Roadside Rose experiments....

When on a gallery trip with a friend, we pulled up at a roadside stall, selling bunches of Roses. There, in the wet grass nearby, were stacks o discarded leaf trimmings! Merrily I gathered handfulls! Roses are so evocative of healing (and kick ass protection), especially of the heart chakra, and I felt in combination with Eucalyptus she could evoke the layering of birthplace land, and witchery traditions. Also matching the rambling wild Rose I've managed to grow from cuttings in our garden. The mother plant of whom I adore, and who I have wild crafted tinctures from for a number of years. So, I knew Rose could touch in exquisite n unexpected ways...

Driving home with the scent of 2 bunches of old school Rose flowers, divine!

Once back at the Nook, I popped the leaves in a bucket to soak, and began to stitch a top slash jackety thang. With cotton, linen, wool and silk parts to see how they took on different materials. It was the first experiment! Admittedly. I got a lil excited and didn't wait to allow the bundle to cool in the pot till the following morning. So, the results could have perhaps been darker, if'n I had. However as unexpected things sometimes do, the soft colours delighted me (picture from back)...

I could see the leaves could produce a green on the wool and silk, a black /grey on linen /cotton. :) So I proceeded to begin to craft an emerging 'Soul skin shawl' for the Hedgewitch in one. This time waiting till the following morning to unfurl....

Mushcat n I both meditated on the results, indeedy. Now, the stitchin' begins....

 

 

Sweet Briar in the subtropics?

The Rose has long been associated with the feminine. The five petals of the single Rose, form a pentacle, symbol of the Goddess. Isis. Aphrodite.

In Rome she was known as the Flower of Venus, and was the sign of her sacred prostitutes. Things spoken 'under the Rose' were oft secret mysteries of Venus. The red Rose represented full blown maternal sexuality, while the white Rose, that of the virgin. Christians transferred both of these flowers to the virgin Mary and named her the 'Holy Rose'.

The Christian 'Rosary', a portable prayer wheel, also has roots in pagan practices. The Hindu japamala 'rose-chaplet' called the 'Rosary of the Mantra's' was worn by Kali Ma, Goddess of Creation and Destruction, in India. Its alternate red and white beads also symbolised her Mother and Virgin forms (she wore a rosary of skulls at times). Arab poets called their rosaries wardija "rose garden". The same word in Latin, rosarium, described early rosaries devoted to the virgin Mary.
                                                      
I came to appreciate Roses, and Geraniums, later in life. My Grandmother, Alice, grew both by the sea, in her garden, which she (and I) loved dearly. Sitting in her favourite chair, or walking, with her small dog beside her, Alice would look 'down the garden' to see who was flowering that day. She made her own potpourri from her Roses and had it in bowls around the house. Petals featured in handmade paper alongside letters, fragments of words, from the recycled phone books and newspapers she used for the base pulp.

I have two large Rose Geraniums growing, which are blended with or used as an alternative to Rose essential oil, because it takes so many petals to make. About 5000kg to produce just 1/2 k oil. I am as yet to grow a Rose here in the coastal subtropics. The wild Rose found in Australia is usually Rosa rubignosa (aka eglanteria), who's hips can be worked with to make tea, and are a main source of the Rosehip 'carrier' oil. She is known as a weed in high rainfall areas of the south east, escaping gardens and reverting to her uncultivated form (as you do). My Mum tells me she's used as root stock to graft less sturdy Roses on to. The late Isabelle Shipard, herbalist and nursery owner described her as 'a vigorous grower to 2 metres, bright pink flowers with a strong fragrance, which can be smelt at quite a distance' (scent indicating medicinal properties). She says Roses will grow in the subtropics, simply flowering less profusely than when in cooler climates, speaking well of trying Rosa rugosa, or 'Japanese Rose', because of her disease resistance. Roses have tendencies to mould and mildew, which the subtropics would perhaps inflame.

While they do grow on the red clay soils of the hills around us, I have only seen one Rose, cultivated, on the sandier soils of the coast and she didn't look real stoked. Pots mayhaps. Until then, dried Rose petals are on my list of the herbs I buy in, Rosa centifolia so far. To double infuse in almond oil as an ingredient in the face cream I make, because of her fabulous affinity with the skin.

                                                   straining Rose petals from infused oil

The more I learn about this flower, the more I see her as a stand alone medicine for easing inflammation of the skin. Now I find through the experiences of herbalist Kiva Rose working in her Gila home with the wild Rose there, Rosa woodsii, that she uses a vinegar of the Rose petals (diluted with water) applied as a compress for sunburn, and brewed in honey for burn dressings.
I blend Rose Otto water with Witch hazel flower water, delicious on a hot day, or after time spent in the sun, to mist on to cool down red places. This mix generally takes heat out of the skin and is astringent.

