​Spring is here in beautiful Peterborough, NH and there is nothing like getting outside to work in the garden or heading to the woods, lakes and mountains to explore.

​These activities can come with many joys and rewards, but a Poison Ivy rash is not one of them.  The rash is caused by the skins reaction to the urushiol (yoo-ROO-shee-all), an oily toxin which is found on the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots, even when the plant is dead.  This toxin is also found on Poison Oak and Sumac.  Urushiol is one of the most toxic natural poisons on earth.  The amount that can fit on the head of a pin is enough to affect the entire population in this country. 

The Immune System is our defense system: It protects us from invaders. Just like any defense system, the immune system needs to have support to keep it strong and to help build it up when it is time for battle. As an herbalist, I have learned a lot about using herbs and botanicals to aid in strengthening the immune system.  Using herbs as foods is a simple and practical way to improve health and well being.

I am going to share some of my favorite home remedies that I have used over the years, which have been effective in allowing me to avoid all of the many cold, flu and stomach bugs that seem to be a regular occurrence in the population.  If I do fall victim to a cold, these immune enhancing herbs have allowed me to shorten the duration and to not have to suffer for days or weeks on end.

Astragalus root: Astragalus membranaceus
This herbs antiviral properties help the body to build resistance to cold and flu.  It is great when used weekly in soups or stews to keep the immune system strong in the winter. I use the root in soups and stews to keep my immune system strong.  I add the root slices, usually 2-4 depending on the size, with the liquid and raw veggies to thoroughly cook and release all of the immune enhancing properties into whatever I am preparing.


Medicinal Mushrooms: Glorious fungi for our health.
I typically use Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms.  Medicinal mushrooms have long been studied for their effectiveness in healing and for strengthening the immune system. I will make a mushroom infusion and add astragalus root for a healthy combination to add to soups and stocks.  Simply chop up the mushrooms and add the astragalus and put them into a stock pot or crock pot and fill with fresh water.  Bring the liquid up to a gentle simmer and let the mushrooms and herbs slowly cook for 2-4 hours, adding water if needed.  Let it cool completely, sift out the mushrooms and herbs, pour the resulting liquid into glass bottles and refrigerate or freeze the stock for future use.  I have found that this stock adds a meaty flavor to soups and stews as well as giving your immune system a wonderful boost to fight against invaders.


Stinging Nettles: Urtica urens
This herb contains more protein than any other native plant. When preserved properly this herb retains the proteins and trace minerals to help keep your immune system healthy.  I typically add a handful of the dried herb to soups and stocks in the early stages, as it takes time for the nettles healthy minerals to infuse into the liquid.  I think of nettles as the natural mineral supplement for my body.  The high protein content in this herb is a wonderful property for those of us who choose not to eat meat protein.


Wicked Hot Fire Cider:
Now this is a remedy that has been around, in some form, for generations. Basically, it is a base of warming, energizing and pungent herbs bathed in Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. I use horseradish root, ginger root, garlic, onions, & cayenne pepper, and when combined with the vinegar, produces a glorious tonic to help keep your immune system strong during the cold and flu season.  I will also add black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, orange rind, turmeric and schizandra berries for even more immune strengthening and stimulating properties.  I chop up the herbs and place them into a large glass jar, cover them, by about 2 inches, with Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and let sit for at least 4 weeks, shaking daily.  After I sift out the herbs, I then add some local honey to the infused cider, and use it throughout the cold and flu season.  It can be taken as a daily shot, or used as a hot and healthy dressing or marinade for poultry, fish, vegetables or grains.

I also include my Elderberry Elixir (details in my November 2016 Blog) with these remedies, to further strengthen my immune system.

So, that is my winter arsenal of herbs to help keep my immune system strong and healthy.  Along with drinking lots of water and getting proper sleep, fresh air and exercise, these remedies are a wonderful addition for your health and well being and for keeping the immune system strong and healthy.

In Health & Wellness,
Melissa

So let’s talk about Depression. The Blues… The Blahs… and how some simple and effective herbs and botanicals may assist with these conditions of the mind and spirit. 
 
Most of us have been there to some degree, and there are millions of people who struggle with depression every day.  I once read a quote that has stayed with me, “If you’re not depressed, you’re not paying attention.”  Man, how depressing is that?!?

I have read a lot about the subject of depression, in the hope of trying to understand some of the reasons behind depression, and to find simple, healthy tools to hopefully deal with depression and to improve quality of life. The herbal therapies I have listed here, are much more effective when coupled with a healthy diet and moderate exercise.
 
Flower Essences:  These traditionally come in small dropper bottles and are the result of gathering flowers at the peak of bloom and setting them in the afternoon sun in a bowl of clean, clear water for a few hours.  The resulting liquid is then poured off and preserved with a bit of brandy.  The flower essence is then used a few drops at a time to assist with the challenging emotional aspects of life… fear, depression, anxiety, aggression, anger, just to name a few… these drops can be put directly under the tongue or into water to be sipped throughout the day.

I have personally had wonderful results with using flower essences to assist with moving through difficult and challenging times in my life, and believe that they can be a wonderful tool for helping with mild to moderate depression and the blues.
 
