tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3278979414377657222024-03-13T05:19:45.496-07:00 Mother McCaul's Herbal A ramble in herbsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-53747677605121589332013-08-27T17:55:00.003-07:002013-08-28T19:14:17.683-07:00We have been nominated!Greetings! My business, Mother McCaul's, has been nominated for Martha Stewart's 2013 American Made Audience Choice Awards. This event honors small businesses and crafters across the country. It started yesterday, and the first round continues through September 13th. I would really appreciate your votes!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/82681" target="_blank">Click this link to visit my profile page & vote, if you wish</a>.<br />
<br />
You can vote up to 6 times per day. If it's your first time voting, you'll be asked to register (which is super easy & only requires an email address and a password of you choice), or you can sign in with Facebook.<br />
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This is a great opportunity for my business & I'm pretty excited about it. Thanks so much for your support!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-81461914372664891012013-08-25T18:40:00.003-07:002013-08-25T18:42:08.681-07:00Emma Purple Aromatics<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5axpRPH2Zo/Uhqqv8YFhQI/AAAAAAAAAIk/2enXiG_me1U/s400/purpleflowerfb2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© Trish McCaul</td></tr>
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Greetings everyone! I've been working like a beast for the last 18 months on a whole new line of products...Emma Purple Aromatics. This line features incense & perfume/cologne oils made from organic and wild-harvested plant extracts, with absolutely nothing synthetic. I named it after my half-Cherokee great-great grandmother, Emma Purple McCaul.<br />
The inspiration for this new line grew from my 8 years (and counting) of
work and study as an herbalist. Organic & wild-harvested
plants yield numerous medicinal benefits, providing healthy substances which positively effect the physical, mental and emotional
realms of our lives. Synthetic fragrances are chemical cocktails
that have a negative impact on health & well-being, and bear none of
the aromatic complexity evident in plants. That is why I began this new
adventure: to give folks safe, lovely aromatic options which
delightfully evoke the aromatic nuances of the field and the forest. I've been making skin healing salves for 6 years. This foray into good aromatics is a salve for the spirit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© Trish McCaul</td></tr>
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All of my perfumes are made with only organic & wild-harvested plants and plant extracts in a base of organic golden jojoba oil. The essential oils used are only CO2 & hydro-distilled. I do not use any that are extracted with harmful solvents (like hexane). They come to you in a 5 ml glass bottle, packaged in a lovely gift box filled with organic and wild-harvested aromatic plants. The aromatic plants may be burned as an incense on a charcoal incense tablet, for an extra sensory treat. Charcoals are available on the Emma Purple Aromatics website. There is also a sampler set available, if you want to try a little of all of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2fhHH8sHls/UhqsP8m69HI/AAAAAAAAAI8/78f79HfwzFk/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2fhHH8sHls/UhqsP8m69HI/AAAAAAAAAI8/78f79HfwzFk/s400/IMG_2120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© Trish McCaul</td></tr>
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The incense I make is called kyphi incense, referring to a process of incense-making that was perfected in Egypt thousands of years ago. It involves infusing aromatic herbs, flowers, roots, resins, barks & berries in a base of honey & wine. It is then formed into bricks and cured for several weeks. To burn, simply break a pea-size amount from one of the bricks, and burn on a charcoal incense tablet. My incense contains only organic & wild-harvested plant material, with wine and local desert honeys. It comes to you in a gift box, enclosed with a satin ribbon.<br />
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Emma Purple Aromatics has a lovely website. <a href="http://www.emmapurplearomatics.com/" target="_blank">Click here to visit it.</a><br />
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I've also set up a Facebook page for it. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/emmapurplearomatics" target="_blank">Please go give it some love.</a><br />
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And, as always, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or observations you may have.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-62047441128904992312013-02-22T11:35:00.001-08:002013-02-22T11:35:52.745-08:00Herbs for Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KTWx1MR9GQ/USfB4hteaOI/AAAAAAAAAHE/4ccdOVgrxxE/s1600/moontree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KTWx1MR9GQ/USfB4hteaOI/AAAAAAAAAHE/4ccdOVgrxxE/s400/moontree.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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People often ask me, "If there was only one thing I could do (or
take) to improve my health, what would it be?" The answer, though often a
noticeable let-down, is simple, extremely practical, and doesn't
require a magic pill. "Get consistently good sleep."<br />
In
this post, I'll be covering the reasons why sleep is so important,
simple tips for improving your sleep, and herbs to help you along the
way.<br />
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<br />
<u>Importance of Sleep</u></div>
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<div>
In the industrialized nations and particularly in the US, the average
amount of sleep we get per night has
drastically decreased in the last hundred years. According to herbalist
Paul Bergner, in 1910 people slept 9 hours per night, on average. Today, the average is 7 hours during the workweek, and fewer than 8 hours on the
weekend. One-third of the population gets under 6 hours of sleep per
night, while only one-third sleeps at least 8 hours. In our cultural
context of focus on work and productivity, we've become a nation of the
sleep deprived, and overlook the
most basic form of self-nourishment. It is generally recognized that sleep deprivation causes the break-down both the mind and the body. With so many folks not getting enough sleep, it certainly makes you wonder how our communities, and our world as a whole, are affected.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Why is sleep so important? The reasons are numerous.</div>
