Spices that are Herbs for Healing

    I enjoy the fact that so many spices we use in our kitchen are also amazing healing herbs.  We have many of these spice-herbs available in essential oils, vegicaps, extracts and bulk, making them easy to use for everyone.

    Celery Seed is a natural diuretic, that can reduce excess water buildup and decrease the uric acid that causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis. Available in essential oil, vegicaps, extract and bulk.

    Cinnamon, a favorite in cooking and amazing as an herb.  Cholesterol reducer, pain reliever, diabetes treatment, weight loss, yeast infection fighter and more.  Who knew that this little spice could do so much?  Available in essential oil, vegicaps, extract and bulk.

    Clove is an aromatic spice that does wonders as an herb.  Used in parasite cleanses, for digestive problems, toothaches, insect bites, as a bug repellant, for rheumatoid arthritis, etc.  Available in essential oil, vegicaps, extract and bulk.

     Cumin is a great source of iron and calcium and has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, has antibacterical properties, and used for digestive problems and gas. Available in bulk powder and whole seed.

    Fennel helps digestion and relieves indigestion, gas, dyspepsia and colic, as well as reducing intestinal spasms. Available in essential oil, vegicaps, extract and bulk as well as in the The Garden Essence oil blend Digestion.

    Garlic, known to all as the herbal antibiotic, used anciently in both healing and nutrition. Used as a nerve tonic, lowering hypertension, equalizer of blood circulation, and helpful for respiratory infections.  Available in vegicaps, extract and bulk as well as in Dr. Christopher’s Super Garlic Immune Formula and Western Botanicals Anti-Plague formula in vegicaps and syrup.
   
    Ginger is one that I have used for motion sickness. When taken before the trip and I always do fine in the car or on the plane.  Use Ginger at the onset of your period, it is incredible for keeping the cramping at a minimum.  Ginger is available in essential oil, vegicaps, extract and bulk.

You can purchase single herbs as well as many herbal formulas at Herbs First.

Have a great month!
Kathryn

Single Herbs in Vegicaps, Extract and Bulk

    People are amazed at the variety of single herbs that we have available from Western Botanicals.  People get comfortable using the formulas and don’t realize what single herbs are used for.  It is worth having the Ailments CD which is free with the coupon code AilmentCD with a $100.00 herb order.  You can search which herbs and formulas to use for ailments, and learn about single herbs and what they are used for. 

Single Herbs Available from Acai to Yucca

Acai Berry is very high in antioxidants with even more ORAC value than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Available in powder which is easy to add to fruit smoothies. Available in vegicaps.

Alfalfa, Dr Christopher shares a story in his Herb Lectures CD's about the family that was incarcerated in a concentration camp during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The family found the strength to carry them through to the end of the war when they were released. The key was an alfalfa plant growing in the corner of the compound inside the fence. Each member of the family secretly ate a few leaves of the plant every day, allowing the alfalfa plant to replenish its leaves throughout the long months. The family obtained the necessary nutrients from the plant and maintained their health while others around them dropped dead from malnutrition. Alfalfa is in Dr. Christopher's Jurassic Green and I have found that Alfalfa is very essential to my diet. Alfalfa is available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Cayenne is one of Dr. John R. Christopher's favorite herbs and is used in many of this herbal formulas.  Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract, syrup and bulk.

Dandelion, a weed we all despise in our lawns, but an amazing herb that is high in protein, calcium, Vitamin A, C and B, and more.  Works as a liver cleanser as well as promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints.  A life saver to me back when I had gout. Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Kava Kava, my favorite muscle relaxant. I keep it by my bedside and take it on nights when I need it. Available in vegicaps, alcohol extract and bulk.

Yucca, used for inflammation of all sorts, including joint inflammations, bleeding, dandruff and hair loss. Used successfully to treat arthritis and rheumatism and related disorders. One of the herbs in Dr. Christopher’s Joint Formula.  Available in bulk.

You can purchase single herbs in vegicaps, herbal extracts and bulk, as well as many herbal formulas at Herbs First.

Have a great month!
Kathryn

ImmuBoost Do It Yourself Kit

    Fall is a great time to get your extracts brewing.  A few months ago  I took a Healing @ Home class from Dr. Kyle Christensen, the author of the book Herbal First Aid and Health Care.  He is a founder of Western Botanicals, and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know him and taking his classes.  He taught us how to make the Immune Boost Syrup and you are going to learn how easy it is to Do It Yourself!

