Herb Spotlight: Lady's Mantle

Another beautiful herb in my Lady’s Herb tea is Lady’s Mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris. It may not be as well-known as Red Raspberry Leaf, yet this herb has a rich tradition in Europe for supporting a woman’s health. The Latin name, Alchemilla, refers to its common nickname “herb of the alchemist” stemming from this herb being both associated with the Virgin Mary and the belief that the dew collected from this plant has magical properties useful in alchemy(1,).

Lady’s Mantle is highly astringent. The plant contains tannins similar to what is found in tea. This is part of the properties that make the herb so beneficial for excessive bleeding. It is most often used in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding but it also works topically on sores and wounds to reduce inflammation and help the body heal faster. The herb is also used for cases of diarrhea.(1,2,3,4)

Lady’s Mantle is beneficial at all stages of a woman’s life and is often combined with Red Raspberry Leaf (3), as I have with Lady’s Herb tea. It can be taken to lessen chances of hemorrhaging during childbirth and is beneficial postpartum. Some women also take it as an infusion in the week prior to menstruation to ease heavy flows and to benefit from its sedative qualities to reduce cramping.(1,3,4)

Native to Europe, Lady’s Mantle also grows well in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. It is low growing and has green accordion-like leaves. The flowers are small and greenish to slightly yellow. If you grow this herb, harvest it in June or July when it is flowering. Flowers and leaves are the most commonly used parts.(1,5)

This herb is considered safe both in dosing and frequency but as always, consult with an herbalist or your doctor before you take this in therapeutic doses.(3)

Resources:

1. Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Healing for Women. Simon & Schuster. 1993. p.176, 199, 245
2. Hoffmann, David. The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press. 1998. p.148
3. Whelan, Richard. Lady’s Mantle. Retrieved on May 1, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/ladys_mantle.html
4. Nina from shalommamma.com. Lady’s Mantle an Herb for All Stages of Life (+ Happy Uterus Tea Recipe). Retrieved on May 1, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.modernalternativepregnancy.com/2013/04/01/ladys-mantle-an-herb-for-all-stages-of-life-happy-uterus-tea-recipe/
5. Fetrow, Charles W., Pharm. D. and Avila, Juan R., Pharm. D. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Pocket Books. 2000. p.321-322

Behind the Scenes: Moon Teas

Do you pay attention to the moon cycles?

Are you interested in making relaxing teas for yourself?

One of the things I do is pay attention to the moon cycles. If you have not tried it, it is simple to get started. Start paying attention to the new moon and the full moon. Each phase of the moon has its own qualities yet I find the new and full moons have a particular pull for me. Tomorrow is the new moon and a great time to start.

In fact the new (or dark) moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle. It is the time when things turn inward and begin to germinate. A great time to dream and plan new projects happens at this phase. Many women menstruate at this time too. The new moon is about slowing down, gathering energy, and renewing focus. I generally focus on self-care and keeping my calendar as light as possible during the new moon.

The full moon is the opposite. It is a time of high energy, of action, and seeing things come to fruition. This is a great time to be taking steps to implement your new projects dreamed of during the new moon. It is about using the energy you gathered at the dark moon and directing it to create something new or to accomplish your goals.

The energy of each moon is strong the day before, the day of, and the day after. Making moon teas are a great way to take in the energy of each moon. Once you create your moon tea, enjoy a cup of it each evening. It is best taken cold or at room temperature but not heated. The energy of the moon is a cooler energy than the sun.

I generally do not enjoy rose beverages but in this combination it is delicate and subtle. Rose is a feminine herb, making it great for moon teas and getting in touch with the yin aspects of the moon. Dandelion cleanses the liver and kidneys. I am using it here as a release of the old in terms of the new moon energy. Be sure to drink this early in the evening as Dandelion is a diuretic. Cinnamon brings a little warmth and spice to the blend. I find it to be a grounding herb for myself and hope you will enjoy its benefits here.

As traditionally used in herbal recipes, my measurements are in parts. This allows you to measure the herbs as you are comfortable, whether that is ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, etc, and keeping with the ratios. The measurement you choose needs to remain consistent throughout.

