Black Walnut

 Black Walnut

Jo Francks MH

As I was recently raking up black walnuts that had fallen off the tree this fall I was thinking of all the different ways I have used the black walnut hulls through the years. This tree has been a huge blessing to me and my family. Each year I make up a fresh batch of black walnut tincture from the fresh hulls. I’ve used it on cold sores, athletes foot, skin disorders, and many other things. I am reminded each time I make a batch of tincture of the confidence Dr. Christopher had in the black walnut hulls when he was serving in the army. He was able to heal the horrible case of impetigo on a soldier's head with a crude batch of black walnut hull tincture made with rubbing alcohol.

This was the only time Dr. Christopher used rubbing alcohol for making a tincture because that is all he had available. David Christopher recommends using black walnut tincture to help get rid of Lyme disease. Black walnut is also used in the Candida protocol to kill the fungus in the intestines. It is also used to expel worms from the bowels. Making your own medicine is very rewarding, easy, and satisfying. 

To make black walnut tincture you can use dried balck walnut hulls or fresh ones. When making tincture from the fresh hulls wear gloves to protect your hands from turning brown. With a knife, remove the fleshy hull from the outside of the shell and chop it up. Add it to a jar and cover with 100 proof vodka as you go until the jar is full. Add the lid and shake for at least 2 weeks every day. 

Making tincture with the dried black walnut hulls is quite a bit easier. Use cut herb and fill your jar about half full with the herb and add 80 or 100 proof vodka to the top of the jar. Add the lid and shake every day for at least 2 weeks. Strain the tincture through a muslin cloth and bottle your tincture.

Black Walnut hulls can be used as a dye as well. It will stain whatever it comes in contact with. I have taken a fresh hull and rubbed it on a grey spot on my hair to stain it a nice amber color. Adding water to the powder to make a paste will do the same thing. It will also stain your skin so be careful. Because of the high tannin content it is used to tan hides and color fabric. What are some of your favorite ways to use black walnut?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knfpDm249A4&t=5s

Raw Apple Pie

 Raw Apple Pie

1 apple peeled and cored

1 cup dates

1 orange peeled and seeded

1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

Puree apple and orange in a blender. Add the dates and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.

Slice 4 or 5 Granny Smith apples or another tart apple very thin. Use a mandoline slicer for best results. In a large bowl mix the sliced apples with the pureed mixture.

Crust:

1 cup coconut

1 cup pecans

1 cup pitted dates

1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbs. almond butter

Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until finely ground. Press the mixture into a pie plated.

Pour the apple mixture into the crust. Top with round apple slices with a walnut or pecan in the middle.

Dry Skin

 Dry Skin

Jo Francks MH

As the seasons change and the temperatures drop it seems to take the moisture right out of the air and out of our skin. The skin is the largest eliminative channel of the body. Dr. Christopher called it an extra kidney and an extra set of lungs for breathing. The health of the skin can help determine the health of the rest of the body. Proper elimination, nutrition, hydration, and exercise play a significant role in the health of our skin.

It is also important to consider what you are putting on your skin. The use of inorganic, unnatural, and heavily perfumed products can clog the pores as well as be absorbed into the bloodstream. Synthetic, tight clothing prevents the skin from breathing and eliminating toxins which can cause a buildup of toxins in the blood. 

To help your skin be the best it can be consider doing some regular cleansing programs to detoxify the body from the inside. Wear natural fiber clothing such as cotton, silk, wool, or hemp. Do dry skin brushing. Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and drink plenty of pure water.

 

I love making natural skincare products and recently made a nice skin cream that feels wonderful on the skin. The main ingredient is grapeseed oil. I chose this oil for its antiaging and moisturizing properties. If you’ve never made your own lotion, this is an easy recipe with few ingredients which are readily available. The grapeseed oil can be substituted for olive oil if desired. 

Here is the recipe for Dry Skin Cream

Dry Skin Cream

This recipe requires the use of a scale that measures in grams and a hand blender.

200 grams grapeseed oil

25 grams coconut oil

37 grams beeswax

222 grams distilled water

5 grams borax

7 grams vegetable glycerin

Melt the oils and beeswax to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine water, borax and glycerin and heat to 160 degrees.

Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture. Use a hand blender while pouring to emulsify.

Let cool and keep coming back and blending to prevent it from separating. 

