Medicinal Herb – Calendula

Medicinal Herb Post #3 written May 28, 2018

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) other names it’s known for are pot marigold or English marigold.

I love this bright, happy little flower. It’s name in Latin means “calender”, which references its ability to bloom every day of the year (weather permitting). My calendula blooms from March through November until it gets too cold. Another cool thing I learned about the name officinalis is that it means that any particular plant with it in its name came from the officina or traditional storeroom of the old monasteries where medicine was kept. They have been tried and true herbs used specifically for their medicine for hundreds of years. Calendula is an annual (short lived perennial in warm climates) that reseeds itself easily and can be invasive. However it is not difficult to manage.

Calendula is a fabulous anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (accelerates healing), astringent and anti-fungal herb. It’s great for sore throats, mouth sores, dental infections, stomach and intestinal ulcers (when used with comfrey), skin wounds and fungal infections. Calendula can be used as an eye wash for conjunctivitis. It has also been known to help stop bleeding, clear the lymphatic system when used with cleavers and echinacea and helps to cleanse the liver by increasing production of bile. It can also be useful when used topically and taken internally for breast cysts. It can be soothing to women who have undergone mastectomies. Gynologically it can be used for reducing fibroids and ovarian cysts. It is very useful in a sitz bath after child birth. It’s a serious super star herb!

I like to harvest the flowers when they are open but not drooping, leave those to go to seed so you have more next year. Some of the things I do with it are:

Herbal tea for stomach/intestinal sores/ulcers and candida overgrowth (also good for mouth sores) equal parts calendula, marshmallow, comfrey and licorice. 2 tsp 2x a day.

I make a skin salve that accelerates healing like nothing else. You’ll want to use equal parts of at least the first 5 herbs: calendula, comfrey leaf and root, plantain, yarrow, marshmallow, mullien, chickweed, lobelia, St. John’s Wort. I place them in a jar and cover with olive oil and a lid or you can place them in a pot over the stove top. If you’re solar infusing put the jars in a sunny place for 4 weeks and shake daily ( I prefer this method). If using the stove top method heat the oil and herbs on the lowest heat for an hour. Be careful not to burn the herbs. Strain and place oil in pot. For every cup of infused oil you have you’ll want to add 1/4 cup beeswax until melted. Test it to make sure it is the consistancy you want. More wax will make it harder. Pour into jars and add vitamin e to help the salve penetrate through all the dermis layers. Add essential oils (I like lavender and tea tree) to help preserve the salve. Store in fridge.

Calendula is very safe with no contraindications, although there are some herbalist that think it’s a good idea to stay away from using it internally during pregnancy because it can help normalize menstrual cycles and relieve cramps.

July 11, 2018December 6, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Elder

Medicinal Herb Post #2 written May 22, 2018Elder (Sambucus spp.)

You might be wondering why I’m posting about Elder today seeing how there aren’t any berries, let alone blossoms yet. There are more medicinal parts to the plant (like the leaf) than just the berries and parts that should be avoided like the mildly toxic bark and roots and red berries (Sambucus racemosa). Elder is one of the best antiviral herbs one can grow. It’s leaves are the strongest medicinally and should be harvested before the energy of the plant moves into blossom and berry production. It’s the number one herb for the onset of a cold/flu.However, Elder should be avoided during cytokine storms. Cytokine storms are when the body produces too many disease fighting cells like macrophages and T-cells, essentially attacking the whole body instead of just the virus. This is more likely to happen to those with strong immune systems. A good example of this is the Spanish influenza and the reason for so many deaths. Other herbs that can increase cytokines are Echinacea, Honey, Ginseng and Chocolate (sad I know).So when is it beneficial to take Elder? At the very first signs of cold/flu/influenza! A great combo to take is Elder leaf, yarrow and peppermint. Echinacea is also another good herb to add as well. If the virus has moved from the head down into the throat and lungs you would want to use expectorant herbs like gumweed, wild cherry, and elecampane and anti-cytokine herbs like tumeric, garlic, grape leaves, ginger, skullcap and St. John’s Wort.

Elder flower is a known diaphoretic, or herb that helps one sweat out a fever making it more productive. Use it with yarrow, catmint and spearmint or peppermint for best results. The flower is good for upper respiratory infections like sinus infections, congestion and blocked Eustachian tubes. Elder flower is very soothing with it’s emollient properties for the skin. It is soothing for allergic reactions, redness and inflammation of the skin. Use in a cream or as a poultice.

