Greenwood Herbals

October News

Greenwood Herbals has been very busy this summer.  It has been a whirlwind of activities.  Classes, apprenticeships, clients, plant id walks as well as mushroom walks, and of course the harvest! We have hired new employees and if you have been here this summer, you may have met either Deana or Ariel.    Deana will continue working here throughout the winter.  Hopefully Ariel will be back next summer.

 The Junior Herbalist in Training Program was a great success this summer and they all graduated with certificates in August.  But the girls decided that they were not done with the program and all voted to come back in October to spend the day gathering roots and bark from the forest.  I am really looking forward to this as well. There are truly some aspiring herbalists in this program and hopefully some will come back when they are older to work here at Greenwood.  I saw a few, if not all their faces light up when I suggested this as my ulterior motive of starting this program.  

 For several years I have been thinking about adding another month to the apprenticeship.  A lot of times, the new class will miss the piece on wild edibles and they miss their salad of fresh spring greens, fiddleheads and roots that they gather up in the spring.  This year was no exception.  Our spring started so early that the greens, spring roots and fiddlehead were ready in April.  I have decided that I will be adding an extra month next year.  We will start in April and if we have an early season again, we will be all set.  If we don’t and there is still snow on the ground!?  We still have plenty of material to cover.  This year’s apprenticeship has been extended into November.  We have had such amazing discussions this year, even without the spring edibles that I have not been able to cover everything as promised.  We need another weekend just for makeup, but what can you do?  Stop the questions and discussion just because we are running out of time.  It has been truly an amazing class, and thankfully, everyone agreed to the extra class.    The 2011 dates for both Apprenticeship classes will be available in December.  I am waiting for some other dates to confirm that I am committed to do. 

 Announcements: 

 Our Winter Hours will begin on October 1^st.  We will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4 pm.  Wednesday’s by appointment only.  I am still trying to keep Wednesday’s open for client and phone work.  If you do need to come in…  just call ahead and make sure I’m available to open the shop.  207-793-3553 

We also have some new vendors in the shop.

 KemoRox Design jewelry as art  - has added one of a kind hand crafted necklaces to the shop. 

 Bath Salts by Aquarian Age Bath Salts have added their products

 Stone People Jewelry – Nature shaped and smoothed stones, the timeless wearing of water and element.  These necklaces are unique and signed by the artist. 

 Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  to see classes scheduled for October and November

 Oct 5th - Boost your Immune System - at Biddeford  Adult Education - Call 207-282-3883 to register. 

Oct 9 - 10 - Osprey Cove Weekend - We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.

Oct 13th - Salve Making - at Massabesic Center for Adult Learning - Call 207-247-2022 to register. 

Oct 14th - Herbs for Women - at Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult and Community Education Call 207-934-7922 to register. 

Oct 15th - Roots and Bark - Jr. Herbalists meet here at Greenwood to walk the woods and harvest Bark and Roots.  10 am to 2 pm.  We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.  

Oct 23 - 24 - Apprentices Weekend  - We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.

February and March 2011 Announcements

We have had our first signs of spring here! The last couple of days we have been in the mid 40’s which feels like spring in our snowy Maine woods, and I can actually see the top of the fence where the grapes grow and the tops of the blueberry bushes.  And even though today is colder with the winter winds are blowing and howling through the trees, and they are talking about more snow coming…   once you see those sugar buckets up on the maples, we know that we are in the home stretch and spring is on its way.  The trees have awakened and their sap is moving.  We are really looking forward to it too.  We are starting to order herb again, instead of using our own.  And even though it is coming certified organic and ethically wildcrafted, there are just some things that you cannot get unless you harvest it yourself.  So we are anxiously awaiting for our spring to begin here at Greenwood.    

 

  

 

Announcements: 

There is one seat left for the Apprenticeship program at Greenwood Herbals.  First class will begin in April this year and will go through October.  Anyone interested in the program should turn their application in before March 30^th.    The application can be found  on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html. 

The Junior Herbalist in Training, a program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 has three seats available.  This class will begin in May and end in September .  The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 

 Classes and Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  for future classes and events scheduled throughout the year.  Check back often as each month we will be adding new classes. 

 

February  27th – Making Salves  with Debbie Mercier.   1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis. 