Store what you aren’t using in the fridge. There are no preservatives in this cream. It is nice on the skin. 

Note: grapeseed oil can be replaced with your choice of liquid oil such as olive, avocado, almond, etc. These can be herbal oils you have extracted to add healing qualities.   

Fennel

 Fennel

Jo Francks MH

This is probably my favorite time of year as an herbalist. There are so many herbs ready to harvest. One in particular I have been watching and tending all summer is fennel. I have enjoyed the fragrance of the fennel plant each time I enter the garden. I nibbled on the feathery leaves, and when the flower buds came out, they were a very tasty treat.

I especially like the ideas I get about what I can do with the plants when I can spend time with them. I took the flower buds of the fennel and made a tincture that I will be using as a flavoring and for medicinal purposes. Fennel has a flavor similar to licorice and anise. It has carminative and antispasmodic properties so it can help expel gas and ease cramping in the digestive tract.

Fennel is often used for colic in babies and is part of Dr. Christopher’s Catnip and Fennel tincture. Fennel is also good for the eyes. Once while watching my daughter’s soccer game she got scratched in the eye and the coach called out “Does anyone have some Visine?” I went to my car to get my herbal eyewash and eyecup but remembered I had given my eyewash formula away. I had some catnip and fennel tincture in my bag and decided to use it in the eyecup. The fennel helps with eye problems and the catnip is soothing. I put a few drops of the tincture in the eyecup with some water. When my daughter washed her eye with this it helped take the pain away and soothed the eye. She was grateful I had given my eyewash formula away with the cayenne in it and said she liked the catnip and fennel better. 

The bulb and stem of fennel are often sold as a vegetable and can be juiced and used for headaches. Fennel is easy to grow and there are many varieties. It’s such a great time of year to harvest so many plants and flowers. Don’t forget to save some of the seeds to plant next year.

Recipe for Immunity

Recipe for Immunity

1 cup fresh echinacea root chopped (or ½ cup dried)

1 TBS dried elderberries

3 small sprigs fresh chocolate mint leaves (or any mint) chopped

2 small sprigs fresh thyme leaves chopped

¼ cup distilled water (approximately)

Vegetable glycerin

Dropper bottle

In a pint jar add all the herbs. Add water so it comes up about an inch. Add vegetable glycerin to fill the jar to the top so all herbs are covered. Secure the lid tightly. Shake daily for 2 weeks. 

Strain and save the liquid and compost the herbs. Fill a dropper bottle with the glycerite and use 1 or 2 droppers 3 times a day for the prevention of illness. If you have symptoms of an illness, take more often. 

Recipe by Jo Francks

Tomato Basil Flax Crackers

Tomato Basil Flax Crackers

1 cup golden flax seeds

½ cup raw sunflower seeds

¼ cup chia seeds

Soak in 4 cups water for 4 hours

1 large tomato

½ cup fresh basil

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

¼ cup fresh onion

1 garlic clove

Chunk up and process in a food processor until finely chopped

Drain excess water from the seeds through a mesh strainer. Combine seeds and processed ingredients. Add ½ to 1 tsp natural salt. Stir everything together.

Spread on dehydrator trays covered with parchment or solid sheets. Fills 3 or 4 trays. Dehydrate at 105 degrees F until top is solid. Flip and remove the solid sheets and finish drying. 

Recipe by Jo Francks

Sustainable Harvesting

Sustainable Harvesting

Jo Francks MH

Summer is the time to grow and harvest herbs. It is also a time to wildcraft herbs. Going out and finding your own herbal medicine is exciting and enjoyable. There are many herbs that are very abundant but there are some not so abundant and it is good to know which ones should be harvested with caution.

Here are some guidelines to remember when harvesting plants in the wild. 

-Never take more than 10% and leave the rest. 

-Make sure you are harvesting plants that are not at-risk. 

-Go to places where you know others are not harvesting. 

-Be 100% positive that you have correctly identified the plant you are harvesting. 

-Take along an herbal identification book.

-If you dig a root, leave the seeds behind to make sure a new plant will grow in its place.

-The bark should not be taken from the main trunk of a tree. Find smaller branches to prune from the tree. 

-Find out if it is legal to take plants from that area.

-Obtain permission from the landowner if you are on private property.

-Avoid areas where plants can be contaminated or roadsides with heavy traffic.

