Gathering and Harvesting Herbs

Now is the time to go out and gather your own medicine.  If you have been growing herbs or if you want to go out and wildcraft herbs for your own use it is a good time to do so.  

I have noticed that in my area there seems to be a bumper crop of valuable herbs growing. I have been harvesting a lot of flowers lately.  To harvest flowers, pick off the flower head and dry them in the shade.  I’ve found that shallow boxes, the ones canned food comes in works very well.  Line the box with a paper towel, spread the herb or flower in a single layer to dry.  I stack the boxes and turn them opposite ways to save space.  Just rotate the boxes every day and it will take about a week to dry if you’re in a dry climate. 

Storing:  After the herb is completely dry, it is ready to store or use as a tea, ointment, tincture, etc.  There are a number of ways to store herbs.  Remember to keep them in a cool dry place.  Amber glass jars work well.  Clear glass jars work well if they are kept out of the light.   

These are some of the herbs I have been aggressively gathering so the plants will keep producing all summer. 

Chamomile:  is soothing to the nerves, aids in digestion, helps reduce swelling. 

Calendula:  is abundant in medicinal qualities.  Increases immune function, is demulcent, and anodyne.  It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects, and it helps heal wounds quickly. 

Red Clover Blossoms:  Many herbalists have referred to this herb as an antidote to cancer, and is a very powerful blood cleanser. 

Mints: Spearmint, Lemon Balm, Peppermint

 Comfrey Leaves:  Cell proliferant. This is a most wonderful healing and soothing herb. I would never want to be without it.  Take care in drying the leaves in a single layer.  They contain so much moisture that they spoil if not spread out.

These are just a few of the herbs you will see laid out to dry at my place.  In the fall I will be busy turning these efforts into wonderful medicine my family will use through the year to keep us well and healthy.

Jo Francks
Master Herbalist, Certified Iridologist, Quantum Touch Practitioner

The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D The Sunshine Vitamin

Jo Francks MH

 

An important part of Dr. Christopher’s Incurables Program is the sunbath.  He recommended that you “take a sunbath each day in the nude and not through glass but in the direct sun.”  There are two types of ultraviolet light from the sun, UVA and UVB rays.  UVA rays are longer and penetrate deep into the skin to produce a dark tan. When in the sun too long they cause wrinkles and sun spots.  UVB rays are shorter and cause the skin to burn. They are also the only rays that make vitamin D. Vitamin D is actually a steroid and is a powerful antioxidant.  It is an important nutrient in preventing cancer including skin cancers. It is important for proper immune function and to prevent autoimmune diseases.  It helps with proper brain function, diabetes prevention and is needed for absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

“Only allow two minutes on the front and two minutes on the back the first day. Then add two minutes front and back each day, but no more.”  You should never stay in the sun long enough to get burned.  The body stops making vitamin D once the skin starts to turn pink. When SPF sunscreen is applied it stops vitamin D production and may make you more susceptible to some skin cancers.
 
“The sun is the world’s greatest doctor but must be used by building up the exposed time in the sun gradually so as to not burn.”  The best time for vitamin D production from the sun is 11:00 am until 1:00 pm or when the sun is the brightest.  That is when the UVBs are most direct.  They are not as effective when they come in at an angle and they are easily filtered out by smog, pollution, fog, clouds and windows. 
  
“If it is a cloudy or cold day, use a sunlamp, but do not allow a burn.” The best source for vitamin D is from natural sunlight, but in the winter, it is not possible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from the sun.  Sunlamps or tanning beds are another option and some provide both UVA and UVB rays for vitamin D production. Most salon tanning beds are calibrated to produce about 95% UVA light, but there are some that will produce both UVA and UVB rays.  The same caution should be used with a tanning bed as with sun exposure and they can safely produce vitamin D in the winter months. Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University has shown that vitamin D produced by UVB radiation from a tanning bed maintains longer lasting and more consistent levels of vitamin D than taking vitamin D supplements.  Dermatologists have found that tanning makes the skin give off endorphins which improve feelings of well-being and make you feel happier.