Melissa’s Moon Tea Recipe

1 part dried Dandelion leaf

1 part Cinnamon chips

½ part dried Rose (petals or small flower buds)

Directions:

• Gather a quart size mason jar with lid.
• Place about an ounce of the herb blend into the jar.
• Fill jar with filtered or spring water.
• Cover and place outside or on a windowsill overnight in an area that receives moon light.
• Strain herbs and place tea in a new jar. Refrigerate until ready to drink. Drink within a couple of days.

Fireside Evenings Hot Toddy

Ready to expand your tea drinking?

On a whim this weekend, well really it was after a very disappointing Moscow Mule during dinner out, I decided to make a version of a hot toddy when we got home. A hot toddy is generally a combination of hot water, lemon, honey, and alcohol. Earlier this winter I was introduced to tea hot toddies at a happy hour but hadn’t made one at home.

Putting together this simple recipe I had two thoughts.

Why haven’t I made these already?

and

What else can I make using my teas?

The recipe below is how I created my Fireside Evenings Hot Toddy. Look for more recipes in the future that combine Leaf & Twig teas for more delicious ways to enjoy them.

Fireside Evenings Hot Toddy

1 heaping teaspoon Fireside Evenings Tea

1 cup Hot Water

1/2-3/4 shot of Honey

1/2-3/4 shot of Vodka (I used Tito’s)

• Place Fireside Evenings Tea in a French press or tea strainer
• Add 1 cup of hot water
• Steep for 5 minutes
• Stir in Honey and Vodka
• Enjoy while hot

Herb Spotlight: Red Raspberry Leaf

One of quintessential herbs for women’s health, Red Raspberry Leaf, Rubus idaeus, has been used by since ancient Greece. This astringent herb is combined in Lady’s Herb tea with other herbs beneficial for a woman’s well-being. With the upcoming new moon and the moon relating to a woman’s cycle, it seems appropriate to talk about this herb.

Red Raspberry Leaf comes from a deciduous shrub that is found in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, and Asia. (1) The young new teas are the ones selected for herbal infusions and tisanes. (2) The leaves are lobed and sharp-toothedwith smooth surfaces on top along with white hairs on the bottom. (1)

People tend to turn to this herb for situations where a woman experiences excessive menstrual bleeding as well as menstrual cramps. Even though it is most commonly thought about for these situations, this herb is also used for gastrointestinal relief (Balch, 2012, p.120), lowering blood sugar (Balch, 2012, p.120), respiratory disorders (Medscape, 2016, Suggested Uses), and diarrhea (Johnson, Foster, Low Dog, & Kiefer, 2010, p.303). (3, 4, 5, 1) Some of the traditional uses for the herb are as a gargle for sore throats, using the boiled leaves to apply to wounds and skin ulcers, and the berries have been used as a laxative. (1)

Most commonly used as a uterine tonic, the herb’s fragarine and tannins tone and relax the pelvic and uterine muscles. (3) Several studies have been conducted in terms of women and labor with results showing consumption of red raspberry leaf can shorten labor. (6, 7) Check in with your doctor, midwife, doula, or herbal practitioner if you are pregnant as it can stimulate the uterus.

Resources:

1. Johnson, Rebecca; Foster, Steven; Low Dog, Tieraona, M.D.; and Kiefer, David, M.D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs. National Geographic. 2010. p.301-303
2. Liversidge, Cassie. Homegrown Tea. St. Martin’s Griffin, New York. 2014. p.82-87
3. Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Healing for Women. Simon & Schuster. 1993. p.177, 253-254
4. Balch, Phyllis, CNC. Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd edition. Avery. 2012. p.120-121
5. Raspberry Leaf. Medscape. (Retrieved on March 20, 2016) Retrieved from: http://reference.medscape.com/drug/red-raspberry-rubus-idaeus-raspberry-leaf-344515#0
6. Parsons, M., Simpson, M., Ponton, T. Raspberry Leaf and its Effect on Labour: Safety and Efficacy. Originally published in Aust Coll Midwives Inc Journal, 1999 Sept; 12(3):20-5. (Retrieved on March 16, 2016.) Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10754818
7. Assessment Report on Rubus idaeus L., folium. European Medicines Agency. Published on January 28, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2014/03/WC500163552.pdf

Behind the Scenes: Herbal Oils

Herbs are beautiful. I love blending them for my teas and tisanes. This winter I have been using them in oils. It is the easiest thing to make herbed oils. I wrote about how to make oils and what to use in a guest post recently. You can read it here.

