Moonstone Love's Blog

April 3, 2013 · 8:44 pm

Herbal Remedies to Ease Hay Fever

Hay Fever is caused by an allergic reaction to tiny, airborne particles of pollens and grains. Pollen is released from flowers, grasses and trees and fills the air on dry, warm days. When it comes into contact with the eyes, nose and lungs of hay fever sufferers, pollen triggers the immune system to produce massive amounts of the chemical histamine. This results in streaming eyes, a sore throat and runny nose. Symptoms similar to asthma can occur in severe cases.

Herbal remedies can minimize attacks of these seasonal allergies and are effective in different ways. Echinacea and nettles balance and strengthen the immune system. Herbs such as elder have an astringent action, helping to dry up secretions while the natural antihistamines in chamomile and plantain also reduce symptoms.

Prevention is better than cure. So ideally, it is best to use herbal remedies as preventive measures for hay fever in the months coming up to spring and summer, rather than just as a treatment.

Echinacea

This Native American plant is a natural immunity enhancer. It stabilizes the histamine-producing cells and keeps white blood cells within the normal range. The root, leaves or whole plant may be used in tonics or teas. A cup of echinacea a day will boost the immune system during the hay fever season.

Garlic

Herbalists recommend adding garlic to your diet one to two months before the hay fever season. It contains B-group vitamins that have immune-boosting properties.

Several herbs have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, acting as natural antihistamines to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

Eyebright

This may be used as a dried herb or liquid tincture. Eyebright tightens and soothes mucous membranes, drying up secretions. Eyebright is also an anti-inflammatory herb.

Cudweed

This herb has many helpful properties for relieving the symptoms of hay fever. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, both of which help to ease symptoms. Cudweed can be taken daily as a tea. It is also a recommended ingredient in steam inhalations for asthma sufferers.

Chamomile

Infusions of chamomile tea, drunk daily, can soothe hay fever symptoms. The essential oil contains chamazule, a beneficial and potent anti-inflammatory.

Nettles

Fresh stinging nettles, full of chlorophyll and formic acid, strengthen the immune system in preparation for the hay fever season. They also act as an effective antihistamine and an astringent to reduce itchy eyes and sneezing. Try eating lightly cooked nettles as a spring vegetable.

Elderflower

Elder is a natural astringent, drying up excess mucous. An herbal infusion of elder flowers makes an excellent preventative and treatment for hay fever.

Plantain

A juice or tincture of plantain leaves provide valuable hay fever relief. The leaves are rich in anti-inflammatory iridoids and flavanoids. The plant’s natural astringency also acts to tone and dry mucous membranes.

Devil’s Claw

A native plant of southern Africa, this herb gets its name from the woodlike branches of barbed fruit. It is the root tubers of the plant that give the herb a useful role in the treatment of hay fever as these root tubers have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Chamomile Herbal Eye Compress

One of the most discomforting symptoms of hay fever is red, itchy and sore eyes. Before reaching for eye drops in the medicine cabinet, however, you might want to try a natural herbal compress for relief.

Ancient Wisdom

In ancient times, herbalists noticed how the appearance of some plants looked similar to parts of the human body and applied this observation as a foundation for some treatments. The tiny, eyelike flowers of chamomile, therefore, were recommended for herbal eye baths.

Soothing the eyes

The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effect can soothe, swollen, red eyes caused by hay fever, earn applied as an eye compress. Make a weak chamomile tea and allow to cool. Then soak a cotton ball or a piece of clean cloth in the herbal solution and gently apply to the eye. Apply a fresh compress to each eye to avoid infection.

Sources

Balch, P.A. (2002). Prescription for herbal healing. New York, NY. Avery.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT. Healing Arts Press.

4 Comments

Filed under Natural Healing

Tagged as Allergies, Hay Fever, Herbal Infusion, Herbal Remedies, postaweek

February 16, 2013 · 2:35 pm

Healing with Sapphire

Sapphire is the hardest crystal after diamond and it has long held a reputation for its amazing spiritual as well as physical properties. They were prized by the ancient Greeks and appear throughout their myths. Prometheus wore a sapphire ring when he stole fire from Zeus, and those who questioned the Oracle had to wear a sapphire.

The Ten Commandments of the Bible were said to be written on sapphire tablets, and king Solomon was reputed to have used one to commune with God.

In Buddhism, sapphire is known as the “stone of the stones” (1), thought to promote devotion, tranquility and spiritual enlightenment. An old Persian myth tells that the Mother Earth sat on a giant sapphire, giving the sky its blue color.

