Milk Thistle: Food for the Liver

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

This year I grew glorious Milk Thistle for the first time in my garden. With its sharp, prickly leaves it is not usually the first choice for gardeners, but for an herbalist, it is an exciting plant to grow. All summer long I observed as it spread out its milky-splotched leaves and unfurled its purple-flowers.

And now I have been rewarded with a harvest of fresh milk thistle seeds — the most prized and potent part of the plant. (Well, my favorite part, at least!)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not widely known outside of the herbal world. And that’s a shame, because it is an incredibly healthful herb that can easily be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine. My favorite way to use milk thistle seeds is simply to grind them up and sprinkle them on anything and everything I’m eating. I keep a small jar of the freshly ground seeds on my kitchen table so that I remember to add them to my meals — they are equally great on breakfast eggs, lunchtime salads, or savory dishes at dinner.

So, why would you want to eat these unusual seeds?

Well, quite simply, milk thistle is one of our best plants for supporting overall liver health. The seeds impart a protective effect on the liver, and help to prevent the absorption of substances that are damaging. In a world filled with environmental toxins, chemicals, alcohol and drugs, milk thistle is very beneficial indeed.

It is a very practical herb to have on hand for any indulgent occasion… Too much rich food? Too much alcohol? Milk Thistle! Just eat some seeds (ideally before and) after to help keep your liver moving along happily.

With an affinity for the liver, milk thistle really is like a food, helping to build and rejuvenate this vital organ. By increasing protein synthesis, milk thistle’s effects also lead to the growth of healthy new liver cells. Herbalists of past and present have used the seeds for cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, alcohol damage, and for an overall congested or sluggish liver.

I hold a special place in my heart for this dear plant and its supportive effects. I have a family member with hepatitis who has taken milk thistle seeds regularly for the past several years. I am grateful to report that her liver is going strong, her blood tests are normal, and she is healthy and happy!

Milk thistle also contains wonderful anti-inflammatory properties; as such it is often used in inflamed skin conditions that correspond to liver stagnation. Furthermore, the seeds can improve the break-down and removal of fats from the system by stimulating bile production; this action also helps address constipation and keeps the body regular.

As a supportive ally for both the liver and the digestive system, milk thistle is truly a valuable addition to any home apothecary.

HOW TO USE:

Unlike most herbs, milk thistle seeds do not very extract well in water so don’t try to make a cup of tea out of them! Instead eat the fresh ground seeds, or get a good quality capsule. If using the seeds buy them whole and then grind them as needed (I use a coffee grinder to make them into a coarse powder). The seeds taste oily, sweet and bitter all at once — perhaps they are an acquired taste, but they are not unpleasant at all. Start with taking 1/2 to 1 tablespoon per day sprinkled on your food and see how it feels to you, adjusting the amount as you need.

If you like, you can also try mixing the ground seeds into honey, and take a spoonful of this mixture at a time.

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 consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, Boston’s community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.

REFERENCES:
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/milk-thistle
http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2011/06/13/the-marvellous-milk-thistle/
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thistl11.html#mil
Wood, Matthew: The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine

---

This blog post — Milk Thistle: Food for the Liver  — 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.

Jenn's TOP FIVE Back to School Essentials

At the store, we are well-tuned to the cycles of the school calendar - several of our staff members also moonlight as part-time or full-time students. Jenn is completing her undergraduate program in Industrial Design at Mass Art, and put together this entertaining list of student "must-haves" for the fall season. Whether you are a student or just know one, this these items will help you make it through till holiday break in good health!

Jenn says...

Its that time of year again, back to school season. Some dread it and some celebrate it, but no matter what, come September it’s time to hit the books! I wanted to share with you my TOP FIVE Back to School Essentials to get you through the transition.

First day back at school I can almost feel the chill in my bones, as the weather gets cooler I have a tendency to pick up everyone's sickness, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this plight. During this cold and flu season I will definitely be turning to Host Defense MycoShield. This amazing blend of  five powerful polypore mushroom species (Agarikon, Red Reishi, Chaga, Birch Polypore and Turkey Tail) work as a shield of immune support to help support you and your constant contact with germs. The MycoShield comes in a convenient travel size spray flavored in peppermint and cinnamon, perfect to carry in your bag and spray at the first "under the weather" moment. MycoShield is certified organic and grown and processed in the USA.

