Showing posts with label burdock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burdock. Show all posts
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Mark your calendar; grab your gloves; find your pen/paper; it's time for herb class.
ROOTS!
Burdock
Get to the bottom of things during our autumn herb root class. We will study dandelion, burdock, horseradish AND I'VE ADDED POKE and ELECAMPANE. We will explore how these herbs can have a positive effect on your health and also how to make them into remedies.
Elecampane
We will go on an outdoor digging expedition--weather permitting!
THIS Tuesday, November 6 10 am to noon Rocky Creek Valley Farm
$20 Call or email to register. Optional make and take $5.
37009 W. 156th St Rayville, MO 64084
816-853-0440
lizzy@rcvfarm.com
Last years ROOTS class digging burdock.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Herbalist Is In...
It's here! FIRST FROST HERB CLASS. You've been waiting for this class, asking about this class and wondering what the heck is this class about. Herbs must not be harvested before their time! ROOTS are wonderous, marvelous sources of good juju but there is no need to harvest them if all the medicine is up in the leaves and flowers. As soon as it freezes all that good stuff hurries back down into the root for the winter. DIG NOW!
And, that's just what we are going to do: TUESDAY NOV 1 10 am to noon. First we'll dig, then we'll study and learn all the great things it can do for our bodies, minds and souls then we'll make a natural remedy for you to take home. We will work on two or three different herbal roots depending on the time we have. If you have a small shovel and gloves bring them along. Wear old clothes. Get ready to have fun and learn.
We will start with Dandelion-my all time fav and Burdock-my all time fav. OK, I can't choose between them! They are just so hated by conventional standards and I want to teach anyone who will listen about all their many super-duper qualities and all the GOOD they can do for you and your family. It's truly amazing.
Natural remedies have been around a long time for good reason. I've used them for myself and my family with excellent results. You will be able to choose between making a tincture or a salve to take home. Don't miss this once a year class.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1 10 AM TO NOON $20 CALL TO REGISTER. Bring a friend; it's a beautiful country drive, all paved roads except for the last block.
Elizabeth 816-853-0440 lizzy@rcvfarm.com
The last Farmers Market of the season is Saturday in Liberty, but not to worry. Rocky Creek free range eggs will be available at Mother Nature's in Liberty. 816-415-4638. Tell them I sent you! And, as always, they are available at the iFarm Country Store here at Rocky Creek.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Classes - HERB, KIDS & CRAFT
I am very excited about this season's line up. Not only are we offering our HERB classes, but have added KID and CRAFT classes. The schedules are posted on our website HERE and on our Facebook page discussion board.
The scheduled herb classes are our most popular and we will add even more great classes to the line up after the first of the year--after farmers markets and shows. First herb class- 3 ROOTS- is Sep 13 Tues 10 to noon. Cost $20. We will be studying dandelion, burdock and yellow dock, digging them up and making traditional remedies.
Kids classes are great for home schoolers and are designed to be of interest to all ages. The worksheets and tests are age-specific, but the subject matter, activities and “labs” are appropriate for a wide age range. The science is presented both in understandable, simple language and demonstrations for the young students and also in more technical terms for advanced students. Vocabulary and spelling words are age appropriate.
The Life Science Course-Plants is presented once a month over a four month period this fall, assignments will be given for follow-up at the next class. However, assignment follow-up can be done at home if you elect not to take all classes. Students will make a Life Science-Plants notebook which will contain all their worksheets and projects. The first class- Plant Anatomy- is Sept 6 Tuesday 10 am to noon. Cost is $5 per child. Multiple children discount. Bring sack lunch and enjoy the farm. Moms can sip herb tea and relax during class!
Class specimens and examples will be related to plants and herbs growing at Rocky Creek Valley Farm.
Craft classes are scheduled through December. Our first one on Sept 20 at 10 am to 12:30 pm "Introduction to Milled Soap Making" is being taught by guest instructor Shonna Hilliard from Red Shed Soap. Cost is $20. Sign up early as it is a popular class.
We just moved the kiln and molds to Rocky Creek and will be having ceramic classes after the first of the year. Hoorah!
We will have one craft class a month and the 2012 schedule will be posted at a later date.
The scheduled herb classes are our most popular and we will add even more great classes to the line up after the first of the year--after farmers markets and shows. First herb class- 3 ROOTS- is Sep 13 Tues 10 to noon. Cost $20. We will be studying dandelion, burdock and yellow dock, digging them up and making traditional remedies.
Kids classes are great for home schoolers and are designed to be of interest to all ages. The worksheets and tests are age-specific, but the subject matter, activities and “labs” are appropriate for a wide age range. The science is presented both in understandable, simple language and demonstrations for the young students and also in more technical terms for advanced students. Vocabulary and spelling words are age appropriate.
