Lāʻau Lapaʻau | What Is Licorice Root?

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Also, Known As:

  • Chinese Licorice
  • Gan Cao
  • Kan-ts’ao
  • Kuo-lao
  • Licorice
  • Licorice Root
  • Ling-t’ung
  • Liquorice
  • Mei-ts’ao
  • Mi-kan
  • Mi-ts’ao
  • Sweet Licorice
  • Sweet Wood
  • Yasti Madhu

Licorice refers to the roots and rhizome of a variety of plants belonging to the species Glycyrrhiza glabra L. of the family Fabaceae. This is a European species and possesses a sweet yellow wood. There are also Asian species of the plant like Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and others. In the commercially available licorice in the US markets, all these species are included since a significant part of licorice is imported from China and other Asian countries.

licorice root plant
The herb has expectorant and demulcent properties and has been used traditionally in the treatment of common cold and coughs. The medication is commonly called licorice root or Glycyrrhiza and has also been in use as a flavoring agent. Licorice has been popular for long, in many parts of the…

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Daily Words of the Buddha for June 04, 2018

Pāli Word a Day for June 04, 2018 — kasī — ploughing, cultivation of the soil

Upakāro ca yo mitto,
sukhe dukkhe ca yo sakhā,
atthakkhāyī ca yo mitto,
yo ca mittānukampako —
etepi mitte cattāro iti viññāya paṇḍito
sakkaccaṃ payirupāseyya
mātā puttaṃ va orasaṃ.

The friend who is a helpmate,
the friend in happiness and woe,
the friend who gives good counsel,
the friend who sympathises too —
these four as friends the wise behold
and cherish them devotedly
as does a mother her own child.

Dīgha Nikāya 3.265
Everyman’s Ethics: Four Discourses by the Buddha (WH 14), translated by Narada Thera

Spirituality | There is only conditional love, there is nothing called unconditional love.

You said that the love of the mother to the newborn baby is unconditional. In no way, in no way. And it should be apparent. Does the mother love the baby of the neighbor? And, is this not the condi… […]

Source: There is only conditional love, there is nothing called unconditional love.

Lāʻau Lapaʻau | Your Apothecary Cabinet: The Healing Properties Of Herbs

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

There have been lots of pharmaceutical studies to evaluate the active elements present in herbs to discover the reason as well as the manner in which they work. A relatively outmoded method is to classify the herbs by exploring the types of health conditions that they can aid in curing. Identifying the actions of the herbs and the manner in which they may be employed together forms the basis of a comprehensive approach.

For example, in a number of instances, the action of herbs is owing to certain chemical or a blend of chemicals present in them – the sedative herb valerian is a perfect example of this. Alternatively, the action may also be owing to a multifaceted synergetic interaction between the different elements of the herbs. Nevertheless, the best way to comprehend the actions of the herbs is to consider them as characteristics all together and to interpret the chemical…

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Lāʻau Lapaʻau | What Is Elecampane?

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Inula helenium

Also, Known As

  • Elecampane
  • Horseheal
  • Scabwort

Elecampane (botanical name Inula helenium) is a tall, bristly perennial plant that is native to south-eastern Europe and western Asia. This herb, which bears yellow flowers resembling the daisy, has been naturalized in North America and is found growing in abundance in the moist meadows, fields and along the roads in the central and eastern regions of the United States and neighboring Canada. Elecampane belongs to the Asteraceae family and grows up to a height of four to six feet. The herb has a heavy branching stem that emerges from a basal rosette (a circular arrangement of leaves at the base) with leaves that are large, oval-shaped and pointed at the end. The herb bears vivid yellow flower heads during the period between the middle to the end of the summer. The flower heads of elecampane are generally four inches in diameter…

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Daily Tarot | Card of the Day – Queen of Pentacles – Sunday, June 3, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

This Queen is one of my favorite cards in the entire Tarot. She is the embodiment of that nurturing Mom who makes sure, no matter what, that the needs of her loved ones are met. It being Sunday, and all, it is a perfect time to reach out to Mom, if you are so blessed. This can also be you, whether you are male, or female, being that gentle spirit who looks after the wellbeing of others.

