Rose

     Happy February! The month of love, romance, and chocolate hearts is upon us. What better time to share all the wonderful benefits of everyone's favorite romantic flower, the lovely Rose.

     Known the world over for love and romance, the Rose is an amazing herb for all matters of the heart. Even Shakespeare wrote of it's power in love, but the Rose's fame goes back much further than the Bard's time. In ancient Egypt, the rose was sacred to the goddess Isis. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was sacred to Aphrodite and Venus. Romans also scattered rose petals along the routes of funerals, both for protection and to symbolize rebirth.  In both Islam and Sufism, the rose symbolizes divine love and was often depicted in art, architecture, and used in landscapes.  In the Medieval era, Christians attributed the rose to both Christ and the blood of martyrs. Catholics later used the rose for the Virgin Mary and used rose petals to make the beads for what would later be called the rosary. In China, red roses had a special place because red was an auspicious color, so red roses symbolized luck, love, and fortune.  Even Native Americans were well acquainted with this plant and it's uses.

     There are over 100 species of Rose with thousands of cultivars. Generally speaking, a rose is a woody plant in the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae.  Roses can be shrubs, or they can be climbing or trailing like vines, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles that we typically refer to as thorns. Flowers vary in size, color, and shape. The fruit is a berry-like structure called a rose hip. The Rosa gallica (Provence Rose), R. eglanteria (Eglantine Rose) and R. damascene (Damask Rose) are the three oldest roses in cultivation. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa. Persia is considered the likely origin of the flower.

     In addition to the famous flower, roses have a great fruit that is not only delicious, but also full of medicinal properties all on it's own. Rose hips are full of vitamin C, and taste a bit citrus-y because of it. These berry-like fruit make a great jam, are delicious when added to salads, and super versatile in the kitchen. Try re-hydrating the dry hips and adding them into your favorite muffin recipe, or using them to flavor your favorite poultry dish. Check out the Montana Homesteader's tips on foraging for rose hips and recipes, there's bound to be several you'll fall in love with.

Medicinal Uses:

Scientific Names- Rosaceae (the whole family) Commonly these species are used medicinally: Rosa gallica officinalis, R. damascene, R. canina, R. chinensis, Flos Rosae Rugosae, and R. centifolia

Common Names- Rose

Parts Used- Rose Hips (fruit), Petals, Flower Buds, Leaves, and Bark

Summary of Actions-  Anticancer, Antidepressant, Antiscorbutic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Aromatic, Astringent, Coagulant/Hemostatic, Cordial, Depurative, Emmenagogue, Hepatic, Laxative, Nervine, Refrigerant, Sedative, Skin tonic, Stomachic, and Uterine Tonic.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-  Mei Gui Hua (Rose) is used for the heart, liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. Used as a decongestant and astringent, rose is considered to have a draining action that clears heat and cools. It moves Qi, dispersing stagnation, particularly that of liver Qi. It aids in the case of constipation, headache, nausea, belching, and poor appetite. It clears heat and calms the heart, helping clear up fertility issues and depression. It also harmonizes the blood, easing many menses-related problems and helping promote urination.

Ayurveda-  Known in Sanskrit as Satapatri and in Hindi as Gulab ka phool, which translates roughly as 100 petals. In Ayurveda, rose has three main healing attributes; it is soothing, cooling, and moisturizing. But it is most valued because of it's balancing effect on the heart, both physically and emotionally. 

Native American Traditions- Each of the Native American tribes had a use for roses. The Omahas and Chippewa used the roots and hips to treat eye infections and inflammation in the eyes. The Chippewa also used rose hips as a staple food. The Arapahos used the seeds to treat muscle pain. Cheyenne and Flathead both used the petal, stem, and roots to treat snow blindness, but the Cheyenne also made a tea from the bark to treat upset stomach and diarrhea. The Crows boiled the roots and used the vapor to stop mouth and nose bleeds. They also used the roots in a hot compress to treat inflammation.

Essential Oil-  Rose Essential Oil is one of the most expensive on the market, and deservedly so since it takes over 1,000 rose flowers to produce ¼ oz of the oil. However, if you can afford it, diffusing the rose essential oil is a great way to relieve insomnia, reduce nervous tension, and help to lower your blood pressure.

Stress and Anxiety-  Rose is packed full of comforting qualities and helps to soothe nerves and anxieties. It may not completely alleviate the impact of stress and anxiety for those with severe problems, but it may help reduce them and can be very beneficial in the long term.

