Herbal Use Guide

This guide is meant to serve as basic place to begin in helping you research, choose, and practice with the herbs that are most compatible with your needs. This is not the only resource you should consult and is not meant to be prescriptive. You know your body best.

The intention of these offerings is to share and develop my personal practice in working with plants as well as to support anyone who may benefit. For this reason you’ll find a product recipe included in each guide so that we can learn together and anyone interested can make their own.

IMMUNITEA

ELDERBERRY Sambucus Canadensis
Support: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, stress support, immune system support, support in illness recovery, high in vitamin C, respiratory support
Caution: Must cook before eating (using Elderberry for tea is safe because of the hot water used to brew)
Sourcing:

ECHINACEA

PEPPERMINT

IMMUNITEA RECIPE
_ parts organic, dried Sambucus canadenis berries

_ parts organic, dried Echinacea Purpura (can use a mixture of leaves, flowers, stems)

_ parts organic, dried Peppermint leaves

General Cautions

Pregnancy

People who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant should take extra precautions when ingesting herbal supplements and foods/medicines of all kinds. Some herbs are known to be potentially harmful during pregnancy and others we know less about while some are known to be helpful and supportive.

Disordered Moods

St. John’s Wort: I have found that St. Johns Wort can have an acute effect on my mood and temperament in unpleasant and unconstructive ways. When taking it I have felt an increase in anxiety. Many people report the opposite effect.

Auto Immune Disorders

Plants to Avoid:
Echinacea
Elderberry
Elderflower
Olive leaf
Goldenseal
Astragulus
cat’s claw
Asian Ginsings
St. Johns wort

Plants to use with caution:
Licorice root
Lemon Balm (esp. thyroid disorders)
Oatstraw (esp. celiac)
White willow bark
Soybean
Medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi, Maitake
Caffeine

Probiotics- Natural sources are best such as Sauerkraut, fermented veggies, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt

  1. Vitamin D- you can head outside in the sun to get this. Or for Vegans/vegetarians you can try Thornes vit D

  2. Vitamin A- from sources such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, Winter squash

  3. Vitamin E- From sources such as Avocados, Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds, Almonds, spinach, Butternut squash and olive oil

  4. Bone broth- Chicken or Turkey are best.

  5. Homeopathy- (Occillococcinum is great for the flu) 

  6. Fluids- try drinking liquids high in Vit. C such as orange juice or grapefruit juice. Lemon or lime juice are both very detoxing. Aloe juice helps support the lungs and inflammation

  7. Detox Baths- Try an apple cider vinegar bath with 2-4 c Vinegar in hot water.  Or try 1lb Himalayan sea salt for a 45min-1hr soak. You can also try an herb infused bath or essential oil bath.

  8. Essential Oils- It is imperative that you use high quality medicinal, therapeutic grade essential oils.  Detoxifying oils: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Wild orange. oils for immune support- Melaleuca, peppermint, rosemary, clove, ginger, marjoram.  Oils for assisting the body with cough- equal parts Lime, White fir, marjoram on the lungs. (Avoid Thyme, geranium and ylang ylang).