Back to school means back to school parties, and I want to PartySmart! PartySmart is a wonderful product from the Himalaya company. Taking a capsule of PartySmart before going out helps alleviate the unpleasant side effect of a night of drinking; nausea, headaches, fatigue, and stomach pain. No longer suffer through those rough 8am classes just because you had a little too much fun the night before!

Once my classes start up it seems like I’m always on the go. Most college students today have to balance classes, work, internships, homework, and then try to squeeze in some resemblance of a social life. Eating well sometimes falls to the bottom of the priority list, opting for more convenient options like fast food or convenience store snacks. But who says eating well can’t be easy? Beat the hungry horrors with the delicious little bite size snacks of Barnanas. These little chewy bites are packed full of potassium and fiber. My favorite are the organic peanut butter ones to add a little extra protein.  

When pulling an all nighter, as we all have to do sometimes, our options for keeping our energy up can be a bit grim. Our options seem limited to energy drink products that are full of sugar and chemicals, or coffee, while wonderful and delicious, can take a tole on the stomach when drinking multiple cups. Open to Guayaki organic energy shots. These amazing little shots are packed full of some amazing energizing superfoods, rich in B-12. These little dudes are organic, fair trade, kosher, non gmo, and gluten free; making them perfect for that 'night owl' that lives inside every student. They come in four awesome flavors so you can find one that suits your tastes!

More and more articles are coming out linking coloring to mental sharpness and memory recall, and what college student couldn't use a little extra memory when studying?! The Mini Mandala Coloring Book is a great way to relax and unwind or give yourself a little study break without getting sucked into the magical never ending world of internet land. This tiny little coloring book is the perfect size to throw in your backpack with a few colored pencils or markers for those times when you feel like you need a little mental break. 

Lemon Balm: The Gateway Herb / Melissa officinalis

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

Lemon Balm is a delightful and cheerful little plant. With uplifting, lemon-scented leaves and tiny sweet white flowers, it is a pleasant addition to any garden or kitchen apothecary. I have never found anyone who does not enjoy lemon balm tea, so I call it a “gateway herb.” Even the most wary newcomers to herbs fall in love with its scent and taste, and then become open to trying many more new and unusual herbs…!

Both bees and humans find this plant irresistibly attractive. In fact its Latin name Melissa refers to “bees” — these insects will flock to it whenever it is in bloom.

Lemon balm is originally from southern Europe but is now widely cultivated around the world. Like many mint family plants it is a very prolific grower. If you have limited garden space, you may want to place it in a container so that it does not take over the whole garden. (However, I don’t think that that would be such a terrible thing if it did happen...)

For centuries this aromatic plant has been used to raise the spirits, comfort the heart, and banish depression and irritability. Its sweet, citrusy leaves yield a delicious tea that is equally good as a cold tea on a hot summer day, or as a warm tea on a cold winter day.

It was once believed that if taken regularly lemon balm would promote longevity — perhaps due in part to its calming effect on the central nervous system. Lemon balm is a wonderfully relaxing, and soothing herb, useful before bedtime to help fall into a peaceful sleep. It is also a fantastically supportive herb during times of stress and anxiety. Personally, I have found lemon balm to be a true “balm” whenever I have felt nervous or stressed about something. I once had a big event that involved public speaking and being filmed, which caused me to feel quite nervous. But, beforehand I took a few sips of my lemon balm cordial (recipe below) and within minutes my nerves quieted down, and the butterflies in my stomach disappeared. I was able to relax and just be myself. What a gift during anxious times!

Beyond its wonderful effect on the nerves, lemon balm contains anti-viral properties – this can prove useful for people who suffer from cold sore outbreaks, shingles, colds or flu. It’s definitely one I like to keep handy during the winter months not only for its ability to contain and weaken viruses, but also for its uplifting effect which is beneficial for mild depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Lemon balm is a very gentle herb that can be used by nearly anyone — children love it, stressed-out people love it, and anyone in the midst of wintertime loves it!

