Beautiful grandfather Oak...you give us strength, medicine and food. May we remember your generosity and be grateful for your embrace.

anybody out there?

Happy Labor Day y'all. Here at the Botanica Artista headquarters, we are gearing up for next weeks "Pimp your Barbie" art class. Folks will get a naked Barbie doll to alter any way they see fit. It is a transformational class...pun intended. This year we even have a few Kens. Join us in Cedar Mountain for the festivities or contact me for more details.

Great class June 7th at the Ag center


TUESDAY JUNE 7TH FROM 6-8 PM
suggested donation $10.00-15.00 at the Mill Spring Ag center, NC
The garden and the produce section are sources of wonderful healing plants that we consider foods. This class will help you learn new uses of familiar plants for home-based health and healing. Parsley, potatoes, carrots, bananas, avocados, thyme, sage, celery, onions, garlic, and every other kind of whole food, have inherent healing properties. Let this class open the garden gate to a new way of using foods you can easily grow or buy.

Cascade Anderson Geller is an Oregon herbalist, teacher and author. She founded three food cooperatives across the country in the 70’s. She has been bringing people and plants together for three decades.
June Ellen Bradley is the Mill Spring Ag Center medicinal plant advocate. She is also an herbalist, artist and story-teller.
Contact JE at junebug@polkcountyfarms.org or call 828-899-2787

trip to Gaia

We had 17 potential herb growers get on the bus with us and head to Gaia Herbs to take a tour of the farm and facilities. It was an amazing trip and everyone learned so much about the medicine making process. Our gracious host, CEO Ric Skalzo showed us the process from seed to capsule. It was just fascinating! The quality, integrity and strength of Gaia's products reflect exacting standards and attention to details we witnessed during the trip. Jackie Greenfield, who is the buyer of raw materials for the company was on hand to answer questions and help with details of farming operations, post harvest processing and contract farming.
Thanks to everyone involved with the tour.

Cultivate 4

Right now is one of the prettiest times of year… I encourage you to go out into the forest, be absolutely present, if only for 15 min… longer would be even better. Notice all the little things; a bud, a blossom, animal tracks, mushrooms, insects, trees in flower. Become an explorer. Discover some of the medicine plants, some are really weeds. Let go of judgments. Examine everything as if it were the first time you have ever seen it. Cultivate ‘beginners mind’ and forget what you know -to experience what is -at this moment. You will be amazed. I love looking at all the little vignettes of leaves, pine needles, moss and stones as well as the grand sweeping vistas. Vary your vision. Notice how Black Cohosh is sending up fairy wands of white flowers at this time of year to notify us that it is time to reclaim the magic of our wildness!
Tune into that wild aspect of yourself. What is your heart yearning to create in your life? The forest has a unique way of opening us to receive Creativity and many other gifts. Every tree, shrub, and all the native flowers are magnificent gentle healers by their very presence. There was a time when everyone knew the magic and message of each type of plant, each rock, each kind of soil. The magic is still there, waiting to be rediscovered, engaged in, interacted with and celebrated. Remember our traditional roots and create your own magnificent tree of human expression!
When you walk around the forest, feel into it and connect with vibrant energy. Let it beckon you into a deeper level of consciousness and feel the radiance of the life force. When everyday worries completely disappear as you connect with Nature, inspiration will guide your choices and your Value will be unquestionable. From this space, our collective future is emboldened with passion and clarity. Cultivate the riches of our ancient forests and share the wealth!

Cultivate 3

I love travelling around and giving my “Planting the Future” presentation. One thing that always amazes me is that over 60% of the plants that are on the endangered list and are encouraged for cultivation are plants that are actually locally abundant where we live. The global market for these herbs is increasing, exhausting the supplies in other countries, and these plants are still found in the wild here in our mountains.
What if WNC were to become a resource for these plants, growing them sustainably, increasing the healing power of the land and providing energetically superior herbs to use for medicine? We can also save seeds of wild populations as a source for genetically superior species for others to cultivate in other states, and serve as a model for these simple practices which sustain our very species. We forget that many civilizations have crumbled because they forgot to take care of the 6” of topsoil that all of us depend upon to live.
Farmers who want to add additional income can choose herbs that compliment their harvest schedule. There are many different plants to grow which suit different personalities. Since the land is already growing these amazing healing plants, why not partner WITH Nature? It would be a synergistic experience with benefits greater than we could possibly now imagine. Reclaiming our place within the Natural world is an act of power as well as humility.

Cultivate 2

Letting go of that which makes us separate and cultivating that which makes us whole is what brings us fulfillment on a deep level, both personally and as a community. Focusing on that which is greater than ourselves places us at the heart of Service. Sometimes the process is uncomfortable, risky or it can be adventurous, it definitely evokes the spirit of the wild heart.
Taking a walk in the woods can inform our wholeness in a short period of time because the natural world is always operating as a unified whole. Participating in the many aspects of growing crops for medicine or food places us in creative partnership with natural forces where we once again find ourselves a valuable part of a greater system.
There are so many easily accessible places in Western North Carolina where we can connect with the richness of Nature as well as our agricultural heritage. Visit a farm or take a hike. Both of these ventures can bring us to a place of connection and inspire such gifts as Humility, Awe, Creativity and Stewardship.
So celebrate living here in Western North Carolina! Let’s make the effort to reconnect with our forests, and also tune in to how we can reshape our relationship with agriculture. The agricultural landscape is changing and we can be agents of that process and plan now for a future niche that is yet unfilled. We all realize how powerful local plants are medicinally, energetically and nutritionally as well as the benefits of resource stewardship. Thinking long term, we create heaven on earth.

