Many of you know I spend a lot of time trying to educate myself and others on the hazards of GM food and the pesticide glyphosate (Round Up). I had posted a link to a wonderful interview of the brilliant soil scientist Don Huber on my blog in the past, where he explained in detail the problems with glyphosate and how it is destroying the nutrient content of non-organic food it is used on as well as the soil structure and is implicated in creating a brand new pathogen found in animal food of sick and dying farm animals. I realize you might not have wanted to watch two hours of video. Luckily, there is a report of a recent presentation he gave at the UK Parliment which goes over all his key points. You can find it here.
Information and tools to create a beautiful world. Focus on health and herbs.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Where to Get the Latest Information on Genetically Modified Food (GMOs)
A list of helpful organizations and action items consumers can take to show resistance to genetically modified food:
- Justlabelit.org (FDA)
- Labelgmos.org (CA Ballot Initiative)
- Nongmoproject.org
- Nongmoshoppingguide.com (itunes app.)
- Decoding the Codes on Fruit
- Organic Consumers Association
- Food Democracy Now!
- NW RAGE
- Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides
- Oregon Organic Coalition
Consumer Resistance
Action Items:
Justlabelit.org (FDA)
Labelgmos.org (CA)
Nongmoproject.org
Nongmoshoppingguide.com
Where to Get Raw Milk
This blog is no longer being kept up and that means this list is not up to date. Please go to https://www.realmilk.com/
where they may have a more up to date list.
I have been drinking raw milk for most of my life. My grandparents and parents both had dairy cows and fed us raw milk as kids. As an adult, I have been eating raw milk cheese from my goats for 8 years now and have not had any problems. In fact I have not had any infectious disease for many years. The last infectious disease I had was picked up at a hospital when watching over a friend who was there for two weeks. In my opinion, hanging out in hospitals is much more dangerous than drinking raw milk.
where they may have a more up to date list.
I have been drinking raw milk for most of my life. My grandparents and parents both had dairy cows and fed us raw milk as kids. As an adult, I have been eating raw milk cheese from my goats for 8 years now and have not had any problems. In fact I have not had any infectious disease for many years. The last infectious disease I had was picked up at a hospital when watching over a friend who was there for two weeks. In my opinion, hanging out in hospitals is much more dangerous than drinking raw milk.
Anyway, the point of this blog today is to tell you where you can find raw milk. It will probably become harder in the future to find folks selling raw milk, so look them up now. They may still be selling it, but less farmers may be advertising raw milk in the future. This is because insurance companies have started refusing to insure farms who sell raw milk. The insurance company does not discuss the matter with them. They simply send the farmer a letter that says the insurer will no longer insure them. This also makes it harder for the farm to get insurance from other carriers in the future. Therefore, the farms are being careful about how they notify the public of what they are doing. Even sadder yet, the government is talking about cracking down on farms who sell raw milk. The FDA has already raided raw milk farmers. SWAT team style raid at Rawsome foods & Amish Farmers Raided & Healthy Family Farm Raid. They are considering creating more restrictive rules and regulations to keep the public from being able to purchase raw milk. If you want to continue being able to buy raw milk, I suggest letting your representatives know how you feel. I also suggest you copy the list below in case farmers start requesting that their names be removed from these lists. You may have to know someone who knows someone to get raw milk in the future unless we all talk to our representatives now.
You may wish to contact Friends of Family Farmers (FoFF), a
grassroots organization. Through education, advocacy, and community organizing, Friends of
Family Farmers supports socially and environmentally responsible
family-scale agriculture and citizens working to shape healthy rural communities.
Their email is info@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org
and phone number is (503) 759-3276. Their
website, which
explains their different campaigns and programs, can be viewed at:
http://www.friendsoffamilyfarmers.org/ .
I have re-posted a list of Oregon raw milk providers from Realmilk.com below. For providers in other states, click HERE for their specific website page where you can look up the providers of raw milk in your area of the United States.
This Oregon list is from Realmilk.com
- Albany: Midway Farms 6980 Highway 20 NW Albany, OR 97321 (541)740-6141 www.midwayfarmsoregon.com. Red Holstein cow milked by hand fed organic grass & a large variety of organic greens for health such as mustard, dandelion, arugala and stored winter
- Astoria, Oregon: Toaheedliinii Farm, Astoria,OR. (503) 325-1438, http://toaheedliinii.weebly.com/. Healthy, well cared for herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats producing sweet, clean milk. Excellent cheese-making milk due to the high protein and fat levels. Goats are fed high quality alfalfa, orchard grass hay, browse, and a hand mixed grain ration containing no additives of any kind. They have free choice kelp meal, goat minerals, baking soda, and fresh water at all times, as well as a large pasture for exercise. Milk is available at the farm in quart increments, for $8.00 quart, and customer must provide own clean bottles. Toaheedliinii Farm is located 5 miles southwest of Eugene, and is a beautiful, easy 5 minute drive from Astoria.For more details, please check out our website http://toaheedliinii.weebly.com or message me at toaheedliinii@hotmail.com for more information.
- Beavercreek: Northwest Nutrition, Farmer Kevin, 20771 S Upper Highland Rd, Beavercreek OR, Phone: (503) 632-8761, Email: ktmlang@yahoo.com. Two Jersey cows fed alfalfa, orchard grass, and pasture, rotational grazing. Milk, cream, yogurt, corn/soy-free eggs.
- Bend: Tumbleweed Farm is a small family farm raising Nubian and Nubian cross dairy goats. Their goats are treated with the utmost of care and we adhere to strict milk handling principles resulting in a delicious, creamy milk with no goaty taste. They are fed alfalfa pellets, grass hay and whole oats on the milkstand. Raw milk is available for pick up in half gallon glass jars. Milk is $6.00 a gallon with a $5.00 jar deposit. They offer in limited quanities to their goat customers yogurt, soft cheese, kefir, and buttermilk. They also raise meat chickens, turkey, pork, free range eggs, all natural vegetable soaps, and spinnable fiber. Their goal is always to provide high quality feed and care for our animals resulting in a superior product. Visitors are always welcome on the farm! Contact them at: tiffanyinbend@yahoo.com
- Bend/Prineville (and surrounding areas within 150 miles): Windy Acres Dairy Farm, Ms. Billie Johnson, 3320 NW Stahancyk Lane, Prineville, OR 97754. Phone: (541) 447-5389, email: windyacres26@aol.com , web: www.windyacresdairyfarm.4t.com. Windy Acres Dairy has been producing raw cow's milk for over five years and is a certified Grade A Dairy. They have Herd Shares for sale as well as butcher beef, pork, and lamb seasonally, and free-range eggs. No hormones, antibiotic feed or petrochemical fertilizer on the pasture. The cows graze freely spring through fall are are fed hay in the winter. Farm visits welcomed (you can even help with the milking), but please call first as this is Ms. Billie's home.
