Bringing Health To You, Naturally!
My Blog
Blog
MEET THE HERB (part 4) Burdock....Queen of the Herbs
Posted on 27 February, 2020 at 6:27 |
![]() |
MEET THE HERB (part 3) ELDER 27.4.19
Posted on 27 April, 2019 at 5:09 |
![]() |
MEET
THE HERB (part 3) ELDER (27.4.19) For me, the Elder in flower
is the great harbinger of summer. The distinct perfume of its
flowers is everywhere and is the catalyst of warm summer days. Where I lived in my little
thatched cottage in Dorset, I have a snapshot memory of harvesting
the creamy-white flowers on a glorious summer day and capturing the
moment, and the warm energy of the flowers, in Elderflower cordial
and Elderflower wine. As a medicine, Elderflower
is warming, and so can be applied to cold, congested and
stagnant states, especially those of the upper respiratory
system. Therefore, it has a massive role to play in Colds. Like many herbs, its potency
increases when combined with other herbs. Traditional suggestions
include Yarrow and Peppermint, but I prefer to replace the Peppermint
with the sweetly honey scented Linden flowers. In fact, one of the
first mixtures I formulated included these three herbs….and on one
of its maiden trials, stopped my Dad developing a summer cold in its
tracts, literally overnight. Elder flowers bring that
gentle warmth that Culpeper said “get things moving”.
Subsequently, the herb can be applied to loosen up congested mucous
in the upper respiratory system as well as bring expectorant
properties to clear the lower airways. Elder flowers play a role in
resolving toxic states through their diaphoretic properties,
promoting a comforting perspiration that often accompanies the later
stages of fever experienced in “flu” symptoms. Elderflower has an
impressive function in relieving conditions manifesting symptoms of
dry skin, and is part of a formula used in one of the most sought
after creams I prescribe at the Apothecary for just such states. Another
impressive combination includes Elder flowers in a tea blend I make
and prescribe to relieve the symptoms of Hay fever. Hay fever
is part of a deeper constitutional problem that requires a deeper
investigation and a holistic approach. However, in the short term
Elder flowers have a role to play in bringing short term relief. Of course, when picking the
Elder flowers it is important to keep in mind the need to leave some
behind to develop on into the berries. Again, the berries are
warming, and like the flowers, can be transformed into a lovely wine,
both being perfect to get you through the winter months. I had a
vintage that I made in Dorset. This vintage was stored for years and
when finally opened was on par with some of the best heavy Italian or
Spanish reds. The berries of Elder are used
in the wine making industry. One of the most sought after berries
are English Elderberries. This may be due to our climate and soil
being favourable to them, or due to the fact that many grow in the
hedgerows rather than on the shady edges of woods or in the woods
proper. This allows the berries to ripen and develop a full flavour
and sweetness. The warming character of
the berries and in combination with other warming herbs can be
formulated into an Elderberry Rob. A type of beautiful fruit and
spice syrup that can be taken. once daily through winter for the
purpose of warding off colds. Or taken more frequently if a cold has
already taken hold. Part of the power of the berries lies in their
vitamin C content. I have formulated my own
Elderberry Rob that has gained many favourable comments. It is part
of my daily winter regimen through the winter months….encapsulating
the power and memories of warm summer days. The Green Man |
MEET THE HERB (part 2) CHICKWEED 14.3.19
Posted on 14 March, 2019 at 7:38 |
![]() |
MEET
THE HERB (part
2) Chickweed (14.3.19) Many moons ago, when I
wrote about the humble common spurge, I remarked about how some of
the most unassuming and common plants can have such a positive impact
on our health. When something is common it is often thought to be of
less value. I do not agree with this. I believe its availability is
a hint from the divine forces in the universe as to the extent it is
needed, even if the need is not yet recognised. As I wrote in a previous
blog, nettles and cleavers also grow in abundance. They are two of
the first plants to come up in spring, after surviving the natural
depravation of winter. And these two plants are found, more often
than not, growing together. This is because they are vital spring
tonic herbs. Nettles cleanse the blood and provide a store of vital
nutrients. Cleavers cleanse the lymphatic system. That these two
plants are found growing together reflects the interdependence of the
two systems they affect within the body. Their abundance reflects the
extent of our need. Chickweed is a low
growing plant that is prolific, yet often getting overlooked. It
grows in in fields, gardens, country lanes, between flagstones and
pathways, and in waste places. Like nettles, it prefers rich soil,
but can survive in most soils. Like nettles, Chickweed contains
vitamin C, and its availability throughout the year makes it a
valuable addition as a food supply, both in salads and as a pot herb. Chickweed, also known as
satin and star flower, is governed by the water element, and so
brings that elements attributes to hot conditions. Specifically
herbalists apply in dry, inflamed and itchy skin conditions where its
cool and moist nature are well suited. Chickweed has both an internal
