November at Humboldt Herbals

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Special Sales Days

Dot's Wonder Pet Products are 15% off for the entire year! ~ All Wild Carrot Products are 15% off the month of November ~ Seniors save 10% every Tuesday ~ Receive a five cent credit for each bottle, jar or bag that you bring in to reuse ~ Join our Bulk Herb Club and save 10% on all bulk purchases, all the time!

Saturday, November 5 - Arts Alive! Party
Join us from 6 to 9pm for the amazing wire art of world-renowned multiple award-winning artist Elizabeth Berrien, live acoustic guitar with Todd Krider, organic green tea chocolate truffles, spiced elderberry red wine, Chinese 5-Spice creamed cheese with crackers, and fresh fall apples.  Plus, all candles and candle accessories are 15% off for our Time Change sale this weekend!
 

Sunday, November 6 - Time Change Sale
Daylight Savings time ends, and we get back that lovely hour.  To help you stay light during dark winter evenings, we're offering 15% off all our candles, tea lights and candle accessories, including our beautiful selection of Honey Candles!  

   

Thursday, November 10 - Full Moon
Here's a fun moon story for you:  In 1835 a debt-ridden newspaper, the New York Sun, got a boost from a major hoax. Reporter Robert Locke made up a story of unbelievable proportions, yet people ate it up hook, line, and sinker.  He claimed to have information from a good source that a Sir John Herschel had discovered a civilization on the Moon made up of bat people with yellow skin. Animals and plants, up to 130 species, had also been found. Moon alien fever raged through the general population. A group of ministers even made plans to Christianize their new neighbors! Finally, some Yale scientists traced Locke down and forced him to admit fraud.  Save 25% on our rainbow glasses today for your Full Moon viewing pleasure - they make great stocking stuffers! 

Friday, November 11 - Veteran's Day
This holiday originally was called Armistice Day and was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to Veteran's Day in honor of those who served and died from all wars.  If you're a vet, receive a free ounce of herbal tea of your choice with our thanks! 

Tuesday, November 15 - America Recycles Day
Former President George W. Bush issued a presidential proclamation in 2004 declaring November 15, 2004 as America Recycles Day.  According to the National Recycling Coalition America Recycles Day "is dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products."  Bring in your old Humboldt Herbals herb bags for refills, or bring your own containers from home for our bulk herbs and teas and get a 15% discount on your herbs, plus our usual five cent credit for each container!       

Monday, November 21 - World Hello Day
World Hello Day was created in 1973 by Brian McCormack, a Ph.D. graduate of Arizona State University, and Michael McCormack, a graduate of Harvard University. They continue to promote this global event, which is celebrated virtually all over the world. The objective is to promote world peace, and it's really easy to participate!  Simply say "hello" to at least 10 people today, because peace starts with communication. Currently, 31 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are among the people who have realized World Hello Day's value as an instrument for preserving peace and as an occasion that makes it possible for anyone in the world to contribute to the process of creating peace.  Stop by and say hello to us, and save 20% on our herbal Peace Tea today! 

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving & New Moon (Store is Closed Today)
We wish you a Happy Day of feeling and expressing gratitude for all your many gifts, and are honored to be able to help you enjoy your life to the fullest!  New Moon energies today make it an especially potent time to set intentions for what you'd like to create in your life with a full and thankful heart (and belly!).

Thanksgiving Trivia:  After the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.       


Friday, November 25 - Santa's Arrival in Old Town                              
Santa, live music, and lots of holiday cheer in Old Town today - Santa arrives at the Old Town Gazebo at 2pm if you'd like to stop by and tell him hello.  We'll be offering the very popular Wildcraft! Herbal Adventure game at 15% off - it's a cooperative board game that teaches you about 25 edible and medicinal plants and their uses in mostly first-aid situations.  Players must work together to "win" the game, which takes you through several eco-systems while you try to get to Grandma's house before nightfall with enough huckleberries for her to make a pie.  Designed for ages 4 and up, it was selected as the Best Natural Toy by Mothering magazine.


Saturday, November 26 - Small Business Saturday
Today's the day when the country comes together to celebrate the Shop Small movement and support small local businesses, like us!  To express our gratitude for your support on Small Business Saturday, receive a $5 Gift Certificate with any purchase over $10!


Monday, November 28 - National French Toast Day
We LOVE French Toast, and we especially love it with our Puddin' Pie Spice Blend ~ an organic blend of allspice, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger ground in small batches at our store. Here's an insanely rich and delicious Baked French Toast Casserole recipe from Paula Deen (we use honey instead of corn syrup for the praline topping) - not for the butter phobic!  Save 20% today on our Puddin' Pie Spice Blend!

