Farmacy Herbs

Herbal Education Distance Program

2012-01-24T13:07:00.001-05:00

Farmacy Herbs is now offering a distance Herbal Education and Training Program with Herbalist, Mary Blue.

This program focuses on understanding and using Western Herbalism terminology, the how to of herbal product making, specific body systems and how herbs can support them, and laws/ regulations regarding herbalists.

Sign up with a friend by February 14th and you both receive 30% off!!

This program offers the student:
Everyday uses of over 30 plants
Nutritional Healing

Detoxification Methods
Dental Health
Immune Health

Endocrine Health

Reproductive Health

Skin Health

Regulatory Breakdown

The how to of:

Decoctions/Infusions

Tincturing
Syrups

Salves

Linaments

Poultices

Infused Oils

This program runs March- April 2012

Time commitment per week: around 5 hours.

This program comes with: Samples of herbal products (tinctures, salves, poultices, syrups, herbs), in depth binder with class notes for each subject, pictures of plants/ plant reviews of 30 different plants, Richo Cech's "Making Plant Medicine" book. 1 hour per week group conference calls for questions and discussions with Herbalist, Mary Blue, and when completed a "Certificate of Herbal Education".

Program Cost: $1000

Call or email for a registration form

New Programs for 2012!

2011-08-15T13:51:00.001-04:00

Herbal Education for
Health Practitioners Program
This Program is for Medical Professionals who want to be educated on therapeutic properties of Western Medicinal Herbs.
This program is appropriate for practicing doctors, nurses, therapists and med/nursing students.

Subjects covered:
*Western Herbalism Terminology
*Specific Plants and the body systems they support
*Herbal Preparations: Tinctures, Salves, Poutices, Teas, Decoctions, Syrups, Dosages and Compound Formulas
*Natural Healing: Foods and other holistic therapies

*Medicinal plant ID
*Practitioner Round-table: Working with patients using Western herbs.

Teachers Include:
Margi Flint, Larken Bunce, Dr. Jody Noe, Mary Blue and more!

This program takes place June-October 2012, Thursday Evenings 5-7 and 1 Friday evening per month at Farmacy Herbs in Providence.

Cost: $2000

For more info:
farmacyherbs.com
28 Cemetery Street, Providence, RI, 02904

2012 Summer Intensive

Herbal Program

This program is for the intermediate/advanced herbal students.

Students must have experience in basic medicine making and Western Herbalism Terminology

Teachers Include:
Margi Flint, Larken Bunce, Dr. Jody Noe, Mary Blue and more!

Subjects covered:
*The Art of Reading the Body

*Community Herbalist Training
*Managing Chronic Disease

*Practitioner Round-table
and more!

This program takes place June-October 2012, one weekend per month.

Cost: $1500
Cost includes all meals, class materials, housing.
(indoor beds limited, sign up early to reserve a bed:

camping also available )

For more info and detailed class descriptions:
farmacyherbs.com
28 Cemetery Street, Providence, RI, 02904

Fall 2011 Classes

2011-07-25T15:07:00.002-04:00

Homeopathic Remedies
September 17th, 2011, 4pm

with Dr. John McGonigle, Homeopathic MD

Local Medicinal Trees and Mushrooms

October 15, 2011 4pm

with Traci Picard

Herbs for the Endocrine System
November 5th, 3pm
with Dr. Jody Noe, ND

Ayurvedic Herbs

November 13th, 2011 4pm

with Jessica Ferrol

Herbal Education and Training Program (HEAT)
HEAT class activities vary by the season and include:

Everyday uses of over 30 plants
Organic gardening and seed starting
Tincturing and Herbal Formulation
Herbal Medicine Making: Syrups, Salves,

Linaments, Poultices, Infused Oils, Creams.
Herbal Terminology
Herbal First Aid
Natural Health/ Herbalism Consulting
Nutritional Healing
Detoxification Methods
Wild Fermentation Techniques
Dental Health
Immune Health

Endocrine Health

Harvesting and Wildcrafting

Our Summer 2011 HEAT class is full and we are accepting applications for our Winter 2011/12 Program (November-February).

Winter 2001/12 HEAT Dates:
Mondays, 5pm-8pm

November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19 January 9, 16, 23 February 6, 13, 20

Check out our website
http://farmacyherbs.com/whatshappening.html
for more info

Herbal CSA, Seeds, Spring Detox Yoga Retreat

2011-03-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

Our Organic GMO free seeds from Fedco and Horizon herbs are in!

Come by the market table or the shop to pick yours up!

Farmacy Herbal CSA
A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farming operation where the growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of production. The goal of our CSA is to promote herbal medicine and educate the community on the everyday uses and benefits of the plants that are native to our area. We believe that through a healthy lifestyle, exercise and the everyday use of herbs, we can support our bodies and avoid falling ill in the first place!

May-October, a monthly pickup of:

*2 oz. of Seasonal Tinctures
*1 oz. of a Farmacy Salve or Infused Oil
*Bunches of seasonal fresh herbs
*5 ounces of your choice of Farmacy Tea, or a cutsom blend made for just for you
*Description of herbs and their uses
1 Share: $250.00

Spring Detox Yoga Retreat Weekend
with Farmacy Herbs and Mimi Budnick, RYT
April 16, 17th 2010
9am Saturday-1pm Sunday
Through herbs, yoga, & food this weekend
program can help you transition into spring!
This weekend will kickstart your spring cleanse with classes on:
*Herbs & Foods that support a Detox*
* Yoga Classes to support the cleansing process*
Sign up with a friend or your significant other!
This weekend will take place at a beautiful cabin located in
Voluntown CT (right over the RI border)
Hiking trails, and beautiful scenery!
Bunk style accommodations.
Meals are all based on a detoxifying diet!
Price:
$125 (Food and Lodging included)
Preregistration required by April 9
and limited space!

Herbal Education and Training Program
starting May 9th!
HEAT class activities vary by the season and include:

Everyday uses of over 30 plants
Organic gardening and seed starting
Tincturing and Herbal Formulation
Herbal Medicine Making: Syrups, Salves,

Endocrine Health

Harvesting and Wildcrafting Techniques
Price
$350.00- $1500.00 sliding scale

Classes coming up!

2011-02-07T12:09:00.001-05:00

Ayurveda for Everyone!

Saturday February 26, 9am-1pm

Deb Soule has years of experience growing and using Ayurvedic Herbs. This class will be a basic teaching on good digestion from the Ayurvedic perspective & the constituents and growning condititons of Ayurvedic plants. Herbs to be covered: Sacred Basil, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Eclipta, Rose, Gotu Kola, Calamus Root, Ginger, Cardamom and Turmeric. .

avenaherbs.com

Providence Public Library Tea Talk

February 19, 2010, 2:30pm

Come join Providence's finest tea nerds at the Providence Public Library and hear all about tea!

Roger Williams Botanical Garden

Winter Wellness Talk

February 20, 2010, 9:30 am

Join us in the Roger Williams Botanical Greenhouse for a talk on winter wellness!

Cinnamon, Classes and Winter Sunsets

2011-01-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

We got some great classes
on tap this winter!

Check out our website for full class descriptions.

http://farmacyherbs.com

Herbs for First Aid & Pain Relief

January 15th 2-6pm

Corey Pine Shane

Disaster Relief and Herbalism

January 29th, 10am-6pm

Leah Wolfe

Constituents of Herbs

February 2cnd, 5pm- 9pm

Nicole Telkes

Ayurvedic Herbs for Everyone

February 12, 9am-1pm

Deb Soule

Winter Sunset. View from the Farmacy Gardens

Urban Herbals A-Z
Cinnamon - Cinnamomum cassia
Written by Daniel Patterson

Cinnamon has been used medicinally and as food as far back as ancient Egypt, where it was used in enbalming and as a food additive to keep the food from going bad. Food researchers have studied its anti-fungal effects in bread, and people have studied this effect in the urinary tract, suggesting that consuming cinnamon may help the body to prevent or deal with urinary tract and yeast infections. Cinnamon has also been used to help sooth support digestive health and promote circulation due to its warming properties. Finally, some studies have shown that consumption of cinnamon helps the bodies ability to metabolize glucose, which may be helpful for people with diabetes. Cinnamon has also been used to help support the body dealing with colds and the flu by because it is warming. One of the most popular spices for centuries, include cinnamon in food or warm drinks.

Hardy to 50 degrees, this tropical shrub (up to 40 feet) is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia but can be grown in the southern United States. Usually harvested after 3 - 5 years of growth, the outer bark is stripped off and the inner bark is peeled and dried, leading to the scroll-like appearance of cinnamon sticks. The plant has small yellowish-white flowers that yield small red berries, and leaves that are red when young and mature into green pairs up to seven inches long.

