Herbs Used By the Pioneers

Jo Francks MH

In Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24th. But Utah isn’t the only state where pioneers immigrated to the area. Many states and countries have had groups of people create their homes in a new place and when they did they brought with them their beloved medicine from their previous home. These were seeds carefully chosen to bring with them as medicine to keep them healthy and well. It was also necessary to learn about the local plants and how to use them as food and medicine. 

Because they had to rely on what they grew to survive, not only did they need to think about food and medicine but also plants to deter pests and to resist disease. Companion planting was used as a survival method out of necessity. 

As a medicine, dandelion seeds were chosen by the pioneers to bring along because dandelions were good medicine for almost everything. It’s hard to think about a world without dandelions because they grow so abundantly out of control, but they have been a valued medicine for many people. The whole plant is used medicinally. The root is used for the liver and as a blood purifier, the leaves help the kidneys as a diuretic and stimulate bile flow in the liver. They are also very nutritious. The flowers were used the same as the leaves and to make wine, jam, and as a dye for fabric.  

Many pioneers had learned methods used by Samuel Thompson. He used lobelia to purge the system and cayenne to build it back up. Cayenne was a staple for emergencies because of its ability to stop bleeding and increase circulation and stamina.

Yarrow was valued as a treatment for stomach problems and fevers. It acts as a diaphoretic as a very warm tea to produce perspiration in a dry fever.

There were many tree barks which provided wonderful treatment for many different ailments. Poplar bark and willow bark both contain salicylic acid and were used to reduce pain. Oak bark and its astringent properties helped with diarrhea, hemorrhoids, tooth and gum issues, and to heal old wounds. Wild cherry bark gave its expectorant blessings to those suffering with coughs, colds, and other lung problems. 

The pioneers relied on plants, prayer, and perseverance to keep them well. When doctors came around the use of plant medicine was slowly replaced with drugs. Today many people are turning back to the use of plant medicine as a means to bring back true health. We have mentioned a few plants that have been used for hundreds of years with good results. Dr. Christopher encouraged his patients and students to find out what was growing in their own backyards and use it. I encourage you to do the same. 

Recipe

Pad Thai Zoodles

For the Dressing

2 TBS minced ginger

4 small cloves garlic

¼ cup lime juice

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup avocado oil

¾ cup coconut aminos

1 TBS honey

1 cup raw cashews

For the zoodles:

4 small zucchini, spiralized

1 cup grated carrots

2 cups shredded purple cabbage

¾ cup green onion, thinly sliced

1 ½ cups bell pepper, thinly sliced

Topping (use as many or as few as you like):

2 ripe avocados, sliced

Chopped cashews or sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro

Place all dressing ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

Toss veggies and zoodles together in a bowl. Top with dressing, sliced avocado, chopped cashews (or sesame seeds) and fresh cilantro. 

This delicious recipe was provided by Laura Hampton, a student at the School of Natural Healing. Thank you Laura!

 What’s in Your Backpack? 

Back to School Suggestions

 

Jo Francks MH

Whether you’re going back to school or on an afternoon hike, it’s always good to be prepared to face any small emergency that might come up. A few simple remedies in your backpack will bring comfort and healing when a situation arises. Here are some suggestions on what you will want to have in your backpack this fall. 

Cayenne:

First of all, for many emergencies, you’ll want to have cayenne. This will stop bleeding and has been used to stop heart attacks. It is used to prevent shock, hypothermia, and to give you a quick energy boost. It stimulates and equalizes circulation helping with lethargy and brain fog. In your backpack you can pack either cayenne powder to mix in water when needed, or an extract to use either in water or straight in the mouth in an emergency. 

Healing Ointment:

Never leave home without some kind of healing ointment. This can be Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone ointment or something else of your choice. This comes in handy for those awful paper cuts. You’ve all had one and healing ointment feels better than lemon juice. The ointment can be carried in a small jar or even in a lip balm tube. Why not use it on your lips? Many high schoolers are very concerned about the condition of their lips.

I like to use an ointment containing comfrey and calendula for healing, pain relief and for itching. You can add other herbs you like to it. Here’s a short video on how to make a calendula ointment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOLyNGKLSro

Rescue Remedy:

This is a Bach Flower remedy to use when you're faced with a stressful situation. Is it pop quiz time? Did you forget to do your math assignment? It’s the end of the quarter and you’re failing chemistry? Do you have a newsletter due? Well, Rescue Remedy to the rescue. This will help you stay calm and not freak out. This comes in many different forms including drops, gummies, and a spray.

