Note: The Specials and prices referenced in this newsletter were applicable only for the time period specified, and are not necessarily currently applicable. To sign up for current email newsletters click to go to our Free Newsletter Signup Page.

The Winged Seed Fall 2002

The Winged Seed

FALL 2002  Volume 3 Issue 2

 

Sage bundles wild and hand-crafted by Michael RoseNew Season Sage Bundles are just in stock!  Wildcrafted and handcrafted by Michael Rose, these sage bundles are a perfect reminder of those Montana or Wyoming mountain prairie camping trips.  Smudge your new digs, or just breathe deeply to savor the aroma of youth.  Click on the image for a larger view, or stop in at the Samara Botane Shop on Queen Anne and take some home.

See us on the Web at:  http://www.wingedseed.com Samara Botane Retail Shop/Wellness Center
1811 Queen Anne Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109  Phone 206.283.7191
Shop Hours:  T-S 11-7, Sun 10-5 (closed Monday)

Shop is closed as of March 17, 2003.  For info:
Email:  samara@wingedseed.com

Healthy Hormones

Balancing Menopause the Natural Way

Chasteberry, Monk's Hood, Vitex agnus-castus

Susun S. Weed says, “Your body knows more about menopause than your doctor does.”

With the recent uproar about untruths proffered by drug companies who produce synthetic HRT and cancelled Hormone Replacement Therapy studies, she could be right. Ms. Weed spent three years talking with more than 10,000 women about menopause, dispelling many myths perpetuated by the medical and pharmaceutical community. She found: 1) most post-menopausal women easily increased bone mass through diet and exercise; 2) many women began noticing menopause-related changes as early as their 30’s; 3) more than half of those she talked with reported a strong sex drive after menopause. A substantial number of menopausal women feel a strong need for time alone and for marking their change with ritual.

Just as there are beneficial herbs and aromatherapy during the rituals of passage in child-bearing years, the same holds true for the years of passage onto the age of the Crone. A recent examination into and ongoing anthology surrounding the essential oil of Vitex agnus-castus (often used as an herb or herbal tincture for promoting hormonal balancing) is proving quite promising.

While Vitex agnus-castus is not the only herb that has proven useful as an aid to reduce the unwanted symptoms of menopause, recent discovery that we can obtain the essential oil through steam distillation has opened the door to look at another plant extract. As an aromatic, this substance brings new ways of introducing it for wellness, via the olfactory system. Other useful flowers, roots and herbs that produce a safe to use essential oil are ginger, cinnamon, orange peel ,dong quai (Angelica sinensis), sage, peppermint valerian root and chamomile. Oftentimes herbal recipes call for sassafras, and an essential oil can be obtained. While it is safe as an herb in teas, the essential oil is not safe for use in aromatherapy.

Please refer to the class calendar for exciting workshops geared to easing the female transitions learning better coping skills for the problems associated with these transitions.

 

Ingredients from Samara Botane to Help With Women’s Health:

Evening Primrose CO2 and Infused Herbal Oil for hormonal balancing
 

Rose petals, chamomile flowers, Lavender buds and Neroli flowers for a relaxing bath or herbal tea
 

Infused Aromatic Body Vinegars, Hydrosols and Rose Geranium lotion for hot flashes
 

Most of the Herbs and essential oils mentioned in this article
 

Color Baths for psychological uplifting, grounding and ritual
 

Samara Botane Saturated Herbal Extracts of Lavender Blessed Thistle, Melissa and Nettle
 

Bulk herbs and blended teas specific to women of all ages

 

Menopausal Toolbox Ideas:

Some of the same symptoms experienced with difficult menstruation are also present during menopause.

Back Pain from Menopausal Tension: When experiencing back pain, use valerian tincture twice a day to help relax muscles and relieve tension. Topically, use a backrub oil made with any good vegetal and a 2% dilution of a combination of equal parts of roman chamomile, valerian and ginger essential oils.

Bloating and Water Retention can be addressed with a mild diuretic tea consisting of 1 part chickweed, 2 parts nettle, 1 part oat straw, 1 part pipsissewa and/or uva ursi and 2 parts cornsilk. Three cups daily of a mild infusion is recommended. A combination of the same saturated extracts can be used. To help your tea or herbal extract work better, make sure that you exercise regularly to the point of breaking a sweat. Alternating hot and cold baths (or in the shower) improve circulation overall, including the adrenals. A good sauna or Jacuzzi, followed by a cold shower is excellent. Drink at least two quarts of water daily, and throw away the salt shaker. Maintain calcium/magnesium levels and sodium/potassium balance with a good supplement, if necessary.

