Bella Botanica Blog

Holiday Gift Baskets: Oh what fun....!

2011-12-06T20:48:00.001-08:00

"Oh what fun it is to play with making potions all day...."

One of my favorite things about facilitating hands-on classes is that I inevitably take away new inspiration. I know the joy of creating potions and seeing the alchemy happen, but to witness others revel in it too, reminds me why I love to share these secrets with others. It is a delightful experience to see others squeal in excitement as the blender burps and voila we have lotion! We all had a wonderful time at the Making Holiday Gift Baskets class this last weekend. The elves were busy arranging gift boxes which were colorfully decorated then filled with goodies of lotions, lip balms, and bath salts. I will definitely be making this an yearly tradition. Can't wait to do it again! Thanks to all who attended and made the day such a special success!

Fresh Burdock Root is in!!!

2011-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Autumn is barely holding on to its last whispers of color, and with the rain today many trees are now bare. It is a perfect time to harvest roots - before the frost and when the plant's energy has moved down into the earth.

We are excited for the fall harvesting and shipment of fresh Burdock, which we have just finished making into an herbal extract!

Burdock (Articum lappa) is in the Asteraceae family and is a biennial plant that reaches up to 6-7 feet high. In its first year, the plant grows heart shaped leaves that form a basal rosette, the second year it flowers into globular, rose-colored thistle flowers with hooked bracts. With a common name like Beggar's button, it is easy to image how these seed heads were used like actual buttons securing woolen wraps together in the cold countryside. Actually, the burrs are so effective at binding together that they inspired the creation of Velcro!

These medicinal roots grow straight and deep into the ground, sometimes reaching nearly three feet down.

A clearing tonic herb, the roots as well as the seeds are most popularly used therapeutically. Burdock is notably beneficial to the skin, is classified as an alterative and diurectic, and is purifying to the blood. Also high in antioxidants and a stimulating bitter, Burdock gets the gastric juices moving to aid digestion and assists to clear up catabolic buildup. With large amounts of inulin and mucilage in the roots, its soothing effect also helps the gastrointestinal system and mucus membranes. In Asian grocery stories, you can find fresh Burdock root under the name "Gobo" – it makes a wonderful addition to salads or chopped up and sautéed in a stir-fry (as you would carrots). You can also dry the roots and store them for decoctions later (1 tbsp per cup) or extract them with organic alcohol for an excellent home-remedy herbal extraction.

Burdock is available in our online store at Bella Botanica: Burdock.

Holiday Gift Baskets

2011-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Making Holiday Gift Baskets
Bella Botanica's Events Update

Saturday, December 3rd from 12pm-5pm.
Eugene, OR
Cost $55 + materials

Days are getting darker now and amazingly the holidays are around the corner. For those of you who want to give a more personal touch to your gift giving, join me for an afternoon of Making Holiday Gift baskets. We will dive into making
luxurious lotions, stellar salt scrubs, and kissable lip balms for our family, friends, and just maybe ourselves. Everyone will come home with gifts to share and the basic knowledge of how to make these skin care creations at home.

For more info visit Bella Botanica Classes.

Class space is limited so please email to reserve your spot immediately.

Warmly,
Liisa Korpela

Fresh Valerian Root is in!

2011-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Fresh Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) roots have arrived from Pacific Botanicals Farm in Grants Pass, OR. Valerian, in the Valerianacae family, is a perennial plant that reaches 4-5 feet tall with pinnate, toothed leaves growing in clumps of 7-10 pairs each with white to pink tubular cluster flowers. The roots and rhizomes are harvested after they are 3 years old or more. These beautiful milky white roots with their distinct floral or "stinky" aroma (well to some it is stinky, I find the odd smell attractive) saturate the apothecary with its presence. We took these fresh roots, chopped them up, and then made them into an herbal extract with organic sugar cane alcohol and purified water. In a few months, we will press this extract and then it's ready for use. Valerian is a slightly warming herb with a powerful sedative and antispasmodic effect. This works wonders for calming one’s insomnia, sleeplessness, exhaustion, irritability, muscular tension, and cramps. Please note that this extract can cause drowsiness, so it is best to not mix with sedatives or antidepressants. To use in tea put 2 teaspoons of dried root in a cup of water and steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. Because of its potent volatile oils, you do not make your regular decoction for roots that are simmered, but simply steep this one. For the herbal extract, take 10-60 drops 1-4 times a day. As always consult your health care practitioner before starting to take dietary supplements.

