Reishi: A Powerful Herb

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has long been heralded as the elixir of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers it to be in the highest class of tonics to promote longevity.

This mushroom is well proven to prevent and combat cancer and other immune system disorders. It has beneficial effects on the liver, helping both to regenerate and protect it. It has multiple benefits for the heart, helping to normalize cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.

In his book Medicinal Mushrooms, Christopher Hobbs outlines pharmacological effects of whole reishi extracts. These effects include: analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxident, antitumor, antiviral, hypotensive, cardiotonic, relaxing nervine, expectorant and antitussive, anti-HIV, adaptogen, hepatoprotective and immunomodulating.

Brittle nails? Try Stinging Nettle

Tip for brittle nails and hair. 

Nettle infusions, made by steeping 1 ounce of stinging nettle leaf in a quart of water overnight, are a wonderful way to restore health. 

Stinging nettle leaf is high in nutrients such as magnesium, iron and calcium.

Licorice for a healthy mouth!

Licorice root kills the bacteria that causes gum disease! Scientists report that using licorice can reduce mouth infections. See more about the study here. 

Licorice root is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas. It supports adrenal function and is highly anti-inflammatory. 

Licorice for mouth health
While diet is the most important factor of a healthy mouth, licorice root can also be used for added benefits. 

Whole licorice roots can be used as a toothbrush. Simply buy the whole roots, chew on one end until it becomes soft and frayed. Use this to gently scrub each tooth, similar to using a toothbrush.

Licorice powder can be used in place of a toothpaste. Mix half cinnamon powder with half licorice root powder in a container. Dip your wet toothbrush into the powder and then brush. 

Interested in other natural healthy mouth tips? Here's my recipe for an herbal mouthwash. 

Special considerations
When used regularly and in large amounts licorice root can increase blood pressure in certain people. 

Appointments on Mondays

Interested in getting an herbal health consultation? 

Rosalee is currently seeing people at Room One on Monday afternoons. 

Curious about how herbs can help you? See this link. 

Want to schedule an appointment? Visit this link. 

Natural Solutions for Whooping Cough

Are you concerned about whooping cough? 

Are you interested in a holistic approach to pertussis? 

Join Rosalee de la Forȇt for a presentation to understand how this bacterial infection can be approached from a holistic perspective. 

We will discuss 

• Preventive measures to avoid contracting this infection
• Support through the illness to quell the symptoms
• Support through the recovery phase to ensure a full healing process

Date: May 23rd, 2012

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Twisp Works

Cost: Free

donations exceptions are gratefully accepted 
All donations support the 
Methow Herbal Health Center.

Class size is limited, please register with Rosalee in advance by phone or email. 

509-557-3660

methowhealth at yahoo.com

Important to note!

Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection that may require medical attention. This presentation is for educational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose pertussis, treat pertussis or prescribe medicine for pertussis. It does not take the place of medical attention. 

For obvious reasons, please do not attend this lecture if you have been recently diagnosed with pertussis or if members of your immediate family and friends have been recently diagnosed or exposed to someone with pertussis. If you are interested in this presentation but are unable to attend, please contact Rosalee directly for additional support. 

International Herb Day Celebration: A Plant Walk

Medicinal & Edible Plant Walk in Twisp, WA

Celebrate the 7th annual International Herb Day by strolling around the city limits of Twisp to discover the abundance of edible and medicinal plants. You'll learn some delicious new recipes including dandelion root coffee, rose hip honey and plantain healing salve. After this promenade, you'll never look at Twisp the same again! 

When: Saturday, May 5th

Time: 10:00am - 12:00

Bring water, a hat, pen and notebook for taking notes if desired

Cost: Suggested donation of $10 - $20 to support the Methow Herbal Health Center, a sliding scale,  community supported Center for health (Donations are appreciated, but not required.) 

This walk is limited to 12 people. 


Please register in advance by calling Rosalee

509-557-3660

Triumphs and Challenges: An Update

A generous donation of tinctures was
made to the Center, only a portion are photographed here.

It's been about three months since the Methow Herbal Health Center was created, so it seems like a good time to share some of the triumphs and challenges of the past months. 






Let's start with the best news... 


Triumphs
The Center has been in operation for three months and continues to see a growing number of people. Room One, the wonderful host of the Center, has generously offered an office space and has been tremendously helpful in referring people to the Center as well as offering helpful advice about getting the word out. 


Xavier and Rosalee de la Forȇt made a variety of herbal salves, creams, lotion bars, hand dyed scarves, lip balms and a raffle basket of goodies which was sold at two holiday gift bazaars in November and December. Ancestree Herbals donated a plethora of herbal infused oils which were made into salves. Also, LearningHerbs.com donated 6 Wildcraft! board games to the cause. All the items were sold and $383 was raised for the center. Thank you to the Methow Community for supporting the Center with your holiday purchases! 


The money raised has allowed for Rosalee to buy 2 oz dropper bottles, some glycerites and some specific herbs that people needed but were not in stock. 


In order to raise awareness of the Center Rosalee has done the following

• Posted flyers all around Twisp
• Gave a free hour-long presentation at the local Mothering Group
• Gave a quick introductory presentation at a community solstice gathering
• Brought informational materials to the local food bank, The Cove
• Sent multiple press releases and emails to the local paper (update - as of this week a small announcement was printed in the paper, alongside the obituaries. Not quite the article that was expected for such an innovative endeavor, perhaps better than nothing.) 

Just this week the Center received an incredibly generous donation of tinctures from Michael and Patricia deMarco. These tinctures zing with the vibrancy and will undoubtedly help many people in our valley. 


Challenges
By far the biggest challenge has been getting the word out. Despite numerous attempts at getting the announcement of the opening of the Center in our local paper, it has not happened yet. 


There are a couple more avenues that Rosalee will continue to pursue, such as radio announcements and the Grist (a digital news source). 


It has been suggested that the Center invest in advertising, however the couple hundred dollars that belongs to the Center is being reserved, for the time being, to buy herbs and other necessary supplies.  


What the future holds
In all, the Center is a success. People are coming to the office, we have a plenty of herbs on hand for the time being and a small sum in order to buy herbs not on hand. Several people and companies have been incredibly generous in donating to the Center which has helped to raise money and provide a wider range of herbs to the clientele. On the down side, the Center is still not operating to full capacity and there are open appointments each week. 


After the snows have melted and plants start springing from the earth, Rosalee will lead plant walks in the valley. The goal of these walks will be both to raise awareness about the Center and to bring in additional funds. These walks will be by donation and all money will go back to the Center. 


If you live in the valley and are able to help with spreading the word about the Center, please contact Rosalee with your ideas.