Alfalfa, For Balance

Medicago sativa

Active ingredients: iron, chlorophyll, Vitamins A, B6, E, D & K, beta-carotene, biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, fatty acids, saponins, copper

Actions: general tonic, alternative diuretic

Alfalfa has a history going back to ancient times, cherished for its nourishing abilities for people and their animals.  It has a deep tap root and grows in rich soils, making it very rich in trace minerals it that pulls up from deep below the surface.  It purifies the blood.  It balances the blood sugar, preventing the swings of hypoglycemia common in pregnancy.  It soothes the digestive tract and contains the enzyme betaine and the saponins balance the intestinal flora.

Compiled by Vickie Liguori, 2006

I was also told that Alfalfa can help increase platelet levels.

Red Raspberry Leaf, From of Old

Rubus idaeus

Active ingredients: volatile oils, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, tannin, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamins A, B, C & E.  It has the highest known herbal source of manganese.

Actions: Astringent, tonic, toning, pelvic & uterine relaxant.

Raspberry leaves have a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and preventing excessive bleeding.  Raspberry leaves also tone the mucous membranes through out the body and soothe the kidneys and urinary tract.  Raspberry works on the digestive tract to stabilize it.  It continues its good benefits after birth to aid in milk production and recovery.  The tonic and relaxant actions on the smooth muscles of the uterus act to reduce the pain of uterine contractions during childbirth and makes them more effective and productive, shortening the duration of labor.

Currently there is some controversy surrounding the use of Raspberry leaf during pregnancy, which is unfortunate since its use has been associated with pregnancy and birth since ancient times according to some writings.  The concern is early miscarriage.  For this reason, some midwives recommend use after 16 weeks gestation.  It also has been known to help with nausea during pregnancy.

Compiled by Vickie Liguori, 2006

Resurrection Sunday Centerpiece

This is a really late photo, but the girls and I created this centerpiece very frugally and look how attractive it is.  The jars are recycled from salsa and pepperoncinis.  I glued construction paper ribbons and shapes on them to remind us of the reason for our celebration.  I bought the rose, tulips and palms from Ingles for $4 and the girls picked the purple flowers out of our yard.  It doesn't take a lot of money to do something creative and beautiful, just time and ingenuity.  We gave both grandmas a tulip and some purple flowers in a vase to keep as a gift.

Oat Straw, Interesting . . .

Avena Sativa

Active Ingredients: 50% starch, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, flavones, sterols, Vitamin B, silica, calcium, magnesium, silicon, potassium & iron

Actions: Nervine tonic, anti-depressant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnery

Oats is one of the best remedies for "feeding" the nervous system.  It is useful for exhaustion and depression; it strengthens the whole nervous system, making it a preventative and protective herb to enhance the ability to cope with stress.  While being stimulating and energy-giving, they are also relaxing and an aid to sleep.  Oats are also a uterine tonic and works on strengthening the thyroid and balancing hormone production.  It can be helpful for high blood pressure, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  It is also a soother for the digestive tract.  It lowers blood sugar and is useful for fluid retention.  It is one of the best sources for magnesium, helping irritability and calcium absorption.

Compiled by Vickie Liguori, 2006

Nettles, I'm So Glad I Found You . . .

Urtica Dioica

Active ingredients: histamine, tannin, saponins, acetylcholineformic acid, sterols, chlorophyll, glucoquinine, serotonin, iron, vitamins A, C, D and K in an absorbable form, very high in minerals including silicon.

Actions: astringent, diuretic, nutritive, detoxifier, glactagogue, decongestant, hypoglycemic & tonic.

Nettles is one of the most widely applicable plants we have. It strengthens and supports the whole body. It is one of the most powerful plants we have to deal with allergic rhinitis, or more commonly known as pollen allergy or hay fever. Studies are also showing that it has a broad range anti-inflammatory usage, so it useful with migraines, arthritis, lupus pain, etc. It is an extremely nutritive plant, high in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, silica and potassium, and is showing broad anti-fungal effects as well. Through its diuretic effect it promotes detoxification and works to prevent bladder infections. it also strengthens the kidneys and adrenals. The readily assimilated high calcium content helps to diminish muscle pain in all areas of the body including the legs, round ligaments, and back. With its high Vitamin K content it helps prevent hemorrhages. Because it strengthens the blood vessels and maintains arterial elasticity it helps prevent hemorrhoids and varicose veins, helping to maintain a normal blood pressure also.

Compiled by Vickie Liguori, 2006

I've been drinking a tea containing nettles and the first day I noticed a significant difference in my reactions to outdoor pollen!

The Girls on Resurrection Sunday

Happy at home, before church

Standing outside G'Wanda's house after church

Just had to run around

Stopped running just long enough to assess the next move

Watching the sisters frolic

New Pictures

Of the girls are in the right sidebar from March.

I'll post the pix from Resurrection Sunday before too long, I promise.
And I promise to take more pictures of them this month!

Panhandle Rag

By the High Windy Band

Tennessee Waltz

Sung by Patti Page

I've learned to play this song from a Bluegrass book, next is Panhandle Rag. I'm also going through some Irish fiddle tunes. They're lots of fun.

A Song for Sunday: Integration