Immune Support:

It’s important to keep your immune system strong to prevent picking up the latest virus or bacterial infection going around. 

Echinacea is used if you have been around a sick person. Start taking it 3 times a day or every hour if you have symptoms. This will help kick the immune system into gear to help fight off infections, sore throats, colds, flus, and runny noses. 

Red Raspberry Leaves can be used every day and will help build the immune system. It will also be helpful for girls who have symptoms of PMS or menstrual cramps.

Other herbs to use to help with immunity are garlic as a natural antibiotic, calendula, lemon balm, cat's claw, and elderberries. 

The wonderful thing about herbs is that many of them have similar properties so if one isn’t available you can choose another that does many of the same things.

Pack a few of these items in your backpack and you will be ready for a lot of things you might face on the playground, in the classroom, or on the trail.  

Energy Bars

These make a great after school snack

1 ½  cups chopped pitted dates

1 ½ cups rolled oats

2 tbsp coconut flakes

2 tbsp chia seeds

½ cup nuts (walnuts, macadamias, brazil nuts, etc.)

⅓ cup natural peanut butter

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Add the above ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and sticky. 

Line an 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture from the food processor into the pan. Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips and mix into the dough. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Remove from the pan by holding the parchment paper and lifting out of the pan. Cut into bars. 

Ginger Herb of the year 2023

 Ginger

Zingiber officinalis

This year we celebrate Ginger as herb of the year for 2023 according to the International Herb Association. This is an important herb to us, and was cherished by Dr. Christopher. He used ginger in many of his herbal formulas. He called it a lead sheep because it has the ability to take the other herbs where they need to go. He was able to target the area in need because of the ginger in the formula.

Dr. Christopher tells the following story about ginger. 

“I remember when a lady called from Salt Lake to my residence in Cottonwood at three o’clock in the morning. Her daughter was screaming in the background with terrible stomach pain. I was tired, as I had been out on night calls and had just barely retired to bed, and I said, “Take some ginger and baking soda. The pain will stop; and go back to bed. I’ll call in the morning.” She begged, “Oh, you’ve got to come.” So I said, “all right.” I pulled on my clothes and set out. It was eight or ten miles, so before I got there the pains grew so acute that she finally decided to do what I told her to do. And when I arrived, the daughter met me at the door - all smiles - no pain.”

In the School of Natural Healing book, it mentions ginger as a mild stimulant. It goes from the capillaries, through the venous structure, to the heart and back again. It is more diffusive than cayenne, but may be used as a substitute for it when it is unavailable. Ginger is well known for its circulatory and digestive properties.

Studies have shown ginger to be useful in motion sickness and nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Historically ginger has been used as a carminative. It helps to expel excess gas out of the intestinal tract. Its qualities are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sternutatory (makes you sneeze), rubefacient, pungent and condiment. Some of the things it has been used for are boils, bronchitis, colds, congestion, diarrhea, flatulence, flu, gout, headache, menstruation, nausea, neuralgia, paralysis of tongue, sore throat, and toothache.

Externally ginger can be used for inflammation. A decoction can be made and used as a fomentation to relieve pain and congestion. In the tub a couple of tablespoons can be added to the water to promote perspiration in case of fevers. This can also help relieve tired and achy muscles.

I think ginger is a great selection for herb of the year. We have used it many times for a variety of reasons and we often mix it with other herbs to enhance their use. May we all honor the herb Ginger this year and always.

Gifts from the Heart

 Gifts From the Heart

Jo Francks, MH

Giving gifts from the heart that you have made yourself and put your love into is fun and rewarding.

Making them with children is always adventurous. We used to have fun making fizzy bath bombs that my kids would give to their friends for Christmas. They smelled good, were inexpensive, and their friends loved them. For adults, bath salts are nice and can be just the thing people need after a stressful holiday season. 

Here are a few fun ideas for making gifts from the heart.

Fizzy Bath Bombs:

1 cup baking soda

½ cup cornstarch

½ cup citric acid

10-20 drops essential oil

Mix together and sprinkle lightly with witch hazel in a spray bottle until it holds together when a little is squeezed in the hand. Spray a little and stir, repeat. It can take some time. Add the Essential oils at the end of mixing. Kids like peppermint, or citrus scents. Lavender can be used as a relaxing scent. Pack tightly into molds. Mini cupcake molds, candy molds or ice cube trays. After about 10 minutes turn molds upside down and tap to get the bath bombs out. It takes practice. If they fall apart spray with more witch hazel and re-mold.

