I still have room in the retreat for May 28th through the 30th in Spanish Fork UT! The cost is $295. We are still going to go forward with it now that we can be in groups of less than 20. Our group will be small and we would love to add a few more. Please send me a message through my contact page if you are interested.  I will also be holding an herb walk at my home in West Jordan on May 23rd as an extension of the retreat. If you would like to just join is for the herb walk on the 23rd and not the retreat the cost for the herb walk is $10.

Here is our tentative itinerary for the retreat! Hope you can make it!

Thursday May 28th

4:00 pm – Check in

5:00 pm – Let’s get to know each other game!

5:30 pm – Prep for dinner

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – dinner and clean up

7:00 pm – How to decrease stress in our lives seminar

7:30 pm Gentle yoga stretch and guided meditation

8:30 – Bedtime – free time and swimming until 10 pm. Quiet time after 10 pm. Lights out by midnight we will be hiking the next day.

Friday May 29th

8:00 am – Breakfast and clean up

9:00 am – Herb walk/hiking

12:00 pm – Prep and eat lunch

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Hands on herb making class.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Free time

5:30 – Prep for dinner

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner and clean up

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Guest speaker

8:00 pm – Yoga stretch and guided meditation

9:00 pm – 12:00 am Lights out by midnight.

Saturday May 30th

8:00 am – 9:00 am power yoga class

9:00 am – 10:00 am prep, eat and clean up breakfast

10:00 am – 11:00 am – pack up, clean up and check out

This past summer I put together 6 basic videos on an introduction to medicinal herbs. With everything that is going on in the world I thought I would share them here on my website hoping it gives others some inspiration to grow an herb garden big or small this year with the extra time many will have at home. Fair warning it was my first time putting together my own videos on you tube. It was a challenge, but I hope you are able to look past imperfections and enjoy the content. Please let me know if you have any questions.

You can find the videos under my media page. https://rootedemily.com/media/

I get questions almost every single day as to how much and what type of herbal remedy a person should take. I refer to this chart often from Rosemary Gladstar with a few minor tweaks and additions that I prefer. I will also describe the different options of herbal remedies you can use successfully with basic directions. The key to successful results with herbs is that you must take them as early as you can, often during the illness duration and after you start feeling better. Hopefully you can find this information as valuable as I have.

Infusions & Decoctions

A tea or infusion is made by boiling purified water and pouring it over loose herb, usually leaves and flowers, or herbal tea bags in a cup or even a quart jar. Once the hot water is poured over the herb, cover it so the volatile oils are preserved. Steep for 15 minutes for a mild tea or 30 minutes for a strong tea.  A decoction is made with roots, seeds and barks. These materials usually need a little more heat and time to extract the medicinal qualities into the water. Simmer the plant material on low heat for 20 – 30 minutes with the lid on the pan. Strain and use like an infusion. You can make a quart of tea once a day and drink it throughout the day. When an adult dose is 1 cup…

Age 

Younger than 2 years – ½ – 1 teaspoon

2 – 4 years – 2 teaspoons

4 – 7 years – 1 tablespoon

7 – 11 years – 2 tablespoons

For chronic issues use 3-4 cups daily for 5 days, rest for 2 days, then repeat for several weeks, or until the problem is corrected.

For acute issues use 1/4 – 1/2 cup throughout the day up to 4 cups during illness and a day or two after you start feeling better.

Tinctures & Glycerites

A tincture is made with fresh or dried herbs. I like to use a 1:5 ratio usually. For example if I wanted to make a yarrow tincture I would place 100 grams (you can use ounces too) of dry yarrow herb in a pint jar and 500 milliliters of 50% or 100 proof alcohol. I also like to blend up the herb to create more surface area for better extraction. Cover and shake once a day for 4 weeks. Strain and press out as much of the tincture as you can. I discovered using a potato press works well lined with a coffee filter. Label and date. Tinctures are preferred for their long shelf life and fast acting results. Glycerites are used for little children and babies or those who cannot use any alcohol. I like to use a 1:1 ratio of purified water and organic glycerin. Use the same measurements as the tincture directions. Glycerites must be kept in the fridge and only halve a shelf life of 2-3 years. When an adult dosage is 1 teaspoon (60 drops)…

Age 

Younger than 3 months – 2 drops

3 – 6 months – 3 drops

6 – 9 months – 4 drops

9 – 12 months – 5 drops

12 – 18 months – 7 drops

18 – 24 months – 8 drops

2 – 3 years – 10 drops

3 – 4 years – 12 drops

4 – 6 years – 15 drops

6 – 9 years – 24 drops

9 – 12 years – 30 drops

For chronic issues use 1/2 -1 teaspoon 3 times daily for  5 days, rest for 2 days, then continue for several weeks, or until the problem is corrected.