Endrocrine Tonics: The adrenals take on the role of producing estrogen after the ovaries cease to and often need a boost during this transitional time. While we do not have a long-term database for the efficacy of aromatherapy, in order for herbs to be effective they need to be used consistently. We can pretty much ascertain the same for essential oils for this purpose. The following herbs and/or essential oils can be used in a variety of blends to insure long-lasting results for adrenal support and an endocrine tonic effect for hormonal balancing.

Angelica (dong quai or dang gui) sinensis is not as easily obtained in an essential as its counterpart Angelica archangelica , however the latter has long been used for women’s health in N. America and is quite proliferate here as an herb and available as an essential oil. It is a delightful, majestic plant in the garden, and fun to harvest and or distill at home. From the Umbelliferae family, this plant yields useful medicine from its roots, stems, seeds and leaves.

Licorice Glycyrrhiza globra, has been added to herbal teas and tonics for centuries as a sweetener and is of special importance to women in a hormone balancing formula, especially for its ability to help retain sodium and potassium. For this reason, if you suffer high blood pressure, you should monitor your blood pressure and choose an alternative should you see an increase in pressure. It is an excellent herb, however, to normalize and regulate hormone production.

Vitex agnus-castus has a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland, which governs the production of luteinizing hormones and enhances the progesterone cycle. At the same time, it appears to inhibit the release of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) which subsequently normalizes the estrogen cycle. This excellent herb for women’s health is now available as an essential oil and being studied closely by aromatherapists to better understand its use for menopause. (See Class schedule for more information about a workshop with the aromatherapist heading up the collection of data.)

Wild Yam, Dioscorea villosa, D. paniculata, D. mexicana and spp., is valued in both the herbal and scientific communities for hormonal balancing. Though primarily regarded as a progesterone-producing herb, it is a balancing or tonic herb and has been effectively used for PMS, infertility and endometriosis. As a primary liver tonic, wild yam has no known side effects.

Ginger, Zingiber officinale, root is not only deliciously hot and spicy, it warms the whole body system and is especially helpful when there is congestion in the reproductive system. It directs blood to the pelvic area and promotes the relaxing of smooth muscles, thereby relieving cramps and discomfort.

Other women’s herbs such as dandelion, Black and Blue Cohosh, Black Haw, Blessed Thistle, Comfrey, Cramp Bark, False Unicorn, Hops, Lady’s Mantle, Lavender, Motherwort, Mugwort, Stinging Nettle, Pennyroyal, Raspberry leaf, Shepherd’s purse, Squaw vine, and Yarrow will be covered in depth in upcoming classes for 2002-2003 at Samara Botane.

The following herbs and/or essential oils can be used for other related uncomfortable symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and general aches and pains caused by menstrual or menopausal tension.

Roman chamomile, Chamaemellum nobile, is considered one of the safest essential oils and medicinal plants. The ‘soft powers’ of chamomile can assist the nervous and digestive systems and provide well-known anti-inflammatory action. If you suffer from allergies from pollen-bearing plants, you would be wise to explore this oil cautiously.

Valerian, Valeriana officinalis, is one of the most potent herbs for the nervous system, yet it is both safe and effective. Having tonic effects on the heart, it is often recommended with Hawthorne berries for high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Valerian is a antispasmodic herb and has a special affinity for women, as do many of the root herbs and essential oils. Valerian is not a favorite scent (often referred to as ’old socks’, however, one learns to love it when its effects are experienced.

We at Samara Botane welcome the opportunity to assist you with women’s issues using herbs and aromatherapy and we will be focusing on several workshops in this regard.

Return to Top

Be sure to come in and check out the lovely new items for your holiday gifts: Lovely hand-blown amphora necklaces with silver bales, Bathing Rituals sugar silk for luxurious skin care, New 7th Star Comforting Body Wraps & Samara Botane Eye Pillows


When The Sun Goes Away:

Tools to Keep Your Spirit Bright and Cope with S.A.D.


