• Raspberry
• Herbal Love Potions
• Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine
• Winter Herb Classes
• Meadowsweet Herbs' Holistic Healing Center

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Raspberry

Raspberry is a member of the rose family.  A perineal bush, it grows three to four feet tall.  The stems are covered with small thorns and the leaves are toothed and hairy.  The flowers are cream colored with five petals and the fruits are a red to blackish color. Raspberry plants are propagated from suckers taken from a mature plant.  They can be planted in the early spring in rich, loamy, slightly acidic soil.  Mixing a lot of compost in with the soil is helpful, as raspberry requires high nutrients.  They like sunny locations and should be planted two feet apart. They can be pruned in the winter to encourage new growth.
 
Harvest the new growth leaves right before or during flowering.  Harvest the roots in the fall after the berries have matured.  The leaves and roots can be used dry.  The leaves make a nutritive tea.  The berries can be harvested when they are ripe and are best used fresh.

Raspberry is a highly nutritive herb, being rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, selenium and vitamins A and C.  It is an excellent herb for the female, and probably the male, reproductive system. The leaves increase the muscle tone of the uterus helping to prepare a woman for pregnancy and childbirth.  During pregnancy it relieves nausea, strengthens the uterus and helps prevent spotting during the first trimester.  Use Raspberry with Mitchella and Black Haw to prepare for labor.  During labor it prevents hemorrhage and eases labor pains.  Postpartum, Raspberry reduces uterine swelling and bleeding and encourages the uterus to regain muscle tone.  Due to its high nutritional value, it is a wonderful galactagogue, used to increase breast milk quality and production.  During pregnancy, raspberry is best accompanied by other herbs and used in moderation.

As a uterine astringent and anti-spasmodic, Raspberry helps to relieve menstrual cramps, vaginal discharge and excessive menstruation. It will help normalize irregular menstrual cycles.

Raspberry acts on the digestive system as an astringent.  The fruit, leaves and especially the roots reduce diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting.  Due to its balancing properties, the root and fruit also act as a mild laxative if constipation is present.  For these reasons hemorrhoids are benefited by using Raspberry.

Herbal Love Potions

Lover's Luscious Cordial

1 ounce Damiana
1 ounce Kava Kava
1 ounce Passion Flower
1/2 ounce Ginger root
1 teaspoon cinnamon
6 crushed cardamom pods
3 cups brandy
1/2 cup honey

An aphrodisiac cordial to share with your sweetie! Add all herbs to a blender and blend 1 - 2 minutes.  Pour on a quart sized canning jar and add the brandy. Let soak for at least 1 week, shaking every day.  Pour herbs through a coffee filter to remove pieces.  Add honey and stir well. Toast to your love with this delightful cordial for you and that special someone.

Lover's Allure Oil

10 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops rose absolute essential oil
2 drops vanilla essential oil
2 drops jasmine essential oil
1 drop patchouli essential oil
1 drop frankincense essential oil
1 drop vetiver essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil

Light the flames of desire with this alluring essential oil blend!  Use it as a perfume by diluting it into 1/2 ounce pure grain alcohol (such as ever clear) or pure jojoba oil.  You can also add it to 2 ounces of unscented massage oil for a sensual massage.  Indulge!

Rose Cream Bath for Two

1 cup fresh cream (or coconut milk)
1 cup rose water
5 drops rose essential oil

Massage this moisturizing and luxurious bath into each other's skin as you bathe.  The perfect valentine´s bath for two!

In the Mood Delight

1 ounce In the Mood Elixir
4 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
4 Tablespoons brandy

A unique herbal tincture made right here at Meadowsweet Herbs, In the Mood Elixir is a tonic & strengthener of the reproductive system for both sexes, helping to maintain sexual health. Add In the Mood to your evening of romance! Not for use during pregnancy.  

Mix all ingredients well.  Add candles, massage oil, romantic music, a loved one… and enjoy!

Want to come up with a concoction of your own?  Come in and check out Diana De Luca's book "Botanica Erotica: Arousing Body, Mind and Spirit."

Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine

Sign up by February 28 and get $50 off!

Wednesdays May 20 -- September 9, 2009

Join us for the fourth year of our annual in-depth herbal studies program. Make a deeper connection to the earth. Discover the healing properties of medicinal plants - a special and unique part of our world. Come on a journey with us and experience an intimate connection with healing herbs that are native to the Northern Rocky Mountains.

Printable Coupon

We will study:

• Medicinal plants easily grown in our northern climate as well as some special exotics.
• How to grow herbs and how essential oils are made.
• Using medicinal herbs for different body systems.
• The art and science of medicine making.
• How to respectfully harvest and use wild plants.

We are looking for enthusiastic students committed to a long-term class series. Join in our excitement as we explore the healing power of plants and the study of herbal medicine. For more information, or to register click here.

Winter Classes

Celebrating Your Inner Goddess

In this gift inspiring class lead by Katrina Farnum we will make bath salts, lip balms and personal lubricants. We will discuss the benefits of the herbs used in these products and how you can use these herbs in other ways to nurture the mind, body, and soul.
Thursday February 5, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20

Vaccine Perspectives

Every parent is concerned with making the right decisions when it comes to their child's health. In Montana, the issues surrounding vaccinations for children can be complicated and controversial. That's why it's important to have as much information as possible to decide what is right for your family. Dr. Teresita Martinez will share the latest research on vaccines as well as naturopathic vaccine perspectives.
Wednesday February 11, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: Free

Natural Pet Care

Gregory Tillford, Herbalist and co-owner of Animal Essentials, will be discussing the current research on herbs and natural diet discoveries for our four legged friends. This two hour lecture will cover how raw foods, commercial foods, herbs and supplements affect the life and vitality of our pets. Knowing what is available on the market will help us give our pets their optimal diet and herbal allies. Proceeds from this class will be given to the Missoula Humane Society.
Wednesday February 18, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20

Cough Syrup Making

Herbalist Kris Hill, owner of Hill Botanical in Bozeman, will be making a White Pine Compound cough syrup. She will be discussing the plants used in the blend (hand-out included) and percolation techniques to make a fast and potent herbal tincture. A one ounce cough syrup is included with this class.
Thursday February 26, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $30

Herbs For Kids

In this helpful parenting with herbs class lead by Katrina Farnum we will make slippery elm lozenges, ear oil, dream pillows and an herbal healing salve. We will discuss the benefits of different herbs and how to incorporate natural items like these into a first aid kit.
Thursday March 5, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20

How Hot Is Too Hot: What Parents Should Know About Children's Fevers

In the medical world, fever is a complex, controversial topic that worries many parents. Join Dr. Friess a Naturopathic physician at the Golgi Clinic, as he discusses the importance of fever as a favorable immune response. He addresses when to suppress and when to promote a fever, and why to do so.
Thursday March 12, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost:  Free

Using Essential Oils

What is all this talk about aromatherapy? Katrina Farnum will explore the world of essential oils including how they work and how to use them. Explore a variety of scents for a better nights rest, respiratory ailments, hormonal balance and stress. Finish off the class by learning how to make a scented, therapeutic massage oil or lotion.
Choose from one of two classes in March: Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th
7 - 8 pm, Cost:  Free

Meadowsweet Herbs' Holistic Healing Center

Happy February!

Make this a time to love yourself into greater health. Treat yourself, or a loved one to an in-depth private consultation with one of our practitioners.  Clinical Herbalist Britta Blodorn and Classical Homeopath Adrienne Veseth are available to address questions about your current health objectives, acute concerns, or chronic health care problems based on a constitutional and holistic approach.  Constitutional care can improve health for the physical body as well as on emotional and energetic levels and empowers the individual to make informed choices about their well-being.

Take charge of your own health and call 728-0543 to schedule a personal herbal or homeopathic consultation with Clinical Herbalist Britta Blodorn or with Classical Homeopath Adrienne Veseth.