Comfrey Bed Update - First Blossom!

The Comfrey is Sprouting!

Herbs get an Upgrade

I've  been slowly building up my herbals..... As you can see from this picture and my previous post, they have grown quite a bit and have gotten a storage upgrade.  I feel a lot more prepared for the unknown as I expand my herbal knowledge.

Creations of the Comfrey Herbal Bed

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

DESCRIPTION:  It is a small perennial herb, with a horizontal, irregularly knotted, bright yellow root-stock, from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch thick, giving off slender roots below and marked with scars of the flower-stems of previous years. The flowering stem, which is pushed up early in the spring, is from 6 to 12 inches high, erect, cylindrical, hairy, with downward-pointing hairs, especially above, surrounded at the base with a few short, brown scales. It bears two prominently-veined and wrinkled, dark green, hairy leaves, placed high up, the lower one stalked, the upper stalkless, roundish in outline, but palmately cut into 5 to 7 lobes, the margins irregularly and finely toothed. There is one solitary radical leaf on a long foot-stalk, similar in form to the stem leaves, but larger, when full-grown being about 9 inches across.

The flower, which is produced in April, is solitary, terminal, erect, small, with three small greenish-white sepals, falling away immediately after expansion, no petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a head of small, fleshy, oblong, crimson berries, tipped with the persistent styles and containing one or two hard black, shining seeds. It is ripe in July and has much the appearance of a Raspberry (whence the name 'Ground Raspberry'), but is not edible.

Golden Seal belongs to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, though its leaves and fruit somewhat resemble those of the Raspberry and the Rubus genus generally.

HISTORY:  American Indians used goldenseal as a medication for inflammatory internal conditions such as respiratory, digestive and genito-urinary tract inflammation induced by allergy or infection. The Cherokee used the roots as a wash for local inflammations, a decoction for general debility, dyspepsia, and to improve appetite. The Iroquois used a decoction of the root for whooping cough, diarrhea, liver disease, fever, sour stomach, flatulence, pneumonia, earache, with whiskey for heart trouble and a wash for sore eyes.

It was not until 1798 that its medicinal virtues began to attract attention. From then on its reputation as a powerful healing herb spread, both in England and America, and by about 1850 it had became an important article of commerce. It was popularly used as a bitter stomach digestive (to help stimulate digestion and improve appetite), to treat skin inflammations, and those of the eyes such as conjunctivitis. It was also used for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat and digestive system. It?s traditional uses also include the treatment of peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia and colitis. It is said to stimulate appetite and generally have a toning effect on the whole body has also been used for anorexia nervosa. It is also said to be effective for treatment of catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and inflammations of the urinary tract.

COMMON NAMES:  Eye Root, Goldenseal, Ground Raspberry, Indian Dye, Indian Turmeric, Jaundice Root, Orange Root, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial, Zones 5-8.

HEIGHT: 12"

LIGHT/SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Goldenseal grows best in its natural habitat under a hardwood canopy with at least 75 % shade, comprised preferably of oak, maple, sycamore, or basswood trees. Avoid pine, spruce, hemlock, red cedar, and other conifers due to their shallow root systems (which compete with goldenseal for nutrients). You can also use artificial shade if you pref er to grow the plant as a row crop.

A system that works well is wood lath or slat shade frames erected over the beds and supported by a framework of strong poles tall enough to walk under. The laths or slats are nailed so that about ⅔-¾ of the direct sunlight is prevented from reaching the plants. In certain home garden situations, you can also plant goldenseal close to the shady north side of the house. Goldenseal prefers a light loam soil that has high humus content and a pH of 5.5-6.5. Work the beds six inches deep, raising the center of the beds to prevent water from collecting around the plants. Amend heavy or clay soils with leaf mold (rotting hardwood tree leaves) or well-decomposed compost to lighten the soil and improve the drainage. Good drainage is critical to ensure healthy goldenseal plants.