Sources: Herbal Home Health Care by Dr. John R. Christopher

Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora T. Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT

Baby Boomer Diet by Donna Gates

Mercola.com/Tanning-Bed

Elder

Elder Sambucus canadensis: (Caprifoliaceae)

Jo Francks MH

The International Herb Association has named Elder as herb of the year for 2013. There is more romance, folklore, tradition, and superstition recorded in history about this remarkable plant than about any other herb known.

The great herbalist, Henry Box of England, stated, “For colds, influenza, fevers, inflammation of the brain, pneumonia, inflammation of stomach, bowels, or any other part, this is a certain cure. I have never known it to fail, even when given up and at the point of death, it will not only save at the eleventh hour, but at the last minute of that hour. It is so harmless that you cannot use it amiss, and so effectual that you cannot give it in vain.”

The flowers and berries are the parts of the plant that are most used internally although the bark and leaves have been used externally for skin conditions such as boils, swelling, bruises, and eczema. The bark and root are not used internally so much because they are strong purgatives and emetic.

The berries are a wonderful herb to use in colds and flu. I like to combine them with rose hips and calendula flowers and make a tea or an extract. Use equal parts of each dried herb for each preparation.  For a tea use a teaspoon of combined herb per cup of distilled water. Boil the water and pour over the herb, cover and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes and drink while warm. To make an extract fill a glass jar half way with the herbs and fill the jar the rest of the way with a combination of equal parts distilled water and vegetable glycerin. Cap the jar and shake it several times a day for 2 weeks, strain off the liquid through a piece of muslin or cheese cloth. The liquid that you strained off is the extract.  Use a half teaspoon of this preparation several times a day.

It would be good to learn more about this herb. It is one of Dr. Christopher’s 100 herbs and a very good choice for herb of the year for 2013. Get some and keep it in your supply to have on hand in case your family needs something for the seasonal illnesses going around. 

Recipe:

Flu Remedy, fevers, inflammation

From Dr. Christopher’s School of Natural Healing book

1 ounce Elder flowers (Sambucus canadensis)

1 ounce Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita) 

Preparation: Place in appropriate vessel and pour ½ pint of boiling distilled water over the herb, cover tightly and keep warm on stove for 15 minutes, strain and cover immediately and keep warm.

Dosage: 1 teacupful every 30 to 45 minutes until the patient perspires; then 2 tablespoonfuls every 1 to 2 hours. 

Administration: This tea taken hot will break down congestions, equalize circulation, and restore a functional equilibrium. Keep patient well covered in bed overnight; then sponge the body in the morning with equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water (this will act as a tonic and cleanse waste from the pores). For children: Give smaller doses and sweeten. (SNH)

The Gray Area

THE GRAY AREA

Jo Francks MH 

There are many herbs that have been used as hair rinses.  I think the one people have been most interested in from the classes I have taught is the one to get rid of the gray hair.

Dr. Christopher promised that if you rinse your hair with yarrow tea two or three times a week, within a year you would have your natural hair color back. That’s quite a promise, so I decided to put it to the test.  In February I started using yarrow tea to rinse my hair.  I make a quart of the tea by boiling a quart of distilled water and adding 2 handfuls of dried yarrow leaf then cover and let it steep for 30 minutes.  The tea is stored in a quart jar in the fridge and will keep for about a week.  It takes about a half cup of tea to rinse the hair after it has been washed and the tea is not rinsed out.  A plastic bottle with a squirt lid works well for applying the tea.  Squirt it on the head and massage it in to the scalp.  I have been using it every day and so far I can tell that I have less gray hair now than I did when I started. 