The berry can be used for deeper coughs. It is especially beneficial for stopping the replication of the influenza virus. The virus looks like it has tiny little thorns on it that puncture the cell walls then replicates. Elderberry disarms the replication of the virus and therefore shortens the duration of illness. Use at the onset of illness every 2 hours in syrup or tincture form. It can be used with echinacea and willow or boneset to help with achiness, mullein leaf and flower for deep congestion as well as dry hacking coughs and coltsfoot, mullein or licorice to soothe a sore throat, gumweed or elecampane as a good expectorant. The berries are very high in antioxidants and strengthen veins and capillaries. Other berries that do the same are currants, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

The leaves should only be used for adults, flowers for children and berries for everyone. Here are some ideas to use Elder:

Cold/flu tea – Elder leaf, yarrow, peppermint. 1 tsp of each in a cup of hot water that was just boiled. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes. Drink a cup 3x a day for a couple of days. For children use Elder flower, yarrow and spearmint. I haven’t been sick in years using this simple recipe.

Check out my recipe for the best elderberry syrup!https://rootedemily.com/?p=651

Elder is considered safe for everyone including pregnancy. Use the berry and flower for children and pregnant women.

July 11, 2018August 1, 2018

Medicinal Herb – Chamomile

Medicinal Herb Post #1 written May 21, 2018

Busy harvesting lots of medicinal herbs today. I’d like to start a daily (or maybe realistically, weekly) post on simple herbs to grow and their uses. One of my favorites is chamomile. It is incredibly versatile! German (Matricaria recutita) is the annual variety and self seeds very well. Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial that comes back every year. Don’t confuse it with feverfew (they don’t bloom at the same time anyway). You can tell the difference by the shape of leaves. Chamomile has a fern like shape and feverfew has a broader shaped leaf. They also smell very different. Chamomile has a sweet apple like smell and feverfew is more musty. Feverfew is fantastic for headaches, including migraines and stimulating menstrual flow (so feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy). The chamomile herb is very safe, but should be avoided if one is taking sleep aids or allergic to ragweed.

You’ll want to gather the flowers in the late morning or early afternoon when they are open and the petals are a nice disc shape. Once the petals droop let them go to seed. I planted a seed packet years and years ago and have never had to buy since. They grow in my pathways around my garden boxes. I just pull out the ones that I don’t want and get plenty yearly.

Chamomile is a great anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, nervine (pain), antispasmodic and includes many other qualities. It’s great for sore throats, teething babies, intestinal issues including ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, great for digestion, supports the liver and urinary system and is very good for anxiety/insomnia. Wow! It is definitely one to have in the garden!

So what am I going to do with my chamomile? I’ll harvest, dry and use with other herbs. Here’s a few ideas and recipes:

Sore throat tea: equal parts chamomile, calendula, marshmallow and licorice. 2 tsp per dose, 3x a day.

Stomachache/gastritis: equal parts chamomile, peppermint, marshmallow. 2 tsp as needed. For ulcers add calendula and comfrey.
For colic and gas: equal parts catnip, chamomile, fennel and licorice. Same dosage as above.
For diarrhea: 2 parts bentonite clay, 2 parts marshmallow, 1 part angelica seed and 1 part sage. 4 tsp 2x a day.

Liver cleanse: equal parts chamomile, burdock root, Oregon grape and dandelion root. 2 tsp 2x a day for 2 weeks. Liver Restorative (used after a cleanse): equal parts chamomile, yellow dock root, cleavers and milk thistle. Same dosage as above.

Menstrual cramps: equal parts chamomile, cramp bark, ginger and fennel. 1 tsp as needed.

Insomnia: equal parts chamomile, valerian, skullcap. (2 tsp just before bed). Add lobelia and black cohosh for nerve pain 2 tsp 2x a day.
Anxiety: chamomile, St. Johns Wort, lemon balm, oat straw. 2 tsp 2x a day.

Bladder infection: equal parts chamomile, 2 corn silk, juniper berry, 2 marshmallow, cranberry. 2 tsp 2x a day.

What do you do with your chamomile?

July 25, 2017March 9, 2018

Marshmallow Althea officinalis

Althea officinalis

The marshmallow plant has some amazing medicinal qualities! This plant does all the same things as slippery elm, except it’s not endangered and it grows here in the west… like a weed! It is known as a demulcent herb that contains high levels of mucilage which is a slimy, soothing substance that calms down irritated tissues when used externally or internally. All of it’s family members including, common mallow (the smaller “cheesy” plant), hollyhocks and globe mallow have the same medicinal qualities as marshmallow. The root, leaves and flowers are the medicine. Although the root is the strongest part.

