The word ‘aphrodisiac‘ comes from the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, whose name also meant ‘sexual pleasure’. Therefore, an aphrodisiac is something that arouses sexual desire. It could be a substance such as a chemical (drug), but it could also be a sensory stimulant – visual (watching an intimate movie), audio (listening to sultry music), olfactory (a suggestive scent), taste (some foods are said to elicit amorous feelings), and/or touch (in just the right places and with the right intention).

From an herbal perspective, there are several options that are considered to have aphrodisiac effects. To understand why, it is helpful to first discuss a little about the physiology of ‘arousal’ in the body. A healthy reproductive system consists of good ’tissue tone’ of the reproductive organs (in terms of elasticity, for example), sufficient blood flow to promote the tissue health, adequate lubrication, and an appropriate balance of the ‘sex hormones’ such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Additionally, the progression of a healthy sexual encounter/response is shown below.

It all starts with desire, which is mediated physiologically by the production of oxytocin, sometimes known as the ‘love hormone’. Think warm, fuzzy sweaters, or fluffy kittens, and you’ll understand the effect that oxytocin has on you.

Next comes arousal, which occurs when the central nervous system is activated by stimuli as previously described, producing the neurotransmitter dopamine (the ‘pleasure hormone’). Nitric oxide (NO) is also secreted, which begins to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs (vagina, clitoris, breasts of the woman, penis of the man), increasing muscle tension and preparing the body for sexual activity. Orgasm occurs when muscle contractions increase at regular intervals, and then are suddenly released into resolution, which is characterized by gradual, pleasant muscle relaxation.

Now that the physiology has been covered, we can now select appropriate herbs that have positive effects on these processes.

For herbs that are more ‘reproductive tonics’ than aphrodisiacs, see shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) for the ladies, and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) for the gents. See this previous Ask The Herbalist post for additional herb suggestions, and check out my supplemental blog post that describes the specific actions of each of these herbs. As for where to acquire many of them, I always like Mountain Rose Herbs as a reputable supplier.

Romm, A. (2009). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Churchill Livingstone: Elsevier.

About the author:

Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH(AHG) graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Herbalism. She earned Registered Herbalist status from the American Herbalists’ Guild in 2018. Originally educated as a mechanical engineer, she combines the rigor of her original scientific training with the traditional healing art of herbal medicine to partner with her clients to uncover the root cause of their underlying health issues. Also a Master Gardener since 2008, her primary interest is in inspiring others to improve their health and sense of wellbeing through the joys of gardening and the power of natural medicine.

Donna currently practices as the professional herbalist at the MUIH Natural Care Center (410-888-9048×6614) in Laurel, Maryland. Read more about her, what she does, and why she does it at www.greenhavenliving.com, or contact her directly at greenhavenliving@gmail.com or 240-353-8754.

Feeling chilled? Wish you had a little summer heat to warm your winter soul?

Fire cider.

If you’ve got that feeling that the latest virus is about to get it’s grip on you, bust out the…

Fire cider.

Want to be a little bit of a rebel?*

Fire cider.

What is Fire Cider? A spicy, warming, immune boosting winter tonic like no other!

This traditional herbal recipe is made from the hot, hot peppers of late summer, the spicy root of horseradish, and the pungent garlic, ginger and onions in your vegetable bin, plus a healing boost from raw honey, apple cider vinegar and herbs.

Fire cider is kitchen medicine at its best.

As a remedy, a generous spoonful or shot glass full at the first sign of cold revs up your circulation and immune defenses. Then you can continue to take a spoonful every few hours until you’ve kicked that cold. You could also sip a bit daily as nutritious, warming tonic.

I make it for our family every fall and sometimes again mid-winter if our stash has been depleted (like now). Just looking at these chili pictures I took at the market in Seattle in September, warms me right up (they really were that bright!). Isn’t it so amazing that the heat of summer can be captured in a jar, taken out in winter, and used to fend off winter illness? I just love that.

