Birch Betula lenta, B. papyrifera, B. pendula (syn. B. verrucosa), and B. pubescens (syn. B. alba)
Family: Betulaceae
by Josef Brinckmann, Thomas Brendler
INTRODUCTION
The Betulaceae family includes an estimated 150 to 200 species of trees and shrubs,1 and, depending on the author, the Betula genus includes about 30 to 60 of those species. Betula species are deciduous trees or shrubs and are monoecious (they have both male and female catkins, spike-like inflorescences of unisexual flowers). Authorities differ on the precise number of Betula species. This is likely because birches hybridize easily, which confounds species delineation.2
In Europe, the main species used in herbal medicinal products, foods, and beverages are downy birch (B. pubescens) and silver birch (B. pendula), and their hybrids and subspecies. Betula pendula is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to about 25 m (82 ft) and occur more or…
This is the wisdom David and I were gifted with when we came together as One … this gift is from the Ascended Masters and it is our Compass from 2008 to Now. This message defines our 12-year journey. Relevant in 2020, isn’t it?
We hope that this newsletter finds you well. Spring reminds us that even after the darkest winter, life is persistent and resilient, as are we. We hope that the ideas in here will offer a respite from the more stressful events in our lives and provide some ideas to keep you healthy and hopeful.
Events:
OLA Quarterly Members Meeting:
Rescheduled to Saturday, May 16, 2020 (if appropriate)
More details to come
Essential Oil Showcase at the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival,
July 11-12, 2020 in Newberg, Oregon
Mark your calendars! All About Lavender and the Chehalem Cultural Center will host the 2020 Essential Oil Showcase focused on lavender in its many forms. The event provides recognition for small-scale essential oil distillers and growers of the lavender used in distillation and increases public awareness…
“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.”– Mark Twain There are two kinds of people in this world, the ones that see the glass half empty, and the ones that see it half full. Life is not easy for anyone of us, but some people have the skill to focus on the positive sides of it, while […]
From panic planting to cooperative gardens, farmers focused on equity and food justice know that ‘if you can feed yourself, you can free yourself.’ […]
The funny thing about anxiety is that it can come even when you are generally happy. Anxiety symptoms often show up like pressure in your chest, shallow breathing, a racing heart rate, or scattered thoughts. No matter the cause or how it makes you feel, time-tested tools and techniques can restore your inner sense of calm.
What Home Remedies Work for Anxiety?
While it might motivate you to get things done, most people do not want to feel anxious and stressed. It can take a toll on your health, and anxiety comes with higher levels of cortisol — the stress hormone.
Many natural solutions are practical and easy to fit into your life. We’ve gathered the most helpful ways to deal with the anxiety that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.
Eat Healthily
The food you eat has a tremendous impact on how you feel mentally and physically. When you…
Agaricus blazei Murrill is an edible Brazilian mushroom with low-calorie content and high nutrient density. The mushroom, which originates in a small Brazilian village called Piedade, contains minerals, fibers, vitamins, and amino acids.
When you feel the sniffles coming on, what’s your go-to remedy? Do you reach for a refreshing glass of orange juice? Do you listen to your grandma’s advice to eat lots of vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies to help you feel better?
As it turns out, the age-old wisdom to load up on this potent vitamin to get and stay healthy is more than an old wives’ tale. Vitamin C is a proven antioxidant that has many essential functions in the body, including supporting the immune system. But how does vitamin C boost your immune system to keep you healthy? Read on to find out more about what vitamin C can do to help you feel your best.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — is a water-soluble nutrient that is best known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants support the immune system by protecting cells…
We at the Awakening Planet team are proud to present to you, our latest music piece made with an intent to aid you to raise your vibration! Tuned to 432Hz for an epic meditation experience, for a calm & balanced mind!
★ Solfeggio Frequencies ★
Everything vibrates. Thus if this is the case, then everything has its own frequency as well.
Solfeggio frequencies form part of an ancient scale that was rediscovered by Dr. Joseph Puleo in 1974. They are a 6 tone sequence of special electromagnetic frequencies. They were originally used in Gregorian chants many hundreds of years ago, and recently, they were brought back to everybody’s attention for their healing powers.
These frequencies induce movements of consciousness that will help stimulate new changes that are necessary for individuals who would like to achieve awakening. So, if these frequencies are so good, why not many people truly know about them?
