Posts

Oats

/in /by

Oats, oat straw or milky stage oat tops, are one of the best restorative tonics for the nervous system and bones. It is highly nourishing, tastes delicious, and has no contraindications. I can’t think of a single person who doesn’t need both deep nourishment and nervous system support right now, so let me introduce you to the soothing, sensational, milky white medicine of Oats…

BOTANICAL NAME: Avena Sativa

COMMON NAME: Common oats, Milky oats, Grouts

FAMILY: Poaceae

PARTS USED: Straw (leaf & stalk; best for teas), milky-stage buds (fresh-plant tincture), mature seed (the part we eat)

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: An annual grass grain that can grow 14-40” tall that has unbranching, hollow, round stems that can be tufted or solitary. Has alternate, 2-ranked, linear and parallel-veined leaves growing upwards from the upper part of the stem and tapering to a point. It has wedge-shaped spikelets that grow on the plant all year round, containing small flowers or seeds depending on the time of year. Its flowers are androgynous, minute, and bisexual, with 3 stamens and 2 stigmas. The grain is the fruit and starts green, emits a milky ‘sap’ early in maturation (lasts only about a week – for the strongest, most medicinally active preparation, the seeds should be used fresh when they are in the milky stage), and if allowed to mature, hardens the milky sap into grain and eventually dries to yellowish tan when grains are harvested. 

GROWING/HARVESTING/PROCESSING: Oat seeds are planted in spring and/or late summer, after vegetable harvest, or under mature crops before mid-September. In colder zones, seeds can be planted in late summer or early fall for a winterkilled cover. They grow in many soil types, including loam and heavy soils, and are more tolerant of wet soil than barley. Broadcast seeds by hand and lightly rake them into soil at a depth of ½-1” in a weed-free planting area. Oats are typically rain-fed but may need to be irrigated if insufficient rain falls during the growing season (typically 3-4”). Timely sowing can help increase fertility, regulate water and air, and promote root development. 

Milky oats should be harvested when the milky sap can be extracted by squeezing the seed. This occurs at the very beginning of seed maturation, just before grain development and only lasts about a week so crop should be closely monitored to ensure successful harvest. Oat straw can be harvested after milky stage oats are harvested but before the plant fully develops grain and turns yellowish tan. Fully mature oats may be harvested when the field turns uniformly yellow, which is usually about 12 weeks after planting. To harvest, cut grass just above the soil with a sharp knife or scissors. To save dried seeds, cut or pull the seed heads from the plant and let them fully dry for a couple of days before storing in a dry container. 

ENERGETICS AND TASTE: Sweet, bland, neutral-cool, moist

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES: Nutritive tonic, nervous system tonic (trophorestorative), demulcent, vulnerary, antidepressant, anxiolytic, emollient, one of the best herbal supports for nervous system under stress

INDICATIONS: Oats are a gentle tonic herb that support the nervous system without stimulating or sedating. Can help reduce fatigue and support nerve functioning over time. Great for anyone who is overworked or relies on caffeine to get through the day, for people who are frazzled, emotionally labile, and those who “burn the candle at both ends.” A classic milky oats symptom picture is someone who is anxious, exhausted, emotionally volatile, and looking a little dried out (dry skin, dry hair & nails) 

Oats may be helpful for exhaustion (physical and mental), chronic stress, heat and inflammation, dryness and itchiness (think itchy, dry, scaly skin eruptions), depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, undernourishment, sympathetic excess, adrenal burnout, weakness, convalescence from prolonged illness, insomnia, dry, brittle nails, skin, and hair, and even low libido (especially if this is due to exhaustion, dryness, depletion and stress).  Externally soothing for inflamed skin (oatmeal bath). High in silicon so it is excellent for tendons, skin, mucosa, and nerves. The silica in oat straw is excellent for connective tissue, tendons, skin, mucosa, and nerves.

