Herbs for Healing by Deb Swanson

Herbalism, Astrology and a Recipe

Tue, 14 May 2024 21:16:19 GMT

The Language of plants

Strolling the streets of Durango, one can find many beautiful tall trees laden with an abundance of white blossoms. These are usually the first to bloom in the early spring. A funny thing happened the other day, I was taking a stroll with a friend and as we approached the tree I asked her to take a big sniff of its aroma. She promptly wrinkled up her nose and declared that it stunk! I laughed knowing the lore around this particular tree. Standing before us were two giant Hawthorns Crategus spp. in full bloom, emitting a stench somewhere between a billy goat and old urine. As it may, Hawthorn is the celebrated tree of Beltane, a pagan rite of spring fertility. Lore has it, that this was a festival where springs fecundity was alight in all. Thereby, many a coupling would take place to ensure the fertility of crops and a bountiful harvest. In the Celtic mythology, it was the most sacred tree and was never to be cut down, for it is the home of the fairies and they are its guardians. It symbolizes love and protection.

As an herbalist, I often ponder the language of plants and the particular way individual plants communicate their medicinal usage. The astro/herbalism correspondence is that of Mars, as indicated by its sharp spiny branches and deep red berries and its heart protective nature.

Though Hawthorn is not a fertility herb, it does however, address matters of the heart. Medicinally, the young flowering tips and the berries of the hawthorn are used as a reliable heart tonic for labial hypertension. It is tonic to the heart and strengthens the heart muscle itself, as well as regulates blood pressure. The berries are delicious in tea made into syrups and jam. The flowering tips and leaves can be dried and made into tea or tinctured. So, on your next stroll around town, keep an eye out for these beautifully stinky blossoms!

As always this article is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. When using this plant please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Let your food be your medicine

From my pantry

I’m sure you’ve noticed the price of everything has risen! I am especially sensitive to the cost of food. There are so many products that can simply be made at home without packaging and waste. I am always attracted to practicality, ease and the satisfaction of starting from scratch in my kitchen.
Let me break this down for you.

Did you know that a 2 pound bag of dried garbanzo beans is about $ 6.00. Of that bag, you can make 18 cups of cooked beans. There are 1.5 cups in a can of garbanzos.” Do the math” and that's 12 cans of garbanzo beans ! Well, you get the idea…!

Easy peasy, lemon squeasey the best Hummus!

Here is a recipe for the best Hummus you have ever had, and you can go simple or fancy.

If you have an instapot it will be one of the best kitchen investments you can make, just push beans and chili. 40 minutes later DELICIOUS, juicy beans, cooked to absolute perfection!

Here’s what you will need:

1 cup dried garbanzos

1 tsp Himalayan salt to add to dried beans

2 tsp Himalayan salt to add to prepared hummus ( I like salt in mine, you can always add more or less)

1-1.5 large lemon

2 tsp cumin powder

1 clove garlic ( fancy it up by roasting several cloves)

1/3 cup of Tahini

1/4 cup oil oil

1/3 cup water or more to get to your desired smoothness

Soak beans several hours or overnight, add 1 tsp of Himalayan salt
Add to instapot or pressure cooker and cook for 40 minutes
Strain beans add to Cuisinart or blender
Add tahini, lemon juice and olive oil
While it is spinning, add crushed garlic and water
Add cumin powder and spin

VOILA, HUMMUS AND A LOT OF IT. ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN HUMMUS ALL WEEK!!

A Blank Slate to Fertile Ground

Tue, 14 May 2024 21:09:18 GMT

And the power of the eclipse

The dross of the winter left my garden with the remnants of last season. A patchwork of leaves ,stems, stumps and seed. Slowly the soil will warm and little seeds will sprout. First the dill seeds that opportunistically spread themselves willy nilly across my gardening and the fennel that no mater how many years off trying to tame still manage to sink their long tap roots into wherever opportunity arises.

This period, the betwixt between wintery days and springs warming, gives way to a blank slate. The would be artist in me sees this unkept mess as a gate way to delicious veggies, herbs, flowers, an abundance of worms and swarms of bees

I cant’ tell you how many times i have leapt with enthusiasm to get a leg up on my garden, planted seeds and waited and waited for the seeds to sprout, sometimes even replanting seed because i didn’t trust in the process...the soil need to warm the sun needs to shine and the seeds need water. Even when the seed packets give the guide lines for gemination it still takes faith.

So often in my life, i have stood on the thresh hold of inspiration, change and potential while blinded by what may have looked like stepping into the unknown a dark mess. Though the pull for change has been strong and the wisdom in me has said time to leap, i have dug in my heals and resisted even knowing its time.

What does any of this have to do with astrology? We have entered into eclipse season ,the eclipse season that was initialed 6months ago in mid October is coming around again for another iteration, asking us to let go and make change. This is a time to release. For many, relationships that are not in alignment with our highest good are let go of or transformed. Some people may find they are leaving jobs, neighborhoods, making a big move, saying good by to a way of life that has not fed them. The wheels of change were put into motion in October and now we have 2 more eclipse coming back to back constellating change.

Just like the seeds that cannot be rushed so to the change that occurs during an eclipse often is not easily mapped out. Literally, we can not see, the sun is eclipsed by the moon or the moon is eclipsed by the sun. Though we can not see the magnitude and the momentum, an eclipse will take us somewhere we did not expect, but the outcome in retrospect will be seen as a necessity.

How the eclipse specifically pertains to you is specific to your birth chart and the houses that are activated. These eclipse are on a Libra Aries with Libra being a planet of balance harmony, relating and beauty, ruled by Venus and Aries ruled by Mars, self directed, assertive and severing, passionate these are the themes at this time. My needs vs the need of the other. Personal initiation and group dynamics, power and force over receptivity and softness. Not good nor not bad, just energetic dynamics that play out in our individual lives.

So hang tight listen to the wings of change and know that there is a plan that will be understood as you reflect back... the big give away is this is a time to plant seeds, trust and allow them to grow.

The first is an Annular Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, Sun in Libra Lunar eclipse march 25 moon in libra
Tthe second total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Sun in Aries

Astrology

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:50:32 GMT

A new offering

Hello friends and neighbors!

My goodness how time fly's. As many of you know,I sold Dancing Willow Herbs three years ago (good grief) and have taken a very long personal and professional sabbatical to reflect, embrace life, further my education, and delve into areas that I had little time to devote any real focus or energy into while running Dancing Willow. Since selling the herb shop, I have come to realize just how much I have missed my interactions with, and my contribution to the community. The warmth and nurturance that occurred by being available to each of you as your village herbalist, and the circle of well-being that is fed back when one is in service, fills my heart and feeds my soul.

Many of you already know that Astrology has been a passion of mine for as long as I have been passionate about herbs, which is a very long time going back to my childhood. Yes, even as a child, I was fascinated by the unseen world. A world fueled by spirituality, mystery, magic, and the practicality and rightness of the earth. What a better combination than to draw on an ancient tradition that gives us insight into our physical reality as well as the undercurrents of our emotional, familial, and spiritual life. In short, the foundation of astrology is a cosmic blueprint, a map, so to speak, that is imprinted at the moment we are born and then cast for that time, location, and date. The astronomical pattern at that time tells a story of stellar influences and how they very specifically and uniquely pertain to each individual. In many ways, it can be compared to a fingerprint—very unique to you.

Your individual chart is looked at for insight and understanding around areas such as your psychological makeup, your physical well-being, family dynamics, who are the key players in your life and what you can gain from understanding the role that each individual plays and has played in your life. Issues of interpersonal relationships, love, marriage, friendship, finances, prosperity, (or lack thereof) vocation, and creative potential are often exposed and then able to be explored deeper and better understood. All in all, some of life's biggest questions can be brought closer to the surface by looking at the natal chart. This can be a very powerful and enlightening experience, one which can help us gain a better understanding of who we are and that big question, why?

Yes, It is now time for me to be of service to my community once again and with that, I am excited to be offering astrology readings full time in addition to and along with my herbal practice that so many of you came to rely on and are familiar with.

It is my hope and desire to help awaken your desire for wholeness and assist you in your pursuit of health and self-knowledge. I invite and encourage you to email me with questions and curiosity's regarding the scope of my practice and explore the integration I have to offer of whole self, whole health, and personal growth.

With my deepest gratitude and love, Deb Swanson

Sprains, Strains, and Herbal Remedies

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:42:17 GMT

Sprains, Strains, and Herbal Remedies

Bursitis? Tendonitis? No, not me! I have a race next weekend....We live in a town where people are super active and not much will slow them down. Folks are gnarly! They push past pain and keep on keeping on! HOWEVER!!!! When we are experiencing pain during exercise, it's a SIGN! :) It's your body saying slow down, listen and allow for healing! But here is the good news! Sprains, bruising, and tendonitis are all treated very successfully with a little TLC and herbal support. Read on!

Our tendons and ligaments are made of cartilage, which is strong and flexible. However, these tissues have little blood supply which complicates the healing process when injured. When injury does occur, there are enzymes secreted that soften tissue and allow for better blood supply. White blood cells go to the site of injury and surround the afflicted area causing pain and inflammation. This is a natural immune response and a good one, too! The body is saying, in the only way it can, "lay off!"

Over the years I have found one particular protocol to be specifically most effective for chronic sprains, tendonitis, (such as skier's knees), tennis elbow, musicians strained hands, and bursitis. This is Ultra Echinacea.

The trick to this treatment is using a high quality echinacea which is rich in the long chain starches called mucopolysaccharides. These starches greatly improve the flow of lymph and dead white blood cells from an area of injury and help with the circulation of inflammatory enzymes allowing healing to progress.

Tendonitis can be persistent and these tissues can be easily re-injured during the healing process, so limiting the use of affected area is paramount.

In addition to using Ultra Echinacea internally, I have seen a dramatic reduction in inflammation from using an interesting folk remedy. I first came upon this remedy when reading the book Of Plants and Man by Maurice Messegue. He was a french herbalist to the King of France in the 40s and 50. He talks about healing the king's shoulder bursitis by wrapping it with bruised cabbage. I was so fascinated by this that I had to try it my self! To my surprise, it really worked!

Here's how! Take a few large leaves of cabbage and bruise them. Then thoroughly wrap the pained area with the cabbage. Seal it with plastic wrap and leave it on over night. In the morning, bruising, sprains, inflammation may be greatly diminished. You may repeat this as often as necessary. On a side note, cabbage is a wonderful healer for pulling out inflammation and moving lymph and is also used in treating mastitis in nursing mothers.

