#Eastern Red Cedar Herbalism

[deernationherbs]

The Cedar Path - Cedar as Medicine in Iowa

This is an updated version of my article on medicinal cedar and juniper, published on my Iowa Herbalist blog back March 2014. It’s also a slightly new installment in my new relationship to herbalism: much more personal, as I weave experiences with these into my 13 year acquaintance with the practice. Enjoy – you’ll see glimpses of the excited new herbalist I once was, talking incessantly about…

[prairiefirewitch]

Eastern Red Cedar (Essential Herbs for Witches)

*Notes from the Hekate ritual kits that were released October 23'.

Latin name: Juniperus virginiana

Planet: Sun, Saturn

Element: Fire

Parts used: foliage, wood, essential oil

Astrological Association: Leo

Energy: Masculine

Magical properties: Longevity, protection, preservation, strength, wisdom, perseverance, renewal, transformation, balance, connection to the divine through nature, return of stolen goods, defense.

Healing properties: Fever, cough, skin conditions, respiratory issues

Eastern Red Cedar is not actually a true cedar, it’s a juniper, as its latin name, Juniperus virginiana, indicates. Naturalized in Europe, Asia, and North America, Eastern Red Cedar is present in all temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and stretches into parts of the southern hemisphere. This hardy tree has deep roots and tolerates poor rocky soil, salt, heat, and wind, and is drought tolerant. 

Medicinally juniper has been used in bathing, sometimes as a scourge, to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and to relieve depression symptoms and exhaustion. It’s also been used to heal open wounds. Juniper is warming and pungent and affects the liver and kidneys. Its bitter action stimulates the gallbladder and liver and it aids in digestion. Juniper is also used for respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema. The warming effect of juniper makes it helpful in breaking fevers. Eastern red cedar is an abortifacient and should not be used by pregnant women. 

Juniper berries have been used to flavor food, beer, and notably gin, and in Ireland the unripe berries are tinctured with whiskey and used as a general health tonic. 

As for juniper’s use in folklore and witchcraft, around the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, it was planted to protect a home from evil spirits and malicious men. It was sometimes built into a new house as a structural beam or to fill cracks between stone to drive away illness and evil spirits. Branches were hung above doors to repel witches. 

Because it is an evergreen, it’s also used in fertility rites and the berries are sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. 

Shamans in Siberia burned and inhaled the smoke of juniper to induce trance, and because of its high thujone contain, it can indeed induce altered states. Thujone does build in the liver over time so care should be taken to limit smoke inhalation to occasional use. 

Burning juniper as a smudge was common in Native American rituals for purification and to cleanse sacred ritual space. Cherokee natives believed that the wood of this cedar held the spirits of their ancestors. In other native ritual practices, it was believed that messages were sent to the Creator when it was burnt ceremonially. 

In Scottish folk magic, juniper is used to ‘sain’ livestock and homes during Beltaine and Samhain. Saining is done by lighting bonfires and driving cattle between them.  These fires would be lit from sacred Neid fires and extinguished home fires would be relit with this fire.  People also hopped over these fires to rid themselves of negative spirits. Juniper (lubhar beinne) was used, and to a lesser extent, mountain ash or rowan (caorran).  The cattle byre was sained, and the lintel over the byre was anointed with wine or human urine. Homes were also sained with burning juniper and “in such quantities to fill the whole house with smoke.”  Juniper would have also hung at windows to ward off witches and evil spirits and to rid the house of pests and diseases.

According to Scottish folklore, juniper needed to be harvested in a particular way, like all magical plants.  It was pulled by the roots, taking 4 branches between 5 fingers while an incantation was repeated.  Today we should probably refrain from yanking bushes from the ground and taking a branch or some berries after asking permission should suffice.  The branches can be dried and burned or the berries can be burned on a charcoal disc, or dip the branch into sea salted water and sprinkle a bit on yourself and your magical working space. 

While we generally think of juniper as a plant of the Sun, it does have older Saturnian associations perhaps because they are very long lived, but maybe also because of their often gnarled wood and spiky foliage, giving them a dark, ominous aspect. Like both yew and cypress trees, Easter red cedar is common in older cemeteries in the southern united states. This may be because its evergreen leaves have come to symbolize ‘eternal life’, but through the ancient Greeks, we have an association with juniper as a plant of Hekate, perhaps because she led the procession of the dead. Through Hekate, it is also associated with Medea, a Hekatean priestess. 

I choose to substitute Eastern red cedar for the yews, cypress, and cedar we traditionally see aligned with Hekate because ERC happens to grow in abundance in my bioregion and has a long history of use in sacred rites across the world. Eastern red cedar is a plant of protection and is excellent for banishing, inspiring courage and strength, purification and release.

[cygnetbrown]

There's a Medicine Cabinet in My Backyard

And I didn’t even know it! This past week I went to a workshop put on by a friend of mine about medicinal remedies found in our area. The first thing she did was remind us that she was not a doctor and that what worked for her would not necessarily work for everyone and that what she shared was not meant to be a replacement for professional medical care. Of the medicinal herbs that she…

[fethemsoire]

Some things I've been learning about and working on lately

Ogham, for divination, spells, and just making connections. I've been reading Erynn Rowan Laurie's Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom along with some other resources, and I'm getting to the point that I could probably tell you the letter's name from seeing the character like 2/3 of the time, and give you a basic rundown of its meaning from the name like 90% of the time, which feels like some pretty good progress! I want to keep working on memorizing them including some deeper meanings, and start to make some of my own connections involving them

Herbalism and foraging, initially focused on native Irish herbs and herbs/trees connected to the ogham or other Irish lore, but now trying to find plants native to my area too. Yesterday I found an eastern red cedar tree (despite the name, a form of juniper native to the eastern US) and common juniper (as far as I can tell, the species associated with idad and commonly used in Gaelic rituals including Scottish saining), and I took small clippings from both to dry for future use

Learning and thinking about how my practice can connect to Irish immigrant experiences and practices. My city (New York) was a major center for Irish immigration and Irish-American communities during and following the famine, and while there is, for good reason, a lot of focus on spiritual connection to Ireland itself, to me it makes sense to work on incorporating Irish immigrant experiences into my practice too: the neighborhoods they lived in, the places in and around the city that were meaningful to them, their herbal medicine practices (this nearly 900 page paper by Meredith B. Lynn has soooo much about this), the ways Irish-American experiences started to diverge from Irish experiences, etc. I don't fully know where this exploration is going, but as much as Irish-American and native Irish cultures are separate, and as much as I have some intensely negative feelings about aspects of Irish-American culture in NYC and the surrounding areas, it doesn't make sense to me to just throw out everything that's developed here in the time since my ancestors left Ireland, that feels meaningful and valuable to me too, and I want it to be a part of my practice

[namelists]

a list of names inspired by: plants

this list includes names relating to trees, shrubs, herbs, succulents and lesser-known/used flowers.

Abu: minor Sumerian god of plants

Alder: flowering plants in the birch family

Alfalfa: a perennial flowering plant in the legume family  

Almond:  a species of tree native to Iran  

Aloe: a succulent native to the Old World tropics

Amaryllis: an autumn-flowering South African bulbous herb  

Apple: the round fruit of a tree of the rose family  

Aralia: trees and shrubs of the ginseng family  

Artemis: Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, nature, wilderness

Ash: a tree with silver-gray bark and compound leaves  

Aster:  a plant of the daisy family with bright rayed flowers

Balsam: a herbaceous plant cultivated for its flowers

Basil:  an aromatic annual herb of the mint family, native to tropical Asia

Bay: an evergreen Mediterranean shrub of the laurel family  

Calla: South African plant widely cultivated for its showy pure white spathe and yellow spadix  

Carraway: white-flowered aromatic Old World herb of the carrot family  

Cayenne: a bush of moderately-hot, tapering, skinny, mostly red-colored peppers

Cedar:  conifers which typically yield fragrant, durable timber  

Chamomile: an aromatic European plant of the daisy family, with white and yellow flowers.  

