Category Archives: herbal medicine

Botanical Lore – The Pomegranate

So something different here. A pomegranate monograph I have written in the style of a fable or myth. A ‘Mythograph.’

I had the idea when thinking about the many ancient medical texts that incorporated parables and anecdotes to make complex concepts more memorable. And how, many origins of myths began as explanations for real life events or observations. For example, old wives tales about medicine often originate from early medical practices. Many ancient cultures used herbal remedies that had real healing properties, but without scientific understanding, their effects were explained through mythological means. No doubt we all have handed down advice from our grandparents that have come from somewhere.

Anyway the below ‘mythograph’ story is a bit over the top and blousy, but I had fun with it. The term ‘Anaar’ in the story, refers to Pomegranate. A number of languages including Farsi, Hindi and Urdu use this term for Pomegranate. The medicinal properties are based on Middle eastern, Indian, Persian and Unani sources. Please do your own research regarding the medicinal benefits, and the botanical details of a Pomegranate.

BOTANICAL LORE: PARISA AND THE POMEGRANATE TREE

In an age when the earth was acknowledged by all to be hallowed, when the sky was a tapestry of stars and the winds carried whispers of forgotten knowledge, there went a traveller by the name of Parisa, a woman bound not by hearth or home, but by the road itself. She had wandered through highland passes where the eagles soared through valleys, and where the roses bled incense into the air, and through deserts where the sun wove golden dust into the earth. Nonetheless still, her journey, she felt, was not complete. Her soul was a vessel of curiosity, her spirit free as the rivers that carved through the mountains, and her feet ever in search of learning. After many full moons, she arrived at an archaic orchard, where the trees stood like longing dervishes, their branches whispering prayers to the heavens above. At its heart grew a tree unlike any other. Its roots curled like serpents, rough and twisted around the stones of the earth, its branches draped in the fire of ruby red fruit.
This was the Anaar, the Pomegranate tree, beloved by sages, healers and commonfolk alike.
The Anaar was no common tree. Her leaves were a verdant, deep green that flickered in the light, turning to gold when the autumn touched her branches. Her flowers were fiery red, each one shaped like a refined cup of flame, foretelling the harvest to come. The ether around seemed to pulse with the substance of life, and Parisa stood in the presence of the Anaar, when a quiet knowing voice arose from the very heart of the tree, echoing through the quiet valley.
“O wayfarer, who walks between fate and destiny, you have searched for me, and therefore I shall reveal to you my mysteries. You have sort out wisdom in isolated lands, but the absolute wisdom lies within the indivisible things – the earth, the air, the water and fire, and within the fruit of my branches is the essence of life. I am the keeper of balance and within me lies the strength to restore, and to bring harmony to the soul.”
The tree then beckoned Parisa to approach, offering her three fruits, each distinct from the other, each bearing a unique spirit and promise. The tree then spoke in the language of those who think and ponder. “Take each of these three fruits that hold the wisdom of the earth, and in each one, there lies healing.”

The Sweet Pomegranate – A Balm For The Heart

The first fruit Parisa chose was the sweetest of them all. Its rubied flesh gleamed in the light, and as she ate its jewels, a wave of calm swept over her. The sweetness of the fruit soothed her troubled spirit, cooling the heat of anxiety that had long plagued her. The very essence of peace seemed to flow through her, as if the turmoil of her soul had been quelled by a temperate breeze.
The sweet pomegranate is cool and moist in temperament, making her a balm for the heart, mind, and blood. She nourishes the body gently, restoring lost vitality.
“Of sweet fruit,” the tree proclaimed, “carries the essence of balance and tranquility. Her nature is cooling, and she heals the heart and mind. She purifies the blood, clears the thoughts of confusion, and brings joy to the weary soul.”
Parisa, feeling the weight of her travels lift from her shoulders, knew that this sweet fruit was a remedy for those whose hearts were burdened, whose minds were restless. In the tradition of medicine of Ibn Sina, it was said that the sweet pomegranate purified the blood, improves digestion, soothing the belly and cools the body and tempers the heat of the heart. It was a balm for those who suffered from palpitations, anxiety, and fever, restoring clarity and serenity to their spirits.