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for sprains or strains or persistent old injuries with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Herbal Healing for Children

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:20 GMT

Herbs and effective folk remedies for wee folks

Herbal Healing for Wee Folks

No one likes for their child to be sick or in pain! We naturally want to spring into action and fix the problem, but perhaps we aren’t always 100% sure what the proper course of action is. I hope to share with you some simple and time tested solutions for the most common of childhood ailments, but first relax and know deep down that the resiliency of children is remarkable. Most childhood illnesses are a very natural part of growing and living and are no cause for alarm or panic. They are natural reactions to the act of living and usually can be treated at home with a good dose of common sense, and nurturing.

As a society, we have lost touch with our ability to heal. We need not look further than the pantry, refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, or what is growing outside the back door for medicine to treat common colds, flus, fevers and common ailments. It is my wish to demystify this. It is not magic, or “silly“ folk medicine but practical wisdom with sturdy roots that have held strong over time. This is the brilliance, wonder and perfection of how how life used to be. Our mothers, grannies and great grannies looked no further than themselves, home and neighbors to treat so many of the common ailments of childhood. Unfortunately, we have turned away from that model to one based on pharmaceutical solutions for every bump or pain. Let’s explore why and how we can return to a more natural healing path with confidence!

In our modern world, where time moves at an exponentially fast pace, we have forgotten such simple things. We have demonized what is natural and have put blind faith into over-the-counter medications or medications that are made in a lab. The new holy robes are in the form of a white jacket. Everything is so medicalized and sophisticated these days and many parents are left feeling helpless and disempowered because they have little faith in their innate ability to nurture and heal. We have been conditioned to think that taking our child to the doctor is the best and prudent choice for any condition that is out of the ordinary, when in truth, a nurturing response coupled with time to heal and some simple natural remedies would be far more beneficial than a trip to the doctor and the resulting prescription that might follow. When I was growing up and got sick my grandmother would come over. We would pull out a deck of cards and she would brew up a big pot of hot lemonade with ginger and honey. She would wrap my blankets around me tightly, and I was so comforted by that simple act. In fact, I almost looked forward to being sick and to those moments when she came over and and we could spend that special time together.

Our connection to nature has been short circuited and we have lost touch with many ancient, time honored means of healing that have worked for thousands of years. For a host of reasons, we have put our faith in big pharmacy and diagnostics based on hierarchal authority. So many common childhood illnesses do not constitute going to the doctor and were once easily treated at home. The wisdom of generations has been thrown out the window in search of a quick fix that may come at a cost to both parent and child. The quick medical fix does not take into account a child’s emerging immune system, nor the fact that a quick fix is rarely the best answer. Most childhood ailments are easily treated, we simply need to slow down and embrace the nurturing aspect of parenting that should include healing the bumps and basic illnesses of childhood.

We are now seeing side effects of over prescribed and mis-prescribed drugs and the loss of the big picture when it comes to childhood ailments. Let’s take eczema for example. A typical visit to the doctors office for the treatment of eczema, which is a common ailment, will most likely end with a prescription for cortisone. This powerful drug is effective, but no consideration is given to the root cause, not to mention, the long term effect of such a strong drug.

The skin is a membrane that is permeable. All medications are absorbed and go into general circulation. Cortisone suppresses the immune system and we are seeing a relationship between suppressed immunity and asthma. A child that has been given cortisone is likely, later in life to develop problems related to suppressed immunity. Looking at the child as a whole and not jumping to a fast draw and easy solutions is critical. In treating anyone, it is important to know that time is valuable, that slow is not bad, that nature has it’s way and rhythm and when we use herbs to heal naturally we are getting in sync with a more natural pattern. By using natural ways to heal that support our system, rather than undermining it for the short term goal with quick fixes and powerful drugs, we are healing naturally and aligning our health with a natural pattern that we have stepped away from in this fast paced world.

Many parents don’t have the time that is needed to wait out a cold or the flu. We feel such urgency to get back to work and back to earning that our natural inclination to nurture and support in times of need is undermined. For some people, fear comes into play. No one wants to see their child in pain or discomfort. But of course, discomfort and pain are vital parts of growing on so many levels, and to short circuit this is to undermine your child and to create a person that has no ability to persevere through adversity. No one likes fever or discomfort, but perhaps if we reassess our fears we can see them as an opportunity to dig deeper into nurturing. Let’s look at fever in particular, as it is scary for many.

Fevers are a natural function of the immune process.Fever is what the body does to stimulate the immune system. It's how we grow strong children. The natural responses might take time, but are a bridge to a pattern of health that is life long.

Another example that I see often is the very common childhood ear infection. Many parents come to the herb shop with complaints of ear infections, and wanting the quick fix, they have gone to the doctor for antibiotics. That worked briefly, but then they are at the herb shop a week or month later, with the same complaints, this time hoping to heal the underlying problem that was the root cause in the first place. After a protocol of time tested remedies, the problem is usually fixed. When we find the time to bond and establish patterns of health, natural healing can be our go-to for all the common illnesses of childhood.

Below you will find some traditional herbal remedies that are time tested for some of childhoods most common maladies.

FEVERS
For fevers I recommend: Relaxing diaphoretics:

Elder Flowers (Sambucus nigra): Used as a relaxing diaphoretic. It opens the pores when a fever rises and allows the body to sweat. This allows the tension in the muscles and nervous system to relax and allows for blood to flow from the core to the surface.This has a soothing and relaxing effect. Great for restless agitated fevers that are hot, dry, painful and possibly with irritability.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria ) gentle relaxant helps to releave the pain of fever, allowing for rest and repair. improves circulation so that vital energy flows through to he body.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum: Relaxing. Allows the vital force to flow. Very specific for the feeling of bone breaking fever that alternates between cold chills and hot fever. This is a very bitter tea, but nothing quite relieves pain like this.

Stimulatiing diaphoretics:
Brings blood from the core to the periphery by using herbs that are warming. This is helpful for the child who is cold, listless and in the initial stages of fever where it is making you feel cold and clammy. They may be sweating, but they feel cold. Many of your kitchen spices can be helpful. Ginger for fever with nausea. Cinnamon is warming and good for diarrhea, mucilaginous and helps to coat the mucus membranes, Cayenne to really get the blood moving and increase peripheral circulation.

COLDS, FLU AND CONGESTION

Colds, flu and congestion will benefit from this simple hydrotherapy technique.

The Cold Sock Treatment is a simple hydrotherapy technique that is especially effective for relieving nasal congestion in bed at night (frequently better than medications and without the side effects). It also helps to stimulate the immune system in the upper respiratory tract and is relaxing for aches and chills, and helps bring on a more restful night’s sleep when sick. We find it helpful in such conditions as colds, "flu" (not the "stomach flu"), earaches, sore throats, and sinus infections. It is useful with people of any age from infants to the elderly. The Cold Sock Treatment is especially good to use with the nasal congestion of colds and influenza.

In the evening before going to bed, prepare by having a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. They must be at least 90% cotton and 90% wool, respectively. Most sporting goods stores and some department stores carry wool socks. For small children you can use safety-pins to hold a wool sock on that is too large, or rap wool cloth around each foot.

Step 1 . Soak the foot part of the cotton socks in cold tap water and wring them out thoroughly. Place the socks close to the basin or bathtub used in the next step. Note: If your feet are already warm (e.g., you have already been in bed) you can skip to Step 3.

Step 2. Put your feet into a basin or bathtub of hot water to warm up your feet. Soak them for a few minutes until they are hot and pink.

Step 3. Remove your feet from the hot water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold wet cotton socks, and then over them, put on the dry wool socks.

Step 4. Go directly to bed and keep the feet covered through the night. The therapy does not work if you or your feet are uncovered, such as when walking around or sitting in a chair uncovered.

When the Cold Sock Treatment procedure is followed correctly the feet will start warming up within a few minutes of getting covered in bed. The congestion will usually start to be relieved within 30 minutes. It will often work better than a decongestant or antihistamine to relieve congestion during sleep. In addition, it is not uncommon to see a small child or infant fall immediately to sleep after they are put to bed with the Cold Sock Treatment. After approximately four hours the socks should be totally dry, the feet warm, and the symptoms will be much improved (if not gone).

If necessary the Cold Sock Treatment can be repeated through the night or used on consecutive nights. In repeating the treatment in the same night or if an illness starts during the night, it is not necessary to warm the feet in hot water since they will already be warm. Simply apply the wrung out cold wet socks and the dry wool socks and go back to bed. Similarly, a cool cotton cloth on the throat with a neck warmer on top activates the lymphatic system.

HEALING FOR THE COMMON COUGH AND RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS:

In Colorado we are high and dry. Most folks in the SW are living between 6000-9000 and the air is thin and dry dry dry! The respiratory infections that I often see are different from the east or west coast where there is an abundance of humidity. My first premise when working with kids is to liquify and add humidify. A humidifier in the bedroom with some aromatic essential oils is soothing and healing. Disinfecting essential oils like eucalyptus, thyme, and rosemary are also wonderful.

A steam inhalation is one of the best home remedies for cold and coughs and is also an effective sinus infection home remedy. Steam inhalations can also to relieve sore throats and catarrh.

Inhalations are easy to do and can be made more effective by adding essential oils, especially oils with decongestant, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Some of the most useful oils are Eucalyptus, Pine, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint and Tea Tree.

How to Make a Steam Inhalation:

Simply heat up water up to boiling on a stove or in an electric kettle. Remove from heat and pour the water into a large bowl. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil, cover your head and the bowl with a large bath towel, place your face above the bowl but not so close that the steam will burn your face, and inhale the hot steam for several minutes. I do up to ten minutes or until the water cools down.

Make sure you don’t burn yourself, and supervise kids closely with the steaming bowl. If you have a cold, a persistent cough or a sinus infection, steam inhalations can be done several times a day. This is not recommended for people with asthma.

Many of these readily available culinary herbs are highly anti-microbial and loaded with volatile oils that will disperse into hot water for a simple steam inhalation. Just think spaghetti sauce!

For convenience, the following essential oils are great to have on hand. Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, and Marjoram

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR STEAM INHALATION

Colds: Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus or radiata) is one of the best oils for colds; it is antiviral, antibacterial and decongestant. Other useful oils are Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) –antibacterial, antiviral, decongestant and relaxing, Pine (Pinus sylvestris) – a good decongestant, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – one of the best antiviral oils but not as good for clearing up the nasal passages as Eucalyptus. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an effective decongestant but it is quite strong and not everyone can take it.
Coughs: Eucalyptus steam inhalation is one of the easiest home remedies for coughs. The oil relieves congestion and if there is an infection, it also fights the bacteria. For dry and irritating coughs, try Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) or Frankincense (Boswellia carterii).
Sinus infection: a steam inhalation several times a day can relieve the pain, the congestion and the infection. Try Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or Tea Tree.
Sore throat: steam inhalations can ease irritation and soreness in the throat, whether it is caused by an infection or if you’ve just been talking too much. Benzoin, Lavender and Thyme are all good choices.

