Oregon Grape: Gentle Protector
by Sue Sierralupe and Candace Hunter
alias Oregon Mountain Grape, Holly-leaved Barberry, Berberis (or Mahonia) aquafolium (B. repens or nervosa species also used)
Oregon Grape is a natural antibiotic with growing popularity. It produces the same powerful alkaloid, berberine with other herbal antibiotics such as goldenseal and goldenthread which give these herbs these yellowish color. Other plants in Oregon Grape's family, Berberidaceae, have smaller amounts of berberine in their stems. Scratching a tiny patch of this shrub's bark aside reveals a golden treasure trove of medicine. Berberine penetrates the entire plant from its flowers to its roots. This bitter chemical is the main reason that Oregon Grape tops the list of most popular herbs in the natural healer's cupboard.
Pomegranate: The Reigning Queen of Antioxidants
by Sue Sierralupe and Candace Hunter
Pomegranate, Punica granatum
The tree originally came from Persia and has been a part of Middle Eastern food and culture since Babylonian times. The first mention of pomegranate's introduction to a new environment is usually through myth and legend. Both Ganesh and Persephone use Pomegranate prominently in their stories. The sensuous red juice, fertile shape and no-nonsense taste has commanded attention for centuries.
Herbal First Aid: Minor Burns
Hen and Chicks are used just as Aloe Vera is used on burns.
Wild Cherry – Prunus serotina/virginiana – Rosaceae family
Cherry pits were part of renaissance Europe's medicine chest. Families kept “confection boxes” with herbs and spices mixed with honey for emergencies. Among these herbs were cherry pits, which, in small doses, were used to treat sore throats and stomach aches. These had to be used with caution as the pits contain trace amounts of prussic acid also known as hydrogen cyanide. Cherry trees manufacture prussic acid to protect their seeds from boring insects. Producing this chemical represents a delicate balancing act. Too much prussic acid would prevent birds from eating the fruit that spread more wild cherry seedlings. |
Milling Soap: A Kid-friendly How-to
photo/Candace Hunter
I've used two methods for hand-milling soaps. The first uses heat and works better for soaps you intend to mold. This method uses warm water, making it a terrific method for kids, and works better for making soap balls and hand-sculpted bars. This procedure requires supervision of an adult since it involves using cheese graters which can nick little fingers and the use of hot water. When adding the essential oils, be very careful as to not get any of the oil in your eyes or mouth. It can sting. Remember that successful soap makers take their time with the process. The finished product is worth an extra dose of patience. Making a Dryer Sachet: A General Procedure
Dryer sachets see a surprising amount of stress, so be sure to inspect yours regularly for signs of wear and tear. Mine, mostly made from old sheets or worn linens, usually last a good six months, often a year, before I need to replace them. I usually refill mine once every three months, although I could probably do it more often. To decide if it's time to refill my dryer sachet, I give it a sniff. If the scent seems weak, I refill it, dumping the old herbs into the compost pile or pouring them as a mini-mulch around the base of one of my house or outdoor plants. |
