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• Natural Therapies for the Respiratory System
• Congratulations 2009 Herbal Foundations Graduates!
• The Wisdom of Wellness Lecture Series
• Fall Class Schedule
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Natural Therapies for the Respiratory System
Onion Pack
3 - 4 small Onions
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup Cornmeal, Flaxseed meal or Flour
Cheesecloth or muslin
Chop onions into small pieces and saute' them in oil until they are translucent, but not mushy. Pour enough apple cider vinegar into the pan to cover the onions. Reduce the heat and add 1 cup of cornmeal, flax seed meal or flour (these help hold the heat in and hold the mixture together). Mix well until you have a peanut butter consistency. Put the mixture on cheesecloth or muslin and fold it together. Rub vegetable oil on the chest to protect it before applying the pack. Apply the poultice to the chest. Put a plastic bag over the top of the poultice and a warm towel or a heating pad over the plastic bag. Relax and breathe deeply. You can keep the pack on as long as it is warm, but I recommend at least 20 minutes. This is also a pack that you can apply to the feet, especially for smaller children.
Note: a Mustard Pack can be made in a similar way. It is important to buy whole mustard seeds and grind them with a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder before using. Use 1 part mustard seeds to 4 parts Cornmeal, Flaxseed meal or Flour. You can add more flour for a child or if the pack feels too strong. Moisten with tepid water until you have a cream cheese consistency and follow the above directions. Make sure you apply the vegetable oil on the chest to protect it before applying the pack -- mustard packs can irritate the skin.
Adding Essential Oils:
Essential oils can make a wonderful addition to either pack. Start with a little and you can add more later if needed, even by dropping some oil right on the muslin cloth. Good respiratory oils include Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Ravinsara, and Thyme linalool.
Neti Pot
Fill the neti pot with 1-cup warm water (or herbal tea).
Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, rock salt, Celtic salt or kosher salt (NOT table salt) and stir until dissolved. Add herbal tea, an herbal extract or aloe vera juice if desired. Do not use essential oils in a neti pot. You can adjust the herbs depending on your symptoms. For a sinus infection, you may want to add Goldenseal, Yerba Mansa, Usnea, Oregon Grape Root or Sinus Soother tincture. For Sinus allergies and inflammation, you might consider adding Turmeric, Stone Root, Ambrosia, or Sinus Support tincture.
I have found that tinctures work wonderfully in a neti pot or even as an eye rinse as long as you add them to a saline solution. They are, in fact, my preferred way to make an herbal rinse. I use 30 -- 60 drops in a one-cup saline solution and have no burning or mucus membrane irritation. Remember, though; if your membranes are already infected or irritated, doing any neti at all might burn, but this is helping those membranes to recover so don't worry about the sting in that case.
To Do It: Bend over the sink and tilt your head to one side, placing the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril, letting the water run out the lower nostril. Just before switching sides, lean you head forward between your knees to let the solution run into your upper sinuses. After using half of the pot, repeat on the other side. This process can be done 1 - 2 times a day.
To learn more, see our April 2008 article "A Tea Pot for Your Nose?". |
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Congratulations 2009 Herbal Foundations Graduates!
Congratulations to the graduating 2009 Herbal Foundations class! This year was another amazing success for Herbal Foundations, our four month long in-depth program in herbal medicine. The weather was fabulous, the garden was amazing, the students were delightful and we all learned so much! Graduates include (from upper left to right): Janaina Marques, Elaine Sheff (teacher), Corinne Mullowney, Karrie Westword, Heather Terrill, Anne Pastore, (lower) Heidi Pinkney, Krystal Wolf, Rachell (and Henry) Coy, and Cindi Vickbeaudin. Not shown: Alex Kuennen and Travis Coleman.
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The Wisdom of Wellness Lecture Series
Saturday, October 3, 2009 1-5pm
Happening at the University Center Ballroom on the UM Campus, Missoula
Don't miss this amazing lecture series by well-known natural health experts in our community. Topics include Epigenetics, Fun, Frugal and Family Friendly Cooking, Childhood Vaccines and a Whole Wellness Round Table. Organized by Montana Families for Health Freedom.
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Fall Class Schedule
Osteoporosis: There's More to Consider
Millions of Americans are at risk for osteoporosis -- a debilitating disease that can progress painlessly until a bone fracture occurs. Often the only solutions someone is presented with are pharmaceuticals or major surgery. But osteoporosis is more than just a disease of the bones and a lack of calcium. Dr. Teresita Martinez of the Golgi Clinic discusses a multi-factorial, clinically effective approach that considers kidney and gastrointestinal function, blood pH and dietary needs.
Thursday, October 8th
Cost: Free
Childhood Eczema: Beyond the Surface
Childhood eczema is increasingly common. The cause is unknown, yet treatments typically involve topical steroids that can be extremely harmful and suppressive to a child's developing immune system. When suppressed, eczema can evolve into asthma, as well as other hyperallergic conditions. Dr. Jeffrey Friess of the Golgi Clinic will discuss a multi-factorial approach - a way to think outside the box -- concerning this difficult to treat condition.
Thursday, October 15th
Cost: Free
Homeopathy and the Flu
What is the difference between a cold and the flu? This class will discuss the difference. Information will be included about the pathology and history of the flu as well as the current flu treatments and their effectiveness. Homeopathy is very effective for shortening the flu and avoiding complications if you have the right remedy. Adrienne will go over the top flu remedies and keynote symptoms that can help you easily find the right remedy.
Wednesday, October 21st
Cost: Free
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, October 29th
Cost: $20
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 night's rest, respiratory ailments, hormonal balance and stress. Learn how to make a scented, therapeutic massage oil or lotion.
Tuesday, November 3rd
Cost: $20
Face Care and the Dr. Hauschka Method
This helpful seminar lead by Katrina Farnum will enlighten you on the needs of your specific skin type. Katrina will cover the use of Dr. Hauschka products in a daily regimen and provide answers to your questions. Please bring a basin (large mixing bowl), as you will be lead through the process of cleansing and caring for your face.
Tuesday, November 10th
Cost: Free
Thinking Outside the Tea Ball
Join Katrina Farnum for an inspiring look at ways in which we can use herbs internally and externally without being confined to a little old tea ball. We will explore poultice making, loose-leaf teas, steams, sitz baths, clay masks and more. In addition we will cover how to choose the most appropriate form of herb depending on circumstance.
Wednesday, November 18th
Cost: $20
Is A Doula Right For You?
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. This will also be a great opportunity to meet several certified Doulas. This is not a childbirth education class.
Tuesday, December 1st
Cost: Free
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