Dear Friends,

Yeah! We made it. It is Springtime in the Northwest. Time to plant new seeds, clean out our closets, and give our bodies and 'oil change.' Oil change you say? Yes, it is time to cleanse our bodies. Oh come on, for one or two weeks you can be good. Your energy will pick up, you might lose some unwanted weight, and you'll feel and look better. Ask yourself this: Is there one food or beverage that I feel the need to have every day? Your answer might be something your body is sensitive or allergic to. For me it's my morning coffee. Try to avoid it for a week and see how you feel.

We have two cleansing kits. Which one is better for you?

Detox-It Kit: One week cleanse. Specific for a person who is often stressed out and tends to hold their stress in the gut, causing constipation or an irregular, irritable bowel. Also good for someone who likes sweets, bread, pasta, and fatty foods.

Fresh Start Kit: Two week cleanse (can also be done in a week). Specific for a person who is fairly regular with elimination but is low in energy, motivation, and lacks physical and mental endurance. Strengthens thyroid and metabolism and promotes healthy weight loss.

For more information click here.

For a thorough 2006 Springtime Cleanse start with the Detox-It Kit and then you are ready for a Fresh Start Kit. Having a clean blood stream, healthy endocrine system, and colon helps to prevent disease. It is much easier to prevent disease than to treat it. Think about it.

The Herbalist visits the Southwest.

I recently took a step back in time and visited Bisbee Arizona, current home of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Michael Moore, my former teacher, and Donna Chesner run the school. Next year the school will be only available online. I took Michael's first program in Clinical Herbology 26 years ago so I felt privileged to be speaking at his final class. Michael will always teach whether through his online school or at herbal conferences—that is what he does—he is a teacher, a great teacher.

I finished up my trip with the Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine. Going to these conferences not only keeps me in touch with that other herbalists are doing and teaching, but also further fulfills my dharma. Practicing dharma is the supreme method for improving human life. Learning more about powerful herbal healing gives me new inspiration and makes me feel so grateful for what I have chosen for my life's work and passion, my dharma.

Be well and happy,
Tierney

Photos from left to right: Tierney's 1980 Clinical Herbology class in Santa Fe at The College of Natural Medicine with her teacher Michael Moore. Flowering cactus from Tierney's desert tour. Tall flowering Ocotillo relieves lymphatic congestion particularly in the pelvic region.

New Herbalist Smoothie & Recipe

Choco-Maca—Bliss out with this Anti-Oxidant rich treat!

Choco-Maca is a delicious combination of organic roasted Cacao powder, organic Maca, organic bananas, almond milk, organic Agave, and organic Cinnamon extract. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is native to Central America and was prized by the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs. The Aztecs even used it as currency. Processing and sweetening cacao makes cocoa, which is used in the manufacturing of chocolate. Cacao is rich in magnesium, sulfur and antioxidants. In fact, Cacao is higher in antioxidants than red wine and green tea. Like green tea, roasted cacao has a small amount of caffeine, but is also rich in theobromine which is known for its relaxing effects. Un-roasted cacao does not contain caffeine. Cacao lifts the spirit, enhances the libido, boosts the immune system and gives you a boost of energy!

Maca is a Peruvian root that has been used as food and medicine for over 4,000 years. This amazing tuber grows at over 14,000 feet in the Andes mountains and is an integral part of Peruvian life. Medicinally, Maca is a tonic for the glandular system, helping such issues as PMS and menopause, adrenal fatigue, fertility and depression. High in protein, and calcium, Maca is considered an adaptogenic herb which means that it will adapt to the needs of your body, applying it’s medicine to where you need it most.

Agave, native to Mexico, is a delicious alternative to sugar or honey. Mostly fructose, its low glycemic index makes Agave a perfect sweetener for diabetics and people watching their caloric intake.Choco-Maca can be made hot or cold! Try it today at The Herbalist or make it yourself at home! (See recipe below)

Choco-Maca Smoothie Recipe6 oz. almond milk
1/2 - frozen banana (peal, slice, and then freeze)
1 - Tbs. cacao powder
1 - Tbs. maca powder
1 - Tbs. agave syrup (or to taste)
2 - Droppers full cinnamon extract or 2 pinches of cinnamon powderMix ingredients in a blender. For a finishing touch: Sprinkle with cinnamon powder.

The Herbalist's Favorite Supplements.

Nettles (Freeze-dried by Eclectic Institute)Current research shows how effective freeze-dried Nettle preparations are in the treatment of spring allergy symptoms. In a study conducted at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon, researchers found that 58% of the 69 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis reported moderate to significant relief from their symptoms. Freeze-dried Nettle leaves are also proving to be effective for many other allergic reactions, such as allergies to dogs and cats, hay fever, and hives. For almost any allergic reaction, Nettle seems to be very effective. One often feels relief in as little as 20 minutes after taking one to three 300mg capsule of the freeze-dried leaves. In the freeze drying of Nettle leaves, the histamine and the formic acid are preserved. It is these ingredients, found in the stinging hairs, which act as an antihistamine, when taken internally. It has no known side effects, unlike many over-the-counter antihistamine preparations. It is safe for both children and adults. In this case, that which stings, brings welcome relief to many allergy sufferers.
Suggested Dosage for acute symptoms: Take 2 to 3 caps at 300 mg each, three to four times daily.
Children's dosage: Empty 1 to 2 caps into smoothie or apple sauce two to three times daily.

Magnesium (The Herbalist)There is a huge magnesium deficiency in this country, partly because our soil that our foods grow in is also depleted in Magnesium. Symptoms of Magnesium deficiency include muscular tension, cramping (menstrual), asthmatic constriction, constipation. Magnesium works as a muscle relaxant. If you are sore from working out, or have strained a muscle or tendon, taking extra Magnesium is useful. I take Magnesium 400 to 600 mgs. at bedtime to help promote a restful sleep and to relax my asthmatic lungs. I also take it for the health of my musculature.
Suggested use: Take 400 to 800 mgs. at bedtime daily. If your stools become too loose cut down on the amount you are taking.

Digest Gold (Enzymedica)This product represents the most potent digestive enzyme blend available. It has been formulated to assist in digesting proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Enzymedica uses an exclusive Thera-blend process for its protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase. Each of these enzymes actually represents multiple strains that are blended to increase potency in varying pH levels.

I have been taking digestive enzymes for years. I carry them with me in my purse in a cute little container. The health of the digestive system and its ability to assimilate nutrients is key to overall health. It also helps with weight management. All you need to take is one capsule with a meal that includes protein and/or starches. If you are just having fruit it is not necessary to take one.
Suggested use: Take one with each meal. If you forget to take it with a meal can take it up to an hour later because the food is still digesting.

This newsletter is for educational purposes only. The theories and formulae presented in this newsletter of The Herbalist's products are opinions expressed by The Herbalist, and as such are not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe, or administer in any manner to any physical ailments. In any matters related to your health, please contact a qualified healthcare practitioner. The Herbalist is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should carefully read all product packaging. All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.