- Boring, Clackamas County: Mt. Hood Farm has 100% Jersey, Elaine, (our girl), who is hand and machine milked. She is pasture fed but in winter supplemented w/alfalfa and orchard grass. She has a high cream line and great fresh tasting milk. Cow milk is $7 a gallon, and $3 a dozen for free range eggs available at first come, first serve. Please call Lisa @ 503-896-8013.
- Buxton: Healing Ponds Farm is located above Buxton, Oregon on just under 40 acres. They sell 100% grass-fed, organically raised, raw Jersey cows' milk. They also have organically raised Toggenburg goats' milk and fresh, pastured eggs. These are available at the farm, by herd share or by prearrangement at their pickup location in Beaverton, Oregon, 7 days a week. They also have chickens, turkeys, sheep, cows and pigs available for butcher. All are 100% pastured and organically raised. You can contact them at markludeman@gmail.com, or find them online at ludemans.wordpress.com. Like them on Facebook at "Ludeman's Farm & Garden Center, and Healing Ponds Farm." You can also follow them on Twitter @ludemansfarm.
- Cheshire: Cheryl Smith, Mystic Acres Farm, 22711 Hwy 36, Cheshire OR 97419. Email: karmadillo@gotsky.com . Raw Goat Milk sold from the farm. We have Nigerian Dwarf and Oberian Dairy Goats. Milk is available from April through November.
- Corvallis: Raw goat milk (licensed) from Ferns' Edge Dairy is now also available at First Alternative Coop in Corvallis, Oregon.
- Cottage Grove: Branch Road Farm, Andhi Reyna (541- 942-5424), branchroadfarm@gmail.com . Organic raw goat milk, cheese, yogurt and kefir available. Join the Herdshare! One share is $25 per month, supplying you with 1/2 gallon milk per week or 6 oz cheese per week. Obtain as many shares as you need. They work the land and raise the animals both organic and biodynamic. Deliveries to Eugene and Cottage Grove.
- Creswell: Evan and Rachel from The Boondocker's Farm, www.BoondockersNaturals.com, Cell (775)544-7722, Home(541)689-0881. They are a small organic farm specializing in endangered adaptive/productive livestock and rare heirloom vegetables. Their farm is Animal Welfare approved which means their animals are raised with the highest level of care in an ideal environment, pasture! Cow shares are now available for their Dutch Belted cow, Cookie. Individual sales on a first come first serve basis. She comes from a certified organic dairy and is fed only grass, no grain supplements! Milk from a Dutch Belted is high in protein and has exceptionally small fat globules making it easier to digest, many say it has a soothing effect. Dutch Belted's are a breed in need of conservation, they are critically endangered as listed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy with a global population of only 2,000.
- Creswell: Woodham Farms is located 15 miles south of Eugene in Creswell Oregon. Selling raw cow milk for $3.00 per half gallon and A $2.00 deposit for the jar. They also sell fresh eggs most of the year. Phone 541-895-4142
- Crow (SW of Eugene): Polyrock Ranch and Dairy, Co-owned by Deborah Mattson and Nicole King, 84402 Territorial Rd. Eugene OR 97405, (541) 485-3359: is located 13 Southwest of Eugene. They raise registered Jerseys and have been selling raw milk from the property for the past 8 years. Milk consistently tastes great and has exceptional butter fat quantity. They have up to three cows milking year round for a steady supply of fresh raw milk. Milk is sold at $6 per gallon and you may order as much as like on a weekly basis. Fresh eggs and Spring and Fall beef are also available for purchase. Featuring- Lost Creek CSA in the summer of 2009!!!!
- Dallas: Summit Farms 2425 Mountain view Drive. For more information call 541 296 8255 or email thegoatpacker@yahoo.com. They specialize in cross-breed dairy goats-Saanen, Nubian and LaMancha crosses for hybrid vigor and to attempt to incorporate the best qualities of each breed. Their goats are on native grasses most of the year. Alfalfa pellets and hay during the rest of the year when the grass is not palatable. Supplemented with grain. They offer fresfresh, raw milk daily.
- Dallas: The Carlson family's Fairview Farm goat dairy is now state licensed and selling raw milk aged cheeses from pastured goats. New website is: www.fairviewfarmdairy.com . Minimum order for mail order is one pound. They sell cheese, free-range organic eggs, and berries from their farmstand self-serve refrigerator. Email at: fairviewfarmdairy@yahoo.com , or call (503)623-4744.
- Dallas (30 minutes west of Salem): Mary Cate Bassett, River Ridge Farm, phone (503) 623-9735, email riverridgedairy@gmail.com . The goats are on pasture, fed hay, and are given freshly sprouted grain at milking. Free-range poultry also fed on sprouted grain. Raw goat milk and eggs available, as well as grass-fed meat: chicken, duck, goose, turkey and goat. (Must reserve animal before processing.) Kefir grain free upon request.
- Elmira: Ellsworth Hobby Farm, 25450 Arnold Lane Elmira, OR 97437, (541) 912-1188. Raw milk from one Jersey cow - she is fed only field grass, alfalfa hay and at milking corn oats barley. Milk is processed with strict cleanliness, $6.00 per gallon - please supply your own jar.
- Eugene: Capella's in in Eugene is carrying raw goat milk from Ferns' Edge Dairy, Lowell, OR 97452.
- Eugene: Paula and Mike Pfeiffer at 89989 Green Hill Rd Eugene Oregon 97402. Phone (541) 912 7268 e-mail paulaepcows@hotmail.com . Their cows are A2A2 tested and sale only A2 milk. They do not feed soy or corn ,cows get small amount of water soaked oats/barley mixed at milking along with kelp ,diamond v yeast ,diatomaceous earth , molasses, and apple cider vinegar. The cows are Guernsey ,jersey or milking shorthorn. Cows have grass year around. No antibiotics or hormones given. Very clean environment, dish washer, stainless steel sink, enclosed processing milk room away from cows, cats, and dogs. They are 2 miles off hwy 99 on Clearlake and Green Hill rd close to Eugene, Oregon airport .Please Bring Glass jars ,(half gallon or gallon wide mouth) or pay jar deposit of $2.50 on each jar Milk is $8.00 a gallon
- Eugene: Sundance Natural Foods in Eugene is carrying raw goat milk from Ferns' Edge Dairy, Lowell, OR 97452
- Eugene/Roseburg/Central Oregon: Wholesome Family Farm is a Jersey herdshare operation with several drop sites in Lane, Douglas, and Deschutes counties. With a purchase in their herd you receive either milk, cream, or butter. For more information, contact Joe Bray, Wholesomefamilyfarm@gmail.com phone (541) 525-9150, web: wholesomefamilyfarm.com, Facebook: facebook.com/wholesomefamilyfarm
- Eugene/Springfield: (Mohawk Valley) Thorn and Thistle Farm. Mary and Dan Malaby (541) 741-7172, mary@thornandthistlefarm.com . Raw Jersey and goat milk. Free range chicken eggs.
