Bonnie’s Herbals

Spring showed up here a little earlier than anyone expected; nothing like having 60-70 degree days in February and March in New York.  The plants are so happy; they’ve been breaking through the ground all over the place.  My daffodils are already about 10 inches tall, they’re not usually like this till mid-April.  Maybe it’s a message to us that we should be eating our spring greens earlier this year than before? 

When we talk about eating spring greens, it’s not about going to the store and picking up a bunch of kale or collards, it’s all about eating wild foods.  Greens that are bringing up from your land or land that is right around you nutrients to nourish your cells.  Early spring chlorophyll to clean your digestive system and clear out winter gunk.

Today we’re going to talk about Chickweed – (Stellaria media). She is growing all over the place now.  I was lucky enough the other day to get a call from a friend that she was turning over the soil in a greenhouse and I should come pick the chickweed that had planted herself there. Yummmmm,  I’ve been eating it like crazy this week – and I got it just in the nick of time as I came down with a wicked cough and cold this week.

What is chickweed for?

• She helps to thin the cell membranes so that nutrients are absorbed and utilized easily
• Helps the lungs release excess fluid (which is why I’m using her today – in fact my husband has been fighting a sore throat and swollen glands – ended up on antibiotics but still the swollen glands wouldn’t go away.  I put a poultice of the chickweed on his neck for about a half hour – the swollen glands disappeared and never showed up again – pretty cool)
• Increases intestinal absorption – got an intestinal problem – IBD, IBS, Colitis, think about chickweed
• Think about chickweed as slippery like soap.  She has lots of saponins which are soap-like and what she does is have the ability to slide into things and clean them up – for example, replacing fat with protein and mineral salts.  Chickweed likes to help emulsify fats and for some with weight issues she is a godsend.
• A great salad – tastes delicious, not bitter.   Today I chopped up the chickweed and used an herbal vinegar called Fire Cider and some olive oil as my dressing.  What an amazing healing salad.  (Just a side note, fire cider is apple cider vinegar infused  with garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish and chili peppers)
• One of the first things I think of with chickweed is her ability to cool things off – so think swollen joints, fever and infections.
• Chickweed tincture – taken continuously for at least a few months  can dissolve cysts, including ovarian ones
• Many years ago a friend’s dog had scratched its eye, the veterinarian thought nothing could help, we applied a poultice to the eye with chickweed and violet and within a week the eye was healed.
• Chickweed is a powerful ally to the glandular and lymphatic system.  I love to think of her as a total nourisher for the body.  One who can cool you down when the situation is hot, a nourishing healer of wounds, and an herbal diet pill.  Quite a lot for one little plant.

I’ve never experienced this, but I’ve been told that for people that have lipomas (some call them fatty tumors) that using chickweed can help dissolve them.

When chickweed is out like it is now I like to make tincture, oil and just plain eat it.   I use the tincture when I don’t have it fresh and the oil is wonderful to help with the dissolving of things.  Using herbs internally and externally at the same time always makes them more potent.

I’m teaching a class – information is on this newsletter on March 24^th on "How to Spring Clean Your Body."   Come learn more about chickweed and the other plants that are beginning to pop out of the ground now.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

• Ever have one of those days?  You feel moody, gloomy and just need a lift?
• Maybe you’re trying to hold yourself together or stop crying?
• Feeling angry, sad, your heart won’t stop pulsing and you just don’t know what to do?

Those are the days that I recommend you look at Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca),otherwise known as the lion hearted plant. Motherwort literally means for the mother.
Motherwort helps to lift your spirit and lighten up.

For myself, I find that motherwort can soothe and strengthen my nervous system.

Have you ever felt like you are stuck in a rut?  You’re angry, aggravated and just need a little something.  Next time, reach for a little bit of motherwort tincture and see how all of a sudden things look a little brighter.

Motherwort is an interesting plant, as you look at her relatively innocuous flowers, just be aware that towards the stem they are very prickly and I’ve been stuck numerous times.  How I interpret this is that motherwort can help us to embrace and nourish the parts of us that are a little prickly and sharp by allowing them to soften.   Think about the times that maybe you’re angry at someone and you want to lash out at them.  If you have a second to think clearly, take some motherwort and you may find that she will absorb some of the anger for you.

