MMH: From the Lab

7 Day Delicious Detox Diet

2012-02-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

This recipe is a detoxing diet from Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, Washington safely used to help patients detox and lose weight before a surgery. If followed correctly, it will clean out your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being. After only seven days of this process, many will begin to feel lighter by at least 10 pounds and by as much as 17 pounds, and experience an abundance of energy.

Delicious Detox Soup:

1 large can of stewed tomatoes
3 large green onions chopped
3 garlic cloves pressed
2 quarts fat-free chicken or beef broth
1/2 head of cabbage chopped
1 bunch of celery chopped
2 lbs carrots peeled and chopped
2 red bell peppers chopped
3 Bouillon cubes or to taste
1/2 tsp. Poultry seasoning
1 tsp. Spike seasoning

Heat the broth and add chopped and peeled carrots in a large sauce pan.

In a separate pan, saute the chopped celery, onions, garlic and peppers until tender crisp in 1 tsp. olive oil, then add seasonings.

After adding and mixing the seasonings, pour this in with the carrot mixture. Add the cabbage and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Let cool, then refrigerate and reheat on the stove top as you are ready to eat it.

This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry during the week. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want.

DAY ONE: Eat any fruit except bananas. Cantaloupes and watermelon are lower in calories than most other fruits. Eat only soup and fruit today.

DAY TWO: Eat vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with fresh, raw, cooked or canned veggies. Try to eat green leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas or corn. Eat veggies along with the soup. At dinnertime reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Don't eat fruits today.

DAY THREE: Eat all the soup, fruit and veggies you want. Do not have a baked potato. If you have eaten as described above for three days and not cheated, you should find that you have lost a few pounds.

DAY FOUR: Eat at least 3 bananas and drink allthe skim milk you can today, along with eating the soup. Bananas are high incalories and carbohydrates, as is the skim milk, but on this particular dayyour body will need the potassium, carbs, proteins and calcium to lessen thecraving for sweets.

DAY FIVE: You may have10-20 ounces of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as 6 tomatoes on thisday. Eat the soup at least once today.

DAY SIX: Eat to yourheart’s content of beef and veggies today. You can even have 2-3 steaks if youlike with green leafy veggies but no baked potato. Be sure to eat the soup atleast once today.

DAY SEVEN: Eat brown riceand veggies and drink unsweetened fruit juice. Eat as much soup as you cantoday. You can add cooked veggies to the rice if you wish.

By the end of the seventh day manyhave lost 10-17 pounds. If you have lost more than 17 pounds, stay off the dietfor 2 days before resuming again.

Due to the variety of digestive systems in individuals, this diet will affect everyone differently. After day three you will have more energy than when you began. After being on the diet for several days, you will find that your bowel movements have changed. Eat a cup of bran or fiber if needed.

You can eat broiled, boiled or baked chicken instead of beef but absolutely no skin on the chicken.

DO NOT - DO NOT

No bread, carbonated drinks (including diet drinks). Remember, absolutely no fried foods.

DO- DO- DO- DO

Drink plenty, at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, as well as any combination of the following beverages: black coffee, unsweetened fruit drinks, cranberry juice, skim milk, herbal tea.

Why Liquid Extracts???

2012-01-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

"Liquid herbal extracts solved my dilemma of convincing Tristan at four years old that his survival depended on eating the ground up herbal tablets and powders from capsules mixed with applesauce. What I did not know until much later, was I had stumbled across the most effective form of herbal delivery. The small amber glass bottles with rubber topped droppers held the precious liquid extracts of herbs that gave my son a normal life and he didn't mind taking it!" from A Mother's Guide to Herbal Extracts: Saving Tristan by Kathy Garber.

Kathy Garber further writes in the book, A Mother's Guide to Herbal Extracts: Saving Tristan, how the use of herbal extracts kept her son off dialysis and kept his blood pressure normal for 12 years.