Comfort for the Grieving-  Rose balances the emotions of the heart, helping to comfort those who are grieving.

Cool Off-  Rose helps to regulate the body temperature during the warmer months.

Allergies, Seasonal Stress, and Illness-  Rose tea (petals and/or hips) helps soothe sore throats, and it's packed full of vitamin C to help boost the immune system and knock out that cold.

Hair, Acne, and Skincare-  Rose water is one of my favorite face washes/make up removers. Not only does it work to clean your skin, while still being gentle enough to use around your eyes, but it's also super anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent so it's great to help prevent and treat acne. Rose also helps to lock in the moisture in the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's also been shown to help reduce the appearance of spider veins. Rose has also been studied recently for it's effect on Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis. The findings, thus far, have been very positive.

Wounds- A powder from the petals and dried leaves has been traditionally used to help speed the healing of wounds. In some cultures, the petals were even used to pack surgical wounds to help prevent infection.

Digestion-  Rose petals and hips help to stimulate the body's bile production, which greatly aids digestion, particularly the digestion of fats. It also helps to balance the gut's microbiome, helping to keep the bad bacteria and yeasts in check, while boosting the effectiveness of the good bacteria and yeast cultures. It's also a mild laxative and makes a great, gentile, tea for constipation.

Healthy Heart-  Rose helps to lower blood pressure and is packed full of helpful antioxidants that help keep the circulatory system healthy.

Great for All Feminine Needs-  Traditionally, rose tea has been consumed to help ease menstrual cramps and regulate periods, but it's also great for so many other feminine concerns. Rose tea has been shown to help ease the symptoms of PMS in certain women and it's also traditionally taken during labor to help aid in childbirth.

Contraindications and Warnings- Rose is generally considered to be safe and no adverse side effects have been reported. Despite its safety, some experts warn that you should limit the amount you drink to a maximum of 5 cups per day because consuming too much vitamin C can have certain adverse effects, such as diarrhea. Drinking too much rose tea could potentially cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or headaches.



     I only included a basic introduction to this beautiful plant.  I hope you have learned a new appreciation roses, beyond that of their unparalleled beauty.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

10 Science Backed Benefits of Rose Tea: Healthy Focus: https://healthyfocus.org/8-benefits-of-rose-tea/

34 Ways to Use Rose: Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/34-ways-to-use-roses/

Benefits, Ayurvedic Remedies of Rose Plant and Essential Oil: Easy Ayurveda: https://easyayurveda.com/2016/05/30/benefits-remedies-rose-essential-oil/

Natural Home Remedy- Rosa Centifolia: Natural Home Remedies: http://naturalhomeremedies.co/Rose.html

Rose: Dig Herbs: https://www.digherbs.com/rose.html

Rose: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/rose/

Rose- Herb of the Year: Vitality Magazine: https://vitalitymagazine.com/article/rose-herb-of-the-year/

Rose Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Rose-Cid323

Rose In Ayurveda: Warrior Goddess Ayurveda: http://www.warriorgoddessayurveda.com/2015/07/rose-in-ayurveda/

Rose- Rosa Centifolia: Planet Ayurveda: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/rose-rosa-centifolia/

Roses: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/roses-18.html

The Medicinal Uses of Rose: Healing With Plants: http://healingwithplants.us/2017/06/the-medicinal-uses-of-rose/

Lemon Balm

     There are certain herbs that keep popping up in mythology and historical texts. Lemon Balm, often just referred to as Balm, is one of these. The scientific name, Melissa officinalis, actually comes from Greek mythology. A nymph, named Melissa, had a tendency to share the secretes, and many uses, of honey with everyone she met. This made her especially sacred to bees, beekeepers, and anyone who used honey (bakers, doctors, etc). Since Lemon Balm's flowers are known to attract bees, especially honey bees, the name Melissa was used for this lemon-flavored member of the mint family.

     Since Lemon Balm has a very lemony flavor, it makes a great herb to add to your culinary experiments. I like the fresh leaves in a salad, or used to season my chicken. You can also use it to infuse vinegar, make a refreshing herb butter, or even add a few leaves to your tea. It's so versatile and tasty that you can really use it in just about any recipe, savory or sweet.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions- Antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cerebral stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervous restorative, tonic, spasmolydic, and sedative (mild).