The Sour Pomegranate – A Quencher Of Fire

The second fruit was sharp, with a sour, astringent scent that filled the air. Its taste was bold and intense, striking a contrast to the sweetness Parisa had just tasted. As she consumed the sour fruit, a sharp cooling sensation spread through her, quenching the internal fire that had burned within her from the long travels, the harsh climates, and the fevered nights. The sourness worked to restore balance, like the sudden refreshment of a cool breeze in the heat of summer.
The sour pomegranate is cold and dry in nature, making her a potent cleanser and absorber of flow. She is the warrior against excessive heat, inflammation, and digestive disorders.
“This fruit, O Parisa,” the tree uttered, “is for those whose bodies are overtaken by too much heat. When the body suffers from bile, inflammation, or digestive imbalance, my sour fruit restores harmony. Her rind, when powdered, is a powerful cleanser, tightening the tissues and calming the digestive body. Like the crisp wind before a storm, she cleanses, she strengthens, she fortifies.”
Parisa felt the effects of the sour fruit instantly, her body cooled, the heat of fatigue drained from her limbs, and a sense of relief washed over her.
This fruit, with its dry and cold temperament, was revered in the ancient texts for its ability to balance excess heat and bile, cooling the body when inflammation or heat that rages within, and also tame the flames of fever. The pomegranate’s rind, when prepared crushed, was known to cleanse the liver and intestines, restrict the heavy flow of menses, and the looseness of the bowels. Furthermore it is known to treats digestive disorders, expel the parasites within, and restoring balance to the body.

The Balanced Pomegranate – The Keeper Of Harmony

The final fruit Parisa chose was a perfect blend of both sweetness and sourness. It was neither too tart nor too sweet, but held the perfect union of both. As Parisa ate into its balanced nectar, she felt an overwhelming sense of harmony spread through her. Her body, mind, and spirit seemed to align in a perfect equilibrium, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly whole.
The balanced pomegranate is a unique fusion of both temperaments, making her an principle medicine for restoring equilibrium for those whose humors are disordered or misaligned.

“O cherished Parisa,” the tree murmured, “this fruit is a valued gift. For she is the union of opposites, the perfect balance of sweet and tart. She heals the body, soothes the soul, and brings vitality to the spirit. When the humours within are out of balance, this fruit restores order, bringing peace to the mind and strength to the body.”
Parisa, filled with newfound vitality, understood that the balanced pomegranate was the key to true restoration, the perfect remedy for those whose energies were scattered, and their bodies and minds were at war with themselves. In the Unani tradition, the balanced pomegranate was considered the ultimate healer.
The anaar then continued with the benefits of the balanced pomegranate: “She restores balance to the body and soul, aligning the humours and energies within. She strengthens the heart and stomach, nourishes the blood, and promotes vitality. And restores resistance, protecting the body from the diseases inside, and on the periphery.”

The Healing Powers of the Anaar

The Pomegranate tree lastly conveyed, “My seeds purify the blood, guarding the elements of the body to cleanse and enrich. Those who suffer from skin blemishes, swellings, and dark spots find relief in my essence. My juice soothes the digestive system, relieving fiery bellies, and abdominal tenderness. My rind cools the fevered body, and eases the pain of bones that are stiff and ache or suffer gout.”
As Parisa rested on the trunk of the Pomegranate tree, listening to the whispers of the earth, she comprehended the deep extent of the tree’s healing gifts. Every part of her, from the seeds to the rind, from the juice to the peel, held healing powers that had been known to sages and healers for centuries.
Parisa took this wisdom to the heart of her being, knowing that the pomegranate was not just a fruit, but a living, healing entity, one that restores the balance of nature, heals the body, and soothes the spirit.
And so, Parisa continued her journey, sharing the blessed knowledge of the pomegranate tree with all who would listen. Her voyage became not just one of discovery, but a quest to heal, to restore, and to teach others, the ways of the Pomegranate. The spirit of the Anaar followed her on her path, its presence a reminder that true health is found in the balance of opposites and the earth’s abundance. When comprehended correctly, is the most authentic form of medicine.

