Herb of the week: Elderberry

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it’s become common in the U.S. It has transient leaves, white flowers and berries that turn from green to red to black when ripe. Sambucus nigra is the full scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes, as well as the species on which the majority of scientific research has been conducted.

Benefits:

1) Boosts the Immune System.

2) Studies have shown it can decrease duration of colds.

3) Studies have shown it can improve Flu symptoms.

4) Reduces the amount of days sick with the flu.

5) It is an anti viral herb that can help reduce inflammation and congestion from Sinus Infections.

6) Elderberry has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and has been used to treat diabetes.

7) It has been found to lower insulin dependence in Type 1 Diabetes.

8) Promotes Urine production and bowel movements.

9) Supports Skin Health.
Elderberry has been shown to have significant bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A which is perfect for healthy skin.

10. Eases Allergies.

11. May have Cancer Fighting Effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16328973
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17201636

12. Improves Gut Health and Lowers Cholesterol.

Side Effects:
Never consume raw berries or other parts of the plant since they contain a cyanide-inducing chemical, which can result in diarrhea and vomiting.

What does Earthley offer?

Elderberry Elixir Herbal Extract

Elderberry DIY Kits

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Herb of the week: Dandelion

Latin name: Taraxacum Officianale Botanical family: Asteracea
Energetics (Chinese medicine): Drying, cooling Properties:

🌼 Diuretic
🌼 Nutritional
🌼 Liver support
🌼 Stimulates appetite
🌼 Supports immune system
🌼 Supports kidney function
🌼 Anti-inflammatory
🌼 Antioxidant-rich

Safety: For all ages. Can be used in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Safe both internally and externally. Be cautious or do not use if you have an allergy to ragweed.

Most people consider dandelions “weeds,” but they are one of the most beneficial plants around! Ironically, we spend so much time and money trying to kill them using toxic chemicals, while the plants themselves can support our livers and kidneys and promote detox. It’s nearly impossible to kill dandelions, anyway, because their taproot can go up to 30 feet deep, and if there’s any piece of it left, it will regrow.

But why would we want to kill this beautiful plant?! It’s in season around mid-late April in northern climates, although it blooms sporadically during warm months. The flowers are open and yellow (composed of many tiny petals) during the day, and close at night and during cool, wet weather. They turn to white puffballs of seeds after a couple of weeks, and the wind carries them everywhere. Dandelions spread easily!
The whole plant is edible and medicinal. The roots are best harvested in the fall when the stored energy is highest, at or after the second year. They can be used raw in tea or tincture to promote liver health. Roasted, they make a nice coffee substitute.

The leaves are bitter in flavor and rich in several vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten in salads, or made into tea or tincture. They support kidney health and are sometimes called “nature’s multivitamin.”

The flowers have mild pain-relieving properties, and are nice infused in oil to make a salve or cream for sore muscles. They are also edible, and can be tossed in salads, used to make jelly or wine. Some also use them to make cookies, muffins, or fritters.

Enjoy all that dandelions have to offer!

Earthley products containing dandelion are:
🌼 Sun Shield
🌼 All Purpose Salve
🌼 Nourish Her Naturally
🌼 Nourish Me Naturally
🌼 Baby Balm
🌼 Pain Potion
🌼 Sinus Saver
🌼 Cough-B-Gone
🌼 Immune-Biotic
🌼 Natural Balance
🌼 Mama’s Tummy Relief
🌼 UT-Relief

I also love dandelion detox tea. You can find in most grocery stores.

Learn more about this herb and recipes for dandelions.

Learn more uses for this powerful herb.

(Note: be sure the dandelions you forage are not sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers.)

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

Herb of the week: Rosemary

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a small evergreen plant that belongs to the mint family, which also includes the herbs lavender, basil, myrtle and sage. Its leaves are commonly used fresh or dried to flavor various dishes.

Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Hebrews considered rosemary sacred and it has a long history of use. Rosemary has been known throughout time to be a wedding love charm, as well as a sign of honor and remembrance when used at funerals. It has also been used throughout history to soothe digestive problems, boost immune systems, relieve aches and pains.