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classesNovember Classes at Humboldt Herbals

Enjoy these fun, interactive learning opportunities at Humboldt Herbals.  Drop us a note if there's a particular subject you'd like to see, or if you'd like to teach a class and share your expertise with the community.  Seating is limited and pre-registration is recommended.  Please pre-register by calling us at 442-3541.


Sunday, November 13th, 5:45 - 7:45 pm:  "Grounding & Meditation Workshop" with Candice Brunlinger  ($20)

Are you looking for a class to learn various exercises for reducing stress and bringing a sense of being grounded and relaxed to help you manage one of the most stressful times of the year? We will discuss how plants, herbs and essential oils can be incorporated into meditation and daily life and learn various breathing and Qi Gong exercises for daily practice. As a class we will make an aromatic inhaler or smelling salt blend to take home. Hand-outs with recipes included. You're welcome to bring a meditation pillow, bench, or anything to make you comfortable.
Candice studied herbal medicine through the Northwest School of Botanical Studies and is currently an herbalist at Humboldt Herbals.  She studies Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong with Margy Emerson and practices energetic work in her free time.


Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm:  "Cordial Infusions & Herbal Elixirs"  ($25 - $30 sliding scale)

Join us at Humboldt Herbals for this fun and hands-on workshop.  We will discuss tips and techniques for infusing herbal and fruity cordials with hands on experience of preparing and straining them. Everyone will go home with 3 samples from class including a stress supporting elixir, an elderberry ginger immune supporting elixir and a damiana-kava cordial. With holidays around the corner, cordials and elixirs will make great handmade gifts for family and friends. Handouts and recipes wil be included.


Wednesday, November 30th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm:  "Aromatic Gifts for the Holidays"  ($30)

Are you interested in making your own gifts for the holidays?  Join us at Humboldt Herbals to learn how to make various gifts using herbs, oils, essential oils and salts. As a class we will have hands-on experience making our own salt scrubs, massage oils, aromatic spritzers and body butters with samples to go home. Handouts and recipes included.


Sunday, December 4th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm:  "Holiday Gift Making for Kids"  ($30 - price includes fee for parents)

Parents and kids can join us at Humboldt Herbals for this hands-on and fun class for kids. We will learn how to make various gifts for everyone in your family including lip balms, sugar scrubs, after shave/toners and potpourri bags with samples to go home. Handouts with recipes included.


Monday, December 5th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm:  "Placenta Encapsulation & Prenatal Nutrition with Tina George"  ($15)

Did you know that what you eat during pregnancy programs your baby's health and metabolism for life? We all know that fruits & vegetables & protein are best for baby, but what kinds, how much, and how should you prepare them? Join this interactive circle as we discuss the latest research about prenatal nutrition and placenta medicine encapsulation for postpartum use. For women in all stages of pregnancy, and those comtemplating conception.  Please call 442-3541 to preregister, as class size is limited. For more information, contact Tina George at www.heartoftherose.net.
Tina George is a Certified Massage and CranioSacral therapist, Doula, Birthing From Within Childbirth Educator and herbal student. She specializes in treating women in all stages of life: adolescence and puberty; prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum; menopause; and during times of acute stress, dis-ease and life transformations.


Tuesday, December 6th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm:  "Meet the Midwives: Pregnancy Information Night with the Humboldt Homebirth Alliance"  (FREE!)
 
Pregnant or planning to be?  Interested in midwifery, homebirth, or women's health? Join us for an evening of conversation about topics such as:  Midwifery Care from Preconception through Postpartum, well-woman care in a midwifery practice, planning for your birth and preparing for labor safety in the homebirth setting, etc. We will also watch a birth film and have plenty of time for your questions.
Homebirth Alliance is a group providing personal, family-centric care throughout the childbearing cycle. Visit:  www.californiamidwives.org, then click on "Find a Midwife" for Region 1 to get in touch with a midwife in your area.


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infusionsIncrease Energy & Vitality with Nourishing Herbal Infusions

Susun Weed, herbal elder and teacher of the Wise Woman Tradition, has long preached the benefits of regular use of nourishing herbal infusions.  Unlike herbal tea, which is a small amount of herb brewed for a relatively short time, an infusion is a very large amount of herb brewed for a long time. Teas, though very helpful for a wide range of conditions, don't aid longevity or build health in quite the same way as an infusion.  Herbal infusions are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other phytonutrients. Because they are so concentrated in nutrition, nourishing herbal infusions can literally rebuild the body. Several herbs that provide deep nourishment are listed below, though there are many others. Check with your local herbalist if you have any questions about which herbs are best for your specific needs, and visit Susun Weed's website for more detailed information - she has loads of free information, videos, interactive forums and more.