Stress Management- Lemon Balm has been used, for centuries, to help calm the mind while not making one drowsy. Many people have reported that just smelling the plant or essential oil has a calming, stress relieving, effect.

The Cardiovascular System- Lemon Balm helps reduce stress in the whole body, which helps to reduce the amount of stress put on the cardiovascular system. Not only that, but it also helps to protect the heart in many ways. Just inhaling the essential oil lowers high triglycerides and improves cholesterol synthesis in the liver, reducing the amount of cholesterol that gets stuck in the arteries. After consuming Lemon Balm on a regular basis, one's heart has a better resistance to injury. This herb also helps reduce heart palpitations and regulate arrhythmia (the heart beating at irregular rhythms).

Improve Sleep- This herb supports a restful sleep. While it doesn't make one drowsy, it does help with relaxation, helping to shut off the mind when the body is ready for sleep. Lemon Balm is useful for all ages, it can even be used for infants and breastfeeding mothers, and has been reported to help all ages get better sleep.

Skin- Lemon Balm has been used by women throughout the ages, to help reduce and soften wrinkles. This practice can be recorded as far back as the 14th century in Hungary, where the Queen herself used it to bring a more youthful appearance to her face. Today it is used to reduce fine lines, and help prevent lip blemishes.

Improve Memory and Problem Solving- Lemon Balm does help calm the body and mind alike, but it does so without causing drowsiness. In many cases, it's even been shown to boost alertness. But it also helps to stimulate the memory. It also has been the subject of several studies that have shown it to help increase a person's ability to solve complex problems, regardless of age. After quite a bit of testing, it's been determined that Lemon Balm contains quite a number of compounds that help prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, helping the brain to communicate more efficiently and promoting healthy aging of the brain.

Liver Support- Lemon Balm also helps to support healthy liver function. Helping to protect the liver from some of the negative effects of an unhealthy diet and improving cholesterol synthesis.

Antibacterial- The natural antibacterial properties found in Lemon Balm make it great to use on wounds, in soaps, shampoos, hand sanitizers, and for cleaning products around the house. It also helps to control the growth of candida, a yeast naturally found in the gut, but when overgrown, can cause some serious problems.

Diabetes- Quite a few studies have shown that Lemon Balm can help reduce blood sugar levels and reduce the oxidative stress related specifically to diabetes.

Overactive Thyroid- Lemon Balm is fairly effective at controlling an overactive thyroid. This is particularly effective for those with Graves disease.

Digestion- Lemon Balm helps to prevent the formation of gastric ulcers. It also helps to soothe the stomach and improve digestion.

PMS Symptoms- Quite a few of the symptoms associated with PMS in most women are exacerbated by stress. Lemon Balm's stress relieving capabilities help to even out those PMS symptoms. It's especially shown to be effective for teenagers.

Contraindications, Cautions, and Warnings- Lemon Balm is not recommended for people who have a low functioning thyroid. If you suspect that you have a thyroid problem, please consult your doctor. Also, pregnant and nursing mothers should use caution when using this herb, it's mostly considered safe, but there can be some interactions.


     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb.  I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how amazing lemon balm is.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

9 Impressive Health Benefits of Lemon Balm: Global Healing Center: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-benefits-of-lemon-balm/

9 Lemon Balm Benefits + Natural Uses for Home & Health: Dr Axe: https://draxe.com/lemon-balm/

10 Ways to Use Lemon Balm: Homespun Seasonal Living: https://homespunseasonalliving.com/10-ways-use-lemon-balm/

12 + Things to Do With Lemon Balm: The Nerdy Farm Wife: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/12-things-to-do-with-lemon-balm/

A Family Herb, Lemon Balm Benefits: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/a-family-herb-lemon-balm-benefits/

How to Use Lemon Balm as a Natural Bee Sting Remedy: The Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/how-to-use-lemon-balm-as-a-natural-bee-sting-remedy/

Lemon Balm: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-437/lemon-balm

Lemon Balm Medicinal Uses, Grow Your Own Medicine: Natural Society: http://naturalsociety.com/medicinal-uses-of-lemon-balm-grow-own-medicine/

Lemon Balm/Melissa: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html

Melissa Essential Oil: Ayurvedic Oils: http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/lemon-balm-essential-oil

The Many Uses for Lemon Balm: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-lemon-balm-89388