Awesome Winter Classes at Farmacy!

2010-12-13T15:49:00.003-05:00

Save a space and sign up early for classes! 

Herbs for First Aid and Pain Relief
January 15, 2pm -6pm
Corey Pine, Blue Ridge School of Botanical Medicine, Ashville , NC
$25-$50 sliding scale

Corey Pine Shane, Ashville, NC

Disaster Relief and Herbalism
January 29th, 10am-6pm
Leah Wolfe: Serpentine Project, Wisconsin
$30-$50 sliding scale

Leah Wolfe teaching about herbs in Haiti

Constituents of Herbs
Heating, Cooling, Moist, Dry.
February 2 (Wednesday) 5pm-9pm
Nicole Telkes, Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine, Austin TX
$25-$50 Sliding Scale

Nicole Telkes harvesting herbs

Ayurvedic Herbs for Everyone
with Author Deb Soule
Feb 12th 9am-1pm
Deb Soule: with the author of The Womens Book of Herbs
and owner of Avena Botanicals in Maine.
$25-$50 Sliding Scale

Deb Soule and Ladies Mantle

The Health Justice Intensive
Sundays 5-8pm, January & February 2011
January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27
Cost: Sliding Scale $50-$150 (all proceeds (after class costs) go towards a community health project decided by the class)
The 2011 Health Justice Intensive Training will focus on the following topics:  Mental Health,  Medical Racism,  Trans Health,  Classism within Healthcare,  Organizing Accessible Healthcare , Cultural Appropriation.  Within each subject we will explore: History, Definitions and Terminology of each subject;  Herbal Remedies (if applicable); Resources and more!

Lunar Calender and Chickweed!

2010-11-15T14:16:00.001-05:00

Our 2011 Planting by the Moon Calender is here!

1 for $12 or 3 for $30
or free with a $30 purchase...

This calender includes,

Lunar planting info, beautiful pictures of
medicinal herbs, recipes and more!

We are busy with production for our holistic holiday gifts!


Bath and Body Care Kit

Urban Herbals
Written by Jocelin Rosas
Chickweed [Stellaria media]

My first encounter with Chickweed happened in the garden at Farmacy as I was weeding through the Mullein bed. As I was pulling it off my good friend, Bridgette, informed me that it was a nutritive herb often used for weight loss and respiratory support. As I did more and more research, I have found Chickweed to be one of the most helpful and beneficial herbs to have on hand.

Chickweed is an annual herb with small emerald green leaves and bears white star-like flowers which are both medicinal and edible. Chickweed is known mostly for its cooling, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. It is often used in poultices and ointments to support skin health. It is highly nutritive with some of the major plant constituents including Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Coumarins, Genistein, Gamma-linolenic-acid, Flavonoids, Hentriacontanol, Magnesium, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Potassium, Riboflavin, Rutin, Selenium, Triterpenoid saponins, Thiamin, and Zinc.

Chickweed is an anodyne, nutritive, diuretic, tonic, and demulcent. You can find Chickweed on our herb wall at Farmacy and look for it in our spring tonic in 2011.

Jocelin and CJ at Herb Graduation.

Refugee Classes, Herbal Education Training and Vitex

2010-10-20T12:33:00.000-04:00

The season is closing, and we are busy harvesting,

drying and processing herbs to be used this winter.

We couldn't do it without all of our wonderful volunteers!

Thanks guys for all your help!!


This is a group picture of the 2010 Farmacy Crew...

This month we are facilitating classes

for the International Institute.

The International Institute is a non-profit agency serving immigrant, refugee, and native-born individuals and families by providing educational, legal, and social services.

We are working with refugees from Burundi, Nepal and Senegal!

Many of these folks use herbs in their countries,

but do not have access to them.

We are helping them get familiar with what is growing around here.

We don't have a translator for this class, so we use pictures and

sign language to explain the herbs and their actions.


This is our group from the International Institute after a class in the garden.

Our winter classes are filling up..

only a few more spaces in the

Winter Herbal Education and Training Program..

The Herbal Education and Training Program (HEAT)

is a hands-on program.

The classes will give you an in-depth look at the actions of a number of

common herbs and when and how to use them.

Classes take place three times per month

and follow the flow of the seasons.

Check our website or come by the store for more info!

http://farmacyherbs.com/whatshappening.html

And now for....

Alex's report on Chaste Tree Berry

Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)

There have been sightings of this herb on the bathroom counters, bed stands, and in the backpacks of myself and a few of my female friends recently. Chaste Tree berry (aka vitex) is well known for it’s hormonal support effects. It is often applied in cases of hormonal transition ) because of its effect of stimulating and regulating pituitary gland function, normalizing the activity of female sex hormones. But, don’t loose interest curious male readers, because chaste tree has applications for everyone, wherever they may fall on the gender spectrum.

“Chaste Tree berry is also helpful for men experiencing difficulty with (or resistance to) their midlife changes (andropause or male menopause) to adjust to this important transition.” James Green

“As the common name of the plant, chaste tree, suggests, vitex was thought to reduce libido. Vitex berries were chewed by monks to stop unwanted sexual desires.” Phyllis A. Balch

It is no longer touted as the libido reducer it once was, but is appropriate in case of menstrual support such as occasional irregular or “missing” periods and the occasional migraines or occasional acne associated with menstrual symptoms. Christopher Hobbs points to studies that this herb can “help control acne (and possibly adolescent frenzy) in male and female teenagers by regulating hormone activity”. Vitex has also been applied in cases of occasional infertility in women due to low progesterone levels as it can support the growth of the uterine lining. However vitex should not be combined with estrogen replacement therapy or with birth control pills. And men who are seeking to become fathers should not take the herb as it has been indicated that the seeds can reduce sperm and testosterone production.

Vitex is available on our bulk herb wall here at Farmacy and in tincture form as well. In using this herb, it is important to remember that for long-term support, it is necessary to continue taking the herb for three to six months. According to Phyllis A. Balch, vitex should be taking in the morning.

Chaste Tree is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is cultivated in subtropical areas around the world, and has become naturalize in many regions. It is grown from seed in spring or autumn. The ripe berries are collected in autumn.

Thanks Alex!

Lil' Sprouts Play and Chapparal!

2010-08-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

Our Lil' Sprouts summer program

performed their final play this week!

The cast..

Lillian, Lydia, Mary, Iris, Alex, Levi, Natalia, Naeva

(and Nettie dog)

Naeva and Nettie-dog

The play was about Vampires, Zombies and Herbs!

We have been busy harvesting and are very happy that it finally rained!

Here is a picture of Narcissa our super-star volunteer

putting the Holy Basil harvest in the greenhouse to dry

and a picture of Lee, another super star volunteer harvesting it!

That's all for this week! Here is Lee's report on Chapparal!

Urban Herbals A-Z
Written by Lee Cowen
Chaparral
Larrea tridentata, Larrea divaricata

Larrea tridentata is a prominent species in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts of western North America, including portions of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and western Texas in the United States, and northern Chihuahua in Mexico. “Chaparral” is actually the botanical term for the type of desert ecosystem where Larrea grows, which is characterized by small, highly drought resistant shrubs. Chaparral inhibits the growth of other plants near by due to its highly aromatic chemical constituents. Also called Creosote bush, Gobernadora, Hediodilla (“little stinker” in spanish) and Greasewood, this desert shrub has a long history as a medicinal plant used. Because of its slow growth, strategies for surviving little or no rainfall and even being moderately freeze-resistant, it has individuals in the Imperial Valley in California that have been carbon-dated to 11,500 years old. That makes it the oldest living organism (outside of a slime mold in Turkistan named Fred...another story) on the planet” (Michael Moore, www.henriettesherbal.com/archives)
A strongly bitter, resinous, alterative herb that has potent antioxidant, antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory; also antiseptic, especially on the respiratory and urinary systems.
Traditional uses of Chaparral are wide and varied. It has been used internally to support lung health, health during fevers, blood sugar levels, joint health and general well being during a cold. As a "blood purifier" for support during occasional infections of the genitourinary and respiratory tracts. It has also been used to support the kidney and gall bladder, urinary tract, skin health, and liver health. Externally for skin health and occasional wounds and foot odor.
http://www.prcupcc.org/herbs/herbsc/creosotebush.htm
Chaparral is a highly researched medicine for supporting health during times of cancer and herpes. Michael Moore recommends it for topical healing of skin. He does not recommend it for broadspectrum treatment of growths because its strong anti-oxident components can actually suppress the body’s initial, natural immune response.
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/archives/best/1994/larrea.html

There are a small number of reports of liver problems from using excessive amounts of chaparral internally in people with previous liver disease. These few incidents have caused enough fear that the health and supplements industry volunteered to withdraw the herb from health store shelves and the FDA does not recommended it as safe. It is also contra-indicated for use with many pharmaceutical drugs and can increase the risk of liver damage when used in combination with Bishop’s weed, borage, and uva ursi. Chaparral should not be used when pregnant or lactating. Some sources recommend avoiding chaparral capsules, suggesting teas or tinctures and to use for no more than two weeks unless under professional care.

