The Herbalist

Cleansing class

2009-05-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Internal Cleansing Class to Prepare for Solstice Cleanse

Date: Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM

This class includes a powerpoint presentation with a step by step approach to a successful one or two week cleanse. We will discuss all aspects of cleansing whether you want to cleanse to lose weight or to give your body a well needed tune-up. We show you how to make a nettle infusion, face mask, skin brushing with essential oils, and include recipes for you to take with you.

Click here to read more about cleansing.

This is a free event so sign up soon. Space is limited.

Call 206-523-2600 to reserve space.

Madeline C. Gerwick is back!

2009-05-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

An Astrological Economic Update with Madeline C. Gerwick

Date: Wednes., June 10, 2009

Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Cost: $20.00

Where is our economy headed now? What’s going to happen with the banks? Real estate? Interest rates? Our US dollar? What will happen with the US and the Federal Reserve when this summer’s eclipses occur, followed by more “earthquake” energies in September? Will we get a new world currency instead of the US dollar? Find out how our economic transformation will continue to unfold over the next 6-12 months. Learn how you can be prepared for the changes ahead.

Madeline C. Gerwick is an internationally recognized, business and personal astrologer, speaker and author. She has a BA degree with honors in economics, and she's listed in several Who's Who books, including Who's Who in the World. She annually writes The Good Timing Guide and she’s been teaching prosperity training to business people for 8 years. She hosts her own radio show weekly on The Dr Pat Show (www.thedrpatshow.com) and she speaks regularly around the country. Her combined talents in business astrology, economics and prosperity training provide you with a new view of the economy and ways to prosper with the Universe.

Call 206-523-2600 to reserve space.

Bottoms Up: An Astrological Look at our Economic Future

2008-11-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

We recently had a class at The Herbalist taught by Madeline Gerwick, a well known economist/astrologist. The information she provided us, some of which is included in this blog, can be very useful as far as having a 'heads up' about what is to come with the economy in the United States. Of course what effects us also will affects the rest of the world. I encourage you to read what she discussed at this class and to use it as a guide to help make informed decisions in regards to your money as well as choices you make in your personal life. Also do not forget about her book "2009 The Good Timing Guide" available for $24.50. It is a valuable tool to help to make well timed decisions with positive final results.

Astrology’s Forecast for our Economic Future

By Madeline C. Gerwick

The Big Picture:

Our Economic Revolution and Transformation

Since May 2000 an economic revolution has been unfolding and will continue until October 2040. This “revolution” was indicated by a Jupiter and Saturn conjunction (the representatives of our economy) in challenging aspect (square) to Uranus (representing major disruption and unexpected changes).

The last time we had this cycle was in 1861 during the Civil War. We lost 620,000 lives then (a huge percentage of the labor force), and the economy dropped in half. We also had “fiat” money (unbacked by any type of metal standard) then too, as we do now. It took twenty years to get over the disruption of the war and regain a solid economic path.

This time the disruption is related to a new type of economy emerging. That new economy is still emerging. It will take a full 40 years, until October 2040, for this revolution to complete. When it’s over, the economy will no longer be based on manufacturing, services, financial products, or agriculture, as it was since 1842. That was an “earth” type economy.

The new economy we’re changing to is based on communications, transportation, ideas, knowledge, relationships, partnerships, alliances,

technology, and innovation. This “air” type of economy will work very differently and last until December 2159. Workers will become knowledge workers and harder to replace. A smaller labor pool will exist and they will be highly selective in their job choices.

Beginning January 25, 2008, Pluto entered Capricorn for the first time in about 248 years (last there 1762 – 1778). This indicates a major transformation of the economy, businesses, governments, and capitalism itself. Much of our economy is built on debt and derivatives. There is more debt and derivatives than there is money in the entire world. This is unsustainable. Pluto in Capricorn will create a permanent change in our economy, how business is run, and governments operate. Between now and 2024, we could choose to rebuild a new, sustainable economy, which nurtures the Earth and all inhabitants.

Major Economic Cycles for 2008:

We started 2008 with FOUR very rare cycles within 90 days, suggesting we’re in unprecedented times. One of these cycles hadn’t occurred for over 26,000 years and others hadn’t happened in hundreds or thousands of years. We’re being given a whole new game, one that started 6 days before Bear Stearns failed.

