A few posts back I mentioned a Native American Healing Circle that I attended in which one of the Elders said this:

“Grandmother Earth has much more power than we could ever imagine. To think that its our job to heal her is presumptuous. Its our job to heal ourSelves. If we heal ourSelves, we are healing Grandmother Earth. We always think we are improving when we are fixing something outside of ourselves, when She wants us to heal ourSelves which is the same as healing her.”

I was struck with an even deeper following of this thought vein, and I saw our reflection in the Earth. When herbs spring up in the spring, they are the earth healing herself. NOT US. Mamma Earth herself is reflecting the very sayings about - she is healing HERSELF as we heal OURSELVES, not one harming or healing the other. Its all inside of us, healing is not external.

Look at these photos:

ILLUSTRATION 1

This apple tree was backed over or plowed over by something before we moved in. Here the tree sits half out of the ground. Look at what is growing all around the base of the tree - Self Heal (Heal All). You can read more about Self Heal in the store

ILLUSTRATION 2:
Don’t try to cover me up, I’m under here! Rock was laid here as a water drainage, her skin was ‘cut by rock’. Here comes Dandelion to push up what has been covered up, to remove poisons, to clear toxins, and to be boistrous. This is why we see Dandelions in sidewalk cracks and driveways, it is earth trying to remove those toxins from her skin, which is the same healing component of dandelion when we take it as medicine, a liver detoxifier.

More about dandelion, and its ability to remove toxins here.

ILLUSTRATION 3
Now You’ve Really Pissed Me Off and I’m Sicking Thorns on You
(but because I love all beings and anger doesn’t really become me, please enjoy these berries while they protect me from more chainsaws).

The lesson I learned in this Nature Teaching, is that when we heal OurSelves, the side benefits are enormous. As earth heals herSelf, I can harvest these herbs and foods she is producing, just like my kids can harvest the good vibes from me when I take care of mySelf. Past generations have called spending time or money on ourselves “SELFISH”. I believe its absolutely essential to be selfish and take good care of OurSelves.

02/21/08
Dear Wendy:

“I have to say that I am not usually one for follow ups but I felt it necessary to convey my appreciation and thanks for your help and patience. I received all three of the essences you had recommended (Cherry Plum, Red Chestnut,and Star of Bethlehem) and though I admit I was skeptical the results have been tremendous.

Whether it was the opening of my mind itself under duress or simply the inherent nature of herbal science, either way thank you for your time and consideration.”

Sincerely,

Ron

Foods and Herbs High in Magnesium
Alfalfa, Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Black-eyed Peas, Blackstrap molasses, Brown Rice, Cantaloupe, Catnip, Capsicum, Chamomile, Chickweed, Dandelion, Dulse, Eyebright, Figs, Garlic, Grapefruit, Green leafy veggies, Hops, Horsetail, Kelp, Lemons, Licorice, Lima Beans, Mullein, Nuts, Parsley, Peaches, Soybeans, Tofu, Whole Grains

Possible Signs of Magnesium Deficiency
Angina, Asthma, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Constipation, Depression, Dizziness, Digestive Problems, Heart Attacks (without magnesium, arteries tense up) High Blood Pressure, High LDL Cholesterol Levels, Hypertension, Insomnia, Irritability, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kidney Stones, Lack of Concentration, Migraines, Muscle Weakness, Nervousness, PMS Symptoms, Pulmonary Disorders, Rapid Heartbeat, Seizures, Spasmodic Pains (especially during women’s monthly cycle), Sugar Cravings, Tantrums, Teeth Grinding, Twitching, Schizophrenia

Things That Increase the Body’s Need for Magnesium
Alcohol, Antibiotics, Diuretics, Diarrhea, Fluoride, Excess Levels of Zinc and Vitamin D

Things That Deplete Magnesium
Large amounts of protein, fats, cod liver oil, calcium,and/or vitamin D. Foods high is oxalic acid, such as almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach, and tea. Stress, refined flour and sugar, chemotherapy.

