Marvelous March

After a cold and snowy start to the year, we look forward to the Spring Equinox and the blossoming of our favorite springtime plants. Tulips, Violets, and Crocuses eagerly break through the frosted ground in order to clear the way for the uplifting energy of spring. Many gardeners are beginning to plan their gardens and start their indoor seedlings. In the tradition of spring, we too are looking towards Boulder's gardens and have just received our first shipment of organic Horizon Seeds. Yay Spring!

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook for updates throughout the month.

New Products & Promotions

Hardworking Hand Salve

We LOVE this new salve! Soothing lanolin, vitamin E, infused oils and more, this blend is nothing short of miraculous. Specific for dry, cracked and rough hands, the Hardworking Hand Salve protects, moisturizes and soaks right in. Great for gardeners as well!

Nursing Nipple Salve

Formulated to comfort and soothe nursing mama's nipples, this salve is a gentle combination of botanically infused olive oils blended together in a base of lanolin, beeswax and vit. E oil. Basic and mild, this salve is safe for nursing mothers and their little ones alike.

Ear Oil

We are so excited to introduce our new and improved Ear Oil! In addition to infused olive oils of Garlic, Calendula, and St. John's Wort, we have now added a beautiful and local Mullein flower infused olive oil. Safe enough for a child, and effective enough for an adult, our new ear oil is formulated to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. This blend of oils has traditionally been indicated for ear infection, swimmers ear, or a buildup of ear wax. The viable and still effective Ear Oil without the local Mullein flower is now on sale for 30% off!

Mulling Spices

Mulling Spices are a traditional herbal mixture used to infuse a warming, spicy, and sweet flavor to cider or wine. Cinnamon, Clove, Star Anise, Allspice and Orange peel add a festive taste to your favorite beverage. They can also be used to add a sweet and spicy air to your home by simmering the mulling spices in water or by placing them in a bowl as potpourri. The 3 oz. net wt. spice jars of Mulling Spices are now 20% off!

Cucumber Hydrosol

A refreshing, cooling, and crisp aroma, cucumbers are known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Steam distilled from the whole fruit, this hydrosol is a wonderful natural alternative to the many synthetic cucumber fragrances available today. Cucumber hydrosol can be used on its own as an air freshener spray, a body splash, an aftershave spray or as a facial toner and can also be used in many bath and body recipes. The 1 oz. sizes of Cucumber Water are now on sale for 50% off!

Staff Picks

Tzuria's Pick

Rebecca's Body Butter
Luxurious and lovely, Rebecca's Body Butter is deeply rejuvenating and re-hydrating for dry skin. Applied daily, the Body Butter can help keep skin soft and smooth. This rich and creamy blend soaks into the skin nicely and is gentle enough to be used on the whole body. Whipped to perfection, this blend of Raw Shea, Refined Cocoa Butter and Comfrey Leaf infused Olive oil is my absolute favorite!

Classes

Below is our class schedule, for full class descriptions please check our website at: http://www.rebeccasherbs.com/classes/. 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.

Clean Your Home Naturally

Thursday, March 13th, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructors: Faith Goguen Rodgers, certified clinical herbalist and Whitney Johansson, certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist
Cost: $35.00
We will cover all the basic supplies, ingredients & essential oils you will need to create a natural cleaning kit for your home.

Kids Herbal Experience: Sprout Forth

Sunday, March 30th, 2014, 1:00-2:30pm
Instructor: Tzuria Malpica, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $25.00
Together we will choose seeds, plant them and discuss ways to use them. Each child will take home a small potted herb garden and a handout explaining how to care for it and what medicine each herb has to offer.

Herbal Bar

Monday, March 17, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm
Participants must be 21 or over
Instructors: Liz Phillbrick, certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist and Amber Brisson, certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist
Cost: $40
Come explore how to make all of the mixers and main ingredients needed to stock your very own herbal bar!

