Ginkgo: More Than A Memory

Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba

Almost everyone has heard about Ginkgo’s ability to improve memory, but this beautiful tree has a long history of medicinal and epicurean use. In fact, the Ginkgo predates human existence on this planet; it is a living fossil. The species that we know today has been in existence for 160 million years! During the last Ice Age, it was very nearly extinct, but somehow a few of these magnificent creatures managed to survive in Eastern China. Thousands of years ago, Taoist and Buddhist monks, expert gardeners and finely tuned to the natural environment, recognized the power of Ginkgo biloba and planted them on their temple grounds. These revered trees were tended lovingly at their sacred sites so that the species, already rare, would not be lost forever. These monks saved the life of the Ginkgo.

China introduced the Ginkgo to its neighbors in Japan and Korea, where it was adopted and treasured as well; the Ginkgo thrived throughout Asia. In 1712, European scientists “rediscovered” the Maidenhair tree in China after believing that it had died out long before. In their excitement, trees were cultivated widely and Ginkgo became quite popular all over Western Europe. Its hardiness is evident when one pauses to consider this amazing fact: the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 decimated all life except for four Ginkgo trees, one of which was located only .7 miles from the epicenter of the blast. All four of those trees blossomed as usual the following spring, and ever since these particular Ginkgos have been considered especially sacred, representing hope, indomitable spirit and World Peace. Today there are still many trees in Japan that are over one thousand years old and many elder trees exist in Korea including the famous “Snake Tree” in Seoul.

Its strength, tenacity and dignity are indicative of its power as a medicinal, particularly for the elderly. The leaves of the Ginkgo have recently come into vogue as the latest and greatest “fad” remedy for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The leaves of the Ginkgo contain Ginkgolides, an allergy-controlling compound unique to this “time-traveler,” and what has been classified as a Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), which inhibits blood cells from sticking to each other, thereby improving circulation. In particular, micro-circulation and circulation to the brain is enhanced which increases cognition, memory and focus. Improved circulation to the head has other benefits as well: hearing, eye dis-ease, tinnitus, vertigo, senility, mood and social ability have all been shown to benefit from the use of Ginkgo supplementation. This blood moving effect applies to the rest of the body too; arthritis, rheumatism, peripheral blood circulation, varicosities, leg cramps and various pains have shown marked improvement in various studies of Ginkgo leaf. It is also helpful as a uterine stimulant and for the treatment of arteriosclerosis: it increases coronary and capillary circulation, lowers cholesterol, relieves chest pain and pressure, disperses clots and is a powerful antioxidant.

When preparing remedies from the raw herb, gather the leaves in autumn as they begin to turn, otherwise they are too tannic to use. Ginkgo should be decocted for no longer than twenty minutes; the leaves can also be tinctured for longer storage. To prepare the nuts in a decoction, keeping the shell on will balance the mild toxicity of the seed. Ginkgo is available in all health food stores; most research has been conducted on preparations containing a 24% concentrated leaf extract taken at a 40mg dose, three times daily for a minimum of 3 months. It is not recommended that Ginkgo be used in high doses or long-term, it is powerful and must be respected

The Ginkgo speaks of endurance and long life, it is beset by no disease or insect, for any that may once have plagued her, have long been extinct. It grows slowly and takes three human generations to mature, but can attain the height of 100 feet and its trunk can reach three feet in diameter. The leaves are unusual; they form a ribbed fan shape, notched in the middle. This shape reveals its origins long ago when it diverged from the conifers and its needles fused together to become a leaf. The tree divides itself into two sexes, the male has barely noticeable flowers that appear in early spring, and the female produces a small apricot-colored fruit in the fall. The fruit is somewhat toxic and foul-smelling, but beneath its putrid flesh is a valued treasure: the ginkgo nut.

The ginkgo nut has been used medicinally in China for thousands of years for the treatment of lung disorders and “Damp” conditions (as classified in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Ginkgo has the ability to dilate the bronchia and blood vessels and is used for coughs with easily expectorated thick phlegm, asthma and wheezing. It is also used for other “Damp” type conditions such as urinary problems with turbidity, incontinence and/or frequent urination. Ginkgo nuts are antifungal and antibacterial, considered to be somewhat astringent, slightly sedative and are a frequent addition to TCM formulas treating urinary and bronchial ailments as well as dis-eases of the reproductive organs.

Considered a delicacy for thousands of years, the ginkgo nut remains today a sought after treat that is rarely found in stores or on restaurant menus…they are immediately gobbled up by those lucky enough to have laid claim to a nearby female Ginkgo tree! In the fall, the most opportune time to gather the ripe fruit is right after a storm knocks most of them to the ground. Arrive early, as you may find that you have some stiff competition from other Ginkgo nut lovers! Since the flesh of the fruit has a scent similar to vomit and causes dermatitis in about one out of fifty people, it is best to clean the nuts with a pair of gloves on, right at the base of the tree. Prepare them as soon as possible, they won’t last more than a few days in the refrigerator, but once they are cooked they can be preserved by freezing. They should be roasted in their shell –stirred occasionally- in a 275 oven for twenty-five minutes before enjoying. Low in fat and high in protein, ginkgo nuts are rich, tender, savory and delicious when prepared properly. Very rarely, adverse reactions such as headache or digestive disturbance have resulted when too many Ginkgo nuts are consumed, so use restraint and don’t gorge yourself on them.

The famous German poet Goethe wrote this heart-felt tribute to Ginkgo which links the hollowed tree with the harmonious philosophy of Taoism:

This leaf from a tree in the East,
Which has been entrusted to my garden,
Reveals a secret meaning,
Which pleases those who know.

Is it one living creature
Which has divided itself?
Or are these two, which have decided,
That they should be as one?

To reply to such a question, I found the right answer:
Don’t you feel in my songs and verses
That I am One and Two?