HOW TO USE:

To make tea of lemon balm use up to 1/2 Tblsp. of the dried herb per cup of hot water. Let that steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes.

If you have fresh lemon balm on hand an extremely delicious way to use it is to chop up a small handful of the aromatic leaves. Put these leaves in a small jar then cover them completely with local honey. Let this mixture steep for at least a week or two, and then use it as is (or strain out the herbs.) This is a delight in teas, on toast, or on top of desserts.

Finally, one of my favorite and most recommended ways to use lemon balm is below — gather your fresh lemon balm leaves now to make this cordial and you will be thanking your summer self all winter long!..

Lemon Balm Cordial

Harvest a large bunch of fresh and aromatic lemon balm stems. Look for stems that are healthy and vibrant looking. If they are in flower, that is OK, but if they have already finished flowering skip those stems. You are searching for lemon balm in its peak and at its most aromatic phase.

Strip the leaves from the stalks and chop them up as finely as possible. Place your fresh leaves in a glass jar of any size - I usually use a pint-sized or quart-sized jar. Fill the jar almost to the top with the lemon balm, leaving a little bit of room at the top.

Cover completely with brandy (any good tasting brandy will do). Stir to remove any air bubbles and make sure all the leaves are completely submerged. Then cap tightly and place a label on the jar with its contents and date.

Place the jar somewhere where you will see it so you can give it a shake every so often. Shaking helps the plant material from settling too much and makes sure that the brandy is touching (and extracting) as much surface area of the leaves as possible.

After 4-6 weeks strain out the lemon balm through a fine sieve (using cheesecloth is also a good idea). The resulting liquid should be aromatic and lemon-y. Measure this liquid. To this amount add 1/4 the amount of raw honey. (If you have 1 cup of lemon balm infused brandy, add 1/4 cup honey). Stir together well. Pour into a dark bottle. At this point I usually let the honey and brandy infuse together for another week or so, but if you have trouble waiting this long, go ahead and start using it!

Take this lemon balm cordial by the spoonful as a winter pick-me-up, or sip on it as an after dinner drink. It is divine!

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 consultations, 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.woodherbs.com/LemonBalm.html
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lemon-balm
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/balm--02.html

---

This blog post — Lemon Balm: The Gateway Herb / Melissa officinalis  — 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.

Sage: The Wise One / Salvia officinalis

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

Most of us know sage as a culinary herb — one that we grow in our gardens and use to flavor our dishes. For centuries sage has been valued as one of the best kitchen herbs and was traditionally cooked with rich, heavy foods. It is still a popular flavoring herb for meat dishes and stuffings.  As an aromatic spice, it improves digestion, breaks down fats, relieves indigestion and nausea, and stimulates the gall bladder to produce more bile. 

The plant originates in the Mediterranean — like many of our common culinary spices — and belongs to the Mint family of plants (a group that also holds many wonderful and aromatic plants such as basil, lavender, oregano, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, etc…)

Sage’s history goes far back in time: it was known to the ancient Greeks as an herb of immortality and to hold great healing properties. Its Latin name, Salvia, comes from the root “salvare” which translates as “to save” or “to cure.” There’s an old rhyme: “He that would live for aye should eat sage in May.”  To our modern eyes sage is a humble garden herb, but for centuries healers have recognized this plant as one of the greatest herbal remedies.  And for good reason…

Salvia officinalis has a deep affinity for the brain and nervous system and can be considered a tonic herb for both. It has a rejuvenating effect on the nerves, and can help to strengthen the mind and memory. Sage has been used by herbalists to address depression, anxiety and nervousness. It is especially good for the frazzled feeling we sometimes get when life is too busy or hectic — sage is one of my top herbs for what I call “city-dweller syndrome.”  From my own personal experience with sage I have found it has a unique action that seems to feed and nourish the nervous system. When using sage during stressful times it helps me to feel less anxious and more grounded. It helps me feel more at peace with how things are, and to feel more connected with day-to-day reality, i.e. appreciating what is rather than what I want things to be. Many traditions have noted that sage has the ability to enhance one’s inner wisdom… and so the word “sage” is applied to a person who is wise. The flower essence is especially beautiful and illuminating for enhancing inner knowingness.