According to Terry Willard PhD of the Wild Rose College and author of the textbook Modern Herbology, extracts are found to be up to 70% more effective than tablets or encapsulated herbs. Their research found the liquid form being much more easily assimilated into the body and the alcohol acting as an effective carrier into the blood stream. This discovery is valuable when quick relief is needed or in an acute situation.

But what about taste? There is an old saying, "The more bitter the draught, the better the cure". Bitter herbs are helpful. Science now confirms when we taste something bitter a sensory response is sent to the brain, stimulating the intestines, gallbladder, liver and the digestive juices in the stomach for digestion. This all happens because of the bitter taste experience!

The digestion process of foods or supplements can take 4-6 hours before most nutrients are absorbed. With liquid, the healing properties your body needs are pulled out of the herb, making it easier for your body to use. This is especially helpful to those who have poor digestion. Liquid extracts retain their beneficial properties for up to 3 years. Tablets or encapsulated herbs can loose up to 90% of their effectiveness within a year. Discover the best form of herbal delivery!

7 Tips for Staying Healthy in the Winter

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

7 Tips for Staying Healthy in the Winter

As winter approaches, more and more of us are noticing people with sniffles and coughs and remembering that we need to take some extra steps to stay healthy during the winter season.

Eat Healthy - meats and complex carbohydrates give your body more fuel to burn, which helps to keep your core body temperature regulated.
Drink plenty of Water - our body uses more of it to warm and moisturize the cold, dry air we are breathing in.
Use herbs like Echinacea, Elder Berry and Propolis resin to support the immune system.
Stay warm, but not too hot. Dress in layers.
Use herbs like Anise seed, Elecampane, Stinging Nettle leaf, Elder flower, Thyme, Licorice, and Bayberry bark to help support the respiratory system.
Take your daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Winter typically means foods aren't as fresh, and therefore don't contain as many nutrients.
Get plenty of fresh air. Try opening the windows in the house for 15-20 minutes each day.

Taking a few extra steps each day can benefit the ability of your body to stay warm and healthy!

~ Happy Holidays!

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

11 Steps to Naturally IncreaseFertility
for Women and Men

Infertility, by definition,means not being able to achieve pregnancy after one year of trying (or sixmonths if a woman is 35 or older). About 1/3 of the time, it is a femaleproblem. In another 1/3 of cases, it is the man with the fertility problem. Forthe remaining 1/3, both partners have fertility challenges or no cause isfound.

Some general steps to helpincrease fertility include:

Cleanse and Toneyour body and reproductive organs of toxins and all unnecessary burdens
Stay Stress Free,try to find ways to relax and de-stress each day
Support and Enhanceyour glands and reproductive organs

Women, look forherbal combinations including such herbs as: Vitex, False Unicorn, Dong Quaiand Eleuthero
Men, look for herbalcombinations including such herbs as: ELeuthero, Tribulus terrestris, Epimediumand Astragalus

Women: Add Vitamin Cto your daily regimen of vitamins
Men: Take a dailymultivitamin
Women: Reducecaffeine consumption, switch your morning drink to decaf green tea.
Men: avoid hotbaths, bicycling, tight underwear and hot work environments.
Eat fruits andvegetables
Exercise – be ahealthy weight
Make lifestyle choices that will improve health
Pray, children are a gift!

6 Secrets to A Effective Cleanse

2011-10-07T12:56:00.000-06:00

More and more evidence is linking the toxins in our environment and foods to ill health. Our generation is exposed to more pollution than any other in history. We are eating more processed or fast foods and commonly abusing our bodies with sugar, food additives, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and other drugs.

The accumulation of toxins may lead to fatigue, general aches and pains, premature aging and many chronic diseases. Cleansing toxins from the body is an important key to improving our overall health. We hope the following tips will help you increase the effectiveness of your cleansing experience.