Thanks Lee!

Summer in Full Effect, Classes & Bridgettes report on Chamomile

2010-07-30T13:39:00.000-04:00

Summer is here....

and we are having fun, working hard and

enjoying the beauty of the gardens...

We are closed on Sundays

through the month of August..

We need a day to relax and enjoy the summer!

To start this blog, we have included some nice pics from our garden..

Our Greenhouse and the herb beds in front of it.

A honey bee pollen-ating the Calendula.

A lady bug on the Elder Flowers

also this summer,

We have had lots of great classes!

Flower Essence class in the garden with Gisela Murell.

(Herbal Education and Training Program)

Lip Balm Class for Kids

(Lil" Sprouts)

Farm visit with the kids program..

Petting chickens at Arte Farm in Dighton

and last but not least,

Bridgettes report on Chamomile....

Urban Herbals A-Z

Written by Bridgette Dopazzo

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile )

Chamomile is one of my all-time favorite herbs! I remember my Grandmother giving me Chamomile tea when I was a kid and it always helped everything from bellyaches to insomnia. Maybe that's why I still find it so comforting today.
Chamomile Tea is so popular, it is found in most grocery stores in the tea aisle. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for healthy sleep and occasional anxiety. It is nervine and sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state. Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.
The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for joint and skin health. Additional uses in herbal
medicine include an antispasmodic and relieving occasional gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses can be given throughout the day for general health and during times of occasional illness.

Chamomile can be used externally also. An infusion of Chamomile flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent
or made into a salve for use skin and occasional swelling. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. Added it to a hot bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and softening the skin.

It is said that the Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs for its healing qualities. Due to its sedative and relaxing properties Chamomile was an ingredient in some
love potions in the middle ages.

Here at Farmacy we use Chamomile in our Unwind your Mind Tea Blend and in our Cranium Comfort Tincture.
Cozy up with some Chamomile tea tonight!

The Doctor is in!

2010-07-16T22:51:00.001-04:00

The Doctor is in!

Free Exams/Consultations with Dr. David Mathais
at Farmacy Herbs on Wednesdays.

Dr. Mathais will be working with the herbalists
here at Farmacy to support your health through
diet, exercise, and herbs.

Call for an appointment.

Garlic Wreaths are here!

We harvested our garlic this week, and will be
selling these beautiful wreaths

made with organic garlic at the
farmers market and in our store.

Check out the new
Farmacy Herbs Movie
It is four minutes long!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWRkEOWbzGg

Urban Herbals A-Z

Chaga Mushroom
(Inonotus obliquus)

written by Alex Svoboda

Chaga is a fungus with medicinal properties that grows on dead or dying birch trees. To a lesser extent, it has also been found growing on alder and elm trees. Inonotus obliquus is often found growing in the forests of Russia, Korea, Eastern Europe, the Northeastern United States, in the forested mountains of North Carolina, and in Canada. The chaga mushroom available from the bulk herb wall at Farmacy was harvested from the woods in Vermont (thanks Dave, Katie and David!). Inonotus obliquus can also be found in tincture form on it’s own and in our Immune Blend along with maitake mushroom and echinacea.
It has a long history of medicinal use in Russia and has been researched extensively for it’s health promoting properties. The anti-cancer properties of betulin or betulinic acid, a chemical isolated from birch trees, is now being studied for use as a chemotherapeutic agent. Chaga contains large amounts of betulinic acid in a form that can be ingested orally, and it also contains the full spectrum of immune-stimulating phytochemicals (chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants) found in other medicinal mushrooms such as maitake mushroom and shiitake mushroom.
Besides it’s well known use as an immume system support, chaga is regarded as a tonic, blood purifier, and aupports the body during times of occasional pain. It is best prepared as a decoction (simmered in water for at least 20 minutes, covered) or tincture (steeped in a solution of high quality grain alcohol and water for several weeks) rather than an infusion.
Thanks Alex!

Kids, Articles, Volunteers, and Shows

2010-06-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

Check out the articles this week in the

East Side Monthly and the Providence Monthly about us!

This week, another fundraiser for the Kids Program!

FRIDAY JULY 2ND

STARRING
Nona Marie Invie (from Dark Dark Dark, rare solo performance!)
Gemma Ray (from London UK, performing solo)
Liz Isenberg (Providence folk legend)

featuring artwork by Corey Grayhorse and Heather Erb (opening reception from 5-7pm)

at ESKIMO SISTERS (new gallery space on Eagle St., next to Allmost Gallery)
$7-$10 sliding scale donation

(all money goes to the Farmacy kids program)

doors at 9pm
this space is tiny, so please arrive early to make sure you'll get in!

PARKING: you can park on Kinsley St. (right around the corner), or lock your bike up out front.

Also this week,

Katrina an amazing aprentice here at Farmacy created a

beautiful coloring book for the kids!

Come on by to pick one up for your kids!

Last week we had a great fundraiser for the kids camp!

Thanks to everyone for coming out to the fundraiser!

Thanks to all of our AMAZING volunteers!

Thanks to Arcadian Fields, Pat's Pasture, Schartners Farm,

Baffoni's Eggs, Robin Hollow Farm!

Thanks to The Providence Wholebellies, DJJC, Alex, Jason and Katrina for the tunes!

We raised enough $ for the camp!

We have 9 Lil' Sprouts this year...

In the Garden,

We have been doing lots of harvesting!

Stocking up for our winter tea sales...

Joceline, is holding up some of our recent Mullein harvest.

We dry them on screens in the greenhouse.

Everything is all planted and growing at a rapid pace!

We are so lucky to have an amazing crew of volunteers this season.

Farmacy wouldn't be the same without them!

Stay tuned next week for our Urban Herbal reports!

with all this fundraising, who has time to talk about herbs?

This weekend is our big event!

2010-06-15T15:07:00.001-04:00

Summer Solstice / Kids Program Fundraiser

THIS SATURDAY JUNE 19TH, 2010

at Farmacy Herbs, 28 Cemetery St., Providence, RI, 02904

5-8 pm dinner, drinks dessert: $25 donation (including later entertainment)

8-11 pm entertainment : $5-$10 donation

On the Menu

Dinner

(local ingredients!)

Local Egg Fritatta with Nettles and Spinach,
topped with a Garlic Scape Pesto.

(Tempeh dish for vegans)

Side salad with Peas, Radish and a lemon- tahini-miso dressing.

Side dish of seasoned roasted roots.

Dessert

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake

Vegan Chocoate Truffles

Lavender Ice Cream

Made with donations from: Arcadian Fields,
Baffoni Farms, Pats Pork, Schartner Farms.

Drinks

Elderberry/ Blueberry Mead

Rose-Infused Cocktails

Mint Julep

(we will not be able to serve more than 1 drink

per person, so please byob if you need to!)

Entertainment

(starting at 8pm)

RPM Puppet Conspiracy

at dusk Lil' Sprouts 2009 Movie

Providence Wholebellies will get us going on the dance floor

DJ JC will end the evening with his sweet dance records.

See y'all this Saturday!

Elderberry and Blueberry Mead and Cayenne Pepper.

2010-06-04T17:11:00.002-04:00

Next weeks classes include:

On Wednesday June 9th Sam from Anarchy Apiaries (Hudson Valley, NY) will be buzzing into Providence to share his knowledge and experiences gleaned from bees. He is currently on a

Bee Talk Tour and will be stopping by Farmacy Herbs in Providence (28 Cemetery St.) at 6pm. This is open to people of all experience levels, including none (no bee experience necessary...come learn!) The talk will start at 6pm and a donation of $5-10 would be greatly appreciated to help with travel costs, but of course no one will be turned away.

Also this week: Come to a plant walk this Saturday to drive to Crystal Springs in Massachusetts

Meet at Farmacy at 3:30 pm.

and don't forget about.....

Our big Solstice Fundraiser on June 19th!

All proceeds go to our kids summer gardening camp! (Lil' Sprouts).

Tickets are being sold for a wonderful

dinner full of local herbs, fruits, and veggies!

Local farms and restaurants are donating and we are brewing up some wonderful herbal concoctions.

