Showing posts with label echinacea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label echinacea. Show all posts

Tim's Fig Tree Guild!

Why fig? Well I wanted to place a deciduous tree in Tim's yard to add a tree layer, and help shade in the summer. An edible, hardy plant with a unique pollination story seemed perfect. Over time I wish to develop a water-wise fig guild, which means plants adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with minimal summer irrigation needs. I already have some of these types of plants in the yard, which I might be able to propagate from: borage, cardoon, lavender, lupine, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme and yarrow. If Tim is up for it, we can introduce more from this category.

This summer I attended an "Introduction to Forest Forests" class at the Community Orchard of West Seattle, taught by two permaculture instructors. They provided handouts, including one about developing fruit tree guilds. Using this handout, and also Gaia's Garden I wanted to feature some of the plants in my garden right now, that can serve in the role of Fig Tree Guild. In the true spirit of permaculture, I am starting with what I already have on the land: blueberry, cardoon, cilantro, daffodil, echinacaea, garlic, marigold, oregano, strawberry, tomato, yarrow, and of course - the fig. If you check out the works cited down below, make sure to visit [#1] where you will find more information about fig guilds.

Ficus carica 'Olympian' (MORACEAE)
Common Fig.
Deciduous small tree up to 30 feet, can be single or multi-stemmed, prone to suckering [1]. Although considered a Mediterranean plant, several cultivars are hardy to Zone 5 [1]. The leaf is alternate, simple, lobed, with venation that is palmate-pinnate. Flowers are monoecious and self-fertile [3], and have a very unique story: flowers are technically an inflorescence surrounded by a fleshy covering we know as the fig fruit. They are pollinated by female wasps (Agaonidae) that enter at the base of the fig, pollinate, then die! Eggs laid inside the fig hatch; the males mate with females, and wingless, eventually die inside the fig too [2]! The females are able to emerge, and pollen-loaded, go off to pollinate a new fig [2]! The mature fruits mostly contain carbohydrates, but also contain small amounts of protein and fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, Vitamin A, C, B1, B2 and B3 [3]. The plant can also serve medicinally: a decoction of the leaves can be used as a stomachic [3]. The latex in the stems can be analgesic to insect/bee stings [3]! The fruit is mildly laxative, demulcent and digestive, and is taken in the form of a syrup [3]. The fig is said to have anti-cancer properties too [3]. This plant is truly special!

Mulch Makers

Cynara cardunculus (ASTERACEAE)
Cardoon.

Herbaceous perennial, 3' x 6', upright, columnar, arching in a vase-shaped frame, showy; hardy to Zone 7 [4]. The leaves are large, simple, boldly jagged, lobed, deeply cut, spined with fine hairs, and silver-gray [4] -- and make a great mulch! The stem is edible (celery-like stalk), and reportedly tastes better before flowering / after blanching (to remove bitterness) [5]. The roots, too, can be cooked like parsnips (only if you have plants to spare!) [5].The flowers are hermaphrodite; pollinated by bees and wasps [5]. They are also edible, with a milder flavor compared to globe artichoke. The flowers are gorgeous! Purple-violet, large, globose, spined, and technically called a pseudanthium - an inflorescence of thousands of flowers grouped together on one flower structure. The flowers will produce one seed per "cypsela", that are very small, so more appropriate for the birds [6]. If you don't want to eat them, however, the dried flowers can be used as a rennet substitute [5]! Medicinally, the plant contains "cynarin", a bitter, which improves liver and digestive function, or treats progressive diseases like hepatitis, arterioschlerosis and early stages of diabetes [5]. At a recent workshop I attended about bitters at the Dandelion Seed Conference, I was told Cynara is considered safe for regular use as a bitter.

Nutrient Accumulators


Achillea millefolium (ASTERACEAE)
Yarrow.

