Nettle Oatstraw Infusion

I am sipping my nettle oatstraw infusion thinking about all of the plants that have soothed my body, mind and heart over the years.  I am considering the connections to the women (and some men) that were made through my love of plants. 

Thinking fondly about my relationships with them all, I imagine deepening these as I drink the infusion.

I wonder at how this strong brew can transport me into a better state of wellness and well-being.   It does these things subtly and powerfully with no side effects.  Just like my Grandmother's love.

Herbal Wisdom-Burdock Root

Burdock- Arctium lappa

Time to dig up the roots.  My teacher says today (meaning any day) is the best day for making medicine.  Her favorite kind of medicine is the nourishing sort.  Drinking root teas makes me feel exceedingly nourished and deeply supported!  While the spring harvest is best as food source and fall best as medicine, I will use this root whenever I can get it!

Burdock has many uses and I know people who have used every part of this plant ally medicinal healing.  Create oils and salve to heal burns or to nourish skin and nails from the outside. 

Burdock root can be used as food as well.  I happen to really enjoy it's rootsy, earthy flavor.  Though, when used in steamed root samplers and in soups one can hardly discern this great nourishing herbal ally from other root vegetables.

On it's own, it makes a thick and dirty infusion for drinking.  The tincture of this root draws forth all of the inulin in this remarkable ally for diabetics.  It is capable of cooling a body and slowing a person down and can help to soothe intense emotions like anger or jealousy.

Burdock also aids and supports the lymph system, liver and kidneys.  It is a great supporter of the digestive system as well.  I personally use it when I know I might have a hard time relaxing at night or when I am going through times when I need grounding, nurturing, and stabilizing.  Used over a long period of time is when results are best seen, however.  Either way, this immune strengthening ally is highly recommended here.

www.susunweed.com Susun Weed has been my teacher for 10 years.  In all that I have learned, I honor her.

Herbal Wisdom - Violet

Violet - Viola odorata L.

I saw my first violet today with my daughter and we were both so excited!  I have used this plant in so many ways, mainly to decorate and infuse salads with sweet and tangy flavor!  I've eaten the leaves and the flowers in this way. 

Used as an infusion or a tea, the leaves are nutty and delicious.  They are slightly mucilaginous and cooling.  (I can hardly wait!)  The medicinal factors include blood purification,  inflammation and fever reduction, and let's not forget that Violet, like so many other herbal allies, offers an array of vitamins and minerals!

Another way that this plant has been used is to soothe sore breasts during hormonal adventures, including reduction of cysts and tumors.  I have used a salve of Violet to cool my breasts off after the milk came in once my daughter was born and continued to use this treatment for the entire first year.  It was most effective!

I really want to gush over this plant because it is so cute and subtle, but no less powerful.  Please stop and listen to her healing song.  You don't want to miss it!


(image from: www.susunweed.com)
This post has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or illnesses.  Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

Herbal Wisdom

Thyme- Thymus vulgaris

For coughs like the hacking one I've had, Thyme may be a super effective choice.  While it is important to cough to get out what needs to come out, a dry, hacking cough is exhausting, embarrassing, and annoying!  This type of non-productive cough can keep us up at night, give us a sore throat, and sore abs!

After making a tea of thyme last night and drinking 2 cups after dinner, I slept the night through.  Today the hack has turned into a mostly productive cough!

Juliette de Bairacli  Levie has said to sniff thyme when she has a headache and to keep dried thyme with her clothing to keep out the moths!  Susun Weed suggests drinking thyme tea to keep away the flu.
I have also heard it used for gastrointestinal distress and as a mouthwash!  And let's not forget to put thyme in our chicken noodle soup and other favorite dishes!

I recommend growing your own because it is so easy to do, but if  you are in a similar climate to myself, you will need to wait until spring! 

This post has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or illness.  Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.