Herbs for Wellness

This month I decided to write about something I have been learning about for a few years.  My hope is to share some of what I have learned with others through demonstration in my home.  So this blog entry could be considered a bit of an advertisement. 

I have never liked taking medicine. I do when it is necessary, but for me something I pick up from the pharmacy is a last resort.  Trouble is, I am not always feeling my best.  A number of years ago, I began exploring the world of food for health.  You know, whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies, much less sugar, etc.  In this exploration, I stumbled upon the world of herbs.  Wow, just wow.  

There is so much information about herbs and health, I felt like I was trying to drink from a fire hose.  After lots of trial and error and forgetting what on earth a given herb was for, I have learned something really helpful.  Slow down and learn a few really good and safe herbal recommendations for wellness and add new things when you are successful with those few.  I started with what I needed most often, things for colds and coughs. 

So, success began the year I learned to make one herbal syrup, elderberry to be specific.  Such a humble little berry and yet it really does help to keep my immune system humming along.  Last year I tried mullein syrup for a cough.  It worked very well and both are so very easy to make.  There are a few other preparations I am working on, but I am confident sharing these two favorites.  

One more thing I have learned to make and use is an oxymel, or vinegar and honey preparation.  The one I make is affectionately referred to as fire cider.  I find it to be very helpful, but it is packs a strong punch and is not everyone’s favorite.   When I feel like a cold has taken up residence, I am so glad to have it on hand.  I think it is fun to make and once you add honey to finish it off, well, honey makes anything taste better.  

Though I am not a certified herbalist and cannot diagnose or treaty anything I have taken a few online classes.  One was about medicinal tea blends and the other was about safe herbal preparations for cold and flu season.  Those classes combined with my personal studies have taught me enough to confidently  share what has worked well for me.   

I have talked with others who want to join in my adventures with herbal preparations so I have decided to offer a demonstration in my home kitchen.  On September 17th from 1:00 - 3:00, I will be demonstrating a few of my favorite herbal preparations.  I will also share about how to use these preparations along with wellness teas successfully.  Herbs for wellness are not used the same as the medications and teas we are most familiar with.   

If you live near me and this is of interest to you, go to my website, Middlerose.life for more details and send me an email, middleroselife@gmail.com.  There is a small fee of $15.00. If there is enough interest, I will offer the demonstration more than once.  

You may prefer to go straight to the pharmacy and that is great.  This is just another alternative in our quest for wellness.  However you choose to get through the upcoming cold and flu season, I hope you are able to stay well!