berries, bark, and leaves are used less frequently._

Uses and Benefits: In Europe, elder flowers have been popular for treating colds and fevers, and to help expectoration in bronchitis and asthma. Elder is commonly described as being a diaphoretic. It is often incorporated in herbal mixtures to treat influenza, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Other recommended uses include neuralgia, nervous conditions, inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, diabetes, and various infections. It is also employed as a laxative, a diuretic, for weight loss, and as a topical preparation for skin disorders. The blue or black berries are used as a food, in wine and other drinks, and in jams. Its popularity today relates in large part to its importance in traditional European folklore, where it is credited with legendary properties.

Pharmacology: The flowers are the source of an essential oil that has a buttery consistency because it contains palmitic and other fatty acids, and alkanes The leaves and seeds contain cyanidin glycosides. Laboratory studies suggest that elder flowers have anti-inflammatory effects, and animal models indicate that elder preparations may protect the liver against toxins. Clinical experience in Germany suggests elderberry (or elderberry-containing products) may have mulecretory properties.

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Elder flowers are a mild astringent and are used in skin washes to refine the complexion and help relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis. Flower water makes a soothing gargle and when strained makes an excellent eye wash.

The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in ointments and poultices for burns and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. Infusions and preparations with the blossoms combined with other herbs have also been used to quicken recovery from the common cold and flu.

Tribe & Health

Flower Wreaths ~ May Faire

May 23, 2013 by Shiva Rose

I am closing this merry month of May by recounting how we initiated it. At my daughter Charlotte's Waldorf School they have the most beautiful celebration each May to honor Spring. The origins of the Maypole dates back to the Spring festivals of India and Egypt and later the Celtic tribes made it a part of their festival to bring on fertility and prosperity. The day before the May pole festival, my dear friend Mystic Mamma and I gathered our little lasses and made some wreaths to wear. Scroll below for directions on how to make a wreath. You can make these to celebrate Mid Summer Night's Eve which is around the corner.

Making Flower Wreaths

This is one of the easier crafts that even I can manage! Here is what you need:

1) Green Floral Tape

2) Flower wire

3) Wire clippers

4) Fresh flowers

5) Ribbons

6) Bells (optional)

Simply wrap the wire around your head to get the correct size. Then wrap the wire with the floral tape and add the flowers with part of the stems against the wire. You can use the leaves as well to add more green and baby's breathe for a more whispery look. Make sure the flower stems are all pointed in the same direction when binding. Add the ribbons at the back of the wreaths. You can add bells at the bottom as well.

A song to sing around the pole:

Here is a branch of snowy May, the branch the fairies gave me.

Would you like to dance today.

With a branch the fairies gave me.

Dance away, dance away. Holding high the branch of May.

Spirit Tribe & Health

Keepers of the Earth ~ Part 1

May 11, 2013 by Shiva Rose

The last six weeks a few friends and I have been taking part in the most informative and magical class about discovering native plants. Our fearless leader is a true sage named Stacey Small. We gather once a week in the mountains around Topanga canyon and learn about remedies and essences from the exquisite native plants and wild flowers. We start the class gathered in a circle and sing a Chumash Tribe song. We then discuss the merits and traits of certain plants like mugwort, elder, willow and black sage to name a few. The first class Stacey took us to a cave where we discussed our ancestors and made some earth figures from clay. Being in the class reminds me of how vital connection is to other sisters and to our mama earth. Not only do I feel fulfilled from all the grace that surrounds us, but I also am learning the names and significance of the plants that I live and hike among. We each had to pick a special plant that we resonated deeply with. I picked the Mariposa Lily. I chose it because of it's beauty and simplicity but as I read about it's medicinal qualities I am astounded at how it is perfect for what I need in my life right now. I truly feel a kinship with this plant ally. May we all find our allies!!

