Snails, Trails, and Owl Pellets : The Gifts and Medicine of a Central Texas Storm

Last night the storm rocked the house and lit up every window and otherwise crack to the outside from our darkened home. My only window of the spectacular show was when my partner burst into the room lit up as bright as the sky itself, energized by pushing seeds into the sponge soft ground in, and no doubt the energy generated by swelling storm.

This morning, I awoke a little disappointed (thunder storms are my favorite, I had slept through it, and we don't get as many here in Austin as we did in Tucson) but overall felt entirely at peace and after making some coffee, I strolled down to my new moon garden. Beyond the winding trails where the downpour had washed all the organic debris downhill, I perched on a rock with my nose close to the ground to see if any of my little seedlings had been coaxed out of the ground by the showers and to see what else the storm had left behind.

I want to share a really lovely short and simple article about the art of vibrational healing(also this is just a really great blog, if you have interest, I suggest you follow):
Herb Geek: Vibrational Healing

I truly must believe that anyone who spends time with herbs, anyone who spends time in the ritual of preparation itself (be it teas, salves, etc), or simply anyone who walks the winding paths left by the rain after a great storm cannot deny that this invisible medicine exists.

What the author doesn't mention in this article is that science backs up vibrational changes that have a direct effect on the human body systems. Take, for example the well established effects that the negative ions left after a good rain has on the human body. I sourced the following information from http://www.iriswellbeing.com/negative_ions.html. I would have paraphrased this myself, but I'm anxious to get back outside!

-Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.
-Negative ions help recovery from physical exhaustion and fatigue – achieved by increasing oxygen levels in the blood.
-Negative ions stabilize brain function – effect - relaxation and calmness.
-Negative ions aid in blood purification by increasing the levels of calcium and sodium (healthy salt intake) in the blood stream, negative ions help restore a healthy (slightly alkaline) pH balance to the blood.
-Negative ions increase metabolism by stimulating exchange of electronic substances in cells.
-Negative ions strengthen immune system - high levels of negative ions promote production of globulin (proteins that are found extensively in blood plasma) in the blood, resulting in stronger resistance to illness.
-Negative ions balance autonomic nervous system by balancing the opposing sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system.
-Negative ions promote better digestion - by counteracting over-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, negative ions help ease tension in the stomach and intestines, promoting the production of digestive enzymes and enhancing digestion.
-Negative ions promote cell rejuvenation by revitalizing cell metabolism, negative ions enhance vitality of muscle tissue and strengthening internal organs.

NOW EVERYONE GO OUTSIDE AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE MEDICINE!

Still Moment

Jesca Hoop is the voice of the little adobe corner-market house on Franklin, in a burning-sky desert in autumn. She is the first days of sweater on the front stoop, of glowing windows, and a dirt drive, and starlight obscured by branches. Oh, that sweet certain spot. Nothing but aged wood floors and adobe smells like aged wood floors and adobe. Breathing in the world's expansive and varied fortunes, and out my uncertain intention - it was the house of waiting, and I, at the mercy of absolute contingency.

Herbs to Share with Your Sweetheart, Be They of the Human or Animal Kingdom.

As I write this, I am waiting to pick up my first ever cat companion, “Mr. Meow-gi,” also called “Tommy the cat,” from the veterinary clinic. I always thought of myself as a dog person through and through but then, one fateful eve about a month ago, I more or less fell into the role of a cat owner. I adore their independence and ability to turn grown men into bumbling, baby-talking idiots with a coy and calculated look (such coveted gifts!). So, with felines on the mind, I want to share the all too overlooked wonders of Catnip with you!

Most of us think of catnip purely as a kitty cocktail, something to entertain and intoxicate our furry friends of the feline persuasion. However, to stop there would be selling short this incredibly multifaceted herb. Common catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint (or Lamiaceae) family. It has been long used by humans as a tea, infusion, tincture, and even smoked for its calming effects, to ease upset stomachs, reduce fevers, chills, aches and pains, and to help relieve joint pain and rheumatism. I like to drink catnip as a tea, in a blend with chamomile (Matricaria recutita) , oatstraw (Avena sative), and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) to alleviate anxiety and promote rest and relaxation. Considering these characteristics, it might not be surprising to learn that catnip shares a similar chemical structure with the Valarian plant.

