How to Preserve Jewelweed

One of the best ways is to make a fresh or slightly wilted plant tincture with 95% or higher grain alcohol. The high grain alcohol must be used because of the high water content of the jewelweed. Alcohol would be a long-term storage method. 

A fresh or slightly wilted plant vinegar extract will also preserve many of the medicinal properties. This would preserve the lawsone compound that removes urushiol oil for a few months, if stored in the fridge. 

A lot of herbalists let jewelweed wilt for a few hours to reduce water content and then make an infused oil. That oil can be used as is or made into a salve or ointment. This is where experience helps because if the water content is too high, it will cause spoilage of the ointment. The targeted compound, lawsone, should last 6-12 months if the oil/ointment is stored in the fridge. 

Blending leaves, flowers, and stems in a little water and freezing them in ice cubes is another way of preserving them for later use. You can rub a cube right on the exposed area where you want to remove the urushiol oil or apply it to the rash. 

For internal use, it can be dried for teas, but it loses a lot of the properties one would want for poison ivy prevention and treatment. The water content in the stems is so high that it can spoil during the drying process. 

 Lawsone is the chemical compound that binds with the urushiol oil and oxidizes it. This keeps urushiol from penetrating the skin. It is believed that the combination of lawsone and the saponins present in jewelweed work together as a poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash preventative. Again, it works best if used right after exposure. 

Henna also contains lawsone but not enough saponins. If you don't mind staining your skin, you can still use the lawsone henna to deactivate urushiol if you combine it with a plant that has saponins (soapwort, chicory, pokeweed root, etc).

Jewelweed

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a lovely, lush plant that grows where there is plenty of moisture. It is in the Impatiens family, and depending on the variety, it can have bright orange, orange and yellow, or yellow flowers. The juicy stems are what most people are familiar with as medicine, but you can also use the leaves and flowers.

For exposure to poison plants (ivy, oak, sumac), crush the fresh stems with your hands and apply the juice to the area of exposure as soon as possible. Fresh juice or the crushed fresh plant as a poultice works better than prepared salves and ointments.

I am one of those people who can glance at poison ivy and get a rash all over. While out foraging with a small group, I used it immediately after I distractedly grabbed a fistful of poison ivy by mistake. I beat feet to the jewelweed and started mashing it in my hands until it was crushed and juicy. I then washed my hands with it and never got a rash.

Jewelweed can also be used to treat other skin irritations, such as nettle stings, sunburn, bug bites, scrapes, hives, and rashes. It can also treat burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, raw skin, and more. It is also an antifungal, so it can be used on ringworm, athlete's foot, etc. Internally, it has been used to treat fever, jaundice, stomach cramps, and as a liver and kidney tonic. Scientific research shows jewelweed has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anaphylaxis-modulating benefits. 

It's edible too. The stems can be eaten raw, but they are high in oxalic acid. Boiling them lowers the oxalic acid, so that is how they are usually consumed.

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 1990s. My herbal education blends extensive self-directed study with formal training through two herbal schools, complemented by numerous classes and active engagement within the online herbal community. As a clinical herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joy and calling to help others discover the many benefits of the plants growing right beneath our feet. I encourage everyone to do their own research and always check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Wendy2Bear aka Mama Asbell

Cabin in a Hollow (Holler)

Clint took me on another adventure, and we found another very old log cabin. Even better than that, we found Gene, a kind and gentle 85-year-old man who seemed like he was in his early to mid-70s. As a boy, Gene knew the old man who built this cabin for his very large family. It is located in a hollow ("holler"), is two stories, and is in surprisingly good shape. There were fruit trees and a spring very close to it. This cabin might actually be able to be saved. Gene liked me so much, he kissed me on the top of my head! I hugged him and looked him in the eyes and told him how much I enjoyed meeting him before we left.

Devil's Backbone

Modern Day "Logs" for a Cabin

I'm privy to it.

This outhouse is located on the side of a mountain, and being the only place to go, I used it. This is a well-constructed pit toilet in WV. It is made from landscaping timbers and had a very dim solar light inside. It also had a very large wolf spider, but we reached an agreement before I entered. "Hey buddy, I just need to use your house for a second and promise not to stomp you if you stay over there." 