Essential Oils and Herbs That Are Helpful for Winter Blues:

Citrus—

Sweet & Bitter Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Mandarin—Essential Oils for diffusion and dried peel for baths

Conifer—

Black & White Spruce, Silver Fir, Pine, Larch, Cedarwood, Cypress—Essential Oils for diffusion and botanicals for potpourri

Spices—

Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove—Essential Oils for diffusion and herbs for teas

Roots—

Ginger, Valerian, Vetiver—Essential Oils for grounding, warming & restful sleep

Floral—

Rose, Neroli, Lavender, Geranium—Essential Oils for pampering; blossoms for the tub

 

There are many jokes about the lack of sun and prolific rain in Western Washington in the Fall and Winter months. For some, it is no joke. The truth is our total rainfall is the same or less than other parts of the country, however, we do have little direct sunlight during these months with the advent of fog and overcast conditions that prevail. Most of us cope quite well and have no adverse effects, however, some of us experience symptoms that are that are severe enough to disrupt our lives and to cause considerable distress.

Those who suffer from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can be plagued with the following:

Sleep Problems - oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
Overeating - carbohydrate craving leading to overweight
Depression - despair, misery, guilt, anxiety, normal tasks become frustratingly difficult, hopelessness
Family problems - avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
Lethargy - too tired to cope, everything an effort
Physical Symptoms - often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
Behavioral problems - especially in young people

The symptoms tend to start from around mid-September each year, lasting until April but are at their worst in the darkest months. Statistics indicate that 2% of those in N. America suffer severely, while 10% or more put up with mild symptoms, better known as the ’Winter Blues’.

The problem stems from the lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to brain chemistry, although the exact means by which sufferers are affected is not specifically known. S.A.D. is not a psychosomatic or imaginary illness.

As the main cause of SAD is lack of light it stands to reason that the main way of controlling the disorder is by using light treatment, sometimes called phototherapy. 85% of sufferers respond to light treatment, usually within 3-5 days.

There are other things you can do help avoid the adversity of gray and gloom.

As it is a major trigger, try to avoid stress and do not make major decisions in winter.

Light your home well - you can get natural strip lights and full spectrum lighting from several suppliers. Sit near a window, avoid north facing rooms and decorate in light reflective colors. Do your best to get up at a reasonable hour, so you get lots of daylight. Aerobic exercise is especially important, especially if taken in the light so try at least a walk at midday. Eat properly, remembering to balance the craving for empty junk food. Some people find vitamin B12 helpful. Try a sunshine or ski holiday in late Winter.

In the column at left is a list of essential oils and herbs that can help to bring light to the spirit, relax tension and stress and elevate your mood.

 

Nature Intelligence

 

FEATURED CLASSES AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER – NOVEMBER, 2002

For More Information or To Register:  206.283.7191

All Classes Held at: 1811 Queen Anne Ave., N., Ste 103

Or you may register online with appropriate Credit Card

 

Herbal Medicine Basics with Inger Land Genest, herbalist

Saturday, September 28, 1:30 – 3:30 P.M.

This class will teach you how to prepare herbs for medicinal use.  Learn everything you need to know to make your own infusions, decoctions, tinctures, lotions and salves.   In addition to the product you make in class, you’ll go home with handouts filled with useful instructions and ideas.

Registration fee $25 plus $5 supply fee

 

An Ayurvedic Seasonal Rejuvenation -  with Glynnis Osher, Ayurvedic Nutrition Counselor

Classes will be held on consecutive Wednesdays, October 2 – 9 – 16 – 23, from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Building upon previous Ayurvedic Cooking & Customs Series at Samara Botane, Glynnis weaves an exotic tapestry of cooking and cleansing practices, meditation and detoxification therapies, geared towards preparing for the Fall transition from Summer into the cooler season.  You’ll learn to choose and prepare delicious soups, broths, nectars and herbal teas.  You’ll make an Ayurvedic facial cleanser and learn about oils and ingredients specific for your particular constitution.  Discover the ancient secrets of Ayurvedic spice blends for cosmetic, medicinal and culinary uses in a supportive and fun environment.  Come in or call to request a detailed brochure outlining the exciting specifics each session.  

$45 per session or $160 for entire series if paid by October 2 plus $5 supply fee each session paid to the instructor

Classes limited to 12 people: register soon! 