Here’s the basic recipe from herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, but feel free to experiment by adding citrus zest or herbs of your choice:

Fire Cider

½ cup grated fresh horseradish root½ cup or more fresh chopped onions¼ cup or more chopped garlic¼ cup or more grated gingerChopped fresh or dried cayenne pepper ‘to taste’. Can be whole or powdered. ‘ To Taste’ means should be hot, but not so hot you can’t tolerate it. Better to make it a little milder than too hot; you can always add more pepper later if necessary.Optional ingredients; Turmeric, Echinacea, cinnamon, etc.

Place herbs in a half-gallon canning jar and cover with enough raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs by at least three to four inches. Cover tightly with a tight fitting lid.Place jar in a warm place and let sit for three to four weeks. Best to shake every day to help in the maceration process.After three to four weeks, strain out the herbs, and reserve the liquid.Add honey ‘to taste’. Warm the honey first so it mixes in well. “To Taste’ means your Fire Cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet. “A little bit of honey helps the medicine go down……”Rebottle and enjoy! Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it’s better to store in the refrigerator if you’ve room.

If you don’t have the mojo to make your own remedy, that’s okay too—these folks make fine versions you can purchase.

I hope I’ve peaked your curiosity and that this becomes a ritual for you too!

*There is a current court battle ensuing because a company wants exclusive rights to use “fire cider” for their product, so in making Fire Cider in my own kitchen, I consider it a small act of empowerment, and carrying on the tradition of herbal medicine as the people’s medicine. Nobody owns the sole right to “chicken soup” or “mashed potatoes” and so they ought not able to own/trademark a traditional herbal recipe either. All you need to know about the tradition of this remedy, the legal fight, and lots more about this wonderful tonic can be found from the fine people at freefirecider.com.

Tara Thomas, MS, CNS is a clinical herbalist in Seattle, Washington.

Do you have a question about herbal medicine? We are professional herbalist answering your questions for free.

Chris writes: I am looking for some herbal suggestions for my health. I feel like I’m in a hurry and yet I’m not motivated to do anything, including work or enjoying socializing with friends and family. As a boy I had athletic asthma but 30 years ago COPD wasn’t well known in my opinion. I don’t know which I have but my breathing is getting worse.

Thanks for writing in Chris. So, herbalists are not doctors and we do not prescribe nor do we diagnose. We only make suggestions (as you’ve asked for).

Here are my suggestions:

Write down the issues you are experiencing so that you have a clear idea of what they are, for yourself and for whatever type of practitioner you see.Keep a food/mood and sleep diary. You are your best detective when it comes to your health, so write down what you’ve eaten along with any reactions (mood, gastro-intestinal, etc.), along with your sleep record. This will be asked for by your herbalist, so start now so you that will have more information at hand.Understand your surroundings. Are you in an area with a lot of agricultural or chemical pollution? Are you using products that may not be safe to breathe? Take a history of your environment to see if there are any connections between how you feel and your environment.Self reflection. Take the time to write down how you are feeling and then ask yourself why you are feeling a certain way. This will help to get you in touch with your conscious as well as subconscious thoughts.Get a complete lab work up: metabolic, hormonal and blood panel. Our body is an amazing system, but can get out of balance due to a myriad of issues (environmental, food, work, social stressors to name a few). Getting an analysis of where you stand on a functional basis will help you and your doctor/herbalist/health coach, better understand your needs.

Herbal recommendations. In the meantime, why not consider an herbal tea that can both nourish the body as well as give you a greater sense of well-being. Some wonderful herbs to consider are:

Organic holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Organic ashwaganda root (Withania somnifera)

Organic oat tops (or oat straw, milky oats) (Avena sativa)

Organic lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Organic passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Organic American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Organic California poppy flowers (Eschscholzia californica)

Good luck! Jayne

Staff writer, editor and lecturer, Jayne Tamburello, is the founder of Invibe Herbal (www.invibeherbal.com), a company dedicated to creating organic tea blends to meet your needs. Jayne is a licensed nutritionist (LDN) and certified nutritionist (CNS) practicing in the states of Delaware and Pennslyvania. She holds an MS in Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health and is a registered herbalist (RH) with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG).

It’s February and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Are you looking for a healthy alternative to the oh so common inflammatory – inducing, refined sugar & hydrogenated oil containing holiday chocolates for yourself or a loved one? Well, I have the perfect simple and delicious chocolate recipe for you! This recipe is gluten free, paleo and contains herbs and medicinal mushrooms that support the nervous system, liver and immune function! And, this recipe can be simply altered to

Note: these chocolates need to be stored in the refrigerator as the coconut oil begins to melt above about 75 degrees.

