Backroads mom

Have you ever wondered through the forest or along a river and felt connected to the earth and environment in such a way as to absorb what Mother Nature left us? Do you often sit in amazement at all the wonderful plants and wildlife that surround you?

Many of us live busy lives and have hectic schedules. However,you can bring that “one with nature” back into your life through nourishment that Mother Nature always intended for you to have. We live in a wold of convenience and often times our health goes on the back burner. Many of us have no idea how to get back in touch with ourselves and our health. Well, I’ve always believed that Mother Nature and god has provided for us everything we need to live a long and prosperous life. We need only to look no further than our gardens, back yards and our forest. All of the energy from the earth is being absorbed through the roots of plants, bushes and trees and washing into our water sources. It’s amazing to think about! Knowledge about what plants we can eat or use for medicine proves, we can tap into the natural remedies our ancestors used.

I recently got the pleasure of taking a class on herbalism and synergy.

The mechanism and make up of different herbs, with focus on some of the lesser known plants. As well as plants known in the Midwest as “invasive” or “weeds”These plants and leaves making the bulk of the interest and or focus in class.

We discussed some of the herbal actions of these plants as well as how to use them everyday!

It blows my mind that we can walk right outside and “forage” for plants and herbs that our ancestors used for medicinal purposes. Even common everyday plants and parts of many trees and bushes in your yard are edible and can be used to make teas and oils.

I recently wrote a blog post all about dandelions.

The wonderful world of Dandelions

Do yourself a favor and learn the art of herbalism. Start using the earth and the planet as your guide.

I will continue to add to my new found interest and we can learn together!

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
  Properties: volatile oil, flavonoids, Valerianic acid, coumarins, tannins, glycosides, salicylate Values: antispasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, bitters, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, prevents vomiting. There are many varieties of chamomile, but only two are used medicinally. — Roman chamomile, a perennial and German chamomile an annual. Chamomile tea helps with muscle aches, strains, arthritic pain, and menstrual cramps. Chamomile reduces… Read more: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
• Lemon balm
  Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) A delicious lemony mint family plant. It has an uplifting and relaxing effect on the mood and body. It can aid and improve memory and attention span. It is aromatic cooling and mildly astringent. It can be useful in colds, flu and digestive upset. It is antiviral, used topically on… Read more: Lemon balm
• Lavender ( lavandula officinalis)
  This is perhaps one of my all time favorite herbs to grow, harvest, smell, and make products with. It’s a hardy perennial with a heady smell and the pollinators love it as well. Lavender is quite easy to grow in zones 5-8, however it does need a sunny , warm location with well drained soil.… Read more: Lavender ( lavandula officinalis)
• Herbal favorites!
  As the weather warms up and spring is headed this way I started thinking about the garden. I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to get out there and get my hands dirty! I have decided to do an herbal series in my blog. It’s what I’m most passionate about. Gardening, holistic health and… Read more: Herbal favorites!
• Crockpot apple cider
  It’s the season for all things spicy and warm. Apple cider is one of those things that elicits warm and fuzzy fall vibes. Store bought apple cider isn’t healthy with all the additives! So I decided to compile a delicious homemade alternative! This recipe is quick and simple. It’s a great way to use up… Read more: Crockpot apple cider

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