My herbal oils are a way for me to play. Many of the herbs we enjoy in teas make great skin healing herbs as well. Lavender, chamomile, and calendula are the three I discuss in my guest post. I am also using Rose Buds and Lemon Balm.

It is so easy to get started! Purchase canning jars, the organic dried herbs of your choice, and oil. I use cold-pressed olive oil but many other oils are great to use too. How I prepare my oils: the dried herbs go into a canning jar with the oil and are sealed to sit on my sunny southern-facing windowsill to blend together. They set for anywhere from 4-8 weeks. This makes it easy as it takes five minutes to put it all together and then you do not have to do anything until it is time to strain the herbs from the oil.

I generally try to start my oils on either a new moon or a full moon. New moons are great times for going inward and resting. Full moons are a time of activity and bringing things to fruition. I base what benefits I want and the herbs themselves to determine if I start on a new or a full moon. Lavender, Chamomile, and Rose are great relaxing and rejuvenating herbs and I generally start my oils on the new moon when I use them.

Once I have my oils ready, I will use them as they are or turn them into lotions and salves. Oils make a great touch for after a hot shower or bath. You will want to use a small amount and really work it into your skin so you do not stain your clothes or slip as you walk.

Making lotions and salves are easy too and require a little extra time. The one I have pictured is calendula and lavender infused olive oils with shea butter and beeswax. It’s a gentle lotion I use on both my face and body to combat the winter dryness.

What are your favorite herbal oils to make? What do you enjoy about using herbal oils?

Herb Spotlight: Elderberry

Have you noticed how many people are feeling poorly this winter? It seems that every week this winter someone I know is getting sick. This makes it the perfect time of year for Winter Comfort, an immune supporting tisane. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is one of the herbs in the blend.

Elderberry is commonly used for respiratory illnesses, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections.(1) In England, this large shrub was often called “nature’s medicine chest” (2) as the flowers and berries were taken internally and the leaves and branches used for external applications. It is commonly grown in North America and is native to Europe. You will also find Elder (as it is also called) in Western Asia and North Africa.

The elder was seen as a protective plant. (3) It grows up to 25’ tall and can be found on stream and river banks and open spaces. The white-cream flowers are star-shaped and grow in clusters. Both the flowers and the berries are used in teas and tinctures with the berries also used for jam, wine, syrup, and pie. (4)

Part of this herb’s effectiveness is that it helps to reduce congestion, stimulates sweating, is mildly laxative, and diuretic. Research has shown that elderberry can block cell recognition of the H1N1 virus which prevents it from entering the cell. Elderberry can help lessen the amount of time not feeling well. (5)

Because of the compounds found in elderberries, you want to make this tea hot in order to cook the berries to enhance both the benefits of the berries and their taste. The leaves and branches are poisonous and should not be taken internally. (6) Avoid if pregnant. Be aware that the effects of elderberry may affect medications for diabetes and lupus as well as laxatives and diuretics.

---

Resources

(1)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html

(2)Balch, Phyllis, CNC. Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd edition. Avery. 2012. p.63

(3)Johnson, Rebecca; Foster, Steven; Low Dog, Tieraona, M.D.; and Kiefer, David, M.D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs. National Geographic. 2010. p.71-72

(4)Common Elderberry. Retrieved on January 10, 2017. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_sanic4.pdf 

(5)Elderberry. Retrieved on January 10, 2017. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/elderberry-01

(6)Fetrow, Charles W., Pharm. D. and Avila, Juan R., Pharm. D. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Pocket Books. 2000. p.192