- Grants Pass: Mitchells Farm, milks Holstien and Jersey with all natural products. They are located in Grants Pass or about 2 miles from town owned and operated by Justin and Amanda Mitchell. They sell raw honey raw milk eggs and awer own grown produce. Product availability is dependent on the time of year. depending on time of year. $6.00 a gallon for milk and have many openings, contact us for more information, 541-476-3306.
- Grants Pass/Medford: James and Heather Romanek Happy Cow Permaculture Farm, 2446 Hugo Road Merlin, OR 97532, phone: (541) 479-1354. They sell Jersey/Brown Swiss cow milk for $8.00/gallon and feed Mama Cow certified organic alfalfa.
- Gresham: Child's Family Farm: See C'est Naturelle Farms, Mollala, Oregon. We are a full-service "beyond-organic" sustainable farm providing herd shares for raw milk, butter, eggs, broilers, pork, vegetables and fruits, herbs and honey with drop-off locations throughout the Portland Metro area. Childs Family Farms has become a drop point for east side customers. See our website at cestnaturellefarms.com for more information.
- Halfway (in Eastern Oregon 5 miles form the boarder of Idaho): Lone Fir Dairy, 46720 Lone Fir Road, Halfway OR 97834, (541) 742-7612, lonefirdairy@pinetel.com , No website yet. Proud to be selling raw milk to the local town. Email or call - don't be afraid to leave a message as they are usually out tending to the farm and the animals - for more information.
- Halsey: Lake View Farm 29540 Crook Drive Halsey, OR 97348. Andy Walton 541-409-4497 (cell), 541-369-2393 (farm office), e-mail lvf.realfood@gmail.com . They have been marketing their Real Milk and related dairy products for 12 years through Oregon's first cow share program, since 1998. Pastured broilers, turkeys, beef, pork and lamb.
- Hillsboro Oregon and Clatskanie: Barefoot Farm & Flowers www.barefootfarmandflowers.com (503)740-8229. They are a small family farm and offer fresh raw cow milk from our Milking Short Horn and Jerseys. They never feed any grain. Their cows are grass fed only with grass hay, alfalfa and alfalfa pellets. They use rotational grazing. Their fields are never sprayed with any chemicals. Milk is provided to our herd share members in glass half gallon jars. $10 herd share membership.
- Junction City: Brian and Jodee Schack. They are located between Junction City and Harrisburg just off of 99E on noraton rd we are milking 1 jersey cow and working on expanding. Email brianschack1@hotmail , website: http://sites.google.com/site/moomanorg/. They feed natural grains alfalfa grass hay and grass. They welcome visitors to go and see their setup and if you want to see the milking process. Milk is $6 a gallon. They sell fresh raw milk and a limited number of eggs.
- Lorane: Ellen Chanterelle, Pennyroyal Nubians, Lorane,OR. (541) 942-3437, elky@epud.net . Healthy, well cared for herd of Nubian goats producing sweet, clean milk. Excellent cheese-making milk due to the high protein and fat levels. Goats are fed high quality alfalfa, orchard grass hay, browse, and a hand mixed grain ration containing no additives of any kind. They have free choice kelp meal, baking soda, and fresh water at all times, as well as a large pasture for exercise. Milk is available at the farm in quart increments, for $2.50 quart, and customer must provide own clean bottles. Lorane is located 22 miles southwest of Eugene, and is a beautiful, easy 35 minute drive from Eugene.
- Medford/Roseburg: Mini Nubian Dairy Goats and Hair Sheep herds. Farm borders National Forest. "Raising Goats Naturally" and "Homesteading for Conscious Living" hands on workshops. Camping and no-hook-up RV site available. Share farm facilities for healing retreats. For more information contact babawise@hotmail.com babawise@hotmail.com
- McMinnville: - Top quality Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats producing excellent milk for crafts & cheese making. The Nigerian Dwarf milk has a higher butterfat content than milk from full size dairy goats & cows, usually a 5% to 10% butterfat. This makes Nigerian Dwarf goat milk excellent for cheese & soap making. Their milk is quickly chilled after milking each doe to ensure freshness, then frozen in individual quart size Ziploc bags for the crafters convenience. They can also quick-chill raw milk into glass jars by request. Milk is available from late February 2010 into the fall/winter months. Visit the website for more info: http://bellafirefarm.webs.com/ (Oregon Law states: Raw goat milk sales are legal on the farm and in retail stores. No permit is necessary for farmers with no more than nine producing goats who sell the milk on the farm directly to the consumer.)
- Molalla: Fresh goat milk from happy healthy Oberhalsi and Toggenburg high production does. The goats are raised on high quality alfalfa and grass hay and some browse. Fresh milk is available daily. Lots of milk to share at this time. Call before coming. Located near Molalla city. (503) 829-9928
- Molalla: Raw Cows Milk -- BlueBerry Sunrise Farm, just minutes from Oregon City. Their Jersey Cows are on 20 acres of pasture. They are fed all natural local grass hay and a small amount of fresh milled grain. They have 35 years of experience milking. Some butter, cream and eggs also available at times. Milk is $8.00 a gallon.(in glass jars), If you are interested in a serious commitment to raw milk please contact us at 503-380-0084 or blueberrysunrise@molalla.net. They also provide customer references.
- Molalla: C'est Naturelle Farms, 30273 S. Hwy 213, Molalla, OR 97038: Raw Milk Dairy Herd Shares available (as of August 2010 taking new customers, but space is limited!). Herd share membership fee is $10. Their cows (a mixture of Jersey's and Guernsey's) are pasture-fed, with alfalfa and some sprouted grains at milking. They feed 100% sprouted grains to all of their livestock which include: laying hens, broilers, cows, and pigs. If you are interested in becoming a part owner of their dairy herd please contact them at info@cestnaturellefarms.com or visit them on the web at www.cestnaturellefarms.com or www.realfoodfarming.com . They have a host of naturally grown products which they deliver weekly throughout the Portland Metro area.
- Monroe: Danielle and Hailey Baldwin, Baldwin Family Farm, 24615 Alpine Rd, Monroe OR. 97456. Phone: (541)-285-0392 e-mail: BFFBaldwinFamilyFarm@gmail.com. Fresh raw Goats milk from healthy Alpine and Nubian dairy goats. Goats are on pasture and fed Alfalfa pellets and grain while milking. Milk has great flavor no goaty taste. Milk is avaiable at the farm in quart or half gallon jars. $4.00 half gal plus 2.00 jar deposit or bring own jars.
