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Rose

02/17/2012 17:13:00

Echinacea

02/17/2012 17:11:00

Catnip

02/17/2012 17:10:00

Sage

02/17/2012 17:08:00

September 14, 2011

Did you know…. Sage (Salvia officinale) got its name from the Latin word ‘salvere’ meaning “To Save”. This attests to its early reputation as a “cure-all”, and that it would promote longevity.

As far back as the Middle Ages, sage was used to prevent the night sweats typical of tuberculosis. It seems to reduce the secretion of fluids. Thus it is still used for night sweats (even hormonal), excess perspiration, clearing vaginal discharge, and drying up a mother’s milk. Sage is reputed to have antiseptic properties when used externally. In the 16 Century, Nicolas Culpeper prescribed sage tea as a mouthwash for sore gums.

It has been said to remove the gray from your hair, both by drinking the tea and using as a hair rinse. Because of its fluid reduction properties, it also counteracts the formation of mucous, which could be beneficial at the onset of colds and flus. The Chinese use it as a digestive tonic with calming properties.

The Native Americans and other cultures or religions, burn Sage ceremonially for both internal and external purification. Sage opens the Sixth Chakra for greater centeredness. Spiritually, Sage is used for healing, purification and prosperity. Sage is ruled by Jupiter and its element is Earth.

In Aromatherapy, it is mentally stimulating and helps combat despair and mental fatigue. It strengthens the vital centers of the body, balancing the pelvic or First Chakra, where negative emotions from denial and abuse are stored.

As a Flower Essence, Sage enables us to learn and reflect on our own life experiences, enhancing the ability to experience deep inner peace and wisdom. As we age, our Soul should be able to attain inner stability and a peaceful acceptance, otherwise life seems ill-fated and without purpose. It is our own Inner Teacher! Through Sage, the Soul becomes ‘in-touch’ with its own Spiritual purpose. Those who were referred to as “Sages” in ancient times, were individuals of profound wisdom, and were sought out to heal and counsel others.

There are over 700 known species of sage. Which explains some confusion with one of the species which became quite popular in recent years. The herb named “Salvia” (Salvia miltiorhiza), is an oriental herb also referred to as Dang Shen. This one is different than most other species, and is not as readily available at the average health food store. I can only wonder how many poor, uninformed individuals actually searched out ‘bulk Salvia’ at their local herb shop, due to a misguided information, only to be sold a quantity of Salvia officinale. One can only hope that they learned about all the wonderful uses of ‘Sage’ before becoming discouraged and discarding it.

This proves that it is necessary to understand exactly what you are looking for, when searching for anything you want in this life. We would not dream of walking into an auto parts store and asking for a carburetor without knowing exactly which one we need. Yet we do this all the time with something we put into our bodies. Just like our vehicles… Nature does have Manuals. Maybe we should seek out a “Sage” for guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only.

Bright Blessings

Pam Getz @ Amber Myst Alternatives

Mullein

02/17/2012 17:05:00

Comfrey

08/14/2011 06:46:00

Did you know…. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) got its name from the Latin ‘confera’ meaning knitting together, and Greek ‘symphytum’ means growing together, because of its reputed power to make broken bones, and shallow wounds heal more quickly. Comfrey poultices are a long standing traditional home-remedy for sprains, bruises, and cuts, and the herb was commonly grown in cottage gardens. Comfrey is said to not only promote healing, but further speed up the process by reducing inflammation.

Nicolas Culpeper, a 16 century herbalist, attributed comfrey’s healing qualities to the fact that it is ruled by Saturn, planetary ruler of the skin and the skeleton. It contains a high amount of allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of tissue, bone, and cartilage. Many old-time herbalists sang high praises of comfrey for both external and internal wounds, bruises and ulcers, for phlegm, spitting of blood, ruptures, hemorrhoids, etc. For stomach ulcers and liver, the root was used. It is precisely for these latter complaints that ‘Allantoin’ made from the rhizome of the plant, was later being prescribed.

In a book titled “Mother’s Remedies”, published in 1915, the leaf from the comfrey plant is noted as “you can readily find it at your local pharmacy”. Now it is found in ‘alternative medicine’ stores. This book was compiled of “Over 1000 Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, along with Dr. T.J. Ritter, formerly of University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, MI.”

HOWEVER, within the past few years, the FDA has determined that comfrey is NOT to be USED INTERNALLY. (Duly Noted…)

As a Flower Essence it is a strong tonic for the nervous system. It is said that when the brain tissues are destroyed by things such as a blow to the head or alcoholism, taking comfrey allows dormant or atrophied portions of the brain to be used. It is also reported to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and may improve memory. It has been used on animals within 12 hours of a significant injury in order to rebuild nerve connections.