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a Master Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over twenty years. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email LislMeredith@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

Angelica: She is Royalty

Angelica

(Angelica archangelica)

When you come upon a mature Angelica in flower, you will feel it deep within your soul. She is a queen: magnificent, glorious, elegant and stately. Growing from six to nine feet in height, she will hold court in your garden while every favorable insect within 5 miles will seek out her enormous globe shaped flowers to pollinate. Her flower umbels are her crown and she wears them with pride; her gown, a full skirt of large green foliage that sweeps the ground. Angelica’s stalk can be several inches around, giving the appearance of permanence, strength and power…but her stalk, however solid it may appear, is hollow; that is the essence of her spirit’s medicine.

Her stalks create a tube from her base to her crown, and if you take the time to be still in her presence, you will feel that tube within your own body become filled with her energy. Many times I have brought my clients out to our resident Angelica in order to receive her strength and every time their experience was described in similar terms. “I felt like the hollowness inside me was finally being filled up.” “I became intensely aware of my grief and loss, and then felt a soothing presence, a balm to my soul.” “I feel rooted, strong and powerful. I can stand in my space and hold it with loving compassion.”

Hollow stalks, from the perspective of plant spirit medicine, are a signature for some of the plants that assist with journeys to other planes of existence. Angelica’s association with angelic realms is apparent in her name and she has been closely linked to Archangel Michael for centuries. Legend states that during the time of the Plague, an Archangel appeared with the message that Angelica would help to ward off the illness. Over the course of time, people have continued to draw upon her authority to dispel evil spirits or “bad vibes.”

Angelica has been one of the most important herbs utilized worldwide throughout history. The genus Angelica consists of several species used medicinally: Angelica archangelica, imported from Europe and usually cultivated; A. atropurpurea, native to the eastern US; A. sylvestris, its wild European cousin, A. glauca, popular in India’s Ayurvedic tradition; and A. sinensis, commonly known as the important Chinese herb, Dang Gui. The Chinese and Ayurvedic varieties have much more tonifying qualities than their western relatives, but all are considered warming, stimulating and transformative, as well as potentially causing photosensivity.

http://www.chineseherbaltreasures.com

The varieties of Angelica that were made the most famous throughout Asia and India are beneficial to the Blood and nourishing to the Yin. The Ayurvedic herb “Choraka” and the Chinese herb “Dang Gui” are considered to be female tonics used to regulate the menses, restore the body to balance post-partum, ease the transition through menopause and to build Blood if there is anemia. The dense “head” of the root is more Blood building, while the root “tails” are more effective for moving the Blood.

  


Angelica sinensis is found in a vast number of Traditional Chinese formulas that affect the Blood; whether for trauma and injury or female reproductive imbalances, Dang Gui is rarely used outside the context of a carefully constructed formula. Although it is occasionally an ingredient in some remedies prescribed during pregnancy, like all Angelicas, its strong blood stimulating effects makes it absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, unless under the alert supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Classified as pungent, warm, bitter-sweet, Angelica archangelica is a wonderful carminative that dispels gas, bloating and colic. Transformative properties make her helpful for many mucolytic conditions and congestion. She “opens the pipes” for respiratory ailments, such as wheezing, asthma, chronic colds and coughs. Those with vascular stagnation can also profit from the regular use of Angelica, as she can help move and circulate blood to the periphery, easing rheumatic and arthritic complaints.

Diaphoresis, used judiciously in the presence of a pathogen can help protect the body from attack; sweating was once used universally to cure disease during the early stages of pathogenic invasions. Being diaphoretic, Angelica possesses the ability to push a pathogen out of the body through the pores and to defend against contagions. It’s no small wonder that she was such a valuable asset during the time of the plague.

The Angelica essence used in medicinal-grade aromatherapy is also warming and stimulating to the body while relaxing to the mind. Her application helps to increase the production of white blood cells, balance the hormones and calm spasms. A few drops can make all the difference when a migraine headache begins! The Angelica essential oil that I am blessed to be using has facilitated the profound connection I now share with the spirit of this heavenly herb.

Angelica has a warm, aromatic and rich fragrance and its flavor has notes of Juniper, Fennel, Parsley and Pepper. As a culinary herb, the stems of Angelica are candied and applied as a stylish decoration to cakes and pastries. Her seeds add a unique spiciness to the flavor of baked goods, meats, and liquors; her distinctive and pungent taste is found in vermouth and coupled with Juniper berries for making gin. Angelica is actually the secret ingredient used to flavor muscatel grapes in some wines and continues to be a popular cultivar throughout France.

Typically classified as a biennial (meaning that the flowering stalk appears in its second year of growth), Angelica is anything but typical, as you will come to realize if you cultivate a relationship with her. When Angelica finally gathers the strength enough to flower, her tightly curled flower heads begin to emerge from the dense bush of foliage she has created. As the protective sheath wrapping the burgeoning treasure start to unfurl, each flower bud of the umbel seems to enthusiastically release itself from the constraints of her leafy vestments and rejoice at newly found freedom.

As you develop your relationship with Angelica, you too will feel like shedding your old worn-out emotional garments and shine wholly from a place of personal sovereignty. You will come to rule yourself with ease and confidence, and your poise will attract the people and situations that are beneficial to your path. This is Angelica’s gift to you.

 

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

Ginseng: How Well Do You Know Her?

Ginseng  

(Panax ginseng)

Everyone has heard of Ginseng. Many people think they already know it, but despite the fact that there is more folklore written about Ginseng than any other herb in history, it is one of the least understood yet widely used herbal remedies available today. Ginseng has gained popularity among American consumers in the last decade or so for its energy-boosting properties as well as its reputation for being a male performance tonic. When taken appropriately, this would be an accurate description of some of its benefits; however, many people, not fully enlightened about when to take it or not, consistently misuse it (and its close relatives) only to their detriment.