The progress has been slow, but it’s the comments from other people that are the biggest clue that it is working.  I see my hair every day and so does my family so the change is not as obvious to us.  Some of the comments I have heard are “Your hair is getting darker,” and “You’re looking younger and younger all the time.”  The best one is when the hair dresser was cutting my hair and he said “Jo you’re really lucky that you don’t have much gray in your hair.”  This is enough incentive to keep it up and I even have my husband using it.  I’ve also noticed that I’m not losing as much hair.

Not only do herbal teas help to get rid of gray hair, they can also be used to bring out natural highlights.

Chamomile is used to bring out the highlights of blond hair.

Sage is used for darker shades and henna for auburn hair.

Rosemary is good for dark hair and it stimulates the roots to prevent hair falling out and to stimulate new growth. It is also used to prevent dandruff.

Nettle tea is an excellent hair tonic and will bring back the natural color of the hair. Use as the last rinse when shampooing.  Make a cup of the tea by steeping a teaspoonful in a cup of boiling water for thirty minutes.  Dip the fingers in and thoroughly massage the scalp.  This will cure dandruff.  It is well to boil the leaves in vinegar for this purpose. (Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss, Pg 161)

 

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked systems when it comes to our health, but one of the most important systems of the body.  Unlike the cardiovascular system which has a pump to circulate it through the body, the lymph fluid relies on our own movement or massage for circulation. Let’s look at what the Lymphatic system does.

The lymphatic system is filled with millions of one-way valves, which allows the lymph fluid to flow in only one direction. It is the "garbage collector", taking up metabolic garbage, and toxins from the extracellular fluid of every organ. If this flow is impaired, the fluid becomes thick and toxic. The cells which rely on the lymphatic system for elimination become less efficient and sluggish as they fill with their own waste. The lymphatic system - which in a healthy person is a life-sustaining system - now becomes a breeding ground for infection. When the fluid enters the bloodstream, which is part of the normal process, infection can now spread to any organ in the body. Many viruses, bacteria and parasites stay locked within the lymphatic system when it is in a sluggish state. The result: degenerative disease and an increase in the rate of aging.
The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes, lymph veins, tonsils, adenoids, appendix and the spleen.  Doctors remove some of these when there is a sign of infection.  Some signs of congested lymphatics are: allergies, prostatitis, chronic sinusitis, heart disease, eczema and other skin conditions, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, parasites, viral and bacterial infections, headaches, obesity, and the list goes on.
Rebound exercise is one of the best ways to get the lymph flowing through the body.  As you bounce, the lymph moves in a rhythmic motion through the one way valves as they open and close. At the bottom of the bounce there in an increased gravitational force and at the top of the bounce there is a moment of weightlessness causing a sloshing effect of the lymph. You don’t even have to come off the mat, and it only takes a few minutes a day. 
Kevin Trudeau, author of Natural Cures, says this about rebounding. “At this time there is only one form of exercise that actually affects, in a positive way, every cell in the body simultaneously. Jumping on a mini-trampoline, also known as a rebounder, has been shown to stimulate and strengthen every cell in the body. This unique form of exercise dramatically increases the movement through the lymph system, stimulates every cell’s elimination of toxins, and increases the strength and vitality of every cell in the body.”
Herbal aids to help the lymphatic system are: Dr Christopher’s Glandular formula containing mullein and lobelia, and his Lymphatic formula.  Eating a wholesome diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds will help eliminate toxins and feed the body the good nutrition it needs to maintain a healthy immune system.