Cherry: trees and shrubs of the rose family cultivated for their fruits or ornamental flowers  

Chervil:  a plant of the parsley family, with small white flowers and delicate fernlike leaves

Chicory: a blue-flowered Mediterranean plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its edible salad leaves

Chloris: Greek goddess of flowers

Chrysanthemum:  a plant of the daisy family with brightly colored ornamental flowers  

Cicely: an aromatic white-flowered plant of the parsley family, with fernlike leaves  

Cinnamon: an aromatic spice made from the peeled, dried, and rolled bark of a Southeast Asian tree  

Clementine: a tangerine of a deep orange-red North African variety  

Coral Bell: a perennial alumroot cultivated for its feathery spikes of tiny red bell-shaped flowers  

Coriander:  an aromatic Mediterranean plant of the parsley family  

Cotton:  a soft white fibrous substance that surrounds the seeds of a tropical and subtropical plant  

Demeter: Greek goddess of the harvest, crops, the fertility of the earth

Diana: Roman goddess of the hunt, wild animals, nature, wilderness

Dill: an aromatic herb of the parsley family, with fine blue-green leaves and yellow flowers  

Durio: a small genus of tall Asiatic and Indian trees with tapering leaves and small green flowers  

Echeveria:  a succulent plant with rosettes of fleshy colorful leaves

Feronia: Roman goddess associated with wildlife, fertility, health and abundance

Filbert: a cultivated hazel tree that bears edible oval nuts.  

Flora: Roman goddess of flowers and the spring

Freesia: a small southern African plant of the iris family, with fragrant, colorful, tubular flowers  

Gaea: Greek goddess of the earth and its personification

Gardenia:  a tree or shrub with large fragrant white or yellow flowers  

Haricot:  an edible bean of a variety with small white seeds  

Hawthorn: a thorny tree of the rose family, with white, pink, or red blossoms

Hazel: a small tree with broad leaves bearing catkins in spring and edible nuts in autumn

Hemlock:  a highly poisonous European plant, with a purple-spotted stem, fernlike leaves, and small white flowers

Hickory: a chiefly North American tree of the walnut family

Holly:  a shrub, typically having prickly dark green leaves, small white flowers, and red berries  

Hosta:  an eastern Asian plant known for its shade-tolerant foliage and mauve or white flowers.  

Huckleberry: a low-growing North American shrub of the heath family  

Iris: a plant with sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers, typically purple, yellow, or white  

Ivy: a woody evergreen climbing plant with shiny, dark green five-pointed leaves  

Jade:  a succulent plant with small pink or white flowers known as a “lucky plant” or “money tree”

Juniper:  an evergreen shrub or small tree that bears aromatic berrylike cones  

Kale: a cabbagelike cultivated plant of the mustard family, having curled or wrinkled leaves  

Lavender: a small aromatic evergreen shrub of the mint family, with narrow leaves and bluish-purple flowers  

Lilac: a shrub or small tree of the olive family, that has fragrant violet, pink, or white blossoms  

Magnolia: a tree or shrub with large, typically creamy-pink, waxy flowers  

Mahogany:  the tropical American tree that produces mahogany timber used for high-quality furniture

Maple: a tree with lobed leaves, winged fruits, and colorful autumn foliage

Medeina: Lithuanian goddess of forests

Mint:  an aromatic plant native to temperate regions of the Old World  

Nectarine: a genetic variant of common peaches, domesticated in China over 4,000 years ago  

Oak:  a tree that bears acorns as fruit, and typically has lobed deciduous leaves  

Okra: a plant with long ridged seedpods, native to the Old World tropics  

Olive: widely cultivated evergreen tree, native to warm regions of the Old World

Orchid: a tropical forest plant with complex flowers that are often showy or bizarrely shaped

Ostrya: a genus of small deciduous trees in the birch family

Oxylus: Greek god of forests & mountains

Palm: an unbranched evergreen tree with a crown of long feathered or fan-shaped leaves  

Parsley: an herbal plant with white flowers and aromatic leaves  

Peach: a Chinese tree that bears the peach fruit

Pentandra: the ceiba pentandra is a massive tropical tree with deep ridges on its trunk

Peony: a herbaceous plant of north temperate regions, cultivated for its showy flowers

Pepper: a climbing vine with berries that are dried as black or white peppercorns

Persephone: Greek goddess of spring growth

Poinsettia: a small Mexican shrub with large showy scarlet bracts surrounding the small yellow flowers  

Pomona: goddess of fruit trees, gardens and orchards

Ponderosa: a tall slender pine tree, the most widespread conifer of western North America  

Poppy: a herbaceous plant with showy flowers, milky sap, and rounded seeds

Porvata: Polish god of the woods

Rosemary:  an evergreen aromatic shrub of the mint family, native to southern Europe

Sage: an aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves that are used as a culinary herb  

Sequoia: a redwood tree, especially the California redwood.  

Silvanus: tutelary spirit or deity of woods and fields and protector of forests

Spruce: a widespread coniferous tree which has a distinctive conical shape and hanging cones  

Stevia: a composite herb native to South America whose leaves are the source of a natural sweetener

Sugar: sugar cane is a perennial tropical grass with tall stout jointed stems from which sugar is extracted  

Sycamore: a large Eurasian maple with winged fruits, native to central and southern Europe  

Tamarack: a slender North American coniferous tree with bunches of deciduous bright green needles  

Terra: Roman primeval goddess personifying the earth

Tilia: a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes

Tulip:  a bulbous spring-flowering plant of the lily family, with boldly colored cup-shaped flowers

Tāne: Māori god of forests and of birds

Verbena: a chiefly American herbaceous plant which bears heads of bright showy flowers

Willow: a tree or shrub of temperate climates that typically has narrow leaves, bears catkins, and grows near water

Zelkova: an Asian tree of the elm family, cultivated for its timber, or as a bonsai tree

Zinfandel: a variety of wine grape grown in California

[philipsen75kirkpatrick-blog]

How Poor Pearly whites Could Impact Your Body.

Treat the skin with a cotton pad as well as a cleaning water like Bioderma Crealine H20 ($ 36), which could be made use of as both a make-up remover as well as a means to prep the skin. I desire brows that rise so high on my forehead I look completely baffled and also a jawline as tight as well as square as a 1970s Eastern German shot-putter's. The anti-aging formula recovers PH balance, stimulates collagen production, safeguards from cost-free radicals and also reduces great lines and wrinkles. Eve's hair is a terrific example of how a little dusty increased color could complement your skin tone as well as make your blonde color much more intriguing. The majority of research studies to this day have actually been carried out in pets, but provided the centuries of use of curcumin, along with its now shown task in the COX-1, nf-kb, and cox-2 inflammatory pathways, it could be taken into consideration a feasible natural option to nonsteroidal agents for the therapy of inflammation. Sulphur assists to make the skin healthy and balanced as well as nourishes the skin to offer it a radiance. Exfoliate twice http://blogpourhomme.fr/colour-watches-comment-ca-fonctionne-les-fonctions-comment-lutiliser-ou-acheter/ - it sloughs away dead skin cells and sends messages to the mind to create even more collagen - and also eat a lot of vibrant fruits and vegetables to make certain that your body could metabolise vitamins properly. Rosemary oil has residential properties to kill microorganisms, fungi and also infections on the skin, which make it ideal for using on minor injuries and also burns, or on problem skin that's impacted by dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis or acne. Try to find honey in lip creams, balms, as well as soaps, among other skin treatment products. The Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask (my individual fave) is polychromatic with vitamin C and E capsules to secure and also brighten dried skin as you rest, while L'Oreal Paris Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask utilizes hyaluronic acid to plump great lines over night. I had begun to believe I would certainly place way too much treatment right into my look, but as I stepped into the entrance hall I remembered being stretched across the floor in my workout garments and I was happy I really did not look anything like that rude girl. She's compelled to be laboratory partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the opposite of community, and also he is about to intimidate whatever she's worked so hard for: her perfect credibility, her relationship with her boyfriend, as well as the key that her residence life is anything however excellent. Individuals with irreversible skin problem commonly go through periods of serious symptoms. If you have sun spots, utilize skin lightening products and also retinoids to even out your skin. After the cream has been used, a strong light source is beamed onto the affected area of your skin, which kills the cancer cells. Hyaluronic acid plumps up skin and submits lines by bring in and also maintaining moisture deep in your skin. The baking soda, which has a greater pH, will certainly help stabilize the lower pH degree of your sunburnt skin as well as will aid soothe the uneasy feeling. You'll completely seem like Megan Fox with this luxurious Giorgio Armani foundation. Each heavyweight device has specific cutting edges and also a streamlined layout, so you could accomplish the perfect manicure in just a couple of mins.

