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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Medicinal Herbal Foods

by Cheryl Karcher, Clinical Herbalist

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]lants have always been our first, greatest medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that80% of the world’s population still uses herbal medicine as a primary system of healing. In the world of modern medicine, we are encouraged to believe that herbalism is myth and folklore.

In fact, it is partly due to the effectiveness of plant medicine that we humans continue to thrive in the midst of raging disease, famine and warfare.

Effective food medicine often includes wild blueberries, burdock root, dandelion leaves /roots and the following:

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Use flowers. Hibiscus is high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids and is anti-inflammatory. Relaxing to the vascular system. Reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Reduces histamine production so it’s good for seasonal allergies when consumed 4-6 weeks prior to the season with Reishi, licorice and maitake mushroom (also edible) Makes a beautiful red, tart tasting tea.

Rose Hips (Rosa canina & related species) A systemic anti-inflammatory. Rose hips are sour/cool /dry with high anti-oxidant and antibacterial compounds. As an astringent they are effective for diarrhea, IBS and urinary frequency. With high pectin content they are effective in lowering cholesterol. Makes a very tasty jam.

Explore the wonder of natural medicine through Cheryl’s classes and seminars at Valley Integrated Pharmacy. See calendar for upcoming dates and topics.

Cheryl Karcher is on staff at Valley Integrated Pharmacy, Bedminster and The Whole-istic You, Somerville. 908-319-0012, [email protected]. Facebook:Cheryl. karcher.35.

Community
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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