Solomon's Seal: A Medicine Cabinet Must-Have
Maribeth, our resident staff "herbalist-in-training" wrote this beautiful blog post on the versatile herb Solomon's Seal, a plant that does not often get the limelight!
True Solomon's Seal has been captivating my attention over the past few years while living in New England. As a plant that is not written about much in the western world, it makes me so happy to see our customers taking a strong interest in such a useful herb.
In 1597, herbalist John Gerard wrote about Polygonatum biflorum, stating "common experience teacheth, that in the world there is not to be found another herbe comparable to it."
Often considered a "miracle plant," many herbalists and healers throughout Asia, Europe, and North America consider True Solomon's Seal to be a must have in one's medicine cabinet. It is well known that Native Americans used the plant as a nutritive food and medicine and that the rhizome is still used as a trail food today. Also known as King Solomon's Seal, the plant has roots in Hebrew folklore. The scar left on the rootstock after the stem dies back resembles the seal that King Solomon used for his magical endeavors.
Magic? Perhaps. But Solomon's Seal is truly a versatile plant.
Known mostly for its action on tendons, joints, ligaments, and the musculoskeletal system, it is said that Solomon's Seal has a kind of intelligence that allows it the "ability to restore proper tension to the ligaments, regardless of whether they need to be loosened or tightened." As a yin tonic, Solomon's Seal is a restorative, nourishing, moisturizing, and lubricating tonic herb. These actions can be seen especially in the tendons, joints, ligaments, bone, connective tissue, cartilage, throat, and mucosa lining of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive system of both men and women. It is said that Native Americans also used the plant to help moderate intestinal inflammation. Galen recommended the herb to "remove freckles, spots, and marks for a fresh, fair, and lovely skin."*
My body seems to crave Solomon's Seal to help restore moisture, lubrication, and proper movement to the many corners of my body after the especially long winters we experience here in the north east. I have also used a few drops of the tincture, or an infused oil, to remedy a chronic bruised tailbone and for the wear my knees experienced from being a ballerina. I imagine anyone who is partaking in intense physical activities would benefit from the protecting and healing qualities of Solomon's Seal.
True Solomon's Seal is found in the U.S. throughout the eastern woodlands and into the Midwest. It's important to learn how to properly identify True Solomon's Seal from False Solomon's Seal as they do grow near each other. As the herb has often been over harvested and is constantly at risk, it's important to be very mindful when wild harvesting! However, Solomon's Seal grows very well in shaded gardens, as I've seen all over Cambridge and Somerville!
Here at the store we carry a 2 oz. tincture by David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who finds it particularly effective for complaints of the respiratory system as well as injuries to the joints, tendons, and cartilage.
REFERENCES:
The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood
Herbcraft.org: Jim McDonald
Solomonsseal.net
*This blog post — Solomon's Seal: A Medicine Cabinet Must-Have — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.
BOOK REVIEW: What Would Buddha Say?
BY BARBARA ANN KIPFER
Really—rather than just blurt out our anger, our annoyances, and our frustrations to those around us, how would it feel to have an understanding of and an arsenal of “1,501 RIGHT SPEECH TEACHINGS” to pull upon as a response?
Acting, thinking and then speaking like the Buddha might be life changing for our relationships with those around us.
OUR WORDS COUNT. Our words are a very powerful reflection of our inner selves; hopefully of our authentic selves, and this book give us the speaking tools to make sure we can express ourselves at the highest levels of “Right Speech.”
1,501 RIGHT-SPEECH TEACHINGS for COMMUNICATING MINDFULLY
BY BARBARA ANN KIPFER
Really—rather than just blurt out our anger, our annoyances, and our frustrations to those around us, how would it feel to have an understanding of and an arsenal of “1,501 RIGHT SPEECH TEACHINGS” to pull upon as a response?
Acting, thinking and then speaking like the Buddha might be life changing for our relationships with those around us.
OUR WORDS COUNT. Our words are a very powerful reflection of our inner selves; hopefully of our authentic selves, and this book give us the speaking tools to make sure we can express ourselves at the highest levels of “Right Speech.”
After reading this book you will be able to make what you have to say and how you choose to say it an integral part of your daily spiritual practice.