A beautiful, upright -slightly weedy- perennial that is hardy to Zone 2 [7]. Leaves are soft, feathery, bipinnate-tripinnate, arranged spirally on the stem. Being rhizomatous, it can make a pleasant groundcover (if the flower stalks are cut back regularly). It also has a deep taproot that is known for accumulating nutrients from sub soil layers [8] -- if then turned into mulch or compost. The flowers are a stunning inflorescence of bracts, as well as ray and disk flowers, creating a flat-topped structure also called a " ". They are hermaphrodite, are pollinated by insects and also attract wildlife [7]. The flowers eventually produce cypselae that ripen in late summer [7]. Yarrow is highly adored for it's medicinal properties, and is popular for it's ancient use of treating wounded soldiers, even during the American Civil War [9]. It is used today for treating wounds, stopping blood flow, treating colds, menstrual pain and kidney disease [7]. Yarrow also contains the anti-inflammatory azulene [7]. From a permaculture standpoint, this plant can fit into many categories because it is also aromatic (like chrysanthemum), repels pests (like beetles, ants and flies [7]) and attracts predators -- therefore it is highly functional -- if properly managed. It is one of my favorite flowers and herbal medicines!

Soil Fumigants/Aromatics


Calendula officinalis (ASTERACEAE)
Pot Marigold.

Annual, herb, hardy to Zone 2, upright, self-seeding, and can get a little weedy. The leaf type varies among cultivars: are simple, alternate, hairy, and can be lanceolate with pinnate venation, or oblong-obovate, or oddly-pinnate (pictured above) with entire or dentate margins. The flowers are cheery bright yellow to deep orange ray & disk single flowerheads with single or double petals [12]. They are monoecious, are pollinated by bees, and attract wildlife [13]. Marigolds will produce an abundance of "achenes", and have a short life cycle. For edibility, the leaves are actually used as salad greens--however they left a tingling sensation in my own mouth--they are considered rich in vitamins and minerals like dandelion leaves [13]. The seeds contain up to 37% protein and 46% oil [13] and calendula seed oil is a common product available in herbal medicine stores. Calendula is a well loved medicinal plant, especially when applied externally for skin conditions such as wounds, burns and varicose veins [13] therefore it is a common ingredient in lotions and creams you can buy from the store. It can also be taken internally (flower petals) as an antiseptic, treating conditions such as chronic infection and for toning the circulatory system [13]. In the "soil fumigant" category, marigolds function as an insect deterrent and are known for reducing eelworm populations [13]. As an aromatic, marigolds attract hoverflies, bees, and butterflies [13]. They also attract gardeners like me who otherwise might feel unmotivated to do weeding!

Origanum vulgare (LAMIACEAE)
Pot Oregano.

Herbaceous perennial, upright, sometimes rhizometous, horizontal and spreading, hardy to Zone 4 [14]. Being in the mint family, it has square stems; the leaves are arranged opposite, rounded-ovate, with margins entire or slightly toothed [14]. The flowers are also characteristic of the mint family with bilateral symmetry, 5 petals fused into a cup, two-lipped, pink-purple-white, with four (4) stamens and four (4) purple bracts, that bloom in corymb-like spikelets [14]. The flowers are hermaphrodite, pollinated by bees, butterflies and moths, and attract wildlife [15]. If left to self-seed, oregano produces achenes [14]. An excellent culinary herb, oregano contains a bit of fat and protein, and mostly carbohydrate [15]. It contains the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, also an unusually high amount of magnesium and a bit of zinc [15]. For vitamins it contains a high amount of Vitamin A, and a bit of B3 [15]. Medicinally, Oregano Oil has a great reputation for being antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant and so it is taken for colds and flu [15]. It's antiseptic qualities are attributed to the active constituent thymol [15]. In the garden oregano smells delightful, repels pests and as a groundcover can be multi-functional [15]. I've never tried making my own essential oil but I definitely use it if I am starting to feel a bit under the weather, as a preventative tool.

Solanum lycopersicum (SOLANACEAE)
Tomato.

Dicot, annual in temperate climates, vines with pubescent stems, sprawling (unless staked), especially if it's an "indeterminate" variety" (vs. determinate which is bushy) [16]. Leaves are compound, oddly pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets, and the flowers are yellow cymes, which are pollinated by insects [16]. The fruits are true berries (thin skin and pericarp), and seeds can be saved by a simple fermentation and drying process [16]. Tomatoes are an obvious culinary delight, although some people have an allergy to nightshades (their family). Instead I will focus on their medicinal qualities. Sliced fruits are considered an easy First Aid treatment on burns [16] (squash and rub a tomato on yourself, that sounds fun). Their main active ingredient is Lycopene, which supports heart and prostate health [16]. That is probably nice news for men! Oil obtained from the seed can be used in soap making [16]. Which may explain why it can be used as an insecticide, effective against ants, yet is also harmful to beneficials and humans [16]. As a growing plant it can function as a fumigant, and is said to be a companion to asaparagus, parsley, brassicas (mixed opinion), nettles and gooseberries [16]. Even though I am not a huge fan of eating tomatoes myself, I think they will fit in quite nicely to the Fig Guild -- especially if I install nettles and gooseberries!