Pluto into Capricorn: This is a major transformational cycle for all businesses, governments, non-profits, and structures. This cycle will also transform capitalism, which is in need of a few upgrades. This cycle occurs from 25 Jan 2008 through 21 Jan 2024, except for June 13 – Nov 25 this year.

Saturn opposite Uranus: This cycle breaks up intolerable structures and situations that have needed to change, but didn’t. It’s challenging to the economy and known as an “earthquake” cycle. It can create physical earthquakes, political earthquakes, and economic earthquakes. Also personal earthquakes! We could also see tsunamis. Best to be prepared! In range mid-Sept 2008 – July 2010. It peaks five times, the first time on Election Day. Then Feb 5, 2009, Sept 15, 2009, April 26, 2010 and July 26, 2010.

North Node in Aquarius: This is the economic bottom for one of two major economic cycles. It lasts from late Dec 2007 until August 2009.

Housing Bottom: August 2009 – mid-Feb 2011.

Jupiter trine Saturn: This is the 2^nd major economic cycle, which is a very good one. This is helping to offset our economic low and provide steady growth to certain industries. This occurs early August to the end of December 2008.

Our Current Situation

Saturn opposite Uranus economic and political earthquakes as changes that have been needed MUST occur now. Time is up. Physical earthquakes and/or “water-quakes” too.

Pluto returns to Capricorn on Nov 26^th, economic remodeling or transformation intensifies. Here through 2024.

Pluto opposes the Fed’s Sun, conjunct’s its Pluto and squares it’s Midheaven: Late Nov, Dec and Jan 2009: The Fed is transforming, along with our US dollar. New currency! More power to the Fed or will people demand that the Fed be nationalized?

Pluto opposes the USA Venus: Major debt or financial crisis for the US, Feb, Sept & Dec 09.

Could mean the banks are failing that the US took equity positions in

Could mean the US is defaulting on US Treasury bonds

Could mean the US dollar is crashing and a new currency is needed

Could mean the derivatives failed

Could mean even more sub-prime loans are being foreclosed

The big stuff is still ahead of us!

What’s Happening Next?

Fed’s chart shows intense transformation of the Fed and the US dollar. Between now and mid-December is when the Fed’s chart is hit the hardest. From this point of view, the dollar could crash a lot sooner than next February. The Fed’s major transformation for itself and the US dollar could occur within the next 2 months. Or Feb, March, Sept or Dec 2009

The US Venus is opposed by Pluto beginning mid- January 2009 and it peaks on Feb 15, 2009. That is associated with a large debt or financial crisis.

On the same day, Feb 15^th, Uranus also exactly squares the USA Mars. This is a sign of a revolution, or explosive energy. Whatever happens in February, people are upset! The earthquake cycle, Saturn opposite Uranus, peaks a 2^nd time on February 5,2009. Big changes!

Hyper-Inflation: This shows up beginning in late March and basically stays in range through December 2009. This peaks for the first time in late May 2009. But just as this peaks, they all start moving backwards together, so they stay together until late December 2009. This is Jupiter conjunct Neptune and Chiron all of them together in the sign of Aquarius.

Deflation: November 2008 through mid-January 2009; then again August – late September 2009.

Earthquake Cycle again on Sept 15, 2009.This corresponds to when the Fed is getting tweaked again to transform themselves (Pluto opposition to their Pluto) and the currency. So we could see a change of currency as late as Sept 2009.

Resources:

Take The Crash Course:

http://www.chrismartenson.com/crash-course

An excellent online, FREE series of mini-videos which teach you the basics to understand what’s happening in the economy, energy and the environment and how they are intertwined. This is VERY important material to understand.

Watch Lindsey Williams:

Find out about The Energy Non-Crisis and how our energy situation is connected directly to the US debt. This is startling information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCjUaCXLeo0

Pay Attention to Oil Prices:

Lindsey Williams has said that when (not if) the price of oil drops to $50 per barrel, the US dollar will crash in 2-3 weeks. Use this for timing, so you know when to expect it.

Get Gold; Prepay Bills, Buy Ahead

We know the value of the US dollar will crash and we will probably get 10-30 cents on the dollar when a new currency is presented to us. This means the value of your dollar today is a lot more than it will be sometime in 2009. You can capture this value by buying gold and/or silver, stock up on essential items you use, and prepay bills, like utilities or mortgage ahead of time.

