Herbal Collective Source

By Marilyn Zink

The Bach Flower Reflections book by Sarah Brune is an interesting little book that explains the remedies from a unique practitioner`s perspective.

For those unfamiliar with the Bach flowers, these are 38 remedies taken from flowers that affect a person`s emotions, though the remedies can also be used for animals.  The most popular remedy is Rescue Remedy, which consists of 5 different flowers;  Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem.

Rescue Remedy, as its`name suggests, is typically used to rescue people or animals from situations of stress or trauma.

Brune uses a question and answer format in her book to explain how Rescue Remedy is used.

She also uses a question and answer format to explain how the flower remedies are used in general and an introduction to Dr. Edward Bach, who discovered and developed the remedies in 1936.

Brune uses case histories to show how different remedies have helped people to cope in life. These case histories are taken from Brune`s experience as a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner.

Another section of Bach Flower Reflections also gives a reference chart on how to use each of the 38 remedies followed by a more detailed description of each remedy.

What makes these descriptions different (and interesting) from a standard plant description is that they are written as if the plant was a personality.  Brune describes these reflections by saying the flower remedies are `set out with the negative indication followed by the positive indication, and then the description of the remedy plant.`

As a example, we`ll look at Impatiens, which, as its name suggests, is for the impatient person.

`Hurry up. I can`t wait all day, you know. We all have families to go home to. You don`t seem to realize, but this has to be done right away.“

Then, from a person`s perspective after using the Impatiens remedy; `From now on, I will get less stressed about deadlines, as it is not doing my blood pressure any good. It is not the `be all and end all. I will sit back and enjoy my coffee while reading the paper.`

This perspective helps show people how the remedies will affect them. In the last section of the book on Life`s Reflections, Brune looks at several scenarios on how the flower remedies can help people cope with changes in life to a threat like cancer.

 Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine. Learn more about Bach Flower Reflections and read an excerpt at www.herbguide.ca 

By Marilyn Zink

I have been following the recent news reports about how the earthquake has devastated Haiti.

I was always struck by the children, especially those who have lost their homes and parents. Children who are literally living in the street.

According to recent news reports, there are up to 1 million children who are left vulnerable to abuse and trafficking.

What’s really disconcerting is that desperate people are storming orphanages which are targets for food, water and medical supplies.  One orphanage came under attack when it was stormed by 20 armed men. Fortunately, security guards drove them off.

Some desperate people are even trying to sell children for as little as $50.

Of course, that’s not right and it’s illegal.  So these children in orphanages need our help now.

One way to help these children and benefit from ongoing herbal education is to become a member of Herbguide.

The site has exclusive information on all aspects of herbs such as: herbs for health, using herbs in recipes, gardening with herbs, making herbal crafts, herbs in aromatherapy and herbal education.

The site can be tried out for free and then a portion of membership fees go towards supporting orphanages in Haiti.  It has been a stated mission of Herbguide to help orphans before the earthquake happened.

Now it’s just makes sense to reach out to do that now. It’s important to note that this help would be ongoing as the children will continue to need help long after the media buzz has died down.

Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine and administrator for Herbguide.
Find out more about helping orphans in Haiti by going to Herbguide
 

By Marilyn Zink

You can learn a lot of lessons sometimes from attending a health show.

There are often many products to try; food and drink to sample, creams to put on the skin and scents to smell. Sometimes you need to be a little careful about how much you use, especially if you have a sensitivity.

Sometimes it just helps to ask the right questions, like for instance, if the mild hot sauce if an 8 on a scale of 1 - 10.  I tried a mild version of the African hot sauce, putting a teaspoon on a cracker. Who-eee!

Good thing there was a water cooler handy, which is probably not the best treatment for a burning mouth, but it was the only thing handy. Some other poor fella told me with a rather red face that he had tried the hot version.  His face was red from the hot sauce, not from shame.

Another thing to be wary of are creams that one might try. Perhaps the best approach is to put a small toothpick amount on the back of your hand. But no-o-o.