CULTURE:  Plant spacing depends on how long you intend to leave plants in the ground before harvesting. Older plants will develop larger roots and require more space. If you intend to harvest after three years of growth, space the plants 6" apart in rows that are 8" a  part; after four years, plant 8" by 8"; more than four years, plant 8" by 10". Cover the rootstock with 2" of soil. Keep well-weeded, but take care in weeding around young plants to avoid disturbing the roots. Once goldenseal is well established, apply mulch to prevent weed growth.

HARVEST:  Plants grown from root divisions may  be harvested after three to five years of growth. Harvest roots in the fall (September or October) after the tops have died back. Clean roots thoroughly by washing, being careful not to remove any rootlets.  Place roots in a single layer and dry on screens in a warm, but not hot (maximum of 100° F/38 C), ventilated place that is out of direct sunlight. Expect a drying time of about 15 to 30 days.

MEDICINAL BENEFITS:  Goldenseal's numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It soothes irritated mucus membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal helps can help to prevent further symptoms from developing. It has also been used to help reduce fevers, and relive congestion and excess mucous.

Goldenseal cleanses and promotes healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, therefore regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It can relieve constipation and may also be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well.

Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals. The roots and rhizomes of goldenseal contain many isoquinoline alkaloids, including hydrastine, berberine, canadine, canadaline, and l-hydrastine as well as traces of essential oil, fatty oil and resin. It is believed that the high content of these alkaloids gives its antibiotic, anti-infective and immune stimulating qualities.

In particular it is the alkaloid berberine that is most likely responsible for Goldenseal's effectiveness against bacteria, protozoa, fungi, Streptococci and it also promotes easier removal of the bacteria by inhibiting their ability to adhere to tissue surfaces. Berberine is also anti-fungal and strongly anti-diarrheal. It aids against the infection of mucous membranes such as the lining of the oral cavity, throat, sinus, bronchi, genito-urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract. Clinical studies have shown it is effective in the treatment of diarrhea cause by E. coli (traveller's diarrhea), Shigella dysenteriae (shigellosis), salmonella paratyphi (food poisoning), giardia lamblia (giardiasis), and vibrio cholerae (cholera).

Goldenseal may also help with allergic rhinitis, hay fever, laryngitis, hepatitis, cystitis, and alcoholic liver disease.

It has proven its value in cases of diarrhea and haemorrhoids. Its astringent properties have also been employed in cases of excessive menstruation and internal bleeding. Externally, a wash can be prepared to treat skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm, as well as wounds and badly healing sores, or used as drops in cases of earache and conjunctivitis. The decoction is also said to be effective as a douche to treat trichomonas and thrush. As a gargle it can be employed in cases of gum infections and sore throats. The application of a paste or poultice containing goldenseal root is sometimes recommended for boils, abscesses and carbuncles on the grounds that Goldenseal helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

MEDICINAL WARNINGS:  Goldenseal stimulates contraction of the uterus and thus should be avoided during pregnancy.

NUTRITIONAL  VALUE: Aluminum  32.5, Ash 6.6%, Calcium 297 mg, Calories 0.58/gm, Chromium 0.09 mg, Cobalt 1.53 mg, Crude Fiber 12.3%, Dietry Fiber 32.9%, Fat 2.3%, Iron 6.1mg, Magnesium 294mg,  Manganese 0.85mg, Niacin 6.20mg, Phosphorus 123mg, Potassium 618mg,  Protein 11.2%, Riboflavin 0.20mg, Selenium 0.10mg, Thiamine 0.26mg, Tin 0.93mg, Vita A 491iu, Vita C 68.1mg, and Zinc 0.16mg per 100 grams.
   
MYSTICAL:  With a masculine gender, Goldenseal's magical properties are tied to Healing and Money.  Goldenseal is bound to the element Fire and there is some debate over which planet it may be aligned to; Venus or the Sun.  It is an herb of attraction, and is used in spells, rituals, and candle magick to attract money, wealth, success, prosperity, and before embarking on business dealings and financial matters by sprinkling some onto the base of a gold or green candle. It is also suggested you wear some in an amulet around your check or upon your wrist.  It is recommended that Goldenseal is burned as an incense to deepen mediation. Sprinkle some dried goldenseal in your cleansing water to purify your home nad release negativity. Lastly, it can be used in just about any charm or spell to increase the power of that spell.