Attract Predators/Beneficials

Coriandrum sativum (APIACEAE)
Cilantro/Coriander.

Herbaceous, annual, hardy to Zone 2 grows in a basal clump until it goes to seed and the flower stalks are several feet high, upright [24]. Leaves are delicate, aromatic, broadly-lobed becoming more feathery up the flower stem [24]. White or pale pink umbel flowers are very attractive to pollinators including swallowtail butterflies [24]. The flowers are hermaphrodite and the plant is self-fertile [25]. Each flower eventually produces a schizocarp, which is the very popular culinary spice, coriander! The seed is reportedly more flavorful when allowed to fully cure [25]. The seed can also yield an essential oil and is used in perfumery and soap making -- because it is said to be an aphrodisiac [25]. Medicinally, the seeds especially are carminative and digestive -- the raw seeds can be chewed to stimulate gastric juices, yet too many can have a narcotic effect [25]. It apparently freshens the breath though, and is a good follow-up to eating raw garlic [25]!  In the garden, essential oil can be used in spray formulations, and coriander is fungicidal and bactericidal, especially if used on red spider mites and woolly aphids [25]. The growing plant is said to repel aphids and carrot root fly [25], so this plant can also be placed in the soil fumigant/aromatic category. Personally, cilantro is probably my favorite fresh kitchen herb; I love to add it to salads, and I love the soft touch of the leaves. However, apparently the leaves should not be eaten in large quantities due to higher levels of oxalic acid (0.012%) [25]. Everything in moderation of course; this plant seems like a good metaphor for that idea. 

Echinacea purpurea (ASTERACEAE)
Coneflower.

Herbaceous perennial, hardy to Zone 3, leaves form a basal clump, the flowers are upright and a few feet tall [26]. Leaves are simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate, dark green with red-tinged petioles [27]. Flowers are solitary, ray and disk, with 50-300 disk flowers [27], and called "cone-shaped" because the petals reflex downward as they are opening. They are hermaphrodite and pollinated by insects [28]. If the spent flower heads are not removed they provide seeds for overwintering birds like goldfinches [26]. The fruits, like in other members of ASTERACEAE, are achene-like "cypsela", which only produces one seed. Not only are they excellent for the garden, classically beautiful and attracting wildlife, they also provide a powerful medicine. It is considered one of the most effective detoxicants of the circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems - as an antiseptic [28]. In Western Herbalism it is commonly taken before the onset of an illness to strengthen the immune system [28]. It is also used topically to treat sores, wounds and burns because of cortisone-like and antibacterial active ingredients [28]. Traditionally the plant was used to treat insect and snakebites [28]. The root, harvested in autumn is considered adaptogen, antiseptic, depurative and diaphoretic [28]. When I have worked with this plant I tinctured the root; I save it for emergency use when I am starting to get sick -- and I have found it effective (combined with rest, yoga, breathing exercises, bathing, etc.) This is definitely not a plant to take on an ongoing basis.

Vaccinium angustifolium (ERICACEAE)
Lowbush Blueberry.

Perennial, deciduous, rhizometous, woody small shrub, hardy to Zone 2 [29]. The leaves are simple, alternate, with serrated margins and produce beautiful fall color (as seed in the photo!) [30]. In my own garden I have four different varieties and have enjoyed watching their different abscission patterns. The flowers are white, bell-shaped and small, hermaphrodite, and are pollinated by insects [29]. The require bees for pollination [30], so keep your garden organic! The berry is blue 😂, fleshy and technically a true berry (however unlike tomato, requires cold stratification to propagate) [30]. Berries are highly attractive to wildlife so it's a good idea to share [30].  They are the perfect blend of sweet and astringent, excellent fresh, dried or in preserves. The berries have been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, and promote healthy blood pressure [31]. They contain good levels of Vitamins C, A, K and B6, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and fiber [31]. Blueberry leaves have been used medicinally as a tea, to serve as a blood purifier, and as a tonic post miscarriage or to induce labor [29]. Blueberries are probably my favorite fruit; one day I would like to propagate hundreds of plants in a woodland setting.

