Welcome to my blog!!! I have been an herbalist & an aromatherapist for over 20 years!! My blog is over 10 years old & there are over 100 informative blogs here. Not only do I have hopes of teaching the masses, I too, have learned a lot during my research on different topics! There's always new & updated information in the herbal & essential oil worlds. There are blogs on herbs, essential oils, nutrition, supplements, different modalities of healing and just a little bit of everything!! Maybe in reading my blogs, just one person will come away with a bit of knowledge that they might be able to help themselves or another human being, I would consider that to be a great blessing.....

Over the years I have had several businesses. It seems I can't get away from seeing if a certain herb or essential oil can help a fellow human and that's usually how it starts. I am now in Arizona and I was asked again if I would be interested in starting another herbal business!! We now have Herbs 4 Health!! Providing numerous herbs....herbal blends....single essential oils...essential oil blends....minerals....tinctures all to help the body to heal itself.

The information in these blogs is not meant in any way shape or form to plagiarize, for I have never said this is all MY work. It is a compilation of reputable informative websites, my 'go to' books I have always depended upon & my own knowledge. I gather & put together information to help people learn & this way they can come back here to help remind themselves of said information instead of 'where oh where did I find that on the world wide web'. Seems to me it's just better & easier.

DISCLAIMER: All the information in these blogs do not diagnose, treat or heal any type illness or disease.

























Tuesday, October 2, 2018

The Mighty Elderberry!!

This plant/tree/food/herb has been calling to me for quite a long time now. So while I wait on my berries to make a tincture, here's an informational blog on the amazing healing abilities of this berry!!!!

Elderberries are one of the most commonly used medicinal plants around today. They were used during the ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks & even by the Native Americans! It's still gathered and used in folk medicine across many areas of Europe today. It has the reputation of being one of the top antiviral herb or food on the planet!!

Most of us are familiar with it's Latin name -- Sambucus. The most common type is Sambucus nigra or black elder or European elderberry. This tree grows up to 30 ft. and has clusters of small white or cream colored flowers known as elder flowers.  The berries are found in small black or blue-black bunches. They are quite tart & need to be cooked to be eaten. The bark, flowers & leaves all have beneficial properties as well, but it's the berries that have become most popular!!

The berries are loaded with antioxidants, they are high in Vit. C, Vit. A & Vit. B6. Also high in dietary fiber, iron & potassium. They are a powerhouse for good health!!

These powerful berries have been used throughout time to treat infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart health, nerve pain, upper respiratory issues, sinus infections, colds, flu, inflammation, eases allergies, constipation, chronic fatigue & hay fever. They enhance liver function, are a natural diuretic, improves skin structure & have been known to fight cancer. Now that's a lot of healing!!!!

In several studies, the groups that took elderberry experienced less symptoms & sickness with colds & flu, etc. They also recovered quicker than the groups that didn't take the elderberry. Evidence has been found they stop viruses from replicating.....that is big news!!

The berries contain a compound called anthocyanidins -- which gives the berries their dark color. These compounds are known to have immunostimulant effects on the body.

Research  has confirmed that the flower & berry extracts stimulate glucose metabolism & the secretion of insulin, lowering blood sugar levels.

There are so many ways to consume these powerful berries too: teas, wine, juice, jams/jellies, syrup, oxymel, tincture, spray, lozenges, pills, powder & capsules. With liquid being the quickest option of getting it into the body to do it's work!!

Caution: If you consume the raw berry, it could cause diarrhea  or vomiting. Not to be taken by people with organ transplants or autoimmune disease or if you are breast feeding. Use no longer than 5 days at a time. Follow recommended dosages on products.