RESOURCES:

Johnny's Selected Seeds:  Sells two-year old root divisions.

Prairie Moon Nursery:  Sells seeds and roots.
 

Gardening Prep: Seed Orders

So excited! My Heirloom Medicinal Herb seeds are in!

I got: Holy Basil, Purslane, Catnip, Horehound, Oregano, Lemon Balm, Thyme, Wormwood, Forage Kale, Yarrow, Tansy, Rue, Valerian, Coriander, Burdock, Chamomile, Lavender, Vietnamese Mint Balm, Echinacea, Stinging Nettle, Hamburg Rooted Parsley, & Calendula

The only thing that didn't making it was the Plantain.  Going to have to reorder that one.

Khloe: Chronic Cough

Khloe, our 4 month old doeling,  has had a dry cough… nothing from her nose/no drainage. She seemed to cough the most when sticking her face in her feed, herbs and hay... but of course we are out there the most when she's getting fed so it is difficult to tell if she's coughing all the time or not.

I called the vet she wanted us to do a full on treatment of antibiotics as a precaution to protect her and the tribe. Does not need to see her though to listen to her lungs or the like...  I do not like that idea so much. There had to be a natural way to do this.

I read up on cough’s in Kat's book and she says that coughs are not always bad… they are healing and helping the body right itself. So, I asked the Totally Natural Goat's Group on Facebook that I am  a member of... just what could I do to support/heal her without going the Vet’s route of drugs by needles.

Well, I  have been treating Khloe for the chronic cough with a herbal mixture... 3 times a day, 6 days straight. Yesterday was day seven, her day of rest.... which is recommended to be taken when doing natural healing by the many Herbal Masters. This morning, there was noticeable improvement in her.... only a little hack or two and she seemed a little more vibrant.

So, now I am going to follow up with 6 more days, 3 times a day treatment or three days in a row of no signs/symptoms what so ever... whichever comes first.

Chronic Cough Drench

Dried Comfrey Root

Dried Mullein

Dried Marshmallow Root

Dried Lobelia

Cayenne (Added in 2nd week)

Drops of Lobelia Tincture

Drops of Olive Leaf Tincture

Drops of Garlic/Mulin Tincture

Fresh Raw Garlic

Raw honey

Apple Cider Vinegar

Every Day Herbs & Supplement Chart

Our New Medicine Cabinet

 

As I have mentioned before, Herbs are widely used by us in our natural healing.  They are vulnerable to the elements including air, light, humidity, and temperature.  Whether my herbs are purchased dried or wild-crafted, it is important to store them properly aid in the prevention of deterioration of color, scent, and flavor.

Once herbs have been purchased or wild-crafted, here are some important points to remember about storing them:

• They are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, moisture, and light. Store in a temperature controlled environment with limited light, heat, and moisture. Ideal storage temperatures are 65-73 degrees and relative humidity should not exceed 55. Light (including incandescent and fluorescence) will strip your botanicals of their natural color and remove many key elements. An ideal location is a dry pantry, cupboard or closet. As you can see, I store mine on a bookshelf, but I have a curtain that I put up and keep on the front for protection.
• They have a relatively fixed shelf life. Purchase what you will use within a short period of time. While many of the herbs I have bought have a two year expiration date on them, it's best to use them up as quickly as possible.
• Some herbs and spices keep longer than others.  The best guideline to follow is: no longer then 8-12 months for spices and leafy herbs, and no longer then 14-16 months for roots, barks and berries.  Powdered herbs have a shorter life span, usually around 6 months.
• The best container for storing your herbs is colored glass.  Clear glass is also acceptable, as long as the herbs are stored away from direct light exposure.  I have chosen to use plastic containers, which is acceptable, but they do not allow for the herbs to breathe.  However, I will be using my herbs often and quickly, which makes plastic more convenient and it is very inexpensive compared to colored glass. Mylar are also good choices for storing herbs, but they must be sealed well to keep out light, air, and insects... and we have not added a sealer unit to our list of must haves just yet. I am certain it will be an addition at some point.
• I try to purchase my herbs in a cut and sifted or whole form first and foremost... since the powdered herbs have a shorter shelf life.  I grind my own herbs and spices just before using them. 
•  Purchase your herbs from a reliable source. I have listed many of these in our Library & Webpicks tab.