Polaris Business Guides, LLC

877-524-8300, http://www.polarisbusinessguides.com/

Thyroid and the value of Seaweed

2008-10-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Clinical Herbalist Tierney Salter interviews Ryan Drum:

Ryan Drum, PhD, AHG, has degrees in chemistry and botany and studied herbs with Ella Birzneck at Dominion Herbal College. He has been a professional wildcrafter, herbal educator, and practicing medical herbalist for over 25 years. His extensive knowledge of seaweeds has led him to the exploration of thyroid disorders where he has become an expert in the alternative approach to thyroid health. He is also a contributing author in the book Planting the Future.
www.ryandrum.com

Tierney: I first met Ryan at an Herb Conference in 1982. He was selling the most beautiful medicinal herbs collected from his home on Waldron, a remote island in San Juans, a group of islands in the northwest corner of Washington State. Among the herbs he had were kelp and bladderwrack, two seaweeds found abundantly in the islands. Since that time he has been lecturing about the benefits of seaweeds and how they can affect the health of the thyroid gland. I have included these two seaweeds into one of my best selling (and most effective) formulas called Blubberwack. Over the last 25 years I have seen how this formula makes people feel better, whether by strengthening the function of the thyroid or affecting the whole health of the endocrine system.
Recently I sat down with Ryan for a discussion about the thyroid and seaweeds.
Tierney: How would you describe the function of the thyroid?
Ryan: “The thyroid produces iodine-containing hormones. These hormones T4 and T3 are middle management molecules. They activate the body systems that control heat production and protein replacement and repair. These activities require fuel, sugar, fat, protein and dietary protein. All mammals require dietary iodine for the production of thyroid hormones. Inadequate dietary iodine can result in the symptoms of chronic hypothyroidism. Symptoms include psychiatric disruption (moods and behaviors: chronic fatigue, weight gain, lethargy) and in women, menstrual cycle disruption – heavy painful periods.
Increasing dietary iodine can often relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. All seaweeds are reliable sources of available dietary iodine. Brown seaweeds include kelp, kombu, bladderwrack, wakame, and sea palm. Many land plants contain minute traces of iodine, but not reliably so (vegans take note). The best source of iodine and minerals essential for enzymatic function are Seaweeds.”

Tierney: What is the connection between the thyroid and depression?
Ryan: “One in five people are going to be diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. For over thirty years the thyroid hormone T4 (natural and synthetic) has been in the top ten prescribed medication for clinically diagnosed depression. These are physician-diagnosed individuals. There are so many situations that are depressing that the thyroid cannot resolve within the origins of personal depression. Depression frequently is self-therapeutic withdrawal from an unhappy life.
The thyroid system includes the thyroid gland, the pituitary, a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus, the adrenals, ovaries and testes and the pancreas. Focusing exclusively only on the thyroid gland to resolve the symptoms of depression is often not productive. The thyroid system responds to the life in which it is being forced to live. Instead of the thyroid gland making us sick, it is the individual human making it's thyroid sick. The thyroid is usually trying to do its best in a pathological situation. It is frequently more valuable to adjust one’s lifestyle to resolve symptoms associated with thyroid malfunction.
In private practice I encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle, which often completely resolves thyroid function - both hyper and hypothyroidism. Mainstream endocrinologists tend to scoff at the idea that personal behavior can cause thyroid pathology. I have received many testimonials stating that people are better just changing their lifestyle.”

Tierney: Is there a connection between thyroid and fertility?
Ryan: “It has been seen in livestock and humans for many years. There is a tendency to miscarry in women who are iodine deficient. The fetus will mine the mother’s medication. Fetus rules.
Women who have their biological clock ticking – no escape for all the consequences for deferred childbearing. A tsp or a handful of seaweed to tolerance is probably safe during pregnancy.
For people who choose not to take medication during pregnancy start eating seaweed daily. If it is not iodine deficiency that is causing thyroid symptoms then there is more than one other mineral deficiency.”

