The Herbarium

Something you may not know about me, is that I am a budding herbalist. When ever something happens around my house my first response is, "I have an herb for that!"

I have high hopes of becoming a master herbalist one day, but right now my family keeps me pretty busy.

So when I learned about the Herbal Academy of New England and their Herbarium membership program, I was over the moon!

The HANE Herbarium is a subscription based website that has an amazing monograph database! Just search the issue you are having or the herb you are wanting to learn more about and there it is! There is so much information, with just this feature, that I see this being an invaluable resource to me.

In addition to the monograph database there is also access to articles, media, podcasts, and videos! This site is perfect for beginning and experience herbalists a like. 

With new content being added monthly, there will always be something more to learn. 

For me, this is really great because it makes it really convenient to learn about different herbs that would be a benefit to my family, on my own schedule. 

Another great feature of the Herbarium is the forum! There is a great community of people all ready to share their knowledge and love of all things herbal. Sometimes being into herbalism and more natural things can leave me feeling a bit lonely. So having access to others who are sharing a similar journey is a really great added bonus! 

I highly recommend the Herbarium membership to anyone who is interested in herbs or herbalism. A yearly membership is only $45 and TOTALLY worth it! Membership also gives you access to ebooks, a 10% discount on HANE classes, and  discount on both Essential Herbal and Natural Herbal magazines! 

Just head on over to the Hebarium to get signed up!

*** Disclaimer: I was given a years subscription to the Herbarium in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are mine, and I would be sharing even if I didn't get it for free! It's just that awesome!***

Homemade infant gas relief

The other night I woke up to my poor baby's screams of gas pain. It was horrible watching him cry and wiggle around in pain.

I tried burping him, bouncing him, rocking him, and even rubbing his tummy. All to no avail.

Finally he let out a hearty burp, passed some wind from the other end, and fell back asleep.

I then began wracking my brain for ways to help him for the future. In the past I've used store bought infant gas drops, but the ingredients leave me feeling rather uncomfortable.

I had heard of fennel being an excellent gas reliever but that isn't an herb I have around much. Then I remembered I had purchased some fennel seeds to make sausage patties! (recipe coming soon)

So the following night when my little guy started to have the same issue I sent my hubby to the kitchen while I rocked and swayed.

After a few minutes he appeared with the liquid gold! Fennel seed tea.

I gave my little guy a bottle with a little of the tea. When he finished it he let out a burp and fell right to sleep! Our prayers had been answered!!!

Now I'm determined  not be with out this tummy calming herb! I'm making a tincture of it to keep on hand for quick fixes, but I will also be sure to have some seeds handy for when sipping on tea might be a preferred option.

For the tea: I recommend about a teaspoon of seeds per cup of water. 

Crush the seeds then steep for about 10 minutes. 

I would then give an older baby maybe a quarter cup of tea. 

For a young baby I would use a dropper and give about a tablespoon.

For the tincture: I recommend making a 2 ounce bottle. 

That mix would be 60% glycerin to 40% water and use up to 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds. 

Place the water, glycerin, and seeds in a a glass jar. 

Seal the jar and place in a large pot filled with water almost to the top of the jar but not covering the jar or touching the lid. 

Then place the pot on the stove to simmer for 2-3 hours. 

Strain out the herbs with a tight-weave cloth (clean old t-shirts are perfect). 

Store in a tincture bottle and give 2-3 drops as needed.

This is a super simple, and quick, way to help alleviate gas in a baby, child, or adult and it's way better for you that most commercial gas relievers!

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor! I'm just a momma passing on what I do for my own family. This is not medical advice.**

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