The Lovely Lavender

         Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has always been one of my favorite scents. It's so soothing and calm, and isn't overtly bright and cheerful (which is good, but living in the Sunshine State means that I'm inundated with bright and cheerful year round). I've been blending my own essential oils to make perfume, beauty products, and air fresheners for some time now. Lately my favorite combination has been Frankincense, Lavender, and Vetiver. It just smells so mysterious. But aside from it's use in aromatherapy and as a pretty scent, Lavender is a necessary ingredient in certain cooking herb blends, such as Herbs de Province (a classic French culinary blend). It has so many uses, and is a great plant to have around the house as well. It truly is one of my favorite herbal allies.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Lavender, English Lavender, French Lavender, Spike Lavender, Sweet Lavender, Common Lavender, and True Lavender

Parts Used- All aerial parts while the plant is in flower, or just the flower.

Summary of Actions- Carminative, Sedative, Bitter, Antidepressant, Hypnotic, Cholagogue, Anti-microbial, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Nervine, Mildly Astringent, Aromatic

Traditional Chinese Medicine- Known as Xun Yi Cao, Lavender is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, remove toxicity, expel wind, and relieve itching. It's pungent and cool and primarily used for sore throat, burns, rubella, tongue boil, headache, scabies, dizziness, and aphtha (inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth).

Ayurvedic- In Ayurveda, Lavender is known as a Medhya herb (improves cognitive function) for it's ability to energize and empower the mind and stimulate brain function. Lavender actually effects each of the 3 doshas. It pacifies both kapha and pitta while aggravating vata. It is known to enhance prana, strengthening the immune system.

Essential Oil and Aromatherapy- This is the main way I use Lavender. The essential oil is absolutely wonderful at reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and soothing the mind while stimulating it as well.

Pain Relief- Lavender is great for topical pain relief. It takes the “burn” right out of minor burns, helps reduce the “sting” from bug bites and minor cuts, and even helps reduce headaches when massaged into the temples. I even had a friend one time who had a headache for several days, nothing worked for it. I happened to have some diluted lavender essential oil on me. When she smelled it, her headache stopped throbbing, but was still there. Then I had her massage it onto her temples, her headache disappeared in just a few minutes. It's good stuff.

Wound and Burn Care- Lavender essential oil is one of to essential oils I always stock in my first aid kit (the other is oregano). I also keep dried lavender flowers, just in case. The reason I love lavender in my first aid kit is because it's so good for minor wounds and burns. There have even been studies done about the effect of lavender on wounds from major surgeries. Not only does it help improve the healing of the skin, it also acts to reduce pain and itchiness. I literally use it on just about everything from bug stings/bites, to minor burns, to cuts and scrapes, even to eczema and psoriasis. 

Soothing Nerves and Improving Sleep- The scent of lavender is usually enough to relax most people. Helping reduce anxiety, relieve depression, and improve sleep. It seems to be especially helpful to mothers during the postpartum time, college students, and people with special needs (helping to reduce the frequency of self harming behaviors). Research has even found that exposure to lavender before a stressful situation not only reduces the amount of stress one feels during the situation, but also helps recover from that stress much faster. One of my favorite applications for lavender is in a sleep pillow to help improve the quality of sleep.

Insect Repellent- This is one of the few things that actually work to repel the Noseeums that can be found in Florida. But lavender also works to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Skin Care and Hair Growth- Lavender's anti-inflammatory effects help to improve the health of skin and hair. There are some people who have noted some irritating effects from the lavender, but most of those can be attributed to using undiluted lavender essential oil. When the tea is used as a wash, or when a properly diluted essential oil is applied, it cleanses the skin and hair, as well as improves hair growth and helps make the hair shiny and full. A strong tea also helps get rid of dandruff and can be used to help remove makeup (I usually mix it with some coconut oil for this).

Other Historical Uses- In the Medieval period in Europe, most of the floors in common homes were dirt. Most people covered the dirt with a combination of dried rushes/grasses and lavender flowers. Not only did this smell wonderful, it also kept bugs out of their houses, thus reducing the spread of diseases such as the plague. Lavender was also used during the plague to keep the smell out of the noses of the physicians and others attending to the sick. While they might have been using it to make the stench more palatable, it also helped keep them from falling ill.

Contraindications and Warnings- Generally speaking, there are none. However, those of you that are allergic to mints may have a reaction with lavender. You can also have a reaction to the pure essential oil if you do not dilute it in a carrier oil.