…but those are just reasons why us humans love catnip. Your cats love it because it contains a terpene called nepetalactone. When cats inhale this fragrance, they begin to exhibit the range of actions associated with kitty intoxication, purring, rolling on the floor, etc, likely reacting to similar “feel good” pharamones. Interestingly, only cats over the age of eight months usually respond to the herb, and even after those eight months, 10%-30% of cats will not become susceptive to the nepetalactone in catnip’s stimulating effects. That same terpene, nepetalactone, is also a potent insect repellant, and has been tested and reported to be more effective than DEET against flies, mosquitoes, and even roaches.

This Valentines Day, consider showing love to yourself and your furry soul mate by sharing in some catnip and a candlelit salmon dinner.

Head Banger's Balm : Newest Complete Product to the Nomadica Apothecary Line!

I completed the newest product to the line yesterday on a mad herbal spree which included the design of the label (all of my product labels are hand drawn and designed by myself). What a wonderful way to spend a rainy day! I sold seven of them that night and have enough left over to fill the other existing orders for the product. By the end of the night however I got two more orders for Head Banger's Balm so I guess I'll be making a new batch this week along with the others that are on que in the apothecary!

Head Banger's Balm is a salve infused with oils of feverfew, skullcap, and meadowsweet and combined with aromatherapy oils of lavender, peppermint, and rosemary - intended for cranial massage for relief of tension headaches. We could all use a little tension taming, I'm sure - especially around the holiday season. I hope all of you who have already or will be receiving one of these new balms really enjoy them and finds relief from pain and tension built up in the head, neck, and shoulders! Plus its a great excuse to get someone to give your gourd a good rub down, or motivate you to take some quiet time to do it yourself! Happy holidays, and keep your eyes peeled for all the wonderful new products coming out of the Nomadica Apothecary this week!

Drink Your Vitamins for Seasonal Wellness: The Wonderful World of Teas, Infusions, and Tonics!

I had an interesting interaction with a customer at the co-op just the other day. A woman was disappointed that we didn’t carry “Chamomile Tea” in bulk herbs. When I pointed out a full jar of sunny yellow, honey scented flowers labeled “Chamomile” she looked surprised, “Is that the same stuff they use in the tea?”

This type of interaction is not uncommon in the bulk herbs department, and I realized that there is a popular misconception when it comes to the difference between “tea” and “herbs.” Part of this confusion might be due to the fact that there are technically two definitions for “tea,” one referring to the tea plant, Camelia sinensis, from which all “tea leaves” are derived (I am specifically referring to black, green, and white teas). The other definition refers to the actual preparation of steeping herbs or fruit in hot water to extract their flavor and beneficial health properties. Any herb can be prepared as a tea. For clarity purposes, from here on I will differentiate the two by referring to the tea plant as “tea” and the preparation of herbs in a hot water extraction as an “herbal tea.”

In my opinion, tea (in both cases) is one of the most under rated methods of taking herbs. We all know the wonderful antioxidant properties of black, green, and white teas. All three supply a friendly amount of anti-oxidants and Theanine, an amino acid shown to ease physical and mental stress, as well as improve mood and cognition. Additionally, taking herbs as an herbal tea, rather than in a capsule, is a very efficient way to assimilate the vitamins, minerals, and other health giving properties that they contain into our bodies. Especially during the cold seasons, a hot herbal tea is a soothing and delicious way to supplement extra nutrition into your daily regiment. Think of it as a way of drinking your vitamins! A hot beverage is therapeutic in its own right. Taking the time to prepare and enjoy your own herbal tea can be a stress relieving meditative daily practice, aiding both in your physical and mental health.