Cultivate richness and share the wealth 1

Cultivate our riches and share the wealth
Isn’t the natural beauty of our region absolutely stunning? The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountain range on the planet. They are home to many beautiful creatures, some mighty rich soils and wise old plants. The Wisdom of the land is Sacred and healing. Western North Carolina is a repository of deep ancient traditional knowledge amid immense beauty. We are so lucky to be living in this magical kingdom. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by such Magesty.
Ever marvel over how everything in Nature is diversely grouped, interconnected and communicating all at once? It is so cool that you can see a plant, and then by that plants very presence, you can know what animals, birds and other plants will be there too. Collectively they radiate a specific kind of energy. Each and every forest has a different energetic signature, just like you can feel with groups of people. You can tell the health and power of a community by its radiant energy, you can sense the sheer force of its Being. It is a wordless communion greater than the sum of its parts.
When you look around at our community at the Coop, we see people who are committed, passionate and caring. We are defined as being a part of a larger system and the energy speaks for itself. Whether our passion is focused on buying local produce, encouraging sustainable farming, eating pure foods or promoting organic stewardship of the soils, we honor our connection to the land in many ways. Many folks practice recycling, composting, or vermiculture; they enjoy learning to grow mushrooms, raising chickens, buying these products or gardening. These skills weave us intricately within the web of life. We feel our value tangibly in this grand evolving wealth of life sustaining practices. This is how we create true richness.

Tree Teaching Class starts tomorrow at ICC, Columbus

Learn about the trees...survival lore, medicinal properties and even how to recieve wisdom from the trees themselves! We will have a few field trips to see some magnificent and powerful Grandmother trees. This class will be offered at the Polk County Agricultural Center in May so check out polkcountyfarms.org for class postings.

Medicine Making Class to start up Monday April 11th

Four week course on the basics of making medicine will start Monday April 11th from 1-3pm For more information, go to www.polkcountyfarms.org

Jackie Greenfield coming to Mill Spring Ag Center Apr 15

All you farmers out there interested in speaking with the buyer for Gaia herbs, come on out on Friday April 15, to the Mill Spring Ag Center. We will be talking about the medicinal herb market, how to contract with buyers for specific crops, harvest and post harvest processing, organic certification process and more.
It will be informative and expansive, come with lots of questions.
We are also interested in getting a group together to share expertise, learning, equipment and ideas...if this sounds like something for you, be sure to join us Friday April 15 at 12;30pm Lunch will be provided, home made with local produce and really really gooood!!!!

Propagating Elder Plants

The Elders are just leafing out...there is still time to make more from branches that shoot off the main part of the plant. If you cut about a pencil diameter sized 'whip' about 1-2 ft long, and put it in soil that is near a stream so it stays moist, you will have a new plant growing in a few weeks! I am astonished at how simple it is to do. Elder flowers and berries make good medicine. Why not include these amazing healers in your garden or yard repetoire? Happy planting!

Polk Fresh Logo

This is our new logo. A symbol of all things fresh, local and delicious!

Equinox Elegance

How fortuitous that the Equinox this year is accompanied by International Astrology Day and a full moon larger than any in 18 years! Certainly a powerful combination!

je at the Ag center wth art

communication

I learned in mushroom class that when a dead tree falls, it actually communicates to the mycelium within that it is time to fruit. You can thump your mushroom logs to stimulate this process. I guess that means it actually does make a sound if no one is there to hear it! Also, mushrooms being the fruit of the fungi, you can think of the mycelium as the “plant.” It can span miles sometimes even acres and is considered to be the original internet. These mycelia nets communicate chemically underground with the plants and help certain ones to grow. Our native orchid, the Ladyslipper depends on a certain mycelium combo to grow. Without that communication, it cannot flourish.
Trillium have an interesting symbiotic communication with ants, who feed off the fat surrounding their seeds and carry them into their dens, hence planting the next generation. If there were no ants we would see a rapid decline in the Trillium population among other issues. Did you know a Trillium can be over 70 years old? Plants communicate with each other as anyone who knows about companion planting will attest. When I was learning form a Native elder, and a man was coming down the trail he motioned that the guy was in a bad mood. “How do you know?” I asked. He told me it was because the plants were leaning away from him!
The plants, animals, insects and Nature herself are powerful communicators if you know how to listen and respond. It is NOT a dead world out there! The more we connect with natural rhythms and humble ourselves to learn, the richer the forest becomes. Our part in the dance will be so much smoother if we open our hearts in communication with the forest.

communication

Forest communication

Did you know that everything in the forest is communicating all the time? We have lost the awareness that this even happens in our culture, because it takes quite a bit of time and lengthy solitary trips into the wild to learn the code. If you can clear your mind and become 100% present, you will discover the amazing sensitive entity we call the forest. I can tell you it is definitely worth the trip. You can enter the forest in a certain way and become virtually invisible. You can see the fox licking her paws as the kits ramble about or be in the midst of a herd of deer feeding and going towards the river to drink.
Is it magic? No, it is learning to move in the forest the way the animals move…respecting each others territory, gaining trust and permission, picking up subtleties of body language, learning the etiquette…an art of communication we can certainly use more of in our own culture. Most of the time, the sheer velocity of our incessant thinking creates a kind of static which is unsavory to the beings who live in harmony with what is NOW.
When we barge into the woods, it first scares off the ground birds. Those are the ones you need to see and pay attention to, they are the first ones to acknowledge. They will actually give you a few warnings before flying off emitting the alarm call that someone without manners has entered the wood. If you watch animals, they always pause and check things out before entering the woods that is the first step towards harmonious forest habitation.