INGREDIENTS

1 – 2 Tbsp Reishi Roast Elixir (or reishi tincture) Other options: a few Tbsp shredded coconut, peppermint (or another flavored extract), ground nuts, 1 – 2 Tbsp maca powder

INSTRUCTIONS Gently melt the coconut oil and add the honey. Whisk vigorously to emulsify oil and honey, for at least 1 minute, by hand or using an emulsion blender. Then, whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla and Reishi Roast. Pour into silicone molds and cool at least 15-30 minutes in freezer or refrigerator. I like to sprinkle mine with a pinch of sea salt and some shredded coconut before cooling. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!

Bon Appétit!

Amy at Herban Allies

Oh, that tingle on the lip, or was it there at all? Do I feel a cold sore coming on or was it nothing? What can one do to reduce the severity or frequency of cold sore outbreaks?

Here I would like to call upon my three areas of expertise on the subject: 1) personal experience with cold sore outbreaks, 2) experienced clinical herbalist and 3) as a HSV-1 & HSV-2 virology researcher.

As a personal sufferer of cold sore outbreaks caused by HSV-1 (herpes virus-1), I have learned to take queues from my body for when to expect an outbreak. As a child, they would show up and be an embarrassment for weeks. As an adult, I have learned that an outbreak will follow 2 to 3 days after a cold with fever, after a sun burn, or after an exhaustive or stressful life episode (reference 1). The single most important thing is to pay attention to the first sign of an impending outbreak, the tingle. This is the best time to begin treatment(s).

My go-to therapies were to apply CARMEX balm liberally. As an herbalist, I now turn to licorice and lemon balm (both internally and topically) and L-lysine supplements (1000 mg TID). There are several controlled studies that document the efficacy of the phytochemical constituents of these herbs for treatment of herpesvirus family infection and outbreaks. More about this below.

As a researcher, I learned that we are infected with the HSV-1 virus at a young age; it is usually transmitted through familial contact by age 5 (reference 2). If one escapes infection at a young age, one is not likely to acquire infection later in life. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the U.S. population is infected with HSV-1. The related virus HSV-2 (herpesvirus-2) is transmitted sexually and with estimated infection rates of 18-20% in the U.S. Both viruses infect the nerve tissues and lay in a latent stage until conditions are appropriate for reactivation. This is similar to the varicella virus which is also in the herpes virus family and is the cause of chicken-pox and shingles.

The FDA has approved Abreva as an effective over-the-counter, topical therapy for HSV-1, this is an ointment that contains Docosanol (reference 3). It is not intended for the treatment of children under 12, pregnant women, or people with HSV-2 or shingles. It’s mechanism of action is unclear; however, clinical trials demonstrate that HSV-1 outbreaks are reduced by one day.

To the contrary, there is an abundance of literature on the mechanism of action for lemon balm, licorice and lysine effecting the HSV-1 virus replication, latency stage and immune system response to viral infection.

The antiviral properties of lemon balm, Melissa officinales, have been attributed to the phytochemicals: caffeic and rosmarinic acids when taken in both oral and topical forms. A German study showed that rosmarinic acid prevented attachment of the virus to host cell walls, thus preventing infection (reference 4). Lemon balm helps to reduce redness of lesions, pain, itching and reduces the healing time of a herpesvirus outbreak (reference 5).

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) , this gentle, is an effective antiviral that can be used as a topical treatment four or five times a day. You can also take it in capsule form twice a day during a herpes outbreak.

Prepare a lemon balm and licorice tea to drink (reference 9). The taste is a minty, lemony flavor with mild sweetness from the licorice root. When done steeping the herbs, take the cooled herbal mash and apply it directly to the lesion. This is an effective healer. Alternatively, you can consume and apply a blend of equal volumes of licorice and lemon balm tinctures.

