herbs - - Page 2

November 19, 2016

The Herb You Should Be Taking Every Day: Rhodiola Rosea

If you’ve read about how I healed severe adrenal fatigue, you know I’m a huge proponent of not only raising healthy kids, but of mamas taking care of themselves and supporting their own well-being. When my adrenals crashed really hard last year, I found myself exhausted and barely able to function. In that state, it’s impossible to take care of a family adequately. Thankfully, Rhodiola Rosea can help with that.

In this post sponsored by Perfect Supplements , I’ll tell you about how Perfect Rhodiola Rosea can help you feel more energized and better handle stress so that you can feel your best.

BE SURE TO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR A DISCOUNT CODE.

All about rhodiola rosea

I first learned of rhodiola rosea when I was researching adaptogenic herbs for adrenal support. I was immediately intrigued because, according to my research, it seemed to be more powerful than other adaptogens.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are herbs that adapt to your body’s needs. They can both provide energy when needed, as well as a calming effect when necessary. I use adaptogens to provide energy and vitality to get me through the day homeschooling my four boys, to help me deal with stress and anxiety as it arises (and with four busy boys, let’s be clear- it arises!), and to help with sleep.

Rhodiola rosea is a powerful adaptogen in that it not only provides all of the above support, but so much more!

Rhodiola is a beautiful perennial native to the Himalayas, which is also found growing in Asia, Europe, and North America. It’s primarily known for its ability to increase physical and mental endurance and strength.

Rhodiola rosea uses

Let’s look at the main functions of this powerful plant:

Brain health

Rhodiola is a powerful brain tonic that can help with anxiety and depression, as well as improve memory and concentration.

These “mental” issues arise for any number of reasons, not the least of which is poor nutrition and gut health. However, the powerful constituents in rhodiola can combat the effects of anxiety on the brain by calming the nervous system and mitigating the effects of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Case studies have found that rhodiola rosea can help with

anxiety
depression
biopolar disorder
OCD
PTSD
and more.

In his book Rhodiola Revolution, Dr. Richard P. Brown reveals that many of his patients who were unable to achieve ideal mental health with prescription drugs, were able to do so with rhodiola. Indeed, he says, “In all of the studies to date, the herb has significantly lessened mental stress and anxiety while enhancing mood and intellectual performance.” He goes on to say “In recent studies, scientists have determined that besides acting on neurotransmitters, antidepressants affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis- an essential component of the stress response system. Rhodiola rosea does the exact same thing.”

Energy and vitality

I think we can all relate to some level of burnout. Our modern lifestyles demand that we go, go, go, and perform, perform, perform. Self care is not taken seriously in today’s society.

Not only do our busy lifestyles prevent us from making proper nutrition a priority, they keep us going on adrenaline and caffeine, so we don’t realize how depleted we are until it’s too late. As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to put responsibilities aside in favor of peace and relaxation- there’s always too much to be done!

Rhodiola rosea not only negates the negative effects of stress by stabilizing cortisol levels, but it bolsters the immune system, which is often working overtime to make up for lack of self care. Poor sleep habits, combined with poor diet and lack of vitamins and minerals, put stress on the immune system. When the immune system struggles to keep us healthy, infections can set in, which leads to conditions like chronic fatigue.

Rhodiola strengthens the immune system by increasing the production and activity of special cells that fight bacteria, viruses, and even cancer, thereby promoting increased energy and vitality, and better overall health.

Stress management

When we are stressed, our adrenals, those little glands that rest above the kidneys, release the hormone cortisol. Rhodiola enhances the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for regulating our stress response), improving our ability to overcome stress. Not only that, but it lowers cortisol levels, thus allowing the body to come to a more relaxed state, even in the midst of stress.

Interestingly, rhodiola rosea works best under stress: “It’s a potent antidote to today’s hectic, high-anxiety world,” says Dr. Brown.

Nervous system health

Because our brain cells are huge consumers of energy, when our energy stores begin to wane due to modern stress and lifestyle choices, our nervous system begins to suffer. We see decreased mental capacity, and malfunctions of the nervous system that result in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Rhodiola supports the nervous system by reducing stress and increasing energy stores. These functions, combined with the powerful anti-oxidant properties in the herb, help to promote nervous system health, thereby improving brain function and its communication with other body systems.

Management of behavioral disorders

Children who suffer from behavioral and developmental disorders like ADHD and autism have a number of underlying conditions which contribute to these problems. Rhodiola rosea improves attention, concentration, memory, and learning, which those with attention deficit disorders struggle with.