     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb.  I hope you have learned a new appreciation for one of my favorite allies, Lavender.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

7 Impressive Benefits of Lavender: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lavender.html

10 Medicinal Benefits of Lavender Oil: Ayurveda and Yoga: https://www.theayurveda.org/ayurveda/herbs/10-medicinal-benefits-of-lavender-oil

How Can Lavender Make You Feel Great?: Joyful Belly: https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Lavender/83

How to Use Lavender: Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/7041/lavender-uses/

Lavender: TCM Wiki: https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/lavender

Lavender – Lavandula Angustifolia: Alandi Ayurveda: http://ayurveda.alandiashram.org/ayurvedic-herbs/lavender-lavandula-angustifolia

Lavender Essential Oil: Ayurvedic Oils: http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/ayurvedic-uses-of-lavender-essential-oil

Lavender – Health Benefits and Side Effects: The Herbal Resource: https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/lavender-oil.html

Lavender Plant: Uses of Herbs: https://usesofherbs.com/lavender

Lavender's Medicinal and Aromatherapy Uses and Lavender Truffles: Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine: https://chestnutherbs.com/lavenders-medicinal-and-aromatherapy-uses-and-lavender-truffles/

Liberating Goldenrod

     Spring may not be the time of year when people expect to see Goldenrod. But it is the time of year when several people (especially in Florida) may need to use it. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) blooms around the same time as Ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) and, unfortunately, has been accused of causing seasonal allergies in late summer to early fall. However Ragweed is typically the allergenic culprit. Goldenrod actually has very little pollen with which to cause allergy problems. And the pollen it does have is sticky so it rarely gets to be airborne. Most people who have been introduced to both plants don't know how they could be mistaken as Goldenrod's flowers are beautifully golden while Ragweed has nondescript green flowers. Even though they're both in the Asteraceae family, there's a really good bit of differences between the two, and the Herbal Academy has a very detailed blog post about just that.

     Goldenrod grows just about everywhere from North America to Europe, and even all the way to Asia. There are over 100 species and all of them are beneficial in several ways. The two considered to be the most medicinally beneficial are Solidago canadensis and Solidago odora. Even the colonists loved Goldenrod. After the Boston Tea Party, Goldenrod tea, which they called “Liberty Tea,” became so popular that it ended up being exported to China.

Check out a video I recently shot, all about this amazing plant!

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of Actions- Diuretic, drying, aromatic, antioxidant, expectorant, antifungal, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, vulnerary, tonic, and diaphoretic.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Huang Hua, Goldenrod is pungent, bitter, and cool. The meridians it works best on are the liver and gallbladder meridians. Goldenrod is used to dispel wind and clear heat, resolve swelling and remove toxicity. Especially useful when there is a sore throat, jaundice, headache, cold, urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney stones, fungal infection on the hands, or swelling on the back.

Seasonal Allergies- Goldenrod has an amazing ability to calm the runny eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that comes with seasonal allergies. Even Ragweed allergies. It's also an amazing decongestant.

Sinusitis, Flu, & the Common Cold- Goldenrod is antiseptic and antimicrobial, which makes it a great choice for dealing with a sore throat along with other symptoms of the flu, cold, and/or sinus infections. It also has great expectorant properties to help expel mucus from the lungs, and decongestant properties to dry those pesky sinuses. It's also extremely beneficial when fever is involved, as it helps open the pores and allows the body to sweat out the fever more efficiently.

Cardiovascular Health- Goldenrod is an excellent source of rutin which helps support circulation and capillary strength. It also shows promise in the lowering of cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis.

Skin & Wound Care- Goldenrod's scientific name, Solidago, means “to make whole.” It certainly seems to work wonders on wounds. Helping speed their healing and preventing infections. It's also a great ally when dealing with eczema and other chronic skin conditions.

Kidneys- Goldenrod helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and can help clear out “urinary gravel.”

Bladder & Urinary Track- Goldenrod is super useful for the urinary system. It's astringent and antiseptic properties make it useful for treating both bladder and urinary tract infections. It strengthens and tones the urinary system and helps reduce inflammation in both the urinary track and bladder.

Anti-Fungal- Goldenrod works well to help deal with Candida type yeast infections such as thrush or vaginal yeast infections.

Muscle Pain & Arthritis- Recently, Goldenrod has become fairly well known to help relieve a wide variety of aches and pains. It's especially known to help muscle pain and arthritis.

