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I am a fan of Motherwort for a few reasons. It is

I am a fan of Motherwort for a few reasons. It is common here in Upstate New York, and I can sometimes grow and gather enough to get me through the year (though this happens less as I give it out more). It seems reasonably safe, and I have not seen it interact with other medications. (Two points about this, first, when taking new herbal medicines, monitor to see if it alters any current medications. Second, it may decrease thyroid function, so avoid if you have any hypothyroid disorders). It also seems to help with heart palpitations due to nervousness and can be a part of a formula for folks who are jumpy or set off easily. For this, it can be taken daily, usually in a formula with other herbs such as Chamomile, Skullcap, Tulsi, and Damiana. The dosage might be approximately 2 ml/3 times daily. It can also be taken as needed when anxiety arises. It can be helpful for anxiety pre and during menstruation. I usually use it as a tincture or a quite bitter tea.

May all your dreams…. I recently received a card

May all your dreams….
I recently received a card stating, ‘May All Your Dreams Come True,’ and I thought, “heck no.” Most of my dreams have me looking for lost luggage or stranded in difficult situations and other uncomfortable settings. I often dream of dead relatives and friends, which are mixed.
Now, I understand the sentiment of the card, may all my wakeful dreams come true (even there, there is much room for doubt), but the concept of having my sleep dreams come true? Heavens to Betsy, no.

Japanese Knotweed Root (Reynoutria japonica, Polyg

Japanese Knotweed Root (Reynoutria japonica, Polygonaceae)
I have written about this plant before, but as it was time to prepare more tincture, here is a quick brush up. First, a thank you to Clove, Blaire, and Danielle for digging up the roots and doing most of the cleaning and processing. (Washing roots outside with a hose in late November in Upstate New York is not a pleasant task).
After the roots were washed, they were then cut up into pieces. I later blenderized them at 1:2 in 80% ethanol. I will shake them at least once a day for at least 2 weeks before pressing them out in the tincture press.
We use a lot of Japanese knotweed at the Ithaca Free Clinic, mainly for joint inflammation, whether it is caused by Lyme disease or other factors. I often combine it with other antiinflammatories, such as Yucca root (Yucca glauca) and Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum species). I find all three of these plants fairly safe and have not yet seen them have negative interactions with pharmaceuticals (though this can be difficult to piece out).
I am over-the-top cautious when processing this plant as I do not want it to grow where I live. We gather up every little piece and put them in a plastic bag to be placed with the garbage. It is one of the only plants I do not compost any fragments for fear of them sprouting.
A good evening to you, and I hope this information is helpful. ~7Song. December 3, 2022

Tips for Thanksgiving (or is it Black Fridaysgivin

Tips for Thanksgiving (or is it Black Fridaysgiving?)
Holidays are not always an easy time. Sitting down with people you may have unresolved conflicts, different political opinions, or just haven’t seen for a while can raise the anxiety seismograph.

A possible suggestion. Perhaps bring some Rose petal or bud (Rosa species) tea to the table. It is gentle and tasty and may help ease a bit of tension as the rosy flavor hits people’s stomachs and minds. Some honey or maple syrup may make it more palatable but could raise blood sugar levels. Or you can prepare your own favorite relaxing blend. Some other smooth tasting herbs; Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), and Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).

And after stuffing yourself? I suggest either a tincture or glycerite of Chamomile, Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare). Other possible herbs include; Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Lavender (Lavandula species, [just a smidge]), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale). You may even want to offer it to your fellow overstuffed friends and family.
And sorry, I meant to send this out yesterday.
~7MStewart

Lavender-For Anxiety I have two related ways in wh

Lavender-For Anxiety
I have two related ways in which I like to use Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia and other species). My favorite preparation is Lavender glycerite. I cover freshly cut Lavender leaves, still on the stems, with vegetable glycerin. This tastes and smells magnificently Lavender-ish. The tincture is also helpful. The last time I prepared it was with the dry flowers at 1:4.5 in 50% ethanol.
I like to use Lavender tincture and glycerite for general anxiety and for stomachaches due to anxiety. I find it a potent plant, and it is usually just a small part of a formula, whether it is in tincture or glycerite form.

Here is a nervous stomach example: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) 4 pt, Catnip (Nepeta cataria) 3 pt, Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) 3 pt, Lavender (Lavandula species) 1 pt. Take 1 dropperful (2 ml) 3 times a day, and ½ to 1 dropperful as needed.

Here is one of many formulas for general anxiety: Damiana (Turnera diffusa) 4 pt, Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) 3 pt, Wood betony (Betonica officinalis) 3 pt, Hops (Humulus lupulus) 1 pt, Lavender (Lavandula species) 1 pt. Again, this can be taken regularly, 1 dropperful 3 times daily, and as needed.
(Photo: Lavandula angustifolia, my garden, Ithaca, NY)
~7Song

One of the saddest times of the year for me is whe

One of the saddest times of the year for me is when class ends. There are some aspects I appreciate, more time to work on projects like the herbal database, but I will miss the individuals who dedicated 6 months of their lives to learn about the skills and art of herbal medicine. Thank you so much, class of 2022, for your laughter, and thoughtful questions.

I will not be running the school in 2023, as this 64½ year old needs to figure out how they want to go forward.

And I want to thank everyone in this year’s, and all previous years, programs for taking the time from your lives to move to Ithaca, NY, and study herbal medicine with me. I cannot think of a higher honor.
I will continue to study and practice to help move herbal medicine ever closer to those for whom it is often out of reach.

Now that I have a bit more time, are there any herbal subjects you would like me to do a video class on?

A very good night to you all,
~7Song

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