NATURE’S COMMON SCENTS



Evensong / Nature’s Common Scents

Healthy Skin Newsletter

Winter 2016 Volume 12, Number 4

November 2016



sondrancs@ 540.635.7073

this issue:

General HealtH

▪ How Viruses Work

▪ Turmeric for Overall Wellness

Skin Health

▪ Winter Skin

▪ Healing Toenail Fungus

Herb and Plant Remedies

▪ Using herbs for Alzheimer’s

▪ Herbal help for Hot Flashes and PMS

General Health

How Viruses Work. Viruses are basically parasites that cause damage by attaching themselves to a host and then multiplying. Without a host, a virus is powerless. In the human body, a virus attaches itself by invading cells, and it is the infected cells that actually reproduce the virus. Elderberries seem to stop or reduce such attachment. They block the ability of various flu viruses to invade and infect cells, which stops the virus from replicating. And they activate an immune response to fight the virus in cells that have already been infected. There have been two human trials pitting a placebo against a specific elderberry product called Sambucol. In one, published in The Journal of International Medical Research, 60 people ages 18-54 who suffered from flu-like symptoms, including a fever, took the elderberry extract (3 teaspoons of syrup four times daily with meals). They experienced “pronounced improvement” after an average of 3 days. Those who took the placebo saw similar results after 7 days. Neither group had any side effects. The second study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that 90 percent of subjects who took elderberry extract experienced a “complete cure” of the flu in 2-3 days compared to at least 6 days among those who took a placebo.

It was found that elderberry extract can be effective against 10 different types of flu viruses. It is also believed elderberry extracts may help relieve cold symptoms, particularly when they are combined with other immune enhancing ingredients. To experience relief, take elderberry extract, pills, tincture or lozenges when you first notice symptoms or within the first 48 hours. [Better Nutrition, February 2013] .

(My comment: It is very easy to make elderberry syrup. You can find dried elderberries online and sometimes at your local natural mercantile. For directions on making a simple recipe, visit or contact me by email.)

Turmeric for Overall Wellness . Traditional Chinese medicine uses Turmeric (Curcuma longa) to improve digestion and liver function and regulate menstrual cycles. Studies show that the main active ingredient, curcumin, is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Research is ongoing to determine whether or not it can help with diseases such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis, but many people are already experiencing pain relief using Turmeric. If you want to take it in supplement form the commonly recommended dose is 500 mg twice daily. Check the label to be sure it contains exactly the ingredients you want, and look for “phytosome technology” which improves absorption rates. If you prefer to take Turmeric as food, work up to a teaspoon and a half a day. The way to improve absorption is to sauté it in a little olive oil with a sprinkle of black pepper. Then you can add vegetables, chicken or whatever you like and cook it to give a health boost to your meal. Note: The University of Maryland recommends 1 to 3 grams per day. One gram of powdered Turmeric is about a half teaspoon.

SKIN HEALTH

For those of us who live in areas where the seasons change, sometimes dramatically, we know how strongly weather can affect our skin. This is especially true as we get older, or if we have skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. If you use products that contain only herbs and plants and perhaps a little beeswax and honey, you already have what you need for your skin to remain healthy and comfortable. You may use them differently in the winter than you do in the summer, but the same products generally will help you get through any season.

Winter Skin. Dryness strikes where our skin is weakest. Our cheeks, arms, and legs have almost no sebaceous oil glands. Winter clothing, shoes, and boots can create friction that causes skin to thicken or become rough. When washing, try to remove dead skin cells and debris which can clog pores and make skin dull or cause breakouts. [The Herb Quarterly Winter 2016] (My comment: Moisturize with natural plant oils, such as Sweet Almond, Olive or Sunflower, which do not clog pores.)

HealingToenail Fungus. Toenail fungus is an infection inside the nail. For a safe and effective way to treat the problem, apply Tea Tree Oil like nail polish twice a day for 4 to 6 months. [Steven Fisher, Internist, Fairfield County Medical Group] (My comment: Studies indicate that essential oils work best on fungal issues when used in combination with each other, such as Tea Tree, Clove and Cinnamon. My Anti-fungal Oil (see my Website) is specifically formulated to help alleviate the condition, as well as other fungal issues, like ringworm.) It has good customer reviews.

HERB AND PLANT REMEDIES

Everyone hopes for a magic cure for all diseases, and “cures” abound both from those who are well-meaning, and those who are shysters. This has been true for centuries. When we are at our weakest, we are also at our most vulnerable. It is as ridiculous to say that doctors keep cures a secret to make themselves rich as it is to say that there are herbs to cure every disease.

However, what is true about herbs is that many work hard to keep us well, to make us feel better, and yes to cure some illnesses. Just as with pharmaceuticals, not everything works for everyone. But there is absolutely no doubt that used properly most herbs work more gently and safely than pharmaceuticals, usually with no side effects at all.

If you’ve never thought of plants as medicine, you might laugh to think that the same Thyme or Oregano you season your favorite dish with can not only make your sore throat feel better but can kill the germs that cause it. Here are some other ways to help yourself and your family, using nothing more than the herbs and spices you are familiar with and probably already have in your kitchen.