The Queen of Pentacles is a very grounded individual, concerning herself with the physical necessities of life, and therein lies her power and her security. She can be the single Mom, raising her children all alone, working three jobs just to get by, or sadly, perhaps even the homeless Mom, who above all else, ensures that those under her care have what they need. She does not need to be a woman of…

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Daily Words of the Buddha for June 03, 2018

Pāli Word a Day for June 03, 2018 — gārava — respect, reverence, respect, esteem; … with respect for, towards… the set of six venerable objects: buddha, dhamma, sangha, sikkhāya (the training), appamāda (the quality of earnestness or diligence), paṭisanthāre (the quality of friendliness, hospitality)

Saṅgāhako mittakaro,
Vadaññū vītamaccharo,
Netā vinetā anunetā,
Tādiso labhate yasaṃ.

Who is hospitable, and friendly,
Liberal and unselfish,
A guide, an instructor, a leader,
Such a one to honour may attain.

Dīgha Nikāya 3.273
Everyman’s Ethics: Four Discourses by the Buddha (WH 14), translated by Narada Thera

Astrology | Over 5 hour Void Moon; Work on your goals with Sun Mercury; Be sensitive to women in crisis

Eliza Bassett's avatarEyes of Heaven

The Venus / Pluto opposition may make fearful people act up / act out due to their lack of personal power. Allow them to pass you by. If they are in your face, make notes about what they are saying. Address it on another day when the energy is not confrontational. Peace to all.

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Lāʻau Lapaʻau | Amazing Benefits of Ashwagandha Root for Women

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an Ayurvedic herb commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. Investigations into the herb’s powerful effects on the body have sparked an explosion of interest, and research has reported the exciting potential for human health, specifically its effects on mental, physical, and emotional health.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha may enhance energy, support aging, and stimulate sex drive. Here are 7 benefits women may experience with ashwagandha.

1. Promotes Graceful Aging

Stress, both metabolic and emotional, dramatically affects aging. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, contributes to muscle loss and weakness, wrinkles, and cognitive impairment. Research has found that ashwagandha improves resistance to stress, possibly decreasing cortisol production. One study of 64 individuals observed a reduction in stress and a significant decrease in cortisol levels in individuals taking ashwagandha compared with placebo.

2. Menopausal Support

Ashwagandha acts on the endocrine system by encouraging hormone balance. A study involving…

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Lāʻau Lapaʻau | Ashwagandha Root Extract Improves Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Patients Taking Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by stressful, repetitive, and intrusive thoughts or obsessions followed by actions or compulsions, is thought to be linked to a defect in the serotonergic system. A common treatment is the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but they are considered only mildly effective, with 40-60% of patients failing to respond. In Ayurvedic herbal medicine, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae) is considered to be a rejuvenating and revitalizing herb. Its roots, which are used to enhance mental and physical health, have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties due to the presence of bioactive glycowithanolides, and the alkaloids withanine and somniferine are used for nervous disorders. Animal studies also have shown it to enhance serotonergic transmission. The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of ashwagandha root extract as an adjunct therapy to treat the…

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Lāʻau Lapaʻau | Scarlett Pimpernel

The Wonky Pot Apothecary's avatarThe Wonky Pot Apothecary

(This flower is no longer used due to its toxicity)

Scarlett Pimpernel

Scarlet Pimpernel

Botanical Name: Anagallis arvensis.

The Genus name Anagallis derives from the Greek word “anagelas”, meaning “to laugh” and probably stems from the notion of the past ages that the herb could boost mood and relieve depression.

Common Names: Red pimpernel, pimpernel, red chickweed, poor man’s weatherglass, bird’s-eye, nonsblom (Norwegian), murajes (Spanish), mouron des champs (French), Acker-Gauchheil (German), nónblóm (Icelandic), puna-alpi (Finnish), rödmire (Swedish), rød arve (Danish).