For acute issues use 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon every 30-60 minutes during an illness and for another day or two after you start feeling better.

Syrups & Oxymels

Syrups are made by making an infusion or decoction of your choice of herbs and then strained into a large measuring cup. Add equal amounts of honey or glycerin and half part brandy if you like to extend the shelf life. Keep in the fridge for up to 6 months. Oxymels are very similar, except you would macerate or soak herbs in warm apple cider vinegar for 4 weeks like a tincture. Then strain and add equal amounts of honey. Also keep oxymels in the fridge for up to 6 months. When 2 tablespoons is an adult dose…

Age                                                                                                                                        

Younger than 2 years – 1/4 – 1 teaspoon

2 – 4 years – 1 teaspoon

4 – 7 years – 2 teaspoons

7 – 11 years – 1 tablespoon

For chronic issues use 1 – 2 tablespoon 3 times daily for 5 days, rest for 2 days, then continue for several weeks, or the problem is corrected.

For acute issues use 1 teaspoon every 30-60 minutes during an illness and for another day or two after you start feeling better.

Capsules or  Tablets 

When an adult dose is 4 capsules. Cut in half for children under 12 that can swallow a capsule.

For chronic issues take 4 caps 2x a day for 5 days, rest for 2 days, then continue for several weeks until symptoms subside.

For acute issues take 4 caps 3 -4 times a day for a few days after you start to feel better.

No one likes to be sick that is for sure! As a mom of 7 kids we are proactive about our health by eating wholesome food, drinking purified water, getting adequate sleep, staying active and getting plenty of sunshine. During the winter months that can be a little more difficult to do so we take vitamin D3 with K2 for better absorption. My little ones get gummies from Nordic Naturals. Cod liver oil is a great option for vitamin D and is a whole food source which many feel is more superior. Whole food vitamin C is an important part of our daily routine. When someone gets sick in the family they switch to sodium ascorbate. It moves into the cells faster and is less expensive. This is just what we do and by no means should this information be taken as medical advice. This post is for educational purposes only.

There has been a lot of information being shared about the Coronavirus on social media and news outlets.  We know that the numbers are growing around the world, including within the United States.  Health officials have reported that the US is preparing for a pandemic to come here. See this report here

I do not share this information to create panic or fear, on the contrary, I would like to share with you what I understand about the virus, what is happening to the people that aren’t recovering from it and how we can stay healthy and overcome it within our own families.

We know the virus is spreading by human to human transmission, by contact of bodily fluids and aerosol means, meaning through the air.  People who have contracted the virus have experienced fever, sneezing, cough, even stomach cramps, headaches and confusion, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms. For more information see this article

I really liked this report from American Thought Leaders. I highly recommend watching the video to be able to understand the full picture. Laurie Garrett is a reporter who travels around the world to learn about epidemics including, MERS, SARS and Ebola. She discusses simple precautions on how to keep you and your family safe along with what is actually happening in China.  Laurie also mentions something that happens to the people that are dying. These people are experiencing many of the same symptoms as this 56 year old woman has been experiencing. The report states, “She was still on oxygen support when the doctor told her she was ready to go home. She couldn’t stop coughing. Too much fluid was filling up her lungs because of the viral infection, causing chest pains and making it hard for her to breathe” article (Chinese economy is suffering so people are being forced to go back to work even while they are sick).

Time and time again I keep reading and hearing about what I know to be cytokine storms. Cytokines are important chemical signals produced by the immune system to activate other pathogen fighting cells. These immune cells react to the increased cytokine levels by moving toward the infection site and releasing more cytokines. This creates mucus that traps the pathogens and gets rid of them through mucus production, sneezing, coughing and so on. The problem occurs when, after 5-7 days of being ill, one starts to feel worse and not better. The woman mentioned in the article above says that she felt like fluid was filling her lungs making it difficult for her to breathe.  That is a cytokine storm. This is the reason why people died during the Spanish Influenza of 1918 where it was estimated that 100 million people died around the world. Cytokine storms can also turn into pneumonia causing death in high risk people. We know that all viruses act in different ways and are still trying to figure this one out.

