3 Herbs for Quick Lung Clearing and Support

1. Mullein is your lung friendly herb for clearing respiratory t
ract. It soothes irritation and calms especially dry lung tissues. This is helpful especially where fire smoke inhalation has occurred. It then encourages expectoration of congestion.

2. Yarrow is also very good for smoke inhalation support. It works on healing the small alveoli in the lungs, making oxygen exchange easier.

3. Together, Mullein and Yarrow with a demulcent herb like licorice root, slippery elm bark, and/or marshmallow root will work quickly on clearing up congestion, mucus and opening air pathways.

I suggest these be taken in a tea form as the hot steamy tea will also work beneficially to help

hydrate the lung tissues.

Our Outback Tea is designed for allergy and lung support. It contains these herbs and more.

Speaking of Hydration: Keeping hydrated will help not only your lungs cope with smoke, but all of your systems better able to withstand the onslaught!

4. Usnea is the lichen very useful for Lung Support!

A Regenerative Life, Lived Abundantly.

Depth of nutrients enriches health, depth of learning enriches wisdom, and depth of movement equals vitality.

These were notes to myself earlier this year on how to live a deeper, richer life. Then I was reading more about regenerative agriculture and realized the systems that apply to nature, also apply to us and how “rich” we make our lives. So I thought they might be helpful for you too.

Regenerative saying, “it’s all about the soil”. Regenerative agriculture is basically the premise of increasing the nutritive value of the soil year after year. The earth knows how to recycle and enrich itself brilliantly if allowed to do so. It recycles dead and decaying matter into food to feed the new growth coming.

Our bodies are designed the same way. We recycle dead cells every month into new and living cells and tissues. Our body even recycles it’s own bile to be reused! Of course, nutrients, oxygen, sun, water, movement and sleep are necessary parts of the process. What we are feeding on, drinking, listening and tuning into, gathering and processing makes a different in how much depth and richness our lives truly have.

SO the question is: How are you increasing the “richness” (health) of your body’s “soil” lately? This is a continual process of life and “life more abundantly.”

1 Depth of nutrients = health

Real foods, whole foods, preferably  with lots of variety.

Eating sprouts is a wonderful way to add dense nutrients into your life quickly.

For increased depth, challenge yourself to go out and forage for food in the fields and forests!

2. Depth of learning = wisdom

Practicing the art of asking questions and listening to wise mentors, the primary one being Jesus.

3. Depth of movement = vitality

Stretching and breathing, getting movement every day in different ways. What is a new way you have moved your body recently? New sport or activity? Taking a hike in a new area helps me. Even driving a new route or visiting a small business I haven’t been in before. New happenings build new pathways in our brains!

What are you feeding on for mind enrichment? Soul enrichment? Strength and breathe enrichment? Diversity of ecosystem? Movement?

Is there a Way to Expel Chemicals from your system?

My husband was reading about micro-plastics the other day and asked me if there are any herbs that get plastics out of your body? Good question. So I got researching. It just so happens there are.

Fenugreek, mullein, olive leaf, and lemon balm are all good anti-plastic herbs according to the Medical Medium Book by Anthony William.

My concern is, how do we get glyphosate out of our systems?

According to the same book, “to remove pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that are deeply stored in your body, blend equal parts of burdock root, red clover, lemon verbena and ginger and steep as a tea.

That sounds easy and delicious to me!

I know that is a simplistic starting place. There are many herbs that are good system cleansers and scrubbers. Start with the blood cleaners: red clover and dandelion root.

That is why I designed our Trim and Tone Tea. Not necessarily for weight loss but for decongesting mucus and toxins in the body to help clean the functioning systems.

14 Plus Herbs for Lymph and Gland Support

Swollen glands and lymph nodes have been a common concern this season. So much so, we had a woman’s herbal gathering to discuss methods of cleansing, moving, and draining the lymphatic system. Our conclusion, after discussion and beating on our chests like Tarzan, was that key ingredients are: movement, gentle massage,  sunshine, hot liquids and herbs.

