The Better living with herbs and natural health
August’2021
Natural Health Education Goes Online Stress and Mental Health at the Olympics Container Herbs to Plant for August What is Chi and How Does it Work? Calming Chamomile
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Natural Remedies Calm the Crazy There’s a lot of crazy things happening in our world these days, would you agree? Publisher’s Note I’m not just talking about that ubiquitous virus with its variants like Delta that are more contagious and bringing on new spikes in cases throughout the world. Or controversial vaccine mandates. I’m also talking about events like the heat dome with high temperatures that affected the West coast in June. Or like the Olympics where a women’s sports team got fined because they don’t want to wear bikini bottoms to play their sport. Does the sport matter or are the women there just for entertainment? Then there was the decision by Olympic athlete Simone Biles to pull out of competi-
tion. Read it on page 6 where we look at the stress and often anxiety athletes face. Yet we can learn from this and apply it to our own lives. Natural remedies help calm the crazy. Societal pressure and expectations can fuel stress and anxiety, but we also learn that setting boundaries for our own lives can make a big difference in our mental health. Having good mental health affects our physical health. This is where empowering yourself by learning more about natural health education may make an important difference in your life. Learn about the explosion in online natural health education on page 4. Some people take natural health courses for career advancement while others for personal interest. Sincerely Marilyn Zink
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Herbal Collective August’2021
Contents The Theme: This issue focuses on natural health education, stress at the Olympics and how we can learn from that as we head back to work and school.
Columns and Departments In the Kitchen Sweet anise citrus salad...................................10 Radiance boosting cucumber salad............10 Avocado and watermelon radish platter...11
Natural health education balance...................4 Stress, anxiety at the Olympics........................6 Natural Health Directory Calming chamomile like apples.......................8 Find products and services.............................25 Sweet anise citrus salad...................................10 see page 13 Radiance boosting cucumber salad............10 Avocado and watermelon radish.................11 Essential oils to combat stress.......................12 Earth Medicine combines 3 practices.........13 Make therapeutic chamomile tea.................14 Ashwagandha-herb for stress........................15 The effect of lackluster herbal medicine....16 What is Chi. and how does it work?.............18 Fun at the Fair with Caution...........................19 Container gardening in August.....................20 Doctor sees need for holistic dentistry.......22 Herbal symptoms cheat sheet.......................24 see page 15 Please note: The articles in this issue are not considered medical advice or treatment so please see your medical provider for proper evaluation and treatment. The Herbal Collective published by Pro Write Publishing Publisher/Editor - Marilyn Zink Contact: 250-729-1593 info@herbalcollective.ca, www.herbalcollective.news Contributors: Sarah Dafoe, David Shaw, Dr. Eric and Sabrina
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The Herbal Collective is published every month by Pro Write Publishing and distributed through social media, various platforms and the Herbal Collective blog and email list. Advertising deadline is around the 21 of every month. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor. Different viewpoints are welcome. All editorial material is copyrighted. Any medical advice is given solely for information purposes only and no responsibility is assumed on the publisher’s part. Copyright © 2021
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Natural Health Education Strikes an Online/In-Person Balance for Fall By Marilyn Zink
