Natural Moth Repellent on Pinterest

lavender makes a great bug repellent!

I've been working on a collection of ideas for natural, herbal moth repellents on Pinterest. Check it out here!

Sciece Supports Health Benefits of "Mindfulness-Based Practices"

Yoga meditation pose at "The Bean" in Chicago

According to ScienceDaily.com, there is new evidence that supports the health benefits of mindfulness-based practices like Zen meditation for those with health problems. This scientific review focused on Zen meditation, yoga, Buddhist stress reduction techniques, and cognitive therapy as practices that helped many issues, particularly those suffering from depression and chronic pain.

Of course, the study reminds people that these practices should be used in conjunction with conventional treatments. I agree that one suffering from mental health issues or chronic pain should not entirely rely on mindfulness practice, but I also think that the study did not give those who truly practice mindfulness to its greatest extent enough credit for the benefits that can be had from this practice. Of course, practicing mindfulness, in whichever way you choose, requires a change of our conventional lifestyles in the United States, in its pace, structure, and consumerist nature.

Have any of you found that mindfulness practice, whether it was yoga, meditation, breathing practice, Alexander technique, or other practice, has helped with mental or physical health? Why would you choose or not choose to use these practices to treat ailments?

I'm curious to hear about other people's experiences. For me, yoga and breathing techniques that can be used at work often help me to cope with stress which can reduce the onset of chronic headaches, along with drinking water and chiropractic adjustments. I believe that more research should be done to continue looking into the benefits of mindfulness for those who suffer from depression and chronic pain.

Want to be up to date on herbs? Try the Herb Research Foundation!

Occasionally, I like to look up the most recent research in the herbal spectrum. When I do, I often turn to the Herb Research Foundation website.  I'll always find the most up-to-date info about herbs, supplements, and other natural products on their website. Also, I like a more scientific approach to my natural medicine, and this site caters well to this. Much of the research and articles have studies backing their claims, which is great information to use when talking to others about the benefits of herbs and supplements.

The Herb Research Foundation was founded in 1983 by Robert S. McCaleb, who is a leading authority in the U.S. on scientific and regulatory issues regarding herbs. According to their website, their mission is "...to foster improved world health and well being through the informed use of herbs..."


Here is a sample of some of the articles they offer, to give an idea!

Three Concentrations of St. John's Wort Effective Against Depression

IL Senator Proposes Tougher Regulation on Supplements

In particular interest, I recently found a post about the proposed benefits of kombucha. Here's an article that supports the thought that it is beneficial, although there has been recent backlash against kombucha in mainstream media- Indications That Kombucha is Beneficial Against Liver Disease.

If you are curious about a particular herb or remedy and want to see the latest research, check the Herb Research Foundation's website! You might find just what you need.

Meet the Northside Chicago Composting Club!

WORMS!

Sorry if I grossed you out there, but these are my red wrigglers. They're family and I love them, so I thought I'd share a family photo.

I'm starting a new vermi-composting club on the Northside of Chicago. In order to include everyone, I'm calling it a composting club, just in case you have a simple composting bin. However, in urban areas I've found that vermi-composting is the way to go for year-round, urban composting.

Oh by the way, vermicomposting is worm composting, if you didn't guess. It's the fancy word for it.

You may have read my other posts about vermicomposting from previous blogs. You can find my previous posts here and here. One is my very beginnings of composting, and the other is what I learned a year later.

If you want to learn more about my club, contact me or check out my new page on this blog. I'm excited to get started!

Herbal Bug Spray for Summer

I hate mosquitoes. But they LOVE me.

That's why my Herbalist Guild decided to feature a DIY herbal bug spray at our first big general meeting. I've decided to share it here as well to spread the love, or share in the hate of those pesky critters, as is my case. This blend was put together by our secretary, Rebecca!

1 oz spray bottle

Herbal Bug Spray

1 oz spray bottle
Distilled water
approx. 5 drops each of rosemary, thyme and geranium essential oil

Fill the spray bottle with water and drop each of the essential oils into the bottle. Spray on when needed!

Added bonus- you will smell nice when you use this spray unlike commercial bug sprays. Smelling nice + keeping mosquitoes away = awesomeness.

Thanks for sharing this recipe, Rebecca! I couldn't make it to the general meeting myself to make this blend with everyone, so I'll have to make some on my own.

Have a happy, bug-free summer!

Nettle- A Powerful and Popular Herb

stinging nettle (urtica dioica)

Today, I'd like to talk about stinging nettle.

I am currently a member of the Greater Lakes American Herbalist Guild Chapter here in Chicago, and we took a poll to see which herbs people in our group utilize. Nettle made it's way to the top of the list. I've never personally used nettle, but after reading about it, I can see why it's a favorite of herbalists in my area. I will certainly begin including it in my tonics and teas in the future.