Prevent taking more than one multivitamin item at the exact same time unless your physician informs you to. Taking similar products with each other can result in a vitamin or mineral overdose or significant side effects. The woman is resting on a bed, holding a bald-headed doll, however since the lady is older as well as a lot more established compared to the sort of 'nymphet' he is looking for, he aims to leave, as well as a tussle with the procuress occurs. If you have all-natural hair, you're considered much more real, or in touch with your African-ness," stated Ms. Adusei-Gontarz, an assistant editor at Columbia University Press. It was all the compliment I required to promise my unequaled devotion to the things when someone told me I had movie-poster skin while wearing just this tinted cream. You may be able to reduce them down if you feel like your creases are increasing quicker than you would certainly like. This can be made use of throughout the body in the shower for beautiful, attractive skin and also especially available and also feet throughout the summer season. The vitamin C in this two-step peel works on age areas and wrinkles; lactic and glycolic acids strip dead skin cells, and also hyaluronic acid hydrates as well as protects the skin from damage. Square-foot location medical facility will have simply under a two-year timeline, with the projected completion being summer season 2018. Made use of together with sun block, you must see healthy, luminous skin quickly. Considering that the birth of my younger son younger child in 1986 she had minor skin issue as well as the skin was obtaining discoloured but in the future skin specialist diagnosed as macular amyloidosis but after chemo treatment in 1999 the skin problem exacerbated as well as coloring over her legs, hand, neck, upper body and back occurred with heavy itching experience as well as she is not able to bear the sunlight heat, kitchen area warm, sweating, sunlight beam and so on A lot of our favored brand names don't have official seals, but we trust their products. A lot of skin conditions that arise while pregnant disappear after the child is born. Dr. Annie Chiu, a Los Angeles-area skin specialist and dermatology personnel at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center considers the therapy as a more advanced variation of microneedling It's like the distinction between chemical and physical exfoliation. Various other drugs might connect with mycophenolate mofetil, consisting of prescription as well as non-prescription medications, vitamins, as well as herbal items. Well, all I can tell you is that if I take place that diet regimen do not obtain between me as well as the Water Storage room! Aloe vera fights swelling and supplies calming moisture to the skin that maximizes your skin' s restorative properties. Subsequently, the restorative benefits of Lactobacillus products have actually been checked out in ladies with urinary and also genital system infections. Skin professionals state that antioxidant-enriched night lotions are one of the most reliable for decreasing soreness and dry skin, which might be why individuals flip for Origin's creamy mineral formula that's piled with oils and also vitamins. It's best for those who cannot tolerate very energetic ingredients as well as those who would rather use plant-based, natural products." There's no down time, and the sensation is a moderate tingle; it's really really peaceful. With the exception of skin which is a non-vascular cells, skin has a rich vascular network involved in cells feeding, thermoregulation, injury healing, immune reactions and also control of high blood pressure. It concentrates Full disclosure: I got The All-natural Means of Points from the Allen & Unwin rep at my job, so it's feasible the version I read may not be precisely the like the finished publication. It is made use of mostly for very early creases on the temple or around the eyes or mouth. The information sustaining the benefit of triggered charcoal for dealing with problems such as gas, cholesterol, skin problem, as well as other health issues stays uncertain. A scarcity of elementary abilities in the management of skin diseases is an additional confounding trouble. For the brand-new research, the scientists hired 36 clients with a total amount of 48 non-melanoma sores included basic cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and also intraepidermal cancers (IEC), a development of cancerous cells confined to the external layer of the skin A few of these individuals had skin cancers cells that had cannot react to traditional therapy including surgical procedure. Common dermabrasion uses a rotating brush that gets rid of the leading layers of an individual's skin. Adverse effects include skin rashes, mood swings or thoughts of self-destruction, frustration, dizziness, sleepiness, swelling, as well as indigestion. Direct exposure to ultraviolet light from either sunshine or sunbeds causes damage to DNA and it has been assumed that the sort of skin pigment connected with red-heads could allow extra UV to reach the DNA. Around seven percent of the oxygen we breathe in is utilized directly by the skin.

[queen-ofnewyork]

Review of COS.W’s My Real Skin Mask in Coffee

COS.W is a Korean brand that focuses on better skin. Their My Real Facial Mask masks are designed to revive and repair tired, stressed skin and restore its youthful vitality. The mask comes in various types including this one, coffee (firming & antioxidant), vitamin c (nourishing & firming; review), egg white (tightening & pore care; review), apple (brightening & antioxidant; review), and many others. The coffee mask is designed to improve skin texture and helps to make skin more beautiful and younger looking. Key ingredients include 100ppm of coffee seed extract (antioxidant, protects against UV rays, vitamin-rich, nourishing, firming, boosts collagen production, anti-wrinkle), trehalose (rehydrating, water-binding, antioxidant, anti-aging), panthenol (penetrates deeply into the skin, hydrating, helps to infuse water into the cells, moisturizing), and asiaticoside (healing, anti-inflammatory, soothing, antioxidant). This product retails for between $2-3 USD, you can get 5 pieces here for $15.50 + free shipping.

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Panthenol, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract (100ppm), Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Arctium Lappa (Greater Burdock) Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Propolis Wax, Juniperus Virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Asiaticoside

This mask contains 23 ml (0.77 oz) and has a kind of an herbal scent.

The mask’s material is Tencel Cupro and it’s better able to retain moisture than cotton. The mask is thin and soft and holds a lot of essence. I did need to widen the eye holes but otherwise it’s a great fit for my face. (sorry I was dying my hair, that's the pink on the mask lol).

Recommended use is to thoroughly cleanse and dry the face. Take out and unfold the mask and apply it to your face. Wear the mask for 15-20 minutes and after removing, pat the remaining essence into the skin for better absorption. After using, first off, I was kind of disappointed this didn't smell like coffee lol. It does have a more herbal type of scent. It's not strong but of course, it can be an irritant. The mask itself is very comfortable and there's a lot of essence. The ingredients help the skin to look more evened out and my skin felt smoother after using it. It also helped to tone down the redness in my skin and it's a pretty hydrating mask. There are some irritants in the list though, so this may not suit people with sensitive skin. I'd recommend this to anyone with dull/uneven skin tones and people with dry and normal skin types.

What I like: this mask is really hydrating and soothing and there's a lot of essence. It does a good job of toning down redness, soothing uneven skin, and even firming and the skin to help with aging. The ingredients are nice and the mask is pretty comfortable. The effects last at least 12+ hours. What I don't like: I don't care for the fragrance, but kind of wished it smelled like coffee.

Pros:

Hydrating

Soothing

Toning

Firming

Anti-aging

Comfortable

Nice quality

Cons:

Fragrance

Would I buy again?

Maybe

Rating: 8/10

[kentonramsey]

Recipes for a Pretty Cold Brew, Iced Matcha, and the Best Tea to Sip Before Bed

I’m convinced that there’s tea for every kind of life event. If I have somebody over who I really like, maybe a new love interest, I brew holy basil tea in my grandfather’s navy blue teapot. When my family is here, Darjeeling black tea, as concentrated as possible, with honey on the side. For friends, I alternate herbal blends, always poured in carefully chosen ceramics from Sen Earthenware. I’ve known the designer, Asia Sosnowski, since we studied abroad together in India, and collaborated to make tea cups. Just as there’s tea for all occasions, I think there’s a perfect cup for each friend. For somebody high strung, I pick one with a smaller opening, forcing an exercise in patience as the water takes longer to cool with a calming tea like chamomile. If I know that we’ll be hanging out for hours, I use a tiny cup that can be refilled with something like Genmaicha, a crowd pleaser and a pick-me-up.

I’m a naturopathic doctor with a tea line, Masha Tea, and I’ve thrown “don’t get high on your own supply” out the window this quarantine. With few new lovers to entertain and a lack of interest in having really anybody in my apartment, my tea habit has gone from being a social ritual into my best bet for structuring languorous, solo summer days.

Lately, I spent slow mornings drinking herbal cold brew on my fire escape, a New York novelty that never ceases to bring me joy. I climb outside with the tea, which has steeped overnight and sit cross legged, looking down at the community garden next door.

My naturopathic practice involves appointments with patients on issues ranging from acne to irregular periods, infertility to high anxiety. These, along with any calls pertaining to my tea line, tend to run back to back, and by the time they’re done midday, I’m ready for an afternoon matcha. The process of making matcha is one of inherent thoughtfulness because it’s prepared in a stepwise fashion. You can’t check your phone while whisking, and it’s mesmerizing to watch bright green tea mix slowly into creamy oat milk.

After the afternoon matcha, I try to answer emails and then get into my art and writing projects. Lately, a combination of journaling, poems, drawing portraits, embroidering backgammon sets, and block printing. These days, I’m rising and falling with the sun. When it starts getting dark, I check out of my work and then it’s time for my last and final cup of tea—and the end of another day.

Of course, there are recipes.

MORNING COLD BREW

This is the easiest one to make—and the best part is that you will have already made it overnight! Brewing herbs with cold water brings out different properties than hot water. Green teas, for example, are typically less tannic and bitter when cold-brewed. I made the Masha Love Tea because organic roses, organic anise hyssop grown in Vermont, and eastern red cedar, wild-harvested by Allora Flowers look really pretty floating around a glass jar.

