Rising of The Sap
Tapping a Sugar Maple with Kids!
While towards the end of winter, it often seems like the cold days are never going to end, there is always this one special activity to look forward to…
One late winter day, one of my sons asked me to ‘tap’ our Maple tree – he wanted to taste the sap. Quickly he remembered that back in the bush, in the abandoned shack, there were dozens of old maple spouts. What can I say; while I use maple syrup in my kitchen weekly, never have I enjoyed the sap straight from the tree.
Finding the Right Tree
Many maple species can be tapped for their sap, but we were out to find the sweetest of the all; the sugar Maple. With our tree bud ID, we quickly set out to find one. It did not take long for the kids to forget about me, running around in the bush, finding several sugar maples on their own. Equipped with a drill, spout and small pail, we started the adventure of tapping our first tree.
You should have seen the joy and amazement in their eyes, as the sap started dripping immediately. Little mouths, wide open right under the spout. Drip, drip, drip. Oh how sweet Maple’s water tasted!*
Close to lunch time we decided to hang the pail and collect the sap. By the time we returned, which was around 3 hours later, our little pail was overflowing! This got us even more curious. How about we collect 2 days worth of sap, and boil it down to make our very own maple syrup – just enough for one pancake breakfast…
Learning Together
One just has to love the innate curiosity kids bring with themselves. This easy and simple activity of identifying a sugar Maple, tapping it, tasting the sap and boiling it down to make syrup, just enough to enjoy it for one special breakfast, filled our weekend with joy, harmony and countless memories made. Not only have my children now experienced the taste of fresh Maple sap, but on a very small scale, they now know the basic process of how to make syrup in our own back yard, with next to no professional equipment, but only what we found in the kitchen. That weekend, we left the car in the garage and appreciated the gifts Mother Nature has offered us. We had each other, surrounded by crisp winter air, the warming rays of father sun and fresh, sweet Maple sap. An activity guided by the sun and the wheel of the year.
Following the wheel of the year is what brought us as a family closer to nature as well as closer to us, ourselves. While times can be busy and many of families are feeling a ‘disconnect’, it really does not take a lot to find your way back to the natural world and the myriad of gifts that are offered to us.
Reconnect to Mother Nature!
With all that being said, let us help you reconnect with Mother Nature!
At The Lion’s Tooth, we have designed a program to help busy families who feel disconnected from nature and their ancestry. Through 12 digital and in print magazines, with easy and accessible lessons and activities, families can re-connect with nature and learn to use plants like their ancestors did.
It’s time to find your way back to Mother Earth and live by the cycle of the sun. Connect to the wheel of the year and learn foundational knowledge about common wild plants and their many uses.
To learn more and to sign up, visit us at thelionstooth.ca
You can also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @thelionstooth.ca
*while maple sap has several amazing health benefits, please be aware of the advised cautions when consuming it raw. Please research before drinking.
Featured header photo provided by Serena Mor, and blog photos provided by Evelyn
Pat’s Top Ten Super Foods & Herbs
What is a Super Food?
I’m sure we’d all like to think of a ‘magic bullet’ that could take care of all our health issues, which is why the title of this article is appealing: eat these foods or herbs and you will be well.
The fact is, all whole, organic, unprocessed foods are super foods. If we eat a variety of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, coldwater fish and herbs and give chemicals and processed or fast foods a wide berth, we will feel better, have more energy and will maintain a healthy body weight.
Still, it is handy to have a short list of must-have foods and herbs that we know we can turn to for essential nutrients and maximum health benefits. My list boasts foods that have been proven to offer vital phytonutrients for helping to ease the following health benefits:
- Lower or help regulate blood sugar levels
- Help regulate metabolism and burn body fat
- Help protect the heart
- Help prevent cancer
- Detoxify vital organs
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent or reduce inflammation
- Aid digestion
Pat’s Top Ten
It is known that the everyday choices we make have long-term effects on our health, and in order to begin to see the benefits listed above, you will need to include the following foods in your daily eating pattern. It’s time to ‘spring clean’ your diet by eliminating harmful high fat, low nutrient foods and replacing them with super foods everyday:
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Dark-skinned berries
- Alliums
- Herbs and spices
- Fatty fish
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Dark chocolate
- Seaweed
- Seeds
Super Food Breakdown and Recipes
Cruciferous Vegetables
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli rabe – contain a powerful range of disease fighters. Their Endoles and sulforaphane may increase enzymes that lower the incidence of colon and lung cancers.
My Advice: eat these foods raw and at least three times per week, everyday is ideal.
Asparagus and Cauliflower Salad Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Herb Seasoning Paste or Spring Pesto (recipes below)
- 2 cups fresh asparagus pieces
- 1 cup thinly sliced cauliflower
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates
- 1 tablespoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup, lightly packed baby spinach, lightly steamed
Method:
1. In a wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until soft and lightly colored. Add garlic and paste and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add asparagus and cauliflower and mix well to coat with onions and spices. Cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
2. Remove from heat and stir in carrots and dates. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm over spinach.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Dark Skinned Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, acai berries – their high concentrations of anthocyanins and phenolic pigments (which make them dark blue, red or purple in colour) give them exceptional antioxidant, anti-diabetic and heart protective properties.
My Advice: include raw (fresh or frozen) dark-skinned berries at least once daily in meals.
Black Berry Smoothie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- ¼ cup frozen acai berries or raspberries
- 4 beet top leaves or spinach
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method:
1. In a blender, combine juice, oil, blueberries, blackberries, acai berries, green leaves and chia seeds. Blend on high until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish each with cinnamon.
Makes 2 servings
Alliums
Leeks, garlic, onions, shallots. With garlic the hero of the bunch, alliums help to protect against prostate, stomach and colon cancer; lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels; and are antibacterial along with other benefits.
My Advice: eat raw garlic once a day and include one other allium in a daily meal.
Leek, Garlic and Onion Tart Recipe:
Ingredients:
10-inch (3 L) spring form pan or round tart pan, lightly oiled
Potato Base:
- 3 cups thinly sliced, potatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced, peeled sweet potato
- 3 tablespoons honey mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced leek, white and tender green parts
- 4 cloves garlic, slivered
- 3 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 onions)
- 3 tablespoons Herb Seasoning Paste or Spring Pesto (recipes below)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Method:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
1. Potato Base: In a large bowl, toss potatoes with mustard and oil. Spread in bottom of prepared pan. Press potatoes with the back of a spoon to compress. Sprinkle salt and pepper over top.
2. Topping: In the bowl used for the potatoes, toss leek, garlic, and onions with Herb Paste. Spread evenly over potato base. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and onions are golden. Sprinkle Parmesan over top and bake for another 3 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Transfer to a cooling rack and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Herbs and Spices
Thyme, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon – most fresh green herbs contain antioxidant properties along with other healing benefits specific to the herb; dandelion and burdock leaves are cleansing; spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg contain powerful phytonutrients that regulate and affect body functions.
My Advice: eat fresh green herbs with 2 meals each day and cook with fresh ground spices (season dishes with 1 tablespoon Spring Pesto, below) every day.
Herb Seasoning Paste Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick (2-inches), crushed
- 1 tablespoon whole yellow or brown mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
- 2 dried cayenne peppers, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh green herbs (thyme, oregano, dandelion, parsley or burdock leaves)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 piece (1-inch) fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown rice syrup
Method:
1. In a spice grinder or mortar (using pestle) chop or pound cinnamon, mustard, coriander and peppers until consistently ground (fine or coarse as desired). Add garlic and ginger and blend or pound to a thick paste. Add nutmeg, oil and rice syrup and mix until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a small jar. Label and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Makes 1/2 cup
Fatty Fishes
Wild salmon and sardines are one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Avoid farmed fish because wild-caught fish eat krill and other wild foods that contribute to the quality of their flesh; they are lower in mercury and high in vitamin D and have not been fed grain and antibiotics.
My Advice: eat fatty fish twice a week.