Fortress


Allium sativum (ALLIACEAE)
Garlic.


Annual bulb, monocot, upright, herbaceous, hardy to Zone 4 [10]. The leaves are linear, grass-like and aromatic, up to 2' [10]. There are two varieties: hardneck and softneck, and only the hardneck produce flower stalks (called a scape) [10]. The scapes produce an "umbel" of pink-white flowers [10], are hermaphrodite and pollinated by bees and insects [11]. Not all garlic plants will produce "true seed", !!!!Not only is the bulb edible, but also the leaves (try them in a stir fry) and the scape (flower stalk and bud). Nutritionally, garlic contains mostly carbohydrate and a bit of protein, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and vitamins B1-3. Garlic may be one of the most widely accepted herbal medicines there is, for it's anticancer, antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities. For example it is used to treat Candida, vaginitis, ringworm, lead poisoning, and arterioschlerosis [11]. In the garden it is also used as an insecticide (a hot tea combined with soap) which I haven't tried yet myself [11]. An extract made with essential oil can be used as a fungicide against blight and other fungal diseases on tomatoes and potatoes [11]. The growing plant is said to repel insects, rabbits and voles [11]! For all of these reasons I place it in the fortress category; I have mostly planted cloves of softneck in Tim's yard -- which reportedly store better -- however in my case it's all I had.


Narcissus (group) (AMARYLLIDACEAE)
Daffodil.

Herbaceous perennial bulb, monocot, hardy to Zone 4, upright habit with pendulous flower. Leaves are narrow, linear, grass-like. The flowers (given to me by my stepmother) are probably from Division I: Trumpet Narcissus. They are hermaphrodite [21], yellow, solitary, atop a scape, and contain a six-lobed corolla and trumpet-shaped corona [20]. Although most gardeners propagate vegetatively from the bulb, you can grow daffodil from seed, which comes from the "fruit" capsule, which dehiscs [22]. Although all parts of the plant are considered poisonous, the bulb has a medicinal history [21]. The whole plant is considered astringent and emetic (inducing vomiting) [21]. The bulb is narcotic and depresses the nervous system, and has been used to treat epilepsy [21]. However you may not want to mess around with that yourself! I am more interested in it's reputed function in the garden to ward off grass (Gaia's Garden). Like garlic, they contain alkaloids thought to suppress grass as well as thwart grazers [23]. They also collect arsenic, so could possibly be used to remediate toxic soils [23]. I do wonder how thickly they must be planted to achieve such a function, and I don't currently have many. 
Groundcover

Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' (ROSACEAE)
Alpine Strawberry.




Perennial evergreen groundcover, hardy to Zone 4, freely stoloniferous.  Leaves are compound, alternate, trifoliate, toothed margins, deep green, with pinnate venation [18]. Flowers are ray and disk, white with yellow centers, five-petaled, from May to November [17]. They are hermaphrodite, and are pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies and moths [17]. Eventually the flower produces a fleshy berry, which technically is not a true berry -- because strawberry flowers have more than one ovary [19]. They are aggregate fruits with multiple achenes [19]. The fruits are considered some of the best tasting for garden varieties [17] -- so how perfect that they are 'everbearing'! Not only are the fruits edible but also the leaves, which can be added to salads or used for tea [17]. Medicinally, the leaves especially are considered astringent, diuretic, laxative and tonic [17].  Strawberry leaf tea is taken as a blood tonic, and can be used as a wash for sunburns [17]. Like tomatoes, sliced strawberries can also be applied to sunburns, as well as to teeth to remove stains [17]! The fruits contain salicylic acid which benefits liver and kidney problems [17]. Similarly, the roots, harvested in autumn, are considered astringent and diuretic [17]. In my own garden, I don't plan to do much with strawberry medicine (I also tend to be a bit lazy harvesting fruits) but I hope they will provide a nice thick groundcover in little time. 