Using Herbs for Alzheimer’s. Herbs can offer relief from symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s without the fogginess or other negative side effects of pharmaceutical medications. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) works gently on the nervous system, promoting feelings of calm. A pillow filled with the flowers is a safe way to relieve stress. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) helps quiet the central nervous system. Try a tea made with Passionflower. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) tastes good and targets the nervous system and anxiety-induced heart palpitations. Make it into a tea and enjoy it frequently. California poppy (Eschsholzia californica), not related to the Opium poppy, aids with anxiety and hyperactive nervous systems. Blended with Roman chamomile and Passionflower it can be especially helpful. It is easy to find Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) in tea form, and this gentle herb is supportive to the nervous system. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) not only eases anxiety, it also strengthens the nervous system and has mildly sedative property. Some studies show it helps improve memory retention. Make a tea of Basil, Lavender, Chamomile and/or Lemon balm for a tasty stress reliever. [The Herb Quarterly Winter 2016]

Herbal Help for Hot Flashes & for PMS. Cumin, coriander and fennel tea can help improve digestion and sleep as well as decrease heart palpitations, hot flashes, worry, and anxiety. Steep ½ teaspoon each of the herbs in a quart of boiling water. Strain and sip throughout the day. [Kavitha Chinnalyan, Cardiologist, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan] Studies indicate about one tenth of a teaspoon of Saffron threads twice daily can decrease PMS symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, and insomnia. Add saffron to your food or brew a cup of tea. If looking for it in capsule form, take the equivalent of 15 mg twice day. [Skye McKennon, clinical assistant professor, University of Utah College of Pharmacy]

(My comment: Sage that you use for seasoning your holiday meals helps with hot flashes and night sweats. Make it into a tea and drink throughout the day. Or make it into a soup or broth.)

If you received this newsletter from Nature’s Common Scents, you personally gave me your email address for that purpose. However, we all get too much in our email boxes and have to make choices. If you wish to discontinue, e-mail me at sondrancs@ putting the word “discontinue” in the subject line and I will take your name off right away. Or if you wish to be sure you are on the list, send me an email saying “newsletter” in the subject line. If you are unable to receive bulk emails, these are often treated like junk mail and are returned, in which case I have no choice but to remove your name from my list even if you intended to receive it. Be sure to check on this.

Evensong/Nature’s Common Scents. Twenty acres of wild and naturally growing trees, plants, shrubs, and herbs, most of which are healing in one way or another. We teach about them and how best to use them, provide herbal walks and “quiet days” for interested persons. Also we make old fashioned, easy-to-understand therapeutic skin care products to heal troubled skin and teach how to make “teas, tonics & tinctures” from local and/or readily available plants and herbs, believing you should be able to understand and pronounce everything you put in and on your body. This newsletter is written and edited by Sondra Johnson, a member of the American Herbalists Guild and the Herb Society of America. She is not a doctor; recipes and facts in this newsletter are researched from many areas and passed on for informational purposes. Comments are editorial, and the opinion of the author. People with health problems, new or ongoing, should consult qualified medical personnel. Anyone can become allergic to anything at any time. Even if you have never experienced allergies to plants, when you make or use one medicinally, you should always do a skin test first to see if you can tolerate the plant and the ingredients in the product. (Rub a small amount of the product on the upper, inside of your arm. Observe for 8-10 hours. If rash develops, discontinue use.)

Note: With few exceptions, plants or herbs noted in this newsletter are what would be in regular use in your home on a daily basis in and for food. This newsletter only confirms their good use for your health as researched by the scientific community. If, after self-treatment, your symptoms don’t begin to improve, or if you have a fever above 100.4 F see your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing as well as anyone who is under the care of a physician for a specific malady should always use caution when self-treating as many herbs are contraindicated. Always tell your doctor if you add herbs for healing to your regular daily routine.[pic]

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Christmas Open House

Saturday

December 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All items 5% discount

Grab bags / Refreshments / Seasonal Items

Special Gift Sets

Fellowship & Informal discussion about herbs

Email me for directions

[pic]

It’s the holiday season and so often a small gift is necessary but it’s hard to find anything under $10 these days. Handmade herbal soaps make surprisingly good gifts in such circumstances. They also make great hostess gifts or even tied to a package just to spruce it up a little.

And speaking of Spruce – I’ve made a great soap that is available at Christmas until it runs out: Frosted Fir Needle. It is antiviral and makes great lather. The wonderful Christmas tree aroma is always welcome. Evergreens contain properties that are aromatic and antimicrobial, making this soap perfect for cleansing hands to avoid colds and flu, as well as filling your home with memorable scents of the holiday season.

This soap comes with a special insert card that explains --

 How the Christmas Tree came to be: St. Boniface (born in England), who organized the Church in Germany in the 8th century, is credited with claiming the fir tree for Christianity. According to legend, St. Boniface chopped down an oak tree that was considered a tribute to the god Thor. Seeing a fir tree growing from its roots, he instructed the people: “This humble tree’s wood is used to build your homes: let Christ be at the centre of your households. Its leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days: let Christ be your constant light. Its boughs reach out to embrace, and its top points to heaven: let Christ be your Comfort and Guide.”

$7. To order, call or email how to order.

540.635.7073 or sondrancs@

 

 

Myrrh & Frankincense Soap – a Christmas favorite – is available now just as it has been for years in gold drawstring bags with a card that indicates why these tree resins might have been especially helpful to the mother of the Christ Child. To order, see my Website.

Many herbs can be found in tea form. But if you can’t find the tea, go to your nearest mercantile which sells herbs, purchase by the ounce, and make them into a tea the same way you would make loose black tea. For medicinal strength, you can just double the usual quantity of herbs.

Always feel free to contact me with questions.

And never take any herb you are not familiar with without research, especially if you are under the care of a doctor.

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