http://www.meadowsweet-herbs.com/article/herbal-foundations-seed-program-in-bozeman/

Location:

• What direction is the garden facing?
• How much space do you have to work with?
• Are there any problem areas or areas you want to compliment?
• Are there and competing plants, trees or other gardens?
• How will it get watered and how often?
• What is the access to water?
• What else is around the garden (MSWT: driveway, foundation, drain pipe, road, stores)?
• What is its exposure to: wind, foot traffic, pets, children, wildlife, and road salt?

Sun:

• Full Sun: At least 6 full hours of direct sunlight. Many sun loving plants enjoy more than 6 hours per day, but need regular water to endure the heat.
• Partial Sun/Partial Shade: These 2 terms are often used interchangeably to mean 3-6 hours of sun each day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon.
• Partial Sun: Greater emphasis is put on the plant receiving the minimal sun requirements.
• Partial Shade: The plant will need some relief from the intense late afternoon sun, either from shade provided by a nearby tree or planting it on the east side of a building.
• Dappled Sun: Is similar to partial shade. This is when the sun that makes its way through the branches of a tree. Woodland plants and underplantings prefer this type of sunlight to even the limited direct exposure they would get from partial shade.
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day, with filtered sunlight during the rest of the day. Full shade does not mean no sun. There aren’t many plants, except mushrooms, that can survive in the dark.

Components of Soil:

• Humus (organic material): Plays a crucial role in soil characteristics and fertility for plant life. Make sure to compost – it will vastly increase the nutrient content of your soil!
• You may want the soil to be poor: herbs make better medicine when they struggle (low water means high essential oil content). Not true for nutritional herbs. Roots of herbs need to be able to grow deep.
• Mineral composition: Made up of finely ground rock particles, grouped according to size as sand, silt and clay. Each size plays a significantly different role in the soil.
• Soil type is determined by the ratio of humus and mineral composition:

1. Sandy soil has lots of air and fast drainage; it doesn’t hold many nutrients.
2. Sandy loam mix
3. Loam is composed of sand, silt and clay in relatively even concentration (about 40-40-20% concentration respectively). This soil type is considered ideal for gardening and agriculture.
4. Clay loam
5. Clay is the smallest of soil particles. Clay is smooth when dry and sticky when wet. Lots of clay gives you heavy soil. Clay also can hold a lot of nutrients, but doesn’t let air and water through it well. It is chemically active, binding with water and plant nutrients, but it is hard medium for roots to grow.
6. Silty loam
7. Silt is a soil particle whose size is between sand and clay.
   

Soil pH:

• Acidic (Less than 7.0)
• Neutral (7.0)
• Alkaline (Over 7.0)
• A pH reading between 6.5 and 7.0 generally produces the best herbs

Liver:

No cleanse is complete without flushing out our major filter organ: the liver. Whenever I do a fast, I always do a liver cleanse as well. Following are a couple excellent ways to help detoxify the liver:

Liver Flush:

• 1 cup fresh citrus juice
• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• Dash Ginger and Cayenne
• 1 clove garlic

Mix ingredients together in a blender and drink every morning for 7 – 10 days. Take three days off and start again for additional cleansing (do this entire process up to 3 times).

Digestive System:

The digestive tract is where we break down foods, absorb nutrients and eliminate indigestible plant fibers as well as waste products from the liver. Every once in a while, consider giving this system a break from food with a short fast.

Psyllium Seed: also known as Plantago ovata, is a native of the Middle East. The seeds are water soluble and expand when they get wet, making them an excellent bulking laxative. The seeds are absorptive and aid in the process of waste and toxin elimination for the digestive tract. They have been used for constipation, fasting, IBS and diarrhea. They are excellent during fasting or cleansing to encourage proper transit time daily bowel movements.

Digestive Bitters: This traditional herbal extract stimulates the secretions of enzymes and digestive juices to promote better digestion of food. Good to use before or after a heavy meal. Encourages proper digestion when introducing new foods to the diet. Brings relief from occasional gas, bloating, burping, and indigestion. For best results take 10-15 drops on the tip of the tongue 15 minutes before a meal.

Lungs:

Our lungs provide the gas exchange for our body, bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. As air come into our lungs, it is moistened and heated. In our modern world, our lungs also deal with an extreme amount of air pollution and particulates. For this reason, it is beneficial to give them extra care and support.

Essential Oils: help to clean and disinfect the air we breathe. They are a great way to treat lung ailments topically: simply hold some to your nose and breathe deeply! They can also be used as a chest rub (add 10 drops to 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil), in a diffuser, in the bath or sprinkled on your pillow at night. Some of my favorites for the respiratory system include Eucalyptus, Thyme linalol, and Rosemary.

Kidneys:

Our kidneys are our most important organs for water and electrolyte balance in the body. To support your kidneys, make sure you drink a minimum of 8 cups of water per day. Coffee and soda don’t count, but the good news is that diluted juice and herbal tea do!

Diuretics: are a group of herbs that encourage you to pee. This is a great way to flush the urinary tract and kidneys, as well as eliminating excess water from the body. Make sure you drink plenty of water when using diuretics so as not to dehydrate yourself. Some of our best diuretics include Nettles, Dandelion leaf and Goldenrod.

Skin:

Dry Brushing: is an invigorating way to move the lymph and stimulate the skin and the immune system. It is best done in the morning before a shower or bath. Use a natural bristle body brush and start at your extremities. Working the brush towards your heart ensures your lymph moves in the right direction.