Tierney: Is seaweed beneficial for someone who does not have a thyroid and is on thyroid medication?
Ryan: "Even without a thyroid gland iodine is essential for other body tissues, most importantly the mammary glands, salivary glands, the gonads, and some portions of the small intestines. There is an ongoing iodine requirement independent from an absent thyroid. If you do not have enough your thyroid medication will be mined for required iodine. Seaweeds are a lot cheaper than medication iodine."
Tierney: I have heard many testimonials from people who have had their thyroid out that eating seaweeds or taking seaweed-containing products helps them to feel more balanced and stable.

Ryan’s extra comments on the thyroid:
Behavioral symptoms are often the first signs of thyroid malfunction both hyper and hypo. Thyroid malfunction and consequential symptoms can be temporary, minor/acute or long lasting, chronic, and severe – this means that any particular set of symptoms can be temporary or progressive and long lasting.
It is a working system not an entity. It does more than produce a couple of hormones. It is responsive at just trying to help out.

Cold hard facts:
The brain is the single largest consumer of thyroid hormone (20 to 35%), as well as 30% of oxygen and 25 to 35% blood sugar. Just having enough thyroid hormones is not enough, the rest of the system must be supported. The brain needs to use the thyroid's fuel and oxygen. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning – unvented open flames in the home (Hood should always be on), home gas, propane stoves (unvented), automobiles – idling in a commute and workplace gas.

Caution: In some individuals excess iodine consumption can result in symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a particularly prevalent in individuals with a genetic disposition originating in soil and water that are iodine deficient such as Eastern Europe. There are no iodine allergies only sensitivities.

Additional information on the thyroid and caring for it.
A long list of known thyroid system disruptors can be found at www.ryandrum.com/thyroidpart1.html

Ryan’s Suggested Reading: “Hypothyroidism, The Hidden Illness" by Broda Barnes – great book, easy read.

Winter Wellness

2008-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Become Winter Proof. Here is a guide of The Herbalist products for you to stay healthy throughout the winter months.

Prevention of Colds/Flu
Seasonali-Tea: Seasonal Sinus, Throat, and Respiratory Support.
A Soothing Decongestant for Seasonal Ailments.
...and/or choose one of these preventative tonics.
Echinacea Plus: Promotes Body’s Natural Resistance.
Astragalus Plus: Extra Immune System Support against Colds and Flu. Restores upper respiratory health. Attacks winter ‘bugs’.
Adapt to Life: Modulates Immune System Response to Stressful Challenges.
Suggested use: Take 2 droppersful 3 times daily at least to ward off winter ‘bugs’.

Treatment of Chest Colds/Bronchitis/Asthma/Flu
Seasonali-Tea: Seasonal Sinus, Throat, and Respiratory Support.
A Soothing Decongestant for Seasonal Ailments
Respitonic: Restores upper respiratory health. Attacks winter ‘bugs’.
Lung-Defend: Deep Lung Support. Promotes healthy lung tissue.

Lung Mend Triple-Kit contains three extracts for complete care of respiratory challenges. The kit includes:
Lung Defend: Deep Lung Support for Challenged Respiratory Conditions.
Astragalus Plus: Fortifies the immune system. Cleanses lymph glands of bacteria and viruses.
Herbal Biotic: Restores overall health to body systems. Helps resolve stubborn infections.
Suggested use: Take 2 droppersful 3 times daily. Can mix 3 extracts in a little water or juice and take together.

Treatment of Head Colds/Sinus, Eye, Ear Infections/Seasonal Allergies
Sinutone: Relieves head congestion, sinus pressure, and allergy symptoms.
Herbal Ear Oil: Soothing antibiotic remedy for earaches and infection.
Breath Free!: Promotes Easier Breathing. Sinus & Respiratory Support. Breathe Easier Mentholated Rub and Bath Oil. Apply to chest/temples or add to bath, sauna, or vaporized steam.

Sinutone Plus Triple Kit contains three extracts for complete care of sinus-related challenges. The kit includes:
Sinutone: Healthy Sinus Support
Astragalus Plus: Fortifies the immune system. Cleanses lymph glands of bacteria and viruses.
Herbal Biotic: Restores overall health to body systems. Helps resolve stubborn infections.
Suggested use: Take 2 droppersful 3 times daily. Can mix 3 extracts in a little water or juice and take together.

I hope this helps to keep you all healthy!