Rosemary has an antioxidant ORAC value of 11,070 which means it is just as possible at fighting free radicals as goji berries.

Benefits include:
Discourages hair loss and boosts growth
Improves Memory
Boosts Liver Function
Lowers Cortisol
Helps Fight Cancer

Earthley products that include Rosemary:
Rosemary Lavender Dry Shampoo
Rosemary Lavender Shampoo Bar
Silk Smooth Leave In Conditioner
Herbal Baby Powder
Breathe Well Salve
Milk Flowin’ Salve

Castor oil detox pack, cool formula
Pain Relief Rub
Sea Salt Soap

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

Sources:
https://www.superfoodly.com/orac-value/fresh-rosemary-leaves/
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10412905.2003.9712248
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001177.htm
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/25842469
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22517595
https://draxe.com/essential-oils/rosemary-oil-uses-benefits/

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Herb of the week: Blue Tansy

I’m doing a bonus herb of the week in preparation for the Blue Bliss launch this week, which will include the good night lotion, a lip balm, an essential oil roller ball blend and a bar of soap. The sale on these (minus the soap) will run from Friday to Monday.

Many of you may be wondering:
💙 What is Blue Tansy?
💙 And why is it such a big deal?

Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) is a perennial herb native to Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Today, it’s mainly cultivated in Morocco, and often called ‘Moroccan blue chamomile.’ Blue Tansy is part of the daisy family. It yields a deep blue essential oil when the flowers are distilled with steam, which is how it gets its name. Blue Tansy essential oil has a sweet, fruity aroma due to it’s camphor content, and also has a complex, woody undertone.

Low worldwide demand and small crops can make blue tansy essential oil expensive and difficult to find. It is important to not confuse blue tansy with its cousin, tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). Despite being related, the two plants and their essential oils differ in color and have different benefits and uses.

💙How is it made?💙

The above-ground flowers and stems of the blue tansy plant are gathered and steam-distilled. In the distillation process, one of the chemical components of the oil, chamazulene, is released.

When heated, chamazulene turns deep blue, giving the oil it’s indigo-to-cerulean hue. Exactly how much chamazulene the plants contain changes as the growing season progresses from May to November.

Blue Tansy has shown to be beneficial to soothe irritated skin, an effective decongestant (when inhaled), helps calm the mind and ease tension, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps repair damaged skin (including acne and wrinkles).

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

💙Personal Experience💙

My daughter has gone through some anxiety and also gets car sick. I have taken her to a health specialist who muscle tested her for an oil that would be most beneficial to her to help these areas. Of course, my child would test best for one of the the most expensive essential oils! It does have a very calming scent and is very quickly becoming one of my favorite oils. I’m very excited for this launch!

https://www.healthline.com/health/blue-tansy#safety

Blue Tansy Essential Oil

Herb of the week: Rosehips?

Rosehips is the fruit of a rose that develops on wild roses as the flower drops off and usually appears in early summer, while rippening until Fall. These fruits are full of concentrated sources of Vitamin C! Rosehips are native to Europe and Western Asia.

Rosehips have been used to make jelly, jam, soup and oils; it can also be used to flavor tea and liquor. During wars, such as WWII, governments would use the rose hips to make hip syrup for their vitamin C supplement as citrus fruits were rare to find.

Many rose species produce edible rose hips, but rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa) are especially known for their rose hips.

Rosehips contain: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Benefits include:
Boosts the Immune System
Obesity Reducer
Helps with Arthritis
Anti Ager
Anti Cancer

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

Sources:
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-vitamin-c-rosehips-6920.html
http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/11467225/reload=0;jsessionid=jMlOx3kyihWngHUULj6h.6
https://www.britannica.com/plant/rose-plant#ref54343
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cyanogenic-glycosides
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318706.php
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/ethnic-foods/10470/2

Earthley Products that contain Rosehips:
Clear Essential Oil Roller
Soothing Belly Butter
Milk Flowin’ Salve
Elderberry Syrup Kits

And Energy Plus (herbal iron)

I always add rosehips to my homemade Elderberry syrup due to its immune boosting vitamin C content.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Herb of the week: Elderberry

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it’s become common in the U.S. It has transient leaves, white flowers and berries that turn from green to red to black when ripe. Sambucus nigra is the full scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes, as well as the species on which the majority of scientific research has been conducted.

