Branwen's Herbal Musings
Join me on my journey as I share what I learn about the wondrous bounty that Nature has placed at our feet.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Branwen's Botanicals - Featured Artist on The CraftStar
Have a look at my interview with Bethan Davies of The CraftStar. (Please forgive the outbursts from The Bear. He's 3 ... and the world revolves around him.)
Friday, September 20, 2013
The Humble Dandelion
Even now, my unmown lawn is covered in these beautiful little Sunshines-on-a-Stem. Most people write off this plant as just another invasive weed, but we herbalists know better. It is considered a valuable herb with many medicinal properties. I use it in a number of my combinations to great effect.
The dandelion is most often used for its detoxification properties. It is well known as a liver and digestive cleanser, containing bitter principles that produce a tonic effect on these systems. Ever taken Swedish Bitters?
The dandelion is most often used for its detoxification properties. It is well known as a liver and digestive cleanser, containing bitter principles that produce a tonic effect on these systems. Ever taken Swedish Bitters?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Keeping the Pressure Down - Blood Pressure, That Is
About a year ago, I had several people that I know talking with me about their high blood pressure and how difficult they were finding it to keep it under control even with their prescribed medications. Most of them say that they take their meds as directed and follow their doctors' dietary guidelines and were still having trouble keeping their numbers in an acceptable range. I wrote a blog post on my other blog that I have rewriten with my updated information added in.
Obviously, exercise plays a key role our health and it's true for blood pressure as anything else, even though the mere mention of this usually gets me an eye-roll, but I digress. Getting enough sleep is also very important as is maintaining a healthy stress level - sometimes considerably easier said than done which is when something like Tai Chi or Qigong can be beneficial.
Obviously, exercise plays a key role our health and it's true for blood pressure as anything else, even though the mere mention of this usually gets me an eye-roll, but I digress. Getting enough sleep is also very important as is maintaining a healthy stress level - sometimes considerably easier said than done which is when something like Tai Chi or Qigong can be beneficial.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Maligned Melissa
Grown in my garden last year. I hope I get a healthy crop at our new home. |
Labels:
anxiety,
Balm,
cold sores,
depression,
headache,
herbal,
herpes,
hypertension,
hyperthyroidism,
lemon balm,
lunar infusion,
materia medica,
melissa,
mentha,
palpitations,
sleep aid,
sweet melissa,
tea,
tension
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Passionate for Passion Flower
Life has a way of sneaking up on you, upsetting your calm, and nudging you off-center; at least it does me. Like lots of folks these days, I have a lot going on: the process of building and running my own business, maintaining and running two websites and a blog, managing my partner's business, raising an active toddler, keeping up with a cat, a dog, and three kittens who alternately adore and hate each other, missing and wondering when my five estranged children will decide that enough is enough and finally get in touch with me, the on-going process of studying and learning my craft; it isn't surprising that I sometimes gaze towards the heavens and wonder, "How much else?" Though, most days, I'm more of a "Bring it on!" type of gal.
Still, at those times when I need some extra support, I usually take a walk to my herb closet and stand quietly to see what will speak to me. There are several herbs that can help one regain their calm during a stormy day, settle a brain that's going off in every zany direction it can, or even when going through extended periods of difficulty, but my "go-to" best friend for these things is Passion flower.
By far, my Passion flower gets more camera time than any other plant that I grow. Who can resist?! |
Monday, January 14, 2013
Keeping the Flu at Bay with Elderberry
Since the cold and flu season is currently in full swing, I've been asked repeatedly, "What can I do to protect myself and my family from getting sick?" Not that this will save me from repeating myself several times a day, but I thought it fitting to write about just one remedy that has been gaining national attention of late: Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). It grows naturally in the warmer parts of Europe and North America. There are several different species, however it is the Sambucus nigra that is most often used in herbalism.
Wines, cordials, and marmalades have historically been made from both the berries and flowers of the Elder. Elderberries along with their flowers have also long been used in traditional European medicine to treat fever, joint pain, and as a cure for colds and the flu! I recently put together an herbal blend from an old Romani recipe that goes back hundreds of years - if not further - in which one of the primary herbs is Elder flowers.
Wines, cordials, and marmalades have historically been made from both the berries and flowers of the Elder. Elderberries along with their flowers have also long been used in traditional European medicine to treat fever, joint pain, and as a cure for colds and the flu! I recently put together an herbal blend from an old Romani recipe that goes back hundreds of years - if not further - in which one of the primary herbs is Elder flowers.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Stung by a Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the premier herbs in traditional Western herbalism. In addition to being high in protein, this extremely nutritious plant contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and chlorophyll.
Also known as Stinging Nettle or Nettles, Nettle is a fundamental iron tonic for treating anemea as well as during pregnancy, when it helps to tone the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth. For all of its nutritive value, one must take care when harvesting; the plant possesses fine hairs and spines on the leaves and stems that release formic acid when touched; just one careless grasp can result in a painful, stinging or burning rash. According to M. Grieve, the self-same plant is the cure for this rash. Simply applying Nettle juice to the irritation will give near immediate relief. I have no personal experience with this, as I've never been silly enough to touch one without gloves, however I'm willing to bet Ms. Grieve knew her stuff.
Stinging Nettle - Such a pretty plant! |
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