Homes & Gardens

Mother Earth Healing

Written by Caroline Chaplin Tuesday, 24 August 2010 14:27

MOTHER EARTH HEALING – HERBS

By Michele Slabbert of Green Energy Herbals

We are first seduced by colour. This arouses our curiosity and we investigate the source of the pleasures surrounding us. Then we experiment and test that which inspired us to move forward. We have been tempted and the temptation has won. The earth supplies us with everything we need to enjoy a good life; from sensual pleasure in viewing to the explosion of taste on our tongues. Some sweet, some sour, some bitter and some strong. In combination, life giving.

Over the millions of years of our formation we have been beguiled by the scents of our planet. As we evolved, the necessary survival tools were imbedded into our beings. The need for food and the sometimes negative reactions to this food, in part, gave rise to the art of healing. While combining herbs in our foods is always good news, we do need to supplement this with good old fashioned herbal teas to ensure a healthy life. Before we embark on our self healing journey there are a few basic preparations to be made. The most vital of all in this process is the awakening of the herbs or foods we are using to our own self need. This is created by some simple techniques. It is also meant to slow you down for a while; to allow yourself to see through the perception and deal with the realities of life.

Planting, growing and harvesting using moon gardening has been practised for aeons. It was the moon that was used as an agricultural calendar and over the ages it was noted that plants responded in a more favourable way to certain moon phases than just haphazard planting and harvesting. The lunar calendar progresses through the four elements, each roughly over a 2 day period, within the 29 day period that the moon passes through all her phases. It was then noted which plant performed at peak during that particular moon phase. I have always found that seeds planted at the new moon associated with a particular element, tend to have an outstanding germination rate. Herbs were also harvested during 2 or even 3 moon phases depending on the ailment in question. An advantage of this intimate dialogue with your seeds or plants is the sense of companionship and bonding that takes place between you and the plants. An age old ritual in modern times.

Most herbs should be planted in a water moon, during either the 1st or 2nd quarter. Seeds at the new moon and seedlings by the 1st quarter. There are a few exceptions, namely Sage seedlings, which should be planted or harvested in the 3rd quarter and Viola’s in the 1st quarter. A quick guide to the water signs. Cancer is fruitful, moist, watery and feminine and is the most productive period. Scorpio is also fruitful, moist and watery and is a good time for most vegetables and flowers. Pisces is a watery and feminine period and is the most fertile of all when most crops can be planted or harvested.

While some may have available to them an ample supply of fresh herbs others in the absence of gardens could have pots of fresh herbs in our kitchens. To assist with the elements here is a guide to some more popular herbs. While it is not always possible to be completely in tune with this guide it will give you a good idea of the best times to harvest for self healing.

Water herbs, when the moon is in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces – garlic, parsley, sage, mustard, chives, lemon, red clover, stinging nettle, wormwood, dandelion, yarrow, pansy or violet, clary sage, cleavers, lavender, marjoram, lemon balm, bilberry, hyssop, basil, elder and parsley.

Earth herbs, when the moon is in Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn – comfrey, chamomile, borage, alfalfa, oats, lemon balm, parsley, mustard, burdock, mullein, yarrow, celery, cayenne, rose, thyme, catnip, elder, plantain, rosemary, viola, and mints.

Air herbs, when the moon is in Aquarius, Gemini or Libra – violet, yarrow, mullein, ginger, basil, borage, sage, comfrey, calendula, celery, thyme, oregano, marjoram, fennel, mint, dill, stinging nettle, lemon balm, catnip, elderberry, thyme, St. Johns Wort, horehound, hyssop and lavender.

Fire herbs, when the moon is in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius – dandelion, stinging nettle, horsetail, comfrey, St. Johns Wort, ginger, mustard, red clover, horseradish, thyme, chives, garlic, Melissa, mint, chamomile, oats stinging nettle, valerian, borage, celandine, rosemary, rue, basil and tarragon.

