Newsletter-Mar-2019

Mullein

Botanical Name : Verbascum thapsusis the most commonly used species of mullein, though there are other varieties.

Description: Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning that it lives two years. In the first year, it grows into a large rosette of oblong, thick, and fuzzy green-gray leaves. Outer leaves can be quite large while inner leaves are half the size, growing close to the ground. During its second year, it sends up a very tall, slender stalk that will randomly be dotted with small yellow flowers as the plant blooms. This stalk may be branched and typically grows to be about 6 feet high.

Parts Used: Dried leaves and flowers

Uses: Actions in the Body

Mullein is an excellent expectorant, helping the body expel excess mucus from the respiratory system.
It is a demulcent, soothing irritated tissues, especially those of the throat and lungs.
With anti-inflammatory actions, it is able to further soothe tissues.
As an anti-spasmodic, it can help calm coughing spells during respiratory illness.

Suggested Uses : Dried mullein leaf is most frequently brewed as an herbal infusion to promote respiratory health. Two teaspoons of the herb can be infused in 1 cup of freshly boiled water, then steeped for about 15 minutes. Mullein leaf is covered in very fine hairs, so it is important to strain the infusion through cloth or an unbleached coffee filter to avoid further irritating the throat with the hairs.

Mullein flowers are a well-established remedy for earaches, easing the pain and inflammation in the inner ear. Dried flowers may be infused in warm olive oil for about 3 hours, then strained out of the oil. The oil can then be placed in the ears during an earache or ear infection, so long as the ear drum has not ruptured. Mullein flowers may also be brewed into an herbal infusion in the same manner as mullein leaf, or the two may be used together for the infusion.

Safety Considerations: Mullein is safe for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly. It is a very gentle yet effective herb, making it an excellent remedy to consider.

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Greetings,
With the month of March arriving, we are proud to announce we have our Organic Teabag area in place. We are offering them in bulk, Square Teabags, 8 for $1.00 Round Teabags, 4 for $1.00. All teabags will offer up 2 cups per bag.
With March and spring break around the corner, it is still a time for flu, colds and Rhinitis, we keep products on the shelf

to help keep all of it at bay and/or make it go away.

Ginger Tea is great for congestion, as is Grindelia (yerba Santa), We also keep Cold Season Capsules that are a great antibiotic to take care of nasal congestion and allergies. We also have Natures Natural antibiotic, Goldent Seal, that helps with all infections.

Our new teabags, are Peppermint, Tumeric, & Spearmint.

We now have Rescue Remedy back in, and a new product "Preservative Free Aloe".

Until next month,
The Editor

Nature's narcotic - Mullein is a natural pain reliever. Taken as a tea, the mullein leaf boosts the immune system by promoting cell growth. The antioxidant properties of mullein repair cells as well, which soothes pain. Mullein leaf extract can also be used to address painful urination. The herb is noted to be a strong diuretic and is used by alternative medicine practitioners as a treatment for various gastrointestinal problems. Unlike common prescription medicine, mullein is not known to have any side-effects.
Fights flu - The hairy plant is the go-to remedy for the flu. The leaves have demulcent properties which help de-congest the body of excess mucus. Native Americans used to smoke the leaves as well and claimed its effectiveness in lessening asthma symptoms.
Interrupts inflammation - The main use of mullein is as an anti-inflammatory. Studies that have observed the pharmacology profile of the herb have concluded that mullein can be used to effectively treat conditions caused by inflammation. Compounds within the plant are able to repair DNA and decrease the severity of some respiratory tract and digestive conditions. Mullein oil can be applied directly on burned or inflamed skin for immediate relief.
Controls colds - Mullein can be used as an expectorant. Those who are suffering from a stuffy nose or blocked sinuses can take lozenges that contain mullein to remove excess phlegm.
Soothes sleep - The herb has a relaxing effect on the body. Take it as a tea to lessen stress and anxiety. Mullein can also be used to minimize muscle cramps and reduce blood pressure. The plant is sometimes recommended to help with chronic insomnia.
Heals hemorrhoids - Ground mullein can be made into a poultice. This can be directly applied to the hemorrhoids to reduce swelling and irritation. People should conduct an allergy test before attempting to place a mullein paste on their anus, however. The tiny hairs found on the plant may cause an allergic reaction.
Eases ear infections - Mullein oil can be used by parents to reduce ear pain in children. Again, the anti-inflammatory properties found in the plant help fight off infections while reducing pain. Relieves respiratory issues -The plant can be used for various respiratory conditions. A common way to receive the benefits of mullein is to steep both the flowers and root in hot water and drink the liquid as a tea. The warm beverage can soothe sore throats and can help with coughing and spasms.

We carry this in Cut and Sifted in our store.