    The ImmuBoost Do It Yourself Kit we have put together will make six gallons of finished Immuboost Syrup.  One gallon of Western Botanicals Immune Boost Syrup (thirty-two 4 oz. bottles) would cost  $900.00 and you can order it here if you don't want to make your own.  If you split this order of herbs with six people it will cost each person about $32.00 just for the herbs, with shipping!  Buy 2 bottles of Vodka and 2 quarts of Maple Syrup (for each gallon) from your local store and it would cost about $90.00 total to make a gallon of syrup.  That is 10% of what it would cost to buy it already made. 
Making extracts is easy, after you make one for the first time you will rarely buy prepared extracts.  You can get so much more for the money! Canning season is going on right now and bottles are easy to get.  I bought a pack of 6 two quart (half gallon) jars for $7.99.  I've seen them as much as $11.99, but whatever you pay for the bottles you will have them for a very long time.

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Directions for making ImmuBoost Syrup

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ImmuBoostFormula do-it-yourself kit will make 6 gallons of finished product. Buy this if you want a huge amount, or have people you can split the order with. This is the only size we can put together.

About ImmuBoost Formula: this formula contains some of the most powerful immune stimulants known. ImmuBoost strengthens the immune system to better fight off viruses, and infections. ImmuBoost increases the number of immune cells in the body.

The primary ingredient in ImmuBoost is Echinacea. Echinacea has been scientifically proven to stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, destroy harmful bacteria and speed wound healing. This very powerful and potent herbal combination should be used at the first sign of illness.

Purchase the ImmuBoost Formula do-it-yourself kit by clicking on the add to cart button on the page. This will add all the herbs to your cart that you need for this formula, which are:

2 - Echinacea Root (Angustifolia) - cut 16 oz.

1 - Echinacea Root (Angustifolia) cut 4 oz.

1 - Echinacea Root (Purpurea) - cut 16 oz.

1 - Cat's Claw Bark - cut 4 oz.

1 - Cinnamon Bark - cut 4 oz.

1 - Ginseng, Siberian (Eleuthro Root) - cut 4 oz.

1 - Pau D'arco Bark - cut 4 oz.

1- Usnea Lichen - whole 4 oz.

Other item you need to purchase from a local supplier.

    6 - one gallon jars or 12 - 1/2 gallon wide mouth jars to make tincture/extract in

    12 - 2 liter bottles of 80 to 100 proof Vodka

    12 quarts Maple Syrup, or buy as needed to make the great tasting syrup.

    Combine all the herbs except Usnea Lichen in a very large container that has a lid. The one I use holds 42 cups. Mix the ingredients well and then put either 4 cups into a gallon bottle, or 2 cups into a 1/2 gallon bottle. Divide the Usnea Lichen into equal parts for the gallons or quarts. About 2/3 of an ounce each for the gallon bottle or 1/3 of an ounce for the 2 quart bottle. Break it up a bit and then put in into the bottle on top of the other herbs. It is pretty sticky, so just do your best with it.

    Fill the bottle with Vodka one inch from the top - it takes about two, 2 liter bottles to fill the gallon, one 2 liter bottle to fill the 1/2 gallon. Put the lid on tightly and then shake it around to get the herbs all mixed with the Vodka. Put in a dark place and shake 2 to 3 times a day. Let tincture brew for a minimum of two weeks and up to six weeks.

    Strain and press the herbs out of the tincture/extract. Use a potato masher or squeeze it through a paint strainer or cheese cloth to get all of the liquid out of the herbs. Discard the herbs and bottle the finished extract. ImmuBoost tincture/extract can be used with the alcohol, put a dropperful into a cup of hot water to let the alcohol disperse, or make the yummy kid version with Maple Syrup that follows.  The extract in the Vodka has an indefinite shelf life if kept in a cool dark place.

    Measure the tincture/extract and put it in a pot on the stove on very low heat to let the alcohol evaporate off. Reduce it down to half of what you started with. Add an equal amount of maple syrup to bring it up to the original volume. Make a batch with the Maple Syrup that you can use up in a year or so and keep refrigerated.  Make the syrup as you need it and you can have this on hand for a long long time!  Dosage is usually a dropperful, which is what naturally is drawn into the pipette.

    Click here to order amber bottles, dropper bottles, spray bottles and roller bottles.

Feel free to email me or call me 801-228-1901, if you have any questions. Have a great month!
Kathryn

The kids just got back to school and they are sick already...

    It never fails that after a long summer you are relieved to get the kids back to school only to have them come home with a cold.  Sound familiar??  When we get sick it is because our own immune system isn’t as strong as it needs to be. For a quick immune boost start on Western Botanicals Immune Boost formula which contains some of the most powerful immune stimulants known.  Immune Boost strengthens your immune system to better fight off viruses, and infections. Immune Boost increases the number of immune cells in your body.