Works Cited

[1] Alfrey, Paul. "Dig the Fig." Permaculture Research Insitute. Sep 30, 2016. Web. Nov 2, 2017. https://permaculturenews.org/2016/09/30/dig-fig-essential-guide-need-know-figs-ficus-carica/
[2] Moisset, Beatriz. "Fig Wasps." USDA Forest Service. Web. Nov 2, 2017. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/fig_wasp.shtml
[3] L. "Ficus carica." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 2, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ficus+carica
[4] "Cynara cardunculus." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 2, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e874
[5] L. "Cynara cardunculus." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 2, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cynara+cardunculus
[6] "Artichoke - Fruit or Vegetable?" The Phytophactor. Feb 21, 2008. Web. Nov 2, 2017. http://phytophactor.fieldofscience.com/2008/02/artichoke-fruit-or-vegetable.html
[7] L. "Achillea millefolium." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 2, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Achillea+millefolium
[8] Amy. "5 Reasons to Grow Yarrow In Your Garden." Tenth Acre Farm. Web. Nov 2, 2017. https://www.tenthacrefarm.com/2015/05/5-reasons-to-grow-yarrow/
[9] Cameroon, Mary. "Yarrow: The Warrior's Herb of Ancient Times." Natural News Blogs. May 6, 2016. Web. Nov 3, 2017. https://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/yarrow-warriors-herb-ancient-times/
[10] "Allium sativum." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 3, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b403
[11] L. "Allium sativum." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 3, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Allium+sativum
[12] "Calendula officinalis." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 4, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277409&isprofile=0&
[13] L. "Calendula officinalis." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 4, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Calendula+officinalis
[14] "Origanum vulgare." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 5, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281411&isprofile=0&
[15] L. "Origanum vulgare." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 5, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=origanum+vulgare
[16] L. "Solanum lycopersicum." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 7, 2017. http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solanum+lycopersicum
[17] L. "Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens'." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 8, 2017. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fragaria+vesca+%27Semperflorens%27
[18] "Fragaria vesca." Go Botany. Web. Nov 8, 2017. https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/fragaria/vesca/
[19] Geggel, Laura. "Why Are Bananas Berries, But Strawberries Aren't?" Live Science. Jan 12, 2017. Web. Nov 8, 2017. https://www.livescience.com/57477-why-are-bananas-considered-berries.html
[20] "Narcissus (group)."Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 8, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a465
[21] L. "Narcissus pseudonarcissus." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 8, 2017. http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Narcissus+pseudonarcissus
[22] "Narcissus poeticus." Go Botany. Web. Nov 8, 2017. https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/narcissus/poeticus/
[23] "Daffodil functions." Permies Permaculture Forum. Web. Nov 8, 2017. https://permies.com/t/1146/Daffodil-functions
[24] "Coriandrum sativum." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 9, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275984
[25] L. "Coriandrum sativum." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 9, 2017. http://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Coriandrum+sativum
[26] "Echinacea purpurea." Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. Nov 9, 2017. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c580
[27] Moench, L. "Echinacea purpurea." Go Botany. Web. Nov 9, 2017. https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/echinacea/purpurea/
[28] Moench, L. "Echinacea purpurea." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 9, 2017. http://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Echinacea+purpurea
[29] Aiton. "Vaccinium angustifolium." Plants for a Future. Web. Nov 9, 2017. http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Vaccinium+angustifolium
[30] Ait. "Vaccinium angustifolium." Go Botany. Web. Nov 9, 2017. https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/vaccinium/angustifolium/
[31] Gill, Karen Richardson. "Blueberries: Health Benefits, Facts and Research." Medical News Today. Sep 5, 2017. Web. Nov 9,  2017. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710.php

New Years Cleanse

Most of us are familiar with the toxicity of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and so forth. But is straight up avoiding them the answer?

In a book store I recently came across Purify Your Body by Nina J. Diamond (Crown Trade, 1997). In one chapter, Diamond reminds us of the natural toxins existing in herbs and foods we typically consider healthy. For examples hydrazines in uncooked mushrooms, aflatoxin in grains, nuts, oilseeds, turmeric and ginger, canavanine in alfalfa sprouts, lactose in peas, oxalic acid in the chenopods (spinach, beet greens, etc), goitrogins in the brassicas (kale, cabbage, broccoli, etc) and solanine in the nightshades. She lists herbs occasionally recommended for acute symptoms, and due to their potential toxicity, suggests avoiding them altogether: black and blue cohosh, senna, sassafras, pennyroyal, chaparral, goldenseal, ephedra, comfrey and even kombucha! She also discusses toxicity from overconsuming vitamins - in fact you can damage yourself by taking too much Vitamin E, A, D, B3, B6, K beta carotene, copper,selenium, iron and calcium. Everything we consume has the potential to help us or harm us. The buddhist approach of the "middle way" seems applicable here.