We expel many of our toxins through the lymphatic system. It runs throughout our body but does not have it’s own pump like our digestive elimination system. It relies on a passive system which can be stimulated  by movement, sweat, circulation helpers and blood cleansers.

Here are some herbs that can help cleanse and reduce congestion of the lymphatic and glandular systems:

Dandelion root-whole system detoxifier, promotes elimination of congestion

Burdock Root-flush toxins

Echinacea-stimulates lymph, clears waste

Golden Seal or Oregon Grape root for Berberine

Cleavers-reduce lymph congestion, swelling

Astragalus-immune builder

Calendula-for skin

Mullein-for lungs

Red Clover-blood cleanser

Yarrow-lungs, congestion

Yellow Dock-blood and skin cleansing

Nettle-sinus

Chickweed-eliminate mucus

Saw Palmetto– strengthens glands

Taking saw palmetto a few years ago, for a little over a week, reset my glandular sensitivity! The glands in my throat would swell every time I had even a little sugar. After saw palmetto, my throat didn’t swell and I my immune system was stronger.

The combination I love for overall circulation and decongestion is what is commonly named fire cider. For me, it consists of:

All fresh ingredients of: Horseradish root, garlic, onion, ginger, red cayenne pepper, parsley and cover with apple cider vinegar. Blend well together and store in fridge. Keeps for a year. Take a spoonful every day or as needed or add to your soups, meats, salad dressings etc.

Movement and sweating are so important for a healthy lymphatic system. That is first, but I am so thankful for God given herbs to help support our health!

Our Spring Tonic and our Trim and Tone Tea blends are designed to cleanse the blood and promote overall health with many of these herbs included. Happy cleansing!

How do we age without pain?

Is it even possible? Finding elders that are going into their 80s and 90s without pain is harder now days, but it is possible. And they offer some valuable clues on how to do it.

My mom is one good example. At 83 she is still dancing circles around us and down on the floor playing with the great grandchildren. How?

Movement

Mom swears by her 5 nightly stretches to keep her pain free. I will explain them later. She is also proactive about her health: she eats organic and very clean, is not on any medications, walks daily and has an active social life and creative hobbies. I am sure all of that helps. But every time I ask her, it comes back to movement, stretching and choosing life daily.

I believe movement is the key to solving most problems. Here’s why:

Pain generally comes from inflammation. And inflammation is an indication of “stuck” energy. Pain is simply a signal that something is “off”, or “stuck”. And movement, be it just breathing deeply, rubbing an area or taking a walk, helps us get unstuck, both inside and out.

Movement to first clean the inside:

Digestion and elimination are the 2 primary ways the body cleans internal congestion. Both are movements. If we can help with the movement of material, toxins, waste and energy thru our body we can lessen inflammation and congestion that can build up.

Movement of our body, stretching, breathing, rubbing and/or gently beating on muscles and vagus system greatly helps the internal digestion and elimination.

Herbs, water, rest, and sunlight are also natural movers of stagnation.

Movement to clean the outside:

Elon Musk said in an interview with Joe Rogan that the jobs which will outlive AI are those that “move atoms”.

We most keep moving atoms to stay healthy and relevant, literally. To be producers of energy not just consumers.

Movement is the antidote to overthinking and overanalyzing our fears. “Fears are built on our butt, faith is built on our feet.”-anonymous

Movement is also a hormone regulator. I remember experiencing what I called “black days” each month before my period. They went away once I started running regularly and haven’t returned.

Clearing out our environment. Eliminate from your home and emotional space any thing that is toxic to you. The weight and pain that you will release will amaze you!

Start with chemical cleaners if you haven’t already. Get rid of anything used to “kill”: herbicides, insecticides, bleaches, etc.

Then personal care products that have chemicals; parabens, glycols, etc.

Opening some windows daily, even just for 5 minutes in the winter, allows fresh air to circulate and clear stagnation.

I digress, but any movement towards lightening up, allows stagnation and inflammation to leave and new energy to come in.