The Life Science Course-Plants is presented once a month over a four month period this fall, assignments will be given for follow-up at the next class. However, assignment follow-up can be done at home if you elect not to take all classes. Students will make a Life Science-Plants notebook which will contain all their worksheets and projects. The first class- Plant Anatomy- is Sept 6 Tuesday 10 am to noon. Cost is $5 per child. Multiple children discount. Bring sack lunch and enjoy the farm. Moms can sip herb tea and relax during class!
Class specimens and examples will be related to plants and herbs growing at Rocky Creek Valley Farm.
Craft classes are scheduled through December. Our first one on Sept 20 at 10 am to 12:30 pm "Introduction to Milled Soap Making" is being taught by guest instructor Shonna Hilliard from Red Shed Soap. Cost is $20. Sign up early as it is a popular class.
We just moved the kiln and molds to Rocky Creek and will be having ceramic classes after the first of the year. Hoorah!
We will have one craft class a month and the 2012 schedule will be posted at a later date.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Brown recluse...
Now there's a spider. They are common here in the Midwest and I know several folks who have been bitten, including myself. My niece (once removed) had a run-in with one and is having to go through the scary experience of dealing with a bite. The bites can be difficult to diagnose as the itching, then pain do not occur until long after the spider has gone on to greener pastures. They can be identified by the violin-like marking on the back, long skinny legs and if you care to look him in the eye(s), he will have six eyes not eight like any normal arachnid! I say "he" because unlike most spiders who keep to their web to catch their prey, the male brown recluse will go on the hunt; the female leaves the web occasionally, but likes to stay close to home. The recluse web is not a pretty cylindrical weaving; they prefer to make irregular patterns. They like to keep their victims guessing.
If you don't catch and treat it quickly, it may begin to form a necrotizing ulcer. The bite becomes hard in the center and turns an angry red-purple; the wound is inflamed, hot and is extremely painful. Imagine a pit bull clamped on and not turning loose. Most folks will get antibiotics at this stage; I did myself, but then at the time I didn't know what herbs would be helpful. The antibiotics nearly did me in as I went into anaphylactic shock; good thing I was only a block from the ER.
Once you realize you've been bitten look for plantain; also called ribwort or pigs ear. It's a very common "weed" and grows in yards everywhere. (Must be free from herbicides and pesticides). If you cannot recognize it may I invite you to a Green Blessings "weed walk". Or, second best, look it up on the web or in a good herbal. Plantain has tremendous drawing power and has been used for generations to draw out infection. Obviously, the quicker plantain is applied, the better. Chew the leaves then apply to the wound. Yes, I said chew. Your own saliva gives it a little boost. If this doesn't appeal to you, then crush the leaves to release the healing "juice", then apply to wound. Using whole leaves as bandages (hence the nickname "band aid plant") instead of gauze will prevent the bandage from adhering to the wound like a gauze pad does. Ever had to remove a bandage stuck to the wound?! OW! Plus, when a bandage opens up and pulls off skin, it traumatizes the wound and slows the healing process. Wrap and cover the wound with plantain leaves and secure with gauze. Burdock leaves are also WONDERFUL for this because they are so large. The plantain dressing will need to be changed every 2-3 hours.
Can't get wild plantain or burdock? No worries, both will grow nicely in a garden. I planted them from seeds and harvested a marvelous crop.
Skinny leaf plantain
Burdock
If you cannot get fresh plantain, use a good plantain salve. Be sure to get one from an herbalist; it should contain no petroleum products, preservatives, colorings or any other chemical. There are several other drawing agents in the herbal world, but plantain is my first choice, burdock and yarrow being two other good choices.
Now, that takes care of external; let's go inside. I am partial to prairie plants; after all I live among them! The Native Americans called this plant the "Prairie Doctor" and later, folks like my grandparents situated in the heart of America referred to it as the "Farmer Remedy"; gardeners and landscapers call it the Coneflower, but it's well known by its true name: Echinacea. In fact it's so well known that we tend to overlook it as a powerful remedy. Yes, there are naysayers out there who cite scientific studies that negate the efficacy of Echinacea, but for the sake of space, let's save that debate for another time. Plain and simple, it works. I've seen it work its plant magic many times. And, yes, we have "studies" to prove our side as well.