By calming the nervous system, increasing mental capacity, improving sleep and stress response, and reducing aggression and angry outbursts, rhodiola offers a number of benefits from children suffering from these conditions. (I have seen improvement in my son’s behavior since incorporating rhodiola and other adaptogens into his supplement routine.)

Cardiovascular health

Finally, rhodiola improves cardiovascular health, firstly, by lowering stress, and, therefore, lowering blood pressure. Not only that, but it enhances heart function by helping to bring balance to the autonomic nervous system, which reduces the likelihood of an irregular heartbeat.

In addition, these functions help to slow and regulate heart rate, which decreases the demand for oxygen, lowering the risk for heart attack.

Why Perfect Rhodiola Rosea is different

With so many rhodiola supplements on the market, how can you choose one that will be of high-quality, is affordable, and, most importantly, will be effective?

Perfect Rhodiola Rosea:

is 100% wildcrafted, directly from the Siberian mountains
comes directly from Dr. Ramazanov (akd, the “Father of Rhodiola”)
contains recommended 3:1 ratio of ROSAVINS to SALIDROSIDE
is 100% freeze dried to keeps nutrients intact
is always 100% lab tested for purity
comes with a 100% money back guarantee

I have used Perfect Supplements for years and have always been happy with their products. I was thrilled when they recently reached out to me and asked me to tell you about what they have to offer.

The company not only offers fantastic supplements, but they have a huge commitment to keeping their products eco-friendly by using organic, wildcrafted, and natural, sustainably-sourced ingredients. They also support communities through charitable donations and educational outreach.

Best of all, Perfect Supplements offers all of this at fair and reasonable prices, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.

To make their supplements even more affordable, Perfect Supplements is offering The Family That Heals Together readers 10% off their order with the code FAMILYHEALS10. When you combine this offer with their already low prices, PLUS free shipping over $99, PLUS additional discounts that kick in when you order 3 or more products, we’re talking about saving some major cash. I love when companies go out of their way to get their healthy living products into your hands!

You can check out the rhodiola rosea supplement here, then go check out all the amazing products they offer here, including cordyceps mushrooms for immune health, liver capsules for an amazing nutritional boost, and several types of powdered greens you can add to smoothies and more for an even more nutrition.

Have you tried rhodiola rosea? If not, what are you waiting for? Improved energy and mental clarity awaits!
Be sure to share using one of our links for friends who need to know about rhodiola.

September 23, 2016

Soothing Salve Recipe: The Simple Herbal Remedy for Bites, Stings, Scrapes, Cuts, and More

The more and more I learn about herbs, the more in love with them I fall! Herbs have revolutionized how I take care of my family. I’ve told you about how to make herbal extracts, and today contributor Heather will show us how to use a simple soothing salve recipe to address a number of skin conditions for your family. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special offer, only through Monday, September 26th! -Jaclyn

As herbal medicines are becoming more mainstream, many are eschewing conventional lotions and creams and making their own soothing salves. Below, I’ll give you a simple soothing salve recipe that can help you replace creams for eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash and so much more.

First, let’s define the difference between a salve, a balm, and an ointment. Many think those words are interchangeable, and that can be true in some cases. However, there IS a difference between them.

Salves are made with a mixture of fats and herbs in a semi-solid state. Generally, they consist of herbal infused oils and wax. They are the ones most often used by the home herbalist. They are quick and easy to make, and you can use wild foraged herbs from your backyard or garden.

Balms are similar to salves. They start with herbal infused oils and beeswax. Then, essential oils are added, making it very aromatic. They tend to be thick and very creamy, and most often in a solid state. If you make lip products, deodorants, or lotion bars, you are essentially making balms.

Ointments are similar to balms. They start with herbal infused oils, and add wax and essential oils to the finished products. However, the main difference is texture. They are usually thinner and not as creamy as balms.

General soothing salve recipe

To make a healing salve, start with a basic recipe of:

1/2 cup carrier oil: coconut, olive, jojoba, or almond are great choices.
3-4 grams dried herbs of choice
3 teaspoons beeswax pellets

Infuse the oil by pouring it over the herbs in an oven safe bowl.
Place in a 200 degree oven for 2 hours, then allow to cool.
Drain the herbs using a cheesecloth, squeezing out as much of the oil as you can from the plant matter.
Add the beeswax to the oil and reheat gently to allow the wax and oil to melt together.
Place melted oils in an airtight container with a lid and write the ingredients on the jar. If you wish to make this into a balm at this time, add 20-25 drops of essential oils.
To use, simply rub a quarter-sized amount on the affected area 2-4 times a day, allowing it to absorb into the skin.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Discard after 2 months or if you see signs of mold in the product.