Emotional Pain Dissolving Thru Movement

Then we have to work on the emotional “pains”. Emotional strongholds are the greatest cause of external pain, in my opinion.  Emotions that have not been digested and dealt with, stay in the body and can manifest as pain. Movement can help with moving through experiences and emotions and dealing with them. It may take time, but with healthy moving of the body, I believe most processes become easier, and less painful.

Again, Pain is the indication that something needs to move and be processed. The book, Feelings Buried Alive, Never Die by Karol K Truman, holds scientific evidence of this and has a wonderful script included to help process emotions. I highly recommend it. Some other helpful books are , Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils by Carolyn L. Mein, D.C., and Heal Your Body by Louise Hay.

Herbs can help with all of it, cleaning the inside, the outside and the upside down of emotions!

Herbs to clean the inside are listed in this previous post:Herbs for Cleansing Toxins Internally

These are 3 ways we can help live more intentional, healthy and pain free lives.

Don’t believe the people that tell you pain is a part of growing older. We actively refute that belief!

Live well, move well. To be continued…

Corn Silk is useful for the whole urinary system

It can be helpful especially in this autumn time of year as the urinary tract is under more pressure.

1. Bladder support and bed wetting control

2. Chronic Urinary disorders- It supports and cleanses the whole urinary tract. It can be helpful for UTIs also

3. Gout– It reduces uric acid build-up

4. Child birth support – helps uterine contractions in childbirth and will bring contractions back if labor stops. It can also slow down bleeding after the baby is born. Don’t use during pregnancy as it can contract the uterine. 

5. Prostate Gland Problems – it will alleviate painful urination due to prostate enlargement

6. Kidney Support – it helps rid the body of the ammonia odor in the urine

7. Water retention

How to use: Save your corn silk from your corn on the cobs if they come from a clean source. Dry them and bag them ready for use. I chop them up with a knife and add to tea.

Urinary Support Tea Recipe:

2 parts uva ursi

1 part dandelion root

1 part corn silk

1 part horsetail herb

1 part blessed thistle

1 part juniper berries

1 part nettle

You can find corn silk in our Pain in the Joint tea and Pain Tonic and Rich Milk Tea. It is also in our NEW, soon to come, Bone Growing Tea!

Health Analysis with the Zyto Compass

What is it? And how does it work?

The Zyto Compass takes the guess work out of your body’s personal health needs.

It’s a hand cradle that reads 197 biomarkers of your body through a galvanic skin report. It records what is in and out of balance and gives you a wellness report on your body’s preferences to get YOU back in balance.

YOUR body will tell you how YOU can best support it.

I am now using the Zyto Compass in our home office to help people towards greater health.

Our machine is synced with a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, herbs, oils, eastern medicines, and more.

It doesn’t prescribe drugs or endorsing any specific company. FDA approved and recognized.

Sessions take about 30 minutes for the scan and report.

As I am newly offering this locally, I am offering a special of $39 a session through the month of September.

If you are interested, please contact me, Teresa, at 541-419-1284 by phone or text and we can set up an appointment.

My disclaimer: I am not a medical certified doctor. The reports are intended for education and not to diagnose or cure disease. Each person is responsible for their own health.

Get connected with herbs-

picking chamomile in the garden

To yourself, your body, heart, brain, to others and to nature!

I am seeing connections everywhere now days. And learning more and more how important they are. And how they can help solve our problems.

In the garden, the potatoes next to the cucumbers are doing the best. The volunteer sunflowers are helping the cilantro not to bolt so fast. The peas and carrots love each other and the basil is a nice companion to the tomatoes. Plants effect and help or hinder each other. It goes on and on. The birds and the trees seem to talk to each other.

Permaculture has a saying, “the solution is in the problem.” When we live in relationship with each other, the natural world and our Higher power, solutions can happen much more readily and naturally.

On the flip side, there is a belief in the permaculture world that most problems, diseases, etc. come from a disconnection somewhere. Find the disconnect, and you can solve the problem.

