Lilac ~ Syringa vulgaris

I love everything about the lilac, with exception to the fragrance -
I love it, but I also find it to be overwhelming if I pick too big of a bouquet for the house. 

Those contrasting colors of her blossoms and green leaves, and the way the branches arch from the weight of the flowers. Beautiful. 💜


Medicinal Properties: 

anti-periodic; preventing the periodic return of attacks of disease.
anti-hypertensive ; lower blood pressure.
anti-inflammatory; reduces inflammation internally and topically.
antioxidant; chemicals that help stop or limit damage caused by free radicals.
astringent; causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.
anti-tumor; effective in the treatment of malignant or cancerous disease.
febrifuge; fever reducer.

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Uses: 

lilac infused honey

fever reducer, facial toner, flower essences, rashes, cuts, infused honey, body spray, mood enhancer

Aside from using lilac medicinally she also makes a fabulous infused honey. If you love the sweet fragrance she shares with us every spring.. that is what the honey taste like. Just like it smells. It's delicious. And easy to make.

I fill a small jar about 3/4 of the way with the fresh blossoms. If you need to rinse them off, do so and then be sure to allow the blossoms to dry completely before adding honey. Next I pour in the raw honey until the blossoms are covered. Give it a good stir, then cover with a lid. 

Those blossoms have a tendency to float to the top of the jar. Just give the jar a gentle shake and turn it over. I'll do this everyday for the next 2 weeks. You can go for 1 week if you're wanting a more mild flavor. You can leave the blossoms in or strain them out before enjoying the honey. If you choose to strain, it does help if you heat the honey over a very low heat. This will thin it out and make it easier to strain. Just be sure to use that low heat and not for very long as heat does destroy some of the medicinal properties of the honey. You can also strain without heating the honey. Now, what to do... maybe drizzle over ice cream, fresh fruit, in your oatmeal, on toast, add to your warm tea, or lemonade. So many possibilities. 

Those blossoms also make a delicious infused  floral water. 
To make, just add a handful of the fresh blossoms to a glass jar then add enough water to cover them. Keep in mind that it doesn't take many blossoms to infuse with both flavor and fragrance. Place your jar in the refrigerator for 24 hours then strain.

I love sipping on a glass of chilled floral water. Oh, I just had a thought, I think I'll make some ice cubes with it too. Doesn't that sound like a good idea? 👍 

Those astringent properties make a great facial cleanser. Also acts as a facial toner. Just dab a cotton ball into the water and apply to your face and neck area. 

Anti-inflammatory properties aide in the swelling associated with skin rashes and minor cuts. I find that applying the chilled floral water with a cotton ball to those areas to be very soothing.     

One of my favorites is to fill a small spray bottle with a mister top. This can be used to mist your hair, your face, your body, your bedroom, your pillow and bed linens, livingroom. The fragrance is just heavenly. However you choose to use your floral water, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator when not using.

Another way of using the goodness of lilac is to make a flower essence.  

Lilac's pale violet color represents the crown chakra, which is located on the top of your head. The crown chakra is associated with connecting one to a higher state of consciousness. Assisting those who are experiencing the feeling of being closed off from that higher state of consciousness. 

lilac flower essence

For some people, lilac flower essence has been known to aide in the difficulties of letting go of the past. Those who have a tendency to hang on, to cling to, past memories and past experiences that keep one from moving on. 

Gently stir up repressed memories that once come to light allows for emotional and mental healing to begin. 

And bringing to light changes that one may need to address in order to move on. Usually we are aware of these type of changes - however, facing the difficulties that sometimes come with change allows for the mind to easily bury or forget. Isn't it fascinating how the essence of plants have the power to heal emotional and mentally?

For more information on the discovery of flower essences, do a search on Dr. Bach - flower essences. His work on flower essences has opened the door for others to learn and further expand on the mental and emotional healing capabilities of flowers. Thank you, Dr. Bach. 

For more information on flower essences and how to prepare your own, click here.

Wild violet ~ Viola sororia

Wild violet ~ Viola sororia

One of my favorite spring time herbs. I harvested a fairly big 
basket of the leaves and flowers today.  And my yard is still full of them! 

Medicinal Properties: 

demulcent 
anti inflammatory 
expectorant 
lymphagogue 
vulnerary 
antitumor  
diuretic 
mild laxative

Parts Used:
flowers and leaves 

Used For:
food - high in vitamin A and C, delicious mixed in with salad greens, 
sore throats, flower essences, 
lymphatic congestion, 
breast health, dry skin issues - eczema, dry, itchy skin rashes

I'll be infusing some of the fresh flowers and leaves in raw honey. That will be used for sore throats.  