    The primary ingredient in Immune boost is Echinacea. Echinacea has been scientifically proven to stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, destroy harmful bacteria and speed wound healing. This very powerful and potent herbal combination should be used at the first sign of illness.

    For the little ones and others who enjoy taking a great tasting fast acting liquid extract Western Botanicals Immune Boost Syrup is preserved with Maple Syrup. I was amazed the first time I tried this formula, it tastes fantastic, kids will willingly take this formula.  Keep it where they can’t get into it themselves or they will go through the whole bottle! So nice to have a formula that the kids won’t be running away from!

Buy Immune Boost Formula alcohol extract, vegicaps and great tasting syrup!

    FYI - sugar is one of the biggest immune suppressers you can eat. In the book "Get The Sugar Out" by Ann Louise Gittleman M.S. C.N.S Ms. Gittleman says, "No matter what form it takes, sugar paralyzes the immune system." Do more research on sugar so that you will understand how important it is to work on diet to stay healthy.

    In our next newsletter for all of those do-it-yourselfers, we will be sharing how to make Immune Boost Syrup. Just a hint, this makes a big batch, so start thinking of friends you can share it with!

    We hope you enjoy using Western Botanicals Immune Boost Formula. Have a great month!

Garden Essence Oils - Quality Determines Results

    The question I get from people about Garden Essence Oils is how do to they compare to doTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils?  Both doTERRA and Young Living sell oils via multi-level marketing. That means many levels of people are making profit off of every purchase you make.  The price you pay for their oils are considerably higher in order to pay the people upline. I have always found the products from this type of company to be of very good quality which is always a good thing.

   
    Garden Essence buys from very reputable suppliers that test the oils for purity.  Garden Essence only buys the best oils that are 100% pure, single species, first distillation, guaranteed free of pesticides and herbicides. These oils are 100% pure, natural, and uncut oils. Many people are comparing Garden Essence Oils to the multi-level marketed oils and love the price and the quality of the oils. They are only marketed via regular stores, so the price will always be lower than MLM.

    If you have been buying oils in hopes of getting rich and it hasn’t happened yet, it is time to change your oil! You will be happy with Garden Essence Oils.  Compare the pricing of what you have been buying for single oils and oil blends.  The great pricing is due to the fact that you aren't paying all those levels of people, just paying for the oils. 

    Garden Essence Oils are always discounted from the retail price.  With Garden Essence Oils you can afford to buy the oils and use them too!  It is time to find out for yourself how wonderful and affordable these oils are!  Order some today!

Herbs are not addicting, only healing

    The most recent radio show on A Healthier You,  David and Fawn Christopher talk about the recent reports of more and more pain killer deaths in the United States. Deaths for women for prescription drug overdose is up 400% from twelve years ago and up 265% for men. Simple fact is if you don’t take drugs you won’t die from an overdose!

    Some of the reasons I got into natural health care was first to have control of my health which I enjoy doing very much. Another was to avoid the problems that occur with conventional medications, dependancy being one of them. I have turned down pain prescriptions after dental work and surgeries, though they would always insist I take it with me just in case. I have never filled a pain prescription and have always done just fine using the herbs to treat the pain as well as aid in the healing process.

    The top of the list that David talked about is Dr. Christopher's Complete Tissue and Bone Formula which I always take for any type of surgery or injury.  It works for pain and for healing.  When you start hurting you know you need to take more. Over time your body gets well and you don’t need it anymore.  No fear of addiction when you use herbs.

    The next formula David talked about in the radio show is Dr. Christopher's Nerve Formula.  This is great for nerve pain and repair.  Many people have nerve pain and as someone that has had nerve damage due to dental work I can attest to the fact that nerve pain really hurts. I used Dr. Christopher's Relax-Eze which is another nerve formula.  It took about six months to repair the damage, but once it was repaired, I had no more pain.  And again, no addiction, only healing.

    Another reason for pain is inflammation. Many people aren’t realizing that inflammation is caused by poor diet. We have a great formula to help inflammation, but the best thing do to is to work on diet.  Here are a couple of links to help you with diet changes: Traci's Transformational Kitchen and Original Fast Foods. 

    In the meantime, Western Botanicals Anti-Inflammation formula will help you while you work on diet changes.  Anti-Inflammation Formula is effective in dramatically reducing pain and inflammation, and the herbs used are some of the safest available and can be used on a long-term basis. So if you don’t work on diet, you can buy this formula forever!  We don’t mind!

    The list goes on and on and there are herbs to treat any illness or disease.  Education is the key to your “vehicle”. Traditional medicine is not about health, it is just damage control. The School of Natural Healing has their  Family Herbalist course for only $195.00, get started today! It is well worth it to learn how to take care of yourself. 

