Herbal Educator Blog

First Aid Kits

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:15:35 +0000

Next Thursday, October 20th, I will be sharing an Essential Oils First Aid Kit class in Sterling, VA at 7:30 pm. Perhaps many of you know that I am a CPR/First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross. However, it will be my pleasure to share “essential” first aid with you. Please RSVP for details at 571-313-1650.

Warm regards,

Donna Evans

Raindrop Training

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:47:27 +0000

The following Classes are being offered this month, from October 27th to 29th, in Sterling, Virginia. They include Tibetan Vitaflex and the Raindrop Technique. They are FUN AND EDUCATIONAL. Join me!

NCBTMB credits are available for massage therapists. Click the Scheduled Classes link at www.herbaleducator.com to see additional details.

SEMINAR DAILY FORMAT:
FIRST DAY – Thursday, Oct. 27
5:00 PM . . . . Applied Vitaflex
9:00 PM . . . . Adjourn

SECOND DAY – Friday, Oct. 28
3:30 PM . . . . Chemistry I
6:30 . . . . . Dinner Break
7:00 PM . . . . Healing Oils of the Bible
9:00 PM . . . . Adjourn

THIRD DAY- Saturday, Oct. 29
8:00 AM . . . . Raindrop I
12:00 . . . . . Lunch Break
1:00 PM . . . . Raindrop II
5:00 . . . . . Dinner Break
6:00 PM . . . . Chemistry II
9:00 PM . . . . Adjourn

FOURTH DAY – Sunday, October 30th
8:00 PM . . . . Emotional Release
1:00 PM. . . . . Adjourn

Chicken Tarragon Salad Recipe

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:22:47 +0000

A very lovely herb growing in my garden in Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). Yummy. It gives an anise flavor to salads, sweetens up fresh vegetable juice, and generally helps to create lovely tastes. This week I made a tarragon-chicken salad and it turned out so tasty I thought I would share it with you:

Combine 1/2 cup greek yogurt (plain) with1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh minced tarragon, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mix until smooth.

Mix two cups cubed cooked chicken (chilled) with 3/4 cup celery and about the same amount of seeded, halved grapes. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate.

When it is time to serve, place lettuce leaves o a plate and top with the chicken-tarragon salad. Garnish with slivered almonds.

There is joy in serving a healthful meal!

Natural Remedies of Arabia and Essential Oils

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:02:22 +0000

This weekend, on Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, I will be selling the book Natural Remedies of Arabia at the Middle Eastern Food Festival taking place at the Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Road, in McLean, VA 22102. Also available will be the gorgeous pamphlet “Healing Oils of Arabia” and a variety of amazing essential oils that highlight Middle Eastern natural healing approaches . You won’t want to miss it. See you there!
Donna Evans, Herbal Educator

Herbs for an American President

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:22:20 +0000

Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856 – 1924)

A lovely pre-Civil War home to tour is the birthplace of Thomas Woodrow Wilson in Staunton, Virginia. You are shown the formal parlor and dining room, as well as the study, bedroom, kitchen, storage room, and family dining room. Hanging from the mantle of the storage room, adjacent to the kitchen, are the dried herbs of borage, thyme, salad burnet, tansy, lemon balm, basil, hyssop, sage, lavender, peppermint, curly mint, marjoram, horehound, lemon mint, and tarragon.

Were all of herbs presently hanging from the mantle grown in the garden of Mrs. Wilson? Although there is record of a garden existing behind the house, which could be seen from the balcony above, we do not know exactly which items were cultivated. We do know, however, that during pre-Civil War America, as recorded in a book titled “The Family Nurse” (also called “Companion of The American Frugal Housewife”) published originally in 1837, that many of these herbs were well-known and commonly used. Here are a few examples:

Sage (Salvia officinalis) tea relieved headaches and was known to relieve symptoms of measles. Mixed with honey and vinegar, it was a good gargle for sore throats.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) blossom tea was recommended for poor digestion.

Mint (Mentha piperita) was used for flatulence, nausea, and spasmodic pain. The bruised fresh herb of mint was applied to the stomach to ease sickness and was used for cholera treatment for children.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) was drunk to cool fevers. It enhanced perspiration when taken warm along with medications for this purpose.

White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) was made into a tea and sweetened with honey or molasses. It was highly recommended for coughs and lung complaints.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) The bruised leaves were said to ease the pain of bruises and to heal them without scar. It was considered good for asthma, coughs, and especially healing for the elderly. A tea of elecampane, hyssop, and horehound steeped together and taken with warm flax-seed tea at bedtime was highly praised as a cure for colds.