 

Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10598818/
Reading: Canon of medicine book II by Ibn Sina.
Top image: William Adolphe Bouguereau’s ‘Pomegranate Seller’, 1875 (Public domain)

New! Dream Pillows

I have wanted to make these for a while, with the Lavender, Rose and Mugwort I have in the garden every year. These handcrafted dream pillows are made with herbs that are intuitively gathered, wild-crafted and selected for aiding and enhancing sleep. Choose from:
– simple lavender for it calming effects.
– a restful blend made with lavender, chamomile and hops to aid sleep.
– a mugwort and rosemary blend for enhancing and recalling dreams, and faciltating lucid dreams.
– a mugwort and herbs blend (rose, lavender, chamomile, mugwort and hops) for enhancing and facilitating lucid dreams and aiding sleep.

The mugwort and lavender have been infused with the full moon. According to Unani/Greek medicine, the moon has cooling and moistening qualities.

These Dream Pillows are so gentle and a natural method of using herbs in a traditional way to help with dream and sleep. 

mugwort and herbs lucid dream pillow
Lavender dream pillow
mugwort and rosemary
restful sleep dream pillow
mugwort and rosemary dream pillow
Lavender dream pillow

Summer Garden

This time of year, when the sun is infusing its potency in to the blooms, everything can seem mesmerising. I’m not one for very hot summers, and the UK did not have the sweltering heat like last year, nevertheless, the sight and scent and the high vibration of the flora in my little garden feels other worldly. The early mornings are dew filled and my favourite time to harvest. I have been gathering the garden roses for incense, enfleurage and scented oils, and Helichrysum and St. Johns wort to prepare infused oils. My Mum gave me the Scabiosa, a beautiful lilac flower used folk medicine to treat scabies, hence the name, which currently I am just pressing.  I’m contemplating what to do with the Cistus – maybe a hydrosol or a flower essence with those fleeting papery flowers? I’m drying the feverfew for now. Other plants that are in profusion right now are the Lavender, Rosemary and some Star gazer lilies. Its an abundant season, and so am mostly occupied with infusing under the sun and the moon, enfleuraging flower heads and drying herbs.

Herbal Pain Ointment Recipe

herbal salve

Pain Ointment

I usually make a version of this ointment once a year for general aches and pains, for a sore back or neck and shoulder pain . Also works well for arthritis and joint pains. The herbs are selected intuitively, what I have available, and also what is growing at the time when needed.

Ingredients
20g of your chosen wax
120ml herbal infused oil *
25 drops of essential oil (optional)

* The infused oil was made with things that I had on hand. From the garden – rosemary, lavender, pine needles, juniper leaves, and new comfrey shoots that were just emerging. From the kitchen – ginger and chilli, and some dried herbs I had from last year – arnica flowers and some plantain leaves.

To make the infused oil:
a) Place olive oil in a large glass jar or a glass bowl or jug (glass jugs are easier to pour later) and add the herbs: rosemary, ginger, comfrey leaves, dried plantain, dried arnica flowers, chilli, pine needles, juniper leaves and lavender flowers or the stems.
b) Place the glass container over a bain-marie (a saucepan of water) being careful not to let the water splash in to the oil. Turn the heat on low and slow cook for 3-4 hours or longer if you prefer. Leave the oil to one side.

To make the ointment:
a) Melt the wax in another glass container. This can also be done over a bain-marie.
b) Once the wax is melted add the herb infused oil you made earlier and stir.
c) Optional: If you would like to add therapeutic essential oil, then do so now.
I used wintergreen, peppermint, turmeric, rosemary and lavender.
Mix and pour in to containers and use went set.
Apply to the problem area and deeply massage in to the skin.

Please note: Wintergreen essential oil is not suitable for children, or those with bleeding disorders, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

New Essential Oil Blends

essential oil roller blends

New essential oil roller blends that I have been working on! A range of beautiful therapeutic aromatics, diluted in golden jojoba oil. Essential oils not only work on a physiological level but they also have a subtle element that works on the human consciousness. Indeed throughout history aromatic botanicals have been used across many cultures and civilisations for healing the mind, the body and the soul, each of which are intrinsically linked. These six new blends have been carefully and mindfully chosen for their therapeutic, as well as subtle vibrational properties.

