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Some New Guidelines for Group Starting 01/01/09
Starting January 1st, there will be some expectations from "everyone" in the group 'Herbs and Herbalism'. There are not many at all, so do not fret of that and those who tend to post should have no worries what so ever anyway.
But the new Guidelines will include:
A posting of some sort that is relevant to the group 'Herbs and Herbalism'
This posting could be a question, something about herbs, herbalism, gardening, uses, recipes, how to(?), tinctures, oils, essential oils, soaps, a news clip, just about anything as long as it would be relevant for the group as a whole.
Unless otherwise stated it would be once a month, or two every two months (even if it happens within the same month), it can be a stand-alone post or a question to something posted or even a response. But it has to be within the scope of the group focus.
That is it folks. Simple, but really the only way to truly learn about herbs is not just read but to participate as well. My understanding that is why you joined the group in the first place is to learn more about Herbs and Herbalism as a whole, not to just join the group and that is the last time any one would ever see you at all. That is not fair to those who do post and make an attempt, nor is it fair to your own self. For you had to take the time to join the group in the first place, with that saying that you have an interest into learning some aspect about herbs.
I know couple of folks came over specifically because I asked them as well as going to do my best to help them with their own herb and other gardening. I do have 25+ some-odd years of owning and running a Garden Center/Nursery, along with nearly 40 years of gardening experience in most conditions possible. With the exception of the great very fertile North-Western US
But I also know that each area is unique and what geography would do to us. And I have found my greatest challenges have been here in Colorado and at 9,000 feet when working up there for a few summers (now up there you find you really are very limited in what you could possibly grow). The easiest times I had gardening was in Missouri, and you could almost stick a near dead plant in the ground and give it some water and it would grow.
The opportunity was wide open, as well as the options but the lack of any interest showing within the group(s) over all had kind of placed me between a very hard rock and a harder hard spot. My other group will be officially dead as of Thursday January 1st. Same thing but with more people and even less interest So to stick around starting the first of the New Year, there should be at least two posts every two month or be removed from the group. It is that simple.
I apologize in advance to those who feel this is un-warranted but the lack of anything from the group members pretty much forced this upon their own self. Same with the shutting down of one of the groups for between the two and over 200 members until one or two members spoke up in here, this was the group I was going to close down.
I will be happy to address your concerns, providing you do it in a separate posting.
Thank you very much for your time and I hope that for everyone you do have a safe and joyous New Years celebration(s) planned for 2009. As well as a very Safe and Wonderful Year the new up and coming year
SnowWolf - Manager, Herbs and Herbalism
But the new Guidelines will include:
A posting of some sort that is relevant to the group 'Herbs and Herbalism'
This posting could be a question, something about herbs, herbalism, gardening, uses, recipes, how to(?), tinctures, oils, essential oils, soaps, a news clip, just about anything as long as it would be relevant for the group as a whole.
Unless otherwise stated it would be once a month, or two every two months (even if it happens within the same month), it can be a stand-alone post or a question to something posted or even a response. But it has to be within the scope of the group focus.
That is it folks. Simple, but really the only way to truly learn about herbs is not just read but to participate as well. My understanding that is why you joined the group in the first place is to learn more about Herbs and Herbalism as a whole, not to just join the group and that is the last time any one would ever see you at all. That is not fair to those who do post and make an attempt, nor is it fair to your own self. For you had to take the time to join the group in the first place, with that saying that you have an interest into learning some aspect about herbs.
I know couple of folks came over specifically because I asked them as well as going to do my best to help them with their own herb and other gardening. I do have 25+ some-odd years of owning and running a Garden Center/Nursery, along with nearly 40 years of gardening experience in most conditions possible. With the exception of the great very fertile North-Western US
But I also know that each area is unique and what geography would do to us. And I have found my greatest challenges have been here in Colorado and at 9,000 feet when working up there for a few summers (now up there you find you really are very limited in what you could possibly grow). The easiest times I had gardening was in Missouri, and you could almost stick a near dead plant in the ground and give it some water and it would grow.
The opportunity was wide open, as well as the options but the lack of any interest showing within the group(s) over all had kind of placed me between a very hard rock and a harder hard spot. My other group will be officially dead as of Thursday January 1st. Same thing but with more people and even less interest So to stick around starting the first of the New Year, there should be at least two posts every two month or be removed from the group. It is that simple.
I apologize in advance to those who feel this is un-warranted but the lack of anything from the group members pretty much forced this upon their own self. Same with the shutting down of one of the groups for between the two and over 200 members until one or two members spoke up in here, this was the group I was going to close down.
I will be happy to address your concerns, providing you do it in a separate posting.
Thank you very much for your time and I hope that for everyone you do have a safe and joyous New Years celebration(s) planned for 2009. As well as a very Safe and Wonderful Year the new up and coming year
SnowWolf - Manager, Herbs and Herbalism
Gone for a while.
Due to some totally unforeseen events that has happened my wife and I will need to leave town for a short while, and while I am gone I won't have any type of access to computers until we return.
I am hoping that it would only be a week, but if things change rapidly as they have now started to change it may actually be a while longer than that.
More specific questions about what is happening I'll be able to say more once we are back and back online. We will be in Missouri for a while and where we will be at has no type of internet connections at all, so I'll see everyone when we are back in Colorado.
Take care and do what needs to get done in here to keep things going.
David
I am hoping that it would only be a week, but if things change rapidly as they have now started to change it may actually be a while longer than that.
More specific questions about what is happening I'll be able to say more once we are back and back online. We will be in Missouri for a while and where we will be at has no type of internet connections at all, so I'll see everyone when we are back in Colorado.
Take care and do what needs to get done in here to keep things going.
David
Herbs for Insomnia
***As promised here is the full article, although other herbs can assist in the desired results and that is to sleep, the German Commission E recommends 6 herbs. With that in mind, other herbs can help as well for individual results with the herbal experience will vary and in some cases greatly. Everyone must trust me about what is suggested in articles I have found, personal experiences are great to share but in legal sense of the word they can never become recommendations without the MD, PhD, etc behind their names to ever become a recommendation.