FOR EAR ACHES

A Mullien Garlic ear oil is an essential remedy to have on hand when ear aches strike in the middle of the night. When in a bind, one can simply crush and then strain one clove of garlic into 2oz of olive oil.

To Use: Gently warm oil in a hot water bath to just warm on the wrist. Place 3 to 5 drops of infused oil in both ears and take a warm wash cloth and gently cradle each ear. The warmth is incredibly soothing and the oil will fight infection and reduce inflammation.

Here are some common facts about fever from Seattle Children’s Hospital that we can all agree on!

Many parents have false beliefs myths about fever. They think fever will hurt their child. They worry and lose sleep when their child has a fever. In fact, fevers are harmless and often helpful. Let these facts help you better understand fever.

MYTH. My child feels warm, so she has a fever.

FACT. Children can feel warm for a many reasons. Examples are playing hard, crying, getting out of a warm bed or hot weather. They are "giving off heat". Their skin temperature should return to normal in 10 to 20 minutes. About 80% of children who act sick and feel warm do have a fever. If you want to be sure, take the temperature. These are the cutoffs for fever using different types of thermometers:

Rectal, ear or forehead temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
Oral mouth temperature: 100° F (37.8° C) or higher
Under the arm Armpit temperature: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher

MYTH: All fevers are bad for children.
FACT: Fevers turn on the body's immune system. They help the body fight infection. Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° - 40° C) are good for sick children.

MYTH: Fevers above 104° F (40° C) are dangerous. They can cause brain damage.

FACT: Fevers with infections don't cause brain damage. Only temperatures above 108° F (42° C) can cause brain damage. It's very rare for the body temperature to climb this high. It only happens if the air temperature is very high. An example is a child left in a closed car during hot weather.

MYTH:Anyone can have a seizure triggered by fever.

FACT. Only 4% of children can have a seizure with fever.

MYTH. Seizures with fever are harmful.

FACT. These seizures are scary to watch, but they stop within 5 minutes. They don't cause any permanent harm. They don't increase the risk for speech delays, learning problems, or seizures without fever.

MYTH.All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine.

FACT. Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort. Most fevers don't cause discomfort until they go above 102° or 103° F (39° or 39.5° C).

MYTH. Without treatment, fevers will keep going higher.

FACT. Wrong, because the brain has a thermostat. Most fevers from infection don't go above 103° or 104° F (39.5°- 40° C). They rarely go to 105° or 106° F (40.6° or 41.1° C). While these are "high" fevers, they also are harmless ones.

MYTH.With treatment, fevers should come down to normal.
FACT. With treatment, most fevers come down 2° or 3° F (1° or 1.5° C).

MYTH.If you can't "break the fever", the cause is serious.

FACT. Fevers that don't come down to normal can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The response to fever medicines tells us nothing about the cause of the infection.

MYTH.Once the fever comes down with medicines, it should stay down.
FACT. It's normal for fevers with most viral infections to last for 2 or 3 days. When the fever medicine wears off, the fever will come back. It may need to be treated again. The fever will go away and not return once the body overpowers the virus. Most often, this is day 3 or 4.

MYTH. If the fever is high, the cause is serious.

FACT. If the fever is high, the cause may or may not be serious. If your child looks very sick, the cause is more likely to be serious.

MYTH.The exact number of the temperature is very important.

FACT. How your child looks is what's important. The exact temperature number is not.

MYTH.Oral temperatures between 98.7° and 100° F (37.1° to 37.8° C) are low-grade fevers.

FACT. These temperatures are normal. The body's normal temperature changes throughout the day. It peaks in the late afternoon and evening. A true low- grade fever is 100° F to 102° F (37.8° - 39° C). SUMMARY. Keep in mind that fever is fighting off your child's infection. Fever is one of the good guys.

We grow strong children to be open and receptive to life and its natural processes. We expose them to dirt and germs, and nature, because it is unnatural NOT to. We talk about love, we talk about sex, we talk about dying. We talk about things that scare us so they don’t take hold in our subconscious. We can offer so many nurturing and effective home and herbal remedies that heal and support the common illnesses of childhood while growing our faith in the power of family, love and nature.

Disclaimer

The following information is of an educational and general nature and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult appropriate written and professional sources to answer questions related to your individual situation. Exercising one's rights often entails some element of risk, and you should verify all information relevant to your situation before acting; the author and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for any loss incurred as a consequence of the use of any information herein.

sources: Fevers Myth and Facts Seattle Children’s Hospital via Jim McDonald

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for your child with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Herbs for Pain

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 04:48:30 GMT

Herbs for Pain

Winter is upon us! Here in Durango, we get out snow shovels and do a little snow jig as we kick our heals up and give thanks for the heavenly white crystals as they fall from the sky. OK. Let's be honest! This isn't everyone's idea of a good time and I totally understand, because with all this white goodness can come endless shoveling!! Aargh! So my Christmas gift to you is a note about treating the aches and pains that come with extreme winter play as well as that pesky shoveling.

Let’s start with healing herbs for pain to take internally.

Wood Betony: a predictable muscle soother for cramps & spasms
Pedicularis: soothes sharp muscle spasms & is similar to wood betony
Jamaican Dogwood: alleviates irritable nerve pain like sciatica and muscle spasms
Willow Bark: a herbal anti-inflammatory, it’s high in salicylic acid
Valerian: a muscle sedative and nervous system sedative
Skullcap: a nervous system reparative good for pain that is aggravated by by stress

Here's a good list of Homeopathic's for Aches & Pains.

Arnica 30c: for strains and bruising

Rhus Toxicodendron 30c : for stiffness or arthritic pain that is relived by stretching and once you get moving.

Bryonia 30c: for sharp pain like a cramped neck that you are guarding with limited movement.

Sometimes it feels good to rub in some relief and this is a great idea. There is healing power in touch. We love these topical salves, oils and liniments.

Arnica Salve: penetrates deep into tissue and removes inflammation

Fire and Ice Salve: both hot and cool, it brings blood and circulation to tight, stiff muscles

Lobelia Liniment: quick absorbing, it reduces inflammation and helps to relieve tight sore muscles

St John's Wort Oil & Liniment: good for bruised, sore muscles and helps to cool down inflamed nerves such as sciatica and neuropathy.

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for pain with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Plant Monograph: Astralagus Membranaceus

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 04:23:51 GMT

Let's meet Astralagus Membranaceus

Winter has settled in, and with it, the typical colds, flus, and achy pains that accompany. There is a long list of herbal remedies to help fight our sniffles, but what about stubborn bacterial and viral infections? Is there an herb that offers support for lingering illness that is hard to kick?

We're so glad you asked! We'd like to introduce Astragalus membranous.

Astragalus is used to strengthen the immune system and it is used specifically for long term, slow acting viral infections. These are virus that are hard to beat. What if you or a loved one is going on week 3 of a nasty viral infection and nothing seems to be touching it. There is fatigue and a reoccurrence of symptoms, and just when you think that you've kicked it, you fall flat on your back again!

Astragalus can get beneath a virus as if to push it out of our system. This is done via the immuno-modulating qualities of astragalus. Astragalus is said to work at the foundation of our immune system, or our innate immune system...what we were born with.

Astragalus has a long tradition of being the premiere immuno-modulating herb in Chinese medicine. It is a solid staple found in a wide range of formulas. It has been touted for its immune stimulating properties as well as being anti-bacterial, anti-viral and diuretic. Much research has been done for its efficacy in treating Hepatitis C, building red blood cells in the bone marrow, and promoting the health of white blood cells. In the western herbal tradition Astragalus has been classified as an adaptogenic herb that helps to bring balance and improve function to the immune, nervous and hormonal system. Epstein Barr, Shingles, Herpes and Mononucleosis are examples of these slow acting viruses that seem to spread their web into many of our organ systems.

Research shows that our immune response is not limited to the immune system via spleen, lymph & blood cells. A healthy immune system involves a symphony of hormones from the endocrine system, amino acids, the brain/gut, heart and nerves working together to orchestrate a unified immune response. Astragalus works in concert with these systems!

An important note: Astragalus does stimulate the immune system.”Astragalus can increase urination and, as a result, might affect the elimination of the drug lithium allowing it to build up in the body leading to serious side effects. Astragalus may also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.”

Here are some other safety concerns associated with this powerful plant ally:

"Astragalus is considered safe for most adults although its side effects are not known. However, the NMCD review concluded that doses greater than 28 grams might limit the activity of the immune system and advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid it since not much is known about the effects of astragalus during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Also, since taking astragalus might make the immune system more active in individuals with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the review suggested that individuals with these conditions avoid it.”

OUR PLANT MEDITATION FINDINGS AND ASTRAGALUS

In celebration of the New Year we chose Astragalus as our featured herb. Astragalus is ruled by Jupiter the Great Benefic. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, a giant gaseous mass that sends out more energy than it absorbs.

In Vedic astrology, it is known as Guru. It opens our heart, brings goodness and protection and helps us expand our consciousness to receive prosperity and an expansive outlook toward success and wisdom.

The color associated with Jupiter is yellow. Hence, Astragalus is called the yellow leader as it is a primary ingredient in many herbal formulas to strengthen and protect our organ systems.

Astragalus, as it falls under the rulership of Jupiter is an adaptogenic herb that provides great strengthening protection and vitality to many of our organs particularly in the presence of stress. 'Adaptogenic herbs also have profound stabilizing effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is also known as our “god center”. This center, to say the least, is known by many to be the origin of horrmones, the molecules of consciousness, the command center of our subtle body, acting as gateway to higher consciousness.”

Medical astrologers look at the influence of the planets on the body. Jupiter is the ruler of the sign Sagittarius which rules the hips the thighs and the base of the spine. Further, anatomical correspondences include the liver, pancreas, our arterial system and subcutaneous fat. Remember! Jupiter is about expansion! Also ruled are the adrenals and digestive organs. Harmonious aspects of Jupiter bring feelings of emotional well being, a strong sturdy body and healthy metabolic system, and support for heart adrenals and immune system.

Sources:
“Astragalus.” DrWeil.com , DrWeil.com , 20 Oct. 2017, www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/astragalus/ .
“Plant Medicine Blog.” Anima Mundi Herbals, animamundiherbals.com/blogs/news .

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for overwhelm, addiction or nervous issues with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Trends in Herbs and Supplements

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 04:13:47 GMT

The Rise and Fall of Celebrity Herbs

Having come to my love of herbs early in life, and almost 30 years as a practicing herbalist, I have seen the herbal movement go through many fads and fashions! Celebrity herbs come and go. They are ushered out onto the catwalk with a long and glamorous list of amazing curative properties and then *poof* they are gone. Not because they aren't a wonderful plant healer, but because fame is fickle. Exiting like a washed out starlet, there is always the next latest and greatest herb to step into the lime light. This is true in any industry...behold the amazing kale or quinoa, once bright and shiny, both now solidly average ingredients in your next brunch menu. Clearly good, but no longer aahhh-mazing and sure to make you a healthier, stronger, clear skinned, Gwyneth-like, effortlessly hip and dewey goddess. Celebrity Herbs are sort of the same. Let's take a look.