Head Lice Kit

2008-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Nit Kit $38.95

Not my favorite discussion but there is an epidemic this year in your kid’s schools. Contains everything you need to combat lice.

Herbal Hair Oil
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Sulphur (30c) Homeopathic
Nit comb

Head Lice Treatment and Prevention:
Natural Alternatives

There are great alternatives to the chemical lice treatments found in drugstores. Not only are these natural lice treatments effective at killing lice (even those resistant to chemical treatment!), but, unlike chemical products, they are great for the health of the hair and scalp!

Treating an Infestation:

A very effective way to kill lice is to suffocate them by applying oil to the hair and scalp. Oils coat the exoskeleton or 'skin' of adult lice. This keeps them from getting oxygen and ultimately suffocates them.

The Herbalist Herbal Hair Oil: This product is a non-toxic blend of aromatic essential oils and herbal extracts in a base of jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. This product is great for the hair and scalp, and it also works to suffocate lice and disinfect the scalp.

To Use: Apply a generous amount of Herbal Hair Oil to the hair and scalp. When the hair is well-coated, wrap hair in a shower cap or towel. It is important that the oil be left on the hair for at least two full hours.* After two hours, use a very fine tooth comb or nit brush (available at pharmacies/drug stores) to remove the lice and lice eggs from the hair shaft. Work the comb through the hair in layers, especially around the scalp, hairline and bangs. Shampoo well. Repeat this treatment nightly for one week or until all the nits are gone. In order to deter re-infestation, repeat twice a week for two additional weeks.

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo: Desert Essence make this high quality shampoo. Tea Tree oil is often used to combat lice infestations.

Sulphur: 30C three times/day for three days.

Lice Prevention:

Regular use of The Herbalist’s Herbal Hair Oil is also a great lice preventative. Apply a small amount of Herbal Hair Oil along the hairline each morning.
Shampoo nightly or every other night. A great method is to mix ½ teaspoon of Herbal Hair Oil to ½ teaspoon of shampoo.
To protect against re-infestation, regularly clean combs, brushes and other contaminated materials in a solution of 25 drops of tea tree oil/pint of water.

Herbs in Homeopathy Lecture

2007-10-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Please join us in welcoming Tim Ticehurst to our store on November 15th for an evening lecture on Homeopathy. Here are the details. Please call us at 206 523 2600 to register for this FREE event.

Herbs in Homeopathy

Herbs and plants have played an amazing role in healing since the beginning of time. In the late 1700’s a German physician name Samuel Hahnemann developed a system of healing that utilized herbs and plants in a whole different way. Hahnemann’s method was called homeopathy. Homeopathy in Latin means “similar suffering”. Rather than using opposites which is how the pharmaceuticals and some western herbs are employed, homeopathy uses similars to heal.

In this lecture Tim will discuss herbs and plants in homeopathy – such as Aconite and Belladonna, as well as certain plant families in Homeopathy. Tim will also teach about the practical applications of acute and chronic homeopathy remedies.

Tim’s Bio:

Tim Ticehurst, DCH is a classically trained homeopathy practicing at the Wedgwood Center for Natural Medicine. He trained at the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy in Vancouver BC, a four year homeopathic school. Tim is teaches and contributes articles regularly for various publication on homeopathy.

11.15.07 – 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Our Friends

2007-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

at the American Herbal Products Association have sent us this nice award for being longstanding members of their organization. Thank you for supporting our industry and for advocating for us!

FDA Inspired Sale

2007-07-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

We're having a sale on some of our formulas. Check it out here!

Welcome to The Herbalist

2007-07-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek inside our shop. While we have a commitment to selling high quality herbal medicine, we also love color, cool jewelry, makeup, and sweet smelling soaps and candles made with pure essential oils. Our store smells so good that some people say that they come in just for the sensory experience and aromatherapy. We're proud to have been included in the Crave Seattle book!

Another fun thing we have at the store is an Herbal Beverage Bar. This summer, we're really excited about our Herbal Cocktails. Now you can enjoy a "Kava-Rita" instead of a Margarita and wake up fresh and ready for action the next day! Read more about them in our most recent newsletter.

July Newsletter

2007-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Available on-line here.

