Nettle grows worldwide, and is a favorite of mine. It has a long history as a food and a medicine. It’s actions are astringent, diuretic, galactagogue, hemostatic, and tonic. Typical preparations of nettle as food is steamed and eaten in salads or pastas. Nettle soup is served by a hospital chef nearby. Nettle can be used as a pot herb, so go ahead and throw some into your pot of stew or soup or sauce. Nettle leaf is used traditionally as a diuretic, and has even been used to make a hair rinse for dandruff. Nettle has been found to be a valuable anti-inflammatory particularly in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, relieving almost all symptoms of itchy and watering eyes, sneezing and running nose.

If you are wild harvesting your own nettle, wear gloves, or figure out how to become a nettle charmer (someone who knows how to pick it without getting stung). Precautions are advised for people on diuretics meant to lower blood pressure. It’s unlikely that small doses, like in cooking or tea blends, would be deleterious. Herbalist Susun Weed suggests making a nettle tonic to cleanse and tonify the body systems and she uses a lot - about a cup of dried herb, covered with boiling water in a quart jar - steeped for 4 hours.

I like making a cup of nettle tea with about a tablespoon of the herb to a cup. If you decide to use nettle like a tonic, use it daily for a week or so, then take a break. The taste is mild and it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. I do not sweeten this tea. This is an herb that needs to find it’s way back to our kitchens. It generally reaches maturity in the summer months and is worth learning to identify and harvest.

Dr. Nancy Offenhauser makes a strong endorsement for the use of nettle tea in her groundbreaking book, “Healing Cancer Peacefully” - see chapter 28 - ‘Polly Put the Nettle On.’

Dr. James Duke, the retired FDA herbalist, lists nettle for allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, baldness, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, cough, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica, and tendinitis, which are mostly symptoms related to inflammation, diuresis, or allergic reactivity.

Dr. Judy Griffin reminds us about the use of nettles by Native Americans to relieve arthritis.

So even though the classifications like anti-inflammatory or diuretic weren’t common knowledge, people used nettle to treat exactly those kinds of conditions. None of this information is a secret. It’s a healing plant found almost everywhere growing naturally. My belief is that when we utilize the herbs, flowers, and plants of Creation they are both healing and preventative.   

The Purple Coneflower

The fabulous pink/purple daisy looking flowers are in profuse bloom now. They are a mainstay in the garden, since they are perennial and quite hardy. They are fabulous as a cut flower, too. I can hardly imagine a garden without them. Bees and butterflies and birds are all about them. They are bold enough to make a strong statement in garden design. The growth habit is about 3 feet tall. They are wonderful interspersed with other tall flowering plants, like bee balm, sunflowers or tansy. New varieties are available in nurseries with various colors, like white, yellow, red, and orange. It is the old-fashioned pink/purple one that is the most medicinal.

THE HERB

Echinacea is considered an alternative, or blood cleansing herb. It helps assimilate nutrients in the system, and helps eliminate wastes. It has long been used by the Native American peoples for snakebite and for toothache. It is the 2-3 year old root that is the most anti-biotic part of the plant. The roots are harvested with a very sharp knife, leaving a large portion of the plant intact to continue growing. The roots will need to be sliced small enough to actually dry out. The taste is pretty sour, so the form most often used is either tincture or decoction. Tinctures are liquid extractions in alcohol, using a few drops in tea or water. Decoctions are slow simmered brews that are taken like tea or by the tablespoon. Echinacea is best used at the first sign of cold or flu, then taken for several days, as symptoms abate. 

THE ESSENCE

While the herb of Echinacea purifies our blood, the essence of Echinacea purifies our thoughts and fears. Since the mind is not separate from the body, working on our attitudes can have a benefit to our immune response and our health. When we purify our thoughts, we can let go of attitudes of lack, limitation, anger, and separation from our true selves. With pure thoughts we can see our life as it truly is. The essence of Echinacea is used to balance the Crown Chakra where we learn to balance our physical reality with our spiritual ideals. The gift is Illumination. This chakra reigns over the physical aspect of meditation, the mental aspect of consciousness, the emotional aspect of being, and the spiritual aspect of inner wisdom. It is located at the top of the head. 