<div>
Inadequate (and low-quality) sleep is associated with:</div>
<div>
- Altered mood</div>
<div>
- Impaired performance of mental and physical tasks. Memory is also impaired, motivation is reduced and it becomes more difficult to learn new things. Risk for accidents also increases.</div>
<div>
- Increased risk for depression.</div>
<div>
-
Impaired cardiovascular health. The tendency for blood to clot
increases, as do triglyceride levels. There is also an increase in
the risk for high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke and heart attack. </div>
<div>
- Increased secretion
of certain thyroid hormones, which is indicative of thyroid
stimulation. Long-term stimulation of the thyroid can lead to thyroid
disease.</div>
<div>
- Depressed growth hormone production. Growth hormone
promotes tissue regeneration and immune system health, as well as
healing and repair of lean body mass.</div>
<div>
- Lowered libido. </div>
<div>
- Increased risk for obesity.</div>
<div>
- Increased cortisol secretion. Cortisol is a stress-related hormone.</div>
<div>
- Impaired immune function, especially of the immune components responsible for fighting viral infection and cancer.</div>
<div>
- Impaired glucose tolerance & possible increased risk for diabetes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
is just the tip of the iceberg, really. Truth be told, we still don't
completely understand all of the reasons why we sleep. Scientifically,
we're still learning a lot about sleep.</div>
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<br />
<br />
<u>General Tips for Getting Better Sleep </u></div>
</div>
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<div>
- Don't stay up late and cut into your sleep time. Go to bed early enough to get at least 8 hours of sleep.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
-
Eat dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed. Food will increase
your body's metabolism, which can keep you awake. Avoid sugar in the
evening. Avoid caffeine after 3 or 4 pm - or all together if you find yourself particularly sensitive to stimulants.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
-
Go outside and get some sunshine during the day. This will help your
body set a natural rhythm of melatonin production. Melatonin is the
hormone responsible for our sleep cycles.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
- Keep your room dark and cool at night. Any light source will disrupt melatonin production. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
- Avoiding mentally or emotionally strenuous activity before bed (like watching the news) will help you relax into sleep.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
-
Use your room only for sleeping. Never do work in your room, even
during the day. This will help program your brain that your bedroom is
for resting, not work.</div>
<div>
- Identify your hidden passion. If you had
unlimited funds and resources, what would you do with your time? Immerse
yourself in your passion before you go to sleep. If you like painting,
paint a bit, or look at an art book. If you like cooking, plan out an
awesome recipe, or look at a cook book. I like plants, so every night I read an herbal materia medica, put on an
aromatic plant-infused balm or perfume & look at a wildflower guide
before I go to sleep. I find that a nourished spirit lends to a restful body. It also is food for the dream world.</div>
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<br />
<u> Herbs For Sleep Support</u></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<br />
There
are many herbs with varying sedative properties. While the list below
is by no means exhaustive, these are the herbs I have the most
experience
with. They are available in capsule, liquid tinctures and teas. When
taking herbs for insomnia, I prefer to use a liquid form (tincture or
tea), because they absorb and act more quickly. Many people find it most
effective to take part of the dose 1/2 an hour before bed and
the rest at bedtime.</div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azGMfwFX72I/USfELKHsgFI/AAAAAAAAAHU/qTkvR3nSLlc/s1600/passionflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-azGMfwFX72I/USfELKHsgFI/AAAAAAAAAHU/qTkvR3nSLlc/s400/passionflower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passionflower</td></tr>
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~Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)~</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<br />
Passionflower
is one of my favorite relaxant herbs. It's best for insomnia due to
mental activity... a busy mind. When your body is ready for sleep but your mind isn't
quite there, if you lay in bed with thoughts going round and round in
your head, then passionflower can help. In my experience, it
doesn't make all the thoughts go away, it just makes them more
peripheral and they don't have as much consequence. I've used
passionflower to quiet the re-visitation of the 80's hair band song that I
heard at a store earlier in the day, or the brain noise that worry can sometimes produce.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
Passionflower
doesn't produce feelings of grogginess in the morning. In fact, it can
be used during the day time for nervousness and anxiety.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Skullcap © Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.)~</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Skullcap
is calming to the nervous system, so it's great for nights when you are
feeling twitchy and restless. It helps the body relax, easing the
tension that sometimes contributes to insomnia. It can also serve to
reduce mild nerve
pain and muscle spasms. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j34oYLIQqE0/USfE1mlU2sI/AAAAAAAAAHk/jqRxOXba_hs/s1600/california+poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j34oYLIQqE0/USfE1mlU2sI/AAAAAAAAAHk/jqRxOXba_hs/s400/california+poppy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Poppy</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~California Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)~</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
California
poppy is great for insomnia due to pain. I've used it for pain due to
cramps, as well as pain from a day that was rougher than usual on my
physical body. California poppy is also great for those who wake frequently, finding it
