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The Hermits Grove Herb ClosetApril 7 , 2008Contents:
Want to know more about the herbs you use?Monographs of any of the staple herbs (which we stock) may be purchased for $4.00 per monograph. Monographs average 12 pages (some as few as six, some more than twenty), including botanical information, constituents and uses in botanical medicine. Monographs also include information on the folk magick from Beyerl's book, A Compendium of Herbal Magick and are always a work-in-progress with new information added as we do further research. Members10% discount on herbs & blends There are many additional herbs which can be ordered. Want one? Please ask us to check our supplier's listings.
* staple item in stock [c/a] = check availability: not always available Herbs
Special Health BlendsHerbal Cold RemedyThis remedy works exceptionally well. I have used it faithfully since the late 1980s and our students and subscribers use it with great success as well. There is one "trick" however. It should be taken at the first signs of a cold (or respiratory infection). What are the first signs? It could be sneezing more than usual. Your eyes might seem to itch and tear more than average. There might be the slightest tickle in your throat. Pay attention to those around you. If you are around anyone with a cold, listen to your body. If you exhibit any of these early warning symptoms, use the formula. Do not wait to see if it is "really" a cold. Viruses replicate at an extraordinary speed. Taken within the first hours of the above symptoms we have found a nearly 100% success rate of all symptoms disappearing with no cold at all. Despite my being HIV+ since 1988 and having often been exposed to cold viruses, I average about one cold every four or five years and those are greatly diminished in strength using this remedy. The basic herbs include:
In addition, for a sore throat caused by raw tissue:
The process? For a 'light' mixture, use two teaspoons of lemon grass, one teaspoon or marshmallow root and one teaspoon of wild cherry bark. If there is any sore throat, use one teaspoon of bayberry bark. Place into a container (a stainless steel saucepan with a snug lid is ideal) and pour about two cups of just-boiling hot water over the herbs. Cover. Let sit for 2040 minutes. Strain well (a fine mesh stainless steel strainer is better than a tea strainer). Drink over a one to two hour period of time. For a stronger mixture use a tablespoon for your measure. This is very safe and you can easily adjust the proportions. It's like basic cooking. I never measure. I simply open the container and pour some into the pan to be infused in the water. If you feel you need more throat protect, increase the bayberry bark. Feel free to try various proportions. Digestive Disorder FormulaLike my cold formula which has a nearly 100% success rate over the past dozen years in overcoming common cold viruses if taken early enough, the formula which is proving exceptionally useful for the digestive system is worth noting. This formula is proving highly useful for people who are prone to painful stomach cramps, acidosis, reflux and other conditions brought about by a variety of conditions. In my circumstances five years on a regimen of pharmaceuticals which keep HIV at low levels have waged an unholy war against my digestive system. Now, with this formula I am even drinking coffee again. I do not claim that my system has been restored to perfect condition but these medicinal herbs allow me to once again live a normal life, one in which the demands of my digestive discomfort no longer dominate my existence. Others are now using this formula for conditions as diverse as Crohn's disease and recovery from morphine addiction for a patient who has chronic pain and was under a doctor's supervision. This formula works best as a tea. Although I find the flavor very satisfying and enjoyable, the presence of the small amount of valerian may be initially unsettling for the American palate. It's worth it, however. Digestive Disorder Formula is most effective when taken over a period of time. It may be several weeks before one's digestive system is able to optimize the benefits of this medicine and, as with most herbal medicines, a dose of patience makes the remedy far more effective.
Peppermint, [Mentha piperita], although a traditional herb for digestive discomfort, is grown commercially on the other side of the Cascade Mountains and peppermint fields are found along I-90 which fill the air with their scent on warm, summer days. The volatile oil is composed of menthol and related molecular compounds, as well as highly useful flavonoids and some caffeic acid. Useful for cramps, nausea, gastritis, dyspepsia, colic and gas, peppermint is a strong herb but not the primary ingredient in this formula. Valerian, [Valeriana officinalis], is typically considered an herb to help a tired body sleep. Contrary to popular misconception, it does not put you to sleep but does its work through iridoids, volatile oil compounds, some useful sesquiterpenes and a few other compounds. What valerian does is to function as one of the best herbs available for treating severe stomach cramps, most likely due to the valepotriates. It is considered to be an exceptional herb for the digestive system, something usually overshadowed by its use as a sedative. As far as the latter, it should be pointed out that extensive studies show that people using valerian actually have better comprehension and do better on scholastic tests. The valerian is essential in this formula working. Marjoram, [Origanum marjorana], is an often neglected herb when working to restore health and functionality to the digestive system. It is very useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal discomfort and pain. Some pharmacological studies indicate that marjoram may not be well suited for long-term use. I take the Digestive Disorder Formula perhaps half the days in a year. I mix it each time so adjust the marjoram content and sometimes omit it. I find that it is a key ingredient, however, and it becomes a personal judgement in choosing how much to use it as there are no precise guidelines available. Meadowsweet, [Filipendula ulmaria], is an herb with which I have a strong connection. When I began teaching at the Community Colleges and beginning the Master Herbalist Program my research in the British system brought meadowsweet to my consciousness on many occasions. One source indicated that it could deal with a digestive system which was too acidic and also one which is too alkaline. Many people automatically assume that the burning of gastric secretions (during reflux) must be due to acidic conditions but a system which is too alkaline can create the same symptoms. It was indicated that meadowsweet restored the normal balance of the system. I was intrigued. Containing, as well, various compounds of salicylates, a family of compounds found extensively in white willow bark which became the basis for the synthetic production of aspirin, meadowsweet is also useful for pain and is a superior anti-inflammatory. This is the primary ingredient and I have often found relief attainable with meadowsweet alone. As a final footnote, you may enjoy referring to this herb by another of its common names - Queen of the Meadow. In fact, that name so intrigued me that I had ordered queen of the meadow for our gardens and when I began my research into meadowsweet was surprised and delighted to discover that she had already claimed our hearts through our gardens the season before. Digestive Disorder Formula: may be of value in treating colic, dyspepsia, enteritis, flatulence (gas), gastritis, heartburn, stomach cramps Tones the digestive systemMay bring relief from: hyperacidity, hyperchlorhydria or acid reflux The herbal combination can be obtained through The Hermit's Grove: one ounce of meadowsweet and a half ounce each of marjoram, peppermint and cut valerian root. Cost of the herbs: $3.00. Special price for web site visitors, including shipping, $5.00. Washington residents please add 45¢ sales tax. Essential OilsEssential Oils - 2 oz. bottles
Add $2.00 to have a 2 oz glass bottle repackaged into two plastic bottles - both enclosed in your order. Ordering Oils? We MUST have a street address! Prices subject to change without notice due to changes by our suppliers. Special Blended MixturesTo enhance your spiritual exploration
Miscellaneous
IndispensableThe Hermit's Grove Remedial Index: Nearly 150 pages—over 20,000
references. Indexes our 200 herbal monographs. One of the most convenient resources
you'll find. Spiral bound. Monographs range from 6-21 pages, possibly the most comprehensive information
you can find. We have a monograph available for every herb we stock. $4.00 per
herbal monograph. Don't use herbs without knowing all you need to know. These
handy references are perfect! (identify herbal monographs by name) T-Shirts - Hermit's Grove t-shirts with our Mars & tarragon logoare available. Brown logo and lettering upon a cream-colored shirt. Shipping Information
Prices subject to change without notice due to changes by our suppliers. Washington residents add 9.0% sales tax. Shipping is USPS, parcel post. 4 oz quantity of specific herb 15% discount Books and special orders may take 2-3 additional weeks. Check or money order payable to: |