In my teens in the 70’s, with little to be found on herbal medicine, there was the one and only herbal bible, Back to Eden written by Jethro Klaus. In this book goldenseal and cayenne predominated. From eye wash to vaginal douche, these herbs were a sure cure for what ailed you. In the 80’s, I learned of Kava, then Kava Kava, or Piper methustican. This was to be the supreme anti anxiety herb, booting Valerian to the back seat next to Skullcap and Chamomile. I opened my first incarnation of Dancing Willow in 1991 when the herbal movement was in its infancy. I studied under the wise herbalist Micheal Moore, who recognized that the most sustaining practice in herbal medicine was utilizing the herbs that grow outside your back door.

I learned about Yerba Mansa, a marsh loving plant that thrived in the Rio Grande Valley. Yerba Mansa and Oregon grape were to be the predecessors of Goldenseal. Goldenseal was then on the list of herbs that were over harvested and now Yerba Mansa is. In a fast growing herbal industry, there would be more herbs that became over harvested and needed to be relieved by herbs that can be grown and harvested with sustainability in mind. With the growth of herbal medicine and the importance of preserving plant species, it is frustrating to see the gross inflation of specific herbs in the market place.

In the 90’s, with the rise of prozac, the herb Saint Johns Wort took center stage, giving the proverbial boot to a slew of herbal nervines that are tried and true. What's at the bottom of all this? Is it a combination of marketing and profit to be made? Yes. Is it the never ending search for the holy grail of botanical medicines... a miracle drug, so to speak? Yes, that too. There are plethora of herbal allies from coast to coast and world wide that have virtues that are unique to each species. In reverence for empirical knowledge and enduring traditional medicine, it saddens me that this ancient wisdom passed on from medical herbalists, midwives, and healers takes the back stage to big Pharma, multi level marketing, and gross consumerism.

In 2019 we find yet another grand celebrity, the cannabis celebrity CBD. I make the disclaimer that I'm not an expert on cannabis AND that there are some very profound studies on its efficacy. I do see CBD as possibly the missing jewel in decreasing inflammation, helping to sooth the nervous system and help with insomnia and there are lists of notable attributes. I ponder the far-reaching affects of cannabinoids because it's prudent to do so. Perhaps, the role of cannabinoids in the balance of many of our natural processes is a missing link that is now being more fully understood. I have no concern related to the broad usage of CBD.

What concerns me is the bastardization of good medicine by being hyped, mis-marketed and profited from in a gross display of market saturation. My daughter recently came home with a CBD soda laden with high fructose corn syrup. Seeing her with that sugar laden sweet syrupy beverage annoyed me no end! Using whole food and whole plant medicine is the back bone of health. CBD is being spoon fed to a gullible market without integrity for the plant. It's here today, but there will certainly be the 'next big thing' to replace it. Stay aware and educate yourself.

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

The Healing Power of Schisandra

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 04:09:58 GMT

A Plant Meditation & Schisandra Plant Monograph

Tuesday evening was our 5th Plant Meditation class and in honor of Valentine's day, we met Schisandra. She’s a new friend and in the past she would have not been among the first to think of in regards to matters of “intimate love” and beauty. But following the compulsion to get to know her, I was soon to discover through meditation and study, just how appropriate it is to be working with her in regards to sexuality, vitality, health and beauty.

After taking her sacrament, my mouth immediately was filled with a bouquet of flavors, primarily sour, then bitter with a touch of sweet, salty and pungent. I quietly ask her to teach me about herself. I found myself sinking into deep waters. My mouth fills with water and I have the sense I will drown. Then the message comes to me to breathe, to let go. I floated to the surface bathed in moonlight. I feel my lungs fill with the sweetness of air and I surrender to the sensation. I’m centered and aware. My focus becomes crisp as tension leaves my body and I experience a profound feeling of my mind being centered while relaxed. Our meditations come to a close and we share our reflective experiences. Themes of the sun, the moon, the wind, and release are mentioned. This is the part of our night's journey I love most. As a group, our collective experiences of a particular herb are shown to us in a symbolic language. Samantha shares the science and medicinal attributes of our chosen plant and then I get to share the energetics, as it is related to astrology as well as the subtle energy of a plant as it relates to our psyches.

Schisandra is called the five flavor berry as it is sweet, pungent, sour and salty and bitter. It’s an adaptogen, strengthening the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal function and normalizing the nervous system and immune activity.

This translates into its ability to help us deal with stress by regulating a cascade of hormones and supporting the adrenals when they are 'under fire'. It mediates our fight and flight response. Schisandra also acts as a mild, non habit forming stimulant. It has the benefit of elevating our capacity to focus without the jitters of caffeine.

It helps to protect the liver as an anti-hepatotoxin and has been successfully used in the treatment of hepatitis A and B. The liver is our primary organ of detoxification and when it is sluggish or compromised one can feel sick, sluggish and irritable. The whole of our bodily functions have far reaching effects on our well being. Stress begets stress and impaired vitality.

Schisandra with its many flavors, likewise has many and far reaching restorative properties.

According to Chinese medicine it restores the kidney jing. Jing is the primal life force in living beings. We are born with it and it determines the power of our life force. Jing is a fundamental determinant of our potential for a long life. A person with an abundance of Jing will most likely be healthy, strong and resilient, and can achieve great longevity. Symptoms of leaky Jing are excessive vaginal discharge, premature ejaculation, excessive sweating. lower back pain and excessive urination, fatigue and premature aging. Schisandra berry builds the primary energies of our life force and is highly beneficial to anyone who consumes it.

There is a link between the lungs and kidneys in Chinese medicine. The kidneys are where we store our fears and the lungs are where we store grief. There is a theory called epigenetics which postulates that we are born with the genetic material of our ancestors and within that genetic material we carry our past trauma as well as the tendencies of our ancestors. I find this so interesting! The kidneys store our jing which is the genetic material we are born with. If I follow this flow, I can see the symbolic language of asthma as it relates to both lung and kidney, and I can understand the message of my vision. Like an asthmatic who is gasping for air, I was filled with very real fear. It was not until I heard "let go and relax" that I came to the surface and inhaled the sweetness of the night air, bathed in the yin essence of the moon light.

In short, Schisandra is one of the premier adaptogenic herbs. It modulates our stress hormones and is very calming to our nervous system, while being very stimulating at the same time. Studies have shown that it enhances human intellectual activity on all levels and provides increased mental power and alertness.

Schisandra increases vitality, purifies the blood, strengthens the lungs, detoxifies and cleanses the liver, sharpens the mind, improves memory, increases sexual fluids, sexual endurance, protects and beautifies the skin, and is overall life strengthening.

Schisandra, The Ultimate Plant Adaptogen

Schisandra possesses five flavors and within the complexity of these flavors we can look to more of its attributes as they relate on an energetic level. The use of Schisandra as an energetic teaches us tolerance for diversity. And wow, isn't that timely!? Just as there are five flavors, there are all types of people from all walks of life. The energetics of this plant assist in the opening of the heart to the unification inherent in all of humanity. This is a plant of tolerance, grounding, and development of empathy.

Often called the ultimate tonic herb
Promotes beautiful skin and hair
Supports the liver and lungs
Supports mental clarity and memory
Offers mental power, without jitters
Supports healthy aging
Contains all 5 flavors, for all 5 Elements
Yin and Yang balanced
Supports sexual health in men and women, aphrodisiac

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for gout with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Herbal Solutions for Gout

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 02:29:37 GMT

Herbal Solutions for Gout and How to Prevent this Painful Condition

In Durango it is common knowledge that there is always a good reason to have a drink! Be it the hot days of summer and a refreshing celebratory beer after a day of biking, paddle boarding, or river rafting or just kicking back on the deck after some yard work. Or in the winter after a long day of work or skiing, while resting in front of the fire sipping on a glass of red wine.

Gout, unfortunately, can be spurred on by a high protein diet and excess alcohol or possibly by kidneys that have a harder than normal time processing purines. I used to think that gout was a sexist ailment, but though it is indiscriminate, it does seem to hit men much harder than women, possibly due to more lax eating habits.

The mechanism behind gout resides in kidneys that are unable to process proteins that are called purines that normally will break down into uric acid to be excreted by the kidneys.For some, these uric acid crystals do not get broken down efficiently and get lodged, most classically, in the big toe. Weird, right? Also the knees or joints.

The pain of these crystals is similar to having a red hot poker between the joints. It's nothing you can ignore! Here's the good news! Gout can be safely treated and here's more good news .... diet and herbs are the answer.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with gout, knowing the food choices that are bad or good for you is a big boost on your road to recovery. Your dietary choices are just as important as the treatment protocols and lifestyle changes that you follow. And Gout Out will offer herbal support to begin the healing.

I have a tried and true formula it will improve kidney function, break down purines and assist the kidneys to filter purines. It can be used for both chronic gout as well as for acute episodes. It contains Shepards purse, Dandelion, Burdock, and Devil's Claw.

Get fast relief for an acute episode with 3 droppers 3x daily until symptoms subside (relief can be rapid but continue for 5 days ) Chronic gout can be eliminated by taking 2 droppers 2x daily.

If You Suffer From Gout Here are The Big No-Nos

(courtesy of Dr. Mercola)

Eliminate these foods from your diet!

•High-Fructose Corn Syrup: HFCS is found in breakfast cereals, ice cream, sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks. Eliminating this from your diet is crucial because it's known to pave the way for the onset of gout.

Fructose is also connected to other devastating effects. Compared to other natural sugars, fructose is metabolized by your body differently and is transformed into fat immediately. This may greatly increase your risk for liver damage, metabolic dysfunction, weight gain, diabetes , obesity and chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's . Ensure your fructose consumption lies below 25 grams a day, and if you are at risk for diseases such as gout and diabetes, keep it to less than 15 grams a day.

•Processed Foods: The prevalence of processed foods in many Americans' diets is a sad sight. Apart from high-fructose corn syrup, different preservatives and additives are added to processed foods, making them nutritionally deficient and setting many Americans up for the risk of various diseases, with gout being one of them.

•High-Purine Foods: It's a common belief that eating foods rich in purine can cause gout attacks. Purine is a substance naturally found in your body's cells and in foods. When you eat foods with purine, the body breaks it down and forms uric acid. As mentioned earlier, excessively high uric acid levels can lead to gout and, consequently, joint pain and damage.

Notable purine-rich foods to avoid include organ and red meats, shellfish, anchovies, herring, mushrooms, asparagus , cauliflower , beans, lentils, spinach and peas, to name a few.

•Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks are a strong risk factor for gout, since these increase your blood uric acid levels and, consequently, your risk of a gout attack. Drinking too much wine can also raise your blood sugar levels, considered to be a major risk factor for diabetes .

Absolute Musts in a Gout Diet

For gout patients, these foods may help with alleviating and recuperating from the sickness. The main rule of thumb for any healthy diet (not just for gout patients) is to eat whole, ideally organic, and locally grown foods, and avoid processed and artificial items. Here are some of the best choices if you or someone you know has gout.

•Organic Cherries: Cherries contain two powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins and bioflavonoids that may reduce the effects of free radicals in the body, and assist with providing pain relief from gout and arthritis . Just make sure to eat cherries in moderation, since these contain fructose that can be harmful if consumed excessively.

•Healthy Fats: Replace non-vegetable carbohydrates with sufficient amounts of healthy fats that may aid in regulating your insulin and leptin levels. Your best bets include coconuts and coconut oil , avocados , raw butter from grass fed cows, olives and olive oil , and raw nuts such as macadamias and pecans .

Add animal-based omega-3 fats like krill oil to your diet as well. Omega-3s are extremely helpful for people who have gout or other types of arthritis because these are known anti-inflammatories that may help combat joint pain.

•Therapeutic Herbs: Therapeutic herbs such as ginger , cinnamon , rosemary , turmeric and ashwagandha may work well in reducing gout-caused pain, because they are potent anti-inflammatories.

•Potassium-Rich Foods: This mineral and electrolyte provides support to gout patients, as potassium citrate, a type of potassium found in fruits and vegetables, may help neutralize uric acid found in your urine and encourages your body to excrete this acid.

Avocados, papayas (preferably unripe ones), Brussels sprouts and leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard and broccoli are excellent sources of potassium. Although supplements are available to assist with increasing and/or maintaining proper potassium levels, it's still highly ideal to get amounts of this important mineral from potassium-rich foods.

•High-Quality Filtered Water: Drinking more high-quality filtered water may be helpful for gout as it may assist in removing excess amounts of uric acid from the body and lowering risk of uric acid buildup and gout.

Over the years, I have seen amazing results with my gout formula. I often hear that it has solved issues and brought pain relief where other over the counter remedies have failed.

The Soul of your Soles & a Foot Soak Recipe for Colds and Flu

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:48:04 GMT

The feet are a major player that are often neglected. We work them endlessly...it's too much to even list the ways, as they are almost always on the go in one form or fashion. We expect them to function dutifully without acknowledgment or reward. Let's pause for a moment to reflect on our paws.

Our feet and tender toes have drawn the attention of cultures for centuries, from foot binding to washing and anointing. These succulent digits house thousands of nerves and reveal a map of the body from heel to toe as evidenced by the study of reflexology. To stand on the soles of our feet is a gift. They literally support our lives. Our soles might just have soul. Here's how!

In astrology, the sign Pisces rules the feet. In turn, the feet reflect the shape of a fish, a Sole. The fish swims in the ocean... the place of our emotions and our deep subconscious. Pisces is the sign with the most diffused awareness, the sign with the ability to dive into the oneness of it all, the deep ocean of consciousness. Our soul, which is formless, is our essence and the core of our being, the mode of our spirit that is eternal and vast. So what does this have to do with herbs…

The anointing and care of our feet is an act of nurturance and self care that feeds the soul. The eyes are the window to the soul, but the sole is the window to the heart via love, nurturing and care.

When my daughter was little she would have persistent coughs. We found after much trial and error that the most soothing of therapies was to soak her feet in hot ginger tea. The calming effect of the warm water mixed with the dispersive properties of the ginger would draw the congestion out of her head and out through the bottoms of her feet. I found that over time, a foot massage with lavender oil would gently loll her to sleep.

A foot soak is an excellent way to relieve stress and tension from the day. To soothe the feet is to feed the soul. Here are some ideas to spark your foot soaking experience! It's oh so personal, so feel free to choose what soothes YOUR so(u)le!

ESSENTIAL OIL SOAKS

There are several ways to use essential oils at home, including adding a few drops to your soak. Here are some popular choices, which you can use individually or combine together for your healing foot treatment:

Cedar wood oil is an antiseptic and anti-fungal, making it a good choice if you suffer from Athlete’s Foot.
Cypress oil is an antiseptic and natural deodorant. Add a few drops to your soak if you have a blister or are concerned about foot odor.
Juniper berry oil alleviates muscle aches, including those caused by arthritis.
Lavender oil, as you may know, is a favorite for relaxation. It’s also a natural pain reliever—optimal for sore muscles and joints.
Rosemary oil helps soothe tired muscles and has antiseptic properties.
Wintergreen oil is considered nature’s aspirin. It helps with pain and swelling and has a cooling sensation that is particularly pleasurable on tired feet.
Nutmeg oil for sleep and relaxation
Fill a basin with enough pleasurably hot water to cover your feet and ankles. Add 1/2 cup epsom salt .
Add 10 drops of essential oil of your choose
Soak feet for 10 -15 minutes

Feeling like you are coming down with something or are already sick? Try these soaks!

Foot Soak for Colds and Flues

1/4 cup powdered ginger

olive oil

hot water

Proceed as above and mix ginger in water. Soak and enjoy!

For children make sure you coat delicate feet and ankles with olive oil to protect them from possible burning from the ginger

And of course, there's EARTHING. Which we've always just called 'going barefoot'....

There’s a growing buzz in the health world these days about a phenomenon called Earthing. It has to do with the natural, gentle electrical charge present on the surface of our planet. You get a dose every time you go outside barefoot. You may feel it as tingling in the feet when walking along the wet sand at the beach or on a dew-moistened lawn. Or as a sensation of warmth rising up through the feet and legs. Or you may not feel anything, yet still receive the energy just the same.

The Earth, you see, is an electrical planet, and you are a bioelectrical being living on an electrical planet. Your body functions electrically. Your heart and nervous system are prime examples.

Plant Monograph: Skullcap, Scutellaria laterifolia

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:19:19 GMT

Meet Scutellaria laterifolia AKA Skullcap

We had another fantastic plant meditation group the other night. Everyone delved deeply into plant spirit communication while sipping on our mystery plant of the week. It’s truly amazing how the doors of perception open as we allow the stillness of the moment into our being through meditation. With this we fill our mind, body and soul. There is a quality to our intuition that we easily toss aside as irrelevant, however, in this context within this group, we saw the deep relevance of the chosen plant of the evening. This has not only been a class of delving deep into the medicinal and healing properties of plants on a physical level, but the deep spiritual connection we become privy to through plant spirit medicine.

We met the wondrous plant Scutellaria laterifolia also known as Skullcap .

Skullcap is a herbaceous perennial mint with ridged leaves and tiny flowers that can range in color from purple and blue to pink and white. The two-lobed flowers resemble the military helmets worn by early European settlers, hence the herb's name. A hardy plant, it grows 1 to 4 feet (25 cm to 1 m) high, thriving in the woods and swamplands of eastern North America. Settlers in the late 1700's promoted the herb's effectiveness as a cure for rabies, giving rise to one of its common names, mad dog weed. This claim was later discarded, and herbalists began to focus on the plant's considerable value.

Though the name of this plant refers to the similarity it bears to a military helmet, I love the eloquence of this plant as it has overtly communicated its story through its name. If you can imagine a hat that is squeezed onto your head, too small to be comfortable, Skullcap helps to relieve headaches brought on by stress. There are many bones in our skull that are meant to float gracefully cradling the brain. With each breath they ever so minutely expand and contract. Skullcap seems to allow this fluidity to occur between breath and bone. With a cup of warm tea or a squirt of a tincture we breathe and sip the relief brought by skullcap as tensions melt away.

Skullcap works on the nervous system, helping to rebuild damaged and frayed nerves. It stimulates the growth of the myelin sheath, the outer coating that literally insulates the nerve bundles themselves.

There is a classic personality that responds well to this plant. Are you type A? Do you burn the candle at both ends, with an air of perfectionism that is difficult to meet? This highly driven individual is often over-stimulated and easily frustrated. They can be overheated and quite quick to react. Skullcap will quiet the mind, assist in focusing and help to bring the attention to the present. Quite frankly, it helps to sooth a sense of being overwhelmed.

The range of its healing potential also extends to aiding folks to move through their addictions. This might include drugs, alcohol or caffeine. Skullcap's ability to quiet and cool the nervous system may allow one to stay present with the moment. Addictive behavior can often stem from wanting to escape the discomfort of the present moment and skullcap can ease this.

As mentioned above, Skullcap strengthens the myelin sheath and for this reason it is extremely effective in the repair of damaged nerves from physical injury or diseases that affect the nervous system. Though this is an incredibly potent herb, persistence is the key to repair. A generic dose would be 2 droppers of the tincture 3 times a day.

Herbs for High Altitude

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 14:58:52 GMT

Herbs for high altitude help you perform and recover faster.

Summer is finally upon us! Many of us will load our cars and back packs with provisions to explore new territory, be it travel abroad, heading into the back country, or climbing local peaks. It's exhilarating to find your groove with the expansive feeling of summer.

Tons of tourists will pour into Durango! Visitors from near and far find this mountain biking, trail running town at 6700 ft of altitude to be laid back and beautiful. They also notice that it's a bit more difficult to breath easily for their unaccustomed lungs. Even those of us who live here feel a thinning of air when we venture to our favorite peaks! Mt Eolus, Red Cloud and Handies beckon from their looming positions but even a local notices that these elevations push us a bit harder and dampen the usual spring in our steps!

I look to the the wild for plants that bring their gifts to those who venture into altitude! There are herbal allies who's very constituents evolved with our needs in this harsh climate of higher altitude, the plant world perfectly fitting into the evolution of both animal and humanity.

Osha root , (Ligusticum porteri) with its thick aromatic and pungent root hairs and verdant lacy leaves smells of wild parsley and cumin. You can find it scattered on north facing slopes growing in deep loamy soil and often mixed with wild geraniums and green gentian. Hungry bears will seek it out to awaken lazy digestion and boost their constitution after a long winters rest. It's also a wonderful herb for us humans! :)

I will collect these magnificent roots in the beginning of fall to treat dry raspy lung infections, colds, flu and itchy sore throats. And at high altitude, it's my go-to in formula form with Nettles and Red root. Dancing Willow's High Altitude formula is a local favorite! Let's take a closer look at each ingredient!

Osha Ligusticum porteri : supports the pulmonary loop helping fresh oxygenated blood to circulate from the heart to lungs and to feed tissue with oxygen rich blood.