This introductory workshop answers your questions about what and why different  types of plants are used.  The different types of oils to choose from and why.  And how to make a salve.  You will  leave with a salve that we make in class together.  Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088.  

 

March 9th – Introduction to herbs  with Debbie Mercier.   6 to 8:30 pm at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.  An exploration of herbs - what they are and how they can be used.  Learn to grow them in your New England garden.  Explore the culinary vs. the medicinal uses of herbs.  Learn when and how to harvest, dry and store your herbs.  Receive recipes for foods and teas that you can make at home.   Call  207-934-7922 to register. 

 

March 16th – Stress and Anxiety  with Debbie Mercier.   6 to 8:00 pm at Biddeford Adult Ed.   In our pill-popping culture, it is common for us to reach for a bottle to cure common ailments -but for mild illness, such as daily stress and anxiety , there are alternative treatments. Explore how to use herbs and natural therapies internally and externally for improved health and well being .  Discuss the many  herbal nervines, nerve tonics and nerve sedatives available and  their uses.  Learn how to blend  your own  special tea then relax and enjoy!     Hand-outs and tea.   Call  207-282-3883 to register. 

 

 March 26^th – Client Intake Day at Greenwood Herbals with Debbie Mercier, 9 am to 4 pm – This is a class for practicing herbalists.  We will be working with two clients this day.  Reviewing, doing the actually intake and creating a protocol.   Cost:  $30.    Certificates of Hours will be given out to those who are collecting hours for advanced classes.   

This class is full.  We are taking names for the waiting list.  We will notify you if there are any cancellations.  If you wish to be added to this list, please contact me at 207-793-3553. 

 

 March 27th – Design/Prep/herb garden -  with Debbie Mercier.   1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis. 

 Learn to plan, design, prepare and plant your own herb garden.  Choose from a number of theme gardens, learn about companion planting, (herbs and vegetables) along with preparing and using your herbs for culinary and medicinal uses.  Techniques for harvesting and storing will also be covered.  Handouts.   Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088. 

 

April 9^th – Apprenticeship begins

 

 April 17^th - The Percolation Technique – with Debbie Mercier.  1 to 4 pm at Lichenwood Herbals.  This class is designed for herbalists.   Learn the art of percolation, or displacement, in making plant tinctures.  This process can be an advantage for those who find themselves in a bind, needing a specific extract for a client which is not currently available in their apothecary.    The percolation process takes 3 days as opposed to 14 days or longer for the maceration process, depending on the plant material used.  Percolation results in a more highly concentrated extract.  This is a technique that does need physical demonstration and hands-on practice.   You will receive a worksheet and a template for cutting filter paper to fit your percolation cone.    Cost:  $45.  Call 603-664-3393 to register, let Christine know if you need a percolation cone for an additional $15.  

 

Seasons Greetings!!

Seasons Greeting from Greenwood Herbals.   This is the end of our sixth year, and we are looking forward to another year here serving your needs whether it is as a client, student or just another  loyal customer.    Happy Holidays from us to you! 

 The shop will be open this Thursday, December 23^rd  from noon to 4 pm and on Friday the 24^th from 10 to 4 pm.  We are then closed December 25^th until January 6^th when we will open again.  Our winter hours are Thursday through Sunday 10 to 4 pm. 

 Announcements: 

 The dates for the apprenticeship are now available.  The application can be found  on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html   We will be starting in April this year. 

 The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training, a program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 is also available.  The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 Classes and Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  for future classes and events scheduled throughout the year.  Check back often as each month we will be adding new classes. 

 January 8^th – Percolations with Debbie Mercier.   10 am to 2 pm.  This is a class for herbalists.  It is the process of making tinctures, in 3 days opposed to 6 to 8 weeks.   Cost is $30 and if you need a cone and packing rod, there is an additional $15.   Let us know at the time of registration.  There are only two seats available. 

