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Written by Holly Fourchalk, RHT

To view entire article written by our of our professional Registered Herbal Therapists, Holly Fourchalk, RHT – with photos, please visit: http://www.choicesunlimited.ca/depression-anxiety-is-it-your-head-or-your-gut/

We experience depression and anxiety as a “head” thing, but too many times the cause is in the body. In fact, there are a wide number of physical causes that range from the adrenals, to the liver, to the thyroid (typically not the thyroid, typically its the gut, liver, and/or adrenals), to metal toxicity, etc etc, a primary focus for the last few years has been the gut.

Historically, it was believed that 90% of the information going along the Vagus nerve (the 10th cranial nerve that runs between the head and the gut) was directed from the brain down to the gut. Today’s research shows that once again, medical science was wrong and that 90% of the information actually flows from the gut to the brain.

Did you know that the gut has over 100 million nerves – more than in the spinal cord? Did you know that the gut produces all the same neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, neurohormones, glial cells, etc that the skull brain produces? In fact, the gut brain produces more neurotransmitters than the skull brain!! Did you know that the gut talks to the brain in a wide variety of ways through the central nervous system, the immune system, the hormone system, etc?

Did you know that there are more bacteria in your gut than cells in your whole body? Did you know that they are now estimating that there are over 35,000 different species of gut bacteria? Did you know that the bacteria in the gut can effect the amount of neurotransmitters produced in the brain. Or that the bacteria in the gut can effect our thoughts, our emotions and our behavior? Did you know that your gut can cause inflammation in the brain; deplete the brain of nutrients; send toxins to the brain? Yup, that gut is pretty darn important.

So the question we ask starts to change…not only do we need to ask what in the body is creating the depression and/or anxiety…but now we need to ask are you even creating it or is it the microbiota in your gut that is creating it? You are in charge of what you put in your mouth…but after that, they may be in charge of you!!

Conclusion: we need to be very careful of what we put in our mouths!!!

To view entire article written by our of our professional Registered Herbal Therapists, Holly Fourchalk, RHT – with photos, please visit: http://www.choicesunlimited.ca/depression-anxiety-is-it-your-head-or-your-gut/

Written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH Medical Herbalist

To view entire article, please visit: (NOTE full article) http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2013/04/05/red-root-new-jersey-tea/

Botanical: Ceanothus americanus

Main Actions: Astringent, Lymphagogue, Expectorant.

Indications: Red Root is indicated for stagnation of lymph, thick mucus, swollen glands and poor assimilation of nutritients to the tissues.

Red root, also known as New Jersey Tea, a lymphatic herb which stimulates interstitial fluid circulation used for splenic and liver congestion, enlarged lymph nodes, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, chronic post-nasal drip and mononucleosis. It can also help increase platelet counts and is specific for reducing cysts.

Astringent: The root is an effective astringent, expectorant and antispasmodic for as asthma bronchitis and coughs It has proven useful in mouthwash to relieve sore throat, gum inflammation, to help tooth decay. The astringent qualities of Red Root that dry up damp conditions aid conditions where lymphatic congestion is a problem can also be applied to:lymphatic swellings, sore throats, mastitis, mononucleosis, tonsillitis and strep infections as well as chronic conditions such as leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, rheumatism, AIDS as well as various types of anemias.

Expectorant:  utilized in folk medicine practices of Native Americans to alleviate whooping cough, and shortness of breath; working as a mucolytic agent to lower the viscosity of mucus and promotes the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.

Relieves Digestive Problems: traditionally used for the digestive system, liver and spleen. The spleen can be viewed as the body’s largest lymph node: addressing how well our immune system functions, how waste descends and is removed from the body, and how nutrients are sent up into the body to build blood, nourish cells and muscles. When digestive disorders are present on a disease or syndrome level, deficiency of the spleen is a contributing factor. Spleen deficiency appears in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Disease (Chron’s and Colitis),

Antibacterial Properties: Antibacterial properties are due to the lignans, tannins and ceanathine The root was used as a decoction to help treat sexually transmitted diseases, notably syphilis and gonorrhea. Also, it appears to lessen frequency of canker sores, cold sores and prevent formation of tooth decay when used as a mouth wash and sore throats.

To view entire article, please visit: (NOTE full article) http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2013/04/05/red-root-new-jersey-tea/

Written by Krista Poulton, RHT – Medical Herbalist

To view entire article with recipe, directions and photos, please visit: http://kristadawnpoulton.com/2017/01/grindelia-honey/

With the flu season upon us – time to get prepared for those inevitable and irritable coughs!

No matter where you live I am positive you have weeds growing.  You probably have weeds in your garden, weeds in the cracks of your sidewalk, and weeds growing, in this case, on a rocky coastline.