While herbs should be planted in a water moon, harvesting takes place at various stages of the moons cycle. Should you wish to make a cleansing and revitalising tea of dandelion and stinging nettle take note of the elements within these herbs. Dandelion is a fire and water herb, while stinging nettle falls under the influences of fire, air and water. So both herbs could be harvested in either a water or fire moon, but when harvesting under a fire moon it is preferable to do this in a solar water month. Complicated?! It’s just a matter of harvesting our plants at the correct time for drying to ensure we are receiving the most the plant has to offer and if we are really serious about our own personal journeys then should it not be vital that we apply the same rule to our physical and mental being.

To simplify matters here are the elements for the days of the week – Sunday is a Fire Day. Monday is a Water Day. Tuesday is a Fire & Water Day. Wednesday is an Air & Earth Day. Thursday is a Fire & Water Day. Friday is an Earth & Air Day. Saturday is an Earth & Air Day.

If it was that easy to heal we would all be able to heal ourselves. We have distanced ourselves from the planet we live on, forgetting that we are part of the entire creation process. By tuning in to other parts of our solar system we open up our personal pathways, and are able to genuinely meet and greet fellow travellers. Then the healing process becomes part of our everyday lives and not something we deal with only when we feel out of sorts. Ritual tea making is a part of daily life in many cultures. It should be in ours.

Most diaries contain daily information regarding the moon phases and there is also an excellent yearly moon calendar that is available. So starting out is simpler than you think. Work with the herbs you have; and be enticed by others so that they too become part of either your kitchen or in your garden. Here are a few ideas to relieve those niggly coughs and colds that winter drops at our door.

Hyssop should be harvested on or the day after a full moon. This herb is used as a stimulant for coughs and bronchial ailments. The infusion can also be used as a gargle for sore throats or toothache. Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood & promotes circulation, excellent aid for the eyes, hoarseness, lungs, mucous build up, nervous disorders and skin problems. In addition smudging with Hyssop is a cleansing aid for both amethyst and lapis lazuli. Harvest Air or Water Moon phase or Day.
Mullein is a bone, flesh and cartilage builder; aids in healing respiratory ailments, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhoea, sinus congestion; soothing to any inflammation and relieves pain; acts to relieve spasms & clears the lungs. Harvest during an Air Moon phase or Day.
Basil is a good herb for stomach ailments, indigestion and bloating. Basil is a good addition to a herbal cold and flu infusions and can be used to good effect when dealing with throat inflammations. Harvest during an Air or Fire Moon phase or Day.

Melissa or Lemon Balm is a gentle calming herb that treats digestive ailments as well as depression and is also effective in dealing with morning sickness. This lovely herb contains within itself all 4 of the elements so can be harvested just about anytime.

Sage is one of those herbs that assist in relieving colds and flu, but should be avoided by pregnant women as it is one of the herbs used to dry up breast milk. Sage is used to relieve night sweats, period pain and general stomach cramps. Harvest during an Air or Water moon phase or Day.

Yarrow reduces fevers and is a valuable aid when dealing with colds and flu. Adding a little mint to the infusion enhances the fever reducing properties. Yarrow is a diuretic and is used to treat circulatory disorders. It is also used for stomach ailments, menstrual cramps and rheumatic aches.
Harvest on a Water or Earth moon phase or Day.

Sweet Violet is a valuable aid when dealing with respiratory tract infections. It reduces fevers, dries up mucous and eases general aches and pains. Placed in a hanging basket the pretty violet flowers are always a joy to behold. The leaves and flowers are used. Harvest on Water or Earth moon phase or Day.

Rosemary is a stimulating herb used as a tonic in cases of fatigue or over exertion. Rosemary stimulates circulation, relieving feelings of cold caused by poor blood flow. An infusion of rosemary relieves aching joints. Using the essential oil soothes sore muscles and helps ease tension, perfect for stress headaches. Harvest on an Earth or Fire moon phase or Day.

