Diet & Nutrition

This category includes herbs that are well known and frequently used in Western Herbalism. The definition of this category is poorly understood. These herbs are often misused because the energetics are ignored. These herbs are often grouped under the vague terms of Detox or Blood Cleanser. What They Are Herbs that support and open the channels of elimination in the body. Our bodies need to eliminate both outside toxins and normal metabolic wastes such as hormones, cellular debris and immune system waste products. Five Primary Organ Systems Involved in Moving Wastes from the Body Lungs - remove carbon dioxide from […] See More

November is the time of year when fresh cranberries are readily available.  This fruit, native to North America, is a member of the Heath family which connects it to our local Manzanita along with Uva Ursi and blueberry. It is also very high in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which makes this especially good for the Cardiovascular System. The following recipe is a healthier and more flavorful version of the canned jelly often served this time of year. All portions are approximate - creative substitutions are encouraged. Ingredients *One bag of fresh cranberries *One organic orange with the peel still on. Orange […] See More

This is a dish, especially for winter, easily made on a wood stove or baked in a conventional oven Mike's Winter Wood Stove Root Dish Use a cast iron fry pan, 12 inches in diameter. Get a variety of winter root veggies. There are many possibilities and I have used beets, garlic, carrots, ginger, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, turnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams. Burdock and fresh turmeric root can also be used and are best grated rather than cubed. Although not roots,  a variety of winter squash can also be added. Butternut and Kabocha are two favorites. Cut veggies into […] See More

The following herb formulas are some of the blends that I have used with good success over the years. They are shared here in the hope you find them helpful also. 1. Catnip Leaf (Nepeta cataria) + Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)Use equal parts whole fennel seed and catnip leaf. I prefer to store the fennel seed whole and lightly grind just before using to better preserve the aromatic quality of the seeds. This blend is soothing and calming to an upset stomach yet the aromatics of fennel support the digestive process without being too hot. Add one healing teaspoon to […] See More

Herbal Balls are a lesser known but very effective way to take herbs. The method allows for much creativity. It takes herbal medicine into the food realm and can be good for people who are resistant to taking bad tasting teas and tinctures. The basics are to mix a nut butter with either an oil (usually coconut) or a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey. The ratio is determined by how thick or thin you desire the final product. Some of the recipes below use just honey to hold the powder together. Add powdered herbs of your choice depending […] See More

The first major snow of the winter is around the corner and our wood stove is doing its job keeping us and our kitties toasty warm. Over the past several winters, we have been cooking more and more with wood to the point where we actually use less propane with the kitchen stove in the winter than we do in summer. Many of our dishes are spontaneous, depending on what is available.The measurements are visual; there is lots of leeway with this style of cooking. Here is what we made today:In a cast iron fry pan, pour in some olive […] See More

Included below are the notes used during the Diet, Nutrition and Inflammation portions of our curriculum. It is a succinct look at how the foods we eat affect our internal inflammatory state. While the actual classes go into more detail, the foods listed here are good places to begin improving one's health in this area. There are several strategies for reducing chronic inflammation; diet being a primary one. Many people use fish oil supplements to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega 3. Just as important, but not as well known, is to reduce foods that have the pro-inflammatory Omega […] See More

Many people struggle with food during the holiday season that runs from late November through early January. During this season, the issues that come up most often in my herb practice are: -The quality of food goes down -The quantity of food goes up -The ability of the digestive system goes down This article gives tips for making better choices and ways to avoid overindulgence when temptations run high. Increase Healthy Fats to Reduce Cravings Fat has a satiating effect in the diet. When one feels satisfied, overeating is less common. Research shows low fat diets actually lead to overeating […] See More

Many people come to classes wanting to know of the wild foods available in the backcountry. It is easy to overlook an abundant source that may be nearby. We just harvested two huge backpacks worth of delicious organic, wild(?) apples from some long ago forgotten trees back in the woods. They may not be truly a 'wild' food, but they were certainly a bit more feral than the cardboard-tasting varieties found at the supermarket. Although this happened in the high country of Arizona, it reminded me of childhood feasting in Ohio on pear, apple and cherry trees from abandoned homesteads, […] See More