Have you ever stopped and pondered the fact that these weeds were once the cure for illnesses before pharmaceuticals?  And that many pharmaceuticals are derived from the constituents found in our most common weeds?  And many of the plants are still used today by herbalists to cure illnesses – without the harsh side-effects that pharmaceuticals have.  Makes you really question composting those dandelions you just ‘weeded’ (or harvested) out of your garden…. doesn’t it.

Gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia) (3) is one of those weeds that have been used traditionally for medicine.  Grindelia belongs to the Asteracea family – a very common medicinal plant family.  Grindelia is used to treat asthmatic and bronchial conditions with its antispasmodic, and expectorant actions on the body (1).  Grindelia is useful for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and upper respiratory catarrh (aka phlegm) (1), including harsh, dry cough and wheezing (2).   Perfect for that Autumn chest cold that often goes around when you get caught underdressed for the quick weather changes in September.

On Vancouver Island you can find Grindelia growing near the ocean – often on rocky slopes.  “These shrub-like plants grow to 2-1/2 feet in height and are laden with bright yellow sunflower-like blooms that reach a diameter of 2-1/2 inches” (3).  It is a very sticky, resinous flower, and will often look like sap is coming out of its flowers.  “Immature flower heads have a bur-like appearance and exude a white sticky substance” (3).

It is best to harvest the Grindelia flowers away from traffic and vehicles to avoid toxins from exhaust.

Grindelia flowers are like sunshine – sticky, gooey sunshine!

The Grindelia Honey Recipe:

The recipe is very simple – you can do the folk method with just adding honey to cover the flowers or you can weigh your flowers and your honey (see below).

Honey in this case is your preservative – so if you don’t add enough honey to the flowers your medicinal honey might not last as long (It has to do with the water content of the flowers diluting the preserving aspect of honey).  If you are unsure just keep your honey refrigerated to extend its shelf life.  The folk method is an easy way to make a medicinal honey, but if you are really wanting to know the potency of your medicine, measuring is the best method.

1 part grindelia flowers : 4 parts raw honey

Put the flowers and the honey in a double boiler (two pot system where you put water in the bottom pot and the second pot is where the flower/honey mixture goes).  Simmer on low heat so you don’t pasteurize the honey.

To view entire article with recipe, directions and photos, please visit: http://kristadawnpoulton.com/2017/01/grindelia-honey/

Written by Krista Poulton, RHT – Medical Herbalist

To view entire article with recipe, directions and photos, please visit: http://kristadawnpoulton.com/2017/01/spiced-elderberry-syrup/

This Elderberry Syrup can keep you tip top over the flu season with its Anti-viral and Immune-Boosting abilities RIGHT from your own backyard!  (or neighbours if you ask nicely!)

Now that Summer is coming to an end are YOU prepared for the upcoming flu season?

NOT only Echinacea can provide you with powerful flu and cold season fighting abilities – in fact in some studies Elderberries have been shown to be more effective than Echinacea! “The efficacy of Echinacea sp. is dubious based on the identified studies. Over 2000 persons were given the treatment, but equal amounts of studies of good quality found positive and negative results. All three clinical trials of Elderberry concluded that it is effective against influenza” (1)

Elderberries are from the Honeysuckle family and many parts of this tree can be used medicinally including the berries and the flowers – the most common – as well as the leaves and the bark in traditional uses.

The Berries are Anti-Viral and Nutritive – high in Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids making them an IDEAL medicine for Colds and Flus.  The Anti-Viral action is specific to Herbal Medicine – Pharmaceuticals can’t do this action SO if you have a flu and you go to the doctor the only suggestion they will give you is bed-rest…  and NO, antibiotics do not work on viral infections – it’s a whole different ball-game!

Spiced Elderberry Syrup Recipe:

Alright here is the magical recipe! – AND I have to admit I am notoriously bad at following recipes so I suggest that if you feel comfortable you can fiddle with the recipe with different spices, amount of water and honey!

2 cups dried elderberries (I used fresh – so I decreased the amount of water I used)
1 large piece of fresh ginger
4 whole cinnamon sticks
18 whole cloves
2-4 nutmegs
13 cups of water (I decreased by 1/3)
4 cups raw honey

*You can use powder for all the spices above*

Add all the ingredients EXCEPT the honey into a large pot – let simmer for a couple of hours and reduce down (the less water you add the thicker your syrup will be – and more potent).  Strain the elderberries & spice bits out of the juice (you can use cheese cloth to make it more clear if you wish) and add the honey when the juice is a bit cooler – to keep the honey RAW.  Put it in your jar of choice – label it – and keep it refrigerated. Enjoy!

Yields: About 12 cups of yummy Spiced Elderberry Syrup.

Elder has been shown to be effective against 10 STRAINS of the influenza virus – the virus that is the most common ‘Flu’ virus.  It also has shown to reduce the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4 days. (2), (3)

The only contraindication is taking TOO much Elderberry – exceeding the dosage that I recommend by a LOT can cause nausea & diarrhea. Also eating RAW Elderberries can cause an upset tummy.