(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drub Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

RootsTalk 2011

2011-09-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

RootsTalk
A "Celebration of Plants, People and the Planet"
Natural Skin Care; Beauty from the Earth
The Spirit of Herbalism
September 22-25th, 2011
Salem, OR

I am honored to be invited to the first annual RootsTalk festival, "a unique celebration of plants, people and planet" sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs as a benefit for Casadia Wildlands.You can find me teaching on Friday, Natural Skin Care: Beauty from the Earth and Saturday an HerbWalk on The Spirit of Herbalism. Bella Botanica will also have a booth there sharing our Fall 2011 product line. We look forward to connecting with those that can attend. Hope to see you there!

To find out more go to www.rootstalkfest.com

Herbal Spotlight: Elecamapane

2011-09-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Herbal Spotlight
Elecampane

One of my, hands down favorite herbs to grow in the garden is Elecampane (Inula helenium). This plant is part of the Asteraceae "Sunflower" family, a stoic character, reaching up to 6 feet tall with large leaves and bright yellow inflorescence. Elecampane can not help but exude a presence of confidence and groundedness to those who stand near it. This reliable teacher supports us to release the things that no longer serve us and fosters the visions of what needs to grow from deep within ourselves. As a way to get things moving, Elecampagne is a useful expectorant for the lungs during the coming winter crud's where the phlegm is stuck and the coughing is persistent. (Read on about Elecampane)
Photo by Erin McIntosh

Purchase from Bella Botanica Fresh Elecampane Roots from Oregon

Holiday Gift Making and Herbal Preparations

2011-09-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Holiday Gift Making &
Herbal Preparations Series
Evening Lecture Series

If you are looking for an opportunity to learn about making Holiday Gifts and herbal medicine for your home use. This series of evening lectures will educate participants on herbal preparations and offer hands on gift making in time for the holiday season. In this four parts series of Herbal Preparations, we will cover the basics from how to make Herbal Infusions and Decoctions, Herbal Tinctures, Herbal Oils and Salves and lastly Herbal Syrups and Lozenges. The dates have yet to be confirmed but please email the office to reserve your spot.

For more info visit Bella Botanica Classes.

Natural Skin Care at the Oregon Coast

2011-09-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Florence Herb Enthusiasts
Natural Skin Care: Beauty from the Earth
September 15, 2011 at 10am
Florence, OR

I will be at the Florence Herb Enthusiasts meeting this week. After much interest was expressed about my product line, I have been asked back to present a lecture on Natural Skin Care: Beauty from the Earth. I will be talking about harmful additives as well as beneficial ingredients that inspire us to keep our skin looking young and healthy.

To find out more go to www.florenceherbenthusiasts.com

Learn about plants at the Oregon Coast

2011-09-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

Herbal Workshop at the Coast:
Three Amazing Herbalists
Act now to register for Coastal Workshop
June 25, 2011 from 10am-4pm for $45

There are a few spaces left at the Florence Herb Enthusiasts Workshop on June 25th that is being held at the Honeyman State Park on the coast. The workshop will be from 10am-4pm and is $45, which includes a mouthwatering luncheon. (Menu below) Pre-registration is closing on June 16th, so act now if you are interested!

There will be three workshops held throughout the day. I will be teaching a class in Natural Dyeing, alternating Herb Walks with Nome from Pharmacopeia Herbals and Heather Nic An Fhleisdeir, proprietor of Mrs. Thompson’s Herbs and Folklore will start the day teaching a class on the Functional Feast, Herbal Healing in the Kitchen. This workshop is a great bargain for a fun filled day of learning about the health benefits of herbs as food, how to identify plants and how to use them for natural dyeing, plus the delicious lunch to boot!