Well, this lovely home and birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson was called a Manse, a house provided for a pastor by a congregation. Father, Joseph R. Wilson, was a Presbyterian minister who served in Staunton, VA. Mother, Janet “Jesse” Woodrow, was a gentle wife and mother. The family lived here a short time prior to moving to Augusta, Georgia when Thomas was about a year and a half old in 1858. It is interesting to note that this move positioned the family even more firmly in the South and Joseph R. Wilson served as a chaplain in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Woodrow Wilson had childhood memories of Jefferson Davis, the Confederate President, being removed in chains by Union soldiers. He also vividly remembered the ravages of war. As President, on the brink of World War I, he remarked that he could lead the country into war, but it would be the son of the poor farmer or the son of a poor widow who would do the fighting and it would be those who would suffered greatest.

To remember a few key facts about President Woodrow Wilson quite easily, read this: Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born December 28, 1856. He became the 28th president of the United States at age 56. (28+28=56)

To experience the essential oils of early American herbs, visit herbaleducator.com and click on the link “Purchase Essential Oils.” You will be able to find the essential oils of sage, hyssop, chamomile, mint, and lemon balm. Please be sure to use my YL# 517938 when placing orders – identifying me as your sponsor/enroller. Call or email me to learn more about what these herbs – in the form of essential oils – can do for you today! (Donna Evans, 571-313-1650)

Meditation with the Oil of Frankincense

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:48:24 +0000

YL Resin Burner

In the Book of Genesis, there is a priceless story of Isaac going out into the field in the evening to meditate. It was a special time of his life as he was waiting to receive the wife that his father Abraham had arranged for him, and Abraham’s servant had travelled to a distant land to bring her (Rebekah) back. Surely, he had much to anticipate and consider.

Granted, he didn’t have video games, movies, or the internet to distract him, but he had a busy life, too, with chores to complete and family and servants to talk to. Yet in the evenings, he took time – as recorded in scripture – to reflect and contemplate.

“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide…” (Genesis 24:63)

Although we do not have record of Isaac utilizing frankincense during his meditations, it is most probable that he would be aware of its existence as it was a valuable treasure which originates in the Middle East. In fact, frankincense trees grow in southern Arabia and in East Africa, where they produce a resin used as incense. Frankincense has travelled the major trade routes for centuries and has been used in religious and governmental ceremonies. It is known for promoting meditation, increasing spiritual awareness, and improving attitudes. In general, it is uplifting!

Boswellia carteri

So, the next time that you choose to meditate (daily, right?), consider using the Middle Eastern scent of frankincense to enhance your experience. It is easy to utilize in its resin form, with a resin burner, or distilled as an essential oil which you can apply on your location of choice (head, neck, chakra points, etc.).

You may obtain the resin, resin burner, and the essential oil of frankincense through Young Living Essential Oils. Young Living offers two types of essential oil of frankincense: Boswellia carteri from Somalia and Boswellia sacra from Oman. Why not explore and try them both? You may call me with any questions you may have! (571-313-1650)

When ordering, please use my YL#517938 so that I may be your enroller/sponsor. You may visit www.herbaleducator.com and select the link Purchase Essential Oils or go directly to http://herbaleducator.younglivingworld.com to begin the process. Select the Independent Distributor option in order to obtain a Young Living membership and purchase desired items at wholesale prices.

Boswellia sacra

May your daily meditations be meaningful and inspiring!

Herbally yours,

Donna Evans, MH
Young Living Distributor, YL#517938

Bee Balm Tea (Monarda Didyma)

admin — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:52:07 +0000

Making Bee Balm Tea may bring history alive as you consider the Colonists who replaced imported tea with this American one.

To make American Bee Balm tea, take a fresh edible flower of Monarda didyma (you may use leaves too) equal to 1-2 tablespoon of material. Bring water to a boil. Pour one cup of boiling water over the bee balm. Let steep 10 minutes. Add raw honey or blue agave to sweeten, as desired. This recipe may be adjusted to bring out the delicate lemony/honeysuckle flavor that suits you. Very nice!

A tip I read about in the book Herbal Antibiotics, written by Stephen Buhner, is to look for wildflower honey rather than honey made from clover or alfalfa which are often sprayed, so the wildflower honey may be better for your health.

Blue Agave, a natural sweetener which comes from the plant Agave tequilana, may also be used to sweeten tea. It’s low glycemic index makes it a popular replacement for table sugar. You may order Blue agave from the Young Living Essential Oils company. Please use my YL# 517938 when placing your order.

Below is a photo for your enjoyment of the Monarda didyma plant. You may consider it an investment in edible landscaping as it is a joy to be able to eat and drink from the plants surrounding your home. There is a sense of self-reliance, the true spirit of American independence which helped to popularize this gentle tea with the early American colonists. Of course, the native Americans were familiar with and using this plant prior to the arrival of the colonists, so we have much to learn from many sources!

Bee Balm (Scarlet Bergamot)

Lavender TeleClass

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:36:14 +0000

ALL ARE WELCOME (with no charge) to participate in this month’s Lavender Jr. Herbalist Conference Call, Thursday, July 7th, 8:00 – 8:30 EST.