Preparing for Allergy Season

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor: Lauren Stauber, certified clinical herbalist and nutritionist, licensed massage therapist
Cost: $35
e'll discuss how we can prepare ahead of time, supporting our bodies to be less prone to allergies. We'll also explore some of the ways herbs can bring relief from acute symptoms along the way.

Lotions & Creams

Thursday, March 27th, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor, Faith Goguen Rodgers, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $35.00
Learn to make decadent lotions and creams in your very own kitchen! This class will give you simple techniques, tips and easy to follow recipes.

Making Herbal Infused Oils & Salves

Thursday, April 17th, 2014, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor, Faith Goguen Rodgers, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $35.00
Join us to learn how to make therapeutic herbal infused oils and salves.

Herbal Tea Blending

Monday, April 21st, 2014, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor, Liz Philbrick, certified clinical herbalist & nutritionist
Cost: $35.00
Herbal Teas are a wonderful and tasty way to use herbs medicinally or for pure enjoyment! In this class we will explore the basics of tea blending.

Herb of the Month

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 — March
Amy Timmons, Certified Herbalist

Herb
Oregon Grape Root

Latin Name
Mahonia spp.

Parts used
Root, root bark, stems and leaf

Medicinal Properties
When I came to visit Boulder in the spring of 2011 to explore options for relocating to the area, I was encouraged by my teacher at the time to harvest Oregon Grape root. I found it on the cool mountain slopes eager for some attention after a long cold winter. The beauty of its flowers against the slowly melting snow and the power of its bright yellow roots captivated me and inspired further study.

The various Mahonia species are commonly found in over a quarter of the land area in the US. The species that I harvested was Mahonia repens, the most common. It has been given the Spanish name Yerba de Sangre ("Herb of the Blood") because of the fact that its leaves turn red in the late fall. I've often wondered if this name also came from the recognition that Oregon Grape Root is traditionally used as a blood cleanser...

All of the Mahonia species contain the alkaloid Berberine, which is what contributes to Oregon Grape Root's antifungal properties. The constituent Berberine is known to be anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, antimalarial and antiamoebic. The herb Goldenseal is another plant that also contains Berberine but this precious medicinal herb is now endangered. The use of Oregon Grape Root in its place is a great local, affordable and ethical alternative to Goldenseal.

Traditional people of the Southwest used a preparation of the root for loss of appetite and debility. The Physiomedicalists, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, used the herb as a detoxifier and tonic remedy. Today the herb is most commonly used by herbalists for gastritis, digestive weakness, to stimulate gallbladder function, to re-duce congestion (usually of the digestive tract) and for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils and herpes.

Preparations and Applications
Tinctures, teas, washes, douches and capsules.

Vaginal Health & Hygiene Formula
These herbs have been known to be helpful for genito-urinary imbalances, as well as nurturing and healing for use in self-care practices.

Oregon Grape (Mahonia spp.) — 2 part
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) — 2 part
Calendula (Calendula off.) — 1 part
Jasmine (Jasminum off.) — 1 part
Lemon Balm (Melissa off.) — 1 part
Rose Petals (Rosa spp.) — 1/2 part
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — 1/2part
Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) — 1/2 part

The great thing about this formula is that it can be made as a tea, vaginal steam, external wash or a douche.

Tea
Place 2 teaspoons of herb in one 8 oz. cup of water. Pour hot water over herbs and steep 15-20 minutes.

Vaginal Steam
Cover from waist down with towel, blanket or long skirt. Pour boiling water over 1-2 cups of herb mixture and hover over bowl or sitz bath basin for at least 20 minutes.

External Wash
Make tea and apply directly to the skin; easy to apply with a spray mister.

Vaginal Douche
Make 32 oz. of tea. Douche once/day for 7 days. Wait a few days and repeat if necessary. Do not repeat more than 3 times. Discontinue use if there is any irritation or decrease the strength of the douche.

Adapted from Sharol Marie Tilgner's book Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth.