Welcome to Our Newsletter!
Issue 30 - January 2012
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What's Happenin' at OWH?
This is our 19th year here on the farm! And, as we move into the New Year, we also move into the light. Each day the daylight hours get longer, and soon we will be feeling the gentle breezes of early spring.
 Most of December was very cold and dry, but the Pacific Northwest didn't let that last long, as we've gotten more rain recently and the ol' farm is saying it's too wet to plow. We are currently making the final repairs to our equipment, ensuring that when the first break in the weather hits, we can hit the ground running....
Just a few weeks ago, we were able to put the final touches on the compost pile. We were delayed due to the very wet October and November, but it worked out really well, because our Calendula fields were still green in December - so we cut off the green tops and used it for our green plant material.
The elk have settled into their winter vacation area. They like it here on the farm, but they do a lot of damage. I think they are waiting for the Valerian to pop its tasty shoots up because they like the calming effects of that herb. They do look pretty peaceful out there.
We've finally decided that it's time to build an elk fence, though. We do love the elk being here, so we won't fence the whole farm, just our specialty crop areas like the Valerian, Astragalus, Goldenseal, Ashwagandha and Ginkgo trees. We will leave plenty of fresh Oats and Clover fields for them to snack on, but they are really big animals and their big feet cause a lot of damage to the plants and soil.
In just a few weeks we'll start to plant our fresh seed from last summers seed harvest in the greenhouse. We will focus on two herbs that do well in the cooler temperatures: Valerian and Astragalus. We'll be mixing potting soil, cleaning up the greenhouses, and firing up the heating systems for the first planting. It seems like we just did that, but since the winter break is over here at OWH, its time to make some medicine.
- Randy Buresh, RN, Co-Owner and Farmer
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Lung Health & Respiratory Support
When it comes to respiratory health, nature has a powerful medicine chest full of lung-supporting herbs. It's important to understand that there is no division between food and medicine - and cooking spices are a very good example of this.
The broad world of spices works as a natural way to improve lung health during the long, cold winter months. For example, a few fresh slices of Ginger in some warm water makes a spicy aromatic tea which will open up your sinuses. Or, to improve the flow of mucous and help the lungs to expectorate phlegm, try Holy Basil tea.
Here are our Top 5 for Supporting Your Lungs: - Don't Smoke or be exposed to second-hand smoke.
- 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day - preferably in fresh, pollution-free air.
- Yoga and yogic breathing is a great way to expand your lung capacity. The inverted poses or "sirsasanas" are particularly beneficial.
- Wear a mask. Be careful around household chemicals such as oven cleaners,and open a window.
- Eat for your health. Boost your intake of foods that are rich in beta-carotene, fish oils and vitamin C and vitamin E.
More on Respiratory Health>
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Remedies and Recipes
Herbal Chest Rub
Joanne Roberts, R&D Oregon's Wild Harvest
 Instead of using a petroleum-based product such as Vicks vapo-rub, try this simple salve recipe for a cheap and natural alternative. With the surge in skin-based medicines such as the birth-control patch, it has become increasingly obvious how much the skin actually absorbs. What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies! More>
Herbal Sinus Pillow
Joanne Roberts, R&D Oregon's Wild Harvest
 Another great homemade remedy for stuffed-up sinuses - all in the comfort of a soft herbal pillow. The essential oils of the recommended herbs will help clear and calm the nasal passages. More>
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