Ah, summertime! A wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities such
as picnics, hiking, barbeques and sports. The perfect season for
spending time outdoors, summer also brings more scrapes, bruises,
bug bites and injuries. Luckily, it is the season when nature grows
its own herbal first aid kit.
It is useful to keep an herbal medicine kit close at hand. I have
found it easiest to have several: one for the car, one for home
and a small one for hiking and backpacking. Liquid extracts (also
called tinctures) and essential oils are wonderful for first aid
use, as they are concentrated, easily carried, and work fast. Following
is a list of some of the herbal remedies I have found helpful for
first aid care.
Echinacea is essential for any first aid kit. It is stimulating
to the immune system, helping to fight off infection or cold. Because
it reduces inflammation, it is also useful for allergies, and food
poisoning. It can be taken internally and applied externally for
infections, abscesses and bug or snakebites.
Aloe Vera is a wonderful herb for the skin. It is soothing and cooling,
making a useful external remedy for bites, rashes, inflammations
and burns, including sun and windburn. I enjoy having a plant growing
in my kitchen, however, a gel preparation is convenient when traveling.
Lavender Essential Oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antispasmodic.
It can help to reduce the chance of infection when applied to cuts
or abrasions. Applied externally it reduces pain, making it useful
for headaches, injuries and cramps. Apply lavender essential oil
to the temples to help alleviate a headache. It works exceptionally
well on burns. Rub it directly on the area or add a few drops to
the bath. Lavender repels mosquitoes and fleas. Added to vegetable
oil, it makes a fragrant natural bug repellent. Lavender Essential
oil can be used externally at full strength. Those with sensitive
skin may want to dilute it in a little vegetable oil. A 3% dilution
is 15 - 18 drops of essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil. In
general, essential oils should not be used internally unless under
the supervision of a trained practitioner. ... (Complete
Artlcle)
10 Year Anniversary Sale!
How it all began:
After graduating from our second herb school, we (John Goicovich
and Elaine Sheff) searched the Rocky Mountains for the perfect town
to open an herb store. We fell in love with Missoula, Montana and
moved in the winter of 1995. In July of 1996, Meadowsweet Herbs
opened its doors. We want to thank Missoula and our amazing customers
for the last 10 years. Thank you for opening your arms to us, thank
you for all of your trust and support. We look forward to the next
ten years in this beautiful and vibrant community!
Monday July 17 - Saturday July 22
Free Product Giveaways
10% - 50% Off
Enter the Drawing for a Free Bountiful Gift Basket
Dandelion
Dandelion is a perennial native to Tibet. It has a basal
rosette of thin-toothed leaves that are two to eight inches
long. A single flower bears many seeds, which have white bracts
making them easily wind borne. Dandelion is a common yard
plant. It grows easily from seed. A long description of how
to grow dandelion is unnecessary as most people spend time
trying to rid their yards of it. Little do they know the valuable
herb they are eschewing. Harvest the leaves in the spring
or early summer. The root is best harvested in the spring
or fall. Make sure you harvest in an area that is not sprayed
with herbicides. Few properties are lost when the plant is
dried or ground. Dandelion can be used fresh or dry.
Dandelion has been used as a medicinal plant for over ten
centuries and is still used in many parts of the world today.
The leaves or root make wonderful pot herbs that can be eaten
fresh or cooked. The flowers make a fun wine which is said
to have a tonic effect on the blood. The leaves and root stimulate
the kidney to increase urine output and will reduce kidney
inflammation. Because of its balanced mineral content, dandelion
helps to restore electrolytes and minerals lost in the urine,
making it a wonderfully balanced diuretic.
Dandelion stimulates the liver helping to reduce waste products
in the blood and digestive system. It is excellent to use
when exposed to external or internal toxins. Dandelion works
specifically on the liver and gall bladder to promote the
production and release of bile. It is good for bile duct inflammation,
gallstones, jaundice and liver congestion. The root is good
for the digestive system due to its high mucilage content.
It softens the digestive tract, absorbs toxins, and encourages
healthy colonic bacterial balance. The fresh "milk"
from dandelion stems is said to be good for warts. Apply it
three times a day for seven to ten days.
Dandelion can be used in large amounts for four months or
longer. It may best be used as a tea due to the large dosage
needed. Mix 1/4 ounce herb per pint of water, drink one cup
two to five times a day. You can also use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
of the tincture three times a day. There are no known contraindications.
Herbal Consultations at Meadowsweet
Herbs
Samaya Marpet studied naturopathic medicine (with an emphasis on
herbal medicine and nutrition) at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies
in Auckland, New Zealand. She received Labor and Postpartum Doula
training from the Seattle Midwifery School in Seattle, Washington.
A lifelong immersion in natural medicine has included apprenticeships,
extended education and being a doula, as well as clinical experience
with acupuncturists, naturopathic and homeopathic physicians.
Samaya's specialties are western herbal medicine, diet & nutrition,
aromatherapy, and flower essences. She can also be a source of knowledgeable
referrals to local holistic physicians.
Samaya produces her own line of natural herbal body care products
and teas, many of which can be purchased at Meadowsweet Herbs, under
the name Conscious Creations (sageandlotus.com).
She is currently the clinical assistant for Drs. Amy Haynes, N.D.,
and Christine White, N.D. Samaya will be available at the Meadowsweet
Clinic for personal consultations and custom-made remedies on Wednesdays,
between 10am-6pm.
Employment with Meadowsweet Herbs
Missoula’s finest wholesale/retail herbal company seeks both a
full and part time enthusiastic, motivated Sales Person to join our team.
The Sales Person helps staff our busy and growing downtown store. These
positions will be 4 - 5 days a week.
Please send a resume and cover letter to 180 S 3rd Street W, Missoula,
MT 59801.