Mucilage plants are soothing to all tissues including the skin, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. It can be used to clam the GI tract, irritated bronchi and even sooth kidney and bladder discomfort from stones and infections. Interestingly, I just learned that any of the mallow family plants will stop the progression of gangrene or dying tissue, although the tissue can’t be dead yet. It can also be used as a porridge to eat for those who may be malnourished and cannot keep anything else down. This happy plant will grow as a perennial and reseed itself giving you lots of marshmallow baby plants. If you don’t want all those plants just pluck them up and use it all. I like to dry the plants and save them in glass jars for later.

The root in the picture above came from a two year old plant. The best time to harvest roots are in the fall (end of the first year for biennials) or early spring before the plant produces foliage. The reason being is that all the energy or medicine is still in the roots and not sending it up into the plant yet.

It is best to power spray all the soil off the roots and then chop up coarsely, dry completely and store in a glass jar. Just before using, place the herb in a blender and break it up a bit. This will help release more medicine when you go to use it.

You can use the herb in an infusion (tea), tincture or salve or poultice. Any plant that contains mucilage is best prepared as a cold infusion instead of hot. This is very simple to do. Just soak the herb in room temp water over night and then use it the next day. If you don’t have time then go ahead and prepare it the quick way by boiling water first, then allow to cool slightly. Pour over the herbs and let steep for 15 – 20 minutes, then use.

For a salve, try infusing the root in olive oil with comfrey and calendula either in a double broiler over very low heat for an hour or in a glass jar placed in a brown paper bag outside in the warm sun as a solar infusion. Mix 1 oz beeswax with every cup of oil and pour into jars.

If you are taking a high dose of any demulcent plant be sure to take it separate from other herbs, as it can bind with them and not allow proper absorption. It can be taken in other formulas or with other herbs if used in smaller amounts. There are no contraindications.

August 3, 2016

Mango Mint Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

This flavorful salad is a healthy and delicious spring/summer meal for the family or a gathering!

Recipe

Marinate 4 chicken breasts for at least 2 up to 24 hrs in:
1/2 cup good olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Grill chicken when ready

For the dressing blend together:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 mango, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh mint
1 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or juice of 1 lemon
2-4 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad
2 ripe avocados, sliced
1 peeled and sliced mango
1/4 thinly sliced red onion
As much spring mix as you want to use
Chopped basil as a garnish

November 23, 2015

Emily’s Italian Herb Seasoning

I came across a wonderful Italian seasoning a few years ago. When it was all gone I looked all over for it and couldn’t find it anywhere, so I decided to make my own! This is a wonderful seasoning that I use in many of my dishes! And the best part is, I grow all my own herbs!

Recipe

Use equal parts dried or adjust to your liking:

Sage, Thyme, Savory, Rosemary, Sweet Marjoram, Basil, Oregano.

Dry the herbs in a basket out of direct sunlight. Once very dry, use a mortal and pestle to crush the herbs. Place in a glass jar and enjoy!

August 27, 2014

Garlic and Basil Tomato Pasta

Simple and fast! This is a great recipe for using all those fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden!

Recipe

1 pound uncooked whole wheat pasta (I like angel hair)

4-5 pounds tomatoes, large or cherry cut in half or bite size chunks

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1/2 cup fresh chopped basil

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Cook your noodles following the directions on the package. In the meantime, chop the tomatoes, garlic and basil and place in large bowl with oil and butter. Remove the noodles from the pot and strain. Pour them while still hot over the tomato, basil mixture and let melt the butter. Add salt and pepper to taste and the cheese. Toss well and serve.

August 20, 2014

The Art of Tincturing

Tincturing and making medicine with herbs has become a lost art in many ways. For over a century now we have put most of our faith in conventional medicine and have forgotten how to use the herbs God has given us. We have forgotten what it is like to connect with mother earth and what she has to offer. As a Latter Day Saint I often reflect upon the word of wisdom given to Joseph Smith in D&C 89:10-11, “And again verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature and use of man. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving”. I come from a family who is well immersed in the medical field and I strongly believe there is a place for both herbal or allopathic and conventional or western medicine. One is holistic, gentle and preventative. The other is life saving in emergencies when one suffers from acute injuries like broken bones, excessive bleeding or other major ailments like asthma attacks. However, conventional medicine rarely treats the root of certain illnesses. Where allopathic medicine along with lifestyle choices can be changed over time. Herbs do work, but usually at a much longer duration then prescription drugs. Understanding herbs gives us a sense of becoming self-sustaining and empowered. There have been many summer mornings I have taken my kids up to the family cabin and foraged for wild herbs! What a blessing it is to know that there are plants that can be used from our own mountains and backyards that can help heal and even stop bleeding in emergencies! We just have to know what they are!