Family Name: Primulaceae

Habitat: Scarlet pimpernel is most likely native to the Mediterranean region, but has now been introduced to most parts of the world with a temperate climate. It prefers relatively sandy soil and can not tolerate shade very well. The species is spread by agricultural farming and occurs primarily as a weed in farmlands, fields, and gardens. It can also be found growing in fallow land, along…

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Daily Tarot | For June 2, 2018

The changes will be for the better.  The point is, however, that at the time they are happening you might not want them particularly.  It would be best not to take on any rash adventures, for example, love affairs, in a period of time determined by the Hierophant.  Things can change more quickly and unexpectedly than you think.  Try to find your inner stability and connect with it no matter what is happening.  Generally speaking, the Hierophant is a thinker — not so much a reasonable, logical thinker, but rather a carrier of ideas spirit and creativity.  The changes in question are likely to be in your relationships with certain people.  The curiosity and insight of the Hierophant will help you get a deeper insight into what is happening to you, put the important matters related to your relationships in the center and maybe, at a later point, find the answers you have been looking for.

Daily Words of the Buddha for June 02, 2018

Pāli Word a Day for June 02, 2018 — tikkhapañña — keenwitted

Pahūtavitto puriso
sahirañño sabhojano,
eko bhuñjati sādūni —
taṃ parābhavato mukhaṃ.

To have much wealth
and ample gold and food,
but to enjoy one’s luxuries alone —
this is a cause of one’s downfall.

Sutta Nipāta 1.102
Everyman’s Ethics: Four Discourses by the Buddha (WH 14), translated by Narada Thera

Paradigm Shift | 9 Ways to Spot a Fake Guru or Spiritual Teacher 

The old paradigm of life-controlling and mind-manipulating belief systems has left many to finally realize they have been living in an artificial reality created by egotistical people on power trips. This has led to a situation where many are wandering, trying to find their own way in a world without many true leaders. As  […]

Source: 9 Ways to Spot a Fake Guru or Spiritual Teacher ⋆ SHIFT

Astrology | Venus trine Jupiter Neptune, Love luck and soul

Tara Greene www.taratarot.com's avatarTara Greene,Tarot,Astrology,Psychic

June 1st-2nd This is one of the loveliest most flowing, sensitive, spiritual, creative psychic, feelings of oneness aspects a Grand Water Trine.

June is here. Named after Greek Goddess Juno and considered the luckiest month to marry in.

But before we get to that:

Moon and SUN inconjunct in the wee hours

this may make for interesting dreams. Remember the invisible person or event in the dream.

june 1 MERCURY in Gemini TRINES MARS in AQUARIUS in the morning

Put your fleet-footed and helmeted thinking cap on and head for regions unknown. This is a great think tank energy. Creatively sparkling and invigorating Free your mind reboot that old mental programme.

VENUS in Cancer Trine JUPITER in Scorpio @ 7:29 am  PDT/ 10:29 am EDT

Venus in Cancer is the Divine Feminine energy in the sign of Mothering the womb home and unconscious. It speaks of women, in general at…

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Daily Words of the Buddha for June 01, 2018

Pāli Word a Day for June 01, 2018 — asāhasa — absence of violence, peaceableness

Paṇḍito sīlasampanno,
Saṇho ca paṭibhānavā,
Nivātavutti atthaddho,
Tādiso labhate yasaṃ.

Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such a one to honour may attain.

Dīgha Nikāya 3.273
Everyman’s Ethics: Four Discourses by the Buddha (WH 14), translated by Narada Thera

Daily Tarot | For June 1, 2018 – King of Pentacles

Today’s card speaks of business success.  If you don’t own a business, but are considering having one, you can count on this King. He is the most appropriate and successful business partner — a team player, wise, balanced; his moves are always successful.  Well, he may not be observing some of the conventional social norms and may be crossing some emotional boundaries, but everything has its price. If you listen to him carefully, you can derive great benefits from his advice. This King demands obedience and at least on the outside, it’s better not to cross him, because he can help someone rise just as quickly as he can cut him/her off.

If you are an employee, you have a very good chance for promotion, a remuneration increase, or you could use the moment to gain some additional benefits, such as flexible working hours, or a change in certain obligations.  The period is marked by positive stability and people who are conscientious, responsible and virtuous will be rewarded.  Any matters relating to real estate will move forward in your favor, so if you have something along these lines — act.

Communication | Thou shalt not commit logical fallacies

A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning. Logical fallacies are like tricks or illusions of thought, and they’re often very sneakily used by politicians and the media to fool people. Don’t be fooled! This website has been designed to help you identify and call out dodgy logic wherever it may raise its ugly, incoherent head.  […]

Source: Thou shalt not commit logical fallacies

Astrology | Famous Gemini’s. Mercury in Twins 2018

Tara Greene www.taratarot.com's avatarTara Greene,Tarot,Astrology,Psychic

MERCURY is in GEMINI  May 29-June 12

Think Peter Pan light flirty never ending chats; indecision; communication whirlwind monkey mind. FAST-TRACKING roadrunner, angel/devil brain; sales and quick changes.

