The Essence of Ginger

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

No modern medication can rival the range and variety of therapeutic effects that can be induced by ginger. However, the full awareness of the health benefits and value of the herbal ginger remedies is rather limited because of the monopolistic health-care systems and a historically biased regulatory environment in most countries. Out of the hundreds of species in the plant family Zingiberaceae, the ginger remains the most famous and popular herb. Ginger is a rhizome, according to the correct botanical classification, though the underground stem of the ginger is often mistaken to be a root. Many different varieties of the ginger herb exist in the wild and in cultivation, these varieties range from mild to spicy in taste, and all of them require tropical conditions and fertile soils to grow at an optimal rate. The ginger herb has traveled out from Southeast Asia to the new world, over a period…

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Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Uses

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

From antiseptic mouthwash to natural deodorant, tea tree oil is an essential oil with a multitude of uses and benefits. It tends to be pale yellow or colorless, with an aroma that is similar to eucalyptus or camphor and boasts antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Here’s a deep-dive into all that it can do.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of an evergreen shrub called Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant is native to Australia and used by Aboriginal people for cleaning wounds and other skin problems.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a 100-year history as a natural remedy. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people would crush the leaves to create a paste to apply to the skin. They also made tea from the leaves to soothe a sore throat.

Amazing Antibacterial Properties

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil have been studied since…

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Suggested Herbal Supports for Influenza/Influenza-Like Illness in the Event of a Pandemic | The Science and Art of Herbalism

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Compiled By: Lora Krall, Nurse Herbalist

With the recent incidence of seasonal influenza on the rise and the additional concern of possible coronavirus infections, the need for a list of possible options to support those who may become ill with these respiratory viruses is essential. This list is by no means complete but is designed to offer the herbalist a list of options in order to support those of a specific disadvantage due to (race, socioeconomic conditions, isolation, gender, ethnicity, etc..), in situations of possible limited availability of certain plant preparations and to expand the list of options for those in your care. In the event of a pandemic, herbalists will be KEY supports to our communities. It is wise to be prepared.

Additionally, none of these herbal suggestions are meant to be sole support for someone who is ill. In order for herbs to really support the body, some…

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A Powerful Stimulant For Body And Mind: Sage Oil

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Native to the southern European and Mediterranean regions, the Sage herb was highly valued in both the ancient Greek and Roman societies, which considered it to be sacred. For centuries, it has been believed that Sage had the ability to grant a longer life, and in China, it was traditionally used as a remedy for addressing infertility and symptoms of menopause. According to historical records, in some communities, the Sage herb also had culinary applications and was used as a preservative for foods such as meats. The oil of the Sage herb was also considered to be beneficial for both the mind and the body, hence it was used to quicken the senses by addressing negative emotions, such as sadness, and shifting them into positive moods, such as the sense of courage. It was believed that Sage Oil had a positive influence on the individual’s inner lifeforce, thus it was…

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Rosemary, “Remember Me”

Good Witches Homestead

The Illustrated Herbiary Collectible Box Set: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals; Includes Hardcover Book, Deluxe Oracle Card Set, and Carrying Pouch (Wild Wisdom)

Rosemary is the smell of deja vu and the after-breath of nostalgia. Her gift is the faint scent that teases and vanishes, leaving you longing for something you can’t quite name, with memories that crest and crash, pulling you gasping into their undertow.

In Victorian times Rosemary was said to say, “Remember me.” This is but a small part of her magic. Rosemary can ease remembrance, softening sharp edges, or she can dredge the distant past, pulling on your DNA to bring forward the longings of lineage. Crush the leaves. Hold them to your nose. The past is encoded into our cellular memory. Rosemary whispers, Sink into the knowledge that lives in your bones. Let memory rise up from the body of your being.

rosemary maia toll

Honoring…

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A Natural Antibiotic: Thyme Oil

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

I originally posted this article a few years ago when my husband became extremely ill with MRSA he had contracted from the apartment complex we manage. I feel that with the current situation at hand with the COVID-19 outbreak this post about thyme oil is appropriate.