As a demulcent, violets contain within their leaves and flowers what is called mucilage. This mucilage soothes the inflammation and pain associated with sore throats by providing a protective coating that lubricates the inflamed tissues in the throat.  

The violet honey is really easy to make. I take the fresh flowers and leaves, ( I leave the flowers as it but I do like to chop the leaves up in smaller pieces, however, you can use them whole if desired ) add to a glass jar. I fill my jar about 3/4 of the way full. Slowly pour your raw honey over the plant material. I use a butter knife to gently mix and poke the plant into the honey. After adding a lid I like to set mine on the counter where I can keep an eye on it.

You will find that the plant does float up to the top of the jar, when that happens I just turn the jar upside down. I'll the same throughout the infusing process. I like to let mine infuse for 2 weeks. Some people go 3 weeks. Just depends on your preference.

When finished, you can leave the plant in the honey and use as is, or you can strain the plant out. If you choose to strain, it does help if you heat the honey over a very low heat. This will thin it out and make it easier to strain. Just be sure to use that low heat and not for very long as heat does destroy some of the medicinal properties of the honey.

I keep my finished honey sitting the counter. If someone is experiencing a sore throat they'll take a teaspoon every 3-4 hours. It's also good when added to a warm cup of tea. Especially good with wild violet flower tea. 

photo credit - Jorg Hempel

A tea made with the fresh or dried flowers and or leaves is also helpful for the throat. I find taking the infused honey by the spoonful and drinking the warm tea to be the most effective with a sore throat. Noting that when using the infused honey refrain from drinking anything for a while as to not rinse the honey from the throat area. So I drink my tea first then take the honey. 

Demulcent plants contain a very special constituent. It's a polysaccharide molecular complex called mucilage, which has the propensity to become very slimy and gummy when it comes in contact with water. Mucilage is a thick gooey substance produced by many plants. Reference 

The mucilage also helps to loosen and expel mucous from the lungs when it’s too dry for coughing to expel. ~ Jim Mcdonald  Reference

I'll also be making a flower essence with those beautiful violet flowers. The color violet is associated with the crown chakra, which is located on the top of your head. The crown chakra is associated with connecting one to a higher state of consciousness.

Also aides in the moving of stagnant and blocked internal energy - Thus assisting those who are feeling isolated, lonely and or experiencing the inability to connect with others. Assisting those who are experiencing the feeling of being closed off from that higher state of consciousness. 

For information on making your own flower essence, click here 
For more information on the discovery of flower essences, do a search on Dr. Bach - flower essences. His work on flower essences has opened the door for others to learn and further expand on the mental and emotional healing capabilities of flowers. Thank you, Dr. Bach.

I've come across some herbalists who have had success in using violet for treating headaches. I personally can attest that there is relief for the pain associated with headaches. When I eat gluten, which is normally not part of my diet, however, sometimes it just happens, I get these really intense headaches. As soon as I felt one coming on, I made myself a very strong warm tea with the fresh flowers and leaves. I drank 2 cups within an hour, and I tell you, no headache. I was amazed. Usually when I get gluten headaches, they last for hours. Now, I have heard the dried plant is more potent. So far I've just used the fresh. But I'll definitely be drying some for when the fresh is not available.

For lymphatic congestion - if you have ever experienced swollen lymph glands - neck and throat area, that is due to a stagnant lymphatic system. A violet infusion gently flushes and gets the natural flow of fluid moving again. For the infusion, I take a small handful of fresh or dried, leaves and flowers, add that to a pint jar, fill with warm water. Once it reaches room temperature refrigerate over night then strain. I'll sip on that throughout 2 -3 days.   

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The lymphatic system primarily consists of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system. The vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system. Reference 

I want to also add that violet is also used by herbalists for breast health. An infused oil is used as a breast and lymph node - the underarm area, massage oil. Also for internally, tincture and infusions. Do an online search on Susun Weed - violet breast health. She has some books out and also gives classes pertaining to this area.   👍

Gathering and Preparing Flower Essences

Preparing and preserving your flower essence 

If you have found your way here before reading about flower essences first, click here ➨ Flower Essences to learn what they are and how they work for healing.

What I have learned from working with flower essences and clients over the years is that given the opportunity, the flower can and will seek one out for a particular healing. It's all in learning how to tap into your intuition. That is where the communication takes place.