Henna to celebrate birth!

lisa and lil Henna bellies extraordinaire!

comfrey final

Comfrey.s nutritional analysis (some folks choose to
use it as a green blender drink) shows that it.s high in
calcium, chromium, manganese, niacin, potassium,
protein, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, and vitamins A and
C. This is an analysis of the leaf properties. The root is
also used in traditional folk medicine.
In the garden today, the comfrey is luscious and
blooming. The purple flowers are not so showy but
beautiful just the same. Comfrey is in the borage family
and you can see similarities in the way the flower stalks
are as well as the leaf texture. Some folks are sensitive
to the hairs on the leaves and get contact dermatitis
(itchy). You may want this info if you are new in
contacting the plant with bare skin.
One other important point, if you are considering
putting it in your garden. It grows by root cuttings. If
you ever want to change the location of your comfrey
patch .good luck. It will grow where you transplant
it, but also where you wanted it gone. I work a garden
with a friend and told him about this .I don.t think he
really believed me at the time.now he does. We have
spent 3 years trying to take all the roots out of a section
of the raised beds, and it comes back just as fabulous as
if we left it there. So learn from our mistake if you
will! When you see this wonderful plant, send it a smile
from your heart and thank it for its aid to humans for
generations.

Comfrey

Comfrey is mucilaginous.which means slippery
and was used in European folk traditions as a treatment
of colitis, varicose veins, assorted pulmonary
complaints, rheumatism, and diarrhea as well as a bulk
laxative. A plant that will treat seemingly opposite
properties .such as diarrhea and constipation is
considered to be .normalizing. to that system. We
would say that Comfrey normalizes the digestive
system. Comfrey does this because it has the slippery
component and also astringent (binding) properties. It is
still used today as a gargle for pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
A comfrey salve is a must to have on hand.not
only for cuts and burns - its cooling and moistening
properties have soothed skin rashes, cold sores and
conjunctivitis. I never considered putting a salve in my
eyes before, however, one night I woke up because my
eyes were itching and burning like crazy; I stumbled
over to the jar of salve and smeared it in my eyes. The
soothing effect was instantaneous and
I went back to sleep. When I woke up
I was fine. My dog, Wolfie, has
recurring conjunctivitis, and the
following morning when I checked to
see if he had it, I realized I had
unwittingly infected myself .probably
by not washing my hands after
playing with him. I put the salve in his
eye and it cleared up in one application.now that is
our regular treatment when he gets it. It is kinda gooey
and a little weird feeling but totally worth the speedy
healing time.

Comforting Comfrey1

Comforting Comfrey....The Master Healer
Comfrey (Symphytum
officinale) is one of my favorite
herbs for external use. Used in
poultices and salves it heals wounds
faster than anything I.ve ever
seen.in fact it can heal things too
fast. If you are working with a
deep wound, it is better NOT to
use the plant in this case, because it will heal the surface
skin leaving the unhealed part to abscess.
Comfrey has been named knitbone for its ability to
knit bones and skin together. It does contain a group
of alkaloids known as pyrollizidine alkaloids that are
considered to be toxic to the liver. Some countries have
banned the sale of comfrey for this reason, including
Japan, Canada and Australia. I have had liver disease
(hepatitis) and have used it internally with no ill effects;
however I recommend that folks make their own
choices. There are other options ALWAYS when
choosing your healing path, therefore, I recommend its
external use application because there have been no risks
reported when used this way.

Bountiful Burdock

Burdock....Common Weed, Uncommon Healer
Growing up as I did in the
Northeast, among urban folk,
I heard a lot about Burdock .
an invasive weed that sent out
little Velcro balls that got on
the dog, clothes and more.
Most of the discussion around this beautiful
plant was less than flattering.
Since then, I have discovered that Burdock,
one of the main ingredients in the cancer fighting
Essiac tea formula, is one of the best tonic (can
be used daily) herbs going. The root is most
commonly used, however, I usually roll up my
trout in a leaf when outdoor cooking and it is
most delicious!
Burdock root is one of the best blood
cleansers. It benefits the skin, soothes kidneys,
and relieves congestion of the lymphatic system.
Its diuretic properties increase the flow of urine,
helping with weight loss. Eczema, psoriasis, itch,
boil, cystitis, and scurvy .this useful .weed.
helps all. One of the ways this herb works is
through the bitter stimulation of the digestive
juices and especially of bile secretion. Burdock is
best when used over time. With herbs classified
as alternatives .which mean they gradually
restore proper functioning to the body, the
healing that takes place is of a gentle and long
lasting nature and usually something that takes
time. We are so concerned with getting rid of
our symptoms we often forget that there is an
underlying issue, which must be dealt with if
we.re to truly be restored to balance/health.
So perhaps you.ve seen Burdock Root in the
produce section and wondered, .What can I do
with that?. Well, you can boil the chopped roots
for 20 min. covered and then let it steep for
another 10-15 min and you.ll have a nice
decoction (read tea) to drink.you can store it in
the fridge for about a week. I like to put the
chopped root in my soups. For me, it.s about
merging the weekly leftovers in water and adding
the burdock root in ¼ inch slices . much like a
carrot. It adds a subtle taste and good medicine.
If you want a start from scratch soup, sauté
some onions in the soup pot, and then add your
water, Carrots, Celery and Burdock root, boil for
20-30 min then add your greens .like Kale
Collards, Chard and Dandelion. Cook a little
longer .say 10-20 min and then add your herbs
.I like the Italian seasonings from the bulk
section. Let the whole thing sit, covered, and
blend flavors for another 15 min and you have a
yummy heart warming soup to comfort you on a
cold winter day. You can be creative with this
recipe, of course .adding all kinds of different
root vegetables and swapping spices to get it just
the way you like it. Remember .when
experimenting, do so days before you have guests
coming for dinner .just in case! When you make
soup remember that your intentions and energy
goes into the food just as much as the ingredients
you put in there, so infuse the love and good
energy you feel and no matter the recipe, your
guests will feel it and be held in your good
wishes. Cooking when cranky hurts everyone .
go out on those occasions! May all your meals
nourish you on a deep level.