It has been used historically as a remedy for spider bites very successfully. There are thousands of Echinacea preparations out there (this is one of the problems); some are effective, some are not. Look for Echinacea augustifola root tincture. Echinacea has several properties, but its primary use for spider bites is its diffusive action. Diffusive herbs impart a distinctive tingling sensation on the tongue, which indicates its powerful action on the nervous system. Echinacea acts on the blood and lymph which makes it perfect for venomous bites which have caused a septic situation.
Place a couple drops of tincture directly on the wound and take 2 or 3 DROPS under the tongue every three to four hours. (Yes, apply the Echinacea and the plantain to the wound.)
Everyone recognizes this beauty - here's one from my garden.
The herbal world is wonderfully complex and diverse so this is not the ONLY way to treat spider bites, but in my opinion, it's one of the best.
If you don't catch and treat it quickly, it may begin to form a necrotizing ulcer. The bite becomes hard in the center and turns an angry red-purple; the wound is inflamed, hot and is extremely painful. Imagine a pit bull clamped on and not turning loose. Most folks will get antibiotics at this stage; I did myself, but then at the time I didn't know what herbs would be helpful. The antibiotics nearly did me in as I went into anaphylactic shock; good thing I was only a block from the ER.
Once you realize you've been bitten look for plantain; also called ribwort or pigs ear. It's a very common "weed" and grows in yards everywhere. (Must be free from herbicides and pesticides). If you cannot recognize it may I invite you to a Green Blessings "weed walk". Or, second best, look it up on the web or in a good herbal. Plantain has tremendous drawing power and has been used for generations to draw out infection. Obviously, the quicker plantain is applied, the better. Chew the leaves then apply to the wound. Yes, I said chew. Your own saliva gives it a little boost. If this doesn't appeal to you, then crush the leaves to release the healing "juice", then apply to wound. Using whole leaves as bandages (hence the nickname "band aid plant") instead of gauze will prevent the bandage from adhering to the wound like a gauze pad does. Ever had to remove a bandage stuck to the wound?! OW! Plus, when a bandage opens up and pulls off skin, it traumatizes the wound and slows the healing process. Wrap and cover the wound with plantain leaves and secure with gauze. Burdock leaves are also WONDERFUL for this because they are so large. The plantain dressing will need to be changed every 2-3 hours.
Can't get wild plantain or burdock? No worries, both will grow nicely in a garden. I planted them from seeds and harvested a marvelous crop.
Skinny leaf plantain
Burdock
If you cannot get fresh plantain, use a good plantain salve. Be sure to get one from an herbalist; it should contain no petroleum products, preservatives, colorings or any other chemical. There are several other drawing agents in the herbal world, but plantain is my first choice, burdock and yarrow being two other good choices.
Now, that takes care of external; let's go inside. I am partial to prairie plants; after all I live among them! The Native Americans called this plant the "Prairie Doctor" and later, folks like my grandparents situated in the heart of America referred to it as the "Farmer Remedy"; gardeners and landscapers call it the Coneflower, but it's well known by its true name: Echinacea. In fact it's so well known that we tend to overlook it as a powerful remedy. Yes, there are naysayers out there who cite scientific studies that negate the efficacy of Echinacea, but for the sake of space, let's save that debate for another time. Plain and simple, it works. I've seen it work its plant magic many times. And, yes, we have "studies" to prove our side as well.
It has been used historically as a remedy for spider bites very successfully. There are thousands of Echinacea preparations out there (this is one of the problems); some are effective, some are not. Look for Echinacea augustifola root tincture. Echinacea has several properties, but its primary use for spider bites is its diffusive action. Diffusive herbs impart a distinctive tingling sensation on the tongue, which indicates its powerful action on the nervous system. Echinacea acts on the blood and lymph which makes it perfect for venomous bites which have caused a septic situation.
Place a couple drops of tincture directly on the wound and take 2 or 3 DROPS under the tongue every three to four hours. (Yes, apply the Echinacea and the plantain to the wound.)
Everyone recognizes this beauty - here's one from my garden.
The herbal world is wonderfully complex and diverse so this is not the ONLY way to treat spider bites, but in my opinion, it's one of the best.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Need It and It Will Come...
I have this idea that when you need or have a driving desire to have a particular plant, it will show up in your life. A well-known and well-respected herbalist I know told a story of wanting to put a particular plant in a certain place on her property. Every time she passed the spot she thought and/or said that some day she wanted to put that plant there. Over time she began to pile twigs and discarded vegetation as she passed by. One day she decided to clean up the spot; she removed the little brush pile and there was the plant she had always wanted to plant there.
