Today’s episode is about renewal, and how herbs can support your body as we move from winter’s stillness into the energy of spring.
We’ll discuss how spring affects our bodies energetically and physically, how traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view this season, and, of course, which herbs can help you align with the season of growth, clarity, and movement.
Picture by Brenda J. Sullivan
My little friend Chippy is awake and out of this den. This is Grey, they like to eat breakfast together. 🐿️ ❤️
Picture by DF
Barred Owl in my neighborhood.
Picture by Brenda J. Sullivan
I built the beehive, and it's ready to be placed in its permanent home in the garden. The bees will be arriving sometime in May. 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝
Product Links
(These are affiliate links and I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)
Nettle Infusion Setup: Ball Wide Mouth Clear Glass Canning Quart 32 Oz Mason Jars with Lids, 12 Pack.
Rose Quarts Facial Roller – BAIMEI IcyMe Jade Roller & Gua Sha, Face Roller Redness Reducing Skin Care Tools, Self Care Pink Gift for Men Women, Massager for Face, Eyes, Neck, Relieve Fine Lines and Wrinkles – Rose Quartz
Dry Brushing Body Brush – Natural Boar Bristle Dry Brush Set for Body and Face Brushing – Skin Brush that Revitalizes and Rejuvenates – Aids Lymph Flow, Alleviates Cellulite and Eliminates Toxins
Herbal Astrology One-on-One Consultations – Discover a holistic approach to wellness with our personalized consultation sessions. These sessions combine astrological insights and herbal knowledge to support your unique path and enhance your well-being.
Silymarin's Role in Liver Regeneration & Detoxification:
Hill, Judith. Medical Astrology – Discusses the liver's importance in vitality and detoxification, including herbal and planetary influences.
Paracelsus, The Archidoxes of Magic – Notes the alchemical principles behind herbal medicine and planetary rulerships.
Bartlett, Robert Allen. Real Alchemy – Describes the purification and transformation processes in herbal alchemy, which relate to liver detoxification.
2. Burdock Root & Blood/Lymphatic Detox
Burdock as a Blood Purifier and Lymphatic Support:
Hill, Judith. Medical Astrology – Describes how the blood and lymph are ruled by planetary forces and affected by seasonal shifts.
Andrea L. Gehrz, Astrological Remediation – Discusses how herbs like burdock root can counteract stagnation in the body's natural detox pathways.
Paracelsus, The Archidoxes of Magic – Explores the doctrine of signatures, which connects burdock’s deep roots to its ability to cleanse deeply.
3. Lemon Balm & Liver-Nervous System Connection
Lemon Balm’s Effect on Stress & Liver Function:
Gehrz, Andrea L. Astrological Remediation – Explains how stress impacts digestion and detoxification via planetary influences.
Hill, Judith. Medical Astrology – Connects lemon balm's planetary rulership (Moon and Mercury) with its ability to balance emotions and support detoxification.
Paracelsus, The Archidoxes of Magic – Discusses how herbs that affect the nervous system also influence digestion and detox processes.
4. Chlorophyll-Rich Foods & Detoxification
Chlorophyll's Role in Detox & Blood Oxygenation:
Bartlett, Robert Allen. Real Alchemy – Explains the role of plant-based elements like chlorophyll in spiritual and physical purification.
Hill, Judith. Medical Astrology – Discusses the connection between the body’s vitality and solar energy through chlorophyll-rich plants.
5. Spring Wellness Rituals & Detoxification
Spring Detox Practices & Movement for Liver Health:
Gehrz, Andrea L. Astrological Remediation – Discusses seasonal shifts and how movement influences planetary energies.
Hill, Judith. Medical Astrology – Highlights the importance of seasonal shifts in metabolism and how herbal remedies can enhance vitality.
Lilly, William. Christian Astrology – Notes the timing of seasonal changes and their effects on the body.