Nettles Urtica Urens: Rich in chlorophyl, nettles help to build our blood literally like a plant blood transfusion! It's very interesting that chlorophyl is structurally similar to our hemoglobin - rich in platelets to carry our red blood cells. They have similar structures, both having a metallic element. Hemoglobin has iron in the middle, while chlorophyll has magnesium in the middle. They are both composed of the same four elements: carbon, hydrogen,nitrogen and oxygen.

Red root or Ceanothus: a wonderful lymphatic mover, but most importantly in this formula, it serves to hold our red blood cells together. As we rise in altitude our red blood cells, which are suspended in plasma, begin to loose their polarity and break down as their edges begin to fray from lack of oxygen. Red root strengthens the structure of red blood cells to prevent the common thickening of blood that is linked with pulmonary edema headaches and altitude sickness.

Whether you are traveling to other high altitude areas, visiting from afar, or are a local hoping to bag a few 14'ers, herbs can help you push higher and further with increased stamina and faster recovery.

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for high altitude conditioning, with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Hey Ladies! Let's Talk Herbs for Libido

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 14:45:14 GMT

Let's take a look at the holistic side of libido and a healthy sex life. Part 2

Viagara for women is now a thing, but is it the answer we've been waiting for?

This blog is a bit of a follow up on last months post about the thyroid and adrenal functions of women. Women's health is intricate and multi-faceted. Women's libido issues are even more so! You might have been reading in the news lately that there is now an FDA approved drug for low libido in women.

Do you remember how crazy things got when the FDA approved Viagra? There wasn't a man out there who wasn't curious about the little blue pill that could help them have better sex. Well, now it's the ladies' turn. Addyi is a pill indicated for premenopausal women who suffer from HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), which according to the drug's producer (and other research confirms it) affects up to 1 in 10 women. As the conversation grows, it seems that more and more women are sharing their stories of low libido and its negative impact on their lives. Sex is a very important component in most romantic relationships, and problems often arise if either person has a lack of interest.

Aside from HSDD it is also a fact that many women lose interest in sex as they get older and hit menopause. We can look at changing hormone levels of course, but also according to ancient medicine, as we age we all tend to accumulate more of the air/space elements, which is one of the five elements in Ayurveda. Imagine air being blown on your body, as though from a fan. What this means is that we become more dry and cold in our very nature. This can lead to vaginal dryness, cold hands and feet, anxiety and difficulty sleeping for some women as they age. This definitely links to a decrease in libido. As women get older hormones become depleted, first decreasing progesterone and DHEA, followed by estrogens and testosterone. If these hormones deplete too fast, which can happen if we experience regular stress, it also leads to a drop in sexual desire.

Although the drug proved successful in clinical trials, there are side effects as well as drug interactions to consider. We won't really know how well the drug works until thousands of prescriptions are written and women start taking it. Looking at the whole picture and of course, whole health, it makes sense to approach this sensitive issue sensitively. From a physical point of view, there are holistic solutions for women who experience low sex drive. Here are a few, some of which we shared last month when talking about thyroid and adrenals...it's interesting how these issues are interwoven.

Maca Root Lepidium meyenii: Maca has long been used by male and females of all ages. It is a sweet, butterscotch like tasting herb that grows in the Andes and is one of the staple foods of the Andean people of Peru. Though there is little conclusive scientific evidence that maca boost libido, there is a ton of epirical knowledge pointing to the fact that it does . The groups of people that use this plant in their daily diet have documented extended fertility. The women of these populations are maintaining fertility well into their fifties. We also know that there is a high nutritional component. Maca is full of copper, iron, vitamin c, potassium, protein, B6 and more. In my practice, the feed back has been that for women who are peri and post menopausal maca has helped with mood, energy, hormonal fluctuations and sex drive. Dosage 1TB working up to 3 TB daily. It's great in a smoothie! Contraindication thyroid problems.

Ashwaghnadha: Ashwaganda has long been held in great esteem for its health promoting benefits, particularly cooling down the nervous system and supporting the adrenal gland as well as giving a strong boost to the entire hormonal system of both men and women. Taken over a period of time it reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels and has been used for centuries to improve libido in both men and women. An herbal supplement also known as Indian Ginseng, it is an adaptogenic herb that resets the adrenals, especially under stress. It is considered a nervine since it nourishes the nerves. This is one of the best known Ayurvedic herbals to restore libido and help reduce the impact of stress on the body.

Shatavari Asparagus racemosus: Shatavari means “who possesses a hundred husbands or acceptable too many”. It is considered both a general tonic and a female reproductive tonic. Shatavari may be translated as “100 spouses” implying its ability to increase fertility and vitality. It is the premiere women's herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is sweet, nourishing and cooling to the reproductive tissue. Wonderful for over heated, dry peri and post menopausal women who need the support down under to plump up and moisten tissues. It is great for women of all ages to support the entire reproductive system and bring a greater sense of wellbeing, opening the heart space and allowing the tonic of love to flow freely within and out to others.

It's important to mention again that that there are many aphrodisiacs that are effective, supporting and nourishing to the female system, but sometimes there may be more to it than just the physical. Treating the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms will bring the most profound benefit.

Take time for yourself! Women often neglect themselves and put all of our emphasis on our kids, family and/or work. You need to nourish yourself to help boost your libido and sexual energy. When you are nourished and vibrant, that energy will radiate.

• Organic foods with simple ingredients: How might this look for you? What makes you feel good? What gives you energy and vitality? We have a wonderful tea formulated just for this very purpose!

• Avoid processed foods or foods that are heavy in dairy or gluten. These can make you feel sluggish and tired, leaving you with very little vibrant energy.

How can our emotions sap our sexual mojo? Do you feel resentment, anger, insecurity, or overwhelm? Do you feel over burdened and under appreciated? These are not things that most women can just 'turn off' in order to 'turn on'. We are connected and feeling. For most of us, we experience sexuality on several levels and if our brain is saying no our body will follow suit. So will deep breathing or a cup of tea make a woman want to jump in bed with her husband? Will a little pink pill have that affect? Not sure. But as a woman, I truly think women feel better about sex when they feel good about themselves. When a woman feels attractive and sexy, the self confidence makes a huge difference in her sexual drive. Things that help achieve this? Regular exercise, healthy eating, supplements, proper rest and managing stress.

There are many interesting books written on this topic, and one of my favorites is called Mating in Captivity. It sheds new light on an ancient topic and it explores the idea of erotic intelligence in a bold way. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a couples therapist, the author, Esther Perel examines the complexities of sustaining desire. Through case studies and lively discussion, Perel demonstrates how more exciting, playful, and even poetic sex is possible in long-term relationships. Wise, witty, and as revelatory as it is straightforward, Mating in Captivity is a sensational book that will transform the way you live and love.

Feeling sexual stems from within. Self-love and a strong sense of fulfillment in everyday life are things that bring us happiness, excitement and energy. And aren't those the things that fuel good sex?

There are many herbs that support women and their feminine needs, and I've had wide experience with years of research and feedback from my clients. For some, low libido is a very real medical condition and we are thankful that it is being recognized as such. But never discount your own power and the emotional, hormonal and physical factors at play. Treat your WHOLE self....mind, body and soul....like the amazing woman that it is and see what unfolds.

If you feel that you could benefit from a whole health consultation for low libido, menopause, or thyroid issues with clinical herbalist, Deb Swanson please click here to schedule. She has helped thousands of women on their healing journeys and can help you find your way back to your best health and best self. Deb has over 30 years of experience and is the founder of Dancing Willow Herbs in Durango, CO.

Healing with Adaptogens: The Thyroid Connection

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 15:08:03 GMT

The Role of the Thyroid and Adaptogenic Herbs Part 1

If you do much reading on the internet or keep up with ‘medical’ news you’ve probably heard the outcry lately. The mainstream is just now getting the memo that women’s health is wildly diverse and drum roll please, little studied. Medical research has been a steady march through discoveries and cures and so many wonderful gains in knowledge, awareness and treatment. This is irrefutable certainly, but if you are a woman, and I’m guessing that many of you are, then have a seat. Almost exclusively, medical research is done on men and starts with the baseline idea that men and women are the same. That our bodies operate and process and receive input the same. That if it works for a man then us women are all good, too. Put another way, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Well, you probably won’t be surprised by the new data that largely finds this to be completely untrue. We are wildly different.

In medical terms, it would take more than a newsletter to break down the vast differences, but I think I can appeal to your intuition on this one. Women are wired differently. With only a brief glance over to our hormonal friends testosterone and estrogen, it becomes obvious that medically speaking, we need to divide and conquer….one size does not fit all. In this newsletter we are going to take a look at some of the influencing factors that make women’s health and wellness such a multi faceted and intricate issue and are going to start with the adrenals and thyroid. These two fit together hand in glove and their markers are intertwined. It will probably come as no surprise to you to learn that many of the issues that women face aren’t clearly seen or heard by the medical community. Symptoms may be vague or unclear and honestly, ill defined. Words like brain fog, low energy, cravings, sleep disturbances, blood sugar issues, moodiness, overwhelm, achiness, feeling ungrounded, mental exhaustion or fatigue are symptoms that aren’t life threatening but detract from quality of life significantly and over time, surely take a toll on our system.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck and is your chief gland of energy and metabolism. It’s like a master switch that fires up the genes and signals to cells to do their jobs. It is a fundamental mechanism in our body, as every cell in your body has thyroid hormone receptors. The adrenals are two small glands just above the kidneys. They are responsible for releasing calculated and small amounts of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, that trigger the fight or flight response that helps us deal with life-threatening situations. Because our modern day life is filled with constant triggers, they are often terribly overworked. People with hypothyroidism often have weak adrenal glands. The two glands work together to supply essential hormones and deliver them where they need to be throughout the body. If your adrenal glands aren’t producing enough cortisol and you have a thyroid problem it’s easy to see that you might be more than a little frayed.

According to the medical community, hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, is a silent epidemic. You might suffer for years with vague symptoms that no one identifies or recognizes. And here’s where it gets tricky. In so many cases, the problem isn’t actually the thyroid, but is an over arching case of the immune system not functioning properly. Yet doctors rarely test for antibodies that show the presence of autoimmunity. This places stress on the adrenals and can result in a compromised thyroid. Some estimate that 90% of diagnosed thyroid issues are actually Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune hypothyroid condition. In either situation, it makes sense to get the bottom of WHY our thyroid might be functioning poorly and start from there. The adrenals benefit from the same guidelines! A win/win!

The good news is that relief starts with dietary changes, not drugs! Some changes to your diet can create a radical change in the chemistry of your body without the need for pharmaceuticals. Because one of the primary symptoms of thyroid issues is brain fog and lethargy, similar and related, it’s natural to counter balance this with sugar and caffeine, for the needed jolt of energy. These non-nutritional choices have the opposite effect over time, causing the body to overuse the adrenals and taxing the thyroid. Cutting out caffeine, sugar, and other refined carbohydrates will make a huge difference. Alcohol falls into this category also, as it's chock full of sugars.

