And here is a glimpse of some of the lovely flowers and herbs I have been encountering in the wild.

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Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, new growth and energy.  As the plants begin their green, upward growth from the slumber of winter, we too embrace the active, renewing, vital energy of spring .  Traditionally, spring is an ideal time to cleanse both inward and outward and shed old patterns of thinking, being and feeling as we shed our winter coats.  It is also a time to support and nourish our amazing organ of detoxification, the liver.

With over a thousand known functions, the liver is intricately connected to all physiological processes.  It cleanses the blood and protects us on a daily basis from toxins, transforming poisonous substances into harmless chemicals.  The liver also plays a critical role in fat, protein and  blood sugar metabolism.  When there is an imbalance in liver functioning it affects the body in a myriad of ways and can often manifest as a symptom elsewhere in the body.  Conversely, an imbalance elsewhere in the body, can have detrimental impacts on the liver.  Traditionally, the liver is viewed as the home of the will and imbalance is often exhibited in the form of feelings of anger, jealousy, envy, depression and rage.

With spring upon us, what better time to nourish, support and express gratitude to your liver.  As it truly enables us “to live”.  There are some great herbal allies and nutritional therapies to employ during this time.  Bitter “spring” tonics have been used throughout time to tone and cleanse the liver after a winter of heavy foods and reduced activity.  Taken in small amounts before meals, these tonics can enhance digestion and support liver and gallbladder health.

Rejuvenate your liver by increasing your consumption of spring’s abundant, vital chlorophyll rich greens. Some examples include: wild greens such as nettles, chickweed, miner’s lettuce, watercress, dandelion greens as well as parsley, kale, collards, etc.

Stimulate digestion and liver functioning by increasing your consumption of bitter and sour foods and herbs.  Incorporate asparagus, quinoa, lemon, lime, grapefruit and apple cider vinegar into meals.  Embrace the bitter flavor with herbs such as alfalfa, dandelion root, milk thistle seeds, Oregon grape root, yellow dock root, chamomile flowers.

Now through May, receive 10% off your online purchase of Single Herb Tinctures that support liver vitality. Includes Dandelion root, Oregon Grape root, Turmeric root, and Yellow Dock root.

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Our Hawthorne Berry Extract is sourced in late fall from the black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii). Hawthorn is one of the most notable cardiac and circulatory tonics in the western herbal repertory.  Used as a tonic, it can aid the management of hypertension and arteriosclerosis.  It improves coronary circulation while nourishing, vitalizing and tonifying the heart.  Energetically, hawthorn is used to nourish the heart yin and calm the spirit.  Overall, hawthorn has a  restorative and strengthening effect on the cardiovascular system and can be used as a long term tonic to regulate blood pressure and minimize the risk of developing coronary disease.  It also supplies the body with flavonoids and antioxidants that strengthen connective tissue and improve the integrity of vasculature bodywide.  Visit Hawthorn Berry to purchase.

Our Red Root Extract (Ceanothus velutinus) is also harvested in late fall from the roots of snowbush ceanothus which grows in abundance in the forests covering the lower slopes of Mt. Shasta.  Red root stimulates lymphatic and interstitial fluid circulation, thereby reducing swelling of lymph nodes and tissue.  Ceanothus root is an indispensable herb for chronic swollen lymph, sore throat, tonsillitis, and strep throat.  It also enhances the liver’s ability to metabolize fats.  Red root can reduce portal vein congestion and the related symptoms of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  Visit Red Root for more information.

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Equisetum arvense

Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) can be found growing in abundance this time of year along streams and in wet meadows.  One of our most ancient plants, Horsetail graced the planet in heights of 50 feet or more 350 million years ago.  In modern times, horsetail does not reach such dramatic heights but can be found in two distinct biotypes.  The hollow, leafless, jointed “scouring rush”, typified by Equisetum hymale, and the fern like species, typified by Equisetum arvense, with threadlike leaves in whorls radiating out from the stem joints. A plant that reproduces with spores, there are fertile and infertile shoots of horsetail.  The fertile shoots pop up in early spring and resemble asparagus.  The infertile shoot appear afterwards and are used medicinally.

These living fossils are often overlooked or considered weeds by many.  However, horsetail is a plant with many values and uses.  A plant with a high concentration of silica and other minerals, horsetail is also known as “scouring rush” and “shavegrass”.  Historically it was used to scour and shine aluminum, copper and wood.

Equisetum hyemale

As a medicinal herb, horsetail is used most often to strengthen connective tissue and in urinary tract disorders.  It can be used as a diuretic, for bladder infections,  and chronic bladder weakness.  In cases of gout, arthritis and other acidic conditions, horsetail flushes excess uric acid from the body.  It can speed healing of broken bones, torn tendons and injured muscles and ligaments.  Horsetail strengthens the hair and fingernails and is indicated for infected hangnails, brittle breaking hair and nails, picking and biting of nails, nervousness and insecurity.  Horsetail is a classic vulnerary and hemostatic and can curb excess bleeding, heal tissues and prevent scar tissue.

For medicinal use, horsetail is best processed as a decoction or in tincture form.  Horsetail Extract is available in our shop.  Horsetail tincture should be used in low doses for short periods of time and with caution for those with kidney inflammation, infection and deficiency.