 I also wanted to congratulate the classes that graduated here in 2010.  It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that we were just experiencing the wonders of spring and the beauty of a fun full summer learning and walking among the plants.  The apprentices of 2010 graduated in November this year, and I send out my congratulations to all.  It was a packed summer of learning and working, but what fun we had.  We actually added a month onto the program so that we could cover all the topics promised!  What a group!  I learned so much from you.   I will miss each and every one of you as you go forward on your path.  I hope that each of you find the path that you were created to walk.    So many never do.  It is truly a gift when you do find it and when you do everything opens up and it falls into place so easily.  Yes, there may be hard work ahead for you but when you love what you are doing, it really doesn’t seem that hard after all.

     

Class of 2010

The Junior Herbalists in Training also got their certificates. 

 

Junior Herbalist 2010

 Congratulations to all and I hope to see all of you again on this wonderful walk. 

May Announcements

The 2010 Apprenticeship program registration deadline has been extended to May 1, 2010.  We still have two seats available.  If you are interested please get your application is as soon as possible.  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  for the applications. 

 

There are still two seats available for the Junior Herbalist in Training designed for children between the ages of 9 and 13.   

 

May 1, 2010 –  We will be back on Summer hours, Thursday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.  Sunday’s 10 am to 5 pm.  Wednesday’s by appointment only. 

 

May 2, 2010 – Greenwood Herbals will be at the May Day Fair  from 11 am to 4 pm at Gardens of Atlantis  See http://www.gardensofatlantis.org/ for details and directions. 

 

May 5, 2010 -  Exploring Medicinal Herbs at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.  6:00 to 8:30 pm - What are medicinal herbs and how are they used for mild illness and alternative treatments? Explore how to use herbs and natural therapies, internally and externally, for improved health and well being. We will look at anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral plants that can boost your immune system and what analogs to use in place of our Maine at-risk native plants.  Cost:  $24  Call 207-934-7922.

 

May 8, 2010 – Herb Garden Design at Gardens of Atlantis, 1 pm to 3 pm.  Cost:  $24.  Handouts available.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register. 

 

May 15, 2010 - Junior Herbalist in Training begins. 

 

May 22, 2010 – 2010 Apprenticeship Program begins. 

 

 

If you have any questions please call the office at 207-793-3553

 

March Announcements

To view all events listed through June 2010, see:  http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

 

March 2010 Events and Class

 

March 14th - Client Intake -  This workshop is for herbalist who wish to participate in a process of a client intake.   9 am  to 5 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: $30.   This class is full.

 

March 24th - Introduction to Herbs - This workshop will be presented at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.   6 PM to 8:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: 

 

March 28th - Herbs for Children - 1 - 3 pm  at Gardens of Atlantis - Children and babies respond easily and positively to herbal medicines.  Their bodies are small and more vulnerable to the healing effects of mild herbs as well as the unwanted side effects of harsh drugs.  Herbal medicines offer a safe, effective alternative to support and strengthen children’s bodies. We will discuss herbs for strengthening and maintaining health as well as herbs for specific childhood complaints.  Handouts are available.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26.

 

April 2010 Events and Class

 

April 3rd - Herbs for Women - 1-3 pm at Gardens of Atlantis -  Learn about the remarkable herbs used specifically for the female system.  Tonics that feed and nourish the reproductive system and many others used for specific ailments.  We will discuss problems experienced by young women, women during the child bearing years and menopause.   Leave with handout and tea.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26.

 

Apprenticeship Programs: 

There are still 3 seats available for the Greenwood Herbals 2010 Apprenticeship Program.  Application deadline is April 15^th.

 

There are still 2 seats available for the Greenwood Herbals 2010, Junior Herbalist in Training Program.  This program is for children between the ages of 9 and 13 years old.   Application deadline is April 15^th. 

 

Both applications can be found at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 

February/March Events and Announcements

Calendar of Events

February/March

 

February 2010 Events and Class

February 28th - Due to Family Obligations we will be closed today 

March 2010 Events and Class

March 4th - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Kennebunk Adult Ed.      We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Call to register.  Cost:  

March 14th - Client Intake -  This workshop is for herbalist who wish to participate in a process of working with a client.  Discussion of intake form, actually sitting with a client, doing the intake and protocols will be covered, and discussion after the client leaves.  Two clients will be seen this day.  10 am  to 4:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: $30.   This class is full.

March 21st - Women as healers - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles in Topsham, Me.  Details to follow.

