7 Herbs for Mom's and Kids

Red Clover

                 I am a mother, and momma of 5 children. Each of my children has helped me to develop a greater sense of love and connection to the healing plants given to us. Just like every child is different with his or her unique sensibilities, so too are all the herbs. They are like little children with personalities, qualities, and abilities that really makes it hard to favor one over another, but rather to love them all equally, as I do with my own children.
 
                The list of herbs I am about to share, predominantly, are found in my local environment, all but 2 can be gathered by wild crafting methods in my surrounding fields and woods. That is where my story begins. It is in the gathering and talking about herbs with my children, before we even begin to use them for medicine and food.
 
                My boys can identify a lot of plants. They know them by their names and by what each plant can do. I often see my son Abe sitting in the grass eating white clovers. Jay, my youngest, will often come inside smelling of sweet spearmint or sometimes it is the fragrance of onion grass, resembling garlic in its odor. I think I prefer spearmint scented children. Cal, my second oldest knows how to find a piece of plantain and bruise it to take away a sting, or itchy patch on his skin.
 
                Red Clover or Trifolium pratense in Latin, is actually a member of the pea family. Interestingly enough, apart from a few butterflies, bumblebees are the only insect with a long enough nose to reach the nectar which is why in the United States raw red clover honey is readily available. In fact, red clover depends on bees for fertilization. This brings me to an important point, whenever possible, collect your herbs in your neighboring habitat. Herbs, honey and food is more suited for your body when harvested in the locality where you live.
 
                My children will go out to the garden, and the field next to our home and pick the clovers, popping them right into their mouths- eating them raw and right from the earth. I personally prefer to dry them and add them to my herbal teas. What I typically do is make a large pot of tea each morning. In the summer months I love to wake up early while the dew is still on the ground and gather my herbs first thing. Before the children wake, I slowly simmer my red clovers and other herbs, preparing a big pot of tea for everyone before breakfast.
 
                Red clover historically has been used for coughs by the Chinese, and asthma by the Russians, as well as for digestive ailments in Europe. The Native Americans used red clover as a remedy for sore eyes, burns, and as a food source. Modern day practitioners have found red clover to regulate hormones, maintain bone density as well as calcium storage, improve cardiovascular health, and to inhibit cancer cell growth. 1 It is for these many reasons, and the abundance of this herb on our land that I highly value it for my family.
 
                Another highly abundant herb, even more so than red clover, is the lowly plantain, also called ribwort. The name of this plant in Latin is Plantago major. I say plantain is lowly, because plantain is a low growing plant, often mixed in with the typical yard grasses. It is often thought of as a weed, to be eradicated. Herbalists and plant lovers know its value and it is prized for its many useful abilities. I love it because of the plants’ availability and versatility. I use plantain in ointments, salves, juiced, raw, frozen and in dried preparations.
 
                I think plantain was one of the first plants my children learned to identify and use on their own. It grows everywhere in the spring and summer on our property, in the woods, along streams and in meadows throughout Pennsylvania. It is bright green with broad leaves, and a stiff channeled stem that pokes up in the grass. Inevitably as the weather turns warm and clothes are shed for outdoor play, children scrape knees, get stung, or walk through a patch of poison ivy. This little plant is happily growing nearby to be of useful service.
 
                Plantain comes to the rescue and all of my children know how to find the leaves, bruise them with their hands or teeth and rub the green juice on their skin. The powerful herb works immediately. One summer, while I was pregnant with my third or fourth child, I was stung by a wasp right on my protruding belly. It surely stung me! I quickly grabbed a leaf and chewed it a bit, to release the juices, before placing the pulp directly on the sting. In less than a minute the pain was neutralized, and the swelling went right down. It really is a miracle working plant.
 
                Jewelweed is another incredible plant for skin conditions. Impatiens capensis likes wet soil and grows all along our creek. It is most easily recognized by its yellow orange flower and green succulent stems waving in the breeze. This plant is another fast growing, prolific herb, easily harvest and readily available. My favorite method of using the jewelweed plant is to cut the long stems and blend the pieces of stem, leaf and flower in a food processor or blender along with equal parts water. 
 
                 After blending, I strain all the pulp away, squeezing out the extra juices, and save the left over herb water in a quart jar. I will actually freeze some of the liquid in ice cube trays, and reserve about a pint at a time in the refrigerator because the shelf life of this juicy liquid is not very long, hence the freezing method.
 
                When my children get into poison ivy, or develop a summer rash, it is wonderful to pull out frozen jewelweed ice cubes and let them melt over the rashy area. The coolness of the ice, along with the properties in the jewelweed soothe and rebuild the affected skin. My boys also know how to get cotton balls and remove the reserved refrigerated jewelweed and swab their skin just as if they were using some other over-the-counter poison ivy product.
               
