Staying Hygge this [Holiday] Season
This blog post is an update of an earlier one we wrote last January. As we approach the winter solstice, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to stay hygge all winter long!
In Denmark, the winter nights are long and cold and very dark (sounds pretty similar to Boston!). Those savvy Danes combat this seasonal dreariness with the art of hygge (pronounced 'hooga') a word that roughly translates to "coziness". This means things like lighting lots of candles, cooking meals and playing games with friends and family, wrapping up in warm blankets and reading good books by the fireplace.
Through the holiday season and beyond, incorporating hygge into your daily life can help keep that warm, festive spirit alive throughout the winter. Here are some ideas to help you bring the art of hygge into your home!
This blog post is an update of an earlier one we wrote last January. As we approach the winter solstice, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to stay hygge all winter long!
In Denmark, the winter nights are long and cold and very dark (sounds pretty similar to Boston!). Those savvy Danes combat this seasonal dreariness with the art of hygge (pronounced 'hooga') a word that roughly translates to "coziness". This means things like lighting lots of candles, cooking meals and playing games with friends and family, wrapping up in warm blankets and reading good books by the fireplace.
Through the holiday season and beyond, incorporating hygge into your daily life can help keep that warm, festive spirit alive throughout the winter. Here are some ideas to help you bring the art of hygge into your home!
Candle light can really lift your spirits on these dark, dark nights! We suggest this beautiful Oakmoss + Leather travel candle from Simply Curated - the deep, rich, musky scent will really help you get in the hygge frame of mind. We suggest donning some warm flannel, turning on some jazz, and sipping your wintertime favorite beverage as you enjoy the flickering glow!
The next morning, pour yourself a cup of Counter Culture Coffee's Iridescent Blend. CCC donates a portion of proceeds from every pound they sell to organizations doing important work in the communities where they source coffee - to complete the cycle of good works, good cheer, and great coffee - truly embodying the hygge spirit we think! CCC's #anycoffeeanybrew campaign shows that there are so many ways to brew a delicious cup - check out the brewing guides on their website.
Christmas trees in a bottle. Need we say more?! This Christmas Tree Cabin Spray by Juniper Ridge is the epitome of holiday smells. Spray the scents of hygge all over your house - in your living room, bedroom, even the bathroom! When the holiday rush is over, it will help transport you back to that festive frame of mind.
Nothing says hygge like curling up with a good book - and better yet, an adult coloring book! It's another 6 months till summer, people, so surround yourself with the joy of plants with this "Just Add Color: Botanicals" book by Lisa Congdon. It will delight your creative senses and add bring a pop of color into these long, dark nights!
Feeling hygge is also about being comfortable and happy in your skin, even in these months of cold, dry air! This beautiful Patchouli & Geranium Body Oil from Thesis Beauty is the perfect antidote to all of those winter skin challenges. We suggest performing the ayurvedic practice of self-massage to increase circulation and keep your skin soft and moisturized! Rub this oil deep into your skin for 10 minutes before a warm shower: massage in circular motion towards the heart; rinse with water but not with soap.
This beautiful Bamboo Aromatherapy Diffuser from NOW uses ultrasonic technology to release a cold mist, filling your home with the pleasing, hygge scents of the pure essential oils of your choice. The cold mist maintains the integrity and holistic properties of the essential oils. Use a single oil or an enticing, hygge combination like bergamot & clove, or frankincense & orange.
Let us know how you're staying hygge this season!
Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae): A Root for the Season
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Fall is the traditional time to harvest roots — it is the season when the cold-sensitive, above ground parts of the plants die back, and the energy returns underground. In many plants the root is an important storage organ, keeping hold of carbohydrates and nutrients during the dormant season. For this reason, we harvest many roots in the fall, when they are at their peak.
We are most familiar with the vegetable roots and tubers that grace our winter dishes (carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes, etc…) However, one of the roots I am most enamored with is the humble and often-overlooked chicory. I’m sure you’ve seen this wild and weedy plant growing around our city environs. It is a very hardy creature and can grow in almost any soil. You’ll often see it along roadsides and sidewalks. It is most noticeable in late summer/early fall when its sweet blue flower is in full bloom.
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
Fall is the traditional time to harvest roots — it is the season when the cold-sensitive, above ground parts of the plants die back, and the energy returns underground. In many plants the root is an important storage organ, keeping hold of carbohydrates and nutrients during the dormant season. For this reason, we harvest many roots in the fall, when they are at their peak.
We are most familiar with the vegetable roots and tubers that grace our winter dishes (carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes, etc…) However, one of the roots I am most enamored with is the humble and often-overlooked chicory. I’m sure you’ve seen this wild and weedy plant growing around our city environs. It is a very hardy creature and can grow in almost any soil. You’ll often see it along roadsides and sidewalks. It is most noticeable in late summer/early fall when its sweet blue flower is in full bloom.
