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In This Issue:
The summer solstice in June is a time to mark the transition of seasons and changing celestial skies. This moment in time was previously venerated in Medieval Europe by the strewing of herbs onto a fire to honor the sun. The most commonly used herbs for confirming one's intentions for the season included Mugwort, St. John's Wort, Chamomile, Geranium, Thyme and Pennyroyal. Whether you commemorate summer with a bonfire celebration, by spending more time in nature, by going on a vacation, or by honoring the father figures in your life, we hope you enjoy the season's change.
June is Men's Health Month and Father's Day. Join us in honoring the men in our lives and be sure to check out the men's health section at Rebecca's. We have great gifts and books for all the herb loving men in your life!
We are so excited to welcome a new addition to the Rebecca's family. Store manager Faith Rodgers gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Story Lou Rodgers on Friday, May 10th. Yay Faith! We love her and you so much!
Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook for updates throughout the month.
Cucumber Hydrosol
Cucumber hydrosol is a steam distillation from the whole plant which produces a refreshing, cooling and crisp aroma perfect for the hot summer months ahead. Cucumbers have traditionally been used for their soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. This hydrosol may be used as a coolant for minor skin irritations common in summer months such as burns, rashes, and bug bites.
Avocado Oil
We are offering a wonderful sale on our Organic Avocado Oil at 40% off the original price. The organic Avocado Oil is made from the first cold pressing of the pulp of the Avocado fruit. This oil is a deep lustrous green and rich in Vitamin E in addition to the essential fatty acid Oleic Acid.
Courage Perfume Roller
Our perfume rollers are the most natural perfume you can find! The perfume rollers are a blend of first pressing golden organic jojoba oil and 100% pure essential oils. We are excited to add the Courage blend to our collection. This blend was created to promote courage and calm with a pleasing aroma appropriate for men and women alike. The blend includes Neroli, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Rose Geranium organic essential oils.
Wildflower Smudge Stick
We are pleased to offer once again the beautiful handmade Sage Smudge Sticks with local Wildflowers. These Smudge Sticks are unique because they not only offer a diverse blend of aromatic smoke to cleanse your space but are also gorgeous to simply display in your home.
Lauren's Pick
Neroli Essential Oil
Something captivates me about the scent of Neroli. Distilled from the white blossoms of the Bitter Orange Tree, this ancient oil is delicately floral with a complex note of citrus. It shines beautifully alone or in blends. Neroli possesses a unique mix of relaxing and uplifting properties, and has traditionally been used to calm the heart, brighten the mood, soothe irritated skin, support digestion, relieve pain, and ease general stress. Many find Neroli evocative of childhood, yet it also has a way of calling us back to the present moment. You'll find Neroli in many of Rebecca's products, such as the Sunshine Bath & Body Oil, the Sweet Spring Lotion, the luxurious Queen's Bath, the Precious Face Serum, the Neroli Spritzer, and the brand new Courage Perfume Roller. We also offer pure Neroli at our Essential Oil Bar in a variety of sizes and by the drop for custom blending. Come explore Neroli!
Below is our class schedule, for full class descriptions please check our website. Your space in the class is reserved once payment is received. Payment for classes is made by cash or check payable to the instructor. Please be aware that classes fill up quickly, so sign up early. Pre-registration is required.
Wed., June 12th, 2013, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor: Lauren Stauber, certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist, licensed massage therapist
Cost: $35
Pain is no fun! It can be stressful, distracting, and in some cases debilitating. In this class we will look at some of the ways herbs can be helpful for both chronic and acute pain.
Sunday, July 14, 10:00am-12:00pm
Instructors: Tzuria Malpica, Certified Clinical herbalist and Amber Brisson, Certified Clinical Herbalist
Cost: $25.00
Join two Colorado natives for an easy hike to learn about local medicinal plants and wild weeds as they bloom this summer.