I have been tincturing for a few years now and always find myself in awe when they work! I don’t know why it surprises me still, I suppose I am constantly going through a paradigm shift myself. I love being able to take my health and my families into my own hands through the knowledge of herbs and making medicine. Herbs are idiosyncratic, meaning they are effective but can have different reactions for different people. It is similar to a person with an allergic reaction to strawberries. Are strawberries bad for everyone? No. They just aren’t right for that particular person. The beauty about herbs is that they have multiple benefits and some with similarities so there usually are more than one or two options for a certain problem. Certainly there are poisonous herbs that can be harmful and I encourage everyone to do their own research. I really like the book by Linda Kershaw, “Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies” for identification and descriptions of many of the plants that grow in the Utah area. Most herbs that are available commercially are very safe.

There are many recipes you could use for multiple purposes. I will share a few ideas, but it is best for you to do your own research and find what fits your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the above book mentioned I also recommend my favorite called “Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide”, by Rosemary Gladstar. It is a fabulous step by step guide on how to make simple herbal medicine.

Where To Begin?

There are several methods for making tinctures. Some are very exact and precise in their measuring and weighing. But I really like Rosemary Gladstar’s way of doing it. It’s very easy, safe and effective! All that is needed is a medium or base and herbs with a few pieces of equipment and amber colored bottles (I like to get mine at Industrial Container and Supply in Utah). I prefer using dried herbs, but there are instances where fresh is required. We’ll talk about that in a little bit. There are a few mediums or bases to chose from. I mostly use 1/2 vegetable glycerin, 1/2 purified water for children and babies (plus its sweet tasting) or 100 proof vodka making a stronger medicine. The main difference between the two is that the glycerin has a shelf life of 2-3 years and the vodka has a shelf life of 25-30 years and sometimes longer. When I think about future preparation I go with the vodka. Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used but only has a shelf life of 1 year and is not as strong.

The first step is to place your herbs in a clean clear glass jar. Pour enough alcohol over the herbs to completely cover them by 2-3 inches. Some herbs will float to the top, but they should settle in a day or two. As long as they are covered you should be okay. Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid and place on counter out of direct sunlight. Be sure to label your jars, I promise you won’t remember what’s in it in a few weeks. Shake once a day for 6 weeks.

From this point you will want to strain the herbs through a mesh strainer.

You can also use a cheese cloth at the same time with the strainer or strain a second time to get rid of any extra particles. Be sure to squeeze the herbs as much as possible to get out any extra medicine.

Pour through a funnel into a sterilized amber bottle. To sterilize I spray all my equipment down with hydrogen peroxide first and let air dry. You can also boil the equipment too. Store in a dark cool place and don’t forget to label every bottle.

To Use

For acute problems – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of herbal tincture every hour, for a total of up to 6 teaspoons daily. 1 dropperful is 1/4 teaspoon

For chronic problems – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily, for a total of 3 teaspoons daily. 1 dropperful is 1/4 teaspoon

Herbal Combinations

Master Cold and Flu – use equal parts, fresh cayenne pepper, fresh garlic chopped, fresh ginger chopped, fresh horseradish chopped, echinacea root, marshmallow root

Headache – equal parts dried peppermint, feverfew and chamomile

Cayenne – 90,000 IU’s cayenne pepper (very effective for stopping heart attacks and stopping bleeding when used externally)

Sleep Aid – 1 cup valerian root, 1/2 cup hops strobile (flower), 1/4 cup lavender buds

There are many other combinations that are fabulous to use. Be sure to do your own research and find what is best for your family! Other single herb tinctures that are a must at our house are yarrow, goldenseal and dandelion.

May 20, 2014

Sun-dried Tomato, Feta and Avocado Pasta

This is by far my favorite pasta salad! It’s full of so much flavor! Take this one to your next summer outing for a big hit!