The name Panax comes from the Greek “panacea” meaning “all-healing” and originated from China where its history stretches back over 7,000 years. In pinyin it is called Ren Shen (or Jen Shen) and most translations simply put it as “man-root” because the shape of the root resembles the form of a human. The Chinese name can be literally translated to mean “a crystallization of the earth’s essence in the form of a man,” which more closely honors its revered place in herbal medicine. It has been said that Ginseng would be found where lightning hits a clear spring because the alchemy of Earth, Water and Fire created the sacred plant.

Ginseng has been more highly valued than any other plant in history. Once it would have fetched its weight in gold and up to 250 times its weight in silver. One Chinese emperor paid the equivalent of $30,000 for a single root; in Moscow, a Ginseng root worth more than $25,000 is on display at the permanent agriculture exhibit. The wild Ginseng, which has always been very rare, is considered the most precious and valuable. Wars were fought for control of forested regions known to be inhabited by the cherished Ginseng, bandits frequently hijacked Ginseng hunters, lives were lost in the pursuit of the financial rewards that an exceptional specimen could fetch. It’s interesting to ponder the duality of a plant that can both enhance the essence of our being and seduce our shadow selves as well.

Emperors and royalty were not the only consumers of Ginseng; aging common men would purchase the best Ginseng root they could afford and judiciously decoct small pieces of the herb for an occasional tonic to bring good health and promote longevity. Another way they conserved the costly root was to tincture it in brandy and eek out small sips from time to time, serving modest portions only to their most honored guests.

Spiritual masters and sages have always been enamored by the spirit of Ginseng too; it has been said that ginseng was not discovered by man, but that man was found by Ginseng. The spirit of Ginseng was considered to be exceptionally friendly and helpful, especially to the downtrodden. One Korean legend tells of a man who was in the last days of a fatal illness and his loyal son prayed night and day for a cure. When the boy at last fell asleep, exhausted from his constant vigil, Ginseng appeared to him in a dream and showed him precisely where to locate it. After drinking the decoction his son had prepared, the man made a complete recovery.

The legends accurately describe the qualities of Ginseng; it has a strong ability to increase endurance, dispel fatigue and promote longevity. As an alterative, it can adapt to the body’s specific needs and adjust metabolism to its optimal functioning. Known as the “King of Tonics,” Ginseng soothes mental, emotional and physical stress and aids in recovery from chronic illness, weakness and deficiency. Panax can help maintain vitality and peak physical health, as well as enhance athletic performance. It is also known to be an aphrodisiac, so it will enhance amorous performance as well. Taken for depression, Ginseng can help to smooth out emotional stressors and surprisingly, it has also been prescribed for some types of insomnia, especially when associated with nervous exhaustion. When the body requires sleep, the ginsenosides in the herb mimic the body’s natural anti-stress hormones and act as a sedative.

Panax Ginseng is a whole body strengthener; it helps to improve immune functioning and to build Qi (vital energy), thereby improving all systems. By improving Lung Qi, Ginseng will help with shortness of breath, wheezing and difficulty breathing caused by exertion. By improving Spleen Qi (the energy that supports vitality and digestive functions), Ginseng will help improve the appetite, restore vigor, arrest chronic diarrhea and prolapses, as well as dispel abdominal bloating. As a hepatic and cardiac tonic, Ginseng helps to improve circulation throughout the entire body, normalize blood pressure and is even used in some cases of anemia because of its ability to nourish the blood.

Ginseng is frequently used in the treatment of diabetes because it helps to reduce blood glucose levels significantly. Some studies have shown lasting results up to two weeks after the herb was discontinued. For moderate cases of diabetes, marked by lassitude and pronounced thirst, Ginseng improves symptoms, increases fluids and its proper use can often lead to lowered insulin dosages. Blood cholesterol levels also show pronounced improvement with appropriate dosages of Ginseng, therefore showing promise for the prevention of heart disease.

Ginseng is considered a very “Yang” herb and is not prescribed for individuals showing signs of heat or excess such as inflammation, a red face or a flushed and ruddy complexion, as well as most types of migraine headaches or exaggerated dizziness. Caution should absolutely be used when treating any person with high blood pressure, and Ginseng is rarely prescribed to pregnant women. The proper dose ranges from 1-9 grams depending on a person’s weight and requirements; interestingly, regular dosages tend to be stimulating, whereas large dosages can be more sedative. Ginseng has a low toxicity; however overdosages can lead to headaches, insomnia, palpitations and raised blood pressure (an antidote for raised blood pressure is mung bean soup). The effects of Panax Ginseng are compromised by tea (Camellia sinensis) and turnips, and although it is not recommended that Ginseng be taken with alcohol, it can help with intoxication.

The name Ginseng is associated with many of its related and some non-related species, causing confusion about its usages. Even the one name Panax Ginseng can refer to either Red Ginseng, which is steamed in its processing, giving it a red color and a hard, shiny surface; or White Ginseng, which is sun-dried and has a whitish-yellow hue. Although Eleutherococcus senticosus (formerly Acanthopanax senticosus) is not a true Panax, it is also known as Siberian Ginseng; it is similar to Panax Ginseng but considered to be even stronger and less heating.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is antirheumatic and reduces inflammation; it can be a helpful addition to Lyme disease treatment protocols when there is migrating joint pain and fatigue. It is often used for convalescence, menopause and in geriatrics, as well as short term stress to the body, mind and spirit. Because it increases the appetite, improves energy, and enhances the immune system, herbal practitioners prescribe it as an adjunct treatment for cancer patients to assist in recovery after chemotherapy and radiation. In fact, in 1986 it was given to people who had been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals at Chernobyl.

