The Power of Medicinal Herbs

My Nutritional Supplements are finally in my store!

2011-05-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Allergies and Bee Pollen

2011-05-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

I just read an article regarding allergies. They explain how there are millions of allergens and how very difficult allergies are to treat. They were mostly talking about food allergies but when it comes to environmental allergies, I disagree. I am constantly asked by people about allergies and what, if anything, they can do about them. If your allergies are enviornmental than I have an easy remedy. I recommend that you go to your local honey farmer and purchase some bee pollen. If you do not live in an area where people make their own honey then I carry bee pollen in my store and have attached a link to both my store and to my been pollen. Although it may not be totally indigenous to your area, it will carry many of the common allergins and you will still benefit.

At the bank I use, I had a banker that had terrible allergies. I started him on bee pollen. He had excellent results. He now has no allergic reactions during his allergy season. Soon, more and more of the bankers were requesting bee pollen because he shared with everyone his excellent results. They all had excellent results as well. . So, how do you use it? It's easy!

You start out by taking 1 (one) granule of bee pollen. It works like a homeopathic where like treats like and your body slowly builds an immunity. If you tolerate one with no reaction then the next day you take 2 granules of bee pollen. You continue on this way by increasing by 1 granule daily until you have a slight reaction. When you experience a slight reaction you go back to the last dose that you were taking with no reaction and take that amount daily for a few days. Then, increase again by one and see if you still have the reaction. If not, you will increase daily by one as long as you are not having a reaction. Whenever you have a reaction you go back to the amount you were taking with no reaction and take that for a few days. Your body is slowly building an immunity to the allergins that are in your area. Over time, and everyone is different so I cannot specify an amount of time that this will take, you will overcome your allergies and it's such a simple fix and inexpensive. Give it a try! You will be plesantly surprised. Karen, Clinical Herbalist

Buchu, not well known but a POWERFUL herb!

2011-05-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Buchu Leaf Powder Wildcrafted or Buchu Leaf Powder Organic is an amazing herb. It's botanical name is Barosma betulina and is found in South Africa.

It's important to note that this herb should not be used during pregnancy and it is also contraindicated in kidney inflammation.

Buchu is the primary ingredient in my Bladder Infection formula that I make in my Apothecary. It works very quickly to relieve the discomfort and symptoms of a bladder infection. Literally, after you take your first dose, which is always a double dose of 2 tsps., the very next time that you urinate you have relief. If you have every suffered from a bladder infection then you know how wonderful that can be!

But, it's important to note that the infection is NOT gone yet. You will need to take the whole 4 oz. bottle. The herb is combined with Cornsilk and Bearberry (Uva Ursi) with Buchu being the the smallest amount in the formula, but, the most powerful. It is also recommended to drink an infusion (tea) of yarrow throughout the day.

The parts of the plant that are used are the dried leaf and the small flowers. It is typically prepared as a tea or liquid extract (tincture).

Other herbs that Buchu is commonly blended with are Couchgrass, Cranberry, Cleavers, Dandelion Leaf, Goldenrod, & Parsley. These links are all organic but these herbs also come in regular and can be found in my store, DesertBotanicals.com

Thanks for dropping by! Karen, Clinical Herbalist

P.S. I do not carry any of my extract formulas in my store. I have over 200 formulas for a myraid of things and if you are interested in what I have I can be contacted at herbalist@cox.net

Difference between Organic Medicinal Herbs, Wildcrafted Medicinal Herbs & Regular Medicinal Herbs

2011-05-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

By Karen, Medicinal Herbs & Herbal Medicine:

What is the difference between Organic, Wildcrafted and Regular? I get this question all the time!

Certified Organic products are grown and harvested without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals, and offer a more sustainable option for feeding ourselves and our communities. Organic farming practices have many environmental, health, and social benefits. Sustainable organic farming can produce crops without depleting our earth's resources or polluting the environment. Organic farms can even support higher levels of wildlife; and entire ecosystems and ground water are improved by following organic farming methods. By using organic products which are cultivated in a more sustainable way we can also help maintain biodiversity.

Wildcrafted products are a good alternative when you cannot get Organic and they will normally cost less. They are every bit as good as Organic because they grow in the wild and so are naturally unadulterated.

Regular products are grown on a regular farm without the standards of Organic. The products in my store, DesertBotanicals.com, are extensively tested for contaminants of any kind and when I cannot get Organic or Wildcrafted, I have no problem using the regular. It is a good idea to ask your seller to see their Quality Control document for how the herbs are tested and what they are tested for. They should be happy to provide that for you. Karen, Herbal Medicine

How do I use my Essiac Tea?

2011-04-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

I received this question today thru my store, desertbotanicals.com, and will be answering all my questions thru my blog.

Essiac Tea (Regular Item # 401039-71 or Organic Item #401103-71 or 401602-71)

Instructions for Preparation:

1) Boil 1 gallon fresh spring water or distilled water (I call this hungry water because it has no minerals in it and so it pulls everything out of the herb better) in a stainless steel pot.
2) Let water sit until it stops boiling.
3) Then, stir in 4 ounces of tea, cover pot.
4) Simmer for 10 minutes but do not boil on high heat.
5) Remove from heat and stir. Cover and let sit for 12 hours at room temperature.
6) Strain through a fine mesh colander. Funnel liquid into a clean amber glass bottle and cap. Tighten cap after cooling. Refrigerate. Mixure will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks if refrigerated.

Directions:

1) Shake herbal tea to mix well. Add 2 fluid ounce tea to equal amount (2 fluid ounce) boiled fresh spring water or distilled water but do not add the herb until the water has stopped boiling.
2) Drink 2 to 4 fluid ounces daily on an empty stomach, preferably before bedtime.

IMPORTANT:
Pregnant women consult your physician. Should use only stainless steel utensils when preparing this tea.

A pound of herb will last you a VERY long time. The mylar bags are resealable and should be stored in a cool dark place.

Thanks for stopping by!! Karen, Clinical Herbalist

2011-04-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my new blog. In this blog I will be talking about medicinal herbs and botanicals, herbal formulas, the use of herbs and what they will and will not do.

I became interested in herbs over 30 years ago and formally studied under three different herbalists. I have what I feel is a very well rounded perspective on medicinal herbs. My title is Clinical or Medical Herbalist.

I welcome questions if you have them! I will also share questions and answers that come to me thru my store which is DesertBotanicals.com If you have a second, check it out! I am continually adding new things so keep checking back to see what I've added! And, if you have a question, do not hesistate to ask. I will try to make this blog interesting and informative.

I have an extract Apothecary where I custom blend formulas. These are mostly the formulas that I learned while studying under a British Herbalist. My store carries over 3,000 all natural products including teas, capsules, liquid extracts, essential oils, armoatherapy, body care, vegetable oils, books and accessories and much more. I will freely share my knowledge with you and welcome any comments or questions that you may have.

My store is a work in progress and so if you do not see what you are looking for "contact us" and ask. I am happy to immediately load it in my store if I carry it. Thanks!