Peppermint is a little medicine chest on its own, relieving ailments such as colds, flu, bloating, indigestion and digestive problems as a whole. A cooled infusion can be used as a pleasant tasting mouthwash. Fresh peppermint hung up in a sickroom is a good guard against spreading infections.
Harvest on either an Earth, Air or Fire moon phase or Day.

Equal quantities of echinacea, peppermint, lemon balm, elder flowers and yarrow are a mix that is highly effective against colds and flu. You can mix these together and store through the winter season.

1 heaped teaspoon of herb to one cup of boiling water. Cover cup and infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, let cool slightly and sip slowly. A pinch of turmeric will aid that sore throat and a little honey and lemon can be added if so desired.

Try a cup of St Johns Wort tea to beat those winter blues. We need the rain. Water shortages worldwide are looming. Let us be thankful for those dull, cold and wet days that replenish the parched earth. This herb is known as the happy herb and can be added to the above mix to relieve mild depression.

There are a variety of herbs to use and while for many it is not easy to follow a moon guide it is still useful to be aware of the elements within each plant. Each of us responds to plants in different ways. It is that particular plant that we are attracted to that should be looked into. By researching our feelings towards that plant or flower we tend ourselves and that is what gardening is all about!

The above is only a guideline for self healing and ailments that persist should be seen to by a qualified practitioner as soon as possible. Herbal infusions should be taken for 2 to 3 days at a time to be effective, but prolonged use of herbs should be avoided.

We have learned to use complicated technology with the greatest of ease. Before writing our minds held it all or it was held in trust for us by those whose training was dedicated towards preserving that which was deemed good for the future and most importantly, for the here and now. Each one of us can preserve a little bit of the ancient as we bravely march forward into a constantly changing world. We have embarked on a fantastic voyage….

Michele Slabbert is an Herbalist, combining African and European traditions together with Flower & Rock Crystal Essences. Hand prepared herbals and a wealth of organic gardening info is found
at www.greenenergyherbals.co.za. Gently healing since 1992.

Contact her on: 021 5723717 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Give away

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Sinus/decongestant mix   Herbal Pain Relief Mix
Indigo Star Elixir – Expansion  Orange Flow Elixir – Nourishing

EMOTIONS, CONSCIOUSNESS, THE MOON AND YOU

Written by Caroline Chaplin Tuesday, 05 January 2010 09:47

EMOTIONS, CONSCIOUSNESS, THE MOON AND YOU
By Michele Slabbert of Green Energy Herbals

As we weave our way through life we face each passing day with a variety of emotions and a sense of constant change. This can be challenging or upsetting, depending on the mood we find ourselves in on any particular day. As we start looking at the bigger picture and place ourselves within the law of the universe, a subtle change descends upon us and before we know it, the necessary change within ourselves has occurred. This is a remarkable fact of life. When we remove the personal identity emotion from whatever it is we are facing and look at the broader scheme of things, we diminish the problem and increase the well being.

Yet it is our emotions that carry us, that ensure compassion, harmony and love. To deny our emotions is in a way denying self. To get carried away with our emotions is draining and self destructive. It is to make our emotions consciousness that is the issue and vital for our continued good health. When we watch a sunrise or sunset and feel the warm glow within, this is the emotion we need to retain and remember when life throws hurdles at us.

The moon affects us in a variety of ways and when we are able to understand how linked we are to this feminine cycle, a whole new arena of understanding blossoms forth creating an endless abundance of uplifting emotions. It’s like linking your nervous system into the cosmic eco system. We are fortunate in having a variety of daily planners that give us the phases of the moon and indeed the particular moon sign dominant for a roughly 2 ½ day period.

To absorb and utilise these energies in the most beneficial way here is a guide to the moon signs and how they influence our lives. By understanding this, you will be able to more fully utilise many of the emotions within you, and learn how to use these energies to achieve your goal and influence those around you by your calmness and glowing personality.