Nettle rebuilds the adrenals and restores energy.

Oatstraw rebuilds the nerves and blood vessels as well as giving sexual energy a boost.

Red clover rebuilds the immune system, helping to prevent cancer and chronic inflammation.

Comfrey leaf rebuilds the digestive system, the skin, and the connective tissue, restoring flexible health throughout the body.

To receive the maximum benefits, you should drink a quart of nourishing herbal infusion daily, at least 4 days a week.  The effects of nourishing herbal infusions can be seen immediately in restored energy levels, better looking skin, and healthier hair. Habitual use results in deeper changes.

To make an herbal infusion, you will need dried nettle leaf or dried oatstraw or dried red clover blossoms, a scale, two quart canning jars with lids, boiling water, and a strainer. Boil a quart of water. While it is heating, measure out one ounce of dried herb and put it in one of the quart jars. When the water boils, pour it into the jar, filling it to the very top. Using a wooden spoon, stir the herb down into the water. If needed, add a little more water. Cap tightly and let sit. After it has brewed for four hours or overnight, strain the liquid from the herb. Use your hands to squeeze the herb so you get every bit of nourishment. Store the liquid, the infusion, in the refrigerator. Drink it hot or cold, with honey or miso, fruit juice or even, says Susun, a shot of good whiskey.

According to Susun, neither tinctures nor tablets, extracts nor capsules can provide true nourishment. We use infusions, which are water-based solutions, because vitamins and minerals dissolve more readily in water than in alcohol (tinctures) and because you can't fit enough nourishment into a pill or capsule to have a beneficial effect.

It is fun and easy to make infusions. Try making one in the evening before going to bed, and then strain and enjoy the next day. Keep several herb choices handy, and listen to your body when deciding which nourishing plant you want to enjoy next!

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sales
Make-Ahead Herbal Gifts for the Holidays 


We love sharing our favorite holiday gift recipes, and these are great ones to make with your friends! They all need to sit and macerate (steep) for three to six weeks, so start brewing them now for easy, special gifts in December.  Bottle your creation in a pretty bottle, tie a little ribbon or raffia around the neck with a personal message, and that's it! We have lots more recipe ideas at the shop, so stop by or give us a call if we can help you make your holidays herbally delicious ~


Damiana Cordial
Damiana is a gentle mood elevator and aphrodisiac, and this blend makes a fabulous love potion.  A couple of tablespoons of this cordial added to orange juice can really spice up a holiday brunch!
1 ounce damiana leaves
2 cups vodka or brandy
1 1/2 cups springwater
1 cup honey
Vanilla extract or rose water, optional
Soak damiana in vodka or brandy for 5 days.  After 5 days, strain and reserve the liquid in a bottle. Soak the alcohol-drenched leaves in the springwater for 3 days. Strain, reserve water, and compost the damiana. Gently warm the water extract and dissolve the honey into it. Combine both of the extracts (water and alcohol) and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle and let sit 1 month or longer. It definitely gets better with age!  Vanilla extract or rose water may be added for variety.  


Cordial Exotica
2 parts damiana
1 part roses
1/2 part dried orange peel
1/2 part cardamom
1/2 to 1 vanilla bean
1 part muira puama
Soak herbs in vodka or port for 4 to 6 weeks in a mason jar.  Add enough liquid to cover the herbs, plus more to increase the liquid level to two inches above the herbs.  After 6 weeks, strain, and add chocolate syrup to taste before bottling.


Angelica Root Wine
Angelica root was used in liqueurs in the 18th century to help women "warm up."  This "herb of the angels" has a fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous flavor that makes an excellent digestive tonic, helps your liver, breaks up congestion and helps fortify the body against colds and flu.
1/2 cup chopped dried angelica root
1/2 cup honey
1 liter wine, red or white
Steep dried angelica root and honey in wine for 2 weeks, shaking daily, then strain and sip from small glasses or add to hot water as an instant tea.   


10 Treasures Vitality Tonic
A deeply tonifying and tasty formula to increase strength and vitality, build the blood, and enhance the immune system.
2 parts Panax Ginseng root
2 parts Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) root
2 parts Astragalus root
2 parts Codonopsis root
1 part Dong Quai root
1 part cooked Rehmannia root
1 part Jujube red dates
1 part Lycii berries
1 part grated fresh Ginger root
� part Cinnamon chips
Brandy
Place herbs in a wide mouth mason jar and cover with three times as much brandy.  Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 2 weeks.  After two weeks, blend the herbs and brandy in a blender until smooth to help the brandy extract even more medicinal properties.  Return the blend to the jar, cover, and shake daily for 4 more weeks.  Strain through muslin or cheesecloth, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the herbs.  Rebottle the tonic.  When stored in a cool, dark place, it will last indefinitely.  To use:  take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, a few days a week, during the winter season.