Star Saphire

The six-rayed star seen in certain sapphires, known as star sapphires, is caused by the presence of a radiating pattern of needlelike formations.

In Asia, the “star” in star sapphire was believed to be created by three benign spirits whose name translate as destiny, faith and hope. These spirits were imprisoned for an unknown misdemeanor. As atonement, they were charged to bring good fortune to bearers of this magical stone.

Using Sapphire

Utilize sapphire’s soothing and balancing qualities to ease stress. Use sapphires in jewelry to sharpen your concentration.

Carry sapphire if you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, as it has a highly soothing and balancing effect.
If you feel yourself becoming anxious, hold the sapphire to your heart and visualize a beautiful, calm blue sky filling you and your aura, dispersing the stress and anxiety and leaving you calm again.
Sapphire is particularly effective at stimulating both the third eye and crown chakra. For this reason, the closer it can be worn to the head the better, so treat yourself to sapphire earrings or a short necklace.
Star sapphire are especially good for improving mental focus.
If you feel vague, look at the star in the stone and focus your gaze on where the 3 lines meet.
Think of the 3 lines as symbolizing your spirit, mind and emotions, and see the 3 converging to the central point of harmony.
Relax and allow a sense of calmness to fill you, and then return to whatever you were doing with a more focused and disciplined outlook.

In today’s world, we often strain our eyes through spending too much time in front of a computer monitor or television set. Use your sapphire to gently rub away aches and restore vitality.

A piece of polished sapphire is a good stone to rub gently over the eyelids to ease away feelings of eye strain.

Sources:

(1)Rankine, David. Crystals: Healing and Folklore. Capall Bann Publishing. United Kingdom: 2002.

Melody. Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals – Supplement A. Earth Love Publishing House. Wheatridge, Colorado: 1996.

Melody. Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals – Updated (LIITE). Earth Love Publishing House. Wheatridge, Colorado: 1995.

Mégemont, Florence. The Metaphysical Books of Gems and Crystals. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, Vermont: 2003.

8 Comments

Filed under Crystal Healing, Natural Healing

Tagged as Natural Healing, postaweek, Sapphire

February 6, 2013 · 8:02 pm

Herbal Remedies for Dry Skin

Our skin is a protective layer encapsulating our body, and its health is vital to how it looks and feels. Moisturizing is a vital part of skin care, especially for dry skin. There are a number of causes of dry skin, including insufficient levels of sebum (natural skin oils), nutritional deficiencies and skin conditions such as eczema. If you live in dry weather, exposure to dry winds, sunlight, pollution and central heating further exacerbate this condition.

Develop a Skin Regimen

That is certainly the key to a healthy skin. Regular cleansing with soaps, cleansers and alcohol-based toners can leave dry skin feeling taut. To avoid this, replace these products with herbal cosmetics: a vegetable-based soap enriched with moisturizing herbs such as calendula; and herbal-based toners such as rose or lavender water.

Sebaceous glands in the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis) secrete natural oil – sebum. This substance is essential in keeping the skin soft and supple. From the age of 25, your skin becomes progressively drier as levels of natural oils drop. Some plants excrete complex carbohydrates called “mucilage” that help moisten, soften, and smooth the skin. Try using cosmetics that contain herbs rich in mucilage, such as marshmallow and comfrey. Frequent hot baths and showers can deplete the skin of its natural oils. Add lubricating oils such as Jojoba or wheatgerm to your bath or shower gel to keep your skin moist and supple.

Herbs for Dry Skin

Aloe Vera

This herb is renowned for its healing and moisturizing properties; it has a soothing effect on chapped skin. Aloe vera can be applied as a lotion, or it can be purchased from most drugstores as a concentrated gel to treat severe dry skin disorders such as eczema.

Marshmallow

A softener for dry, sensitive skin, marshmallow is rich in mucilage and polysaccharides that soften tissues, keeping them smooth. It can be used in a variety of ways to treat dry skin. Make an infusion with the pink flowers to calm inflamed skin. Try preparing a facial wash from a decoction of powdered root or mix the plant powder with beeswax for a soothing ointment.

Comfrey

This old-fashioned garden plant is rich in mucilage. Comfrey leaves can be used in infused oil or cream to soothe sore, cracked skin.

Lavender

This versatile herb helps to balance levels of oil production in the skin and is also a wonderful skin tonic. Prepare lavender water by placing a handful of flower heads in a bowl; pour over boiled water. Soak for two days, then drain off the lavender-infused water into bottles. Apply as a toner after cleansing.