I must admit it has never been the issue in here what so ever, but once in a while I must add the above and other disclaimers just so we can not get shut down in the legal sense of the word. I am hoping by 2014 or 2015 I will at least have my PhD so that never becomes an issue in here ever again. 8-)***
Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacist’s filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem. Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacist’s filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem.
• Sleep surroundings: The sleeping environment can have an important bearing on both types of insomniacs. Noise, an uncomfortable bed, a snoring partner and light are obvious distractions. One often-overlooked factor is temperature. Most people sleep more soundly in a cool room. Research by the University of South Australia in 2004 showed that the body needs to drop its core temperature in order for sleep to initiate normally.
6 Herbal Options
As an herbalist, I find most of my solutions for insomnia in the plant world. I most often recommend reishi mushrooms, hops, valerian, skullcap, passionflower or lemon balm. The type of herb and the dose depend on a person’s specific condition; the dosages listed here are those recommended by the German Commission E when noted.
1. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is the plant material I use most often to relieve insomnia. While it’s not traditional in Western herbalism, reishi seems to resolve disturbed shen qi, calm a person during the day, reduce anxiety, help overcome environmental distractions and regulate sugar metabolism. Reishi also has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, strengthen the heart and stimulate the immune system.
Reishi’s active ingredients include polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system, and triterpene acids, which reduce high blood pressure, among other things. The health benefits of this herb have been demonstrated in many studies, both in the lab and clinic, which gives me great confidence in it.
DOSE: Three 1-gram tablets of the mushroom taken three times a day. Studies indicate that reishi is generally safe to use, although there are few reports on its long-term use.
2. Hops (Humulus lupulus) have been used as a sleep aid for centuries. The volatile oils of the dried fruits have a significant sedative action. Hops tea can be taken to relieve stress during the day or just before bedtime or the strobiles can be stuffed into a little sleep pillow, where their fragrance will be released whenever you turn your head.
DOSE: Use about 1 heaping teaspoon of whole hops for every cup of boiling water to make a tea. Hops have been shown to be generally safe, although some people have experienced allergic reactions. The German Commission E recommends a daily dose of 1/2 gram.
3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is another herb familiar to insomniacs throughout history. Although beneficial in inducing sleep, it can be mildly habit-forming. I therefore recommend taking it only for short periods (up to one month) or occasionally when sleep disturbance is serious. A group of chemicals called valepotriates and valerenic acid have been shown to depress the central nervous system.
DOSE: To help you sleep, take a dose of 300 to 400 mg of valerian product standardized to 0.5 percent essential oil about one hour before bedtime. While valerian is generally considered to be safe, to err on the side of caution, pregnant women should not use it.
4. Nineteenth-century medical practitioners used skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Its calming action is mainly due to the component scutellarin, which is an antispasmodic.
DOSE: I generally use this herb in combination with reishi, hops and valerian or alone as a tincture of 15 to 40 drops two to three times daily. In Chinese tradition, 1 to 3 teaspoons of the root for every cup of water are used to make a tea (start with boiling water and let simmer before drinking). No health hazards have been linked to skullcap.
5. It is believed that the alkaloids and flavonoids of passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) significantly tranquilize the central nervous system. I find that it gives one a feeling of well-being while reducing spasms and anxiety and aiding sleep.
DOSE: Passionflower tinctures and extracts are available in health-food stores. For occasional insomnia, I recommend drinking a cup of tea made by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1/2 teaspoon of the dried herb; steep, then sip before going to bed. Passionflower contains alkaloids that can reduce the effects of a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors; the German government allows passionflower preparations to contain no more than 0.01 percent of these alkaloids.
6. The leaves of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) often are used as a tea, especially in combination with chamomile, to relax the body and induce sleep.
DOSE: Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb in a cup of hot water. There are no noted side effects.
Herbal Tip
Insomnia can be caused by anxiety, pain, tension, caffeine, alcohol, drugs or even worrying about falling asleep. Pinpointing whether one or more of these factors is the culprit can bring relief because you can try to improve the situation. Accordingly, take charge with the 20-minute rule: if you lie sleepless in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and do a task. Get your mind out of the circular problem of being kept awake by the inability to fall asleep. Read, iron that pile of clothes or write in your journal.
Four-Hour Sleep Cycle
While sleeping straight through for seven or eight hours might be the ideal, some people prefer a four-hour sleep cycle. Some of my patients have had great success on only four hours of straight sleep, supplemented with a 15-minute break after every subsequent four-hour period of wakefulness. The break can consist of a catnap, meditation, and light exercise or sipping a cup of tea—it’s their choice. After the sixth of these work/break cycles, instead of the 15-minute break, they go to sleep again for four hours.
However, the six cycles take 25.5 hours, which doesn’t fit neatly into the 24-hour day. Still, some people feel that this extended day works best, and they make the odd readjustment here and there to fit in with society. They say that using the 15-minute breaks to catnap is the key; they go quickly into a sound sleep and awaken feeling refreshed. Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale, all very productive people, were known to have slept in four-hour cycles.
I must admit it has never been the issue in here what so ever, but once in a while I must add the above and other disclaimers just so we can not get shut down in the legal sense of the word. I am hoping by 2014 or 2015 I will at least have my PhD so that never becomes an issue in here ever again. 8-)***
Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacist’s filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem. Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacist’s filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem.
• Sleep surroundings: The sleeping environment can have an important bearing on both types of insomniacs. Noise, an uncomfortable bed, a snoring partner and light are obvious distractions. One often-overlooked factor is temperature. Most people sleep more soundly in a cool room. Research by the University of South Australia in 2004 showed that the body needs to drop its core temperature in order for sleep to initiate normally.