Herbs for the Heart

Herbs for the Heart

Jo Francks MH

I recently gathered hawthorn berries to make Hawthorn Berry Syrup.   This is an annual event although this year it was hard to find a tree with berries.  It seemed as if they all froze.  But my husband, being on the lookout for me, found a tree that had some berries on it and they were just right for picking.  After picking for a while and deciding when enough was enough (I get a little carried away), it was time to get the process going.  I washed the berries and put them in the biggest stainless steel pot I have (this pot has made many batches of syrup).  Cover the berries with distilled water 2 inches above the level of the berries.  Bring this to a very low simmer.  This means when there is steam coming off the top but no bubbles.  Keep it covered and simmer for about a half hour and turn off the heat.  I let this steep for about an hour.  Now strain the liquid off and save it.  Put the berries back in the pan and use a potato masher and vigorously pound and mash them up.  Add more distilled water to an inch above the berries. Bring to a simmer for a half hour and let steep for an hour covered.  Strain this and use a muslin cloth or cheese cloth and squeeze all the liquid out of the berries.   Now combine all the liquid.  The next process takes me several days to complete.  This time I had to use two pots because I had so much liquid.  I take a plastic ruler and measure how much liquid I have in the pot.  As it simmers down I know when it is done by measuring it with the ruler.  The pots should have straight sides for this method to work.  Measure the liquid in a marked container if you prefer then as it simmers down, pour back into the container to measure the progress.  I put my pot of hawthorn liquid on the small burner of my electric stove and put it on low.  I used to use a thermometer to keep the temperature below 120 degrees but I don’t do that anymore.  It still works just as good when it is finished.  If I can put my finger in it and not have to remove it because it is burning I know the temperature is below 120.   I stir it several times a day while it is simmering.  It forms a gel because the berries have some pectin in them.  It’s okay, just keep simmering and stirring.  When it simmers to ¼ the original volume I know it’s done.  During this time I took a trip to the local liquor store and picked up some brandy.  Now let me tell you because Dr. Christopher made this recipe with grape brandy.  The first time I made this my husband went to the store for me and asked for grape brandy.  The lady running the store did some research and made some calls and it turns out that all brandy is made from grapes.  Regular old brandy is grape brandy.  So it’s time to add some vegetable glycerin and some brandy to the simmered down decoction.  Add ¼ of each to the liquid.  So to one quart you would add 1 cup of brandy and 1 cup of glycerin.  This is the finished product.  Store it in a glass bottle out of the light in a cool dark place.  It will keep a couple of years if stored properly.  It can be stored in the refrigerator for long term.  The dosage is ½ to 1 teaspoon three times a day.

This recipe can be made with dried berries.  Simply add distilled water to the berries overnight to rehydrate.  Don’t discard the water, just add more until you have the right amount.

Making your own herbal medicine is enjoyable and rewarding.  Just remember to have fun.

Creating Your Own Herbal Medicine

 

By Jo Francks MH

Handout for Herb Class

Infusion:  Made with leaves and flowers.  Use a teaspoon of herb to a cup of boiling distilled water, or an ounce of herb to a pint of boiling water.  Boil the water and add the herbs, cover and steep for 15 minutes or more, strain.

                Why distilled water?  Distilled water is H2O only and therefore it is a hungry water.  It will absorb more of the medicinal qualities of the herb and make a tea up to 30% more efficient than hard water.

Decoction:  Made with barks and roots.  Use a teaspoon of dried herb or a tablespoon of fresh to a cup of distilled water or an ounce of herb to a pint of water.  Add the herb to the water and bring to a low simmer.  Simmer for 20 minutes and let steep for 20 minutes or longer, strain.

Concentrate:  Use the infusion or decoction and simmer to half its volume and you have a 3 power concentrate.  If you simmer to ¼ its original volume you have a 7 power concentrate.  You may add ¼  the amount of vegetable glycerin to help preserve it.  Store in the refrigerator.

Fomentation:  Use one of the above preparations for a fomentation.  Use a natural fiber cloth dip it in the tea and apply to an affected area of the body.  Cover this with plastic and secure with an ace type bandage.

Poultice:  A poultice is made with dried or fresh herbs and applied directly to the skin.  For dried herbs, add  enough  water to make a paste.  If the herbs don’t hold together mix them with slippery elm.  Bruise fresh herbs by chewing a few times or blending with water or smashing with a rock or hammer and apply to skin and secure.  A poultice used quite often is the plantain poultice applied to a bee sting.  Pick a plantain leaf, chew it quickly and apply.  This has never failed to bring relief to a bee or wasp sting that I know of.  It has kept people from going to the emergency room from allergic reactions to bee stings.