Please pray for Karen

Karen has advanced cancer which is in every organ and affecting the bones of her ribs and back. Her pain continues to increase. She struggles to eat even a bit of food and has been losing weight daily. She has another bad infection. She is weak and exhausted from fighting. She is discouraged. She asks for prayers for pain relief and her attitude. Her husband Joe is suffering alongside her and also needs prayers. 

Old Relics Deep in A Forest

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You need 4WD and no fear to get into this area of WV. The drive is over grass instead of a road or driveway. We didn't get shot, and I didn't hear any banjo dueling. But, we weren't there long.

Faithful Gratitude

Years ago, our family found a half-starved, beat-up, black kitten that looked like it wouldn't make it. My children brought it to me, wanting me to help it. I named it after a recently deceased friend of mine as a reminder to me to pray for her family. Frances comes in every morning to eat. Then she comes to wherever I am to spend a few minutes with me. She does not meow and demand my attention. She does not step on my laptop and interrupt my morning work. She simply sits there quietly. I think she is thanking me. When she's done, she goes to the door and asks me to open it, and goes about her day. Frances is beside me now, purring with her warm, soft body pressed against my arm. Her faithfulness in gratitude is a touching reminder of how much more we should remember what Christ has done for us. 

The War is Raging

“As soldiers of Christ, our promise is victory in battle, not the absence of conflict.” Even though the victory belongs to the Lord, in the face of most certain battle, it is still our duty as soldiers and ambassadors to train and wage war (Prov 21:31). When we are attacked, we are in a singular battle, a microcosm of the overall war. It is meant to distract us, to divide us from others, to destroy our hope and joy. We must remember that we are not alone in battle and that many others are involved in the war. We are not meant to fight alone and individual battles may be difficult, but our victory is secured in Christ (John 16:33, Rom 8:37-39)." Dr. Karl Payne

Sleeping Beauties

I heal and recharge in peaceful places like this.
I'd rather be surrounded by nature than in the fanciest hotel.

Lord willing, we will get two more trips in before cold weather and the holidays.

Honey bee asleep on a Prunella vulgaris plant

Clint was worried about the little one, so before we left, I tapped it to make sure it was alive. It was. It went right back to sleep. Bees, particularly male bees, will nap on or in flowers. The photo was taken in daylight, but the flash made it look dark.

Allogona snail (forest snail) asleep on Laportea canadensis (Canadian Wood Nettle)

It filled its belly and took a nap. They ARE tasty greens!

I was able to legally harvest some of these nettles, so I brought some home. I pressure canned some for Clint. He likes their texture. I dried some for my green powder that goes into my daily homemade yogurt and blueberries.

Home

We had a great time in the middle of nowhere, all to ourselves. Once we got to where we were going, we saw fewer than 20 cars in 5 days, and most of those were the same hunters training dogs to scent while standing on dog boxes in the back of their trucks. One of my favorite memories from this trip was sitting on a rock in the middle of a creek while Clint shelled us peanuts. We watched the minnows hit the shells. Then there were the miles and miles of flora and fauna we enjoyed as we talked together. 

Heading for the Hills

I apologize for not posting for a while, but thank you to those who have checked in. 

Yes, we still need prayer. 

Please keep praying for Karen. She nearly bled to death and was life-flighted to a better hospital. She is now receiving the care that was withheld from her. She is receiving radiation. It is making her very ill. Please pray she can eat and take her pain meds. 

I have been neck deep in pears for a few weeks now. Most of them are processed, but there are a few more on the trees. 

Clint is taking me to the mountains for some R and R. I might get to do some foraging too. No phones, no people, just us and nature. The last time we went, I saw two bears!! Even though I grew up in an area with frequent bear sightings, that is the first time I have ever seen one. Maybe this time, I can get a picture of a bear. 

I'll get back to work on the rest of the pears when I get home next week. My love to all!

Keep looking up..Jesus will be here soon!

Rudbeckia hirta aka Black Eyed Susans for Medicine

 

 A friend took me foraging last week! I was able to bring a few plants home for my garden. I cut the plants back to give them the best chance of survival. I will use the flowers and leaves for medicine.

These showy flowers are commonly planted in flowerbeds, but most gardeners do not realize it is a living first aid kit. Black-eyed Susan (BES), Rudbeckia hirta, is a member of the Aster family. While R. hirta has been less extensively studied, it can be used in many of the same ways as its more well-known cousin, Echinacea purpurea. The Southern Herbalist Darryl Patton stated in a class I took that he considers it a good substitute for echinacea. 