Contraindications and Warnings- Goldenrod can be overly drying to those with a dry constitution, if taken over a long period of time. Consult your doctor, midwife, or herbalist before taking Goldenrod if you are pregnant, have heart problems, or have kidney problems. Minor allergic reactions may occur in a, very, few people.

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how amazing goldenrod is. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And these amazing pictures are thanks to my friend Shannon at Ancient Grove Yoga and Wellness.

If you want to learn more about this amazing plant, join me at COAL on March 1, 2018 for our Monthly Materia Medica. For more information, contact Leann at BatLadyHerbals@gmail.com or visit the Florida School of Holistic Living in Orlando, FL. 

Refrences:

Foraging & Using Goldenrod: The Nerdy Farm Wife: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/foraging-using-goldenrod/

Glorious Goldenrod: Susan Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Glorious-Goldenrod.htm

Goldenrod: Dr. Vikram: http://www.drvikram.com/goldenrod.php

Goldenrod: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/goldenrod/

Goldenrod Medicine: Dana Tate Bailey: https://southernherbalist.wordpress.com/2015/08/18/goldenrod-medicine-solidago/

Goldenrod Plant: Herbs with Rosalee: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/goldenrod-plant.html

Goldenrod vs. Ragweed: Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/goldenrod-vs-ragweed-theyre-not-the-same-plant/

Goldenrod: The Bee's Knees: The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine: https://chestnutherbs.com/goldenrod/

Health Benefits of Goldenrod: Herbal Academy: https://theherbalacademy.com/health-benefits-of-goldenrod/

Herb of Common Goldenrod: TCM Wiki: https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/herb-of-common-goldenrod

Medicinal Uses of Goldenrod: Garden's Ablaze: http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbGoldenrodMed.htm

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices

     I have a not-so-secret I'd like to share. I love Indian food! Seriously. Nothing tastes better than Paneer Masala served with Basmati Rice. Especially if I can enjoy it with a warm cup of Chai Tea. I was making my very own blend of Chai Tea a while back and realized that every spice I added was an amazing powerhouse of herbal potential. From the ginger, to the black pepper, and even to the tea itself. So I pulled out my Garam Masala seasoning and looked at the ingredients, sure enough all of those spices are amazingly beneficial herbs as well. There is one herb that both of these blends have in common that lends it's distinctive flavor to both food and drink, and it works extremely well to help aid digestion and sooth the stomach, which is very important when talking about Indian food.

     Often called “The Queen of Spices,” Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world, only after Saffron and Vanilla. Elettaria cardamomum is it's scientific name and it belongs to the same family as Ginger and Turmeric, the Zingiberaceae family. Originating in India, it's been used both medicinally and culinarily for thousands of years. It was even commonly used in Ancient Egypt. However, it remains one of the more distinctive spices in Indian cuisine.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of Actions-

Carminative, stimulant, aromatic, diuretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Sha Ren, the use of Cardamom in Traditional Chinese Medicine goes back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) where it was written about in an ancient book named Yao Xing Lun. This book is devoted to the pharmacological uses of herbs. According to TCM practitioners, Cardamom is spicy, warm, and aromatic. It is associated with the meridians of spleen, stomach, and kidney. It helps to resolve dampness, promote appetite, activates qi to resolve stagnation in the middle burner, warm the spleen, stop diarrhea, and prevent miscarriage.

Ayurveda- Cardamom pacifies all three doshas and is most commonly used for diseases where there is an imbalance in all three doshas. It's also one of the ingredients in Chyawanprash, a traditional Indian jam used for it's nutritive and health properties. It also regulates digestion and improves urine output, so that it is commonly used in Ayurvedic weight loss formulas. People looking to balance Pitta should consume Cardamom in smaller amounts. However, it works well to balance Kapha, especially in the stomach and lungs. It also is excellent at pacifying Vata.

Digestive Aid and Appetite Enhancement-

The volatile oils in Cardamom help to soothe the stomach and intestines. This helps to prevent and reduce a whole host of digestive complaints including constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and flatulence. Aromatically, it can also be used to increase appetite.

Cardiovascular Health-

Cardamom is high in fiber which helps to enhance heart health in general, but specifically helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Combined with the levels of heart healthy antioxidants present in this herb, Cardamom is an excellent heart herb. Many heart experts around the world even go to far as to add Cardamom to their meals.