Winter Shield Protective Elderberry Elixir
This is a delicious, tried and true elixir to be used whenever lots of people are getting sick around you, or at the first onset of a cold or flu, during the acute phase, and on through the tail of the illness.  For a preventative, take 1 teaspoon per day a few days each week.
5 parts dried elderberries
2 parts rosehips
1 part fresh or frozen blackberries
1 part fresh or frozen raspberries
1 part grated fresh ginger root
1 part sliced fresh organic oranges
brandy
vegetable glycerine
Place fruit and herbs in a wide mouth jar and cover with three times as much brandy and glycerine, using � brandy and � glycerine.  Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 4 weeks.  Strain and rebottle.  To use:  take one teaspoon 1 - 5 times per day, as needed.


Holiday Crimson Cordial
Delicious vitamin-C rich cordial makes a thoughtful holiday gift that helps strengthen immunity and fight off winter ailments.  It's great to start a batch in November and let is steep until just before Christmas.
2 parts hawthorn berries
2 parts rose hips
2 parts fresh or frozen raspberries
1 part lemon balm
1 part Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) root
1 part grated fresh ginger root
1 part sliced fresh organic oranges, seeds and peel intact
brandy
honey or maple syrup
Place all ingredients in a wide mouth glass jar and cover with 3 times as much brandy.  Cap the jar, store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily. After 4 to 8 weeks, strain well, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the steeped herbs.  Rebottle and sweeten lightly with � to � cup honey per quart of cordial.  To use, take a teaspoon to a tablespoon daily, several days a week.


Infused Herbal Oils
Easier that you'd think!  These make great gifts on their own, or you can use them as a base for salves, lip balms and lotions.  We like olive oil for salves, and lighter oils like sweet almond for lip balms and lotions.  Here are some favorite combinations to try:

* Lemongrass and Rosemary:  stimulating and pain-relieving
* Lavender and Vanilla: comforting and calming
* Orange and Chamomile: uplifting and stress relieving
* Patchouli and Ginger:  grounding and warming
* 4 Flower Body Oil:  Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender & Roses in equal parts ~ this is wonderful as a base for salves, creams, lotions and lip balms
* First Aid Oil:  equal parts Comfrey root, Plantain, Calendula, St. John's Wort

To make:  fill a mason jar � full with dried herbs, then slowly pour oil over the herbs to fill the jar.  Put in a cool dark place and shake daily for 3 to 6 weeks - the longer it infuses, the more potent your oil will be.  Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, rebottle and label.


Vanilla Extract
10 vanilla beans
1 liter vodka, brandy or rum
Split vanilla beans lengthwise and add them to the bottle of vodka.  Allow it to infuse in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks up to 6 months.  Strain and rebottle.  Note:  We like to add a piece of vanilla bean to a 2 ounce bottle of extract for a wonderful gift presentation.


Verbena Splash
1 cup lemon verbena leaves
1/2 cup vodka
8 drops lemon verbena
2 tablespoons orange peel
1 cup distilled water
Sterilize a glass container.  Lightly crush verbena leaves and put into container.  Add the vodka and the verbena oil and cover tightly. Infuse for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place, stirring with a glass rod or gently swirling the contents once a week.  Add orange peel for the last 2 days of the infusion period. Strain through a paper coffee filter or muslin cloth. Add distilled water and shake thoroughly. Use within two weeks if not refrigerated, within four weeks if it is refrigerated.


Bay Rum Aftershave
Bay leaf, spices, and Jamaican rum combine to give the bay rum fragrance its distinctive woody, sweet, and spicy scent.
4 ounces vodka
2 bay leaves*, lightly crushed
2 tablespoons Jamaican rum
1 cinnamon stick, whole
1/2 teaspoon allspice, whole
zest from 1 orange
10 drops clove bud essential oil
50 drops bay laurel essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a container such as a bottle or mason jar with a tightly fitting lid. Put the closed container in a dark, cool place (not in the refrigerator) for two to four weeks. This allows the alcohol to extract the essential oils from the bay leaves. After two weeks, strain the mixture through several layers of coffee filters. If necessary, repeat until no residue remains. Put in a nice bottle and splash on face after shaving.
(*If you can't find Pimenta racemosa bay leaves which are traditionally used for Bay Rum, we recommend using our local fresh California bay, Umbellularia californica.)