As a nervous system trophorestorative (a revitalizing tonic to the nervous system), oats are helpful for a wide range of nerve disorders including neuralgia, herpes infections, depression, insomnia, and neurasthenia, but it is especially indicated for nerves that are frayed from stress or nervous exhaustion due to overwork or chronic stress. Oats can help us feel grounded and calm amidst the continuous daily stress that we face from work, family, poor diet, alcohol, drugs, environmental toxins, etc. They are food for the nervous system- calming, but not sedating. Oats repairs damage to the myelin sheath, which covers the nerve fibers.

Susan weed describes Avena as “upping the amperage of the nervous system so you can carry more voltage.” By strengthening the nervous system, oats improve sensitivity to touch, which is why they have a reputation as an aphrodisiac. For sexual neurasthenia; for people who work hard, are tired at night, have low libido, and who tire easily during sex.

Avena is both a trophorestorative and tonic. Tonic herbs are generally indicated in convalescence, debilitating conditions with or without anorexia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Taken over time, Avena will increase stamina and strength. Over time, Avena lifts the spirits and is a nourishing tonic that is often combined with Skullcap. Avena is theorized to stimulate the limbic system and motor ganglia thereby increasing energy level and one’s sense of wellbeing.

Oats can also help with ADHD and OCD behaviors and can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms from various drugs/addictive substances including nicotine, caffeine and anxiety medications (combines well with skullcap for this as well). They help to keep the nervous system on a steady keel. Fresh plant tincture is best for this.  Oats are also a cardiac tonic and nourish the heart and blood vessels. The mature seed has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. 

  • Key indications: Exhaustion, tired but wired, nervous debility and depression from chronic stress
  • Keywords: soothing, nourishing, balancing, building, restorative

CONTRAINDICATIONS:  Normally extremely safe for people of any age. Food Grade Herb- no toxicity. Suitable for pregnancy and nursing. Oat straw and milky oat tops are naturally gluten-free. The only concern regarding gluten is for oat grain that has been processed in a facility that also processes wheat.

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE: Soluble in water, alcohol; minerals soluble in vinegar; alkaloids in fresh buds are best extracted in alcohol. Long-term therapy is the norm.

  • Tincture of fresh milky stage oat flower (1:5 in 25% alcohol); Take 3-5 ml three times a day (David Hoffman)
  • Infusion of dried leaf or flower, use 1-2 TBSP per cup of water; infused for 4-8 hours. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
  • Bath soak: add oat straw infusion directly to bathwater
  • Makes a great base for a tea and combines well with other nervines

COMBINATIONS: 

  • For depression, may combine with skullcap, damiana and lavender 
  • Oat straw blends well with other nervines as a base for teas  
  • For withdrawal from nicotine, use fresh oat tincture with skullcap and lobelia.

HOMEOPATHY USE: Has a selective action on the brain and nervous system, favorably influencing their nutritive function. Nervous exhaustion, sexual debility and the morphine habit call for this remedy in rather material dosage. Best tonic for debility after exhausting diseases. Nervous tremors in the aged; chorea, paralysis agitans, epilepsy. Post-diphtheritic paralysis. Rheumatism of heart. Colds. Acute coryza (20 drop doses in hot water, hourly for a few doses). Alcoholism. Sleeplessness, especially in alcoholics. Bad effects of morphine habit. Nervous states in many female problems. 

FLOWER ESSENCE USE: Oat flower essence “is the remedy for people who feel they want to do something worthwhile with their lives but don’t know which direction to go. They tend to drift from one thing to another without finding a true path. They become frustrated and downcast as a result.” (The Bach Center)

ETHNOBOTANY/FOLKLORE/HISTORY:  Oats are the archetype of fertility, the symbol of Demeter. Ancient legend says that Gaia herself was weaned on the milk of this flowering plant. We’ve all heard the phrase “to sow your wild oats”, which means to spread your seed. It’s a symbol of virility. 

REFERENCES:

  1. The Herbal Handbook, A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism, David Hoffman, 1998.
  2. The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism, Matthew Wood, 2004.
  3. https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/2015/09/13/avena-sativa/
  4. New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory, William Boericke, 2011.