There are few fragrances that hearken to the memory more than the Lilac. The scent is sweetly intoxicating. It fills a room or wafts gently on the breeze.

I love them and can hardly wait for the lilacs to bloom each spring.  I bury my face in their blossoms; I pick bouquets as long as they last (which is really not long) … about two weeks, maybe three. They are fabulous.

We see this shrub or small tree in older neighborhoods and in long established gardens. Growing lilacs is not for the impatient, as it make take a few years to get blooms from a small start. Truly the best lilacs are the old, established bushes, which can live for hundreds of years.

Lilacs are not especially known as an herb, although dried lilac petals could certainly be used as a strewing herb or in potpourri as long as the scent lasts. I have a friend who makes a decadent bath with lilac blossoms. Lilac oil or perfume is not exactly a true item, either. The fragrance is illusive and difficult to capture. When we see something that is lilac scented, it is probably synthetic.

There are two natural processes for attempting to capture lilac fragrance – tincture and enfleurage.  A tincture would be made by successive immersion in 95% alcohol. An enfleurage is made by soaking the flowers, again successively in an oil, especially vegetable glycerin.

Lilac flower essence is the main form for using it beyond the garden. It is the primary essence used in cancer treatment. The message from Lilac is “Forgiveness.” Forgive, forgive, and forgive again.

The mind and the body are not separate. We are a hologram. So, the healing that happens for us when we forgive is substantial. Letting go can lead to a path of peace and healing. We are able to untie ourselves from the grasp of unforgiving anger, resentment, grudges, hurt feelings, or thoughts of revenge. We don’t need to be working with cancer to benefit from Lilac flower essence. Lilac can release a block or increase a flow to set us on a more constructive and fulfilling life path.

A Course In Miracles “I could see peace instead of this.”

Norman Cousins “Life is an adventure in forgiveness.”

Rest Assured

The Forsythia bushes have been absolutely stunning this spring in New England. They are virtually everywhere. Their vibrant yellow mass highlights gardens, roadways, and waste places. We cut branches early to force indoors, or add striking interest to spring bouquets. Forsythia fruit is used in Chinese Medicine.

THE ESSENCE

The message from Forsythia is to rest assured. Rest Assured.

• Rest assured that there is a higher perspective.
• Rest assured that our immediate trials are part of a process.
• Rest assured that we can make appropriate choices.
• Rest assured that we can release a block or increase a flow to find our place of balance.

The person may feel overwhelmed by circumstances and need help from Forsythia to shift perspective toward acceptance, and maybe even enjoyment of those things that we find challenging. The Forsythia bush assures us that spring is here, and the challenge of winter has waned. Forsythia essence can work with the body during colds and flu. With inflammation we may rest assured that we can catalyze the potential for recovery. In addiction recovery, the person may need empowerment to rest assured and be certain that the next step will be revealed.

We affirm “I am perfectly blessed in every moment.”

Helianthus Annus

SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annus)

Sunflowers are striking additions to a summer garden, and are abundant in fields and roadsides in many parts of the U.S. They look happy. In the West and Southwest they grow as wild flowers. There are nearly 100 different varieties. The giant, mammoth variety is grown commercially in Russia, too.  Sunflower is used in several forms beyond the garden, like many of our beloved flowers. 

The Herb 

Sunflower isn’t exactly used as a whole herb. But, the seed is used extensively. Birds love it. So do bees, cows, and chickens. This humble tiny seed is rich in vitamins, especially E and the B’s, and in minerals including magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium and zinc. It is considered cholesterol lowering, beneficial to cardiovascular health, diuretic, and expectorant. The whole seeds are roasted and salted, while the shelled seeds are often kept raw and organic for the discerning culinary folks and health conscious eaters. Steeped teas or decoctions of Sunflower seeds may be used, but more often they are eaten alone, or baked into breads, cakes, cookies, and crackers.  The flower itself is used to make a fine yellow dye for textiles. 