Show's Sponsor
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused, naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more success and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions for themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden,” “A Young Chef's Garden,” or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you learn by journaling about your garden!
Light and dark stand as equals at the Spring Equinox, reminding us that balance is not about stillness, but about movement—about knowing when to release and when to grow.
24 – The Herbalist’s New Year – Preparing for the Spring Equinox
Today's episode is really special because we're diving deep into the Spring Equinox – not just as a date on the calendar but as a pivotal moment for our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Links Mentioned:
🌿 Join My Patreon Community! 🌿
Love the podcast? Dive deeper into herbal wisdom, seasonal rituals, and exclusive content by joining my Patreon! ✨ As a member, you'll get: ✔ Monthly herbal & lunar insights 🌙 ✔ Exclusive DIY recipes & printable guides 📜 ✔ Free replays of online classes 🎥 ✔ Bi-annual personalized herbal consultations (Tier 3) 🌱
Celebrate the changing of the seasons with our Spring Equinox & Herbal Renewal Workshop!
As the day and night come into balance, so too can our bodies and minds. This 2-hour interactive session will explore how the Spring Equinox signals renewal, vitality, and cleansing and how we can use seasonal herbs and planetary influences to align with nature’s rhythms.
Spring Equinox & Herbal Renewal Workshop Zoom Version – Date: March 26, 2025 – Fee: $20
Herbal Astrology One-on-One Consultations – Discover a holistic approach to wellness with our personalized consultation sessions. These sessions combine astrological insights and herbal knowledge to support your unique path and enhance your well-being.
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more success and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions for themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden,” “A Young Chef's Garden,” or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you learn by journaling about your garden!
Today, I want to talk about how astrology and herbs can help us stay grounded and balanced. Whether you’ve faced personal challenges or you just feel overwhelmed by everyday life, creating intentional routines with herbs and astrology has been a game-changer for me. It’s not about treating a specific ailment—it’s about aligning with natural energies and finding balance in your well-being.
Throughout today’s episode, I’ll walk you through:
The four elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—and their significance in astrology.
How these elements show up in herbs and how you can use them to support emotional and physical well-being.
I’ll also share personal stories from my journey, plus practical tips for starting your own routine.
Herbal Astrology One-on-One Consultations– Discover a holistic approach to wellness with our personalized consultation sessions. These sessions combine astrological insights and herbal knowledge to support your unique path and enhance your well-being.
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused, naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich, moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
Brenda J. Sullivan
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more success and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions for themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden,” “A Young Chef's Garden,” or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you learn by journaling about your garden!
Music
A special thank you to Alexander Nakarada for writing and producing this music. I am a Patreon Member and support Alexander creatively.
I would love to hear about your experience trying out any recipes featured on our podcasts! Please follow us on all our social media outlets so you can stay up to date with all the new recipes we feature. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Smudging your house is an ancient practice used to cleanse and purify the space. It’s said to clear out old negative energy and invite in new positive energy.
Smudging is a traditional practice that has been used for centuries and is a popular tool in many spiritual communities today. It is a simple yet powerful way to reset and refresh energy and create a peaceful atmosphere by burning herbs or incense and releasing the smoke that carries away any old negative energy and invites in new, positive energy. Smudging can be used for various purposes, from cleansing your home to healing your body, mind, and spirit. In this blog post, we’ll explore smudging, how it works, why it’s important, and tips on how to smudge correctly.
Join me to learn about smudging and explore the various herbs used for this purpose.
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused, naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice infused into our products. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and as basic and pure as nature. Each bar contains fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more success and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions for themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden,” “A Young Chef's Garden,” or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you learn by journaling about your garden!
Music
A special thank you to Alexander Nakarada for writing and producing this music. I am a Patreon Member and support Alexander creatively.
