Since my last post in June, my life has been a roller coaster ! I found out I was truly anemic in August and went through treatment, my husband has had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands, my daughter fell and both exacerbated an old soccer knee injury and added new injury to her elbow, so we did physical therapy 2x week for 4 months; Gardening and yard work continued and I got some foraging, and canning done. Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are in the middle of what most Americans consider the holiday season. What I did not do during this time, was deliver products through the OK Food Coop, but will be up and delivering again in Jan 2009.
More notes and pics on the last few months will be added in the next week, so I hope you will come back and follow the goings on, of this herbalist
Pam
Friday, December 05, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Great Foraging Surprise
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On Tuesday morning, a friend and I took a road trip to Cherokee county (near Tahlequah) to pick up fresh blueberries from the farm. The one good thing about all the rain Oklahoma has received this year (over 35 inches), is it is June and everything is still green and beautiful, so the drive was wonderful.
Then the unexpected happened . . . We pulled over on the side of this back country road to pick a few wild flowers to dry and what did we find ? A gourmet delight ! A bounty of wild chanterelle mushrooms !! We brought home over 2 1/2 lbs. I shared some with friends and family and dried some for later. I am hoping to get to go back to the country, to look for more. We also foraged some bergamot and mullein on the way home.
Then the unexpected happened . . . We pulled over on the side of this back country road to pick a few wild flowers to dry and what did we find ? A gourmet delight ! A bounty of wild chanterelle mushrooms !! We brought home over 2 1/2 lbs. I shared some with friends and family and dried some for later. I am hoping to get to go back to the country, to look for more. We also foraged some bergamot and mullein on the way home.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Confused Weather and gardening
There is no global warming, there is no global warning, there is no global warming, this mantra kept going through my head yesterday, while I was gardening outside with the temp a balmy 81, breaking a record set, I think they said, in 1962. Kind of hard to stick your head in the sand and ignore what is going on with our Mother (Earth), when Oklahoma is having temps like this and Colorado, is having so much snowfall, there is no where to put the snow they are clearing from roads and sidewalks, etc. Are we going to sit back and just let our environment go to heck or are we going to start begin concerned about the issues that our world is facing? To mention a few, dna altered and contaminated food, coming from outside the U.S., fossil fuels and energy use, the control by the government of what animals we own and food we eat. . . . and the list goes on. Anyway, I will get off this soapbox, but we need to wake up and get involved in making our world a better place to live and the best place to start is in your own community, research "Buy fresh, buy local" and and see some ideas of where to start.
On to my urban homesteading efforts. I am trying to make some huge changes in my yard this spring. Let me start by telling you, what I already have already done, and then I will take you forward.
We live on a standard, city lot, and we have a neighborhood association (better know as the neighborhood ass.) When we moved into the house (7 years ago), we had a dog, so he went into the backyard, along with the above ground pool and patio, that the person who wanted to put it in, has never taken care of it. Anyway, with that said, I planned to start herb gardening in my front yard. But I was still working part time, so I only planted a couple things, usually in pots.
Then a couple of years ago, I decided I was going to really garden, and the only thing the ass. has said, is, "no vegetables out front". Ok, no problem, the corn will go in the back yard, lol.
I started with putting a pond liner in the ground, and fill it with good soil and compost and surrounded it with more dirt to plant in and basically, a rock enclosure. I call this area my mother garden, a lot of plants have started here.
Then I brought in a load of river dirt and planted the front yard with wild plants and herbs. I now have beautiful blue salvia, wild strawberries, flax, plantain, wild onions and so much more growing. Then there is my elderberry hedge, lobelia, echinacea, primrose, lemon balm, lemon verbana, horehound, catnip and the list goes on.
I also planted a native plum, next to my mother garden. Then, this last year, I added a dwarf peach and apple, along the driveway, and two 4x4 raised beds in the backyard (we lost our dog, someone intentionally opened the gate!), whew are you as tired as I am hearing all this ???? I only work in short periods at a time, so I have to do a little at a time, but thank goodness it adds up !
So, now we are up to this winter . . . . I have a family pulling out the deck, in exchange for the lumber, and another family is helping me clear the overgrown bushes and trees in the backyard, so that there will be more space for garden beds.
Brief time out here, I want to share the music I am listening to you with you. I just discovered this artist at a local metaphysical fair over the weekend and I love her music, it is a blend of country/folk and she is a true storyteller, with most all the songs written by her family, who is also her backup band. Her name is Shawna Russell http://www.shawnarussell.com/. My favorites are "The Only One" and "Goddess".