Thursday, July 25, 2013, 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor, Ellie Martin, Certified Clinical Herbalist
Cost: $30.00
Learn how to be prepared for many minor first aid situations that may arise during your summer fun. We will discuss the use of salves, sprays, and other preparations, and we will familiarize ourselves with local plants that grow in the area as well!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 6:30-8:00pm
Cost: $ 40.00
Instructor, Amber Brisson, Certified Clinical Herbalist and Nutritionist
Participants must be 21 and over
Cordials are elegant liqueurs that contain a base of a particular spirit steeped with medicinal herbs and spices. In this class, we will learn how to create cordials to invigorate the heart, revitalize the spirits, encourage appetite, settle indigestion and much more.
Sunday, August 18, 11:00am-12:30pm
Instructor, Tzuria Malpica, Certified Clinical Herbalist
Cost: $25.00
Join us for a fun class where we will learn to make lip balm and lip gloss. In this class we will be using infused oils, beeswax, and micas to give color and shine to the products.
Each month one of our staff members picks an herb that they are drawn to, and shares some experiences, thoughts, medicinal uses and a bit of traditional lore about their selected plant. As each plant is unique, each Herbalist and point of view is unique. We hope you enjoy this tradition!
Herb of the Month — June
Amber Brisson, Certified Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist
Herb
Solomon's Seal
Latin Name
Polygonatum multiflorum
Family
Ruscaceae or Liliaceae
Parts used
Root
Medicinal Properties
True Solomon's Seal is used in herbal medicine throughout Asia, Europe and North America. It is often classified as a sweet, neutral yin tonic and a moistening, and nourishing general tonic. It's lubricating and tonifying effects are beneficial for inflammation associated with dryness in the tendons, joints and ligaments. It has also traditionally been used as a demulcent nutritive that may soothe irritation of the mucosa lining in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and both female and male reproductive systems.
Herbalist Jim McDonald has used Solomon's Seal as an herbal remedy for connective tissue inflammation, specifically to address arthritis, tendonitis, and repetitive stress injuries. Historically, Solomon's Seal has also been employed both internally and externally to aid in the knitting of bones and joints in both humans and animals. An external poultice of the root was traditionally used to temper severe bruising.
There is a long history dating back to the Native Americans of utilizing a decoction of Solomon's Seal to moderate inflammation of the intestines. Its tonifying actions in the gastrointestinal system have also customarily been used in cases of diarrhea where the nutritive effect of Solomon's Seal may also help a person to recover from a virus, bacterial or parasitic infection.
Because of Solomon's Seals historical use as a lubricating tonic for both male and female sexual systems, the internal use of this herb may benefit vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation and infertility. Herbalist Mathew Wood has also had great success with Solomon's Seal for uterine prolapse where it helped to tighten the tendons and hold up the uterus after an elder mother had given birth to her first child. He also says the following of this panacea herb, "It lubricates the heart and lungs, tones the abdomen, builds the marrow, and increases semen. As a yin deficiency tonic it is used for dry throat and thirst and cough due to dry lungs. Modern research shows that it can be used to bring down high blood pressure, protect the liver, treat fatty liver, and reduce blood sugar levels" (The Earthwise Herbal).
Preparations & Applications
Solomon's seal is traditionally prepared as both a tincture and tea; both hot and cold infusion may be indicated. A long cold infusion is commonly prepared to experience the full benefit of its demulcent properties. For external applications, one can make either a compress or a poultice. My favorite easy poultice is made by pouring hot water over chopped herbs in a reusable muslin bag and applying to the affected part.
Bone, Tendon, & Cartilage Repair Tea
2 part Solomon's Seal
1 part Horsetail
1 part Boneset
1 part Nettle leaf
Herb of the Month Sources
The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants by Mathew Wood 2009 North Atlantic Books
http://www.herbcraft.org/solseal.html
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail501.php
Newsletter Sources
Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes 2007 Herbal Therapeutics Inc. Rochester, Vermont
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/fwater/fwater.html
http://www.foh.hhs.gov/Calendar/june.html
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