Jyll Renee - My Herbal Apothecary

03/16/2022

I don't post much on my herbal page. FB has made it so hard to post here. Plus, fb kicks out a lot of my herb posts.

Heart Health
Did you know that a glass of water can be one easy method of preventing heart attacks?

Drinking a glass of water an hour before bedtime helps the body remain hydrated while you sleep. When the body becomes dehydrated, blood viscosity increases, which makes the heart work harder. Drinking a glass of water an hour before bed is also associated with reduced risk of stroke as well

Hydration and your Heart
When you lose just 1% of your body weight in water, you are dehydrated. Dehydration makes the heart work harder, and reduces the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Drinking water throughout the day is essential for maintaining blood viscosity.

Drinking Water, Mineral Deficiency and High Blood Pressure
Health experts from the World Health Organization recommend that you get 10 – 20% of your recommended daily allowance for minerals from drinking water. Mineral deficiency has been described as a health epidemic by some health experts. Studies show that even if you get enough calcium in your diet, your body may not be able to absorb it.
The best water to drink for mineral nutrition is alkaline mineral water. Alkaline water hydrates 30% better than plain water, and has a higher concentration of beneficial minerals like calcium in it. The minerals in water are what determine its pH. Alkaline water from protected mountain springs is highly prized for its health benefits. Those benefits come from the both mineral nutrients in the water, and the water’s alkaline pH balance.

Where to get good water.

There are a lot of ionizer water machines available, some can be quite costly. Add to that there is a lot of controversy over the plastic bottled waters it can be quite overwhelming to figure out which water to drink. I personally drink bottled water for myself, I do have an ionizer machine that I refill my bottles with, but feel I could have accomplished the same feat for much less money. After all water should not be expensive! I feel that the benefits of being hydrated override the controversy of the bottling. There are alkaline drops that you can find at the health food stores to add to your water, I also have the alkaline drops.

10/13/2021

Facebook keeps kicking out my posts for herbs. This is the reason I haven't posted in awhile. Send me a message via my personal page Gypsy Jyll Reneé Thank you!!

11/07/2019

Vax attack.

10/27/2019

10/20/2019

SMH

They'll say anything to sell vaccines.

10/12/2019

An Apple a Day keeps the Doctor away (An old time folk tale that is so true). You ever wonder why apples and pumpkins taste so good this time of year? Our bodies crave local harvest,

Cleans and whitens teeth
An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.

Preventative to diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzhemier’s
A new study shows that drinking apple juice or eating an apple a day fights aging in the brain, stimulating healthy chemicals for good brain activity. Research has also shown apples give protection against Parkinson’s; showing an effect on the brain chemicals, stimulating brain activity. Research also has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fiber foods gain a certain, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

Preventative to some cancers
Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumors. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fiber intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Decrease your risk of diabetes

Reduce cholesterol
The soluble fiber found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which simply will lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

Healthier Heart
An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

Prevent gallstones
Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, a suggested diet high in fiber to help you not only control your weight and cholesterol levels but breaks down the fats in gallbladder that may cause gallstones.

Beat diarrhea and constipation
Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fiber found in apples may be your answer. Fiber can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

Control your weight
Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fiber. Foods high in fiber will make you feel full.

Detoxify your liver
We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. . Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is to eat fruits—such as apples. Most natural liver cleansers have pectin – the pectin in an apple helps to detoxify

Boost your immune system
Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.
Prevent cataracts
Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies suggest that people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants—like apples—are 10 to 15 per cent less likely to develop cataracts.

(All of you that know me – know that I carry a container of apples everywhere I go) YUMMY!!
Jyll Renee Master Herbologist (765)278-1035

10/05/2019

Dopamine and serotonin deficiency


Neurotransmitter Functions
Here are some of the differences between dopamine and serotonin deficiency, and the differences how one feels between the two.

Depression can be caused by a lack of the neurotranmitter serotonin in the brain. This is the most common form treated, but one must realize that doctors never test for low dopamine levels and always presume that it’s caused by low serotonin levels. This is the reason so many people are taking SSRIs such as Prozac or Zoloft.

