Summer flowers...

"Every breath is a giveaway dance between you and the plants." - Susun Weed

The designs of the universe radiate through you...

These are the ways of our grandmothers, the ancient ones. Every pain, every plant, every problem is cherished. Night is loved for darkness, day for light. Uniqueness is our treasure, not normalcy.

These are the ways of our grandmothers, the ancient ones. Receive abundance with compassion, knowing you will be food for others. Know that dying is a portal just as birth is. Celebrate all comings and goings, they are the turnings of the spiral. 

These are the ways of our grandmothers, the ancient ones. The joy of life is the give- away. You are the center of your universe. You are the axis, life's matrix, the still point in the ever-moving. The designs of the universe radiate through you. You are god, goddess, unique and whole.

- Susan Weed 

 

Herbs for Pregnancy

Nettle Leaf is a nutritive tea which also aids kidneys, eases muscle cramps, reduces chance of hemorroids, helps prevent hemorrhage after birth, and increases richness & amount of breast milk.

Red Raspberry Leaf helps prevent miscarriages & hemorrhage, eases morning sickness, reduces pain during labor & after birth, helps uterus to work more effectively, aids in bringing down an undelivered placenta, and high mineral content assists in milk production.

Lemon Balm (Melissa) as a mild relaxer and anti-herpes tea.

German Chamomile as a mild calmative and digestive aid.

Ginger tea (fresh & in small amounts) to help relieve nausesa.

Marshmallow Root for belly heat & digestive issues.

Skullcap & Passionflower are great nervines that help settle your mind and will help you relax and sleep if you are having trouble.

Recipes:

Nursing Mom's Tea Blend

To help improve & increase milk production. Let this blend of herbs help you to relax and add essential nourishment to the body. Create a blend of Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa, Nettle, Raspberry Leaf, Milky Oats, Lemon Balm, Fenugreek, Orange Peel.

Mom-to-be Tea Blend

With the assistance of the right herbs you can have a more comfortable birth. This tea is formulated to help Mom prepare for child birth. It contains herbs full of essential vitamins and minerals, plus helps strengthens the uterus. It has a wonderful effect on aiding in a easier labor and delivery. Create a blend of Squawvine, Raspberry, Nettle, Chamomile, Rosehips, Alfalfa, Dandelion, Milky Oats, Peppermint

For more information read Wise Women Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susan Weed and The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm

Springtime Nettles

It's early spring! Start looking out for young Stinging Nettles....one of my favorite herbs and the first plant that made me curious enough to start an herbal apprenticeship. I have a strong connection with the nettle plant and feel obliged to say "Thanks!" every time I see it.

Nettles are among the most nutritious of wild foods. When they are cooked, the sting disappears, leaving behind an herb packed with more vitamins and minerals than you can imagine. Stinging Nettle is truly a super-food and very bountiful on the east coast of MA. Search for nettles in the early spring when they are still young and low to the ground. Make sure to bring gloves if you don't like being stung...it can be quite painful if you're not used to it! Cut the top 1/3 of the plant, give thanks to it by offering a pray, some hair, or tobacco, and put in your bag or basket. Bring it home to tincture, dry to tea, or make this soup:

Spring Nettle Soup
(adapted from a recipe from Susan Weed)

6-8 cups of nettle tops

6 cups water (or bone broth...even better)

1/2 chives, chopped

2-3 carrots, chopped

1-2 leeks, chopped

3 tablespoons miso

1-2 potatoes, cubed

salt & pepper

butter

1 cup yellow dock leaves (optional)

1/2 cup dandelion leaves (optional)

Directions: Wash vegetables and greens. Saute greens, leeks, and carrots in some butter for 5-10 minutes. Add bone broth or water and potatoes. Bring to a boil then simmer for at least a half hour. Add salt, pepper to taste and miso just before serving. Puree for rich green soup. Enjoy!