So I'm considering how to recreate balance in what I eat this new year, and for the heck of it I did a cleanse inspired by Diamond's "Everyday Antidotes". There were moments I felt yuck, however, these last couple days I've felt more spacious in my body, so my yoga practice has been improved, also I've felt more clarity in my senses. Twas all very fun, almost a game -- and why aren't I practicing this everyday?

1. Drink water (I added lemon)
2. Eat fiber ((fruits and veggies))
3. Take echinacea  (I enjoyed some tea)
4. Eat antioxidants ((colorful fruits and veggies))
5. Take dandelion (again, tea blend I have on stock)
6. Meditation & relaxation
7. Exercise (took a hot yoga class!)
8. Bodywork (lucky me I was able to schedule a massage with Katrina Koleto)
9. Detox skin (citrus rub, dry brush and of course shower)
10. Detox hair (apple cider vinegar before applying conditioner)
11. Essential oils (rose, yay)
12. Vibrational medicine (very grounding group chant I was able to participate in)

Additionally I went through all formerly harvested plants stored in paper bags. Pictured below are calendula and yarrow flowers. Nearly clear of all former projects so I may begin anew.





More articles about potential toxins in health foods (better compare notes!):

"How to Live Healthy in a  Toxic Environment" http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=474

"Eight Poisonous Foods We Commonly Eat" http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/photos/8-poisonous-foods-we-commonly-eat/eaters-beware

"Natural Toxins in Food" http://www.healthy-eating-politics.com/toxins-in-food.html

Elder & Hawthorn &



This month "Beaver Moon" is in the constellation Taurus, an earth sign ruled by Venus. (There are many interpretations about what this means online.) I love that I've made a recent commitment to make medicines each time the Full Moon comes around - perhaps it will ground me into a workable structure. Tonight I am cooking up an Elderberry Hawthorn Syrup and a tincture of Echinacea root.

Elder (Sambucus) and Hawthorn (Crataegus) are both naturalized to the Pacific Northwest. You can learn to identify them and follow proper harvesting techniques to obtain nature's gifts.

Elder, from the honeysuckle family, is said to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer -- treating colds, flus and allergies. The berries help reduce swelling in mucous membranes, such as the sinuses, to relieve nasal congestion. [1] They act by inhibiting enzyme, neuraminidase, which viruses use to penetrate cell walls. They contain flavonoids (antioxidant) as all good, dark berries do, and high concentrations of Vitamin C. Despite being foraged by many species of birds, it's recommended that the berries are cooked. Perfect for making decoctions or syrups! I've used lozenges purchased from the market in previous years and I'm excited to make my own medicine this time.

Hawthorn (rose family) is revered as a heart medicine for humans, as well as an important food source for birds, moths and butterflies. The hawberries also contain flavonoids, one in particular, proanthocyanidin, which plays a role in dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation [2]. What if you already have low blood pressure? What if you happen to love garlic and other herbs that lower blood pressure? Last time I was at the doctors I was told, "Treasure your low blood pressure now, as it's only going to increase as you age". I'm curious how that will unfold. Anyway here I am creating a delicious, antioxidant berry syrup to help me prevent the onset of winter flu (will last a solid 2-3 months, stored in the refrigerator - all winter long).


The recipe was based off one I found from Dandelioness Herbals:

.5 oz Sambucus nigra
.5 oz Crataegus
4 c well water
3/4 c raw honey

I've also created another Echinacea tincture (good for several years):


I've always used Echinacea purpurea (daisy family) to avoid or shorten colds and flus. Yet I recently read in Matthew Wood's book The Earthwise Herbal that Echinacea may be taken to bolster the immune system in cases of putrefaction, functioning as an internal antiseptic. Which is interesting when we consider that the plant was traditionally used to relieve blood poisoning. Putrefaction results when cell metabolism becomes sluggish permitting foreign antigens to invade, causing the breakdown of tissues. In addition to exercise (!) herbal antiseptics like Echinacea (and yarrow, and lavender) can stabilize cell metabolism in order to keep viruses out. 

