Still Plugging Along

It's fall and I love this time of year. The shadows are shifting and it casts the most intriguing beams of light that seem to float and dance in the wind. When I walk outside and take my first few deep breaths of air, it feels magical in a way. I love to stand under the stars and take the deepest breaths I can as I look into the sky. I am reminded how small I am.

The cooler temps are drawing me outside more often where I can take in the sounds of the birds and smells of the plants and the beauty of fall. Another season leaving with a new one entering. I'm happy to say goodbye to summer - it was much too hot for me. I didn't get out as much as I usually do because the heat was stifling. Now, let me be clear - I live in Southern California near the coast where temperatures don't deviate much - but none the less we do have seasons here, too. And it can get uncomfortably hot. During the winter, some of our native trees lose their leaves - like the alders and sycamores. Elderberries lose their leaves, too, but usually in the late summer. Some of our willows lose their leaves but it usually doesn't get cold enough here (7 miles from the coast) for that to happen. Of course, the Coast Live Oaks do not lose their leaves making them quite a treat to look at during the winter.

I'm really excited about some of the native plants that bloom this time of year - I have vibrant California fuchsia blooming right now as well as some Salvia Gregii. The gorgeous orange and pink blooms (respectively) really make a splendid show with every thing else turning brown. Oh, I'm still seeing yellow blossoms on the Hooker's & Beach Evening primroses, too. Fantastic. Both of these plants are putting out seed in abundance and the Beach Evening primrose is already producing seedlings for next spring. They are about 2 inches tall even now and seem to be growing rapidly with the cooler temps we're having here. I also have California Poppy seedlings popping up - it is going to be a special spring around here - I can already tell.

One more thing about native plants - the golden rod are in abundance right now. They make a wonderful tea that is really good for cleansing the kidneys (at least that what I've read). I've harvested a bunch of it and dried it out to use for tea during the winter.

I haven't been out hiking much, but plan to start again since my little 8 pound dog will enjoy our walks more with the cooler temps. She dehydrates quickly in the heat because of her small mass and black fur. After the rains begin, we should be seeing the currants and gooseberries blooming. Can't wait - it's always a treat to see in the late fall/early winter. 

Okay, there's more about fall that I absolutely love... professional football and warm comfort foods. So, the timing is perfect - more hiking at the same time that I'm eating more while sitting in front of the television. Gotta a keep a grip on my eating during the winter as to not put on too many pounds - last year I didn't gain anything during the holidays. This year I'm starting at a disadvantage - so I have to actually lose during the holidays. Is it doable? Of course!!

I'll keep you posted. Would love hear if anyone has a plan to keep the extra pounds off this winter - please share - I need all the help I can get. :)

In love and life... be blessed. 

Local Plants & Herbs for Medincal Uses

Lately, I've been intrigued by the native plants that grow around us; we don't seem to notice because we're too busy driving in our cars and walking on pavement most of the time. But since I love to hike, and have learned a bit about native plants in this region, I decided to take it to another level and I've started researching which local plants have medicinal properties and those which are edible.

To my surprise, there are many plants close by that can be used in teas, ointments and tinctures for their healing properties. Dandelion is a common weed but is also well known for its medicinal properties, e.g., anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Here are some others that I have been looking into:

Black willow - similar to aspirin
Yarrow - can be used for a wound, helps to stop bleeding
Primrose - a muscle relaxant & stress reducer
Oak - astringent and antiseptic
Sage - aids in digestion and dental health
Goldenrod - aids in kidney function (used by early Americans as "liberty tea")
Mugwort- anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties

So, just for fun, I took a stroll at a nearby hiking trail and found several items on my list. I borrowed some cuttings from various plants and brought them home. Soaked them in water and then dried them. I used the black willow for a tincture and the mugwort along with the goldenrod for tea. I have yarrow, primrose, oak and sage growing here at home, so these items will be easy enough to harvest when needed.

In fact today, I cut off a small branch from the coast live oak tree in the back yard. I'm using the leaves for a tea for some of my plants that prefer acidic soil. Simply soaking the leaves in a bucket of water right now. I cut up the bark into small pieces and made a tincture with that as well.

I'm  having a lot of fun learning about the plants in a more intimate way by identifying them in the wild and handling them once harvested.

The thing with these herbal remedies is while they can be helpful - it is important to understand their uses and NOT to overuse them. Certain herbs can build up in the body, creating toxicity, which we definitely want to avoid.

There is so much life around us and sometimes we miss it. I'm glad my life allows me to notice these things nowadays.