Research Credit: www.mountainroseherbs.com

Herbal Disinfecting Spray Remedy

2 cups water

1/4 cup ACV (apple cider vinegar)

1/4 tsp. Tea Tree oil

1/4 tsp. Lavender oil

1/4 tsp. Oil of Oregano

Combine the water, oils and vinegar in a spray bottle, shake and spray.

Natural Healing for Goats

Vitalism

The metaphysical doctrine that living organisms possess a non-physical inner force or energy that gives them the property of life.  Vitalism has a long history in medical philosophies: most traditional healing practices posited that disease results from some imbalance in vital forces.

When I asked one of my mentors and idols what the difference between a Vitalist and a Naturopathy is... she responded with,  "A Vitalist believes that the body was created to function properly and given the right nutrition the body WILL return to health. It is a process of thought and belief more than herbalist or naturopath."

Herbalism

Simplistically, herbalism is the study or use of the medicinal properties of plants for health and healing. Originally, the term herb only applied to non-woody types of plants. Later, it came to be used to refer to any part of any plant used for flavoring or medicine. In the field of complementary and alternative health care, it is now used to mean any plant, in whole or in part, having nutritional and/or medicinal value... individual or combined parts of the plant that may used include: seed, fruit, bark, flower, leaf, stem, or root/rhizome.

As a remedy, a herb  may be used alone, or in combination, working synergistically to enhance each herb's properties. There are multiple ways to dispense herbs: aromatics, decoctions, infusions (hot or cold), juices, liniments, lotions, medicated oils, pills (tablets or capsules), poultices and fomentations, powders, salves and ointments, syrups, teas, tinctures or extracts (alcohol or glycerol bases), and whole herbs (dried or fresh).  The choice of form by the herbalist takes into consideration the nature of the imbalance and the method to best take full advantage of the healing attributes of the specific herb.  To increase effectiveness, herbs may be used both internally and externally.

The use of herbs is to treat the actual cause of the symptoms and not the symptoms themselves.

Cleanse and Nourish

This is another basic understanding of herbalism that I hear and read over and over again as I continue on this path of natural healing; Cleanse and Nourish. In order to naturally heal it is critical that you look at the whole body to restore balance and well being. You cannot just treat the symptoms and expect healing results. All you are doing is masking the true illness or disease when you treat the symptoms.

Herbs for Goats

For the most part, any natural herbal remedy that is used for mankind can be used as well with goats. And while there is no formal schooling for a 'Goat Herbalist' there are a great many herbalists whom have experience with the natural healing of goats. A few of my idols are; Kristie Miller, Tracy Obereck Shiftlett, Christine Abbey, Katherine A. Drovdahl and Pat Coleby. I am very blessed to have a few of my idols as my mentors.  As well, I am blessed that it  there is very little difficulty in finding local or online training to be a human herbalist. And well, since goats have many of the same organs as humans and experience many of the same problems and diseases too, that same education and experience can be applied to my goats within reason. Knowing that there are some differences with specific problems that only goats can present will help me to support my goatlings with natural healing.

Dosaging

There is no prescription tag that comes attached to your herbs... especially those that have been wild-crafted. One of the benefits of herbs is that you cannot typically overdose when using non habit forming and non toxic herbs. A conventional rule of thumb that I've seen here and there to determine herb dosages for goats (and children) is by calculating according the goat's body weight as compared to an adult human's dosage:

                Goat's Weight in Pounds     =    the fraction of the adult human dose to use
                            150 pounds   