Eat a good breakfast and lunch (60-80% should be fiber).Go easy at dinner. And don’t eat before bed.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber and fresh fruits toyour diet. Wash fruits before eating andavoid over ripe fruit. If you are able to, it's best to eat your vegetables separately from your fruits. This helps your digestive system work less to get nutrients so it can focus more on the cleansing.
Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water daily.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption starting a week prior to and duringyour cleanse to avoid further detox symptoms of headache, nausea and dizziness.
Reduce your fatty acids and sugar intake. Eat leafygreens, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains. Stock your homewith fresh fruits and vegetables you like. Raw is better than cooked.
Avoid overeating or eating while under stress.

7 Health Tips to Improve Learning

2011-09-02T11:00:00.000-06:00

7 Health Tips to Improve Learning

As many as 20 percent of our school age children are estimated to have difficulty focusing and concentrating on simple tasks for more than a few minutes. Anxious, forgetful, impatient, fidgety and hyperactive, these children find it hard to be at peace regardless of the setting.

The good news is there are natural ways to bring relief!

Choose an alternative to prescription drugs, try powerful, gentle herbal combinations.
Try diet changes and adding good vitamin and mineral supplementation to daily routines.
Encourage eating a piece of fruit or a fresh vegetable as a snack.
Avoid sugary foods or drinks as they can exaggerate the behavior.
Add foods rich in essential fatty acids, they are vital to brain health and development.
Most often the individual with a learning disability or behavior problem is intelligent and creative.
Keep your child's love tank full with kind, affirming words. Your love and affectionate touch helps them to be emotionally healthy.

Here are a few herbs
that can be helpful in calming the nervous
system and having a
positive effect on the brain:

American Ginseng
Ginkgo biloba
Valerian root
Gotu Kola

Foods for your brain:

Blueberries
Carrots
Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes
Butternut Squash
Spinach
Strawberries
Chicken (Poultry)
Flaxseed oil or fish oil
Yellow, orange and green vegetables

2011-08-02T13:35:00.000-06:00

7 Tips for a Naturally Healthy Child

Few things pull on the hearts of parents more than the suffering of a sick child, and keeping our little ones healthy and happy is a huge part of
being a mom.

Teach your child to count to 30 while washing hands with soap after using the restroom, before eating and whenever they are soiled. Keep fingernails trimmed short.
Encourage eating a piece of fruit and one fresh vegetable daily.
Do a parasite cleanse at least twice a year.
Be prepared for illness by knowing what herbs to give for what and keep a supply on hand.
Give the appropriate natural remedies as soon as you notice your child is not feeling well. Keep in mind that the battle is easier to win naturally at the onset.
Make sure your child gets plenty of sunshine, fresh air and 8-10 hours of sleep.
Keep your child's love tank full with kind, affirming words. Your love and affectionate touch helps them be emotionally healthy. Emotional wellbeing is important for a strong immune system.

Does Your Liver Need Help?

2011-07-01T14:34:00.014-06:00

Sitting under the ribs on the right side of the body is an important organ we tend to give little thought. Working around the clock your liver is a busy factory, housing highly specialized cells that clean the blood, store fat, produce bile and a host of other functions. Summer with its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables is the perfect time to give your hard working liver the attention it deserves!

Liver check-up-Self Assessment:

(Answer Yes or No to each question below)

1. I am generally in a good mood, feel positive with no or very little mood changes.

2. I think clearly, with no “foggy brain” feeling.

3. I have no problem with allergies, my skin is free of rashes.

4. My digestion is great, no bloating, gas or nausea even when I eat fatty foods.

5. I seldom have headaches.

6. I have never had gallstones or “under the rib pain” on my right side.

7. My left shoulder is always pain free.

8. My metabolism is great and my weight is considered normal.

9. I have plenty of energy and a robust immune system.

10. My blood sugar is normal, with no swings and I don't crave sweets.

Your liver needs help if you answered “no” to 3 or more of these ten questions.