This is not an isolated incident in the herbal world and was just one more anecdote to reinforce my belief. I have several such stories of herbs growing naturally in my own yard, but my focus today is on burdock. I wrote about it in this column several weeks ago and displayed a photo of the giant leaves in my garden. When I harvested the roots a couple days ago, I made the mistake of not handling the burrs prior to digging. I worked away cheerfully gathering my roots not paying any attention to what was going on over my head. Sophie began to run around like a loon because she had some burrs sticking to her; my big brave farm dog can't stand anything in her fur! I took a break to help her and while brushing a strand of hair out of my face I felt burrs on my own head. A crown of burrs. What do you call a bunch of burrs? A gaggle? A flock? I had not felt them latch onto me and although I was a little concerned, I had to finish my harvest before I tackled them. When I got into the house and looked in the mirror I was horrified. They were everywhere. It was like a burdock burr hat. As I combed and brushed and pulled and yanked and laughed and cried I thought I may actually have to cut my hair off to get out the burrs. Imagine a spool of thread off the spool wadded up and swirled with oversize velcro into a ball of tangle. It took me well over an hour but eventally the burrs were gone; I felt like I'd wrestled a bear.
One the next trip over to Rocky Creek Farm, it hit me. My barn lot is filled with burdock. Hundreds of burdock plants. Dead stalks topped with the infamous burrs (poor mans buttons) and fresh green HUGE leaves sprouting and the base. My point of this story is: I must need burdock! And, there is going to be a great need for burdock medicine! No worry, I have plenty.
This is not an isolated incident in the herbal world and was just one more anecdote to reinforce my belief. I have several such stories of herbs growing naturally in my own yard, but my focus today is on burdock. I wrote about it in this column several weeks ago and displayed a photo of the giant leaves in my garden. When I harvested the roots a couple days ago, I made the mistake of not handling the burrs prior to digging. I worked away cheerfully gathering my roots not paying any attention to what was going on over my head. Sophie began to run around like a loon because she had some burrs sticking to her; my big brave farm dog can't stand anything in her fur! I took a break to help her and while brushing a strand of hair out of my face I felt burrs on my own head. A crown of burrs. What do you call a bunch of burrs? A gaggle? A flock? I had not felt them latch onto me and although I was a little concerned, I had to finish my harvest before I tackled them. When I got into the house and looked in the mirror I was horrified. They were everywhere. It was like a burdock burr hat. As I combed and brushed and pulled and yanked and laughed and cried I thought I may actually have to cut my hair off to get out the burrs. Imagine a spool of thread off the spool wadded up and swirled with oversize velcro into a ball of tangle. It took me well over an hour but eventally the burrs were gone; I felt like I'd wrestled a bear.
One the next trip over to Rocky Creek Farm, it hit me. My barn lot is filled with burdock. Hundreds of burdock plants. Dead stalks topped with the infamous burrs (poor mans buttons) and fresh green HUGE leaves sprouting and the base. My point of this story is: I must need burdock! And, there is going to be a great need for burdock medicine! No worry, I have plenty.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Herb Garden
Well, my poison ivy has at last run its course. Still red. Still itchy. But, not spreading and not blistering. There have been SO many folks at market with pi or know someone who has it. One customer said her doctor has encountered more pi cases this spring than in his entire career. My neighbors both have pi yet they have none in their yard. The conservation commission says the urushiol oil is getter much stronger and by observation, I see it is getting much more proliferate. A fellow farmer at market said her husband took their backhoe and scooped up an entire load of pi where none had been last year. So, BEWARE!
Take a look at some of the herbs growing here at GBH Farm.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
--isn't she beautiful? This plant is two years old and stands as tall as I do boasting her queenly status to the entire garden. I tincture the root (www.GBHfarm.com )for its famous nervine and antispasmodic qualities. Valerian is the first herb ever recommended to me by my first herbalist many years ago. I can still feel the remarkable effect it had on my female system.
BurdockArtium lappa
Beautiful, luscious GIANT leaves. This photograph was taken last week and already the leaves are considerably larger. I will make tincture from first year roots this fall that I use to draw out fliuds--any fluids--such as sweat, urine, even menstrual flow. Burdock is great in salves for drawing out inflammation and infection. The roots are good in the spring for soup, but I don't dig any as I want to save them for medicine. Burdock root is a nourishing tonic and supplies optimum nutrition to our immune and glandular systems...it's good for so many things is it any wonder I cultivate this "wild weed" in my herb garden.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
One of my staple herbs, lemon balm smells heavenly! I use copious amounts of Melissa in my tinctures, teas and cosmetic preparations. I formulated Sunshine Ti (available at www.GBHfarm.com) especially for my grandchildren as an alternative to that red stuff! In addition to being a nervine and antispasmodic Lemon Balm is a carminative--good for digestion. Makes a marvelous "lemonade" for the summer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