Online courses as well as a combination of education industry are concerned about new in-person and online courses are offered at Oshio College of Acupuncture and Herbolcoronavirus variants in the fall. ogy says Dean Dr. Ganglin Yin. Though the pandemic is waning in much of “From our experience, students feel more the western world, there are still concerns about a 4th wave as a result of the Delta vari- comfortable with online courses,” says Dr. Yin. ant spreading quickly. Colleges and institutions in the natural health “We can offer online until the end of Decemfield have adapted many programs as a result ber.” He says in January students will be required of the pandemic. to come to one of two campuses in Victoria, We spoke with several educators to learn B.C. for education that that can’t complete how they have prepared and adapted to the online. coronavirus pandemic. Most institutions have both online and inWindsong School of Healing offers a comperson learning along with blended probination of online and in person education, grams. depending on what the student is taking. Program for Autumn Enrolment is Now Open “We do our theory online now, we do a hands-on practical,” says Lori-Ann MaOshio College of Acupuncture and cLeod, senior educational lead instructor. Herbology/Royal Pacific Institute The school offers am Esthetics and Spa Therapist program, Certified Holistic Health *On-line study of some courses of the Acupuncture Practitioner program as well as a combined program is available this September. *A good opportunity for those who want to become an Certified Holistic and Shiatsu Diploma. acupuncturist but don’t live near Victoria. “You can also take Shiatsu separately or energy medicine, oriental bodywork,” says 您期待的好消息来了：维多利亚太平洋中医学院中 文班正式招生了。 MacLeod. 您可以在加拿大，用中文，学中医，学针灸！！ The school has a teaching platform for its on今年9-12月还能上网课。 line courses. 可以申请学生贷款和资助。 “We have students from all over the world,” 详情请致电1（250）360-2700；电邮：oshio@ says MacLeod. shaw.ca 或访问学校网站: oshio.ca,royalpacificinstitute.net The school is currently based in Port Alberni but moving to the Vancouver, B.C. area in Serving the community for over 22 years. September. Many graduates are from Vancouver Island. Dominion Herbal College, North America’s Contact us:1(250) 360-2700 oldest school of herbal medicine, established oshio@shaw.ca in 1926, offers a combination of online and Student loans available blended programs (both online and in-perwww.oshio.ca www.royalpacificinstitute.net son).
It’s back to school time and many in the
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Herbal Collective August’2021
Online learning for herbal eduction can happen anywhere you have a computer. Photo submitted; courtesy Kelly Brown for Pacific Rim College Online
demand,” she says. The program, along with other programs and course, is part of the Pacific Rim Starting next spring, the Phy- College Online site, which is Chartered Herbalist and totherapy and Nutrition pro- separate from the college’s Herbal Consulting are ofregular website. grams will be offered comfered online, the Master Whether the pandemic enters pletely online and in person Herbalist is distance learna 4th wave or ends, it seems ing while the 4-year Clinical at the school’s Victoria based that most natural health instiHerbal Therapy program is a campus, offering students a tutions are well positioned to combination of distance and choice. “As of May 2022, there will continue and flourish. in-person practicum. be a complete online version That’s for post-secondary institutions but elementary and Pacific Rim College, which for a diploma or those who secondary institutions may want to go in person,” says offers herbal and nutrition well face a different outcome Couse. “ Anything that is programs, has a variety of as students are heading back online programs and blended more lecture based is online. to in-person education. The pandemic accelerated online and in-person proEducators in Canada have it.” grams. Last year in April, the school recognized that in-person “Since the beginning of the launched the Home Herbalist education is of prime imporpandemic, the college has Program and the Community tance to primary and highhad to adjust rather quickly, school students. Herbalist Online program, says Liza Couse, Associate Covid-19 protocols are deDean of Online Herbal Medi- which was already in the termined by the government works before the pandemic cine. “Some are blended of each province, with the started. The Community programs, some are online approach adjusted to reflect Herbalist program has been learning.” community risk.* so successful Couse says As of September 2021, the more than 600 students have * https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/ Phytotherapy, Community sciencebrief/school-operation-forHerbalist, and Nutrition pro- registered. (CHECK) the-2021-2022-academic-year-in-the“The circumstances were grams will be mostly online context-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/ already in favour. It seems with some practice classes like there was an exaggerated and clinics on campus Herbal Collective, August’2021