Eleuthero (called Wu Jia Pi in pinyin) boosts endurance, allowing the body to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions; astronauts take it to cope with weightlessness, students use it during challenging exams, and athletes utilize it to considerably ramp up performance levels and stamina. Siberian Ginseng stimulates virility, more so than Panax, and is useful for impotence and premature ejaculation. Because Eleuthero is so potent, it should be used responsibly; it is seldom given to women or appropriate for men under the age of forty and is prescribed for no more than 3-6 weeks at a time. As with Panax Ginseng, it is not advisable to take a higher-than-recommended dose or combine it with caffeine.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a bittersweet tonic that is also similar to its cousin Panax Ginseng, but tends to be more Yin in nature. Its particularly nourishing for women and more gentle for children, the elderly or the infirm. American Ginseng was known as powerful medicine to Native Americans and popular in the Ozarks and Appalachia where ‘seng hunters would sell the valuable specimens to Asian traders for a hefty fee. Today, American Ginseng is endangered, and wild plants should be left alone; the United Plant Savers provides resources and instruction to reintroduce this precious herb back into the environment, for it not only enhances human health, it also has a positive impact on its natural environment. Cultivated American Ginseng is grown in Canada and the US, notably in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and tends to be rather costly.

 

Panax Pseudo-ginseng is called san qi or tienchi in Chinese and is considered nearly identical, if not completely identical to another herb called Panax Notoginseng. It is a true Panax, but has completely different qualities than the Panax Ginseng or Panax quinquefolius varieties. The main ingredient in a famous Chinese patent herbal formula named Yunan Bai Yao, Pseudo-Ginseng strongly stops bleeding –both internally and externally- and was used extensively on wounded soldiers in the Vietnam and Korean wars.

Other herbs have earned the name “ginseng” because they too are powerful adaptogens, but they are completely unrelated species. The scope of this article cannot begin to explore their individual uses, however it may be useful to recognize them by name as helpful herbal tonics when your practitioner prescribes them for you. 

Southern Ginseng (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is an antioxidant and tumor inhibitor that is associated with immortality…well, at least longevity; it is also called Jiaogulan.

Peruvian Ginseng (Lepidium meyenii), better known as Maca Root, is considered a super-food that enhances sexual vitality and increases endurance. Many health food stores offer the root powder to add to smoothies as a highly nutritious dietary supplement.

Prince Ginseng (Pseudostellaria heterophylla) is called tai zi shen in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is known as a diverse remedy for the lungs; it enhances immune functions and treats asthma, tumors, emphysema and various chronic respiratory ailments.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) is more often referred to as Ashwagandha -meaning “horse smell” in Sanskrit- and is known as an overall harmonizer for all stages of life promoting vitality, fertility and sexual arousal.

Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) is the root of a South American vine better known as Suma that increases endurance, balances hormones, restores libido, boost the immune system and is believed to inhibit cancer.

Alaskan Ginseng (Oplopanax horridus) is actually a related Panax species that is more commonly known as “Devil’s Club” or “Devil’s Walking Stick” and had been used for generations as a nutritious food and a medicine for tumors. Today it is showing promise in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes and Tuberculosis, but it too is becoming progressively more rare in the wild.

It takes at least four years for a cultivated ginseng to mature and it is preferable to allow them 6-7 years before they are harvested. The older the root, the more potent its healing powers; a German ginseng expert claims to have found a Ginseng in the wild that was over 400 years old. Unfortunately, Ginseng is becoming increasingly endangered due to its demand, so it is even more important that people use it wisely and respectfully. Even the so-called “ginsengs” of varying species are becoming more scarce, so please understand the circumstances when it is most appropriate to take these potent adaptogens, do not take them longer than necessary and better yet, help to reintroduce these wonderful medicines back into the wild for our future generations.

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Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

Teasel: Honoring the Bones of Our Ancestors

Teasel
(Dipsacus japonicus et D. sylvestris)

When I sit down to compose a piece about the plants, I don’t choose which herb I will write about, the Plant chooses me. Teasel began vying for my attention as a subject for one of my articles months ago when I was on my way to upstate New York and her flowers were everywhere on the roadsides. She hasn’t stopped edging her way into my consciousness since then; I hereby surrender to her will. Her powerful insistence is indicative of her medicine in an energetic way: she represents strength on many levels.

Japanese Teasel root is considered a tonic for the Kidney Yang, according to its uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, the Kidneys -and therefore the whole body- would ideally have a perfect balance of Yin and Yang energies. The Yin is moistening, receptive, nourishing and has an inward, storing, sedating quality; The Yang is drying, expansive, energizing and productive.

The Kidneys represent not simply the two blood cleansing and urine filtering organs we know them as in an allopathic framework. According to TCM the kidneys rule the bones, teeth, lower back, knees, as well as the brain, spinal cord and regulate growth and maturation. The Kidneys are considered to be the very foundation from which we grow and thrive, the true Essence of our Being, “The Root of Life.” We are born with this precious Essence -called Jing - that we inherit from our parents (ultimately all of our ancestors) and it is stored energetically within the Kidneys.

Metaphorically, let’s equate this Essence to a “trust fund” of sorts: you are born with a fixed amount. One may be fortunate enough to have inherited the energetic equivalent of a Cadillac, or perhaps not so lucky and inherited a Pinto, but keep in mind that it is entirely possible to drive that Caddy into the ground! Don’t change the oil, rotate the tires, never do a single bit of maintenance and that sturdy vehicle can be wasted, become weakened and fit for scrap. Conversely, one could carefully tend to the Pinto with regular loving maintenance, never drive it too hard and it would last a long time, providing years of service and reliability.

On a daily basis we utilize our Qi energy that we receive through a nourishing diet, clean water, positive fulfilling relationships, good breathing/movement practices and plenty of quality rest. We use our Jing to fill in the gaps when we can’t rely upon our steady income of Qi and we may never be aware that we are using it. The Jing is like that; if an individual “lives it up” with excessive drinking, drugs, late nights and sexual encounters, Jing gets spent. When a person has extreme stress, frayed nerves, repressed or excessive emotions and ceases to take proper care of themselves, Jing gets spent. If someone has had chronic or repeated illnesses, numerous injuries, multiple births or miscarriages, Jing gets spent.