- Oregon City: Abernathy Creek Farm. This picturesque 10 acre farm, located five minutes from I-205 at the Oregon City exit, Only produces Grass-Fed Certified A2/A2 milk from their 100% Guernsey herd. Guernsey's are known for their incredible tasting golden colored milk (from extra high Beta-Carotene levels). Their ultra high quality milk is sold only in glass bottles. Pastured Eggs are also available. Milk and eggs are available for pick up 24 hours a day in their farm store. Phone: 503-342-8561, email: dilw4@yahoo.com
- Oregon City/ Redland: Old School Farm, owner John and Joanne Graf, 19360 S Henrici Rd, Oregon City. (503) 705-5637, grafjj@comcast.net . They are a small family farm with raw milk from their stress free Jersey cows. They are pasture fed with the addition of alfalfa/grass mix and local organic grain at milking only. All animals are hormone and antibiotic free. Milk comes in sterile plastic milk jugs or you are welcome to supply your own glass. Each gallon is dated to ensure freshness. Adults and children alike are welcome to visit the cows, chickens and horses. Please call ahead to make sure they are there.
- Philomath: Lonsway Farm sells Raw milk and various Cheeses. For more information contact them by Phone: 541-929-5605, or Email: flonsway@comcast.net
- Portland: Only 15 minutes from Portland, Cream Valley Farm offers grass fed raw milk. The milk comes in glass jars to keep it as pure as it can be and it is also A2/A2 certified. Email inquiries creamvalley@gmail.com or call them at 503-688-7040
- Portland: Abita Springs Farm, Fresh daily, pure, whole goat's milk raw or pasteurized, fresh or frozen. Enjoy the benefits of good, quality milk from this high production herd of Alpine dairy goats. $5 per half-gallon in new recyclable plastic, or bring your own container. The girls are happy, healthy, free-range, urban goats. Well fed on natural pasture browse, dairy quality alfalfa and grass hay. Their grain is custom blended and they have free-choice access to sea kelp mineral supplement. Convenient to the greater Portland-Metro area, close to PDX airport. Visitors are always welcome to learn how to milk and enjoy the antics of the spring kids. Evening milking begins about 6pm, year round. Please, clothing and footwear should be appropriate for the barnyard. Contact: Ed and Nancy Arcement, (503) 287-7773.
- Portland: People's Coop is carrying raw goat milk from Ferns' Edge Dairy, Lowell, OR 97452.
- Portland: Bags Dairy Goats, 9127 NE Thompson Street, near the airport. Mr. Raspberry No phone. I have Nubian dairy goats. Nubians produce rich flavorful tasting milk. Occasional animals and animal products available. Please contact owner by e-mail at raspberry@iinet.com for more information.
- Portland: Windy Acres Dairy Farm operates out of Prineville, Oregon and now has Herd Shares for sale in the Portland area to support their pasture raised Raw Dairy Farm. A Herd Share is like a CSA in that you pay a monthly fee to support the farm. When you own a share of the herd you own a share of their product. This farm has been producing incredibly delicious, raw cow's milk for over 5 years and has been a certified Grade A Dairy. Windy Acres Dairy also raises butcher beef, pork and lamb seasonally and has free range eggs. No hormones, antibiotic feed or petrochemical fertilizer on the pasture. The cows graze freely and in the winter they feed grass hay as the grass doesn't grow in the winter. Come visit the farm to check it all out or help with the milking, but please call first as this is Ms. Billie's home. Please contact Allison at 541-408-1494 in Portland to answer your questions immediately. Windy Acres Dairy Farm, Ms. Billie Johnson, 3320 NW Stahancyk Lane, Prineville, OR 97754, (541) 447-5389, email: windyacres26@aol.com, website: www.windyacresdairyfarm.4t.com (a work in progress).
- Portland, NW: Scappoose and St. Helen's, Milking Shorthorn Cows, Alpine Goats, permaculture practices. For more information contact Farmer Gord Welch, 1-503-840-0873, email gord@farmergord.com , or visit them online at www.farmergord.com.
- Portland/Vancouver: Cornerstone Farm is located 20 minutes from SE Portland in Eagle Creek, check the website for directions: www.MyCornerstoneFarm.com or email Jaci Delgado at delgado@cascadeaccess.com or call 503-630-7281. Car Pool 'Group' sign-up available at the Farm for Portland/Vancouver area residents. Jersey Cows and Mini-Nubian Goats get the best nutrition has to offer, 30 acres of free choice grass, the purist mountain water available and the finest volcanic mineral rich Eastern Oregon Orchard Grasses and Alfalfa. They receive minimal grain with "no" soy or canola oils. There is nothing these animals get that would compromise the quality of their milk in anyway...no antibiotics, no hormones...nothing! Cow milk is $5 for ½ gallon and goat milk is $7 for ½ gallon...when available. Visitors from out-of-town orders are welcome. Mini-Nubian bucks, does, and kids available, show-quality in conformation and milk production, 3rd to 6th generation. Prices start at $250, available year around in all colors and legal to own in the city of Portland. A2A2 milk offered 10/2011.
- Rainier: Deliciously sweet Nubian goat milk. Fresh in gallons or frozen in quarts. $15 per gallon. Gallon jar deposit: $5 each. Quart jar deposit: $1 each. Email inquiries at Tanushka@integrity.com . Also farm fresh, free range eggs--$4 per dozen.
- Redmond: Great Adventure Farm is a family owned farm, raising show quality, registered Alpine dairy goats in Redmond Oregon. They have raw goat milk available daily (1 day notice) chilled and bottled in new, sterile plastic milk jugs. Sold by the half gallon, discounts are available for quantities over 3 gallons per week or for feeder milk. email allmazur@yahoo.com .
- Rogue River: Runnymede Farm, 1831 West Evans Creek Road, Arthur & Teri White, (541) 582-6193, runnymedefarm@msn.com , Raw cows milk available. Must be a member of the current customer list. Call to get on the list.
- Rogue River: Premium quality raw goat milk from a small family farm focused on sustainability. Nubian and nubian cross goats are fed a diet of organic grain and no-spray hay. They have access to a free choice mineral buffet and pens/ paddocks are rotated for the optimum health of the animals and the land. The goats are raised and managed naturally using herbs and homeopathy for wholistic care. $6 per half gallon. Sold in glass masons. Return their jars or bring your own to fill. Located 3 miles from Rogue River, 7 miles south of Grants Pass, Oregon off Hwy. 99. Email goatgrll@yahoo.com or call Brittany (541) 531-8465
- Salem: Good Earth Farm and Nutritional Healing, Linda Ellis, NTP, Owner. 5141 Vitae Springs Rd. So. Salem, OR 97306. Email: linda.oregon@live.com Phone: (503) 606-2035. Raw milk available from Jersey cow. Call to arrange visit.
- Sandy: Pokrov Farm, A family run 35 acre farm that specializes in pastured Angus beef and raw milk from jersey cows. All of their jerseys are purchased from a certified organic dairy in Yamhill. They are fed, grass, hay and alfalfa along with free access to Thorvin Kelp for a complete mineral, now offer grain to our dairy cows while they're being milked. They are never fed any grain, even during milking. Milk is $10 a gallon and comes in two half gallon glass jars with a $3.00 deposit per jar. You are also welcome to bring your own jars to avoid the deposit. They also offer beef shares of either 1/4, 1/2 or a whole beef based on hanging weight (deposit required). Their beef cows are also never fed grain. They eat only grass and hay. They have have corn and soy free eggs all year and pastured turkeys and geese. Closed Sundays and are open Mon-Sat 9-6pm. Contact for prices, 971-269-9411 or email pokrovfarm@gmail.com . They are a herd share now. Herd share members can buy whole milk, cream, butter, buttermilk etc. Visit them online at www.pokrovfarm.com
- Scotts Mills: Indian Springs Farm, Barbara (503) 873-4136. Jersey milk and butter, from grass-fed cows, and cheesemaking information.