I have found one notable difference in my research. While Echinacea is an immunomodulator (balances and regulates the immune response), my research says Rudbeckia hirta is considered an immunostimulant (ramps up the immune response). One would use Echinacea over R. hirta when trying to calm a cytokine storm (exaggerated immune response to the point it is harmful to the body). People with immune system dysfunction would want to use wisdom and caution when using BESs for medicine. 

Black Eyed Susan has been used for colds, flus, upper respiratory infections, wounds, sores, skin infections, snake bites, mild inflammatory conditions (sore throats, swollen glands, muscle aches and stiffness, and burns), and to stimulate a weak immune response. While there is not much research, traditional folk medicine and Native American uses suggest that multiple Rudbeckia species were used similarly to R. hirta.

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 1990s. My herbal education blends extensive self-directed study with formal training through two herbal schools, complemented by numerous classes and active engagement within the online herbal community. As a clinical herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joy and calling to help others discover the many benefits of the plants growing right beneath our feet. I encourage everyone to do their own research and always check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Wendy2Bear aka Mama Asbell

Triangle Orache aka Saltbush aka Atriplex spp

Triangle Orache (Atriplex prostrata) grows all over the US and other parts of the world. There are no toxic plants in the Atriplex genus. Atriplex is in the same family (Amaranthaceae) as the more commonly known wild edible, Lamb's Quarters. 

The young, tender leaves are delicious and salty, which is where it gets the nickname "Saltbush." Those little leaves never make it to the house to be used in a salad because I eat them right off the plant. The older leaves are tougher and bitter, but they are still OK to use in small amounts as a pot herb, in a mix of sauteed greens, or as part of a green powder. 

Like spinach, the older leaves of Atriplex are high in oxalates, so consuming them with calcium will help prevent absorption. I use stinging and wood nettles, which are very high in calcium, in my green powder mixes to reduce the amount of free oxalates. One could add cheese to a soup or salad to help bind the oxalates. 

Atriplex is a good source of Vitamins A and C, magnesium, iron, and calcium. My notes do not have a lot of medicinal information on this plant. I have PDFs of very old herbal texts showing, it has been used to treat digestive and kidney ailments, purify the blood, and has been used externally for bug bites, stings, tumors, etc. What I see is that it has been used mainly for food for humans and livestock.

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 1990s. My herbal education blends extensive self-directed study with formal training through two herbal schools, complemented by numerous classes and active engagement within the online herbal community. As a clinical herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joy and calling to help others discover the many benefits of the plants growing right beneath our feet. I encourage everyone to do their own research and always check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Wendy2Bear aka Mama Asbell

Virginia Pepperweed aka Peppergrass

Peppergrass, primarily Lepidium virginicum L. (commonly called Virginia pepperweed), is another plant I use when I can find it. I've been munching on these since I was a child. This one was growing in a planter on my deck. It is a wild edible in the Brassicaceae (cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, turnip, etc) family. Its leaves, seeds, and young shoots are edible and were foraged by Native Americans and early settlers. The young greens are similar to arugula or watercress and are often added raw to salads or cooked as a pot herb (usually added to food that is cooked in a pot). The seeds can be ground as a pungent spice substitute, resembling a combination of mustard and black pepper. When harvested at the right time, it is tasty! The seeds need to be harvested while green because they lose flavor as they turn tan.

Lepidium virginicum has stimulating, diuretic, and expectorant medicinal effects. The whole plant, especially the seeds and aerial parts, was used in decoctions or tinctures to treat respiratory issues like coughs and asthma, as well as urinary tract problems. It has also been used to promote sweating in fevers, acting similarly to other mustard herbs. The Cherokee used it to "thin the blood" and relieve colds and congestion.

Peppergrass contains compounds which are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Glucosinolates yield isothiocyanates which have been studied for potential anticancer properties. Some studies say the antibacterial properties of Lepidium species are effective against common pathogens. FYI, there are 158 pages of results on PubMed when you search "Lepidium."

I have been studying and practicing herbal medicine and foraging for wild edibles since the early 90s. As a practicing herbalist and herbal educator, it is my joyful mission to help others realize the many benefits of what is growing right under their feet.