Rosehip Seeds

Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, it moisturizes rough skin and promotes new tissue growth and also has outstanding rejuvenating properties.

Calendula

A versatile herb for dry and inflamed skin conditions, oil from the bright orange petals of calendula makes an effective hand softener. Use as an ointment, lotion or cream for dry elbows and knees or on sunburn and mild eczema. Calendula cream blends well with essential oils such as rose and lavender.

Marshmallow Hand Cream

The skin on your hands can be especially prone to dehydration due to constant exposure to the elements, pollution, and everyday wear and tear. You can make your own moisturizing hand cream to protect this hard-working area of skin, using natural, readily available herbal ingredients:

Soak half a cup of dried, grated marshmallow root in one cup of water overnight at room temperature.
In the morning, strain and reserve the liquid. Heat in a basin over a pan of hot water stirring continuously.
Add 2tbsp of glycerine and mix throughly. Pour into a sterilized jar with a lid.
Massage the mixture into the hands each evening for smooth skin.

Store your cream in a clean jar and enjoy!

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/448169

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucilage

Balch, P.A. (2002). Prescription for herbal healing. New York, NY. Avery.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT. Healing Arts Press.

6 Comments

Filed under Natural Healing

Tagged as Dry Skin, Herbs, Natural Remedies, postaweek

January 29, 2013 · 9:54 am

Foods To Improve Digestion

Eating is the start of a complex process by which food is digested by your body. Digestion plays an important role in supplying your organs with vital nutrients.

Image from Google

The sight, smell, and expectation of food causes your body to produce saliva, contract stomach muscles, and release enzymes to prepare for digestion. Special enzymes in saliva begin to break down the food as we chew, and the tongue helps push it down a pipe called the esophagus. Food is pushed toward the stomach by a series of wavelike muscular contractions called peristalsis.

In the stomach, foods are further broken down by powerful muscle contractions as well as strong acids and enzymes. Food is separated into smaller chemical building blocks, and nutrients are released into the bloodstream and sent around the body. Substances that cannot be digested, such as dietary fiber, are passed to the larger intestine or colon. The bulk that remains is excreted as feces.

Tips for Healthy Digestion

There are several factors that can improve your digestion and avoid stomach upsets.

Eat at regular times. The digestive system works best when it has a schedule of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Try eating plenty of whole, natural foods

Eat moderate portions; your stomach produces only a certain amount of digestive juices.

Try to relax at and after meal times. Your Digestive muscles will function better, and juices flow more freely when you are relaxed.

Increase good bacteria in your gut by eating probiotic dairy products. If you are a vegan or allergic to dairy products, eat soy or other nondairy yogurt and supplement it with capsules of live probiotics, which are, easily found at your local pharmacy or health store.

Eat your food slowly and chew each mouthful.

Role of Fiber in Healthy Digestion

Insoluble fiber acts as a bulking agent for eliminating waste and toxins from the digestive system, absorbing water in the digestive tract and making it easier for the food that you eat to pass through your body.

Cleansing Fiber

Fiber acts as a scrubbing brush, removing bacteria and waste matter from the large intestine as well as encouraging regular muscle contraction. This speeds the passage through the system.

Image from Google

High Fiber Foods

White and refined foods have had most of their fiber removed, so go for whole-grains. Increase your fiber intake by eating brown rice, oats, whole wheat, and corn in cereals; bread or pasta; and lightly cook or raw vegetables and beans.

Water and Healthy Digestion

Water lubricates food’s passage through the digestive system, and so it is essential for healthy digestion. Between two to two and a half liters per day is recommended to keep the body hydrated. Dehydration can result in dry, hard stools and also constipation. Plain water is the best fluid, but alternatives such as fruit juices and herbal teas can help to increase your daily fluid intake. On the other hand, alcohol and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea are dehydrating, encouraging fluid loss by acting as a diuretic to increase urination. Too much water, while you are eating, will dilute digestive juices, so drink gradually throughout the day rather than concentrating on taking in fluids at meal times.

Helpful Herbs and Spices

Some herbs and spices can also promote healthy digestive function.

Chamomile

A natural relaxant that when taken as tea relieves stomach upsets.

Peppermint

Has a relaxing effect on the digestive muscles, calming the stomach wall and relieving pain while encouraging the production of digestive juices.

Ginger

Grate ginger and infuse in water to make tea to settle an upset stomach, relieve gas and nausea.