Unfortunately, many of the medicinal plants growing in the wild are becoming endangered. As the popularity of using herbal medicine increases it puts stress on the availability of certain herbs. Many of the herbs we took for granted 15 or 20 years ago are now unavailable or are at-risk. This includes herbs like goldenseal and ginseng. These herbs are now being cultivated successfully and should be chosen over the wildcrafted options when purchasing.

Luckily there are groups of people watching out for the safety and sustainability of the plants. United Plant Savers is one of those groups and you can find a list of at-risk plants on their website https://unitedplantsavers.org/species-at-risk-list/

When you are able to get out and go on herb walks, it’s great to learn to identify the plants and get to know them. The more you learn about the plants and their medicinal qualities, the more you have a respect for them and an obligation to protect the medicinal herbs we have available to us. Take only pictures when you come across an at-risk plant.

Gut Health

Gut Health

Jo Francks MH

 

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the intestinal lining is damaged which allows toxins and partially digested proteins and fat to enter the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and immune responses and allergic reactions. It leaves you with symptoms like gas, bloating, brain fog, fatigue, emotional disturbances, skin problems, joint pain, and the list could go on and on. I will try and help you understand what is happening and what can be done in a situation of leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability as it is also called.

 

The first thing to understand is that there is an imbalance of friendly flora or good bacteria compared to bad bacteria, which is toxic, in the intestines. How does that happen? Let’s see...it probably has something to do with antibiotics destroying all the good bacteria in the gut and leaving things wide open for other bacteria to take over. Or it could be from dietary issues. Sugar in abundance is a big contributor. This includes foods with added sweetener including sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, etc. When a large part of the diet consists of this type of food it can cause an imbalance in the gut biome. The bad bacteria feed on this type of food and it grows out of control. This damages the mucosal lining in the gut where a lot of our immune cells reside. Toxins are another reason for an imbalance as well as various kinds of drugs and medication. When we add stress to the picture then symptoms will appear because of high levels of cortisol and other hormones entering the bloodstream.

 

There are a lot of contributing factors to this condition but luckily there is something that can be done to reverse the situation. Letting things go and not changing the situation can lead to things like autoimmune conditions, irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease, liver toxicity, etc. 

 

Let’s address the inflammation with herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow root, aloe vera gel, turmeric, or other demulcent herbs that help decrease inflammation. Licorice root helps by controlling the cortisol levels and soothing the digestive tract. Dr. Christopher’s soothing digestion is a great formula already put together to help with this. 

 

In case of infection, we want to use antibiotic herbs like garlic, echinacea, goldenseal, oregano, plantain, or calendula. Formulas to use are Super Garlic Immune or the X-INFX formula.

 

We also want to balance the bacteria in the gut with probiotics and fermented food. Digestive enzymes will help to fully break down the food so undigested particles aren’t leaking through the colon. Chew foods thoroughly to help utilize the enzymes in the saliva to begin the digestive process.

 

Foods to avoid are sugar, dairy, gluten, and soy. These are the most common foods causing allergies. Regular exercise will also help and make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

Have you ever wondered what prebiotics are? It is the fiber from fruits and vegetables. The fiber feeds the good bacteria in the gut creating a better environment for the bacteria to grow.

 

Dr. Christopher said that 90% of all disease begins in the colon. Science is proving that. If you are experiencing symptoms listed above or other symptoms that won’t go away consider following the guidelines that will help reverse leaky gut syndrome.

Dosages

Dosages

Jo Francks MH

When using herbal supplements for treating physical ailments, it is important to understand how to use the herbs, how much to take and how often. Most times taking one dose of any herb won’t do much, but taking it over time will effect a change in one’s health. 

            Acute ailments are illnesses that come on quickly with mild to severe symptoms and last a few days to a few weeks and can become chronic if not treated promptly and thoroughly. Symptoms of acute ailments often include a fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea or vomiting. Examples of acute illnesses are colds, flu, UTIs, and the current COVID 19 virus. When treating an acute illness with herbs it is important to know the action of the herb used and whether it is wise to use it in frequent doses. Herbs that strengthen the immune system are often used in frequent doses for colds, flu and virus or bacterial infections. These could include echinacea, elderberries, garlic, goldenseal, astragalus, etc. They can be used as a tea, extract, capsules or powder. Taking the herbs in adequate doses every hour has proven to be effective in acute situations rather than only taking the herbs 2 or 3 times a day. When symptoms ease up a bit then the dosage can be adjusted accordingly. Acute ailments are aggressive and need to be treated just as aggressively with herbal protocols.

