In this episode of the Transformation Cafe, host Robin Masiewicz and Cafe regular Gloria continue their discussion on herbal remedies. One of the supplements they discuss is Vitex, a "hormonal tonic for women". Extensive clinical studies, as well as over two thousand years of use in folk medicine, have proven the effectiveness of this remedy. It works by stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, is a small brown berry fruit of the chaste tree which is about the size of peppercorns and smells like peppermint. It is sometimes called “the women’s herb.” Vitex nourishes and supports the endocrine system to find its own balance. David Hoffmann, herbalist and author of Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007145411/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0007145411&linkCode=as2&tag=transfcafe-20&linkId=USCDEOSWV7A2NIKO)(http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=transfcafe-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0007145411), says "Vitex will always enable what is appropriate to occur." As with any herbal supplement, we recommend that you consult your health care provider before taking chasteberry or its supplements therapeutically to rule out any potential clash with any other medications that you may be taking. "In every legend, every story, every creation story around the world no matter what it is, whether God created the Earth in seven days or this Darwin evolutionary thing. . . the plants were always here before humans which makes them our teachers and our elders." - Rosemary Gladstar In the video below, herbalist and author Rosemary Gladstar gives a presentation about herbs for depression and anxiety at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR in Topeka, Kansas. Rosemary is the founder of the wonderful Sage Mountain Retreat Center and Native Plant Preserve (http://www.sagemountain.com/) in Vermont, and has been teaching and writing books on herbal medicine for over thirty years. She is also the founder of United Plant Savers (http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/), whose mission is to save native medicinal plants in the U.S. and Canada. In the video below, Rosemary discusses the healing properties, folklore, and uses for Elderberries and Elderflowers. Interestingly the elder branches and leaves are said to be poisonous, but the berries and flowers have healing properties and are safe to consume. Rosemary mentions elderberry jam, elderberry wine, and fritters made from elder flowers. Rosemary said something in this video that I found particularly profound. "Sometimes plants appear where they want to be, where they know they're supposed to be. They just show up. People are not aware that they've had this ancient relationship. We're genetically connected to these plants, and we've been evolving with them for thousands and thousands of years. In fact in every legend, every story, every creation story around the world no matter what it is, whether God created the Earth in seven days or this Darwin evolutionary thing. . . the plants were always here before humans which makes them our teachers and our elders." Resources: If you're interested in growing your own herbs or buying high quality organic bulk herbs, gourmet spices, loose leaf teas, essential oils, herbal extracts, and natural body care ingredients, check out the sites below. Mountain Rose Herbs has a wide selection to choose from. Horizon Herbs: https://www.horizonherbs.com/ (http://www.horizonherbs.com) Mountain Rose Herbs: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ (https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/) Want to learn more about herbal medicine? Check out the California School of Herbal Studies (http://www.cshs.com/index.html), founded by Rosemary Gladstar in 1978. David Hoffmann is currently on the faculty. Books by Rosemary Gladstar
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