Braised Salmon and Kale with Red Lentils Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Herb Seasoning Paste (recipe above) or Spring Pesto (recipe below)
- 2 cups chopped kale (still wet from washing)
- 4 wild salmon fillets (4 oz/125 g each), skin on one side
- 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) red lentils rinsed and drained
Method:
1. In a skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and seasoning paste and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until onions are soft and lightly coloured. Add kale and toss to coat with onions. Place salmon over top, skin side up. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove skin from salmon and remove fillets to a platter. Toss lentils with kale mixture and heat through.
Makes 4 servings
Nuts
All nuts, especially walnuts and almonds are great sources of antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium and magnesium, and of all nuts, walnuts are highest in alpha-linolenic omega-3 fatty acids, which lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
My Advice: eat a handful of nuts every day to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Spring Pesto Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons sesame or flax seeds
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chopped fresh dandelion leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup olive oil
- sea salt
Method:
1. In a blender or food processor, chop walnuts, flax seeds and garlic. Add dandelion, parsley and rosemary and start motor. Add olive oil slowly through opening in feed tube and process until pesto is desired consistency. Season to taste.
Makes 2 cups
Legumes
Dried peas, beans, lentils – a good plant protein; high in fiber, associated with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
My Advice: eat legumes three times per week, more often if you are vegetarian/vegan.
Ancho Chocolate and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe:
Ingredients:
Chile Seasoning:
- 3 dried ancho chiles (or 1 teaspoon chili powder)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Stew:
- ½ head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, trimmed and cut into large dice
- ½ rutabaga, trimmed and cut into small dice
- 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz /796 mL) diced tomatoes and juice
- 1 stick (2-inch) cinnamon
- 2 cups vegan stock or water
- 1 oz (30 g) unsweetened dark chocolate, grated
- 1 can (14 oz/398 mL) pinto beans, drained
- 2 cups coarsely chopped kale, spinach or Swiss chard
Method:
1. Make Chile Seasoning: slice chilies in half lengthwise and remove stems and seeds. Toast chilies: heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add chilies, pressing down with tongs for 1 minute, turning over and toasting for 30 seconds on other side. Let cool and slice into 4 pieces. Pulse in a spice grinder until finely ground. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oregano, cumin, cinnamon and salt.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp-tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Add garlic and Chile Seasoning and cook, stirring frequently for a minute or two.
4. Stir in sweet potato, rutabaga, carrots, tomatoes and their juice, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally for about 6 minutes or until the mixture is thickened slightly.
5. Add stock, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered for about 30 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Add chocolate and stir until it is melted into the mixture. Stir in cauliflower, beans and kale and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes.
Ladle into 6 serving bowls.
Dark Chocolate
70% cocoa or higher – high in antioxidants for anti-aging; flavonoids that prevent clogged arteries and lower blood pressure; and magnesium.
My Advice: indulge in one small square (1/2 oz/15 g) of the best quality dark chocolate (as high in cocoa as you can comfortably enjoy) every day.
Ancho Chocolate Chile (see recipe, above)
Seaweed
Arame, hijiki, kelp, kombu, nori, wakame – detoxify the body and help prevent assimilation of heavy metals; may have anticancer effects; individual seaweed varieties have varying levels of calcium, iodine, potassium and iron.
My Advice: eat seaweed once or twice per week and eat kombu or dulse raw (crushed and sprinkled over breakfast cereals, salads and main course dishes) every day.
Shiitake Mushroom Nori Rolls Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, divided
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, peeled and diced
- ½ cup sliced shiitake mushroom caps
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Spring Seasoning Paste (recipe above)
- 1 cup cooked Japanese sticky rice
- 2 sheets dried nori
Method:
1. In a skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp of the oil over high heat. Swirl to coat the base and sides. Add onions, zucchini and mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly for 4 minutes. Stir in almonds, sesame seeds, brown rice syrup, tamari and seasoning paste. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Toss rice with mushroom mixture.
2. Lay one sheet of nori out on a sushi mat or clean tea towel. Spoon rice mixture along the long side of the sheet and roll up. Moisten the long end to close the roll. Set aside and fill and roll the remaining nori sheet.
Makes 2 rolls, about 12 slices
Seeds
Flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds – sesame seeds enhance absorption of vitamin E and help lower cholesterol; pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol that offers some benefit for prostate hyperplasia (BPH); sunflower seeds help lower cholesterol and may lower the risk of heart disease.
My Advice: eat 2 to 3 tablespoons of seeds (whole sesame seeds if you can find them; pumpkin if you are male) every day.
Power Oat Bars Recipe:
Ingredients:
11-by 7-inch (2L) baking pan
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 2 cups granola cereal
- 1 cup large flake rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
- ¼ cup whole flaxseeds
- 2 tablespoons whole chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground sea salt
- ½ cup brown rice syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Method:
1. In a large bowl, combine walnuts, sesame seeds, granola, oats, cherries, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sea salt.
3. In a saucepan, heat brown rice syrup over medium-high heat until lightly simmering. Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut oil and vanilla. Stir until the coconut oil is dissolved. Pour over grain mixture. Press into the prepared baking pan and set aside for 15 minutes. Cut the mixture into 2 x 2-inch squares. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Enjoy!
Have fun trying new recipes and incorporating more super foods into your every-day life!
Recipe photos provided by Pat Crocker
Header photo provided by Serena Mor
Cannabis: Medicine or Poison?
An Exploration from the Perspectives of Traditional Systems of Healing
With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, we are seeing a growing public acceptance of this herb, an enormously expanding “cannabis industry”, and a variety of claims being made about its medical efficacy and utility. There are many well-documented traditional medical uses of cannabis, going back many hundreds of years, along with a growing body of contemporary scientific evidence supporting its various medicinal virtues. Yet many of the contemporary claims made about cannabis – branded as a miracle drug – are driven by the desire to sell products or simply as means of justifying one’s indulgences and addictions. In what follows, we will explore cannabis from the perspective of traditional systems of healing and consider some of the less acknowledged and discussed adverse reactions and disturbances that result particularly from its chronic use.
Sola dosis facit venenum; “All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison.” All medical practitioners, irrespective of their methodology or tradition, should carefully consider this phrase, attributed to the alchemist Paracelsus (1493 – 1541). In our era of one-size fits all medicine, Paracelsus’ insight into the difference between a medicinal and poisonous action of a substance being in the dose is not so widely understood. It is however quite germane to our discussion of cannabis, and rife with implications for understanding the nature of the substance. Paracelsus’ dictum leads us to the primary realization that the benefits or dangers of any substance – be it a food, herbal supplement, pharmaceutical drug, etc. – are entirely dependent upon the level and degree of an individual’s susceptibility to that substance. This phrase also asks us to question the range of effects that a particular substance can have, leading us to explore the nature and definition of a poison effect. Poisoning is not equivalent to a lethal dose, though it can lead there. Poisoning, we can say, is when an individual’s capacity for feeling and function has been disturbed.
Every Day Use
It is with chronic, daily cannabis use that we can often observe a very clear disturbance of an individual’s capacity for feeling and function, though the user may not always be able to perceive such an alteration. Many cannabis users have become convinced that their daily habit is what allows them to function, to be more creative, more emotionally balanced, more spiritual, less anxious, better able to relax and to sleep, etc. More often than not, those who make these emphatic claims have fallen under the spell of cannabis, and are no longer able to see beyond its alluring veil.1 As homeopath Colin Griffith explains: “what these users fail to see is that whatever effects their bodies manifest do not belong to them but to the drug. They are instruments on which the chemical drug is playing tunes. The effects are no more theirs than they would be if they took antibiotics for a tooth abscess.”2
In response to a patient’s inability to live her life without the use of cannabis, the natural medicine practitioner should ask: why is it that you are not able to function optimally in the first place? What are the underlying maintaining causes of your emotional imbalances and disturbances? Why do you have such difficulty relaxing and falling asleep? In such cases cannabis use may only be serving to suppress or cover over an underlying constitutional issue that needs to be properly addressed. And when we suppress a problem, rather than working to resolve or cure it, this may result in its temporary disappearance, but it certainly has not gone away. Suppression takes a surface manifestation of a disease and drives it to a deeper, more vital region of the organism, where it can create more chronic, intractable and debilitating illness.