I had to try a larger amount and put it directly on my face. Bad idea. There were essential oils in the cream that immediately caused a burning sensation, turning my face bright red.
I should point out that my face was already sensitive, so I should have been more wary. Plenty of cold water and some ice helped cool things down.

I have nothing against the people who were selling the hot sauce and the cream - I’m sure they’re good products. But I do want my readers to know that you don’t want to try too much of any given product at a health show, especially if you’ve never tried it before, are a little sensitive and are not sure what sort of reaction you’ll have.

But, all in all, a health show is a great way to find out more about new products. Even the ones you don’t like.

Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine. To learn more about natural health and herbs, sign up to the newsletter at www.herbalcollective.ca

By Marilyn Zink

I will be exhibiting at the Victoria Health Show this Sat and Sun, Jan 16 and 17 and invite those in the area of Victoria, B.C. to stop by for a visit at the Victoria Conference Centre on Douglas.

The Victoria Health Show (sponsored in part by our magazine, the Herbal Collective) features more than 100 displays and exhibits. 

There are free continuous seminars all weekend with your ticket, featuring keynote speakers like Lorna Vanderhaeghe, Brad King and Sam Graci of Green Plus.

Other featured speakers are; Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue, Dr. Gerry Bohemier, Dr. Michael Murray, Dr. Ludovic Brunel, Barbara Fife, Dr. Terry Willard, Dr. Joel Carmichael, Mary Anne Moran, Prof. Nabhras and Vasan Spo Gilanch, Robert O’Neill and RoseMarie Pierce.

The health show is billed as Victoria’s largest ‘try before you buy health event,’ so if you’ve wondered about trying a particular product or wanted to meet the names behind them, this is your opportunity.

For more details, check out the show at www.healthshows.com.

Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine. Be sure to get the Free newsletter to keep you updated on natural health information at www.herbalcollective.ca.

By Richard White
Over the years I have written numerous articles on growing herbs and their uses. I remember some time ago an article concerning perennial herbs and the different sub groups of perennials. There are hardy perennials that can survive most winters here on Vancouver Island.

Half hardy perennials that can take a frost of -5C and after that are in danger of dying, and tender perennials that must be brought in somewhere warmer for the winter months. There was also another category of perennials listing how long they usually lived. Short lived usually around five years, middle of the road perennials that last ten or more years. Then finally herbs that last for a really long time.

I have always felt that the plant world is mirrored in the human world. And that the qualities of perennials are very similar to Homo sapiens. Some of us can live in very cold climates while others need somewhere warm year round.

Life spans also vary greatly exactly the same as the plants described above. At this point in my life I feel somewhat like a hardy perennial that has lasted a really long time. It was 1987 when Hazelwood first opened its doors to the public and after 23 years in business this grower, gardener, cook and writer has reached the end of this stage in life. It is time to let go and start all over again: hopefully as another hardy perennial that is long lived!

So it is with mixed emotions that I share with you that my time at Hazelwood has come to an end. The farm was sold in early December to a local family who will begin running the operation in early February. I will certainly miss the daily contact with customers, emails and phone calls of questions, queries and encouragement.

Writing for the Herbal Collective since its inception and for each and every issue was at times challenging. However I enjoyed writing all of my articles, and find it fun sometimes to go back in to my archives and look at what I wrote almost fifteen years ago.

Thanks go to Marilyn Zink the publisher for approaching me at the farm and convincing me to write articles for the magazine. And to you the readers who certainly have made life enjoyable and at times surprising. I never knew when or where a reader would come up to me, say hello and ask a few questions.

I am looking forward to retirement which will allow more time with family and friends and the ability to travel. I will certainly keep growing herbs in my new garden and encourage everyone to grow some plants that can add great flavour to your table.

As always Happy Gardening and Healthy Eating.

Richard White was co-owner of Hazelwood Herb Farm, Ladysmith, B.C.
View a video of herb gardening with Richard at www.herbguide.ca.