An interesting (in vitro) study on the licorice constituent, glycyrrhizic acid, was found to change the expression level of two proteins in viral host cells that are responsible for keeping the virus in latent state (reference 6). While the quantity of purified glycyrrhizic acid used in this in vitro study are not reasonably scalable to human consumption, the study is indicative of potential mechanism of action for licorice in the treatment of herpesvirus infection.

Other important elements in the control of herpes virus infection are the amino acids lysine and arginine. An individual’s dietary balance of these two amino acids has a direct effect on the virus life cycle (reference 7). Arginine is a non-essential amino acid, created in our body, is a food-source for the virus and encourages HSV replication, leading to an outbreak. Lysine is an essential amino acid that can neutralize the body’s production of arginine, whereby starving the virus. Our bodies cannot make lysine, so it is important to consume foods that are high in lysine and/or take supplements to control the virus (reference 7).

During an outbreak, reach for the 1000 mg tablet supplements and take 3 a day. Alternatively, increase your lysine intake through supplements or good food sources (reference 8) which include fish, eggs, cheese, lima beans, potatoes, red meat, milk, and yeast. Avoid foods high in arginine if suffering from frequent herpes outbreaks.

By listening to your body, and quick application of these dietary supplements, you can kiss that cold-sore good-bye in a matter of days.

References:

1. https://immunoblogists.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/sunshine-and-the-immune-system/

2. HSV Mother-to-child transmission, 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164179/

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosanol

4. Akram, et al; Attachment and Penetration of Acyclovir‐resistant Herpes Simplex Virus are Inhibited by Melissa officinalis Extract; https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5166

5. http://www.hsvoutbreak.com/potential-cure-for-the-herpes-simplex-virus

6. Minerd, J 2005, Licorice Compound May Fight Latent Herpes Infection; https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/stds/646

7. https://hsvblog.org/herpes-blog/diet-lifestyle-tips/chart-of-lysine-vs-arginine-in-common-foods/

8. https://aminoacidstudies.org/l-lysine/

9. https://marktwendell.com/organic-lemon-balm-licorice.html

Herbs and a healthy diet save my dog’s life.

Our Chloe, a cock-a-poo, even at eleven years old, had the temperament of a puppy. Yet it was around this age, and after moving several times, that we had noticed a change in her temperament and habits. Now, it seemed as if she always needed to go out to pee, was always drinking water and eating her food with voracity, and yet, was losing weight and vigor. Her lethargy got so bad that I feared the worst—some sort of toxin was poisoning her, or worse, she had cancer.

In two months’ time, she had lost 7 lbs. (20% of her body weight) and need to wear doggie diapers for urinary incontinence. Our veterinarian was at a loss for diagnosis and suggested we take her to the Veterinary Hospital. There, she was stabilized after 28 hours and we were given her diagnosis: “Your dog is diabetic”. I was relieved at this news as diabetes is a manageable condition.

Our vet had seen Chloe develop cataracts and associated them and Chloe’s weight gain with a potential to develop diabetes. Unfortunately, I had not taken this forecast warning seriously. Note to all pet owners: get your pet’s weight under control as they are subject to the same ailments as us, humans.

Today, 2.5 years later, Chloe is doing well with twice daily insulin injections. Herbs were selected with a focus on supporting digestion and immune system. For ease of delivery, the herbs these are incorporated in her food. Her diet consists of my home made dog food that provides key nutrients that are well documented for effective management of type 2 diabetes (soluble fiber, chromium, B vitamins and choline).

DIGESTIVE AND IMMUNE ENHANCING FORMULA FOR DOGS

Citing: www.herbs2000.com

Uses of the herb:

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Digestive, carminative, nervine, vermifuge

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, nutritive Vit A, C,K, diuretic

Summer Savory

Satureja hortensis

Antiseptic, digestive, carminative, boost appetite, manage thirst, astringent

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Tonic herb: Circulatory, nerve, immune, digestive.

Antiseptic herb: bacterial & fungal

Rejuvenating in convalescence.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Antiseptic, immune and lung tonic, vermifuge

Lavender

Lavendula angustifolia

Calming nervine, soothing digestive tonic, antiseptic

Bay leaf

Laurus nobilis

(removed leaves after cooking)

Upper GI digestive tonic, assimilation of nutrients, boost appetite.