Lunch Menu includes Crudités, Fennel Salad, Vibrant Slaw, Wild Baked Salmon, Sage Butter, Spearmint Jelly, Raspberry Vinegar, Soft Goat Cheese, Rosemary Garlic Bread and Apple Apricot Buckle!

To find out more go to www.florenceherbenthusiasts.com

To register call 541.997.8311 or email.

Hope to see you there. If not, keep a look out for other adventures happening at Bella Botanica.

Warmly,
Liisa Korpela  

Herb Spotlight

2010-05-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

"Stinging" Nettles
Urtica dioica

In the Pacific Northwest, spring has fully emerged. With the colorful blossoms comes the anticipation of dreaded allergies. The first allergens to saturate the air in the spring are tree pollens, followed by grass and weed pollens at the height of summer. Then the fall brings out ragweed and airborne fungus before winter's relief. If you are one of the 50 million people in the US who suffers from allergies this year, you will find Nettles to be a simple yet powerful herb to support your health through this season.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a type of disorder of the immune system in which simple foreign substances, such as pollen, can cause havoc. Unfortunately, the more that you are exposed to the allergens the worse your response gets. To protect the body, the bloodstream is flooded with powerful signaling molecules such as histamines and leukotrienes. These biogenic substances produce inflammation, which is the body's way of protecting it against these offending substances. As a result, those of us who suffer from allergies, develop watery eyes, running noses, and sneezing as the most common symptoms to difficulty of breathing, depleted energy and foggy head.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) are an excellent spring tonic in anticipation of the allergy season. Nettles have traditionally been used as a "pot herb", one that you stewed in a pot, to fortify you body after a long winter. Nettles belong to the genus Urtica, which is derived from the Latin "uro" meaning to burn. The burn from Nettles originates from its most notable feature, the stinging hairs that are located on its leaves and stems. If brushed, these hairs release a burst of formic acid, the same substance that comes from a sting or bite of an ant. Hot and throbbing pain from contact with Nettles can last up to 12-24 hours. Historically this throbbing sting has been used in the process of Urtication, or flogging with Nettles. Flogging increases the circulation to an area and thus alleviates symptoms of poor circulation associated with rheumatism.

Despite the burn of the Nettles' stinger its leaves have nutritive value. Nettles are best taken for 2-3 months before the peak of the allergy season, but it's never too late to start. What follows are some highlights as to why Nettles are important to introduce into your daily life, especially during this allergy season.

Nettles:

Nettles are a potent packed nutritive tonic. Nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, silicon, manganese, zinc, phosphate chromium, and Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, F and K
A preliminary human study of helping allergy sufferers with Nettles was conducted at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. In this study there was evidence that Nettles significantly reduced symptoms of allergies, most notably sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.

Nettles are thought to act by reducing the amount of histamine the body produces in response to the allergen, though more studies are needed to confirm this theory.

From a holistic viewpoint, allergies are associated with weak adrenals, immune and elimination function.
1. Nettles are an excellent kidney tonic, and good kidney function is essential for vitality and energy. Through their homeostatic, balancing properties Nettles calibrate a more efficient urination while also alkalizing the urine.
2. Nettles are supportive to overexerted adrenals, which are seated right on top of the kidneys. When you feed the adrenals, you feed the kidneys, and feed your health.
3. Nettles activate the metabolism as it strengthens and tones the entire system thus increasing immunity response to fend off allergens.

Contraindications:

Nettles are generally safe, but if any reaction occurs, please discontinue use of this herb. Some people have experienced mild digestive upset. Also use caution when handling fresh plants because of its stinger. For leaves, use only young shoots before flowering of the plant. Consult your health care provider before making any changes to your health care. Nettles may interact with certain medication, esp. anti-coagulants, anti-platelet, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, blood pressure and/or diabetic medication.