An Ancient Medicine
Cannabis has a long history of use as a medicine. The Persian physician Avicenna (980 – 1037), who no doubt was familiar with cannabis strains much different than those that are available today, wrote of the use of cannabis for the alleviation of severe headache as well as treatment for degenerative bone and joint diseases, inflammation of the eyes, general edema, infectious wounds, gout, and uterine pain. However, he also pointed out that cannabis produces dryness that is “desiccating” (disrupting and deranging the vital fluids/fluid metabolism of the body). There are many clear signs that cannabis is warming, including increased appetite, red eyes, dry mouth and tongue, rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. As cannabis is excessively warming, it can result in a disturbance of the warmth activity of the organism, especially with regards to the metabolism. Chilly, sluggish and deficient digestive processes can often be observed in chronic cannabis users. The above mentioned symptoms are especially pronounced when it comes to the intensely psychoactive strains of cannabis that are grown today.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can be said that chronic use of cannabis can result in injuries to the Yin, damage to the Jing, and disturbance of the Shen. The primary constituent that causes such disturbances is THC. This is because, as herbalist Paul Bergner has remarked, “THC binds to the encocannabinoid receptors (CBD does not), and because it is many times more powerful than the endocannibinoids, the receptors drop in number and also become less responsive to maintain homeostasis.”3 Daily cannabis consumption often leads to gradually increasing dosage and frequency of use, clearly suggesting that tolerance and adaptation can develop quickly and easily.
Herbalist Todd Caldecott provides us with a useful explanation of cannabis from the perspective of the Ayurvedic tradition:
“Cannabis displays some of the properties of a poison, in that it spreads very quickly (vyavahi) and loosens (vikashi) the tissues. Through its subtle (sukhma) and penetrating (tikshna) qualities, it actually expands the space between all the cells of the body, opening up the channels (srotamasi). This is the reason for feeling high, and why it is consumed by sadhus and babas [who, unlike the average person, have been trained to focus their mind through contemplative practices]. It creates a subtle feeling experience that connects our experience to akasha (ether), the element of pervasiveness. So it opens and elevates consciousness, but not in an evolutionary way – just as a transient and limited experience of infinite space.”4
It is because cannabis serves to create space and allows for movement in the body that it can exhibit pain-relieving properties. It is for the same reason that cannabis can be utilized in some cancer treatment protocols (cancer is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells, when the tissue of our body can no longer maintain or identify its own boundaries. Hence, cancer is a disease that is very much related to ‘space’).
Recreational Use
While the chronic use of cannabis presents more pronounced dangers than occasional use does, infrequent or recreational consumption can still cause deep-seated disturbances on the level of body, mind and spirit – again, if that degree of individual susceptibility is there in a person. The use of cannabis “to relax”, for example, can easily become an addiction in the same way that others become addicted to drugs like diazepam to go to sleep at night or to “manage” (suppress) their anxiety symptoms. Such addiction is an often unconsciously motivated attempt to circumvent having to develop strategies and lifestyle changes that can lead to true understanding of the root causes of one’s issues. Without such an understanding, true resolution or cure is not possible.
The Physical Effects
Cannabis regularly results in a disturbance of the bladder, prostate, and sexual functioning in men. Cannabis can act as a potent aphrodisiac in the short term, but will usually lead to a lessening of erotic desire and even to impotence in some. Habitual use of cannabis results in a lowered white blood cell count, suggesting its negative affects on immune function. The homeopathic materia medica and provings of cannabis reveal that the adverse immune response that cannabis precipitates increases an individual’s susceptibility to bacterial respiratory infections as well as non-specific urethral infections, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia (homeopathic cannabis is an especially well known remedy in the treatment of gonorrhoea, and is indicated for genital discharges with burning pains and discomfort more generally).
The homeopathic materia medica of cannabis also reveals a strong affinity for disturbances of the thinking processes, with pronounced disorientation and a sense of disconnection accompanied by a free floating anxiety. The patient requiring homeopathic cannabis may often make mistakes in reading and writing and may generally have poor comprehension, tend to be forgetful and can become easily confused. While there can be difficulty concentrating, there can also be rapid thoughts and a pronounced tendency to theorize and draw far-fetched connections. Patients requiring homoeopathically potentized cannabis may report a sensation of the head being separated from the rest of the body (a symptom that says much about the state of being too much in one’s head, which cannabis in its crude form easily leads to. When this state progresses to severe pathology we can see, for example, paranoia and depersonalization. While cannabis users may give the appearance of being mellow and laid back, this appearance is often a symptom, as Colin Griffith notes, “of the distance that the cannabis has fostered between the smoker and reality”5). Other notable cannabis symptoms from the homeopathic literature include: sensations of being ungrounded, spaced out, unable to physically support oneself, of the limbs or the whole body feeling so light that it could float away; panic attacks, many fears including the fear of being alone in the dark, of entities, and of insanity. Rajan Sankaran notes that cannabis patients tend to exhibit oversensitivity and the need to “cover up for a feeling of inadequacy…The perceived weakness is actually an inadequacy in facing the threats, dangers and risks of the outside world. The Cannabis person feels unequipped to face them directly and hence observes the world from within the safe confines of a “glass cage.””6
Many of the above mentioned symptoms of chronic cannabis use are further understood when we consider the effects that cannabis has on our neurology. With prolonged use, cannabis disrupts the balance between the thalamus and hypothalamus and the pineal and pituitary glands. The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, growth hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, and prolactin. We have a growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis use results in significantly lowered levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. The hormones released by the thalamus and hypothalamus serve to regulate our flight and fight response, our appetite, thirst, and eliminatory processes. Negative modifications to these bodily functions are typically present after long-term use – at which point cannabis addiction tends to have already set in.
Ongoing pharmacological research on THC strongly suggests that it has marked affects on neuronal signaling and development, and researchers are beginning to explore how THC exposures during pregnancy could lead to adverse long-term changes in the neuronal development of babies and infants.7 Other research has drawn links between mother’s who smoke cannabis during pregnancy and an increase in the risk of their children developing leukemia and a variety of other serious birth defects. There have been further studies suggesting an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus and stomach with chronic cannabis use.
In Conclusion…
Cannabis is a complex herb, and one that should be carefully understood by those who use it. While public perception presents us with a marketable (and hugely profitable) image of cannabis, the reality of cannabis is more nuanced, multifaceted and complex than we are led to believe.
Footnotes:
1 From the perspective of the doctrine of signatures, the usually 5-leaved cannabis plant closely resembles a hand. This hand, it can be said, reaches for and makes an effort to grab hold of the cannabis user, who is rendered incapable of extricating herself from cannabis’ intoxicating embrace.
2 Colin Griffith, ‘The Companion to Homeopathy’ pg. 169.
3 Paul Bergner, unpublished writing.
4 Todd Caldecott, unpublished writing.
5 Griffith, ibid, pg. 168.
6 Rajan Sankaran, ‘The Soul of Remedies’, pg. 39.
7 See, for example, Kimberly S. Grant et al. ‘Cannabis Use during Pregnancy: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Child Development.’
Photos provided by Serena Mor
Herbal Actions: Alteratives
Herbal Actions
What is a “herbal action”?
When we speak about the action(s) of a certain plant, we are referring to one or more effects a plant can have on our body. Often these actions are explained in two or three words; however, herbal actions are so much more than that! Since plants are wonderful complex beings, they also have several actions. Most herbs can compliment their action(s) in combination with another herb, basically showing off their best side with the support of a “good friend”. Sometimes they work great on their own, but most of the times, they excel with a good buddy on their side. Think- Teamwork!
Alteratives
In this blog post, I would like to have a closer look at the ‘alterative’ action of herbs. After studying my resource books and putting together what I have gathered from my mentors, it turned out to be quite difficult in nailing it down to one definition. What can be found in the next few lines, is a summary of my own attempt to define alteratives. While some herbalists may agree with the words below, others may crunch and frown upon this review. As with all studies, especially herbal studies, learn your craft from many different teachers and find what works best for you.