Motherwort is a wonderful plant to get to know.  I’ve seen it used in many ways, these are just a few ways to think about using her:

·      Women before menopause

• you’ve got the craziness of PMS – you’re cranky, irritable – try 10-20 drops of motherwort
• Menstrual cramps – use a dropper and repeat after 20 minutes until the cramps have stopped
• Tonic for the uterus
• Helps teens balance the emotional upheaval during their monthly cycle
• Helps moms after giving birth when their hormones are going wacky
• Helps perimenopausal women when they are feeling crampy and grumpy

·       Women during and after Menopause

• Helps moderate hormone levels
• Helps balance your emotional swings
• Helps many eliminate hot flashes
• Helps you go back to sleep when doing what I call the 2 am menopause dance
• Helps decrease heart palpitations
• Helps many with menopausal depression

Heart Tonic

• Very specific for nervousness with heart palpitations
• Culpeper says “Venus owns this herb and that it is under Leo” which means that it is a female remedy with an affinity to the heart.
• Strengthens the heart and relaxes the cells in the heart – helps High blood pressure
• Tonic for the heart

Motherwort is a very bitter tea, so my recommendations is to use it in tincture form. You can find motherwort in most health food stores.  Start with 10 drops and increase as needed.  You should begin to feel the calming of motherwort within 20 minutes.

Not suggested during pregnancy

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe

Never allow someone to take your power away…..
········· Linden can help you if this happens to you.

I can’t ever remember feeling as if my personal power was taken away from me, until the other day.· It hits you like a ton of bricks and basically stops you in your path.· ·After spending a few days processing this feeling I wanted to give you my thoughts.

Have you ever had someone promise you something and then turn around and not deliver?·· I spent almost 2 amazing days at a conference where I learned new ways of marketing my business.· One aspect of this program is that you have an “accountability buddy” which you change every 120 days.· As a solo entrepreneur you don’t have the support of a corporate team that keeps you on track.· This buddy is someone you speak with daily for just a few moments and helps you stay on the straight and narrow in order to accomplish your goals.

During my first day at the conference, I had a conversation with a woman that I knew and we decided we would be buddies for the next 120 days.· In my mind, all was good.· The second day we were asked if we had a buddy and if you didn’t you should go to the front of the room with all others that were looking and choose someone.· “Why should I do this, I was all set”, or so I thought.· Next thing I knew I get a tap on the shoulder and this woman said to me “Oh, I forgot to tell you, I made a promise to someone else to be their buddy, you should go up front to find someone”··· It was like I was shot, I felt that my psyche was compromised.· It was the strangest feeling for me to not feel in control of my feelings.· This woman never gave any thought to the fact that she had removed the power I had in choosing who I wanted to work with.

OK, so I went and picked a new buddy and for all intents and purposes all should have been fine.· But my power had been taken from me.· I needed to compromise myself because this woman didn’t think it through to let me know the previous day that she wanted to work with someone else.· If she had, I would have been able to speak with someone else and this would never have happened.

What this did to me was throw my energy off for the rest of the conference and actually till now when I decided that I needed to write this blog.

The lesson – when something like this happens to you, it’s really not about you, it’s about the other person.· In hindsight, I realize that she wasn’t the right person for me to work with for 120 days because if she wasn’t accountable for that one day, how would I be able to trust her in the future.· But it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt you or mess with your brain.

As an herbalist I began working with herbs that soothe the nervous system and allow the body to release the grief of the situation once I returned home. The herb that I went for first was Linden also known as Tilia and Lime Flower.· Linden allows one to create calm and stillness inside while there may be lots of noise outside.· It allows us the space to calm our minds. What I find that Linden does best is to create ease during times of stress and chaos.

Indications on why you might want to use linden:

• Anxiety issues that may find you with palpitations and/or panic attacks
• Nervous tension
• Emotional issues: grief or heart ache
• Sleep problems

Linden helps you balance your emotional body.· It allows you to be supported even in times of extreme stress. As I write this I am sipping a mug of linden tea and find that my breathing and stress level of the situation are being diffused.