ARIES raises basic identity questions where you can find yourself stripped, knowing yourself as you truly are. This is the time for taking the initiative, activity and enterprise. We tend to be highly driven and assertive, which can lead to muscle spasms and inflammation, so although many new beginnings are now possible, it would be best to explore all the opportunities ahead before seeding that inner garden. This is the time of transformation, of knowing when to act and when to be still. Place bunches of Rosemary in the lounge and drops of oil of Basil should be in the burner.
Aries rules the head and the face. Herbs to use are - basil, catmint, rocket, chives, nettle, wormwood, geranium, cayenne and garlic.
TAURUS brings calm and stability, a time of fertility encouraging strong, slow growth. Take note of your material possessions; this is a good time to discard old baggage and start noticing the endurance of the earth. Bring rocks and wood into the home for grounding experiences. A time for determination and practicality where creativity flows and where we realize our relationships with others and create balance. Hormone imbalance and kidneys should be monitored through this moon phase. Place a bouquet of daisies, thyme, yarrow and rose in the kitchen and rose or geranium oils should be used in your burner. The laws of attraction are forceful in this phase. Taurus rules the neck and throat. Herbs to use are- elder, mint, thyme, elderberry, violet, marshmallow, catnip, rose, violet, vervain, wormwood and yarrow.
GEMINI stimulates our curiosity and interesting ideas abound and is an excellent time for making connections. Explore yourself but don’t plant too many ideas as energies are flowing around like a spinning top. Go with the flow as your nervous system and breathing can be all awhirl. Explore your own versatility, how you express yourself and listen to what you are saying. Prune that which is within you to make way for new growth. Lavender should be spread around the house and oils of lavender and peppermint do well in your burner. Gemini rules the arms, hands, nerves, and thinking power. Herbs to use are - parsley, dill, mint, anise, lavender, marjoram, fennel, oregano, liquorice, valerian and horehound.

CANCER brings to the surface memories and all the emotions that come with this. This is a fertile time when we find it easy to cry, which in turn nourishes the roots of our personal tree of life. A highly creative period, when we become sensitive and tenacious at the same time. The stomach, muscles and over reaction to fertility confronts us during this phase. It is the surfacing of unconscious and unbidden thoughts that can overwhelm us now. Watch your mood; it tends to be that little voice called intuition that is actually whispering to you. White roses should be in the bedroom and oil of chamomile in your burner. Cancer rules the stomach and breasts. Herbs to use are - sage, parsley, chamomile, aloe, evening primrose, lemon balm, bay leaves and agrimony.
LEO is when the inner child seeks attention. On the other side remember that the clown and the prima donna could also be seeking this attention. It is a good time to channel this disruptive energy into creative power. In your inner garden, cultivate and admire, but don’t plant new ideas. Our vitality, authority and power are in the forefront so use this time for conscious movement. Watch your heart and immune system as the vital energies abound all around. Bright cheery marigolds should be around the house and oils of neroli or bergamot do well in the burner. Leo rules the heart and circulation. Herbs to use are - eyebright, St. John's Wort, mistletoe, lemon balm, tarragon, chamomile, sandalwood, frankincense, rosemary, camphor and sunflower.
VIRGO is when we become quite methodical, discriminating and able to offer service to others. We are able to communicate, expressing ourselves with eloquence. We become aware of being able to live a simple and useful life; a time when we can focus on our own healing powers to mend body and soul. This is the time to arrange, shape and tend the growing inner garden. Watch your breathing and your mental state and learn to speak from the heart. In the southern hemisphere it is the time of spring, when those inner seeds can be sown to flourish and nourish. Honeysuckle in the bathroom and marjoram or fennel oil is the best for your burner. Virgo rules the intestines and solar plexus. Herbs to use are – angelica, fennel, dill, licorice caraway, dill, mint, horehound, lavender and marjoram.