6 Herbal Options
As an herbalist, I find most of my solutions for insomnia in the plant world. I most often recommend reishi mushrooms, hops, valerian, skullcap, passionflower or lemon balm. The type of herb and the dose depend on a person’s specific condition; the dosages listed here are those recommended by the German Commission E when noted.
1. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is the plant material I use most often to relieve insomnia. While it’s not traditional in Western herbalism, reishi seems to resolve disturbed shen qi, calm a person during the day, reduce anxiety, help overcome environmental distractions and regulate sugar metabolism. Reishi also has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, strengthen the heart and stimulate the immune system.
Reishi’s active ingredients include polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system, and triterpene acids, which reduce high blood pressure, among other things. The health benefits of this herb have been demonstrated in many studies, both in the lab and clinic, which gives me great confidence in it.
DOSE: Three 1-gram tablets of the mushroom taken three times a day. Studies indicate that reishi is generally safe to use, although there are few reports on its long-term use.
2. Hops (Humulus lupulus) have been used as a sleep aid for centuries. The volatile oils of the dried fruits have a significant sedative action. Hops tea can be taken to relieve stress during the day or just before bedtime or the strobiles can be stuffed into a little sleep pillow, where their fragrance will be released whenever you turn your head.
DOSE: Use about 1 heaping teaspoon of whole hops for every cup of boiling water to make a tea. Hops have been shown to be generally safe, although some people have experienced allergic reactions. The German Commission E recommends a daily dose of 1/2 gram.
3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is another herb familiar to insomniacs throughout history. Although beneficial in inducing sleep, it can be mildly habit-forming. I therefore recommend taking it only for short periods (up to one month) or occasionally when sleep disturbance is serious. A group of chemicals called valepotriates and valerenic acid have been shown to depress the central nervous system.
DOSE: To help you sleep, take a dose of 300 to 400 mg of valerian product standardized to 0.5 percent essential oil about one hour before bedtime. While valerian is generally considered to be safe, to err on the side of caution, pregnant women should not use it.
4. Nineteenth-century medical practitioners used skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Its calming action is mainly due to the component scutellarin, which is an antispasmodic.
DOSE: I generally use this herb in combination with reishi, hops and valerian or alone as a tincture of 15 to 40 drops two to three times daily. In Chinese tradition, 1 to 3 teaspoons of the root for every cup of water are used to make a tea (start with boiling water and let simmer before drinking). No health hazards have been linked to skullcap.
5. It is believed that the alkaloids and flavonoids of passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) significantly tranquilize the central nervous system. I find that it gives one a feeling of well-being while reducing spasms and anxiety and aiding sleep.
DOSE: Passionflower tinctures and extracts are available in health-food stores. For occasional insomnia, I recommend drinking a cup of tea made by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1/2 teaspoon of the dried herb; steep, then sip before going to bed. Passionflower contains alkaloids that can reduce the effects of a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors; the German government allows passionflower preparations to contain no more than 0.01 percent of these alkaloids.
6. The leaves of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) often are used as a tea, especially in combination with chamomile, to relax the body and induce sleep.
DOSE: Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb in a cup of hot water. There are no noted side effects.
Herbal Tip
Insomnia can be caused by anxiety, pain, tension, caffeine, alcohol, drugs or even worrying about falling asleep. Pinpointing whether one or more of these factors is the culprit can bring relief because you can try to improve the situation. Accordingly, take charge with the 20-minute rule: if you lie sleepless in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and do a task. Get your mind out of the circular problem of being kept awake by the inability to fall asleep. Read, iron that pile of clothes or write in your journal.
Four-Hour Sleep Cycle
While sleeping straight through for seven or eight hours might be the ideal, some people prefer a four-hour sleep cycle. Some of my patients have had great success on only four hours of straight sleep, supplemented with a 15-minute break after every subsequent four-hour period of wakefulness. The break can consist of a catnap, meditation, and light exercise or sipping a cup of tea—it’s their choice. After the sixth of these work/break cycles, instead of the 15-minute break, they go to sleep again for four hours.
However, the six cycles take 25.5 hours, which doesn’t fit neatly into the 24-hour day. Still, some people feel that this extended day works best, and they make the odd readjustment here and there to fit in with society. They say that using the 15-minute breaks to catnap is the key; they go quickly into a sound sleep and awaken feeling refreshed. Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale, all very productive people, were known to have slept in four-hour cycles.
Ask the Herbalist: Herbs for Insomnia
Coming on Friday:
Ask the Herbalist: Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacists filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem.
***The rest on Friday to include the herbs***
Ask the Herbalist: Herbs for Insomnia
+3 Secrets for Deep Sleep
Q. I find myself tossing and turning at 4 a.m., only to fall deeply asleep 20 minutes before my alarm sounds. I am incredibly frustrated; can you help?
A. An occasional episode of insomnia can make it difficult to handle the day, but regular episodes of insomnia can make it difficult to handle life. You can at least take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia regularly. In 2005, pharmacists filled more than 43 million prescriptions for sleep drugs—a 32 percent increase from 2001.
The causes of insomnia are varied, but psychological factors often are present. Environmental and dietary factors also play a prominent role, and statistics show that, for unknown reasons, insomnia is more common in women than men.
Insomnia is classified into two broad categories: sleep-onset insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep), and maintenance insomnia, which causes frequent or early waking. Treating either type of insomnia should begin with an awareness of your needs. All people don’t require the same amount of sleep, for example, and some may think they have a problem only because they don’t fit into the norm. Sleep cycles can vary among people and throughout a person’s life, and while one person may require only four hours of sleep, others need 10 hours to feel refreshed.
***That is me that needs the 10 hours of sleep to even start to feel refreshed***
3 Lifestyle Changes
• Health: Sleep disturbances can have underlying physiological causes, so treating the cause can solve the sleep problem. People suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, for example, can experience fluctuations in blood-sugar levels during the night. The brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function, and a drop in blood sugar signals the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that stimulate sugar release. The resulting rise in blood sugar may wake a person up. (A small amount of fruit or juice upon waking will relieve the symptoms.) It is important to have a correct diagnosis, however. If an exam and blood test reveal that you are hypoglycemic, ask your health-care provider whether nutritional measures are appropriate for you.