Aromatherapy Smelling Salts

breathe aromatherapy smelling salts

New in the shop! These aromatherapy smelling salts are made with pink Himalayan rock salt and a synergistic blend of essential oils to enhance health and wellbeing, and aid common ailments.

Aromatic essential oils have been used for thousands of years as a remedy to enrich health, and has the ability of affect mood and atmosphere. Smelling salts have been used since Roman times as mentioned by Pliny the Elder, and were also popular in the 13th Century, frequently used to trigger consciousness and prevent fainting spells. Similarly, smelling salts are used today by athletes, to enhance their performance.

We have combined these two medicinal tools to create essential oil smelling salts in a handy amber glass apothecary bottle for convenient use. Ideal for the home, your desk at work, or when travelling. These contain NO ammonia and are a simple way to utilise the benefits of aromatherapy.

Borage flower essence making.

borage flower essence

Star Flower/Borage Flower Remedy

This is the first time I have grown Borage and the flowers are now in season, and are flourishing and embellishing my garden with small star shaped blue/indigo blooms with a contrasting bright green thick stem and leaves. Flower essence making is an annual ritual and an opportunity to harness the medicine the plants have gifted to us. This was made this morning whilst the morning dew was still visible. Flower essence are a type of subtle vibrational medicine made by placing the flower in spring water under the sunlight to capture and potenise their energetic imprint. A preservative is added to the spring water (I use organic agave syrup) and the medicine is used for many emotional issues. Borage flower essence is ideal for the disheartened, and promotes a cheerful outlook and brings emotional strength.

borage flower essence

Directions for making flower essences:

Ingredients: a sterilised glass bowl, sterilised amber bottle, spring water, unpicked plant for essence.

In the morning, when there is dew, fill a bowl of spring water, and place it near the plant and in the sun. Spend time with the plant with an intention that you are making a healing essence and be open to messages you receive from the plant. Say a prayer if you wish. Using tweezers or a leaf from the plant cut a few small flowers and lay in the water. Allow the essence to sit in the sunlight for about 3 hours, using your intuition to judge whether they are ready to be taken out. When the essence is finished infusing, give thanks, and bottle the imprinted flower water and preserve with vegetable glycerine, organic agave syrup or organic white vinegar. Add a minimum of 60 -70 percent of the preservative. Name and date the mother essence bottle. To store the bottles, keep out of light in a cool dark place and avoid strong odours. Keep check of any solid substance in the water, and do not use if this occurs as the essence is contaminated.

Dosage bottle: Once you have made the mother essence you can make the dosage bottle. The dosage bottle contains again a minimum of 60-70 percent preservative, spring water and a few drops of the mother essence.

borage flower essence

Turmeric Milk Recipe

golden milk

Golden Milk (or haldi doodhd) is based on an ancient Ayurvedic recipe used to nourish and balance the mind and body. The key ingredient is turmeric, a yellow earthy spice traditionally used in Asian cuisine. Its active component is Curcumin, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties and comes with a whole host of health benefits. Each household has their own version of golden milk, many drink it as a soothing milk before going to sleep or a calming milk for coughs. My Mum makes it with milk, ground almonds, cardamom, saffron and pistachios, and my dad likes to add ginger.
The recipe below is one I like to make on occasion. I usually find milk heavy to digest, so I also add a little spring water to the mix. You can omit some ingredients according to your taste, or make other variations, with the addition of nutmeg, star anise, ginger and/or ashwagandha.

Golden Milk Ingredients
1 cup of unsweetened plant based milk. I use Almond milk.
½ cup of spring water
A few crushed cardamom pods
½ inch of turmeric root or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
A few crushed peppercorns
A few strands of saffron (optional)
½ a stick of vanilla
1 inch cinnamon stick (optional)
Brown cane sugar or agave syrup to taste (optional)

Instructions
Put all the ingredients in a pan and turn on the heat. Let all the ingredients gently simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Add suger or agave syrup to taste if you want a sweetener. Strain in to a cup and enjoy.