Mayan Garden Club, October 2017

 

 

 

This month we are privileged to share from the notes of Dr. Kirk, N.D. on the naturopathic use of herbs for healing and for wonderful healing teas as she presented to our garden club.

Herbal Waters and Sun Teas

These are the easiest to make and the options are endless. The first step is to learn the medicinal qualities of a handful of culinary and garden herbs.  We will learn a few simple herbs you can grow in a kitchen garden, potted, or inside. Pick the herbs you like to grow and use in recipes.

Here are a few obvious ones to start with:

Basil Leaf                   Stomach cramps, intestinal gas, mild carminative, fluid retention and edema, immune system, parasites

Uva Ursi                     Also known as Kinnikinnick, tonifying and soothing for the bladder and kidney, UTI’s.

Wormwood leaf        Digestive spasms, worms and parasites, inflammation of the gall bladder; strong bitter.

Mint                            Calming and soothing for the digestive tract, cooling, mild carminative (relieves flatulence)

Lemon Balm leaf      Calming, anti-anxiety, nervine, settles the digestive tract

Marshmallow Root   Soothes mucus membranes, cough, canker sores, bladder issues, digestive irritation, diarrhea

Parsley leaf                  Nutritive, high in minerals, mild to moderate diuretic action

Lavender flowers       Calming, nervine, acts directly on the nervous system, digestive tract, bladder

Ginger root                 Carminative, immune system, encourages fever for viral illnesses

Rose Hips                    Petals: nervine, relaxing, great for stress headaches, nausea

Hips: improves immune system, very high in vitamin C

Chamomile                 Nervine; however, when steeped long and strong, becomes a stimulant and powerful digestive ;bitter

Buchu                          African plant, excellent for urinary tract, so add some dried cranberry to tea

Many of these can be grown from cuttings, rooting easily in water or soil. At the end of the season, start some cuttings to have kitchen herbs all winter long.

Basic recipe for herb waters

In a quart or half gallon jar, place a few 6” sprigs of herb like mint, basil, parsley, or marshmallow.  Add 3-4 slices of fruit­ orange, lemon, lime, pina.  Fill jar with water,  and set in sun or shade for a few hours.

This extraction will have a gentler yet more profound medicinal effect than steeped teas.

Tried and true herbal and fruit combinations

Pina-mint                     Digestive, anti-oxidant, refreshing, somewhat stimulating

Basil-lemon                  Refreshing, cooling, mild diuretic

Lavender-rose petal    Good night sleep and rest

Hibiscus-clove              Lowers blood pressure, anti-oxidant

Ginger-Orange              Increases immunity, anti-inflammatory, colds, flu

Chamomile-lavender-lemon-ginger          Settles all that is wrong

Fresh herbs work a little differently from harvested, processed, or dried herbs.  Like fresh fruits and vegetables, the active constituents and nutrients of fresh herbs are more readily available.  If using dried herbs, steep in a small amount of hot water first, then add fruit and allow to steep at room temp.

 Commercial medicinal teas by brand

Choice                                 — most are organic; they make combinations that are condition-specifics.

Traditional Medicinals  —  have been around a long time, but are not always organic.

Tulsi                                  —  offer western and Ayur-Vedic herbs, usually organic.

Note—Add fruit to commercial teas to lighten and enliven the flavors.

About Dr. Kirk

Dr. Kirk, N.D. has an amazing knowledge in both the field of Naturopathic Medicine and the inner workings of the body, mind, and soul. With 25 years of experience in the use of homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, and mental-emotional aspects of health and disease, Dr. Kirk assists people in weaving a tapestry of modalities into a workable treatment plan leading to a  life of vibrant health and a deeper understanding of the Self.  If you want to avoid side effects of conventional  medicine and  get great result using traditional medicine, consult with her. Her on-line consultation is a welcome addition to her many patients who live all over the world.

To contact Dr. Kirk: call in Alaska 907-746-5475 or email her at [email protected]  Web site:  www.joaniekirknd.com

 

 

 

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