We would love to hear about your experience trying out any recipes featured on our podcasts! Please follow us on all our social media outlets so you can stay up to date with all the new recipes we feature. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
May is Women's Health Month, and I'm sharing 5 herbs every woman should know about for better health, especially during their moon cycles. As women, we experience a wide range of hormonal fluctuations sometimes we can manage them without any additional support. But other times it can be debilitating. I'm sharing some things I've learned along my journey I wished I knew years ago when I first started my period.
It doesn't matter where you are in your stage of womanhood; there are some excellent herbs that can support you. Whether it's a young pre-teen feeling and seeing the changes to her body to a woman going through menopause. I share 5 herbs that can support women through their cycles no matter what stage she is at.
Today we're talking about garden planning. Gardening for beginners shouldn't be complicated. Every gardener needs a planting plan. I'll talk about how to plan a simple garden layout for herbs and vegetables.
I'll review a simple colonial-type garden and mention some medicinal herbs that are still grown today from that time period. Then ask you to think about what kind of garden you want to create. An herbal tea garden, a vegetable garden, or a little of everything.
Personally, I'm thinking about adding more flowers. Some for dyeing yarns and fabrics and other flowers for making flower essences.
📰 Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about herbs, promotions, and news we have to share.
👩🏼👩🦳 Join us every Sunday at 10 AM EDT for Herb Talk Live! On Youtube, Facebook, and Clubhouse with my Co-host Theresa Valendzas, she is a health coach, author, and owner of Altraform. Please check her out and subscribe and like her social media as well. You can find her at https://www.altraform.pro/
⚖️ Disclaimer: The information presented in this show is for informational, reference, and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for a diagnosis and/or treatment. All health-related questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.
👩🌾🛁 Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more successes and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions on themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden”, “A Young Chef's Garden”, or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you will learn by journaling about your garden!
Social Media
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Today I'm sharing some simple recipes you can make using aphrodisiacs. There is a lot of history behind the herbal action aphrodisiacs. Some medicinal herbs have multiple herbal actions. Aphrodisiacs can also include herbs as natural antidepressants, increased energy for women and men, better sleep, and yes, improving sex for men with erectile dysfunction and women who have a low sex drive (or just improve your sex in general). We talk about it all!
Recipes we talk about are teas, easy treats such as energy balls, massage oil that soothes sore muscles after a workout, and an easy decadent chocolate treat. This is a recipe that's been in my family for generations.
📰 Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about herbs, promotions, and news we have to share.
👩🏼👩🦳 Join us every Sunday at 10 AM EDT for Herb Talk Live! On Youtube, Facebook, and Clubhouse with my Co-host Theresa Valendzas, she is a health coach, author, and owner of Altraform. Please check her out and subscribe and like her social media as well. You can find her at https://www.altraform.pro/
⚖️ Disclaimer: The information presented in this show is for informational, reference, and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for a diagnosis and/or treatment. All health-related questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.
👩🌾🛁 Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more successes and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions on themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden”, “A Young Chef's Garden”, or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you will learn by journaling about your garden!
Social Media
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Living and Lovin Herbs Website: https://livingandlovinherbs.com/
Farm to Bath Website: https://www.farmtobath.com/
Instagram: @livingandlovinherbspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingandlovinherbspodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Twitter: @Livingandlovin6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuuHD-5N2tPYDbWwI4wzIJA
Thompson Street Farm LLC: https://thompsonstreetfarm.com/
Brenda J. Sullivan Books: https://brendajsullivanbooks.com/
Valentines Day is days away, do you want to make the most out of it? Join Theresa Valendzas as we talk about herbs and foods that have historically been associated with aphrodisiacs. Do they really work? We talk about the types of aphrodisiac foods, how aphrodisiacs relate to herbalism, health, wellness, and how we can use herbs in recipes for improved health.
Join us as we get into it and have a little ancient herbal medicine. This discussion is for both partnered and single people – we have some great ideas for you as well!