Sweet Gum, Grape Leaves, Storax, Resveratrol, Viruses

A friend asked me about Sweet Gumballs. I figured I'd share this here in case it helps someone else:

If the sweet gumballs are not in season, you can use the leaves, stems, and inner bark to extract the antiviral properties. I learned that by listening to and taking notes from the old Tommy Bass videos. The gumballs have higher amounts of storax, but there is a moderate amount in the leaves, stems, and bark. Just use a higher herb-to-solvent ratio. The same is true with a lot of herbs. For example, higher amounts of resveratrol (antiviral) are in grape skins, but you can also get it from the leaves. 

Have you ever been sick and then there is a point where everything just gets worse...congestion becomes heavier, aches and pains increase a lot, fever is high and won't go down? Or you just can't get rid of it, and it lingers? That can be a mild to moderate cytokine response. Grape leaf tea will help calm that down. I pick them and dry them for that purpose. When the new crop of grape leaves comes in, I add the old ones to my green powder mix, since resveratrol is an antioxidant. 

There is a joyful noise in our home.

First, you should realize I have had children run to me with all manner of exciting nature finds, including snakes, big insects, and spiders. Brandon asked for a green snake, and I, thinking he'd never find one, said yes. Not too many weeks later, he ran inside with an arm and a slithery thing outstretched. I climbed the couch backward. Caleb has no fear of snakes.

There are many more stories, but know when a youngun' rushes towards me with something in their hands, I've learned to GIVE GROUND and ask questions later. So, when Emily came running in with a big bundle in her shirt, hoping for a reaction, she got one. I was bolting to the other side of the room before she could say 'TURKEYS!!"

She fell to the floor on her knees, laughing at me.

Mind you, I play back. I might get C-Dawg to help me with this one. It's joyful and fun in this home. I am very thankful for #6 and #7, who came later in my reproductive years and are such a tremendous blessing.

The Lord is faithful and leads us to good places...if we are willing to follow.

Being attacked for doing your best?

I wrote this to encourage a young friend of mine who is facing so much criticism and nastiness for starting a home-based business. She is a young mother trying very hard to help her family. Relatives and others are tearing her down and telling her she will not succeed, and are starting rumors that she is operating without a business license. 

If you are also facing a lot of hostility while trying to do something good, maybe this will encourage you:

The truth shines while the jealous whine. I've had those types of people in my life. Emphasis on "had." 

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:5-6

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

False accusations don’t define you. God sees and honors the truth.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. Romans 12:19

A lion doesn't lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.

Those who are mature in Christ like to see others succeed and encourage (build up) each other. They let go of grievances with others because of all Christ has forgiven them. They are more focused on growing and serving the Lord (themselves) than what others are doing. Destruction (tearing down) is the work of satan. Christians who have dealt with what you are facing should rally around you, encourage you, and help promote your business. Look at the ones helping you and encouraging you. THOSE are the relationships to focus on.

Abundant Mercy

In Ephesians 2, we are told He is RICH IN MERCY, 

and in Lamentations 3, we are told His mercies 

never come to an end. 

I am so very thankful for that!!

Happy July 4th!!

HAPPY 4th of July!

to our family and friends

near and far, 

old and new,

close and estranged

from The Asbell Family!

Thank You Father for making us American citizens and giving us the freedom, privileges, and responsibility you have blessed upon us!
May we conduct ourselves as worthy servants and bring YOU glory!

Dear Reader, Our world faces many challenges now and in the future, but I am still very thankful to be an American where I have experienced great freedom. No matter where you live, I hope you know the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

A Heart that Loves Anyway

I thought this would be particularly comforting to my friends who live with this pain. These are not my words, but I felt they were worthy to share.

Dear You,

If no one has told you this today, let me be the first - what you're carrying is heavy.

And you shouldn't have to carry it alone. There's a particular kind of ache that comes from loving someone who doesn't seem to love you back.

Especially when that someone is your child.

Your grown child.

The one you once rocked to sleep.

The one you packed lunches for, worried over, and prayed for more times than you can count.

You loved them with your whole heart.

Still do.

But now they barely call.

Maybe they don't call at all.

Or when they do, it feels cold.

Distant.

Like you're strangers asking too many questions.

And it hurts more than you can put into words.

You wonder what you did wrong.

What you missed.

You replay moments from the past like old movies, hoping to find the scene where everything shifted.

You whisper apologies in your mind for things you didn't mean to say, or things you never got the chance to say at all.

You ask yourself, "was I too strict?"

"Was I too soft?" "Did I fail them somehow?"

You are not alone in asking these questions.