Another simple example: I tripped (over my dog) and fell on the pavement last week and jammed my finger. I tell you, all the other parts of my body were in sympathy and trying to help out and compensate for that little finger. They were connected and feeling for a part that was hurt. That, to me, is how we are with each other and everything in the world. If something or somebody is hurting, we are feeling it in some way, even if unconsciously.  We are all so connected.

What is your biggest health challenge? Might there be a disconnect somewhere? What kind of connection would help bring about more balance?

Herbs can help connections!

Herbs pull up minerals, vitamins and nutrients from far down in the earth. Many of them are balancers of the soil and they can do the same inside of us.

The more I learn about herbs, the more I am amazed at how they can help us connect and correct so many health issues. They deliver far more than just one benefit, they can go deep into underlying problems and bring back into balance what we may be unaware or barely aware of being out.

Here are some of our favorites. Most of these herbs are also strengtheners of the overall body.

Herbs for Body -connective tissues-skin, hair, nails, cartilage:

Horsetail (shavegrass) herb, nettles, oatstraw, plantain, scullcap, lemon balm, calendula.

I call this blend our Herbal Calcium because it is high in calcium, and mineral such as silica that help build connective tissues like cartilage, hair, skin, nails, bones, teeth. Safe for pregnancy, kids, elders, and everyone in between.

Herbs for Heart connections: 

     Heart and Blood Pressure Support: Hawthorne berries, motherwort, gingko biloba, hibiscus

Heart connections with others: Lemon Balm, Licorice root, rose, ylang ylang, hibiscus

Herbs for Brain connections:

Gingko Biloba, Gota Kola, Rosemary and Sage, Green Tea, peppermint, scullcap, American Ginseng, Lemon Balm

Herbs for Joint connections:

Arnica (external), white willow bark, yucca root, cayenne, comfrey, peppermint, lobelia

We at T’s Tonics, offer many of these in tincture blends or teas. In the case of external inflammation and pain, we have sprays and ointments for topical support.

Inflammation and dis-ease, injury, and/or pain go hand in hand. Where one is, you can usually find the other.

Inflammation helping herbs:

Arnica is my #1 Herb for External inflammation. I haven’t found anything that takes down bumps and bruises and injury related swelling more quickly.

However, I believe that chronic, long term issues create internal inflammation and that, in turn, causes more problems. And there are so many herbs that help with inflammation and healing!!

For internal help, the following herbs are great general choices.

Joint Pain

These are herbs rich in minerals and healing properties; specifically for their ability to help support and strengthen joints and connective tissues. May help support the system for arthritic and osteoporosis pain relief & internal & external inflammation.*

Peppermint is especially good for the nervous system and used for digestive disorders.  It is helpful for insomnia when taken before bed.  It is also calming to muscle spasms, cramps and headaches.  The oil is a fast pain and inflammation reducer.

White Willow Bark is known for relieving pain and has long been used for rheumatism, inflammation and more.  It is what early aspirin was derived from, but unlike aspirin, it does not thin the blood or irritate the stomach.

Burdock Root is one of the best blood cleansers as well as a kidney, liver and gland cleanser.  It helps to reduce swelling and deposits in the joints.  It is helpful for most skin conditions and is also used for fatigue and nervous disorders.

Yucca is effective in reducing inflammation in the joints.  It is helpful for Arthritis, Rheumatism, Bursitis, Gout, Ulcers and wounds.  It is also a blood purifier. For more information on yucca root can be found Here.

Respiratory Pain

Mullein Helps dispel mucus in the system.  It is considered the herb of choice for respiratory problems, also is a natural painkiller, helps calm spasms, and helps reduce swelling in the glandular system.  Used as a poultice on external wounds to reduce swelling.

Nerve Pain

St. John’s Wort is known for lifting depression but it also has sedative and pain-reducing properties. Helpful for nerve injuries and inflammation surrounding nerves. It may also help with inflammation of the respiratory tract. *Not to be used with blood thinners or heart medications.

All of these herbs and more can be found in our Pain in the Joint Tea and Pain Tonic.