Best Of
Re: Legal implications for a medicine man/woman
I'm in Canada so I don't know what the legalities are in other countries. I have medical liability and malpractice insurance that covers me. It is just over $200 per year. It covers me for herbalism, homeopathy, certain massage techniques, ear candling and energy medicine such as reiki. Well worth the price. Not sure what type of insurance would be available in other countries.
Also, when we sell products we are required to have those products listed with Health Canada. They allow all sorts of homemade products to be registered (salves, oils, lip balms, etc.). However, we are not allowed to make any claims as to the properties or have a label that might indicate uses. For example, we can label a product with the name of the ingredient such as Chickweed/Plantain Salve but we can't call it "Healing Salve" or "Burn Salve". We could use a term like "Bum Butter" but not "Diaper Rash Cream". Again, not sure what sort of regulations the US would have on natural health products.
torey
I just made lotion!
I've worked with herbs for decades... first time making lotion - thanks Dr. Jones!
judsoncarroll4
Don't Eat The Yellow Snow... it's a myth!
I grew up in Florida where "snow" is a concept on a Christmas card.
And, before frost free refidgerators, sometimes what kind of looked like snow accumulated in the freezer.
The biggest lesson I had been taught (in case I ever did get to see snow) was "don't eat the yellow snow" which made a ton of sense.
Well, actually it did snow once or twice when I was very young - still in grade school - it even lightly dusted Miami one time! Wow.
So now I'm in Colorado for a bit - and everything is so sparkling white, all the trees are frosted, and chimneys wafting out the delightful smell of wood smoke. There is a thick layer of fluffy white, about a foot deep, everywhere.
And I recalled that wisdome of the yellow snow thing.
So I tried it out.
BTW, my definition of a good yard is one that is big enough and private enough you can pee in it without disturbing the peace.
Anyway, sigh, I have to say I was very disappointed. The snow just melted. It doesn't turn the snow yellow at all.
There is no way you can possibly eat yellow snow.
Dang, another childhood myth busted. Guess I'll put yellow snow along with Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny.
I guess the good news is... I won't ever have to worry about eating yellow snow! LOL
Re: Who are some reliable herbal companies? (Herbs, not seeds!)
Starwest Botanicals is another source. https://www.starwest-botanicals.com
Leslie Carl
Re: Who are some reliable herbal companies? (Herbs, not seeds!)
Mountain Rose Herbs is my go-to for ordering. I have always been happy with the quality. Shipping can take a while, and can be on the high side, but it comes well packed and I feel like it's a fair price.
I also have a local shop that I try to use as much as possible. Her turnover on some of the lesser known herbs is not very fast. I think she gets hers from Pacific Botanicals. I've been satisfied with what I get from her, and like being able to get half an ounce of something to try. I also like that I can see the herb in the clear, but plastic, jars.
Re: Who are some reliable herbal companies? (Herbs, not seeds!)
Guess it would help if I added the link. :)
https://theherbalacademy.com/purchase-herbs-and-supplies-world-wide/
torey
Re: Who are some reliable herbal companies? (Herbs, not seeds!)
Mountain Rose seems to be the go-to company that many people use. Pacific Botanicals. Gaia Herbs. Banyan Botanicals. Ryan Drum at Island Herbs. (I'm assuming you are in the US).
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ http://www.pacificbotanicals.com/ https://www.gaiaherbs.com/
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/ http://www.ryandrum.com/
This is a link to the Herbal Academy's page for a more comprehensive list, including suppliers outside of the US.
torey
Re: Who are some reliable herbal companies? (Herbs, not seeds!)
I agree, I have used Mountain Rose and Starwest and have been happy with both. I also use a couple of local shops for the same reason listed, sometimes you just want or need only an ounce or even less so that is nice option.
VickiP
Chocolate Snacking Balls
Would you like a no-cook snacking treat you can easily make in less than 15 minutes if you have all the ingredients on hand?
This recipe uses all quality ingredients but it's great for an after school or after work snack. One or two balls is enough to satisfy even the most confirmed junk food eater.
Assemble all of your ingredients so they are on-hand on the countertop and give this one a try. IT'S A KEEPER!
Ingredients
1 cup raw pecans
1 cup medjool dates, chunked or 1 1/4 cup deglet noor dates (these are lower in fructose if you are watching your sugars)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp allspice - (to mix your own combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp. clove - Combine as use as needed)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup raw cacao powder (regular cocoa powder can be used if that's all you have)
zest of one orange
2 tablespoons organic maple syrup - if needed
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shredded unsweetened coconut (for rolling)
Instructions:
Place pecans in food processor and pulse till chopped in small pieces (do not over-process)
Remove lid and add dates, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, sea salt, cocoa powder and orange zest. Replace lid and pulse till a thick dough has formed. If the mixture will not form into a dough ball, add the maple syrup as needed.
Grab a small amount of dough (approx. 1/2 heaping tablespoon) and roll the dough into a ball with your hands. Roll the ball now in the shredded coconut and place on waxed paper. Repeat until all the dough is used. Makes about 16 balls (depending on the size you make each ball.)
To store: Place in a container with lid and refrigerate. I always like to add a piece of waxed paper (under them and over them) to help prevent the balls from drying out.
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That's it. These actually do taste better the next day because the orange zest has time for the flavor to develop in with the chocolate flavor.
greyfurball
Dandelions and Marital Harmony
It is amusing to me that I am about to plant dandelion seeds in a pot to be grown indoors. I do have a few persistent dandelions that grow in my mini lawn, but my husband does not agree to letting them grow and prosper there or anywhere else in my yard.
Ironically, my husband in his childhood was tasked by his mother to go outside and cut dandelion greens for dinner. He tells me they are bitter and has no interest in eating them now. If my mother-in-law were still living, I think she would be helping me on with my herbal education.
Growing dandelions in the house will serve many purposes: I will get greens for myself and my parrot; my cats will have greens to chew on; I can offer the flowers to the parrot; I can offer the flowers to myself; and I could even harvest and roast roots if I want.
I am looking forward to the reaction of the first visitor who recognizes my new houseplants.
shllnzl