Many mothers carry them quietly, buried deep behind a polite smile or a brave face.

They look fine on the outside.

But inside, there's a wound that hasn't healed.

Because when your own child pulls away - or worse, shuts the door entirely - it feels like a piece of your soul is missing.

People don't talk about this kind of pain enough.

They talk about parenting toddlers, teenagers, even young adults.

But they don't often talk about the grief of parenting someone who no longer wants to be parented - who no longer wants you.

So you sit with the silence.

You smile when others talk about their family dinners or holiday visits.

You nod when they show off pictures from birthday parties you weren't invited to.

And all the while, your heart is quietly breaking.

I want you to know something.

This isn't your fault. Not entirely. Maybe not at all.

Parenting is not a perfect science.

It's messy and complicated and shaped by things outside your control.

Your child grew up with their own thoughts, their own experiences, their own interpretations of the world.

And sometimes, those interpretations don't match your memories.

Sometimes, their pain comes from a place you couldn't see.

Or from somewhere that has nothing to do with you at all.

That doesn't mean you didn't love them enough.

It doesn't mean you were a bad mother.

It means they're human.

And SO ARE YOU.

Maybe your relationshp became tangled somewhere along the way.

Too many words spoken in anger.

too many years of misunderstanding.

Or maybe, for reasons you'll never fully understand, they just chose to walk away.

And you were left behind with all your love and nowhere to put it.

It's okay to grieve that.

It's okay to feel the loss.

This isn't just disappointment - it's a heartbreak with no clear ending.

Because they're still out there.

Living their life.

And you are still here, wondering how someone you raised could forget how much you cared.

I know the world tells you to move on.

To accept it.

To keep your chin up.

But you don't have to pretend this doesn't hurt.

You don't have to hide the way you still check your phone, hoping today will be the day they text.

Or the way your eyes sting when you see a family that looks like what you always dreamed of.

You are allowed to feel everything you feel.

The sadness.

The confusion.

Even the anger. Especially the anger.

You gave so much of yourself. You offered your best, even when you were tired, even when you had nothing to left to give.

And somehow that wasn't enough fo them to stay close.

That's a kind of rejection no one prepares you for.

But please, don't let their silence rewrite the truth of who you are.

You are not unlovable.

You are not a failure.

You are not worthless.

You are a mother who loved deeply.

Who STILL does. And that love?

It doesn't disappear just because it wasn't returned.

Love isn't measured by the heart that gives it.

And your heart has always been full.

You might be asking yourself, "What do I do now?"

How far do you go on loving someone who's pulled so far away?

The answer is - gently.

You love yourself first.

You honor what you've been through.

You remind yourself that your life isn't over just because a relationship(s) is(are)broken.

There are still moments ahead for you.

Moments of laughter, joy, even peace.

Even if they don't come from your child.

You can still be loved. You can still find a connection.

It may come from friends, neighbors, nieces, or other mothers who know your pain.

It may come from people who see you, really see you, for all that you are.

And if that love shows up in a different shape than you expected, that's okay.

It's still real. It's still yours.

And maybe, one day, your child will find their way back.

Maybe they won't.

But either way, you don't have to keep your heart locked away.

You don't have to stop being the kind of person who loves deeply.

In fact, the world needs more people like you.

People who love even when it hurts.

People who keep showing up, even when no one claps for them.

People who still have hope, even when it flickers.

If today is hard, let it be hard.

If tears come, let them fall.

You've held it together for long enough.

And maybe, it's time to stop pretending you're fine when you're not.

You don't have to be strong every second.

You don't have to be the one who always understands.

You can be the one who is hurting.

The one who is healing.

The one who is still learning how to carry love that has nowhere to land.

There is something deeply beautiful about that kind of heart.

A heart that loves anyway.

That forgives without forgetting.

That hopes without demanding.

That grieves without giving up.

And that heart? That's yours.

Don't let anyone, not even your child, convince you it's not enough.

You ARE enough. Even in your pain. Even in your waiting.

Even in your wondering.

You are not invisible.

You are not forgotten.

And you are not alone.

There are so many women like you - quietly hurting, quietly loving, quietly hoping.

So if you ever feel like you're the only one carrying this kind of grief, remember this letter.

Remember that someone out there sees you. Someone understands the ache you don't always talk about.

And someone believes, without a doubt, that your love still matters.

YOU still matter.

Always.

