Herbs for Love, Passion & Healthy Heart

February is the month of the heart, for love, lovers and passion. Throughout history herbs and oils have been used in ritual, magic & everyday potions to invoke passion and attract, strengthen and keep love, and to strengthen the hearts ability to sustain life. Love and passion do not necessarily mean physical love or sexual attraction, but rather bringing into your life the things that you are passionate about …a cause, a job, a new goal. Try the following ideas to attract, renew or strengthen your passions, your love & your heart.

Love
If you love spiced wine as much as I do, you will enjoy this unusual variation. And don’t worry; if you are not a drinker, you can substitute grape juice or cider. LOVE WINE: combine 3t cinnamon, 3t ginger, 1 one-inch piece of vanilla bean, scored along it’s length, 2 cups of red wine and 2t rhubarb juice (if available). Try substituting lemon juice for the rhubarb. Store for 3 days before drinking. The recipe can also be gently heated, served warm and enjoyed immediately. Don’t forget to share with a friend!

Passion
Anoint yourself, or use in ritual, a combination of 3 drops ginger oil, 2 drops rosemary oil, 1 drop of clove oil and 1 drop of petitgrain to invoke the powers of fire…energy, courage, strength, love, passion & will power. Add the same to salts or an oil base of your choice and add to your bath water, soak in it 15-20 minutes while visualizing the desired effects. The herbs can also be burned as incense or simmered in a pot to achieve the same effects. Some other useful herbs/oils: Basil, Bay, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, Frankincense, Galangal, Juniper, Lime, nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rose Geranium & Tangerine.

Healthy Heart
Protecting, maintaining and optimizing your hearts health will insure you will be able to enjoy your loves and passions. The most researched herbal remedies for reducing blood fats and for obtaining other cardiovascular benefits include, garlic, hawthorne, ginger, horse chestnut, bilberry, reishi mushroom and guggul. Other herbs, like mineral rich, alfalfa, horsetail, nettle & pau d’arco, calming black cohosh, oat straw, passionflower, valerian root, skullcap, and strengthening hawthorne berries, motherwort, ginger root, and ginkgo biloba, can all help strengthen, regulate & protect your hearts function.

And don’t forget the antioxidant properties of green tea!

The opinions and ideas of the author and this publication are in no way intended to be taken as sound medical advice. When using herbs, oils or any new product; “natural” or not…educate yourself, about the use of herbs and possible drug interactions, and when necessary consult a medical professional, before deciding whether or not to use them.

Inspiring Herbal Creations

At this time each year with Winter coming to a close and Spring not quite here there is a yearning for something new, something different, something that will inspire and satisfy the need to create. Try these projects, inspired and created by natural gifts around you. You can add your own personal touch and energy to make the projects even more powerful in their intent.

WARM A HOUSE with an herbal gift inside a fresh bell pepper. Choose any color bell pepper, slice off the stem end and clean out the seeds and membranes. Line a plate or shallow basket with herb sprigs (or greenery) and colorful whole spices (or berries). Place the clean pepper in the middle and fill with a variety of fresh herb sprigs. This heartwarming and thoughtful gift may “inspire” the recipient to cook “creatively”! Try using a squash, pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable.


SEND A NOTE or make a set of note cards made of herbal paper. Place a 2 foot wide piece of waxed paper on a non-porous work surface. Scatter (aprox 1-2 tablespoons) flower petals, leaves, herbs, spices or similar material all over the waxed paper. Separate enough facial tissues into single ply to cover the petals, overlapping ¼”. In a spray bottle, combine ½ c white glue and ½ cup water. Spray the top of the tissue, covering the entire area. You may not use all of the mixture. Gently dab glue mixture on any tiny areas not covered. Let dry for 24 hours. Loosen any part that may have stuck to the work surface with a kitchen knife. Cover the wax paper side with light cotton fabric and iron on medium heat. Press each area for only a few seconds to avoid scorching. This assures all areas will adhere. Cut your paper the size you want the outside of the card to be, and fold it in half. Use decorative scissors around the edges if desired. Next, cut a piece of card stock paper, in any color, ½” smaller than the flower paper. Fold it in half and glue it to the inside. Now your paper is ready to share.