Herbs to add

Lavender: calming, relaxing, and even muscle pain.

Chamomile and Calendula: healing skin wounds, acne or diaper rash. (Caution: those with ragweed allergy should NOT use Chamomile as they are in the same family.)

Lemon Balm: relieves painful inflammation, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.

Comfrey: a rapid cell healer; great for any bug bites or stings. The only caveat is that you should NOT use comfrey on broken skin, such as a scrape.

Yarrow: used most often to help stop bleeding, and to promote skin regeneration. This is what you would use on a scraped knee or elbow. Yarrow is in our sports bags for every sport my kids are in.

Essential oils to consider

Lavender: calming and relaxing as well as soothing irritated skin.

Rosemary: uplifting, energizing, and useful for soothing headaches.

Tea Tree: used for anti-microbial benefits such as healing acne or on skin wounds.

Peppermint: used for soothing headaches, stomach pains, and bug bites.

Gentle, baby-friendly salve recipe

To make a skin soothing salve that will go from diaper bag to sports bag with ease, follow the basic salve recipe above, using 3 grams dried calendula and 2 grams dried lavender in 1/2 cup jojoba oil. This will be safe for anyone to use up to 3x a day, with great skin-soothing benefits.

What’s your favorite salve recipe? Share this post using one of our links so friends can learn how easy it to make their own herbal remedies.

September 5, 2016

Make Your Own Herbal Extract to Heal Adrenal Fatigue

If you’ve read about how to make your own herbal tinctures and extracts, you know it’s really rather easy to do! I love making my own herbal remedies because it allows me to customize for my needs, as well as save money. When I was working to heal adrenal fatigue, I learned about adaptogenic herbs that can help, so here, I’ll show you how to make an adaptogenic herbal extract to heal adrenal fatigue.

How to heal adrenal fatigue

I told you recently about how I recovered from severe adrenal fatigue. I designed a protocol for myself that took me from cranky and exhausted, with my hair even falling out, to feeling so much better. The protocol I used to heal adrenal fatigue included:

sole water
fat bombs
liver
ensuring adequate rest
reducing stress by saying “no” to things I couldn’t manage, implementing daily quiet/prayer time, and choosing joy
reducing electronics exposure, particularly at night
adaptogenic herbs

What are adaptogenic herbs?

Adaptogenic herbs (adaptogens) work synergistically with your body to bring it into balance. They adapt to your body’s needs, providing energy, but also bringing calm. Best of all, they reduce stress and balance cortisol levels in order to reduce strain on the adrenal glands.

If you are working to heal adrenal fatigue, this herbal extract is just what you need! Here’s what it contains:

Rhodiola– Reputed to be more powerful than other adaptogens, rhodiola supports mental and emotional health by improving the ability to deal with stress, as well as increasing blood flow to the brain. It also combats the effects of excess adrenaline.

Rhodiola is also helpful in improving sleep and acts as a sedative when taken in high doses. It improves immune health by strengthening killer cells, and helps to combat infection and stimulate detoxification. It is even anti-cancer, as it helps to prevent tumors, is antimetastatic, and antimutagenic.

Astragalus– Another effective adaptogen, astragalus is helps to support the nervous system and negate the effects of stress. It is quite nutritive, as it contains protein, calcium, magnesium, silica, iron, and vitamins, all of which help to strengthen the body as a whole and impart energy.

Astragalus can be used as a sedative and is also helpful as an antidepressant and antianxiety. It helps to regulate hormones, especially estrogen.

Ashwagandha– Also helpful for calming the nervous system and promoting restful sleep, ashwagandha boosts strength and vitality. It modifies the harmful effects of stress on the body and promotes calmness.

Ashwagandha is excellent for stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, and exhaustion.

Eleuthero– Known as “Siberian Ginseng,” eleuthero increases vitality, improves mental and physical performance, and protects against stress. It lowers blood-pressure and has powerful anti-fatigue effects.

Eleuthero supports memory and concentration and promotes optimal adrenal function.

If you want to make the ultimate tonic to heal adrenal fatigue, grab the above herbs and a bottle of booze and let’s do it!