I attended a Native American Healing Circle last night and wanted to share a very compelling thought mentioned by one of the Elders:

“Grandmother Earth has much more power than we could ever imagine. To think that its our job to heal her is presumptuous. Its our job to heal ourSelves. If we heal ourSelves, we are healing Grandmother Earth. We always think we are improving when we are fixing something outside of ourselves, when She wants us to heal ourSelves which is the same as healing her.”

Ah hau, (in truth)
Wendy
www.gardenplum.com

I often look to spiritual messages that the body is sending, and Susun also talks about this. In Susun Weed’s recent article, she talks about looking at symptoms from a spiritual standpoint, and this particular article she cites vaginitis as her example. Is chronic vaginities simply a matter of your body preventing entry from another? Or is it a case of denying what upsets you?

Are these symptoms letting you know that your “deep insides” are being denied by your outer thinking? Have you been expressing your feelings or bottling them up? Where would they go except deep inside?

Does somebody else think you are “dirty”, or even worse, do you believe you are “dirty”? Are you in touch with your deep feminine callings? In her article, she points out that cysts near the exterior may be your ally, as you body is blocking entry… from someone or something.

I believe these ponderings are integral parts of unlocking our whole health. Our thoughts create our reality, and our physical ailments are a result of our personal beliefs. Our most sacred part of our bodies, our woman parts, are to be held in high esteem and honored as creators of life. So many of us feel ugly, abandoned, dirty, used. So many of us want to douche and cleanse and rid… rid ourselves of what? Our own self hatred? Love, love, love.

An ally in this struggle to find self love, crab apple flower essence can help, read more here:

Full Article

Communicating with Compassion
These days, life is fast. Life is rushed. In my humble opinion, in creating computers and on-line abilities, it has made us want to get that much more done in that much less time. How many times have you received an e-mail and thought “She’s in a bad mood!”

Communicating with Compassion is a truly remarkable gift to have. It allows love to flow among us despite what goes on in the outside world. So many times we are tired, rushed, or in a negative space (especially when we watch the news). A little compassoin and hope spans miles in the face of mankind.

Calendula Flower Essence is like bringing Mother Mary Energy right into your room, into your home, into your life. What would SHE say? Enjoy…
Read more about Calendula Flower Essence

Keep the Peace,
Wendy

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

-Mother Teresa

This morning on the news they are reporting that the FDA has declared over the counter cough & cold syrups dangerous to children’s health. The manufacturers have agreed to state that these products are not safe for children under 2 years of age.

There are HUNDREDS of natural alternative healing remedies and comforting things you can do when your child is suffering from cold symptoms.

MINT - If your child has a runny nose and is congested, try a peppermint tea. It tastes yummy and it has drying effects. It will also help to clear nasal passages and congestion.

CHAMOMILE - Chamomile is safe for even the youngest babe. Not only is it a sleep aid, it is a natural immune booster. Chamomile is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic (good for quieting a cough) and anti-parasitic. Many use poultices of chamomile directly on infections (such as pink eye) in order to clear them away.
YOU CAN PURCHASE IT HERE

EUCALYPTUS OIL - Did you know Eucalyptus is the main ingredient in Vicks VaporRub? Use essential oil of Eucalyptus to clear out sinus congestion. Put a pot of boiling water on the stove and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. You will soon have a wonderful smelling, moisturizing steam that will aid in clearing congestion. When I have trouble sleeping at night due to congestion and post nasal drip, I place essential oil of eucalyptus directly behind my ears. If you try this, try a little oil on your wrist first to see if it is an irritant for you, essential oils are very strong. If it does irritate you, add the essential oil of eucalyptus to olive oil and use that combination to apply to skin.
YOU CAN PURCHASE OUR BREATH EASY BLEND HERE

These are just a few simple remedies that I have personally used on children, and it works. Ginger root tea is another great anti-bacterial for a post nasal drip, and licorice root is a wonderful anti-viral and children enjoy the sweet taste. Also, goldenseal, echinacea and honeysuckle are very effective against the flu. There are literally hundreds of natural remedies that mother nature has been providing for years. E-mail, call (603) 413-6213 or visit the web site for more information.