On the drink menu

Elderberry and Blueberry Mead (with the sweet Bee Havin' Apiary honey)

Mint Juleps (with Farmacy Mint)

Rose Petal infused cocktails (with wildcrafted Rosa Rugosa Petals)

On the desert table

Strawberry Rose Cheescake (with Strawberries from local farms)

Vegan Herb Chocolate Truffle (made with herbs from Farmacy)

Lavender Ice Cream with Double Chocolate Mint Cake. (made with herbs from Farmacy).

Make sure to buy your ticket in advance or at the door

and show up by 8pm to get some of this tasty meal.

Tickets are $25

We will reveal the dinner menu next week!

On the Entertainment Menu

The Providence Wholebellies will be playing after dinner around 9 pm-ish.

8-11pm donate $5-$10 for the kids camp.

Their vast repertoire ranges from American country and blues to

olde English and Celtic, including everything from Appalachian reels,

Irish aires, Scottish pipe tunes, Johnny Cash and Woody Guthrie.

also,

RPM puppet Conspiracy will be coming from

Vermont performing their show,

"The Only Good Corporation Is An Undead Corporation".

Urban Herbals A-Z

Cayenne Pepper, whole and ground (Capsicum minimum)

written by Alex Svoboda

Cayenne is the preferred species of the genus Capsicum for health and healing purposes. It is a close relative of the sweet red bell pepper and the chili pepper, Capsicum annuum. Often times, when you buy cayenne powder from a store, it is a blend of peppers sometimes containing the Capsicum annuum variety for a balance of flavor. We prefer the pure Capsicum minimum variety at Farmacy and you can enjoy its benefits in our Ache Away Salve, Fire Cider, and Medicated Tooth Powder. The spicy pungency of cayenne is due to the active ingredient, capsaicin. It is also valued for its high vitamin C content.

Cayenne pepper took its name from Cayenne in French Guiana where supplies originated. People in what is now known as South Americans were enjoying hot pepper meals by 5000 BC. Spanish conquistadors and colonialists misnamed members of the genus Capsicum “pepper” when they first encountered the herb, thinking it was the peppercorn of India.

Cayenne is a great herb to use year round, even as we’re moving into the dog days of summer. It brings blood and body heat to the surface, stimulating sweating and cooling the body. Externally it is a strong rubefacient stimulating the circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the flow of nutrients to the tissues. The leaves of the fresh plant have also been used for tooth support.

The growing plant is a good companion for eggplant. It also acts as an insect repellant in the garden. You can find cayenne growing in the beds at Farmacy this summer. The fruit should be harvested when fully ripe and dried in the shade. You can preserve them in oil or by drying. The peppers can be hung to dry by stringing a heavy thread through the base of their stems. When they are dried you can crush the peppers for use in cooking and home health care (save some of the dried flakes to sprinkle in your shoes for toasty toes next winter). Try infusing the fresh or dried peppers in olive oil. This is a great way to keep the benefits and flavors of fresh cayenne year round.

Thanks Alex!

Catnip, our CSA and Upcoming Classes.

2010-05-28T16:23:00.001-04:00

Starting in June, we will be offering an herbal medicine based CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). The goal of our CSA is to promote preventative medicine and educate our community on the everyday uses and benefits of the plants that are native to our area.

We believe that through a healthy lifestyle, exercise and the everyday use of herbs, we can support our systems and avoid falling ill in the first place!

A CSA consists of individuals who pledge to support a farm operation, creating an investment in the farm, with the grower and consumer providing mutual support.

This gives the community the opportunity to share in the farm's bounty, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food/medicine production. This philosophy will be applied to the herbal medicine produced by our Education Programs, grown on our farm and on other local farms.

Farmacy CSA consists of:

June-October, 5 monthly pickups

2 oz. of Seasonal Tinctures
1 oz. of a Farmacy Salve or Infused Oil
Bunches of seasonal fresh herbs.
4 oz. of your choice of Farmacy Tea Blends

Full shares and half shares also include:
A Nutritional/ Herbal consultation and 1 follow up visit in the student clinic.
10% off all Farmacy Herbal Products in 2010

Full Share: $170.00

Half Share: $ 80.00

Upcoming Classes

June 5, 3:30pm

Plant Walk in Plainville at Crystal Spring.

This is a class that focuses not necessarily on id-ing and uses of wild herbs (although we will talk about that), but focuses more on the plant walk as medicine. Getting to know the world of the wild plants. We will talk about sensory awareness skills, tracking, bird language, use of plants by animals and edible trail nibbles. with Jen and Josh

June 24 from 6-8 PM

Lose Your Sugar Blues

Our live-in apprentice, Anita will be offering a sliding scale class ($0-$10). This class will help people understand the causes of their sugar cravings and give tools to deal with them and gain control
without deprivation or suffering. It is for people who are (literally) sick and tired of craving sugar and ready to permanently change their relationship to sugar. We will also talk about some of the harmful effects of sugar on body and mind and end with concrete steps for sugar victory. Stayed tuned for her next class "Understanding Your Cravings." Anita is a Holistic Nutrition Coach
and available for nutrition consultations by phone appointment or Tuesday's in the shop www.idealfeast.com.

Urban Herbals A-Z

Catnip--Nepeta Cataria

written by Anita Bermann

The public agrees: catnip for cats is so 1997. Catnip is one of those herbs that's ready and able to enter the mass herb garden, and herbalists are doing everything to get it in the ground between the rosemary and rosehips.

Nepeta Cataria is an excellent herb for a skittish audience. A member of the mint family, it carries no known cautions or side effects. It can't be confused with anything poisonous because none of the mint (Lamiaceae) family members are poisonous. It doesn't sting you, it can't burn you, it won't even leak interstitial fluid on your dress. (Remember: square stem, opposite leaves=Mint). Mints are also easy to grow in all climates and spread quickly with little backbreaking garden labor. Catnip smells good, the runaway toddlers can put it in their dirty mouths, cute neighborhood cats come and piss in your garden, and harvesting is a snip snappy snap.

But what's really so great about the 'nip? It's herbal actions, of course!

Before we get into the specifics, let's just offer up a few ideas from that selfsame abovementioned public. The kids on Facebook these days think they know everything about everything and healthcare, so we thought we'd do a quick poll to see what today's hottest research on Nepeta has to offer us. Here's what we learned:

Catnip is cooling. It is easy to grow. It is "soft and loving," it keeps mosquitoes away, cats habituate to it after 5-20 minutes, it makes cats like you more, it relaxes cats, cats reach nirvana, it makes dogs and cats get along, it is related to marijuana, "I smoked a bowl of it once," and "Morris loves it, Morris is a good baby."

As much as we love Morris too, let's now support this hot modern research with some things herbal healers have known for centuries:

In humans, catnip is a mild sedative and antispasmodic. It is wonderful for supporting the nervous system and calming the occasional nervousness, and supporting digestion and occasional issues associated with nerves or "nervous stomach." It is safe for use on many populations: children to elderly. It is typically used (and delicious) as a calming sleep aid in a blend with other sedatives like chamomile and lavender. In children it can be used to support healthy moods ( and counteract, hyperactivity, persistent crying, headache, colic). It's mild diaphoretic and antispasmodic actions help with this and the general condition of being a miserable sick kid.

In adults, catnip works as a sedative but has an even more mild effect than in children. It is used to support healthy sleep and it is a good first-line of defense before taking the plunge into stronger blends. Drunk throughout the day, a catnip tea (or tincture) works on to support a healthy mindset (can counteract restlessness, agitation, neurosis)

And guess what? Catnip is a distant relative of marijuana, though from somewhere far back before the families split--as marijuana belongs to the Hemp, not Mint family. It is most often compared to marijuana simply for it's sedative properties.

Extract of catnip is best made from the leaf and flowering tops in early-mid summer.

So don't just rely on the chocolate mint and lemon mint to pretty up the garden this year! Throw down some cat-mint (also called cat-wort, cat-play, cat-heal, field balm and herba catti) in the lamiaceae garden and start infusing or tincturing the leaves now for a restful night's sleep, less annoying children, more annoying cats, and more amiable business meetings. Everyone's doing it!

Thanks alot Anita!

City Farm, Earth Care Farm and Cardamom

2010-05-19T15:06:00.000-04:00

This week our Herbal Education and Training Class visited Rich Peterson at the Southside Community Land Trust. Rich is an urban farmer and the steward of City Farm, located in South Providence. http://www.southsideclt.org/

Rich is an amazing farmer and seed starter. He starts 18,000 plants every year and they are dispersed throughout the city. Rich taught us about seed starting, planting by the moon and showed us a few tricks of the trade.. without Rich, so many community garden plots would be empty!

Rich Peterson in the greenhouse at City Farm. Thanks for the class Rich!

The Farmacy apprentice crew was out harvesting Nettles
at Earth Care Farm this week...