Citing: nutritiondata.self.com

Nutrients:

Vitamins:

Minerals*

Barley:

Complex carbohydrate and high chromium content.

– Glycemic index 19

carbohydrates, soluble fiber, protein, fatty acids

folate, choline, niacin, Vit A, B & Vit K

Cr, K, Mg, P, Ca, Se

Chicken thigh

No chicken bones for dogs! Lean meat protein with skin – collagen and bone marrow

protein, collagen/chondroitin, fatty acids

Vit A, choline, folate, niacin, Vit K

K, P, Na

Carrot

Easily digested vegetable,

– Glycemic index 2

carbohydrate

Vit A, K, C, folate, choline, Vit E

K, Na, P, Ca, Mg

Celery

Fiber & mineral source

– Glycemic index 2

carbohydrate

Vit A, K, folate, choline, Vit C

K, Na, P, Ca, Se

* abbreviations: Ca = calcium, Cr = chromium, Mg = magnesium, P = phosphorus, K = potassium, Se = selenium, Na = sodium, Vit = vitamin

If you’d like more information, please visit me at my website:

Thanks! Judy

Judith Fox Smith, MS, is the founder of Foxsmyth Herbal, in Stoneham, MA. Judy is a biological research scientist and clinical herbalist. She is the founder and past president of the Eastern PA chapter of American Herbalist Guild, the Herb Gatherers of Lansdale, PA and past Vice President of San Antonio Herb Society. She combines her knowledge of biology and botany with her passion to provide practical herbal and lifestyle recommendations for a holistic balance in today’s techno-driven world.

Kate wrote us to ask: What can you recommend for someone who has daily headaches specifically behind her left eye. She’s a secretary and uses the computer all day.

To determine the most effective strategy for preventing and alleviating daily headaches, some detective work in determining a possible cause is first in order.

Some candidates:

Check your eyesight – are your eyes straining to read the computer screen?If there is pain behind one eye, in particular, take specific note of whether that eye seems to be working harder than the other. If you find you are having trouble reading the screen, possible solutions include: moving the monitor to a more comfortable height and distance (either closer or farther, depending on the issue), setting the monitor resolution and/or font size to something larger (see your local IT support for help on this), or visit your optometrist for an evaluation and potential eyeglass prescription update. Additionally, while you are working on the computer, try to give your eyes a break every hour by focusing on something far away (out a scenic window is great) for a few minutes.How much water are you drinking? Dehydration can sometimes cause headaches.If you find yourself with a dry mouth, urine that is more yellow than clear, or you are drinking less than 4-8 cups of clear liquids a day, you may be dehydrated.What is your daily food schedule? Hunger and/or low blood sugar could also contribute. Be sure you are not skipping meals, ideally including healthy proteins and fats as well as moderate carbs in each one. Avoid foods with excessive processed sugar.

To help you in your detective work, you may like to keep a diary of when symptoms occur, how severs they are, and what you were doing at the time.

From an herbal perspective, once you’ve ruled out the possibilities above, there are a couple of classes of herbs that may help, depending on the cause of the headache.

Essential oils: depending on the nature of the headache, sometimes aromatherapy can help. Peppermint and lavender oil are both good candidates for relieving headache pain. Dilute a drop or two of either oil in a small amount of a carrier oil (almond, jojoba, apricot) in the palm of your hand, then rub gently on your temples and inhale. CAUTION: do NOT rub the concentrated oil directly on your skin for risk of chemical burn.

I hope these tips help you explore the root cause of the headache and get you back on track. If they persist or worsen, however, see your physician to rule out a more serious condition.

Reference:

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practices of Phytotherapy: An Herbal Medicine Approach. Philadelphia: Elsevier.

BIO:

Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH(AHG) graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Herbalism. She earned Registered Herbalist status from the American Herbalists’ Guild in 2018. Originally educated as a mechanical engineer, she combines the rigor of her original scientific training with the traditional healing art of herbal medicine to partner with her clients to uncover the root cause of their underlying health issues. Also a Master Gardener since 2008, her primary interest is in inspiring others to improve their health and sense of wellbeing through the joys of gardening and the power of natural medicine.