- Springfield: Fresh, raw goat milk from Alpine and Nubian goats. $7/gallon. Sanitary, rapid cooling, leaving superior taste with no goaty flavor. Fertiilized, free range chicken eggs. Three Willows Ranch on Camp Creek Road in Walterville. Jean McClain (541)747-9296.
- Tenmile: Nevermore Nubians has Fresh, raw Nubian goat milk. For more information contact Pamela Barrows by phone 541-784-2305 or email farawayfarm@dcwisp.net.
- Tumalo (Bend/Redmond area): MoonFire Farm is a Family operated Farmstead. MoonFire Farm raises, Boer Meat goats and Alpine Dairy Goats. Raw Milk available seasonally. Clean hormone free Goat, Rabbit and pork meat available seasonally and by reservation. We raise healthy Hormone free NZ Rabbits for meat and breeding stock, we produce a litter of Guinea Hogs each year for meat and breeding stock, and we have a couple meat goats each year we sell, first come first serve with a deposit. Please see website: www.moonfirefarm.com or email us at: moonfire75@gmail.com .
- Waldport (Central Oregon Coast): Fresh from the Farm...No Antibiotics - No Hormones Added - Cows Milk and Grass Fed Beef. Triple D Ranch, Debbie Hodel-Ostling, (541) 563-3769 or (541) 270-4284, E-mail: debo@tripledranchs.com , on the web www.tripledranchs.com
- Weston: Name-Pine Ridge Farm, Vicky Anglin, 57246 Hwy 204, Weston, Or. 97886. Phone: (541) 566-9412, email admin@smallfarmshare.com , website:www.smallfarmshare.com . Goat Shares, Veggie, fruit, egg and poultry shares. Pork, rabbit and goat meat.
- Williams: Turkey Feather Farm, (541) 846-6246, Visit www.turkeyfeatherfarm.com or catlettclan@starband.net . Fresh raw milk from our Alpines.
- Willamina (west of Salem just off of HWY 22 and southwest of McMinnville just off of HWY 18): The Rinehart Family. 22400 SW Willamina Creek Rd, Willamina, OR 97396. Having quality food for the family is why they started raising goats over 10 years ago. The Rinehart Farm is home of King's Daughter Nubians and Dancing Cabrero Meat Goats. Both herds are CAE and CLA free (also no brucellosis or Johnes). The Rineharts often have breeding stock and an occassional family milker for sale. The Nubians are fed alfalfa and a grain ration that the Rineharts mix themselves to assure no corn and no GMO grain. If interested, send an email or call and ask about availability. The Rineharts specialize in mentoring others who want to raise their own goats. You can even learn how to milk a goat while there. They also have free range eggs to sell. For an appointment or more information, please contact by email: email: rjayan@msn.com or call 503-876-8768.
- Wilsonville: Foundation Farm, Phone/Text: 503-989-4779, Email: foundationfarm@gmail.comLocated in the Stafford Road area of N. Wilsonville with easy access from the I-5 and 205 freeways. Raw milk from Jersey cows along with corn/soy-free eggs from pastured hens. Other animals include a llama and alpaca (who eat out of your hand) and turkeys. Call/email for prices and directions.
- Yamhill: (20 miles southwest of Portland): Kookoolan Farms, Chrissie and Koorosh Zaerpoor, 15713 Highway 47, Yamhill, OR 97148. They have three registered jersey cows from certified organic stock, the breed known for sweetest-tasting, highest-butterfat milk. Cows are grass, alfalfa and clover fed, with grain offered only in the milking parlor. Raw cow milk offered year-round, $11/gallon. There is currently no waitlist. Kookoolan Farms no longer offers goat milk. Cow only. Koorosh is an equipment engineer at Intel, and Chrissie is formerly a quality and reliability engineer at Intel: immaculate milking parlor with stainless steel sink and counter, sanitizing dishwasher, and hot water heater. Milk tested daily with California Mastitis Test, and weekly by outside lab for somatic cell count (generally in the low 100s, always less than 1000, the dairy page of the website is password-protected due to the no advertising law in Oregon, you can access it with username moo and password doitraw). Also available pasture-fed, naturally-raised chickens both for eggs and for meat slaughtered at their own on-farm, licensed, state-inspected poultry processing facility - one of only four farms in the state of Oregon with licensed on-farm processing. Kookoolan Farms is also the only Portland-area Cheesemaking supply house, with full line of cultures, rennets, thermometers, cheesecloth, wrapping papers, lipase, etc. Cheesemaking, breadmaking, milk culturing and other classes offered frequently. Self-service farmstore open daily 8am-6pm, please call for your first appointment only and after that you're welcome to shop whenever you like. All animals are raised on open pasture. Call (503) 730-7535, or email Kookoolan@gmail.com , website www.kookoolanfarms.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
Some Hopsitals Have 40% Lower Death Rates Than Others
A recent study showed that a patient admitted to one of the nations top rated hospital emergency rooms has a 40% lower death rate than those admitted to the lower rated hospitals. The study used a survey in the years 2008-2010 of medicare patients and was undertaken by HealthGrades, a Denver, Colorado–based provider of information about physicians and hospitals.
263 of the nation's 4783 short-term acute care hospitals
were chosen among the top 5% in providing emergency care. These
facilities received Excellence Awards from HealthGrades based on the
number of in-hospital deaths among patients admitted through the
emergency room. A full listing of these hospitals, by city,
can be found online at HealthGrades.com.
I was sad to see that in my state of Oregon, the only hospital rated as excellent was the Rouge Valley Medical Center. However, I was not surprised due to the horrible stories I have heard from many patients regarding their hospital care at various Oregon hospitals.
HealthGrades said, "If all hospitals performed at the level of the hospitals rated as
"Excellence hospitals" from 2008 through 2010, an additional 170,856
people could have potentially survived their emergency hospitalization."
More than 123.8 million people in the United States will make an emergency room
visit, and 13% will end up being admitted to the hospital, according to
the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The HealthGrades report included only those patients admitted to the
hospital from the ED for further medical treatment, representing the
full continuum of a patient's care.
The top 10 cities with the lowest risk-adjusted mortality for patients
admitted through the emergency room are Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Phoenix–Prescott;
Cincinnati; West Palm Beach, Florida; Baltimore; Traverse City,
Michigan; Dayton, Ohio; Cleveland; Fargo, North Dakota; and Detroit.