Serotonin is a natural chemical associated with inducing sleep. Sometimes, deficiencies in tryptophan, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium or other nutrients can inhibit the formation of this hormone.
• Daytime stress: Many of my patients need to get wound up to achieve their goals during waking hours, but trouble occurs when stress built up during the day is released at bedtime—they lie with their brains racing, unable to shut off the mental background noise. In Chinese medicine, this type of insomnia is called “disturbed shen qi,” or a disturbed mental spirit. I’ve found that managing one’s day to minimize stress or release it before bedtime by taking a brisk walk or a warm bath is more effective than taking a sedative. And be aware of stimulants ingested during the day; try cutting back to see if that relieves the problem.
***The rest on Friday to include the herbs***
Thanksgiving Spices and Seasonings
Thanksgiving Spices and Seasonings
Premixed herb and spice combinations are a time saver and easy on the budget. If you make the blends yourself, you can adapt them to your own taste. Most pumpkin pie spice recipes call for ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and a smidgen of allspice. I’m a fan of nutmeg, so my pumpkin pie spice combination has a little more nutmeg than the typical recipe.
Cinnamon is the key ingredient in any pumpkin pie spice mix. So, buy the best you can afford. A teaspoon or two of pumpkin pie spice added to any store bought cake or quick bread mix will turn the recipe into your baking secret. Try pumpkin pie spice in bread pudding, on top of a cappuccino, in oatmeal cookies or pumpkin soup.
Add extra flavor to any desert, by dusting the whipped cream topping with a bit of pumpkin pie spice mix. Or, sprinkle dessert plates with pumpkin pie spice before serving a slice of pie.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1. Mix ingredients together.
Before holiday baking and festive dishes appear on your menu, clean out the spice cabinet. If you can’t remember the last time you bought dried cinnamon or sage, throw it out. Give yourself a gift and buy new herbs and spices. My favorite source for the freshest dried herbs is Penszy’s if there is not a store near you, buy Penzey’s on line. If buying fresh herbs at the grocery store, try to use up any extra in the next day or two. Or, use the extra fresh herbs as garnish. Make herb butter, or toss the left over fresh herbs in your turkey soup pot. Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs to the next day’s leftovers will brighten any recipe.
Poultry Seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon sage, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon leaf thyme, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dash marjoram
• Dash cloves (optional)
1. Mix ingredients together.
If you seldom use the five individual herbs that make up Poultry Seasoning, save some money and only buy one jar of poultry seasoning. The blend is good in dressing, to season the turkey before roasting, or to make chicken or turkey soup, and turkey (chicken) pot pie.
Premixed herb and spice combinations are a time saver and easy on the budget. If you make the blends yourself, you can adapt them to your own taste. Most pumpkin pie spice recipes call for ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and a smidgen of allspice. I’m a fan of nutmeg, so my pumpkin pie spice combination has a little more nutmeg than the typical recipe.
Cinnamon is the key ingredient in any pumpkin pie spice mix. So, buy the best you can afford. A teaspoon or two of pumpkin pie spice added to any store bought cake or quick bread mix will turn the recipe into your baking secret. Try pumpkin pie spice in bread pudding, on top of a cappuccino, in oatmeal cookies or pumpkin soup.
Add extra flavor to any desert, by dusting the whipped cream topping with a bit of pumpkin pie spice mix. Or, sprinkle dessert plates with pumpkin pie spice before serving a slice of pie.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1. Mix ingredients together.
Before holiday baking and festive dishes appear on your menu, clean out the spice cabinet. If you can’t remember the last time you bought dried cinnamon or sage, throw it out. Give yourself a gift and buy new herbs and spices. My favorite source for the freshest dried herbs is Penszy’s if there is not a store near you, buy Penzey’s on line. If buying fresh herbs at the grocery store, try to use up any extra in the next day or two. Or, use the extra fresh herbs as garnish. Make herb butter, or toss the left over fresh herbs in your turkey soup pot. Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs to the next day’s leftovers will brighten any recipe.
Poultry Seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon sage, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon leaf thyme, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dash marjoram
• Dash cloves (optional)
1. Mix ingredients together.
If you seldom use the five individual herbs that make up Poultry Seasoning, save some money and only buy one jar of poultry seasoning. The blend is good in dressing, to season the turkey before roasting, or to make chicken or turkey soup, and turkey (chicken) pot pie.
Keep Kids Healthy with Herbs
Keep Kids Healthy with Herbs
Herbal Remedies for Children: Mild, effective herbs that are kind on kids.
Natural remedies can be a parent’s best friend when it comes to treating children’s ailments and upsets. In fact, herbs can be particularly safe and effective for children because herbs tend to be so much gentler than pharmaceutical alternatives. It’s best to use natural medicines with the supervision of a qualified practitioner, but mild herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm and fennel, have been safely used by children for centuries.
Herbalist, educator and activist Rosemary Gladstar says children’s bodies are particularly sensitive and respond quickly to the healing properties of herbs. She feels that, armed with some basic knowledge of mild, easy-to-use herbs, parents needn’t fear giving herbs to their children.
“Herbalism was once considered the simplest medicine, and was accessible to everyone,” Gladstar says. “The only reason it seems complex is because we’ve been separated from our herbal traditions.” This separation has led to modern concerns about the safety of herbal medicine, Gladstar adds, but this concern may stem from lack of familiarity.
“Administered wisely,” Gladstar says, “herbs do not upset the delicate ecological balance of children’s small bodies as does much of modern medicine, but rather work in harmony with the young child’s system.” Herbs can be used for ailments such as colds, flues, colic and teething, as well as common childhood illnesses, such as measles and chicken pox. They can be used to calm irritability or to encourage sleep.