Now, back to yard work and gardening. over the next few months months I am going to share with you some before and after pics of my yards and gardens, so you can travel this awesome with me. On Sat, we started clearing and trimming the back yard, this is one of my 2 compost boxes I picked up from a Craig's list ad, they are like brand new, and sell for $90 each, and I got the both for $5o. Great deal, huh? The 2nd pic is some of the bushes we are clearing, with my 2 big red junipers.
Ya know, if landscapers had to live in the houses they designed, there wouldn't be some of the disasters like these are ! I kept trying to figure out why the bushes are migrating south, instead of up, well, it seems they are actually a vine, anyplace where the limbs make contact with the ground, roots grow and the race is on !! Anyway, I love my wild birds that visit, but they are going to have to make do with a little less jungle, thank you very much !
So, the clearing began on a Sat, with the sounds of the men working on dissassembling the deck in the background.
I took advantage of the warm weather yesterday, and the signs be right for planting and planted a salad garden. This is the northwest corner of my house and the kitchen window. I planted Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, transplanted garlic chives, and the rest is varied greens, spinach and lettuce. I hope the rain (much needed and loved) today doesn't wash them into one pile.(NOTE: I am having trouble with putting the pics where I want them, sorry!)
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Newsletter Vol 1 No. 1
Herbal Community Newsletter Vol 1 No 1
January 2008
A New Breath of Life
Welcome to January, a time when many of us think about discarding old habits and beginning afresh, with new ideas, new habits, & in many cases, new lives.
Why do we do this, what makes us strive for “out with the old and in with new”?
Winter Solstice is now behind us, the longest night of the year is over. But true winter is upon us, that time of dark days and long nights, the time of dreaming and storytelling. So, wrap yourself in a warm blanke t, by a fire that whispers of things bright and dancing, and let me tell you a winter story.
January, is the Month of Cold, the month of the North, the month of staying at home. Thus during the calm and quiet, you listen and hear drumming and soft songs in the night and wait, the flute now joins in, with notes of brightness, of hope. In the distance you hear the mournful sigh of those that know that with the cold comes death, which is merely a different step of life. For with death comes a cleansing, and a chance for a new breath of life, which must happen along a good medicine path. After cleansing, it is a time to focus on calmness and the relieving of tension, on preventing illness instead of treating.
As an elder said “ It is a time to go on the mountain, either in person or in your mind. There is a peace, a calm state, as you experience freedom. It is a time to give thanks to the Great One for this day, a special day to be alive, to hear the birds sing, to watch how life becomes busy about survival, and it is about learning and sharing. You have to be free of thoughts that interfere, to be able to learn the Medicine” (thanks to J.T. Garrett, The Cherokee Herbal)
The Medicine of the North is about the circle of life, how we connect to the stars, and the greater Universal Circle, and it is about the freedom to do so. The systems we need to focus on at this time are about breathe, the respiratory system, the nervous system, as well any other influences that would now interfere with our balance and breathing. Prayers should include breathing exercises, along with the use of medicine formulas.
During this time of cold, most of our herbal use will be in the dried or tinctured forms.
When herbs are picked and processed at their peak, in the correct manner, they retain their energy and medicine.
When talking of prevention of winter illnesses (colds, flu, bronchitis, etc), I believe the first line of defense should be some form of elderberry. If you don’t already have a supply at hand, now is the time to get it. Elder (sambucus Canadensis and sambucus Nigra) are native to Oklahoma. Elder is a large shrub / small tree that has white blooms and small dark purple to black berries, both are useful medicine. The flower treats fever and chills, while the berries treat headaches, and mucous congestion in the lungs and bronchial system. Both parts of the plants are a strong anti-viral, meaning they attack the flu bug, and help to alleviate it.
When thinking of herbal teas, the most common to come to mind, would probably be one that contains some kind of mint. Mints can be used alone, are in combination with other herbs, both for its flavor and its medicinal actions. There are many mints, that can either be foraged ( wild bergamot, monarda fistulosa, ), grown in home gardens or bought at your local health food store. Mints generally help with nausea, and fevers, headaches and possibly, congestion.
Mullein (verbascum thapsus) is also called Indian tobacco by the Cherokee. It grows wild in Oklahoma, but you can also grow it in your home garden. The leaf or flower tea is used to treat colds, bronchitis and asthma. It is also known as a mild sedative and anti-inflammatory. An oil infusion can be used to treat ear-aches.
Thyme (thymus vulgaris) has traditionally been used to treat coughs, it is an anti-tussive, which relieves coughing, while also being an antispasmodic, an expectorant and an antiseptic. It is also antibacterial and antiviral.