Steps to a Glowing Liver

1.) Add Liver Friendly Foods to your diet:

· Cabbage

· Olive oil

· Broccoli

· Coconut oil

· Cauliflower

· Flax seed

· Onions

· Dandelion

· Garlic

· Rhubarb

· Carrots

· Pumpkin

· Red and green peppers

· Yams

· Avocados

· Raw nuts, almonds, cashews

· Sprouts, alfalfa, wheat and barley grass

· Eggs

· Chicken

· Whole grain breads

· Citrus fruit

· Pears

· All raw and dried fruits

Remember: the more bitter, the better for the liver.

2.) Use these Herbs to:

Cleanse the liver: Ginger, Alfalfa, Dandelion

Stimulate the liver: Gentian, Quassia, Oregon Grape root, Lemon Balm

Nourish the liver: Alfalfa, Oatstraw, Blessed Thistle

Protect the liver: Milk Thistle, Grape Seed, Yellow Dock, Olive Leaf, Bilberry

3.) Garlic capsules as directed on package or 2-3 fresh cloves daily for three months. Garlic may facilitate the ability of the liver to detoxify chemicals before they can exert their toxic effects within the body.

4.) Exercise, even just walking for 20 minutes 3-4 times weekly.

5.) Do a liver flush. Flushing the liver can greatly improve overall well being, Dr. Hulda Clark found cleansing the liver bile ducts to be the most powerful procedure one can do. Doing a parasite cleanse is a must before attempting a liver cleanse. Here is a recipe for a gentle liver cleanse, it takes longer to complete but is quite effective. Liver flushes can be done twice a year.

Liver Flush

1. Mix fresh squeezed citrus juice to equal one cup. Grapefruit and lemon is best.

2. Add 1-2 cloves freshly squeezed garlic, plus a small amount of fresh ginger juice.

3. Mix in 1 tablespoon high quality olive oil, blend or shake well and drink.

4. Drink two cups of the a Liver Cleansing Tea.

Drink the flush in the morning for 10 days, do not eat before flush or for one hour after drinking it.

Reducing Stress in Your Life

2011-06-01T11:55:00.000-06:00

Reducing Stress in Your Life

Stress has more negative effects on your health than poor nutrition. Below are a few simple ways to reduce stress in your life.

• Exercise 3 times weekly. Walking briskly is good for your physical and emotional health.

• Once a week, set aside time to relax in nature, a walk in the woods or an hour at the park. Reflect on the good in your life.

• Accept situations you cannot change, death of a loved one or poor economy. Look for the upside. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Anyone under intense or physical stress can benefit by adding these herbs to their daily routine to tackle exhaustion or fatigue:

o Rhodiola

o Eleuthero

o American Ginseng

o Astragulus

• Get at least 8 hours of restful sleep on a regular basis, stick to a regular bedtime. The average person needs 6-8 hours a night. During times of increased physical or emotional stress it becomes even more important to rest well at night. Consider using these herbs before bed:

o Passionflower

o Hops

o Valerian

o Skullcap

• Prioritize your daily tasks, focus on 2-3 goals each day to accomplish. Set boundaries in your life, check your email at certain times of the day and consider shutting off your cell phone during the evening.

Keep your sense of humor! Laughter is to the soul what soap is to the body. Jewish proverb

7 Tips for Adrenal Health

2011-05-09T12:45:00.010-06:00

Did you know your adrenal glands produce more than 500 hormones? Supporting them in their important role of responding to physical, environmental and emotional stress is a good idea for anyone, as we all encounter challenging situations.

Some symptoms that your adrenal glands could use a little extra support are:

Tendency to gain weight and inability to lose it, especially around the mid-section
Tendency to tremble when under pressure
Reduced libido
Lightheadedness when standing up from a sitting or laying position
Brain fog
Reliance on caffeine to get the day started (such as coffee or soda)
Lack of energy in the afternoon
Cravings for fatty or salty foods

Some tips on how to support them:

1.) Add foods high in potassium to your diet - such as:

Apricots
Bananas
Beets
Brussels Sprouts
Cantaloupe
Lima Beans
Honeydew Melons
Orange Juice
Baked Potatoes
Prune Juice or dried Prunes
Raisins
Spinach
Tomato
Winter Squash
Yogurt

