Harvesting Medicine Saturday at 10

I wish I'd thought to post this on the blog before now (just one day before this event)! But I guess it's better now than not at all. If you're in the Iowa City area and are interested in coming to harvest medicinal herbs Saturday morning at 10, you're welcome to do so!

 I remember last year when I did an herb-harvesting day, some folks were wishing that we could do that earlier in the season. Good idea! Some herbs, whose roots are the main part we use, are probably best harvested in the fall when the energy has gone back to the roots. But we use the above-ground parts of many medicinals, and now is a great time to harvest them. I'm proposing that if any of you are interested, this coming Saturday morning (6/29) at 10 would work for me to be out in the garden to help anyone find and harvest the following plants (see below). I'm including a little description with each plant, telling you what we've found that they're good for in human health. If you'd like some of these, but can't come Saturday morning, I'm sure we can find another time that works. I'd be glad to help with processing information too (should it be made into a tincture, dried for tea, made into a lotion, etc.).

HERBS THAT ARE READY TO HARVEST NOW:

Motherwort:  Motherwort nourishes the heart, and is used for heart conditions including irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, and heart symptoms. Right now it is tall and flowering in the garden, a good time to cut it and tincture it.

St. Johnswort: St. Johnswort – known by its scientific name Hypericum perforatum – is a medicinal herb with a history of use dating back to ancient Greece, where it was believed to have mystical properties. The name of the plant comes from the fact that it blooms around June 24th, the feast of Saint John the Baptist. The flowers and leaves of St. John’s wort contain active compounds – such as hypericin, hyperforin and quercetin – that have powerful health benefits. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and natural mood-boosting properties.

Echinacea: It is immune-boosting, and used as treatment for coughs and colds, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, gingivitis, influenza, canker sores, yeast infections, ear infections. The leaves, flowers and stalks are used for tinctures, as well as the roots. So the above-ground parts of the plant can be harvested now.

Peppermint: eases digestive upsets. relieves tension headaches and migraines, freshens breath, relieves clogged sinuses, improves energy, relieves menstrual cramps, fights bacterial infections, improves sleep.

Lemonbalm: It can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, boost cognitive function, ease insomnia, treat cold sores, relieve indigestion and treat nausea.

Horehound: While horehound has many benefits, it is most known for its long history of supporting the respiratory system and lungs. The use of horehound dates back to the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Like with most herbs, however, horehound doesn't just have one function. This plant is also celebrated in Mexico and Morrocco to help support those with diabetes, and some recent studies have shown its ability to help with healthy insulin levels.

Arnica: Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns.

Yarrow: Yarrow has chiefly been used as a wound herb. Regularly eating or drinking yarrow helps prrevent and treat dyspepsia and ulceration - two conditions that alcohol or caffeine, coupled with a rich diet, can help manifest. Yarrow also promotes a sedative activity on the nervous system. It is also an anti-inflammatory, and is used for fevers, heart palpitations, painful menstrual periods and convulsions.

Mugwort: Historically, mugwort has been used in traditional system of medicine in different parts of the world. Today, mugwort taken orally is promoted for digestive problems, irregular menstruation and high blood pressure. It's also promoted as a sedative, laxative and liver tonic.

Anise Hyssop: Anise Hyssop has long been used in traditional herbal medicine, especially amongst Native Americans. Infused in tea, anise hyssop can be used to relieve congestion, acting as an expectorant. A cold-infusion can be used to relieve chest pains caused by excessive coughing, and mixed with licorice, it can be used to treat respiratory infections and bronchitis. A hot infusion induces sweating, and can therefore be used to help with fevers; as a result of this quality, the Cheyenne were also said to use anise hyssop in sweat lodges. Clinical research has shown anise hyssop essential oil to be anti-viral towards Herpes simplex 1 and 2. Used as a poultice, anise hyssop is said to help treat burns and made into a salve, can be used to treat wounds. The Iroquois were said to make a wash from it used to relieve the itching associated with poison ivy. Anise hyssop is also purported to have mood-lifting qualities, and it was burned in incense as a sort of anti-depressant by some Native American groups.

FYI: Here's a list of other plants that we'll harvest in the fall. For most of them, it's the roots that we use. For others, they are still small and will be ready for harvest later in the year:

Valerian, Echinacea, Astragulus, Elecampane, Angelica, Ashwaganda.