It was a beautiful day, and a Red Tail Hawk flew over us the whole time we were harvesting! In 2009 we used over 40 pound of nettles in our shop and in our tea blends! We will be back out later in the week for more before they go to seed. For 30 years Earth Care Farm has been producing high quality farm-made compost that gardeners big and small have come to rely upon to enrich their soil naturally. Earth Care Farm is a certified organic farm through the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture.

Check out their website: http://www.earthcarefarm.com/

Thanks Earth Care Farm!

Lee Cowan and Christie Moulton Harvesting Nettles.

Urban Herbals A-Z

Cardamom Pods written by Jenn Baumstein

Cardamom Pods, or Elettaria cardamomum, is one of our favorite (non local) treasures at Farmacy. You've seen it if you have ever looked at a batch of Winter Warm Up, and if you haven't, it's used in many chai teas throughout the world. The pods are green and are quite ovular. Inside the pods are black seeds that are used traditionally in Indian cooking as well as Scandinavian baking (really, check this out if you don't believe us). Because green cardamom was picked at the ripest moment, the pods are both incredibly flavorful and lucrative for those who farm it.

These prolific plants can grow anywhere from six to twenty feet off the ground, in thin shoots that look like bamboo, with the pods coming off of the nodes after the first year. Each pod is about 1/4 of an inch long, so they are probably quite hard to harvest, especially so high off the ground. Distance + Size + getting the cardamom at the right time certainly leads to why it is one of the more expensive herbs around.

Cardamom has had many beneficial uses over the millenia. It was used as a tooth cleanser in ancient Egypt, the Greeks and Romans used it as perfume, and was featured quite a number of times by Scheherazade in her tales of the Arabian Nights...as a mild aphrodisiac. It is now used for its nutty /fruity taste as well as to help support our stomachs after a long day. With not insignificant levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, we can certainly enjoy our Winter Warm up, even in this spring weather. Make sure that you are getting the Green Cardamom, as it is the most flavorful and, again, was ripest when harvested.

Thanks Jenn!

Calendula and Classes

2010-05-14T18:39:00.001-04:00

The Farmacy Herbal Education and Training Program Level 1 started this week. The class is full with ten students! The program will run through October on Monday Evenings. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of Western Herbalism and hands on experience with herbal preparations.

These pictures are from an exercise making tonic tea blends.

For your health.....

Through July, Farmacy's live in apprentice, Anita Bermann will be offering walk-in Nutritional Consultation hours on Tuesdays from 1pm-5pm.

Anita, Holistic Nutritional Coach will be available in the shop for 50 minute nutrition consultations. Come and discuss your nutrition questions and goals and outline a plan for lifestyle improvement together. Schedule in advance or just come in! First come first serve. Cost is $20-$50 sliding scale. Recieve a 10% discount on shop purchases with paid consultation!

Urban Herbals A-Z
Calendula officinalis by Kelly Nichols

We use Calendula in our "Heal All Salve" our "Anti-fungal Salve"and our "New Mom's Sitz Bath" This is a photo of our calendula and our Heal All taken by Kim Andrade.

Calendula officinalis is also known as calendula, English marigold, and pot marigold, this latter name coming from the fact that it used to be used as an health supporting ingredient in soups. The name calendula derives from the Latin "calendae," which means the first day of the month and refers to the fact that calendula flowers are said to bloom the first day of every month. This plant, which thrives in full sun to partial shade and average soil, has a beautiful flower ranging in color from yellow to light orange. Here at Farmacy we pick the flowers about once a week from early summer through October. The colorful petals are sometimes used to liven up salads and to dye foods and fabrics, and the flowers are often seen in Catholic celebrations celebrating the Virgin Mary. Many herbalists believe calendula to be an astringent and support skin health and occasional irritation or inflamation. Calendula also supports the gall bladder and can support the body during occasional fungal infections. Its most common uses are in external preparations such as salves, poultices, and washes. There is a small potential for topical use to cause irritation in some people, so it is advised to test with a small amount before more widespread use. With its sunny-looking flowers--and its potential to soothe a sunburn--Calendula is a plant that definitely makes me think of summer!

Thanks Kelly!

Kelly is leaving Providence and Farmacy Herbs to go study Midwifery in Maine.

Good Luck Kelly!

Alex Wins! (and Bridgettes report on Burdock Root)

2010-05-07T16:49:00.005-04:00

This week one of our super-star herbalists, Alex Svoboda was in court facing charges of assaulting 3 North Providence Police officers in 2007 at a protest. If you have ever met Alex, you would know this is not at all possible. She was in the street protesting about workers rights because she is a caring, loving person who will put herself at risk in the face of injustice. The police charged her with assaulting them to cover up their mistake of brutally attacking her at a peaceful protest. Alex has been through countless surgeries since the incident, and doctors almost had to amputate her leg. She has found healing with herbs and nutrition and this incident is what brought her here to Farmacy Herbs.

This is a picture of Alex and the police

who attacked her during the incident.

On Tuesday May 4, 2010 a jury of her "peers" convicted her of assaulting the police. The injustice of this situation was overwhelming. Thousands of her supporters were outraged!

Today, May 7, 2010 a Judge overturned the jury guilty conviction based on the fact that there was no evidence to prove that she assaulted the police officers. The jury convicted her on pure hear-say put forth by the police lawyers. There are no pictures of Alex hitting police, nor any pictures of any injuries sustained by the police.

WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR ALEX AND HER FAMILY!

Congratulations Alex! You deserve the victory!

Urban Herbals A-Z

Burdock (Arctium lappa) written by Bridgette Dopazzo

Burdock root has often been used to support healthy blood by removing toxins that can build up. It can be taken orally or used topically to support skin health. Also, burdock root can be used to support healthy urination. Traditional Chinese healers used
burdock root in combination with other plants to support the respritory tract. Burdock root is also popular in Japan as a source of vitamins and other nutrients.

The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from
the seeds can be used to support healthy perspriration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements.

According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are integral to supporting immune health, gallbladder health, liver health and kidney health. Burdock is also known as an adaptogen, which helps maintain healthy stress and hormone levels.

Burdock root is eaten as a vegetable in many places. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock can be used to support digestion and uric acid levels in the body. Some of the active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, which are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals. Burdock enhances the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste.

Fun fact about Burdock;
The burrs of the burdock plant were the inspiration for inventing
Velcro! after taking his dog for a walk one day in the early 1940s,
George De Mestral, a Swiss inventor, became curious about the seeds of
the burdock plant that had attached themselves to his clothes and to
the dog's fur. Under a microscope, he looked closely at the
hook-and-loop system that the seeds use to hitchhike on passing
animals aiding seed dispersal, and he realised that the same approach
could be used to join other things together. The result was Velcro!

When harvesting Burdock, be patient and dig deep. Burdock has a taproot that can grow up to 4 feet long!

Try some fresh Burdock root in a stir fry tonight!

Thanks Bridgette!

2010-04-30T13:50:00.000-04:00

News this week.....

Welcome our new live-in apprentices, Bridgette and Anita!

Planting, Planting, Planting!

We have been planting in the gardens and on our woodland trail.

We planted Goldenseal, Coltsfoot, Trillium and Lungwort on the woodland trail this week and Calendula and Yarrow in the gardens....

Urban Herbals A-Z written by Christie Moulton

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a perrenial herb native to North America that grows along roadsides, in meadows, marshes, fields and drainage ditches. It grows upright 2-4 feet tall and has small pale purple flowers that bloom July through September. It has a square stem and opposite leaves that are shaped like narrow arrowheads. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), referring to the plants historical use in supporting the kidney or the bladder.

Blue Vervain has been used for many culinary and medicinal purposes. The seeds were harvested and ground into flour for cooking or eaten raw, and the leaves and roots were made into tea. The tea has been used as a female tonic, for after birth support and as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstruation) and a galactagogue (to increase breast milk production). It is also a bitter, and a relaxer for the nervous system and can be helpful in lung support. It is one of the original 38 Bach flower remedies, prescribed against "over-enthusiasm."

As an alterative, Blue Vervain is believed to have a cleansing effect on the system. It encourages sweat, and can be used for encouraging a normal body temperature, or for supporting the body in detoxing. As a diuretic, the herb encourages the healthy flow of urine. A very strong infusion is emetic, meaning it can induce vomiting. As a bitter, blue vervain aids digestion, it soothes the stomach, and digestion in general. .

Additional research shows that blue vervain has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support the body during times of occasional pain.

This herb is so much more than a roadside weed – it a very helpful and nourishing plant, keep it in mind for the future!

Thanks Christie!

Awards, Planting, Rainbows and Blue Cohosh

2010-04-23T18:07:00.003-04:00

We are in the Providence Pheonix this week!