Depression-

The volatile oils in Cardamom are uplifting and soothing, helping to relieve stress and reduce depression. It can be used in a tea or aromatically to help in this manner.

Diabetes-

Cardamom is high in manganese, a mineral found to lower the risk of diabetes.

Dental Health and Bad Breath-

Cardamom is well known for it's ability to combat bad breath, simply by chewing on the seeds. It also helps to fight the bacteria that cause tooth and gum disease and decay.

Asthma-

Cardamom has been shown to have bronchodialatory effects, meaning that it dialates the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs. Literally, Cardamom makes breathing easier. Especially in the cases of asthma patients.

Nausea, Sore Throat, Vomiting-

Cardamom has an amazing ability to sooth a sore throat, reduce inflammation, reduce nausea, and prevent vomiting.

Aphrodisiac-

Cardamom is rich in cineole, which helps to increase and release your passions. Just a tiny pinch of Cardamom can go a long way.

Urinary Disorders-

Cardamom is useful to help with the discomfort associated with passing kidney and gall stones. It can also act as a diuretic to sooth a wide variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems.

Hiccups-

Cardamom is one of the few herbs that is really helpful in most cases of hiccups. It has muscle-relaxing properties that help sooth the muscles that contract to cause the hiccups. It also helps reduce indigestion which can be another cause of hiccups. Simply add 1 teaspoon of powdered Cardamom to a glass of hot water, let steep 15 minutes, then consume slowly.

Contraindications and Warnings- Generally considered safe, but some people do have allergies to the volatile oils. Cardamom has anti-platelet actions and could possibly cause problems in people taking certain anti-platelet or anticoagulant medicine.

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how amazing cardamom is. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Refrences:

11 Amazing Benefits of Cardamom: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-cardamom.html

15 Health Benefits of Cardamom: Healthhub: https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/15-health-benefits-of-cardamom

24 Amazing Benefits of Cardamom: Style Craze: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/health-benefits-of-cardamom/

Ayurveda Health Benefits of Cardamom: AyurHelp: http://www.ayurhelp.com/articles/ayurveda-health-benefits-cardamom#.WlODCd-nG01

Black Cardamom (Sha Ren): Chinese Herbs Healing: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/black-cardamom/

Cardamom: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cardamom.html

Cardamom: Maharishi Ayurveda: http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-recipes/spices/cardamom.html

Cardamom Essential Oil: Sustanable Baby Steps: http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/cardamom-essential-oil.html

Cardamom Helps Prevent Bad Breath, Cavities, & Cancer: Dr Axe: https://draxe.com/cardamom/

Cardamom Seed (sha ren): Acupuncture Today: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/cardamon_seed.php

Chinese Herb Sha Ren: Sacred Lotus: https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/chinese-herbs/substance/sha-ren-Cardamom-grains-of-paradise-fruit

Cardamom Uses: Easy Ayurveda: https://easyayurveda.com/2014/12/26/cardamom-uses-research-home-remedies-side-effects/

Simply Cinnamon

     The Christmas Season brings with it many things. There's cookies, presents, Santa, and mint-flavored-everything. However, there is a flavor/scent that is more commonly used this season, but for some strange reason, it's not as popular as mint. Cinnamon is one of my favorite scents and flavors for just about any time of year. It's just so warm and cozy. It's always comforting to smell and taste. But it's also a great herb to use in so many situations.

     Cinnamon, as we know it, is the dried inner bark of cinnamomum trees. There are around 250 species of cinnamon trees and several of these trees are commonly used and labeled as “cinnamon.” The two most common are Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon or true cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia, Chinese, or Saigon cinnamon). There are quite a few other species used, but these two are the most commonly found here, with Cassia being the most common. However, Ceylon Cinnamon is more potent if you are looking to use cinnamon for it's health benefits.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions-

Stimulant, Tonic, Stomachic, Analgesic, Blood Alterative, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Anti-Parasitic, Mildly Astringent, Anticancer, Antispasmodic, Antioxidant, Hypotensive, Aromatic, Aphrodisiac, and Insect Repellent.

Traditional Chinese Medicine-

China's cinnamon tradition goes back almost as far as India's. In TCM, Rou Gui (cinnamon sticks) are used to reinforce fire, strengthen yang, dispel cold, stop pain, and warm meridians. This helps to invigorate the stomach, warm the lower back, reduce stomach bloating, and relieve abdominal problems associated with cold/excessive yin.