Mullein Tea
Pour 1 cup of boilig water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried mullein flowers and leaves. Cover and steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Pour the liquid through a find cloth or a coffee filter to strain out the plant's tiny hairs and fuzz, whish can irritate the throat.
You can drink up to 3 cups of mullein tea daily. Sweeten the tea with honey, if desired.

Caution Do not use mullein that has been harvested from parking lots or along roadways, sine it may contain toxins.

Herbal Tea Recipe to Soothe Coughs:
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce calendula flowers 3./4 ounce marsh-mallow 1/2 ounce licorice root

Prepare the tea as directed above for a soothing, naturally sweet expectorant blend that will help alleviate even the most stubborn, hacking coughs.

Medicinal Tea Recipe to Ease Colds:
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce elderberries 1 ounce plantain
Prepare the tea as directed above to help ease symptoms of common cold. the formula is particularly well suited for people who quickly develop bronchial problems whenever they get a simple cold.
Herbal Tea Recipe to Support Acne Treatment:
1 1/2 ounce mullein flowers 3/4 ounce chamomile flowers 3/4 ounce dandelion 3/4 ounce wild-pansy

Prepare the tea mixture as directed above. This blend, along with a good diet, generous amounts of sugar-free liquids and stress reduction, helps the liver filter out toxins and cleanses the skin.

Mullein Tea Relieves Fluid Retention:
Mullein leaf tea has a soothing effect on the urinary tract and facilitates urination. It also eases a nervous, irritable bladder and incontinence. Prepare mullein tea as directed above and drink 3 - 4 cups daily.

Medicinal Mullein Tea Uses

Herbal Tea Relief for Hemorrhoids
For hemorrhoidal irritation or perineal itching, prepare a strong Mullein Tea recipe with 4 tablespoons of mullein flowers and 1 quart of water. Steep until cool, and make sure you strain it thoroughly. Add the liquid to a sitz bath or dip a clean cloth in the tea; apply to affected areas 3 - 4 times a day or after urinating.

Medicinal Tea Relief for Bruises, Rashes and Skin Irritation
A compress of mullein flowers relieves bruises, rashes, and skin irritation. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and cover. Let it steep until cool and strain. Soak a clean cloth in the tea, wring it out and place it on the affected areas. cover the compress with plastic wrap. Change it twice daily.

Quick Relif for Nasal Congestion
Add a handful of mullein flowers toa bowl of hot water. cover your head with a towel and deeply inhale the vapors.

4 Powerful Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Damiana: Damiana (Turnera Diffusa) is a shrub that is native to the central and south Americas and is used to traditionally enhance libido as well as decrease anxiety. Damiana can be smoked, taken in tablet or powder form, or drunk as tea. I personally love brewing it in tea (it also comes out cheaper this way). I*ve only recently discovered Damiana and it is a wonderfully potent herb for psychological stress.
Ashwagandha : Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a native Indian herb that is part of the night shade family. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce anxiety, as well as enhance libido, decrease blood pressure, soothe ADHD, reduce arthritic swelling, and many other bodily afflictions. I take ashwagandha in capsule form (the smell/taste is a bit horsey otherwise), in doses ranging from 750 * 1000 mg.
Rhodiola: Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea) is a perennial plant that grows in colder regions of the world such as Great Britain, Iceland and Scandinavia. Used in traditional European medicine, Rhodiola is said to increase the body*s resistance to stress by regulating its hormones and improving neurotransmitter activity within the brain towards anxiety.
Rhodiola is also said to help reduce depression, fatigue, cholesterol, altitude sickness and other physical and mental ailments. I really love Rhodiola. I take it in pill form and find its effects particularly powerful at 1000 * 2000 mg.
Siberian Ginseng : Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus) grows natively in Siberia and is nothing like the Asian varieties of ginseng in its effects. Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic, meaning that it helps the body adapt to a variety of physical and mental stresses such as insomnia, over-work, chronic anxiety and immunity impairment. This herb is used to treat cold and flu symptoms, stress and even herpes and hepatitis C. Siberian Ginseng can be taken in pill, capsule, extract, powder or tea form. I generally take it in capsule form, with 2000 mg being a potent dosage for me. (it*s also called *Eleuthero*).
(Bonus) Holy Basil: Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is most commonly found in India where it is known as Tulsi which means *the incomparable one.* Like the other herbs mentioned in this article, Holy Basil is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. Symbolizing the Hindu goddess Lakshmi in mythology, Holy Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery taste. It*s my absolute favorite tea and it is quite potent! If you*re using loose herbs, just use one teaspoon and let it steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Where to buy: You can get 100% organic Holy basil from Caer & Dee's Place

There are many herbal remedies for anxiety out there, and these four plants and herbs are the most powerful I have discovered so far during my journey. In the end, it is important that you experiment with a wide variety of herbs and dosages to see what suits you most, as well as keeping in mind potential side effects and anything else that might influence you (i.e. if you're pregnant or on other medication).