Echinacea's effectiveness is quite controversial despite how popular it is in natural medicine. In 2009, Echinacea aroused sales of $132 million in the U.S. [3] The herb has an interesting consumer history: In the 1800's, H.C.F. Meyer (dubbed "snake-oil salesman") marketed the herb as a panacea "cure-all". It was later introduced into Germany by physician Gerhard Madaes in the 1930s where it was popularized in Western medicine. Contemporary studies demonstrate mixed evidence: it likely combats various infections, reducing inflammation and attacking yeasts and fungi directly [4]. Yet it's effectiveness doesn't appear much better than a placebo. Still recommendations are made to avoid the plant if you are on immunosuppresants, or are a heavy caffeine taker. More carefully monitored studies need to be conducted. 

My recommendation: know your body, observe your reactions, and stay open in your experiments.      




Works Cited

[1] Ehrlich, Steven D. "Elderberry". May 7, 2013. University of Maryland Medical Center.
     November 6, 2014. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry>.
[2] Hudson, Tori. "Hibiscus, Hawthorn and the Heart". July 2011, Vol 3, Issue 7. Natural Medicine
     Journal. November 6, 2014. <http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2011-07/hibiscus-
     hawthorn-and-heart>.
[3] Novella, Stephen. "Echinacea for Cold and Flu". December 22, 2010. Science-Based Medicine.
     November 7, 2014. <http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/echinacea-for-cold-and-flu/>.
[4] "Echinacea". Medline Plus. July 7, 2014. U.S. National Library of Medicine. November 7, 2014.
     <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html>.

Echinacea Purpurea Dreams

Bouncing around Port Townsend this weekend I purchased a few seed packets at the Food Coop - one for echinacea. The seed company is "Seed Dreams", a producer of heirloom seeds. I'm so excited to plant those. I also just transplanted a coneflower plant I purchased at Swansons during their perennial plant sale.

Of any medicinal plant I'd like to cultivate it would be echinacea. The plant re-seeds in the fall so perhaps I didn't need to purchase seeds. But it's a seed company I can get behind.

Echinacea is a widely accepted method of natural medicine in a world hasty to consume aspirin. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated it's efficacy in aiding immunological healing. Of course other studies have shown little to no effect. So what's to believe? It starts with paying attention to the plant's effects on your own body. I was first instructed to drink it in form of tea when I was close to catching a cold. I tried that out and it was fine. Still caught the cold though. A couple years later I was prompted to take it in capsule form and later still, in tincture form. These forms are more concentrated and so you have a higher dose. I found the tincture to be quite useful if I used echinacea at the outset of a cold. Rather than after the damage was done.

Not only does the form of medicine matter, but the part of the plant too. The root of the plant is most commonly used for tea. Now that I am reading about echinacea a little online I'm find that the upper parts of the plant are supposedly more beneficial. -> "In Germany (where herbs are regulated by the government), the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea are approved to treat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and slow healing wounds. The root of the Echinacea pallida plant is also approved for the treatment of flu-like infections."

Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm#ixzz261TYEBeX

Unfortunately it's recommended that plants aren't harvested for at least 3 years. So I may never get to harvest from the plant I just put in. But I'll get some seeds to save out of it.

Falling Into the Garden

Last week the clouds and air temperature started to transition. Time to accept the fall/winter garden will demand it's attention. I've been considering full plans yet I know my patterns. Plans will be abandoned to what I can chore day to day. (How much will I get done this September?) I've been reviewing fall/winter garden guides and have gone through our seed collection. The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide is helping me keep food crops like spinach, lettuce, and alliums on my mind. I recently planted some perennial herbs from a couple different plant nurserys - feverfew, echinacea, thyme, and so forth.

But the real fun comes from throwing down seeds (I also love pushing garlic cloves into the ground) so the other day I aligned a couple rows of mustard and spinach where the kale trees live. Now the great wait to see what sprouts. The mustard green seeds are from 2003.

Warty Herbs

Jon showed us the wart under his foot before he got it lazered off. We were eating then started sharing our wart stories - it was gross. You had to be there. (The only one I got so far was on my knee when I was in elementary school. I had the wart for months and wondered how I was going to get rid of it. Then all the sudden one night I was doing somersaults off the couch, which had wooden arms, and I scraped my knee over one of them, and scraped the wart right off. DIY wart removal.)