We won "Best of 2010" in the "Natural Alternatives Category".

Thanks alot Providence Pheonix!

Click here for a link.

This week we planted Broccoli, Cabbage and Collards.
We also strung up our little Peas.

There was a beautiful rainbow over the greenhouse yesterday.
City living can be beautiful.....

Urban Herbals A-Z Blue Cohosh written by Jenn Baumstein

Blue Cohosh (Caulyphyllum thalictroides) is a root for amazing women in your life. This perennial plant can be found in eastern North America, near running streams, around swamps, and in other moist places. The round, simple, erect stem grows from a knotty rootstock and bears a large, leaf whose leaflets are irregularly lobed; some smooth and others waved. The flowers are yellow and the fruit looks a lot like a blueberry. It is dark blue and pea sized, but you shouldn't try to eat them in the wild as they are poisonous. All and all the Caulyphyllum can reach two feet in height, so keep note when you are walking down streams. Taken as a decoction or in a tincture, the root of this beautiful plant has been used to help support a women's reproductive system. The Iroquois used it to support health joints. It has been know to stimulate uterine contractions and the herb was even introduced in US pharmacopoeia as a labor inducer from 1882 to 1905 because of its ability to speed dilation.
Don't use Blue Cohosh without the advice of your herbalist or doctor.
Blue Cohosh root is not an herb to be taken while pregnant, unless you want to support a healthy labour. Also, when preparing the root for teas or decoction, you will want to wear a mask for masseration. The herb emits some dust that is not favorable to the upper respiratory tract.

As always, come talk to the folks at Farmacy before you try any new herb. We are not doctors, nor do we give medical advice, but we have a wealth of anecdotal knowledge that we wold love to share with you. You should know what you are doing so you can make smart choices for your body - and in the case of this herb - that of your baby.

Thanks Jenn!

Jenn Baumstien and Christie Moulton (of Farm Fresh RI fame)

New Website and Bloodroot

2010-04-16T14:29:00.005-04:00

What's new this week? Our new website!
Thanks to Joanna Rouxe our wonderful web designer...

Check it out! Lot's of new pictures....
farmacyherbs.com

Urban Herbals A-Z
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Written by Bridgette Dopazzo
is a perennial, herbaceous
flowering plant native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia,
Canada southward to Florida, United States.derived from the color of
the reddish roots which contain the phytochemical sanguinarine- the
main ingredient in many commercially available mouthwashes,
toothpastes and cough preparations. It acts as an antiseptic that
prevents bacteria from forming plaque on teeth. It is not recommended
to ingest sanguinarine, brush or gargle with the product, then spit it
out. The raw red juice pressed from the root is poisonous.

The red juice from the root is used externally in pastes and salves to
support healthy skin growth in area of warts and skin tags. Eclectic doctors in the late 1800's formulated salves with bloodroot, flour, water, and
zinc chloride and applied it directly to the skin.

Bloodroot is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants, a
process called myrmecochory. The seeds have a fleshy organ called an
elaiosome that attracts ants. The ants take the seeds to their nest,
where they eat the elaiosomes, and put the seeds in their nest debris,
where they are protected until they germinate. They also get the added
bonus of growing in a medium made richer by the ant nest debris.
The plant was used as a dye and for an herbal remedy by the native
population. A break in the surface of the plant, especially the roots,
reveals a reddish sap.

First Aid Kits, Seedlings, and Black Walnut

2010-04-09T10:17:00.011-04:00

This week in the new production kitchen we made 50 of our
Herbal First Aid Kits

Designed by our 2007 Summer Herbal Education and Training Program students, this kit will meet all your health needs while you are traveling or at home (this is a great herbal starter kit!) This kit won the First Place Award at the 2009 International Herbal Symposium.

The kit contains: 10 ml of each of the following:
Sleep Tincture , St. Johns Wort Infused Oil , Lavender Essential Oil,  Immune Blend Tincture , Detox Blend Tincture.   This kit also contains: 1/4 oz Heal All Ointment Yarrow/Clay Poultice, Digestive/Stress Blend Tea , Parasite Capsules , Bandages, band aids

We are also bringing our seedlings to market
and they are ready for sale at the shop this week.

We will have Broccoli, Red Cabbage and Collards for sale.
$3 for 3 plants.... what a deal!

Our little collards...soon to be your big yummy collards....

Save the Date:
Saturday June 19th, 5-11pm
Farmacy Summer Solstice Event
and Fundraiser for the kids program!
Bands, food and DJs.....
5-8pm Dinner and Delicious Herbal Drinks: $25 per person
8pm-11pm, Bands, Raffle, DJ's and Herbal Beverages: $5-10 per person
ALL PROCEEDS FOR THE SPROUTS 2010 PROGRAM
farmacyherbs.comwhatshappening

Urban Herbals A-Z
written by Mary Blue, Director and Herbalist, Farmacy Herbs
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
The black walnut tree, also known as the American walnut, is native to North America. Trees range in height from 70-150 feet and have a diameter of 2-4 feet. This tree is known for its beautiful wood and nuts which are harvested in the autumn. The fruit is a large, rounded, brownish black nut with a hard, thick, finely ridged shell enclosing a rich, oily kernel. The nut is black and ridged with the kernel having a high-quality taste. The nut is enclosed in a solid, non-splitting husk, and is borne on the tree singly or in pairs. This plant is known as an Allelopath. The word allelopathy derives from two separate words. They are allelon which means "of each other", and pathos which means "to suffer". Allelopathy refers to the chemical inhibition of one species by another. The "inhibitory" chemical is released into the environment where it affects the development and growth of neighboring plants. Solanaceous plants, such as tomato, pepper, and eggplant, are especially susceptible to Juglone. These plants, when exposed to Black Walnut exhibit symptoms such as wilting, chlorosis (foliar yellowing), and eventually death. Other plants may also exhibit varying degrees of susceptibility and some have no noticeable effects at all. Some plants that have been observed to be tolerant of Juglone include lima bean, beets, carrot, corn, cherry, black raspberry, catalpa, Virginia creeper, violets, and many others: Information from Cornell Education Department.

The hull of the Black Walnut is said to be a great ant-parasitic. It is reported to oxygenate the blood to kill the parasites. Some herbalists reccomend using the green hull surrounding the nut of the black walnut tree. They report that after it has turned black it is useless. The fruit is said to be helpful in promoting strength and weight gain, and to support healthy blood sugar levels.
The black walnut contains a large amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, sterols, tannins and iodine. Black walnut shells are very rich in vitamin-c & beta carotene. B-1, B-2 and B-6 are found in the leaves.

Kids Programs, Sliding Scale and Kelly's report on Black Cohosh

2010-03-25T16:26:00.014-04:00

The application for our kids program is ready..
You can download it from our website, or come on by to get one.
We had a fabulously fun program last season and
can't wait for this seasons round of fun with kids!

Last years kids crew: Aria, Sofie, Ezrin, Shamai, Afi, and Maja (and Nettie-dog).

The 2010 program runs on Tuesdays from June 22-August 31.
8:30 am-12:30 pm for children 4-8 years old
 1:30 pm- 5:30 pm for children 9-14 years old
Our sessions focus on holistic health, herbs and art projects. 
Each class includes a hands-on project, games,
a healthy snack, and garden/social time.
Prices are sliding scale and we have scholarships available.

Here at Farmacy, all of our classes are Sliding Scale.

What is Sliding Scale?
A sliding scale is a tool for ensuring equal accessibility to Farmacy programs, regardless of financial resources, and it requires active participation. If a sliding scale is implemented effectively, everyone pays a similar percentage of their income for the same services. This way, the cost is not fleeting pocket change for some people and a big commitment to other people. Sliding scales are often based on individual income levels, with people of higher incomes paying more.

Our Nettles are coming up even though it snowed today!

We did lots of transplanting this week.. It was so warm in the greenhouse...
Thanks to our volunteers for lending a hand!

Ariel, Elizabeth and Ann

Urban Herbals A-Z
Black Cohosh: Written by Kelly Nichols

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a woodland plant native to the eastern United States and southern Canada. The root and rhizome of the plant are used. Black and Blue Cohosh were both used by Native Americans in addressing women's health. Black Cohosh was also traditionally used to support lung health. It is interesting to note that while Blue and Black Cohosh are often used together for gynecological health, they are not actually related; according to herbalist and midwife Aviva Romm, “cohosh” is an Algonquin word meaning “gnarly root.” Today Black Cohosh is an herb sometimes used by midwives. It is also sometimes used by menopausal women to support the transition. It is contraindicated in early pregnancy. Due to the fact that it inhabits eastern forests which are becoming more and more scarce, black cohosh is currently on the United Plant Savers “At-Risk” List; it is hoped that with increased awareness and conservation this important herb will make a recovery in the wild!

