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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) California poppy is used by Western herbal practitioners for sleep disorders, muscular tension, pain, and anxiety. In the same family as the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), California poppy demonstrates similar analgesic and anxiolytic applications, but without the narcotic or addictive properties (Mars, 2001). California poppy has been used both internally and externally as an analgesic to address pain of various types: headaches, migraines, and neuralgia (Tierra, 1998; Tierra, 1988), as well as muscular tension, muscle spasms, and backaches (Winston, 2005; Romm, 2009). California poppy is also used to address a variety of mental complaints including depression, anxiety, melancholia, nervous agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness, insomnia, neurasthenia, and nervous tension (Tierra, 1998; Tierra, 1988; Mars, 2001; Romm, 2009; Marciano, 2015). It is used to reduce stress, aid in relaxation, and to calm the spirit, especially when giving up tobacco or alcohol (Mars, 2001; Winston, 2005; Tierra, 1988). Some herbalists also suggest its use for nervous bowel conditions, and in children, for hyperactivity, anxiety, and enuresis (Marciano, 2015; Natural Standard, 2016). -
Elderberry tincture or syrup is a mainstay in many an herbalist’s apothecary, as the go-to herb at the very initial signs of cold or flu. Taken at onset, elderberry can reduce the duration of cold/flu because it interferes with virus replication, and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration (Hoffmann, 2003). The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated this product. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Contraindications may exist. Keep out of reach of children. -
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) There is a very strong tradition, coming from various parts of the world, for the use of goldenrod to support the kidneys and bladder and it has significant antimicrobial activity to help the entire digestive system as well. The second major theme for the medicinal use of Goldenrod is in regards to its toning, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and diuretic effects upon the urinary system. It’s antimicrobial effects help by supporting the urinary system through difficulties such as urinary tract infections and nephritis. It also helps support the upper respiratory system, and sinusitis especially during allergy season as a result of its true anti-histamine action. Lastly, Solidago species have been listed in both ethnobotanical literature as well as traditional herbal literature as a supportive diaphoretics that can be used during a cold or influenza even for children with fever and flu (Smith, 1933; Turner et al., 1980). Lastly, there is much research mentioning its usefulness in infantile colic and flatulence, as well as sickness of the stomach, stomach cramps, and vomiting in children and adults alike (Felter & Lloyd, 1898; Ellingwood, 1919). It is a very old traditional to use Goldenrod for support of the gastrointestinal system. -
Occasionally things happen in our lives that can bring on bouts of depression and rob us of joy and hinder our innate ability to find true bliss. Happy Tincture is a favorite blend of one of the founders of The Seventh Garden- Paige calls it “Sunshine in a bottle”. Blended with six beloved Plant Spirits that cradle the nervous system and the Heart. Ingredients: St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Hawthorn (Crataegus columbiana) Passion Flower (Passa flora) Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalenis) -
Hawthorn (Crataegus columbiana) North American hawthorn species were used by many Native tribes for various purposes including relieving stomachache, as a female tonic, for bladder and kidney troubles, and to strengthen the heart (Foster, 2009). Hawthorn’s current use as an herbal cardiac tonic emerged in England in the late 1800s, after an Irish physician named Greene became well-known for successfully treating heart patients with a hawthorn berry extract (Foster, 2009). Today, herbalists use hawthorn extract as a general cardiac tonic, for cases of angina, high blood pressure, early stages of congestive heart failure, and atherosclerosis (Murray, 1995). It is the go-to herb for any heart-related condition, including helping to support the heart following a heart attack. It is also used as a nervine and anti-inflammatory herb. Hawthorn extract is believed to increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, as well as helping to modestly reduce serum cholesterol levels and plaque deposits in the arteries (Foster, 2009; Murray, 1995), although the latter assertion needs more research on the clinical level. Hawthorn appears to improve the mechanics of the heart and its metabolic processes, dilate coronary arteries, and inhibit enzymes that cause vasoconstriction (Murray, 1995; Verma et al, 2007). These actions make it useful in early congestive heart may indicate that WS® 1442 can potentially reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death, at least in patients with less compromised left ventricular function” (Holubarsch et al., 2008). Naturopathic physician Michael T. Murray (1995) explains that hawthorn’s flavonoids help protect and stabilize the collagen matrix within the artery by cross-linking fibers, scavenging free radicals, quenching inflammation, and inhibiting the release of inflammatory agents. Maintaining sound arterial integrity and protecting the arterial walls from lesions discourage cholesterol deposits. Hawthorn also inhibits LDL oxidation (Quettier-Deleu et al., 2003). Hawthorn is also a calming nervine and is used much like rose, and often with rose, to heal, open, and protect the energetic heart. Hawthorn is Rosemary Gladstar’s (2010) favorite remedy for sadness, grief, and loss or when the hearts needs a bit of extra protection. -
Sometimes life can be stressful and being stressed can cause all sorts of unwanted and unforeseen health issues. Relax Tincture was blended to support the nervous system and therefore greatly reduce anxiety. -
Good sleep is essential to promote ultimate wellness. Following a universal list of “sleep hygiene” is a critical place to begin but there are nights when we could use a little help getting enough Zs. Herbal allies in the bedroom? You bet! This is a friendly, non- addictive formula of traditionally used herbs that will not leave you feeling sluggish the morning after. Ingredients: California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalenis) Hops (Humulus lupulus) Passion Flower (Passa flora) Blue Vervain (Verbena hastate) -
SJW’s anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, astringent, and antimicrobial actions make it a powerful healer for wounds, bruises, burns, sprains, and muscle pain. Used as an infused oil, salve, or poultice, SJW will reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with many injuries that affect the skin and muscles (Hardin, 2014). Its antiseptic properties (Chevallier, 1996) help prevent infection in wounds and burns. SJW helps relieve the pain associated with damaged nerves and neuralgia, and is helpful for painful sciatica, shingles, and rheumatism. It can even heal and repair nerve sensation in nerves damaged by traumatic injury or other causes. In fact, SJW is known as “arnica for the nerves” due to its strong healing abilities. Germany’s Commission E approved external preparation of SJW for use for “sharp or abrasive wounds, muscle pain, and first-degree burns” (American Botanic Council, 1999). One clinical study of SJW as treatment for wound healing and scarring associated with Caesarean surgeries found that women treated with SJW ointment experienced “significant differences in wound healing on the 10th day…and scar formation on the 40th day postpartum” as women in the placebo and control groups, as well as significantly lower pain and itching (Samadi, 2010). SJW's active constituents hypericin and pseudohypericin are antiviral (Tillotson, 2001), and SJW is used to treat viral infections such as herpes (cold) sores, influenza, HIV, and AIDS (Tierra, 2003; Edwards, 2000; McIntyre, 1996). SJW is also considered a urinary system tonic and can relieve bedwetting in children and incontinence (McIntyre, 1996). Herbalist Margaret Grieve gives us this advice: “For children troubled with incontinence of urine at night an infusion or tea given before retiring will be found effectual” (Grieve, 1931). As Holmes (1997) states, “SJW’s action on the bladder stands out” due to its energetic ability to tonify the kidneys and clear damp-cold in the urinogenital system, and recommends SJW for difficult, painful urination, incontinence, bedwetting, and mucus in the urine. -
Weather it be the most recent viral epidemic scare or the next dreaded allergy season, boosting the immune system is always a great idea! We have combined viral and bacterial fighting herbs with adaptogenic herbs that have been traditionally used for centuries, to assist the body in doing what it is designed to do- stay healthy and vibrant. Ingredients: St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) Lemon Balm (Melissa Off.) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Hyssop (Hyssopus off.)
