Little Herbalists and Healthy Families
Little Herbalists and Healthy Families
A dear friend who is expecting her first baby recently celebrated a birthday. She loves herbs and essential oils, and it is always fun to make something special for her. So of course I had to give her a little herbal love for her birthday.
Read MoreLate one cold December I gave birth to my second daughter. Blessed to be at home with my loving husband and three amazing midwives attending my labor and delivery, the whole experience was incredibly empowering and uplifting. Towards the end of my labor I climbed into a warm bath fragrant with Clary Sage essential oil wisely placed in the bath by one of my sweet midwives. Normally the smell of Clary Sage (latin name Salvia sclarea) is a bit much for me but at this time it smelled divine. It came right into my birth space with ease and with in a few minutes I was climbing back out of the tub to birth my daughter. I felt as though the Clary Sage opened a doorway. As though it helped me come closer to my authentic self and the Spirit which was bringing this baby into the world through my body.
In the past I've used a simple inhalation of Clary Sage essential oil for effectively easing menstrual cramps. And it always took me to a higher place during my moon. A place where I could flow through the cramping and the door that opens during menstruation. As women it is our gift to be able to access this place and bring back feminine knowledge. I had forgotten about using Clary Sage in this way, I was happy for the reminder.
The name Clary is derived from the Latin word sclarea coming from the root word clarus, meaning clear. Clarity refers to its traditional use on a physical level as a soothing eyewash. While on an internal level it augments perception of oneself and clarity of thought, hence serving useful in meditation and for enhancing True sight. Beneficial to the nerves, Clary Sage sedates while soothing away anxieties, depression, stress, and insomnia making it very helpful for those experiencing PMS, specifically when associated with depression. Its action and smell can be intoxicating, bringing on states of euphoria and acting as an aphrodisiac. Clary Sage eases pain from muscular spasms such as menstrual cramping, headaches, and stomach pains. It also aids in relieving indigestion. And Clary Sage stimulates the uterus, bringing on menstruation. It helps to balance emotions while alleviating physical and mental exhaustion.
For information on lots of ways to use essential oils safely please visit my Essential Oil page in the Materia Medica.
To purchase clary sage essential oil click HERE.*
.Other essential oils that combine well with Clary Sage include: Lavender, Sandalwood Cardamom, Rose Geranium, Cedarwood, Pine, Jasmine, Frankincense, Bergamot, as well as other citrus oils. All of these have their own personalities, properties and use guidelines.
Important… Essential oils are very strong and concentrated. Some are stronger than others. They must be used wisely. (See: Essential Oils) It is important to dilute essential oils in either water or a carrier oil (vegetable oil such as almond or olive) before applying to the skin. Clary Sage essential oil should not be used when one has been drinking or during pregnancy because it stimulates the uterus.
Image Credit: The beautiful picture of clary sage is by lovely herbalist Lauren Stauber.
* Please Note: This post contains affiliate links to Mountain Rose Herbs. Please visit my affiliate page for full disclosure.
Shared On: The Sunday Parenting Party
Each month we are blessed with a chance to change, to recreate ourselves anew giving birth to new ideas and visions, projects, attitudes and ways of being. Sometimes this is a challenge. Cramping and fatigue can make it hard to enjoy this time of rebirth. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus, spp.) gives us a stability, a strong support for a smooth moon time so that we can fully embrace the gifts available to us. Using raspberry as part of a healthy lifestyle through the entire month nourishes our bodies and ourselves to promote this vital health. Many herbs are wonderful allies that can be considered super foods, providing beneficial tonic actions to the body through their superior high vitamin and mineral content and raspberry is one of those herbs. Tried and true this wonderful plant has been used for centuries by a multitude of different people for its beneficial health properties.
Raspberry leaf is most commonly known as a herb for pregnancy. Raspberry's effectiveness for pregnant women is due to not only its high mineral content but also its ability to strengthen and tone the uterus while at the same time enabling it to relax. These same properties benefit menstruating women. Raspberry is a tonic plant for the uterus which helps to increase the tone of flaccid muscles in the uterus or relax overly rigid muscles, which ever action the body might need. This is action is thought to be due to a constituent called fragarin which found in high amounts in the leaf. The tonic action of raspberry leaf is said to regulate the action of the uterine muscle thereby aiding in the reduction of menstrual pain, particularly that which occurs at the beginning of menstruation. Raspberry's high tannin content imparts an astringentquality which strengthens capillary beds and mucus membranes thereby helping to curb excess menstrual bleeding and mucus discharge.
Raspberry is high in vitamins and minerals providing many nutrients necessary for female health; including manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins B, C and E. This power packed plant is helpful for building strong bones and teeth. Raspberry also tones the digestive system and has long been used as a remedy for diarrhea especially in children.
Raspberry ~
It is so easy to gain all of the amazing benefits from raspberry by making a simple infusion of the leaves. Click here to read about infusions and how to make them! Raspberry has a wonderful cooling effect on the body and is great to enjoy iced on a hot day. You can also add other herbs to your brew to increase the nourishing tonic properties of your drink. Nettles is high in vitamins and minerals as well as astringent. Like raspberry it will help curb excess menstrual bleeding and provide excellent nourishment to the body. Red clover and alfalfa have phytoestrogens which aid in hormone balance and increase overall health due to high nutrient content. Peppermint and spearmint are both wonderful tasting, cooling to the body and again high in vitamins and minerals. Experiment with combinations of all of the above plants to find a nutritious brew to support your health and well-being! Click here to read about finding the best herbs to buy.
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Originally published in Moon Flow magazine
Herbs for kids and families! Crafting, learning and projects for children, parents and teachers including herbal crafts. Also natural living ideas for healthy families.