Ingredients Half-gallon Mason jar (or whatever you have) 3 tablespoons of herbs per half a Mason jar Water – I’m a Berkey filter devotee Strainer – I got mine at Muji. Any kitchen strainer will do.

Steps To make, put the herbs in a jar and cover with room temperature or cold water. Let sit for at least 6 hours in the fridge. You can shake the jar every few hours to move the herbs around (and to enjoy the snow globe effect.) After that time, strain it into a cup over a kitchen strainer. And voila – no ice involved, and very minimal effort. This is great to prepare before bed and let sit in the fridge overnight to strain in the morning.

MIDDAY ICED OAT MATCHA LATTE

A realization that I just had is that my favorite thing to do on my block this quarantine has been to go to the bodega in search of American Party Ice for my daily iced oat milk matcha lattes. And another realization that I just had is that my idea of being adventurous these days is having two of these babies in a row. Wild! The caffeine content of matcha, while high, tends to create a more balanced energy than the sometimes frenetic feel of afternoon coffee.

Ingredients Ice – enough to fill your cup (Please don’t let my dedication to bodega ice deter you from the more sustainable option of an ice tray) 3 scoops (1 teaspoon) of matcha powder A cup of oat milk from the fridge (any kind of milk will do!) Hot water

Steps Fill a cup with ice and then fill ¾ up with oat milk. In a separate cup, if you have a matcha whisk, chawan (tea bowl), and tea scoop, sift three scoops (1 teaspoon) of matcha into a bowl, pour enough hot water to cover, and then whisk the matcha for 30 seconds. If you don’t have a whisk, use a Mason jar and put a teaspoon of matcha in with hot water to cover and shake! Pour the matcha mixture over the ice and oat milk. You can top off with oat milk. I recommend refrigerating high quality matcha to preserve freshness and color. If you’re not sure about the quality of the matcha that you’re using, take a bit and spread it on white paper. What’s the color like? The consistency? Ideally, the matcha that you’re buying is bright green and smooth. Organic certification is not always as important with matcha as small family farms in Japan who are practicing organic agriculture may not have the finances or desire to obtain certification. As with any tea or agricultural product, you can always chat with the supplier about sourcing practices.

EVENING TEA OVER ICE

If you do not want but NEED iced tea in a pinch—and you have ice—this is your move. This is my third and final tea of the day. The one that says, “I’m tired but still hot.” I made the Masha Calm Tea today, a blend of chamomile, lemon balm, and chrysanthemum, herbs that are classified as “nervines,” meaning they act to tonify the nervous system. If you have chamomile lying around, that’s always a great go-to. Maybe you have fresh ginger in your spice cabinet? This can also be cut up and used.

Regardless of how productive, free-flowing or lazy my day was, I consider that evening cup of tea my final exhale and prefer herbs that smell lovely and are relaxing. Whereas with hot tea in the winter months, I normally use a heaping teaspoon of tea per cup of water, I use double the amount for iced tea, knowing that it will be diluted with ice.

Ingredients Two teaspoons of tea Boiled water – 1 cup Ice

Steps Make a concentrate of two teaspoons of tea per cup of hot water. Let this sit for about 7 minutes for herbal or black tea or 3-5 minutes for green tea. Fill a cup with ice. Strain your mixture over the ice.

Enjoy!

The post Recipes for a Pretty Cold Brew, Iced Matcha, and the Best Tea to Sip Before Bed appeared first on Man Repeller.

Recipes for a Pretty Cold Brew, Iced Matcha, and the Best Tea to Sip Before Bed published first on https://normaltimepiecesshop.tumblr.com/ Recipes for a Pretty Cold Brew, Iced Matcha, and the Best Tea to Sip Before Bed published first on https://mariakistler.tumblr.com/

[tipsycad147]

Planetary Magic 6: Jupiter and Expansion

by Christopher Penczak | Jul 29, 2013

(Originally appearing in the Crow’s Calling)

The most beloved of the planets is Jupiter. Even in the dark ages, when astrologers saw the planets in much stricter terms of black and white, Jupiter was called the Greater Benefic, meaning that it grants greater blessings. Modern magicians and witches have drawn from this concept. Ritual magic describes Jupiter spells as bringing boundless good luck and prosperity. It expands all resources and blessings. And it does, but the power of Jupiter is far greater than mere good luck.

In the Eastern traditions of astrology, Jupiter is associated with the guru. In the west, we have a hard time with the word guru because it has been used by many charlatans to build grand cults of personality. In the true sense of the word, guru means teacher, and most notably spiritual teacher. When channelled properly, the energy of Jupiter is the energy of spiritual learning. Jupiter is the inner teacher.

In these eastern traditions, Jupiter is called the light of a thousand suns. It radiates not physical light, but the spiritual light of illumination. Physically, science tells us that Jupiter is a gas giant. Potentially it is a Sun, but a Sun that has never ignited. If it had, we would have a binary solar system, rather than one single Sun.

In many ways, Jupiter acts like a Sun. Jupiter is its own miniature solar system, holding sixteen satellites, or moons, in orbit. One moon, Ganymede, is the size of the planet Mercury. Jupiter’s gravitational power is second only to the Sun. In many legends, the archetype of Jupiter is the elder king, giving way to the new solar king, much like this planet gives deference only to the Sun.

Compared to all the other planets, it generates more heat than it receives from the Sun. The heat is created by Jupiter’s incredibly fast rotation. For a planet that size, it takes only twelve Earth hours to make a full rotation. The intensity of the heat causes the planet to bulge near the equator. This relates to the magical thought that Jupiter energy causes expansion. The secret is that it doesn’t just expand material concerns, such as money, business and general prosperity. It expands consciousness.

The sign that Jupiter rules, Sagittarius, is the explorer. On one level, Sagittarius is described as being very good at business and administration. Another level is the freedom of Sagittarius, exploring new lands, cultures and adventures. A cliché phrase associated with it is “don’t fence me in.” On the highest level Sagittarius represents the spiritual explorer, delving into new thoughts, beliefs, philosophies and religions. They are able to take in so many points of view and experiences because the power of Jupiter is working to expand consciousness. In the older systems of astrology, before the discovery of the outer planets, Jupiter ruled both Sagittarius and the sign of Pisces, the energy of the artist and mystic. So not only is it associated with the fire and light of Sagittarius and the sun, but the mystical waters to be explored by Pisces.

This gas giant is considered the first of the spiritual planets in karmic astrology. The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are the personality planets, representing the ego, emotions, mind, attraction and will, respectively. Jupiter is the higher “octave” of the Sun, embodying the power of the higher self, the upper vibration of the personality.

Colours associated with Jupiter are blue and purple. Many relate the power of Jupiter to the power spiritual sight and spiritual light. The brow chakra, or Anja, is the energetic centre of the body, usually portrayed as indigo or purple. The third eye is not the only place where the energy of Jupiter can be found. In medical astrology, Jupiter rules the liver, since it is the largest planet and the liver is one of the largest organs. Metaphysicians note that liver problems are often created through unresolved anger. When one is in the expanded consciousness of Jupiter, anger can be resolved. Only when you are blocked to the expanded consciousness of Jupiter do you hold anger over the long term. Jupiter rules many of the liver herbs, such as dandelion.

The gods of Jupiter are the sky gods and storm fathers. Jupiter himself is a Roman god of thunder and lightning, highly identified with the Greek Zeus, the leader of the Olympians. Although a third generation deity, he leads his brothers and sisters in victory against the Titans and creatures that roam the world, ushering in a new age. Though Zeus in later myths is painted in an unflattering sexist tone to the modern reader, the ideal of this god form is the wise and guiding king. To the Sumerians, Marduk led the fight against the dragon creature Tiamat, creating the world and a new age. In Egypt, the god Amen-Ra, the embodiment of Ra as ruler on Earth and often depicted as a pharaoh figure, is the Jupiter archetype. Unlike the Greeks, the Egyptians saw the Sun as supreme and elder, giving sway to other figures, such as Amen-Ra. Tarranis of the Continental Celts, relates to Zeus, as being a strong storm god and heavenly figure. Modern Celtic practitioners also look to the good father god of the Tuatha De Dana, the Dagda as a Jupiter figure. His cauldron is ever abundant and none leave it hungry, representing the power of abundance and nurturance in Jupiter energy. In Norse myth, the all father and tribal leader is Odin, though many associated Odin with Mercury images, because he is the magician and traveller. Thor, on the other hand, the God of Storm and Lightning, is strongly linked with Jupiter magic. In fact, the day of Jupiter, Thursday, originates from Thor’s Day. Magic involving the power of Jupiter is strong when done on Thursday.