Recipe

16 oz. package of penne or spiral pasta, cooked

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

sea salt and pepper

4-6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

16 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes with oil

8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped

2 avocados, chopped

juice of 1 lemon

Once the pasta is finished cooking and strained, place on large bowl. While still warm drizzle about 1/4 c. olive oil and 3 T. baslamic vinegar on top. Add the salt and pepper, garlic and red onion. Mix well and check for seasonings. Add the pepper, tomatoes, feta and parsley. Just before serving add the avocado and lemon. Serves 10-12 as a side.

April 28, 2014April 30, 2014

Companion Planting: Where to Begin?

Companion Planting is so much fun! What is it you ask? Well, it’s been around for a really long time! The Romans and the Native Americans used this method of gardening with great success! Companion planting is simply planting your herbs and flowers with your vegetables. In the picture above I have multiple flowers that attract pollinators and herbs that I use in my kitchen! Isn’t it beautiful! This year I added cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce and onions! There are multiple benefits that come from this. Because some pesky bugs don’t like certain herbs and veggies we can decrease the amount of bug problems in the garden. The bugs also get a little confused as to where all the cabbage is with all the other plants around it, so we can decrease the loss of plants to pests. We can also attract beneficial insects by planting beautiful flowers with our veggies increasing their yield in production. And finally because we aren’t dealing with pests we don’t have to use so many chemicals therefore keeping our garden organic!

If you’ve decided to give companion planting a try this year there are a few things you may want to think about. First make a plan. Think about what veggies you are going to use. What colors of flowers do you like? When choosing plants think about the height and space that is required for their needs. If planting in a container, use the taller plants in the middle. When planting in medium to large sized beds make sure the tall plants are in the back and the smaller, low growing plants are placed in the front. That way you will be able to see everything you’ve planted and nothing gets covered. Choose flowers that go well together. I really like bright orange or pink and deep purple together. Bright colored flowers will also attract beneficial insects increasing the yield of flower blossoms and veggies. Plant vegetables that like the shade under taller plants like lettuce and spinach. And finally it’s really important to know which herbs, flowers and vegetables make good families and who their friends are. Checkout this beginners list of family and friends below to get started!

The Tomato Family

Vegetables that are included in the tomato family are, Tomatoes, Peppers and Eggplant. Greens, including Lettuce, Beets, Spinach and Chard also do well with their friends list.

Friends: Basil, Cleome, Cosmos, Parsley, Queen-Anne’s Lace, Asters and onions/garlic (with greens)

The Potato Family

Vegetables that also benefit from the list of friends below besides Potatoes are Beans and Peas.

Friends: Calendula (pot marigold), Cosmos, Basil, Tarragon, Daises, Dill, Rosemary, Sweet Annie

The Cabbage Family

Cabbage family crops include, Broccoli, Kale, kohlrabi, Radishes, Turnips and Cauliflower. Other plants that go well with its friends are Lettuce and Root crops.

Friends: Asters, Calendula, Chamomile, Chrysanthemums, Cosmos, Dill, Marigolds, Zinnias, Parsley, Radishes, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.

The Squash Family

Squash family crops include all Summer and Winter type squashes including Melons and Cucumbers. Vegetables outside of the family that benefit from the same friends are, corn and pole beans.

Friends: Borage, Dill, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers

The Root Family

This family includes Celery and Carrots. Greens and Onions, Leeks, Chives, Garlic also benefit from their friends too.

Friends: Caraway, Chamomile, Cleome, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Queen-Anne’s Lace, Poppies, Asters

The Perennial Family

Vegetables included in this family are Asparagus, Horseradish, Strawberries, Rhubarb and Raspberries.

Friends: Borage, Sweet Alyssum, Chives, Swan River Daises (for strawberries), Asters, Bee Balm, Black-Eyed Susan’s, Chamomile, Creeping Thyme, Lovage, Tansy, Yarrow (for horseradish), Cosmos, Dill, Hollyhocks, and Sweet Annie (for asparagus)

Some other plants not listed above that attract beneficial insects include:

Catnip, Anise, Chervil, Curry Plant, Fennel, Lavender, Rue, Spearmint/Peppermint (keep contained), Tansy, Bee Balm, Goldenrod, Pincushion Flowers, Echinacea (Cone Flowers), Rock Cress, Yarrow, Bachlor’s Button, Black-Eyed Susan, Blanket Flower, Coreopsis, Morning Glory, Gazania, Dandelion, Lamb’s Quarters, Wild Mustards.

For more information check out my favorite companion planting book called Great Garden Companions