When I think of alteratives, I immediately think of a tonic action. Tonifying herbs usually slowly, but gradually, alter and support the bodies natural actions and functions. Unlike carminatives for instance, which may help you feel better promptly after a heavy meal has left you feeling full and with an aching stomach, tonic herbs like alteratives take more time to show effects. These effects however, keep one in for the long run and can show beneficial changes in several organs and organ systems. Herbalists once referred to alteratives as ‘blood purifiers’. Nowadays however, most herbalists no longer use this term, as only pure blood can keep one alive and if blood would be poisoned or ‘impure’, our bodies would die.
How Alteratives Work
Alteratives gradually restore proper function of the body, which automatically increases overall health and vitality. By helping to disperse toxic buildup in the interstitial fluid, alteratives aid the body to properly remove toxins and therefore, improve the metabolism, supporting proper absorption and delivery of nutrients and insure healthy elimination. As alteratives are masters of proper elimination, they mainly work on the kidneys, liver, lungs, the lymphatic system and skin.
Many alterative herbs are rich in minerals, vitamins and other trace elements and highly nourishing substances. Furthermore, most alteratives are alkalizing to the blood and help neutralize excess acid in the system. Some work by stimulating digestive function and some are immunomodulators. As stimulants, they mildly stimulate and activate the vital organic functions of the liver and gall bladder.
Personally, I have successfully used alteratives for a variety of instances. I am most excited to share how I was able to effectively clear stubborn eczema on my hands. By its special affinity in supporting organs of elimination, alteratives can help to restore sluggish liver functions. As the master detoxifier, the liver has a wide variety of functions and tasks. If these lack, so does proper elimination, and other organs have to take over the job of a comprised liver. Usually, the lungs, skin, kidneys, liver, colon and lymph share the many tasks of elimination. If one organ works at half capacity, another organ has to pick up the slack. In many cases, it can fall onto the skin, which then may break out with rashes or other skin eruptions. Alteratives are best supported with a holistic treatment protocol, which your herbalist can help you design. This could include dietary, physical, emotional and other lifestyle changes.
It is important to note that initially after starting treatment, skin eruptions can worsen. This is because the skin has already been trying to push these ‘stuck wastes’ out, and with the help of alteratives, now get’s a ‘push’ to finish this task. Therefore, before improvement is seen, initial worsening may happen, usually lasting for only a short period of time.
When to Use Alteratives
When in doubt, use alteratives. As most alteratatives are very gentle and work over a longer period of time, they should be the first group of herbs to consider when working with chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases. These include skin issues, digestion issues, heat and dryness, cysts, arthritis and autoimmune conditions.
Energetics
As for energetics, many alteratives are bitters. Generally, most bitter plants are drying. In traditional Chinese medicine toxins of the blood and toxin-producing infections are considered ‘excess heat’. Since the Liver is associated with heat, too much heat can create extreme imbalance. Many alteratives are cooling liver herbs.
What are Energetics?
In herbalism we often refer to the “energetics” of plants. This can be a very helpful tool, as we get to not only consider the medicinal action of a plant and a certain condition we are trying to treat, but much more than that, we actually learn to work with the entire ecosystem of both plants and humans/animals. The basic energetics I will be referring to are cold/warm/damp/dry. As an example, if your underlying body condition is usually cold and dry, counter this with warm and damp herbs. This being said, I am not speaking of the actual, measurable temperature of a plant or fruit, but the effect this herb has on the body. As an example, think of biting into a piece of ginger or a cayenne pepper. Hot or cold? How about nibbling on chickweed or biting into a watermelon? Hot or cold?
If this interests you, Matthew Wood’s Book “The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism” is awesome, or try Jim McDonald’s “Actions and Energetics in Western Herbalism” (available online).
Examples of Some Alterative Herbs
- Arctium lappa (Burdock root) is both preventive and medicinal as it supports the detoxification process. Burdock root assists liver supporting toxin elimination through the skin and bowels. As a bitter, Burdock stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile. Therefore, it helps with digestion and appetite. Burdock is cooling, as it cools the ‘heat’ of rashes. It is extensively used for the treatment of skin conditions that result in dry and scaly patches. Most effective for psoriasis if used over long period of time. Also great for teenagers with problem skin.
- Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion root and leaf) is similar to Burdock root. Dandelion is useful in signs of a hot inflamed liver with stagnation. It improves liver function and aids the natural detoxification process while protecting liver cells from oxidation and damage. The leaves have clear affinity for the gallbladder and, as such, aid in the digestion of fats. Ideal for those with “sour stomachs”. Great as digestive bitter, cooling to the liver. For chronic inflammation of the liver, it aids proper metabolism, supports detoxification and elimination. It also brings relief in gout and rheumatism as well as glandular swelling.
- Berberis aquifolium, Mahonia spp. (Oregon Grape Root) As a mild alterative, Mahonia is great for use with children as well as the elderly. It has a strong affinity for the liver and supports detoxification and elimination. As a bitter, moistening root that supports secretion of bile from the liver, it shows efficiency in bowel movements. In his book, The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism, Matthew wood writes that, ‘The typical Mahonia patient is thin, dry, and constipated, with rough, scaly, dry skin.’
- Urtica dioica (Nettles) are considered a ‘blood building herb’ (eczema, headaches) as it tonifies organs and boosts the actions of many organ systems with a special affinity for the urinary tract/kidneys. Nettle is used as a spring tonic and general detoxifying remedy, being an excellent source of nutrition for the weak and feeble, recovering from illness or nursing mothers. Nettles are one of the most nourishing tonic herbs and foods we have in Western herbal medicine. Often times, Nettles are used specifically for childhood eczema and beneficial for all varieties of this condition, especially nervous eczema. Nettles can be helpful as a component of treatment for eczema in adults.
- Trifolium pratense (Red clover) Red clover is said to ‘thin the blood’ and has purification properties often benefitting those suffering with eczema, acne and other skin conditions. It is an important remedy for many childhood ailments and may be used safely for any case of eczema. Red clover is considered in cases of edema and hardened, sore lymph nodes, softening stubborn, hard, encysted lymph nodes. For clearing up cysts in the body, as any alterative, red clover needs to be used over a longer period of time. It has a special affinity to glands around the neck, under the ear and towards the back of the neck, as it tends towards single swollen glands. Check out the doctrine of signatures; The flower head resembles a lymph node. Further, Red clover acts on the liver, protects and aids in detoxification.
I hope this post gave you a little insight on Astringents and how they can interact with our body. This topic is covered much more in depth in the herbal course, which is currently developed and coming soon by our group of wonderful herbalists.
Resources:
Besides my own words, this write up features information from the following resources:
- Jim McDonald – Foundational Herbcraft – www.herbcradft.org – collected writings from www.PlantHealkerMagazine.com.
- David Hoffmann – Medicinal Herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Art Press, Rochester, Vermont 05767. 2003.
- Abrah Arneson – The Herbal Apprentice: Plant Medicine and the Human Being – Green Heart Press. 2014.
- Matthew Wood – The practice of Traditional Western Herbalism – Basic Doctrine, Energetics and Classification – North Atlantic Books, Berkley, California. 2004.
- Rosemary Gladstar – Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health – Storey Publishing, 2001/2008
Learning Herbal Medicine: Wild Bergamot
Already longing for some summer-time herbs? Please enjoy this guest blog by Taylor Eveson discussing some of the medicinal uses and properties of Wild Bergamot!
Wild Bergamot
Scent: Aromatic and Pungent
Botanical name: Monarda fistulosa
Common names: Wild Bergamot, Sweet Leaf, Indian Perfume, Horsemint.
Identification
Wild bergamot is a perennial herb from the mint family. Like many other mints it has a square stem and opposite leaves. The leaves (5-8cm) are lanceolate with toothed margins and the bracts (the leaves just underneath the flowers) can be coloured with red or purple. Many stalks can sprout from the same root (known as a rhizome), so it is common to find several plants clustered together. It can grow to a height of almost a meter. From June to September it sprouts 20-50 flowers from the receptacle at the terminal end of the stalk. The tubular, irregular flowers can be varying shades of purple, lilac, pink or rarely white. The fruit is a nutlet, tightly clustered with many other nutlets. When the fruits ripen, they change colour from green to brown or black.