I encourage everyone to keep some Linden around as a simple tea. On my website, www.bonniesherbals.com there is a list of resources that you can purchase linden and other herbs from. It works so quickly to eliminate your stress levels, help you fall asleep when you have a lot on your mind and allow you to release pent up grief, no matter what that grief looks like for you.

Bonnie Rogers is an herbalist and what she does best is help you to reclaim your radiant health by teaching you how to remove the health obstacles that are stopping you from feeling your best.· She can be reached at www.bonniesherbals.com

 Have you ever given any thought to the fact that what you put into your body can change whether it begins to corrode (break down) or recharge (rebuild). When I think about this, what first goes through my mind is whether the body is acidic or alkaline.  Think about battery acid and how it can corrode anything that it touches.  Now think about what that acid can do in your body.  What can cause acid in your body?  Diet, stress, and exposure to toxins are the first things I think about.  When your body's pH can be brought into a slightly alkaline state, I find that the health issues that I consider acidic tend to disappear and  your body begins to repair itself.  An example of health conditions that I think of when I think acidic:  arthritis, cancer, acid reflux, digestive disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis and the list goes on. By making simple shifts you can create powerful changes in your body and create Radiant Health.

Step 1:   Nutrition:  think green. Foods that I consider acidic:  grains, meat, dairy, sugar, coffee.  I challenge you to for one week to eliminate most if not all of the acidic foods.  Drink green smoothies (alkaline foods) , juice lots of vegetable juices such as cucumber, celery, kale, lemon; eat lots of salads (but don't use jarred salad dressing, make your own with some organic apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs.  Add some avocado.  See how you feel.  I've done this and its just amazing to feel the change in your body.

Here's a simple recipe for an amazing tasty alkaline soup:
1 bunch parsley
4 stalks celery
3 medium zucchini
1/2 lb green beans

steam them for about 10-15 minutes and then puree them either in a blender or with a blending wand and use the water that you steamed the vegetables in as your broth.  I like to add a little lemon juice when I'm eating this soup.  If you like it spicy, add some pepper to it.

Step 2:  Water: Do you know that most of today's water is filled with toxins?  It's treated with so many chemicals that it's basically a lifeless, tasteless liquid. When I look at water I look at it from 2 perspectives:  is it filtered and is it ionized.  Most water ionizers have small filters on them to remove some toxins but my gut tells me that if you are drinking water to feed your body, make sure that you are filtering the water you are drinking to remove the harmful constituents.  When it comes to alkaline, ionized water I've seen so many amazing results that take people with acidic health conditions in their bodies and turn them around. One example is my daughter, the short story:  age 14, lyme disease, 2 months later diagnosed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, ends up on medications, 8 years later Hodgkins Lymphoma (from the meds?) and then osteoporosis (from all the prednisone?), back on arthritis medications.  Started ionized water (I work with the Chanson machines), within 1 1/2 years off of all medications.  I've seen so many results - contact me privately for more information.

Step 3:  Stress:  Take time for you. Whether this is sitting quietly for 10 minutes a day just breathing quietly and thinking about something that makes you happy. Maybe create a scene that you like, being in the woods, next to a tree, at the beach, in a field and go there in your meditation and let your stress go.  Create time to exercise, maybe its a simple walk or try a kickboxing class, yoga, find something that makes that stress dissolve.

It sounds so difficult, but its just one step at a time.  Think how good you'll feel when you make just one simple change.  Here's to a year filled with Radiant Health.

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It's that season again, filled with high anxiety, too much to do and not enough time to get it all done.  Ever notice that the intimate moments that you used to make time for are quite limited these days.  I want you to remember that when you are sexually satisfied, many of the other ailments you've had seem to fade away. My motto:  Simple shifts can make powerful changes so let's chat about some simple things you can do:

We'll start with anxiety - I recommend that you begin to drink herbal infusions daily with herbs such as nettles, oatstraw and hawthorn.  Not only will they fill your body with nutrients, they will begin to unwind the tightly bound nerves that we tend to have around this season.  Keep a bottle of scullcap or motherwort in your bag and take a few drops when you feel like you are coming unwound.  Keep some simple teabags with you, Jeans Greens has two formulas that I love.  One is Fizzle Frazzle and the other is Mandala Centering Tea.  