The most important thing to remember is to give children appropriate dosages. Keep in mind that most product labels recommend dosages for 150-pound adults, so adjust according to your child’s weight. Herbalist and midwife Aviva Romm recommends that if a remedy seems ineffective, you may need to adjust the dose. However, don’t give more of an herb just to achieve faster results — herbs don’t work on a “more is better” principle.
Provide a Gentle Touch with Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is another approach that can be used to treat common childhood ailments. It is safe, does not cause side effects, and the approach to treatment is the same for children and adults; it involves determining constitution and administering doses of a remedy derived from plant, mineral, animal or chemical substances.
Dana Ullman, a homeopath and director of Homeopathic Educational Services in Berkeley, California (www.homeopathic.com), says that parents can use various remedies for children at home with success. For more serious problems or recurring symptoms, it’s best to visit a licensed homeopath.
Ullman notes that giving a homeopathic remedy to infants or young children can be tricky because they may not swallow it. However, a remedy takes effect as soon as it contacts the inner surfaces of the mouth, so swallowing isn’t necessary. If the medicine is in liquid form, a small drop is enough for each dose. Or pour a few tiny pellets onto a child’s tongue — they will stick and dissolve quickly. If a remedy comes in a pill or tablet, crush it into a powder between two pieces of clean paper using a heavy object or dissolve them in a spoonful of water and give the child a small drop.
Ullman suggests the following homeopathic remedies for home use with children:
• Chamomilla is used for hyperactive infants and young children who are restless and irritable. It also helps babies suffering from teething pain or colic. Use it when an infant cries incessantly except when being carried or when a child is hyperirritable and has tantrums.
• Belladonna is helpful for fevers, when a child has a flushed face, throbbing headache, drowsiness but difficulty falling asleep and swollen glands and radiating heat. It is used for measles, when there is a sudden onset of high fever, with a flushed face and reddened lips.
• Apis is one of the key remedies for sore throat when the tonsils are puffy and red, when it hurts to eat or drink anything warm, and when relief comes from sucking an ice cube. It is a leading remedy for hives when the skin is swollen, red and sensitive to heat, often from an allergic response.
• Bryonia is the leading remedy for coughs, especially dry coughs aggravated by motion.
When to Call the Doctor:
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if you’re sick child:
• Is younger than 2 months old.
• Is younger than 3 months old and has a fever.
• Has a fever higher than 104 degrees, at any age.
• Acts extremely irritable; can’t be comforted.
• Seems lethargic.
• Becomes confused, delirious or loses consciousness.
• Has a convulsion.
• Complains of stiff neck or headache and/or cannot touch chin to chest.
• Complains of severe pain in any part of the body.
• Has difficulty breathing.
• Has problems with balance or coordination.
• Becomes dehydrated.
• Develops a rash that looks like tiny bruises.
• May have ingested poison.
Source: White, Linda, and Sunny Mavor. Kids, Herbs, & Health. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave 1998.
Best Herbal Options for Common Complaints:
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is an immune-enhancing herb considered a “mother’s helper” by herbalists, Gladstar says. It can be used in tea or tincture form to fend off illness when there are a lot of colds or flues going around or when the first symptoms appear.
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the best all-around children’s herbs. It contains anti-inflammatory essential oils, and its flowers make a soothing tea that settles the nervous system. It promotes digestion and is good for colicky babies. Chamomile tea can calm a stressed or nervous child. Massage oil with added chamomile essential oil can be used to calm a child or to soothe sore, achy muscles. A few drops of tincture before feeding time aids digestion.
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an herbal relaxant that can soothe an agitated nervous system. Helpful in treating teething or colic and the onset of colds, it can serve as a digestive aid. A few drops of tincture before bedtime will calm fussy children, and a couple of drops before meals can serve as a digestive aid.
• Mullein flower (Verbascum spp.), in the form of warmed oil, is helpful for treating bronchial congestion or simple ear infections associated with colds and flues. Gladstar says she has seen mullein and/or garlic work in 95 percent of cases of her own children and others’, unless there is a long history of infection or the case is quite serious.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an antacid that neutralizes excess acids in the stomach and intestines and stimulates digestion. Fennel tea tastes good and is used to treat colic, improve digestion and expel gas.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used for bronchial congestion, sore throat, coughs and inflammation of the digestive tract. Use it in syrups and teas, or give children licorice sticks to chew.
• Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) soothes inflammation. It is useful for treating burns, sore throats and digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation. To use as a cough medicine, mix 1 tablespoon slippery elm, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon honey. To make a tea, simmer 1 teaspoon of slippery elm in 1 cup of hot water.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is calming, antiviral and antiseptic. It can be used as a mild sedative. Lemon balm makes a delicious tea that can be served with lemon and honey throughout the day to alleviate stress and anxiety. Blend equal parts lemon balm, oats and chamomile and steep as a tea for a nervous system tonic.
• Nettle (Urtica dioica) is high in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and calcium. It is a remedy for allergies and hay fever and helps alleviate growing pains in young children.
For Further Reading:
Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman (Tarcher, 1997)
Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants by Dana Ullman (Tarcher, 1992)
Kids, Herbs, & Health by Linda B. White, M.D. and Sunny Mavor (Interweave, 1998)
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm (Celestial Arts, 2003)
Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality by Rosemary Gladstar (Storey Books, 2001)
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Remedies for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar (Storey Books, 1999)
Resources:
Herbs for Kids
(800) 232-4005
www.HerbsForKids.com
Herb Pharm
(800) 348-4372
www.Herb-Pharm.com
Hyland’s
(800) 624-9659
www.hylands.com
Nature’s Answer for Kids
(631) 231-7492
www.NaturesAnswer.com
Nature’s Plus
(631) 293-0030
www.NaturesPlus.com
Help the (Herbal) Medicine Go Down
For infants, it’s best to administer herbs in mild tea form. For older children, tinctures may be used. Tinctures are made with alcohol or glycerin, an alcohol byproduct. If parents give tinctures to children, they should dilute the tincture with water, tea or juice, Gladstar says. She notes that glycerin is not as good a solvent as alcohol, but the glycerin tinctures taste sweet, and children may respond better to them.