2.) Avoid sugar and soft drinks. Eat fruit instead.
3.) Eat plenty of lightly steamed or fresh vegetables.
4.) Get 7-9 hours of restful sleep nightly.
5.) Add adrenal supporting herbs to your daily regimen, such as:

American Ginseng
Astragalus
Eleuthero (also known as Siberian Ginseng)

6.) Take a high quality Vitamin and Mineral supplement daily - one of our resources, In-Tele-Health © 2008 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM) lists the following vitamins and minerals as being important for the healthy function of adrenal glands:

Calcium
Chromium
Magnesium
Vanadium
Zinc
Choline
Vitamin A
Vitamin B5
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

7.) Avoid smoking Tobacco - tobacco may increase the release of adrenal hormones, however; the production of these hormones does not increase to meet the higher demands.

Enjoy better adrenal health and begin to face each new day with energy and a smile!

9 Tips for Moms:

2011-04-13T12:17:00.005-06:00

Is your little one keeping you up crying and fussing for an hour or more at a time? Try 5-10 drops of Infant Tummy-Aid to sooth their tummy and help them (and you) relax.
While nursing, try limiting spicy foods and broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower intake. These can be more difficult on your newborns tummy and digestive system.
Date Night: Finding that you don't have as much time as you used to for visiting with your husband? Set one night a week as "Date Night" and have a babysitter lined up. Go out (even if just for a walk) and spend some quality time together - just the 2 of you.
Baby waking up soaked in the wee hours of the morning? Try a diaper one size larger than you usually use during the day for bedtime.
If you are struggling with your milk supply, try to get a daily nap, increase your calcium intake and drink plenty of water.
A good night of sleep becomes a distant memory for many new and expecting moms. Try taking Herbal Calcium at night and give it to your little ones over 6 months to encourage sleeping all night.
Trying to find time for a nap? Try sleeping when your baby sleeps.
Ask for help, while mothering is wonderful, it is taxing on your body and emotions. Create space for simple things you enjoy to refresh yourself once a month. You'll be a better mom for it! Remember to Laugh and enjoy the moments - they go by quickly!
You don't have to be a perfect mom to have a happy baby, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Parasites

2011-03-01T10:02:00.005-07:00

Millions of people are infected by parasites worldwide. More than 100 types of parasites can be living happily in human bodies. Their eggs find their way into our bodies through direct human contact, contaminated food and water, farm animals, household pets and undercooked meats. Mistaken as a brain tumor the pig tapeworm has recently been found in the human brain and surgically removed.

Types of Parasites

Roundworm: common, approximately 100 million people are infected worldwide. Up to 15 inches long and lays 200,000 eggs a day. Some symptoms include pain in upper abdominal, asthma, eye pain, insomnia, rashes. Can cause blockages in the intestinal tract, loss of appetite, appendicitis, abscesses in the liver, etc.

Hookworm: up to 1/2 inch long. They feed on blood. The symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, craving to eat soil, iron and protein deficiency, dry skin and hair, skin irritations, delayed puberty, mental dullness, etc. In acute cases it can cause cardiac failure and death.

Pinworm or Threadworm: most common worm and common in children, about 500 million are infected worldwide. Up to 1/2 inch long. They lay about 15,000 eggs per day around the outer anus. The symptoms of pinworms include itching and irritation of the anus, digestive disorders, insomnia, irritation or nervousness. The worms come out of the anal opening to lay eggs at night. The eggs can pass to others through air or by contact with infected food. The eggs are not affected by disinfectants. The eggs can be passed by direct contact, or through sharing of food, toys, etc.

Whipworm: several 100 million are infected worldwide. 1 to 2 inches long. The symptoms of whipworms are bloody stools, pain in the lower abdomen, weight loss, nausea, and anemia.

Tapeworm: up to 35 feet long. They lay millions of eggs per day. There are usually no symptoms of tapeworm. They are detected in the stool sample. The infected person may have dizziness, vomiting, hunger or loss of appetite or weight loss.