The other reason for depression caused by a chemical imbalance is it’s caused by a lack of the dopamine in the brain.

The type of depressive-feeling caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain is a very low energy depression, with a complete lack of motivation, (and feeling depressed). You may feel frustrated that you don't have any energy. How many of you deal with depression and taking medication, but still lack motivation? I bet most of you all answered yes to the question. If so, why are doctors prescribing anti-depressants that only treat a serotonin problem?

When people have low dopamine or low serotonin levels, there are few simple signs to be aware of to help you diagnose the problem. If you are low serotonin, you would be craving carbs, dairy or even bananas. If you are low dopamine, then you tend to reach for stimulating foods such as coffee or chocolate. These only increase dopamine short term and should not be the go-to foods as then you will really get fatigued from stressing your adrenal glands.

If your problem is not with serotonin, but only a lack of dopamine, then you probably won't feel much anxiety. You probably also won't have trouble sleeping, but you will have trouble getting going in the morning. Note: if you over-increase your dopamine so that it's too high, you'll feel angry at things that wouldn't normally make you feel angry.

The type of depressive-feeling caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain is not really a lack of energy (you won't be high energy, just middle of the road), but rather an empty feeling that there isn't any comfort in the world that is possible for you and you would have feelings of fear. If it is only serotonin that is your insufficiency, and not dopamine, then you probably WILL have trouble sleeping.

Now, let’s talk nutrition. To increase dopamine levels naturally, an herb called Mucuna Pruriens is the best choice. The herb naturally contains L-dopa which the body will convert into dopamine in the brain and yes, it works very quickly.

Food sources of dopamine increasing tyrosine include almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Dopamine is easily oxidized. Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables may help protect dopamine-using neurons from free radical damage. Many healthcare professionals recommend supplementing with vitamins C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.

Foods such as sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined foods interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine. Consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol should also be reduced because they can clog the arteries to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Caffeine must also be avoided by persons with depression. Caffeine is a stimulant which initially speeds up neurotransmission, raises the amount of serotonin, and temporarily elevates mood.

Why is dopamine so important?

Dopamine is often called "the happy neurotransmitter" because when we have plenty of dopamine we have :

• Feelings of pleasure
• Feelings of attachment/love
• Sense of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others)
• Integration of thoughts and feelings

When we have Dopamine Deficiencies . . .

• Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
• Lack of ability to feel love, sense attachment to another
• Lack of remorse about actions
• Distractibility
Now you see why dopamine is so important and this is just the short list! Dopamine is widespread in the brain as well as the rest of the nervous system. This neurotransmitter plays a critical role in the control of movement.

It has a stimulating effect on the heart, the circulation, the rate of metabolism, and is able to mobilize many of the body's energy reserves.

It helps to modulate brain activity, control coordination and movement, and regulate the flow of information to different areas of the brain.

A massive disturbance of dopamine regulation in the brain can result in a person no longer being able to respond emotionally or express his or her feelings in an appropriate way.

09/30/2019

I respect Susun W**d's herbal wisdom, she loves infusions and I do as well but it is not always easy to drink 3-4 different infusions daily. I do try to drink an herbal tea (infusion) once daily but when I can't tinctures are wonderful. And like Susun said they act quickly (Wolf medicine) so I make sure I have several tinctures on hand.

California Poppy - (for anxiety)
Nettle (most definitely) - (nourishment anti-allergies)
Oregon Grape Root - (fights bacteria)
Lomatium - (anti-viral)
Elderberry - (improves immune)
Passion Flower (sleep)
Butchers Broom (circulation)
Corydalis - (pain)
Feverfew/lavender - (headaches)
Lomatium/St. Johns Wort - (sore throat gargle)

I've listed just one indication of each herb, but most all herbs have many secondary actions.