leopard wild spirit

cleanse final

We want to avoid all meat except fish. Even so we only want to have the fish 3x a week. The mostly vegetarian diet is a tremendous relief to our overburdened digestive systems…if you are already a vegetarian, you’ll be ahead of the mind warp for meat eaters in this case.
Things to avoid are dairy products (almond milk and rice milk are ok), breads, pasta, crackers, chips, processed foods –anything that comes from a box! Sugar, things that contain sugar except fruit, meat, caffeine and alcohol.
The original plan for our food intake is to bring in the life force…nutrients aside, the life force is what we’re after when we eat. The closer to the earth we eat, the better. If you can’t identify what you are about to eat as something you can get from the ground or sea, choose something else. This regimen will open your eyes in many different ways. If you have any questions or wish to share your experience, feel free to e mail me at studiobug7@yahoo.com. I will be glad to hear about your experience!
I hope you will be happy enough with the cleanse to make it a part of your yearly regimen. You can even decide to do a spring and fall cleanse to help your body adjust to seasonal changes. Remember the intention behind the act of eating…it isn’t just gas for our physical vehicle…it can also be medicine and healing. Our intention to receive the nourishment of the life force in gratitude and appreciation can transform our world. This is why we eat. Blessings at your table this winter!

Cleanse 2

Last year when we did this, someone felt bad about only going 18 days…I say “SO WHAT?” Even two weeks of eating purely resets the body for better performance and gives us a whole lot of inner work to sort through. It is astounding how many layers of “stuff” we have regarding food.
I have noticed a giant increase in fear and lack in the past year. We can choose not to engage that negative consciousness in seemingly insignificant acts. A friend of mine who would NEVER send back a plate when eating out overcame her fear for the good of the whole and did it. That lessens her fear and the amount of fear on the planet. We have a tremendous opportunity to make the intention of our own growth increase the overall healing of our collective consciousness. Let’s do it. Use the act of cleansing in this manner if you choose.
If you are thinking about giving your digestive system an “oil change” consider a simple cleanse. This is how ya do it. Eat whole grains –available in plenty at the Coop. You can cook up a weeks worth at a time and keep them in the fridge. Be sure to have at least three servings of organic fruit a day. Fresh organic vegetables and greens are best steamed or lightly sautéed. I love the produce section at the Coop. Sometimes I like to go and just look at it. It is beautiful, abundant and vital. Beans, lentils and chickpeas are great with the greens and grains. I like to mix them together with sautéed mushroom and onions. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, parsnips and carrots are great too.
For snacks, you can have dried fruit, nuts & seeds. I like to combine superfoods like gogi berries, cocoa nibs, kelp and sunflower seeds for a high energy trail mix. Gentlemen, pumpkin seeds are one of the best medicines for you…a handful a day boosts reproductive health. Herbal teas are a great boost when you need “something” Try Egyptian licorice by yogi teas –it will satisfy that sweet tooth. You’ll want to stay away from black or green tea, or yerba mate.

Cleansing... get ready for spring!

One of my friends issued the challenge to undertake a 21 day cleanse. It took me a few days to respond. I found that I had some work to do in my mind before I could even do the practice for my body. A cleanse can be just as rigorous for both parts of us! We have many issues tied up with food…many justifications to continue eating how we eat and lots of reasons to postpone this exercise of will. I’ll share some of my process with you and give you an idea of how to do the cleanse for yourself.
To discipline yourself during your cleanse eating whole unprocessed foods, eliminating caffeine, meat, sugar and alcohol requires more than sticking to the proper foods. It requires the right attitude as well. We really claim our space during a cleanse.
Coming as I do from Catholic Italian descent on my Dad’s side, I would get the “What, we aren’t “good enough for you?” guilt trip just because I have made a personal choice about how I want to receive nourishment. On that side of my family (the heart attack, diabetes side) food IS intimacy…case closed. The attitude that ‘you don’t like my food, you don’t like me’ is one that I have had to work on for myself. I did consider becoming a recluse for the dietary period, though that would only be empowering fear. I chose to empower acceptance instead.
Luckily, I have a multitude of friends willing to cleanse in synergy! So at last count, there are 25 of us who have, for the sake of the larger picture of Health, decided to cleanse. We are sharing in the fun of storytelling over the 21 days of our personal journey. We come up with plans and recipes, strategies and tricks. Sometimes we have to empower honesty and acceptance by admitting we were powerless over a brownie on a particularly bad day.

affirmation

Affirmation 2011
I am a radiant being
I am a living treasure
I honor and value
the unlimited
Resource of courage
that is within me.
I respect
the nature
of who I am
There is nothing to fear.

portofino

transformation 2

The adding of flowers (as well as leaves) can turn your bath into a giant flower essence, and bring the unique gifts of individual plant “spirits” into your for transformation and healing. Try taking a bath with Calendula flowers and notice how bright and sunny you feel emerging from the bath. Any of the herbs you use as tea can also be ‘consumed’ in the bath. In fact, one of the best ways to get kids to take herbs is in the bath. Remember, our skin is our largest organ of absorption and elimination so whatever you are bathing in you take into your body.
If you aren’t into the clean up after a bath with herbs you can tie them into a bandanna, or pillowcase depending on the size (white pine boughs, to aid depression, are large!) You can also make a strong tea and add the brew to your bath. Oatmeal is a great soother of nerves. Make a pot of oatmeal with extra water and pour the liquid off into the tub before eating the rest!
There are many different combinations of herbs you can use in your tub. Check out the bulk herb section at the Coop and see what calls to you. I like fresh plants in my bath. I have to admit that it was kinda creepy at first having extra tickles in the tub with plants floating around so you may experience that at first too. Just remember to choose your plants intentionally, put on some nice music, lower the lighting, and make the bath time a ritual of transformation.
Essential oils –a few drops will do, are also a nice addition to the water. The scents and their healing properties go directly to our limbic system in our brains and elicit immediate results. Choose your oils for soothing and relaxing. You can keep this practice to less that 30 min if you are pressed for time and emerge from the tub the radiant, beautiful, loving person you have always been. Let the stress go down the drain as you empty the bath and give gratitude to the water element for the refreshment and transformation. May your bath renew, enliven and enrich your days. Let inspiration guide the intentions you have for yourself. Thank you for all you are and all you do to keep your path one of blessing and grace. You have the power to refresh yourself, and renew your purpose through the simple act of drawing a tub of transformation.