I've also learned that one particular flower may heal another person in a completely different way. It isn't like a one size fits all. It is truly amazing. 💓

When it comes to finding your flower, or the flower finding you, find yourself a quite place to relax. Take a few deep breaths and think about what part of you is in need of healing. Allow any thoughts or any memories to flow in.. then ask, what flower can I use for my healing. Let it go from there. It may take a day or two but you will get the message. Just remember to be open to receiving.           

Supplies needed: 

2 glass amber bottles with dropper lids
1 glass jar with lid
1 glass bowl
spring water
vodka or brandy
fresh flowers 
sunshine
loving intentions 
patience

Once you know the flower you are wanting to use, carefully snip off the blossoms without touching with your fingers and allow them to fall into a glass bowl. Fill your bowl with spring water, bottled is fine to use. Tap water is okay to use if you do not have access to spring or bottled spring water. The reason we like to avoid tap is because of the chemicals used to treat public water. Then again, water from a plastic bottle isn't the greatest to use either. Sometimes we just have to use what is available to us and remember to send out good intentions before using. Okay, now, find a place to set your bowl in the sunshine. Be sure it's in a place where animals cannot get to it. There are different thoughts as to how long to leave the flowers infusing. Some go for 4 hours, others go for up to 10 hours. Just be open and follow your intuition.

When it's time to bring your bowl inside, strain or pick out the flowers. The water in the bowl, that is called the mother essence. Water, having the ability to retain a vibrational imprint, now holds within it the vibrational imprint of the flower.

There are 3 steps for preserving your mother essence.    

Step 1: We are going to preserve the mother essence. Fill your glass jar 50/50 with the essence water and your alcohol. Label mother essence and note what flower you used, the date and alcohol used.

Step 2: We are going to make what is called the stock bottle. Fill an amber bottle 50/50 spring water and alcohol. Add 4-7 drops of flower essence from your mother essence jar. Cap and shake well. Label with stock bottle, the flower you used, alcohol used and the date. 

Step 3: We are going to make what is called the dosage bottle. Add 1 tablespoon of alcohol into your second amber bottle. Fill the remainder with spring water, now add 2 drops from your stock bottle. Cap and shake well. Label with dosage bottle, flower and alcohol used and the date. This is the bottle you will use for healing. 

Be sure to store all the bottles in a cool dark place. 

 How to take your Flower Essence

Shake your dosage bottle to activate the energy of the flower before using. You can add 4 drops from your dosage bottle to 1/8 cup of water then drink. Or administer the drops under your tongue. You can do this 4 times a day for up to 3 weeks.  

It's a good idea to keep a journal while taking essences. Writing down the memories that come up, your thoughts and emotions you're feeling, those are all very important in the healing process. Also, keep a record of what particular flower essence you are using and the date you started taking it. The more detailed you are in your writings the more helpful that will be for you.

If you have any questions about using flower essences or would like to share your experiences, send a message though the contact form or message through Instagram. We would love hearing from you! If you're interested in purchasing flower essences, click here → Shop

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Chicory ~ Cichorium intybus

Chicory has a long tradition of use. Historically it was grown by the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant, coffee substitute, vegetable crop and was occasionally used for animal forage. 


Medicinal properties: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nutritive, diuretic, antiseptic

Parts used: leaves, flowers and roots

Benefits: liver health, disgestive health, detoxify, calm the nerves, regulate the heartbeat, treat osteoarthritis, gout, diabetes, coffee substitute, flower essence.

Chicory root contains several potent, aromatic, active properties that can be utilized through an herbal tincture and or drinking chicory root coffee. The roots are at their peak of medicinal benefits when harvested in the fall. If you do not wish to go through the process of harvesting you can purchase the dried roots for making your tinctures and or coffee. You can also purchase ground, preroasted chicory coffee.  👍   

Inulin - an excellent prebiotic that feeds and strengthens the gut colony of healthy bacteria. Chicory root contains as much as 8% inulin, which is converted in the gut, fist into short-chain fatty acids, then into ketones that nourish colon cells and produce hormones that control appetite. 

Lactones - digestive bitters, potent volatile oils; they are strong anti-parasite, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Mannitol - a sugar that paradoxically supports oral health, prevents dental caries, tooth decay and cavities. But mannitol also helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. 

Polyphenols - powerful antioxidants; support gut health, help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and many other. 

