Herbs as food: gentle, mineral-rich herbs to take every day, including the herbs of Arukah Herbal Calcium (horsetail, oat straw) and Arukah SuperFood (alfalfa, dulse, rose hips). Chapter 5 teaches this family as a whole.
No. 138Horsetail
Traditional uses and main actions
The richest herb source of silica, which Christopher and his son taught helps the body use calcium and build strong bones, teeth, hair, nails, skin and blood vessels. The lead herb (6 parts) of Arukah Herbal Calcium (Chapter 4). Also a gentle diuretic, part of Schulze's Kidney/Bladder formula, and an astringent that stops bleeding.
How it's prepared
Long nourishing infusion; in the Herbal Calcium blend; decoction.
Typical amounts
As part of the Herbal Calcium blend; alone, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 2–3 cups a day.
Cautions and interactions
Buy the green shoots of Equisetum arvense, organic or wild-harvested from a good supplier. Safe as Christopher used it. As a diuretic, it adds to diuretic drugs.
Taught in Lessons 4, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 139Oat Straw
Traditional uses and main actions
Feeds and calms the nerves and builds the bones: rich in silica, calcium and magnesium. One of the three herbs of Arukah Herbal Calcium (3 parts). Milky oat tops, harvested when the seeds ooze a milky juice, are a restorative for nervous exhaustion. An oatmeal bath soothes itchy skin.
How it's prepared
Long nourishing infusion; tincture of the fresh milky tops; bath.
Typical amounts
Infusion, 1 ounce in a quart of boiling water, steeped overnight, drunk through the day; in the Herbal Calcium blend.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe. Usually free of gluten, but cross-contamination is possible (celiac disease).
Taught in Lessons 4, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 140Stinging Nettle
Traditional uses and main actions
The great spring tonic and one of the most nourishing plants on earth: rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins and protein. A long infusion builds the blood, supports the kidneys, increases breast milk and eases seasonal allergies; the root is used for the prostate. Cooked young nettles are delicious, like spinach.
How it's prepared
Long nourishing infusion; cooked as a green; freeze-dried capsules for allergies; vinegar.
Typical amounts
Infusion, 1 ounce in a quart, steeped overnight, daily; capsules for allergies, 300–600 mg 2–3 times a day.
Cautions and interactions
Wear gloves to gather; drying or cooking removes the sting. A diuretic: adds to diuretic and blood pressure drugs. Rich in vitamin K (warfarin: keep intake steady).
Taught in Lessons 5, 6 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 141Alfalfa
Traditional uses and main actions
Its roots reach many feet into the soil, so its leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins (especially K) and chlorophyll. A nutritive tonic for convalescence, anemia and nursing mothers, and part of Arukah SuperFood.
How it's prepared
Tea; juice powder (in SuperFood); tablets.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 2–3 cups a day.
Cautions and interactions
Rich in vitamin K (warfarin: keep intake steady). Alfalfa seeds and sprouts in large amounts have triggered lupus flares: people with lupus or other autoimmune disease should avoid them.
Taught in Lessons 3, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 142Kelp and Dulse
Traditional uses and main actions
Sea vegetables bring iodine and the trace minerals of the sea; purple dulse is in Arukah SuperFood, and kelp is in Christopher's CSK formula and Schulze's Anti-Infection formula. Used to nourish the thyroid and as a mineral-rich food (From A to Zinc teaches iodine fully).
How it's prepared
As food (dulse flakes, kelp in broth); powder in SuperFood; capsules.
Typical amounts
Food amounts; in SuperFood as part of the blend.
Cautions and interactions
The iodine content varies widely: people with thyroid disease or on thyroid medication should know their total iodine intake. Buy seaweed tested for heavy metals and from clean waters.
Taught in Lessons 3, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 143Rose Hips
Traditional uses and main actions
One of the richest food sources of vitamin C with its bioflavonoids: for colds and flu (in Christopher's garlic, rose hips and parsley formula), immunity, and joint pain. In Arukah SuperFood. A tart, pleasant tea and syrup.
How it's prepared
Tea (seeds removed or strained); syrup; jam; powder.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, freely.
Cautions and interactions
Very safe. Strain out the hairy seeds, which irritate the throat and gut.
Taught in Lessons 3, 5 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapters of the same number in this book).
No. 144Hibiscus
Traditional uses and main actions
A tart, ruby-red tea rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that gently lowers blood pressure, cools in hot weather and, as I add it to Arukah Herbal Calcium, makes other herbs taste wonderful.
How it's prepared
Hot or cold tea; agua de jamaica.
Typical amounts
Tea, 1–2 teaspoons per cup, 2–3 cups a day.
Cautions and interactions
Lowers blood pressure (adds to blood pressure drugs). Not in large amounts in pregnancy.
Taught in Lesson 4 of Arukah's Herbalism certification (the chapter of the same number in this book).