March 24th - Introduction to Herbs - This workshop will be presented at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.     6 PM to 8:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost:

 

The herbal apprenticeship program and the program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 are starting to fill up.  If you are interested, I encourage you to sign up early. 

The application for the Junior Herbalist in Training program is now available on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  There are 3 seats still available. 

The application for the Apprenticeship program can be found at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  There are still 3 seats available. 

Jan/Feb Announcement and Events at Greenwood Herbals

Announcements:   Again I have to apologize for not featuring a plant in our newsletter.  But I did want to get this information out as soon as possible in case anyone is interested in upcoming classes and events. 

 

You can also find our products in the following stores: 

 

· Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, located in “Always and Forever” Florist Shop at 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me

 

· Sun Moon Stars Herbals, located at 38 Front St. Rollinsford, Me

 

· Blueberry Basket Gift Shop, located in the Beehive, at 11 Oak Street, Alfred, Me. 

 

 

The dates and application for the 2010 apprenticeship program are now available on-line.  We still have openings available.  Please send in your application and deposit check to hold your spot. 

 

The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training classes are also available under Events.  We will be accepting children into the program between the ages of 9 to 13.  The application will be available in March for registration.  Classes begin in May. 

 

Classes/Events:   http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

January 23 -  Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles, Community and Healing Center.    We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-776-3152 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

 

January 31 - Herbs for Women - Debbie will be presenting herbs specifically for women’s health and problems that can arise during our lifetimes.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26 includes handout and your own personalized tea blend.

February 6 - Herbal Spa Day -  Your skin speaks volumes about you and what is going on internally and externally.  Come and learn what your skin and face are telling you.  Let’s do a herbal facial steams, scrubs and masks.  The class will end with a nice foot soak.  Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.   Sun Star Moon Herbals @ 38 Front St. Rollinsford, NH  - 1 pm to 4 pm.    Call 617-460-1834 to register, directions and cost. 

 

February 7th - Boost Your Immune System – Debbie Mercier of Greenwood Herbals and Jane Kuntz will be presenting this workshop at Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, in Waterboro, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-247-6111 to register.  Cost:  $20 includes handouts.  Product will be available for sale. 

Announcements

December is getting away from me and I really did want to get a newsletter out with our announcements.  This newsletter is going out without a featured plant this month. I have decided that I need to write some newsletters ahead of schedule so that I have something to fall back on when times like these come up.  So this newsletter is basically announcements.

 

Announcements:  We have eggs!  The new girls started laying.  We have Jumbo, Large, Small, Brown and White eggs.  All organic.  $3.75 a dozen.  I can now supply customers who have standing orders with us and others who drop in.  We have also put them into Rings Crossing Natural Food Store located at 935 Main St. Waterboro. 

 

We have used herbal and gardening books for sale in the shop.    

 

You can also find our products in the following stores: 

 

· Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, located in “Always and Forever” Florist Shop at 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me

 

· Sun Moon Stars Herbals, located at 38 Front St. Rollinsford, Me

 

· Blueberry Basket Gift Shop, located in the Beehive, at 11 Oak Street, Alfred, Me. 

 

 

The dates and application for the 2010 apprenticeship program are now available on-line.

 

The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training classes are also available under Events.  We will be accepting children into the program between the ages of 9 to 13. 

 

Classes/Events:   http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

  December 13th – Making Salves -  Debbie will be presenting at Gardens of Atlantis, an introductory workshop on making salves, why and what different types of plants used and what types of  oils.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $22 includes handout and your own jar of salve.

 

December 24 - January 1 - Greenwood Herbals will be closed for the holidays.  All consultations and visits by appointment only please.

 

January 2, 2010 – Greenwood Herbals is open! 

 

January 10 - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, in Waterboro, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-247-6111 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

January 23 -  Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles, Community and Healing Center.    We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-776-3152 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

January 31 - Herbs for Women - Debbie will be presenting at Gardens of Atlantis, Details are forthcoming.    1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $22 includes handout and your own personalized tea blend.

Red Root - Ceanothus americanus - New Jersey Tea

 For the first time in five years I have not put a newsletter out on the first of the month.  It has been one thing after another the last three months.  First we experienced all kinds of technical difficulties with e-mail, the web-site and once that problem was resolved— It happened again the following month!  The website has been moved over to a new server and hopefully this is now a thing of the past.

