Herb of the Month: Chrysanthemum By: Carla Vargas

Cooling Chrysanthemum is perfect for the long dog days of summer. A part of the Asteraceae family, which famously includes sunflower and Calendula among many others, Chrysanthemum flowers are both pungent and bitter tasting. The bitter characteristic in herbs often helps to clear heat and inflammation from the body. Its cooling properties also make it helpful in the relief of some fevers which is why it can often be found in traditional Chinese formulas for cold and flu.

In addition to its overall cooling action, Chrysanthemum has an affinity for the eyes - said to relieve painful redness and even improve blurriness and spots in the field of vision.

During summers in Tucson, we can benefit simply from enjoying the flower of Chrysanthemum as a sun tea - alone or in combination with other herbs that cool the body and support the heart like hawthorn, rose (the organ associated with this time of year, according to Chinese healing traditions).

Try the recipe below with a squeeze of lime and a touch of local honey for a refreshing respite from the triple digit month of July - OR  - try its variation as a herbal bitters to embellish your summer cocktails or mocktails with a flowery finish.

Summer Soother Sun Tea  

6 grams Chrysanthemum Flowers

3 g Hawthorn flower/leaf

4 grams Lemon Verbena

5 g Damiana flower/leaf

5 g Lavender Blossoms

5 g Chamomile Blossoms

Cover with a gallon of water and set in

direct sun for 2-4 hours. Strain and enjoy!

Refreshing Floral Bitters

* Use the same herbal ratios as above, but instead cover with 5 oz of your favorite vodka. Store in a cool dark place and strain after 3-6 weeks. You can add a touch of sweetness to your bitters if you choose.

This Month's Herb of the Month- Reishi Mushroom by: Megan Blum

Reishi, called "The mushroom of immortality," by the Chinese is and has been the most revered and treasured herbal substance in Asia.  It has maintained that position for at least 2000 years.  The ancient Taoist considered it to be the elixir of life, believing that with its use, one could attain both a long and healthy life and spiritual "immortality" (an enlightened state).  It is believed to help calm the mind, ease tension, strengthen the nerves, strengthen memory, sharpen concentration, improve focus, build will power and as a result, helps build wisdom.  People that use Reishi regularly notices a peacefulness that seems to accompany its us.  It is a cumulative effect; gradually strengthening the nerves and actually changing how we perceive life.  It is non-toxic and safe to take on a daily basis by most everyone and any time of the year

 Preparation:

Take a handful of reishi slices and add to 2 quarts of water.  Simmer on low heat for at least 60 minutes.  

Another method is using a crockpot.  Take two handfuls of reishi slices, add 4 quarts of water.  Simmer on low for up to 72 hours.  Use the tea instead of water for making your coffee every morning!  Use the tea also as a base for any soup broth. 

Bradford's Herb of the Month- BRAHMI

A traditional, therapeutic herb native to India, Brahmi (also known as Bacopa or water hyssop) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine as a memory enhancer, aphrodisiac, and general tonic. It promotes comfort, stress reduction, liver detoxification, is a memory enhancer, strong antioxidant,  and protects against toxic compounds.  It is also particularly great for concentration and is well suited for meditation practice since it balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

TEA RECIPE TO BALANCE EMF

(toxic electromagnetic fields disrupt the body's emf and natural healing processes. Toxic emfs are caused by the rampant use of cell phones, computers, and wireless technologies. This tea is a great blend for our modern world!)

• ¼ teaspoon coriander seed
• ¼ tsp organic rose petals
• 1 pinch Brahmi
• 1 quart spring or purified water

Directions:
Boil the water then add the spices. Cover, turn off heat, and let the spices and herbs steep.for 5-10 minutes.

Drink at room temperature by sipping slowly throughout the day.