Put some candles around and spray a little lavender essential oil.  Or combine that with giving your partner a massage with a nice massage cream with some lavendar essential oil in it. 

Unfortunately for many women there is too much pain and dryness for them to even think about being intimate.   I have discovered a wonderful product called Sex Butter that I am now carrying as the need for so many of my clients is there.  Even if you aren't in pain and you would like to have a sensual, sexual experience that will be more powerful than you've been experiencing, try it, it's renewed my husband's and my sex life again. 
Get your swing back, make it an important part of your life.  Put on some sensual music, take some time for you, away from the television and computer.  Everything else will get done if you allow some time for yourself.

Let me know what you've done to create that time for you.

FAQ

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE SO YOU WILL KNOW IF SEX BUTTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

What is Sex Butter?
Sex Butter is a special blend of organic essential oils that may enhance sexual pleasure for men and women by lubricating and creating a heightened sensation during foreplay as well as intercourse.  It lubricates allowing for everlasting sexual pleasure.

What are Sex Butter's ingredients?
Read about the hormone free, chemical free, paraben free, menthol free, organic ingredients here: Organic Ingredients

How is Sex Butter packaged?
Sex Butter is packaged in a double walled 1 oz. acrylic jar. 

How was Sex Butter developed?
Sex Butter was developed by an alchemist from New Mexico who has over 40 years experience working with natural healing remedies.

How long has Sex Butter been on the market?
Sex Butter was first founded in 2008 and has been sample tested sexually and for other skin ailments for the last three years.

Are there any guarantees that Sex Butter will work for me?
Response may vary with each person.  Sexual sensitivity is affected by a number of factors such as; age, hormone factors, lifestyle, prescription medications, and environment.  If you are taking prescription medications, trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, please consult your healthcare professional prior to use.

Can I use this oil while trying to get pregnant?
If you are trying to get pregnant, please note that the oils in sex butter can have a spermicidal effect.  While this product will not prevent pregnancy it can interfere with those couples trying to get pregnant, please contact us if you need more information.

How does Sex Butter compare to other products?
As far as we are concerned there is nothing like it on the market.  It is superior in its ability to lubricate free of burning, drying out, or irritation. 

How do I use Sex Butter?
You may use Sex Butter in the same manner that you use any personal lube or lubricant.  It is safe on any of your lovely parts and should be used wherever you would like to enhance sexual pleasure.

What can I expect when I apply Sex Butter?
Women may experience a slight warming and/or wonderful tingling sensation within minutes of applying Sex Butter, heightening sensation.  Men may experience increased sensation, increase in stamina, and quicker recovery time.

Are there alternate uses for Sex Butter?
Yes, there are many uses for Sex Butter; the oils in Sex Butter have antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory effects.  According to scientific research some of the oils are good for dry skin, rashes, burns, wrinkles, psoriasis, Xerosis, and many other skin conditions.

Because Sex Butter is all-natural and edible it has a multitude of uses…put it on all your lovely parts.

Try rubbing some on during a sensual massage and then take a warm candlelit bath.

Try it for woman, man, or your furry friends.  We have had many people tell us it helps their dogs with hot spots, dry pads on their paws, and irritated ears.         

Is it safe to use a silicone vibrator or sex toy once Sex Butter has been applied?
Sex Butter is an oil-based product and is safe to use with silicone vibrators or sex toys (because it is oil we recommend cleaning toys with a little rubbing alcohol).

What is the best way to try Sex Butter?
A little goes a long way.  You will know what is right for you but start with a small amount about the size of a dime.  Sex Butter can be used as often as you like and may be reapplied as much as desired.

Does Sex Butter have any side effects?
Since 2008, when sample testing began there have been no known side effects.  

How does Sex Butter interact with prescription drugs?
To date, we have found no known drug interactions between Sex Butter and any prescription or non-prescription drug. For medically related questions, please contact your healthcare professional.

How will Sex Butter affect my partner?
Sex Butter is designed for both participants.