Sage is cleansing, clearing and purifying. White sage is often burned as an incense to clear the air and make a space feel new and refreshed.  The essential oils contained within the leaf make sage highly antiseptic, giving it many applications. I like to use strong sage tea at the onset of a cold, or for any respiratory infections or sore throats. It also makes a fantastic mouthwash which supports healthy gums and leaves a clean, aromatic feeling.

HOW TO USE

There are many ways to obtain the benefits of sage. Use the dried leaf as a spice in meat or stuffings (especially for Thanksgiving!) I like to drink sage tea with honey — just steep 1-2 teaspoons of the dried leaf in 8 oz. hot water for at least 10 minutes. Then add a spoonful of local honey and sip whenever you are feeling anxious or stressed, or if you are starting to feel a bit under the weather. 

Sage Flower Essence can be used as well, and is one of my favorite essences. It helps one to distill wisdom from experience, and is especially recommended for people who find it hard to find purpose and meaning in their life.

RECIPE: Fresh Sage Infused Honey

Herbal honeys are a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of herbs, especially highly aromatic plants like sage. This honey can be enjoyed by the spoonful, added to hot cups of tea, spread onto toast, or made into sauces and salad dressings.

Fill a small 8 oz. glass jar with finely chopped fresh sage leaves. When using fresh herbs I generally fill the jar about 3/4 full.

Cover with local honey, stirring well to ensure that any trapped air bubbles come to the surface.

Label the jar with the date and ingredients.

Let steep for at least 1 week (if you can bear to wait!) up to 4 weeks before using. 

If you wish you can strain out the sage leaves through a course strainer (you may have to gently heat up the honey to make it more runny). Or, you can just use the honey as is, sage leaves and all.

Use up within 4-5 months.

Notes:

Sage should be avoided during pregnancy since it can be stimulating to the uterus. It may also reduce the flow of milk during breast feeding and should be avoided by nursing mothers.
 

REFERENCES:

The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism by Matthew Wood
The Floral Healer by Anne McIntyre
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sages-05.html
http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2010/12/why-should-man-die-while-sage-grows-in.html

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 blog post — Sage: The Wise One / Salvia officinalis  — 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.

Our Graceful Linden Tree: Tilia americana

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

This time of year as you walk around our city streets, you’re very likely to come across a beautiful tree filled with creamy white, fragrant flowers. Its aroma is so gorgeous that it makes both bees and hurried city folk slow down their pace.

This tree, which tends to go unnoticed when it's not in flower, is our graceful linden (Tilia americana). We are fortunate to have many lindens in our neighborhood — there are even a few streets named after this beauty.  Linden makes for an excellent city tree due to its ability to tolerate pollution and harsh urban environments. In addition, it is also an important food source for bees, a wonderful shade tree, and — with its heart-shaped leaves and delightful flowers — brings beauty wherever it grows.

Not surprisingly, linden is one of my favorite herbs to give to people. It has many healing virtues and is also a very safe and gentle remedy for people of all ages and constitutions. In Europe, it was traditionally used in baths for young children before bed to help them have a sound night’s sleep. Stressed-out adults can also benefit immensely from a linden bath.

But if a bath is not for you, a cup of linden tea will do the trick. Well-loved for its soothing properties, it is one of the herbalist’s favorite relaxing nervines, meaning that it helps to soothe and calm the nervous system. It truly is useful for any kind of anxiety or tension, whether it manifests as headaches, nervous tension, restlessness, tense muscles, or poor sleep. I mix it into bed-time blends to help people unwind after a long day and prepare for a deep night’s sleep. Even though linden is so gentle, I have personally found it to be a profound herb for anyone needing better sleep. It mixes beautifully with other relaxing herbs such as oats, skullcap or lavender. Linden seems to have an ability to help you feel how tired you truly are, so that you can finally get the sleep you need.