 Harvest has been in full swing as well as making more medicine.  New oils and tinctures are still on the counters, and the drying shed is slowly being emptied so that it can become the winter storage shed.  We finished harvesting the hawthorn and poke berries and once we had our second frost we started digging those roots.  Black Cohosh, Sarsaparilla, Solomon Seal, Biden as well as Poke.  Some are drying on screens and in the dehydrator.   Others are sitting in alcohol extracting their medicinal properties.   And that reminds me!   The dehydrator died!  Thanks to Carol Hutchins for donating a dehydrator to Greenwood so quickly.  It was here the next day.  It is working hard and quite well.   So now that things are winding down I thought I would sit down and write the August newsletter and make it a fall quarterly this time around.  I hope to go back to a monthly newsletter, I know from e-mails and comments made by customers and clients that you enjoy them and look forward to them.  I hope you all do.  I started this article in August so will continue where I left off. 

Red Root—New Jersey Tea —Ceanothus americanus

This plant is part of the buckthorn family.  A small deciduous shrub that is native to eastern and central North America.  It grows in dry, unshaded soil.    The reddish root is covered with a reddish or brownish bark and can get as long as four feet in length.  We generally work with and use the root but I have recently been reading that the leaf can also be used.  But I have not been able to find out any other information so far.  I have never been able to find this plant growing wild in Maine.  I did plant some this summer and hope that they will winter over.  This is one plant that is in my top repertoire of plant medicines. 

Edible Uses:  This plant is not considered an edible. 

Medicinal Uses:  I have been dealing with clients and Lyme Disease for a number of years now.  Red Root is one of the herbs that I find the most remarkable when it comes to dealing with the malfunction of the spleen. This plant is a powerful lymphatic and has a direct affinity with that organ.  It encourages the body to get rid of catabolic waste buildup and helps to break up tumors and non-fibrous cysts in the body.  .  It stimulates the lymph and inter-tissue fluid circulation and is effective on tonsil inflammation, sore throats and enlarged lymph nodes.  It also appears to improve blood coagulation.  It’s astringent properties are helpful in stopping menstrual hemorrhage, nose bleeds and capillary ruptures from coughing and vomiting.  Because of this I have found this difficult when treating clients who have Lyme Disease but are also taking anti-coagulant medication, as it can interfere with this drug.  One of the co-infections of Lyme is Bartonella, where you will see swollen spleen, liver and lymph nodes.  Red Root is important in that it clears dead cellular tissue from the lymph system.

Red Root—New Jersey Tea —Ceanothus americanus

 

This plant is part of the buckthorn family.  A small deciduous shrub that is native to eastern and central North America.  It grows in dry, unshaded soil.    The reddish root is covered with a reddish or brownish bark and can get as long as four feet in length.  We generally work with and use the root but I have recently been reading that the leaf can also be used.  But I have not been able to find out any other information so far.  I have never been able to find this plant growing wild in Maine.  I did plant some this summer and hope that they will winter over.  This is one plant that is in my top repertoire of plant medicines. 

Edible Uses:  This plant is not considered an edible. 

 Medicinal Uses:  I have been dealing with clients and Lyme Disease for a number of years now.  Red Root is one of the herbs that I find the most remarkable when it comes to dealing with the malfunction of the spleen. This plant is a powerful lymphatic and has a direct affinity with that organ.  It encourages the body to get rid of catabolic waste buildup and helps to break up tumors and non-fibrous cysts in the body.  .  It stimulates the lymph and inter-tissue fluid circulation and is effective on tonsil inflammation, sore throats and enlarged lymph nodes.  It also appears to improve blood coagulation.  It’s astringent properties are helpful in stopping menstrual hemorrhage, nose bleeds and capillary ruptures from coughing and vomiting.  Because of this I have found this difficult when treating clients who have Lyme Disease but are also taking anti-coagulant medication, as it can interfere with this drug.  One of the co-infections of Lyme is Bartonella, where you will see swollen spleen, liver and lymph nodes.  Red Root is important in that it clears dead cellular tissue from the lymph system.  