Additional Symptoms

Tooth Grinding

Chronic Constipation

Frequent Gas & Bloating

Excess Weight

Frequent Fatigue

Yeast Infection

Frequent Colds

Hemorrhoids

Irritability

Impaired Digestion

Bad Breath

Stomach Pain

Itching Nose & Anus

Anemia

Children Who Fail to Thrive

Frequent Headaches

Steps You Can Take At Home

Bed linens and garments (especially under garments) of the person infected with pinworms must be washed thoroughly in the hottest water available.

Wash your hands frequently and teach your children to always wash their hands with soap after using the restroom, before eating and when ever they are soiled. Counting to 30 or sing the ABC song while washing hands is a good way to ensure they keep the water on long enough to get their hands clean.

If you have pets or animals teach your children not to allow face licking and to always wash their hands after playing with the dog or cat.

Keep your own and your children's finger nails trimmed short and clean.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and avoid over ripe fruit.

Avoid constipation by adding fiber and fresh fruits to your diet, parasites multiply quickly in this environment.

Use coconut oil instead of butter or margarine.

Save pumpkin seeds, toast them in the oven and eat them, they really are delicious.

If you suspect most of the family is infected, cleanse every one for six days beginning just before the full moon with a good combination of herbs. Treat yourself and your children monthly for 6 days or as directed with a good herbal combination until you are sure everyone is clear. Weekly maintenance is suggested if you live on a farm or have pets.

Add probiotics to your daily supplements, they help our immune system to better fight off parasites.

2011-02-01T16:30:00.003-07:00

Boost Your Immune System

Minimize your stress levels, obtain adequate rest; wash your hands frequently.

Exercise by taking 45 minute walks five times a week.

Herbs:
Echinacea is widely known for its benefits in stimulating the immune system.
Cayenne may help clear respiratory passages.
Goldenseal helps our body's Immune System to fight off symptoms of cold's and flu's.
Elderberry contains an enzyme that helps break down the protein on the influenza virus that allows it to enter the body's cells for reproduction.
Elecampane helps clear breathing passageways and a healthy respiratory system.
Garlic does an excellent job of supporting the Immune System’s ability to fight off infections, while also having a blood cleansing affect.

Supplements:
Vitamin C will help your body fight off bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin A increases your body’s resistance to colds and flu.
Zinc is helpful in maintaining an optimal Immune System.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Horsetail

2010-09-10T13:44:00.004-06:00

Horsetail is also known as Equisetum, snake grass, puzzlegrass, shavegrass, bottlebrush, field horsetail, horsetail grass, pewterwort, scouring rush, springtime horsetail and tsukushi.

Botanical Information
Horsetail is considered a "living fossil" as it is the only living genus left in the Equisetaceae family and even the entire Equisetopsida class. Equisetaceae is a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds. The Equisetopsida class of plants was much more diverse for over one hundred millions years, dominating much of the undergrowth of late Paleozoic forests.

Historical Uses
As you can imagine, this plant has a long history of uses - including but not limited to: supporting the kidneys, hair growth, the nervous system, and the female reproductive system.

Did You Know?
Horsetail, when harvested at the correct time, has been found to be the most bio-available source of silica or silicon, which is now recognized as very important in maintaining strong, healthy joints and bones.

All Equisetum species that had crude cell extracts tested were found to contain a enzyme (MXE) that is not known to occur in any other plants.

Notes: Horsetail is not suggested for use by those with cardiac or renal dysfunction without the supervision of your health care provider.

*Copyright 2010 Mountain Meadow Herbs, Inc.. This article may be reproduced provided it stays completely in tact, with no information added or removed. The FDA has not given approval of this information. The information provided is to help with product selection only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Cha-de-bugre

2010-07-06T09:59:00.003-06:00

Chá-de-bugre is also known as café do mato (coffee of the woods), Porangaba and Tea of Bugre. While some use this herb as a coffee alternative, it has been used for centuries in Brazil (it's native environment) as a weight loss aid and is available from local pharmacies and stores all around Brazil.