Beyond its wonderful soothing qualities, linden is a plant that supports a healthy heart.  As noted above, linden helps to relax us when we are feeling tense, so it has traditionally been used for the emotional causes behind hypertension and heart palpitations. With its supportive, opening and calming properties linden can help to address emotional issues and stress that may manifest as physical imbalances.

Linden is also a demulcent herb: high in mucilage it imparts a cooling and soothing quality on dry and irritated tissues. This soothing, anti-inflammatory action works on both our internal tissues and our external skin - you use it as a wash or a compress on itchy or inflamed skin.

This beautiful, gentle tree has so much to offer us: from anxiety and stress, to tense hearts and minds, to troubled sleep - it is is a beautiful balm that grows right on our city streets.

HOW TO USE:

Linden Sun Tea
Linden makes for a delicious cold-brewed tea. This method is perfect in the summer time when it is too hot to boil water.

To Brew:
Place 1 heaping handful of dried linden leaves and flowers in a glass quart-sized jar. Cover with cold water and stir. Place on the cap then set in a sunny windowsill for 3-4 hours. Strain out the herb. Chill in the refrigerator if desired or drink at room temperature. The longer it steeps the more the mucilaginous quality (which makes the liquid viscous) will be drawn out.

Soothing Linden Sleep Blend:
2 Tblsp. linden
2 Tblsp. oat tops or oat straw
1 Tblsp. skullcap
1/2 Tblsp. chamomile
pinch of lavender

Blend all herbs together, then use 1 heaping spoonful per mug of hot water. Let steep at least 10 minutes, then strain. Best enjoyed at dusk.

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://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/linden

http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/linden-flower-tea-benefits.html

http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/Linden_Herbal_Materia_Medica/240

http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/tilia.html

---

This blog post — Our Graceful Linden Tree  — 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.

Savory Summer: Herbal Spice Rub

We have some incredibly skilled people on our staff!! Maribeth, our resident "herbalist in training" and Alex, a talented illustrator, put together this delicious herbal spice rub for all your summertime cooking needs. It's a well-balanced, delightfully aromatic blend that would be perfect on anything from grilled veggies to grass-fed steak. Or - mix a couple of tablespoons into a simmering pot of rice or couscous for a flavorful grain dish.

Lavender:  Lavender is carminative and antiseptic plant native to the Mediterranean. Historically lavender has been used to add a sweet, pleasant flavor to foods and to help relieve bloating and gas. Not to mention, the aroma is sure to calm the senses, offering a relaxed mood to enjoy and digest meals properly. 

Thyme: Thyme is an antiseptic plant also native to the Mediterranean. Traditionally used to help kill any bad bacteria in meat prior to cooking, Thyme was often used as a natural preservative and to bring out the flavor of meat. Thymol, the oil in Thyme, is used to help break down fattier foods, aiding in the digestion of heavier meals and meats. 

Rosemary: As an antibacterial herb, Rosemary was historically used in the kitchen as a preservative and for its medicinal value. Rosemary has traditionally been used to relax stomach cramps, flatulence, and assist in stimulating the appetite and secretion of gastric juices - which is particularly helpful when consuming meats and rich dishes.

Marjoram: Another plant of the Mediterranean, marjoram offers a soothing action to the digestive tract by stimulating the gastric juices that break down heavy foods, like meat and rich dishes. The herb has also been used traditionally to help stimulate the appetite and soothe the stomach. It is said that the flavor of marjoram is easy to love, inspiring one to use generous pinches of the herb in many dishes.  

Spice Blend:

(everything on this list can be found in our bulk section)

Lavender buds: 1 tsp.
Thyme: 2 tsp.
Marjoram: 2 tsp.
Rosemary: 1 tsp. 
Himalayan Pink Salt  : 1/2 tsp.
Paprika: 1/4 tsp.
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp. 

Roughly crush ingredients in mortar & pestle or if you prefer a finer grind, use a spice grinder. Rub onto meat before grilling or baking. This spice blend could also be used to season vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. 

References:
(books we sell)

The Complete Book of Herbs & Spices by Brenda Little
Jekka's Herb Cookbook by Jekka McVicar

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?

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!

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.