Chicory is a good plant to know. It is a local wild edible, and the leaves, flowers and root can all be used in culinary creations. In fact, when you see large “dandelion” leaves sold in fancy grocery stores, more likely than not they are actually misnamed chicory leaves! Dandelion and chicory are closely related plants and both have bitter tasting leaves that are great for our digestive health.
Chicory is also the same plant as Belgian endive. When it is cultivated in the dark it produces small pale leaves that add a sophisticated bitter note to any meal.
The bitter taste of chicory is in fact where much of its benefits lie. It supports and strengthens digestive function because of its bitter constituents that enhance digestion, increase the flow of bile, and help with the absorption of nutrients. Similar to dandelion, chicory also possesses liver cleansing and detoxifying properties.
Chicory was traditionally used for gall stones, gout, indigestion and constipation; any issue related to the digestive tract may benefit from this useful plant. Either the leaves can be incorporated into the diet, or the root can be used as a tea. It is often used as a coffee substitute or added to coffee to reduce its over-stimulating effect; chicory root has a similar bitter and deep flavor, and a very dark color. Or, use it in chai: every fall I make a big batch of my herbal root chai tea blend, which features roasted chicory root - yum!
Beyond its bitter side, chicory is also a nutritive plant. It is high in folate and has often been used for anemia. It also contains a unique constituent in its root, called inulin, which is a special kind of starch. This inulin feeds our beneficial gut flora; it acts a prebiotic (rather than a probiotic). Using chicory root can therefore help to increase the good bacteria living in our digestive tract.
HOW TO USE:
To make a decoction (a simmered tea) place 1 Tblsp. of roasted chicory root in 2 cups of water; simmer in a small covered saucepan for 10 to 20 minutes. Then strain out the root, and add honey and/or milk to taste.
The young leaves are edible and can be added to salad, or sautéed like spinach. The older the plant gets the more bitter its leaves will become.
If neither of drinking nor eating large quantities of chicory appeal to you, then why not try your hand at a chicory infused vinegar? You can use this as a condiment on meals — dash it over roasted vegetables, or drizzle on salads. Or, use it as a digestive tonic and take a spoonful before or after meals…
Digestive Bitters in Vinegar
2/3 cup roasted chicory root
1/3 cup roasted dandelion root
1/3 cup burdock root
1/3 cup chamomile
Place all ingredients in a glass quart sized jar. Cover completely with apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top. Stir to remove any air bubbles and add more vinegar if necessary. Place a sheet of wax paper over the jar if you are using a metal lid (vinegar corrodes metal) or use a plastic lid. Label with the ingredients and date. Let this steep for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out through a fine sieve or through cheesecloth. Bottle the resulting liquid in a dark glass bottle.
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://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chicor61.html
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Chicory.html
http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/bitters-mase-2015_1.pdf
The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood
This blog post — Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae): A Root for the Season — 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.
MariBerry (Mulled Elderberry) Syrup!
As the colder season sets in here in the north east, we tend to spend more time indoors: cooking, creating, gathering with friends, and nourishing ourselves with nutrient-rich foods and supportive, warming beverages. This year at Cambridge Naturals we've put together our own herbal mulling spice mix that we hope will add a little magic to your potlucks, holiday gatherings, and colder days.
With taste and immunity in mind, we thoughtfully blended a handful of organic ingredients from our bulk herb section that can be used to make traditional beverages like mulled wine and cider. We also like to blend the mix with black tea or chaga mushroom adding milk and honey for a spicy, warming chai.
As the colder season sets in here in the north east, we tend to spend more time indoors: cooking, creating, gathering with friends, and nourishing ourselves with nutrient-rich foods and supportive, warming beverages. This year at Cambridge Naturals we've put together our own herbal mulling spice mix that we hope will add a little magic to your potlucks, holiday gatherings, and colder days.
With taste and immunity in mind, we thoughtfully blended a handful of organic ingredients from our bulk herb section that can be used to make traditional beverages like mulled wine and cider. We also like to blend the mix with black tea or chaga mushroom adding milk and honey for a spicy, warming chai.
We've also created a mulled version of the well-loved elder berry syrup that is simple to make, fills the house with the aroma of spices, and supports the entire family through the winter season that often brings colds, flus, and shivers. In honor of Maribeth who created the recipe, we're calling it MariBerry Syrup.