Make ANGELS FROM THE GARDEN to bless a beloved home with warm tidings of love. This angel may last for years if handled gently. Use fresh herbs, if possible, for a heavenly scent as the herbs dry. Or use dried herbs and spray with scent(s) to match the herbs. Attach an 8” piece of ¼” dowel across a long stemmed poppy pod, wrapping with raffia in a crisscross fashion, knot tightly. Cover the dowel with lavender stems, burlap, grasses or cornhusks. Wrap with raffia ½” from the ends (to form hands) and crisscross across the center (bodice). Trim hand ends. Create a small bouquet of herbs, flowers, leaves, etc and secure with a rubber band. Attach with raffia just under the arms. Cover the bodice area, across and over with colorful leaves. Secure the back ends with raffia or hot glue. Tuck a few more leaves under the front leaves to form an apron. Tightly wrap raffia around the midsection, forming a waist. Knot tightly. Hot glue 2 leaves to the back for wings & Spanish moss for hair. Add tiny bits of herbs, flowers etc to the waistband for decoration. Glue or tie a raffia loop on back for hanging. Fill in any blank spots as needed. Bless a loved one.

Boost your creativity with the inspirational herbs lavender, rosemary, chamomile, fennel, feverfew, calendula, vervain & mugwort.

I'm not sure anymore where I found these projects, but remember the Angel came from Herb Companion, so the others likely did as well. Enjoy! Mary

Eco-Seminars

To Register for all classes:
www.goodearthgardenschool.com
and sign up for the courses you would
like to take.

When you come, get a free packet of
coffee grounds to fertilize your garden
and repel slugs!

More Information:
Linda at 562-2259
www.terrabellacoffee.com

Location:
Terra Bella Bakery Café
601 E. Dimond, Anchorage
Next to Bed Bath and Beyond,
across from Dimond Mall

Make & Take an Indoor Greens Garden
Grow Your Very Own Baby Greens(Babies due in April!) Yum!
Create and take home a window sill garden with proper seed mix for flavor and color.
Become the first kid on the block to savor your own succulent baby greens—before the snow melts outdoors! Learn about soil nutrition as well.

When: Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18
10 am–Noon
Two identical, repeated classes.
Room for 10 participants each.
$25 for materials and instruction.
Register early.

Free Movie!
Saturday Matinee
Come watch and then discuss the film: Cancer, Nutrition, and Healing
More than 7 years ago, eco-consultant Jerry Brunetti received word that
without aggressive chemotherapy treatment he would be dead in as little as
six months from an aggressive form of lymphoma. He opted not to travel that
route, and instead embarked on his own journey seeking advice, treatments,
alternative protocols and hands-on care from a wide variety of sources. The
result has been depth of understanding that is almost beyond compare, steady improvement in his own overall health, and a return to normalcy of the affected lymph nodes. Oh, and he’s very much alive.

Learn about: strengthening immunity, holistic treatment protocols,
health-boosting recipes, supplements and detoxification, supplementing
conventional therapies, foods to eat, and foods to avoid.

When: Saturday, March 21
Time: 4 – 6 pm.
Cost: free!

Shopping for Foods You Can Trust
Join us to sample fruits and vegetables grown both chemically and organically. Taste ‘em. Compare ‘em. Hear their childhood stories.

Find out…
*when to choose organic and when it is not so crucial
*how to shop for the highest nutritional density for the cost
*how to take control of your diet, nourishment, and health

Go home feeling empowered, no matter what your grocery budget.

When: Wed, February 25. Time: 4-6pm (come hungry)
Cost: $16 or $12 ea for 3 or more signing up together.

