~OSHA (ligusticum porteri) or “BEAR ROOT” is a mountian perrenial herb relative of the parsley family. With a pleasant spicy celery aroma, it is found in the mountianeous regions Of Alberta & B.C. Osha is commonly used as a medicine by the Apaches & other native american tribes.  According to the white mountain apache elders, they would use it as a snake and insect repellant.  This herb root is an effective medicine used in the curing of common colds, flus, sore throats, cough, sinitis & other side effects of the winter season.  Osha means “Bear root” in native american language.  It is best harvested in the afternoon, as the plants are relished by bears who tend to graze in the mornings.    Osha is also known by the following names:  Love root, Indian root, mountain ginseng, empress of the dark forest, & washia.  It is a wonderful antiviral antibiotic plant and simply…a wonderful name.  Osha is strictly a mountain plant, and it is most commonly found in deep, moist soils rich in organic material. The plant requires partial shade & is widely distributed from British Columbia south into Oregon and Washington, and throughout the Rocky Mountains and the high mountains of New Mexico. It is most common in the upper limits of the subalpine zone, so in the southern part of its range, it grows at elevations from 7,000 feet to 10,000 feet (2100 m to 3000 m), while from Utah, Wyoming, and Montana northwards, it grows as low as 5,000 feet (1500 m).Osha root is a herbal medicine that has been used by various mountain-dwelling North American cultures throughout history. It is now prescribed by herbalists, but it’s not dangerous to self-prescribe it as well. Osha has many uses, and you can find it in tincture or dried form in herb stores across the U.S.    The White Mountain Apache call it ha ‘il chii’ gah.

Take the time once a month to complete a thorough Facial~ 

1. Cleanse, 2. Serum, 3. Steam, 4. Astringe,  5. Claypack, 6. Tone, 7. Moisturize/hydrate. 

Treat your skin  Right naturally. 

Be sure to take a look at our natural skin care advice! in The Coasts ‘Duly noted wedding guide.’

http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/best-face-forward/Content?oid=3148809

Hypericum – St John’s Wort has a soothing and softening effect on the skin. Use direct as a facial oil or include at 10% in your massage blend. May also be blended with fragrance free, low-allergy Moisturizer.

Hypericum for PMS breast tenderness. Gently stroke onto aching breasts, penetrates the nerve endings and relieves pain.

The oil, extracted by macerating the flowers is excellent applied externally for neuralgia and can ease the pain of sciatica. This oil is also soothing for burns since it lowers the temperature of the skin and it is said to heal gastritis and stomach ulcers & effective on Herpes leisons.

Hypericum has anti-inflammatory properties. Helps treat damaged skin, eczema and dermatitis. Hypericum oil benefits oily and angry skins.

St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) has been renowned for its ability to resolve depression and anxiety, and as a treatment for wounds, nerve damage, inflammations and bruises for well over a thousand years.

Today I was working on massage oils. With the cool weather comes dry skin, & what better way to moisturize but with massage oils and creams. They are fast movers right now. Patchouli rub with ylang, ginger and wild orange.

Psoriasis oil with bergamot, chamomile and seabuckthorn. I will have Hypericum oil this week at the market. Wildcrafted Hypericum (St.Johns wort)infused in a rich Jojoba and olive oils. A hint of lavender fields for spirit.