Transformation in a tub 1

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could find a simple way to push the refresh button after a particularly challenging day? We humans have learned over thousands of years that ritual is a necessity. Our ancestors knew the importance of performing tasks in an intentional way to change the energetic balance for positive gain. It is no surprise that all religious faiths have some ceremony around water and bathing. In her book “Spiritual Bathing” Rosita Arvigo, one of my favorite teachers, describes the various bathing rituals practiced over the centuries for renewal and cleansing. The bath can be a powerful tool of transformation.
Travelling in Ecuador, I noticed that the folks there in the jungles would more often than not take baths with plants. Imagine bringing in all the clippings from a day of gardening and putting them in the bathtub before the compost pile. This is exactly what they did! Indigenous folks know that plants are intelligent life forces capable of transformation. They experience this on a daily basis because, without plants, they know they would not survive.
In our culture, we think it’s sweet how people talk to their plants though we haven’t extrapolated that concept to the natural world outside. We haven’t yet gotten, at a core level, as a species, that everything around us is alive with a spirit and energy that connects us all. It is sad to me that most people experience a world full of objects that are ‘dead’ like that. If we did not see trees as inanimate, it would be unacceptable for us as humans, for example, to continue to allow the practice of roadside tree trimming efficiency that results in our viewing the twisted fragmented limbs of trees mutilated by that giant razor thingy that the DOT uses …but I digress.
We have received a major paradigm shift through the works of Dr.Masuru Emoto who wrote “Messages from Water” and his latest book “Water Crystal Healing” in which he pairs music with images of water crystals as a way to restore well-being. His work shows us that water responds to energy through words and music and we know from personal experience that even a basic water bath with soothing music can transform our space, that is, our peace if mind.

mountain lion

Herbs for a spicy warming winter

Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) An amazing pain reliever that probably lives right in your spice cabinet. Clove is an herb that is paradoxically relaxing and stimulating at the same time –much like Peppermint. It soothes and relaxes the nervous system while stimulating circulation. It is an awesome tea to have before bedtime to gently encourage sleep. If you have an herbal first aid kit, it is a good idea to have a vial of clove bud oil in there for toothaches and other topical pain relief uses. The smell of cloves permeating the air is wonderfully soothing. I always put a couple of tablespoons of cloves in the teapot on top of the woodstove. You can do the same with an electric or gas stovetop, be sure to monitor it! It really takes no time at all to add just a little extra love in the air. It is not only pleasant, it disinfects the air and can subtly heal your guests and loved ones.
Cayenne (capsicum anuum) This hot spice should be used only in it’s raw dried state for it to be an effective healer. We want to first cook our food and add the cayenne last, just before serving. If the temperature gets above 120 degrees, this healing herb can become a noxious toxic substance. This little known fact is essential for proper use of cayenne. It can actually heal ulcers used this way…cooked it makes them worse or causes them! Cayenne stops bleeding, helps dispel shock, is effective for pain relief in liniments and aids circulation. You can even put it in your socks to warm up cold feet …some sensitive people prefer putting thin cotton socks on, then the cayenne and then another pair of socks. Test it in small amounts if you are unsure. Cayenne is also good to relieve heart palpitations and to stabilize someone having a heart attack till medical help arrives. A daily dose, starting small and building up to a teaspoon can actually aid circulation and is a good wintertime internal warming tonic.
It is difficult to end this list because there are so many great herbs out there that warm us up and gently heal us all winter. Cardamom, Turmeric, Rosemary -I don’t want to leave anyone out, alas, it’s impossible not to do so!
Be sure to experiment with some new spices and tastes this season –maybe try a curry or some thai spices. It is nice to give ourselves the treat of exotic tastes and aromas during the cold long nights. Enjoy expanding your repertoire and discover all the healing can be found right in your own kitchen. May you be blessed with abundance, gratitude and health!

Guidelines for Gout

Guidelines for Gout
Gout is one of those ailments that is caused by different factors for different people. What happens is that crystals of Sodium urate form in the connective tissues and /or joint spaces when the uric acid content of the blood gets high enough. Commonly the joint most affected is the big toe. Listed under rheumatic diseases and arthritis, gout can be helped by some of the same protocols for these ailments. The main thing to figure out is what makes your specific form of gout flare up? My roommate’s brother found that collard greens were the culprit. He kept a food journal to discover this. This might be a good idea for you. Another friend isolated shellfish as a guaranteed irritant in this manner. Generally, if one is too acid overall it can trigger an attack of Gout. The first thing to do is get yourself on an anti-inflammatory, alkaline diet. Health food stores sell kits that enable you to test your pH. It is a good idea to pick up a kit and test yourself from time to time.
Diet in general, avoid foods high in purines such as organ meats and sardines/anchovies. Avoid alcohol. Dairy products, eggs and gluten can be culprits, check to see how you process these foods. On the possible irritant list are acidic foods like pickles and vinegar, foods high in oxalic acid like Currants, Rhubarb, Gooseberries, Sorrel. Also listed as suspect are Coffee, Black tea, Sugar and Salt…well that about covers everything you could possible eat doesn’t it? If you keep a log for a month or so, you will be able to tell which foods are best for you. You experiment and try a pure whole grains and veggie diet for a month and slowly add foods back and see how your system reacts. You want to have fresh untreated foods in your diet always.
Water Drink the freshest pure water you can get. The water in the plastic bottles are not considered all that great because of the high temperatures they are subjected to and the stability of the plastic. It is best to distill your own water and keep it in glass or stainless steel.
Emotional health Anger and conflict are the characteristic blocked emotions that lead to arthritic conditions such as Gout. Do an internal inventory and release those unproductive emotions. You can journal these or speak with a professional, release them through exercise or intentional focused actions. Remember to fill the emotional space with positive energy and express it somewhere in your world.
Some helpful herbal and food supplements: Celery Seed Extract and raisins… Pineapple, Turmeric, Avocado, Cherries, Oats, Olives, Licorice root, Nettles, Willow, Meadowsweet, Barberry, Lavender oil. As you read the list see what jumps out at you, look them up and try them. Your body is wise and you will learn to trust it’s wisdom. First you need to learn to listen, so practice that. Your body will work with you if you’ll let it! Honor. Cherish. Nourish. Be whole.

