In 2010, I felt led to begin the arduous process of clearing and excavating junk, and leveling out the ground by hand from the landscape around my home. The landscape was a hard, orange clay with absolutely no nutrient value, spotty areas of weeds but no grass, rocky areas laced with poison ivy, and fallen branches from trees. It took about a year to clear the debris, and excavate about a foot deep to start the process of transforming the clay to a workable soil with a compilation of amendments in which specific plant could be planted. Each year for the next 3 years, additional and different types of amendments were added, along with manure, leaves, compost and pine needles creating a rich organic matter. Earthworms and kitchen compost material were added in specific areas to alter the pH. Areas around the front and back yard were prepared in advance for the planned integration, and a smaller area prepped for experimental grafting. Stump grinding, dead root and pest removal services were brought in to make ready.
How It Began
As a child, my interest in herbal alchemy (what I call it) grew into a lifelong hobby in which the research, study, preparation and use of plants, herbs and spices would be used to create tinctures, infusions and poultices. Consulting with local Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctors, herbologists, veterinarians who use TCM, doctoral research studies, TCM farmers and growers, I began researching and studying how herbal teas are used in healing practices for animals and people.
Traditional Chinese Medicine combines various herbs and teas, acupuncture, massage, diet and Qigong to target the origin of disease and implement a holistic method of healing. Studies of Chinese herbal medicines are used for a wide range of medical conditions and have substantially improved the quality of life, and significantly reduced pain levels. Due to a lack of safety and health protocols, contamination with undeclared plant or animal material, drugs, heavy metals, pesticides or ingredients that cause allergic reactions, we were greatly cautioned and advised not to buy the herbal products coming from China due to the major health and safety warnings. Sometimes, the best use of TCM is in moderation with western medicine.
Landscape and Plant Design
My design was to use my yard as the grounds for TCM herbal medicine. Specific plant specimens need specific ingredients in the soil. Planning and organizing the yard to contain only varieties of TCM herbals required long road trips and flying to certain locations to obtain plants, bushes or trees that met distinct criteria for growing a medicinal garden. All plants, trees and bushes in the yard have medicinal purposes – whether from the bark, seeds, leaves, branches or roots. Preparation, research and experimentation began with the end goal to create several products to be used when the supply of medicine decreased substantially, the price became unaffordable or the ingredients used became unattainable due to cost, production, distribution or supply chain disruptions.
Herbal Tea Preparation
Herbal teas are typically made with about 8 oz of fresh water and a tea bag, and steeped for 5-10 minutes depending on the type of tea. Infusions are made with 4 oz of cold water and steeped overnight for a concentrated tea, typically to help with chronic pain. Poultices are like a cold compress. Herbs are crushed and lightly cooked in water to make a pulp which, when cooled is then spread directly onto a wound.
Types of Teas
There are teas to regulate blood pressure and heart disease, mullein to assist with clearer breathing in conditions such as COPD, Westie Lung Disease (for dogs), allergies, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Marshmallow root tea has a thick jelly-like consistency that coats a sore or hoarse throat, and in the right combination can be combined with mullein to create a concoction that both breaks up phlegm, while soothing the throat.
Er Chen Tang and Bee Balm are two teas that expel phlegm in the lungs, combatting cough, vomiting and plugged ears. Wormwood is a silvery mint green plant that is used primarily to clear unremitting fevers, headaches and skin disorders, increase appetite and aids in digestion. Nettle tea is typically used for allergies, inhibits the histamine reaction, decreases inflammation and rhinitis.
A poultice of Lamb’s Ear is the equivalent of placing a band aid on your skin. Or wrapping one leaf of the lamb’s ear around your wound, securing it in place with a rubber band or surgical tape. Lamb’s ear tea is used for colds or throat infections. Both the tea and the poultice can be used as an antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic for stings, gout, joint pain and wounds.
Weight loss, fat loss, digestive aids and diabetes prevention are some of the beneficial uses of Pu-erh tea. The maximum number of 4 8-oz cups per day is recommended by the manufacturer to lose weight. The tea is rich in antioxidants, reduces effects of the sun, and keeps the brain healthy while managing dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Elderberry or Sambucus Nigra/Samdal is the popular variety of plant that comes in many forms: syrups, lozenges, pills, teas, supplements and wine. Most people will take their supplement in the beginning of the day or when they begin to feel the effects of a cold or the flu. It is good for joint and muscle pain, headache, fever, skin conditions, stress and is known to lower blood pressure. It is rich in Vitamin C and fiber. It is a diuretic, so no going overboard.
Don Quai and Raspberry Leaf Tea are two herbal teas that treat premenstrual symptoms, cramps, back pain, bloating, hot flashes, moderates mood swings, relaxes muscles and improves circulation to ease pain and migraines.
Dandelion and licorice root teas are taken when you have overeaten, feel nauseous or bloated. It is sometimes used to eliminate gas. Results are immediate.
Ashwagandha tea is used to eliminate or decrease anxiety in both people and dogs.
Holy Basil is also used to decrease stress, reduce blood sugar and dysentery, and is used in teas as well as poultices as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. It is an anti-inflammatory and can treat a wide range of arthritis and joint pain as seen in fibromyalgia patients.
Migraine cures are questions asked frequently. First, I consume one activated charcoal capsule to eliminate any potential toxins. Then, a drink consisting of 1 Tablespoon of Calm (a powdered magnesium citrate supplement) dissolved in 8 oz of water. A migraine mask or pack of frozen peas on the affected area help too. Then a strict diet while the migraine is occurring: of uncooked spinach or other uncooked leafy greens, cream of rice or grits spiced with 1-2 t. cinnamon, fresh organic meat, olive oil and vinegar, sweet potato, bone broth and a max of ½ cup of black coffee per day. Herbal teas used are Holy Basil, Peppermint and Feverfew. It can’t be stressed enough how just a bit of cinnamon in your beverages and food can help with pain management and chronic inflammation.
Moringa is used extensively in Ayurveda to help with digestion and chronic inflammation. It is also known for helping with diabetes and heart issues.
Other tea preparations will use specific genus and species of trees or bushes, such as - gardenia, tulip, dogwood, pear, magnolia bushes and trees. Do not assume that the magnolia in your yard is appropriate for use in tea. Some species are poisonous to animals and people. A botanist or horticulturalist may be able to help you identify what is in your yard or call your county extension office.
Many types of teas are utilized in various preparation and treatment forms. When doing your own research online, practitioners in the field of TCM can combine their treatment with western medicine doctors who will help you find the beneficial holistic tea for chronic disease, ailment or pain management. Purchasing online from reputable sources is key to ensuring quality ingredients, and consumer safety and health protocols, regulated by a governing agency.
Resources: These were recommended to me by TCM practitioners:
(Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal teas as they may interfere with current conditions or medications.) Source: nccih.nih.gov, webmd.com and www.pathofcha.com
PC: onlyouqj