Bath Salts:

1 cup epsom salts

1 cup coarse sea salt 

10-20 drops essential oil

Food coloring (optional)

Place salts in a large bowl and mix well. Scoop about ½ cup in a small bowl. Add the drops of essential oil and food coloring and mix well. Add the blended mixture to the large bowl a little at a time until you are pleased with the scent and color. Pour your salts in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake every day for a few days before packaging.

For relaxing bath salts add 10 drops orange, 5 drops lavender, and 5 drops Ylang Ylang essential oils.

For energizing bath salts add 5 drops eucalyptus, and 10 drops peppermint essential oils

Playdough:

1 cup flour

½ cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vegetable oil of any type

1 cup water

Essential oils about 10-15 drops (optional)

Food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a pan and heat on medium heat stirring constantly. When it all clings to the spoon and becomes a ball, remove from heat and place the dough on a piece of wax paper. Allow to cool until it can be kneaded. Knead the dough until it is smooth. If you would like to add essential oils, use about 10 drops by poking a few holes in the dough, drop 1-2 drops of essential oil into each hole, knead the dough until it is well mixed. Keep in an airtight container.

Food coloring can be added during the heating process if desired.

Garden Sage

 Garden Sage

Salvia officinalis

Jo Francks MH

An ancient Latin proverb goes, “Why should a man die when Sage flourishes in his garden?”

Sage is an herb that is so beneficial for so many things one could ask the question, “What isn’t it good for?” There is a lot of history of sage from many cultures. It was used daily in many societies and considered a valuable part of their good health habits.

The Chinese have been using sage for centuries. They use it for kidney infections, sore throat, diarrhea and other discharges. In India it is used for excessive perspiration, tickling coughs, stomach disorders and infection.

In Dr. Christopher’s Herb Syllabus book there is a short sentence mentioning the memory, “It is said to be good for the memory and to enhance mental acuteness.” I have learned not to overlook what the books say. I have also found that fleeting statement to be true. After using sage tea for a couple of weeks to test it, I found my memory improved and was more alert and able to concentrate. It also improved my sleep. 

Sage is known as a flavoring for various dishes especially at Thanksgiving to flavor the stuffing. If we knew its full potential, we would all have a plant growing right out our back door. It is an astringent and because of this there are lists of things it can help with. If we start from the head down, we already mentioned the memory, it is also good for sinus issues, headaches, and is especially good for sore throats and mouth sores. Rubbing the fresh leaf on the teeth can help whiten them. Using the cold tea will help reduce night sweats and excessive perspiration. The tea or diluted tincture can be applied to the armpits to help reduce perspiration in this area. During pregnancy it is used to help prevent miscarriage. Although a nursing mother would want to put it’s use on hold until she’s ready to wean the baby. At that time sage will help dry up the milk when taken cold. It has also been used to reduce hot flashes and it works really well for this. 

Another one of Sage’s benefits is as a diaphoretic. It will make you sweat when taken hot. This makes it helpful in illnesses accompanied by a fever. Sage can be used internally and externally for rheumatism. It will stop bleeding when applied externally, and will bring color back to the hair. 

I hope you have found something that you can use sage to help you with. It is a very useful and resourceful plant. It is worth growing and in some areas is an evergreen and will keep its leaves all year long. The leaves can easily be dried for use in the winter.

Emotional Well Being

  Emotional Well Being

Jo Francks, MH

I recently received a call from someone who was considering ending his life. He thought he was calling a hotline for help with his issues but somehow got my number. In this situation, I had to think fast to help him change his thinking and help him realize that his life mattered and that he was of great worth on earth. He was surprised at the things I said to him as if I knew him. I know what I said to him came from a higher source and it was no coincidence that he got my number. When we finished our conversation he was in a much better place emotionally. Unfortunately, there are many people silently suffering from emotional and mental issues that don’t know where to turn for help. I will be sharing some sources that people can use to help with emotional issues.