A Natural Antibiotic: Thyme Oil

Superbugs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus {MRSA} are on the rise and, unfortunately, are becoming resistant to the drugs used to treat them. When faced with a microbial infection, using natural antibacterial agents may not only be more effective but also safe and risk-free.

Apart from using spices like garlic, I recommend you try essential oils derived from herbs like thyme oil. Not only do they have antibacterial properties, but they also provide a number of health benefits. Before I go into thyme oil’s antimicrobial functions, let me share some information on the essential oil.

What Is Thyme Oil?

Oil of…

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Oregano Essential Oil: For Colds and Respiratory System

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Organic Oregano Essential Oil is derived from the Origanum Compactum plant, a species native to Morocco where it is more commonly known as Zaatar – a valued domestic plant with a strong, spicy, tangy aroma and a multiplicity of therapeutic benefits. There are approximately 3 to 4 dozen species of the perennial Oregano herb, which is also sometimes referred to as Wild Marjoram due to its relation to the herb Marjoram. The name Oregano, however, is derived from the Greek term origanon, which means “acrid herb.” When the word is further dissected, the etymology given is that the word compounds the Ancient Greek terms “oros” meaning “mountain” and “ganos” meaning “joy.” When combined, they mean “mountain brightness” or “joy of the mountains.”

Both the herb and the essential oil of Oregano have been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. Greek physicians including Hippocrates and Maimonides prescribed it for…

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Spring Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for the Season of “Wood”

Good Witches Homestead

Classical Chinese Medicine recognizes five steps in the transformation of matter (Yin) into energy (Yang) and energy back into matter. Yin and Yang are primordial forces that together form the basis of everything that exists and their ceaseless transformation from one into the other is what creates and destroys everything around us, including our health. This process of transformation is reflected in the cycles that we see all around us, including the cycle of birth, growth, and death as well as the cycle of the changing seasons.

These five phases correspond with the five seasons: Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season relates to a specific element, specific bodily organs, specific emotions and other factors that are briefly described, in part, in the accompanying infographic. According to this traditional system, each season presents characteristic challenges to our health and psychospiritual well-being and an understanding of seasonal challenges can…

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Lemon Oil; Refresh and Purify

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Lemon Essential Oil is reputed to have powerful anti-microbial activity. It can also boost energy and metabolism, uplift the mood, enhance skin quality, and disinfect surfaces. It can be used in numerous body care products ranging from skin and hair care to emotional care through aromatherapy.

CAUTIONS

Lemon Essential Oil is photosensitive and is not to be applied to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 12 hours.

It is highly recommended that glass bottles be used for all the recipes in this article, as citrus oils break down plastic bottles.

USING LEMON OIL IN A DIFFUSER OR ROOM SPRAY (ELIMINATE GERMS AND REFRESH)

Used in aromatherapy, Lemon Essential Oil can reduce fever and flu while relieving throat infections and coughing. By clearing the nasal passages, it promotes easier breathing for those with respiratory issues or infections. This rejuvenating, clean-smelling essential oil is commonly used to enhance concentration and…

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Lemongrass: A Resourceful Herb and Essential Oil

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Lemongrass {Cymbopogon citratus}

Also, Known As:

Citroengrass
Fever Grass
Lemongrass
Sereh
Te Limon
Zacate Limon

Cymbopogon citratus, generally known as lemongrass, is a resourceful herb, a natural source of aroma, mosquito repellent as well as a plant that is widely used to decorate gardens. Lemongrass belongs to the grass or Poaceae family (formerly known as Gramineae) and has several functions – an effective herb, aromatic or container garden, or as a medication for various conditions. One may find a number of the variety of lemongrass and each of them possessing dissimilar chemical compositions. However, citral is the major chemical ingredient found in all varieties of essential oils of lemongrass.

Lemongrass is native to tropical regions and grows in clusters. The plant has globular stems that eventually become leaf blades. This herb belongs to the herb family which also includes citronella and palmarosa and possesses a lemon essence. When the leaves of the herb are compressed…

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