Whole Foods intention to buy Wild Oats

2007-06-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

meets a challenge from the FTC

Whole Foods, Wild Oats Defending Merger from FTC Challenge
by Steve Myers
AUSTIN, Texas—Whole Foods Markets and Wild Oats Markets plan to fight in court for their proposed merger, as competition officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced plans to file suit against the acquisition on the grounds it would hurt competition in the natural and organic grocery store market. Reported in late February, the $670 million acquisition-merger was positioned as a way for Whole Foods to keep up with the growing participation by mainstream supermarkets (Kroger, Wal-Mart, etc.) in the natural and organic category; this is also how the defense against FTC will be positioned.

“FTC has failed to recognize the robust competition in the supermarket industry, which has grown more intense as competitors increase their offerings of natural, organic and fresh products, renovate their stores and open stores with new banners and formats resembling Whole Foods Market," said John Mackey, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), in a statement. “Evidently the FTC does not appreciate the many benefits for consumers of the proposed merger, including our plan to invest capital in and improve many of the stores currently owned by Wild Oats.”

However, FTC argued Whole Foods and Wild Oats compete in a market that is separate from the traditional grocery market and seek out different customers than traditional grocery stores. FTC contends premium natural and organic supermarkets, such as Whole Foods and Wild Oats, are differentiated from conventional retail supermarkets in several critical respects, including the breadth and quality of their perishables (produce, meats, fish, bakery items and prepared foods), and the wide array of natural and organic products, services and amenities they offer. They further noted such supermarkets seek a different customer than do traditional grocery stores.

“Whole Foods and Wild Oats are each other’s closest competitors in premium natural and organic supermarkets and are engaged in intense head-to-head competition in markets across the country,” said Jeffrey Schmidt, director of the FTC Bureau of Competition. “If Whole Foods is allowed to devour Wild Oats, it will mean higher prices, reduced quality, and fewer choices for consumers. That is a deal consumers should not be required to swallow.”

Claiming the transaction would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating the substantial competition between these two uniquely close competitors, Schmidt has authorized his staff to seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in federal district court to halt the deal pending an administrative trial on merit.

Wild Oats issued a statement that it will cooperate with Whole Foods to challenge FTC’s move to block the merger. “We continue to believe very strongly that this merger is in the best interest of all our constituents,” said Greg Mays, chairman and CEO, Wild Oats Markets. “Our associates will benefit from greater opportunities working for a larger combined company, our shareholders will benefit from value creation, and our consumers will benefit from a stronger product offering and the capital investment to upgrade our stores. While we disagree with the FTC’s position and believe it is without legal and factual merit, we are confident that, once presented with the facts, the court will agree that this merger is pro-competitive and the FTC’s application for an injunction will be denied.”

From Natural Products Insider

Stevia in the mainstream

2007-06-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Coke, Cargill Partner on Stevia Project

by Heather Granato
ATLANTA & WAYZATA, Minn.—Coca-Cola and Cargill are partnering on a new project to develop a natural calorie-free sweetener from stevia, which could eventually be used in several food and beverage categories in the United States. Stevia (S. rebaudiana), a South American herb with a natural, sweet taste, is not currently approved in the United States or Europe for food use. However, in the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement, often in bulk or “single serve” packets similar to those seen for sugar and artificial sweeteners. In mid-2006, the market research firm SPINS reported in INSIDER that stevia sales topped $14.4 million in the natural channel for the 52 weeks ending July 15, 2006, up 32 percent over the prior year.

Under terms of the new partnership, Cargill is handling product development and the regulatory approval process for the ingredient, including working on clinical trials to support a food additive petition. According to Ann Tucker, a Cargill spokeswoman, the company has a comprehensive research program underway, although she couldn’t comment on possible timelines for product development or regulatory approvals. “The issue with stevia has always been a lack of control from the field to the table,” she said. “This project is about making the best-tasting, quality product with control of all aspects. We’re producing rebiana to Cargill’s quality standards. It’s about consistency in the supply chain.”

Since 1992, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has submitted at least two petitions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) challenging stevia’s status as a food additive. Even though the petitions contained extensive data and research that proved the safe historical use of stevia as a food, FDA was reportedly not satisfied with the research submitted because the studies were conducted outside the United States and published in foreign journals.