Number one is proper nutrition and herbs. We want to get the nervous system and the endocrine system working optimally. First eliminate toxins that are disruptive to the nervous system which can create an imbalance in the body's chemical system. These include sugar, artificial colors or sweeteners, MSG or “Natural Flavorings”, and anything that is added to food as a preservative. Eat food from the produce section, organic as much as possible, and nuts and seeds. Avoid gluten if you are sensitive to it. The nervous system requires calcium and B vitamins to work properly. The Relax-Eze formula is a wonderful supplement for the nervous system. Individual nervine herbs of valerian, skullcap, chamomile, or kava kava can be very helpful for rebuilding the nerves. Another help would be the Herbal Calcium formula to provide the building blocks for calcium the body can use. 

There are many herbs that can help with mental well being. I always recommend the MindTrac formula. Herbs to strengthen the endocrine system are always helpful because this is where hormones are made in the body. When the glands are functioning properly the hormones will come into balance. Adaptogens are helpful for this. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, schizandra, and ginseng are some examples of adaptogens that can help with the endocrine system. The Glandular System formula and the formulas specific to glandular weakness should be considered such as the Adrenal formula, the Thyroid Maintenance formula, or the Hormonal Changease formula. 

There are also some self help tools available online and in books to help overcome negative thinking and negative emotional states. 

Feelings Buried Alive Never Die by Karol Truman is a book that has tools to help overcome negative thinking and to help release negative thoughts. One of the first things the author suggests working on is the thought pattern of not liking yourself. She has you work on this belief before anything else. Can you guess why?

EFT is another tool you can use on your own to release negative thoughts and behaviors. Gary Craig originated this technique. It stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is often called tapping. Gary Craig and Nick Ortner both have resources online that can be accessed easily. There are many instructional YouTube videos teaching this technique for free. 

The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson is a tool to release trapped emotions in the body which can cause physical symptoms. You can learn it on your own or find a practitioner that is efficient in the technique who can help. 

These are a few tools and modalities that are very helpful for emotional and mental issues that can be done on your own or with the help of a qualified practitioner. 

Compassion for others is lacking in our world today. A wise man that once walked the earth taught us to love others and that peace begins with you. Let us always remember that there are people out there that need a cup of kindness and that is free to give to anyone. 

Elecampane

 Elecampane

Inula helenium

Jo Francks MH

When looking for an effective herb to treat lung problems, consider elecampane. It has a long history of treating various illnesses in the pulmonary system including asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. It can be used alone or in combination with other herbs for the lungs such as horehound, mullein or wild cherry bark. It’s a good herb to use at the first sign of a cough, runny nose, sore throat or sinus infection.

Elecampane’s medicinal properties are in the root and rhizome and it can contain up to 40% of inulin, a substance that will feed the friendly bacteria in the colon. Elecampane helps with all pulmonary and catarrhal problems. Its sodium phosphate cleans the liver and digestive organs, the potassium chloride dissolves the fibrinous exudations and mucoid matter, and its calcium chlorine supports, feeds and tones the heart muscles. 

It is a stimulant, a relaxant, and a tonic to the mucous membrane, a warming strengthening cleansing and toning agent to the intestinal tract and pulmonary membranes. Because of its powerful healing action and efficient expectoration of pulmonary mucus, some herbalists have considered it a specific remedy for consumption and pulmonary disorders. It promptly clears up old chronic diseases of the lungs and chest.

Elecampane has antimicrobial properties making it effective against viral, fungal or bacterial infections.

Elecampane is often used for digestive problems, especially since it has such a high level of inulin. This makes it helpful when trying to balance gut bacteria. It will help slow down absorption of sugar to prevent sudden changes in blood sugar levels. It also helps to decrease inflammation in the intestines, lungs, and elsewhere in the body. 

Violet

 Violet

 

The International Herb Association has chosen Violet, Viola spp. as the herb of the year for 2022. Violet is also known as Pansy, Heartsease, Johnny Jump-Up and other common names. I think this is one of the funnest flowers in all the flower gardens I see because it is so colorful and unique. What makes it even better is that it has such wonderful medicinal properties.  

Violets are early blooming flowers and often follow the melting snow. You can see the leaves popping up from the soil in early spring. The heart shaped leaves and the flowers are used as a pulmonary aid and are used for rheumatism and skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. There is evidence that this herb has been used to treat cancer. Its medicinal properties include mucilage, laxative, emetic (root), alterative, and antiseptic. 