To harness the power of Jupiter, you can do magic when the Sun or Moon is in Sagittarius. October 15 to December 5 is the planetary period when we are all aligned with Jupiter energy. Your own personal Jupiter period starts 208 days after your birthday and lasts for 52 days. At these times, the magic for expansion, both prosperity and spirituality will be strong. Try focusing on magic for higher awareness, spiritual evolution, success, business, administration, publishing, philosophy, education, meditation and psychic development.

The number of Jupiter is usually four, because in the Tree of Life system of magic, Jupiter rules the fourth realm, called Chesed. Chesed translates to Mercy, and strangely enough, the glyph, or symbol of Jupiter looks like a two and four combined. Esoterically, the symbol is really a crescent, a symbol of the soul, balanced on the cross of matter. It means the energy of the soul is delicately balanced in the material world, but elevated above it. The symbol is also the alchemical symbol of tin, which is the metal of Jupiter. Pewter is often used as a substitute as well, but true pewter mixes the energies of Jupiter and Saturn.

MINERALS: Blue Lace Agate, Amethyst,Ametrine, Blue Apatite, Blue Calcite, Howlite, Lapis Lazuli, Lepidolite, Labradorite, Merlinite, Sapphire, Sodalite, Spectrolite, Sugilite, Blue Tiger’s Eye, Blue Tourmaline, Turquoise

PLANTS: African Violet, Agrimony, Alexander, Alfalfa, Aloe, Arrowroot, Asparagus, Betony, Bluebell, Blueberry, Borage, Cardamon, Carnation, Cedar, Chestnut, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Currant, Dandelion, Deerstongue, Dock, Dog Grass, Fig, Henna, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lila, Liverwort, Lungwort, Magnolia, Maple, Milkweed, Mistletoe, Moneywort, Mulberry, Mustard Seeds, Narcissus, Oak, Red, Oak- White, Oakmoss, Pine, Sage, Sandalwood, Sarsaparilla, Sumac, Sweet Briar, Sweet Cicely, Tonka Bean, Violet, Wallflower

Here is a simple meditative ritual to be done with strong Jupiter energy. Choose any of the crystals above and create a space for you to meditate quietly. Light four purple candles. Relax and breathe deeply. If you would like, light some sage for incense and purification. You can wave the crystal in the sage smoke to purify it before using it. As you hold the crystal, feel yourself become the crystal. Immerse yourself in the vibration of the crystal. With each moment, each pulse of your heart, feel yourself expand outward. Feel yourself fill the room, then fill your home. Expand beyond your home and into your neighbourhood. Feel yourself become one with all things around you, but you are not harmed by anything. You are in balance and harmony. Feel yourself expand to the city, state and region. Expand beyond the boarders to the continent and then the Earth itself. Feel the Earth expand to unite with the cosmos. Expand to the highest realm you can, and understand that all things are one in the divine mind.

When you are done, retrace your steps back, slowly making your way back to your body and the crystal. Thank everyone and everything you experienced for this beautiful gift. Ground yourself and return to the world with your new sense of expanded awareness. Next: Saturn & Karma

Resources:

* A Salem Witch’s Herbal by Laurie Cabot. Celtic Crow Publishing. * Archetypes of the Zodiac by Kathleen Burt. Llewellyn. * Astrological Magick by Estelle Daniels. (Samuel Weiser) * Astrology From A to Z by Eleanor Bach. Evens and Company. * Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs and Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, by Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn. * Lifting the Veil: Practical Kabbalah with Kundalini Yoga by Gurunam. Rootlight Publishing

https://christopherpenczak.com/2013/07/29/planetary-magic-6-jupiter-and-expansion/

[prairiefirewitch]

When I started thinking about all the things I could put into the Hekate kits, I knew I wanted to focus on eastern red cedar, as it’s the plant at the heart of my own hekatean practice. Typically cypress is more closely associated with Hekate, but in my bioregion, working with red cedar makes more sense. It’s abundant here so I don’t worry that I’m harming ecosystems when I forage it, and it’s similar enough to cypress that makes a very good substitution. It’s intensely fragrant, with lots of varying shades of green, and female trees produce beautiful berry-like cones that feed many species of birds. Those cones are juniper berries and are used to flavor gin, and I use them to infuse my own gin occasionally. They’re also covered with wild yeast and I’ve used them to make a wild starter for mugwort ale which I used as a ritual offering to Hekate. So I’m using it as sort of a backbone plant in the kits; dressing candles, using it as the base for incense, scenting soap with it. It’s a nice way to connect all of the items. Maybe I’ll have enough to make some hydrosol too.

[kevinscottgardens]

22 April through 3 May 2019

Since returning from Morocco, the garden is really coming alive. All the winter protection is down and it’s been necessary to open the vents in the tropical corridor. The weather has been very seasonal, hot, cold, windy and a bit of rain, though I have also started irrigating because we haven’t had a really good rain for many weeks. Lily and viburnum beetles are out in force this year too.

We installed new fencing around the standing out ground and it looks great. The previous ones lasted around six years. In this photo, the old fencing has been removed, and some of the new ones are being positioned to be attached to the supporting posts.

We also started installing support structures with pea sticks (hazel branches) around plants that will be very tall later in the year.

Robert’s cast was removed last week. We have Brady with us from North Caroline for a month and he is great. Disappointingly, Fränzie wasn’t accepted onto the one-year certificate course at Kew in the vegetable garden. This will be Charlotte’s last week with us and the next trainee will start at the end of May.

I attended the IrisBG user conference in Göteborg, Sweden, on 29 and 30 April. I spent the weekend there as well; it was my first visit. Denis and André connected me with with a very dear friend of theirs, Ullis. We spent Saturday afternoon together and Martin, also attending the conference, saw us walking and joined us. The conference was very helpful and it is always good to meet other users. The botanic garden is beautiful. They have fantastic topography, which makes their rhododendron dell feel very authentic - it reminded me of hiking in Nepal.

Planting has commenced in the garden. A busy time ahead for record keeping. Additionally, I have several projects I want to do, inspired by others at the conference. If I get them done over the summer, moving plants in the autumn for winter protection should be much more efficient. I also have ideas for streamlining our seed procurement process. The tropical corridor also needs some work to make attaching bubble wrap in the autumn easier. So much to do!

Yesterday, I met Phoebe, Hannah and Mark’s newborn daughter. Pin, Alex, Janaka and I (all from Kew) went to Mark’s new home and spent a very nice day catching up and watching a local cricket match. Today I’m going to see Nicholas and Christopher. Tomorrow I’ll spend some time in the garden at home. I’m really happy to see the peonies, hostas and epimedium all filling in and looking great. After my regenerative pruning of the choisya two years ago, it is in full bloom this year.

Plant of the week 19 April

Tamaricaceae Tamarix tetrandra Pall. ex M.Bieb.

common name(s) - four-stamen tamarisk, salt cedar synonym(s) - none conservation rating - Least Concern native to - Cyprus, Greece, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine location - dicotyledon order beds, accession _____ leaves - arching, almost black branches, minute green scale-like leaves flowers - large plumes of light pink flowers in late spring habit - lax, medium-sized deciduous shrub to 2m tall and 2m wide habitat - coastal and dry regions of eastern Mediterranean pests - generally pest-free disease - generally disease-free hardiness - to -15ºC (H5) soil - acidic to neutral clay, loam or sand; well-drained and moist sun - full sun; requires shelter from cold drying winds when planted inland propagation - semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter; seed sown, when ripe, in containers in a cold-frame pruning - damaged, dead, to shape only nomenclature - Tamaricaceae, Tamarix - the late Latin name, tamariscus, for the Spanish area of the River Tambo; others drive it from the Hebrew, תמר tamar, for a palm tree; tetrandra - with four stamens, four-anthered NB - Tamarisk is a very useful plant in that it can tolerate saline soils and actually concentrates salt within the plant. This makes it a good candidate for  bordering grey water inlets. Overtime, grey water systems often accumulate salts in the surrounding soil and this can be damaging to nearby plants as it affects osmotic uptake of water. Planting a few Tamarisk shrubs can help control the accumulation of salt in the soil, although be sure to dispose of any trimmings as these will contain the accumulated salt.