Comfrey is an herb of ‘wholeness’ and ‘putting pieces together’. It reminds us to ‘complete the puzzle’.

Sometimes we scatter ourselves too far and lose touch with who we really are, and what is really important to us during our Earthly Adventure. We need to focus on gathering our pieces together so we can focus on US.. right here, right now.

This is another herb which was not native to America, but brought here by settlers which believed in its healing abilities enough to make sure it was included in their ‘luggage’ for that long boat ride to the “New World”. Just one of those things… THEY WOULDN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!

This article is for informational purposes only.

Bright Blessings

Pam Getz @ Amber Myst Alternatives

Elderberry

08/14/2011 06:37:00

Did you know… the Elderberry Shrub’s Latin name (Sambucus nigra ), comes from the Greek word “sambuke”, which is a wind instrument made from the wood of the elder.

Elder berry has long been used to treat coughs, colds and influenza. Pharmacies and alternative health stores, sell lozenges and cough syrup with elderberry. Elderberry can also be made into a delicious wine or jam. Elder water is still sold in some old-fashioned pharmacies as skin lotion.

Elder Flowers are used for clearing congestion during the onset of colds and flus. A tea of the flowers combined with equal parts of mint (some also add yarrow flowers) makes an excellent internal cleanser for these conditions. As a matter of fact, I was able to relieve my 90 year old grandmother’s bronchial congestion, and keep it from advancing into pneumonia, by having her drink elderflower and peppermint tea, repeatedly throughout the day. Within 2-3 weeks her congestion was gone. While her daughter had a similar infection and followed the antibiotic route, only to find it lasted almost 2 months.

In lore and legend the Elder can be a symbol of either sorrow and death, or has magnificent protective powers. It is one of the more ancient trees… and has been found in some excavations of Stone Age dwellings. Some old traditions held that ‘the Cross of Calvary was made of a large Elder Tree. From then on it could no longer grow larger than a bush’. In Europe the Elder was trimmed into the shape of the cross and planted at new graves. If it blossomed, the soul of the deceased supposedly was happy. In pre-Christian Europe, it is said that magic wands were made from elder branches. An old northern European story tells that the goddess Freyja chose the black elder as her abode because of its wonderful medicinal qualities. In medieval Europe the elder was associated with evil and witches, probably because most parts of the elder are poisonous when eaten raw, and poisonous things were always associated with the devil or witches.

Elder is ruled by Venus and Scorpio, it’s element is Air. It is associated with rebirth, transformation, change and metamorphosis. It reminds us to not fear change. If we resist change, we may experience pain both emotionally and physically. We must be able to shed old ideas and habits to allow new ones to flourish. It asks us to look into our true yearnings for emotional and spiritual peace.

I have not spoken to anyone in the past couple of years that is not going through some major changes in their life, myself included. Life is all about change, it helps us grow. It is our reactions to those changes that will determine our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Everything we experience is meant to teach us something. Most times if we take the time to look at our changing circumstances in an objective way…we can find at least one positive thing to take away from it. Deepak Chopra once said “When we change the way we look at things… the things we look at change.”

This article is for informational purposes only.

Bright Blessings

Pam Getz @ Amber Myst Alternatives

Shepherd's Purse

06/04/2011 14:10:00

Did you know…. Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) got its name from the Latin ‘capsella’ meaning purse, because the seed pouches resemble those worn on the belts of old-time shepherds (and others). It was known to be used by the Romans, however, its use for food and medicine predates recorded history.

The basal leaves are similar in appearance to dandelion. “They have a very sharp flavor and were eaten as a vegetable, hence the country name.. ’pepper & salt’.

It has been used for all kinds of internal hemorrhages; after childbirth, bleeding from lungs, stomach and profuse menstruation. Topically it has been helpful for wounds, nose bleeds and earaches.

“According to the Greek physician Dioscorides (first century A.D) and the Roman naturalist Pliny (23-79 AD), the seeds were an effective laxative. But in the 1500’s the Italian Pietro Mattioli, cited Shepherd’s Purse as helpful to stop excessive bleeding, and this use has remained. During WWI, British doctors used extracts to halt bleeding”.

It appears that the herb contains sulphur which helps to clot blood.

“Most herbalists use Shepherd’s Purse to treat heavy bleeding, from nose bleeds to menstruation & post partum periods. It has also been used for cystitis (common bladder infection). Nicholas Culpeper (17 Century astrologer-physician) prescribed an ointment of the fresh leaves for all wounds, while for nosebleeds, a cotton-wool ball was saturated with the juice and inserted into the nostril.”

