Herbal Collective Source

By Marilyn ZinkHerbalist Susun Weed will be my special guest for a teleseminar this Wednesday, Nov. 9 to talk about how her new book can help men and women with pelvic health issues.The book, ‘Down There,’ Sexual and Reproductive Health, The Wise Woman Way explores issues relating to pelvic health.The issues for women include; dry vagina, incontinence, infertility, endometriosis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, fibroids and more.The issues for men include; prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, testicular and prostate cancer, fertility and infertility and much more.

Weed is known for her pioneering work on herbal remedies and is regarded as a leading expert on herbal medicine. She is also a four-time international best-selling author. There is no cost for the call (other than long distance phone charges-prepaid phone cards help).Join us to learn about herbal remedies, how to deal with pelvic health issues for men and women in a sensitive way and much more on this special teleseminar.Here’s the link to sign up. http://www.herbalcollective.ca/susun.html

The word cancer can set off alarm bells, and there is a sense of fear and dread. Cancer seems to be so prevalent these days, and more and more people are affected by it either directly or indirectly.

The Bach Flower Remedies can assist on the emotional level, because our emotions can play havoc when fear and shock are involved.   A positive state of mind helps us to stay focused on getting better.

Dr Bach’s philosophy was that a healthy mind is the key to recovery, and the Bach Flower Remedies work by gently restoring balance to negative emotions. The key is to cure the personality, because different personality types react to illness in different ways and how they cope with it. The remedies deal with the personalities by treating the patient and not the malady.

The remedies that can assist with fear are Aspen for fear and worries of the unknown, and Mimulus is for known fear.  For terror Rock Rose is the remedy that can help with courage and a sense of calmness.

Star of Bethlehem is for shock, either when the diagnosis is made or for some time after, if you have failed to come to terms with it. Dr. Bach described this remedy as ‘the comforter and soother of pains and sorrows’.

Red Chestnut is for fear or over-concern for others and assists with putting everything into perspective. Very often the patient can be more concerned for loved ones and how they are coping with everything.

The forms of treatment for cancer can be hard on the body. Olive can assist with physical tiredness after a long course of treatment and surgery by restoring strength, vitality and an interest in life.

Battling with cancer can be a long hard journey and can bring on feelings of despair and hopelessness.  When it may seem useless to try further treatment, Gorse is the remedy that can assist with a sense of faith and hope.  For final despair and anguish Sweet Chestnut can help to liberate those feelings with a sense of optimism and peace of mind.

In times of illness our thoughts can run away with us, with constant thoughts going around and around.  White Chestnut can give us a peace of mind.  Worry is replaced by trust in a positive outcome. 

Rescue Remedy is a five in one remedy that is ready to go anytime.  It contains Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum (for panic-stricken irrational thoughts), Impatiens (for restless agitation) and Clematis (for feelings of faintness). Just take four drops whenever you feel the need.

The Bach Flower Remedies can be custom blended for what ever is going on in your life. They work subtly by bringing out the positive qualities that are already in you. 

Sarah Brune is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, author and educator, and has her Bach Flower practice in the Comox Valley. For more information about the remedies, custom blends, and upcoming seminars call 250 331 3228 or go to www.bachflowerscanada.com.
This article first appeared in the Nov/Dec,’11 issue of the Herbal Collective.

By Marilyn Zink
There are many herbs that are touted to improve sexual health and reproductive health.

I’m talking about health issues that affect both men and women. These are issues such as incontinence, infertility, hermorrhoids, lack of desire, chronic pelvic pain and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STDs.

In men, there are issues such as prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and whether testosterone supplements should be used.

In women, there are issues with the bladder, yeast infections, endometriosis, cervical issues, incontinence and more.

Susun Weed covers the herbs for better sexual and reproductive health in her new book, ‘Down There,’ Sexual and Reproductive Health, the Wise Woman Way.

The herbal expert on sexual and reproductive health covers many herbs that can be used to improve health ‘down there,’ in her book.

Three good herbs to use are oatstraw, red clover and nettles. These herbs can help with several sexual and reproductive health issues as well as improve the libido.

To discover 6 simple ways to use these herbs, visit Herbguide to learn more.

Listen to Susun discuss what’s in her new book in a free teleseminar on Nov. 9. Sign up for the teleseminar through the Herbal Collective.

By Marilyn Zink
Getting the fall herb garden going and growing isn’t that difficult. Above is a photo of my herb garden that I just got going this fall.
Now I have to refine the basic design a bit and make it more permanent, but I think it is pleasing to the eye and offers good Feng Shui.
Feng Shui , which literally means wind-water, is the Chinese art of determining the best design and placement of structures to bring about the flow of good Chi for maximum harmony in the environment.
Water is an important part of Feng Shui and I have placed a bird bath as a focal point in my herb garden. Flowing lines and lines that lead to a centre or focal point are also important parts of Feng Shui.
Since this design is a half wagon wheel, the herb garden is divided into four quadrants or sections. These four sections can be used to grow specific herbs, as part of a herb garden theme.

The elements of Feng Shui can be incorporated into any herb garden design. Look for lights, flowing lines, water such as bird baths or fountains, structures such as sun dials or sculptures and herbs that flow over hard corners and walls.

You can learn about herb garden design and how to use Feng Shui in the garden as part of the Herb Garden Sanctuary course.

I love the use of Feng Shui as it is so pleasing and comforting to the eye and soul, plus it makes sense.  My garden above just got started - in it are culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley and oregano.

The parsley is on the left in the first quadrant and the sage is just above it. On the right is rosemary with oregano just past that. I have planted my culinary herbs to make use of sunlight and also to be close enough so that I can easily get a few snips of fresh herb for whatever I am cooking.

There are pansies growing in the circular area next to the bird bath. Near the pansies is a herb groundcover - Corsican mint - that has a wonderful creme de menthe scent.

This is not a culinary herb but one can enjoy the scent just by rubbing your hand over the herb. The scent is intoxicating and uplifting. You can learn more about herbs like this in the course Herb Garden Sanctuary.

Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine - visit www.herbalcollective.ca to learn more.

By Marilyn Zink

Starting a fall herb garden is not as difficult as one might think.
There are several herbs that do well in cooler weather and planting them in fall gives you a head start on the following spring.

But - you need to know if the climate you live in is suitable for starting a fall herb garden.  If it gets really cold and the temperature dips well below zero, you are best to start herbs in pots and bring them indoors when it’s cold.

Milder climates, such as the west coast, are often suitable for growing herbs in the winter.  Certain herbs such as the typical parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme as well as mint do well over the winter, even if the mercury dips below zero several times.

However, it’s important that these herbs are planted in protected areas - away from the wind, preferably near walls and fences or where they can get protection from other plants.

You should also offer them some protection when it gets really cold. Plants need blankets just like humans do. This can be accomplished with a mulch or you might even throw a real blanket over the plant for a short period when it gets really cold.

Many a gardener has bemoaned the state of a beloved herb after a particularly heavy snowfall. I remember one winter on the west coast when everyone I talked to had lost a beloved rosemary.

So that makes me ask - what type of rosemary did you have? And did it grow in a sheltered sunny location?

Check a plant’s hardiness before purchasing and make sure it is planted in a suitable location - sheltered, sunny with well-drained soil.

In a mild winter climate - there shouldn’t be any difficulty with growing herbs through the fall and winter.

Fall and winter is a great time to plan a herb garden to decide what you want to do.  Dividing the garden into sections with a theme for each area is also fun and rewarding. Check out Herbal Theme Gardens today to get started.

Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine, www.herbalcollective.ca.