Habitat
It grows in rich, limey soils in dry fields, thickets and clearings. It prefers open fields and meadows that have not been cultivated for some time. It is distributed from Quebec to the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, and as far South as Georgia, Texas, Idaho and Northeast Washington. Some varieties are geographically widespread, but others are quite restricted to their range. Personally, I have been able to grow more than one variety of wild bergamot in a garden bed on a roof in Toronto; it did quite well as long as I watered it regularly.
Traditional Uses
Wild bergamot has many uses in traditional Native American culture. Due to its widespread distribution, many tribes utilized this plant including the Blackfoot, Cherokee, Chippewa, Cree, Iroquois, Ojibwa and Sioux nations. A Cherokee native, Tis Mal Crow, describes it as the medicine that draws out the fire, being particularly suited for burns and heat from fevers or infection. The Blackfoot applied a poultice of the flowers to burns or a burst boil, and after the wound was healed. Chippewa natives applied a poultice of crushed leaves to the head for headaches, and other tribes stuffed crushed leaves into the nostrils for the same purpose. Cherokee natives inhaled the steam from a hot infusion and also drank the tea for ‘sweating off’ flus and fevers.
In native American culture the concept of animal medicine archetypes is an interesting area of study. The indigenous people studied animals to learn about themselves and the medicines in their area. There were qualities about certain plants that merited an association to a particular animal; whether it was a favourite food of a particular animal, or some part of the plant bore physical resemblance to that animal, they recognized that the way animals related to plants contributed to why the animal was the way it was. So if they desired to attain to the nature of the bear or the deer, they would use the foods or medicines associated with that animal to achieve this end.
Wild bergamot is described as having a deer medicine animal signature. American herbalist Matthew Wood describes the plant as having long, slender stalks like a deer’s legs, supporting flowering heads that resemble a head with horns, or a rack of antlers. You can find the plant growing where deer like to graze near the edge of a forest, where they can quickly find cover if they sense danger. Male elks will roll in a patch of bergamot to attract a mate. The name “Indian Perfume” comes from its pleasant fragrance and its use as an aphrodisiac or in love potions. The deer archetype is associated with virility, love, passion and ‘the hunt’. The indigenous peoples believe the same vital energy is involved in hunting for a mate, or for prey; deer medicines fortify the body’s ability to perform in this regard. These medicines have a particular affinity for supporting the kidneys and the nervous system, both of which are intimately connected to the acuity of the sensory perceptions and are involved in the ‘fight or flight’ adrenal response to external stress.
Uses and Application
During a viral infection, the body initiates a variety of immune responses. Most notably, the core temperature is increased to a point that is uninhabitable for the virus. An individual will have the urge to curl up in bed to build their temperature. This internal increase in temperature is followed by a release of the heat through the exterior of the body by conductive heat transfer and sweating. The process of relaxation of the periphery of the body and attendant sweating is called diaphoresis. Warming, aromatic medicinal herbs like wild bergamot are known as diaphoretics. They stimulate the increase of the core temperature and allow blood vessels and surrounding tissues to relax so that the heat and the byproducts of cellular breakdown produced in the fight against the infection can be eliminated more easily through the skin and the digestive and urinary tracts.
The oil produced by wild bergamot is high in a volatile oil called thymol. Thymol is a powerful antiseptic for both internal and external use. It is also employed as a deodorant and local anesthetic. It is extensively used to medicate gauze and wool for surgical dressings. It is also utilized for commercial mouthwash production. Many different activities of thymol such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and especially antibacterial and anti-fungal properties have been shown.
Indications: Fevers, headaches, lack of perspiration, respiratory infections, coughs, sore throat, colds and flus, cool and damp skin with internal heat, skin rashes, dermatitis, bug bites and stings, burns, depression, anxiety, insomnia, nervous hyperactivity, colic, flatulence, indigestion, poor appetite, diarrhea, constipation, menstrual cramps, candidiasis, urinary tract infections.
Herbal Actions: aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, expectorant, carminative, nervous system restorative.
Energetics: Pungent, warming, aromatic, salty, savoury, draws out heat.
Dosage Examples
Infusion: 1 gram of dried herb per 5mL of water; 3-4 cups of tea a day or as a gargle, wash or steam inhalation.
Tincture: Fresh 1:2, dried 1:5; 5 mL or one teaspoon, 3-5 times daily.
Topical: Chewed or crushed leaves (from flowering plant) should not be left on the affected area for more than 5 minutes; its effect can become too hot and irritating. Steep a large handful into boiling water for 30-35 minutes and add infusion to bath water for sore muscles and nervous system conditions.
Photo provided by Serena Mor
Hot Chiles Bite Winter Back
Chile Pepper Medicine Turns Up the Heat
While on the quest for the shortest route to the East, Spanish navigators discovered the hot and fiery chile pepper. Abundant and adored by Caribbean natives, the conquistadors called it pimiento, the Spanish word for pepper.
Capsaicinoids are the naturally occurring compounds that give chile peppers pungency and heat. Every type of pepper has a unique taste – from slightly floral, fruity, sweet, and spicy to pungent – and each type has a heat rating that is based on the kind and intensity of the capsaicin it contains. For example, peppers that contain only nordihydrocapsaicin (NDHC) will present a mellow, warming effect that recedes quickly and lingers briefly at the front of the mouth. In contrast, the explosive heat and pungency of pomodihydrocapsaicin (HDHC) produces a strong numbing, burning sensation in the throat and back of the tongue that is more intense and lasts longer.
Chile heads (lovers of hot peppers) have long known that the hotter the chile pepper (and the more capsaicin it contains), the greater will be the endorphin rush they experience. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus – when released they cause a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. By triggering endorphins, capsaicins work as natural painkillers along with boosting memory function.
How to Gauge the Heat
Want to eat more chiles but are afraid of their blazing bite? I have two tips for helping you enjoy the incredible benefits of chiles.
First, get familiar with the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) system of measuring the heat in chile peppers. The Scoville Scale is a standard measurement of the concentration of capsaicin (the constituent that causes the skin and mouth to tingle or burn) in every type of pepper and assigns it a number from 0 to 5 million.
Secondly, start cooking with peppers that are low on the Scoville scale and begin to work your way towards a higher rated pepper. Sweet bell pepper types rate 0 to 1000 Scoville Units, which means that they are delicious (red bell peppers are sweeter than green), with no discernable burning, but are not high in capsaicin. Hungarian paprika is only slightly hotter, with 1,500 units, but it imparts an apple note that is perfect for stew and goulash dishes, or in vegetable stir-fries. Poblano chiles and New Mexican types move up the scale to 7,000 SHU and are roasted or stuffed and baked for a mildly hot experience that dissipates quickly.
My goal, when I began to grow, buy, and cook with chile peppers was to become comfortable eating cayenne peppers, which flare from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. This is a reasonable goal because we enjoy significant health benefits from adding one fresh (or dried) cayenne pepper to smoothies, soups, stews, stir-fries, or other dishes at least three times per week.
I’m happy to say that it didn’t take long before I was sizzling my way up to Habanero type peppers, which register between 80,000 and 150,000 SHU. Then my friends at Shady Acres Herb farm in Minnesota sent me some Bhut Joloka (aka Ghost) chiles that they had grown. Although Carolina Reaper chiles register higher in SHU (1,600,000 to 2,200,000 SHU), Ghost chiles are still considered to be incendiary, combusting at 855,000 to 2,199,999 SHU. I dried my cache of Ghost red hots and sometimes, when I am feeling adventurous, I slip on a pair of disposable gloves, snip off a quarter-inch piece of that phantom pepper and dice it into teeny granules which then get added to a chowder or curry dish. It never fails to deliver the famous chile-rush.
Health Benefits of Cayenne
Being exceptionally high in vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant to help fight aging and cell damage, cayenne peppers, and all others above or below them on the Scoville Heat scale, deliver an incredible array of healing gifts. Buy or grow them and use fresh, or dry and crumble them into all kinds of dishes.