Elder tree

Foraging for Elder branches

Stacey Small

Tribe & Health Video

Part 2 ~ Panchakarma With Martha

May 4, 2013 by Shiva Rose

1) What are the benefits of panchakarma?

Panchakarma is an ancient, nourishing, profoundly healing series of treatments that rejuvenates your body, detoxifying all the tissues, and restoring balance. In Ayurveda, our imbalances are the root of all disease… from serious conditions to minor concerns like lack energy, or restlessness, or any discomfort. We all know this -- when we feel balanced, we feel good.

2) Can you give us a brief description of the three doshas in Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurveda looks at our bodies as made of of three doshas -- pitta, vata and kapha, or fire, air and earth/water. Every body is a unique combination of these three qualities, which is why we're all unique. A person who's predominantly pitta is proactive, precise, has a strong constitution. When pitta is aggravated, there are problems with inflammation, digestion, skin conditions, anger. A person who's predominantly vata is quick but balanced, thinner, creative, has good digestion. When vatta is aggravated, we feel scattered, even nervous, our memory is poor, and we might be impatient. A predominantly kahpa person is rounder, with larger eyes, and is solid, reliable and calm. When kapha is aggravated, we feel sluggish, slow, stubborn. Each of us are a combination of these three doshas -- and in balance, they're wonderful. Out of balance, we feel off, and we should -- these imbalances are the seeds of all disease. Ayurveda's main function is to gently bring us back into balance through diet, herbs and wonderful treatments...

3) You mentioned to me that having a spoonful of ghee every day keeps you young. Can you elaborate on this?

Ghee enhances brain function and stimulates the digestive system. It's got vitamins A, D, E, and K -- especially our ghee, which we make from raw, grass-fed Amish butter. Since these vitamins are fat-soluble, ghee helps us absorb and make good use of these vitamins. It's a vehicle, too! Good fats, like the fat in ghee, are crucial to our body, and contain no trans-fats, hydrogenated oils or oxidized cholesterol of butter or other oils. Ghee also creates ojas in our bodies -- and ojas is known as "the essence of life!"

4) What is your favorite healthy meal?

Organic dhal, fresh coconut basmati rice, and farmers market vegetables cooked with some raisons or figs in a little coconut oil or, yes, ghee.

5) Do you mind sharing your recipe for daal? I can never quite get jt to taste as good as yours?

Our secret at Surya is to cook with love, or mantras, or prayers -- or all of that. Cook from the heart. I can't explain it, but the food tastes better! (Recipe below)

6) What inspires you?

Seeing our clients get better. Traditional Ayurveda is amazing. Even doctors recommend their clients to us. Ayurveda works. And people get more than just better -- it's really inspiring to watch people's lives literally transform -- they come in one way, and come out happier and healthier, and full of life. To be part of that is an honor and a joy…!

DHAL RECIPE

Dhal (split yellow mung bean) is easy to make, easy to digest, and nutritious. You can have it done quickly, or let it cook for hours, as we do, by leaving the burner on very low and covering the pot.

Organic dhal is highly preferable. In any case, wash the dhal thoroughly (even scrubbing quickly with your hands). 1/4 cup is good for 1 person.

Stir 1/4 cup of dhal into 1 & 1/2 cups of water (ratio 1 to 6, a little less water if you like it thicker). Bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. You can take the foam off the top with a spoon as it rises (or whenever you like). Stir, put the heat on very low, and leave it there for as long as you like, making sure there is enough water so it won’t dry out.

Spices: Surya can provide you with vata-pacifying (or calming) spices, or you can make a version yourselves from the following:

1/8 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cumin 1/8 tsp coriander 1/8 tsp fennel

If you’re doing home prep, then just put the spices and some fresh cilantro right into the mung beans. During PK, or at any other time, heat up a little ghee in a pan and sauté the spices. Add fresh cilantro to the cooked spices, let that sauté, then add the whole mixture to the dhal, putting a little water in the pan to get everything out if need be.

Dhal is delicious with white rice, basmati if possible.