*** This article is for educational purposes only. This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. ***

Linden

/in /by

Linden (Tilia cordata) is the herb of the month. It is a plant that everyone who knows it comes to adore because it’s so lovely, sweet, juicy, fragrant, and relaxing. And it’s good for our hearts, both physically and metaphysically (as you can infer from its heart-shaped leaves and Latin name).  With American Heart month and Valentines Day coming up in February, I can’t think of a more appropriate herb to highlight.

SmellyBlog – "Linden Blossom" – Ayala Moriel ParfumsBOTANICAL NAMES: Tilia europaea, T. cordata, T. platyphyllos, T. americana

COMMON NAME(S): Linden flower, Lime blossom, Basswood, Linn Flowers, Spoonwood, Tilden Flower, Bee tree, Whitewood, Lime tree.

FAMILY: Tiliaceae

DESCRIPTION: a large deciduous tree, growing up to 130 feet tall with a trunk diameter usually of 2 to 3 feet, and a rounded crown. The flowers are intensely sweet and fragrant and beloved by bees. When in bloom, bees forsake most other flowers. The honey that bees make from linden nectar is regarded as some of the best honey in the world.

The leaves are heart-shaped and shiny. The bark is furrowed, and the wood is soft and light in color. It is easily carved and was used historically to make ship’s figureheads, broom handles, beehives and to make parts of instruments.

HISTORY/FOLKLORE:

  • The Green Dryads or tree spirits were said to be wedded to Linden trees
  • In Roman mythology the Linden was a symbol of conjugal love and fidelity
  • Hildegard of Bingen used a talisman made of a green stone and lime flowers wrapped in a spider web to ward off the plague.
  • In “the old days” in Germany, nearly every village had a green with linden trees where people gathered to decide business (possibly due to Linden’s calming effects)
  • In the Pyrenees Linden is used to soothe spasms and excitement. The Ancients knew of Linden’s antispasmodic effects and used it for convulsion and epilepsy, as well as for all “nervous distempers” , fever and hyperactivity in children (Matthew Wood)

PARTS USED:  Flowers and leaves primarily.

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES: Nervine, antispasmodic, hypotensive, diaphoretic, diuretic, antioxidant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, astringent, nutritive

CONSTITUENTS: volatile oils, flavonoids (antioxidants) including quercetin, coumarin, mucilage, minerals, tannins, sugars, steroidal saponins, terpenes, vitamin C, amino acids, resins

ENERGETICS AND TASTE:  Sweet, moist, cool, slightly sour and astringent

TISSUE STATES: Linden is balancing to heat, dryness and tension

USES:

Historical uses for Linden include: Appetite loss, Arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis, beverage, bladder problems, bleeding, burns (minor), cancer, colds, cough, diarrhea, dietary supplements, ear infection, epilepsy, fever, flavoring agent, gallstones, gargle/mouth rinse, gastrointestinal problems, gout, halitosis (bad breath), headache, hyperactivity, hypertension (mild/moderate), hysteria, indigestion, influenza, insomnia, irritability, kidney stones, laryngitis, menstrual problems, migraine, mucus, nervous conditions, night sweats, pain respiratory conditions, scurvy, skin problems, sore throat, sores, spasmodic conditions, tumors, vomiting, and wounds (minor).Linden Tilia cordata leaves buds and flowers - Lizzie Harper

Linden is primarily a relaxing remedy, used for nervous tension. Its relaxing effect on the nerves combined with its vasodilating effect on the blood vessels makes it a valuable ally in lowering blood pressure. It is considered a specific remedy in cases of raised blood pressure associated with arteriosclerosis and nervous tension and can be used to prevent arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Animal studies indicate that linden has anti-stress, sedative, and hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. (American Botanical Council).