Here is what you can ignite once you begin to enjoy the cayenne conflagration:
- Anti-inflammatory action – reduces the pain and swelling of arthritis. Cayenne cream or salve is applied topically to treat arthritis and muscle pain
- Lowers cholesterol – and triglyceride levels for heart health
- Fights bacteria and viruses – with its high vitamin C content
- Increases circulation – by improving blood flow and stimulating sweating (an important process of detoxification). A tea made of warm water, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper is an excellent morning beverage for total body health
- Anti-fungal properties – soak feet in warm water with one tablespoon powdered cayenne pepper to help alleviate athlete’s foot
- Aids digestion – capsaicin stimulates the digestive tract and may give relief to people suffering from peptic ulcers by stimulating blood flow that nourishes the gastric mucosal membrane
- Helps relieve allergies – and acts as a decongestant by stimulating the release of mucus from respiratory passages
- Reduces blood clots – and can be used as a first response for wounds to stop bleeding
How about you? What varieties are you eating or using to make medicine?
Watch for my next post, Cooking with Cayenne. Meantime, here are some recipes that will warm and soothe:
Harissa
A key flavouring and condiment in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, Harissa is never far from a Moroccan, Libyan, Algerian, Turkish, or Tunisian table. In fact, it is the go-to seasoning for many cooks in the region. Often it is added to soup, stew and curry dishes or tagines, used with meatballs, or rubbed into kebabs and other meats before grilling. The main ingredient is cayenne (or other hot chile peppers) and while it is easy to make from fresh or dried hot chiles, it is also widely available in cans or tubes, or freshly prepared in tubs in Middle Eastern or North African markets.
Dairy products (in particular yogurt), and the starch in pastas and couscous, help to dial the heat down and so they are often paired with harissa and other hot chile dishes.
(Makes 1/2 cup)
Ingredients:
- 12 cayenne, serano, or jalapeno chile peppers, fresh or dried
- 3/4 cup boiled water
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 piece (2-inch) cinnamon, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, optional
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Method:
Discard stems and seeds from the chiles. Using kitchen scissors, cut chiles crosswise into thin strips, letting them fall into a bowl. Pour water over top and soak for 30 minutes or until softened.
Meanwhile, in a small, heavy pan or spice wok, over medium heat, dry-fry cumin, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, and fenugreek seeds (optional) for three minutes, or until fragrant and light brown. Set aside to cool.
Using a small food processor or blender, chop the garlic with the salt. Drain chiles, discarding the soaking water (or reserving it for another use later). Add chiles to garlic and process until smooth. Add toasted spices and process to incorporate them into the mixture.
With the motor running, gradually drizzle in the oil through the opening in the lid, processing the mixture until the sauce is well blended to a consistency of mayonnaise.
Pat’s Cayenne Fire Cider
The name sounds daring, and the brew is ablaze with the energy of healing ingredients. This natural sinus, cold and ‘flu folk remedy has been home-brewed for eons by herbalists, naturalists, and anyone who has learned of its efficacy. Grated horseradish root, garlic, onion, ginger, and hot peppers are the main ingredients that are steeped in organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, but you can develop your own amounts and combinations. Before my horseradish plant grew large enough for me to actually dig the roots, I developed the following simple and very potent blend. Now I add the horseradish, but you can omit it if you can’t find fresh root.
See the Resources section for a link to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider method [2] and visit the Mountain Rose Blog [3] to read about this well-known herb supplier’s Fire Cider.
(Makes about 4 cups)
Ingredients:
- 25 whole fresh cayenne peppers
- 1 head garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh ginger, grated
- 3 – 4 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Optional Ingredients
- 2 cups grated fresh horseradish
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, horehound, thyme, sage, parsley
- 2 onions, chopped
Method:
Clean and slit or halve the peppers. Loosely pack them into a one quart mason-style jar. Add garlic slices and ginger. Add horseradish and other optional ingredients, if using.
Fill the jar, covering the ingredients with vinegar, leaving a half-inch space.
Make sure the peppers are below the vinegar, and cap the jar with the 2-piece lid. Set aside in a cool, dark cupboard for a month or longer.
After steeping the ingredients, you can refrigerate the jar (although it isn’t required). If you don’t strain the vinegar, you can fish out, drain and use the chiles, garlic slices, and ginger in recipes until they are finished. Alternately, you can strain the vinegar and make syrup as follows.
To make a cough syrup: Strain the steeped vinegar into a 6-cup measuring cup, pressing on the solids to extract as much vinegar as possible. Discard the solids.
For every cup of strained vinegar, add 1/4 – 1/2 cup (to taste) liquid honey. Stir well or heat over low setting in a saucepan to melt and combine the honey. Pour into 1-cup jars, cap, label, and store in a cool, dark cupboard.
Serving suggestions for unsweetened steeped vinegar:
- Take one tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water with one to two teaspoons of honey every morning for its tonic benefits.
- Substituting steeped vinegar in recipes that call for regular vinegar (salad dressing, dips, spreads, sauces, and other condiments) will infuse them with the healing benefits of Fire Cider.
- Cough Syrup: Take one tablespoon at the first sign of a cold and repeat every two to three hours until symptoms subside.
Resources
[1] Tucker, Art and Thomas De Baggio, The Encyclopedia of Herbs. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2009
[2] Rosemary Gladstar, video of her Fire Cider method
Pat Crocker cultivates cayenne and turns up the heat in recipes. Her newest book, The Herbalist’s Kitchen is available on her website and at all major bookstores. Photographer, lecturer, and author of several award-winning books, including Coconut 24/7, Preserving, The Vegan Cook’s Bible, The Vegetarian Cook’s Bible, The Healing Herbs Cookbook, The Juicing Bible, and The Smoothies Bible, Pat would love to hear from you about your personal adventures with herbs. www.patcrocker.com
Blog photos provided by Pat Crocker
Header photo provided by Serena Mor
Talking About St. John’s Wort
A Herb of Meaning
As the days grow shorter and colder and the embrace of the night deepens, some of us may find that our inner sun is also waning. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), which Matthew Wood has held up as perhaps the “archetypal healing herb” and Father Sebastian Kneipp has called the “perfume of God” and the “flower of the Fairies”, can help some of us navigate the states of all pervading darkness which take hold as we approach the Winter Solstice and the rebirth of the light.
In the symbolic language of Alchemy, the metamorphosis of a black bird into a white bird stands for the albedo, or whitening, process – a transformational movement of the psyche out of “its dark and depressive leadened state into a reflective sublimation that lightens the soul and is thought to bring a greater sense of consciousness and freedom. It is a kind of purification process and catalyzes psychic development” (Stanton Marlan, ‘The Black Sun’).
The Rhythmic System
While holistic herbal medicine does not simply prescribe St. John’s Wort for unspecified “depression” but always rather searches for the root causes underlying such a state of body and soul, I do see the “primary yellow flowers” of St. John’s Wort, as Rudolf Steiner described them, as a potential catalyst for this “whitening” process. For Steiner, Hypericum works to combat the malnutrition that stems from an overburdening of the organs of the rhythmic system – “There is the rhythm of the breath, the rhythm of the circulation, the rhythm manifested in sleeping and waking, and countless other rhythmic processes.” St. John’s Wort helps to carry the anabolic processes into the sphere of the nerves and senses and to aid the astral body’s inner mobility. The astral body is linked to the Manipura or solar plexus chakra, and Hypericum is an important remedy for treating conditions of the enteric brain or neural gut.
The Star and Sun
In the words of Julia Graves: “Flowers that shape tufts such as St. John’s Wort (a star with a tuft) point to nerve endings and sensitivity. St. John’s Wort is one of the finest nervines available. All of its starry, sun-yellow flowers look up; they facilitate the prana flowing in through the crown” (Julia Graves, ‘The Language of Plants’).