You’ll need:

16 oz of vodka or other good, strong grain alcohol.
4 oz rhodiola root, like this
4 oz astragalus root, like this
4 oz ashwagandha root, like this (this is 2 oz, you’ll need two.)
4 oz eleuthero root, like this
A clean, quart-sized jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Put 4 oz of each herb in the jar, then fill the rest of the way with vodka. Affix the lid tightly and give it a gentle shake to distribute the herbs.

Let the jar sit in a cool, dry place for six weeks (shake it once or twice a day during this time), before straining and putting in a tincture bottle like this.

I take a dropperful in the morning, and sometimes later in the day if I can remember.

It’s not impossible to heal adrenal fatigue! In fact, adding in adaptogenic herbs like those in this extract will have you feeling better soon.

A couple of notes:

Extracts are twice as strong as tinctures, so I prefer making them for the higher level of efficacy.
If you’re gluten-intolerant, look for an alcohol labeled gluten-free.
I’ve linked up top to one pound bags of each herb, and lower to smaller amounts. If you team up with friends to make this extract, you can probably save money by buying in larger amounts.
Use the whole root, versus root powder because the powder will not be as strong and will be difficult to strain.

Are you working to heal adrenal fatigue? What’s helped you?

Share in the comments, then share this post using one of our links for friends who may also be working to heal adrenal fatigue!

Source

McIntyre, Anne. The Complete Herbal Tutor. London: Octopus Books, 2010. Print.

July 24, 2016

My Herbal Sleep Bomb For a Better Sleep

It’s bound to happen from time to time: moms get tired. We become worn out, and Lord knows we need a break. Earlier this year when I was suffering from severe adrenal fatigue, insomnia hit like a ton of bricks and I became a “mombie,” aka: really tired mom. I got desperate to sleep better.

I was taking forever to fall asleep and, occasionally, I had nights where I was awake more than I was asleep. If I was awakened by a child (or husband, ahem) soon after falling asleep, my heart would race and my system would go into a bit of a shock. Forget about falling back asleep anytime soon after that. I would often wake up through the night and have trouble falling back asleep then, too.

I couldn’t get through the day without a nap and spent my days stumbling around haphazardly. I know zombies aren’t real, but y’all, if they were, you’d have mistaken me for one. I had to figure out a way to sleep better.

I had tried melatonin once before, but ended up with the worst migraine of my life, so no way was I going to try it again. (Besides, Empowered Sustenance makes a pretty compelling case here about why you shouldn’t take melatonin.)

I decided to try some herbs I knew were effective for inducing restful sleep.

How I sleep better: my herbal “sleep bomb”

I already knew that valerian root was helpful for sleep, but I needed more. Here is my winning combo, aka my “sleep bomb:”

Valerian root

This stinky herb has been used historically to help with insomnia, as well as calming, and has even been shown to help with symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

While I typically prefer to use herbal extracts and tinctures because of their easily-absorbed nutrients, I refuse to take valerian in tincture form. I’m not lying when I say it smells slightly (ok, a lot) like a dead… something. But- it IS effective for calming the nervous system, relieving tension and inducing sleep. Valerian root helps me sleep better. Get it here.

Passionflower

Last year I learned about passionflower, and how it soothes the nervous system. It can be especially helpful for kids with hyperactivity, as it increases GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which inhibits stimulatory neuron activity. It is a very calming herb, that has been shown to help with anxiety as well.

When I added it to my nighttime herb routine, I noticed right away that began to I fall asleep faster and sleep better. Since passionflower has a light, syrup-y taste, I’m happy to take it in liquid form. Get it here.

Lavender

Aside from the fact that I adore the earthy smell of lavender, which really makes me inner hippie child burst into song, I love the calming, soothing properties of the herb. I had a lavender tincture on hand from my herbalist friend, which I had bought in hopes that it would be calming for my hyperactive kid, as well as help my occasional headaches.

Lavender helps to relive tension, and can help with anxiety. It was the perfect compliment to my herbal repertoire. Get it here.

I decided to hit my insomnia with all of the calming herbs I had on hand, in hopes that I would soon sleep better.

I was amazed to find that the combination worked wonderfully, the first time I tried it!

How you can use my “sleep bomb” to sleep better:

Lavender: one dropper full

Passionflower: one dropper full

Valerian root: 2 capsules

Note: these dosages are for the exact products I’ve linked. Change in strength changes my needs, and I’ve had to increase my dosage when I’ve used different brands and strengths. These brands and dosages work great for me.