Another, similar plant, although not a traditional medicine of the North, has now become a standard item in my medicine. Wild oregano (Origanum campactum), is a must have for treating wide range of ailments, and may in fact be key to fighting biological toxins. One study showed that wild oregano completely inhibited the growth of 25 germs, including, stapholococcus aureas, Eschirichia coli and Psuedomonos aeruginosa. It contains over 50 different antibacterial compounds and only requires a dilution of 1 part wild oregano to 4000 parts water, to decomtaminate the water. (London Times, May 2001)
Wild Cherry Tree (prunus serotina), the bark of the wild black cherry, is best known as an ingredient in cough remedies. It is considered a tonic to loosen phlegm in the chest and as an astringent for the mucous membranes. It is also a mild sedative.
Willow tree (salix alba), is used to reduce fevers, as well as being an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. The Cherokee used it in a formula to reduce congestions by using as a hot tea or burning the leaves in a “sweat” It has been commercially synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid and is commercially sold as aspirin.
In closing our talk about Medicine of the North, I have to mention the medicines used as smudge and sweats for cleansing. The most common herb thought of when speaking of smudge, has to be sage. There are many different types of sage, the ones being used as smudges, generally have a higher oil content, making them more aromatic, like desert sage or white sage. By itself, or in combination with other herbs such as cedar, lavender, etc, sage smudges can be use to clear your space of the old, stale air and invite in a breath of the cleansing, alive air we have spoken of.
When speaking of “sweats” what most often comes to mind is the “sweat lodge” pictures. But what I want to talk about is how to replicate the cleansing and healing of a sweat in our own homes.
The Eastern Red Cedar tree (juniper virginiana) is also called red juniper. The berries, leaves and twigs can be boiled together, then used as an inhalant for treating respiratory complaints. (boil your combination, pour in a large bowl or bucket, lean head over bucket, covering head with a towel, and inhale the fumes). Pine bark and needles can also be used in this way, and is considered sacred medicine for “wind and healing of the spirit.”
This is in no way a conclusive listing of all the medicines that are considered North medicines, it is just a short list, to hopefully help you get started in the new year, healthy of mind, body, and spirit.
** Happenings at Healing Herbals **
I am beginning the new year, planning more garden beds, more classes and may even come up with a new product or two !!!
We are winding down the first beginning Herbal Community Class, with studying gardens and foraging in the coming months.
A new beginning class will be forming soon, I anticipate it to be about March, before we are ready for that. But the good news is, one of you is receiving a free, all expense paid, class. The name will be at the end of the newsletter.
I am looking at festivals, and which I want to attend, along with farmer’s markets and am always working with the Oklahoma Food Coop.
There are a couple of big projects that are being worked on and will be announced in the coming months, so keep your eye out for them. I plan on the newsletter being bi-monthly, but will also be posting a calendar of upcoming events and will post any other newsbits, I think you would like to know.
Thanks for reading !!
Pam Ferry, herbalist & retired RN
Healing Herbals
AND THE LUCKY WINNER IS: lj2ari@yahoo.com
January 2008
A New Breath of Life
Welcome to January, a time when many of us think about discarding old habits and beginning afresh, with new ideas, new habits, & in many cases, new lives.
Why do we do this, what makes us strive for “out with the old and in with new”?
Winter Solstice is now behind us, the longest night of the year is over. But true winter is upon us, that time of dark days and long nights, the time of dreaming and storytelling. So, wrap yourself in a warm blanke t, by a fire that whispers of things bright and dancing, and let me tell you a winter story.
January, is the Month of Cold, the month of the North, the month of staying at home. Thus during the calm and quiet, you listen and hear drumming and soft songs in the night and wait, the flute now joins in, with notes of brightness, of hope. In the distance you hear the mournful sigh of those that know that with the cold comes death, which is merely a different step of life. For with death comes a cleansing, and a chance for a new breath of life, which must happen along a good medicine path. After cleansing, it is a time to focus on calmness and the relieving of tension, on preventing illness instead of treating.
As an elder said “ It is a time to go on the mountain, either in person or in your mind. There is a peace, a calm state, as you experience freedom. It is a time to give thanks to the Great One for this day, a special day to be alive, to hear the birds sing, to watch how life becomes busy about survival, and it is about learning and sharing. You have to be free of thoughts that interfere, to be able to learn the Medicine” (thanks to J.T. Garrett, The Cherokee Herbal)
The Medicine of the North is about the circle of life, how we connect to the stars, and the greater Universal Circle, and it is about the freedom to do so. The systems we need to focus on at this time are about breathe, the respiratory system, the nervous system, as well any other influences that would now interfere with our balance and breathing. Prayers should include breathing exercises, along with the use of medicine formulas.