We love it for its beauty, but if you want to harvest the plant for medicinal use, cut the stems about a third of the way up just before the blooms open or just after. Dry all the parts to use for making tea, or it can be made into a tincture, extract, oil or ointment. The roots are not used since they could cause vomiting but the plant parts above ground are very safe.  

Violet has been used as an herbal aid for centuries. To treat insomnia Askham’s Herbal recommends making a tea of the herb and soaking the feet in it. Then bind the herb to the temples when going to bed. 

When Napoleon went to Elba His last message to his adherents was that he should return with Violets. Hence he was alluded to and toasted by them in secret as Caporal Violette, and the Violet was adopted as the emblem of the imperial Napoleonic party. (A Modern Herbal, Volume 2, pg 835)

 The older writers had great faith in Syrup of Violets: ague, epilepsy, inflammation of the eyes, sleeplessness, pleurisy, jaundice and quinsy are only a few of the ailments for which it was held potent. Gerard says: ‘It has power to ease inflammation, roughness of the throat and comforteth the heart, asuageth the pains of the head and causeth sleep.’ (Ibid)

 

‘Sirrup of Violets

(As it appears in A Modern Herbal Volume 2, pg 835)

‘Take a quantity of Blew Violets, clip off the whites and pound them well in a stone morter; then take as much fair running water as will sufficiently moisten them and mix with the Violets; strain them all; and  to every halfe pint of the liquor put one pound of the best loafe sugar; set it on the fire, putting the sugar in as it melts, still stirring it; let it boyle but once or twice att the most; then take it from the fire, and keep it to your use. This is a dainty sirrup of Violets.’

 

Echinacea

 Echinacea

Jo Francks

This time of year is the time to reflect and show appreciation and give thanks for the great blessings in our lives. One of those blessings for me is the knowledge that I have of herbs and the herbs themselves that have blessed me and my family for so many years. 

Echinacea was one of the first herbs we used and found that it was a true blessing for healing from colds and flu. It seemed to never let us down when we needed its virtues.  Whenever we felt sick we would reach for the echinacea extract bottle and most times it was what we grew and made ourselves. It helped to stimulate our immune system and stop the cold from progressing and we’d feel better in no time. Echinacea is an herb I wouldn’t want to be without. 

Echinacea has many different species. The most common are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea commonly known as purple coneflower. All parts of the plant can be used but the root is most often what is sold for medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers have many of the same benefits as the root and can be picked and dried for making infusions or extracts. 

Echinacea flowers have purple ray petals and bristly cones in the center, They are on a long erect stalk with lance-shaped toothed leaves. The properties of echinacea are to stimulate the immune system by increasing the white blood cells making it effective for fighting infection in the body. It is a powerful blood purifier and is known as a remedy for snake bites and spider bites. Echinacea can be taken frequently at the first sign of an illness and is effective for about 5 days then take a couple of days off and start again. Topically echinacea can be applied to any wound and it will help prevent infection and encourage healing. 

Echinacea has been used by Native Americans throughout history. It is native to North America but caution should be used in gathering plants in their natural habitat because of over-harvesting. We want to keep this plant around forever. It is a very nice plant to grow in any herb garden and adds color and beauty as well as medicinal benefits. It can be cultivated by seed or root transplants. 

If you don’t have echinacea growing in your herb garden, consider adding it this next growing season. It will provide beauty and medicine when needed and will be something you will be grateful for. 

Change of Seasons

 Change of Seasons

Jo Francks MH

As we go from summer to autumn we feel the change in the air, the leaves lose their green luster and take on a shade of gold to brilliant red and eventually fall to the earth to become a blanket of mulch and protection to the soil through the cold winter. Gardens are coming to an end of the bounteous gifts of life-giving food. Kids go back to school and parents are either elated or are missing them. Emotions can be fluctuating as much as the temperature because of the many changes that we are facing. 

This can be a time to take a look at the herbs that can help with those fluctuating emotions.

Nervine herbs can be helpful to regulate and rebuild the nervous system. For overall feelings of stress, my favorite herb is valerian. It can be taken when nerves are shot and 20 minutes later you can be feeling normal again. It works that fast. It may be a good idea to take it with peppermint or another mild stimulating herb if you don’t have time for a nap. Valerian is safe for children and can be used to help them calm down especially through an illness or to help them sleep at night. Other nervine herbs to consider are skullcap, chamomile, or passionflower. Dr. Christopher’s Relax-Eze formula combines many herbs to work in synergy for the nervous system.