Another option is to use powdered herbs and make herbal candy balls. To do this, combine the desired herbs with honey (do not use honey for children younger than 1) or maple syrup, nut butter (if your child is older than 2 and not allergic to nuts) and shredded coconut. Roll into balls and store in the refrigerator.
Parents also may want to nurture children’s relationship with herbs, involving them with growing and harvesting them, as well as making teas. Using herbal medicine in the home is a way of life, says Gladstar. “It involves a relationship with the earth,” she says. “When we teach children about plants as medicine, it helps them develop a soulful, deep relationship with them.” It also can lead to a continuing practice of nurturing their health with the aid of natural remedies.
Herbal Remedies for Children: Mild, effective herbs that are kind on kids.
Natural remedies can be a parent’s best friend when it comes to treating children’s ailments and upsets. In fact, herbs can be particularly safe and effective for children because herbs tend to be so much gentler than pharmaceutical alternatives. It’s best to use natural medicines with the supervision of a qualified practitioner, but mild herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm and fennel, have been safely used by children for centuries.
Herbalist, educator and activist Rosemary Gladstar says children’s bodies are particularly sensitive and respond quickly to the healing properties of herbs. She feels that, armed with some basic knowledge of mild, easy-to-use herbs, parents needn’t fear giving herbs to their children.
“Herbalism was once considered the simplest medicine, and was accessible to everyone,” Gladstar says. “The only reason it seems complex is because we’ve been separated from our herbal traditions.” This separation has led to modern concerns about the safety of herbal medicine, Gladstar adds, but this concern may stem from lack of familiarity.
“Administered wisely,” Gladstar says, “herbs do not upset the delicate ecological balance of children’s small bodies as does much of modern medicine, but rather work in harmony with the young child’s system.” Herbs can be used for ailments such as colds, flues, colic and teething, as well as common childhood illnesses, such as measles and chicken pox. They can be used to calm irritability or to encourage sleep.
The most important thing to remember is to give children appropriate dosages. Keep in mind that most product labels recommend dosages for 150-pound adults, so adjust according to your child’s weight. Herbalist and midwife Aviva Romm recommends that if a remedy seems ineffective, you may need to adjust the dose. However, don’t give more of an herb just to achieve faster results — herbs don’t work on a “more is better” principle.
Provide a Gentle Touch with Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is another approach that can be used to treat common childhood ailments. It is safe, does not cause side effects, and the approach to treatment is the same for children and adults; it involves determining constitution and administering doses of a remedy derived from plant, mineral, animal or chemical substances.
Dana Ullman, a homeopath and director of Homeopathic Educational Services in Berkeley, California (www.homeopathic.com), says that parents can use various remedies for children at home with success. For more serious problems or recurring symptoms, it’s best to visit a licensed homeopath.
Ullman notes that giving a homeopathic remedy to infants or young children can be tricky because they may not swallow it. However, a remedy takes effect as soon as it contacts the inner surfaces of the mouth, so swallowing isn’t necessary. If the medicine is in liquid form, a small drop is enough for each dose. Or pour a few tiny pellets onto a child’s tongue — they will stick and dissolve quickly. If a remedy comes in a pill or tablet, crush it into a powder between two pieces of clean paper using a heavy object or dissolve them in a spoonful of water and give the child a small drop.
Ullman suggests the following homeopathic remedies for home use with children:
• Chamomilla is used for hyperactive infants and young children who are restless and irritable. It also helps babies suffering from teething pain or colic. Use it when an infant cries incessantly except when being carried or when a child is hyperirritable and has tantrums.
• Belladonna is helpful for fevers, when a child has a flushed face, throbbing headache, drowsiness but difficulty falling asleep and swollen glands and radiating heat. It is used for measles, when there is a sudden onset of high fever, with a flushed face and reddened lips.
• Apis is one of the key remedies for sore throat when the tonsils are puffy and red, when it hurts to eat or drink anything warm, and when relief comes from sucking an ice cube. It is a leading remedy for hives when the skin is swollen, red and sensitive to heat, often from an allergic response.
• Bryonia is the leading remedy for coughs, especially dry coughs aggravated by motion.
When to Call the Doctor:
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if you’re sick child:
• Is younger than 2 months old.
• Is younger than 3 months old and has a fever.
• Has a fever higher than 104 degrees, at any age.
• Acts extremely irritable; can’t be comforted.
• Seems lethargic.
• Becomes confused, delirious or loses consciousness.
• Has a convulsion.
• Complains of stiff neck or headache and/or cannot touch chin to chest.
• Complains of severe pain in any part of the body.
• Has difficulty breathing.
• Has problems with balance or coordination.
• Becomes dehydrated.
• Develops a rash that looks like tiny bruises.
• May have ingested poison.
Source: White, Linda, and Sunny Mavor. Kids, Herbs, & Health. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave 1998.
Best Herbal Options for Common Complaints:
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is an immune-enhancing herb considered a “mother’s helper” by herbalists, Gladstar says. It can be used in tea or tincture form to fend off illness when there are a lot of colds or flues going around or when the first symptoms appear.
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the best all-around children’s herbs. It contains anti-inflammatory essential oils, and its flowers make a soothing tea that settles the nervous system. It promotes digestion and is good for colicky babies. Chamomile tea can calm a stressed or nervous child. Massage oil with added chamomile essential oil can be used to calm a child or to soothe sore, achy muscles. A few drops of tincture before feeding time aids digestion.
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an herbal relaxant that can soothe an agitated nervous system. Helpful in treating teething or colic and the onset of colds, it can serve as a digestive aid. A few drops of tincture before bedtime will calm fussy children, and a couple of drops before meals can serve as a digestive aid.