"Honey of roses is used in gargles and lotions to wash sores, either in the mouth, throat or other parts, both to cleanse and heal them."
                                          Culpepper

When I open the jar of dried Rose petals to make tea and breathe in deeply, with the inhalation of her scent I can easily imagine why she has so long had associations of touching places of sensuality, spirit and the heart. This is where Rose is perhaps most familiar, for the easing of heart soreness or tenderness, leaning into grief and mild depression. I add her to Oatstraw for a sweet nourishing and mood lifting combo, or brew her with Motherwort, for anxiety, and the courage to face it when present.

I have recently been making a tincture from Rosa centifolia which I made (gleefully) from a stash of dried pink petals and grain alcohol. I find her gentle but potent touch, good heart chakra healing, and having a flower essence like energy. I feel she works to help heal past wounding and scar tissue that may be triggered in the now, whilst encouraging one to 'take heart'. I have been taking 5 drops twice a day. A friend I gifted a bottle to feels she's having less regular heart palpitations, so if you have any experiences around this I'd love to hear from you.  


Resources:

'Australian Weeds : A Source of Natural Food and Medicine' by Gai Stern. Harper & Row. 1986.

'How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?' by Isabelle Shipard. David Stewart. 2003.

Article on Rosa species by Kiva Rose http://animacenter.org/rosa.html

'The Herb Tea Book' by Dorothy Hall. Pythagorean Press. 1980.

'The Women's Book of Myths and Secrets'  by Barbara G Walker.

Removing a psych med from my Medicine pouch....

 

Travelling the roads of this life has seen me carry in my medicine pouch, amongst the herbs, stones, fur, bones and feathers... psychiatric medications. If you judge this, feel free, at times I do the same! The medical model has only been the dominant paradigm in Western culture for some hundred years or more. It has at times assumed it alone is the most well aligned, yet healing wise folks have been working with peoples distress through time and place, using many strategies around the way one lives on planet Earth. In my current journey to taper off one med, a benzodiazepine family drug, originally prescribed for panic attacks I'm calling out deep to all kinds of resources, including herbal allies.

I'm naming the feelings I'm getting in my body as I taper down, 'restlessness'. A restlessness which is at its worst for the first days, being neither comfortable nor easy. I'm walking. When the adrenaline begins to rise, so do my feet. We're lucky enough to dwell near bush and beach, where I can put one foot in front of the other amidst nature for a goodly span of time with relative ease. Often when I begin there's a lot going on with my thoughts as well as in my body (surprise, surprise!). If I can keep moving, generally they reach a still or quiet point. As a counter to their content I may offer prayers, blessings and slightly out of tune song, honouring the landscape that supports me in its beauty, and my own  reemerging voice.

At times I may have a moment and need to do a couple of round the blocks, or blockies to shift through it. Also we're swimming in the ocean, and I'm practicing tai chi. I'm lucky enough to be with a wonderfully supportive partner, something I have great appreciation for, and which I hadn't forseen happening a few years back. Doing this work is hard enough, gather your Kin in spirit and flesh and let them in on this.

"Many people report having to "re-learn" how to cope with difficult emotions when they come off psychiatric drugs."

                     from Harm Reduction Guide (see Resources)

  

Thing is about these processes, we may have previously been forced, or even from a place of empathy been advised, without full understanding, to suppress symptoms to ease our intense distress, but when we have then been on and reduce pharmaceuticals, it rises up and comes back to haunt us. This can suck, and also be dangerous.  I am working with a psychiatrist, and my Gp, on doseage issues and timing so far.

  

Working with the herbs as a deeply embedded part of our lifestyle, wildcrafting or growing, and making medicine from them, is a reclamation of our mental, indeed whole health, as we learn to take back our power and how to nourish different states with their help. These plants are beings of compassionate and giving natures when treated with respect. Their assistance can ease distress states and form a bridge to the natural world, a world feeling as much suffering and new growth as we are.

Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) who I met, grew, and tinctured, several years ago, has become an indispensable ally to turn to in this process. Having a cup or two of Motherwort allows me to feel 'held' in her soothing embrace, but like her flowers as they mature there is also maternal protectiveness. I am drinking 3 or 4 small teapots a day, using 2 teaspoons of dried herb brewed for 10-15 minutes.

  

Her fresh plant tincture is great for a quick response to anxiety or panic, however I find I'm calling more on the dried herb tea. It feels like she is building up my reserves of resilience whilst also answering the call of that restlessness in my body with a responsive calming effect. I now find her somewhat bitter taste goes down just fine, as I know the ease she will bring.