Historical UsesDuring festival times in Brazil the extract is brewed in large drums and the people drink it believing that it sustains their energy throughout the celebrations. In the more remote areas of the interior of Brazil the local population consumes the plant in abundance due to family lore regarding beneficial properties for ones health.

Did You Know?Scientific analysis of the phytochemicals in Chá-de-bugre have found it to be a valuable source of potassium, allantoin and allantoic acid and the red cherry fruit is a source of caffeine.

Botanical Information Chá-de-bugre is a small tree that grows 26-40 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 11-16 inches. It bears red cherry fruit that resembles coffee beans (hence the name 'coffee of the woods'). While it can be found growing in Argentina and Paraguay it is indigenous to Brazil. The Brazilian variety is classified as Cordia salicifolia and in Paraguay it is classified as Cordia ecalyculata.

Notes: There are no known adverse affects with the use of Chá-de-bugre; however, we do not suggest its use for expectant or nursing moms as it may impede the ability of the baby to gain weight at a healthy rate.

*Copyright 2008 Mountain Meadow Herbs, Inc.. This article may be reproduced provided it stays completely in tact, with no information added or removed. The FDA has not given approval of this information. The information provided is to help with product selection only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Passionflower

2010-06-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Passionflower, also known as Apricot Vine, Blue & Purple Passionflower, Carkifelek; Maracuja; Maypop; Passiflora incarnata, Passiflora caerulea, Passion Flower; and Wild Passion Flower has been used for centuries to aid the body during times of stress by supporting a calm central nervous system.

Muscle Spasm Relief Passionflower also possesses calming properties for the body's muscles. It has been used for ages to help alleviate muscle cramps and relax smooth muscles. These properties may help support pregnancy as well.

Historical Uses Native Americans used the whole plant to alleviate swollen and irritated eyes and the root was used as a general tonic. It has also been used topically as a compress. The seeds of the passionflower fruit have interestingly been identified with very ancient cultures and have a long history of use as a botanical hypnotic.

Herbalists in Central America as well as Mexico and Texas have used passionflower as a sleeping aid for centuries.

Did You Know? The word "Passion" in Passion Flower refers to the Passion of Jesus Christ? In the 15th and 16th centuries the unique physical structures of this plant were adopted by Spanish Christian Missionaries as symbols of the last days of Jesus and his crucifixion.

Botanical Information
Passionflower is a genus of some 400 species, most of which are native to the tropics, although a few are native to Australia, Asia and Madagascar. Some species are cultivated in Brazil and the southeastern United States.

Each species has characteristics separating it from the others. For example, the petals of each species can vary from pink, white, purple and yellow. There are other traits helpful in determining the species, such as the color of the corona (outside of the flower) and the fruits the plant produces. Passionflower has striking flowers, made up of five petals and a showy corona composed of numerous filaments. The herbaceous vine has tri-lobed leaves and long tendrils.

Passiflora incarnata (Maypop) has white petals with a purplish corona and edible fruit (which you may be familiar with: Passion Fruit). This juicy oval fruit has a fragrant, edible white pulp which is used in salads. The juice of the fruit is used in flavoring drinks, cordials, sherbet and ice cream.

Notes: There are some precautions and contraindications with the use of passionflower. It should not be taken with sedative drugs, as it may potentiate the effects. It should also be used with caution by pregnant or nursing mothers due to its sedative effect on the central nervous system.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Olive Leaf

2010-05-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Olive Leaf, botanically known as Olea europaea, is an herb deserving the spotlight during spring. The Oleuropein content of this herb is believed to possess many health benefits, such as supporting the Immune System, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Digestive and Excretory Systems and even your Metabolism! Applied topically, Olive Leaf may also support soft, smooth skin.