difficult to sleep through the night. It
supports deeper, and more consistent sleep.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tzScQa4hcY/USfEFeyXR2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/uAlzva0Ig5s/s1600/valerian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--tzScQa4hcY/USfEFeyXR2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/uAlzva0Ig5s/s400/valerian.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valerian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~Valerian (Valeriana spp.)~</div>
<div>
Valerian
is a pretty straight-forward sedative. It's hugely popular for this
purpose and can be helpful in overcoming insomnia due to pain or general
tension, and improve the quality of sleep. However, in about 10% of
people,
it can actually make insomnia worse. This can be mitigated by using a
tincture prepared from the fresh plant, which seems to produce this
effect less often. When I use it, I take it in blends with other
sedative herbs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Magnesium~</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
While
magnesium is a mineral, not an herb, it's definitely great for sleep
problems. A vast array of the body's processes rely on magnesium. It's
estimated that up
to 80% of Americans are deficient in this vital mineral. Notably,
magnesium is a muscle relaxer, so overly-tense muscles can be a sign of
deficiency. If you wake with leg cramps at night, or if you grind your
teeth, magnesium is a great place to start. </div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
<br />
<br />
Sources</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
Bergner, Paul. "Sleep Debt: Pathophysiology and Natural Therapeutics". <u>Medical Herbalism</u>. Spring 2003: pp. 1-9</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
Moore, Michael. <u>Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West</u>. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
Peri, Camille. "Coping With Excessive Sleepiness" http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_26_1361143208432_116">
Wood, Matthew. <u>The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants</u>. Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2009.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-51140119586240200282012-12-25T16:23:00.000-08:002013-03-01T17:31:19.191-08:00Vanilla Rose Herbal Chai <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJdHzrZzjwQ/UNoFarstvNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/RyeBJwVjAOs/s1600/vanillarose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJdHzrZzjwQ/UNoFarstvNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/RyeBJwVjAOs/s400/vanillarose.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Bean & Rose Petals ©Trisha McCaul</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Wintertime is here. For many of us, it brings that wonderful
hybernation-rich, yin & scarf-wearing energy. The cool weather always inspires me to explore the alchemy of tea
making. I love hunkering down in my kitchen, blending handfuls of loose
herbs into delicious warming beverages. Working with plants in the
winter sustains me and serves as a reminder that the spring isn't too
far off and the green verdant plant life will return once again.<br />
I was pondering the nuances of chai tea recently, and wanted to experiment with it. Chai tea is originally from India, and it traditionally contains black tea, milk, aromatic spices and a sweetener like sugar or honey. The popularity of chai has spread globally, and there are several variations on this recipe. Chai teas are very nice in the winter, because they are rich in aromatic spices that increase circulation and help warm the body. The recipe below is the result of my experiment with adding vanilla bean and rose petals to an aromatic, chai-type tea. It is very delicious and the spicy, and its enticing scent filled my house. It is caffeine-free, but black tea can easily be added for a more traditional version.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon & Cloves ©Trisha McCaul </td></tr>
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All of the herbs I used in this tea were in dried form. Most health food stores and herb shops carry them.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients (measured by weight)</u><br />
1 ounce ginger root (I used the dried, cut & sifted root)<br />
1 ounce fennel seed<br />
1/2 ounce whole cloves<br />
1/2 ounce anise seed <br />
1/2 ounce cardamom seeds<br />
1/2 ounce cinnamon chips (I used whole cinnamon sticks, broken up by hand into chips)<br />
<br />
Small handful rose petals (per serving)<br />
1" piece of vanilla bean, minced (per serving)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mix together the ginger, fennel, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. This is the base for the tea. The measurements above provide enough of this mixture for seven servings. If you aren't going to use it all, it can be stored for later use. The vanilla and rose will be added later in the process of brewing the tea.<br />
<br />
To make one serving:<br />
Put 1/2 ounce of above spice mixture into a saucepan with 16 ounces of water. Cover. This is very important because these aromatic spices contain volatile oils which will easily evaporate from an uncovered pot.<br />
Heat until just boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the rose petals and vanilla bean. Cover & let sit for another 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs from the tea. If you wish, add milk or honey. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
This recipe is very forgiving, so don't worry if your amounts aren't exact. Play around with it. The vanilla and rose notes are not over-powering. If you want them stronger, simply add more to your tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9TsatFcQa0/UNoF0yuhceI/AAAAAAAAAGo/HX2EPNskh3k/s1600/vanillarosemug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9TsatFcQa0/UNoF0yuhceI/AAAAAAAAAGo/HX2EPNskh3k/s400/vanillarosemug.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-17779517378993486112012-12-09T17:24:00.001-08:002013-03-01T17:32:26.244-08:00Yerba Mansa<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNXxnmXeqJI/UMKjrAdQuSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/_dAKnaw9hiw/s1600/yerbamansa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNXxnmXeqJI/UMKjrAdQuSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/_dAKnaw9hiw/s640/yerbamansa.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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Latin Name: <i>Anemposis californica</i></div>