The book speaks of developing patience with your speech, being mindful of first listening deeply, then letting go of the “hot coals” of speech (yours and others), of using your breath to control your thoughts before speaking and …more than fifteen hundred other simple thoughts & techniques for embracing and communicating through out life.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. A small, chunky book, it is portable and easy to pick up and read for a few meditative moments at a time. I tried reading just a few pages each morning and each evening, hoping to extend and expand the pleasure I found in reading it. It was hard to NOT devour it all in one day.
You’ll find 1,501 short gems like:
Ask yourself before you speak: Is it true? Is it Kind?
Does it harm anyone? Is this the right time to say anything?
If can restrain yourself from responses that impose self-judgment—advice giving, interrogation, and denial—your tendency to prejudge and discriminate may lessen.
Speak according to the mind of the person who listens and the ability of that person to receive what you share.
There is a section of the book devoted to fifty very short “little essays” with titles like: Anger, Relationships, Gratitude & Appreciation, Forgiveness, and Sympathy. These could be read while sitting just before starting a sitting or walking meditation.
The last section of this book is a collection of Meditations for Right Speech. Each meditation is a paragraph long and can be read to yourself silently or even out loud.
BOOK REVIEW: The Homegrown Paleo Cookbook
BY DIANE ROGERS with ANDREW RODGERS
When a book has a preface written by Joel Salatin, of Polyface Farm, a foreword by Robb Wolf, New York Times Best Selling author of The Paleo Solution and endorsed by the likes of Michelle Tam, Allan Savory, Emily Deans, Andrew Gunther, YOU CAN ASSUME that it is a fantastic book!
There are over 100 delicious Farm-to-Table recipes and the book is filled with gorgeous photographs.
The last quarter of this huge book, called “Basic Cooking Methods and Recipes,” contains pages with photos labeled with topics like, KOMBUCHA, KEFIR, FISH & MEAT STOCKS, HOW TO MAKE MAYONAISE, BBQ SAUCE, CRÈME FRAICHE, HOW TO RENDER LARD,, MAKE BUTTER, CAN TOMATOES AND COOK MEAT.
There are “how-to’s” on the preparation of stocks, soups and stews, meats, and the care of cast iron skillets and pots.
The section on LIVING is the capstone to this beautiful and oh-so-useful book.
You’ll come away with useful info for homesteading whether in the city, the country or the burbs!
Info for the whole family includes:
- How the Paleo Diet is not only great for human health but also for the environment.
- Helpful guides like “10 Questions to Ask Your Farmer” so that you can be a better-informed food shopper.
- Skills and knowledge to have your own backyard chickens, goats, bees and more.
- How to build healthy soil and start your own organic vegetable garden.
- 100 seasonal, farm-to-table recipes, all photos shot right at the farm.
- Creative and fun projects like making beeswax candles and goats milk soap
Our (illustrated) Father's Day Gift Guide
In addition to being a wonderful manager and integral part of our grocery department, Alex is also a gifted illustrator! We asked her to put together some of her favorite products for our "Fathers Day Gift Guide" and then put her drawing talent to work! Whether you're celebrating a father, husband, or just an amazing man in your life, we've got gift ideas for everyone on your list!
Illustrated by Alex Salvi © 2015
Simple Facial Oil by Little Barn Apothecary: Made with cold-pressed hemp oil and essential oils of lavender and frankincense, this clean blend is the perfect go-to moisturizer for a man on the go! Little fuss, and it'll keep his beautiful skin nourished throughout the day!
Bee-Sweetened Marshmallow by Apotheker's: Hard-working dudes deserve a (bee-sweetened) treat! Give the father(s) in your life a reason to remember the sweetness of childhood - maybe he'll even remember to share.
Bergamot + Teak Candle by Manready Mercantile: These "man-dles" make the perfect gift for those fathers who deserve some "me time". The deep and manly scent, comprised of clean soy wax and essential oils, will fill the room and inspire relaxation.
Big Trouble by Counter Culture Coffee: This delicious year-round blend is a fantastic gift for the coffee connoisseur (read: snob) father(s) you love. Paired with a burr grinder and a Chemex pour-over, he'll be set to make the perfect cup of coffee every morning before the kiddos wake up.
Chicken Bar by Epic Bars: If the father(s) in your life love the great outdoors, give him a stock of protein bars to take on the next hike! These delicious chicken bars from Epic are as manly as they come - full of good protein and fats to keep you going while chasing after little ones (or mountain lions).