I take this herbal “sleep bomb” 30 minutes to an hour before I plan to go to bed, and I get sleepy by the time I hit the sheets. It is such a relief to not toss and turn, waiting, no begging for sleep to come.

I have been using this combo of herbs for about five months, and I have had a huge improvement in my quality of sleep. I just sleep better when I make sure to take my herbs. Plus, if I run out of any one herb, the remedy is not as effective; I’ve found that the combination of the three is really the key to helping me sleep better.

Other things you can try to sleep better:

Avoid sugar and starchy foods in the evening.
Eat a balanced diet.
Turn off electronics and/or use blue light blocking glasses in the hours before bed.
Wind down before bed; try taking a hot epsom salt bath, reading, or even coloring.

Do you struggle with trouble sleeping? Please share using one of the links below to help your friends sleep better too!

June 23, 2016

Make Herbal Tinctures and Extracts: The Simple, Frugal Solution for Every Ailment!

I recently shared on Instagram that I was making some herbal extracts and many of you expressed that you’d love to learn how, too! Rest assured, it is ridiculously easy to make herbal tinctures and extracts, and will save you tons of money in the long run.

What are herbal tinctures and extracts?

Until recently, I thought they were basically the same thing, but my herbalist friend told me there is actually a difference. While tinctures are made using 1 part herbs to 3 parts alcohol, extracts are 1:1, making them stronger, and, in my experience, more effective.

To make herbal extracts and tinctures, you’ll need herbs and a strong grain alcohol; I like to use pure, gluten-free 80 proof vodka. For the herbs, you can use any combination you want, in any amount you want.

Recently, when I decided to make herbal extracts, I had my hubby bring me a 2 liter jug of vodka, which was enough to make just over 2 quarts of extract, which I divided into two glass quart jars. I had collected a few bags of dried herbs, including horehound, which I combined with elderberries and a little echinacea for a cough tincture; as well as a cystitis tincture with juniper berriers, uva ursi, sarsaparilla, and marshmallow root.

I use extracts and tinctures all the time, as they are my favorite way to treat any illness in our home. I wrote about how we used oregano leaf extract and another for parasites to heal my son from symptoms of PANDAS (a behavioral disorder in children caused by strep bacteria), and soon, I’ll share with you my winning herbal combo for helping me sleep.

How to make herbal tinctures and extracts

As noted, you’ll need two things: dried herbs and alcohol, plus a jar with a lid to store them.

Measure out your herbs and decide if you plan to make an extract or a tincture. Place the herbs in the jar, then fill with the appropriate amount of alcohol.

For a quart of extract, I used two cups total of herbs, then filled the jar with another two cups of alcohol.

If you want to make a tincture, use 1 cup of herbs and 3 cups of alcohol.

Once you have filled the jar, seal the lid tightly and place in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks. Make sure to give your jar a shake every day.

After 2-6 weeks (personally, I like to let it go on the longer side for greater potency, but have been told that beyond 6 weeks, the potency does not change), use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the herbs as you pour the tincture or extract into a clean jar.

That’s it! You can transfer your extract into a clean dropper bottle for ease of use and dosing. I typically take a dropper full of tincture for myself (20-40 drops), and give the kids lesser amounts based on their weight, from about 6, up to 20 drops. I just put the medicine in a little water and drink it.

Make herbal kid-friendly extracts

Personally, I don’t have a problem giving my kids alcohol-based extracts, but some people prefer to avoid alcohol for their kids. In this case, you can substitute vegetable glycerin for the alcohol. The result will be slightly sweet, and many kids don’t mind taking it at all.

Why make herbal extracts yourself?

You may be wondering why you would bother making herbal remedies yourself. Here are three reasons:

#1- it saves a ton of money!

Herbal extracts typically cost $10-20/oz! If you make them yourself, you will pay pennies per ounce.

#2- you can customize your remedy

You can pick and choose herbs with the precise properties you need, like I did with my cystitis formula. Otherwise, sometimes you end up with ingredients that won’t personally benefit you.

#3- it’s fun!

I get such a kick out of DIY-ing anything I can. When I first began experimenting with creating my own herbal medicines, a friend called me “Dr. Quinn, medicine woman.” I took it as a compliment! I just love having another tool for taking care of my family.

Do you make herbal remedies or would you like to learn more about it? Let me know in the comments, then be sure to share using one of our convenient buttons below!