Adaptogen herbs help regulate the immune system and help your body adapt to changes going on in your life and to stressful situations. Back to school, Loss of a job, divorce, death of a loved one, or even a change of season, are situations one would consider using an adaptogen for. A well-known adaptogen is ginseng. It has a long history of use for good reason. It strengthens the life force energy of the body and builds Chi. Adaptogens effect and strengthen the endocrine system which is responsible for hormone production. If hormones are out of balance it may be beneficial to look at adaptogens to see if they can help. Some other common adaptogens are ashwagandha, eleuthero, holy basil, licorice root and shiitake mushrooms. 

Another category of herbs that are useful through the seasonal change is herbs for the heart and circulatory system. Hawthorn is the first to come to mind when thinking of heart herbs and cayenne for circulation. The heart is the most important muscle in the body and unlike the rest of our muscles, it never stops its action. Keeping the heart healthy is a number one consideration for good health. This is done by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress and using herbs that keep the heart healthy. Other herbs to consider for the heart are motherwort if you are having palpitations, and valerian which strengthens the heart beat without increasing the heart rate. Ginger and ginkgo help increase circulation.

As the seasons change keep in mind all the wonderful herbs that are available to assist the body in a gentle way to help it move into the fall season.

Things I love About Calendula

 Things I love About Calendula

Jo Francks MH

Calendula is a plant that is easy to grow. It is an annual plant but it will come back year after year from seed. Just let a few seeds remain on the plant at the end of the season for another good crop the next year. It flowers mid to late summer and the flowers are what I use for medicine. Just a few plants will produce plenty of flowers for you and your family.

Calendula officinalis is also called pot marigold and sometimes marigold but don’t confuse it with common marigold whose Latin name is Tagetes. Calendula is a very versatile plant and it has many different uses. It is very good at strengthening the immune system. It helps with viruses, infections and fungal infections. It helps clear out the lungs and sinuses. Its demulcent and vulnerary properties make it wonderful for the skin and it is used in many topical creams, salves and ointments. It helps heal wounds, prevent infection, reduce pain, and relieve itching.

When calendula flowers are made into an ointment, the ointment turns out a nice yellow color. We always had yellow ointment around and that became its name. Any time there was a need for a bandage yellow ointment was placed on the bandage first before it was applied to the skin. It always relieved pain or itching and helped wounds heal quickly. We used it for sunburns, insect bites, scrapes, cuts, scratches, hangnails, athletes foot, eczema, varicose veins, chapped lips,  and all skin problems.

Internally calendula was used as a tea or extract alone or combined with other herbs for colds, flu, sore throats, headaches, fevers, coughs, yeast infections, muscle pain and cramping. The effects were felt almost immediately when drinking a warm cup of calendula tea at the first sign of a cough or sore throat. The flower petals can be added to soup and will give it a nice warm yellow color. They can also be added to salads either fresh or dried.

Calendula also is beneficial in the garden. It helps improve the soil and repel insects. Its bright yellow and orange flowers brighten my day. I would not want to be without calendula because I use it in so many ways. 

Herbal Chews

 Herbal Chews

Jo Francks MH

This past winter I have been experimenting with different herbal ideas to have available for travel or easy ways for kids to take their herbal supplements. One of the things I came up with is herbal chews. They are made with dehydrated fruit powder and concentrated herbal teas. It is a process to make these fun little bites but it is very rewarding.

Start by dehydrating the fruit you would like to use. I started with bananas because I had some that were just at the right stage of ripeness for dehydrating. I have used apples and other fruit as well. Dry the fruit until it is brittle. When it is cool blend it into a fine powder. Store this in an airtight container until you are ready to make your amazing herbal chews. Select the herbs you would like to use for the recipe. I first used echinacea. I made a decoction from echinacea roots using 2 tablespoons of the cut and dried root and 2 cups distilled water. Let the herb sit in the water for a couple of hours to soften then bring the water to a low simmer while covered. Simmer covered for about 20 minutes then remove from heat and let steep for an hour. Strain the liquid, return it to your pot, and on low heat with the lid off simmer the liquid down to ½ cup. This is what Dr. Christopher called a 7 power tea because it is ¼ the volume of what you started with which in this case was 2 cups.