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Plant Family: <i>Saururaceae</i> (Lizard Tail)<i> </i></div>
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Common names: Apache beads, Bavisa, Lizard Tail, Manso, Raiz del Manso, Swamp Root, </div>
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Yerba del Manso, Yerba Mansa</div>
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Taste: Astringent, Spicy, Aromatic, Acrid</div>
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Energetics: Warming & Drying<br />
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Actions: Antibacterial, Anti-emetic, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Carminative, Diuretic, Vulnerary</div>
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Parts used: Root & Leaf</div>
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Yerba mansa is a perennial plant which grows throughout the American southwest and northern Mexico. It grows in stands in wet, boggy, alkaline locations. Yerba mansa has a rich ethnobotanical history of usage amongst native cultures including the Pima, Mayo, Yaqui, Mexican, Chumash and Shoshone peoples<span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span> It is an old, and powerful medicine. I feel particularly attached to this plant because it drastically altered my quality of life.<br />
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Yerba mansa has an affinity for the mucous membranes of the body. Mucous membranes are found in the mouth, sinuses, lungs, and the digestive and genitourinary tracts. In particular, yerba mansa seems most effective in treating slow-healing, chronic conditions effecting these areas of the body. It's an astringent that it tonifies the mucous membranes, helps remove matter that inhibits proper tissue repair, while improving the transport of fluids.<br />
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<u>Sinuses</u></div>
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Yerba mansa is a fantastic herb for conditions where the sinuses are in a state of subacute congestion, with plentiful (and seemingly endless) mucous discharge. It makes a nice substitute for goldenseal for this purpose. Think of it when there's a head cold that's past the hot, acute stage, or in cases of chronic sinus irritation due to sensitivity to allergens and the like.<br />
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This is an experience I had with yerba mansa:<br />
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I rarely suffered from allergies or hayfever before I moved to the desert southwest. However, the dryness, dust and exotic pollen took a toll on my sinuses, which became chronically irritated. The whole affair culminated in a very nasty sinus and ear infection, and I ended up taking a round of antibiotics to deal with it. However, after the antibiotics my sinus irritation returned to the state of chronic irritation and I developed a rather intense case of tinnitus on top of it. The tinnitus was very nerve-wracking. I enjoy being able to sit in silence, but with the constant ringing in my ears this joy was taken away from me. It took at least a year for this to subside to a somewhat manageable level. So, I lived for several years with sinuses that would run or stuff up with the slightest provocation (with dust and synthetic fragrances being the biggest culprits). After I'd started learning about herbs, I decided to try some yerba mansa root tincture.<br />
The results were nothing less than amazing. I took 2 or 3 doses a day for two days, and my sinus issues significantly subsided. My nose simply stopped running, my sinuses felt normal. And the effects lasted long after I stopped taking the tincture. This healing experience helped me to look deeper for the underlying organic cause of this weakness, enabling me to address the issues and further correct the problem.<br />
My experience, coupled with other observations gathered over the years, leads me to believe that yerba mansa is much more than a drying herb for drippy sinuses. In my experience, yerba mansa is an herb that acts as a tonic that strengthens the sinus tissues themselves, allaying organic weakness in the structures. <br />
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<u>Mouth, Throat, Digestive & Urinary Tract</u></div>
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Yerba mansa is helpful for chronic gum problems. The diluted tincture can be used as a healing mouthwash for oral sores or receding and inflamed gums. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throats and throat sores (heh heh). </div>
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In the digestive system, yerba mansa's anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it useful for diarrhea and other digestive problems. It is also a healing agent for stomach and duodenal ulcers. I've heard that it can kill giardia, but I can't vouch for its efficacy with personal experience.</div>
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Yerba mansa's affinity for mucous membranes also extends to the urinary tract, where it can be helpful for chronic urinary tract infections.</div>
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<u>Joint Issues</u> </div>
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Yerba mansa was used by native peoples as a remedy for arthritis. It calms inflammation and facilitates the excretion of nitrogenous acids (like uric acid), which contribute to joint issues like arthritis and gout. For this purpose, it is most often taken as a tea, added to a bath or applied as a poultice. </div>
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<u>Topical Uses</u></div>
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As a salve or a poultice, yerba mansa is invaluable in treating slow-healing wounds, cuts, sprains, bruises, staph infections and skin ulcers. Because it has antifungal properties, it also helps with fungal issues like ringworm and athlete's foot. The root can be ground up for use as a healing body powder.<br />
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<u>Historical Uses</u></div>
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King's American Dispensatory has the following to say about yerba mansa:</div>