                                                             young Motherwort plant.....

  

I am also currently connecting with Rose, in particular at this time, Rosa centifolia. The tincture of which I made (gleefully) from a stash of dried pink petals, when I read words from herbalist Kiva Rose saying that this is how to bring out her best qualities in this form of medicine. I find her gentle but potent touch, good heart chakra healing for depression or grief, and having a flower essence like energy. I feel she works to help heal past wounding and scar tissue that may be triggered in the now, whilst encouraging one to 'take heart' or find courage. I have been taking 5 drops twice a day.

  

Then there are nourishing herbal infusions a la Susun Weed. Nettle (Urtica dioica)and Oat straw (Avena sativa) mostly, as they both nourish the nervous system. Nettle brings me right home to the present earthy moment, whilst giving minerals to nourish the nervous system. Oatstraw, and oats, strengthen the nerves, soothing frazzled edges. I'd had a pause in these but have picked up the thread again, and a couple of 2 litre canning jars to prepare the brews.

Just as the exercise and herbs combine in a beautiful way to build up resilience, empowerment and allow nourishing through some of the states I am experiencing, spiritual practices I am engaging with are deepening.

As we reduce medications, we need to simultaneously build up the contents of our medicine pouch. I hope this process will give me ways to continue tapering the pharmaceuticals, yes, but in the process and perhaps more importantly, recover more aliveness....

  

Resources:

'Ease your Mind: Herbs for Mental Health' by Janet Kent

 available for $US5 post paid from Medicine County Herbs, 2014.

 http://www.medicinecountyherbs.com/

  

The Ashton Manual

https://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

The Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs

Published by The Icarus Project and Freedom Centre,

http://www.willhall.net/files/ComingOffPsychDrugsHarmReductGuide2Edonline.pdf

Nervines....

I am learning the ways of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to plant medicines, it seems a vast and far ranging task that is a case of the more you know the more there is to learn. Yet I remember, when I first drank a cup of Skullcap tea, the words 'protects the nerve sheath', came to me loud and clear. This was before I had any knowledge of the fatty myelin sheath that surrounds or insulates every nerve fibre, enabling messages to travel along nerves, without 'wires getting crossed'. So, I hold that experienece close when it feels overwhelming, that teachings come if we listen. That there are many ways to absorb and gain information.

The nervous system has drawn me in because of its direct links to mental health, which is my focus, however a recent journey with back pain reminded of its furthur relationships, unity of, with and to the body. That there is no nice tidy line betwixt, and that I may have artificially created one. Thanks for that pain, at least some good came of it. That and learning to listen for when to pause, or stop to rest.

As herbalist Dorothy Hall put it...
"Many and varied disease symptoms arise from prolonged overloads. Its common today to call the overloads 'stress'. Depending on whether the brain end or the body end is the 'overheated' zone, you can experience almost any symptom at all, from mental irritability to nervous breakdown (at the brain end) and from ordinary fatigue to pain and limitation of use, swelling, inflammation and tissue damage.

When your body says rest, then rest! If you can not or your head over rides your body's plea for mercy, be aware that you've started an illness pattern as well as that larger bank account or whatever special goal you hope to achieve."

Dorothy never minced words eh.

Rest as called for, and strengthening the nervous system are a pretty deadly combo. That and connecting with and to nature in a way youre comfortable with. Doesnt have to be extreme sports, although it may be. A simple walk is a great way to start, as has been shown in the charity Mind UK's research in conjunction with Stanford University. Also by the Japanese phenomena of 'Forest Bathing', which is now recognised as a health treatment by insurance companies there. The weird world of insurance meets the Trees and Ents, or rather Japanese folks do. Ha!

When it comes to strengthening the nervous system the 'nervines' are who we can call upon in the world of herbs. To be combined with medicical model treatments, or other modalities to create a full picture of nourishment for the nervous system. Nervines are divided up into furthur tribes, the examples of which i give from my experiences n experiments....

Nervine Tonics:
These plants feed and strengthen the tissues directly. Time spent with these herbs over a longer period can help rebuild frazzled nervous systems, aswell as having gentle but potent results in a cuppa or short term imbibing. Includes Oats (Avena sativa), which can be made part of the diet easily as porridge, as 'green milky tops' tincture, or Oatstraw infusions. Skullcap (Scutellaria longiflora) is here, for those myelin sheaths I drink a tea, and I find her shy nature belies her value (also as a Nerve Sedative). Then there's Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), who can also relieve cramping and spasms with her touch ('nerve relaxant', as you can see, these descriptions are just that, and the herbs themselves may cross language). We are about to do some experimentings with Ashwaganda, so Ill let you know how that goes. The preparing of the root in a milky base with Cinnamon and Honey sounds delicous!