Donna currently practices as the professional herbalist at the MUIH Natural Care Center (410-888-9048×6614) in Laurel, Maryland. Read more about her, what she does, and why she does it at www.greenhavenliving.com, or contact her directly at greenhavenliving@gmail.com or 240-353-8754.

One of the most common questions I receive in my practice is clients asking what is the difference between various herbal preparations? This is such an important conversation because an informed individual can decide which herbal delivery system is the most effective for pulling out the medicinal properties and meeting their needs in terms of budget, compliance and palate.

For example, if an herbalist recommends you drink a quart of an affordable tea daily yet the taste of it makes you gag, then that tea that just sits on your countertop isn’t going to help you meet you health goals! A tincture might be a better option for you. I am going to describe 12 common ways to take herbs so you can more effectively achieve your health goals this year! This post is about the various ways to take herbs internally, stay tuned for part II on external herbal delivery systems…

1. There are many preparations that fall into the ‘tea’ category. Teas are wonderful as they are simple, affordable and the large volume ingested (as compared to a tincture or capsule) covers a lot of tissue from your mouth throughout your entire gastrointestinal tract so they’re especially good for gut concerns as well as being comforting, warm and familiar.

a)Tisane – your standard beverage tea, it is not as medicinal as an infusion or decoction. The usual dosage is one tea bag or one heaping tsp. per cup of water, steeped for 10 to 15 minutes, covered to preserve the aromatic components of the herbs. This method works well for for leaves, flowers, and stems.

b)Infusion – much stronger than a tisane and used for medicinal purposes. Steep 1 ounce of dried herb per pint of boiling water for 4 to 8 hours. This is necessary to extract the optimum vitamins and minerals from the plant material. If the herb is fresh, triple the amount of herb used to account for the fact that it contains water. This method is for leaves, flowers and stems.

c) Decoction – necessary for extracting the medicinal properties from the hardened parts of plants such as bark, roots, seeds and dried berries. It requires simmering the plant parts on the stove anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, covered to reduce evaporation. The proportions are one ounce of dried material to one pint of water.

d)Maceration/Cold extraction – plant material is soaked in cold water for 4 to 12 hours and drunk as needed. Certain barks, like willow bark, require this amount of time to extract their active principles. Marshmallow bark is often cold extracted in order to pull out the mucilage and soothe sore throats.

2 – dried or fresh plant material chopped and macerated (soaked) in alcohol, glycerine or vinegar in cool, dark space with no heat applied. Shake regularly for best results and then strain and bottle after 2+ weeks. Usually made with a clear alcohol such as vodka or grain alcohol. Alcohol is a better solvent than glycerine so is more commonly used, but glycerine (or vinegar) are great options for those avoiding alcohol. Each solvent extracts different constituents from the plants so you need to do some research to decide which is the best one for the herb you’re using. Tinctures will last indefinitely and should generally be taken diluted with herb tea or water. Tinctures are wonderful for travel as well as formulating – this is the most common delivery system I use when formulating for individuals as I can easily combine several herbs to make a custom, client specific formula.

3.Cordials are herbal tinctures made with brandy or liqueurs & sometimes sweeteners. YUM!

4.Elixirs are sweet & tasty preparations made with tonic and aromatic herbs. Also, YUM! These make wonderful gifts.

5.Syrups & Infused honeys are sweet concoctions used as a base for elixirs and to sweeten tinctures. They are especially useful when giving medicines to children.

a) A basic syrup recipe to which you can add medicinal ingredients such as tinctures is: 85 grams of organic white sugar dissolved in 47 ml water OR (if you aren’t comfortable with the metric system) boil 2 cups of sugar in a pint of water until it reaches the right consistency. The ratio is very important for preservation – not enough sugar will allow bacteria to grow and too much sugar will precipitate out and allow bacteria to grow in the water portion). Shelf life is a few months, or longer in refrigerator.

b)Infused honeys – gently heat (not too hot to preserve the healthy enzymes in the honey) herbs (or fruit!) in honey for a few hours and strain through cheesecloth. Store in fridge for best shelf life. Also, YUM!