LIBRA brings beauty to life; a time for tenderness and romance, when we are aware of our inner connectiveness and the time to tune into the cosmic rhythms. Creativity is running high; it is a time for listening to that inner voice and heeding the guidance that your intuition is now clearly communicating to you. If there is something that you need to let go of, now is the time to act as you are focused enough to make the right choices. Watch the reproductive system – for those who wish for fertility, excess angst could have the opposite effect. Mint, thyme and sage spread around the house bring renewal, while ylang-ylang in the burner adds to that romantic feeling. Libra rules the kidneys. Herbs to use are - burdock, pennyroyal, feverfew, violet, catnip, elderberry, thyme, St John’s wort and lemon balm.
SCORPIO brings intense feelings and desires to the forefront. We tend to delve into our deepest selves with all its shadows, but it is also the time when we can draw on this inner power. For our internal garden we can plant anything and watch it bloom to full strength and glory. We regenerate, become highly resourceful and is the time when we can hold onto secrets. Sexual desire runs high, together with aggressiveness, so watch out for unfulfilled emotions and lustful desires. Chrysanthemums placed in the living area and kitchen brings coherence, while oil of Basil tames the obsessiveness that is sometimes associated with this phase. Scorpio rules the reproductive organs. Herbs to use are - horehound, basil, sage, catnip, coriander, nettle, wormwood or wilde als, elder and garlic.
SAGITTARIUS is all about exploration, aspirations and the understanding of freedom. We are able to rationalise our self belief system and understand our inner ability to grow. Wide range feelings surface so taking a long stroll is very beneficial. Start a new hobby or sport as your readiness to research new ideas is strengthening through this phase. Yet at the same time there is an inner restlessness so watch your eating as the liver can become sluggish and the circulatory system starts to slow down. Balance this out with bunches of carnations at the entrance to your home and add a few drops of jasmine or juniper to your burner to remind you that this is the time also of forgiveness, especially to self. Sagittarius rules the thighs and hips. Herbs to use are - red clover, feverfew, dandelion, sage, basil and borage.
CAPRICORN awakens the strength of the inner wise woman. She shows you how to take old fears and sorrows and turn them into resolve, ambition and discipline. Anything that you plant within your inner garden now will have strong roots that will sustain you as you venture along this growing path. Things in your life that were disorganised can now be conscientiously organised, turning your fears and insecurities into structure and well being. Watch your joints, hair and skin through this phase as soul searching can be a draining and relentless undertaking. Pansies or violets in little growing pots placed in corners and high places together with oils of either camphor or cypress remind us of how much we still need to water the growing inner garden. Capricorn rules the knees, bones, and teeth, hair, skin, joints and body structure. Herbs to use are: Slippery Elm, borage, comfrey, horsetail, mullein, heartsease and wintergreen.
AQUARIUS enables us to detach from old emotional patterns and we begin to see those around us as individuals. This period brings greater understanding of our place and role in the world. Our humanitarian, independent and originality abilities flower through this phase. We tune into the rhythmic pulsation and co-ordination of the universe with ease so don’t sow new ideas, rather allow those that are waiting to flower to bloom. Watch yourself that you don’t get too carried away as you could find it hard to drop back into reality. Roses and varieties of lilies are good all over the home and cedarwood oil in the burner brings some earth grounding to your flights of fancies. Aquarius rules the legs, ankles and blood stream. Herbs to use are - comfrey, rosemary, sage, mint, fennel, wormwood or wilde als, southernwood, thyme, violets and valerian.
PISCES is when distinctions blur and barriers dissolve; a time when your intuition comes to the fore. This is a very fertile period when our ability to grow is unhampered by our inner doubt and when we can believe fully in ourselves and the path we have chosen. It is a phase where forgiveness, selfless love and fulfilment ripen within and gently bend the boundaries of self towards true spirituality. Watch for too much reason; rather allow the pineal gland to open the gates of the imagination. Clivias or roses around the house together with oils of jasmine, hyssop or juniper combine to allow our sensitivity to shine with loving endurance. Pisces rules the feet, fat metabolism and growth hormones. Herbs to use are – lemon balm, mint, basil, hyssop, dandelion, nutmeg, sage, borage and clove.