    Have a great month!
    Kathryn

Do it yourself - Bug Repellant Spray and Sunburn Relief Spray

    Many times we have been at outdoor events and gotten the over spray from people using bug repellant.  I find that so inconsiderate!  You would think they would do it before they came, but no, time after time people are spraying their obnoxious sprays all over everyone.  Commercial sprays smell nasty and are not healthy to inhale, much less have soaking into your skin.

    It is easy to make your own Deet free - chemical free bug repellant. There are two things you need to make a great bug repellant. 
   

Bug Repellant

    4 oz. Vodka
    1 teaspoon Garden Essence Essential Oils Pest-Away with Catnip (5 ml.)

Put Vodka and Pest Away with Catnip in 4 oz. spray bottle and shake.  Spray on exposed skin and in hair several times a day to keep the bugs away. 

Sunburn Relief Spray

    2 oz. Aloe Vera Gel
    2 oz. Distilled Water
    15 drops Garden Essence Lavender Essential Oil
    15 drops Garden Essence Tea Tree Essential Oil
    10 drops Garden Essence Peppermint Essential Oil
   
Mix all ingredients in a 4 oz. glass spray bottle.  Spray liberally as often as desired on sunburned skin.  Keep the left over solution in the refrigerator.

    Herbs First now has 1 oz and 4 oz glass spray bottles  to use with your own herbal and essential oil formulations.

    As a natural sunscreen I like to use Coconut Oil, I put it on several times throughout the day.  Sometimes I slightly burn, so I just put more coconut oil on and by morning it has turned into a tan.  Complete Tissue and Bone Ointment is a great sunburn oil, if you don't mind being oily! I would use it if I had a really bad burn.  Order it here.

    Enjoy your summer!

Dr. Christopher formulas for children

    If you aren’t already using natural medicine to take care of your family what are you waiting for??  My kids were fairly young when we totally switched over and I certainly wish that we had known even sooner what we know now about health.  It is very empowering to be able to handle situations at the very moment realized, than to wait until things get worse.

    Dr. Christopher has a great Kid-e-Line of extracts for children which are appropriate to give from newborn on up. 

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Calc is a wonderful natural calcium formula designed to meet children’s specific growing needs. As explained in the book, "Biological Transmutations", the silica in horsetail grass can be converted into calcium in the human body, and the other herbs work in close conjunction with this master calcium herb. We need calcium to build and maintain nerve sheath, vein and artery walls, bone, teeth, etc. This combination is helpful for cramps, ("Charlie horses"), successful pregnancies, and building as well as maintaining healthy bones, teeth, hair, skin and nails for children and adults.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Col is a mother's favorite formula for her new born baby. This formula is time tested and a blessing for infants. A great combination of Catnip and Fennel for colic, teething pain, flatulence, spasms, etc. This is one I give as a gift when I hear a baby has colic.  Parents are always amazed at how quickly it works to soothe little tummies.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Dry is specifically for controlling or overcoming bed-wetting and to strengthen the entire urethral canal, kidneys, bladder, etc.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Mins are natural vitamins for children, Kid-e-Mins is the ultimate whole-food formula, perfectly balanced with vitamins and minerals the way mother nature intended. Vitamins that come straight from nature are the most precious gift you can give a child. 100% natural to nourish growing bodies. Vitamins a parent can feel good about giving their children.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Mune was designed to enhance the body’s ability to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Many herbalists use Echinacea for its ability to build resistance to infections of the respiratory and digestive tracts and strengthen the body’s resistance against many common ailments such as bronchitis, the common cold, sore throats, canker sores, cold sores, etc. Give at the first sign of illness to stop problems quickly before they develop.


    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Reg is a synergistic herbal blend was designed to strengthen and gently cleanse the lower bowel. It is powerful enough for effectiveness and gentle enough for safety. It tastes great and is made with only the finest ingredients.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Soothe was designed to calm yet strengthen the body’s immune responses. Oftentimes, we believe that we are allergic to certain foods, plants or animals, but in reality our immune system may be just overreacting. This simple combination of Marshmallow root and Astragalus has made life easier for those who suffer from allergies, hay fever, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis or any hyperactive immune response.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Trac has become one of the most popular formulas for mental sharpness and clarity, emotional balance and overall health of the brain and nervous system. This formula has been used traditionally for helping the brain function properly via assisting the body with delivering the nutrients to the brain and calming nervous system. Works wonderfully for depression and anxiety symptoms.