and external application in such conditions. I stock a simple
Chickweed cream for the short term symptomatic relief of such
maladies, but any chronic skin condition needs further investigation
and a more systemic approach is usually required. Chickweed is plump, cool,
succulent and juicy. It imparts these attributes where it is
applied. It is also slightly saline (like marshmallow). Salt is
hydroscopic, meaning it attracts water. I have used this principle
also found in marshmallow (which also contains large quantities of
plant mucilage) to resolve a hot and dry bowel condition. One of the signatures of
Chickweed is evident when you hold the stem between the fingers of
both hands and pull. The breaking of the stem reveals an inner core
that suggests the sinews of the body. In that sense, it has
application where these are dry and shrinking. Chickweed will bring
the qualities necessary to regain proper function. I achieved
similar results using small amounts of Sage tincture, albeit this
herb is subject to different forces and properties. Like most herbs,
Chickweed has multiple uses and areas of influence in the body, but
it should take pride of place in any natural first aid cabinet, in
the form or a cream or ointment, for the relief of inflamed, itchy
and dried skin conditions where a cooling remedy is best employed. |
MEET THE HERB (part 1) 'Tis The Season.....To Take Elecampane
Posted on 13 February, 2019 at 8:01 |
![]() |
MEET
THE HERB (part
1) ‘Tis
The Season….To Take Elecampane (13.2.19) People going past the
Apothecary will often stop and look in the window. Often their faces
will light up with recognition of herb names or living plants that
are presented there in various forms. However, after a brief glance,
many will quickly move on because they are not familiar with the
usage of the numerous herbs whose names they are confronted with. It
is the goal of these new series of blogs to begin to bridge that gap
in knowledge and bring you into an understanding of some of the herbs
prescribed by herbalist, and in what conditions People regularly come into the
Apothecary with the question “what herb would you recommend for…..”
and then name a condition they have. As
a holistic herbalist it is first important to make a determination as
to whether the condition they are experiencing is an acute one (a
“one off” as it were) or a recurring chronic one. If
the condition is recurring, then it is chronic and in itself an
expression (symptom) of a deeper underlying condition, the cause of
which needs to be investigated and resolved. This process will
require that I book you an appointment so that we can make a holistic
exploration into all areas of that individual’s life and chronology
of developments to determine what set them on a disease path. In
the case of an acute expression I often have in stock remedies that I
make to resolve a number of common conditions. If my stocked
remedies do not meet the profile requirements, then I am happy to mix
up something more specific At this time of year I am
approached for more and more cold remedies. The nature of the
remedies that are used must reflect our understanding of what a cold
actually is and then support the natural process necessary for the
body to regain its equilibrium. Elecampane is a perfect
addition to many chronic and acute cold remedies. Like many herbs of a similar
floral expression, Elecampane has an affinity with the sun and the
element of fire. It embodies the properties of this element and
employs them in the cold and stagnation often associated with colds. Essentially, Elecampane is
specific for lung conditions, be they old or new Elecampane is a warming herb,
and as such stimulates antispasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic,
anticatarrhal and antiseptic actions, among others. I
find it particularly good where there is hard congestion that needs
to be softened and expelled. One of the advantages of herbs
is that a single herb can have many actions and influence numerous
organs and systems at the same time. They can also be combined to
create a remedy that is tailored for the needs of a specific patient
profile. In
an acute cold, Elecampane is combined with such herbs as
Elderflowers or Yarrow, to enhance its diaphoretic action. Colds are
seen, by natural practitioners, as a means your body uses to expel
toxins and regain balance and health. Herbs that support the body in
this process ( diaphoretics, expectorants etc) like Elecampane, are
well employed. In
chronic conditions of the chest, herbalists may combine Elecampane
with Ribwort or Horsetail as part of an attempt to sooth and
influence the repair of long overtaxed lungs. In such combinations I
have seen impressive changes over time. |
The Food Bank
Posted on 2 October, 2018 at 8:08 |
![]() |
The
Food Bank 2.10.18 On the back of
my last blog “The Socialisation of Medicine”, which deals with
bringing health issues out of institutions and back into the
community, The Green Man Herbal Apothecary is now hosting as a Food
Bank Collection Point for the Malvern Hills area. There is too
often a misconception as to the type of people needing to use a food
bank. The truth of the matter is that such a need greatly reflects
on the poor state of our society rather than on the individuals using
the service. As is often
said, most of us are two pay cheques away from living on the street
and going hungry. Those who require the food bank may do so due to
low income, debt, job loss, illness, benefit changes as well as other
reasons.