Many herbs are high in vitamins and minerals, and many of their nutritive properties are water soluble, meaning that they extract especially well into water. For a sore throat or a cough, preparing an herbal tea of slippery elm helps to extract the plant’s mucilaginous (slick and somewhat slimy) components and deposit them directly where they are needed – down the hatch, on the walls of the throat! Add a bit of raw honey and you’ve just increased your herbal tea’s antiviral potential, and enlisted another sticky soothing agent to help coat the inflamed tissue.

While an herbal tea is made by infusing herbs into water (usually 1-2 teaspoons per cup), an “herbal infusion” is a similar type of preparation that requires larger amounts of herbs and a longer steeping time to obtain a more significant concentration of nutritional benefits. A typical herb to water ratio in an herbal infusion is one weighted ounce of herb to one quart of water. A common way to prepare an herbal infusion is to fill a large mason jar with the suggested amount of herbs, bring water to not-quite-a-boil on the stove, pour the water over the herbs in the jar and screw on the lid, then let it infuse for 4 hours. When it’s done infusing, you can strain out the plant material before drinking. One easy way to do this is to prepare your infusion before bed, let it steep overnight, and sip happily the next morning! What a great way to start your day! You can also store your infusion in the refrigerator safely for 1-2 days, generally.

Nettle leaf is also a wonderful example of an herb that really benefits from a water extraction. Nettle leaf is known to contain high amounts of iron, calcium, chlorophyll, and vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron and zinc. It is also a good source of vitamins A, D, K and E and has long been a popular herb for allergy complaints, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties.

Nettle is also one of a number of herbs that are considered to have a “tonic” effect on the body. A tonic herb is one that is generally accepted as safe to consume over a longer period and contains nourishing and restorative properties to gently strengthen the system over time. Tonic herbs are fantastic candidates for herbal infusions. Other tonic herbs include oat straw, dandelion root, and raspberry leaf. A tonic dose is usually 2-4 cups daily, and is best used preventatively. This practice encourages toning of the body systems in order to be well prepared to fend off icky bugs that characterize the cold seasons (similar to the way that going to the gym every day will prepare you to safely run a marathon). However, if a seasonal bug does happen to get the best of you, both infusions and herbal teas are still greatly helpful after the onset of a cold or flu to promote healing and restoration – and dang it, they’re just so downright tasty! Swing by bulk herbs and ask me about more of my favorite herbs for herbal teas and infusions, and in the mean time, happy and healthy sipping to you all!

*As always, if you are pregnant, nursing, on certain medications, or are prone to allergies, it is suggested that you consult a trusted health practitioner before beginning to take herbs regularly.

*For more information about making nutritive herbal infusions, check out Susun Weed’s blog, at http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm.

The Desert Makes all Things Clear

Volver! Volver! The desert makes all things clear again! Back from my New Mexican vacation, and I am inspired, motivated, and energized....if not a little unsure as to where to start. Reminded why this is my path, the mesas spoke clearly to my sense of calling. Invigorated by the crystal clear air and the wet red clay, out of the aspen forests and the bushes full of bright, plump rose hips, mats of mushrooms and fans of burdock leaves - I return to central Texas, somewhat hesitantly, and already longing for my home. But I recognize the opportunity I have here, it is why I've stayed this long, and not to take full advantage of it would be a lazy mistake. So into the apothecary I go, with new methods of formulations, into the cracked yellow forest of the city and its surrounding areas I go, to sit with the plants, and understand that the dry bleak state of things and this deplorable air that is not fit to breathe, is hurting them too. My biggest challenge is not to get bogged down by the responsibilities that I only am bound to by financial necessity and keep my path clear and in sight. I want to learn, to make, to thrive, WITH the plants, not from them. I still have so much to learn, so much to do, so much to LEARN! I must be quiet, and compartmentalize my time into working for money, and working towards everything else. Someday, dear self, you will be free! If you rise to the call now, genuinely, and diligently, you will one day be free.

Good morning

Out comes a new breeze from the fluttering amber drapery of the window to coerce me out of bed, from the kitchen an aroma of hot coffee and corn tortillas on the stove, and breakfasts in the garden. Oh autumn, please stay.