Purslane is a succulant creates a great ground spread. It is edible raw or cooked and is chalk full of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Native Americans & Mexicans have both used this succulant as a nutritional treat. Originally it was used as a skin lotion in poultice form, as well as, a decoction to treat worms. Now Purslane is consumed for its essential fatty acids to prevent inflammatory conditions.
It grows all over Portland, so keep you eyes peeled, and don’t be afraid it eat it fresh off the ground!
Castor oil is an oil that once absorbed into the lymphatic system can provide a relief from stomach aches and cramps. It also improves digestion, immunity and liver function. However, don’t use castor oil during any periods of internal bleeding, pregnancy or menstruation.
A common way to incorporate castor oil into you system is via a compress. To create a compress, soak a swatch of cotton fabric in the oil. Squeeze out the excess. Castor oil can stain certain types of fabric, so wrap the flannel in a thicker terry cloth fabric. Place a heating pad or electric blanket over the towel compress. Place on abdomen and hold for ~30 minutes. You can reuse the cotton castor oil compress for several months.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Peoples Food Coop is having a seed swap tomorrow! Growing your own food is not only cost effective, but gives your the opportunity to control the condition of your gardern…no pesticides, safe soil etc…. Seed packets give ample extras so its great to exchange seeds with friends and get a nice variety of crop.
Location: Peoples Food Coop (3029 SE 21st Ave, Portland Oregon 97202)
Time: Wednesday, February 17th 3:30-5:30 (GARDEN PLANNING WORKSHOP TO FOLLOW AT 5:30-7)
Cost: FREE
The Arctos School of Herbal & Botanical Studies is leading a walk through Oaks Bottom this Saturday. The walk will focus on the medicinal properties of local trees & shrubs. Gradey Proctor will be doing the educating and registration is encoraged. Below is Gradey’s description of the walk:
“It’s February and Spring is near, and a good time to work with a few medicinal champions! Take a walk with us through beautiful Oaks Bottom to meet them. We’ll learn to identify medicinal trees and shrubs by their twigs; discussing botany, medicinal uses, and wildcrafting. A few early bloomers might be out, too. Come dressed for the weather. “
Location:Oaks Bottom, North parking lot (SE Milwaukie, 3 blocks south of Holgate.)
Cost: $15-$25, sliding scale. Registration appreciated, but not required.
When: Saturday, February 20th, 10am-1pm
Led by Randy Eady, a board-certified rehabilitation counselor and therapeutic program coordinator, Ancient Walking tuses a holistic approach to improve range of motion in walking, strength, flexibility, and proper movement alignment. The result of years of clinical research by the National Institutes of Health and the Oregon Research Institute, this program offers an easy-to-learn technique focuses on building core muscle strength, body symmetry, and enhancing the integration of the body’s three organic balance centers. Free to attend, but space is limited. RSVP to (503) 244-0726 or email admissions@achs.edu. Monday, February 22, from 11 am-1 pm. American College of Healthcare Sciences, 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland.
Want to know more about Shamanism and find practical ways to apply the Shamanic journey to your life? Well there is a perfect introductory class facilitated by Christophe Leroy & Chris Michels on February 20th. This workshop will help you:
The workshop details are below:
Where: Spirit Feathers …7704 SE 13th Ave…Portland OR
When: Saturday Feb. 20th 1:00 – 3:00
Cost: $25, if you register before the 10th or bring a friend the cost is $20
RSVP: leroycj@gmail.com
See the PDF below for more details.
1. The Ayurvedic Cookbook
My friend who has been studying Ayurvedic cooking for several years enthusiastically recommends this book. I’m excited to look at some of the warm drink recipes. Read excerpts from the book here.
2. Nourishing Traditions
Sally Fallon is perhaps best known for her activism around the benefits of raw milk. However, she also has quite a following of people who treasure this book. Promoting the benefits of whole foods and a paleolithic diet, the book also features some wonderful Kombucha recipes. For a sample chapter on snacking, visit this PDF.
I just found this neat tidbit on curing the sore throat Russian style after waking up this morning with a brillo pad in my throat. The recipe is as follows:
1 TBS Pure Horseradish or Horseradish Root
1 Tsp Honey
1 Tsp Crushed Cloves
1 Cup warm water
Drink slowly and say goodbye to that harsh throat.
For more remedies for a sore throat check out How Stuff Works’ article, “14 Home Remedies for Sore Throats.”
If you missed last week’s Willamette Week article, “Blissed Out”, you can still catch it online for some hot spots of Meditation spots. Get your zen on.