Benefits:

1) Boosts the Immune System.

2) Studies have shown it can decrease duration of colds.

3) Studies have shown it can improve Flu symptoms.

4) Reduces the amount of days sick with the flu.

5) It is an anti viral herb that can help reduce inflammation and congestion from Sinus Infections.

6) Elderberry has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and has been used to treat diabetes.

7) It has been found to lower insulin dependence in Type 1 Diabetes.

8) Promotes Urine production and bowel movements.

9) Supports Skin Health.
Elderberry has been shown to have significant bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A which is perfect for healthy skin.

10. Eases Allergies.

11. May have Cancer Fighting Effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16328973
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17201636

12. Improves Gut Health and Lowers Cholesterol.

Side Effects:
Never consume raw berries or other parts of the plant since they contain a cyanide-inducing chemical, which can result in diarrhea and vomiting.

What does Earthley offer?

Elderberry Elixir Herbal Extract

Elderberry DIY Kits

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Herb of the week: Echinacea

🌿Herb of the week: Echinacea🌿

Echinacea is a native North American coneflower that was discovered and used as a traditional herbal remedy for more than 400 years by the Great Plains Indian tribes.

Before the introduction of antibiotics in 1950, echinacea held a respected medicinal status. Lately it has even made a comeback as herbal sales begin to soar; making it a 28 million dollar a year industry.

What makes this herb so special?

Many of Echinacea’s chemical constituents are powerful immune system simulators and benefits to taking this herb include:

1.Proven to help combat brain cancer.
“medicinal value of phytochemicals contained in Echinacea is clearly evident and indicates that these agents, as well as phytochemicals not yet discovered in other herbs, may be valuable tools to combat tumors.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668539/

1) Helps to boost the Immune system.
Published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, the University of Connecticut performed a meta-analysis study that evaluated 14 studies and determined that:

• Echinacea cuts the chances of catching a common cold by 58 percent.

• Echinacea reduces the duration of the common cold by almost one-and-a-half days.

Craig Coleman, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and lead author of the study, added that, “The take home message from our study is that echinacea does indeed have powerful cold prevention and cold treatment benefits.”
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/841315/
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_ecpu.pdf

1) Helps to Alleviate Pain Associated with:**
Bowels
Headaches
Toothaches
HSV
Sore Throats
Stomach Aches
Snake Bites
Tonsilitis

2) Works as a Laxative.
**http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/Echinacea_-_Effects_on_white_blood_cells.htm

3) Anti Inflammatory
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19107735%5D
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19107735)

4) Helps Skin Problems
In a paper prepared by Armando González Stuart, PhD, about herbal safety, it describes how echinacea has been used by various Native American tribes to treat:

• Arthropod bites

• Eczema

• Inflammatory skin conditions

• Psoriasis

• Snake bite

• Skin infections

• Stings

• Wound healing
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/

1) Helps to Relieves Upper Respiratory Infections
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26364938

Side Effects:
It has been “reported” that high doses of echinacea can sometimes cause nausea and dizziness, more so in those who have allergies.

Which products from Earthley contain Echinacea?
Feel Better Fast
Immune Biotic Herbal Extract
Digest Ease
Anti Inflammatory

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Herbal Highlight: Red Raspberry Leaf

🍃 Herb of the week: Raspberry leaf 🍃

Latin name: Rubus Idaeus
Botanical family: Roseaceae (Rose)
Energetics (Chinese medicine): Bitter, Sour, Cool

Properties:
● Astringent
● Antioxidant
● Reproductive system support
● Immune support
● Ease PMS symptoms

Safety: Safe for all ages. Safe for pregnant and nursing women. The information in our Herbal Club is intended only as a general reference for further research. It does not provide toxicity levels or all possible interactions with prescription drugs. This information should only be used under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any ailment.

American red raspberry is a native North America, commonly found growing wild in loamy soils. It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters high. The flowers are white to greenish white. The round fruit ripens in late July through September and can be red, purple, gold, or black in color; the gold variety tastes the sweetest. They are thought to have been eaten since prehistoric times, but only began to be cultivated in England and France in about the 1600s.