Ayurveda-

Native to India, and known there as Tvak, cinnamon has a long history as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Common uses for cinnamon include balancing digestion, pacifying Kapha, balancing Vata, increasing the effects of other herbs, to pacify headaches, and even to keep joints healthy.

Essential Oil-

Cinnamon stimulates the body and the mind. Externally, cinnamon essential oil makes an excellent warming liniment, helping to relieve sore muscles and stimulate circulation. Internally, it helps aid the digestive processes, combats infections, and fortifies the immune system. Always dilute essential oils before use, but be especially cautious with cinnamon as it can cause irritation if it is not diluted properly (about 10 drops of essential oil to every 1 ounce of carrier oil for a healthy adult).

Diabetes-

Cinnamon has an excellent reputation as an anti-diabetic herb due to it's ability to help lower blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps curb the craving for sugary sweets and can be added to recipes to reduce the amount of sugar needed.

Circulatory Health-

Cinnamon is very beneficial for heart and circulatory health. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure. It helps the blood to coagulate, which helps prevent and reduce bleeding. It increases circulation, and helps tissues to regenerate. This is especially beneficial to the heart as it needs to regenerate tissue to fight and/or recover from heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.

Neurodegenerative Diseases-

Cinnamon contains quite a few antioxidants, many of which act to help to activate protein that protect brain cells from mutation and damage caused by aging. This has enormous potential to help prevent neurodegenerative disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Dental Health-

Cinnamon is wonderful to use to help fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and bad breath. It's also smells and tastes great, so it makes a great addition to any natural tooth powders or mouthwashes.

Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral-

As a naturally antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and immune boosting herb, cinnamon works extremely well to help combat a number of infections. Not only does it help prevent infections, but it has been shown to be very effective at treating them as well. It's immune boosting properties are so potent, that it is even being studied as a possible treatment for HIV.

Stomach and Digestion-

Cinnamon has quite a few properties that make it wonderful to aid digestion and prevent digestive upset. It's carminative, which means that it helps to prevent and relieve gas and bloating. It soothes stomach and intestinal cramps and helps in the digestion of fats and sugars.

Anti-Inflammatory-

Cinnamon helps reduce inflammation all over the body, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, brain function decline, and much more. These anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain, relieve muscle soreness, relieve pain associated with PMS, reduce the severity of allergic reactions, and may help relieve arthritis pain.

Cautions and Contraindications-

If taken in small amounts, cinnamon is not known to cause allergies or negative reactions. However, when taking extracts or essential oils, it is possible to take cinnamon in a large enough quantity that it may negatively interact with certain medications and medical conditions. Please check with your doctor before supplementing with cinnamon.

Use caution with cinnamon if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

When using cinnamon essential oil, make sure to properly dilute the oil and to use a patch test as cinnamon can be very irritating to the skin.

     I hope I have given another reason to fall in love with cinnamon this Holiday Season. Let me know how you feel about cinnamon, I love hearing from you!

References:

10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

Aromatherapy Cinnamon: Herbs 2000: https://www.herbs2000.com/aromatherapy/a_cinnamon.htm

Ayurveda Medicinal Herb, Cinnamon (Tvak): Ayurveda for You: https://ayurveda-foryou.com/ayurveda_herb/cinnamon.html

Cinnamon: Annie's Remedy: https://www.anniesremedy.com/cinnamomum-zeylanicum-cinnamon.php

Cinnamon Bark: Maharishi Ayurveda: http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-recipes/spices/cinnamon.html

Cinnamon Bark: TCM Wiki: https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/cinnamon-bark

Cinnamon Benefits: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cinnamon.html

Cinnamon Side Effects and Benefits: Herbal Resource: https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/cinnamon-herb.html

Cinnamon Sticks (Rou Gui): Chinese Herbs Healing: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/cinnamon-sticks/

Cinnamon, the Ancient Healing Spice: Vedic Healing: https://vedichealing.com/cinnamon-the-ancient-healing-spice/

Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Nutrition Facts: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/health-benefits-cinnamon/

Medicinal Uses of Cinnamon Reviewed: Monterey Bay Spice Company: https://www.herbco.com/t-Medicinal-Uses-of-Cinnamon.aspx

Use of Chinese Cinnamon; Gui Zhi & Rou Gui in Herbal Medicine: Empirical Point Acupuncture: https://www.philadelphia-acupuncture.com/cinnamon-chinese-herbal-medicine/