Do you know your blood type? This is probably as far as your conversation extends when chatting about blood, but there is truly so much to know about the nutrient rich fluids pumping throughout your body. Did you know that blood pumps at a rate of five to six quarts per minute- that’s about 2,000 gallons of blood being circulated to each cell, daily! Our blood makes up about 7% of our total body weight, and is responsible for not only distributing hormones, electrolytes, gasses, proteins, glucose, and of course water (which accounts for about 90% total blood plasma), but blood is also responsible for our immune system health. This means that if your blood is unhappy and depleted, chances are your immune system is too.. When red and white blood cells undergo a process of separation using a machine called a centrifuge, the heavy, iron-latent red cells sink to the bottom of the tube and the more transparent fluid, or plasma, remains neatly afloat above. By separating blood we can further analyze the contents and hopefully provide insight into possible areas of support. Our diets and lifestyle choices play a huge role in our pulmonary health- from mindfulness and meditation for reducing blood pressure, to consuming red colored fruits and vegetables, which are particularly supportive for the heart and circulatory system. Traditional herbal medicine has utilized circulatory herbs, such as Yarrow and Hawthorn, that support the large detoxification organs, like the heart and liver, in order to therapeutically address stagnation. These “symptoms” of stagnant energy can appear as arterial or vessel plaque, weak liver functioning, depleted kidneys or trouble urination, hormonal imbalances, and many other presentations. Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest specifically, utilized stimulating and nutrient rich herbs such as Dandelion Root, Burdock Root,Yellow Dock, Mugwort, and many other species of botanicals for both acute and chronic conditions. Each of these herbals were identified by healers and community members as important foods to integrate daily as to prevent diseases and other unwanted ailments, especially during the colder months. Modern science has allowed us to translate these traditional herbal applications into researched findings to support the use of herbs such as Licorice root, Oat Straw, Nettle and the many other bioregional offerings, to support blood health and the overall detoxification process amongst all the organ systems. The American Botanical Council recognizes the important role certain botanicals, such as Hawthorn, can play in pulmonary disease prevention and treatment- read more on The Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E report of their scientific findings. This is another interesting outlook on the Traditional Chinese Medical model of utilizing herbs for circulatory health. Integrating these therapeutic plants into your life does not have to be a complicated process- it can look as easy as a few droppers of tincture in your favorite beverage or a sprinkle of herbs as seasonings to your favorite meals, get creative and mix your own tea blend, or buy a pre blended product that resonate with you. Sun god Medicinals makes it easy to choose the right heart-supporting herbs to use in times when you can use a bit of support. Our Aja Relief THC Tincture makes a great compliment to any heart-opening routine through its rich blend of nervines, cardioprotective, and anti inflammatory botanicals. We choose these bioregional delights specifically to not only cultivate a sustained health within ourselves, but also the planet. We are always listening and improving, and would love any feedback on our products. We are always here to help guide you toward the herbs and products that are right for you and your family. Let the Legends guide you!
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Chances are when you think of powdered herbs, your mind jumps directly to the spice cabinet. Are we right? Well this is a great introduction to the world of powdered herbs and the therapeutic potential each herb possesses. The versatility of herbs in this form extends far beyond the popular go-to's like cinnamon and garlic powder. Research in both modern and traditional medicine has reflected the importance of powdered botanicals to support many conditions, and the multitude of ways to take them is mind boggling. First, let’s take a look at the bigger picture- what is the brief history of powder herbs? Traditional Ayurvedic medicine, an Indian system of medicine founded upon the principles of balancing the mind, body, and spirit through individualized therapies focused on a preventative care model and specific lifestyle modification, has been utilizing powdered herbs for centuries. Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Cumin, Turmeric, Brahmi, Cardamom, Licorice, and many more herbal powders are traditionally used to support ailments concerning the immune system, inflammation, digestive distress, musculoskeletal discomfort, nervous system imbalances and much more. The medicinal uses of these herbs, and the hundreds of others used in traditional Ayurveda, are implemented per an individual's unique constitution, or dosha, and it is typical to see blends of five or more herbs in a single medicinal preparation. From both internal and external uses, research in Ayurvedic practices has taught us a solid foundation in the proper use of some of our favorite powdered botanicals. Another great application for powder herbs is topicals or poultices; these can be used for minor burns, rashes, and other irritations in the same fashion as a paste mixed with a wrap like band-aid. Traditionally, they have been used to cool sunburns and relieve itchy outbreaks, but they offer a wide variety of cosmetic benefits as well. Astringent powdered herbs, such as Rose and Turmeric, make great face masks and scrubs due to the drawing and detoxing abilities of the plants. A commonly utilized Ayurvedic herb, Gotu Kola, is popularly used to reduce scarring, decrease symptoms of eczema, and it may help wounds heal faster. Our herbal and hemp infused massage oils, available in Heka and Aja blends, are formulated with herbs to support these ailments and more by capturing the therapeutic potential of these botanicals in each bottle, and even better, they are all plants that grow in our bioregion! We suggest applying after a warm shower, and if possible, place a warm towel over the area to allow the herb-infused oil, paste, or salve to absorb more easily into the skin. We provide a variety of products that contain specifically formulated blends of these, along with other herbs that are bioregianally available that may support general symptoms such as aches and pains, trouble sleeping, and even adrenal overload. Our blended capsules are a convenient way to take your favorite powdered herbs, think daily herbal vitamins- and yes they come in a variety of “flavors” to uniquely address the symptoms you are experiencing. We have Aja Hemp & Herbal Capsules or Aja THC & Herbal Capsules for managing soreness and discomfort, Heka Hemp & Herbal Capsules or Heka THC & Herbal Capsules for worry and stress, and Hercules Hemp & Herbal Capsules for muscle ease. We also offer products to encourage a restful nights sleep by highlighting Southern Oregon’s diverse botanical offerings of relaxant, adaptogenic, and nervine herbs such as Hops, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Cannabis blended together to create an easy before-bed capsule that may just help you realize that rejuvenating sleep you have been longing for. Sleep plays such an important role in our immune system health, and our overall well being. There is no reason to continue your routine of sleepless nights now that the power of these relaxing herbs is at your fingertip. Our Hypnos & Hemp Herbal Capsules or Hypnos THC Herbal Capsules for sleep support can easily be added to any night time routine, and may encourage that perfect night of deep sleep. Each of the capsules mentioned contains powdered Hemp, as well as other supporting herb blends, formulated to slowly digest and release herbs into the body. The activation time of powdered herbs is very individualized depending on the strength of the metabolism, but research points to an average of about 45 minutes until active. We recommend a few sips of a hot beverage after taking your capsule to help it begin to break down quicker in the stomach. Powdered herb capsules are just one of the many convenient ways to integrate botanical medicine into your life. There are so many recipes using herbal powders to make tasty treats such as energy bites, granola bars, smoothies, lattes, both sweet and savory delights, and the possibilities go on and on. We found this neat collection of recipes and more information on powdered herbs that we have found pretty inspiring. The definition of powdered herbs does not have to stop in the spice cabinet, and we can not wait to see what you create! As always, please reach out with any further questions so we can guide you to the most supportive products, and find the herbs that are right for you! |
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