Extract: Any time you add liquid to herb you are making an extract.  I will cover alcohol, apple cider vinegar, glycerin, and oil extracts.  The herb is called the Mark and the liquid is the Menstrum.

Tincture:  An alcohol extract is usually referred to as a tincture.  There is a lot of information available on making tinctures.  I use fresh or dried herb and 100 proof vodka or ever clear which is 190 proof.  Proof means that ½ of the proof is the percentage of alcohol.  So 100 proof would be 50% alcohol.  This is fine for most dried herbs and some fresh herbs.  If made properly, tinctures will last many years.  They are good for long term storage and for emergencies.  Alcohol tinctures are absorbed by the body much  faster  than capsules.  Use a clean glass jar, fill the jar ½ to ¾ full with dried herb or to the top with fresh herb.  The dried herb will absorb some of the liquid.  Fill the jar to the top with your menstrum of choice, alcohol, glycerin/water, or vinegar.  Cap tightly, label, and shake 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 6 weeks.  Strain through cheese cloth or muslin and store in dark glass bottles with plastic lids (metal lids corrode). Don’t forget to label.  Many herbalists prefer to start their tinctures on a new moon and pour it off on the full moon.  The moon has a pushing and pulling effect, pushing on the new moon and pulling on the full moon.

                Vegetable Glycerin:  Good for those who don’t want to ingest alcohol and for children.  It is sweet, and is easier to get children to take if they can’t swallow capsules.  Lasts 3 to 4 years.  Dilute with distilled water by 50% when using dried herbs.  The last 2 or 3 days I add some low heat to the glycerin extract to help get more out of the herb.

                Apple Cider Vinegar:  Is a good preservative for an extract but won’t last as long as alcohol tinctures.  Use the kind from a health food store.  Read the label carefully because some are apple cider flavored distilled vinegar.  You want the kind with the mother floating around in it.

Oil:  An herbal oil is made to be used topically on the skin.  Olive oil is used most often. Other vegetable  oils may also be used.  Heat is applied when making an oil extract.  Fill a clean, glass jar ½ to ¾ with your herb and fill the jar to the top with oil.  Use a chopstick to help get the oil to the bottom of the jar.  Cap tightly.  Oils can be made in as little time as a few hours or as long as 6 weeks or more.  I like to put the jar outside in the sun for 2 weeks and shake or swirl it a couple of times a day.  Another way is to put the oil and herb in a double boiler or crock pot at a low heat.  Stir it often and watch for the color of the herb to darken and the oil to take on a darker color.  Or you can keep it in an oven at a very low temperature.  I turn my oven on to the very lowest setting and let it set for 2 or 3 days.  Sometimes I combine methods when making an oil extract.  When you feel your oil is ready to strain, pour it through several layers of cheese cloth, muslin cloth or some other natural fiber cloth.  Store in a dark glass container and label.

Ointment:  To make an ointment, use an herbal oil and add beeswax to it until the right consistency is obtained.  One ounce beeswax to 7 ounces of oil will make a soft ointment.  Add more beeswax for a harder ointment.  Add the beeswax to the oil in a double boiler.  Heat until the wax is melted.  Let cool slightly and pour into ointment jars and label.

Bolus:  An herbal bolus is used when herbs need to be inserted into an orifice of the body.  Make by using powdered herbs and adding melted coconut oil to the herbs to make a paste.  Shape them an inch long about the width of your little finger.  Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

Labeling:  Labeling is very important.  I have a bottle of herbal extract in my cupboard that says Mystery Stuff because I forgot to label it when I made it.  I leave it there to remind myself to label everything.  When starting a tincture write on the label what herb is used and how much, the menstrum and how much and the percentage of alcohol, or if you use glycerin, how much water to glycerin is used,  date started, and any other information that would be helpful.  You might want to include the date you plan on pouring it off.