Wednesdays May 16 – September 5
1-4pm

An In-depth Program in Herbal Medicine

The Inspiration
Make a deeper connection to the earth. Discover the healing properties of medicinal plants – a special and unique part of our world. Herbal Foundations is an in-depth, three-part herbal studies program. Come on a journey with us and experience an intimate connection with healing herbs native to the Northern Rocky Mountains. We will study medicinal plants easily grown in our northern climate as well as some special exotics. Learn how to grow herbs and how essential oils are made. Explore using herbs for different body systems. Learn the art and science of medicine making. Students will foster a life long relationship with herbs as we explore the healing power of plants and the study of herbal medicine.

The SEED Program (The original Herbal Foundations program)
Herbs for Body Systems: Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Nervous System, Reproductive System, Kidneys and Bladder, Liver and Digestive System, Skin, Muscular Skeletal System, Lymphatic System, Immune System

Medicine Making: Medicine making tools, Herb drying and processing, Capsule making, Tinctures, Cough syrups, Salves, Herbal oils, Teas, Decoctions, Poultices, Liniments, Hydrotherapy

Field Trips: Wildcrafting, Rocky Mountain Lavender

Other Classes: Wildcrafting Ethics, Introduction to Aromatherapy

Students will complete Herbal Foundations with a full natural medicine chest created with their own hands, as well as a certificate upon completion of the course.

The SEED program now offers continuing education for both nurses and chiropractors. Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation, approved herbal Foundations continuing nursing education activity. The Montana Board of Chiropractors has also approved herbal Foundations.

Cost: $595* if registered before April 1, 2012. $650* if registered April 1 or after. Includes over 50 hours of classes. Contact us for payment options. *Includes some herbal supplies.

To Register:

• Call us at 406-728-0543
• Email us at: classes@herbsmt.com

What Students Are Saying:

Thank you so much for the great information you provided – your presentation of the material was entertaining and professional and I appreciate your approachability. Your store, course and philosophies are a real gift to our community. –S.Richardson

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity, Elaine! I have thoroughly enjoyed the class and look forward to more in the future! –K.W.

Vitamin C
Considered to be one of the safest and most effective nutrients known, its benefits range from immune system defense to heart disease, and one recent study noted that higher blood levels of vitamin C might be the ideal indicator for a person’s overall health. We recommend taking 500 mg daily, in addition to your daily servings of organic fruits and veggies.

Elderberry
High in a variety of flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercetin, Elderberry has shown to help maintain healthy immune function and antioxidant support. Elderberry is also very high in potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin C. Ongoing research in Europe on the anthocyanins, found in the purple pigment, has shown them to exhibit antioxidant activity, immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory properties, anti-viral activity, cardiovascular protection, and even stress relief. It can be taken as either a cold infusion or tincture, or made into a delicious syrup with spices such as ginger, clove and cinnamon, and honey! Don’t miss our elderberry syrup recipe on our web page.

Vitamin D
Technically not a “vitamin,” vitamin D is in a class by itself, and its role in immune health is proven. Its metabolic product, calcutriol, is actually a secosteroid hormone that is the key that unlocks binding sites on the human genome. Those binding sites are found on many immune cells, and are involved in virtually every known major disease of humans. Current research has implicated Vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease and more.

Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most well known immune-boosting herbs, and for good reason. In addition to functioning as an effective immunomodulator, it contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Polysaccharides, alkylamides and chicoric acid all help Echinacea improve the immune system’s ability to resist infections and heal wounds, and it is especially indicated for colds, influenza, infections, swollen glands, and bacterial or viral diseases.

Reishi
Studies of this medicinal mushroom have identified many powerful substances, including polysaccharide beta-1,3-D-glucan, which improves immune system function by raising the body’s amount of macrophages T-cells. Because of this, it has been indicated in the treatment of everything from allergies to AIDS, and especially of cancers and cardiovascular disease, by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Other constituents include alkaloids, triterpine acids, ergosterols, fumaric acid, coumarins, lactone, mannitol, and many polysaccharides: It’s no wonder that this amazing fungus has been called “the Mushroom of Immortality!”

Decadent Aphrodisiac Elixir

• 1 ounce Damiana
• 1 ounce Kava
• 1 ounce Muira puama
• 1 ounce Saw Palmetto
• 1 vanilla bean Vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Cardamom
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all herbs in a glass jar and add 20 ounces of brandy. Let sit for 1-3 weeks and then strain. This elixir can be drunk straight (1 tablespoon–1 ounce), or added to orange, raspberry or pomegranate juice for a lover’s cocktail.

Luscious Yoni Butter

This is a natural lubricant that melts on contact. Totally edible, you can add a small amount of essential oil for flavor or to heat things up a bit. It is not safe for use with condoms.

• 2 ounces virgin coconut oil
• 1 ounces mango butter
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 30 drops essential oil. Consider peppermint for a cool, minty sensation, or ginger for a stimulating warmth

Combine all fixed oils and melt in a double boiler. Add essential oils, if desired and pour into a glass container. Then… Enjoy!

Aphrodisiac Foods:

Engage your senses of taste touch and smell. Consider a feast of foods have traditionally been used to help promote sexual interest and arousal.

Honey, chocolate, asparagus, , avocado, basil, garlic, oysters, coffee, vanilla, red wine, champagne, arugula, carrots, coriander, fennel, garlic, nutmeg and anise

Consider a chocolate fondue with some of these arousing foods foods:

Blood orange, bananas, almonds, figs, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple or pine nuts

http://www.alternet.org/health/132846

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com

© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist 2012