In This Issue
Farm News
For Your Health
Herbs of the Month
Remedies and Recipes
Farm News
Winter Harvest and Farm

With spring just around the corner, we are busy preparing for the next growing season by organizing the greenhouses and installing some new automated sprinkler systems. 

Last summer was our second full growing season using biodynamic farming methods.  We are not yet certified biodynamic as it is a two year process to become certified, but as of June of this year we will be inspected and expect to have our certification in hand by July. We are very excited about this.

We are also tending our compost which is now over 200 feet long and will soon be applied to the soil helping to nourish the new seedlings that will be planted.

Our bees are alive and well, and on sunny days you can see them flying out into the woods to pollinate the trees that are already starting to bloom. We now have ten hives which give us a plentiful supply. We do not use any chemicals in our hives, and yet our bees are extremely healthy and do not need any chemicals to sustain their ecosystem.  We believe that the bees are protected and nourished by the medicinal herbs from which they gather their pollen- just as we are.

Our dedicated crew is looking forward to another productive season here at Oregon's Wild Harvest, and as we always say, "Our harvest is in your hands."
15% OFF!
Monthly Specials
February 2009
Cloves, Organic 90ct.
Dandelion root, Organic 90ct.
Ginkgo, Organic 90ct.
Green Tea, Organic 90ct.
Olive Leaf 90ct.
Olive Leaf Plus 90ct.
St. John's Wort 90ct.
Turmeric 60ct.
Wintertime Support 2oz.
Wormwoood, Organic 90ct.
Additional information>


March 2009
Aller-Aid with Quercetin 90ct.
Ashwagandha, Organic 90ct.
Black Cohosh, Organic 90ct.
Chaste Tree, Organic 90ct.
Fenugreek, Organic 90ct.
Kelp, Organic 90ct.
Maca, Organic 90ct.
Additional products>

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Welcome to Our Newsletter!
February 2009

Welcome to The Herb Patch -- the official newsletter of Oregon's Wild Harvest.  This is the 8th publication of The Herb Patch. 
 
If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, please let us know.  This newsletter is for you, our customer.  Drop us a line with a comment, idea, or question at questions@owharvest.com
 
To your good health,
Randy Buresh
Founder, Oregon's Wild Harvest
For Your Health

Herbal Remedies for a Stressed Out Digestive System

During stressful times, the body increases its production of cortisol and other stress-induced hormones. In the short-term, this is a good idea. Cortisol helps increase physical strength, energy, and cardiovascular abilities.

But while these systems are heightened, the body compensates for the added use of energy by conserving energy in other systems where the demand appears less urgent. Systems which can be slowed or even temporarily shut down include: Digestive system and immue system.

High cortisol levels can also make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Skullcap is often effective in reducing the physical and mental effects of anxiousness and stress.
More details>
 
Herbs and Breastfeeding

It is estimated that about 15% of breastfeeding women in the United States have used herbs for breastfeeding. It is not surprising that this number is so high since both herbal therapy and breastfeeding are becoming more popular. Women are the primary users of herbs and they are once again gaining confidence in nature's pharmacopeia. They are sharing their knowledge because they have witnessed successful results. Women naturally begin to increase their herbal use during pregnancy as they become aware that they can no longer use harmful over-the-counter and prescription medicines. The use of herbal remedies during breastfeeding is a natural progression of their relationship with herbs.
More details>
Herbs of the Month

0031-90 Cloves, OrganicCloves, Organic

The use of cloves is well documented throughout history and across many cultures. This important spice is still valued in Ayurvedic (Indian), Chinese, European and Native American traditional medicine.

The aromatic essential oil that gives this spice its characteristic aroma is eugenol. This natural antioxidant compound has been extensively studied and is found in many medicinal plants.
More details>

 

0031-90Fenugreek, Organic

Fenugreek originates from India and northern Africa and has a long-history of medicinal and culinary use. Medicinal applications of fenugreek were documented in ancient Egypt, where it was used in for embalming mummies.

As an aid to increasing milk flow, Fenugreek has been historically valued across many cultures and eras, from the relatively recent use by the wet nurses in the southern United States to other cultures such as Sudan, Egypt, Iraq, and Argentina. In India, once the child has been born women are encouraged to eat Fenugreek seeds as a food to encourage the healthy flow of milk.
More details>


0031-90Turmeric

Turmeric is a highly regarded spice used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Turmeric, an ingredient in curry, has been used for more than 2000 years as a culinary spice, medicine, cosmetic, and a fabric dye. This important spice was even described in Marco Polo's memoirs. It became popular in Europe during Medieval times for its coloring value and medicinal uses. Traditionally, Turmeric has been used for gastrointestinal health, joint health and overall body energy. Turmeric also plays a role in some Indian religious ceremonies.
More details>

Remedies & Recipes Using Bulk Herbs

Spice it up!

Oregon's Wild Harvest offers a great variety of bulk herbs in ¼ lb and 1lb bags.

There are many ways to increase the quantity and variety of culinary herbs and spices in your diet.  It is very important to buy good quality organic herbs to ensure quality and freshness.

The use of herbs and spices in our foods originated at a time when modern refrigeration was not available and food preservation was critical. Probably our ancestors used these important herbs and spices without realizing that many have properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. Most likely they were used to disguise the flavor of spoiled food, or food that had lost its flavor due to the extensive drying process that helped preserve the shelf life.

Modern knowledge of these ancient culinary spices and herbs we use has shown that they have many health benefits and some are consumed as a medicine as well as in our food. Nature has provided us with many phytochemicals that help maintain a normal inflammation response, and reduce the free radical process.  Many cultures have recognized this for thousands of years and their diets are rich in these health-giving herbs and spices. In comparison our western diet is somewhat bland and we are learning to feed our bodies with our healthy flavorful food rather than rely on a supplement alone.

Here are some recipes for inspiration! Let your imagination lead the way and be mindful of incorporating herbs and spices into your cooking, whenever you can. The following culinary herbs and spices are important in the maintenance of a normal inflammation response:

Turmeric, ginger, onion, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme
We would also like to share with you a tea recipe for a refreshing combination of herbs that are not only tasty, but promote a healthy milk supply in nursing women. These are known as galactagogue herbs.