It is one of the first herbs of spring, even when there is still traces of snow, and may produce 40,000 seeds.

Shepherd’s Purse is ruled by Saturn. “Spiritually… it invigorates the life force within and helps one to recognize their hidden talents. It carries with it Hope, Optimism, Opportunity and Acknowledging Inner Strengths.”

I don’t know about you… but I could use a whole yard full!! Oh, wait, I DO HAVE a YARD FULL !!

How Blessed am I….

This article is for informational purposes only.

Bright Blessings

Pam Getz @ Amber Myst Alternatives

Re: Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke

Magic and Medicine of Herbs by Readers Digest

Weeds & Wellness - Plantain

04/29/2011 07:03:00

Did you know…. Plantain (Plantago major) was referred to by Native Americans as “white man’s foot”? It was believed that the early settlers would spread it all over the countryside by catching the seeds in the cuff of their trousers and then disperse them as they walked. “According to mythology, plantain originated from a maiden who stood beside the road for so long… watching for her absent lover, that she was turned into plantain, which loves to grow along roadsides.” In Medieval Christian art, plantain symbolizes the well-trodden path of the multitudes that sought Christ.

Plantain had been used in the time of Pliney and perhaps earlier, for broken skin and wounds. It is referred to in English literature by “Romeo”. It is known to have been used by some cultures as early as the 9 Century. The entire plant has many uses. It has antibacterial, astringent, diuretic and expectorant properties. It can soothe irritated mucous membranes and help stop bleeding. Internally, it has been used for everything from asthma to gastritis and diarrhea. Externally, poultices are used for hemorrhoids, minor wounds & ringworm to insect stings/bites and varicose veins.

In parts of America, the plant is known as “snakeweed” because it’s highly regarded remedy for poisonous bites or stings. I understand it has been used in cases of allergic reactions to bites/stings and could help to prevent anaphylactic shock.

While there are three different types of plantain (Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major & Plantago media) found commonly throughout North America and England, do not confuse it with the edible “Plantain Banana” (Musa acuminate, Musa paradisiaca).

Plantain is ruled by Libra which symbolizes Justice and Balance. “Justice is the appreciation and understanding of the laws of Nature. When we are in harmony with these laws… we are protected in all ways. When we are not… pain and discomfort arise. Through work and action, we can cultivate health for body / mind / spirit… by the choices we make.”

Maybe part of Plantain’s lesson is that too many of us “stand by the roadside” instead of venturing forward and taking control of our lives. Or could it be that in order for us to heal ourselves and the Earth, we need to get out and “spread the seeds” of information and affirmations.

I believe I’ve chosen the latter.

1. The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke and Editors of the Old Farmers Almanac

2. The Herb Book by John Lust

3. The Spirit of Herbs by Michael Tierra

This article is for informational purposes only.

Bright Blessings

SAVE OUR SUPPLEMENTS

04/21/2011 16:45:00

"The current pro-Codex Alimentarius policy of the U.S. Codex Office is in violation of U.S. law. With our Citizen’s Petition, we are asking the U.S. government to change its policy on Codex Alimentarius to comply with U.S. law.

The Natural Solutions Foundation Citizen’s Petition is a ground-breaking legal approach to compel the US Government to amend its Codex Policies, hold public hearings and move from a pro-illness Codex position to a pro-health one.

So far, about 30,000+ people have joined our petition. And what’s more, three members of Congress have written a Congressional Letter in support of our Citizen’s Petition."

When you click on the link below, you will be able to read and sign the Citizen's Petition letter to the US Codex Manager, Dr. Edwin Scarbrough, and Dr. Barbara Schneeman, Head of the FDA’s Office of Nutritional Products:

http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/?page_id=184

JUDGE THROWS EAR CANDLE CASE OUT OF COURT:
“TARGET EAR CANDLE COMPANIES HAVE NO STANDING TO DEFEND THEMSELVES AGAINST BEING PUT OUT OF BUSINESS”

"Having declared Ear Candles a Medical Device, the FDA then stated that under no circumstances could Ear Candles ever be APPROVED as a Medical Device and issued “Cease and Desist” orders against the manufacture or sale of Ear Candles."

"Whether or not you use Ear Candles, it is clear that this assault on a safe, time-honored and danger-free modality is the first in a new campaign of terror –yes, terror – against the manufacturers, marketers and consumers of anything but dangerous, expensive and easily replaced pharmaceuticals."

By clicking on the link below, you will find more information on this subject and learn how you can help to SAVE YOUR FREEDOMS!!!