One may do well to imbibe in the herbal sunshine that St. John’s Wort offers when, as Hölderlin has it in his novel Hyperíōn, it is necessary to “call on Fate to give me back my soul.” Hypericum is a herb of spiritual and emotional protection, as is attested by a traditional use of the oil noted by Deborah Frances: “Recognizing that women are more sensitive and open during menses, women in traditional cultures in Europe painted their labia’s with an oil of Hypericum for protection during moontime.” One need only look at the flowers of St. John’s Wort, with their “golden five-petalled blooms radiating like small sun-wheels around a shower of bobbing stamens” (Susanne Fischer-Rizzi, ‘Medicine of the Earth’), to realize the magnanimous beneficence of this remedy. Fischer-Rizzi continues: “our forbearers saw in these flowers the captured power of the sun, each five-pointed star a sign of the benevolent powers. Ancient druids saw a resemblance to their sacred pentagram while Christians felt it symbolized the five stigmata of Christ.”
Lastly, let us note that the first part of the Latin binomial Hypericum perforatum is a derivation of the name of pre-Olympia God of the Sun; Hyperíōn, which literally means “The High-One.” That the yellow flowers of St. John’s Wort turn blood red when placed into menstruum and processed as a tincture or oil reminds us of the life giving power of the Sun, the Sun which gives without receiving.
Photo provided by Nick Faunus
Herbal Tooth and Gum Powder: Oral Hygiene & Herbal Medicine
The Importance of Oral Health
It is said in many holistic healing traditions that all disease begins in the gut. But it’s important not to forget that the entire digestive process, and the beginning of our GI tract, starts in the mouth. A healthy mouth is essential for maintaining optimal immune system function, which becomes quite clear when we consider that a very significant part of the immune system resides in the digestive tract. Just as is the case with the gut microbiome, the microbiome of the mouth needs to be well cared for – the healthy bacteria need to be allowed to flourish. The condition of the mouth, gums, tongue, and teeth reflect many things about the health of the whole body. Rudolf Steiner went so far as to say that, “the teeth are the sum of the world mysteries.” Herbal tooth and gum powders are an excellent way to help care for the mouth. This particular blend can do wonders when it comes to weak tooth enamel, preventing (and, as per my own clinical experience, even reversing) cavities, tooth and gum sensitivity, soreness and pain.
The herbs in this formula have a long and continued history of use in herbal medicine, though since the advent of modern dentistry, are no longer quite as esteemed as they once were for their ability to keep the mouth, teeth and gums in optimal shape. Perhaps most notably from a historical perspective is the bark of the White Oak tree (Quercus alba). The astringing inner bark of this mighty tree contains tannins, saponins, and minerals (including calcium) – all of which, when properly balanced (i.e. found in the form of a whole herb, as nature intended), are greatly beneficial not only for the teeth, but also for the tendons that attach the teeth to the jaw. Looking back at our herbal literature, one can find many references to the use of Oak bark for gum disease, cavities, loose and brittle teeth, sensitive, sore and bleeding gums, foul breath, canker sores and ulcerations of the mouth.
Tooth and Gum Powder Recipe
Combine equal parts of the following finely powdered herbs:
- Horsetail
- Peppermint
- Licorice
- White Oak Bark
- Cloves
- Prickly Ash Bark
- Bayberry Bark
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Neem Bark
Application
Once finished, use this powder as you would any tooth paste (it can also be applied to any problematic spots in the mouth and let sit).
Cloves, Peppermint and Licorice, which can help to prevent the accumulation of biofilms – including plaque – on the teeth and gums, are strongly flavoured herbs and may be left out according to individual preferences. Many of the herbs in this formula exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, and leaving one or two of them out will not significantly affect the efficacy of the product.
Tongue Cleaning
In addition to the use of a herbal tooth and gum powder, one thing that I recommend to nearly all of my patients is tongue cleaning (preferably with a metal tongue scraper) – a practice which is considered to be of the utmost importance in the maintenance of one’s oral hygiene in the Ayurvedic tradition. As Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra explain in ‘The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs’: “Cleaning the tongue is a critical part of maintaining oral health. Ayurveda, in particular, emphasizes this daily practice. Brush your tongue while brushing your teeth, or use a tongue scraper. Tongue cleaning reduces bad breath, and helps to prevent plaque.”
Try incorporating herbal tooth powders into your daily routine. Please feel free to let us know about your experiences or if you have any recipes of your own.
Herbal Actions: Diaphoretics
Herbal Actions
What is a “herbal action”?
When we speak about the action(s) of a certain plant, we are referring to one or more effects a plant can have on our body. Often these actions are explained in two or three words; however, herbal actions are so much more than that! Since plants are wonderful complex beings, they also have several actions. Most herbs can compliment their action(s) in combination with another herb, basically showing off their best side with the support of a “good friend”. Sometimes they work great on their own, but most of the times, they excel with a good buddy on their side. Think- Teamwork!
Diaphoretics
The time of the year has come where many of us start to layer up again. Our hands and feet feel constantly cold, and the two pairs of socks we are wearing don’t seem to do anything. Additionally, our hands are freezing and all we wish for is a hot water bottle attached right to our bodies, tied down tightly with a warm woolly shawl. Believe me, I know what I am talking about…
Perhaps you think, this is not me! Despite the cooler temperatures outside, you just can’t seem to escape the heat. Just the thought of a hot water bottle is making you perspirate…
In this blog, let’s talk about diaphoretics and how they are not only helpful to both the extreme cold and the extreme hot of us, but also, how they can:
- Support the skin in its role as organ of elimination
- Stimulate outward circulation
- Relax tightly closed pores
- Stimulate the immune response and support the bodies natural fever response
Diaphoretics and the Skin
If you have a close look at your skin, you can see that the surface of it appears to be like a tiny little mosaic – not completely smooth like glass, but uncountable small sections with hair follicles and pores. Sometimes, the surface can look quite rough, with many small eruptions that can cause a certain area to develop a rash. This could be a heat rash, caused by sweat that is trapped in the skin or any other superficial rash. With any skin eruption, it is important to source out the root cause and treat it as a whole, as often times it can be a sign of insufficiently working organs of elimination. diaphoretics, however, are a great complimentary way of supporting our skin in healing a rash, while addressing the root cause altogether simultaneously.
If a rash is associated with tightly closed pores, we can help opening them up by using a stimulating and relaxant diaphoretic. Using some gentle alteratives in combination with Diaphoretics, is always a good idea.
Fevers and Stimulating the Immune Response
Some of you might be familiar with using diaphoretics during a fever. Starting at the first sign of a cold or flu, start drinking a hot tea with a diaphoretic blend including herbs such as Elderflowers, Linden flowers, Catnip and Peppermint. Let me put some special emphasis on the heat, as only hot liquids can act as diaphoretics. Many cold diaphoretic herbs will act more as a diuretic, which enhance the drainage of tissue fluid and increase urination.
By exciting our sweat glands, our metabolic activity is stimulated which at the same time, is alerting our immune system to ramp up. Through our skin, toxins can be removed, which can indirectly lower a fever.
Not only can it help to ease the signs and symptoms, but it can also help to drive out a fever. A fever is the bodies natural response to dealing with pathogens. It is important to keep a close eye on the temperature, as a out of hand fever can be quite detrimental. In most cases however, our body is doing an excellent job of killing the pathogens all on their own. By using diaphoretics, we can help generate that heat, stimulate circulation and take the heat from the core of the body and bring it to the periphery. While promoting perspiration, it is incredibly important to stay properly hydrated. Drinking lots and lots of hot tea, water and strengthening bone broth are of upmost importance.
Stimulating and Relaxing Diaphoretics
In general, all diaphoretics promote perspiration by opening up the pores of the skin, and even though it might seem we have to pick either of the two, stimulating and relaxing diaphoretics work best when used in conjunction.
- Stimulating diaphoretics act as a circulatory stimulant. By opening up the capillary beds, they help to bring up the heat up to the surface. For individuals with a cold constitution, this will help to circulate some heat to the periphery. For anyone experiencing hot flashes or are generally of a hotter constitution, it helps to bring the core heat that is stuck on the inside to the outer surface. This is why in most warm climate zones, people tend to enjoy their hot and spicy foods!
Examples of stimulating diaphoretics are: Zingiber officinalis (Ginger), Capsicum annuum (Cayenne) or Achillea millefolium (Yarrow).
- Relaxing diaphoretics help to loosen tight, tense tissues. If your pores are closed tightly, the skin is dry and tense and lacks proper hydration in the form of water and oil or if you just can’t get a good sweat, it might a great idea to add relaxing diaphoretics.