The thyroid utilizes protein and it’s good to make sure that you are getting plenty, as well as good fats like olive oil, avocado, butter, nut butters, coconut fats, etc, which we need for hormonal balance. Eliminating soy products is recommended. And lastly, but of the utmost importance, it’s time to cut gluten from your diet. Yes, it’s true and here’s one of the many reasons why. The molecular composition of thyroid tissue is almost identical to that of gluten. Another added benefit of cutting gluten that most don’t consider is that it’s typically replaced with healthier, more nutrient dense foods. It’s not a good idea to go out and buy ‘gluten free’ versions of all your favorite gluten filled foods, this isn’t what we mean! Rather, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables to compensate for the loss of ‘bulk fibers’.

For some people casein, which is one of the primary proteins found in dairy can also mimic thyroid tissue. What a divine comedy! I wonder what we all did in a past life to deserve this!

Relax and Recharge! For both your thyroid and your adrenals it is HIGHLY recommended that you take up a practice that relaxes and soothes you. This might look different everyone but could include, yoga, meditation, walking, painting, dancing, or bird watching….if YOU find it calming, satisfying, and stress free then that’s what you’re looking for!

Good sleep is also crucial and if you struggle with sleep it’s time to really think about changes you can make to create a better environment for sleeping and perhaps look at some of our calming herbs, teas, and essential oils for relaxation. See below.

Herbs for healing: After you’ve begun to implement lifestyle changes it’s time to introduce herbs and adaptogens that support and feed the adrenals and the thyroid.

Adaptogens are a group of herbs that are known for their enhancement of adrenal function, immunity, physical and mental endurance. They can help balance your cortisol output when used consistently over time. Adaptogens are on the frontlines of herbal medicine and have long been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic practices for immune support, longevity, fertility and stamina. Our modern world is full of stressors and adaptogens are a vital and sustaining way to naturally empower our system. Many of these herbs work on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis often referred to as the HP axis. This master of all the glands, its effects trickles down to the entire endocrine system including the thyroid and the adrenals.

Common Adaptogenic Herbs

Rhodiola
Ashwagandha
Ginseng
Gotu Kola
Licorice Root
Eleutherococcus
Reishi Mushroom
Maca

1. Maca can improve hormones overall by acting on the adrenal glands and supporting healthy estrogen and testosterone levels. Maca is wonderful in a smoothie. Maca is powerful! You may want to start with a small amount and see what works for your body.

2 Eleutherococcus This herb is best consumed earlier in the day to improve energy and stamina. It can help reduce or eliminate fatigue and is supportive of the immune system. It has also been shown to improve memory.

3 Gotu Kola: When stress has been going on for a while or is ramping up, this is one herb I like to leverage.Gotu Kola, thought of as one of the more important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine is touted for feeding the brain and supporting collagen production is now thought to balance both hemispheres of the brain. Taken over time, it will brighten the world making colors more saturated and vibrant.

4. Ashwaganda is such an amazing herb! It puts a damper on cortisol production, bringing a sense of peace and calm. If you have experienced the feeling of being both fatigued and ‘key up’, it might be a good bed time remedy for you. Ashwagandha is also beneficial for thyroid health.

5. Holy Basil is another powerful adaptogen and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It works on lowering stress hormones, maintaining heathy blood sugar levels, promotes longevity, is high in antioxidants and feeds the brain. Said to elevate our moods and give an overall sense of wellbeing, holy basil is an herbal bad ass.

6. Licorice: Licorice helps keep cortisol around longer, which is the main way it can increase energy and decrease inflammation.Licorice is not recommended for those with high blood pressure, so it is best to be under the care of a doctor before electing for this herb.

7. Reishi Mushroom: This little mushroom will keep colds at bay, make you feel more resilient to stress and build the strength of your adrenals.

It’s worth saying again and again that herbs work so very differently from pharmaceutical drugs and require a different and more sustained approach. Prescription drugs are heavy hitters. They are designed to quickly strong arm your symptoms while often times underlying causes are not addressed. Herbs work with your body in a supportive role with powerful natural properties that complement and enhance the compromised systems. Adaptogenic herbs work by naturally stimulating your body’s own mechanisms to realign you in health. When paired with healthier lifestyle choices, real healing happens. But change and healing takes time. If you try it for few weeks you will begin to feel a difference, but it truly takes months to fortify your system and undo what are sometimes a lifetime of bad habits or patterns.

When healing the adrenals and thyroids it’s a great idea to create a new lifestyle plan that supports you in a life that’s calmer, and more nourishing. Even if you are a busy woman, which we all are, give yourself time and opportunity to slow down a bit and recognize yourself. Thank your body for all that it does for you and treat it kindly. Feed it well, let it rest, and nourish it with natural and life giving herbs and adaptogens!

Healing with Red Root

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 14:43:27 GMT

Healing with Red Root

Over the course of my career I have become increasingly fascinated by the language of our bodies and how the amazing functions are both symbolic and scientific. It’s truly amazing how each part plays such a significant role in maintaining the ever fluctuating balance for well-being.

The lymph system currently has captured my attention! This is one of the largest systems in our body and runs parallel with the circulatory system.The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and vessels that move toxins out of cells and tissues and away from general circulation. It is the roto-rooter of the circulatory system and removes all kinds of toxins, dead white blood cells, pathogens, fungus, bacteria and old dead red blood cells. We could not live with out the heroic action of the lymph system for more than 24 hours. Common signs of a sluggish lymphatic system look like infection, joint pain, edema, fatigue swelling fibroids cysts, head aches and generally feeling lousy.

Unlike the circulatory system, which is powered by the pumping of the heart, the lymphatic system relies on the relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system so that the pumping of muscles and joints occur unrestricted. Lymph flows in only one direction - from the base of the spine down the body. For this reason, there is great wisdom in going out for a brisk walk or doing yoga or any kind of physical activity and it has a profound effect on our health. We all know that living a sedentary life can lead to emotion and physical dis-ease. Look at children! Their little bodies have a built in mechanism that constantly keeps the immune system in good running order. Desk jobs and endless time on a couch in front of a screen are detrimental to our health for this very reason. It’s important to follow the lead of the children and regularly partake in a recess! Your lymphatic system will thank you!

Over the years I have developed a particular affinity for Red Root Ceanothus. The bright red orange color of the tincture reminds me of lymph plasma and red blood cells. The root itself is rock hard, and in my part of the country, likes to grow among the oak and in between rocks. It takes tenaciousness and fortitude to dig, as the soil is often dry and the roots are well seated between rock and root. It is universally my go-to for swollen lymph nodes, be it during colds and flus or mononucleosis or any kind of bacterial issue or virus that lays to rest in hard, hot and inflamed nodes. I’ve had success with its use in children and adults. Its nature is astringent and warming so it’s useful for tightening up boggy tissue such as tonsils, hemorrhoids, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.

This powerful root has so many applications. Lmyph circulation plays a role in so many body systems. It aids in PMS and assists in relieving swollen and tender breasts and the boggy sluggishness in the pelvic region so often accompanied by a painful menstrual cycle. It is a spleen remedy par excellence and helps with the dull achy or cutting pain in the spleen due to a suppressed immune system. It also works well for slow acting viruses, like Epstein Barr, Mono, Lyme disease and Malaria.

It plays a significant role in enhancing the polarity of red blood cells to avoid the clumping and thickening of red blood cells as platelets lose their polarity in ascending altitude. It is a critical ingredient for lymphademia of women who have undergone the removal of lymph nodes due to breast cancer and for stubborn lymphatic congestion and edema.

And remember!!! Lymph flows in one direction so we can often times see swelling in in the ankles do to poor lymphatic circulation.

Of Plants and Planets

Just as the moon and Neptune rule the ocean, so our lymphatic system rules our body. It literally relates to the oceans of the body. It is within the watery depth our of emotions that the tides of our feelings are processed, sorted and integrated. Like the ocean, the lymphatic system is constantly in a state of flux. It’s no wonder that when we have been under a tremendous amount of stress or grief we often get sick. Just as the lymphatic system separates toxins from general circulation it is also responsible for our ability to separate toxic emotions. It’s no wonder that Mono is found primarily among teenagers! The teen years are the most stressful and transition filled times of our lives, as we are integrating enormous change and dealing with life stressors that even as adults we can struggle to handle and understand. I had my own tragic story as a teen losing my mother at age 14 and lacking the tools to deal with tremendous grief, I succumbed to strep throat 8 times my freshman year.

As a parent of a teen, the quiet language of plants has been a means to subtly address both the physical and the emotional without overtly having to pry. For me, stepping into the powerful and lovely world of plants and their seemingly infinite blessings has been a healing journey, both physically and spiritually. The tough and tender red root is just another multifaceted reminder!

MORE ABOUT RED ROOT:

The plant: A California native shrub with over thirty different species and hybrids found locally, Ceanothus is found mostly in the North American west, but also in the mid-west and northeast. The most widely used Ceonothus in commerce is the east coast Ceonothus americanus, but western US herbalists have found that the local species work just as well. It is a stunning little shrub, between two and ten feet in width and two to four feet hight with oval leaves and sometimes spiny branches, and clusters of tiny aromatic flowers. The flowers range from white to blue to purple and bloom from spring to fall depending on species, rain and heat. The root bark is red or wine-colored on the outside, and pinkish in the middle.

Part Used: Root or inner bark of the root. Roots are covered in little nodules — representative of it’s use on the lymphatic nodes.

Qualities: Neutral — warming, sweet to taste. Leaves taste similar to black tea (was used for this purpose during the Revolution)

Dosage: 30-90 drops up to 4x daily

Emotional/Energetics: Symptoms worse in damp cold weather. Tongue is swollen – dirty white coating. Slow, frail pulse. Cold extremities. Excess damp (spleen). Stagnant.

sources: Michael Moore, Materia Medica, California School of Herbal Studies

Tips for a Natural Christmas

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 14:28:49 GMT

TIPS FOR A NATURAL CHRISTMAS AND A RECIPE FOR HERBAL BATH SALTS

The holidays are fast upon us. We’ve just had our first true snow fall and the cold night air has the hint of wood fire. Walking down town is festive as holiday decorations have begun to fill the windows of local shops. It's easy for me to start to feel the anticipation of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and I am also reminded of the slowly encroaching anxieties of getting all that needs to be accomplished done. We have officially entered the period of 'frenzied shopping' and with that comes conflicting feelings!

Having owned a retail shop, I used to welcome the busy-ness of this season though I would like to pose that this time of giving could also be a time filled with heartfelt and simple gestures of love and connection. A gift from the heart is much more profound than the big box stuff we are so heavily hit with. In an attempt to keep it real, to keep it healthy, and to keep it friendly to our pockets and to this beautiful earth we are blessed with, I have some wonderful ideas for gifts that natural, wholesome, and green! At Dancing Willow we have all the fixing for your own natural Holidays! We have offerings that are organic and healthy, goods to fill your senses and your soul.