Nerve Relaxants:
Rather than 'blocking' nerve signals with sedation, these herbs relax, ease and soothe the intrinsically linked physical, emotional and soul states. They can indeed result in sensations of calm where distress existed, or even sleepiness where anxiety or worry. Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) tincture I use with people in states of crisis like distress.

She won't 'stop' crying or sounds, but she will ease their flowing through and on, into a more peacefull state of process. I have found that her tea is an excellent bedtime accompaniment for those who have trouble getting to sleep, or on waking if sleeping through is an issue. If a form of 'immunity' to her effects builds up, you can alternate with another herb like Passionflower (Passiflora incarta). Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is often thought of a Grandmothers plant, well need I say more? You don't reach Grandmothering age without knowing a few tricks. Sipping on and gazing into a tinted cup o Lavender tea can be enough to ease anxious thoughts and body sensations, during, or after a surge.  I suppose each herbalist has their reach for nerve relaxants. I also find Rose (Rosa centifolia)  a gift for lifes heart breaks or aches, and at times I add a little of her to the mix with the other green folk mentioned here.

Nerve Stimulants:
The aforementioned Coffee (Coffea Arabica) comes to mind almost instantaneously, yet a gentler herb like Spearmint (Mentha spicata)  brings blood to the nerves and stimulates alertness. The scent of a crushed Spearmint leaf goes straight to the brain and says hello focus and clarity!
A cuppa can do similar first thing in the morning or between study spurts. Spearmint has also told me an infused oil of her leaves will stimulate circulation, although her cousin Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is better known for this, aswell as being a nerve stimulant. In the same family Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has that similar 'awakening' mint scent, that places her with this tribe along with on a roast. These herbs are for the person in a depressed state of debility and fatigue who doesnt necessarily want to have so many cups of Coffee that they end up anxious on top of that, or drain their systems longer term.

References:

"Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System" by Rosemary Gladstar 2014

"The New Holistic Herbal" by David Hoffman 1990

"Terms of the Trade: Nervine" by Kiva Rose 2009
http://bearmedicineherbals.com/terms-of-the-trade-nervine.html

"Whats Wrong With You? How Natural Therapies Can Help." by Dorothy Hall 1986

"Ecotherapy:The Green Agenda for Mental Health: Mind"

https://www.mind.org.uk/media/273470/ecotherapy.pdf

"Stanford Researchers Find Prescription for Mental Health: Nature"
 http://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/

Calendula, Rose and Lavendar Cream brew up 3/19/2016

The arts of nourishing, sustain and support systems, tis the way of things. Herbal teacher Susun Weed retaught me this in allying to the green, rememberance. Ive not long been introduced to the realms of doing so through our largest organ, the skin, and it kinda happened organically (uncertified but certifiable). I was reacting to most store bought moisturisers and sunscreens, living in a hot, humid climate, and copping mild eczema like blistering and stress rashes that had me reaching for steroidal creams for some relief.

Then I met Calendula, her petals more specifically, as an infused oil. Liquid sunshine. Admittedly at first the neat oil was slower to heal my face then the steroidal creams, taking more like a week than ta da overnight, but results came, I became determined, and fascinated. After double infusing my own Calendula (Calendula officinales), Rose (Rosa centifolia) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) oils, the experimentation with Rosemary Gladstar's (thanks lovely) preservative free moisturiser recipe began. Nowadays the rashes clear quickly (I have also found cool Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) infusions really helpfull) and The Nook's face cream has evolved. Not bad for an ungirly girl, so far!

It all began with a face to face weekend workshop with a lovely and generous local herbalist who mentored me in such ways of caretaking. Lotions and potions, a magical lineage. As is women sharing such knowledge...

I add in small amounts of essential oils of Grandfather Sage (Salvia apiana) for assisting to clear stagnant energy or entitys in need of healing, and Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) for a touch of similar vibe plus the physicality of skin inflammation easing. 

There's also soothing aloe vera gel and rose water. Rose has charmed me with her capacity to gently touch grief, heart break and injury. So there's the infused oil and the floral water included, life requires it at times. Rosehip and Shea butter, I know, fancy eh but noice. When you stop smoking ciggies and drinking booze you need some treats aside from sugar :)

The flash from the camera makes these look like real whiteys, but in actuality these babies are dyed by the infused oils they contain....

Calendula petals straight from the flower

Dried petals

Infusing oils n the billy on to celebrate