• Mullein flower (Verbascum spp.), in the form of warmed oil, is helpful for treating bronchial congestion or simple ear infections associated with colds and flues. Gladstar says she has seen mullein and/or garlic work in 95 percent of cases of her own children and others’, unless there is a long history of infection or the case is quite serious.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an antacid that neutralizes excess acids in the stomach and intestines and stimulates digestion. Fennel tea tastes good and is used to treat colic, improve digestion and expel gas.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used for bronchial congestion, sore throat, coughs and inflammation of the digestive tract. Use it in syrups and teas, or give children licorice sticks to chew.
• Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) soothes inflammation. It is useful for treating burns, sore throats and digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation. To use as a cough medicine, mix 1 tablespoon slippery elm, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon honey. To make a tea, simmer 1 teaspoon of slippery elm in 1 cup of hot water.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is calming, antiviral and antiseptic. It can be used as a mild sedative. Lemon balm makes a delicious tea that can be served with lemon and honey throughout the day to alleviate stress and anxiety. Blend equal parts lemon balm, oats and chamomile and steep as a tea for a nervous system tonic.
• Nettle (Urtica dioica) is high in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and calcium. It is a remedy for allergies and hay fever and helps alleviate growing pains in young children.
For Further Reading:
Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman (Tarcher, 1997)
Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants by Dana Ullman (Tarcher, 1992)
Kids, Herbs, & Health by Linda B. White, M.D. and Sunny Mavor (Interweave, 1998)
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm (Celestial Arts, 2003)
Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality by Rosemary Gladstar (Storey Books, 2001)
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Remedies for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar (Storey Books, 1999)
Resources:
Herbs for Kids
(800) 232-4005
www.HerbsForKids.com
Herb Pharm
(800) 348-4372
www.Herb-Pharm.com
Hyland’s
(800) 624-9659
www.hylands.com
Nature’s Answer for Kids
(631) 231-7492
www.NaturesAnswer.com
Nature’s Plus
(631) 293-0030
www.NaturesPlus.com
Help the (Herbal) Medicine Go Down
For infants, it’s best to administer herbs in mild tea form. For older children, tinctures may be used. Tinctures are made with alcohol or glycerin, an alcohol byproduct. If parents give tinctures to children, they should dilute the tincture with water, tea or juice, Gladstar says. She notes that glycerin is not as good a solvent as alcohol, but the glycerin tinctures taste sweet, and children may respond better to them.
Another option is to use powdered herbs and make herbal candy balls. To do this, combine the desired herbs with honey (do not use honey for children younger than 1) or maple syrup, nut butter (if your child is older than 2 and not allergic to nuts) and shredded coconut. Roll into balls and store in the refrigerator.
Parents also may want to nurture children’s relationship with herbs, involving them with growing and harvesting them, as well as making teas. Using herbal medicine in the home is a way of life, says Gladstar. “It involves a relationship with the earth,” she says. “When we teach children about plants as medicine, it helps them develop a soulful, deep relationship with them.” It also can lead to a continuing practice of nurturing their health with the aid of natural remedies.
5 Ways to Preserve Basil
5 Ways to Preserve Basil
Every day is a gamble in October. I begin checking the evening temperature to see if the basil will survive another night. The least hint of frost will kill a basil plant. Before we go into mourning over the loss of our favorite fresh herb, consider these five ways to stretch out your harvest.
Basil is best used fresh. If you can’t use all the basil before the first frost, consider these ways to preserve the harvest. When they predict the first frost, madly run out and bring in as much basil as you can carry.
1. Fresh Basil: Cut off branches or stems of the basil plant and put them in a vase or jar. Pinch off leaves to use fresh. You might have fresh basil for weeks past the first frost. Basil stems easily root in water. I have a big bouquet of the different kinds of basil in my garden.
2. Basil Vinegar: Splurge on a good white wine vinegar. Fill a jar with basil leaves. Cover the basil with warmed vinegar. Gently shake or press the air bubbles out of the basil and vinegar. Cover and let the vinegar steep for a week. Taste the vinegar, if you would like a more pronounced basil flavor; let it steep for another week. Using a kitchen strainer colander, stain the basil vinegar. Remove and discard the basil leaves. Strain vinegar again through a paper coffee filters or cheese cloth. Label the bottle. It’s ok to add a little water if the vinegar is too strong for your taste.
3. Basil Cubes: Chop up the leaves into small pieces and place in a plastic ice cube tray. Cover leaves with water and freeze. When frozen, store the basil ice cubes in a heavy plastic freezer bag. Drop a frozen cube, directly into any simmering sauce or soup.
4. Basil Butter: Add 3 or 4 leaves of chopped basil to a softened stick of butter, and then roll into a log wrap plastic wrap or waxed paper and freeze.
5. Pesto: The Herb Companion has printed many recipes for pesto. Basically, only three ingredients are needed to make pesto: basil, pine nuts and olive oil. I freeze pesto in a plastic ice cube tray. When frozen, pop the cubes out and put into a heavy duty freezer bag. Skip the cheese in the recipe if you are freezing the pesto. Add fresh grated cheese when you use the pesto.
Every day is a gamble in October. I begin checking the evening temperature to see if the basil will survive another night. The least hint of frost will kill a basil plant. Before we go into mourning over the loss of our favorite fresh herb, consider these five ways to stretch out your harvest.
Basil is best used fresh. If you can’t use all the basil before the first frost, consider these ways to preserve the harvest. When they predict the first frost, madly run out and bring in as much basil as you can carry.
1. Fresh Basil: Cut off branches or stems of the basil plant and put them in a vase or jar. Pinch off leaves to use fresh. You might have fresh basil for weeks past the first frost. Basil stems easily root in water. I have a big bouquet of the different kinds of basil in my garden.
2. Basil Vinegar: Splurge on a good white wine vinegar. Fill a jar with basil leaves. Cover the basil with warmed vinegar. Gently shake or press the air bubbles out of the basil and vinegar. Cover and let the vinegar steep for a week. Taste the vinegar, if you would like a more pronounced basil flavor; let it steep for another week. Using a kitchen strainer colander, stain the basil vinegar. Remove and discard the basil leaves. Strain vinegar again through a paper coffee filters or cheese cloth. Label the bottle. It’s ok to add a little water if the vinegar is too strong for your taste.