To be included in the HealthGrades analysis, hospitals must have met
minimum thresholds in terms of patient volume, quality ratings, and the
range of services provided. The hospital ratings are independently
created; no hospital can opt in or opt out of being rated, and no
hospital pays to be rated. Details about the survey's methodology can be
found at HealthGrades.com.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Poems of Connection & Beauty
We Are All OneWe are alone, but not lonely
When we are alone
We are all-one
Within the one all exists
It is in those moments when we are alone
When we delve deep inside of our being
That all becomes evident
All that exists becomes visible
We become all that exists
We become Every-One
AND FOR NO REASON
by Hafiz
And
For no reason
I start skipping like a child.
And
For no reason
I turn into a leaf
That is carried so high
I kiss the Sun’s mouth
And dissolve.
And
For no reason
A thousand birds
Choose my head for a conference table,
Start passing their
Cups of wine
And their wild songbooks all around.
And
for every reason in existence
I begin to eternally
To eternally laugh and love !
When I turn into a leaf
And start dancing,
I run to kiss our beautiful Friend
And I dissolve in the truth
That I Am.
This SKY
This
Sky
Where we live is no place to lose your wings
So love , love,
Love.
Please pass these poems on and write your own poems of connection and beauty.
AND FOR NO REASON
by HafizAnd
For no reason
I start skipping like a child.
And
For no reason
I turn into a leaf
That is carried so high
I kiss the Sun’s mouth
And dissolve.
And
For no reason
A thousand birds
Choose my head for a conference table,
Start passing their
Cups of wine
And their wild songbooks all around.
And
for every reason in existence
I begin to eternally
To eternally laugh and love !
When I turn into a leaf
And start dancing,
I run to kiss our beautiful Friend
And I dissolve in the truth
That I Am.
This SKY
This
Sky
Where we live is no place to lose your wings
So love , love,
Love.
Please pass these poems on and write your own poems of connection and beauty.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Paleo Diet Conference Free Online
For those of you reading this post late, the conference mentioned below was only free during the period of time it was in actual process. It is still available, but only for a fee.
Some of my readers have mentioned an interest in the Paleo Diet. A physician I know just sent me an email about a free online Paleo Diet conference she is speaking at. It looked like something some of you would like to know about. You can sign up for the conference HERE.
Some of my readers have mentioned an interest in the Paleo Diet. A physician I know just sent me an email about a free online Paleo Diet conference she is speaking at. It looked like something some of you would like to know about. You can sign up for the conference HERE.
24
researchers, doctors, and diet experts will teach you about the paleo diet and why they believe it is the answer to our modern health problems.
The paleolithic diet, also called the caveman diet, Stone Age diet and hunter-gatherer diet, is a modern diet based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals that various hominid species consumed during the Paleolithic age of about 2.5 million years duration that ended around
10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture. The "contemporary"
Paleolithic diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture raised
meats, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts. It excludes grains,legumes, dairy products, salt, refine sugar and processed oils.
If you are interested in ancestral diets, I would also suggest you read the book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, DDS. This is an amazing and eye opening book that explains how our modern diet has caused most of our chronic disease. The writer, includes photos of people from around the world and shares his extensive notes as he traveled the world looking at the changes that came over people after they started eating processed foods.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Help Protect The Honey Bees - Act Now
We have the chance to get one of the neonicotinoid pesticides banned but we must act quickly. It will just take a few moment of your time.
Clothianidin, is produced by the German corporation Bayer CropScience.
It is used as a treatment on crop seeds, including corn and canola, and
works by expressing itself in the plants' pollen and nectar. These are some of honey bees' favorite sources of food. No major independent study has verified the safety of this pesticide. However independent studies have shown that neonicotinoid pesticides like
clothianidin are highly toxic to honey bees, providing compelling
evidence that they should be immediately taken off the market until the
E.P.A. can conduct a full and valid scientific review.
Clothianidin was approved by the EPA in 2010 - but now the EPA is
reviewing this approval. The deadline to submit a comment is Tuesday and
we need to urge federal administrators to cancel the approval of this
dangerous chemical.
You can use this link to voice your opinion to the EPA. Every voice helps. Just click the "Submit a comment" box in the upper right hand corner to write to them. If you think they may want additional information from you to support what you tell them, include an email, address or phone.
Here is an example of what I wrote to them.
No major independent study has verified the safety of Clothianidin. However independent studies have shown that neonicotinoid pesticides like clothianidin are highly toxic to honey bees, providing compelling evidence that they should be immediately taken off the market until the E.P.A. can conduct a full and valid scientific review. Our honey bee population is dwindling and without them we will loose many of our major food crops. Please take Clothianidin off the market. You can find some of this research at these links below. I can supply additional information if you like. Sharol Tilgner - sharoltilgner@yahoo.com
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029268
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603
More information on the honey bees at these links:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029268
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603
More information on the honey bees at these links:
Jan 19, 2012
Abstract:
Populations of honey bees and other pollinators have declined worldwide
in recent years. A variety of stressors have been implicated as
potential causes, including agricultural pesticides. Neonicotinoid
insecticides ...
Sep 23, 2011
This
fantastic Dan Rather report on the honey bees and the damage done to
the honey bees by neonicotinoid pesticides can be seen by clicking below
on vimeo.com. As we suspected all along current research is continuing ...
Mar 14, 2011
New
United Nations Report on Honey Bees. The United Nations just put out a
news release on the world-wide decline of our honey bees. On March 10,
2011 the United Nations wrote “The way humanity manages or ...
Mar 02, 2011
Bee
Keepers try to keep up with the loss. Each year they loose 30-40% of
their hives. This can't keep up. Some of them are going out of business.
Who will pollinate our food if not for the honey bees. Although there
are other ...
Nov 15, 2010
My
bees died this spring. They had been healthy and happy 5 days prior
when I had put an essential oil in their hive to kill off mites.
Something I do every spring and not something that would harm them.
However, 5 days later ...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Echinacea the Wonder Herb
 |
| Echinacea purpurea |
You have learned how to collect Echinacea roots as well as how to process them into tincture. I thought you might also like some information on how it is used. To see blog on making Echinacea tincture go here.
Common Name: Echinacea
Latin Name: Echinacea spp. (purpurea, angustifolia and pallida are the most common species used by herbalists and N.D.'s)
Echinacea - Latin definition
The below definition comes from Stearn’s Botanical Latin-4th ed.
“Echinatus (adj., armed with numerous small rigid hairs or straight prickles or spines or spiny projections, from echinus, ‘hedgehog, sea-urchin’ hence ‘prickly husk of sweet chestnut’, echinulatus, with very small prickles, echinulate.”
Family: Asteraceae
Species
Echinacea - Latin definition
The below definition comes from Stearn’s Botanical Latin-4th ed.
“Echinatus (adj., armed with numerous small rigid hairs or straight prickles or spines or spiny projections, from echinus, ‘hedgehog, sea-urchin’ hence ‘prickly husk of sweet chestnut’, echinulatus, with very small prickles, echinulate.”