Signs of aging like thinning bones, grey hair, diminished hearing, decreased metal acuity and lowered stamina are indicative of lowered Kidney energies. TCM tells us that Jing can never be replenished, once it’s gone, it’s gone. However, Kidney Jing can be conserved and “astringed” with herbs, lifestyle and various spiritual practices; also by tonifying the Yin and Yang aspects of Kidney energy, we can “endow interest to the Kidney Jing account.” Herbal tonics that specifically balance the combination of Yin and Yang herbs to an individual’s constitution can help to promote more graceful aging and an overall healthier state of being.

Chinese Herbal Materia Medica by Bensky and Gamble states that as a Yang tonifying herb, Japanese Teasel root (Dipsacus asperi seu japonicus) fortifies the lower back, knees and bones. It has a positive effect on the sinews and joints as well and is used for pain and stiffness from decreased Kidney energy or from traumatic injury. It is also used to promote the movement of blood and to repair damaged tissues, so it makes sense that Teasel’s Pinyin name in is Xu Duan, meaning “restore what is broken.”

For arthritic conditions, repetitive strain, pain, weakness or traumatic injury, the root of Dipsacus japonicus can be taken internally as a tincture or decoction, applied topically in a salve or liniment, or one could address all aspects of the disharmony and choose internal and external treatment simultaneously. Japanese Teasel actually has a regulating effect on the blood, it is able to not only promote circulation when it comes to trauma, but it will also help with threatened miscarriage by stopping uterine bleeding and calming a restless fetus. When used for disorders of the uterus during pregnancy, it is often combined with Mugwort (Artemesia argyi) and Greater Burnet (Sanguisorba) for uterine bleeding, or paired with gelatin to assist the mother when she has been unable to carry a child to term.

Historically, domestic Teasel (D. sylvestris) was not particularly popular as a medicine plant, it was however valued in the textile industry. The name Teasel comes from its use for teasing wool; it was cultivated for such a purpose at least as far back as Roman times. It was bred specifically to produce hooked bracts on the dried flower heads for more efficiency in the production of woolens. It fell out of fashion with manufacturers after machines were invented to do the same thing, but the mechanically produced cloth could never match the smooth quality of wool finished with Teasel.

This species of Teasel (D. sylvestris) found in North America has recently gained a groundswell of interest in the treatment of Lyme Disease because of a fantastic tome, The Book of Herbal Wisdom by herbalist Matthew Wood who pioneered the use of domestic teasel for Lyme. In practice, he discovered that a very small dosage of tincture -only about 3 drops taken 2-3 times daily- brought dramatic improvements to the joint aches and cognitive dysfunction that Lyme disease can bring about. Teasel can be taken at this low dose safely for long periods of time.

According to naturalmoxie.com, Teasel has a unique ability to get the spirochetes where they “hide out” in the joints and drive them into the blood stream, where other medicines (be they herbal or pharmaceutical) can then eradicate them. It is not uncommon to have a Herxheimer reaction when taking Teasel or any effective remedy for Lyme disease. A flaring up of symptoms due to the “die-off” of spirochetes leads to substantial levels of toxins in the blood, however this is actually considered a good sign. It is important to expedite this process by encouraging detoxification and immune strengthening with many available herbal preparations.

In his book, Wood shares the fantastic success of several case studies he gathered in his clinical practice using Teasel for Lyme. His balanced approach to healing is both spiritual and methodical, a necessary combination. When I contacted Matthew Wood for permission to cite his work, he was insistent that I give proper credit to his friend and adviser, William LeSassier, the late Chinese Herbalist from New York City. It was LeSassier, Wood says, who had first suggested the use of D. sylvestris, our domestic relative of the Japanese Teasel that has been used in the Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for hundreds of years.

When one examines the Teasel plant, it really is no small wonder that this sturdy herb encourages fortitude. The robust, bristly flower heads are born upon the tall prickly stalks of Teasel and blossom in a whorl of lavender from the center toward the top and bottom. The leaves are also spiny and attach to the stalk without a petiole, forming a cup as the base of the leaf wraps around the stalk. This cup that forms at the juncture of the leaf and stem often collects rain or dew and reminds us that Teasel can help with stiff and unlubricated joints. This characteristic was the reason that Dipsacus was once called “water thistle” or “Venus’ basin.”

A biennial, Teasel grows up to several feet in height in her second year and the spent seed heads atop boney stalks easily persists through even the harshest of winter weather. During the mid-late summer, you can often find three generations in close proximity to one another: the bodacious, bristly basal rosette of a first year Teasel clinging to the ground, a stalk shooting toward the sky burgeoning with the potential for bloom in a second year specimen and nearby the bones of last year’s grandmother Teasel silently bearing witness to her progeny.

It’s the first year Teasel that offers her medicine; in the autumn, if you have found the withered flower heads of Teasel that has gone by, examine the ground for the young prickly leaves in a basal rosette. If there are enough to spare, respectfully dig a few of the roots up, bring them home to scrub thoroughly, and then tincture them in vodka or white brandy. Generally the rule is to fill a clean glass jar 2/3 full with the fresh chopped root, cover completely with the alcohol, -leaving about ½ inch of space at the top of the jar- seal tightly, and then gently shake the jar daily. Over the course of the 4-6 weeks it takes to mature, put your loving intention into that tincture every day and be sure to offer your thanks to the plants in exchange for the medicine they so freely give, and to our ancestors for the inheritance they have so generously left us.

To me, Matthew Wood’s respect for his mentor brings to mind this analogy of the familial arrangement of Teasel in the field. Although William LeSassier has passed on, his memory, honored and respected by Matthew Wood and successive generations of healers, is carried on in the use of domestic Teasel for medicine. We have inherited much benefit from the bones of our ancestors so that we may prosper as we learn, grow and sow the seeds of our experience for future generations.