📰 Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about herbs, promotions, and news we have to share.
www.livingandlovinherbs.com/friday
📚 Check out all our books!
www.Brendajsullivanbooks.com
~ ~ ~ N E W R E L E A S E ~ ~ ~
Counting Trees: Counting Book For Toddlers Coloring Book Included (Kids Count Series)
👩🏼👩🦳 Join us every Sunday at 10 AM EDT for Herb Talk Live! On Youtube, Facebook, and Clubhouse with my Co-host Theresa Valendzas, she is a health coach, author, and owner of Altraform. Please check her out and subscribe and like her social media as well. You can find her at https://www.altraform.pro/
⚖️ Disclaimer: The information presented in this show is for informational, reference, and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for a diagnosis and/or treatment. All health-related questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.
Companies and products / Books I personally use and recommend
(Affiliates)
🌿 Mountain Rose Herbs –
https://livingandlovinherbs.com/Rose
📚🌿 Herbal Academy –
https://livingandlovinherbs.com/HA
Get Theresa's Book!!!
Heart-Centered Wellness Version 1 and 2: with Theresa WV by Theresa Velendzas and Deborah Zafiropoulos (Illustrator) https://amzn.to/3GYIrc1
👩🌾🛁 Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more successes and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions on themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden”, “A Young Chef's Garden”, or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you will learn by journaling about your garden!
Social Media
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
“The American Diet is killing us!” Brenda J. Sullivan – Google images creative commons license (click here to view picture)
Join me and my co-host Theresa Velendzas, Health Coach and owner of Altraform as I review the book by Dr. Jason Fung, The Complete Guide to Fasting, Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting.
What herbs does Dr. Fung list in his book? We review them, and in addition, I recommend a list of herbs he didn't mention that can lower insulin and some of the ways you can take them. This show was recorded live on Clubhouse and YouTube.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this show is for informational, reference, and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for a diagnosis and/or treatment. All health-related questions should be directed to your healthcare provider.
Dr. Fung's Two Compartment Model explained in his video lecture series – Graphic by Brenda J. Sullivan (click here to view picture)
Dr. Fung's Fasting Model explained in his video lecture series – graphic by Brenda J. Sullivan (click here to view picture)
Herbs That Keep Insulin Low
When fasting, many of these herbs can be used as a tea or herbal infusion (a single herb infused for 24 hours before drinking.) or incorporated into your meal.
Rose
Peppermint
Dead Nettle
Dandelion Root (also lowers blood sugar)
Rosehips (also lowers blood sugar)
Burdock Root (also lowers blood sugar)
Lemon Balm
Hibiscus
Green Tea
Cinnamon
Garlic (added to food)
Oats – (Steel-cut or grouts – not instant or quick-cooking oats)
Bitter Melon (also lowers blood sugar)
Black Tea
Oolong Tea
Artichokes (vegetable and leaves can be used as a tea or infusion)
Turmeric
Gentian
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with Mother) – 1 – 2 tablespoons diluted in 8 – 12 ounces of water before meals or at bedtime)
Videos I Recommend Watching
Dr. Jason Fung: Different Ways to Fast for Weight Loss
There are many different ways to fast. Classic intermittent fasting only allows water. But, for weight loss, there are many different variations of fasting that produce great results. Dr. Jason Fung discusses 8 different ways that you can change up your fasting routine for weight loss.
Dr. Jason Fung’s 6 Part Lecture Series On Obesity – (2013 Lecture Series)
The Obesity Code Lecture (Why do we get Fat?) Part 1
Unlocking the code of why obesity became such a massive epidemic since the 1970s. A scientific exploration with a surprising conclusion of how obesity developed. Practical tips on weight management and good health. Why calorie counting fails for many people. For more see
Hormones in Weight Loss (The Obesity Code Lecture part 2)
Insulin and cortisol are key hormones in weight loss. Our body gains or loses fat based on the hormonal instructions we give it. When insulin is high, we store fat. We discuss why the Atkins diet lost popularity for a time and why it rebounded in new forms. The role of the stress hormone cortisol in weight loss.