Family: Asteraceae
Species
Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea are the most
commonly used species with Echinacea pallida probably third most used.
Echinacea purpurea is used the most which largely has to do with it being easier to grow in many areas than angustifolia. I personally find pallida to be
lacking in activity. It also tastes quite different. The root of pallida
has an unusual flowery taste quite unlike other roots. It does not
work for me as well as the other two. I prefer angustifolia for long
term storage of dry root. It stores better than purpurea. If making a tincture out of them, they are both fine. I tend to use
purpurea fresh more than angustifolia as it grows best where I live and
is quite active clinically. It stores fine for about 6 months, just looses quality quicker than the angustifolia after that. There are other spp. which you can also use medicinally
such as E.tennesseensis.
If using Echinacea angustifolia only organic should be used to protect
the wild Echinacea angustifolia from being wildcrafted out of existence.
 |
| Echinacea purpurea |
Historic Use
Echinacea angustifolia - narrow leaved cone flower, was used by many of the native Americans in the Great Plains area of central United States. Locally, they used the plant topically as a poultice for venomous bites such as snake bites and over enlarged glands. It was also used topically for toothaches. They used it for a variety of septic infections.
They usually chewed the root and applied it as a poultice or made a tea to take internally.
It was introduced to physicians by Dr H.C.F. Meyer and Dr. John King in 1887 as an alterative and antiseptic. The tincture was used both internally and externally in cases of boils, ulcers of the throat and extremities, as well as for wasp/bee stings. Meyer claimed people recovered from rattlesnake bites within 2-12 hours by using the tincture both externally as a wash and ingesting it. In 1906 it started being used by homeopathics and main stream physicians. It was used for infected wounds, septicemia and bites and stings of various poisonous critters. In 1921, & 1922 Echinacea ranked first out of 239 plant remedies sold by the Lloyd Brothers. In a study done a few years ago, it was the 4th largest seller on the U.S. herbal market.
The eclectic physicians used Echinacea to help prevent infection and aid in healing after injuries and surgeries. It was also used in septic conditions (externally as well as internally) such as gangrene, lymphangitis, boils, carbuncles, feverish conditions, and abscesses. In the early 20th century it was used externally over lymph nodes much more than it is now.
It was introduced to physicians by Dr H.C.F. Meyer and Dr. John King in 1887 as an alterative and antiseptic. The tincture was used both internally and externally in cases of boils, ulcers of the throat and extremities, as well as for wasp/bee stings. Meyer claimed people recovered from rattlesnake bites within 2-12 hours by using the tincture both externally as a wash and ingesting it. In 1906 it started being used by homeopathics and main stream physicians. It was used for infected wounds, septicemia and bites and stings of various poisonous critters. In 1921, & 1922 Echinacea ranked first out of 239 plant remedies sold by the Lloyd Brothers. In a study done a few years ago, it was the 4th largest seller on the U.S. herbal market.
The eclectic physicians used Echinacea to help prevent infection and aid in healing after injuries and surgeries. It was also used in septic conditions (externally as well as internally) such as gangrene, lymphangitis, boils, carbuncles, feverish conditions, and abscesses. In the early 20th century it was used externally over lymph nodes much more than it is now.
Parts used
 |
| Echinacea purpurea root |
Echinacea purpurea - root, seed and flowers - As far as I am concerned the best part to tincture is the root - extracts easier than seed, stronger than flower. All can be used though.
Taste/smell
Root is slightly sweet, pungent, aromatic, tingles the tongue and causes a slight numbing sensation with most species. (pallida root tastes like a flower) The seed and flower will both tingle the tongue also. The seed tastes a bit cardboard like also. The flower is very prickly. They will all increase salivation when chewed.
The tingling sensation is is due to the alkylamides (alkamides). If you don't notice tingling from eating a root or tasting a tincture, you may not have a real Echinacea root or tincture. If you have a tincture that is not causing tingling on your tongue, I would question what is really in that tincture. You will find polysaccharides in the glycerite and the teas, but since they do not extract alkamides very well, you will not get much tingling from a tea or glycreite. That is normal for them.
The tingling sensation is is due to the alkylamides (alkamides). If you don't notice tingling from eating a root or tasting a tincture, you may not have a real Echinacea root or tincture. If you have a tincture that is not causing tingling on your tongue, I would question what is really in that tincture. You will find polysaccharides in the glycerite and the teas, but since they do not extract alkamides very well, you will not get much tingling from a tea or glycreite. That is normal for them.
Constituents
 |
| Echinacea purpurea spent seed head |
E. pallida roots : phenylpropenoids (echinacoside and chlorogenic acid); alkylamides (trace amounts); polyacetylenes; oils (0.2 - 2.0% ketoalkenynes).
E. purpurea root: polypropenoids (cichoric acid 0.6 - 2.1%); alkamides (complex of isobutylamides); alkaloid (tussilagine and isotussilagine); polysaccharide (fructose based) and oils (0.03 - 0.2%, caryphyllene, humulene, palmitic, linolenic acids and germacrene D.
E. purpurea areal : polypropenoids (cichoric acid ); alkylamides. ( complex of isobutylamides); flavonoids (rutoside, quercitin, quercetin-7-glucoside and kaempferol-3-rutinoside and essential oils.
Extracting Mediums
It should be noted that the polysaccharides are not soluble in alcohol (Etoh), polypropenoid is soluble in medium strength Etoh and Alkylamides only in very strong Etoh. The constituents desired in the final product will help determine if the product should be a powder (capsule or tablet), tea, or tincture. If you make a tea you will get polysaccharides but not much as far as alkylamides. If you make a tincture you will get alkylamides but very little polysaccharides if the alcohol is over 40%.
Constituent Information and Activity
An isobutylamide (type of alkylamide) called echinacein causes the tingling sensation and has a mild anesthetic effect. Other isobutylamide constituents have also been identified in both purpurea and angustifolia and have been shown to be antiinflammatory. However, the isolated isobutylamides were individually less potent than the whole extract. (This is common for plants to be more potent when used whole rather than broken into individual constituents.) Alcohol extracts of angustifolia, pallida and purpurea all showed enhanced phagocytic activity in mice in vivo when given orally. The increase phagocytic activity correlated with the isobutylamides in angustifolia and purpurea and with polyacetylenes in pallida.
The caffeic acid derivative echinacoside comprises about 1% of the dry weight of angustiolfia root and has a weak activity against staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria.
The most significant effect of caffeyol conjugate components is their hyaluronidse inhibiting activity. Echinacoside is a caffeoyl conjugate of Echinacea with known anti-hyaluronidase properties. It is found in Echiancea angustifolia and pallida root. Cichoric acid and caftaric acid had the greatest antihyaluronidase activity when tested in research. All parts of dried Echinacea purpurea showed cichoric acid as the major derivative and substantial amounts of caftaric acid.