Learn about fragrance gardening, lavender crafts, recipes, and lovely lavender oil. This call is excellent for all ages, from 8-100.

To access the call, simply e-mail me at herbaleducator@gmail.com to let me know of your interest and I will send you the lavender conference call handout with the teleclass access instructions.

Looking forward to chatting with you tomorrow evening (Thursday, July 7th, at 8 pm EST)!

Herbally yours,

Donna Evans, MH
571-313-1650

Herbs and the Spirit of American Independence

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:06:07 +0000

“Who knows how tea will mix with salt water?”
John Rowe (December 11,1773)

These words signaled the approach of the men of the Boston Tea Party who dumped 340 chests of tea into the Boston harbor in protest of a tax levied on tea by the British Parliament without the representation or consent of the local colonies.

Similar “tea parties” along the New England coastline soon encouraged the creation and use of new herbal teas-considered as “patriot teas” – served in place of imported tea.

Colonial Tea Blends

Two-herb tea blends recommended by colonialist Philo Aletheias in the Virginia Gazette (January 1774), one month after the Boston Tea Party, include:

sweet marjoram and a little mint
mother of thyme and a little hyssop
rosemary and lavender
clover with a little chamomile
sage and lemon balm leaves with a little lemon juice.

Another popular substitute for imported tea at the time of the American Revolution was Monarda didyma, also known as Bergamot, or Bee Balm. It is also nick-named Oswego tea, perhaps from its native home near Oswego, New York or the American Indian tribe who taught of its medicinal virtues.

American Bee Balm Tea Recipe

To make American Bee Balm tea, take a fresh edible flower of Monarda didyma (you may use leaves too) equal to about 1 tablespoon of material. Bring water to a boil. Pour one cup of boiling water over the bee balm. Let steep 10 minutes. Add raw honey or blue agave to sweeten, as desired. This recipe may be adjusted to bring out the delicate lemony/honeysuckle flavor that suits you. Very nice!

Independence and Your Health

Continuing on with the spirit of innovation and revolution toward greater health, may I suggest that we continue to embrace the freedom to use natural approaches, such as herbal teas, essential oils, wholesome nutrition, exercise, pure water, and positive thinking and direction in life.

Struggling with excessive reliance on prescription drugs and medications, with supply sources not within your realm of control, may be dangerous to your health. A goal may be to work with a qualified health care professional to responsibly remain free from this form of bondage.

Freedom from Synthetic Chemicals and Dangerous Ingredients

If you would like to use essential oils and wholesome nutritional and self-care products (shampoos, toothpaste, etc., without harmful chemicals), please select the link to Purchase Essential Oils. Be sure to use my YL# 517938 as your enroller/sponsor so that we may stay connected, with you as part of my Young Living business family.

Alternatively, you may call Young Living customer service and let them know that you would like a Young Living membership so you may purchase Young Living products at wholesale prices. Again, please provide my YL #517938.

As your sponsor, I will do my best to answer your questions, provide on-going support, and help you to enjoy the wonderful oils and nutritional items for your good health!

You may call me, Donna, at 571-313-1650 with questions (EST)!

Financial Independence

If you are considering an entrepreneurial approach to life, I’d be delighted to share with you the Young Living home and international business options.

May good health and the freedom to enjoy it be yours always!

Essential First Aid

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:27:05 +0000

Last night I had an interesting dream. I was touring a state-of-the-art swimming facility at a University in southern Florida. It had all of the benefits of modern design, technology, and equipment and was very impressive. It was opulent and expensive. Then, a plumber, or handyman, – a “down-to-earth” type of person responsible for maintenance – entered the room and said: “Well, it’s only missing two things: light bulbs and beer.”

Well, I do not drink alcohol at all but I woke up from this dream realizing that the message I was receiving was to have the basics in place – to be prepared. All of the fancy lights and equipment does not do any good if you do not have the light bulbs, the basic parts necessary to function.

Today is a GREAT day to think about your first-aid kits. Do you have band aids, gauze, sterile pads, Neosporin? Do you have feminine pads in your kit? They are a great dressing for more serious cuts and wounds because of their highly absorptive nature.

Do you have the essential oil of Melrose, a strong topical antiseptic that cleans and disinfects cuts, scrapes, burns, and rashes? (Melrose can be diluted 50/50 with a pure vegetable oil prior to application due to possible skin sensitivity).

Do you have the essential oil of Purification for bites, stings, and scrapes as well as for an insect repellent?

Do you have Animal Scents Ointment ? Dr. Peter Menke (PhD) recommends Animal Scents Ointment for large surface abrasions. After applying the essential oil of Purification for cleansing, he uses Animal Scents Ointment for sealing the wound. Dr. Menke also uses the Animal Scents Ointment for diaper rash.

These are just a few thoughts to inspire action today. Let’s be sure our first aid tools are not only the best but the most practical and ready to go in times of need.

Herbally yours,

Donna Evans, MH