Reversing Insulin Resistance (The Obesity Code Lecture part 3)
Exploring the role of insulin resistance and diet. How hormonal obesity theory explains the epidemiology of obesity.
Fructose and Fasting (The Obesity Code Lecture 4)
Why fructose and sugar intake plays such a major role in weight gain and diabetes. Intermittent fasting is a great method of reversing insulin resistance and losing weight.
Diet and Disease (The Obesity Code Lecture part 5)
Exploring the link between diet and disease. How are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and cancer linked to our diet? Understanding this association leads to fascinating new treatment possibilities.
Reviews primitive cultures who were healthy until westernized with highly refined foods. These cultures ate high fat and carbohydrate diets and had the lowest insulin numbers and were healthy with little disease.
Is eating saturated fat bad for us? Does eating fat cause obesity? Heart disease? Stroke? How did we become so fat phobic? Are vegetable oils healthy? A critical look at the wealth of scientific data suggests that eating fat (total) and saturated fat might actually protect us from disease.
US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health: Vinegar Consumption Increases Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by the Forearm Muscle in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4438142/
PubMed.gov: Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16015276/
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How-To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more successes and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions on themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden”, “A Young Chef's Garden”, or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you will learn by journaling about your garden!
Music
A special thank you to Gene Tullio for writing and producing this music. He has given me special permission to use this song for the show.
Gene's music can be downloaded from Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. For more information please contact him at dreamshipmusic@gmail.com
Album: The Dreamship| The Forge Of Life| Copyright 2018
Social Media Links
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
google images creative commons – we need clean air
Today's show is about herbs for healthier lungs. If you live in an area that has poor air quality then you'll want to listen and find out how to protect your lungs.
Google Images, creative common – Hartford, CT – worst air quality in the northeastGoogle Images, creative commons – the US isn't the only country with poor air quality. It's a global problem!Google Images, creative commons – Smoke from wildfires out west are causing serious health issues.
Relief On Bad Air Quality Days
Use a good air purifier for the home that uses a type of filter called HEPA (high-efficiency particle air). These filters trap harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, smoke, and other pollutants floating in the air.
2. Decrease Inflammation – many people that suffer from chronic lung issues may have food allergies or food sensitivities and may not be unaware. The two most common at the top of the list are gluten/wheat and dairy.
Eliminate these foods as much as possible and eat a whole food-rich diet. As we say, eat the rainbow of vegetables, dark leafy greens, berries, wild foods, herbs, spices.
3. Vitamin D decreases inflammation and improves the immune system. Ask your doctor to do a blood test to measure how much Vitamin D is in your body. Women tend to get deficient as we age.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil also decrease inflammation and helps the body repair itself.
5. Medicinal Mushrooms – Reishi, cordyceps, and Chaga have properties that help rebuild and repair damaged lung tissue.
According to Maria Noel Groves, author of Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care (2016, pg. 133).
“All of our medicinal mushrooms have immune-supportive benefits, but reishi and cordyceps strengthen respiratory function and structure. When used regularly, they make you less susceptible to repeat infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, boost oxygen utilization, decrease fatigue, improve red blood cells, and modulate the immune response.
Chaga also seems to aid respiratory health. Some relief may be noted within a few days, but the effects build over a few weeks or months. They are generally safe to take.”
Aromatic Herbs help fight infection and have some antimicrobial effects, enhancing the body's immune response. Aromatics also open the lungs, relieve spasms.
Aromatic herbs are best taken as a warm tea, tincture, food (soup), or infused in honey (for example, fermented garlic and honey) or steam inhalation.
Herbs perfect as a tea or fermented in honey (garlic)
Thyme (steam inhalation)
Pine needles (tea/steam inhalation)
Balsam needles (tea/steam inhalation)
Oregano (tea / steam inhalation / food)
Bee balm (tea)
Hyssop (tea)
Raw garlic – (fermented in honey (for six weeks)/food)
Neti Pot – Irrigating your nasal using a neti pot for sinus relief is recommended.