GEMINI it’s your time to shine

with the Sun in your home sign until June 21st and Mercury Gemini’s ruler now too. This is double lucky for all Gemini’s. 

 So make mental leaps and new acquaintances with your ruling planet at HOME. Features- Sales, short travels, LITE sociability, local community, indecision, monkey mind, upbeat, childlike, charm, non-commitment.

 The communications planet is home from June 6 until June 21 where the planet which protects tricksters, magicians, thieves, merchants and all communications is happiest. Yes, prepare for a whirlwind of words.

In the Tarot the planet Mercury is equated with the very first major card in the deck. Card #1 is the Magician, Magus, the Magic card. Mercury is our magical wand or wands…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Your Apothecary Cabinet: Herbal First Aid Kit…

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Being prepared with my favorite remedies gives me peace of mind on the road or trail, and keeps me from having to search out herbal products in an unfamiliar town — or from having to resort to padding my heels with mullein leaves to ease the agony of a broken blister while on a backpacking trip.

I’ve had plenty of opportunities to put my first-aid kit to use, from treating blisters and bug bites to motion sickness and colds. I choose simple, multipurpose remedies and store them in a small padded nylon lunch box that’s always ready to toss into the car. For backpacking trips, I pare my kit down to arnica gel, echinacea, peppermint and chamomile tea bags, crystallized ginger, insect repellant, a tin of herbal salve, a tiny bottle of lavender essential oil, and an assortment of bandages and moleskin.

With the following herbs and essential oils, you…

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Lāʻau Lāpaʻau | Your Apothecary Cabinet: Common Base Oils

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Vegetable and herbal oil are used in creams, lotions, massage, facial and body oils, gels, and salves.

Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis) and Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca): emollients, can relieve itchiness and dryness.


Arnica (Arnica montana): indicated for bruises, varicose veins, burns, strains and sprains, arthritis, and myalgia.


Avocado (Persea Americana): wonderful oil for regenerative skin care, indicated for dry, itchy, or mature skin, antioxidant, nourishes the skin.


Baobab (Adansonia digitata) and Marula (Scelerocara birrea): emollient, soothes inflamed skin, dry skin, sunburn.


Borage (Borago officinalis) and Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis): excellent regenerative skin care oils, nourishing, indicated for psoriasis, eczema, inflamed and dry skin conditions.


Calendula (Calendula officinalis): anti-inflammatory, wound healing, soothes dry irritated skin, insect bites, cell regenerative.


Coconut (Cocos nucifera): emollient, slightly occlusive to the skin, blend…

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Astrology & Tarot | NISARGADATTA’S MIDPOINT TRANSMISSION

Camelia Elias's avatarTAROFLEXIONS

I like it the best when Zen and nonduality masters come to visit me in dreams. There’s always a lucid transmission that occurs.

I have Nisargadatta’s picture on my antique dresser, leaning either against the Buddha or a crystal ball made by Grimaud in 1972. He sits there for the sole purpose of being worshipped. I give him black coffee every morning. Tobacco too. On occasion I see him as the Emperor of the Tarot and write about him.

nisargadatta

Last night he visited me in a very lucid dream. It went like this:

I’m about to wrap up a class, when I realize that I’m missing a microphone. I decide to go over to the adjacent building to get one. This building turns out to be Columbia University in New York.

Next, I find myself in the philosophy department, catching a glimpse of Nisargadatta being surrounded by philosophers. I feel…

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Daily Words of the Buddha for May 31, 2018

Pāli Word a Day for May 31, 2018 — aññātāvin — one who has complete insight

Maraṇenapi taṃ pahīyati
yaṃ puriso mamidanti maññati.
Etampi viditvā paṇḍito,
na mamattāya
nametha māmako.

At death a person abandons
what one construes as mine.
Realizing this, the wise
shouldn’t incline
to be devoted to mine.

Sutta Nipāta 4.812
Translated from Pāli by Thanissaro Bhikkhu