For those of you
wishing to contribute to the food bank you can drop non-perishable
items off at the Apothecary during my Drop in Hours. Tue-Wed 12-3 Thursday 8-4 Friday 8-5 Saturday 12-2 To see what items
are in most need you can go to the Food Bank website at
www.malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk For further
information you can contact me at [email protected]
or telephone at 01684 439360. |
The Socialisation of Medicine
Posted on 3 August, 2018 at 5:05 |
![]() |
Menstrual Problems....Is it natural to suffer?
Posted on 5 April, 2018 at 11:07 |
![]() |
My Blog Menstrual problems...Is it natural to suffer?The Green Man: Posted on 12 August 2014 11:54 (The date the Blog was first posted). While going through a patient's progress recently it reminded me of how many cases of menstrual complications I have come across over the years and how many have been resolved using a holistic approach. The number of such cases is so wide spread in the west that it has become endemic to the point of being accepted as a normal part of life, and of being a woman. It is not! As a practitioner taking a history, I have come across scores of women who experience a very light, short and pain free period each month. These individuals stand as a testimony that menstrual difficulties are not related to being a woman, but to being a woman with a specific imbalance that is expressing itself through the monthly cycle. There is no one answer to this condition as each individual will have come to that state through a varied combination of factors and developments along their life's unique journey. That is why a individual holistic treatment is best for long term results. The condition is often blamed on hormonal imbalances and to remedy this orthodox, and even some schools of herbal, medicine will take you down a path of hormone treatment...be it pharmaceutical or phyto-hormones. For me, a healthy body produces and expels hormones in a balanced way, topping up the difference or blocking the excess is a short sighted approach that does not address the underlying problem. In these cases, along with the menstrual problems there will be other indicators like skin problems and extreme fluctuations of mood. These can also resolve themselves when the underlying problem is considered and treated. I remember a case of a woman who was having difficult and irregular periods. Near the end of the treatment a condition of her skin that had existed since childhood cleared up. This indicates the interconnection of disease and how our health declines when we do not understand and address these conditions properly. Toxicity is the most common underlying factor to consider when treating such cases. The cause of this toxicity can be long standing and often has expressed itself in more acute ways earlier in life (tonsillitis, colds, diarrhoea, rashes and other skin problems, etc.) It can have its roots in unresolved emotional conflicts, poor diet, poor lifestyle, or a combination of all of these. When the body turns to the menstruation to unload toxins it is already at an advanced state. Men only have four means of toxic expulsion (bowels, kidneys, skin, and lungs). These means are normally sufficient for both men and women to expel these unwanted substances from the body. When a woman's period becomes heavy, long and painful, it is an indication that those means are overloaded and/or not working up to par. This has to be gently addressed before more toxins are coxed into the system for expulsion. It is frustrating sometimes as a practitioner to know how many people are suffering, who need not be suffering. Hormone treatments are like brushing filth under the carpet, if you keep doing it one day it will bring bigger problems. At some point you will have to deal with it. It is always better to do so while it is more easily resolved. |
The Courage of Healing
Posted on 12 January, 2018 at 10:52 |
![]() |
Seasonal: Indigestion/Heartburn
Posted on 28 December, 2017 at 6:22 |
![]() |
Natural First Aid For The Home (Heart Burn/Indigestion)
The Green Man: Posted on 25 November 2013 23:17 With the coming indulgences, for many, of the Christmas season, and the celebration of the New Year, I thought it appropriate to touch on Heart Burn and Indigestion. By dealing with this subject now, it leaves you plenty of time to stock- up on this natural remedy. Certainly, if this is an on-going problem associated with your eating habits, you would be better advised to consider changing those habits in the long term. Chronic digestive discomfort can also be a symptom of other, more serious, gastric conditions and should not be allowed to go on unattended. You would be best advised to seek proper medical advice rather than just mask the symptoms. For me, there are few herbs that can compete with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) when it comes to dealing with acid imbalances of the digestive system. It is extremely effective and extremely available. The availability of Meadowsweet echoes my earlier comments with respect to the abundance of certain herbs, as offered to us by nature, as reflecting the degree of need. In the past instance I was referring to the