Form of Herb	General Dosages
Bulk Herbs	3-9 grams (1/9 0 1/3 oz)
Teas	1 oz herb/1 pint water. Drink 1 c 3 x a day
Tinctures	20-60 drops, 3-4 x a day
Capsules	2-4 caps, 3-4 x a day
Extracts (Dried Concentrated/Freeze Dried)	3-5 grams, 3 x a day
Tablets/Caplets	Follow Label Directions
Powdered Herbs	1 tsp 3-4 x a day
Standardized Extracts	Follow Label Directions
Syrups	1 Tbsp, 3-4 x a day
Compress/Fomentations	1-2 x a day for 20-60 minutes
Poultices	Replenish 2-3 x a day for 3 days
Essential Oils	Add 1-2 drops to an oil & apply locally
Salves, Creams, Oils, Sprays, Ointments...	As Needed (prn)

Dosing more Specific to our Nigerian Dwarfs 

For my goatlings, they currently get about 1/4 tsp of any powdered/dried/bulk herbs. For extracts, tinctures and essentials Oils, they receive approximately 2-3 drops and no more then 5 drops. Some herbs/blends they only get once a day. For chronic situations, they may get their doses three times a day and in acute situations, they get them every 15 minutes for the first hour and then hourly after that until showing signs of improvement. From there, if holding their own, I will go to every  3-4 hours working our way back to a chronic dosage for approximately 2-3 more days.

The Herbal Parasite Control Formula I use on our critters gets a completely different rule for dosage with animals five (5) pounds or less get 1/16 teaspoon,  then 5# - 10# = 1/8 tsp, 10# - 20#     = 1/4 tsp, 20# - 75#  = 1/2 tsp,75# - 100#  = 3/4 tsp, and 100# - 150# = 1 tsp.   Every additional 50#s add an extra 1/2 tsp

(A work in progress...)

Four Thieves All Natural Bug Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Four Thieves Dry Herbal Mix
• 3 tablespoons Lemongrass
• 3 tablespoons Tansy
• 3 tablespoons  Rue
• White Vinegar

Directions: 

• Combine the recommended measured amounts of herbs and vinegar in a glass canning jar, seal with lid and steep in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks or more, shaking daily. Then, strain out the used herbs, and retain the herbal liquid mixture.
• The Vinegar of the Four Thieves is a super-strong insect repellent. It should be diluted with water to half strength if you spray it directly on your skin. 

Things to Note:

• DO NOT use on broken skin.
• The Vinegar of the Four Thieves can be used to benefit anyone: men, women, children and animals.
• This repellent can be used many ways. Splashed on your socks or shoes will discourage ticks, chiggers, and mites. An herbal cloth kept in your pocket and rubbed on your skin ever hour or so would be very beneficial during outdoor work or recreation. Or, a nightly bath with a little herbal vinegar and oil will keep it on your skin for many hours and could prove helpful for families who live in the country or while out on camping trips.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any external application you choose.
• Storage is not a critical issue with this mixture. However, we keep ours in a dark, dry and cool place.

Herbalism: Plantain Tincture

Today I made my first tincture with  the wild herb Plantain. It has pretty much taken over the most lush areas of our lawn and the dog run. (Save I did not wildcraft herbs out of the dog run... ewwww!)  So, the tincture is the fresh herbs,  of course, packed into a canning jar after they have been bruised. The jar is then filled with 100-proof vodka.   With the cap on tightly, I gave it a good shake and put it in the dark herb closet. I'll repeat this process 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 6 weeks.  The taking out, shaking and putting it back into a cool dark place. After about 4 weeks, most likely, I'll strain through my cotton canning bag and store the liquid in dark amber glass bottles for later use!

Haemonchus whatus?

Did fecals on my three goat babies this morning. They are showing Haemonchus (barber's pole) worms in Dyson and Shiva. Aurora has brown stomach worms.  She said they are not overloaded  with them, however.

She wanted me to use Ivermectin, a COW dewormer, but was very supportive of me using a herbal dewormer, wants me to clean up all their poop while worming them and wants me to bring a fecal in two weeks to recheck.

She's intrigued about the herbal dewormer. Had some questions and said I might end up teaching her something.

So,... here we go LOH herbal dewormer, lets show her what we've got!