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"<i>Dr. W.H. George...states that the natives esteem it a panacea far excelling the Yerba Santa, and successfully employ it in all malarial fevers, in diarrhoea, and in dysentery. In a letter to Prof. King, he observes that the natives frequently carry the root with them, chewing it and swallowing the juice, and consider it a certain remedy for cough and pulmonary affections. They likewise employ a strong infusion of it an an efficacious local application to saddle and collar sores on horses. Dr. George considers it a stimulant tonic, astringent, carminative and anti-emetic...</i>"</div>
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I usually use yerba mansa in tincture form. The taste is spicy, slightly acrid, with a very noticeable astringent effect. It can also be made into a tea. Topically, it can be made into a salve, powder or a poultice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YUfv6wACos/UMU3d8muyYI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WvUBAbowQaU/s1600/yerbamansa2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YUfv6wACos/UMU3d8muyYI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WvUBAbowQaU/s400/yerbamansa2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yerba Mansa © Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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References-<br />
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Felter, Harvey Wickes and John Uri Lloyd. <u>King's American Dispensatory Vol. II</u>. Sandy: Eclectic Medical: Publications, 1997.<br />
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Mars, Brigitte. <u>The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine</u>. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, 2007.<br />
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Moore, Michael. <u>Los Remedios: Traditional Herbal Remedies of the Southwest</u>. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1990.</div>
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Moore, Michael. <u>Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West</u>. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1989. </div>
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Skenderi, Gazmend. <u>Herbal Vade Mecum</u>. Rutherford: Herbacy Press, 2003.<br />
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Wood, Matthew. <u>The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants</u>. Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2009. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-40609036271008888102012-10-18T17:17:00.001-07:002013-03-01T17:31:24.769-08:00Elderberry Syrup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oQrmxR2sJg/UIBU_tFmevI/AAAAAAAAAEM/fzhz0i0XC50/s1600/elderberrydrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oQrmxR2sJg/UIBU_tFmevI/AAAAAAAAAEM/fzhz0i0XC50/s640/elderberrydrawing.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen (1796)</span></td></tr>
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Fall is here, and though I bemoan the loss of the vibrant green plant life in the forest and the city, I also enjoy the fall as the time of year for preparing my wintertime medicines. One of my favorites is elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup is very easy to make and tastes delicious. First we'll look at its benefits, then at a recipe you can use to make your own.<br />
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Elder belongs to the <i>Caprifoliaceae</i> (Honeysuckle) family of plants, and there are over 30 species globally. Common species are <i>Sambucus nigra, </i>an old world native and <i>Sambucus canadensis</i>, which is indigenous to North & Central America. My local elder is <i>Sambucus mexicana</i>, or Mexican Elder, which matures at between 15- 35 feet in height, given enough rain and mild winters temperatures. Sadly, we've had two rough winters (by desert standards), and two years of drought, which has taken a toll on our local elder trees. <br />
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Early European peasants and Native Americans used and revered elder, and it's still a widely used herbal medicine. Rightly so, as the plant is a trove of medicine. The flowers, leaves and berries are the parts used. In this post, we'll be looking at the medicinal properties of the berry. Note: When using elder medicinally, use only the varieties that produce the blue and black berries. Species that produce red berries (like <i>Sambucus racemosa</i> and <i>S. pubens</i>) are potentially toxic. It's also important to only eat elderberries that have been cooked first, as they cause digestive upset when consumed in raw form. The raw seeds are potentially toxic as well.<br />
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Elderberry is first and foremost known as a superb herb for preventing and treating colds, flu and coughs. It has been used for this purpose for thousands of years. It is also great for sore throats and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Elderberry is an excellent antiviral, having a particular affinity for inhibiting the viruses that are responsible for the common cold and influenza. How does it do this? These viruses have surface "spikes" called hemagglutinins, that the viruses use to attach to and infect healthy cells. These viral "spikes" are also coated in an enzyme called neuraminidase, which helps the virus penetrate the membrane of the healthy cell. It's thought that elderberry works by both disarming both the "spikes" and the enzyme. Modern research has confirmed that elderberry is effective against many different strains of influenza, and has been proven to shorten the duration of this illness.<br />
Elderberries contain beta-carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium,
and flavonoids (like rutin and anthocyanins). They are also high in
iron, and were once used in the treatment of anemia.<br />
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<u>Making Elderberry Syrup</u></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1/2 cup dried elderberries (or 1 cup fresh elderberries)</div>
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3 cups water</div>
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1 cup honey (I prefer local raw honey)</div>
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Yield: Approximately 28 ounces </div>
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*Note- I usually make larger batches because I like to give some to friends and family. In the photos below, I quadrupled the recipe, which yielded approximately 116 ounces of syrup. </div>
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1) Put the elderberries and the water in a pot or saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes.</div>