                The next herb is a bright sun, shining herb with a pleasant sounding name reflecting its pleasing appearance, and that herb is calendula or Calendula officinalis. Calendula is also called pot marigold, and sometimes poet’s marigold. As the name suggests, this plant has large orange-yellow (gold) flowers that are produced from early summer to late autumn. They are a welcome addition to any garden and like most herbs are very hardy. Interestingly in Europe, during the middle ages the flowers were used to flavor stews, soups and drinks. It has also been named “poor man’s saffron,” and the dried parts were used with rice or chowders in lieu of the more expensive saffron. 2

                My children have helped me collect the flowers by popping off the colorful heads. They usually snap off easily. We will put them in paper bags to dry. I like this method because it is easy and keeps all the herb contained within the bag. I give my kids the job of shaking the bags to help encourage air flow and the drying process.
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                When the flowers are dried, I make a skin ointment with them. I firmly believe in nourishing our skin with only real food ingredients. As an herbalist, I do not use over the counter lotions for this most important, protective organ. Since calendula has properties for soothing irritated or chapped, even cracked skin, sunburn and eczema it makes a great remedy for many skin conditions. I will share my favorite recipe for making Calendula ointment. It has kept my skin looking fresh and it moisturizes rather nicely without leaving a greasy or sticky film behind. I also feel rest assured knowing my children can use it safely on their skin, as it is free of chemicals and additives.

                Dandelion or Taraxacum officinale is another of our family favorites. I think my personal preferred way of enjoying the benefits of dandelion is as a salad. The bitter, but tender greens are best selected before they flower. I enjoy dressing them simply with olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a dash of salt and pepper. Sometimes I do add a splash of maple syrup to the dressing because the greens are rather bitter. During the spring, I will serve dandelion greens even at the breakfast meal.

                Dandelion greens are a very high source of vitamins A, calcium and iron. The bitterness of the leaves comes from compounds in the herb that stimulate the bile flow and aid in digestion. Tea from the leaves can be sipped and acts as a mild diuretic for the system. Since dandelion is high in natural potassium, it does not deplete potassium from the system as do other diuretics. All parts of the dandelion from flower to leaves and roots can be used safely by women and children, including pregnant women. The root is also very beneficial as a liver tonic and digestive aid. 3

                    I could write volumes on this plant. It is right up there in my top 10 favorite herbs. Many people here in the states try to kill dandelions that come up in their yard. In fact when we moved to our 1.5 acre property, there were barely any dandelions in our grass. My neighbor was a little disturbed after the first spring when she saw we were not killing the dandelions as the previous owner had. She told me they would spread everywhere, and rest assured they certainly did! Now, 7 years later, a few dandelions has turned into a dandelion field during spring bloom. It is beautiful to behold the hundreds of yellow tops as they turn into puff balls. The children love to run through them scattering the seeds in the breeze.

                   The next plant is not one we harvest in our local area. I purchase the roots already dried. This herb in native to Europe and western and central Asia. Glycyrrhiza glabra or Licorice root, in its common name is a deliciously sweet herb, often used in combination with bitter herbs for a more pleasing taste. Roman legionnaires chewed the herb’s roots on the battlefield and Napoleon was said to have the same habit during his military exploits, claiming its calming effect on his nerves. I actually give one of my sons licorice root to chew on, as he has a habit of wanting to chew on his nails. It seems to soothe that nervous need, and I know he is benefitting from the properties in the root. 4

                      Licorice is one of the oldest, mildest and most efficient laxatives, very safe and effective for constipated children or for adults with stomach weakness. It softens, lubricates and nourishes the entire alimentary canal. I especially love to combine licorice with other highly beneficial herbs that are quite bitter. Horehound and licorice combine well together to make a superb tea or syrup for coughs, colds and hoarseness. When combined with honey, youngsters will beg to take some of this delightful remedy. 5

                      This prickly plant is one of the best natural sources of digestible iron, as well as being high in calcium, and vitamin A. Nettle, known as Urtica dioica will strengthen and support the entire body. It is used for fatigue, edema, menstrual difficulties, and allergies. It is found easily, but beware, you will want to wear gloves because the leaves have a prickly sting that will form a dermatitis on the skin- hence its other name stinging nettle. 6

                       In the winter I will buy this herb dried from a health food store, but as long as it can be harvested in the warmer months- I collect it in nature. I stay away from roads, or busy industrial areas so that I know the soil is healthy and free of contaminants. If making into a tea from the fresh leaves, I just rinse them off in the sink along with the stem and put them in a big pot to lightly simmer on the stove. I quite enjoy the earthy, slightly astringent taste of nettles with some milk and honey. Sometimes I do add other more flavorful herbs to my tea. Nettles are safe and nutritious for children and for my own children I will make tea and then pour into big glass bottles to cool in the refrigerator. My son Rhys likes to mix a little apple juice and tea together in a cup for a slightly sweetened, wholesome drink during the hot summer days.