(author unknown)

Healthy Boundaries in the Bible

Someone told a friend that her attitude about forgiving but not giving access to toxic people was not very forgiving or loving.

There is a lot of value to the Christian who searches the Bible about things like this. It might seem harsh to walk away from someone who is harmful to be around, whether that is physically, emotionally, or spiritually, but it is what the Bible teaches. The Bible is full of instances of setting healthy boundaries.

What is a toxic person? A toxic person is someone who consistently harms others physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally through manipulation, control, deceit, or disrespect. All of these traits are sinful (flesh).

It is very Biblical to not give access to people who are not behaving in healthy ways. There are more examples in the Bible we can find to give us guidance, but here are some.

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him. Titus 3:10-11

People will be... abusive, slanderous, without self-control, brutal... having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2 Timothy 3:2-5

…If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Mathew 18:15-17 (AVOID them!!!)

Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.' I Corinthians 15:33

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. I Corinthians 5:11 Immoral=sinful.

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. Romans 16:17

A look at the Greek for the terms used on dissensions and hindrances is very eye-opening. Dissensions (dichostasiai) refer to: divisions, factions, separations caused by contentiousness or disunity, can be caused through conflict, drama, or cliques within the church, breaking fellowship and unity. Galatians 5 lists dissensions as a work of the flesh. Hindrances (skandala) refer to: stumbling blocks, traps, or things that cause others to sin or fall in their faith, can be caused through false teachings, legalism, manipulative behavior, or anything that causes believers to stumble spiritually or morally. Skandala is translated to "offenses" in some versions. Again, all of these behaviors are sinful (flesh).

Then we can look at the example Jesus set. While Jesus loved everyone, He didn't give everyone access to Himself. He practiced healthy detachment and spoke truth with grace. He walked away from crowds that wanted to harm him, rebuked people and left them, and let others leave without Him chasing after them.

This is a big topic and one could find more verses and examples, and could do word studies to go deeper. The Bible is very clear: You should not stay connected with those who are consistently harmful to your physical, spiritual, and emotional health. You can still forgive, pray for, and love people from a distance. The Bible teaches that healthy boundaries are not selfish—they are wise and God-honoring. They reflect God’s order, Jesus' example, and protect our ability to love well without being controlled or harmed.

I have followed the instruction in the Bible on this and have seen toxic people go away and godly people fill those spaces. I have seen turmoil and mental anguish leave and peace fill my life. Once one very controlling and manipulative person left my life, my spiritual growth took off in big ways. Until I got away from them, I had no idea how much they were hindering my spiritual life. I learned a valuable lesson through that and made a promise to myself to part ways sooner with anyone who behaved like them to avoid harming my relationship with Christ.

**********

If I were dining at a table with someone who was putting poison in people's drinking glasses, I would not remain at that table. I'd leave and leave everything on the table behind, too. Most people would feel that was the correct thing to do and would even encourage it because of the danger to the physical body. 

A toxic person is someone who is spreading poison, and it can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It can be all or a combination of those. It can take some time to realize what they are doing, but when you do, you must get away from them for your well-being.

Grandparents

Caleb and Elora made us grandparents!

Fitzroy Atlas was born in early June.

We have not shared until now, so they could have time to tell everyone themselves.

Fitzroy is healthy and beautiful! We thanked Caleb and Elora for making us grandparents.

Common Horsetail aka Equisetum arvense

 

I am working with common horsetail today. Equisetum arvense, aka "horsetail," is known for its high silica content, which supports bone health, strengthens connective tissue, and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails. While most allopathic (conventional) diuretics flush minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium, along with excess water, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic while replenishing minerals, particularly potassium and silica. 

It is frequently used for urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, and kidney stones. Its astringent and wound-healing properties also make it a good choice for healing wounds, controlling bleeding, and reducing inflammation when applied topically. It is sometimes used to help osteoporosis, arthritis, or brittle nails due to its ability to help the body utilize calcium more effectively. 

30+ years ago, one of my herbal medicine instructors taught me how she used horsetail to keep her long hair after 60! I learned that horsetail is an ingredient in some of the popular hair growth formulas. The high silica content helps fortify hair follicles and hair strands from breakage and splitting, contributes to collagen production for healthy skin and scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth, and is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles. It also has antioxidants that lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. 