Well, as it turns out, the Solfeggio frequencies were lost for many years. In specific, it was back in 1100 CE, when the Catholic Church started to look at music as something to look down upon, as it was considered to be blasphemous. However, it wasn’t all completely lost down the history lane, as similar scales have been produced as time went by.
And even though it’s very difficult to find a peer-reviewed study that will prove or disapprove the use of the Solfeggio frequency as a way of healing or therapy, it has been said that these frequencies have helped many individuals throughout the centuries to undo difficult situations, to change their perspective of things, to turn sadness into happiness, but above all, it has also helped many to reconnect with their own true selves.
The frequencies are the following:
★ 396 Hertz: DO. It is usually related to guilt and fear, and how they can suppress other emotions as well. It is associated with the color red.
★ 417 Hertz: RE. It is usually related to past trauma and negativity and the willingness to change. This frequency can help you to recognize those past traumas that are no longer valuable in your life. It is associated with the color orange.
★ 528 Hertz: MI. It is usually related to DNA, peace of mind and clarity. This frequency will help you heal and remove any sickness you may have. It is associated with the color yellow.
★ 639 Hertz: FA. It is usually related to Interpersonal relationships. This frequency will help you heal those difficult relationships you still have from the past while also reconnecting with those who are valuable in your present. It is associated with the color green.
★ 741 Hertz: SOL. It is usually related to the emotional stability you are looking for. This frequency will help you solve any problems you may have in your life. It is associated with the color blue.
★ 852 Hertz: LA. It is usually related to the views of oneself and the universe. It requires open space in order to allow intuition to come in. It is associated with the color indigo.
★ 963 Hertz: SI. it is usually related to the feeling of oneness. It means awakening and interconnected to the universe. This frequency helps you to reconnect with yourself. It is associated with the color purple.
It is understandable, however, to feel skeptical about the use of the Solfeggio frequencies and its application in real life. However, it is a well-known fact that music has healing properties.
And this isn’t something new either, as ancient civilizations from all areas of the world seemed to use music as therapy, in all of its forms. The greeks used flutes or lyres, the Mesopotamians used the harp, or the Incas used the flutes (or quena as they are traditionally known).
This is why music was also used whenever there was a need to alleviate pains that were caused by indigestion issues. It is quite impressive the value that ancient civilizations would give to the power of music.
How to get the best from the Solfeggio Frequencies?
Choose a Solfeggio frequency track: Perhaps you would like to start at the beginning? It doesn’t matter, as there isn’t a specific order for them to be played…in fact, you can choose to do one if you would like to focus on that specific frequency for the time being. Our favorite is 528 Hz which resonates with the color green and the heart chakra.
You are ready to start: It is advisable to listen to the frequencies regularly, as you will get the best of them by doing so.
Many experiences a shift happening after the first couple of seconds of listening. Be consistent with it to truly raise your vibration to cleanse out old unconscious energy that holds one locked in a fear-based reality.
You’d think a plant with a name as auspicious as this one would be dramatic and imposing. Instead, it camouflages itself on your lawn. But it has been used internally and externally since at least the 2nd century in both China and Europe. Its botanical name, Prunella, derives from the German word Brunella, which comes from dying Braune, meaning quinsy {a throat abscess}, for which it was commonly used in the Middle Ages.
Description:
Self-heal is a creeping perennial that volunteers in moist places like woods, pastures, sub-alpine meadows, and, of course, lawns. It sends up a flexible, branching, the flowering stalk that can reach 1 foot tall, with soft oval or lance-shaped leaves and beautiful pink to blue-violet flowers on spikes.
True to its name, this herb traditionally “heals all,” from simple eyestrain to whole-body inflammation.
How to Make Hand Soap (and Why Thyme Essential Oil is the Perfect Ingredient!)
Before I get into the DIY hand soap recipes, I want to talk about Thyme essential oil, so you’ll know why I’m focusing on it for cleansing skin and supporting health.
(If you want to go directly to the recipes, scroll down to the sub-headline, Thyme Hand Soap Recipes!)
Did you know that Thyme essential oil was used in field hospitals in WWI?
Salvatore Battaglia mentions this in his book, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy.
He gives a quick explanation for how Thyme essential oil was used:
“It was extensively used to medicate gauze and wool for surgical dressings. It resembles carbolic acid in its action, but it is less irritating to wounds and its germicidal action is greater.”