Set of Three Handkerchiefs by Sustainable Threads: Every dude deserves a high-quality, attractive set of pocket squares for the next dress-up occasion. These beautiful handkerchiefs are perfect for the season of weddings, graduations and galas, whether he's shedding tears of joy or mopping up beads of sweat from breaking it down on the dance-floor.
BOOK REVIEW: Darkness Before Dawn: Redefining the Journey through Depression
A collection of the essays of 19 “exceptional and compassionate” authors and teachers of psychotherapy, Buddhism, and spiritual practices this book brings the personal experience of depression to inform these writings.
These are not the usual self-help essays, but rather the wisdom of self-knowledge and the personal experience of depression from these writers/teachers.
Edited by Tami Simon, Founder of Sounds True
Review by Elizabeth, CN co-owner
A collection of the essays of 19 “exceptional and compassionate” authors and teachers of psychotherapy, Buddhism, and spiritual practices this book brings the personal experience of depression to inform these writings.
These are not the usual self-help essays, but rather the wisdom of self-knowledge and the personal experience of depression from these writers/teachers.
They radically re-interpret the way that we perceive the understanding and the experience of depression. While supporting traditional psychotherapy and medication for what they offer in the way of relief, these writers offer us their own experiences, insights and the practices which they have found most valuable in embracing their personal forms of depression.
Included in this collection are:
- Thomas Moore, PhD, on Saturn’s gifts
- Sally Kempton on shifting from suffering and into witnessing awareness
- Mark Nepo, poet, on embracing both emptiness and aliveness
- Mary Pipher, PhD, on how despair can open us to long-hidden joy
- Christina Baldwin on “ineffable sorrow”
- Parker J. Palmer on finding meaning and connection through the experience of depression
… and the writings of 13 others.
Editor Tami Simon says…
"This book is not meant to 'fix' us,
but to befriend, accompany, and inspire us
in our experience of depression."
BOOK REVIEW: Yoga Mind, Peaceful Mind: Simple Meditations for Overcoming Anxiety
Actually doing yoga - practicing the postures - has many well-documented health benefits.
… But sometimes the physical demands of the actual postures, or just the demands of life in general get in the way of a regular physical practice of the postures. If that is true for you… then this book is your perfect answer.
Book by Mary NurrieStearns LCSW RYT and Rick NurrieStearns
Review by Elizabeth, CN co-owner
Actually doing yoga - practicing the postures - has many well-documented health benefits.
… But sometimes the physical demands of the actual postures, or just the demands of life in general get in the way of a regular physical practice of the postures. If that is true for you… then this book is your perfect answer.
In Yoga Mind, Peaceful Mind, two long-time yoga teachers and writers present an approach to anxiety relief that may allow you to overcome your anxieties and life stressors. This book emphases the contemplative aspects of the yoga tradition. Rather than focusing on the physical aspects of yoga, it allows us to access a variety of very useful daily meditations.
The book does not focus on yoga postures or asanas, rather it provides us with the tools to refocus ourselves through the use of targeted mediations, healing affirmations, insights and a series of teachings from the yogic tradition.
This book works well for mental yogic healing and allows those with physical disabilities to access the yoga traditions.
BOOK REVIEW: Full: How I Learned to Satisfy My Insatiable Hunger and Feed My Soul
Burdened by food and self-esteem issues? Then this book is for you!
This author comes to a point in life where she wants OUT from under the burden of an “unhappy relationship” with food. Kimber begins to love her body, feed her soul and transform her life through the practices of yoga and mediation and the cultural understanding of Buddhism.
The first step in her journey was to learn to love herself, accept her body and to let her own heart strivings guide her forward. She worked to include her own body in the “circle of what is beloved.”
Book By Kimber Simpkins
Review by Elizabeth, CN co-owner
Burdened by food and self-esteem issues? Then this book is for you!
This author comes to a point in life where she wants OUT from under the burden of an “unhappy relationship” with food. Kimber begins to love her body, feed her soul and transform her life through the practices of yoga and mediation and the cultural understanding of Buddhism.
The first step in her journey was to learn to love herself, accept her body and to let her own heart strivings guide her forward. She worked to include her own body in the “circle of what is beloved.”
These are 4 important topics she covers:
- You can't tell how someone feels about their body by how attractive they look to you.
- All women carry feelings of unworthiness!
- We all wonder about our worthiness.
- Speaking aloud the voice in our heads helps us feel less alone.
- With a little encouragement, we can find beauty in ourselves.
And she quotes Anne Sexton in saying, “Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.”
Read this compelling book and... listen hard!
