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Christian Herbal

Herb of the Month: Aloe Vera

Featured Herb: Aloe Vera

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Aloe Vera, Aloe barbadensis Family: Asphodelaceae Common Names: Aloe, moka, cape, turkey, Aloe Zanzibar Parts Used: Leaf, Juice Constituents: Glycoside (anthroquinone, called aloe emodin or aloin), polysaccharides, saponins, essential oil, steroids, enzymes, minerals, cinnamic and salicylic acid, acemannan Actions: promotes bile, heals wounds, tonic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, demulcent, sedative, purgative Energetics: Leaf: bitter, hot, moist Gel: salty, bitter, cool, moist Contraindications:…
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Featured Herb: Yarrow

Featured Herb: Yarrow

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Yarrow, Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae Parts Used: aerial portions Constituents: volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, salicylic acid, coumarins, sequiterpene lactones Actions: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, astringent, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, tonic, digestive bitter, hemostatic, diaphoretic Contraindications: Allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. High doses may turn urine dark brown. Some sources say to avoid during pregnancy as it…
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Art Journaling

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One of the best ways to teach kids about herbs is to get out and visit the plants themselves. It is amazing how many medicinal plants grow right under our feet! One of our favorite activities is to pack up some art supplies (colored pencils and sketch pads) and head outdoors for some art journaling fun. We usually just head…
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Plant Identification Cards

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One of the foundational elements of learning herbal medicine is knowing the plants. When we develop an intimate knowledge of the plants, we are better able to choose the best plant for the job. I created plant identification cards for my children to color and attach to a metal ring. They can easily flip through the flashcards and read the…
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Teaching Kids About Herbs

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This week I heard my 9 year old bump into something in the other room. She was half-way crying when the 3 year old walked up to her and said, “Don’t worry, just put Boo Boo Salve on it and it will be OK!” Why Teach Kids About Herbs? When you use herbal medicine and teach children about it at…
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Featured Herb: Calendula

Featured Herb: Calendula

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Calendula, Calendula officinalis Family: Asteraceae Parts Used: petals, flower head Constituents: triterpenes, carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile oil, chlorogenic acid, sterol, mucilage, saponins, bitter glycosides, resin, mild estrogenic Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, lymphatic, astringent, emmenagogue, cholagogue, antiseptic, anti-fungal, wound healing, detoxifying Contraindications: Possible allergen for those sensitive to the Asteraceae family. There is some concern with calendula use during pregnancy due to it’s…
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