Are there any women who shouldn't use Sex Butter?
Check with your physician before using Sex Butter if you are taking medication and/or are pregnant.  Please contact us for a special blend if you desire to get pregnant.

Can I use condoms with Sex Butter?
Sex Butter may be used safely with polyurethane or lambskin condoms.  While it will not harm a latex condom, condom manufacturers recommend that no oil-based lubricants be used with latex condoms to prevent tearing or slippage.  You may use it at your own discretion with latex condoms. At Sex Butter we always promote safe sex.

Can Sex Butter be harmful?
Sex Butter was designed to be applied before or during foreplay for the woman.  Sex Butter can be used during intercourse, manual and/or oral stimulation and masturbation.  Sex Butter is NOT harmful in any way.

If you experience any unpleasant side effects, discontinue use immediately and contact your physician if reactions continue.

Is Sex Butter safe to ingest during oral sex?
All ingredients in Sex Butter are harmless if ingested during oral sex. The ingredients in Sex Butter are derived from the highest quality food grade 100% natural and organic oils.

To place an order, click here

People love Sex Butter, read the reviews here. 
To place an order click here

Women

I discovered a new use for the oh-so-fab Sex Butter. A sinus cold seems to think I like it & it's been around for almost a week now. SO - this morning I used the sex butter as a carrier for my 'breathe' essential oil. Mixed it up, rubbed it all over my chest and neck and in MINUTES can breathe easily through my nose and chest. Love it! Love you! xo Deborah Rachel Kagan
I will always have a jar or four of Sex Butter around the house. Not only is it amazing for intimacy it is the BEST facial moisturizer I have ever used for my ultra-sensitive skin (fabulous as a base for make-up, too). I really believe it's a little miracle in a jar.  Love that you're sharing Sex Butter, Bonnie! ~ Cythia Osiecki

"Sex Butter changed my whole essence, both “inside” and “out”… and I do mean inside!" ~Bonnie Stern, Co-Founder Sex Butter

"I received a sample of this wonderful concoction from my colleague. I must say I am very impressed. The smell is very pleasant and the scent is fresh & natural. It feels tingly when you first put it on, then cool and then warm, it changes sensations as you continue rubbing. It was a whole new experience! The texture is literally like butter, but it's not greasy, more like real old fashioned butter made from real cream, if you can remember that. It lasts... and lasts... and lasts... long after you are done, leaving you with a very "naughty" disposition the whole time you can feel it...I really enjoyed it and I will recommend it from now on to All my patients. I think it will also be a lot of fun for men. Men like to feel nice too! Makes me wish I had more so I could let them try it at our sessions, LOL. I know they would love it as much as I did." ~Dr. Grace G: Sexology expert

"I'm a believer! In the past, I rarely used lubrication. It needed constant re-application and it was messy. Thanks to this product, I have discovered a better way to enjoy the intimate moments. Sex Butter is long-lasting and has a great consistency, even improving my sensation. Did I mention the scent? It's intoxicating."  ~M. S.

"My fiancé and I normally don't use lubricants because we don't need them... Now I'm literally running to the drawer to use it every time.  Sex Butter enhanced our experience in ways I never thought it could. Everyone should try Sex Butter!!" ~L.

“It makes for yummy fireworks! No kidding!” ~C. J.

"We want to thank you for the opportunity to try your “butter” as we loved it!  I personally liked the minty fresh smell and the tingling sensation once applied to the desired areas.  The thing I loved most was that once it was applied, it gets very warm making the experience wonderful.  My boyfriend and I had a lot of fun with it!" ~S. & T.

"I tried Sex Butter for self-pleasure & really enjoyed it. I was also more aware/connected to my sensual self all day - not in an aroused way - felt more connected to "all" of me. Thank you! I am so supportive of your product and your vision. :-) ...I am not one that gives "fluff" or false compliments or is easily impressed."  Many Blessings, S.

This stuff WORKS!  Yaay!"  ~K. J.

Addicted to the Butter! :) ~S.H.

YES...I've tried it...IT ROCKS!!! ~C.K.

Everything really IS better with Butter! I’m such a devotee. Sex Butter Is travel friendly so your vacays can be butter-tastic! ~L.S.

Love it! ~C.B.

