Holistic Nourishment

Burns are common skin wounds that can range from slightly irritating, to deep 3^rd degree burns that penetrate to the subcutaneous tissue.  Minor burns can be caused by the sun or radiation therapy, scalding liquids or steam, fire, chemicals (ex. acids, alkalis, hair dyes, petroleum products, fabric detergents), or electricity.

The skin consists of three layers, the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.  The severity of the burn is determined by the conductivity of the skin, the duration of contact, and temperature of the source.  The injury leads to the body’s immune system releasing cytokines that induce both local and systemic inflammation.  A superficial burn affects only the epidermis and is characterized by pain, erythema without blisters, capillary refill with pressure.  Second degree burns enter the dermis, either partially or completely and characteristically have blisters.  Third degree burns penetrate all the way down to the hypodermis, sometimes going to the muscle or bone.

There are many nutrients to repair skin, namely omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, lysine, zinc, b vitamins (especially biotin and niacin).  Deficiencies of any of these nutrients can lead to poor wound healing and skin repair.  Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients will support the injured through the regeneration process. (more…)

Nourishing Herbal Hair Cream

Creams are topical, healing applications.  They are less greasy and more nourishing then salves because they are a combination of water and oil.  They can be vulnerary, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, and soothing so they are great for healing sprains, strains, bruising, open wounds, mild burns, inflammatory conditions, rashes, and insect bites.

Creams also contain an emulsifier, which is an important component to getting the water and the oil to blend together and to stay in solution.  The emulsifier binds the water with the oil, creating fat micelles (tiny globules) that are small enough to keep both the oil and the water together in solution.

This recipe calls for beeswax as an antimicrobial, thick emulsifier. Coconut oil lightens the cream and also provides antimicrobial properties.  Almond and avocado oils are nourishing and soothing to dry hair.  Borax is also an important component of this cream because it is a preservative, buffering agent, and an emulsifier. Citric acid was also chosen as a preservative.

(more…)

Do you have irregular menstrual cycles? Balancing your hormones and strengthening your uterine muscles can reduce and even eliminate symptoms of PMS, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), heavy flow, spotting in between periods, and emotional fluctuations with your cycle.

The concept of using one herbal formula for the first half of your menstrual cycle and another set of herbs during the second, can reset your hormonal cycle, tonify the uterus, and calm your nervous system in order to have care-free menses!

If you are trying to become pregnant, please seek a practitioner who is knowledgeable about herbal medicine as many of these herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

(more…)

Rosemary is a wonderful culinary herb that is also medicinal! It is most famously known for it’s ability to enhanced circulation and support vascular health.  It is commonly used to support those with depression too. Rosemary protects liver function, is rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory.

(more…)

A lozenge is a slow-dissolving and mucilaginous method of preparing herbs.  They are beneficial for sore throats, mouth, and upper respiratory tract because they soothe and coat mucus membranes. Herbs that are ideal to use in lozenges are expectorant, sedative, pain relieving, and antimicrobial. Honey is soothing and coating to mucus membranes, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and nutritive (containing vitamins, minerals, and enzymes).  Honey best extracts water-soluble constituents (tannins, vitamins and minerals, mucilages, alkaloid salts, vitamins, polysaccharides), plus small amounts of waxes and resins. When taken internally, honey calms inflamed GI tract so it’s very fitting to be added to a lozenge!

(more…)

What does your medicine cabinet look like?

Instead of filling it with drugs to suppress symptoms, fill it with vitamins, minerals, and herbs to boost your body’s innate ability to heal take care of itself!

What is in my medicine cabinet? A combination of dried herbs (roots, leaves, and flowers), herbal tinctures, essential oils, vitamins and minerals and other phytochemicals. It’s always evolving and changing depending on the season, but right now some of what I have includes:

(more…)

Are you or your kids suffering from earaches or ear infections? Are you looking for a non-toxic home remedy that will both reduce pain and kill the infection? Garlic and mullein oil is a great alternative to prescription ear drops. Garlic is a potent anti-microbial that combats the infection and provides pain relief. Mullein flowers have demonstrated antiviral actions as well as being successful in reducing inflammation, softening earwax, stimulating circulation in the ear, and also calming the auditory nerves thereby easing irritation and pain in the ear.  Ear infections can be painful and uncomfortable, but this natural herbal remedy will support the body and help it heal. (more…)

There are many herbs for nourishing the digestive system.  Use this guide to find the right plants that will help your body cleanse and repair.

Mucilages:

These soothing, anti-inflammatory herbs help support the mucus membrane that lines your intestines, thereby promoting intestinal integrity and supporting the body’s defense against pathogens and disease.

Marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain, comfrey, irish moss

Indications: acid reflex, gastritis, peptic ulceration, enteritis, colitis

Cautions: congestive bronchial or excess mucous conditions

(more…)