Choke Cherry Season

Choke Cherry Season

Choke Cherry Season has arrived!





ripe colorado choke cherries
I've written about these before, but here's another look. These were staple food crops of indians traveling through and living in th' rocky mountain region, and it's no wonder, they are absolutely fabulous. Of course my family seems to be the only ones we know who think so, but the Kiowa knew, the Cheyenne knew, the Lakota knew. They also made tea from th' twigs and inner bark, and drank it for pleasure and sore throats.






We are grateful to be living at th' base of the foothills, so now we have ripe chokecherries. We can drive up the canyons into th' mountains and find cherries just turning purple, which will be ripe in a few weeks, and cherries just turning red, which will be ripe in a month or so. So that makes our harvest season from mid july-september, and we take full advantage of it, mostly making fruit leather, which we eat almost faster than we can make it. It's delicious. Gives you energy too. Makes you feel like a kid. What grown-ups do you know that get giddy over fruit leather? We do.



Choke cherries turn black long before they ripen, you'll know they're ripe when they strip easily from th' tree, with just th' brush of your hand pulling them down. If it takes force, leave 'em be a while. I just pull my hand gently down th' clusters and all th' ripe ones fall in. Then i'll come back later and try again, or just leave 'em for th' bears and coons. And with our massive fire, there's gonna be some hungry bears this summer and fall.



i picked these in under twenty minutes.
Here they are strained and spread out to dry. I first mash them through a fruit strainer, then take all that's left and put it in a skillet, add a little water and simmer for about ten minutes. This i'll run through th' strainer again and then spread it all out about a quarter of an inch thick and let it dry in th' sun.


choke cherry fruit leather dryin in th' sun
Once it's dry to th' touch i slice it up, let it dry a bit longer, then flip it over. Usually at this point we can no longer resist the urge to eat and by th' time it's dry half of it's gone. But it only needs to be dry to keep it, and we want to eat it. Never the less, some of it does get dry, and we eat fruit leather proper. To read more about it click here

Herbal Remedies For Premature Ejaculation

Herbal Remedies For Premature Ejaculation

 by sumitaThomas

For the many men who suffer from premature ejaculation, herbal remedies are a ray of light. Medically, this condition is also known as rapid ejaculation and is caused by anxiety and low levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin. Although many drugs and creams are presently prescribed for treatment, the use of herbs is a safer and more effective method. This blog looks at some of the widely used herbs for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Natural Treatment Options For Premature Ejaculation

1. Passion Flower

The extracts of this herb have calming and soothing properties that help to reduce stress levels and anxiety. This is most commonly consumed in the form of herbal tea and for which the dry flowers are used. Tablets and liquid extracts are also available and should be used only after getting a go ahead from the doctor.

2. Magnolia Bark

As there is clinical evidence that low levels of serotonin can cause premature ejaculation, many herbs that increase its levels can be taken. Magnolia bark has been used in ancient Chinese medicine to increase the levels of this useful chemical. It has two naturally occurring compounds called honokiol and magnolol, that are responsible for this effect. This is most useful when taken on a daily basis, till signs of improvement are seen.

3. Gingko Biloba

This medicinal herb which has its origins in China, helps by increasing the circulation of oxygen and blood to the penis. Also, it helps to combat depression and elevate mood. However, in individuals who are already using blood thinning drugs, ginkgo's use must be prohibited as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Hence this drug should be used only after getting a doctor's approval.

4. Yohimbe Bark

This is commonly used in Africa for the treatment of anxiety disorders and to lower the levels of stress. It also reduces the levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine that can restrict the blood flow to the penis The extracts are available as tablets and capsules that have been derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. They work by inducing calmness and helping the person to relax. The side effects on overuse are increased blood pressure and irregularity in the heartbeat.

5. Ginseng

This herb is the most popular remedy for erectile dysfunction and is relatively safe when used under medical supervision. It has been proven by many scientific studies to help men who suffer due to this condition. A constituent called ginsenoside present in ginseng helps to improve blood flow to the penis and enhance sexual function. 

6. Maca

This is the root of a vegetable plant that grows abundantly in Peru. Its use has been associated with an improvement in sexual desire and lower levels of depression. Additionally, it also increases the sperm count and protect sperms from damage that occurs due to stress and anxiety.

Herbal remedies can be used as the first line of treatment for premature ejaculation as  their efficacy is proven by many scientific studies, and they are safe when used in the recommended doses. For the millions of men who are suffering from premature ejaculation, herbs should be tried before beginning drug treatment for better results and management of the disorder.

Slippery Elm: Herbal

Slippery Elm: Herbal Remedies

Aptly named, this tree is truly slippery -- but it is also elusive in another way. Once used widely by American settlers, many wild slippery elm trees have succumbed to Dutch elm disease, making the trees less plentiful than they once were.