Thyme has been used in similar ways throughout most of recorded history.
Psychoneuroimmunology is a relatively new study on how the mind influences the immune system. There is conclusive research that indicates that our thoughts and feelings have a direct affect on our immune system function. The aim of this article is to breakdown this science into a simple to understand format with practical applications. […]
The Pine tree is easily recognized as the “Christmas Tree,” but it is also commonly cultivated for its wood, which is rich in resin and is thus ideal for use as fuel, as well as for making a pitch, tar, and turpentine, substances that are traditionally used in construction and painting.
In folk tales, the height of the Pine tree has led to its symbolic reputation as a tree that loves the sunlight and is always growing taller in order to catch the beams. This is a belief that is shared throughout many cultures, which also refer to it as “The Master of Light” and “The Torch Tree.” Accordingly, in the region of Corsica, it is burned as a spiritual offering so that it can emit a source of light. In some Native American tribes, the tree is called “The Watchman of the Sky.”
Laurel has a host of therapeutic properties. I like to remember that it’s associated with achievement and victory. So it’s a great helper when it comes to clearing away anything that stands between you and your best—that’s why it’s good for healing so many issues! (That’s how I like to think of it, anyway!)
Stay focused and clear with Laurel.
I especially love using Laurel for decongestion and mental focus. It is the perfect companion when you have a cold or allergies but still have to go to work.
Fermented dandelion stems certainly are not among the more common dandelion recipes. However, fermentation is a way to preserve vegetables while increasing the nutrients in your food. Also, dandelion is a nutritious and delicious wild food.
Play these sounds as your “white noise” and allow the resonant frequencies to naturally rebalance and realign your bodies in healing mode (285Hz)
285Hz Benefits ✔ Heals and Regenerates Tissues. ✔ Restructures damaged organs by sending message to Tissues and bringing them to original form. ✔Influences the energy field around you. ✔ Rapidly heals burns, fracture, sprain, cuts and other injuries. ✔ Enhances the immune system.
Clary sage, also known as Salvia sclarea, is a plant native to the northern Mediterranean Basin. It is widely used for medicinal purposes and as a spice.
Many parts of the clary sage plant can be used, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. In alternative health practices, clary sage essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
In this article, we take a look at the uses and suggested health benefits of clary sage oil. We will also look at whether there is any scientific evidence to back these claims up. We also examine how the oil is used, and what side effects could occur.
Uses for clary sage oil
Clary sage oil may have properties such as antidepressant effects, improved digestion, and stress relief.
Aromatherapists and related alternative health practitioners often use clary sage as an essential oil in their treatments, and supporters believe it has many health…
If you have had the fortune to smell the aroma of peppermint after it has been distilled fresh from the farm, or I should say after the distillation process which takes quite a bit of time. The surrounding area just permeates peppermint for weeks, and the aroma is nothing like the aroma that comes from the essential oil bottles you buy from manufacturers. Trust me, the aroma is quite unique and very strong.
Soothing, cool, and refreshing, peppermint oil smells great and offers many health benefits. Peppermint can ease congestion, support oral health, repel pests, soothe headaches, and even relieve stress. Peppermint oil is a must in your essential oil collection — especially if you like to create chemical-free, do-it-yourself home and healthcare products.
Found in candy canes and peppermint candies at Christmas, or year-round in chewing gum, toothpaste, and soap, its culinary uses are well-known. But, don’t overlook the power of…
The next few posts will be about an herb we grow commercially on our farm in Oregon. I can not bestow enough accolades for the use of peppermint whether it be the plant or the essential oil. We have grown peppermint for over 30 years on 2400 acres, grown commercially and shipped worldwide, it has to be one of the most commonly used oils in the world, but few really know the virtues of peppermint.
I and my daughter are constantly creating uses for this oil, from salves {we created a muscle salve for Hubbie after his farming accident when a water line {wheel} came down on top of him and crushed his spine. If it had not been for our German Shepherd Mountain my husband’s injuries would have been far more severe than what had initially occurred. He would have been stuck in a foot and half of the…
Far, far more than these four, the utilities are endless.