The Oil

Sunflower oil isn’t really used in aromatherapy as an essential oil, but rather as a cosmetic and culinary oil. The pressed and sometimes refined sunflower oil is used in the kitchen as a great polyunsaturated oil. Cosmetic use in adults is for dry, weathered skin where this oil moisturizes and softens. In babies with low birth weights or preemies, sunflower oil provides a safe skin protectant for their immature systems.

The Essence

Sunflower flower essence increases our conscious contact with God. For people who are feeling separated from God, or for those wanting to strengthen their connection to God, Sunflower will benefit. Sunflower can ease feelings of separation, loneliness, suicidal ideation, or the sense of existential angst. In addiction recovery any of these circumstances might be helped with Sunflower, including feeling angry or persecuted about life…blaming God…unanswered prayers. To affirm Sunflower is to affirm that we are one with the Spirit of Life.

This lovely, aromatic herb is used in all three forms beyond the garden.

BASIL

(Ocimum basilicum)
This lovely, aromatic herb is used in all three forms beyond the garden - as an herb, an essential oil, and a potent steam-distilled flower essence.

THE HERB
Basil is a lovely aromatic herb, native to India, and grown mostly as an annual kitchen herb. It is used fresh in salads and other dishes. It is often associated with Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cuisine. Basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C along with minerals including iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. It is associated with cardiovascular health and amelioration of arthritic symptoms. Basil is considered an antipyretic, meaning fever reducer, and a nervine, which means that it calms and nourishes neuronal functions. While the most common usage is definitely in the kitchen (raw or cooked), basil may be infused into a tea.  Basil is the primary ingredient in “Pesto”, and is a fine leaf to nip fresh. There are many varieties for the garden including Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Genovese Basil, African Blue Basil, and even a Purple
Leafed Basil.

THE ESSENTIAL OIL
The essential oil of basil is derived by steam distillation, and is classified in the chemical family called ‘ethers’. It has well-known aromatherapeutic applications. Basil essential oil is recommended for nervous disorders, headaches, migraines, and to ‘clear the mind’. This precious essential oil is useful for relief from respiratory circumstances like asthma, bronchitis, and sinus, and is considered antiseptic and anti-viral. This oil should be used sparingly, and generally in dilution. Even in ages gone by, basil was believed to benefit the head and the heart, a premise that is now established. As with most essential oils, there are other uses. Basil essential oil repels flies, and it can be stimulating to dull, lifeless hair.

THE FLOWER ESSENCE
Basil flower essence reduces inferiority complex. Sometimes the sense of inferiority may be overt, while in other people the sense of inferiority emerges despite tremendous accomplishments. The belief might be that the accomplishments are not good enough, or a sense that the person will never be able to measure up. No matter what, it is never enough. With Basil essence we are able to attain a sense of self-love, self-acceptance, and a true sense of worthiness, reducing the feeling of inferiority and being somehow ‘less-than.’ In addiction recovery treatment, the sense of inferiority is an attitude frequently addressed through treatment, therapy, and now, with the integration of the essence.

THE HERB

This wonderful plant has been valued for beauty, fragrance, and medicinal applications for thousands of years. No other flower is more loved. Fossil records of roses date back millions of years. Roses show up in historical documentation in arts and literature in many cultures, including the Bible. Roses are used in all three forms beyond the garden - as an herb, an essential oil, and a flower essence. The parts used herbally are the rose petals and the rose hips.

Roses are reported to have sedative, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, cholesterol lowering, and heart supportive properties. Culinary use of rose petals include fresh in salads, candied confections, and as a flavoring for oils or vinegars. Rose petals are a lovely addition to teas, imparting a soft yet floral taste and bouquet. Who among us has not rejoiced to see a rose bush blooming, to smell that delicious fragrance, and simply adore the beauty.