2 Comments

Filed under Nutrition

Tagged as Dietary Fiber, Digestion, Nutrition, postaday, postaweek

January 20, 2013 · 1:24 pm

Using Color Therapy For Meditation

Awareness of color in your life helps you to balance your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. This is because each color is associated with specific attributes, which are harnessed by using that color in an effective way, such as meditation. If you focus on a color while meditating, it helps to keep your mind calm as the chosen shade becomes your focus. In addition, meditating on a particular color allows you to draw the energies and vibrations of that hue into your aura and physical body. You can choose any color in the spectrum to aid your meditation, depending on the result you want. For example, if you want a more optimistic outlook, choose yellow, or if you are searching for a feeling of peace and harmony, focus on green.

Color meditation to stimulate the chakras

Each of the chakras (the body’s seven energy centers) is stimulated by a different color. Meditating with colors is, therefore, an excellent way to achieve balance. You can stimulate a specific chakra by visualizing the corresponding color during meditation, helping you to absorb its positive attributes. Each chakra has an associated color that you can focus on during meditation.

Color meditation

This color visualization exercise is an easy introduction to meditation as the candle helps you to maintain your focus on your chosen color. You can use any colored candle you wish, but the candle itself is simply a point to concentrate on – in time you may wish to adapt the meditation so that you close your eyes and imagine a color without needing the candle in front of you. For best results, imagine the color flowing within your body, passing in and out with your breath, cleansing your chakra and easing physical tension as it moves through you.

Prepare your meditation space

Choose one of the seven colors that correspond to the particular attribute you would like to focus on. Find a place where you can sit peacefully for 20-30 minutes without being interrupted. Switch off your phone, clear away any clutter and put some gentle music on. Create soft lighting by using a colored candle.

Image from Google

Relaxing the body

Take deep breaths feeling your chest expand and contract naturally. When you breathe properly, you increase the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream, and this helps you relax.

Focus on your breathing

Concentrating on your breathing is a good way to help you focus your mind. As you exhale, count to 10. Breathe in again and then relax, again, counting to 10 as you exhale, never forcing your breath.

Focus on the candle

Now focus on the candle in front of you and consciously “inhale” the color of the candle into your heart center (your heart chakra). Continue rhythmically breathing in and out.

Visualize the color

Feel the color of the candle enter your heart and lungs, and feel the color start to spread throughout your body. Close your eyes and visualize the color beginning to fill your aura and physical body. Try to remain aware of your breathing pattern, and feel the color flowing into and out of your physical body.

Sealing your aura

Now, visualize a golden bubble of light, like an egg, surrounding the whole of your body, sealing in the color you’ve been focusing on.

Image from Google

Sources:

Naess,I. (2008). An introduction to color energy. Vancouver, BC. Color energy corporation.

Liberman,J. (1991). Light: medicine of the future. Rochester, VT. Bear and Company.

Klotsche, C. (1992). Color medicine: the secrets of color/vibrational healing. Flagstaff, AZ. Light Technology Publishing.

Bruyere, R. L. (1989). Wheels of Light. New York, NY. Fireside.

8 Comments

Filed under Meditation, postaday, Postaweek

Tagged as Color Meditation, Color Therapy, postaday, postaweek

January 14, 2013 · 5:13 pm

Hematite and Healing

Hematite is one of the main sources of iron ore and has many healing uses. Its name was taken from the Greek word “haima”, meaning blood.

Image from Google

Hematite usually occurs as black or dark gray crystals, and it is found in many parts of the world, primarily in Britain, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Italy. It was a popular stone among warriors – it was believed that rubbing the body with hematite would confer strength and invincibility on a warrior, ensuring victory in battle.

Image from Wikipedia

Highly polished mirrors of hematite have been found in Olmec tombs, in South America, as burial gifts, usually accompanying the bodies of females. In Babylon, hematite was believed to bring good results in lawsuits. The Egyptians often used hematite to make amulets, including scarabs and the pillow amulet that was placed under a mummy’s head.

Hematite is linked to a number of rather unusual beliefs and legends. In Voodoo, hematite is used for influencing lovers, as a gambling charm, and to ward off dangerous illnesses. Associated with Maat, the Egyptian goddess of truth and justice, hematite is a crystal associated with helping legal matters, especially ones where you have been wronged.

Sometimes known as a “staunch stone”, hematite was believed to stop the flow of bleeding. The Roman physician Galen prescribed hematite to treat inflamed eyes and headache by Mixing the powdered stone to honey and applying it to the eyelids and temples. Hematite was also used for treating kidney stones, by rubbing a polished stone over the kidney area.