Our mulling spice mix includes cardamom pods, cassia cinnamon chips, orange and lemon peel. ginger root, cloves, hawthorn berries, allspice berries, vanilla bean, and star anise. We've also included a recipe card for our MariBerry Syrup which combines this mulling mix with elder berries and honey to make a yummy, supportive syrup. Come pick up a bag at the store for several opportunities to create tasty, cozy beverages!
If you'd like to read more about Elderberry, please visit our post by community herbalist Steph Zabel.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): An Herb for Body & Spirit
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
St. John's Wort is a plant of ancient use, one that has been a protector and healer of people for centuries. Folklore dictates that the herb wards off evil influences and protects against harmful, unseen forces.
While we may not use it in quite the same way as it once was, St. John’s Wort continues to offer physical, emotional and spiritual protection for modern humans living in a world with its own unique challenges and negative influences.
In recent times St. John’s Wort has been popularized for its ability to lift the spirits and to alleviate mild depression and seasonal affective disorder. In my experience it is indeed very useful when one feels melancholic, especially in the deep winter months. It seems fitting that such bright yellow flowers would be uplifting in darker days, especially Hypericum flowers which bloom right at the peak of summer, when the days are longest. If you sometimes suffer from seasonal melancholy or from “the blues”, you might consider bringing this joyful, light-filled herb into your life.
By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator
St. John's Wort is a plant of ancient use, one that has been a protector and healer of people for centuries. Folklore dictates that the herb wards off evil influences and protects against harmful, unseen forces.
While we may not use it in quite the same way as it once was, St. John’s Wort continues to offer physical, emotional and spiritual protection for modern humans living in a world with its own unique challenges and negative influences.
In recent times St. John’s Wort has been popularized for its ability to lift the spirits and to alleviate mild depression and seasonal affective disorder. In my experience it is indeed very useful when one feels melancholic, especially in the deep winter months. It seems fitting that such bright yellow flowers would be uplifting in darker days, especially Hypericum flowers which bloom right at the peak of summer, when the days are longest. If you sometimes suffer from seasonal melancholy or from “the blues”, you might consider bringing this joyful, light-filled herb into your life.
St. John’s Wort also has a great affinity for the whole nervous system. In particular I have found it remarkable for its ability to help with feelings of nervousness, anxiety and vulnerability. Personally, I have used both the flower essence and the tincture with very noticeable results to help myself feel protected, safe and centered when I otherwise would have felt anxious. In general, I find that St. John’s Wort is an amazing support for sensitive people who tend to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed in new social situations, or who need to feel more protected in order to express themselves.
St. John's Wort is a slightly bitter herb, which makes it beneficial for the digestive organs by stimulating gastric juices and bile flow. It also affects the liver, speeding up the metabolic process and removing toxins from the system. This brings me to a word of caution about Hypericum: if you are taking any pharmaceutical medications it is best to avoid using this plant. St. John’s Wort increases the activity of liver enzymes that metabolize drugs so using this herb in combination with any medications is not recommended.
Traditionally, this beautiful plant has also been used externally as a wound healer. The infused medicinal oil, red from the crimson-hued juice of the flower buds, can be rubbed into the skin. This oil has been used with great success to help with the pain of burns, sore muscles, sciatica and damaged nerves. I have seen it work wonders for the excruciating pain of shingles.
Although it’s now too late in the season, next time you come across a flowering St. John’s Wort, crush a blossom between your fingers. It will exude a deep red stain. This pigment is the bioactive compound hypericin, where much of Hypericum’s medicine resides. Then, take one of the plant’s leaves and hold it up to the sunlight. Can you see small window-like holes in the leaf? This is another excellent way to identify the plant — there aren’t many leaves that are able to let the sunlight shine right through them.
HOW TO USE:
St. John’s Wort may be used in tea or tincture form, but remember that if you are on any medications ingesting the physical herb is not recommended.
The infused medicinal oil can be used topically, and is a wonderful addition to any home apothecary for use on minor wounds, burns and sore muscles.
As a flower essence St. John’s Wort is especially beneficial for sensitive people, providing emotional protection, healthy boundaries, and the ability to share one’s own unique inner light with others.
This beautiful plant has many gifts to offer us — I encourage you to seek out St. John’s Wort and to welcome it’s joyful, healing qualities into your life.
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/st-johns-wort
Wood, M. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
http://www.herbcraft.org/commonherbs.html
http://medherb.com/hypericum-drug-herb.html
http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/St_Johns_Wort_Herbal_Materia_Medica/283
This blog post — St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): An Herb for Body & Spirit — 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.
New Tonic Blends from Oregon's Wild Harvest!