My father is one such, client. He was diagnosed with the co-infection of Bartonella.  His spleen was swollen with pain and tenderness over the organ. He is on anti-coagulant medication.  His doctors told him there was nothing else they could do and sent him to me after the coarse of anti-biotics were completed.  So instead of using the recommended dosage of 30 to 90 drops 4 x a day, we have been using the Red Root homeopathically, 5 drops, 2 x a day with good results. 

The tenderness was soon eliminated and we were able to discontinue.  Though this plant is considered safe and can be used for extended periods of time, because of the medication, I chose to stop the herb.   Amazingly this plant can be used in so many other instances other than an astringent for the  lymphatics and as a hemostatic.  It is an antispasmodic, an expectorant as well as a hypotensive and a sedative. But it is the first lymph-system stimulant and tonic that I reach for when a client needs an anti-inflammatory for the spleen as well as the Liver.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 New Idea’s:  I am excited to report that the children’s program that we tested this summer was a success.  I received great feedback from the mothers and I will be tweaking it in a few places but I am happy to say that we will be offering the Junior Herbalist program to children between the ages of 9 to 13 next summer.  The program will begin in May and we will meet once a month for four months between 10 am and 2 pm.  Cost will be $25 per class to cover material fees and certificates will be presented in August.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

Announcements:  Rings Crossing Natural Food Store will be having their Grand Opening on November 27th located in  "Always and Forever Florist", 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me.  Congratulations Cheryl!!  We are all excited and looking forward to this! 

The dates and application for the 2010 Apprenticeship Program are now available on-line at www.greenwoodherbals.com. 

Classes/Events: See www.greenwoodherbals.com for details.  

November 8 - Herbal Spa Day -  Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.  Gardens of Atlantis, Dayton, Me. 1 to 4 pm.   Cost:  $28.  includes all materials.  Call 207-929-5088 to register, and directions. 

November 14th - 15th - 2nd Annual Osprey Cove Organic Farm Herbal Long Table  weekend.  Debbie will not be available for appointments or consultations. 

November 21 - Herbal Spa Day - Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.  Biddeford Adult Education 10 am to 2 pm.    Call 207-282-3883 to register, directions and cost. 

November 26th - Greenwood Herbals will be closed for Thanksgiving.   We will reopen on Friday November 27th. 

November 29th - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Gardens of Atlantis, in Dayton, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

Rice-Pecan Company Loaf—Julie Clark

Submitted by Jane Kuntz

4 cups cooked brown rice

1 cup pecan meal

2 cups whole grain crumbs

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups soymilk

½ cup blended tofu

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

1 Tbsp basil

1 ½ tsp salt

 Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix very well.

Pack firmly into sprayed casserole dish or loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-55 minutes.  Serve hot with gravy or sauce of your choice.

* Note, we baked the loaf for half the time, then added some gravy on top of the loaf and continued the rest of the baking time, so as to not let the loaf get dried out on the top.

Rain, Bearberry and New Idea's

We had four days in June that it did not rain.  There is still a huge cloud sitting over New England as I write this.  I tell myself that we are blessed because there are parts of the country that are drought stricken and in much need of water.  Yet I long for the sun that we lacked in our long cold stormy winter, cold spring and now our summer.   The sun that we still anticipate will come.  We sit and we wait.  Watching our gardens which stand dormant.   Our harvests still standing in the garden and field.   It’s to wet to harvest our medicines.  We watch as some pass before our very eyes.  There is promise of sun this weekend.  We all clap and jump for joy.  My grandchildren are doing sun dances in the gardens as we all pray for just a little bit of sun.    Water is an essential constituent of all living things.  We need it to survive.  The human body is about 60 percent water.  This made me think of the correlation  of our swollen rivers and waterways in Maine, (is anyone here not under the threat of a flood watch?) and the ecosystem of our body.  The urinary system.  It regulates the volume and composition of fluids in our bodies and removes waste products and excess fluids.   With all this rain, I think of mother nature clearing herself of toxins and I can’t help but think of the bearberry.