    Dr. Christopher’s Kid-e-Well is a synergistic herbal blend was designed to help strengthen and assist the immune system of children. This formula is powerful enough to be effective, yet gentle enough to be safe. It tastes great and has been used traditionally during times of cold and flu.

You can order these on the extracts order page at Herbs First.

What is your favorite Dr. Christopher formula?

    I talk about this formula way too much, so hopefully you are understanding the importance of having Dr Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Formula on hand.  I was attempting to open up a coconut , but it was a really hard nut and I wasn’t getting anywhere with it.  My husband decided to help me and as he took the coconut it slipped and dropped on my big toe! It hit just right, or wrong for me, and boy did it hurt. The pain was rather numbing and after a minute or two and looking at my toe I decided to get the Complete Tissue and Bone formula into me.  I really thought I would wake up to a bruised toe, and I certainly would have if I hadn’t taken it.  We had planned on going on a walk after opening the coconut, but after that I said there was no way I was going on a walk it hurt too much. 

    About half an hour after taking Dr Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Formula the pain was gone so we went on our walk.  I totally forgot about it until I was talking to a customer  about the Complete Tissue and Bone Formula the next day.  She asked me if I used it and I replied that I did just yesterday and then realized that I hadn’t even thought about my toe at all that day.  I looked at it and it was fine.  Another success story!

    Dr Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Ointment is another must have on hand item. My sister has had great results using it for carpal tunnel, that’s better than surgery!  We love to use it on our joints and anywhere it hurts.  I’ve used it on blisters, just kept a band aid wet with the ointment and had the new skin grow completely in a week.  Use it for arthritis, bursitis, bruises, eczema, sprains, strains and so on.  I have used it on burns and had the pain gone within minutes.  Keep the ointment on the burn just add more ointment as needed and not removing the old, and most will heal with no scars. Great for sunburns and more, just try it and see for yourself!.  

    Read some great healing stories about Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Formula on Herbal Legacy, including finger re-grown after accident, hernias, spinal problems and more.    Listen to Dr. Christopher as he teaches people how to use all of his formulas on the Dr Christopher’s Herb Lectures CD’s.

Read a related blog where I share my sprained ankle story here.

Call to order: 801-228-1901

  

Healing @ Home, The Crash Course

    My husband and I attended a workshop this past weekend called “Healing @ Home, The Crash Course”.  It was taught by Dr Kyle Christensen, who is the author of Herbal First Aid and Health Care, which is the book that covers Western Botanicals product line.  This is a great book, very different from Dr Christopher’s Herbal Home Health Care, and worth getting.  Dr. Christensen is a chiropractor and naturopathic physician as well a Master Herbalist from the School of Natural Healing and until recently was a co-owner of the Western Botanicals products that we carry.

    I was amazed to find out that many of Western Botanical formulations are in the Herbal First Aid and Health Care book. What a bonus for anyone that buys it, because so many herbal companies will not give out their formulas. In the workshop Dr. Christensen made his Immune Boost formula found on page 230. I have made extracts using Western Botanicals bulk herbs and know how easy it is, but others were amazed that was all there was to it.  He showed us the best straining cloth I have ever seen, a paint straining bag that is reusable.  I went and purchased the two sizes at Home Depot and will enjoy using these for many years to come.  Now I have to figure out what to do with the big box of cheesecloth I bought!

    Dr. Christensen used two of the five gallon paint strainer bags and showed us how easy it is to make greek yogurt. He then used some of the fresh whey that drips out as the yogurt is hanging and taught us how to make fermented vegetables, which are a great source of good bacteria for the gut. I’m excited to start adding fermented veggies to our diet.  Fresh whey keeps for a month in the fridge and can be added to green smoothies to make them full of good bacteria!  We need all the good bacteria we can get to stay healthy!  Eating fermented vegetables and yogurt will help keep candida under control.  Food Matters just posted an article and video about making fermented veggies where you can learn more about the importance of adding this to your diet!

    Dr. Christensen also shared with us the fact that so many herbal companies are using very poor quality herbs to make their products.  Companies would approach them asking to buy their “spent” herbs after they were used to make extracts. Would you want to eat herbs that had the goodness already extracted from them?  No wonder there are so many bad products out there.  He mentioned that both Dr Christopher's and Western Botanicals use the highest quality herbs available and that is why they work.  Their products are pure herbs, no fillers are ever added, so you know you are getting only the whole herb with their healing properties intact.  Read Dr Christopher's Quality Statement and Western Botanicals Quality Statement and you will know why you should be using these herbal formulas for your health and healing.
   
    I love learning how to take care of myself and my family.  Herbal First Aid and Health Care would be a great book to add to your collection and will help you with your endeavors to be medically independent.