During this time of cold, most of our herbal use will be in the dried or tinctured forms.
When herbs are picked and processed at their peak, in the correct manner, they retain their energy and medicine.
When talking of prevention of winter illnesses (colds, flu, bronchitis, etc), I believe the first line of defense should be some form of elderberry. If you don’t already have a supply at hand, now is the time to get it. Elder (sambucus Canadensis and sambucus Nigra) are native to Oklahoma. Elder is a large shrub / small tree that has white blooms and small dark purple to black berries, both are useful medicine. The flower treats fever and chills, while the berries treat headaches, and mucous congestion in the lungs and bronchial system. Both parts of the plants are a strong anti-viral, meaning they attack the flu bug, and help to alleviate it.
When thinking of herbal teas, the most common to come to mind, would probably be one that contains some kind of mint. Mints can be used alone, are in combination with other herbs, both for its flavor and its medicinal actions. There are many mints, that can either be foraged ( wild bergamot, monarda fistulosa, ), grown in home gardens or bought at your local health food store. Mints generally help with nausea, and fevers, headaches and possibly, congestion.
Mullein (verbascum thapsus) is also called Indian tobacco by the Cherokee. It grows wild in Oklahoma, but you can also grow it in your home garden. The leaf or flower tea is used to treat colds, bronchitis and asthma. It is also known as a mild sedative and anti-inflammatory. An oil infusion can be used to treat ear-aches.
Thyme (thymus vulgaris) has traditionally been used to treat coughs, it is an anti-tussive, which relieves coughing, while also being an antispasmodic, an expectorant and an antiseptic. It is also antibacterial and antiviral.
Another, similar plant, although not a traditional medicine of the North, has now become a standard item in my medicine. Wild oregano (Origanum campactum), is a must have for treating wide range of ailments, and may in fact be key to fighting biological toxins. One study showed that wild oregano completely inhibited the growth of 25 germs, including, stapholococcus aureas, Eschirichia coli and Psuedomonos aeruginosa. It contains over 50 different antibacterial compounds and only requires a dilution of 1 part wild oregano to 4000 parts water, to decomtaminate the water. (London Times, May 2001)
Wild Cherry Tree (prunus serotina), the bark of the wild black cherry, is best known as an ingredient in cough remedies. It is considered a tonic to loosen phlegm in the chest and as an astringent for the mucous membranes. It is also a mild sedative.
Willow tree (salix alba), is used to reduce fevers, as well as being an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. The Cherokee used it in a formula to reduce congestions by using as a hot tea or burning the leaves in a “sweat” It has been commercially synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid and is commercially sold as aspirin.
In closing our talk about Medicine of the North, I have to mention the medicines used as smudge and sweats for cleansing. The most common herb thought of when speaking of smudge, has to be sage. There are many different types of sage, the ones being used as smudges, generally have a higher oil content, making them more aromatic, like desert sage or white sage. By itself, or in combination with other herbs such as cedar, lavender, etc, sage smudges can be use to clear your space of the old, stale air and invite in a breath of the cleansing, alive air we have spoken of.
When speaking of “sweats” what most often comes to mind is the “sweat lodge” pictures. But what I want to talk about is how to replicate the cleansing and healing of a sweat in our own homes.
The Eastern Red Cedar tree (juniper virginiana) is also called red juniper. The berries, leaves and twigs can be boiled together, then used as an inhalant for treating respiratory complaints. (boil your combination, pour in a large bowl or bucket, lean head over bucket, covering head with a towel, and inhale the fumes). Pine bark and needles can also be used in this way, and is considered sacred medicine for “wind and healing of the spirit.”
This is in no way a conclusive listing of all the medicines that are considered North medicines, it is just a short list, to hopefully help you get started in the new year, healthy of mind, body, and spirit.
** Happenings at Healing Herbals **
I am beginning the new year, planning more garden beds, more classes and may even come up with a new product or two !!!
We are winding down the first beginning Herbal Community Class, with studying gardens and foraging in the coming months.
A new beginning class will be forming soon, I anticipate it to be about March, before we are ready for that. But the good news is, one of you is receiving a free, all expense paid, class. The name will be at the end of the newsletter.
I am looking at festivals, and which I want to attend, along with farmer’s markets and am always working with the Oklahoma Food Coop.
There are a couple of big projects that are being worked on and will be announced in the coming months, so keep your eye out for them. I plan on the newsletter being bi-monthly, but will also be posting a calendar of upcoming events and will post any other newsbits, I think you would like to know.
Thanks for reading !!
Pam Ferry, herbalist & retired RN
Healing Herbals
AND THE LUCKY WINNER IS: lj2ari@yahoo.com
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