"Everything is interrelated. Healthy food is our medicine. Growing herbs on a holistic farm is just another quest in our path to provide customers with only the healthiest plant material available on the planet." - Randy Buresh, Co-Founder, Oregon's Wild Harvest
The power of herbal remedies and food as medicine is a synergistic relationship between all of our senses coming in contact with a plant or blend of plants. The experience begins with our nose, scent triggers a response in our body that yes, this is good, show me more.
As we begin to taste, we wake up our cells to the medicine as it enters our blood stream. Finally we begin to feel the nuances and effects of the herbs or food we have just consumed. This can happen in a matter of seconds and linger long after we've sipped our tea or eaten our breakfast.
"Everything is interrelated. Healthy food is our medicine. Growing herbs on a holistic farm is just another quest in our path to provide customers with only the healthiest plant material available on the planet." - Randy Buresh, Co-Founder, Oregon's Wild Harvest
The power of herbal remedies and food as medicine is a synergistic relationship between all of our senses coming in contact with a plant or blend of plants. The experience begins with our nose, scent triggers a response in our body that yes, this is good, show me more.
As we begin to taste, we wake up our cells to the medicine as it enters our blood stream. Finally we begin to feel the nuances and effects of the herbs or food we have just consumed. This can happen in a matter of seconds and linger long after we've sipped our tea or eaten our breakfast.
Here at Cambridge Naturals we patiently awaited the arrival of certified biodynamic herbal tonics by Oregon's Wild Harvest. They are here! We are elated to share this limited run of supplements that were made in small batches, only from the plants the land yielded. We are honored to be one of the few shops to carry these products. Below I share two of the six tonics that I've quickly become a fan of.
HappyBelly is Oregon's Wild Harvest's take on herbal bitters. Fresh burdock root, artichoke leaf, fresh dandelion root, peppermint leaf, and yarrow are combined to create a delicious, powerful blend of herbs to support healthy digestion. A serving size of only 1/2 a teaspoon is recommended and the taste is warm and spicy finishing with a hint of sweet licorice root and cinnamon bark. I've used this blend before a meal to promote healthy digestive juices and afterward to keep gas and bloating at bay. With the colder seasons upon us, I can see myself using this blend to promote circulation and especially to help break down rich, hearty, and sometimes indulgent meals.
Namaste is a blend to soothe a frazzled or anxious nervous system. This is possibly one of the most important tonics for me, especially during times of transition, whether that be seasonal or just throughout my day. Some of my strongest herbal allies make up this blend: fresh milky oat tops, fresh passionflower tops, skullcap tops, and fresh lemon balm. With a hint of lavender, just the aromatics of this blend quickly quiet my overactive system, bringing me into a state of calm peace. I not only find this blend to be helpful during stressful situations, but it has been important for promoting a deep, restful sleep when I can't seem to quiet my mind.
Here at the store we offer 4 other flavors, creating a 6-tonic rainbow of herbal support. We'd be happy to talk to you about all of them and find the best blend for you.
This blog post — New Tonic Blends from Oregon's Wild Harvest! — 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.
Six Autumn Essentials to Get You Through 'til Winter Break
The holiday break is just around the corner, folks! Alex put together this list of six must-haves for getting through the fast-paced autumn season in style:
Simply Curated: These small sized travel candles are beautiful and smell great. I love the idea of being able to bring them with me on my travels! Simply Curated uses 100% pure soy wax that is sourced from the US only, as well as domestically sourced wood wicks. They are always hand poured and phthalate free and oh so pretty!
Klean Kanteen: recently introduced these slimmer mouthed insulated bottles. Perfect for the winter, they will keep your coffee or tea hot literally for hours. Or for that hardcore New Englander, it will keep the ice in your cold brew from melting. Either way, you will be cutting down on those wasteful to go cups and sipping on something delicious!
Soul Sunday: This beautifully branded aromatherapy roll-on are made from coconut oil and 100% pure essential oils. perfect for decompressing on the go, you can apply this oil to your temples and wrists and breathe in!
Perfect Fuel: These little bites of energy will satisfy your chocolate craving while providing a quick boost! This Boston based company makes bite sized chocolate with ginseng, espresso or chia. All delicious and help get you through your day or work out!
Pure Life GABA-Max: Stressed? Me too. That’s okay… with a little bit of GABA, one may feel chill within no time. The main ingredient of this formula is compound known as Phenyl-GABA, a derivative of the well established endogenous inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brains, GABA. When taken orally, Phenyl-GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier and may support feelings of relaxation. While many like this product, please do consult your physician when trying any new supplement!
Herbalogic Fixed Focus: Herbalogic focuses on Chinese herbal blends and use three methods of extraction, water, glycerin and alcohol, to provide you with an extra potent and unique product. Their Fixed Focus blend helps support mental clarity and concentration without making you feel wired or jittery.
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!)
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!
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...)
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.