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." |
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
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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>
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Herbs of the Month
Cloves, 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>
Fenugreek, 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> Turmeric 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.
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