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Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health in the Olympics Biles isn’t the only woman Women participating in the who is speaking out to proOlympic games in Tokyo, tect mental health during the Japan are currently demonstrating how much they value Olympics. their mental health as well as The Norwegian women’s their physical health. beach handball team last week was fined 1,500 euro Gymnastics superstar and (about $1,765) by the Eurodefending Olympic champion Simone Biles withdrew pean Handball Federation for wearing spandex shorts from her individual allinstead of bikini bottoms duraround competition at the Tokyo Games to focus on her ing the team’s bronze medal match at the European Beach mental well-being. The 24-year-old Biles came Handball Championships. to Tokyo as arguably the The Norwegian players face of the Games, following knew they would be flouting the retirement of swimmer International Handball FedMichael Phelps and sprinter eration guidelines, but chose Usain Bolt. to do the uniform change to Yet she posted on social protest against archaic rules media last Monday that she that prioritize hypersexualifelt the weight of the world zation over the comfort of on her shoulders. the athletes. The Norwegian Handball Biles is the most decorated Federation supported the U.S. women's gymnast ever with 31 World/Olympic medals. She posted on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulder. That weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in midair and completed 1½ twists instead of 2½. She walked off the field after consulting with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin. 6
Herbal Collective August ’2021
players and agreed to pay the fines on their behalf. While they don’t say it, the female players were speaking out for their mental health over being viewed for their sexualisation in sport instead of their athletic prowess. The message to the world shows they won’t tolerate it anymore and want to be taken seriously for their sport. In sports, especially Olympic sports, the unspoken message is that men come to play, women are putting on a show in their uniforms that promote a deeply embedded sexism. Sexism and the pressure to perform has affected the mental health of athletes, both male and female. This can result in anxiety and cause an impact on a person’s physical health too.
“No one is immune from the underlying pain and suffering that anxiety can have on a person, -- even a trained and extraordinaire Olympic athlete like Simone Biles,” says Dr. Allison Chase of Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center based in Austin, Texas. “Anxiety has its roots in biology as well as one’s environment and, unfortunately, it can’t always be wished or pushed away. I applaud Simone Biles for taking the very tough and brave stance to take care of herself emotionally by stepping back and addressing her emotional discomfort
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.“It can’t be easy to do amidst all of the pressure from her country and team.” From an herbal and natural health perspective, there are supplements that can help with anxiety, mental health and performance. For immediate trauma or anxiety, the Bach Rescue Remedy can help settle nerves and butterflies in the stomach. The 5 flower remedy is safe for pets and children with no side effects. For ongoing focus and concentration, using herbal adaptogens such as ginseng and ashwagandha can help. See this month’s article on Ashwagandha for more details. Valerian, lemon balm, lavender and chamomile are good herbs used to calm anxiety. These can be taken as a tea, used as an essential oil or in supplement form. Ultimately, the root of much anxiety is often around boundaries. The women in the Olympic games showed they kept to their boundaries, despite what others might say.
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Calming Chamomile - the Herb By Sarah Dafoe
Chamomile nobile is one of the earliest documented botanicals with medicinal purposes. It is best known by herbalists for its ability to be made into a tea, helping with sleep and soothing nerves, as well as relaxing muscles and providing mild sedative properties. Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful plant which can be given to children as well and is particularly good for 'back to school' time, relieving nervous tummies, anxiety, insomnia and crankiness, both in children and their parents:)
prior to hops being discovered. Norsemen would create a shampoo with it, to add luster to their braided locks. In modern day Spain the flower is called "manzanilla" (also meaning "little apple") and has long been used to flavor a light sherry called by the same name. Chamomile is not native to the Americas, but was brought over and planted by colonists. Eventually, the seeds made it into the wild. It can now be found in yards and fields, as well as in the garden.