Coca-Cola filed 24 U.S. patent applications on May 24, 2007, covering the use of stevia in combination with a range of natural compounds (i.e., vitamins, minerals, glucosamine), in different delivery formats (i.e., condiments, beverages) and for several health conditions (i.e., weight management, inflammation). According to Wanda Rodwell, a Coca-Cola spokeswoman, the company has been working on the project for some time; however, there is no specific timeline for introducing stevia-sweetened products. She added the company would likely look to launch new products within the next year into one of the markets where stevia is already approved for beverage use. Stevia is currently approved in 12 countries for food use, including Brazil, China and Japan; it accounts for approximately 40 percent of the sweetener market in Japan and has been used for more than 30 years.

from Natural Products Industry Insider

Medicine as Food

2007-05-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Blue borage blossoms in a green salad:

The pink blossoms are from chives.

North American Institute of Medical Herbalism

2007-05-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Run by Paul Bergner in Boulder, Colorado, the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism or NAIMH offers classroom and distance learning, as well as cd's on topics like Herbal Safety and the Fundamentals of Herbal Formulations. The school approach is based on the theory of Vitalism, which according to their website is:

"a clinical strategy based on the principle that Life, Nature, and the Great Spirit from which they arise are fully present in all the tissues of the body, and also in the psyche, the spiritual heart, and the soul, sustaining life and health, providing momentum for personal evolution on all levels, and for the fulfillment of the highest purpose in social and spiritual life. Vitalist practitioners employ clinical strategies and methods which support this life power through encouragement of nourishment, digestion, rest, and appropriate activity, identification of purpose in personal life, connection with nature, an active spiritual life, identification and removal of obstacles to cure on all levels, and avoidance of methods which suppress or distort life processes. The Vitalist incorporates all aspects of science, especially physiology and pathophysiology, but equally values knowledge from traditional medicine, empirical observation, instinct and intuition, and is not confined to the narrow materialistic world view that dominates much of modern science, medicine, and social life."

A sample lessen is available for download on their site, as is a text by John Scudder, MD, an Eclectic physician who practiced in the early 1900's.

Homeopathy in England

2007-05-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

According to the BBC, scientists in the UK are urging the National Health System to pull funding and support from the practice of homeopathy. More info...

Upcoming Talk

2007-01-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Herbalist is happy to welcome Madeline Gerwick to our store for an Astrological Overview of the 2007 Economic Forecast. here are the details:

Jan 11th at The Herbalist
Date: Jan 11, 2006
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Place: The Herbalist, 2106 NE 65th St, Seattle 98115, 206-523-2600
Space is limited. $10 entry, $10 discount off one book.
Call to register: 206-523-2600 or email theherbalist@theherbalist.com
I’ll be speaking on the economic forecast for 2007.

Astrology's Economic Forecast for 2007
Did you know that we're in an economic revolution, the first one since the 1860s? Discover what's happening with the economy and where to invest. Learn which industries will grow and which ones are contracting. Find out where the economy is headed, what’s up for real estate, oil prices, gold, and interest rates. Get ready for some surprising news as we cover all the economic trends and very big changes ahead! She'll also discuss using good timing for success. Madeline Gerwick's dual background in both economics and astrology provides insights you'll definitely want to know!

Find out more information on Madeline Gerwick and The Good Timing Guide at The Polaris Business Guide.

Product Spotlight

2007-01-04T00:27:00.000-08:00

Respitonic
This tonic is specific for relieving upper respiratory tract infections and helping to ease symptoms associated with chest colds and flu. It helps to open the chest and sinuses’, so breathing is easier; helps clear congestion in the lungs, bronchioles, and sinuses; and soothes dry and moist coughs. Respitonic™ eases symptoms of the flu i.e. upset stomach, achiness, and fever. It can help reduce the symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis, allergies, pneumonia, laryngitis, and cold sores.

Ingredients: Echinacea fresh root (Echinacea angustifolia), Golden Seal fresh-dried root (Hydrastis can.), Osha fresh-dried root (Ligusticum porteri), Yerba Santa fresh-dried leaf (Eridictyon calif.), Horseradish fresh-dried root (Armoracia lap.), Yarrow fresh-dried flower tops (Achillea mill.), Cayenne fresh-dried pepper (Capsicum annum).