 

Bearberry - Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi

 

The natural urinary antiseptic.  This plant is used as a ground cover, and can be found in  woodland, sunny edges or dappled shade.  This is nature’s best remedy for urinary tract, bladder or any related urinary infections.  It helps reduce the accumulation of uric acid, and relieves the pain of bladder stones and gravel.  We use the dried leaf in tea or extracts.  This plant has been recorded as being used medicinally as far back as the 2nd century.   Also, known as kinnikinnik (Indian smoking herb) by the Native Americans, research has determined that uva ursi has an antibacterial property which fights infection.  This chemical is hydroquinone.  It also contains tannins that have astringent effects by helping to shrink and tighten mucous membranes in the body.  That in turn helps reduce inflammation and fights urinary tract infection and cystitis (bladder inflammation).  But there is a catch to using this plant.  In order to receive the greatest antiseptic benefit, the urine must be alkaline, which means you must avoid all acidic foods and supplements.  This means that acid destroys the herb’s antibacterial effect.  The fruit which is loved by bears, hence it’s name, bearberry, can be used raw or cooked. 

 

 

Matthew Wood states in his book, The Earthwise Herbal—a Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants, that the astringent and antiseptic properties of Uva Ursi act principally upon relaxed mucosa to give better tone and restrain

 

excessive discharges for bacterial infections.  He also states that it is useful in swollen mucous membranes as far up as the throat and as far down as the intestine, bladder and uterus.   Dried leaves are given as an infusion 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water 3 times a day.  It can also be used as a tincture 10 drops in a glass of water, 3 times a day.  Uva Ursi also contains allantoin, which can speed up wound healing.  It can be found in a number of skin creams and lip balms.  It is especially beneficial in the relief of oral herpes. 

 

Caution:  The urine can turn a dark green in color.  This is normal and should not be a cause of alarm.  Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should avoid use, and it should not be taken for long periods of time. 

 

Featured Product:  Greenwood Herbals is now carrying medicinal oils in the shop.  St. Johnswort, Comfrey Oil, Poke Root Oil, Mullein leaf and flower oil.  Plus more.  We will be adding these to the web-site soon.  They are available in the shop now. 

 

New Idea’s:  We are working on a new program for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old.  Junior Herbalist in Training.  We are proposing a four month class that will meet once a month.  Children will learn to do plant identification, plant pressings as well as other, fun and easy projects using herbs.    We are still in the planning stage and have a test case in the form of Abby and Josie who will be working with us on this idea.  Certificates will be given to those who complete the program.  More information to come soon… 

 

New Books:  We are awaiting the arrival of a new book called:  I’m a Medicine woman too.  By Jesse Wolf Hardin.  It is written for children  between the ages of 3 to 12.  I bought one for Zoe’ my 2 year old granddaughter.  She is already finding her way around the garden with me and I know it is something we can share together.  I hope to carry these in the shop in the near future but you can order them directly from the author by visiting http://animacenter.org/books.html.   

 

Classes/Events:  . 

July 19th—Making your own Hydrosols.  10 am to 1 pm.   Call the office at 207-793-3553 or e-mail herbalist@greenwoodherbals.com to reserve your seat.  Cost $25.

  August 2nd—The Long table discussion for herbalists will be held at Greenwood Herbals at noon.  The topic will be Red Root, New Jersey Tea, (ceanothus americanus)  Please RSVP if you are attending. 

August 9th—Summer Fair at Garden of Atlantis  11 am to 4 pm.  You will find us there! 

August 30th– Percolation Class for herbalists.  10 am to 2 pm.  Cost $25.  An additional cost of $18 if you wish to purchase a cone and a packing rod. 

 

Broccolini—Submitted by Carrie Weber

 

1 bunch of broccolini

1 lemon

Butter

Olive oil

Minced garlic

Portobella Mushrooms

 

Heat Skillet over medium heat.  Melt 1 TBS. Butter and 1 TBS Olive Oil.  Add 2 cloves of minced garlic.  Sautee 2 minutes. 

 

Add Broccolini.  Stir to coat for 1 minute.  Add sliced portbella’s.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. 

 

Stir in 2 TBS of fresh lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. 