Understand the difference between an herb that is an Expectorant and a Demulcent. Because depending on your symptoms, you may not need an expectorant but a demulcent or a combination of both.
What specific herbs are best for lung and respiratory support?
Peppermint: Herbs high in aromatic essential oils can help decrease inflammation and open bronchial, which increased lung capacity. Peppermint can also reduce muscle pain and spasms and aids in digestion. Note: if you suffer from reflux or GERD, do not drink peppermint in high doses.
Chamomile: This is an herb that is perfect for children who have sensitivity to smoke from brush fires. It can be made strong, and it also a calming herb. If steeped for a long time, there is a slightly bitter taste perfect for better digestion.
Chamomile tea can be used as an eyewash for raw irritates eyes. Make a cup of tea and allow it to cool. Take the teabag out of your cup and gently place it over your eyes and squeeze a small amount of tea out.
Turmeric is known to be an antioxidant and has compounds that reduce inflammation. This herb can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in dried form and high doses. Turmeric is also known to reduce heart disease and increase brain function.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) herbalists use licorice root because of their demulcent properties.
It protects the mucous membranes from excessive particle pollution. Small amounts of licorice root should be added to tea recipes and should be drunk for no more than 10 – 14 days is recommended.
Note: This herb can increase blood pressure, low potassium levels, weakness, paralysis, irregular heart rhythms, and heart attack. People who eat a lot of salt or have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to licorice. They can have these problems after eating smaller amounts of licorice.
Marshmallow Root is another wonderful demulcent. It helps to protect those with sensitive mucous membranes. Its also cooling and soothes the entire system, specifically constipation associated with stress.
Lavender is an herb that helps reduce anxiety and stress. Lavender tea should be made strong; the aroma will help relax and aid in breathing capacity.
Echinacea is known for stimulating the immune system, which also reduces inflammation in the body by decreasing the chances of getting sick while under stress. It can be taken as tea, tincture, or capsules.
Reishi Mushroom – this herb is a Super Hero Herb! It's one of the most studied herbs around. It has a long list of healing properties to list here. For our purposes, it boosts the immune system and aids in lung conditions, including asthma and bronchitis. It is an adaptogenic herb and helps reduce the heightened stress response in the body.
Reishi can also be taken long-term in either tincture or capsule form.
Mullein is another herbalist's go-to for lung issues. Mullen is best known for being uses as a lung tonic for either a wet or dry cough. It can be taken as tea, tincture, or capsules.
Lobelia is a bronchial dilator and antispasmodic, which helps with bronchitis, pneumonia, or a general cough. Lobelia can become toxic in the body and cause serious side effects. This herb should not be taken in large doses or for long periods of time. This herb should be taken in small doses in tincture form or tea.
Tulsi or Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum spp.) Another favorite of mine. Holy Basil is an adaptogen that helps reduce the feeling of overwhelm and general stress. This herb can be taken daily as a tea or capsule.
Ashwagandha is another herb I take daily to help with the feeling of overwhelming. This herb is an adaptogen. It comes in a powder and can be sprinkled in drinks such as coffee, milk (e.g., Golden Milk). This herb can also be taken in tincture form or capsules.
Garlic herbal actions are antimicrobial, diaphoretic, hypocholesterolemic, cholagogue, hypotensive, antispasmodic.
If used daily, garlic helps to support the body in various ways that no other herb can match. It has been effective in antimicrobial, acting on bacteria, viruses, and parasites of the alimentary tract. The volatile oils are excreted via the lungs, making garlic helpful in controlling a respiratory infection, such as chronic bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, recurrent colds, and influenza. (Hoffmann 2003)
Garlic can be used as preventive medicine against most infectious conditions, digestive and respiratory systems. In the digestive tract, garlic is thought to support natural bacterial flora development while killing pathogenic organisms. (Hoffmann 2003)
Garlic also has a wide range of effects on cardiovascular health. It can reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). It can act as an effective inhibitor of platelet-activating factor (PAF). (Hoffmann 2003)
I ferment a half jar of finely chopped garlic in local honey for six weeks. If I feel a little stuffy or have a raw sore throat, I'll take a tablespoon of fermented garlic and honey 3 x day or until the symptoms go away.