Chamomile Health Benefits History of Chamomile System Action Description In traditional medicine, Chamomile was Skin antipruritic, vulnerary worked with topically to treat wounds, irRelieves itching and promotes wound healritations and infections. Taken internally, ing. it calmed the nerves, promoted sleep, and Musculoskeletal Analgesic eased gastrointestinal upset. Pain relief for muscles, tendons and joints. Digestive digestive The name Chamomile comes from the Encourages the digestive function, such as Greek word meaning "ground apple" as its the breakdown of fats. smell is similar to apple blossoms. Urinary antidiuretic Its history dates back at least to ancient Helps to control the body's fluid balance by Egypt, where Chamomile tea was prescribed reducing urination. as a cold and fever remedy and was prepared Immune febrifuge Fever reducing as a skin cosmetic. Nervous/Emotion anxiolytic, nervine, The Romans also enjoyed Chamomile as a Reduces anxiety and calms nerves, relaxant, flavoring in beverages, as well as an incense sedative relaxes and slightly sedates. and medicinal herb. General anti-inflammatory, In the 19th Century an English botanist Modulates inflammation, antifungal, antimidiscovered the plant growing wild in the Ro- crobial, antispasmodic and relieves muscle man Coliseum, which was how it received its spasms. name "Roman Chamomile". Chamomile for Children In Europe during the Medieval times, it's As mentioned at the beginning of this petals were strewn about at gatherings to article, Chamomile tea is most well-known create pleasant odors and used to flavor beer, for its relaxing and soothing properties, often 8
Herbal Collective August,’2021
... with the Scent of Apples Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps. It is also useful for irregular periods, sore breasts and postpartum perineal healing. Cold and Flu Fighter Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds and flu, due to its antibacterial compounds. It relaxes tension and has a diaphoric effect, allowing excess heat in the body to escape through the skin. Taken as a strong warm tea it can also be taken before bed to promote restful sleep and sedating, helping to promote rest. Chamois a gentle remedy which can benefit children mile works well as an antispasmodic for dry, hacking coughs, especially in combination greatly. with a demulcent herb such as licorice root, Chamomile has also been shown, in partmarshmallow root or violet. nership with apple pectin, to relieve acute diarrhea in children age six months to six Wound Healing & Skin years. The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks It is effective when combined with fennel for infant colic, as well as to relieve pain and worked with chamomile flowers in a poultice discomfort during teething, it can also be ap- to speed wound healing. In one study conducted by scientists, it was plied externally to clear up conjunctivitis or found that chamomile extract in drinking wa'pink eye'. ter promoted a faster wound healing time. It is also useful for inflamed skin condiStomach Soother tions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomhives, broken capillaries, acne, fungal infecach problems. It soothes stomach aches, intions, skin ulcers, razor burn and itchy skin digestion, colic, nervous tummies, bloating, conditions. flatulence, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination and Diabetes Management assists in overall digestion. Chamomile tea is being studied for its benIt is often found in teas for digestion in eficial effects in the management of diabetes. combination with peppermint. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progresMenstrual Cramps sion of diabetic complications and hyperglyOne study found that drinking chamomile cemia. tea raised urine levels of glycine, a comSee page 14 for recipes pound that calms muscle spasms. Herbal Collective August,’2021
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Late Summer Salads Sweet Anise Citrus Salad Sweet anise, also called fennel, is one of my favorite herbs, flavor[1]wise. Pairing its licorice-like flavor with tart citrus is a popular combination. Both are packed with vitamin C, helping with skin texture and moisture. When purchasing sweet anise, look for bulbs that come with their fronds so you can use them as garnish. 1 large grapefruit or 2 medium oranges ½ small sweet anise bulb, thinly sliced; fronds minced,if available ¼ cup Marcona almonds Olive oil, for drizzling Sea salt Ground black pepper Begin by slicing the top and bottom off each citrus fruit to reveal the flesh. Set one of the cut sides down on the cutting board and use your knife to trim off the peel and as much white pith as possible. Once peeled, turn the citrus on its side and slice into ½ inch rounds. Then, arrange the citrus and sweet anise on a platter. Sprinkle the salad with almonds, add a drizzle of olive oil, and season with sea salt and pepper. Garnish with the minced fronds. Serves 2