Image from Google

Hematite is probably most famous for its use as a blood tonic. It is used to help control blood pressure and to aid in circulatory problems. Place a piece of hematite in spring water and let it sit in sunlight for at least five hours. Drink 10 drops of the water diluted in a glass of ordinary water twice a day. Please continue to take any prescribed medication or medical advice from your trusted health care provider!

Image from Google

Sources

Gienger, M. The Healing Crystal First Aid Manual. Scotland. Earthdancer books, 2006.

Cassandra, E. The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals. Collins & Brown, 2010.

Cunningham, S. Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic. Woodbury, MN. Llewellyn, 1988.

Hall, J. The Crystal Bible. Cincinnati, OH. Walking Stick Press, 2003.

4 Comments

Filed under Crystal Healing, postaday, Postaweek

Tagged as Crystal, Crystal healing, Hematite, postaday, postaweek

January 4, 2013 · 12:55 am

Natural Remedies for Insomnia

About a month ago I joined the group of insomniacs. Insomnia affects the lives of many people all over the world. A survey of the general population suggests that 49% of adults report having periods of difficulty sleeping(1), and despite the number of sleep medication prescribed every year, it continues to be a problem for most people.

There are many causes of insomnia, from transient (lasting less than a week) to acute (lasting less than a month) to chronic (lasting longer than a month) and not everyone’s sleepless nights are caused by the same thing. An overactive mind brought on through too much excitement late in the evening; over-exhaustion from a grueling day at work, poor digestion from eating the wrong foods, negative thinking and worry prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep.

Rather than simply taking a sleeping pill, it is necessary to identify why you are not getting enough sleep. Many herbs contain natural sedatives, but to ease insomnia you will also need to identify the cause of the problem. If you are irritable, tired and drained it may have more to do with stress than lack of sleep, in which case a stress-relieving herb will serve you better than a sedative one.

Image from Wikipedia

It is essential to learn to unwind and relax as well as be active – balance is the key, and a calming and balancing herb such as lavender may be what you need.

Foods can play a role in your night’s sleep. It is best no to try to sleep on a full stomach because digestion speeds up your metabolism and is likely to keep you awake. Avoid sugar, caffeine and rich foods in the evening if you want to sleep soundly. If you do need a late evening snack, however, try the following:

Milk and honey

Drinking milk promotes the body’s production of serotonin, which can have a sedative effect (3). However, the jury is still out on whether milk has an effect on easing sleep.

Carbohydrates

Whole-wheat pasta, baked potatoes, oats, rice, and wholegrain bread all contain ingredients that help increase Tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin and sleep-inducing agent.

Lettuce

Steep a fresh organic lettuce in one pint of freshly boiled spring water for 10 minutes. Strain and then sip for one hour, a few hours before going to bed (5).

These herbs will help ease you to sleep. Try taking them in herbal teas or adding them to food.

Chamomile

Image from Google

Probably the most famous and most used herb for its sedative properties. Chamomile soothes digestive problems that might interfere with restful sleep, and also eases tension, period pains and irritability. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for treating children. Before bed, sip a herbal infusion of 2 tsp of dried chamomile per cup.

Dill

The ancient Egyptians used dill in pain-killing mixtures, and the Greeks covered their eyes with it to induce sleep (6). Its anti-inflammatory properties make it especially useful in cases where indigestion may be interfering with sleep.

Image from Google

Lavender

Soothing and sedative lavender calms the mind and emotions. It is an ideal scented candle to burn in the bedroom, or take a long soak in a lavender bath just before bedtime.

Lemon Verbena

Shares calming and sedative properties with lemon balm. Good for lifting the spirits and easing the depression that may be keeping you awake during the night.

Hops

Image from Google

Contain the natural sedative valerianic acid, ideal for calming an overactive mind(7).

Mugwort

A gentle herb that aids digestion, especially over a period of time mugwort has been used for centuries throughout Europe and Asia. Its action as a tonic and digestive herb can help settle your stomach before bed. DO NOT use if you are pregnant!

Aromatherapy

One of my favorite oil blends to infuse in the bedroom is:

5 drops of Lavender oil
3 drops of Jasmine oil
2 drops of Bergamot oil

Meditation has also helped me with my bouts of insomnia. This is an ongoing process for me and healing the underlying condition my goal for this new year.

Peace!

Sources

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeplessness

(2) http://blogs.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/2008/01/warm-milk-true-or-false.html

(3 )http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/2/426.full

(4) http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/sleeping-difficulty/causes-of-chronic-insomnia.html

(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactucarium

(6) http://www.heartofthedragon.net/Dill.htm

(7) http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/sleep/sleep_insomnia_herbs.htm