Take a few minutes each day to establish a you time routine. The New Moon is the time for new beginnings so this is when you should start on the path to becoming a new you. At 1st quarter, the morning before you begin your daily routine, is the beneficial time to reflect; by Full Moon your sense of personal achievement rises to greet you; and at 3rd quarter embrace the evenings in all her glory and become one with yourself.

Whether you are faced with that which is good or dark within you, please remember that everything ultimately moves towards the light. Enjoy every moment of the journey.
Green Energy Herbals,P O Box 37, 7304 Philadelphia, Rep. South Africa. Tel: 021 5723717 web pages: www.greenenergyherbals.co.za

The tale of Three Fieldmice

Written by Caroline Chaplin Monday, 27 April 2009 18:27

We were down at Betty’s Bay on the coast last weekend and the wind was still blowing strongly following a storm. A dead branch rolled across on front of us and there huddled on it were three tiny little fieldmice. You can see two of them on this picture. They are smaller than half the size of my thumb. It looked as though their nest had been destroyed in the storm and they had been blown away. We gently put the dead branch into the shelter of some undergrowth and put down some bread and birdseed but not really with much hope that they would survive. The next day we were amazed to find the mice all still there, and quite active!

Selenite - a crystal for 2009

Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 April 2009 13:19 Written by Caroline Chaplin Sunday, 22 February 2009 12:14

According to Katrina Raphael, author of The Crystalline Transmission, "Selenite is one of the predominant power stones of our time. Selenite serves a unique purpose in activating that aspect of our nature that is true 'spiritual feeling'. "

According to Judy Hall in her book The Crystal Bible, Selenite is "An Ancient stone, nevertheless one of the most powerful crystals for the new vibrations on earth."

Selenite is a variety of Gypsum and is formed through the evaporation of salt water from ancient seas. Its essence as salt resonates with our own salt water bodies in the most primal fashion. It resonates with all human beings.

Selenite looks like ice clear or partly cloudy, striated, fine, delicate crystals. It is extremely soft as a salt crystal would be and is fragile. In fact you can scratch it with your fingernail. It is found in the sunshine, in the desert and thrives on light. It is not meant to be kept in a box or drawer but is a carrier of light energy. Selenite is usually striated, which means that it has long lines running along the length of the crystal. It acts as nature’s own transceiver, conducting the Light of Spirit. Even thinking negative thoughts or handling it roughly can cause it to splinter or break.

Selenite exists at one of the highest vibrational frequencies in the mineral kingdom. It can be used for conducting healing, for sending protective and loving energy and also for setting a boundary of light purity and peace. Use it to create a grid around your home and to create a quite safe space for meditation and thought. Selenite facilitates clarity of the mind, opening the crown and higher charkas and accessing angelic consciousness and higher guidance. It may be that Selenite holds the memories of ancient mystical writings and it works with rays of white light.

Selenite exists at the doorway between spirit and nature. It is the fiber holding these two worlds in communication with each other and is a receiver for information from the causal plane. It provides its owner with an increased facility to reach these planes and communicate with the higher spiritually evolved beings, masters and teachers who are willing to use Selenite as a means of communication; which is why we have Selenite coming into awareness at this time, as we learn to operate at higher vibrational levels. Until humans were evolved enough to be aware of sensing such high frequencies, Selenite was not seen for what it is, although it has existed forever. That is why you may not have heard of it before.

Selenite brings Light into the subtlest of things manifested. It bends pure white light to manifest things on the earth planes. So it is a catalyst of manifestation for you to work with.

Meditating with Selenite.

Hold the crystal in your hand and ask that you be shown its wisdom and the message it has for you as you allow yourself to settle into a meditation. Envisage the light traveling along the striations of the crystal as it opens its secrets to you and fills you with its clarity and vibrations. Feel yourself connect with the higher vibrations and let them speak to you.

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