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

December Blog Party: Herbal Aesthetics...Plants for Natural Beauty

Visit all these fabulous blogs for great information about using herbs for beautifying the home and body.

Herbalisl's Post: Chamomile- The Original "Mother's Little Helper"

Cory from Aquarian Bath Gives Tips on Pampering Yourself Naturally!

Chamomile: The Original “Mother’s Little Helper”

Chamomile
(Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita, M. discoidea)

German Chamomile ©L.Huebner 2009

When it comes to choosing safe herbs to bring comfort and relief to your whole family, look no further than the darling of the herb gardener, Chamomile. This precious herb is often one of the very first herbal remedies that many people become familiar with, and for good reasons. Her ability to soothe, calm and bring relief to a range of everyday troubles - from stomach and headaches to common stress - is the source of her well deserved notoriety.

Most people know that a soothing cup of Chamomile tea in the evening will help one to unwind, and gently encourage a good night’s rest. In fact, this simple herb helps with cramps and premenstrual tension, many types of nervous anxiety, reduces the production of stress hormones, and can relax the mind when there is a tendency to overthink. It’s interesting to note here that too much thinking, even if it doesn’t quite qualify as obsessive thought, can lead to a myriad of health issues including menstrual disorders, chronic pain and even heart dis-ease.

Chamomile is a frequent ingredient in many herbal formulas and her claim to fame is her value as a nervine and a carminative. Those who suffer from frequent headaches, especially those that are brought on by stress, will find an exceptional ally in Chamomile. Insomnia sufferers often need no more than a strong cup of Chamomile tea to bring ease, comfort and sleep. In cold remedies, the addition of Chamomile can not only help to reduce a fever by encouraging diaphoresis, but it also brings calm and peace so one may rest comfortably. Chamomile is also a mild expectorant that’s used with other herbs in cough remedies to help loosen and bring up mucous. People of all ages can benefit from the pleasant tea that gives welcome relief to indigestion and stomach pain and everyone else will appreciate Chamomile’s ability to deter flatulence.

When it comes to children, Chamomile is a gentle remedy for even the most sensitive child. For colic, a mild cup of Chamomile tea will soothe the belly and tame the crankiness that unfortunately often accompanies those awful tummy aches. The anti-inflammatory quality of Chamomile that makes it useful for reducing fevers will also help your precious babe get the healing rest she so badly needs when she’s sick and restless. Fix yourself a nurturing cup of Chamomile tea to ease your frayed edges when baby is teething, then gently apply the cooled tea bag as a compress to her sore gums; you’ll both feel better for it. Chamomile is the original “Mother’s Little Helper.”

German Chamomile ©L.Huebner 2009

Don’t think that children are the only ones who need pampering; we grown-ups need a reassuring hug from Mama Chamomile too! Spoil yourself with a personal spa day and allow yourself to receive all the gifts that your compassionate friend Chamomile has to offer. No spa day would be complete without indulging in an herbal bath, and enjoying a Chamomile tubbie is as simple as tying a muslin bag filled with chamomile to the faucet so your hot bath water passes over it, infusing the bath with its soft fragrance. Alternately, pouring a hot pot of strong chamomile infusion into your ready tub will delight you from head to toe; consider it a mini-vacation from all your worldly troubles.If that’s too much trouble for someone who’s really on the go, consider a chamomile footbath to care for tired, achy feet; and adding milk to a tub or foot bath will really put you over the moon!

Throughout history women have treasured the benefits of a Chamomile herbal wash; a simple infusion rinsed through the tresses after a shampoo leaves silky locks that lighten in the sun. For a divine facial treatment, wet a soft flannel with a warm Chamomile infusion and apply lightly to your whole face; better still, enjoy a facial steam by leaning over a steaming bowl of chamomile tea with a towel “tent” over your head. After about 5 minutes or so, stimulate your pores with a rinse of cool water and moisturize with Rose hip or Cucumber seed oil. Not only will your complexion feel smooth, clean and radiant, but your sinuses will reap the benefits from the Chamomile steam treatment as well.

When late nights and lack of sleep leave your eyes puffy and dark, or if seasonal allergies have your peepers looking red and inflamed, Chamomile will do double duty as a tea to calm allergies and relieve tension and insomnia but don’t throw out those tea bags! Cooled Chamomile tea bags placed over the eyes comforts eye strain, reduces inflammation and lightens the appearance of dark circles. A Chamomile compress placed over the eyes and forehead can also ease tension, sinus and even migraine headaches.

Your pets can also profit from Chamomile’s bevy of benevolent benefits. For nervous animals, a few drops of Chamomile floral essence in their water or the light scent of essential oil on a comforting toy or blanket can really help. For hot spots on their skin (or yours, for that matter) a soothing wash applied to the irritation will promote healing and ease discomfort. The amiable Chamomile is a lovely friend to have on hand.

The essential oil of Chamomile has been valued throughout the ages; simply by inhaling its gentle fragrance, one can feel their irritability melt away as her complex medicinal compounds begin working on ragged nerves, restoring a positive outlook and peace of mind. Chamomile’s essential oil has a sapphire blue color due to the presence of the compound azulene. If you have an understanding of chakra healing, you’ll understand why Chamomile is used on the blue-colored throat chakra to assist positive expression and productive communication, especially when there is some difficulty in speaking up for yourself.

There is a bit of confusion when you start to investigate Chamomile; there are two very well known varieties that go by several names each, depending upon where you live in the world and when you learned about Chamomile. I don’t wish to further confuse the issue, but it should be noted that Roman chamomile was once referred to as Anthemis nobilis; its Latin moniker is currently Chamaemelum nobile. The other type, generally preferred by most herbalists, is German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Some sources say that Chamomile can cause allergies; this is actually a rare occurrence and is really only an issue with the Roman variety. While the Roman Chamomile tends to be the slightly more sedating of the two and German Chamomile is just a little more anti-inflammatory, for the most part these two herbs can be used interchangeably.