Sweet Marshmallow Root: Althaea officinalis
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Marshmallow root, as the name implies, was once included as an ingredient in the original sticky-sweet marshmallow candy. Alas, commercial marshmallows no longer contain this herb, but you can still make your own "real" ones at home! Check out the recipe below...
For centuries mallows have been used for food - both the leaves and the roots are edible. Marshmallow is closely related to other beloved plants such as cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Beyond its food uses, marshmallow is a gentle medicinal plant. The nutritive and sweet root imparts a unique mucilaginous quality when extracted in water. Marshmallow has a high concentration of polysaccharides that impart a viscous and soothing quality to the liquid in which it is extracted.
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Marshmallow root, as the name implies, was once included as an ingredient in the original sticky-sweet marshmallow candy. Alas, commercial marshmallows no longer contain this herb, but you can still make your own "real" ones at home! Check out the recipe below...
For centuries mallows have been used for food - both the leaves and the roots are edible. Marshmallow is closely related to other beloved plants such as cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Beyond its food uses, marshmallow is a gentle medicinal plant. The nutritive and sweet root imparts a unique mucilaginous quality when extracted in water. Marshmallow has a high concentration of polysaccharides that impart a viscous and soothing quality to the liquid in which it is extracted.
This marshmallow mucilage has many benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties are cooling and soothing to our internal tissues, with a special affinity for the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts. This comes in handy for inflammatory conditions such as ulcers, heartburn, indigestion and Chrone's disease. Marshmallow root can also be used to address sore throats and dry coughs, and has been traditionally used for urinary issues such as cystitis and UTIs.
Photo credit: Todd Danforth
Photo credit: Todd Danforth
Externally, both the leaves and the roots of marshmallow are used on burns, wounds and all inflammatory skin disorders. It is extremely soothing for any sort of skin irritation.
How to Use Marshmallow
Marshmallow root can be found finely cut up, or as a powder. Either form can be used. To get the most benefit out of the soothing, mucilaginous properties of the root be sure to extract it with cold or lukewarm water, since hot water will break down the beneficial polysaccharides.
Marshmallow Water
Add 2-3 Tblsp. powdered marshmallow root OR 1/4 cup cut marshmallow root to a quart-sized glass jar. Pour cold water to the top of the jar, covering the root and blending well, or just cap the jar and shake vigorously. Allow this to sit at room temperature for at least an hour or two up to 8 hours. Pour through a fine sieve and drink. The final marshmallow water should be viscous, pale yellow colored, slightly sweet tasting, and soothing.
Marshmallow is the "herb of the year" at Herbstalk! Herbstalk creates educational community events that teach people about plants. We host classes on herbal and holistic health topics, offer urban plant walks, and bring together herbal crafters & artisans from across New England. Our next event takes place on June 6 & 7 at the Armory in Somerville. For more details and the full class schedule please visit: www.herbstalk.org
REFERENCES:
by Matthew Wood
by Rosalee de la Foret
by Maude Grieves
Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world. She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness sessions, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, a community herbal conference. Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.
This Web site — Herbs and Botanicals — is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Finding the perfect gift for the mom(s) in your life doesn't have to be work! We've put together a few of our favorite products that are sure to put a smile on her face and some pep in her hard-working step.
Illustrations by Jessica Casler © 2015
Pukka Womankind Tea
This beautiful blend of herbs is perfect for bringing balance and bliss into your morning routine. Made with fragrant vanilla, hibiscus and rose, tangy sweet cranberry, earthy beetroot and licorice, and soothing chamomile and shatavari, this tea makes a wonderful gift for that strong, beautiful mama in your life.
Niche Boston succulent
Springtime calls for P L A N T S! We've been getting regular deliveries of these beautiful succulents, cacti, ferns and terrariums from our favorite urban garden shop across the river, Niche Boston. Complete with beautiful ceramic and metal pots, they make an excellent gift for the green thumb woman in your life.
100% Pure Mascara
This incredible mascara from 100% pure comes in colors like blackberry and dark chocolate - and they smell amazing, seriously! This company uses the cleanest
Urban moonshine joy tonic
Mothers of all kinds are the hardest workers! It can be a challenge to take time for herself when caring for so many others. This wonderful formula from the expert herbalists at Urban Moonshine in Burlington VT "promotes a positive mental attitude and promote a relaxed feeling when overworked or overwhelmed." A great gift for that powerful woman in your life.