            Chronic conditions are treated differently because these are conditions that have been in the body awhile and it takes longer to move them out. These are usually associated with a toxic condition of the body that will take patience and perseverance to overcome.  It requires dietary changes and using herbs and other treatments for longer periods of time. The dosage for herbs used in chronic conditions is up to 3 times a day depending on the action of the herbs taken. For example, you wouldn’t want to use Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel formula every hour. That formula needs to be adjusted to individual needs and is recommended to be taken three times a day, over time, to eventually heal the bowels to help them work on their own. Examples of chronic conditions could include heart disease, constipation, asthma, skin disorders, diabetes, etc. Herb categories used in chronic conditions include nutritive herbs, adaptogens, tonic herbs, blood purifiers, herbal laxatives, etc. 

            The amount of herbs to take depends on the size and age of the individual. Adult dosages are for a person weighing 150 pounds give or take 20-30 pounds. Children 12 years and up are usually given an adult dose. This depends on their weight. Recommended dosages on purchased products are intended for adults and examples are 1 teaspoon loose herbal tea or one teabag per cup of water, 2 or 3 capsules, 15 to 30 drops of a tincture, or ½ to 1 teaspoon of an herbal syrup. Children ages 8 to 12 get half the dose. Ages 4 to 8 get 1/4 dose. Under 4 years of age get even smaller doses. Start with 1 drop of extract and go from there. 

            This newsletter is intended to help clarify how much and how often herbs are to be used in different situations. These recommendations may not fit every situation and adjustments need to be made according to each individual and each situation. 

Time with Kids

Time with Kids

Jo Francks MH

When I was a kid my mom would make these yummy candies out of peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk. I thought they tasted like the inside of a peanut butter cup. Occasionally I still make those tasty treats but I have since substituted the powdered milk with different options like powdered herbs or oat flour. The peanut butter is now substituted with homemade almond butter.

As I was thinking about different activities that would be fun and helpful to do with children these candies came to mind along with the different herbs that might be beneficial to include for them at this time. 

The first herbs that came to mind were astragalus and marshmallow; herbs that strengthen the immune system without overstimulating it and they don’t have a strong overpowering flavor. I haven’t made this yet but here’s my plan. 

Blend up some rolled oats in the blender to flour consistency, mix about 2 tablespoons each of the oat flour, the marshmallow root powder and the astragalus root powder. 

In a separate bowl combine ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter and ⅓ cup raw honey. Now start adding the herb and oat powder mixture starting with ¼ cup and adding more if needed until it can be rolled into balls or other shapes.

Optional ingredients to add if you like are cocoa powder, carob powder, slippery elm powder, dried fruit, nuts, cinnamon, powdered elderberries, rose hips, or hawthorn berries.

Powdered herbs can also be mixed into honey to make little medicine balls. The same herbs can be used or other combinations can be used like mullein, slippery elm and chickweed. These herbs would be a good combination to use for respiratory issues as an expectorant. Elderberries or echinacea powder could be used to boost the immune system. I have a child who liked to make the sore throat remedy with garlic honey and cayenne as a snack:)

Tea parties are a great way to spend time with children. Peppermint tea combined with elderflowers is an old classic used for fevers. The herbs act as a diaphoretic to make you sweat. Raspberry leaves are great for any tea party a few thyme leaves could be added if you or your child has a cough. I would use chamomile if someone needed to calm down.

When I asked my daughter what she has learned to do when she has a fever she said: “Take a hot bath with hot tea.” She learned well. We would use a combination of diaphoretic herbs for the tea which could include any of the following herbs; peppermint, yarrow, raspberry leaves, calendula flowers, sage leaves or elderflowers. When they were done with the bath they would shower off with cold water real quick and go to bed and sweat a little more. 

If you find you have a little time to spend with kids you may want to try out some of these suggestions.

Nut Butter Candy

½ cup nut butter

⅓ cup honey

Powdered oat flour or powdered herbs

Combine the nut butter and honey and add enough of the powdered ingredients to make a dough. Roll into balls or other fun shapes.