To view entire article with recipe, directions and photos, please visit: http://kristadawnpoulton.com/2017/01/spiced-elderberry-syrup/

Written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, RH (AHG) – Medical Herbalist

To view entire article and photos, please visit:

http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2016/02/01/trauma-rest-and-the-role-of-nature-in-resetting-the-nervous-system/

Having recent opportunity to teach in the certificate program “The Holistic Approach to Trauma,” at Langara College in Vancouver BC. The impact of extreme stress and the chain reaction that stress has on the body is fresh in my mind.

PSTD can be triggered from a traumatic event which creates emotional upheaval, flashbacks and anxiety which is re-lived again and again in both the mind and the body.  Rather than integrating the experience and moving forward – which is our bodies normal way of adapting, the trauma of a stress filled event can overwhelm the body, impacting resiliency and ones ability to cope; creating a looping state where the body re-lives an event which occurred in the past. PSTD and chronic stress can create a domino effect, impacting all endocrine  hormones throughout the body, altering immune system, hormones, thyroid function (the bodies motor for functioning) and adrenal health and can trigger inflammatory conditions leading to chronic dis-ease.

Finding my own self in urgent need of rest after a unique year, I sought out the most possible peace filled environment I could imagine. A small cabana hut, complete with a book and a hammock right on the ocean. Time to reconnect with nature and simply exhale.

In my soon to be released book “The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies” I speak of the urgent importance of recognizing mother nature and all she provides as necessary for the health of all life on this planet.  Mother nature provides plants which are our nourishment, our foods and our medicines – plants are our healing allies – we co exist together on this planet. We could not exist on this planet without plants. It is essential that we recognise her essential value in our life and seek to protect her gifts which are disappearing at a rapid rate. 

Studies confirm that peace filled green environments such as those found in nature have an impact on mental well being, reducing fears, anxiety, anger, tension and depression.  Recognizing the challenges and stressors of daily living in our western industrialized society, nature can provide the needed reset button and perhaps may just influence our own future choices and the direction – if we recognize mother nature as valuable we might be more likely to fight to preserve her own health.

To view entire article and photos, please visit:

http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2016/02/01/trauma-rest-and-the-role-of-nature-in-resetting-the-nervous-system/

To view entire article written by our of our professional Registered Herbal Therapists, Holly Fourchalk, RHT – with photos, please visit: http://www.choicesunlimited.ca/why-is-your-gut-function-important/

Historically, our only gut issue was the extent that it might “stick out”.  Then we were taught that that a “gut” provoked diabetes. Today, we know that 80% of those with weight issues don’t have diabetes. Times are changing fast and the information that is being discovered by NON-Big Pharma research is moving even faster.

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the tube that runs from your mouth to your anus, is actually outside of your body. With an estimated 35,000 species, there is more microbiota in your gut than the total number of cells in your body…these guys play a huge role in your health.

Our microbiota development starts during fetal development; then through the birth canal; and again through Mother’s Milk. Subsequently, the diet in the first couple of years plays a huge role in the developing colonization of various species.

They are responsible for:

• Metabolizing sugars, carbohydrates. fibers, polyphenols, bioflavonoids, etc
• Creating or effecting the regulation of various vitamins, fatty acids, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, enzymes, glial cells and neural myelination
• Metabolizing & eliminating minerals, like zinc, iodine, selenium, etc
• Protecting the intestinal mucosal membrane & secreting toxins that kill pathogenic microbes
• Interacting with, supporting & regulating our immune & inflammatory system

Your gut microbiota can affect your thoughts, your emotions & behavior. Everything from depression/anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia & autism; never mind cholesterols, weight, diabetes, liver function, etc.

Today’s diet destroys the good guys & supports the bad guys.

• Bad guys feed on sugars
• Pasteurized, process & GMO foods lack the nutrients the good guys require
• Lack good fiber to transport/feed the good guys
• Environmental and heavy metal toxicity in the air, water, food & cleaning products destroy the good guys
• Research is now showing that medications, from anti-depressants to birth control pills to anti-biotics destroy the good guys

You can enhance good healthy microbiota.

• Fermented foods & picked foods (HEALTHY yogurt – no sugars, artificial fruit & flavourings)
• Fiber
• Polyphenols (green leafy vegetables, 100% chocolate, berries, etc)
• Vitamin D from the sun
• Exercise

Whether you want to get pregnant; have emotional issues, neurological disorders, immune disorders, inflammatory disorders, weight issues or a huge number of other issues; then start with your diet and improve your gut function. A healthy gut digests, absorbs and eliminates effectively.

Here’s to your health.

To view entire article with photos, please visit: http://www.choicesunlimited.ca/why-is-your-gut-function-important/