Examples of relaxing diaphoretics are: Tilia europea (Linden flowers), Sambucus nigra (Elder flowers) or Nepeta cataria (Catnip).
I hope this post gave you a little insight on diaphoretics and how they can interact with our body. This topic is covered much more in depth in the herbal course, which is currently developed and coming soon by our group of wonderful herbalists.
Resources:
Besides my own words, this write up features information from the following resources:
– Ursel Buehring Praxis- Lehrbuch Heilpflanzenkunde – Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. 4 ueberarbeitete Auflage. Karl F. Haug Verlag in MVS Medizinverlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG’ 70469 Stuttgart, Germany. 2014. (Published in German language)
– Jim McDonald – Foundational Herbcraft – www.herbcradft.org – collected writings from www.PlantHealkerMagazine.com.
– Lisa Ganora – The action formula – PDF – 2015
– David Hoffmann – Medicinal Herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Art Press, Rochester, Vermont 05767. 2003.
Nettle Seed
Nettle Seed
(Urtica dioica semen)
Etymology
- urtica from the Latin “urere” meaning to burn
- dioica from Latin for “two houses” – this refers to male and female flowers occurring on separate plants.
- Nettle from the Anglo-Saxon word “noedl” meaning “needle”.
In contemporary western herbal medicine, nettle seed is essentially an energizing trophorestorative for the kidneys. Some herbalists also refer to nettle seed as an adaptogen.
Historical Uses
Let’s begin with historical uses.
First Historical use of Nettle Seed:
Nettle seed was part of the feed given to horses that were much loved. It made their coats shiny and they appeared to have more vigor.
This is important because the coat of an animal, or the hair of a human, will tell you a lot about the health of the body from which it sprouts. Hair that lacks lustre and fullness, unless there is male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) which is hereditary, suggests the body lacks the nutrients it needs. The body will sacrifice the hair in order to conserve nutrients needed for more necessary functions. If malnutrition is prolonged, changes can also be seen on the nails and skin.
So, we know from those who fed their beloved horses nettle seeds had healthier animals with sustained vigor. We can hypothesize this is because of the nutrients in the seed.
Second Historical non-use of Nettle Seed
Monks during the middle ages, 500 CE to about 1500 CE, were forbidden to take nettle seeds. It was considered an aphrodisiac. They were given Vitex agnus castus seeds instead. This plant suppresses libido in men.
We now know that Nettle seeds awakens the sexual appetite in men. A vigorous sexual appetite suggests gusto for life. This suggests the Nettle seed in some way nourishes the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for survival of the species. It does this by releasing hormones that govern of many of life’s survival actions including inflammation and fever as well as fight, flight and freeze and sex. Sex being essential for the survival of the species.
Nettle Seed, as do most seeds, are high in essential fatty acids. These oils are necessary for a healthy functioning endocrine system which includes both sexual and immune health.
Third Historical use of Nettle Seed
Culpepper, an English herbalist from in the mid 1600s, had many uses for Nettle Seed. From Culpepper’s Complete Herbal…..
The seed provokes urine, and expels the gravel and stone in the reins or bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same kills the worms in children, eases pains in the sides, and dissolves the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, although others think it only powerful to provoke venery… The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonous qualities of Hemlock, Henbane, Nightshade, Mandrake, or other such like herbs that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethargy, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temples in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt.
From Culpepper we learn about Nettle seed’s direct actions on the kidney. Remember contemporary herbalists now most commonly use it as a kidney trophorestorative. Culpepper tells us it removes kidney stones.
He also suggests it has anti-parasitic actions as well as anti-viral actions. Rabies is a viral infection. This is very interesting to me as I see a lot of infections in my practice and we are currently living with a virus that is changing all our lives.
What Else Can Nettles do for Us?
Constituents of Nettle – not necessarily the seed as most research is done on the leaf – is demonstrating anti-viral activity. For further reading, you can check out this link [here].
One of the primary finding’s researchers noticed when offering nettles as medicine, is the lack of weight loss and vitality when mice were injected with a killing virus. This refers back to those who love horses already knew: Nettles are a super food! And Nettle seed is a super, super food!
The Kidney
Herbal Medicine is the relationship between plants and the body/mind complex. To understand a plant’s medicine, one needs some understanding of the organ or system that the plant effects.
The kidneys are mentioned 5 times in the Hebrew Bible as the organ as God examines to pass judgement on the soul. It is said, Abraham learned the laws of God from dreams offered by his kidneys at night.
“I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons” (Psalms 16:7).
The ancient Jewish sacred text the Talmudic corpus teaches that one kidney offers good advice, while the other offers bad advice.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often said that the kidney is where fear resides in the body. The word for fear in Mandarin is Haipa. Haipa is broken into two pictograms; “Hai” which is translated as harm, evil, kill and calamity, and “Pa” which translates into afraid, fear and dread.
Translations of Haipa are; to be scared, to dread, to lose courage, to be unable to endure and to worry.
I find these considerations of the “emotionality” (for lack of better word) of the kidney’s important when we are speaking of Nettle Seed as a kidney trophorestorive. If we consider these ancient understanding of kidneys – a kidney trophorestorative is a plant that restores the courage, resiliency and the power to stand in our creative goodness.
This brings us to the adoptogenic effect of a kidney restorative. Adaptogenic herbs act on the adrenal glands to moderate the body/mind’s response to stress.
Stress is such an overused word today that it has almost lost its significance. “We are all stressed out!” Think of stress as the loss of courage, coming from the French word for a “good heart.” When we lose the good heart of courage, we begin to worry. The worry spirals into fear and soon we are waking every morning with dread in our bellies.
Nettle seed restores the courage to the heart by easing the worry from the kidneys.
A More Physiological Understanding of the Kidney.
The kidney controls the tension or relaxation in the heart and all the blood vessels and therefore the delivery of blood carrying nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body – including the brain. Relaxed, but not too relaxed, circulation means every cell in the body receives the nutrients it needs to be vibrant and healthy. Tension in the kidney has a influence on every cell in the body. Worry creates tension!
The kidney also filters blood. In a cadaver antonym class, squeeze a kidney and it’s like a sponge releasing fluid. The kidney filters the by-products of metabolism, particularly protein metabolism and maintains electrolyte balance. If the kidneys are hindered in their ability to filter the by-products of metabolism, the skin takes on the role. This is why people on dialysis often have the smell of urea coming from skin. Their skin is doing the work on the kidney (back to those horses).
Electrolytes balance the fluid levels in your blood plasma, interstitial tissue and within your cells. Electrolytes maintain the pH balance of your body and enable the contraction of your muscles including your heart and arteries and participate in transmission of nerve signals.
Your kidney’s actions touch every part of your body and can have a profound impact on your mental well being as well. When you take a kidney trophorestorative, you are supporting not just your kidneys but your whole body.
Signs and Symptoms That it’s Time to Take Nettle Seed
- Mid and low back ache when standing. It feels like fatigue in your back. (This, for me, is the key indication that Nettle seed is needed.)
- Dread and fatigue in the morning upon waking. This fatigue can pause once you up and getting on with your day, or it may remain if it has moved deeper into your beingness.
- Aching legs worse with cold.
- Water retention, swollen tongue.
- Low libido.
- Sighing.
When Not to Take Nettle Seed?
- When someone is completely depleted. Nettle seed carries a lot of energy. If someone does not have inner reserves, you may want to begin with Nettle leaf and as the person re-energizes introduce Nettle Seed.
Dosing
Start low and go slow. It is very invigorating and can interrupt a delicate sleep pattern if take too late in the day.
More recourses on Nettle Seed:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242275567_Urtica_semen_reduces_serum_creatinine_levels – Johnathan Treasure’s research into Nettle Seed credited with awakening the current interest in the plant.
- http://ravensongseeds.com/blog-post/nettle-seed-season – This is a fantastic article with harvesting tips and recipes and much more.
- https://napiers.net/blogs/news/nettle-seed-uses – Some curious clinical applications of the Nettle seeds. One needs to check the resources though.