6. Flower essences – herbal infusions made from the flowering part of the plant. They are gentle, yet powerful, remedies that work on an energetic level to address the emotional and mental aspects of our well-being. The energetic imprint of the plants’ life force is infused into water and that remedy interacts with the subtle bodies of the individual taking the remedy. Flower essences work via water the way inspirational music or art carry meaning via sound or sight.

The first 38 flower essence remedies were created by British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930’s. Many additional remedies have since been developed.

Flower essences are very safe and thus are excellent choices for children, animals and sensitive people. I’ve seen them work magic in many ways!

7.Oxymels are sweet preparations containing vinegar & honey. Vinegar is a solvent (see #2 above) and preservative and honey a preservative and flavorant. Tinctures + honey are more common but vinegar is a great alcohol-free option.

8. Spirits aka Essences are a dilution of essential oils (EO’s) in strong alcohol, 10% Eo is a good ratio. EO’s disperse better in water when diluted in alcohol, also safer than consuming straight EO. These are used primarily for flavoring & topically.

9. Juice- Fresh juice can be extracted from most plants with the aid of a juicer or blender. Juices should always be taken immediately, as they lose their vitamins as they age.

10.Powder – ground up plant parts with a mortar and pestle, vitamix or other implement until you have a powder. Powders can be taken with water, milk or soup, made into teas, sprinkled on food, or put into capsules, which must be consumed with a liquid, in order to put the powder into solution so that the body can easily absorb it. Powders are very inexpensive though can be difficult to digest for those with gut issues.

11. Capsules/Tablets – Swallow with 8 ounces of water. Also very convenient and great for travel, though more expensive than taking the plain powder.

12. Eating in salads – a very effective way to take herbs is to mix them into a green salad and enjoy! The absolute maximum vitamin and nutritional content is ingested in this manner. Parsley, dandelion greens, calendula petals, basil, rosemary and more!

I hope this post inspires you to be more creative and compliant with our herbal allies! Stay tuned for my next post on topicals.

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2019 full of joy and ease.

Salut, Amy

It’s finally here – December 25, Christmas Day. You’ve unwrapped all the gifts, called your loved ones who are far and wide across the country, visited your Great Aunt Agnes and Uncle Henry, and prepared, served, and enjoyed a feast with your family. Evening has come, and all is quiet. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the season while sipping a warm cup of tea.

In herbal medicine, the act of preparing the tea can be just as therapeutic as the herbs within. The ritual of teamaking necessarily causes you to slow down, which can be a welcome respite in modern culture. This Christmas night, I invite you to partake in one of life’s simple pleasures. Follow this handy step-by-step guide to get the most out of the experience.

Teamaking, Step by step:

Start with fresh, cool, preferably filtered water. Tap water is fine, but make sure it is cold. Fill a teakettle (a pot will do in a pinch) with the water, and heat on the stove until boiling. NOTE: water heated in the microwave does not fully aerate the water into a full boil. As a result, the tea has a ‘flat’ taste and thus the microwave is not recommended.While the water is boiling, find your favorite teapot or teacup – the fancier the better on this hallowed evening.Find a tea strainer for the herbs. If you don’t have a tea strainer, you can place the herbs into a coffee filter and tie it up so they don’t escape during steeping. Or, you can put the herbs directly in the boiled water and pour off most of the liquid after steeping is done.Measure out your herbs – a list of festive offerings is provided at the end of this guide – and place in the tea strainer, etc.Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and pour over your herbs into your pot/cup. While you do this, note the steam rising from the pot. Inhale the aroma of the herbs as they open up and receive the heat that will release their goodness. Let the herbs steep for about 15 minutes, and then strain out.If you used a teapot pour the tea into the cup. Once again, inhale the aroma. Look at the liquid (in tea parlance it’s actually known as the ‘liquor’) and note the color. Lift the cup to your lips and slowly take a sip, noticing the warmth you are taking in. Take a moment to savor the taste, noting the subtle flavor notes of the herbs that you selected.Now you have your cup of tea. Pick up a good book, talk with a friend, or quietly sit by the fireplace and the illuminated Christmas tree while you slowly enjoy what you have lovingly made. Have another cup if the mood calls you to do so.

Herbs for Christmas Day

Whichever herbs you choose – even a store-bought holiday herbal blend is nice – be sure to take the time to enjoy the journey as much as the result!