Rosehips are actually the fruit of the rose. It has a sweet tart taste, and is a rich source of vitamin C. Rosehips have a very long history of use, even in traditional medicine. Their iron makes them an excellent nourishment for menstruating women. The flavonoids have potent antioxidant actions, helping to protect the body from stress, aging, and environmental pollutants. Rosehips are often used to make flavored syrups. Precautions are nil for both rose petals and for rosehips. 

ROSE ESSENTIAL OILS

It takes thousands of roses to end up with even a dram of rose essential oil. It is no wonder that the price of pure rose oil reflects the arduous task to obtain it. Rose oil is used in aromatherapy to help us get in touch with feelings of faith and love. It is often used to ameliorate distress from female hormone imbalances, and for regulating the rhythm of the heart. The scent of rose brings comfort when we feel sorrow, with it’s cooling and soothing nature. The fragrance of the rose has power to bridge physical and spiritual love. Rose oil is especially prized in perfumery. Beware of artificial rose oils. They may smell pleasing, but the healing action and magic of the natural plant is absent. 

ROSE FLOWER ESSENCE

The flower essence of the rose can be species specific. There are essences from white, red, yellow, and pink roses that have direct energetic impact on the mind and the body. White rose essence is very protective. Red rose uplifts our emotions. Yellow rose helps us find our desire to serve. Pink rose helps with weight loss. The most powerful rose essences come from antique roses. The old garden roses have been found on estates, in cemeteries, in waste places, churchyards, and the like. Old roses (also referred to as Antique Roses) have gained attention, and are well worth the effort to continue growing. Most are very fragrant, and look rather naturalized as they grow. The ones that have been saved from extinction and identified have direct genetic links to roses that lived thousands of years ago. Dr. Judy Griffin has pioneered the field in flower essence work with the identification of over 20 species essences. Rose essences help us find direction from within to empower intimacy with ourselves and with others.

Dandelion is reputed as an enemy of the well kept lawn by some. But, to others, the humble dandelion is an age old remedy and much esteemed plant. It has a very long history as both a food and a medicine, including Native American traditions. It attracts bees and butterflies when in flower, which makes it a good companion for fruit tree pollination. Children delight to blow the little puff ball heads that contain the seeds. That is how dandelion reseeds. Birds, animals, people, and the wind all help propagate this plant. 

THE VIRTUE OF ITS POWERS

As a nutritive food, dandelion has the most balanced mineral pattern of any vegetable. The tender spring leaves taste best, and can be used in salads or cooked alone or with other greens, like spinach, mustard, collards, beet, etc. It is a bitter herb, but the taste is mild. Dandelion root can be dried, and ground into an herbal “coffee.” It is easy to identify, and a handy herb to learn and use. 

The dried leaves of dandelion are a mild diuretic, especially used in teas. Neither the taste nor the smell are offensive. Diuretics affect elimination through the kidneys, increasing urine output. Drink extra water if you use diuretic herbs. Unlike some diuretics, dandelion doesn’t leach potassium. It is potassium rich, so any loss is replaced by the herb. It can be used in weight loss, and for edema.

The root of the dandelion has a different effect. It is a mild laxative, promotes peristalsis, and is considered cleansing to the liver.  An infusion of the root has been used for gallstones, jaundice, and liver problems. In combination - leaves and root - dandelion can be used as a minor detoxifier. Use fresh leaves and root when they are available in spring. Dried leaves and root will work, too.  Minor detox is favorable, since it can be gently employed in moderation now and again. Dandelion root can be tinctured, too, then taken by adding a few drops to tea. The fresh milky sap of dandelion is said to remove warts. 

BAD DREAMS

The flower essence derived from dandelion, a potent steam distillation extraction, is used to help those of us who suffer with bad dreams. It helps make dreams less disturbing, and more helpful. This essence is applied transdermally to pulse points, or to the inner right ear. We are empowered with answers received in dreamtime, rather than troubled by a fretful sleep experience.