 

 

Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria

We were in a class last week, where our teacher was discussing the zodiac man, astrology and herbs.  It was really fascinating.  I really don’t know a lot about astrology other than I’m a Virgo and my husband is a Gemini and we are both ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and if Mercury goes retrograde, communication seems to break down. Well, I had to know more and there is so much information!   Basically, herbal medicine was linked to astrology by early herbalists.  Anyone who has read the farmers almanac remembers the man where different zodiac signs like Virgo ruled the intestines and Gemini the lungs.  Each planetary sign was linked to a part of the body, and what I learned  was that each planetary sign also has different herbs associated with it.   So we looked to see what planetary sign we were in and it’s Gemini and then we looked at the plants and there it was Meadowsweet.  My friend Cheryl, and I have been  discussing the duality of Meadowsweet.  Filipendula ulmaria and Spiraea.  Which works better on acid reflux?    Some herbalists say that the Filipendula is better and they have seen no results with Spiraea,  Really?  I thought that I was seeing results so I had to find out.  Maybe my clients weren’t telling me.  But then I realized that I tinctured all of the Spiraea and had dried the Filipendula.  I called clients to see if the tincture was working and was informed that it is, not only for acid reflux but some had discovered that it was good for headaches as well.  Well, yes, it does have those aspirin-like chemicals.   The Filipendula was put into my teas for an after meal beverage and I called these clients.  It’s a miracle they tell me.  So here we have two plants, both bearing the same common name doing the same job.  But I wonder how the Spiraea would work as a tea? When I suggested changing the tea or the tincture to my clients, they did not want any part of the experimentation.  What they have works so leave it alone.  I can understand this so respect their wishes, so we will just leave it alone.  I would experiment on me or Tom, as I always do but we do not suffer from GERD.  I guess I just have to wait for that one client who will be willing to try. 

  We actually have three meadowsweets here at Greenwood. 

 ,                     

Filipendula Ulmaria                  Spiraea Ulmaria                   Filipendula Vulgaris (dropwort). 

And yes, for those of you who care…  it is on the test!   

 

 

Meadowsweet is one of the best digestive remedies of herbal medicines in my opinion.  It is an excellent example of a digestive tonic.  First, let’s explain what a tonic actually is.  Tonics are substances provided by nature for the repair and maintenance of a normal human body.  They restore balance to the body systems that are under stress.  They do not stress the body, but by  themselves are suitable for long-term use in small doses.  Tonics differ from most medicinal substances in being bi-directional in action.  They correct illness-promoting imbalances, independent of the particular nature of the cause.  They contain a wide variety of active principles, which may possess opposing actions on a particular body system.  Yet, rather than cancel each other out, these actions are brought into play only where and when they are needed, actually responding to the changing state of the organism. This is what Meadowsweet will do with excess acid or excess alkaline.  Balancing the levels.  We have found that Meadowsweet works best for GERD, Acid Reflux.  It balances the acidic and the alkaline levels in the digestive system.  A lot of people who are suffering from what they think is excess acid is actually excess alkaline.  They do not know the symptoms or the signs to tell the difference.  The worst thing they can do is eat antacids to suppress the acid that they are not producing.  Meadowsweet soothes the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and eases nausea.   The aspirin-like chemicals (salicylates) explains why it works on headaches, helping to reduce fever and relieving the pain of rheumatism in muscles and joints.    If you are sensitive to aspirin, you should avoid taking meadowsweet.  That means asthmatics who are sensitive to aspirin—be aware. 

Other Uses:  The whole plant, but especially the leaves was used as a strewing herb, emitting an almond-like fragrance. 

 

Classes/Events:  . 

Makeup class for the apprenticeship is scheduled for June 7th.  If there are those who missed the first class and would still like to join the apprenticeship program, this is your last chance.  Class begins at 10 AM.

All Day Plant Id Walk is scheduled on June 24th for Apprentices.  See Debbie for details. 

Proposed class on making your own Hydrosols.  Date and time to be announced sometime in June.  

REMINERALIZING SOUP - for one generous serving

One medium potato

One small to medium onion

Three stalks of asparagus

A double handful of nettle tops

About seven tops of apple mint

Celtic sea salt or herb salt to taste

Scrub the potato and peel the onion. Cut the potato into smallish wedges and slice the onion and cook in a cup or so of water. When cooked [ but nit soft and mushy] tip in the nettles and mint. Stir till wilted then tip the whole works into a strong blender, and whiz into a thick, fragrant soup. Add salt to taste.

If blender is not strong, chop the nettles and mint first.

 Submitted by:  Jane Kuntz