Good Earth Garden School Schedule of Classes
Feb-Mar 2009

Tue Feb 17 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Wed Feb 18 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
(Repeated Class) Terra Bella, Anchorage

Fri Feb 20 - Organic Gardening
Agri 138 credit course starts
Mat-Su College

Wed Feb 25 - Sampling Foods You Can Trust
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Sat-Sun Feb 28 & Mar 1
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat-Sun March 7 & 8
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Anchorage

Sat March 14
Advanced Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat March 21
Free Movie Matinee at Terra Bella, Anchorage
Terra Bella Bakery•Café Announces

Eco-Seminars, 2009
With Ellen Vande Visse, sustainable agriculture instructor, Good Earth Garden School
and author of Ask Mother Nature, a Conscious Gardener’s Guide

Reiki Training/Certification

REIKI I and II Training and Certification
This is an intensive class designed to provide you with the initiations, training, and practical experience for Reiki I and II certification. Upon completion, students are eligible to join a number of national and international Reiki practitioner associations for further recognition and fellowship. Students may also elect to move into mastership and teacher training. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
907) 275-3397
Sunday, March 22, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM $240.

REIKI Master/ Teacher Certification
The Reiki Master/ Teacher certification program involves a commitment of instruction and training through six months, with 4 in person classes and outside classroom homework. The first class is an intensive and all day. The subsequent three classes will be schedules after the first meeting. Reiki I and II certification are prerequisites. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and initiation techniques and well as develop and fine tune there Reiki practice to the master level. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
(907) 275-3397
1st class: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Three additional classes TBA $490.

Heaven Smiles

The Pure Energy & Vital Force of Plant Healing

AROMATHERAPY & ESSENTIAL OILS

What is Aromatherapy? An ancient healing art that has been around since the pyramids, aromatherapy heals and revitalizes the body and mind. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and well being by means of aromas derived from the plant kingdom, is the science and art of using the volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing. The power of fragrance is used to influence and alter our emotional moods. Aromas assist in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the body. Medicinal aromatherapy brings about healing on 3 planes; physical, mental and spiritual.

What are Essential oils? They are therapeutic grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots and seeds. They are oxygenated to help carry transport nutrients to the cells of the body. Essential oils are among the strongest antimicrobial agents; eliminating toxins in the body and fighting infection. Essential oils are also used to open and heighten spiritual awareness. They contain numerous therapeutic properties, and have the ability to donate or receive electrons. The recognized healing effect is believed to be carried out mainly through tissue stimulation. Essential oils have an analgesic neutralizing effect on chemicals carried by the sensory nerve endings.

How are essential oils used? There are many ways essential oils can be incorporated into our daily lives. Bathing, Massage, massage therapy, compresses, inhalation, steam inhalation & spray mist air treatments, as well as pet, garden & houseplant care and house cleaning are some of the most common well-known methods.

Energize Body Mind & Soul with a therapeutic blend of rosemary, orange, melissa (lemon balm), and jasmine. Combine 3 drops of each oil in a diffuser and breath the aroma as it fills the room. For a stimulating, sensual bath, stir the same amount of oils in your bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Sedating scents of geranium, jasmine, lemon balm, Roman chamomile and rose will help sweep you off to dreamland. Combine 3-5 drops of each (or use just one) in a diffuser in your bedroom. (If you use a candle powered diffuser, diffuse in the air prior and blow out the flame just before climbing in)

Bathe away the blues by soaking in a tub of clove tea. To do it: simmer 1 ½ teaspoons of whole clove in a nonreactive pan of 3 quarts water for 25 minutes. Strain and add the decoction to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes.

Bring the healing, rejuvenating qualities of solar energy into your home by using orange oil as an all-purpose household cleaner. Not only will orange oil cut grease and grime on surfaces, remove stains from carpets, fabric and clothing, its bright and cheerful aroma will lift your spirits even on the darkest day.