KASHMIR

herbs for a spicy warming winter

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Wonderfully warming, anti bacterial and astringent, Cinnamon bark has been the object of much research lately because of it’s ability to normalize blood sugar. If you are having trouble with fluctuating blood sugar, try consistent intake of Cinnamon for several weeks and see what happens. Blueberries and Cinnamon together are a great treat for those with diabetic tendencies. Its astringency helps control diarrhea and ease flatulence. It is no surprise that it is such a powerful healer; we see it in so many recipes. When we include Cinnamon in our diet, it brings warmth to all organs and extremities. It is a great uterine warmer and brings circulation and healing there. It will also help to ease menstrual cramps.
Garlic (Allium sativum) The most amazing infection fighter on the planet, Garlic is best when used fresh, however, many people are not agreeable to munching down whole cloves of fresh Garlic. One way to reap the benefits of fresh Garlic without the ‘bite’ is to pickle it. You can fill a jar with Garlic cloves and then with Apple Cider Vinegar. Let it sit for at least 2 weeks…you can leave it for up to a year in the vinegar. You can add salt to the vinegar and watch it turn blue! Then you have two medicinal opportunities…eating the cloves or using the vinegar on salads, greens or in soups. You can use granulated garlic on popcorn or any culinary enterprise or make your own Garlic oil the same way you make the vinegar. If I feel like I am becoming depleted, I will start eating garlic cloves a few times that day and usually, that nips it in the bud. If you feel that you are coming down with a serious cold, you can pop cloves every 30 min for several days. If odor is an issue, there are odorless capsules you can buy in the Coop.
Garlic permeates our systems so well you can have fun trying this experiment…place a clove of garlic –peeled, between two toes. In anywhere from 10 min to 2 hours you will taste it in your mouth! There are actually volumes of remedies and recipes using Garlic. Its warmth and antifungal properties make it the one plant I would take with me to the proverbial “deserted island.” It heals warts, though may burn surrounding skin so keep the garlic slice taped on the wart only!

herbs for a spicy warming winter

What an absolute treat to use warming herbs in the winter! They provide aromatherapy, nourishment, medicinal qualities and get our circulation moving as well. In this article we will choose a few of these herbs to honor and appreciate. If you haven’t used them before, give ‘em a try and if you do know them as old friends, breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for these amazing allies that help us experience richness and warmth in the winter season.
I will start with Ginger (zingiberis officinalis) a powerful all around healer that eases aches and pains, helps dispel nausea, aids digestion, increases circulation, is a major anti-inflammatory… actually, we could go on for the entire article about this one root! Ginger is a carrier herb, which means that when you include it in your formulas, it will bind their actions together and carry them where they need go. This is why you see ginger (cayenne too) at the end of the list of most formulas. The turpines and oleo-resins in Ginger provide antiseptic lymph cleansing and perspiration-inducing qualities that help the body to detoxify. Ginger can be added to food to spice things up. Chopped fine, it can be added in small amounts to give a little zing to salads, soups and stews. I do not peel mine, but if you want to, use a spoon to scrape off the paper thin skin. My favorite tea is a big root chopped with a 3 finger pinch of licorice root to sweeten, 2 finger pinch of clove, 7 cardamom pods, and a cinnamon stick in 3 qts of water. Bring to a boil, let it simmer for 20 min then cover for 15 min. You can keep the tea in the ‘fridge and re-warm it for a week, sometimes I keep the pot on the stove and just keep adding water and re-boiling. The herbs will make tea for you several times over, you can save them in the refrigerator for quite some time. It is an excellent digestive tea after a meal and can also move out potential illness if you take it when you notice your energy is getting low.

breath 3

Breathing is also a great way to move emotional energy. It is always revealing that, just because we feel a certain way –it isn’t necessarily truth. Feelings aren’t facts. They point to underlying beliefs we have about ourselves and the world, they make us aware that an energy is missing. If we realize emotions as signposts that we are being called upon to bring an energetic gift, we can breathe out the tension and breathe in the energy. When we manifest this energy in some way we bring light to our world.
We are trained to fix problems. If I feel bad “Let’s fix it”, says the mind and we reach for that brownie, cocktail or friend. The heart, on the other hand says “Let’s feel it and then let it go so I can give you the gift equal to the size of that feeling.” Big feeling equals big gift. You have to let the feeling go first though. How?? You guessed it –Breathe!
This way, emotions don’t get stuck in your body and manifest as disease. We then use the mental forces to define how we will manifest this energy physically…instead of reaching for a feel good fix. If we learn to see our emotions as a gift rather than a problem, I’d bet there would be a lot less addictive behavior and prescription “nummers” out there. We would see how we all connect energetically.
As you all may know, I study with Jackie Woods here in Columbus. She is the real expert on emotional healing and if it were not for her I would still believe me when I mentally criticize myself when something doesn’t turn out right because I messed up and feel guilty or angry or…. She has shown me how to breathe it out and claim what the heart is offering. I now know to my core that breathing can carry away feelings with which I used to torture myself and those around me. We still need to feel whatever intensity we have so we know the size of the space we get to fill. Emotions just no longer serve as a manipulative tool. There is a great CD on Emotional clearing that you can order through the website www.jackiewoods,org if you wish to explore this further.