vast availability of Nettles and Clivers as a means of dealing with accumulated acids in our body after the long winter period. In this case, it is evident that abundance has again been deemed essential in dealing with excesses of acid due to our commonly poor eating habits. Meadowsweet offers an excellent example of where a plant's environment has influenced the energetics of its constitution. In this instance, Meadowsweet is greatly influenced by the water element. It grows in damp meadows (even in those that are lightly flooded, albeit temporarily). In this sense it has much in common with Willow and Birch, two trees that are also affected by the water element, as reflected in their medicinal action. In this example, the burning acid condition is cooled and extinguished by the action of the plant constituents that have been encouraged to develop in the plant by the water element associated with its host environment. In this case, salicylic acid and salicin are two examples. In many of the texts written by Witches, Meadowsweet is often presented as being governed by the wind element. Looking at its tall stalks and wispy cream flowers, it gives a good indication where the inspiration for this association comes from. It also underscores how essential it is to understand this element as "wind" rather than "air", because it is the nature of the wind element, and how its behaviour affects our bodies, rather than the simple, inert, presence of air that best illuminates our understanding of this association. Since wind can play a role in digestive upsets, it makes Meadowsweet doubly significant as a digestive remedy. Meadowsweet can be harvested once the flowering begins. I like to harvest all the aerial parts although, as with Yarrow, some herbalists like to concentrate on the flowers only. Once again, before you begin to harvest, it is important to identify the correct plant. The first three pictures above (from the top downwards) are those of Meadowsweet. The fourth picture is that of Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), while the last picture is that of Silverweed (Potentilla anserina). If you look closely, I think you can appreciate that the similar smaller leaves situated between the larger leaves of all three plants could cause some confusion if the whole plant is not scrutinised fully before harvesting. However, the flowers of all three plants are distinctly different. Meadowsweet leaves, when crushed, give off, what I describe as, a sweet aspirin-like aroma that is very unique to this plant. In fact, I have been able to discover patches of Meadowsweet by the scent released from, unknowingly, treading on the first leaves to appear early in the season. Meadowsweet can be taken fresh or dried in the form of an infusion (tea). Alternatively, you can grind and sieve the dried herb into a powder that can be made into capsules, which would be far more convenient for use in a Natural First Aid kit. As an infusion of dried herb I would mix 1- 2 tsps to a cup of boiled water, covered for 15 minutes ( it is always better to start out with a smaller amount and increase if necessary). Take three cups a day. Alternatively, I would take a couple of size "O" capsules (350-500mg) with water, and see if they improve the condition. Capsules can be obtained on line from suppliers. The advantage of Meadowsweet over pharmaceutical ant-acids, is it can actually work to improve the underlying condition rather than just mask the resulting symptoms. Additionally, unlike its chemical derivative aspirin (which actually derived its name from the earlier botanical name for Meadowsweet, "Spiraea" ulmaria) the herb actually has a positive influence on ulcers rather than causing them, as aspirin does. Meadowsweet also functions as a "hepatic", meaning it has a positive influence on the liver, which can often be the source of digestive troubles such as indigestion. Finally, Meadowsweet has a calming influence on diarrhoea and could be combined with the Viburnum of my earlier post, when necessary, to bring further relief in this condition. There is much more that could be said about this wonderful herb (one of my favourites) but this is sufficient for the purpose of our kit.Health and HappinessThe Green Man |
Embracing the Cycles of Life
Posted on 24 October, 2016 at 2:18 |
![]() |
Embracing The Cycles of
Life
Some of you may be aware that the Autumn equinox has recently
come and gone. This date would have had much more cultural
significance a few hundred years ago as harmony with the seasons
decided if you lived or died. The mile stones of the year informed us
when it was time to plant and when it was time to harvest.
To remind themselves of the significant times of year, little
rhymes sprung up to help them keep these dates foremost in their
consciousness.
When I lived on and managed our small holding in Austria, the
first warm days of spring were the harbingers of talk about the Eis
Heilige, each mention was usually followed by some rhyme or other to
give it a degree of validation. This warned people not to be fooled
into planting out tender plants until after the 15 of
May. Of course, initially I phoo-phooed it as an old wives' tale.