A local wild Chamomile is available throughout the US, often found in poor soils, vacant lots and waste areas is the charming little Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea). Named for the sweet fragrance it produces, this friendly herb is readily available in backyards everywhere and its uses are fairly similar to its cousins. Pineapple Weed’s therapeutic properties are found in the whole plant, not just in her flowers, but when harvesting the entire herb, be sure to take no more than 20% of the crop so that they may continue to thrive.

Pineapple Weed ©L.Huebner

In Victorian times, Chamomile lawns were very much in vogue; instead of cutting the grass on a Saturday afternoon, one could find peace and contentment by lying idly upon a cushion of tranquility. Imagine how delightful it would be to daydream on a lawn like that. It makes me wonder if the dreaded deer tick would be offended to find everyone’s grassy landscape suddenly transformed into fields of Chamomile. In any case, I can’t believe anyone would miss the sound of lawnmowers!

Growing Chamomile in your own garden bed will improve the overall health and vigor of the other plants in her company. The flowers are also edible, so you and your children can enjoy picking them for remedies and to decorate a salad too. Chamomile was once frequently used in love potions, and inviting Chamomile to your gardens will also help to attract love and prosperity. Because faeries love Chamomile, their presence in your garden will bring good luck, and who couldn’t use a generous helping of love, luck and prosperity?

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com
Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

November Blog Party!! Morning Beverages....mmmmm.....

Hey! So I finally figured out how to do this...I'm such a newbie at Blogging! I hope that you will forgive my tardiness! Welcome to the wonderful world of delicious AM beverages...or anythime! Drink 'em while they're HOT!!!

Herbalisl's If At First You Don't Succeed, Chai, Chai Again!

Karen Vaughan writes about the benefits of coffee and talks about mixing it with herbs

Tansy’s idea of a great caffeine free morning beverage: roasted root chai

Kiva Rose writes of the wild woodlands morning brew, with a combination of herbs that you might never have thought of trying

Aartiana writes about her favorite morning infusions

Aquarian Bath’s secret to a great cup of earl grey tea

Susan Lubbers writes about waking up with a holy cuppa…holy basil!

Darcey Blue French shares her chocamatamatelatte recipe

Need a little caffeine in your morning ritual? Try Rosalee de la Foret’s suggestions for black tea

Stephany shares some great recipes for all sorts of moods!

Queen Anne's Lace: A Conscious Choice For Birth Control

I am presenting this article about Queen Anne’s Lace (QAL) because I feel strongly compelled to share this information… that and the fact that the Queen won’t let me rest until I do. Please understand that the information in this article is for educational purposes only and that I am not personally advocating the uses of Daucus carota described herein. I do however believe that we each have a right to make our own personal choices when it comes to our health and that with that right comes taking complete responsibility for our choices. That being said, I’d like to introduce you to one of the most personally empowering herbs known to women: Queen Anne’s Lace.

©Lisl Meredith 2007

Queen Anne’s Lace, otherwise known as Bird’s Nest Herb or Wild Carrot is a familiar sight on roadsides during the summer. With hairy stalks reaching up to four feet in height, Wild Carrot has feathery thrice composite leaves and a strong carroty fragrance when bruised. Its delicate white flower head can be up to 5-6 inches in diameter and often has a sterile scarlet flower in the center of these lacy blooms.

Science hasn’t been able to determine the purpose of this crimson flower, but Herbalists that are familiar with the Wise Woman Ways recognize this signature as a message from the plant spirit. Legend tells that Queen Anne, in a contest with her ladies to determine who made the most delicate and exquisite lace, accidentally pricked her finger and a drop of blood fell upon the lace. Herbalists also see the maroon embellishment as a spot of blood representing the herb’s ability to bring on a menstrual period.

©Lisl Meredith 2007

Caution must be used to distinguish Wild Carrot from her close cousins, the deadly Water Hemlock and of course, the herb that brought death upon Socrates, Poison Hemlock. Both Hemlocks bear a smooth stalk, usually spotted with purple blotches, and the odor of Poison Hemlock is musty and unpleasant while Water Hemlock can smell like parsnips. Both are lethal, so never gather unfamiliar herbs without the supervision of an experienced guide.

Daucus carota is a member of the carrot family and the ancestor of today’s kitchen staple. The Wild Carrot underwent a transformation when certain traits were selectively grown until the tender orange root vegetable we have come to know no longer bore much resemblance to the fibrous white root once used by our ancestors as a medicine and a food. Native to Europe, she immigrated to the US with early settlers, her seeds most likely stowing away within sacks of grain. Now widespread throughout North America, some states have declared Queen Anne’s Lace a noxious weed, a judgment that perhaps seems a bit harsh once we understand her gifts.

In Herbology, she is a good choice for colic, upset stomach, flatulence and gout. Her root’s diuretic effects on the kidneys help with the treatment and prevention of stones and gravel as well as many instances of edema. A number of studies are even suggesting that infusions of the flower head show some promise in the treatment of diabetes. Other studies are being conducted to ascertain Wild Carrot’s effects on Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as for the treatment of asthma, leukemia, migraines, HIV, and even the common cold.

For lowering cholesterol, some doctors recommend consuming 2 raw (modern) carrots daily because of the naturally high pectin content, and everyone knows that the Vitamin A in carrots is excellent for the eyes. A poultice of grated carrot (domestic or wild) can help itchy dermatitis, and carrot seed oil is excellent for the skin as well. Many luxurious facial serums and creams contain carrot seed oil for its ability to reduce blemishes and smooth wrinkles.