breath 2

Let’s now take a really luscious full deep breath (Don’t forget to breathe out! Ha.) Until the writing of this article it never dawned on me that we don’t have a single word for “breathe in” and another for “breathe out” The effects of each are SO different…hmmmmm. When I say breathe I automatically assume it would be “in” don’t you? Remember that every breath we breathe in is an outbreath of the plants and trees. We are that connected. It is no wonder, with the rapid destruction of our forests, that our own respiratory illness rate has increased 600% in the past 10 years.
In a dream, I was given a breathing exercise from a gigantic Cedar tree (Aren’t dreams cool?) Cedars symbolize Sacredness for me and the sheer size of the tree told me that the message was big and important. I was to do the ‘exercise’ upon awakening and then right before sleeping, in bed. I lay on my right side and breathe in as slowly as possible, as peacefully as possible. It seems like 10 breaths take forever! As I continue to do this it amazes me how long I can breathe in and how different parts of the lungs open bit by bit . Once the lungs are full, I pause a moment then begin the equally slow exhale…continue to squeeze out all the air possible by contracting the diaphragm and stomach muscles then hold it again. You can get so relaxed and at the same time energized by this practice. In the morning it wakes me up and you can’t help stretching! At night it helps me relax and sleep. It helps when I make a small sound by contracting my throat a bit. On the out breath towards the end it gets a little wheezy as I force every last particle of air out of my lungs. Don’t be shy about making sounds.
I have noticed a host of amazing improvements in my body and awareness through long term use of this technique. It only takes 10-15 min. per session and if you have to; do it in 5 min! You can adjust the number of breaths according to your time frame. Don’t speed up! I share this with you because I think you will benefit from it too. Let me know what you notice after several weeks of this practice. I am interested to see what has come forth for you. I can be reached at studiobug7@yahoo.com.

oooooops

there are some snafus apparent in the timing of posts...sorry for the confusion it should all be clear in a coupla days

plant ID site for the Carolinas

http://www.namethatplant.net/links.shtml

This is an awesome site, not only can you see the latin names, you can click on an icon to have them pronounced for you. There are multiple ways to search for a plant. This is an awesome site, great pictures, resources and information including range maps.

Requiem

breath of life 1

Upon arrival to this big green planet, we breathe in out first inspiration and when we leave, we let out our final breath. In between there is a whole lot of breathing going on! In this article we will look at some ways we can mingle intention with breath to achieve greater mental clarity, health and wellness.
Winter time is Wisdom time… time to reflect over the past year and glean the pearls of our existence; celebrate our accomplishments (breathe in), let go of that which no longer serves us (breathe out,) then become inspired for the year ahead. BREATHE! Breathing can even assist us in daily basis energetic “house(body)keeping.” Our breath tells a lot about us. Are we breathing fully and deeply? Do we take a bigger in breath than out breath? Are we feeling fear and holding our breath and breathing shallowly? Pay attention right now and check in with your breath. Do not attempt to change it in any way for now, simply observe where you are and the quality of your breathing.
I am a swimmer and regulating breathing is crucial when swimming competitively. Swimmers play with breathing patterns in practice to feel how different patterns produce different results. Learning different patterns of breathing during exercise has helped me to use it in daily life to clarify my mind, clear emotions and as a healing force.
Breathing is an amazing carrier of energy. Have you ever experienced shamanic breath work? Breathing together for a sustained time gazing into the eyes of your partner is an amazing and intimate experience as well. If you haven’t tried these ideas, you could put them on your list of things to try in 2011. Breathing is really powerful .
Breath is a carrier of the life force. It can be used for healing. I work with a massage therapist who has helped me for over 8 years. Whenever there is a sore, tight spot or energetically stuck place, I have a tendency to hold my breath and clamp down or squirm to avoid the pain. He patiently reminds me to breathe right there. “An ounce of breathin’ is worth a pound of squirmin’,” he says! You would think I’d remember that by now. When we feel pain or fear we tend to stop breathing. Nothing could be less effective since we want to get the energy flowing again!

the secret is in the soil VI final

My eyes roll when I go to sub-urban areas where there are 13 bags of leaves going to the landfill and you see the folks with expensive synthetic (harmful)soil amendments, peat moss and mulch being put back into the landscape. It speaks to how disconnected from the land our species has become and it is sad to me. Why are we poisoning our lawns and possibly tainting the groundwater for future generations when there is a simple, easy and free solution? Why are we adding what is NOT waste to our overtaxed landfill in bags that don’t breakdown in a season which contain that which does? Questions to ask.
So, whatever your favorite method of caring for your soil might be –whether you are analytical and scientific or just let things unfold and keep putting layers of manure, clippings, sawdust and organic material in a pile when you think of it…the soil will respond. The main thing is persistence and continuity, giving back to that which gives to us. Keep at it and you will be richly rewarded.
As an herbalist, I always offer something when harvesting a plant for medicine or food. It is the way of all herbalists trained in traditional ways. It is always a good gesture to act out that you are aware of the giving and receiving cycle and that you are actively participating in it. The more we set intention like this, the more the world around us responds in kind.
I remember one time I had a mudball in my hand and at first, it was just that. Dirt…mud –some external thing. I was standing next to a cedar swamp and suddenly had an amazing experience of Oneness with the entire grove of Cedars and suddenly I got the message that the mudball was the flesh of our mother the earth. Suddenly the mudball went from cold and alien to warm and intimate –it rocked me to the foundation of my being. I have never looked at dirt…soil…mud the same again. I wish you could experience that for yourself. Maybe you will -when connecting with the soil in your garden. It could end up changing you and welcoming you as a vital part of a great big unfolding creation. Dig in the dirt and get your children –or someone else’s to play along with you. Marvel over the magic in your garden and all of Nature. Thank you for caring for the soil…we need to spread that love. Grow the juiciest sexiest tomatoes and veggies in your neighborhood. Remember, the secret is in your soil.

