Yael Nehama

So, I discovered this over at Dancing In a Field of Tansy and decided it would be a great way of really learning and discovering more about herbs and focusing on one in particular. The steps she has listed so far are as follows: 1. Having a Herbal Ally 2. Finding a Herbal Ally 3. Herbal Ally Tools 4. Herbal Ally Challenge #1: Decorating your Journal Cover 5. Herbal Ally Challenge #1 Completed 6. Herbal Ally Challenge #2: Infusions 7. Herbal Ally Challenge #2 Completed 8. Herbal Ally Challenge #3: Research Part I 9. Herbal Ally Challenge #3 Completed After reading the first two links she has posted regarding having and finding an herbal ally, it has become a bit hard to choose. There have been several plants that have spoken to me in my life, dandelion, lemon balm, lavender, yarrow and plantain. They seem to be the ones I am most drawn to. But I suppose if I had to choose just one, I would have to go with lavender since I can never resist brushing my hands past a lavender plant when I ...

So yesterday was Yom Kippur , a 25 hour fast from food or drink of any kind. After I break a fast, I usually catch a buzz which makes it almost impossible to fall asleep and ensures me of a miserable next day. This time I decided to be a good herbalist and heal myself. I took some Valerian and had a great night's sleep and am feeling quite refreshed and content this morning. Valerian is a wonderful ally for those with extreme anxiety and insomnia. It is often referred to as 'Nature's Valium', although I think it should be the other way around and Valium ( diazapam ) should be referred to as the pharmaceutical Valerian . Although they sound alike and work in similar ways by binding to the same brain receptors, Valium is not derived from Valerian as many people think. Valerian is non addictive, does not interfere with the REM part of sleep, and you are not left with that groggy hangover feeling the next day. Medicinally the roots are used. You would recognize Valerian...

Yarrow is a dear, dear friend of mine. I discovered this lovely plant on a trip to Salem, Mass. several years ago. At the time it was mostly a lot of folklore and stories, and the more I read about Yarrow, the more intrigued I was. Yarrow has a reputation for being the "Witches Herb" and I have no issues with that, considering I think 'witch' is a term that was thrown around haphazardly at any woman who was skilled in herbs, midwifery and healing. Let's just say the 'misogynistic religious right' was quite intimidated, with the herbwifes and midwives who came before us. I myself can accept the fact that if I was currently in those times, I'd have been burnt at the stake several times over by now. :::sheesh:: Yarrow is an amazing herb. Just being in her presence relaxes and calms the mind. Her gentle scent is very soothing. I personally love to pet the flowers and enjoy how each tiny flower feels of my hand. Spending time with a plant is truly the best ...

Well, my friend Nettle and I are getting along very nicely so far. It has only been three days since I started taking this NHI (Nourishing Herbal Infusion). I have been making a quart each night and drinking it the following day. Taking an NHI appeals to me because of it is more of a whole body take on healing, healing the body from the inside out by providing nutrients, vitamins and minerals. I used to drink a green barley drink many moons ago in my fresh carrot juice. I have to tell you I enjoyed it, but since beginning this part of my journey, I am very desirous of leaving the supplement lifestyle behind and walk the road of simple whole healing and nutrition. I felt very drawn to nettle (Urtica Dioca...sheesh I even love it's latin name), and decided to start there. Some information regarding nettle that I have learned is: Properties: Nutritive, astringent, diuretic and styptic. (Has anyone noticed any laxative effects? I was having some difficulty and seem to be having very no...

Last night I made my first nettle infusion and I am very excited! I must be because I even dreamt about it last night, that is I dreamt about it's name, Urtica Dioica. All I have read indicates that it is good for what ails ya'. High in iron, good for circulation, general well being etc. I am really looking forward to seeing how my body reacts to this plant ally! Here are a couple of links on Nettle and making infusions: Kiva Rose's article on Nettles Susun Weed Making infusions This is my lovely Nettle infusion, I love my lighthouse in the background, seems kinda metaphoric. °Ü°