Everyone knows raspberries are a healthy snack, but not as many know about the benefits of the leaves of the plant. Tea is the most common way of ingesting the leaves, but tinctures can also be made. Red raspberry leaf tea is commonly drunk by women to improve PMS symptoms, pregnancy/labor, and general feminine health.

Learn more about this herb and uses including DIY recipes!

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

Herbal Highlight: Turmeric

Turmeric isn’t just a spice, it’s a powerful little herb to use medicinally. The turmeric spice comes from the root of the plant and is part of the ginger family. There is plenty of research out there touring the benefits of this bright, golden colored herb. Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a cooking spice, as well as for medicinal needs.

🌿How Turmeric Works🌿

Turmeric contains compounds called curcuminoids, most notably, curcumin. It helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress, or the daily wear-and-tear our bodies endure every day, and is an antioxidant. In addition, this spice contains plenty of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system, and is a good source of manganese, iron and potassium. Your typical turmeric spice doesn’t contain enough curcumin to have the same effects. Boo.

Unfortunately, curcumin alone is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. So when choosing a supplement, be sure it contains both curcumin and black pepper.

Research has indicated that curcumin may play a protective role in fighting inflammatory diseases by helping reduce the body’s inflammatory response to everything from food and drink to stress and pollution. Chronic inflammation can cause:

🔹 Obesity
🔹 Diabetes
🔹 Cardiovascular disease
🔹 Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
🔹 Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
🔹 Certain types of cancers, including colon cancer
🔹 Arthritis
🔹 Depression
🔹 Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic lung diseases
🔹 Allergies
🔹 Autoimmune disorders

Curcumin can also boost brain function and reduce the risk of brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. In a study, it has shown to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug at treating rheumatoid arthritis. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and be effective at treating depression.

I have an autoimmune disease. With mostly diet, my numbers are improving. Autoimmune diseases like company so my risk for developing another autoimmune disease is greater than someone who doesn’t already have one. I do take a turmeric/curcumin supplement with piperine. Plus I avoid inflammatory foods as much as possible.

Turmeric is used in Earthley’s Pain Potion, Sinus Saver, Digest-Ease, Cold Sore Serum, Candida Cleanse, Nourish Him Naturally, Postpartum Balance, Elderberry Illness Kit, and UT-Relief, plus others!

Did you know about the benefits of this herb? Do you use it?

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.

Her all Highlight: Ginger

🌿 Herbal Highlight: Ginger 🌿

Latin name: Zingiber officinale
Botanical family: Zingiberaceae
Energetics (Chinese medicine): Warm and pungent

Properties:
● Immune system support
● Bone health
● Improve respiratory conditions
● Reduce digestive upset
● Weight loss aid

Safety: Safe for all ages. Use caution while pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you take blood thinners. ​

Ginger is one of the oldest herbal remedies, dating back over 2,000 years. Native to tropical rainforests, ginger favors lush, moist soils. Ginger blooms are red and come in different shapes like honeycomb and torch. Ginger root, or rhizome, is used as a ​spice​. It can be consumed in many forms: fresh, dried, powdered, and in the form of oil and juice. It is mostly used in sweets and alcoholic ​beverages​ such as ginger ​beer​ and wine.

When buying fresh ginger, choose a root that is wrinkle-free or has minimal wrinkles and tight skin. Make sure the skin is not thick and bruised. It can be stored in a resealable plastic bag with the air pushed out in the refrigerator.

However, you should peel, cut or grate it only before using it. If you want to store a cut piece of the root, make sure it’s dry so that it doesn’t rot away.

Fun fact: Queen Elizabeth I of England invented the gingerbread man in the 16th century. The gingerbread man was presented at a royal ball, and several were made to resemble respected guests as well.

Most of the benefits derived from ginger are because of the active constituent called gingerol in it. It is also rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein. In terms of minerals, it has sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Vitamins in it include vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin. There are many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like beta-carotene and capsaicin in it, too.

Want even more of this type of content in a community setting? Join my Facebook group, Natural and Holistic Living Mama.