Wendy J. Stevens is an Herbalist and Certified Flower Essence Practitioner.
Herbalists can not diagnose or cure conditions in this country, we may simply help guide you to a healthier lifestyle. It is always important to work with your medical or naturopathic doctor for serious health conditions. If you are in the NH area, contact Wendy for a referral to a naturopathic doctor, or she is happy to work with your existing medical care professional.

FDA Disclaimer: This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Garden Plum Enterprises, LLC is not responsible for the misuse of any herbs or herb products that we sell, nor do we recommend herbs in place of your Doctor’s recommendations or prescriptions. PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE USING. Do not combine herbal remedies with pharmaceutical drugs unless you have consulted your physician and/or your herbal practitioner.

“I can’t believe this happened again! Am I cursed? What am I doing wrong?”

Often times as we set to achieve life goals, we reach roadblocks and hurdles that prevent us from reaching those life goals. Why is it sometimes difficult to reach a set goal?

In some cases, obstacles appear because the Universe wants us to gain wisdom before we can achieve the goals we have set. In a nutshell, we are not ready for the goals we set, and so we do not attain these goals until we have attained the wisdom necessary to not only reach the goals we set, but to be able to handle what they bring.

Here are a few simple examples:

“I want to lose weight”.
Will you be able to handle what a new slim body and new healthy eating habits will bring? Are you ready for a new identity, one that will attract new things?

“I want buy a house”.
Will you be able to maintain a yard? To pay for insurance? To pay taxes? To fix the plumbing?

“I want to have a baby”.
Are you ready to care for someone else over your career? Have you addressed issues with your own parents? Are you healed and ready to create another being?

The above scenarios are very simple and stereotypical scenarios… but they give a birdseye view of the soul lessons the Universe is waiting for you to learn before goals can be reached and new levels of awareness can be attained.

Chestnut Bud helps us when we get into those stuck places. Those stuck patterns. At that time when we are standing here scratching our heads, wondering what we are doing wrong, Chestnut Bud helps to gently allow us to see karmic lessons, patterns, and wisdom so that we can jump over life hurdles and continue on an upward journey.

Please feel free to contact me for a Flower Essence Consultation.

What Happens to Your Body Within an Hour of Drinking a Coke
Drinking soda is bad for your health in so many ways; science can’t even state all the consequences. Here’s what happens in your body when you assault it with a Coke:

1. Within the first 10 minutes, 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100 percent of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.

2. Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.

3. Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. * Your kidneys are pushed to the max to rid your body of the sugar, to try and express the sugar through the urinary tract (sugar is very acidic and plays a major role in urinary tract infections). Your body is forced to over-exert its’ energy for the day as the caffeine manipulates the body into working a higher rate than what is natural.

4. Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physically identical response to that of heroin, by the way. * This is what makes Coke addictive, it should be considered a drug.

5. After 60 minutes, you’ll start to have a sugar crash. * After your body has been manipulated into a higher blood pressure, a higher metabolic rate, and a release of dopamine, it becomes exhausted. Drinking coke (or any caffeine) disturbs the natural function of the body, forcing an unnatural high and subsequent crash, forcing the liver and kidneys to work overtime. In some cases, the liver begins to tire of the roller coaster ride, and it becomes more difficult to produce insulin. This is why we have an epidemic of adult onset type ii diabetes, and also children’s diabetes. Sugar and caffeine in the diet also plays a major role in ADD/ADHD.

If you find yourself unexplainably tired, you might consider the amount of caffeine and sugar you put into your body each day. We all like our coffee and sugar, cutting back to a reasonable amount (less than 1 cup of coffee or 1 Coke per day) might be a really GOOD thing to do. It is a very positive step in listening to your body’s needs and balancing it with pleasures.

Sources:
Nutrition Research Center October 24, 2007
*Additional comments by Wendy
www.gardenplum.com