Tinctures are a popular way of using medicinal herbs. They have the following advantages over water-based preparations:

Tinctures remain potent for many years.
Small quantities of tinctures are effective, sometimes as little as one drop, making them more portable and potable.
Tinctures act very rapidly, especially when administered under the tongue.
Certain herbal alkaloids and resins are extractable only into alcohol. not water.
A very small amount of plant material produces a tincture consisting of many medicinal doses.

Nourishing factors found in herbs, such as vitamins and minerals,are extracted into tinctures, but, since only small amounts of tinctures are taken, only small amounts of these nutrients are ingested. The Wise Woman tradition focuses on the excellent nourishment available in wild foods and herbs to support the body's ability to repair and heal itself. Thus, water-based preparations are usually my first choice as herbal medicines, but I use tinctures when I travel, when I need immediate medicinal effect, or when I am dealing with rare, horrible tasting, or expensive plants.

People who refrain from using all alcohol can still take tinctures. Since alcohol-based tincture doses are small (20 drops is the average dose) and diluted in water, the taste and effect of the alcohol is virtually non-existent. Many alcoholics indicate that herbal tinctures react like medicines in their bodies, not like alcohol. To further mitigate the effect of the alcohol, let it evaporate somewhat by adding the tincture to some water and letting it sit exposed to the air for a few hours.

Dosage: Tincture dosage is widely variable. Experiment with caution and consult references.

Read the rest of this article here:
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/October07/wisewoman.htm

09/29/2019

Susun W**d always has healthy and yummy herbal recipes. I made this a couple years ago and it was DELISH. When the cool weather hits - I'll whip up another batch.

Autumn Soup

A tribute to the season, with the produce of autumn, bursting with flavor, color, and warmth.
Butternut squash can be used instead of cheese pumpkin.

Saute 4 medium onions, thinly sliced in 4 tablespoons pure olive oil and a teaspoonful of salt on a medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and soft.
Add 4 apples, cored and cut into pieces and continue to cook, stirring often.
Meanwhile remove the seeds, pith, and most of the skin from 2 baked cheese pumpkins (or squash).
Add the flesh of the pumpkins to the pan, along with 2 tablespoons of astragalus powder. Stir well.
Slowly add 1 gallon water and 1 ounce wakame (seaweed) cut very small.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
Blend into a smooth, thick soup.
Add up to 4 tablespoons of raw sugar if needed to brighten the taste.

09/18/2019

Old time pharmacy or farmacy.. APOTHECARY. You know white willow bark was used for headaches, the process of crushing the bark and breaking it down for capsules was time consuming. So to make it more simple they put white willow bark on a chemistry analyzer and came up with the formula called aspirin (which is made with chemicals no herbals are in aspirin). Both are used for pain, the aspirin, however causes thinning of blood, ulcers and even internal bleeding. Where as the white willow bark as no side affects. I have lots of stories like this🖤

09/10/2019

Signs and symptoms of clogged lymph system.

There are several tell tale signs that lymphatic fluid is not moving effectively and that toxins are building up in your body.

Bloating
Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Parasites
Depression
Sinus infections
Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin
Enlarged lymph nodes
Chronic fatigue
Feeling sore or stiff when you wake up in the morning
Unexplained injuries
Excess weight
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Worsened allergies
Food sensitivities
Increased colds and flu

09/07/2019

Garlic Honey

One of my favorite remedies to have on hand for the winter is garlic honey. It is super easy to make and ready almost immediately to counter sore throats, colds, the flu, lung congestion, and sinus problems.

I use a smallish jar (4-8 ounces/125-250ml) with a good lid. First I fill it with unpeeled garlic cloves. If I have some tiny onions from the garden, I add those too. Then I pour honey over it all, using a chop stick to poke the honey down into the garlic. After screwing on the lid, I label the jar with the contents and date.

Overnight, so it seems, the garlic and honey combine to create a divine elixir that may be taken by the spoonful right out of the jar.

As it ages, both the honey and the garlic darken. After a couple of months, the garlic is suffused with honey and is lovely to eat.

Garlic honey has never spoiled, no matter how long I have kept it (at room temperature). It is not know to develop botulism. As with all honey, do not give to children less than one year old.