 

Botany for Aromatherapists –  with Dr. Keith Shawe, PhD, botanist and educator

Saturday, Sunday, October 12-13, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Monday, October 14, 9:30 AM – 12 Noon

Most of us know that essential oils come from plants, but many who use essential oils do not have an in-depth understanding of the details, i.e., precise location of essential oils in different plant organs or the distribution and evolutionary relationships of aromatic plant groups. In this two-day session, learn the relevance of plant anatomy and morphology to aromatherapy and better understand the relationship between plant taxonomy and chemotypes. With spectacular slide shows, live plants and essential oil samples, Dr. Shawe unravels the mysteries of aromatic plants, providing a deeper understanding of major aromatic plant families, touching on not only their physical attributes but also on global development concerns. Learn the skill of creating your own plant herbarium, recording the appropriate information and preserving a plant specimen. Gain an up-to-date understanding of conservation issues facing aromatherapy.  Optional field trip to the Washington Arboretum on Monday.

Registration fee $125 per day or $230 for 2-day workshop - $45 for Arboretum field trip- $255 for all three days. 

 

Herbal Defense/Winter Remedies – with Inger Land Genest, herbalist

Saturday, October 19, 1:30 – 3:30 P.M.

This class will cover the specific herbal uses and blends for strengthening and stimulating your immune system.  Learn how to chase colds, sore throats, sinusitis and the flu right out of the body!  Useful handouts provided.

Registration fee $25 plus $5 supply fee

 

Your Natural Menopause Toolbox – with Barbara Lucks, CMT, Registered Aromatherapist

Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Navigate your menopausal transition with grace, confidence and A PLAN!  This interactive workshop will empower all women, whether you are going through menopause or just planning ahead.  Women’s health providers will also obtain welcome tools to enhance their practice.  This holistic approach integrates all aspects of a woman’s life into a graceful transition.  Learn:  The critical role of diet and exercise; Partnering with your doc and other important people in your life; Nutritional supplements for a smart diet; Why American women seem to have a tougher time and what you can do about it; Hormone replacement therapy? – Making an informed choice;  Herbs and essential oils to help and the blessing of pacing your life.  Barbara will share the results of the second trial as presented at the international aromatherapy community at the 5th Scientific Holistic Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco just prior to this workshop.

Registration fee $45

 

Soap Making -  with Inger Land Genest, herbalist

Saturday, November 2, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Learn the basics for making your own soap, using fine essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, and a seaweed scrub bar.  Just in time for your holiday gift giving, Inger will also cover creative ways to wrap soaps as gifts.

Registration fee $25 plus $5 supply fee

 

Using Flower Essences for Health & Happiness – with Camilla Bishop, Georomancer

Friday, November 8, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Join Camilla for an evening discussion surrounding flower essences and their healing properties.  This informative evening will primarily cover the Columbia River Gorge botanicals used in 3 Flower Healing flower essences, lovingly prepared by Camilla.

Registration fee FREE

 

Chemistry For Reluctant Aromatherapists – with Dr. Keith Shawe

Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Using an unusual and creative approach, this exciting, yet easy, class will cover the basic units of chemistry and the main types of chemical constituents that are found in essential oils. You will discover how chemistry relates to aromatherapy practice by looking at the main functional groups and their therapeutic actions. You will also learn about the relationship of chemistry to human senses, chemotypes and essential oil safety. Dr. Shawe will cover the profiles of 50 oils, an introduction to methods of essential oil analysis and the role of international standards. We'll round off with an informative and enjoyable slide show showing how incense is made and discussing how compounds found in incense are responsible for its calming and meditative effect.

Registration fee $230   

 

Natural Products for a Healthy Family – with Marcia Elston, Therapeutic Herbalist, Certified Aromatherapist

Saturday, November 16, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Take charge of your family’s wellness with this immersion into aromatherapy, herbalism and lifestyle choices to promote health and vigor for the whole family.   You’ll leave this workshop with a toolbox full of apothecary skills that will save you money and improve your family’s health, naturally.  Learn the safe use of essential oils, herbs and other ingredients from Nature for promoting vibrancy and health.  Learn a plethora of simple tips to avoid stress and cope when it can’t be avoided.  Join the owner of Samara Botane as she shares her herbal and aromatherapy knowledge to help you take charge for a healthy destiny.  Wear comfortable clothes that can get soiled while preparing remedies.  This class also sponsored by Seattle Community College.