A few Essential Oils and their uses:


Basil-ease mental fatigue
Bergamot-open your heart to love and life
Cedar wood-enhance one’s connection to Spirit
Clary Sage-tranquility and balance
Cypress-peace, comfort and strength
Geranium-balance body, mind and emotions
Juniper-promote well being and inner strength
Patchouli-feel comfortable, safe and grounded
Rosewood-enhances meditation, eases anxiety, depression and moodiness
Sandalwood-opening and centering
Vetiver-promotes security and stability, “the oil of tranquillity

Beat the Winter Blues

Now that the holidays are over, with nothing to occupy our minds and spirits but the regular daily humdrum the “winter blues” tend to set in. For some of us winter brings low spirits as well shorter days. We may experience changes in moods and behavior, feelings of exhaustion, and most of all depression from the lack of sunlight. The “winter blues” come with a bummed-out feeling resulting from unrealistic expectations, unpleasant holiday memories, being without family or friends, or the confinement of cold weather. Herbal tinctures and teas can be very helpful in alleviating “the blues”. The calming ritual of making and enjoying a hot cup of tea in itself is very therapeutic. Herbal tea’s can be made with the following herbs, alone or in conjunction. St. John’s wort, valerian root, damiana, ginseng, blacK cohosh, ginkgo, kava and lavender.

Other herbs to try: lemon balm, ginger, licorice root, oat straw, peppermint and Siberian ginseng. You may also wish to try some aromatherapy. Essential oils can be used in candles, diffusers, or in your bath & body products to help combat “the blues”. Benzoin, bergamot, jasmine, litsea cubeba, neroli, rose otto and ylang ylang are considered by some to be the most effective. However these may also work for you: carnation, chamomile roman, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, linden blossom, Melissa, patchouli, petitgrain, rose maroc, sandalwood or any citrus oils.

Herbs for Love, Passion & Healthy Heart

February is the month of the heart, for love, lovers and passion. Throughout history herbs and oils have been used in ritual, magic & everyday potions to invoke passion and attract, strengthen and keep love, and to strengthen the hearts ability to sustain life. Love and passion do not necessarily mean physical love or sexual attraction, but rather bringing into your life the things that you are passionate about …a cause, a job, a new goal. Try the following ideas to attract, renew or strengthen your passions, your love & your heart.

Love
If you love spiced wine as much as I do, you will enjoy this unusual variation. And don’t worry; if you are not a drinker, you can substitute grape juice or cider. LOVE WINE: combine 3t cinnamon, 3t ginger, 1 one-inch piece of vanilla bean, scored along it’s length, 2 cups of red wine and 2t rhubarb juice (if available). Try substituting lemon juice for the rhubarb. Store for 3 days before drinking. The recipe can also be gently heated, served warm and enjoyed immediately. Don’t forget to share with a friend!

Passion
Anoint yourself, or use in ritual, a combination of 3 drops ginger oil, 2 drops rosemary oil, 1 drop of clove oil and 1 drop of petitgrain to invoke the powers of fire…energy, courage, strength, love, passion & will power. Add the same to salts or an oil base of your choice and add to your bath water, soak in it 15-20 minutes while visualizing the desired effects. The herbs can also be burned as incense or simmered in a pot to achieve the same effects. Some other useful herbs/oils: Basil, Bay, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, Frankincense, Galangal, Juniper, Lime, nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rose Geranium & Tangerine.

Healthy Heart
Protecting, maintaining and optimizing your hearts health will insure you will be able to enjoy your loves and passions. The most researched herbal remedies for reducing blood fats and for obtaining other cardiovascular benefits include, garlic, hawthorne, ginger, horse chestnut, bilberry, reishi mushroom and guggul. Other herbs, like mineral rich, alfalfa, horsetail, nettle & pau d’arco, calming black cohosh, oat straw, passionflower, valerian root, skullcap, and strengthening hawthorne berries, motherwort, ginger root, and ginkgo biloba, can all help strengthen, regulate & protect your hearts function.
And don’t forget the antioxidant properties of green tea!

The opinions and ideas of the author and this publication are in no way intended to be taken as sound medical advice. When using herbs, oils or any new product; “natural” or not…educate yourself, about the use of herbs and possible drug interactions, and when necessary consult a medical professional, before deciding whether or not to use them.