Fortunately, slippery elms have not been lost forever: You can buy slippery elm products in health food stores. It has many uses, including as a popular herb used in herbal remedies to treat inflammations.
Uses for Slippery Elm

The species name fulva means "tawny" or "pale yellow" and refers to the light color of the pleasant-smelling powdered bark. Added to water, the powdered bark becomes a soothing mucilage. The mucilage moistens and soothes, while the herb's tannins are astringent, making slippery elm ideal to soothe inflammations, reduce swelling, and heal damaged tissues.

Mucilage is the most abundant constituent of slippery elm bark, but the tree also contains starch, sugar, calcium, iodine, bromine, amino acids, and traces of manganese and zinc. Many people eat slippery elm to soothe and nourish the body.

Slippery elm helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, vagina, and esophagus. It is often recommended as a restorative herb for people who suffer from prolonged flu, stomach upset, chronic indigestion, and resulting malnutrition. You can use slippery elm to soothe ulcers and stomach inflammation, irritated intestines, vaginal inflammation, sore throat, coughs, and a hoarse voice.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.


lippery Elm Preparations and Dosage

Slippery Elm can be used in herbal remedies to reduce swelling and heal damaged tissues. Its bark is often made into tea, and its mildness makes it easy to ingest. Below are some ideas on how to prepare and take slippery elm.
Preparations and Dosage

Because slippery elm does not tincture well, its bark is powdered or cut into thin strips for tea. Like all demulcents, the bark is best prepared with a long soak in cold water. The powder is used as a healing food: Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons into juice, pureed fruit, oatmeal, or other foods. You can also mix slippery elm powder with hot water, bananas, and applesauce to prepare an oatmeallike gruel that can soothe an inflamed stomach or ulcer.

The powder can also be used in rectal and vaginal suppositories to soothe inflammation of these tissues. For treating a simple sore throat or cough, try slippery elm lozenges, which you can make yourself or buy in health food stores and some pharmacies.
Precautions and Warnings

None. Slippery elm is considered safe, even for babies, the elderly, and pregnant women.
of Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is usually well tolerated. Whether taking it in tea, as a lozenge or in another form, slippery elm's mild nature makes it a useful herb to treat inflammation and its resulting discomfort.

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies, Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Herbal Remedies In Our Modern Life

Herbal Remedies In Our Modern Life

In the modern world, we canot escape the reality that we are faced with a lot ofsicknesses that are caused by all sorts of reasons.

Probably it is because of the diet we have, the quality of food we eat, the work hoursdemanded by our employer, stress, and even depression.

It is no surprise that people have sought healing from herbal remedies, also known asherbal medicines, to help prevent and combat existing ailments that they may have acquired.



Herbal remedies are known to be the obvioussupplement to conventional medicine treatments that overflow the market today.

It is also a fact that the ingredients of herbal remedies are some of the major ingredients that conventional medicines use today.

Herbal remedies have actually been around for quite some time. Their first recorded use can date back all the way to the ancient times where kings and emperors have utilized such medical wonders to treat ailments and sicknesses during their time.

Today, herbal remedies are used to prevent and treat sicknesses such as skin disorders, asthma,diabetes, digestive problems, and others.

With today’s trends and awareness, people are beginning to use more herbal remedies since they are a natural alternative to using conventional medicines that have more chemical contents rather than natural.

In effect, people are becoming more aware that the medicines that are prescribed for them could somewhat be harmful in the long run due to its effects in the long term.



In addition, conventional medicines being sold in the market today are based on the use of herbal ingredients that have been used for centuries in the days past.

To understand herbal remedies it would be best to know the root ingredients found in these medicines that are actually good for the body.

These herbal remedies contain ingredients that are extracted from natural plants that have been around since the beginning. Here are some of the basic contents of most of the herbal remedies available in the market today.



1. Gingko Biloba

This is a natural plant that is commonly known to combat free radicals in our body. Free radicals are known to be the active molecules that is responsible for the aging process and causes our organs to deteriorate. It is a good antioxidant that can prove to be very useful and healthy for the body.

2. Ginger

This root is widely accepted as a good supplement for the digestive system. It contains properties that help the gastrointestinal system by eliminating unwanted waste through proper circulation on the system.

3. Papaya

The human body, in order to function, needs an ample amount of protein. The papain enzyme found in papayas help break down proteins that have been consumed by the body, and help with its distribution in the system.

Herbal remedies come in different ways the body can absorb them. The most common is when they are packaged in capsule form.

You may purchase them from stores that offer healthy products and other medical supply stores. Before purchasing any herbal remedies, be sure that it is ok for you to consume them by asking your doctor first.