Happy Spring Equinox!

2010-03-19T16:39:00.018-04:00

The Herbal Education and Training Program
Level 1 (HEAT) is open for registration!

Summer 2010 HEAT class dates:
May 10, 17, 24, June, 7, 14, 28, July 12, 19, 26
September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25
No classes in August!
Classes take place on Mondays from 4pm-8pm
(we break for a snack in the middle.)

The Herbal Education and Training Program (HEAT) is a hands-on program. The classes will give you an in depth look at the actions of a number of common herbs & when & how to use them.
Classes take place three times per month and follow the flow of the seasons.

HEAT classes include these activities:
Making salves, tea blends, poultices, creams, tinctures and herbal concoctions.
Organic Herb and Vegetable Seed starting.
Soil building and organic gardening.
Wild Fermentation.
Working knowledge of medicinal uses of native and non-native plants.
The how-to of herbal product and medicine making.
Detoxification Techniques.
Herbal First Aid.
Tincturing and Herbal Formulation.
Nutritional Healing.
Herbal Terminology.
You will take home samples of all the herbal products we make!

Summer HEAT $700.00-$900.00 sliding scale
Work trade for payment is available. 20% down payment to reserve a space.

Our little baby seedlings are coming up in the greenhouse!
Happy Spring Equinox!

We installed our brand new commercial kitchen stove this week.. Pretty snazzy..

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Written by Maurie Travers Polak
The botanical name for Basil is Ocimum basilicum and common names include Common Basil, St. Josephwort and Sweet Basil. This plant is treated as an annual and is a low growing herb easily propagated by stem cuttings like others in the mint family Labiatae or Lamiaceae. Basil is native to India and often considered for it's culinary uses, especially in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Basil is an aromatic herb with a distinct flavor and is useful for culinary purposes also because it excites the appetite (an appetizer) and has a cooling effect (a refrigerant) that balances spice. For medicinal purposes the essential oi, leaves, seeds, flowers and roots can be used. Aromatic volatile camphoraceous oils give Basil the following actions: Antispasmocic, carminitive, galactagogue, stomachic and vermifuge. Basil is commonly used to support healthy function of the brain and nervous system and to maintain uterine, gastrointestinal, and respiratory healthy. Basil can also be used i a poultice to help draw out toxins. There are no known contraindications for Basil and it is safe for general use. Basil has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years and is considered to be plant royalty in various folklore traditions.

Thanks Maurie!

Shop News and Rachel's report on Astraglalus

2010-02-26T10:58:00.012-05:00

We are closed next
Thursday and Friday for vacation!
March 4/5.

This week in the shop we blended three new tea blends to sell to restaurants.

The "Providence Breakfast" is a great way to start the day.
This is our own Anise Hyssop blended with English Breakfast tea!
Very tasty and aromatic,
Anise Hyssop supports healthy digestion and lung function.
Start your day with some fine-Providence grown herbs!

Anise Hyssop

The "Rhode Island Red" is a blend
of Rooibos, Lemongrass, Hibiscus and Nettle.
This tea holds up to its name with it's beautiful red color.
Full of Vitamin-C, the Hibiscus and
Rooibos give the body a healthy boost!
It is also blended with nutrative Nettles, (our favorite herbal rockstar), and Lemongrass for its amazing flavor.

Hibiscus

Last but not least, The "Green Godfather"
is a blend of Gunpowder Green with Peppermint.
This high anti-oxidant blend is made with
Gunpowder Green Tea and Peppermint.
A soothing, envigorating digestive blend for any time of the day!

Nettle

All our new tea blends are blended in tea bags for easy use in restaurants.

Urban Herbals A-Z
Astragulus membranaceus
Written and Researched by Rachel Silver
With more than 2000 species Astragalus is the largest genus in family Fabaceae or Legminosae (most commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family). The genus most commonly used is Astragalus membranaceous also know as Astragalus propinquus.
This herb, known as huang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of most important herbs used in Chinese medicine. Huang qi is often translated to "Yellow Leader". Yellow because the color of the root. Leader because of its prominent position as one of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM. Its used in TCM goes back at least 2000 years. This plant is also known as "Yellow Emperor" and "Yellow Vetch".
This deciduous plant is native to eastern Asia. It is considered a Hardy Zone 4.
Here at the Farmacy, we have grown it with great success. The long root is harvested after 3 or more years of growth. This plant is used in TCM to strengthen "wei chi'" or "defensive energy". Similarly, folkloric tradition considers this herb a powerful protector, creating a stronger aura around the used. This plant has also been traditionally used to gain energy to achieve goals and aid the absorption of life experience, thus giving one a more grounded feeling.
In Western Herbalism this plant is said to support a normal immune system. Many people use it as general tonic to for coping with healthy amounts of stress. Richo Cech of Horizon Herbs refers to this herb as the "King of tonic herbs". This delicious herb a great addition to winter stews and teas.
At the shop we love to chew on this root, rather than gum.
TCM considers this plants energetics sweet and slightly warm. Pop some in your mouth and you'll see why.

Thanks Rachel!

HEAT Graduation, Planting by the Moon and Ashwaganda

2010-02-18T15:37:00.012-05:00

Congratulations to the Herbal Education & Training Program Level 1 Graduates!

They completed their coursework and class project this week.
Alana, Kathy Christie, Joanie and Jen.
(Maurie & Elizabeth are missing from the picture)

The graduates created a Tea Garden Seed Sampler pack.
It contains seeds for herbs that are most excellent for tea!

We also finished up sorting and labeling seeds this week.
The full moon week, and best time for seeding is coming up. Planting by the moon is an idea as old as agriculture. The Earth is in a large gravitational field, influenced by both the sun and moon. The tides are highest at the time of the new and the full moon, when the sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages growth. The highest amount of moisture is in the soil at this time, and tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon.
So start your seeds on or the week before this full moon, February 28th.

Urban Herbals A-Z
Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) by Mary Blue, Founder of Farmacy and Directing Herbalist.
We grew Ashwaganda here last summer. It grew so fast! Over 4' in a matter of months. The little berries that came last fall are said to be used to curdle milk. This is a plant used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It is said to be a nourishing adaptogen, a plant that supports healthy stress levels and hormone levels. Some adaptogens are stimulating, like Siberian Ginseng, but Ashwaganda is nourishing and tonifying to the system. I know lots of women who love Ashwaganda and use it to help support a healthy menstural cycle. It is not just a women's herb. Aswaganda is for everyone!
It is reported that the fresh roots contain toxins. "In India the fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk to pull out undesirable constituents", Richo Cech, Making Plant Medicine, page 111. The picture above is of the roots, which are supposed to be dried before using. Isn't it interesting how much they look like human bodies?

Thanks Mary!

Shop News and Bridgette's report on Arnica

2010-02-12T15:43:00.006-05:00

Classes this week include:

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 4-8pm
Women Health and Herbs
taught by Mischa Schuller, Wild Carrot Herbs.

Wednesday, February 17, 6-8pm
Part 2 of Cris Monteiro's class Chinese Medicine class,
Herbal Plasters and Scraping
(postponed last week because of the "storm".)

In the shop this week.....
We made a batch of our Rose and Lavender Bath Salts, and our Exfoliating Sugar Scrub.

We also made a big batch of our Sweetheart Tea. This tea supports the physical heart as well as the emotional heart, and it is sweetened with Stevia!

This week we welcomed Kathy, our new volunteer. Kathy is a student in our herbal programs and lives on a farm in Tiverton. We will be planting a crop of red clover on the farm where she lives this year!

Urban Herbals A-Z
Written and compiled by Bridgette Dopazo

(Arnica Montana)

Arnica has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and remains popular today. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, salve, or tincture, Europeans and Native Americans have used arnica to soothe muscle aches and support healthy tissues that are exposed to injury. It is often the first remedy used for occasional injuries such as sprains and bruises and supports joint health and occasional joint pain. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical (external) use because it can cause serious side effects such as, gastric irritation or even ulcers when taken internally. Do not use Arnica on open wounds. Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies.

We have infused Arnica oil in our Ache Away Salve.

Thanks Bridgette!

Shop News and Jen's report on Anise Hyssop

2010-02-05T10:28:00.010-05:00

This week in the shop we had an awesome class with Acupuncturist, Cris Monteiro from Providence Community Acupuncture. We learned about cupping and Moxa, both Traditional Chinese Medicine healing techniques.
Don't forget about part 2 of Cris's class Wednesday February 10th at 6pm. We will be learning about more Traditional Chinese Medicine: scraping and Gua Sha (herbal plasters).