The worst part for us was the drenching gun and forcing it into their mouths. I am hoping it gets better with practice.

Four Thieves Dry Herbal Mix

  

 Dry Herbal Mix Recipe

• 2 tablespoons Rosemary
• 2 tablespoons Sage
• 2 tablespoons Lavender
• 2 tablespoons Wormwood
• 2 tablespoons Peppermint
  
  

  Directions

  Combine all ingredients and store as a dry herbal mixture until needed.

Wildcrafting: White Snakeroot

White Snakeroot 

 (Eupatorium rugosum) 

     

Native Woodland Wildflower 

Poisonous

Requirements:

Soil Type - Rich wodland
Soil ph - Neutral
Water - Moist
Light - Shade

 Characteristics:

Height Average: 2 - 5 ft.
Flower Colors:  White 

Time of Bloom: Summer/Fall; July, Aug, Sep &  Oct

Root System: Fibrous, branched roots & tough, knotty rhizomes (horizontal underground stems).

HISTORY: 

White Snakeroot was the cause of "Milk Sickness" in many parts of the early frontier.  It is thought to have caused more deaths than any other disease of the time. Cows eat the plant, secrete a poison, tremetol, into their milk.  The cattle would develop the sickness called "trembles". Abraham Lincoln's Mother died from "Milk Sickness".  Large numbers of early pioneers died from this disease and, not knowing the cause, blamed it on "cursed land" and would move elsewhere.  The confusion over the cause of "Milk Sickness continued up to the 1900's.
 

Dr. Anna Pierce Hobbs Bixby is credited with identifying the plant in the 1830s. However, she was unable to determine the precise cause until she was shown the White Snakeroot by a medicine woman of the Shawnee tribe. The Shawnee woman's name is lost to history, but she and her people would have had deep knowledge of the herbs and plants in the area. One of the first wildcrafter's of North America.

PARTS AND USES THEREOF:

Leaves:  Dry into smudge sticks and the smoke from burning can be  used to revive unconscious people.

Roots:  Root tea used for diarrhea, kidney stones, and fever. Root poultice used to treat snakebites.

NOTE: I will add a picture of the flowers once it starts blooming.

Wildcrafting: Plantain

Did you know you can do wildcrafting in your own yard!?

Apparently this weed that I have been mowing over every week is Plantain... 

A very valuable herb. 

 

Plantain, one of the most widespread 'weeds' around  the world, is a first-choice remedy for many ailments. It is safe and effective, for most skin type issues such as  bee stings, bleeding, cuts, bruises, bug bites, hemorroids, and itchy skin. Its ability to draw out infection - as well as splinters and even glass shards - is rumored to be especially remarkable. A cup of strong Plantain tea is said to quell the worst indigestion, and a small wad of chewed leaf placed next to the gum will quiet a painful toothache until it can be attended to. I have been told by my Totally Natural Goat's group that the easiest way to make a plantain poultice is to chew up the leaf, put it on the wound, and cover it  with something to hold it in place for at least 30 minutes. I read somewhere else that the saliva actually contains many antibacterial properties (which may be why animals lick their wounds). If a 'spit poultice' is not for you, you can chop plantain with a knife or in the blender with a coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or little water.

A simple ointment, made with an olive oil extract of fresh Plantain and a little beeswax is a very good general purpose remedy for many skin ailments, and is especially helpful with diaper rash. Plantain may also be used as in juice, tea,  tincture, wash, gargle and syrup form.

Nutritionally, plantain is equally amazing. Related to spinach, plantain leaves are rich in iron and vitamins A and C. Plantain may be eaten uncooked, but adult leaves tend to be stringy, and seedpods are a bit tough. Preparation is as simple as boiling washed plants until tender, then serving the leaves as you would spinach, or the seedpods as you might green beans or asparagus. A little apple cider vinegar helps enliven the taste of cooked leaves, and serve them hot with butter, salt and pepper. Seedpods are said to be good in stews, soups and stir-fries, or with melted cheese over them.

  

Resources:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/

http://www.herballegacy.com/Plantain_Ahlborn.html