History

Although nettle is seen as an invasive weed, it is an incredibly adaptive and pervasive plant that can be found in different varieties all over the world. In North America, the most common form used by herbalists is stinging nettle (urtica dioica).

According to A Modern Herbal, the history of the name "nettle" comes from its former use.

The common name of the Nettle, or rather its Anglo-Saxon and also Dutch equivalent, Netel, is said to have been derived from Noedl (a needle), possibly from the sharp sting, or, as Dr. Prior suggests, in reference to the fact that it was this plant that supplied the thread used in former times by the Germanic and Scandinavian nations before the general introduction of flax, Net being the passive participle of ne, a verb common to most of the Indo-European languages in the sense of 'spin' and 'sew' (Latin nere, German na-hen, Sanskrit nah, bind). Nettle would seem, he considers, to have meant primarily that with which one sews.

Stinging nettles are known for their needles which inject chemicals into your skin if you happen to brush them. These chemicals sting (hence the name) and cause raised bumps on your skin. The sting disappears when nettle is cooked or dried, however. Not all nettle stings, but stinging nettle is most popularly used in Western medicine.

NOTE: You can forage for your own nettle in many areas in North America, but make sure to wear gloves, be able to identify the plant correctly, and always cook the nettle or make it into tea before ingesting. Some herbalists say that you can roll the nettle in your GLOVED hands to break the needles off and chew on it raw, but this is something I recommend only for those who have worked with nettle and who are very brave.

Uses

Internally, nettle leaves are used for MANY different ailments. They include too many to mention, but there is an extensive list of nettle's uses by Kassie Vance on her website.

The reason this herb is used for so many ailments is its rich mineral content. According to Steve Brill, nettles are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium, and sulfur. They also provide chlorophyll and tannin, are a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, B complex vitamins and protein. This combination makes nettle a super-food of sorts!

Stinging nettle is a strengthening tonic that can lift your spirits and calm irritability. According to Gayla Trail, nettle tea can help allergy sufferers fight symptoms of seasonal allergies.  Know that it has to build in your system — you can’t expect to drink one cup of tea and find yourself symptom free. The tea itself tastes green and rich, unlike many other teas, and is pleasant to drink on a regular basis. Nettle is actually a drying agent and helps to dry up excess mucus as well.

picking nettle in the wild for tea- notice the gloves!

Nettle tea is great for weak immune systems, as it is packed with nutrients that give strength. It is useful for those who suffer from chronic disorders that require long-term treatment as it stimulates the lymphatic system and helps flush toxins from the kidney. Because of its iron content, it also works for anemia and fatigue, particularly for women.


Disclaimer: Nettle may lower blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid chronic use due to its diuretic effects. Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take if diabetic. Also, lots of nettle tea will make you have to pee a lot. 


Recipes


Greg Seaman offers a simple way to make tea from nettles that you have collected yourself. Fresh nettles are best when foraged for in the wild.

 Add water to your collected nettle leaves and heat to a near boil. Use about two cups of water for a cup of leaves. You can make the tea stronger by steeping longer, or weaker by adding more water. Once the water is near boiling, reduce heat and simmer for a couple minutes. Pour through a small strainer and enjoy. 


NOTE: When using any new herb, it's best to start with one cup a day, and then gradually increase your dose to more once your body recognizes it as the wonder that it is.

If you'd like to try something really different, make Nettle Soup. Nettle soup is delicious and nutritious.  

If you are unable to forage for your own stinging nettles, it has been found that freeze-dried nettles are the next best thing to use for allergy sufferers. A tincture of 40% water and 60% ethanol can also be used three times daily as well.

I am looking forward to speaking with my fellow herbalists about nettle and learning more about this powerful herb in our next meeting. To my followers, I hope you enjoy this information and do more research as there is so much more to this herb!

References
herbwisdom.com
yougrowgirl.com
A Modern Herbal: Nettle
Wild Man Steve Brill: Nettle

Hair Care: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

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Apple cider vinegar is pretty awesome. I recently wrote a post for Sprout Chicago that included the benefits and a recipe for an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. I recently made some hair rinse for myself. I have not tried it yet, but will have to wait three more weeks before I can. I'll update you then!

My blend included half chamomile, which is used for normal to fine hair, and lavender which is used for normal hair to treat dryness and dandruff.  I filled this 16 oz. jar halfway with the herbs, and then topped it off with the vinegar. I'm going to let it sit for 4 weeks, strain it, then add 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and a couple of drops of lavender oil. 

For instructions on how to use this rinse, go here!

Ladies, for an extra added tip: mix 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp. honey in 1/4 cup warm water. Use this to help treat a yeast infection, along with eliminating sugar, red meat, and oranges from your diet. A lot of yogurt and acidophilus along with doing the afore-mentioned has cleared up things for me!