Cris Demonstrated cupping techniques. The flame is used to burn the oxygen out of the cup, then the cup is quickly placed on the skin to help deal with ailments.

The class then practiced the techniques that Cris taught us on each other.
This picture is of the class trying out the Moxa techniques.

Urban Herbals #4 written by Jen Clifford
Anise Hyssop

(Agastache foeniculum)

Anise Hyssop is a Native North American perennial in the mint family. It was widely used among Native American tribes. The traditional use of Anise Hyssop was to maintain healthy lung function. Historically the tea of the flowers, leaves and stems was used. The Cheyenne drank a tea of this herb to relieve a "dispirited heart." The Cree included the flowers of this herb in medicine bundles, and the Chippewa made a protective charm of it. The dried plant has also been burned as an incense. Some tribes used Anise Hyssop before they entered there sweat lodges to help them sweat more, and therefore shed toxins. The Flower Essence is said to bring back sweetness after one has indulged in unwarranted guilt, to encourage honest communication, and to allay anxiety before exams or performances.

Here at Farmacy Herbs the flowers are collected in the summer and then placed in jars with honey and infused in the sun to make an Anise Hyssop infused honey. This wonderful honey that has a hint of licorice in it. This honey is then used throughout the winter in our herbal remedies. It is so delicious!!

The picture is of one of our gardens with the purple
Anise Hyssop appearing in the front.

Thanks, Jen!

Shop News and Kelly's report on Star Anise

2010-01-29T10:17:00.035-05:00

Dont' forget about next weeks class with Cris Monteiro. Cris is a Doctor of Acupuncture at Providence Community Accupuncture: http://www.providencecommunityacupuncture.net/
Cris will lead us in cupping, moxa, gua sha, and basic herbal plasters. The class takes place Wednesday, February 3 and 10th at 6pm. Call or come by to sign up.

This week we had a product photo shoot for our upcoming new brochure. Thanks to our good friend and talented photographer/videographer, Kim Andrade!

We are also excited about our new Tincture Press!

We made our famous Tea Sampler.
Thirteen 1/2 ounce bags of every one of our teas. Plus a tea ball.

Urban Herbals, A-Z, Entry #3 written by Kelly Nichols

Star Anise (Illicium verum)

Named for its star-like shape and similar flavor to that of anise, star anise is a native of southern China, where it is known as bājiǎo, or “eight-horn.” These unique seedpods are harvested from a small evergreen tree. Star anise is used throughout East and Southeast Asia in cooking; indeed, it is an ingredient often found in Indian garam masala powder, Vietnamese phở noodles, and Chinese five spice powder—a blend containing the five flavors of Chinese cuisine: sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and salty. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, star anise is said to be a warm herb and is has been used to promote healthy digestion. It has been said to freshen breath. Traditionally, it has been used to ease the effects rheumatism. Recently, an organic compound called shikimic acid has been extracted from star anise and used in the production of Tamiflu. A rise in demand for the drug due to the swine flu scare has lead to a shortage of native star anise specimens.

I have never personally used star anise medicinally, but Chinese five spice powder is one of my favorite spices. My favorite recipe using star anise is sweet potato hash with garlic, onions, ginger, sweet potatoes, and five spice powder. This pungent and nutritious dish is a delicious way to start the day!

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_anise\

Thanks Kelly!

Shop News and Bridgette's report on Angelica

2010-01-22T11:23:00.019-05:00

Nettie is checking on our lettuce seedlings in the greenhouse.
It is 90 degrees in there today!

We jarred up tons of Bee Havin' Apiary local honey.

Thank goodness for the nice weather this week! We got a chance to work outside!

This week was the two year anniversary of the death of our dear friend,
Jessica Gill and our sister, Suzie Hastings.
These two beautiful women died in their thirties of cancer.
We miss them so much!

Urban Herbal A-Z
#2 Entry written by Bridgette Dopazzo
Angelica
(Angelica astropurpurea)

Angelica is an aromatic, bitter herb that is often taken before meals to aid digestion. Angelica has a unique smell and warm taste, even the roots have a strong, pleasant fragrance to them. Angelica tea is warming and has been used in past traditions to help ease the effects of nausea, sneezing, coughs and improve overall immunity. Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamine, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals.

According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague (hence the name Angelica or Archangel). All parts of the plant were believed effective against evil spirits and witchcraft. It was held in such esteem that it was called 'The Root of the Holy Ghost.' In America it was used by the Iroquois and other tribes as Witchcraft Medicine, an infusion of smashed roots was used as wash to remove ghosts from the house.

In addition to medicinal use, an essential oil derived from the plant is used in making perfumes and as a food flavoring. Oil from the seeds imparts the distinctive flavor to the Benedictine liqueur. Sometimes candied leaves and stalks are used as sweets.

Thanks Bridgette!

Have a great week and don't get cabin fever!

There's plenty of wholesome fun to be had with small hats!

Martin Luther King Post and Shop Happenings

2010-01-18T11:23:00.014-05:00

This week's farmer's market was super busy.. Alex, Bridgette and Mary worked the table and got to spread some herbal information and Farmacy Products!

Last week we had two amazing guest teachers! Lesley Wooler from the Herb Wyfe came and taught a class on Aromatherapy (herbwyfe.com) and Gisela Murell, came and taught a class on Flower Essences (theintegralpath.net.)

We are looking forward to our spring/summer/fall classes when we can work outside with the plants!

This week in HEAT 1 (Herbal Education and Training Program) we discussed Dental Health, and made our own mouthwash and tooth powder. We are starting a research project on Dexter Farm. Dexter Farm used to sit right where our farm is! It occupied what is now North Main Street. We will post more information on the history of the land we are farming as we uncover it!

We are taking a nice day off on this rainy/icy Martin Luther King day!
Look for Bridgette's post on Angelica later in the week!

Shop News and Alex's report on Alfalfa

2010-01-15T10:18:00.004-05:00

This week at Farmacy we made a huge batch of our local lip balm! It is made with local honey and beeswax from Bee Havin' Apiary in Smithfield, Rhode Island and our own infused Calendula Oil. Pick some up at our store or at the farmers market at Hope Artist Village on Saturdays 11am-2pm.

Urban Herbal A-Z
#1 Entry written by Alex Svoboda

Alfalfa Leaf (Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa is a tonic herb, which means that it strengthens the body through nutritional stimulation. It contains isoflavones, coumarines, alkaloids, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and porphyrins. These constituents are easily absorbed without waste. The leaves of alfalfa contain eight essential amino acids and are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene.

In the Middle East, where the herb originated, alfalfa has been called the “father of all foods”. It arrived in the American colonies in 1736 where American herbalists used it in the same way they used clover, a related plant, to help allay stomach upset.

Due to its generally high nutritive value, alfalfa could possibly help to improve symptoms of fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency. The properties of alfalfa have been said to help reduce sensations of pain and aid in the body's healing of itself. In the past, Alfalfa has been used to alkalize and detoxify the body and to help support normal healthy urine flow.

Because of it's high nutrient value, Alfalfa is an ingredient in our Bikers Blend Tea and our Tonic Tea. For that extra boost of goodness to keep you going!

Come on in for a custom blend with Alfalfa!

Alex at the Farmers Market

Welcome!

2009-11-09T20:55:00.001-05:00

*Farmacy Herbs*

Herbal Education Distance Program

New Programs for 2012!

Fall 2011 Classes

Herbal CSA, Seeds, Spring Detox Yoga Retreat

Classes coming up!

Cinnamon, Classes and Winter Sunsets

Awesome Winter Classes at Farmacy!

Lunar Calender and Chickweed!

Refugee Classes, Herbal Education Training and Vitex

Lil' Sprouts Play and Chapparal!

Summer in Full Effect, Classes & Bridgettes report on Chamomile

The Doctor is in!

Kids, Articles, Volunteers, and Shows

This weekend is our big event!

Elderberry and Blueberry Mead and Cayenne Pepper.

Catnip, our CSA and Upcoming Classes.

City Farm, Earth Care Farm and Cardamom

Calendula and Classes

Alex Wins! (and Bridgettes report on Burdock Root)

Awards, Planting, Rainbows and Blue Cohosh

New Website and Bloodroot

First Aid Kits, Seedlings, and Black Walnut

Kids Programs, Sliding Scale and Kelly's report on Black Cohosh

Happy Spring Equinox!

Shop News and Rachel's report on Astraglalus

HEAT Graduation, Planting by the Moon and Ashwaganda

Shop News and Bridgette's report on Arnica

Shop News and Jen's report on Anise Hyssop

Shop News and Kelly's report on Star Anise

Shop News and Bridgette's report on Angelica

Martin Luther King Post and Shop Happenings

Shop News and Alex's report on Alfalfa

Welcome!

Farmacy Herbs