Taking a bath is one of my favorite activities on a cold winter night. A days tension can literally melt off the bones. A bath is a relished time just for me, to relax and and take care, to sooth overly excited senses and to warm frozen toes after a day of winter activity. For me, a bath is probably the closest I will ever get to going back to the womb! Adding scented bath salts make the experience especially healing and restorative. Here is a great idea for a simple gift that is affordable and sure to please. Make a big batch and use for teachers, co-workers, friends and family. Kids also love to spice up bath time, so perhaps include them in the making!

DIY Herbal Bath Salts

Choose any of these essential oils below or mix and match a few together:

Lavender essential oil has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It is soothing to hot inflamed skin, it's anti-microbial, is used to aid in sleep and calms the mind.

Orange essential oil is citrusy fresh, and a mood elevator.

Eucalyptus essential oil is invigorating and fresh. It is often used to open up stuffy noses and loosen up chest congestion and is a classic spa scent.

Peppermint essential oil is cooling and stimulating. It helps to relieve headaches, and relieves congestion and is an invigorating scent for the home.

Bergamot essential oil is a sweet, yet spicy citrus-like scent that leaves you feeling calm, at peace and confident. It is great combined with lavender for the winter blues.

Fir needle essential oil a the classic scent of the holidays fresh and clean, take a walk in an alpine forrest without ever leaving your tub!

Rosemary essential oil is both warming and pungent. It improves circulation and is great for sore, tight muscles after a day in the cold. It relieves headaches when combined with peppermint.

Ylang Ylang essential oil is exotic and floral with a hint of the tropics. This lovely aroma is intoxicating and sensual and is known to ease anxiety and depression.

1 cup Epsom salt
½ cup natural sea salt
25-50 drops essential oils. depending on desired strength
(Optional) 2-3 tablespoons dried herbs or botanicals.

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in a well-sealed container and add a beautiful bow with a fresh sprig of something green from your yard tucked in!

Healing with Mullein

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:33:48 GMT

Healing with Mullein: Verbascum Thapsus

The season is upon us for shoveling, skiing, and maybe even slipping on icy sidewalks. It’s a wonderful time to tend and nurture our spine as back pain and related issues can stand in the way of the most basic everyday functions causing stress and frustration.The pain in my leg started 2 years ago after a long plane ride, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, and indulging my love of running steep hills. It began with a dull back ache then slowly moved into tenuous nerve pain running down the front of my thigh.

Chiropractic work, body work, and acupuncture have all offered some relief, but not solved the problem. As a clinical herbalist, this was food for thought. A deep introspection of a profound nature led me to a conversation with myself. It’s troubling that this recurring leg issue has kept me from dealing with deeper, more core pain. In other words, a physical aggravation, over time, becomes a hindrance on other levels, as it distracts and takes away from optimal performance.

As has been the case throughout my life, I look to my herbal allies and find resources and answers. There are plant remedies that offer support from deep levels of spirit and also manifest in physical healing. My herb of choice, in this case, is Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein root. This tall stalked plant,with its roots so firmly planted in the earth and leaves that radiate out all along the stalk mimic the processes of the spinal column. It speaks to me, telling me that it can help me stand tall!

In the words of Kiva Rose,the coeditor of Plant Healer Magazine,

"While ethnobotany and old herbals make it clear that Mullein is a very traditional remedy for troubles of this body system, it is only recently that Midwestern herbalists Matt Wood and Jim McDonald have brought it back to a well deserved popularity for these uses. Both Jim and Matt are both well known for their experiences with Mullein as an assistant to structural alignment of all kinds, from unset bones to slipped discs, and particularly where there is notable swelling. This use has been proven over and over by many herbalists including myself, in both animals and in humans. For a good understanding of where it might be appropriate, think about the odd structural deformities that can occur in the Verbascum’s flower stalk, the way it can look kinked and bent radically out of shape. If your spine feels like that, this is probably the remedy you need, and if the problem is neck specific, consider combining it with a bit of Vervain for addition alignment assistance.

It is also indicated where there is significant pain in the hips, especially upon rotating the hips inwards or outwards, and it feels like you have a corkscrew rather than a lower back. This sort of issue is often especially painful at night when attempting to sleep. Flower or root tincture before bed, and sleeping with a firm pillow between you legs will often greatly lessen or altogether resolve the issue.

Dosage 30-60 drops 3x daily

If you are experiencing back pain, leg pain, or other pain associated with slipped disc, or muscular skeletal injuries, please consider an herbal consultation . In the new year, take care of you, in ways both big and small, so that your inner spirit has room to flourish and grow!

Here is a recipe, that we hope you will try!

MULLEIN GARLIC EAR OIL

A wonderful old recipe to keep in your first aid medicine chest.

You will need:

1 pint jar

dried or fresh mullein flowers enough to pack into the jar .

5 cloves of garlic

olive oil

In late summer, when the stalks of mullein are covered with playful pops of bright yellow flowers, collect 2-3 flowering stalks.

There are many techniques for removing these tiny yellow flowers. I prefer to slice down the stalk as you would corn on the cob, then pick trough the seeds for tiny unopened buds as well as flowers. Pack the flowers and buds into the pint jar then add the garlic. Pour olive oil over mullein and garlic and be sure that there is an inch of oil above the submerged herbs.

Label and date your jar and allow to soak for 2-3 weeks.

After 2-3 weeks strain carefully and pour into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool dark place.

Mullein Garlic Ear oil is a reliable herbal treatment for ear aches, inflammation, and bacterial infections of the ear canal.

Usage

Warm the oil, but not too hot. You can place it in a water bath or on the heater.

Put 3 -5 drops inside the ear and cover with a warm wash cloth.

This can be used as needed, but general guidelines would be 2-3 times a day and for acute conditions as much as every half hour. It is perfect for both people and pets!

Try this old fashioned remedy for cranky babies pulling at their ears , teething, swimmer’s ear, dogs with foxtails etc!

Cooking with Healing Herbs

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:20:19 GMT

HEALING PLANTS FROM THE HERBALIST'S KITCHEN

Welcome to the herbalist’s kitchen! I love to cook and I think that is partially due to the fact that I view cooking as a vital part of the healing arts. As an herbalist, I am rooted in the belief that our food is the first line of defense in a strong, healthy and supported body. Herbs, used historically in kitchens of every culture, star not only as a ‘signature flavor’ but more fundamentally as healing building blocks sourced from nearby gardens, woods, jungles, rivers, mountains, deserts, glades and back yards to support optimal health with the resources at hand.

Cooking is an art, a science, and a love language. I believe that we all need to find our muse, the spark in life that inspires us to create. I grew up in a family of cooks, or foodies, as we would call ourselves! So much of our bonding and love revolved around not only the sharing of food, but it’s thoughtful preparation. It’s how we shared our creativity and our love, and of course, it carried with it a healing energy. Herbs, spices, and whole ingredients were our medium and our food was and is a celebration of body and soul!

Perhaps this why I see herbs as more than simple plants. A cupboard filled with varied herbs and spices can transport us as far as Morocco or Mexico or Mallorca…. or straight to our grandmother’s kitchen! All cultures have their signature scents and spices that flavor their faire. These herbs are not only typical of particular cultural cuisines, but are often endemic to the medicines of those same people.

Nourishing Traditions, a favorite book in regards to our food as our medicine, takes us on a tour around the world with a sampling of traditional foods demonstrating the inherent wisdom of why certain people have been sitting around their dining tables for generation and generations partaking in particular foods.

We live in a melting pot of cultures but the foundation to good health always comes back to the the food we eat. In my family, chicken soup was a staple. Coming from healthy eastern European stock, our soups were always made from the whole chicken, plenty of onion and garlic, and a rainbow of vegetables. Why the whole chicken? Because the bird would be simmered until the flesh fell of the bone, and the carcass was cooked till all of the rich collagen and nutrients were extracted from the bone. This was standard. The entire chicken was savored for its nutritious goodness and in turn, it offered deep nourishment.

The native foods of particular cultures have a resonance of comfort and origin. They bring you home, to the embrace of mothers, grand mothers and aunties in the kitchen and the gathering of families for celebration and connection. This thread of nourishment runs so deep that we still find ourselves gathering in kitchens all around the world smelling the sweet or savory smells of our heart rooted foods. What is your heart food? Do you prepare it share it for those that you love? Are you continuing your traditions and sharing your story or those of your ancestors?

As an herbalist, I rejoice in the aromatics of herbs, not only as our simple medicines but as the source of nurturance that sustains life. The spices we use have flavor and character, but did you know that they are also the foundation of many effective folk medicines passed on from generation to generation. The herbal movement is not a new fad, but one that leads us back to simpler times when our food was pure medicine.

With the holidays around the corner, consider adding an extra hand full of this or that to your broths and gravies, to chicken and turkey, to the savories that make your mouth water and enjoy the health promoting benefit of these festive treats.

Peeking into the spice cabinet of most Americans you can find a similar assortment of herbs.

Get accustomed to the robust and enhancing flavors of many of our spices as you cook with them or take them independently as medicine. Though there is much more I could write about each and every one of these herbs, here is a brief break down! Use them abundantly in your cooking and share your creations with those you love!

Oregano & Thyme: both are POWERFUL anti-microbials and are great to make a strong tea when in a pinch for some cold and flue support.

Sage: Anti microbial but also astringent, the aromatics stimulate the brain and the tea can be gargled for sore throats. The tea can also be used to lessen hot flashes, as it is cooling. It also tones down our sebaceous glands, the glands that make us sweat.

Rosemary: another brain booster, anti microbial and warming! Oil made from the leaves, when applied to sore muscles, will help to increase circulation and relieve tightness.

Garlic: T he king of antimicrobials, hot and pungent, is used for infections, both bacterial and fungal.

Fennel, Dill Seed ,Cumin Seed: A favorite for gas and bloating, these are called carminatives and they help to improve digestion and relieve gas. If I have a stomach ache I’ll chew on a hand full of any of these and presto my stomach is soothed!

Tumeric: High in cur-cumin, anti-inflammatory, and anti oxidant, this powerful root improves digestion and helps with liver detoxification and aids in restful sleep! See our famous golden milk recipe below!

Ginger: Warming and soothing to the stomach, it’s great for nausea, improves circulation and relieves menstrual cramps, also anti inflammatory.

Black pepper: Stimulates the absorption of other nutrients and is a must have at any meal for increasing absorption and stimulating digestion

This holiday season I encourage you to reach back to your traditions and share them with friends or family. It might be as simple as a pot of soup or a cup of tea. The very act of sharing food is healing and creates an energy that sustains. Be well and take care!