Yes, I've included (Sex Butter) in my new book ~A.C.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a wonderful product, sweetie.~A.M.

Thanks for the samples! I love it and it sure does make you tingle! ~D.D.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the Sex Butter. Thank you sooo much, it’s awesome!!! ~D.F.

Sex Butter is pretty amazing!  I will be ordering my refill very soon :) ~L.G.

Send me some of that Sex Butter lol! Totally sold on just the name :) ~T.P.

LOVE the Sex Butter! Actually wanted to ask you where to get more... ~M.B.

Sex Butter ROCKS! ~F.H.

Thank you! From just the effect of external sampling, I have already started recommending it to friends. I am anxious for my inner goddess to experience full effect! Lol! :) ~M.K.M.

Hi! First of all, I want to thank you for the quick delivery of the product. I was curious so as soon as I received it, I sampled it! WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! Now I can't wait to use it and enjoy it fully with my partner...does he have a surprise coming!!! Thank you! ♥ ~M.K.M.

Just got your package of Sex Butter... smells like thin mints! YUM! ~D.L.

I totally put the SEX in Sex Butter on Sunday night - WOW!!  What a fabulous product - thank you, thank you.  Just brilliant work!  ~S.B.

Sex Butter is amazing! I just had a procedure done that seemed to take away my sensation but Sex Butter brought it back in just one use! Not only is it helping me, it is helping my dogs hot spots! Truly amazing! ~A.S.

Way to go! My two patients that tried it so far are loving it! ~M.B., N.P.

Thank you so much for the sample of Sex Butter! It is really awesome, make's everything better and more enjoyable! Thank you! ~B.I.F.

My friend Trish loves the Sex Butter as I do...yahoo! ~R.P.

It was a thrill to work with you, I enjoyed every moment. Your passion and creativity is inspiring. You have an amazing vision and product! ~S.H.

I tried Sex Butter with my man and he loves it! Lots of fun...thanks dear. ~F.S.

Thanks! I tried Sex Butter and it worked great!  ~L.L.

Used it last night - woohoo! ~P.L.

♥ Sex Butter is amazing! ~C.C.

Sex Butter is the Greatest Product! I had the most Wonderful Weekend! It's True. It's Real. It's A New Life! WOW! AMAZING, AMAZING. I have never experienced anything like It! WOW...  ~D.S.

Our eyes water, our nose runs, we have night sweats, our bladder leaks, but thank goodness for Sex Butter! Now we are wet where we want to be!  ~C.S.

I told a friend about how amazing it is! I need samples and cards to pass out! xoxo ~S.R.

Honestly, if I raved about it anymore they'd have to lock me up! I am forever grateful you made this product! ~D.R.K.

I'm amazed by Sex Butter. ~J.J.

My husband and I love the Sex Butter! Thanks! :) ~O.A.

You know how much I looooves the Buttah :) ~D.K.

I just wanted to tell you how amazing your product is! I've been telling all my friends and clients about it! ~K.S.

I tried it and I like it. Women don't be afraid to discuss the topic of decreased libido and vaginal dryness. It is a natural thing and there are many things out there such as Sex Butter to help with both. ~M.B.

My hub wants to know if you sell Sex Butter by the case. Tee hee.  Gonna go to your site and order now! ~J.S.

It’s all about balance for me: work, life, and play. Sex Butter helps with the play part of my balanced life.  Not only does Sex Butter balance my body’s ph, it helps me with my play and in fact it throws it into overdrive!  I love Sex Butter and so did my husband! It is fun, feels good, and really can heat up your ‘play time’, literally!  So, enjoy and know you are not harming your body!!! YAY!  Love that!  ~C.Z.

 

Men

I am really impressed with the butter. Super fun, and does a nice job. I want more, of course, by the tub!  ~N.T.

Love the Sex Butter! ~J.M.

It's great stuff! :) ~D.K.

Bring on the Butter. (wink) It works great too! ~M.S.

Yes, the Sex Butter is truly amazing. ~U.L.

You have a great product on your hands! ~D.D.

"Foreplay with Sex Butter has pleasured my wife immensely! When she is happy, I'm happy!  I hope you try it too!" ~J. S.