For several centuries, the oil obtained from the peppermint plant has been a vital element of several medications and there are sufficient reasons for this too. Peppermint oil is not only intense but also highly aromatic. In addition to being an established analgesic, carminative, and expectorant, peppermint oil possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and, it is widely used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) problems like indigestion as well as stomach spasms. However, this oil is used in mild doses for these purposes. There is evidence indicating that peppermint oil can also be used for treating irritable bowel syndrome {IBS}.
Generally, peppermint oil has been extensively used in the form of internal medication. However, it also offers a number of cosmetic benefits; for instance, it is especially effective in augmenting the health of our mouth, skin, hair, and nails.
Researchers are struggling to find an effective solution to flatten the curve and prevent the rapid spread of the novel virus that terrified the world. Governments have issued many safety measures, and claim that if we are disciplined, we can dramatically contribute to the combat against the coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently […]
Basil Essential Oil is derived from the leaves of the Ocimum basilicum botanical, better known as the Basil herb. This plant receives its name from the Latin word basilius as well as the Greek word basilikón phutón, which means “royal plant,” hence Basil is also known as the Queen of Herbs or l’herbe royale, meaning “royal herb” in French. It may also be referred to as Saint Joseph’s Wort, Great Basil, European Basil, French Basil, Common Basil, or Sweet Basil.
Several religions and spiritual beliefs practice rituals that emphasize the significance of the use of Basil. In Judaism, traditional stories advocate the use of Basil for increased strength during times of fasting. In various Orthodox churches, Basil is often used to either sprinkle or prepare holy water. As well, pots of the herb are often positioned below church altars to pay reverence to the belief that it was…
What do Earl Gray tea, the confection Turkish Delight, the liqueur Bergamia, eau de cologne, and some air fresheners have in common? The answer is: the essential oil from the bergamot orange, Citrus ×bergamia, The Herb Society of America’s Herb of the Month for March. […]
The Chaga Mushroom is used to make a healing tea and has be used to cure everything from cancer to hypertension; boosting the immune system, raising your bodies ph levels and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system promoting our own bodies ability to heal itself. Chaga is the most powerful antioxidant on Earth making it a very powerful detox flushing toxins, radiation, heavy metals and other free radicals out of your body. […]
Clove oil uses are incredibly impressive, ranging from improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation to helping acne and boosting gum health. One of the best-known clove oil uses is to reduce the pain associated with dental problems. Even mainstream toothpaste makers agree that clove oil reduces the pain and swelling that comes with a toothache.
In addition to being a proven anti-inflammatory and pain reducer, one of the common clove oil uses is as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial to keep countless diseases at bay, which is why it can be such a wise choice for boosting your immune system as well as a powerful addition to homemade cleaning products.
Plant Origin of Clove Oil
Indigenous to Indonesia and Madagascar, clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) can be found in nature as the unopened pink flower buds of the tropical evergreen tree. Picked by hand in late summer and again in winter, the buds…
People are terrified by the fast-spreading virus that has shocked the world and caused the deaths of thousands of people worldwide. The number of infected people is constantly on the rise, and this boosts the need for quarantine. It is far from easy to remain positive when the future looks grim. Yet, scientists have finally […]
Many people grew up with Winnie-the-Pooh, the good-natured bear who was often looking for “hunny” in rotting tree hollows. Renowned mycologist (fungi expert) Paul Stamets, however, maybe the first person to wonder if some bees are drawn to rotting wood partly because of the health benefits that the fungal mycelia can provide as they break down the wood. Mycelia are the vegetative part of a fungus’ life cycle and consist of threadlike tubes called hyphae that spread in every direction.
With researchers at Washington State University (WSU) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Stamets’ hypothesis that fungi can help bees is being validated with extracts of the mycelia of two fungal species: amadou (Fomes fomentarius, Polyporaceae) and reishi (Ganoderma resinaceum, Ganodermataceae). In laboratory and field trials on the Western or European honeybee (Apis mellifera), these extracts significantly reduced levels of viruses…
Chaga mushrooms contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The Chaga mushroom grows on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. It resembles a dark clump of dirt more than a mushroom but is distinguished from other growths by its orange tissue.
Doctors, alternative medicine advocates, and researchers are increasingly interested in the potential health benefits of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). Some studies on Chaga mushrooms have yielded promising results.
Nine potential benefits
In this article, we look at the potential health benefits of Chaga mushrooms and the research behind the claims.
1. Nutrient-dense superfood
Chaga mushrooms are rich in a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including:
Hālau 'Aha Hui Lānākila 