• A Tribute to Michael Moore
• Detoxifying Body Care
• Aromatherapy Sales Events
• Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine
• Spring Classes at the Meadow
• Meadowsweet Herbs' Holistic Healing Center

<< Previous | Next Newsletter >>

A Tribute to Michael Moore

January 9, 1941 - February 20, 2009

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, teacher, musician, herbalist.

Every once in a great while, if you are fortunate, you meet someone who changes the course of your life. So was the case for us, and many others, with our beloved teacher and mentor Michael Moore. He has long been called the "Father of Western Herbalis" for many, many great reasons. He leaves behind an incredible volume of work including six of our most treasured herb books. He was a most generous soul, just take a look at his website to witness his tireless contribution to our collective herbal knowledge.

Elaine and John, the owners of Meadowsweet Herbs, both cut their teeth as herbalists on Michael's popular books and manuals. In 1994 they had the opportunity to attend the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine and study with Michael. In addition, at least eight other Meadowsweet employees and apprentices, past and present, have studied with Michael.

His teachings are far reaching and it is likely that Meadowsweet Herbs might not even exist had we not met and been profoundly inspired by Michael Moore and his wife, Donna Chesner. He will be sorely missed. Bon voyage Michael!

There is a celebration and fundraiser dedicated in honor of Michael Moore in April in New Mexico. For more information: www.MooreAndMore2009.com

Detoxifying Body Care

Here are some beautifully simple body care recipes to help you detoxify and reduce your impact on the earth -- good for you and good for the planet!

Foot Detox Soak

1/2 gallon water
1 cup organic apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup Epsom salts
3 tablespoons grated, fresh, organic ginger root
20 drops lemon essential oil
20 drops rosemary essential oil

Boil the ginger root in the water for 20 minutes. Let steep and cool until you can tolerate the heat. Pour into a large container and add the vinegar. Add additional hot water until it will cover your calves half way. Mix the essential oils into the salts and set aside momentarily. Put feet in water and relax into a comfortable chair. Pour in salts and oils and breath deeply. Soak for 20 minutes. Don't forget a towel to dry off when you are done. This same soak can be used in the bath, just double the recipe.

Detoxifying Body Scrub

1/2 cup sea salt
1/4 cup rolled and cut organic oats
1/4 cup bentonite clay
1/4 cup organic dried lemon peel, cut and sifted
1 cup coconut oil
1 cup almond oil
40 drops eucalyptus essential oil
40 drops cypress essential oil
40 drops grapefruit essential oil

Heat the coconut oil until melted. Add the almond oil and lemon peel and set aside to cool. Stir the sea salt, bentonite clay, oats and essential oils together. Whe the oils are cool, mix all ingredients together. You can add more almond oil depending on how "moist" you want your mixture. The Detoxifying Body Scrub can be massaged into the skin before a shower or bath. Massage from the extremities to the heart to move the lymph and stimulate the immune system.

Body Brushing

Dry brush skin massaging is a great way to remove dead layers of skin and stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow. It is especially helpful for strengthening the immune system in the winter. Using a natural fiber brush,  brush your dry skin before taking a shower or bath. Brush gently all over the body, starting at your extremities and working toward your heart.

Herbal Deodorant

1/4  cup vodka
1/4 cup distilled witch hazel
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
15 drops sage essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

Add all ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well each time before using. A wonderful, refreshing blend for under the arms or on the feet.

Aromatherapy Sales Events

March 9th -- March 14th

Be sure not to miss our annual Aromatherapy Sale! Everything is 20% off including:

• Bulk & Packaged Essential Oils
• Aromatherapy Diffusers
• 100% Natural Bulk Body Care

Make sure to sign up for one of our FREE aromatherapy classes happening this week! Make sure to register early as class space is limited.

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

Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine

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.

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.

Classes at the Meadow

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 (www.thegolgiclinic.com), 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.
Thursday March 12, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost:  Free

Women's Health: A Naturopathic Perspective

Come join Marissa Cavalier, a Naturopathic Physician who specializes in Women's Health for a lecture to learn about natural, safe and effective ways to treat various women's health issues. Marissa will be discussing: Abnormal paps: what they mean and natural ways to treat them, PMS, Irregular or difficult menses and Menopause.
Thursday March 19, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost:  Free

Thinking Outside The Tea-Ball

Join Meadowsweet's Katrina Farnum for a fun look at herbs and how to use them without being stuck in a tea-ball. Facial steams, bathing with herbs, cooking with herbs, and using loose herbs for teas to help with everything from stress to colds and flus. We will be sampling different teas so bring your mug!
Thursday March 26, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20

The Astonishing Dr. You

Join Anthony Lambert, D.C. the owner and chiropractor of Lambert Family Chiropractic, for this helpful class on how to assess yourself. If you ever lose your health, you need a good doctor. The best doctor in the world is ready 24/7. This doctor is YOU! Come Learn how your brain and body take care of millions of details necessary to keep you alive and healthy. And live by the most important idea in wellness today: You're the doctor. You do the healing!
Wednesday April 1, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost:  Free

Is A Doula Right For You During Pregnancy?

This informative lecture lead by Meadowsweet's Doula, Caspian Janssen, will explore the options that women have for childbirth in the Missoula area. Caspian will talk about what you can expect from a Doula assisted pregnancy and childbirth, as well as options for Doctors and Midwives in our area. This will be a great opportunity to meet several cerified Doulas. This is not a childbirth education class.
Tuesday April 7, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost:  Free

Spring Cleaning for Our Bodies

Spring is the perfect time of year to consider a fresh start on the inside. A Detox Diet will set the pace for the year to come. Learn different types of cleansing diets, which one will work with you and why this is a beneficial technique for supporting healthy body function. Katrina Farnum will discuss types of Cleanses, why they are helpful, what they do, medicinal plant helpers and why a Spring Cleanse is supportive to body function.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20.00

Naturopathic Information About Cancer

Dr. Lane will discuss how and why cancers occur, from a naturopathic, physiological point of view. Environmental, nutritional, and stress factors will be described. Learn what you can do to help prevent the chances of getting cancer also learn what is going on in alternative approaches to cancer.  Proceeds from this class will be donated to the Missoula Food Bank.
Thursday April 23, 2009
7 - 9 pm. Cost: $20

Please register early, as class space is limited.

Meadowsweet Herbs' Holistic Healing Center

End of Winter Immunosupport

Herbal medicine is very helpful in shifting long term health imbalances, such as allergies, digestive disorders, and stress related problems.

During this ending of wintertime and transition into spring, herbal medicine is also very effective in helping to resolve short term, acute issues, such as viral infections, colds and flus. Whether you want to speed your recovery from a present upper respiratory tract infection, or prevent yourself from getting health-compromised in the first place, consider giving your immune system a tune-up!

Schedule an appointment with Clinical Herbalist Britta Blodorn to discuss your health care concerns and to find solutions on your own path to greater health: 728-0543.