Optional ingredients to add if you like are cocoa powder, carob powder, slippery elm powder, dried fruit, nuts, cinnamon, powdered elderberries, rose hips, or hawthorn berries.

Rubus

Rubus, 2020 Herb of the Year 

Jo Francks MH

The International Herb Association has chosen the genus of Rubus as the 2020 herb of the year. This is a very valuable selection. The Rubus genus includes one of the best medicinal herbs that Dr. Christopher used and recommended as an herbalist. Red Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is on the School of Natural Healings 100 herb list and is highly regarded as an herb to help many ailments. There are 9 pages dedicated to raspberry in Dr. Christopher’s Herb Syllabus book. I think it was one of his favorites.

Red Raspberry leaves are in the classification of astringents which tone and tighten up loose unhealthy tissue and help in conditions of excessive discharge. Some conditions that are benefited by astringent herbs are diarrhea, runny nose, spongy gums, canker sores, sore throat and burns.

One of the most common uses of Red Raspberry leaves is to use the tea during pregnancy to help with nausea, to strengthen the female organs involved in pregnancy and delivery, and to assist in a healthy delivery. The leaves are high in iron and many other beneficial nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and to help the fetus grow properly. 

Dr. Christopher recommended using Red Raspberry leaf tea in cases of stomach flu, colds, sore throat, cold sores, canker sores, thrush, diarrhea and many other acute conditions because of its ability to enhance immune function. He suggested using the tea at early stages of illness to avoid having to use the Anti-Plague formula which he admitted tastes nasty. 

There are other herbs in the Rubus family including Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) which has many of the same medicinal qualities as Red Raspberry, and Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) which has been used to treat stomach disorders, dysentery and diarrhea.

The berries of all these plants are delicious and very nutritious. They are high in vitamin C and abundant in antioxidants.

Raspberries are not hard to grow. They like rich soil and need to be watered frequently. Once established they will propagate from the roots and stick around for a long time. Try to pick some leaves just before they flower and early in the season before the grasshoppers start eating them, but if you don’t get them then, pick them when needed.  Harvest as many leaves as you can at the end of summer and dry them. 

This year we honor the wonderful medicinal qualities of the Rubus family and are grateful for the fruit it offers.

Recipe

Raspberry Breakfast Bowl

1 cup low heated grain of choice (wheat, oat groats, barley, etc.)

1 cup fresh raspberries

2 TBSP Maple syrup

2 pitted Medjool dates

Water or Almond milk

In a blender or food processor put ½ cup of your grain, ½ cup berries, dates and maple syrup. Add enough water or almond milk to process and blend until smooth.

In a bowl put the unblended grain and add the blended ingredients. Top with the rest of the berries and add more maple syrup if desired.

Recipe by Jo Francks

The Mild Food Diet

The Mild Food Diet or Mucusless Diet Explained

As explained by Dr. John R. Christopher, the Mucusless Diet includes eating the following.

• Fresh fruits
• Fresh vegetables or low heated vegetables
• Whole grains soaked and low heated or sprouted
• Nuts soaked for better digestion
• Seeds soaked or sprouted

The combination of these foods are endless and can be limited only to your imagination. Foods are to be consumed in their raw state in order to preserve the enzymes which are vital to digestion and better health. 

Low heating is done under 130 degrees Fahrenheit or less. 

Soaking grains, nuts and seeds activates their enzymes making them more digestible and makes them more nutritious by releasing an abundance of vitamins and minerals

A day in the life of the Mucusless Diet

• First thing in the morning drink a glass of distilled water. To this you can add fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and honey, or drink plain.
• Take your supplements which could include cayenne, lower bowel and/or extended herbal cleanse formulas, black strap molasses, kelp etc. 
• Mid morning is the time you would want to drink a glass of freshly made carrot juice.
• Other options for this time of day are smoothies, low heated grains and fresh fruit.
• Noon is the time to have your first meal which includes a nice big salad of greens, nuts or seeds and other vegetables and fruit
• Mid-afternoon have a snack of fruit or veggies, fresh juice or smoothie.
• Continue with herbal supplements appropriate to your cleansing and supportive health goals.
• The evening meal includes many possibilities - low heated grains or vegetables, baked potato or winter squash, salad, etc.

To the best of your ability consume foods that are in season and are grown organically.

Menu plans will follow in a post soon.

Please comment for any questions you have. 

Happy New Year

Let's Make 2020 the best year ever!