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2) Remove from heat. Mash the berries. A potato masher works well for this.</div>
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3) After the mixture has cooled enough to handle comfortably, strain the mixture. I line a wire mesh strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Be sure that your straining system is fine enough to strain the seeds from the liquid. You do not want them in your syrup. After I've poured the syrup through the strainer into the bowl, all the the elderberries are resting on the cheesecloth, which can be picked up and given a good squeeze to extract more out of the elderberries. Compost the elderberries when done.</div>
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4) Add the honey to the syrup, stirring until dissolved.</div>
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5) Pour your syrup into jars or bottles. Be sure to label it and date it.</div>
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6) Refrigerate the syrup. It will keep for 2-3 months.</div>
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To use: Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon twice daily as needed. Elderberry syrup can be taken as preventive medicine throughout the cold and flu season, as well as during these illnesses.</div>
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Some folks like elderberry syrup on ice cream, pancakes or other desserts.</div>
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<u>Sources</u></div>
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Cech, Richo. <u>Making Plant Medicine</u>. Williams: Horizon Herbs, 2000.</div>
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Gladstar, Rosemary. <u>Herbal Recipes For Vibrant Health</u>. North Adams: Storey, 2008.</div>
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Hoffmann, David. <u>Medical Herbalism</u>. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2003.</div>
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Mars, Brigitte. <u>The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine</u>. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, 2007.</div>
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Skenderi, Gazmend. <u>Herbal Vade Mecum</u>. Rutherford: Herbacy Press, 2009.</div>
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Wood, Matthew. <u>The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide To Old World Medicinal Plants</u>. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 2008</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-34620984957766298352012-09-30T18:20:00.001-07:002012-09-30T18:20:39.160-07:00New website on the harvest moon!Greetings! I've been in submersed in technology for a few weeks, putting the finishing touches on the Mother McCaul's website. Mother McCaul's is a tremendous labor of love for me, and this website is an extension of that. To make safe, healthy, organic and effective topical creations is part of my calling. I consider it a tremendous blessing to be able to work with plants, and the affirmation I have received from those who use my creations inspires me further.<br />
So, last night, in the light of the harvest moon rising over the mountains, I launched my website:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mothermccauls.com/">www.mothermccauls.com</a><br />
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Please visit and spread the word. <br />
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Coming soon will be my botanical perfume & incense site, Emma Purple Aromatics.<br />
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Meanwhile, now that I'm back to the "real world", I'll be writing and posting more about herbs.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-50297002983682052252012-08-30T22:20:00.001-07:002013-03-01T17:32:26.246-08:00Grindelia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grindelia squarrosa</i></td></tr>
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Grindelia </h2>
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Latin names: <i>Grindelia aphanactis, G. arizonica, G. camporum, G. hirsuta, G. humilis, G. integrifolia, G. nana, G. nuda, G. robusta, G. squarrosa, G. stricta</i></div>
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Common names: Gumweed, Field Gumweed, Gum Plant, Great Valley Gumweed, Rosinweed, Tarweed, Yerba del Buey</div>
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Plant Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) </div>
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Energetics/Taste: Warming, Stimulating, Resin-rich, Bitter</div>
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Actions: Expectorant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Bronchial antispasmodic</div>
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There are several species of grindelia, which grow primarily from the Mississippi River, westward. Thus far, I've been able to meet two of them, <i>Grindelia squarrosa</i> and <i>G. aphanactis</i>. Grindelia generally grows at elevations of 3,000 to 8,000 feet. I did find a vibrant stand at Emory Pass in the Gila National Forest, which stands at just over 8,200 feet. It prefers alkaline soils, and is often found in gravel on roadsides.</div>
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The Latin name Grindelia comes from the name of a German botanist, David H. Grindel, whom it was named after. Its common name, gumweed, refers to the sticky resin which coats all green parts of the plant, but is concentrated in the flower buds. These buds have been chewed as a gum. The resin is very sticky, and sticks to the teeth. Below is a timeline of what the flowers of <i>Grindelia squarrosa </i>look like from bud to blossom.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXU5Ufp-vco/UDbAwG_77YI/AAAAAAAAACc/ho9bnhuv1sA/s1600/grindeliayoungbudside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXU5Ufp-vco/UDbAwG_77YI/AAAAAAAAACc/ho9bnhuv1sA/s400/grindeliayoungbudside.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young bud of <i>Grindelia squarrosa, </i>©Trisha McCaul</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely pool of medicinal sap, ©Trisha McCaul</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray flowers coming up, ©Trisha McCaul</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom, lovely & sappy, © Trisha McCaul</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mature flower, ©Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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<u>Respiratory Remedy</u></div>