Weleda Evening Primrose Body Oil
This luxurious organic oil makes a fantastic massage oil, belly balm, or overall body moisturizer. Evening primrose, olive, wheat germ, sea buckthorn and jojoba seed oils deliver essential fatty acids and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 to help restore and moisturize skin. Its rich, velvety texture offers a nourishing treatment that leaves skin healthy, firm and renewed. Perfect gift to help that special mama relax and rejuvenate!
Schmilk Chocolate
Let's just get one thing straight. Chocolate = Love. Show your favorite mamas that you love them with the gift of something sweet! This vegan milk chocolate from Schmilk leaves absolutely nothing wanting - rich, creamy, lightly sweet and completely delicious.
Thesis Rose Candle
We can't get enough of this lightly scented, completely beautiful candle from local body care company Thesis. Made with soy wax and essential oils and housed in amber glass, the candle will burn for many hours, giving off a soft glow and filling the room with the delicious scent of rose petals.
Oats / Avena Sativa: A Tonic Herb That Nourishes & Calms
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Oats are incredibly nourishing, especially for the nervous system. When used in the “milky” stage they feed nervous tissue and help to restore normal nerve function and vitality. This is one of my absolute favorite herbs since it is so gentle but so powerful, and makes a noticeable difference for anyone who is stressed, overly sensitive, depleted or worn out. To me, they are a prime remedy for most city-dwellers
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Oats are incredibly nourishing, especially for the nervous system. When used in the “milky” stage they feed nervous tissue and help to restore normal nerve function and vitality. This is one of my absolute favorite herbs since it is so gentle but so powerful, and makes a noticeable difference for anyone who is stressed, overly sensitive, depleted or worn out. To me, they are a prime remedy for most city-dwellers.
Oats are amazing for helping people to overcome nervous exhaustion, shattered nerves, or emotional instability. They help people who are over-worked or burnt out, providing much needed food and minerals for a depleted system, including magnesium, calcium and silica. As a very calming and soothing herb oats are also useful for sleep issues and insomnia, or any kind of mental or physical agitation.
In addition to its nutritive value, oat tea is a gentle way to restore emotional balance. Drinking daily oat infusions is a great practice for anyone who is constantly stressed or upset, and is especially good for driven types who work, work, work! I find oats to also be a lovely, soothing and supportive herb to use during times of loss or sorrow. Blended with other heart-healing herbs it feels like a sweet and comforting friend.
Oats come in a variety of forms. Everyone knows of rolled oats or steel-cut oats as a breakfast food. However, oat tops (the seed of the plant) or oat straw (the stems/leaves of the plant) are what I recommend for making nourishing teas. You can also take the tincture, but just be sure to look for milky oat tincture – this means that the oats were harvested at a time when the seed yields a milky substance when crushed. This is where much of its nutritional and medicinal value lies.
HOW TO USE:
Use the dried oat tops or straw to make a nourishing tea blend. Add one big handful (½ – ¾ cup) to a glass quart jar. Pour boiled water over the herb, cover, and let steep overnight to extract as much of the medicinal and nutritive qualities as possible. Oats are a food-grade herb that can be taken consistently over long periods of time. Drink 1 – 2 quarts of overnight-steeped oat infusion per day.
Note: While they are one of the safest and gentlest of herbs, oats may not be suitable for people who have severe gluten intolerance due to possible cross-contamination from gluten-containing grains.
RECIPE: City-Dweller’s Tonic Tea
Oats are my go-to herb for feeling more calm and nourished. They blend beautifully with other gentle, soothing herbs to support the nervous system. Use the recipe below as a starting point, and switch out the linden for other herbs such as lemon balm, violet and/or chamomile as you wish.
Ingredients:
1 cup Oat Tops
½ cup Linden
1-2 Tblsp. Lavender
Mix together all the herbs. Add ¼ cup of this blend to a glass quart jar. Cover with boiled water, cap, and let steep overnight, or at least 6 hours. Strain and drink at room temperature, or gently re-heat.
Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world. She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness sessions, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, a community herbal conference. Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.
REFERENCES:
http://www.cshs.com/herbsOfMonth/oats.html
http://www.blessedmaineherbs.com/mioaavsa.html
http://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/ingredient/349/Wild-Oats
http://bearmedicineherbals.com/sweet-cream-the-medicine-of-milky-oats.html
This Web site — Herbs and Botanicals — is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.