cosmic dandelion

The secrest is in the soil V

For awhile I lived in the country and just chucked kitchen scraps in a pile in the back yard…I didn’t do much else other than add any leafy or grassy clippings I ‘d scavenge. I would sometimes put a shovelful of soil over it if company came over so it wouldn’t look so scrappy with egg shells and half lemons glaring at you. Even that somewhat neglectful form of composting made some mega soil with some monster earthworms. It was before I learned about all the technical aspects of composting and my garden had the best growth ever.
If you are persistent, you can make soil. One of my neighbors would shred newspaper in his pile, saying it added carbon. He also got everyone’s bagged leaves, shredded them and added that to his compost. He is from another country and could not believe people would throw out such a valuable soil additive! He built up his yard and gardens by a foot over 3 years.
An excellent free way to compost is to layer grass clippings with fall leaves that you’ve run over with the lawnmower so that they are shredded. Build the pile as high as you like, alternating layers. If you have access to manure from animals, layer that in too. Fall leaves contain micronutrients and trace elements that have been brought up in the tree from way down deep in the earth. They are truly golden for your garden.

The secrest is in the soil IV

Fresh green wastes increase Nitrogen (N) which is vital to plant growth. Planting cover crops over the winter such as clover, oats, and winter rye not only aerate the soil with their deep roots and prevent erosion, they make excellent “green manure” when tilled into the garden in the early spring. Manures provide nutrients as well. Horse, sheep and rabbit manure must be aged or they can burn tender roots. You can apply the manure in the fall and till it under. Chicken poop is great because you can use it directly in the garden. Some people do not like using manures because they can add unwanted “weed seeds” into the soil. Composting in hot piles can remedy this.
A hot pile is a teeming microbial farm. Fungi, bacteria and microbes are naturally present on food and yard trimmings and when these guys get to work, your pile can get up to 140 degrees –enough to burn your hand. These organisms turn waste into rich soil components. The pile needs to have a balance of air, moisture and food for it to work. The high heat kills most weeds and anything that might cause disease. You want the pile to be about a 3-4 ft square (–really, round) and pile thin layers of Greens; (high in Nitrogen) like grass clippings and more vascular plant trimmings and Browns;(high in carbon) woody trimmings, straw, shredded dry leaves. You will find the temperature will be high for several days. Once it cools it is ready for use. Lee also goes by whether there are worms in the compost…”if there aren’t any worms it isn’t done.” Good advice!

the secret is in the soil III

Wood ash is also good to use to increase pH–you’ll need double the amount of wood ash that you would of lime. I like to take the cooled white ash from my woodstove and spread a thin layer over the garden in winter and incorporate it into the soil.
With lime you want to work into the top 5” of soil 2-3 months before planting as well. If you forgot to do that, you can put a handful of soft rock phosphate mixed with a little lime in with your plants when transplanting. We do this with all the plant rescue transplants. They love it.
If you want to reduce the pH you can add Sulphur. Cedar shavings will do the trick too. You want to have your soil tested at least every 2 years. You can get your own soil testing kit or bring it to the local extension service who will test it for you for a nominal fee.

The Secret is in the Soil - part 2

All roots like oxygen, and well drained soil will grow just about anything provided it has the right pH and plenty of organic material (think peat moss and compost) also known as humus. The ratio of sand, silt and clay comprise soil texture and you want to have a proper balance of these components as well as plenty of humus.
The pH is important to keep within a certain range. Your soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range from 6.2-6.8. Your county extension office will test your soil and give you all kinds of information. You want to pay attention to the lime content. Sandy soil becomes more acidic faster than clay soils. One of the best soil amendments to increase pH is dolomitic limestone which adds both Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca)…or calcitic limestone which adds the Calcium. Your soil test ill let you know what you need.

The Secret is in the Soil - part 1

I am passionate about good soil, keeping it healthy is a process we all need to know about. Rich loose dark brown earth that you can scoop up with your fingers and inhale the yummy earthiness of it just makes my heart sing. Lee Mink, an organic farmer always says “I don’t feed the plants, I feed the soil." This wisdom is crucial because our topsoil in our country is severely depleted.

Echinacea painting

This painting of Echinacea lives in Toronto, Ontario  It is 4x5ft, done in mixed media.  The yellow background symbolizes strength.  The faeries are acting out a healing.  The girl faerie is sad, not feeling well.  The boy -with humor and grace, offers her a remedy from the plant...but she must come get it.  I believe she will!
This plant is for acute onset colds and flu and must be taken in sufficient dosage for a period of time and then discontinued.  It is a medicine plant as opposed to a food plant.  It has become endangered because, for several years the herbal market demand elicited the removal of 10,000 lbs of the dried root of this plant per week!  As you can imagine, that is alot of plants.  Echinacea once graced our plains in Montana as far as the eye could see.  If you would like to become more aware of plant populations and solutions visit http://www.plantsavers.org/

Welcome to Botanica Artista's New Blog!

We will be discussing healing, nature, and art as well as keeping you updated on the progress of the Mill Spring Ag Center. Check back soon.