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Like many resin-rich plants, Grindelia is an expectorant. It is useful for bronchial congestion, particularly with dry and stuck phlegm. Its anti-bacterial properties make it useful for respiratory infections and it soothes spasms and inflammation in the respiratory tract. It can be useful for spasmodic coughs, bronchitis, allergies and asthma. Being a warming expectorant, it is ideal for phlegm that lingers after the acute state of a respiratory infection. It also seems to be of value in sleep apnea.</div>
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When I go on hikes on high-altitude hikes, I like to have some osha tincture with me, because it helps the respiratory system acclimate to the altitude so well. Recently, I went up into the mountains, but neglected to bring the osha. Luckily, there was grindelia growing everywhere. Chewing on a flower head, I immediately felt my bronchi and lungs open up. It wasn't as pronounced as the effects of osha, but it is helpful in a pinch. </div>
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<u>Digestive Remedy </u></div>
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Grindelia is a mildly bitter herb. When we taste a bitter herb this activates the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, and the central nervous system communicates this information to various areas in the body, causing a cascade of physiological changes. The most immediately noticeable are the effects on the digestive system. The mouth secretes more saliva, which contains enzymes (like salivary amylase) that begin to break down foods. The stomach, duodenum, pancreas and liver secrete more digestive juices (which also contain enzymes). Peristalsis (the muscle movement that moves food through the digestive tract) is stimulated. Appetite also noticeably increases.<br />
Due to these actions, herbal bitters can be beneficial for those with sluggish digestion and poor appetite. Because they increase the overall health and function of the digestive system, they can also prove beneficial in health conditions that seem completely unconnected to the digestive system (though in bodily ecology, everything is ultimately connected to everything else).<br />
Herbal "bitters" are traditionally taken 15-20 minutes before meals. It is important that the bitterness is tasted, so a tea or tincture are the preferred forms to ingest it.<br />
I have to admit, before I began to really learn about grindelia I didn't think of it as a bitter. Because it is mildly bitter, I don't think its action on the digestive system would be as pronounced as, say, gentian. It will make an interesting organoleptic comparative study. I will write more about bitters and their actions in a future post.</div>
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<u>Topical uses</u></div>
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Herbalist Michael Moore said that Grindelia is on par with Calendula as a healing agent for the skin. It stems the growth of unwanted microbes, brings down inflammation, and stimulates regeneration of epithelial tissue. It is also an effective remedy for poison oak. Topically, I frequently use calendula in my formulas, so I'm looking forward to playing with grindelia in a salve or an oil.</div>
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<u>Historical uses</u></div>
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The Eclectic medical literature contains much information on grindelia. Briefly, the Eclectics were, in effect, medical doctors who used primarily herbs in their treatments. They were in practice roughly from the 1820's until the 1930's, when the last Eclectic medical college closed its doors. Eclecticism grew out of previous medical schools, including the Thomsonian system. Much of what these medical systems knew about the native plants grew from what they were taught by the Native Americans. King's American Dispensatory, the compendium (and some say culmination)
of the Eclectic medical establishment, says the following about the
uses of grindelia:</div>
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<i>"Grindelia squarrosa has been highly eulogized as an efficient remedy in intermittent fever, and in other malarial affections, also to remove splenic enlargement which so frequently follows those disorders...Webster, however, asserts that the remedy has a special action upon the splenic circulation, and points out as the case for it one of splenic congestion associated with sluggish hepatic action and dyspepsia. Dull pain in the left hypochondrium, sallow skin, debility and indigestion are the symptoms pointing to its selection. The same author recommends it in chronic dyspepsia due to prolonged malarial influence, gastric pain when the spleen is seemingly involved, and in the splenic congestion of malarial cachexia. As a local application, the fluid extract is stated to be of value in the painful eczematous inflammation and vesicular eruption resulting from contact with the poison vine or the poison oak."</i></div>
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Following are the Eclectic specific indications for <i>Grindelia robusta </i>and <i>G. squarrosa</i>:</div>
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<i> "Grindelia robusta: Asthmatic breathing, with soreness and raw feeling in the chest; cough, harsh and dry; breathing labored, with a dusky coloration of the face in plethoric individuals. Locally, old atonic ulcers; full tissues; rhus poisoning.</i></div>
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<i> Grindelia squarrosa: Splenic congestion, especially when dependent on malarial cachexia; fullness and dull pain in left hypochondrium , with indigestion, pallid, sallow countenance, and general debility; gastric pains associated with splenic congestion."</i></div>
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<u>Ecological Considerations </u></div>
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Michael Moore lists <i>Grindelia arizonica</i> as at-risk in New Mexico.<i> Grindelia fraxinipratensis</i> (Ash Meadows Gumweed) is listed as threatened in California and Nevada. <i>Grindelia hallii</i> (San Diego Gumplant) and <i>Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima</i> (San Francisco Gumplant) are threatened in California. I do not know if the last three species are medicinally interchangeable with the other Grindelia species listed above. Quite frankly, it doesn't matter. They need to be cared for and rehabilitated, so do this and avoid harvesting them in the wild.</div>
