Hi All, This is my first time Curating for @NaturalMedicine and there really were so many great articles and posts to choose from. First though, I want to let you know about the Natural Medicine Makers Challenge:
"When we asked the collective what they wanted for the next challenge, someone suggested making our own version of a store bought product. We love this idea - it is the kind of challenge that is about resilience, sustainability, self reliance and, because it BEGS us not to use chemicals OR to buy in to unethical companies who would have us pay a fortune for something we can do ourselves."
@Riverflows
This is the first week of a two week contest (so please join in!), and the results so far are exceptional:
@Stortebeker submitted an awesome way to make Homemade Soft Drinks that are good for you!
@Saun has shared some exotic herb powders for best homemade alternative for stomach problems and general digestive wellbeing.
@Trucklifefamily shares her nutritious blends of yummy superfoods as she shares how she makes her own seed mix and chocolate balls! So much yum!!
@Homesteading runs us through the process of Harvesting Walnuts from trees they had planted, while exploring safe and humane ways to compete with the squirrels for the prize!
And @Riverflows has me imagining my whole house smelling like Rose Petals with the exceptional recipe to make your own Rose Facial Toner (which was always a personal favorite).
I want to take a minute and talk about the absolute treasure that exists in the Natural Medicine Community. Being relatively new to the Tribe, I have to say I am amazed at the depth of expertise present in a large number of the members. That said, here is an important and brilliant article by @Kindredacres addressing the vital need that you know a plants botanical name and the added nomenclature if you plan to ingest it.
In her article for Natural Medicine "Why Knowing A Plants Botanical Name Can Save Your Life," she explains how "Using common names of plants can get you into some trouble."
So what do you need to know to properly identify and obtain information about a plant?
Think about the Big 3 - genus, species, and cultivar (also known as variety).
Knowing the Big 3 is the most important aspect of gathering information about the safety, use, growing habit, needs of, and anything else you need to know about a plant. There are other bits of information within the botanical names of plants, such as the plant family, that are helpful, but the Big 3 are the most vital and important bits of information.
Proper spelling is also an absolute MUST when it comes to searching for information about a plant. There are many plants that are off by only a single letter or two and that may make a big difference when trying to obtain information.
@Metametheus shares some pearls of wisdom in the realm of Medicinal Teas of China.
Using Chinese medicinal herbs, teas can also take on a gentle healing role, as they do not have as potent a pharmacological effect when prepared in decoction, powdered, or made into a pill. When used as an infusion, they are steeped in near-boiling water (around 90-95°C) instead of being boiled in a soup for 45 minutes, or ground and powdered.
@Porters has taken some loving time and energy to put together A Collection from Natural Medicine Folk Celebrating Natural Wisdoms...
"Would you like to own a collection gathered from some members of the Natural Medicine community, with different recipes and write-ups of the benefits and characteristics of over twenty different herbs and plants."
Get your copy at the Homesteaders Co-op where you will find they have a whole section on Natural Health
Natural Medicine - A Celebration of Natural Wisdoms on Steemit Volume 1 available here
All proceeds for the sale of this book will go to @NaturalMedicine Community to further the support of natural medicines and natural healing.
(You can buy this using Steem or Lotus!)
@Binkyprod shares a great in depth video on how to Brew Herbs for Colds & Flu. I really like the way she explains the step by step brewing process and contraindications of each ingredient. I especially like how one of the herbs is a fever reducer.
Some other interesting happenings, snippets and conversation starters on the blockchain and in our Discord. We encourage and invite you to go support at least one of these Steemians, giving them a little boost in their day.
@Metametheus has posted some great responses to his Contest Listening to The Wind.
A week ago I was contemplating how making small changes in your normal, everyday routine can be leveraged into making significant differences in your whole life. So I challenged others to a small contest.
You can read the submissions in his post this week: And the Wind Cried
wrote a deep and though provoking response to another contest entitled Do Not Feel Lonely
reminds us of some age-old advice that never really gets old, Could Daylight Prevent Mental Decline
I decided the week I curate to pick my favorite 3 recipes that I am inspired to try! So many options...these are my fave three. I am a fan of the least amount of processed foods and the following really grabbed my attention.
https://steempeak.com/fruitsandveggiesmonday/@proanima/gobi-manchurian-cauliflower-on-indian
I had finished the Curation for the week, and 
When All Are One And One Is All
“We need ways of navigating our differences that deepen our curiosity, deepen our friendship, deepen our capacity to disagree, deepen the argument of being alive. This is what we need. This is what will save us. This is the work of peace. This is the work of imagination.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama, Choosing Words That Deepen The Argument of Being Alive
Oh, and if you're wondering what tags to curate? Our curators look at most of these tags and much more! Check out www.naturalmedicine.io for a full list of supported tags.
| naturalmedicine | health | healing | yoga |
|---|---|---|---|
| spirituality | herbalism | homesteading | innerblocks |
| vegan | meditation | wellness | cbd |
| qi gong | keto | tai chi | herbs |
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All the curation and author rewards in LOTUS for this post will be burnt to help the ecosystem.
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