But it did not take many losses of young Pumpkin plants before I
realised that after an initial start of warmish weather you could
almost mark to the day on the return of one last frosty blast from
the east that would nip everything back and put you behind by weeks
in the growing season.
It Is heart lifting to experience that, in spite of the
scientific world's attempts to sever all our ties with the natural
world, we still have one foot tapping to the rhythms of mother
nature. So with the drawing in of the long nights it is natural to
experience a sudden epidemic of cold like symptoms breaking out
among the general public.
This is as it should be.
The style in which we live today is not fully the life for which
our bodies were evolved. Back in the time when we lived closer to
the rhythms of nature our bodies would prepare us for the harsher
seasons in the cycle. In our northern climate we would need to be
fully fit to withstand the strains of winter. To prepare us for this
the body would muster the symptoms that constitute the conditions we
know as colds and flues in order that accumulated toxins, the
accumulative by products of metabolism that pose a threat to optimal
function and survival, may be expelled from the body. It is for this
reason that a large portion of colds actually develop in Autumn, not
Winter....and it is why there starts, once again, to be a flurry of
interest in Cold Remedies, here at The Green Man Herbal Apothecary.
To survive the cold, months in northern climates, it would be
necessary for us to store foods that make it through the long Winter
season. With October approaching my thoughts turn to Samhain/
Hallowe'en. This is often dismissed as a commercial American import,
but its roots are deeply grounded in ancient British culture.
The Pumpkin....(or Jack O' Lantern, once it is carved into a
face) is a richly layered symbol of the Autumn season. When faced
with surviving a winter, Pumpkins take on a whole new meaning. I
have grown Pumpkins most of my life....and found, when stored in the
right conditions, they can provide essential nutrients, both from the
flesh as well as the delicious seeds, from October right up to March,
exactly the time when the new green growth is starting to take hold
once again.
Other foods that would have seen us through the winter would be
cured/smoked meats, seeds and grains. Some of these foods leave an
abundance of acid and toxins in the body. With the coming of March
we see the first growth of herbs in the field. Herbs like Nettle and
Clivers come up early in abundance, and are often found growing
together. I believe this is the whispering to us of the creative
force of the universe as Nettles are very rich in nutrients and have
an affinity with the cleansing of the blood. They are especially
adept at removing those acids accumulated during the winter months.
Clivers work in perfect harmony with Nettles as they have a
strong affinity with the lymphatic system and promote the removal of
toxins from the body. It is for this reason that we see them growing
together, and in such abundance, so early in spring.
As part of the cleansing process, colds increase in number once
again in the late winter / early spring as our body's attempt to
regain balance and optimal function.
To be healthy we must recognise these seasons and embrace each
one for its full meaning and purpose.
The ancient healers believed that our bodies were merely a
microcosome of the forces of the universe. They defined the essential
four elements that governed our lives and further defined the various
diseases that corresponded with an imbalance or dominance of any one
of these elements within ourselves.
On a spiritual level disease can also take hold when any one
season of our life dominates. This is because this defies the very
intent of nature. Nature's intent is the very foundation of Natural
Law, and any deviation from that law will result in disease. This is
evident in our culture, where too great an emphasis is placed on
being young. I want to distinguish this from being fit. Fitness is
essential throughout life to afford us a quality of life. There is
nothing wrong with being fit up until we die...or as near as
possible. However, the fixation with youth has lead to all kinds of
perversions and obsessions....the spending of hundreds of pounds on
creams and lotions....HRT....the subjection to surgical procedures
that, in time, replace a natural aging face with a grotesque,
expressionless, mask, all of which come at a price.
Over the years I have observed patients who are in emotional
turmoil because they have not prepared for the seasons of their life.
Particularly clear in my mind is the number of men who struggle.
This is partly because the greater part of our culture defines our
worth through physical strength and through the work we do. When
these assets begin to diminish and eventually are gone, there often
ensues a crisis of identity and purpose. Yet this must not be so.
These days, many who are fit enough can go on and work well beyond
the official pension age which, after all, is just a number used for
convenience rather than as a reflection of an individuals
capabilities or desires.
We need to cultivate a culture that embraces and values the
various seasons of our lives. Strength gives way to wisdom....a
worker can become a teacher. A fulfilled earner can become an
equally fulfilled volunteer.
We need to stop thinking of health as the responsibility of just
the the government or the medical institutions....but as the
responsibility of our very culture, of each individual to one
another....to support each other on the road to health.....and to
live out the full and varied stages, embracing all the seasons of our
life. |
/