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One of my fundamental beliefs about herbalism (and well-being in general), is that anyone who works with or uses plants inherently takes on a role of stewardship for these plants, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Just as herbalism is a manifestation of self-responsibility for our own well-being, we must also care for the well-being of our green friends. If we take without giving back, we perpetuate the unsustainable ideas that are a hallmark of the path that we've been on for far too long. Herbs are not man-made concoctions manufactured from dead substances in a laboratory. They are living medicine. Healthy and respected plants yield good medicine.</div>
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<u>Preparations</u></div>
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Grindelia leaves and flowers are often prepared as a tea. It can also be made into a tincture, the flowering tips being the preferred part for this preparation. Topically, it can be prepared as a poultice, compress, salve, oil, and the tincture can be used as well.</div>
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Recently I harvested some <i>Grindelia squarrosa</i> for the first time. I didn't pick a lot, as I'm a bit of an overly-cautious wild-crafter (this is okay). The leaves that I harvested were very sticky and resinous, so I decided to use both the leaves and flowers in my tincture.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grindelia squarrosa flowers and leaves ©Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful medicine ©Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add some grain alcohol, and the transmutation begins ©Trisha McCaul</td></tr>
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After a couple of weeks, I strained the tincture and gave it a taste. It was definitely warm and stimulating. It felt like a fire went down into my lungs and opened everything up. After a few minutes, my respiratory system and my entire body was in a state of relaxed well-being. I'm guessing this is due to its cardiac relaxant and mild sedative properties, or because of the actions that bitter herbs have on the nervous system (more on this in a future post). It turned out quite nicely.<br />
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References-<br />
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Felter, Harvey Wickes and John Uri Lloyd. <u>King's American Dispensatory Vol. II</u>. Sandy: Eclectic Medical: Publications, 1997.<br />
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Mars, Brigitte. <u>The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine</u>. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, 2007.<br />
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Moore, Michael. <u>Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West</u>. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003.<br />
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Skenderi, Gazmend. <u>Herbal Vade Mecum</u>. Rutherford: Herbacy Press, 2003.<br />
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Wood, Matthew. <u>The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants</u>. Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2009. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327897941437765722.post-72309394084972061732012-08-18T17:26:00.001-07:002012-08-18T17:26:40.760-07:00Greetings <br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_111_1345215034365215">
Welcome.<br />
<span class="yiv882811328ecxst">This blog is dedicated to all things herbal (with perhaps a few field
trips to other ideas as well). I will be posting herbal monographs,
photos, recipes, and related musings.</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_111_134521503436552">
I am
Trish McCaul, an herbalist and botanical
perfumer now living in the high desert of Southern New Mexico. I've
always had a love and fascination for the wild plants and places
of Earth. Some of my earliest and fondest memories include chewing on
the sassafras my grandfather picked for me, and climbing conifers while
getting my hands coated in aromatic sap. I delighted in opening the wonderful milky <i>Asclepias</i> <i>syriaca</i>
(Milkweed) pods and spreading their fluffy seeds about, or sniffing
violets and lilacs until I was dizzy. I love the sensory relationship to
plants... the wonderfully complex array of tastes, aromas, textures
and visual delights.
</div>
<div>
This love of plants came full circle when I began to study
herbalism 7 years ago. I immersed myself in this study, and it quickly became
clear to me that herbalism was my calling. The bulk of my learning has come from
rigorous self-study and experimentation. I have also studied with
Deborah Brandt AHG and taken intensives and classes with Matthew Wood,
Paul Bergner, Howie Brounstein and Margi Flint.<br />
I was fascinated with infusing aromatic & healing herbs
into balms for topical use. I enjoyed making healthy organic products. And
I'll that admit that part of my motivation grew from realizing that
many body care companies define themselves as "natural", yet base a
product formula on synthetic and often
toxic ingredients, add a few token herbs, and present their products as
holistic
forms of nourishment. Weary of the green-washed marketplace, I started
Mother McCaul's several years
ago, with an offering of balms, salves and other body care products containing only organic and
ethically wild-harvested ingredients with superior healing benefits. I
trusted the herbs and the knowing that clean & simple ingredients
would
be effective. The response to these herbal products has been enormously
affirming. </div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1345215044177562">
Just over two years ago, and with the same commitment
to clean, simple, genuine products, I started developing select
perfumes and incense as Emma Purple Aromatics. I named the company
after Emma Purple McCaul, my Cherokee and Irish great-great
grandmother.<br />
</div>
<span class="yiv882811328ecxst">For me, herbalism is rich in primeval mystery, like roots
digging down into hidden Earth. And yet, it is completely accessible. It
is simple medicine for common (and not so common) folk.<br /> </span>So, as an introduction, I've shared parts of my journey as it's unfolding thus
far. There's more to come, for myself and for all of us who share in this
process. <span class="yiv882811328ecxst">Welcome to Mother McCaul's Herbal.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312222898633947447noreply@blogger.com1