Lactucin - a bitter substance with a mild sedative, calming effect; it also slightly reduces pain, lowers cholesterol, and is antibacterial.
Reference 

I came across some interesting, but limited, articles on how chicory juice made from the flowers and roots strengthen the prostate and reproductive organs and has also been used in treating cancer of the uterus. Again, those articles are limited. If you have any additional information, especially regarding prostate health, I would appreciate if you shared via an email or through my Instagram account.
Reference
Reference

photo credit; An Italian in my Kitchen https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/sauteed-chicory/

Chicory greens and flowers are a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese. Source

The young leaves are gathered in the early spring and are cooked alone or mixed with other greens; such as spinach and or turnip greens. You can harvest the leaves throughout the year, however, once the heat sets in the leaves have a tendency to become tougher. 

Chicory is a digestive bitter. Bitter herbs and foods stimulate saliva from the salivary glands, bile in the liver and gallbladder and enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. These actions improve the breaking down of food and allows for better absorption of nutrients as well as improve overall liver and gallbladder function and health. 

Other foods that are considered bitters;  
artichoke 
arugula
brussels sprouts
kale
egg plant
dark chocolate
citrus fruits. 

Herbs that are considered bitters; 
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale 
Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis 
Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum 
Peppermint, Mentha piperita 
Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium 
Yarrow, Achilles millefolium


Chicory also shares emotional and mental healing within her beautiful blue flowers via flower essences. Click here
for more information.

Chicory might lower blood sugar and may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Be sure to talk with your doctor.

Chicory stimulates the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Be sure to with your doctor before using. chicory 

Elderberry - Sambucus

Ahhhh, behold, the elderberry. Packed full with anti-viral, anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it's no wonder this plant is such a wonderful immunity booster.

As a child, growing up in Pennsylvania, I remember seeing these bushes growing in the wild, they would be covered with the most beautiful shade of deep purple berries. I didn't know what they were at that time or how in the years to come how much that beautiful berry would become a medicinal mainstay in my household. It seems that nature was actually instilling the love and curiosity of her medicinal bounty as I was growing up. That is just so amazing to me. And chances are, if you're here reading this now, nature has instilled that love and curiosity in you too. 💓 

In my experience with elderberry, nothing matches it's abilities when it comes to boosting the immunity and or aiding the body in healing from colds, flu and bronchitis. When taken on a schedule during an illness, (10 drops of elderberry tincture in 1/8 cup of water 3 times a day for 10 days works wonders for me.) it not only shortens the duration of symptoms but also lessens the severity of symptoms too. 

* A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research shows that when the extract is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

If it's that time of year for the cold and flu and you're starting to feel run down or have been around someone that is sick, one can start taking elderberry on a daily schedule to boost your immunity. That doesn't mean you won't get sick, but if you do, like I mentioned above, it will shorten the duration of symptoms and lesson the severity of symptoms too. Just remember, everyone's body is different. The dosage that works for you may not be the same dosage that works for someone else. This doesn't necessarily have to do with age or weight, it's just that everyone's body chemistry handles medicine differently, whether it's herbal or pharmaceutical.  

What I have learned over the years is that the smaller the dose the better. If that smaller dose does not seem to be helping then you can always increase it the next dosage time. If you do your research, you will find that you can take up to 30 drops in one dose. So, starting with say 7, that gives you some room to find what works the best for you.

Parts used - berries and flowers

Both berries and flowers offer antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  
Antiviral - inhibits the development of a virus. Gives your immune system a boost which helps your body to fight off and shorten the duration of a virus and also reduces the severity of symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory - helps with a sore inflamed throat and sinus inflammation that comes with a head cold. Reduces the inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which leads to less coughing.

Antioxidants - work by protecting and repairing the cells from cellular damage - strengthening the immune system. 

* A 2016 study published in Nutrients showed that elderberry supplementation was able to reduce cold duration and symptoms in air travelers. Travelers using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arrival overseas experienced, on average, a two-day shorter duration of their colds as well as a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms.


The flowers, being a nervine, help to relax the nerves and anxiety by supporting the nervous system through stressful periods.  

Those beautiful white flowers are also great for skin care. They carry within their flowers diaphoretic properties. Although these particular properties in elderflowers are most commonly used for  fevers by aiding the body in sweating the toxins out, the flowers can also be used as a warm facial wash. In doing so this is said to aide in opening the pores thus allowing the skin to "purge" toxins. I make a small warm tea and apply with a cotton ball all over my face. I love it! It smells amazing.

I make an infused oil with the fresh flowers and carrier oil such as raw coconut oil or grapeseed oil. That is then used to make body butters and herbal salves. The salves are used for sunburns and skin rashes, the body butter is used in place of skin lotion. 
  