                       Nettle is an herb that I recommend for pregnant women. During my last pregnancy I drank copious amounts of nettle tea. It is a top pick for female issues and can be excellent for building up the blood during pregnancy. It may be the best prevention for hemorrhaging when drunk throughout pregnancy. After childbirth, it can remain an excellent tonic to rebuild the body and enrich as well as increase the flow of mother’s milk. My most recent pregnancy and birth was my best experience yet, and I believe it was in part due to my faithfulness to nettle tea each morning.
 
Calendula Ointment
1 oz. dried calendula flowers
3 cups light olive oil
3 tablespoons shaved beeswax
Slow cooker, or crock pot
Jars or other ointment tins (4-5 depending on the size of your jar)
Fill a quart jar with 3 cups olive oil. Add the dried calendula flowers and cover with a lid. Shake the jar to fully coat the flowers in oil. Set this jar on the window sill for 5 days, agitating the jar each day. At the end of the five days strain the oil and put in a slow cooking crock pot. Turn the pot on low and add the beeswax. Keep an eye on the mixture and turn off when all the beeswax has melted. I then use a metal gravel spoon to scoop the melted oil into jars to cool.
 
Cold Nettle Tea
4 cups fresh nettles or 1 cup dried nettle leaf
16 cups warm water
Large pot
A few sprigs of peppermint or spearmint
¼ cup raw honey
 
Fill your pot with 16 cups warm water. Add the nettles and stir. Heat the water on the stove to a low simmer. Stir in the peppermint or spearmint and turn off the heat and cover with a lid. Let the tea sit for 5 minutes. Next, add the raw honey and stir. Continue to let the tea sit for about 10 more minutes or until it reaches room temperature. They you can strain into glass milk jugs and store in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to label. When full chilled, serve as a delicious and nutritious beverage for your children.
 
Red Clover Morning Tea
1 cup fresh red clover blossoms
2 cups dried red clover
2 fresh sprigs of lemon balm
16 cups of water
Large pot
Turbinado sugar to taste
 
Fill your pot with 16 cups warm water. Heat the water on the stove to a boil. Turn off the heat, and remove from the burner. Next, stir in the red clover and lemon balm and cover with a lid. Let the tea sit for 5 minutes. Serve hot in a teapot. Add turbinado sugar to taste.
 
Jewelweed Poison Ivy Remedy
4 cups fresh jewelweed plants (with flowers)
5 cups distilled water
Blender
Quart jar
 
Rinse off freshly picked jewelweed plants and let dry slightly on some paper towels. Put the plants in a blender, ripping them into smaller pieces. Add the water and blend thoroughly. Then strain the jewelweed through a hand strainer. Press the herbs lightly with your hands to squeeze out the extra water. Reserve the water and pour into a quart jar and cover with a lid and label immediately. Put in the refrigerator for use on poison ivy. This will last about 1 week. Best if made fresh weekly, or if you already have poison ivy.
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Dandelion & Garlic Salad
4-6 cups fresh dandelion leaves
2 crushed cloves of garlic
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Pint jar
Salt and pepper to taste
 
Rinse your freshly harvested dandelion leaves, and set aside to dry. You can then make your salad dressing. In a jar crush 2 cloves of garlic, and add the olive oil and vinegar. Stir in the maple syrup. Put a lid on the jar and shake. Place your greens in a salad bowl and pour over the dressing. Add the salt and pepper to taste and stir and serve immediately.
 
Licorice Root Syrup
4 ounces licorice root, cut or powdered
1 quart distilled water
1 ounce dried horehound
1 pound honey
Stir the herb into the water while cold; cover and soak for 2 hours, keep stirring and slowly bring to a boiling point. Simmer for 15 minutes; strain and return to a clean pot. Bring to the boiling point again and stir in the honey and keep stirring until fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Put the syrup in small jelly jars, label and store in the refrigerator. You can administer 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for an adult and ½ tsp. 3 times a day for a child.
 
Plantain Ointment
Slow cooker & spatula
Tea strainer
2 ounces dried plantain leaves
2 cups extra virgin olive oil
½ ounce beeswax
Containers for storage
In a slow cooker pour in your olive oil. Add your plantain leaves and stir. Turn the cooker on very low and turn on for 1 hour. Set your timer so you know when to turn off. Turn off for an hour. Then pour the oil and herb into a jar and set on the window sill for 24 hours. Make sure you have a lid on securely and agitate the jar a few times a day. The next day strain the olive oil from the dried plantain back into the slow cooker. You will want to use the spatula to scoop out all the oil. Add the beeswax to the cooker and turn on low. When the wax has fully melted turn the heat off and wait about 5 minutes before pouring the ointment into containers. I then wait until the ointment is completely cool before putting on the lids. Label and store in a cabinet for later use.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
                 
 
 
 
 
 
1 National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine p.304-305
2 National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine p.74-75
3  Herbal Healing for Women p. 175
4 National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine p. 230-231
5 School of Natural Healing p.355-357
6 Herbal Healing for Women p.30
 
 
               
                

Wild Calendula Flowers

Jewelweed