Some people have mild negative reactions to this oil due to the presence of furocoumarins which can cause photosensitivity, but these are mainly found in the leaves and rarely present a problem unless you are out walking in a field of Queen Anne’s Lace on a hot humid day and have been rubbing against them for a while. I find myself doing just that fairly frequently, but even my sensitive skin has never shown any ill effects. In fact, as part of my facial regimen, I use the steam distilled essence of carrot seed on a regular basis and have found the results to be most outstanding.

Daucus carota also contains falcarinol, a chemical that is showing promise as an anti-cancer agent. Falcarinol is also a natural pesticide and fungicide which helps to explain why the medicinal uses of Wild Carrot include the treatment of worms and parasites. The toxicity of all carrots, domestic and wild, is very low and the treatment of parasites requires a very strong decoction of the root and seeds to make an impact on the vermin. To get a lethal dose of carrot for a human, you would need to eat over 800 lbs. at once, and I don’t think anything could help your belly ache if you attempted to put away that much carrot.

However, there are plenty of other herbs that perform these functions as well as, if not better than Wild Carrot; there are copious carminatives and colic cures, an abundance of anti-cancer agents, a variety of vermifuges and diverse diuretics. What sets Daucus carota apart from other herbs is her successful use as a contraceptive.

©Lisl Meredith 2007

Nero was purportedly given the last root of Silphion, a Roman spice and contraceptive herb that was so popular and effective it was harvested to extinction sometime before the fourth century C.E. (Current Era). Wild Carrot is its closest living relative and bears the same contraceptive qualities as her ancestor. Hippocrates described the herb as being abortive and contraceptive over two thousand years ago. Since that time, the issue of contraception has become a delicate issue, with personal freedoms and valuable information being withheld from the common people by religious institutions and governments.

During World War I, American troops were widely exposed to venereal disease; because of certain Victorian attitudes by those in power, the soldiers were not permitted to obtain protection. Allied governments however supplied prophylactics to their military who subsequently shared them with the American troops. When the soldiers returned home, condoms became quietly popular for their secondary benefit: to prevent unwanted pregnancies. By 1918, condoms became legal, but specifically for preventing disease, not pregnancy. In 1936, the so-called Comstock Law banning the use of contraceptives was declared unconstitutional and finally repealed. By the 1960’s, the rise in pharmaceutical technology led to the creation of “The Pill” and knowledge of herbal contraceptives, secretly passed down through generations of herbalists and healers, was nearly lost to history.

Well known for her contemporary studies on the contraceptive use of Queen Anne’s Lace (QAL), Herbalist Robin Rose Bennett has been working directly with QAL since 1985 and completed her first “grass-roots” study in New York City in 1993. This first study showed potential and also served to refine the information she continued to gather about the proper method for using the herb. After her findings were published in the Northeast Herbal Association Journal, she began to receive anecdotal information from many people also wanting to share their experiences with QAL, the majority of their experiences being incredibly positive.

The conclusions of her findings indicate that using QAL as birth control can be amazingly reliable when taken in a specific way. A tea or tincture of the seeds is taken very soon after  intercourse, and the dosage is repeated twice more at approximately 8 hour intervals, then discontinued. Some herbalists prefer a more folksy description of the hormonal effects by saying that QAL makes the womb more slippery and prevents implantation, but language isn’t important. What is demonstrated time and again is that fertilization is hindered and implantation is impeded, hence, no pregnancy.

A delicate interplay of hormones takes place when a woman conceives; progesterone is produced to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Studies are showing that Queen Anne’s Lace blocks the production of progesterone and inhibits the development of the ovum. One Chinese study states, "Recent evidence suggests that terpenoids in the seed block crucial progesterone synthesis in pregnant animals." research done in other countries also show promise.

Historically the seeds were mainly used; in particular the method of chewing a teaspoonful of seeds after sex was popular, but rather unpleasant. In some traditions, particularly of note are from Appalachia, the flowers were used fresh or dried and drunk as tea. Bennett has found that a combination of seeds and flowers taken as a tincture or a tea is both pleasant and effective and mitigates the potential side effect of vaginal dryness when the seeds are chewed.

The key to this method appears to be the short duration and subsequent discontinuation of the herb that causes a dramatic shift in hormones. If a woman has just had significant hormonal shifts for other reasons, whether due to natural or artificial causes, the method can be unreliable and is not recommended. A recent pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, or developing menopausal symptoms, as well as current or newly discontinued HRT treatment, birth control pills, or other hormonal prescription drugs are the most common factors that contribute to a lack of success with this method (it bears mentioning that cortisone is a hormonal drug). It seems that antibiotics can also have an undesirable effect on the results of this method, perhaps because they inhibit the balance of intestinal flora. Herbalist Susun Weed reminds us that hormonal precursors in plants require healthy digestion to be processed efficiently by the body.

Currently, Robin Rose Bennett is gathering participants for a national study. I recommend that anyone interested in learning more about it, check out her website, www.robinrosebennett.com and read her entire paper, Wild carrot (Daucus Carota): A Plant for Conscious, Natural Contraception. I too, plan to be a part of this historical exploration and have high hopes that a safe, natural alternative method of birth control can be shown to be effective for the women that prefer a choice.
EDIT: This post is from 2009, so although the study is long past, you can now read the impressive results, so do check her website.

©Lisl Meredith 2007

It is important that women tune into their own natural rhythms; a honed awareness of our internal cycles empowers us to maintain optimal health. The more conscious one becomes about the subtle signals that their bodies are sending, the more likely they are to have success when choosing to become a mother or to prevent a pregnancy. As Robin says so eloquently in her article, ‘The life force is a powerful thing and nothing is absolute! There are also at least three souls involved in every conception, so total control is an illusory goal.’ Nothing but total abstinence or a chastity belt is reliable when it comes to a contraceptive guarantee, and even then…all things are possible.

 
Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.