References, bibliography:

Balkan Ecology Project [online] http://www.balkep.org/tamarix-tetrandra.html [6 May 19]

Gledhill, David, (2008) “The Names of Plants”, fourth edition; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 978-0-52168-553-5

ÍIUCN [online] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/46102981/46102984 [6 May 19]

Plant List, The [online] http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2521227 [6 May 19]

Royal Horticultural Society [online] https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/58409/Tamarix-tetrandra/Details [6 May 19]

Plant of the week 26 April

Geraniaceae Pelargonium cucullatum (L) L'Hér.

common name(s) - herba althaea, tree pelargonium, hooded-leaf pelargonium; (Afrikaans) wildemalva synonym(s) - Geraniospermum cucculatum (L.) Kuntze; Geranium cucullatum L.; Pelargonium angulosum Aiton; P. cucullatum subsp. cucullatum conservation rating - none native to - South Africa location - glasshouse four, accession 2014-0390 leaves - grow upwards, forming circular bowls with jagged, red-tipped edges; give off pleasant herbal scent when crushed and they have a wide variety of uses in traditional medicine flowers - masses of sweetly scented, pink and purple flowers in the summer habit - vigorous, fast-growing, sprawling shrub can reach heights of over 1m habitat - summer rainfall; sandy and granite slopes along the Cape coast from Saldanha to Baardskeerdersbos pests - vine weevil larvae, leafhopper, root mealybugs, whitefly disease - Puccinia pelargonii-zonalis, viruses (one is a notifiable quarantine disease, tomato ringspot virus), grey moulds, leafy gall hardiness - to 5ºC (H1c) soil - sandy, free-draining, acidic to neutral sun - full sun, tolerant to coastal conditions propagation - cuttings in summer or autumn, seed pruning - deadhead to encourage flowering nomenclature - Geraniaceae - crane, Dioscorides’ name refers to the shape of the fruit resembling the head of a crane, cranesbill; Pelargonium - stork, Greek name compares the fruit shape of the florists’ geranium with a stork’s head; cucullatum - hooded, hood-like NB - used to produce a great number of modern Pelargonium hybrids; introduced into cultivation in England by Bentick in 1690

References, bibliography:

Gledhill, David, (2008) “The Names of Plants”, fourth edition; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 978-0-52168-553-5

ÍIUCN [online] http://www.iucnredlist.org/search [6 May 19]

Plant List, The [online] http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-13900441 [6 May 19]

Royal Horticultural Society [online] https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=240 [6 May 19]

Ibid [online] https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=550 [6 May 19]

SANBI [online] http://pza.sanbi.org/pelargonium-cucullatum [6 May 19]

Wikipedia [online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelargonium_cucullatum [6 May 19]

Plant of the week 3 May

Iridaceae Iris x germanica var. florentina Dykes

common name(s) - Florentine iris, orrice root, orris root synonym(s) - Iris x germanica L., Iris 'Florentina' conservation rating - none native to - southern Europe location - perfume garden, accession _____ leaves - slightly glaucous foliage, sometimes remaining semi-evergreen flowers - stems to 1200mm bearing medium sized flowers; standards are wide, erect, cupped, falls are narrow, distinctly drooping, both silvery white with a slight blue tinge and beards are yellow habit - vigorous, spreading rhizomes habitat - not found in a truly wild situation pests - slugs, snails, thrips disease - iris rhizome rot, leaf spot, virus hardiness - to -20ºC (H6) soil - well-drained loam or sand, neutral to acidic sun - full sun propagation - division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn pruning - remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering nomenclature - Iridaceae, Iris - the name of the mythological messenger of the gods of the rainbow, cognate with orris; germanica - from Germany; florentina - from Florence NB - formerly grown as the source of the aromatic orris root, used in perfume making; root can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a food flavouring, it may take several years of drying to develop its full fragrance

References, bibliography:

Find Me A Cure [online] https://findmeacure.com/2012/09/22/iris-x-germanica-var-florentina/ [5 May 19]

Gledhill, David, (2008) “The Names of Plants”, fourth edition; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 978-0-52168-553-5

ÍIUCN [online] http://www.iucnredlist.org/search [5 May 19]

Plant List, The [online] http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Iris+germanica [5 May 19]

Royal Horticulture Society [online] https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/98796/Iris-Florentina-%28IB-TB%29/Details [5 May 19]

[tripstations]

NY drinks NY wines: History and hybrids

New York Wines: Disaster in the Beginning

Historians have documented the fact that grapes were first introduced to New York by the Dutch (1647-1664); sadly, the crops failed. A few years later, the French Huguenot settlers in Ulster County tried to plant European varietals (1667) and they too were unsuccessful.

William Robert Prince (1795—1869)

Finally, in 1816 the Isabella grape was planted by William R. Prince (a descendant of Thomas Prince, an early Governor of the Plymouth Colony) in Linnaean Gardens (Queens, NY) and 2 years later (1818), Elijah Fay planted the first vineyard in Chautauqua County.

A few years later (1827) the first commercial vineyard and winery in the Hudson Valley opened (planted by Richard Underhill on Croton Point on the Hudson River). The Underhill’s are considered to be the first dynasty in American viticulture. It is the size and longevity of these vineyards that gives them the right to be considered the real founders of the wine-growing industry in New York.

Two years later (1829), in his rectory garden, the Revered William Bostwick planted the first vineyard in the Finger Lakes (Hammondsport, NY). Bostwick encouraged his neighbors to plant cuttings from the few Isabella and Catawba vines he was growing.

However, it took another decade for the wine industry to go commercial in the Hudson Valley. Finally, in 1839 Jean Jacques opened Blooming Grove (later rebranded as Brotherhood Winery) and by 1853 the Concord grape variety (introduced by Ephraim Bull of Concord, NH) became a popular wine and table grape. The Taylor Wine company entered the industry in 1880, followed by Widmer’s Wine Cellars in 1888 – placing New York on the world’s wine-making map. These enterprises produced sparkling and dessert wines (including ports and sherries), as well as table wines.

Wineries Expand

The Farm Winery Boom took place in the 1960s-1970s with new winery entrepreneurs. The entries included Benmarl Wine company and Cascade Mountain Vineyard (Hudson River Region), with Bully Hill Vineyards and Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes.

The Farm Winery Act (1976) opened the door to ownership and operations for a winery to produce less than 50,000 gallons of wine per year and sell directly to the consumer on the farm; today farm wineries can produce up to 150,000 gallons per year and can market wines to restaurants, retail and wholesale trade. As the Act evolved, it allowed winemakers to buy grapes from other New York growers and sell their wines in the same system, as long as the wines were made with 100 percent New York grapes.

Wineries continued to increase (1976-2017), reaching approximately 405, with 302 in Federally recognized viticulture regions: 20 in Lake Erie, 129 in the Finger Lakes, 62 in the Hudson River Region, 76 on Long Island, 7 I along the Niagara Escarpment and 7 in the Champlain Valley of New York with 103 wineries in other areas of the state.

Size Matters

Most new wineries are small, family-operated and focus on limited production of premium varietal table wines with the entire process, from planting of vines to wine marketing, controlled by the family. In addition to winemaking, visitors to the wineries are able to experience tours of the vineyards, and wine tastings and this aspect of the industry attracts 3 million tourists to New York each year.

NY Wine Industry Today

Today, New York is the nation’s third largest wine producing state with average annual production of approximately 20-million gallons. New York has 10 officially recognized viticulture areas that are compared to the French, “appellations of origin” and include Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment; Finger Lakes; Seneca Lake; Cayuga Lake; Hudson River, Long Island; The Hampton, Long Island; North Fork of Long Island; and Champlain Valley of New York.

8th Annual NY Drinks NY. Workshop Focus

At a recent New York drinks NY wine event, scholars, sommeliers, buyers, sellers, and writers convened to learn about some of the unique hybrid grapes growing in New York State.

NY’s Hybrid Grapes

What is a hybrid grape? Hybrid grapes are grape varieties that are the product of crossing two or more Vitis species. They are also referred to an inter-specific crossing or “Modern Varieties” and have excellent tolerance to powdery mildew, other fungal diseases, nematodes and phylloxera.

New York Hybrid Grapes Presented

At the NY Drinks NY event, Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier, MS and viticulturalist Mike Colizzi of the Cornell Agriculture Experiment Stations, Geneva, NY, presented a few of New York State’s hybrid grape varieties, including:

Vignoles. Developed by J. F. Ravat, a French hybridizer (1929), Vignole is a cross between Pinot Noir and a Seibel hybrid. Viticulture characteristics include: Hardy, late-ripening and moderately vigorous vine; moderate yielding with small, compact clusters. They are, however, susceptible to powdery mildew and bunch rot and capable of acquiring “noble rot” which, thankfully, produces excellent late harvest wines.