Merry Christmas to all!

And if there’s anything herbal or health-related on your mind this holiday, let us give you a gift –go to Ask The Herbalists!, where we answer your herbal questions for free.

Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH(AHG) graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Herbalism. She earned Registered Herbalist status from the American Herbalists’ Guild in 2018. Originally educated as a mechanical engineer, she combines the rigor of her original scientific training with the traditional healing art of herbal medicine to partner with her clients to uncover the root cause of their underlying health issues. Also a Master Gardener since 2008, her primary interest is in inspiring others to improve their health and sense of wellbeing through the joys of gardening and the power of natural medicine.

Donna currently practices as the professional herbalist at the MUIH Natural Care Center (410-888-9048×6614) in Laurel, Maryland. Read more about her, what she does, and why she does it at www.greenhavenliving.com, or contact her directly at greenhavenliving@gmail.com or 240-353-8754.

My husband and I enjoy traveling and for years I have been asking him to join me on a trip to Ireland. We finally made it there last July (2017). I was amazed at the diversity and abundance of wild herbs in this amazing country (and I took many pictures and was able to recogonize many herbs thanks to my teacher, Richard Mandelbaum, RH(AHG), some of which I’ve attached.). But, truth be told, there is an abundance of herbs all over the planet, one just has to look. What was so fascinating to me was the amount (and number) of herbs available for wild-crafting. I observed so many of the classic European herbs–not so much in formal gardens but just on the side of the road, clinging to rocks and clinging to ruins. As I go through my photos these are the herbs I found (not all pictured):

Wild thyme, Saint John’s Wort, meadowsweet, valerian, horsetail, dandelion, coltsfoot, speedwell, foxglove, plantain, yarrow, red clover, horsetail, yarrow, butterbur, burdock, curly dock, nettles (dead, white, stinging), sedge grass, enchanter’s nightshade, Irish moss, fennel, mullein, sweet woodruff, cleavers, chicory, mints, fumitory, spurge, rosemary and violets.

That was just the herbaceous plants. Perhaps the most spectacular find, for me, was the alder tree, Alnus incana, on Innishmore, see figure 7. The tree and fruit were so unusual and new to me. It turns out this was a female tree. The male tree has catkins. The other trees I saw read like Celtic Tree Calendar of Robert Graves, and include:

Alder, Linden, Birch, Rowan, Holly, Hawthorn, Juniper, Oak, Elder, Hazelnut, Mulberry, Apple, Cherry and Willow.

Here is a brief description of our route around Southern Ireland. (I have provided a map at the end of this blog as well). Our trip began and ended in Dublin. After two nights in Dublin, we rented a car and drove west making a brief stops in Athlone and Burren. Continuing westward we stayed two nights in Doolin where we hopped a ferry for a day trip to Inishmore Island. The next day, we started early to tour the Cliffs of Moher (beat the crowds of tour busses) before heading south to catch the Killimer/Shannon Ferry. We skipped the cities of Shannon and Limerick, and started around the Ring of Kerry, with a detour around the Dingle Peninsula (Slea Head) arriving late in Killarney for two night stay. We were thrilled to learn that Killarney House & Gardens had recently been opened. The next day was the National Park with Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Ross Castle. Then it was on to Cobh where we toured the Cobh Heritage Center, learning about the socio-economic drivers of the 18th century emigration. We stayed in Youghal then continued on to visit Kilkenny. Then on to a small retreat in Glendalough, Wicklow before heading back to Dublin and home.

Each of these stops had unique microclimates that included moist deciduous forest, harsh coastal plains, early growth forest, pasture and disturbed roadsides and reclaimed farmland. The plant diversity in each of these microclimates was fascinating to me.

Some Ireland reference web sites:

Judith Fox Smith, MS, is the founder of Foxsmyth Herbal, in Stoneham, MA. Judy is a biological research scientist and clinical herbalist. She is the founder and past president of the Eastern PA chapter of American Herbalist Guild, the Herb Gatherers of Lansdale, PA and past Vice President of San Antonio Herb Society. She combines her knowledge of biology and botany with her passion to provide practical herbal and lifestyle recommendations for a holistic balance in today’s techno-driven world.