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Usnea Cavernosa, is the species found in the Rocky Mountain spruce and fir forests. Old Man’s Beard is a common name for the Usnea lichen that hangs down from the tree branches in light green and gray beards. You can gently tug on the strands and the strand on the inside will stretch like a rubber band before breaking. Usnea is formed by the combination of algae and fungus that grow together in a symbiotic relationship, and their “lichen” it! Usnea has been used a medicine for thousands of years all around the world in the environments where it grows. It is a powerhouse of medicinal properties. It is well known as an herbal antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic, antioxidant, antiviral, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and has immune building and balancing properties. Usnea is energetically cooling and drying and can be used at the first signs of heat, inflammation, and infection. Usnea is a vulnerary herb (wound/tissue healing) which makes it a valuable ingredient for your medicine cabinet and first aid kit. Usnea contains usnic acid, which gives it antimicrobial, antifungal and antibiotic properties. The amazing gift is that its antifungal properties can prevent the growth of candida (yeast) ringworm, athlete's foot, skin issues and fungal imbalances in the gut, mouth, and vagina. while at the same time acts as a safe antibiotic for other conditions in the body. Usnea is effective at healing respiratory and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, colds, flues, as well as urinary tract, kidney, and bladder infections and chronic conditions related with depressed and auto-immunity. Usnea is an immune system tonic that can be used by itself for acute conditions. It can be blended in an immune formula for longer term treatment and immune enhancement. Usnic acid stimulates collagen formation that heals tissue/skin and for wound healing. Usnea can be used in salves, creams, powders, toothpastes, mouthwash, deodorants, hair shampoos and sunscreen products. Weight loss supplements that contain usnic acid to promote fat metabolism have warnings about the overuse and high dosage of usnic acid which can lead to acute hepatitis, liver failure, and irreversible liver injury. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned people to stop using a particular weight loss supplement that contained usnic acid. Regular use of Usnea as an herb is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation. How to make an Usnea Tincture: A high percentage of alcohol is required to extract the medicinal properties in Usnea. Fill a jar with usnea, and pack it down lightly then fill it with 95% grain alcohol and place in a dark cabinet for 1 month. Occasionally shake the jar up. · The acute dosage of usnea is usually 1-2 droppers (25-50 drops) every 3-4 hours. · For chronic and preventive conditions; use less, or have as one of the ingredients in a formula. 1-2 times a day.

Yarrow, flower & leaf.

Self-Help Bodywork: Relieving TMJ TMJ is tension and pain of the temporomandibular joint. This sliding hinge joint connects your jaw to your skull allowing you to chew and swallow. Many people suffer from muscle tension, triggered by stress, and are not able to relax these muscles. Clenching and grinding your teeth contracts the jaw muscles and can cause muscle spasms, tissue damage, headaches and ear aches and chronic pain. Some people do this in their sleep and are not aware it. If not addressed or corrected it can lead to more serious issues like the jaw becoming misaligned and immobile, causing facial pain, jaw pain, and severe headaches. Here are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ tension, clenching, jaw soreness or pain. Roll your shoulders back and down while paying attention to your posture in general. Keep your teeth slightly apart and be aware of your in and out breath. While you are working on a computer or reading, practice placing and holding the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This helps prevent building up tension in your jaw. Massage the jaw area with anti-inflammatory herbs like Arnica and CBD as an oil or salve. Hold these 5 Acupressure points to get relief. Hold the same point on each side of the head at the same time. Locate the point with firm pressure and then release some of the pressure once you are holding both sides of the head with equal pressure. Breath and hold for 2-4 minutes. Then go to the next set of points and do the same process until all 5 points have been held. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Use these Acupuncture Points along the jaw. ST7, Stomach 7. GB2, Gall Bladder 2. SJ17, San Jiao 17. ST6, Stomach 6. ST5, Stomach 5. If your TMJ continues to produce chronic pain you may want to consider physical therapy by contacting your health care provider.

Red Clover Blossoms

Burdock, Arctium lappa. Asteraceae family. Burdock is a perennial plant with a delicious root that can be harvested in early spring or fall. In the Spring the energy is moving upward as the root becomes alive with new energy. In the Fall, it is best harvested just after the first frost, when the plants energy has gone down into the root. The long and slender roots grow deep into the Earth like large carrots. Burdock root is called Gobo in Japan and is known for its earthy-nutty flavor and is commonly added to stir fry vegetable dishes and soups. It can be roasted and dried for tea. The roots are very nutritive for the body as they contain vitamin C, calcium, biotin, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. All parts of the Burdock plant are edible, the root, stalk, leaf and seeds. The best time to harvest the stalk and leaf are in springtime when the plant is still tender. You can chop the leaves and stems and boil them for 15 minutes and then sautéed them with other vegetables. The leaves are large and heart shaped and can be used to wrap food in for cooking over a fire or grill. Using plant leaves for cooking is as old as time before pots and pans. The name Burdock is from the French word "bourre," meaning entangled wool or burr, and the German word "dock," meaning large leaves. Burr-dock. The seed pod (burrs) on burdock became the inspiration for the invention of Velcro. The energy of burdock root is described in Chinese Medicine, as cooling and soothing to the internal organ systems. It is supportive for people who have heated symptoms like, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver stagnation, ulcers, fever, and more yang/heat. Burdock root is wonderful for cleansing the body. Its diuretic properties stimulate the kidneys to move fluids. It is a blood purifier that helps to remove toxins from the body. Research has shown that Burdock root contains powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. Antioxidants shield the body from cell-damaging free radicals. Burdock root is known to stimulate lymphatic drainage and to support bile production, helping the liver to flush away toxins and hepatic waste. As a detoxifying herb with anti-fungal and antibiotic properties, Burdock relieves skin problems like, acne, eczema, and wounds. Burdock Root contains inulin, a soluble prebiotic fiber that supports digestion and builds healthy gut bacteria. Inulin helps regulate inflammation and remove toxins from the body. Burdock Root is a mucilage herb that soothes and protects the gastric mucosa lining of the throat, stomach and intestines. Burdock root is a powerful plant ally! As an invasive weed it is usually abundant for harvesting. The whole plant gives us food and medicine.

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