You can also make a flower essence from the fresh blossoms. Many have found that elderflower calls to them in the way of aiding in the opening of their crown chakra.  
Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra gives us access to higher states of consciousness. However, that is not to say with elderflower essence that is the only path in which she assists. 

Over the years I have come to learn that one particular flower may heal and or assist another person in a completely different way, and given the opportunity, the flower can and will seek one out for a particular healing. That is why in my teachings on flower essences I promote learning how to tap into your intuition, so you are able to hear for yourself the call from a particular flower in regards to a healing. 💓    

To learn more about flower essences, click here 
To learn about making elderflower infused oil, click here
To learn about making tinctures and other herbal preparations with elderberry and elderflower, click here.

    

Dandelion Root - Taraxacum officinale

Such a beautiful plant with so much to offer health wise. All parts - flowers, stems, leaves and roots can be used to make medicine.

With the temperatures dipping into the 30's over night, the medicinal properties from the above the ground parts of the plant are being sent to the roots, making this a good time of the year to harvest those roots! These beauties will be made into a tincture that will be used to support liver health. 💪

It’s fascinating the amount of functions the liver is responsible for - and when any of those functions are compromised there can be an array of health issues that begin to manifest. One of those functions is producing bile.

In brief, bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver, travels from the liver to the gallbladder where it is stored. When we eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine where it then begins to break down and prepare the foods for further digestion and absorption by the body.

If the liver is not working properly, sometimes this is referred to as a sluggish liver, bile production can become compromised and those health issues will begin to manifest.

Dandelion root helps by stimulating a sluggish liver thus improving bile production.

So that means a healthy bile producing liver makes for a happy digestive system as well as a healthier gallbladder. 🥰

This is just one example of how dandelion root can benefit the liver. Be sure to learn more about the medicinal benefits. If you do you’ll discover how it also works on the gallbladder and pancreas.
 
For instructions on making tinctures click here → Herbal Preparations 
 

Be sure to check for any drug interactions before using dandelion root. 🌺  


***  I just recently discovered that there is a correlation with dandelion and latex allergy. 

Dandelion contains latex. If you are allergic to latex be sure to do your research before using any products containing dandelion. That's any and all parts of the dandelion.

I can say from experience that this is definitely something to take serious. I'm allergic to latex. I've been using dandelion medicine for years, both internally and topically, with no problems at all. Several months ago I began experiencing allergy related symptoms. After learning about the correlation between dandelion and latex it now makes sense as to what has been going on with my body. 

So for me, I'm sad that I will not be able to use dandelion medicine anymore. At least for now. However, I am very thankful to have received this knowledge. Now I will begin to address the root cause as to why my immune system over reacts to certain plants thus causing the symptoms I have been experiencing. 

One more thing to add in regards to latex allergy. There is also a correlation between latex and certain fruits and vegetables and other medicinal plants. Be sure to check that out. Two of the food biggies are bananas and avocados. Medicinal plant - wild lettuce; Lactuca virosa    

Feeling Plant Energies

On my nature walk yesterday I came across this fairly large patch of Chicory - Cichorium intybus.

There was something about this particular patch. I could feel a soft, delicate, very loving energy coming from them. Such a beautiful experience. 💕

I think back to my past years where I wished so much to not be an Empath. I was just so fed up with feeling all the different energies around me. At times it was so overwhelming.

Now that I have an understanding of how to not allow the energies to overload me, I know what a gift it truly is to be able to tap in and feel the energies, and if needed, how to use that energy for my well being. Any other Empaths out there that can relate? 🦋

Chicory has many medicinal benefits. From the root, stems and the flowers. Click here to read about the medicinal benefits. I left the plants where they were growing and gathered just enough of these beautiful blue blossoms to make a flower essence.

Blue represents the throat chakra, which is located in the neck and throat area. Many have found that chicory flower essence aides in clearing the internal blockages that holds one back from speaking their truth. Those who have difficulties with verbal communication. That can also go the other way as well, aiding those who have the tendency to have lack of control verbally, be verbally abusive, excessive gossiping, verbally domineering and demanding. 

Of course with flower essences there is never a one size fits all with their healing. One particular flower may heal another person in a completely different way. 

Given the opportunity, the flower can and will seek one out for a particular healing. It's all in learning how to tap into your intuition. That is where the communication takes place. 

For more info on flower essences and how to make your own, click here → Flower essences