Essential Oils:  Scent is a powerful thing… who doesn’t smell pine or peppermint and think of winter and Christmas?  The wonderful smells of the season are found in cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg! I love this time of year as my home is filled with these warm and comforting scents.
​
When it comes to depression, there are many essential oils that may be very effective… Clary Sage, Neroli and Rose can lift your spirits… Lavender, Lemon Balm and Chamomile are often used to calm and soothe the emotions.  These essential oils are also found in many massage oils and body lotions and may have similar effects on the emotions.  When I need to calm down I get assistance from Lavender and Lemon Balm and I tend to cheer up with Neroli and Lime… essential oils are an easy way to sniff away my troubles and to even out my frayed nerves. 
 
Herbs & Supplements:  As with essential oils, the same properties are in the whole herb.  Herbal preparations are typically in the form of tinctures, teas and capsules.  Many herbs that may be effective with depression of the nervous system are, St. John’s Wort, Holy Basil (also called Sacred Basil or Tulsi), Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Valerian, Oats, Passionflower, Chamomile & Rose.  Depending on the individual, one herb may be more effective than another.  But the comforting thing is that most of these plants are non toxic and safe, when used as intended.  I adore a warm cup of Rose Tulsi tea to sooth me after a long day, relaxing my nerves as the stresses of the day just melt away…

This blog, by no means, encompasses all the many ways that depression can be managed with natural and alternative therapies and tools.  It is just some helpful information from your local Herbal Bee.  There is hope for those suffering from depression and Maggie’s Market has many more healthy and effective ways, to help you get there.
 
Bee well and Take Care,
Melissa, The Herbal Bee

The most common time to contract Lyme infections is in May and October, when the tick, the most famous carrier, is most active. Many people living in New Hampshire enjoy visiting the many beautiful lakes, parks and trails. So avoiding the out of doors is not an appealing option to those who live in this beautiful state.

The Best Thing is Prevention:

• Wearing protective clothing long pants and long sleeves, while in the woods and wilds.  
• Vigorously checking your entire body for ticks with a few hours of being out of doors.  Check base of scalp, behind the ears, in all creases within your body and be sure that boys/men check their scrotum.
• Apply an effective tick repellant. There are many available and everyone seems to have their favorite: “Montana Farmacy” makes “Lyme Armor”  an essential oil blend tick repellant that is proven as effective as Deet: Developed by Stephen Harrod Buhner and available to buy on their website: http://www.montanafarmacy.com/
• I have personally had great success with the liberal application Rose Geranium essential oil. 
• Constantly supporting a healthy immune system, including sleep - which is vitally important. 1000 mg, per day, of Astragalus is an excellent way to support the immune system, making it more uninhabitable to a tick born disease.

Some Facts About Lyme Disease

• It is a bacteria by the name “Borrelia burgdorferi”.
• It affects 500,000 – 1,000,000 people world-wide each year, and that number it is only increasing.
• Lyme disease is found everywhere: Germany, France, Africa, the Arctic… not just in parts of the United States.
• Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed because it can present as many different things in many different people. (Symptoms may resemble multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, arthritis and/or neuropathy – just to name a few.)
• When bitten by an infected tick, (also mosquitoes, bees, beetles and fleas have been found to carry Lyme) only 18-20% of people may get a tell-tale “bulls-eye” rash, so visual diagnosis is difficult.
• Those affected frequently develop co-infections such as: Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Rickettsia. (Read: Healing Lyme 2nd Ed. by Stephen Harrod Buhner)

If you suspect that you have been bitten by a deer tick:  

• See your health care practitioner as soon as possible:  Specific testing is typically needed to determine if it is indeed Lyme disease. One of the tests mentioned that many feel is most consistent is called the “Western Blot”.  (Although, it is widely known that testing can be inconsistent, due to the nature of the Lyme bacteria’s ability to “hide” in the body.) 
• “At first Bite -- Tick Kit”: http://www.montanafarmacy.com/shop From Stephen Buhner : Recommended Treatment of tick bite to prevent Lyme: “We have long recommended the use of Astragalus 1000 mg daily if you live in an endemic area; 3000 mg at tick bite. However we have added to that. Someone who used the protocol adapted it in quite a wonderful way (I don't remember who, sorry). At the removal of the tick she applied Andrographis tincture to the bite area, then covered with a green clay pack. It does work very well. We have been recommending it awhile now and it does work well for preventing infection.”

“Herbal medicines are tremendously sophisticated interventions for chronic conditions, such as Lyme disease and its co-infections”, Healing Lyme, 2nd Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner

The information contained in this blog was collected from lectures from those who have been living with Lyme Disease and from books, mainly “Healing Lyme, 2nd Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner”​

Some Excellent Resources & Information for Herbal Treatment & Prevention of Lyme Disease:
http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/the-protocols/
http://www.gaianstudies.org/Stephen_Interview2.html
http://www.montanafarmacy.com/
http://www.woodlandessence.com/herbal.htm
“Healing Lyme: Second Edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner”

For More Information About Lyme Disease:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/29/lyme-disease-tick-epidemic.aspx#_edn12
http://www.region4b.org/Lyme_Disease.aspx