Raw Honey has been used as a folk remedy for centuries, and research has shown it has many health benefits and medicinal uses. In some hospitals, they use honey to treat burns and wounds.
For sore throats and stuffy noses, honey in a cup of hot water with lemon and ginger can go a long way in relieving those symptoms. Many herbalists (me including) reach for our jar of fermented garlic and honey on the first hint of a sore throat; however, don't give children under one because honey can carry botulism.
Corn Silk (Zea mays) stamen has been used for many centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American Medicine.
Corn silk is taken for depression, inflammation of the prostate, inflammation of the unitary system, kidney stones, congestive heart failure, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease, high cholesterol, jaundice, liver health, obesity, to name a few conditions.
Most herbalists add corn silk to their cold and flu remedies for calming inflammation and fatigue when sick. Corn silk can be taken as a tea, capsules, and tincture.
Plantain (Plantago spp.) seed husk is known as an unwanted weed in manicured lawns in my area; plantain has several health benefits such as reducing inflammation and blocks microbial growth in wounds and the body. Many herbalists add plantain to their teas as a supporting herb to their herbal remedies. We can use plantain as a tea, capsule, or tincture.
Irish Moss / Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus) This herb has been around for centuries and is known in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Caribbean Islands such as Jamaica. The algae has been used in skincare products to making paper, curing leather, and cheese.
However, herbalists also use sea moss in their apothecaries for centuries to heal burns, boost the immune system and probiotics, to name a few benefits.
According to WebMD, researchers have been doing studies on whether sea moss can slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's Disease in order adults with some promising results. Other studies have suggested that sea moss can boost the immune system and protect the body from contracting salmonella.
For our purposes for treating the lungs and respiratory system, I would consider this herb a supporting herb in any remedy. It's important to note that a little goes a long way. Sea moss can be taken in capsules, or taking the dried moss rehydrating it in water, and either making it into a gel or in whole to a smoothie, soup, or stew. A small amount can go a long way.
Mallow is a demulcent, and its secondary action is an expectorant which makes it the perfect primary herb in any herbal remedy. Its primary use is for irritated throat, dry cough, and bronchitis. We can use this herb as a green in cooking, tea, tincture.
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
My Garden Journal: A How To Garden Book For Kids| Gardening is a learned skill – everyone has to start somewhere, and a journal provides the best way to improve your gardening skills to ensure more successes and fewer failures.
The intent of this journal is to simultaneously teach basic gardening techniques while providing a place to record your journey with important information about the “how, when, and where” to grow food and flowers.
There are suggestions on themed gardens such as “A Harry Potter Garden”, “A Young Chef's Garden”, or a “Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden” for budding Naturalists and places to either sketch or photograph your plants to remember their appearance for the next growing season.
You'll be amazed at how much you will learn by journaling about your garden!
Music
A special thank you to Gene Tullio for writing and producing this music. He has given me special permission to use this song for the show.
Gene's music can be downloaded from Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. For more information please contact him at dreamshipmusic@gmail.com
Album: The Dreamship| The Forge Of Life| Copyright 2018
Social Media Links
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.
Living and Lovin Herbs Website: https://livingandlovinherbs.com/ Instagram: @livingandlovinherbspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingandlovinherbspodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour Twitter: @Livingandlovin6 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuuHD-5N2tPYDbWwI4wzIJA Thompson Street Farm LLC: https://thompsonstreetfarm.com/ Brenda J. Sullivan Books: https://brendajsullivanbooks.com/