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There are other herbal gems out there that affect the nervous system without the addictive qualities and expense of pharmaceuticals.  Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has similar properties as California Poppy but has a special affinity for conquering addiction.  A more gentle nervine, Skullcap can be used throughout the day without as strong of effect as California Poppy.  It also aids sleep, relieves tension, anxiety, headaches, cramps and neuralgia.  Skullcap can alleviate addiction withdrawal symptoms such as depression, stress, cravings, agitation and crankiness from substances such as coffee, nicotine, and narcotics.  As a restorative, nutritive nerve tonic, skullcap not only alleviates symptoms, but brings the nervous system back into balance and harmony.

Both herbs can be excellent allies when coping with pain, restlessness and addiction withdrawal symptoms.  California Poppy tends to have a stronger affect than Skullcap.  It should be used in moderation when driving or operating heavy machinery. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and nursing, and should not be taken with other medications.

You can find both California Poppy Extract and Skullcap Extract in our shop.

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The many historic nicknames of yarrow hint at its many medicinal virtues; “nosebleed”, “soldier’s woundwort”, “bloodwort” and “staunchweed”.   Its genus, Achillea, refers to the great Achilles who was said to staunch his soldier’s wounds with Yarrow. It is plant of the warrior, traditionally carried or worn for protection and courage and to combat fear.  Energetically, yarrow dispels negativity and can be an important ally in emotional healing.

Highly aromatic, with featherlike leaves and a beautiful white umbel of flowers, yarrow is most esteemed for its first aid uses and its affinity for the blood.  As “master of the blood”, yarrow is an indispensible hemostatic and vulnerary.  Internally, it effectively stops nosebleeds, bleeding hemorrhoids and ulcers.  Topically, the fresh leaf can stop minor bleeding from cuts and scrapes.  Chewing on a yarrow leaf can relieve toothache.  Placing leaves up the nose are said to either stop or stimulate nosebleed, depending on the situation.  Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory properties are also notable in topical applications for bruises, swelling and tenderness.

Achillea has long been used for menstrual problems as well.  Having an affinity for congested and stagnant blood, yarrow stimulates delayed, crampy menses while tonifying the uterus.  Conversely, it regulates heavy, excessive menstrual bleeding, making it a “great normalizer” of the blood.

Yarrow can be used at the first signs of cold or flu for its diaphoretic, immune stimulating, and antimicrobial properties.  Drink Yarrow tea or take the tincture in hot water to ward off colds and lower fever.  Use yarrow for respiratory conditions such as sinus infection, allergies and bronchitis.

Yarrow also acts as a singular remedy for acute cystitis.  It is an excellent remedy for urinary tract infections, having anti-microbial, diuretic and tonifying properties.  Being a bitter, yarrow stimulates the digestive system and can improve appetite and alleviate bloating and cramping.

Truly a magnificent herb for its medicinal and spiritual virtues, yarrow makes itself readily available in most locations from roadsides to mountain trails.  As a first aid remedy, women’s menstrual ally, immune stimulant and protective herb, yarrow is a plant you should never be without.

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St. John’s Wort has been used for countless centuries and is associated with much magic and lore, a plant connected with the faeries.  In modern times, its many merits and action as a whole plant medicine have been overshadowed by an active constituent, hypericin, quite well known for its anti-depressant effect.  Here we return to the cheery yellow flowers, producing a sunny medicine to boost the spirits. Not a remedy for severe depression, but rather a plant ally to elevate the mood, useful for Seasonal Affect Disorder, mild blues and general irritability.  However, St. John’s wort has many more healing virtues.

Having a striking affinity for the nerves and the nervous system, St. John’s wort is one of the foremost nerve healing and anti-inflammatory herbs in Western herbalism.  It heals internal nerve damage and inflammation as well as external damage from burns, wounds, stings, bumps and other injuries.  Internally it can be used for sciatica, neuralgia, carpal tunnel, and rheumatoid arthritis.  It is also used externally for dry skin, eczema, strains, sprains, aches, and bruises.  St. John’s wort is also a strong anti-viral herb.  It can be used for nerve related viruses, such as herpes, shingles, and cold sores.

Hypericin, the substance which gave St. John’s wort spotlight in the pharmaceutical realm, causes the plant to turn a deep red when alchemized into medicine. There is nothing like the beautiful rich red color of St. John’s Wort tincture or oil.  It is truly magical to witness the transformation of its flowers into a deep red medicine.

This healing herb is available in our shop, as a Single Herb Tincture, in Lose Those Blues, as well as in our Muscle and Joint Salve and Soothe and Heal Salve.  Experience its healing virtues for yourself.

Caution: do not use St. John’s Wort internally if taking oral contraceptives or anti-depressants or pregnant or nursing.

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Elderflowers are a specific remedy for fever and flu.   Taken in hot water, elderflower tincture can break a fever, open up congestion in the lungs and sinuses, and stimulate the immune system to attack viral and bacterial infections.  The berries are renowned for their virus fighting properties.   Elderberries can prevent viruses from adhering to human cells and multiplying.  Clinical trials have shown a tincture of the berries to be both antiviral and antibacterial. Elderberry can be used as a preventative during flu season, at first signs of compromised immunity, or during acute infection.

There are numerous ways to enjoy the medicinal benefits of elderberries.  They make great jam, syrup, chutney, and wine.  Interested in flu prevention and immunity this winter?  Check out our Elderberry Extract and our Elderflower Extract.

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