When you have your herbal decoction complete you are now ready to make the herbal chews. Start with ¼ cup of the fruit powder and slowly add the herbal liquid stirring well as you go. Add enough liquid until it is a consistency to drop on the dehydrator tray in dollops using a teaspoon. You may use all the liquid or have some leftover. Add more powder if you have extra liquid. If you run out of your decoction you may add some water until you get the right consistency.  Drop the mixture by small spoonfuls on a solid dehydrator tray and dry them at around 105 degrees. This is a very small batch and will only make a few chews so feel free to double or triple the recipe. Once they are dry store them in an airtight container. They will keep for many months or longer.

Have fun experimenting with different herbs and fruits. I have made some with apple powder and concentrated ginger tea with some cinnamon to use for motion sickness while traveling. There are so many possibilities. It’s fun and exciting to get your kids involved in this. Kids love the chews and they don’t even have to know it’s good for them. 

Some other possibilities would be to use herbs for sleep and nervousness such as valerian, chamomile, or passionflower. Immunity herbs could include echinacea, elderflowers, and berries, calendula, or even garlic. For nutritional support, you could add rose hips, alfalfa, spirulina powder, or Jurassic Green powder. Hawthorn berries could be used for heart chews. There are so many possibilities.

Celery Juice

 Celery Juice

Jo Francks MH

There have been many books written on the benefits of juicing. Celery juice has become a superfood in the last few years. I looked through many of the books I have on juicing and learned a lot about the reasons why there is such a buzz around celery juice. Let’s start with one of the first books on juicing I was aware of.

N. W. Walker D. SC. in his book Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices praises raw celery juice for it’s high sodium content. He says, “The greatest value of raw celery lies in the fact that it contains an exceptionally high percentage of vital organic sodium. It is one of the chemical properties of sodium to maintain calcium in solution.” The organic sodium is needed to get rid of the inorganic calcium in the body from eating too much processed starches and sugar. Sodium is also involved in the elimination of carbon dioxide from the system. Dr. Walker states that combining different juices creates exceptional healing formulas. “When combined with other juices, the proportion of the elements in each individual juice is changed to correspond to the sum total of the similar elements in the other juices. Thus we get a totally different formula when juices are combined than when we have in any one of the juices individually.” Dr. Walker suggests using a combination of carrot and celery juices to help rebuild the nerve sheath and to overcome nervous afflictions. 

John Heinerman in the Encyclopedia of Healing Juices states that celery juice is good for blood poisoning. The high amount of mineral salts in celery make it very alkaline. The bacteria responsible for blood poisoning thrives better in acidic conditions than they do in an alkaline environment. The presence of celery in the body helps to dilute their potential harm. 

For eczema and psoriasis the author suggests using a mixture of celery, Swiss chard, and cucumber juices diluted with a little carrot juice.

The Juicing Book by Stephen Blauer teaches us that celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system and that the sodium in celery juice helps the body utilize calcium more efficiently.

Jay Kordich is the man that played a big role in creating a juicing revolution with his juicing infomercials. In his book, The Juiceman’s Power of Juicing, he says that one of the best juices you can drink is made with one rib of celery combined with two apples to provide the proper sodium potassium ratio. He says that celery is a powerhouse of life-giving nutrition and is the best juice for anyone who works out because of its rich source of organic sodium. “When we sweat we lose a lot of valuable body fluids. How best to replace them in a matter of minutes? Drink celery juice - leaves and all!”

Anthony William, author of the Medical Medium book series, most recently has brought celery juice to a higher level. In his book, Celery Juice, The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time, he recommends drinking 16 ounces of celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait 15-30 minutes before consuming any other food or liquid. The sodium cluster salts in the celery juice are said to help cleanse the liver, improve digestion, and help kill off pathogens. His suggestion is to drink the celery juice each morning for a month and notice the changes it makes in the body. He recommends drinking celery juice for many different ailments from fatty liver to eczema and psoriasis. 

Celery is more than an ingredient on a relish tray at Thanksgiving dinner. It is a medicinal powerhouse when juiced, giving the body nutrition and healing. 

Juice Recipe for Eczema and Psoriasis

4 medium sized carrots washed but not peeled

2 stalks celery

1 small unpeeled cucumber 

Small bunch Swiss chard

Wash all ingredients well and juice each one separately and set aside in different containers. Then combine everything together in a blender for one minute. Drink separately from meals.

Recipe from Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Juices by John Heinerman

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.