There are some great herbs that can increase cytokines at the beginning of an illness. Remember cytokines aren’t bad, they are important to help move pathogens out of the body and should be used at the beginning of an infection.  There are many herbalists that have differing views on which herbs increase cytokines. Some that have been listed include, elder, echinacea, ginsengs and even chocolate and honey.  These herbs and foods are good to take at the beginning of an illness, including the coronavirus. In fact they are my first choice, especially elder. If however a person starts to feel worse a week or so into the infection it would be wise to stop taking the cytokine stimulating herbs and start taking herbs that decrease cytokines. Those herbs include Turmeric, Garlic, Ginger, Grape leaves, St. John’s Wort, Milk thislte, Scullcap, Yarrow and Yerba mansa.

Another important aspect is that we need to keep the detox pathways open when we are sick. This includes the colon, liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. Yerba mansa helps with lymphatic flow as well as calendula, echinacea and cleavers. Taking adequate amounts of magnesium and pysillium husk powder will help the colon to continue to move. Milk thistle, dandelion root, yellow dock root and burdock root are all great for keeping the bile flowing through the liver. Epsom salt baths are also good for keeping the liver pathways open. Drinking plenty of purified water is important for kidney function. Dandelion leaf, chamomile and cleavers are great herbs for the kidneys.

Other herbs that were used during the Spanish Influenza by many Native Americans were Lomatium and Osha. These are very powerful antiviral plants that can be taken throughout the duration of an illness. Angelica root was used during the black plague in Europe and is known to be a very good circulatory herb to keep things moving through the body.

The herbs mentioned above can be taken as a tincture or a tea for best results as single herbs or as formulas. Listed below are 21 respiratory herbs that can help with different symptoms. Please reach out if you have any questions. There are so many other herbs that I could mention, but these are easy to grow and find. Stay healthy and think about building up your basic needs in case there comes a time to quarantine where you live.

Lobelia inflata, a fabulous antispasmodic herb that can help to relax constricting smooth muscles. Good for opening the airway. This herb is not recommended during pregnancy.

Hyssopsus officinalis, or Hyssop is a wonderful expectorant with a long history dating back to biblical times. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy.

Armoracia rusticana or Horseradish is a great herb for clearing the sinuses and killing pathogens, clearing the lungs as a good expectorant. Do not take in large amounts as it can create GI upset.

Fir or Pine needles are fabulous antimicrobial plants. They are also good expectorants and very high in vitamin C. There are no known warnings.

Inula helenium or Elecampane  is probably one of the best expectorant herbs there are. There are no known warnings.

Brigham tea and other Ephedra spp. (the picture above is called green joint stem) are very good bronchial dilators that can help open the airway. There are no known warnings for Brigham tea.

Prunus virginiana or Wild Cherry bark comes from the choke cherry tree/shrub. It is excellent for calming dry hacking coughs and has gentle expectorant properties. Not recommended for long periods of time or during pregnancy.

Thymus vulgaris or Thyme is a good antimicrobial and expectorant. There are no known warnings. Just avoid in large doses during pregnancy. Normal doses are fine.

Grindelia spp. also known as Gumweed is an excellent expectorant, antispasmodic and antibiotic making this a great herb for bronchial infections and asthma. Do not take in large doses or for long periods of time by those who suffer from kidney or heart disease.

Capsicum annum or Cayenne is a fabulous herb for breaking up mucus within the respiratory system. It is also great at killing off pathogens. Start with small doses and build up tolerance.

Allium sativa or Garlic is a good antimicrobial and on our list for decreasing cytokines. Best to take with food so it doesn’t cause upset GI issues.

Echinacea purpurea is a great immune stimulating herb that is also good for moving the lymphatic system. This herb increases cytokines. Use with caution is you have an autoimmune disorder otherwise it is perfectly safe for all.

Mentha piperita or Peppermint is a great antimicrobial herb and is good for relieving headaches and breaking fevers. Can increase heartburn and GI upset with certain people.

Achellia millifolium or Yarrow is great known for it’s antibiotic properties as well as a diaphoretic herb that can help with breaking a fever through sweating. This one will also help to decrease cytokines and is great for using throughout an infection period. Not intended for use during pregnancy. Generally safe but not intended to be used for ling periods of time.

Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s Wort is a good antiviral herb and also good for nerve pain.  This herb will not increase cytokines. Not intended to be taken during pregnancy or with other SSRI anti-depressant prescription drugs.

Althea officinalis or Marshmallow is really soothing to inflamed tissues and can help coat and protect tissue in the lungs like cilia from too much coughing. No known warnings. Very safe for all ages and conditions.

Rubus spp. Blackberries and Raspberries (leaves and roots) are great astringent herbs for diarrhea. No known warnings.