To purchase Fresh Wildcrafted Nettles from Oregon

FDA DISCLAIMER These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2010-05-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Calender of Events

June 26th
Grand Opening Party
Bella Botanica's Apothecary
Eugene, OR

July 24th-25th
NW Herb Fest 2010
Pleasant Hill, OR

Herbal Preparations

Evening Lectures Series
Tuesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm
$35 includes materials

September 7th
Herbal Infusions and Decoctions
Eugene, OR

September 14th
Herbal Tinctures
Eugene, OR

September 21th
Herbal Oils and Salves
Eugene, OR

September 28th
Herbal Elixirs and Syrups
Eugene, OR

To find out more go to Bella Botanica Classes

Or contact:
info@bellabotanica.com
541.338.9519v

Please send registrations and payment to:
Bella Botanica PO Box 10883 Eugene, OR 97440

Liisa Korpela's Schedule of Events 2009

2009-02-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Herbs around the Wheel

April 25-26— Spring Herb
June 20-21— Summer Herb
August 15-16— Fall Herbs
September 19-20— Winter Herbs

One-Day Workshops

April 18— Medicinal Garden Planning
December 5— Herbal Holiday Gift Making

Alchemical Healing Classes

April 11-12th— Level I
May 9-10th— Level II
August 1-8— Alchemical Healing Retreat with Nicki Scully

To find out more about Alchemical Healing see www.shamanicjourneys.com

To find out more about all listed classes go to www.bellabotanica.com
Or contact by:
Email liisa@bellabotanica.com or call 541.338.9519

Please send registrations and $50 deposits to:

Bella Botanica Attn: Liisa Korpela PO Box 10883 Eugene, OR 97440

Happy Spring! (or Imbolc)

2009-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Imbolc is now several weeks passed, the cross quarter of the season which represents in the Celtic calendar the first day of spring! For us here in the Northern Hemisphere spring does not start until March 21st, with the Spring Equinox as our marker for the event. This designation is based off of the Gregorian calendar, which has never really worked for me when witnessing your local plants. The Celtic calendar, which is much more agrarian based portrays a clearer vision of how the flora cycles work here in the Pacific Northwest. In this type of calendar we look at the heights of the season, the quintessential moment when we know we are fully in the season to be the peak. These would be the Equinoxes or Solstices. To mark the beginning and end of the season we cut the four points in half calling them the cross quarters. That being said we have just passes the cross quarter of February 1st, Imbolc, the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox thus the beginning of the spring season. At the spring equinox we will be fully burst into spring with an abundance of blossoms. And now that spring has just started here, we have begun to see the first whispers….
Tulip and daffodil leaves are popping up, Iris leaves are becoming green, Winter Daphne is starting to bud and bloom and for my most favorite marker of the first day of spring— the sweet smell of the blooming Violets!

Plant of the Month: Viola odorata

Violets grow in my front yard as a ground cover under some of my native bushes. I love February for this is the time when the leaves begin to uncurl and their little scrumptious purple flowers bloom. The flowers are simply one of the sweetest most delicious smells effervescently wafting through the spring breeze! Violets are one of those old forgotten sweet herbs that are incredibly healing, nutritive and helpful for releasing our winter sludge. With nutritious leaves, rich in Vitamin A and C; Violets make an excellent infusion to strengthen the eyes, the nerves and the blood. Wonderfully mucilaginous you can also crush the leaves and flowers steep them in room temp over night and have an excellent soothing drink for an inflamed intestinal tract, bronchitis, asthma or coughs. Externally, violet flower infused in oil adds an extra special touch into my Elder Flower Eye Cream.

Summer Violet Drink Recipe:

Red Raspberry Leaf
Lemongrass
(Or Nettles, Alfalfa, Lemon Balm & etc.)
Colorful frozen fruit
(i.e. Raspberries or Strawberries)
Violet flower ice cubes