Its general relaxing action combined with an effect upon the circulatory system give Linden a role in treating some forms of migraine.  It also protects the stomach against stress-induced ulcers. It has been shown to decrease adrenal enlargement and possess corticosteroid-sparing effects in rats under stressful conditions. As a diaphoretic, it induces a sweat and helps to resolve a fever. (Hoffman)

Herbalist Matthew Wood writes “It is suited to symptoms of kidney heat and irritation, including increased blood volume, essential hypertension, orthostatic hypertension, moist, warm skin, congestion of the kidneys, scanty, dark urine, and edema.  It is cooling enough to work on herpes. The tongue calling for Linden flower is usually red, sometimes flame-shaped and usually somewhat moist.” (Wood)

Larger doses are used to promote restful sleep. The soothing mucilage provides an anti-inflammatory effect on mucus membranes in the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.

Other Uses per Matthew Wood:

  • Restlessness, hyperactivity, insomnia
  • Nervousness, panic attacks and anxiety
  • Nervous headache, migraine and dizziness, neuralgia
  • Convulsions in children
  • Influenza, fever, colds, coughs, mucus in the trachea and lungs
  • Indigestion, nervous vomiting, painful digestion, colic, diarrhea.
  • Heart palpitation, cramp
  • Arteriosclerosis and hypertension associated with nervous tension
  • Dark, scanty urine, edema
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine pain, bearing down sensations, inflammation of the genatalia
  • Fever with profuse sweat that does not relieve.
  • Fever, chills, shivering, profuse sweat with no relief from fever
  • Pain associated with heat, irritation and spasm.
  • Itching, burning, eruptions, sores, herpes, shingles (external, the bark is beaten to soft fiber, simmered in cream, milk or milk and water, to make a soothing poultice)

CONTRAINDICATIONS / CAUTIONS: 

Elisabeth Brooke gave this warning: Lime flowers act as a powerful sedative which when kept for over a year, has a narcotic effect. Therefore, strong doses of lime flower should be treated with respect and [one] should not operate heavy machinery or drive a car after taking them. Even so, if you take doses greater than those suggested, they are not dangerous.  You will just fall asleep.

I have definitely used linden that I found stashed in the back of the cabinet that was over a year old and did not notice a strong hypnotic effect myself. There are also warnings about pregnant women avoiding linden due to its emmenagogue effect, but this is also a theoretical contraindication.  Linden was not listed for any contraindications/concerns in Michael Moore’s book “Herbal/Medical Contraindications.”

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

  • Tincture dosage is 2.5 to 5 ml three times a day (1:5 in 40%).
  • Infusion preparation, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of blossom and infuse in a covered container for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
  • For a diaphoretic effect in fever, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of blossoms per cup of water. (Hoffman)

PLANT SPIRIT/FLOWER ESSENCE AND / OR HOMEOPATHIC INFORMATION:

Calming emotional turmoil (Woodland Essences)Tilia cordata - Small Leafed Lime - Future Forests

Linden from Delta gardens flower essences:

  • Provides angelic relief to deep worry and anxiety.
  • Steadies the “high-strung” or overexcited psyche.
  • Helps balance cycles of work, play and rest.

COMBINATIONS:

  • For atherosclerosis, combine linden with hawthorn and/or garlic (Hoffman)
  • For hypertension, combine with cramp bark and skullcap (Hoffman)
  • For nervous tension and insomnia, combine with hops
  • For fever, combine with elderflower

REFERENCES:

This Article is for education purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. 

Stinging Nettle

/in /by

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettles in Spring.

Nettles full of zing.

The stinging hairs are filled with an acid that can irritate the skin. But don’t let that deter you from getting to know them. Stinging nettle is a generous weed, with much to offer those who dare to treat it with respect.

Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, roots

Actions: Astringent, diuretic, nutritive tonic, alterative, lymphatic

Energetics: Warming, drying

Uses: The leaves are the most common parts of the plant used although the flowers, seeds and roots are used as well. Nettle leaf is highly nutritious. It is our most proteinaceous plant in North America, and is one of the most nutrient dense plants in the world! Nettles contains high amounts of amino acids, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. A strong tea, called a nourishing infusion (see recipe below), is recommended as a daily tonic to nourish and strengthen the blood. Nettle tea also makes a great herbal hair rinse that promotes new growth and vibrancy.