Vilification: Cool, tank fermentation; no malolactic fermentation; no barrel aging. Vignola’s are always finished with at least 1 percent residual sugar and frequently used to make sweet, late-harvest wines. Vignoles present an aromatic and tropical fruit nose but is somewhat one-dimensional and the natural high acidity must be balanced with sweetness. Late harvest wines have a strong aroma of apricot.

Demand for Vignoles is growing due to numerous awards in major competitions of late harvest and ice wines. These grapes can make high quality table wines and consumers are learning that it pairs well with spicier versions of Mexican and Oriental cuisine.

Traminette. (Formerly known as NY65.433.13). Officially introduced at the 4th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and Enology in Rochester, NY (July 1996), the Traminette is the result of a cross of Janes Serve 23.146 x Gewurztraminer by H.C. Barrett in 1965 at the University of Illinois.

Originally intended to be a table grape with Gewurztraminer flavor characteristics, this grape is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with good productivity, partial resistance to several fungal diseases and cold hardiness. It is a late mid-season white wine grape that produces wine with pronounced varietal characteristics likened to one of its parents, Gewurztraminer.

Baco Noir. Monsieur Francois Baco (1865- 1947), was a teacher, living in Belus, Landes, Armagnac Province, France (south of Bordeaux). This French-American hybrid grape variety is produced as a red wine in NY State.

Its origins date back to 1894 when Baco crossed Follet Blanche (a traditional grape variety used to make brandies in Armagnac) with an unknown member of the New World’s Vitus riparian family (also known as “riverbank” or “riverside” grapes that are found along the banks of the eastern part of North America from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains). The intention was to create phylloxera-resistant vines that retained their French character. Baco was bred in 1902 and commercially released in 1910.

Light to medium body, with good acidity and a preference for cooler climate, Baco Noir is a grower-friendly alternative to Pinot Noir. If Baco is left on its skins for more than 7 days as it ferments – it can, with care, have many big Bordeaux-like qualities. It has a robust and aromatic flavor – cedar, tobacco, leather and chocolate. The complex fruit flavors include black cherries, black berries and prunes. It may also present herbal notes of black pepper, licorice, cinnamon and eucalyptus.

Baco, made in a lighter style, is reminiscent of a Burgundian Pinot Noir that presents a rich nose whose fruits trigger memories of red raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, cherries and strawberry jam. The herbal notes include more muted flavors of lavender, black pepper, mint and licorice.

Niagara. This is a light-skinned hybrid variety grown mainly in the northeastern US, particularly around the Great Lakes Region. Created in the NY country of Niagara in the mid-19th century from the Concord grape variety (perhaps a cross between a wild Vitis labrusca variety and an unknow Vitis vinifera variety) and the labrusca Cassady. Wines from Niagara are light and present a “foxy” aroma.

Niagara is a high-yielding grape that is resistant to harsh, continental winters. It can be made into wines as diverse as Burgundian Pinot Noirs, Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignons, light young fall wines or nouveaux, and even rosé. It presents a deep color, lots of berry and plum fruit, and delivers high acid levels that pair well with barbecued meats. It also ages well.

Marechal Foch. The grape is a cross of Gold Riesling and riparia/rupestris hybrid and made by Eugene Kuhlmann of Alsace. Viticulture characteristics include: vigorous and early-ripening, small to moderate yields of small, loose clusters of blue-black grapes. This hybrid is disease resistant and withstands hardy winters although early bud breaks can result in damage to shoots by late spring frosts.

For additional information, visit newyorkstatewinegrapegrowers.org.

© Dr. Elinor Garely. This copyright article, including photos, may not be reproduced without written permission from the author.

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[emarawork2015]

Factors To Consider In Processing Eastern Red Cedar Lumber

By Anna Fox

You can use wood in different economic activities. The red cedar tree is common hardwood species which is found in tropic areas. They are renowned for their natural capacity to repel insects giving them an advantage over other tropical hardwood trees. You must be very careful with the considerations you make when you intend to use them commercially to ensure that they serve their purpose accordingly. The following are tips for processing eastern red cedar lumber. First, acknowledge their usage. This tree is widely considered due to its resistance to parasitic attack. In most cases, the lumber is used to make fencing poles and carpentry products. Other minor usages include making red dye using the heartwood, highly aromatic insect repellent and in traditional herbal medicine. They are useful farm trees since their fibrous root system is used to control soil erosion and as windbreakers. Look for a reliable source of this trees. You cannot achieve your expectations if you do not have enough trees to saw. Therefore, look for a farm which has this specific type of trees or a forest which is owned by your local authorities which you can harvest them. You need to seek permits from the authorities who are responsible for the plants to avoid serious repercussions. Use the right sawing process. You are required to adhere to strict rules when sawing trees in large scale. First, do not make a mistake of harvesting trees which are below the recommended maturity age. Besides that, one is expected to observe the right safety measures to safeguard the welfare of his or her workers and observe environment conservation measures as well. Hire the right workers. You must have appropriate workers if you want to complete this task within the expected duration. Besides that, they should be experienced and have the right tools needed for each activity involved in this process. Take time to evaluate their personal capacity to make sure that everyone contributes to the success of your projects. Check your storage process. Drying the heartwood well can take about one year to complete. Therefore, make sure you have a reliable shade which you can use to store your lumber. A reliable place is expected to be opened to allow free air entry. The shelter provides shade to the lumber to avoid direct sunlight contact which can crack the respective wood. Besides that, choosing this storage process will help in keeping records of the logs. Ensure you employ the right and appropriate preservation process. Red cedar logs need to be treated even though they have a natural characteristic which makes them repel to insects. The easiest and affordable way that one should prefer is painting. It is done using a water-resistant painting which makes them waterproof to avoid decomposing due to contact with water. Be careful with your expenses. Processing lumber can cost you a lot. Therefore, prepare a reliable budget which will limit your spending. It should include the expenses made in every process required to be carried out until the wood is ready for commercial use. Employ relevant measures to avoid spending a lot to maximize your profits.

About the Author:

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[jakehglover]

What Is Red Cedarwood Oil Used For?

Don't be fooled by the name, but red cedarwood oil comes from a type of juniper tree (Juniperus virginiana),1 a member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. These trees, which grow 30 to 65 feet tall, can be found in the U.S.,2 where they are commonly known as the Eastern red cedar.

Essential oils made from cedar trees grown in the U.S., such as red cedarwood oil, are primarily used in making perfumes. These oils are high in both cedrol and thujone as well, the latter often being used to “falsify” sage oil. Red cedarwood oil has a fresh and soft, but deep, woodsy fragrance,3 making it valuable for commercial purposes.

However, if you aim to use a cedar essential oil therapeutically, you may want to consider the Atlantic or Atlas cedar oil from Morocco, instead of red cedarwood oil. Atlas cedar oil is the only recognized cedar oil suitable for therapeutic use4 — more about this later.

Composition of Red Cedarwood Oil

Red cedarwood oil that's extracted from the juniper tree found in Virginia is composed of alpha- and beta-cedrenes, γ-eudesmol, cedrol, cedrenol, widdrol, tricyclene, alpha-thujene, alpha- and beta-pinenes, camphene, and sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene, thujopsene, beta-elemene, cuparene, and alpha-acaradiene.5,6

Uses and Potential Benefits of Red Cedarwood Oil

The Eastern red cedar is commonly known as an ornamental tree, and its wood is used for furniture and other items like interior panels and fence posts. Certain parts of the red cedar tree have been valued for their medicinal purposes, too.

For instance, the Gros Ventres tribe ate the berries (whole or crushed) or brewed them as a tea to help cure asthma.7 A tea made from the fruits and leaves of the cedar tree was also utilized to cure coughs and colds.8

Meanwhile, red cedarwood oil is popularly used today as an ingredient for room sprays, cleaners, perfumes,9 herbal antiseptic creams and as an insect repellent,10 especially against mosquitoes.11 It blends well with other oils like bergamot, jasmine, lavender, rose, cinnamon, juniper, frankincense, lemon and rosemary.12

Despite Atlas cedar oil being more popularly used for therapeutic purposes, red cedarwood oil has recently shown aromatherapeutic potential as well, specifically for relieving anxiety. A January 2018 Physiology & Behavior animal study highlighted that this essential oil may deliver anxiolytic effects in certain body pathways.13 More studies may be needed to confirm this benefit, however.

How to Make Red Cedarwood Oil

Red cedarwood oil is obtained via steam distillation of the tree's chopped wood, stumps, logs, wood shavings or sawdust.14 What's good about this process is that even after extracting the oil, the remaining wood fiber can still be used to create other products.15

Other Types of Cedar Oil Are More Known for Their Therapeutic Uses

Aside from the red cedar, take note that there are other cedar tree varieties found around the world, such as the Atlantic or Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) that’s native to the mountains of Morocco, cedar of Lebanon (C. libani), the deodar (C. deodora) from the Western Himalayas and Cyprus cedar (C. libani var. brevifolia). Oils extracted from these cedar trees may impart therapeutic benefits.

Different societies had their own ways of using cedar essential oils. The Egyptians used cedar oil for religious and embalmment purposes, as well as for medicine and in beauty treatments. The Greeks used this oil similarly, and added it to their repertoire for therapeutic massage and aromatherapy.16

Is Red Cedarwood Oil Safe?

I advise you to take extra caution should you purchase or use oils made from cedar trees. As mentioned earlier, Atlas cedar oil is your most ideal choice, since it’s the only oil made from cedar trees that may be used therapeutically.

If you’re using red cedarwood oil for other purposes, remember that it should never be ingested or come into contact with your eyes, inner portions of your ear and other sensitive parts of your body. Pregnant women should also refrain from using this essential oil (and other cedarwood essential oils) to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.17

As I always recommend, consult your doctor and take an allergy patch test before proceeding to use any essential oil. Lastly, before using Atlas cedar, red cedarwood or other essential oils, dilute them first in safer oils like almond, coconut, jojoba or olive oil before using.

Side Effects of Red Cedarwood Oil

Some of the potential side effects of red cedarwood oil that may occur when used in high concentrations include:18

• Skin irritation

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Excessive thirst

• Extensive damage to the digestive system

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/03/01/red-cedarwood-oil.aspx

[sherristockman]

What Is Red Cedarwood Oil Used For? Dr. Mercola Don't be fooled by the name, but red cedarwood oil comes from a type of juniper tree (Juniperus virginiana),1 a member of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. These trees, which grow 30 to 65 feet tall, can be found in the U.S.,2 where they are commonly known as the Eastern red cedar. Essential oils made from cedar trees grown in the U.S., such as red cedarwood oil, are primarily used in making perfumes. These oils are high in both cedrol and thujone as well, the latter often being used to “falsify” sage oil. Red cedarwood oil has a fresh and soft, but deep, woodsy fragrance,3 making it valuable for commercial purposes. However, if you aim to use a cedar essential oil therapeutically, you may want to consider the Atlantic or Atlas cedar oil from Morocco, instead of red cedarwood oil. Atlas cedar oil is the only recognized cedar oil suitable for therapeutic use4 — more about this later. Composition of Red Cedarwood Oil Red cedarwood oil that's extracted from the juniper tree found in Virginia is composed of alpha- and beta-cedrenes, γ-eudesmol, cedrol, cedrenol, widdrol, tricyclene, alpha-thujene, alpha- and beta-pinenes, camphene, and sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene, thujopsene, beta-elemene, cuparene, and alpha-acaradiene.5,6 Uses and Potential Benefits of Red Cedarwood Oil The Eastern red cedar is commonly known as an ornamental tree, and its wood is used for furniture and other items like interior panels and fence posts. Certain parts of the red cedar tree have been valued for their medicinal purposes, too. For instance, the Gros Ventres tribe ate the berries (whole or crushed) or brewed them as a tea to help cure asthma.7 A tea made from the fruits and leaves of the cedar tree was also utilized to cure coughs and colds.8 Meanwhile, red cedarwood oil is popularly used today as an ingredient for room sprays, cleaners, perfumes,9 herbal antiseptic creams and as an insect repellent,10 especially against mosquitoes.11 It blends well with other oils like bergamot, jasmine, lavender, rose, cinnamon, juniper, frankincense, lemon and rosemary.12 Despite Atlas cedar oil being more popularly used for therapeutic purposes, red cedarwood oil has recently shown aromatherapeutic potential as well, specifically for relieving anxiety. A January 2018 Physiology & Behavior animal study highlighted that this essential oil may deliver anxiolytic effects in certain body pathways.13 More studies may be needed to confirm this benefit, however. How to Make Red Cedarwood Oil Red cedarwood oil is obtained via steam distillation of the tree's chopped wood, stumps, logs, wood shavings or sawdust.14 What's good about this process is that even after extracting the oil, the remaining wood fiber can still be used to create other products.15 Other Types of Cedar Oil Are More Known for Their Therapeutic Uses Aside from the red cedar, take note that there are other cedar tree varieties found around the world, such as the Atlantic or Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) that’s native to the mountains of Morocco, cedar of Lebanon (C. libani), the deodar (C. deodora) from the Western Himalayas and Cyprus cedar (C. libani var. brevifolia). Oils extracted from these cedar trees may impart therapeutic benefits. Different societies had their own ways of using cedar essential oils. The Egyptians used cedar oil for religious and embalmment purposes, as well as for medicine and in beauty treatments. The Greeks used this oil similarly, and added it to their repertoire for therapeutic massage and aromatherapy.16 Is Red Cedarwood Oil Safe? I advise you to take extra caution should you purchase or use oils made from cedar trees. As mentioned earlier, Atlas cedar oil is your most ideal choice, since it’s the only oil made from cedar trees that may be used therapeutically. If you’re using red cedarwood oil for other purposes, remember that it should never be ingested or come into contact with your eyes, inner portions of your ear and other sensitive parts of your body. Pregnant women should also refrain from using this essential oil (and other cedarwood essential oils) to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.17 As I always recommend, consult your doctor and take an allergy patch test before proceeding to use any essential oil. Lastly, before using Atlas cedar, red cedarwood or other essential oils, dilute them first in safer oils like almond, coconut, jojoba or olive oil before using. Side Effects of Red Cedarwood Oil Some of the potential side effects of red cedarwood oil that may occur when used in high concentrations include:18 • Skin irritation • Vomiting • Nausea • Excessive thirst • Extensive damage to the digestive system

[queen-ofnewyork]

Review of TZ's Ashtree Clear Firming Cream

TZ is a Korean brand that focuses on turning back the clock on your skin. Their Ashtree Clear Firming Cream is designed to whiten and has anti-aging properties. It's also nourishing and moisturizing for more supple skin. Key ingredients include 48% Chinese ash extract (skin regenerating, anti-allergy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), rh-Polypeptide-62 (firming, makes skin look younger, prevents acne breakouts, helps the skin barrier), rh-Oligopeptide-1 (healing, increase cell renewal, help produce collagen, nourishing), rh-Polypeptide-1 (reduces wrinkles and appearance of fine lines), rh-Polypeptide-3 (nourishing, firming, moisturizing, helps to produce more collagen), rh-Oligopeptide-2 (nourishing, improves texture and appearance of skin) and adenosine (anti-aging, promotes collagen and elastin production, anti-wrinkle). This product retails for between $35-40, you can get it here for $38.07 + shipping.

Ingredients

Fraxinus Rhynchophylla (Chinese Ash) Extract (48%), Glycerin, Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Diglycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Artemisia Princeps (Japanese Mugwort) Extract, Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Tromethamine, Pentylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Adenosine, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Trideceth-10, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil, Juniperus Virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Ursolic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, rh-Polypeptide-62, rh-Oligopeptide-1, rh-Polypeptide-1, rh-Polypeptide-3, rh-Oligopeptide-2

To quickly note, I received this free from 0.8 Liter for my honest review, this post is not sponsored.

This product contains 50 ml (1.69 oz) and has kind of an herbal/botanical scent.

It comes in a small squeezy tube.

The cream is thick and white in color.

It does have a slightly thicker texture than I anticipated and it's not sticky.

It blends in very well and leaves skin very smooth.

Recommended use is to apply the cream onto the face and gently massage as it absorbs more supple and firm skin. After using, this cream does have a noticeable scent, it's very natural, it does however dissipate quickly once the cream is blended into the skin. This cream has many good ingredients but also quite a few irritants so I can't really recommend this to people with sensitive skin. This cream is very moisturizing and lasts quite a while, however, I did have an allergic reaction to this cream, I don't think it'll be a problem for other people but this triggered hives for me. I do think this cream will help with firming but it'll take some time to see those effects. I'd recommend this to people with dry and aging skin.

What I like: this cream is really moisturizing and ideal for aging skin. The moisturizing effects last quite a while and it has many interesting and potent ingredients. There is a nice, light herbal scent and it disappears quickly. What I don't like: this won't necessarily apply to everyone but I did have an allergic reaction due to my chronic hives, so I can't really use this again.

Pros:

Moisturizing

Nourishing

Nice ingredients

Long-lasting

Herbal scent

Cons:

Caused an allergic reaction

Would I buy this?

No

Rating: 5/10