3. Basil Cubes: Chop up the leaves into small pieces and place in a plastic ice cube tray. Cover leaves with water and freeze. When frozen, store the basil ice cubes in a heavy plastic freezer bag. Drop a frozen cube, directly into any simmering sauce or soup.
4. Basil Butter: Add 3 or 4 leaves of chopped basil to a softened stick of butter, and then roll into a log wrap plastic wrap or waxed paper and freeze.
5. Pesto: The Herb Companion has printed many recipes for pesto. Basically, only three ingredients are needed to make pesto: basil, pine nuts and olive oil. I freeze pesto in a plastic ice cube tray. When frozen, pop the cubes out and put into a heavy duty freezer bag. Skip the cheese in the recipe if you are freezing the pesto. Add fresh grated cheese when you use the pesto.
How do you compensate for the high altitude?
How do you compensate for the high altitude while baking?
I live in Denver, Colorado and baking is usually a bit of a challenge for me. I’m not sure if it is because of my high altitude, my inability to bake, or a combination of the two. After some research online and in an assortment of cookbooks, this is what I've learned for those of you who, like me, are forced to bake in high altitudes:
• Reduce the amount of baking powder and baking soda you use in your recipe by 1/8 teaspoon.
• Raise the oven temperature 10 to 15 degrees.
• Increase the amount of liquid you use in a recipe in relationship to the amount of flour used. According to the Quaker Oats Company, you should increase the amount of liquid by 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of flour.
My cookies always come out of the oven looking like pancakes. On the one occasion I tried to alter the recipe for high altitude baking using the tips above. They came out looking a little better, but not presentable by any means. I think I may have taken them out of the oven way too quickly.
***I have found this question really interesting to ponder and think about. I do know in much higher altitudes than my current 6,300 feet+ above sea level (approximate altitude of Castle Rock), even boiling water to some of the simple open-skillet foods that I have cooked at around 9,100 feet above sea level you have to think differently. Boiling water with just the difference of nearly 3,000 feet you would find takes a lot longer than what it would at home here which is still a lot longer than in say Kansas City.
MarketMama and I (also to include my wife in the mix), know and can actually see the differences when it comes to cooking foods. The simple act of frying eggs can take up to two-three minutes longer at 9,100 feet verses 5,280 feet (the elevation that is considered Denver). The short time I had spent in Mexico I was a bit surprised on how quickly food had taken to prepare or cook. I must confess I do not recall where everyone lives when comparing approximate locations but experience has taught me to be a lot more patient when I am cooking or baking something for dinner. You can almost toss the suggested instructions and start fiddling around a little bit to adjust to the higher elevations.***
I live in Denver, Colorado and baking is usually a bit of a challenge for me. I’m not sure if it is because of my high altitude, my inability to bake, or a combination of the two. After some research online and in an assortment of cookbooks, this is what I've learned for those of you who, like me, are forced to bake in high altitudes:
• Reduce the amount of baking powder and baking soda you use in your recipe by 1/8 teaspoon.
• Raise the oven temperature 10 to 15 degrees.
• Increase the amount of liquid you use in a recipe in relationship to the amount of flour used. According to the Quaker Oats Company, you should increase the amount of liquid by 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of flour.
My cookies always come out of the oven looking like pancakes. On the one occasion I tried to alter the recipe for high altitude baking using the tips above. They came out looking a little better, but not presentable by any means. I think I may have taken them out of the oven way too quickly.
***I have found this question really interesting to ponder and think about. I do know in much higher altitudes than my current 6,300 feet+ above sea level (approximate altitude of Castle Rock), even boiling water to some of the simple open-skillet foods that I have cooked at around 9,100 feet above sea level you have to think differently. Boiling water with just the difference of nearly 3,000 feet you would find takes a lot longer than what it would at home here which is still a lot longer than in say Kansas City.
MarketMama and I (also to include my wife in the mix), know and can actually see the differences when it comes to cooking foods. The simple act of frying eggs can take up to two-three minutes longer at 9,100 feet verses 5,280 feet (the elevation that is considered Denver). The short time I had spent in Mexico I was a bit surprised on how quickly food had taken to prepare or cook. I must confess I do not recall where everyone lives when comparing approximate locations but experience has taught me to be a lot more patient when I am cooking or baking something for dinner. You can almost toss the suggested instructions and start fiddling around a little bit to adjust to the higher elevations.***
Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes: Cornbread-Sage Dressi
Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes - Cornbread-Sage Dressing
Serves 4 to 6
This dressing tastes best when using a savory cornbread.
• 2 cups cubed multigrain bread
• 3 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 large celery stalk (with leaves), sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter, sliced
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread bread cubes on large baking sheet; bake 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cubes are dry. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine crumbled cornbread and dry bread cubes in a large bowl; set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and celery; continue cooking until onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add sautéed onion mixture, dried apples and next six ingredients to bread mixture; toss to combine. Moisten bread mixture with half of the broth, using two big spoons to combine. Add remaining broth; toss to combine.
5. Increase oven to 350 degrees. Spoon dressing into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish, dot dressing with butter slices. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 to 15 minutes more.
Serve warm.
Serves 4 to 6
This dressing tastes best when using a savory cornbread.
• 2 cups cubed multigrain bread
• 3 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 large celery stalk (with leaves), sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter, sliced
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread bread cubes on large baking sheet; bake 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cubes are dry. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine crumbled cornbread and dry bread cubes in a large bowl; set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and celery; continue cooking until onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add sautéed onion mixture, dried apples and next six ingredients to bread mixture; toss to combine. Moisten bread mixture with half of the broth, using two big spoons to combine. Add remaining broth; toss to combine.
5. Increase oven to 350 degrees. Spoon dressing into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish, dot dressing with butter slices. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 to 15 minutes more.
Serve warm.