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is like an intercellular glue in our bodies. Hyaluronidase which is found in venom of some snakes and spiders and is secreted by some bacteria can break down the intercellular glue and allow the venom or bacteria to move more freely through the tissues.
Echinacea’s purified polysaccharide, arabinogalactan, activates macrophages to cytotoxicity against tumor cells and microorganisms, as well as produces tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interferon-2 and slightly increases T-lymphocyte proliferation. It therefore enhances the immune system’s resistance to infections and stimulates wound healing. The root oil has inhibited leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.
 |
| Echinacea purpurea |
Tendencies & Use
Echinacea has a cooling, drying, and stimulating effect on the body.
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:1.5 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-120 drops 1-4 times per day. If using for an acute infection can use 120 drops as much as every 2 hours for first 24-48 hours.
Mental picture and specific indications: Echinacea is indicated for exhaustive states with chilliness, offensive discharges, lymphatic congestion with swollen glands, mental confusion, dull mind, dizziness, tendency to skin eruptions and low grade continuous fevers, as well as high grade fevers.
Use: (a) Antimicrobial, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Antiviral, (d) Antibacterial, (e) Antifungal, (f) Slight stimulation of the adrenal cortex, (g) Stimulates leukocytes, (h) Inhibits hyaluronidase, (i) Sialagogue, (j) Enhances phagocytosis.
Note: Clinical information for E. angustifolia and E. purpurea species is basically interchangeable in most circumstances.
In vitro and in vivo studies show that E. purpurea stimulates the immune system in a non-specific way by activating macrophages, enhancing phagocytes and stimulating the secretion of TNF and interleukins 1 and 6.
Echinacea protects the gut from harmful micro-organisms due to its enhancement of phagocytosis. It also decreases inflammatory allergic reactions in mild food allergies and stimulates gastric healing. The constituent, echinacin, has been shown to be useful in treatment of tonsillitis in pediatric practices. Due to its specificity for infectious conditions, it is used for colds, influenza, wounds, infections, allergies, bacterial and viral disease, swollen glands and gum disease.
This plant can be used internally and externally at the same time for many therapies. Ear infections can be treated internally while using the tincture externally in the ear. The tincture works wonders externally when mixed with clay and used as a poultice on brown recluse spider bites while also being used internally in high doses.
Contraindications
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:1.5 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-120 drops 1-4 times per day. If using for an acute infection can use 120 drops as much as every 2 hours for first 24-48 hours.
Mental picture and specific indications: Echinacea is indicated for exhaustive states with chilliness, offensive discharges, lymphatic congestion with swollen glands, mental confusion, dull mind, dizziness, tendency to skin eruptions and low grade continuous fevers, as well as high grade fevers.
Use: (a) Antimicrobial, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Antiviral, (d) Antibacterial, (e) Antifungal, (f) Slight stimulation of the adrenal cortex, (g) Stimulates leukocytes, (h) Inhibits hyaluronidase, (i) Sialagogue, (j) Enhances phagocytosis.
Note: Clinical information for E. angustifolia and E. purpurea species is basically interchangeable in most circumstances.
In vitro and in vivo studies show that E. purpurea stimulates the immune system in a non-specific way by activating macrophages, enhancing phagocytes and stimulating the secretion of TNF and interleukins 1 and 6.
Echinacea protects the gut from harmful micro-organisms due to its enhancement of phagocytosis. It also decreases inflammatory allergic reactions in mild food allergies and stimulates gastric healing. The constituent, echinacin, has been shown to be useful in treatment of tonsillitis in pediatric practices. Due to its specificity for infectious conditions, it is used for colds, influenza, wounds, infections, allergies, bacterial and viral disease, swollen glands and gum disease.
This plant can be used internally and externally at the same time for many therapies. Ear infections can be treated internally while using the tincture externally in the ear. The tincture works wonders externally when mixed with clay and used as a poultice on brown recluse spider bites while also being used internally in high doses.
Contraindications
Echinacea is not associated with acute or chronic toxicity. Although there have been reports that it is contraindicated in auto-immune diseases. Many practitioners have used it with patients who have auto-immune diseases without noticing side effects. Lupus is one auto-immune disease that practitioners have noticed can be exacerbated by use of Echinacea. Due to arabinogalactan’s ability to increase production of TNF-alpha, there is concern about AIDS patients taking echinacea. Many clinicians give whole plant liquid extracts that contain little or no arabinogalactan to AIDS patients without any problems.
Additionally, it has been thought by some herbalists that Echinacea should only be used short term because its effects stop after a period of 1-3 weeks. However there are many individuals who have used this herb long term with successful results. An 8-week double-blind study in 1989 showed Echinacea was useful in prevention of respiratory infections. Another study using oral Echinacea for 10 weeks showed prevention of recurrent bouts of vaginal candidiasis.
Additionally, it has been thought by some herbalists that Echinacea should only be used short term because its effects stop after a period of 1-3 weeks. However there are many individuals who have used this herb long term with successful results. An 8-week double-blind study in 1989 showed Echinacea was useful in prevention of respiratory infections. Another study using oral Echinacea for 10 weeks showed prevention of recurrent bouts of vaginal candidiasis.
 |
| Echinacea purpurea |
Be aware that the immune stimulating properties of Echinacea may interact with immunosuppression drugs like Cyclosporin or other anti-rejection drugs.
Hyaluronidase is one of three enzymes attached to the acrosomal membrane located on the head of the male spermatozoon. This enzyme clears a path for the sperm to fertilize the egg. Men taking large amount of echinacea might experience some infertility, though this has not been studied.
There has been some research with Echinacea purpurea and its effect on various medications. Caution should be used when Echinacea is co-administered with drugs dependent on CYP3A or CY1A2 for their elimination. However more research is needed.
Growing Echinacea purpurea
A perennial. Seeds will self sow or can be collected in the fall. Be sure to get them before the birds do. They birds love the seed and it will disappear if you don’t watch carefully. Stratification is usually helpful although not always necessary with purpurea. Stratification is necessary for angustifolia and pallida. They must both be stratified for 30 days. This can be done with a freezer bag, some slightly moist sandy soil and seeds. The seeds and soil are placed in the bag and the bag is put in the freezer for 30 days to simulate winter time. Take them out and they can now be planted into trays or directly into the garden.
Flower and seed available 2nd year (few 1st year), root available 3rd year or 2nd if good soil. Grows to 2’ first year, 4’ second year. Yields about 1200# per acre
Negative Research from a few years ago
Flower and seed available 2nd year (few 1st year), root available 3rd year or 2nd if good soil. Grows to 2’ first year, 4’ second year. Yields about 1200# per acre
Negative Research from a few years ago
It seems I have not taken any photos of the Echinacea angustifolia or pallida. I still have the angustifolia in my garden and will try to remember to take a photo of it for you this summer.
Past Blogs about Echinacea
How to make tincture
Digging up Echinacea
Using Echinacea Long Term
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