Registration fee $45 plus $10 supply fee

 

The Aromatic Life: Basic Concepts for Safe and Healthful Applications – with Marcia Elston

Saturday, November 23, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

True aromatherapy can be confusing - so many oils, so many theories!  Learn sane and simple applications to get you started.  We’ll touch upon the synthesis of cultural and spiritual applications, learn the formula for safe dilution and have fun experiencing ten of the most useful essential oils.  Learn how to care for your essential oils for longevity and optimum effectiveness.  Learn the difference between a concrete, absolute or steam-distilled oil, and learn simple blending techniques.   We’ll make several aromatic products, including a face gel, environmental spray, skin toner, bath salts and lotion.  Marcia shares her twelve years of aromatic study in this fun, interactive workshop.

Registration fee $45 plus $10 supply fee

 

Other Classes and Events at Samara Botane – Fall 2002

Girls Night Out: Natural Beauty Inside & Out (Especially for girls ages 12-18) Learn to make your own natural lip gloss as we explore what it means to be a “natural beauty” – with Judy Yamamura & Nicole Pike October 4, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.  $20 Call 206.297.8758

 

 


NEW! Essential Oils at Samara Botane

We've been researching and purchasing several new essential oils over the past few weeks.  The following  are some of our new oils, and more are coming soon:

  • Cilantro leaf, Coriandrum sativum, USA - PNW, 15 ml - $11

  • Tuberose Extra Absolute, Polianthes tuberosa, India, 1 ml - $50

  • Champa Extra v. rubra, Michelia champaca v rubra, India, 1 ml - $55

  • Tumeric, Curcuma domestica, India , 5 ml - $6

  • Melissa Absolute, Melissa officinalis,  1 ml - $50

  • Jasmine Sambac Extra, Jasminimum sambac, India, 2 ml - $65

  • Jasmine Grandiflorum Extra, Jasminimum Grandiflorum2 ml - $55

  • Davana, Artemesia pallens, South Africa, 5 ml - $15

  • Rose Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, South Africa, 15 ml - $25

  • Hemp,Cannibis sativa, Canada, 5 ml - $25

Natural Skin Care Recipes

Putting Your Best Winter Face Forward

Colder weather, wind and rain can create chapped, rough skin. To soothe, heal and protect your face in winter, try the following:

Warm Aromatherapy Compress: In 2 cups warm/hot pure water, add 3 drops Roman or German Chamomile, 2 drops Blue Cypress and 2 drops Lavender essential oils. Mix well. Saturate a clean soft wash cloth, wring gently and apply to clean face for 5 minutes (preferably laying down for relaxation). Saturate the cloth again and repeat for 5 minutes. Pat dry and apply crème for moisturizing.

Aromatherapy Face Cleansing Oil for Nightime: Mix 1/2 oz. Calendula infused oil, 1/2 oz. Jojoba oil with 3 ml Rosehip seed CO2, 3 ml Borage CO2, 1 ml Sea Buckthorn CO2, 1 ml Rose concrete, 1 ml Rose wax. Add 3 drops Roman or German chamomile, 2 drops Blue Cypress and 2 drops Lavender essential oil. Cleanse face by smoothing on 1/4 teaspoon, always applying with upward motion. Avoid eye area. Remove gently with soft cloth or tissue. Leave excess on for gentle nourishment while you sleep.

These and other skincare recipes will be demonstrated and taught in upcoming classes at Samara Botane. Be sure to stop in the shop to learn about new skincare ingredients.

Return to Top  

WHAT’S NEW AT SAMARA BOTANE

We now have a wonderful array of hot stone, massage and acupressure massage treatments in our Client Services Room. Ask Samara Botane staff for the therapist’s telephone numbers to make an appointment. Don’t miss out on the wonderful classes and workshops this quarter (see above). Our new Operations Manager, Marisa Rife, will be in the shop two days a week assisting customers and working to upgrade our retail skills and customer relations. Please contact Marisa at Marisa@wingedseed.com if you have any suggestions that might help us serve you better. Samara Botane has recently built a brand new manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters. Because of unforeseen delays in construction, we had to divert our energies from the blending bar. You’ll be happy to know that we are back on track and the blending bar will be up and running before the holiday season. You’ll fall in love with the new hand blown amphora necklaces from Pat Lauzon. Each one is different and comes with a 18”, 20” or 24” silver chain. We’ve got great hot or cold herbal body wraps from 7th Star, and lovely sugar silks from Bathing Rituals, both local natural products companies.

Return to Top

Samara Botane Home Page

 


Home | About Us | Contact Us

P. O. Box 2483 | Snohomish, WA 98291-2483
Order Line: 800.782.4532 | Corporate: 360.862.0231 | Fax: Discontinued. Please use email or phone.