Verbascum thapsus or Mullein is calming to the nerves in the respiratory system to help with a constant cough. It is also a good expectorant. The flowers are good for pain especially pain caused by ear aches. Leaves, flowers and roots are safe. Seeds are toxic.

Symphytum officinalis or Comfrey is a great expectorant and can help heal damaged tissue. Generally safe herb. Not intended for use during pregnancy or for those on a lot of prescription drugs.

Plantago spp. or Plantain is a good expectorant and vulnerary herb to help heal damaged tissue. It is also used against sepsis. No known warnings.

Sambucus nigra or Elderberry is one of the strongest antiviral herbs there are for influenza and other respiratory infections. The flower is good for clearing pressure in the Eustachian tubes, and a good diaphoretic. The berry is a good expectorant as well.  Use only the dried herb as the fresh can be mildly toxic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves natural medicine this is it! It includes 25 different medicinal items that cover a variety of needs. It comes with a container and lid so it is easy to take on short or long trips. The kit comes with dosage directions and other information on using the products. It retails at $345, but is being sold for $245!  That’s $100 off through December 24th! Limited kits are available. If you are interested please send me a message through my contact page. Items included are:

Tinctures (2 ounces) Used with 50% alcohol

Liver Support – dandelion root, burdock root, milk thistle
Pain Support – Skullcap, Chamomile, California Poppy, Valerian root, Tulsi
Immune/Bacteria – Myrrh, Oregon grape root, Echinacea root, Cayenne, Gumweed, Chapparal, Garlic, Calendula
Nerve & Brain Support – Oat Straw, Eleuthero, Ginko, Gotu Kola
Kidney & Bladder Support – Uva Ursi, Marshmallow root, Lobelia, Gravel root, Parsley root, Juniper berry
Sleep Support – Valerian root, Hops flower, Chamomile, Lavender buds
Immune Viral – Pine, Gumweed, Ginger root
Asthma/Breathe Easy Support – Brigham tea, Lobelia, Mullein, Gumweed
Deep Seated Cough & Congestion – Elecampane root, Thyme, Red Clover, Mullein, Marshmallow root, Ginger root
Bleeding/Hemorrhage Support – Yarrow, Shephard’s Purse, Bugleweed
Diarrhea Support – Angelica seed, Rose, Plantain, Balckberry root
Lymph Support – Calendula, Cleavers
Elder Flower & Berry
Angelica Root

Glycerite/ Elixir (2 ounces)

Colic & Gas – Chamomile, Catnip, Fennel seed, Glycerine
Strong Heart Elixir – Hawthorn berry, Rose, Glycerine, 35% alcohol

First Aid Sprays (2 ounces)

Bug Bite & Burn Spray – EXTERNAL USE ONLY – Self- Heal, Lavender, Yarrow, Rose, Witch Hazel, Rubbing Alcohol
Bruise & Sprain Liniment Spray – EXTERNAL USE ONLY – Arnica, Angelica root, Witch Hazel, Rubbing alcohol

First Aid Poultice Blend (8 ounces)

Wound & Poisonous Bite – EXTERNAL USE ONLY – Marshmallow root, Echinacea root, Plantain, Yarrow, Comfrey root, Calendula, Dandelion root

Salves/Oils ( 2 ounces unless specified otherwise) EXTERNAL USE ONLY

*12 Herb Skin Salve – Herbal infused olive oil of Comfrey leaf and root, Chickweed, Plantain, St. John’s Wort, Calendula, Yarrow, White Oak Bark, Echinacea root, Marshmallow leaf, flower and root, Wormwood, Mullein, Lobelia, beeswax, vitamin E and essential oils of lavender and tea tree.
*Black Drawing Salve – Olive oil, Coconut oil, Calendula, Plantain, Marshmallow root, Beeswax, Activated Charcoal, Bentonite Clay, Vitamin E oil, Essential oils of lavender and tea tree.
*Headache Massage Rub – peppermint and feverfew infused olive oil, beeswax, vitamin E oil, peppermint, lavender and chamomile essential oils.
*Cold Sore/ Shingles/Herpes Salve – Calendula, Lemon balm and St. John’s wort infused olive  oil, beeswax, vitamin e, Melissa essential oil.
*Antifungal Salve – fireweed, goldenrod, chamomile, black walnut, pau d’ arco, calendula, monarda fistulosa (bee balm), garlic, wormwood, olive oil, beeswax, vitamin e, tea tree essential oil.
*Ear Oil (1 ounce) – olive oil, calendula, mullein flower, St. John’s wort, garlic.