It's no wonder the olive is so frequently cited in literature such as Homer's Odyssey and Iliad. Also in Greek Mythology Aristaeus had the understanding of olive husbandry along with bee-keeping and cheese-making. The Athenians would claim that the olive grew first in Athens. Did you know they even found olive leaves in Tutankhamen's tomb? They were used as a symbol of abundance, glory and peace as well as emblems of purification.

Olive oil was considered sacred and used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece as well as being the eternal flame of the first Olympic Games. Many religious ceremonies today still include olive oil or leaves as well.

Botanical Information: The Olive is a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia. Its fruit, the olive, is of major agricultural importance as it is the source of Olive Oil.

Other plants in the same family include lilac, jasmine, ash trees, and forsythia.

Olive trees are very hardy, being drought-resistant, disease-resistant and even fire-resistant. They can live for a very long time and are even capable of regeneration when part or all of the above-ground portion of the tree is destroyed.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Black Walnut Hull

2010-04-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

Black Walnut Hull, botanically known as Juglans nigra, was called the "Imperial Nut" by Greeks and Romans due to its many uses. Russian hospitals have used it since the early 17th century, some uses include:

Food:
Black Walnuts are commercially shelled in the United States to be used as a food ingredient. The nutmeats offer crunch and distinctive flavor in ice cream, cakes, cookies, pies and even fudge. You may also find it in chicken, pork, fish, pasta, vegetable and salad dishes.

Health:Black Walnut Hull is purported to support healthy digestive, immune and respiratory systems and has also been used topicallyy as an antiseptic. According to the following reference, Black Walnut Hull is also an anti-parasitic herb: Mindell, Earl R. The MSM Miracle. Keats Publishing, Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA, 1997:34-35.

Botanical InformationBlack Walnut, also konwn as American Walnut, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. you will find it growing mainly alongside rivers.

The shell of the nut is covered by a thick husk that exudes a strong smelling, dark staining juice. This juice is called juglone and is a respiratory inhibitor to certain plants. This is why you will find very few plants do well when planted near a black walnut tree. Horses are susceptible to laminitis (a hoof disease) from exposure to black walnut in their bedding. Juglone is also usable as a dark dye or stain.

There are some precautions and contraindications with the use of Black Walnut Hull. It should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women or children under the age of 5 years. While it can be used on pets, it should not be given to horses.

Copyright © 2008-2010 Mountain Meadow Herbs®, Inc. . All rights reserved worldwide. This article may be reproduced provided it stays completely in tact, with no information added or removed. The FDA has not given approval of this information. The information provided is to help with product selection only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

MMH: From the Lab ~ Red Raspberry Leaf

2010-03-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

Raspberry Leaf, also known as Red Raspberry is a member of the Rosaceae family (rose family), native to England. The botanical name Rubus idaeus comes from the latin words Rubus: latin for "red", and Idaeus: latin for Ida. Ida is the name of a mountain in Phrygia where this plant grew abundantly.

Raspberry is a perennial herb, with red, succulent berries. It has a creeping root system and pinnate serrated leaves. The leaves are collected just before the plant flowers, the fruit is harvested when ripe and the roots are collected in the fall. The whole plant can be used.

Raspberry leaf is well known as a female tonic, and for its emmenagogue properties. Emmenagogues tone the entire reproductive system and help to normalize a sparse or excessive menstruation. The leaves contain the alkaloid, fragine, which has a calming effect on the uterine and pelvic area. Red Raspberry helps to prepare for childbirth and tone up the reproductive area after childbirth.

Raspberry leaf also contains astringent properties due to its tannic acid content. The astringent properties make it an effective herb on soft tissues and reducing the discharge of blood or mucous. It has a calming effect on the stomach and bowel areas. Nearly all astringents coagulate albumin, tone up relaxed muscle fibers and contract arterioles and capillaries.

Raspberry Leaf is high in:

Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C

Remember to always check with your health care provider before using herbs during pregnancy.

Meet Some of our Staff:
Mountain Meadow Herbs®, Inc. will be attending the Midwifery Today Conference in King of Prussia, PA April 16-18, 2010. We would love it if you stopped by to visit

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.