Raw horsetail should not be taken continuously because it contains small amounts of an enzyme called thiaminase. Thiaminase breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), which hinders its absorption. Studies in grazing animals show that consuming green or dried horsetail at about 20 % of dietary intake can cause thiamine deficiency in 2–5 weeks. But hold on, heat and alcohol destroy thiaminase, so a tea, syrup, or properly made tincture will not have active thiaminase. It is still recommended you take a break for a week or two every 2-4 weeks. As always, do your own research and check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Mama Asbell

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a wild edible you can forage. It should not be confused with look-alikes. It was frequently grown as a pot herb and can be eaten fresh in salads or added to dishes to add flavor. It has been used to treat scurvy (antiscorbutic). Some say it has higher vitamin C than oranges! It is helpful to asthmatics, can be used as an antiseptic, and can be used to treat wounds and bug bites. It can also induce sweating to help cleanse the body's pathways or combat a fever. It is also a vermifuge. You can boil the leaves and stems in water, allow the water to cool, and pour it over where there are earthworms. Because it irritates their skin, they will surface, making it easy for you to collect them and invite me to go fishing! :-D I foraged this plant on a mountain hike while camping in WV. The next morning, this plant went into our omelets along with some Canadian Wood Nettle.

Cleavers aka Galium aparine

Cleavers, Galium aparine, are known for their lymphatic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory (cooling) properties. Research shows Galium aparine stimulates the transformation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, indicating potential immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties.  Cleavers have been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries and are still highly valued. 

Some of the conditions it can be used for:  Swollen lymph nodes, tonsillitis, mastitis, lymphedema, eczema, psoriasis, acne, abscesses, minor wounds, general immune enhancement, possible support in cancer prevention, fatigue, toxin buildup, post-illness recovery, and has had some limited, less documented use for mild anxiety and irritability.

Please keep praying

The weight of this spiritual warfare has landed so heavily upon me that my mind, body, and soul shut down for several days. 

I lost track of time (hours, days) and have barely been functioning. After the heavy stress load from so much this last year, I think this reaction was a protective measure to keep me from having a mental breakdown. It's starting to lift, but I'm not fully over it. In all of the things I have been through, I have never had a reaction like this. 

We've received some very disturbing news on two fronts and had to accept some hard truths. 

All I have been able to do is cry out to the Lord for strength to get up and fight. Please keep us in prayer as we seek the Lord.

Mobile RV Repair

My son, Caleb, has launched a licensed and insured mobile RV repair business serving Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, and West Virginia. He provides convenient, on-site repairs and maintenance. Caleb and his wife, Elora, are also expecting their first child any day now, so your support means the world to them. If you or anyone you know needs RV service in those areas, he'd truly appreciate your referrals.

Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia

Greenbrier, Smilax rotundifolia. Ive been eating this plant for years. PULL on the new tips and they will break off in the right place much like asparagus will when you bend it. Raw, they taste a little like a green bean. They can be eaten raw or cooked. We eat them as we hike, etc. They are better when about 6" or under. All parts are edible including the berries. It also has valuable medicinal properties and can be used for weaving, fish hooks, light use cordage, wildlife barriers around gardens, and to make biochar. Grows abundantly in most areas of eastern North America.

Cliff Notes for Osteoarthritis

A client asked me for some research guidance for her father's OA. This is what I sent her. I am sharing it here to help others. My love to all! -Mama Asbell

Osteoarthritis 

Goals: reduce inflammation,  improve lubrication,  support any remaining cartilage,  promote comfort, help cushion joints by improving joint fluids, and relieve pain.

Herbs: Turmeric (reduces cartilage wear), boswellia serrata (reduces joint inflammation, protects remaining cartilage), willow bark, ginger (some studies say ot works as well as ibuprofen), other anti-inflammatory herbs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, MSM, omega 3, type 2 collagen, Vit D (deficiency worsens OA) (research how much you can safely take--much, much higher than what we are being told), hyaluronic acid, stay hydrated. 

Dehydration is very common in older folks and causes a wide range of problems. For OA: eed enough fluid to keep joints well hydrated.

Red light therapy (Amazon), Rezzimax Pro Tuner II (I'm enrolled in a class on this) helps relieve chronic pain by targeting the Vagus nerve and affects pain perception, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, hot cold therapy, joint supporting devices, vibrating heating pad (brings blood flow to area, disrupts pain signals, improves flexibility,  relaxes tight muscles, increases lymphatic drainage, etc).

Do your own research. Carefully check for contraindications.