At the same time I've been reading posts in HerbDigest about herbal treatments for warts. I read recommendations for iodine (seaweed, cod, yogurt) and antivirals (read this article: Top Antiviral Herbs including echinacea, garlic and onion). Here is a nice overview of what may be causing the problem. According to the article the manifestation of warts illustrates struggling immunity. Therefore the best prevention is to have a plan for enhancing your immune system long term. I'm pretty sure I have posted about that a couple times. http://herbdiaryseattle.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-is-immunity-really.html

What should I have done after I rolled my wart off the couch, back when I was a child? According to that same article suggests topical allium applications. Specifically to tape a garlic clove on top. Or to paint a mixture of salt/onion juice everyday. If that's too weird, then applications of dandelion sap might do the trick. And that would be pretty easy to take care of since dandlions grow everywhere.

Preparing for Perennials

The perennial sale at Swansons officially began yesterday. Today several of the kid's parents and I  cleared out a bed of arugula, strawberry and other weeds that are severely dehydrated by Seattle's summer. Also this space has been untouched for over a year and the soil really needs work. There are an infinite number of suckers from the alder tree planted there. I'm working on a small budget for the Advisory Council about replacing that space with native flowering perennials. Then again perhaps all that can go there right now is a cover crop mix.

In my inbox today Swansons sent a notice about their perennial sale and specifically listed good plants to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and for creating bouquets. This past May Day we did an activity of creating bouquets but the flower variety available around the community center was pretty pathetic. This upcoming Spring is gonna be way better.

Here's the list! (I've narrowed down to the plants native, medicinal or presently established to North America) *I'm going to see about planting some of these in our house here in the U District.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS

             Beebalm  Monarda spp. and cultivars
             Bleeding Heart  Dicentra spp. and cultivars
             Butterfly Weed  Asclepias tuberosa
             Coral Bells  Heuchera spp. and cultivars
             Sage Salvia spp.

ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES

             Bee Balm  Monarda spp. and cultivars
             Black Eyed Susan  Rudbeckia spp. and cultivars
            Border Sages  Salvia spp. and cultivars
             Coneflower  Echinacea spp. and cultivars
             Garden Sage  Salvia x superba cultivars
            Lavender  Lavandula angustifolia, L. x intermedia, L. stoechas
             Ornamental Onion  Allium spp. and cultivars
             Tree Mallow  Lavatera spp. and cultivars
             Verbena  Verbena spp. and cultivars
             Yarrow  Achillea spp. and cultivars

CUTTING GARDEN
       
             Black Eyed Susan  Rudbeckia spp. and cultivars
             Blanket Flower Gaillardia grandiflora
             Bleeding HeartDicentra spp. and cultivars
             Coneflower  Echinacea spp. and cultivars
             Goldenrod   Solidago spp.
             Lavender  Lavandula angustifolia, L. x intermedia, L. stoechas
             Monkshood  Aconitumspp.
             Oregano  Origanum spp.
             Sage  Salvia spp.
            Yarrow  Achillea spp. and cultivars
So many choices, I will have to find a way to narrow down even further. Budgeting won't be easy.

What Is Immunity, Really?

So I "finally caught that cold that's been going around"? You betcha. Not as immune as I thought.

This past XMAS I blended an "Immunity Tea" for buddies comprised of Mate, Astraglus and Ashwaghanda. Three herbs to build immunity over the long term. Then there's Echinacea for the short term. But what else? I want to learn more. At Dandelion Botanicals there's a class soon on "Herbs for the Immune System" which I would love to invest in. Instead I am researching this online.

Genevieve Kiger says the top 5 herbs are Astragalus, Cat's Claw, Echinacea, Elderberry and Ginseng. Gail Faith Edwards is hailing astragalus, usnea, sage, garlic, honey, shitake and reishi mushrooms, hyssop, and St. John’s wort. Christopher Hobbs touts herbs from the standpoint of Traditional European Medicine (TEM), cateogorizing them into 4 types (tonics, specifics, heroics, protectors/cleansers) according to the degree that they address surface all the way to deep immune ailments. Obviously this cold I'm dealing with is a surface problem that will leave me in a few days. Echinacea would be considered a "specific" (emergency medicine) to use as long as I have this cold "surface ailment". But I should also be using cleansers to help remove toxins from my body, like Burdock. Hobbs says Astragalus and the mushrooms are "deep immune" herbs.
.
I have Astragalus, Garlic, Honey, St John's Wort and Burdock all at my disposal. Now I just have to sit and wait it out.

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