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Radiance Boosting Cucumber Salad Cucumbers are over 95 percent water, making them one of the most hydrating foods for our bodies. Fresno chiles, like all chiles, are high in vitamin C, while ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties called gingerols that can help soothe irritated skin. 1 English cucumber, unpeeled, washed and trimmed 1 Fresno chile, seeded, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, unpeeled, grated 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons tamari Agave syrup 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds Thinly slice the cucumbers width-wise into rounds with a sharp knife or mandoline and arrange them on a platter or in a bowl. In another small bowl, mix together the chile, ginger, apple cider vinegar, tamari, and a drizzle of agave syrup. Using a spoon, dress the cucumber slices with the dressing and garnish them with black sesame seeds. Serves 2
Bright Avocado and Watermelon Radish Platter The water content of avocados averages 75 percent, and they are bursting with nutrients such as vitamins A and E. Watermelon radishes are nearly 90 percent water and are an absolutely beautiful bright-pink color when you slice them open. That color is where the name comes from, as they don’t taste like watermelon! They are actually part of the mustard family and have a crisp, peppery flavor. 2 cups arugula 1 small watermelon radish, thinly sliced 1 large avocado, peeled and sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ large lemon, juiced Sea salt Ground black pepper
Arrange the arugula on a plate or platter in one layer. Arrange the radish slices over the arugula in one layer. Arrange the avocado slices over the radish in one layer. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Serves 2 Recipes on this and previous page xxcerpted from; Earth Medicines: Ancestral Wisdom, Healing Recipes, and Wellness Rituals from a Curandera by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz (Roost Books; 2021)Photograph by Nicky Hedayatzadeh
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Essential Oils
The Healing Power of Essential Oils to Combat Stress
When you look at it as a symptom of conditions like heart disease, stroke and even cancer, stress is arguably the leading cause of death worldwide. At the very least, it has a deep correlation to disease with a high mortality rate. Simply put: stress kills. And while there seems to be a pill for everything these days, there’s no prescription for stress—at least, not without leaving you impaired or reliant on antidepressants or benzodiazepines. Which Essential Oils Should I Use? For those who are already trying yoga, You’ll find therapeutic benefits in a wide mindfulness, prayer and breathing exercises range of essential oils, derived from healthy to cope with chronic stress, there’s one more botanicals. remedy—one you won’t get from a pharmaSome of the most powerful include Lavcist. Essential oils. ender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Bergamot, Orange (and Bitter Orange), Neroli, Thyme, Soothe away Stress, Naturally Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Patchouli and Nature gives us everything we need to shed Rose. stress and recuperate from the struggles of Each of these essential oils (and the plants everyday life. Even stepping outside and that yield them) have been extensively studbreathing fresh air is scientifically proven to ied in conjunction with stress relief and reduce stress levels! reduction. Aromatherapy, a form of ‘nature therapy,’ The next time you’re feeling pushed to increases the stress-relieving power of nature your limit or at your wit’s end, consider by activating oxytocin production in our bodaromatherapy using any of these essential ies. oils—or even a gentle topical application. A In other words, breathing in the smells of few moments of deep breathing will show certain botanicals and essential oils triggers a you just how powerful nature’s remedies are de-stressing response. in combatting stress. It’s the same for topical applications— Dr. Eric Zielinski and Sabrina Ann Zielinski are the aurubbing on an essential oil salve or cleansing thors behind the national bestseller, The Healing Power of Essential Oils and The Essential Oils Diet. Dr. Z has ourselves with botanical extracts. pioneered natural living and biblical health education Combined with de-stressing exercises, aro- since 2003. Their website, NaturalLivingFamilycom shows people matherapy and essential oil applications are a powerful duo in combatting stress levels— how to use natural remedies like essential oils safely and effectively. and keeping them low. Their newest book, the highly-anticipated The Essential 12
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Oils Apothecary, will be published on September 7th,.
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