Think of nettles as a free and abundant superfood. Cooked nettle leaves may be used in the same way you would use spinach.  Cooking or drying nettle removes the sting. Add Nettle to your stir fry, soup or quiche. It also makes a yummy pesto (try mixing it with other spring greens like garlic mustard, chickweed, and dandelion greens). 

Nettle has a strong affinity to the urinary system. It is a lymphatic and a diuretic. Used daily, Nettle leaf will increase kidney function and aide in the elimination of toxins from the body. This is useful for conditions such as chronic urinary tract infections, water retention, gout and kidney stones.  Nettle seeds of are a trophorestorative for the kidneys, while the root has more of an affinity for the prostate.

Its ability to flush acid wastes from the body can also benefit skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes. Nettles are also known to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies. For allergies, fresh plant tincture or freeze-dried nettle capsules are best, because these preparations preserve the formic acid which has an antihistamine effect. Most herbalists recommend to start taking nettles 4-6 weeks before allergy season starts. For some this is Springtime tree pollen, for some it is the grass pollen of Summer, and for others the leaf mold of Fall is what makes them sneeze. 

Whether you suffer from Springtime allergies or not, Spring is an ideal time to use nettles as Spring is traditionally a time for cleansing. Not the extreme juice fasts and master cleanses that are popular today, but a more natural form of cleansing that uses seasonally-available plants to gently enhance the body’s innate mechanisms of detoxification by supporting the liver, kidneys, and digestive organs.

Because Nettle is so nourishing many people find it energizing. By improving energy levels throughout the day, most people will also find that regular use of Nettles helps them to sleep better as well. But they are drying and some people find them too warming. To offset its drying effects, try mixing it with some moistening plants such as violet. And it’s not advised to use nettle regularly if you are taking prescription diuretics as this can cause too much fluid loss.

Harvesting Nettle Leaf

When approached with attention and respect, nettle can be harvested without stinging. It only stings when it is carelessly brushed or bumped. You can always wear gloves to be extra safe. I like to crop the top 6″ of the plant because this encourages the plant to grow thicker and fuller. Make sure to snip the plant’s stem right above a leaf node. Then you can take your basket of nettle tips inside and pluck the leaves from the stem and spread them on a screen to dry or store the fresh leaves in the fridge to use in cooking.

It’s important to note that you should only harvest nettle leaves in the Spring before the plant goes to flower. Once it flowers it can be too irritating to the kidneys.  You also want to be sure that you are harvesting nettle from healthy soil, not on the roadside or a drainage ditch or a field sprayed with chemicals.

If you do get stung, try using fresh plantain leaf, curly dock leaf, or violet leaf as a spit poultice. Chances are you will be able to find one of these growing nearby. If you can’t, just sit with the sensation and know that it is bringing blood flow to the area and that the pain will subside soon. You might find it interesting to know that flogging oneself with nettles was a traditional treatment for rheumatism. The sting brings blood flow to the joints and can help with cold types of arthritis (pain is worse in cold weather and improves with warmth and movement).

How to Make a Nourishing Infusion

Nourishing infusions are essentially a strong herbal tea that is steeped for 4-8 hours or more. It takes this long to extract the minerals from a plant, so this method is used for mineral-rich plants like nettles, alfalfa, oatstraw, raspberry leaf, red clover blossoms, etc.   

I like to make mine before going to bed. That way it can steep overnight and is ready to strain in the morning.

To make 1 quart of nourishing infusion, you will need

  • 1/2 cup of (dried) plant matter
  • 1 quart-sized mason jar
  • 1 quart of boiling water

Simply add the herb material to the jar, fill the jar with boiling water and screw on the cap.

In the morning (or after it has steeped for at least 4 hours), strain the tea through a sieve into a clean jar or some other glass vessel. Drink the 2-4 cups throughout the day.  You can warm it up, drink it cold, add honey or lemon juice, or anything else to your liking. 

Other Nettle Recipes

This website is full of fun ways to add nettle into food & drink

*** This article is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this information is not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease ***