MULLEIN OIL (Verbascum thapsus)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Mullein leaves and flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light color

PART UTILIZED: flower and leaf

APPLICATION: Mullein Carrier Oil can be used all by itself, 100%.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: slight flower/herb aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Mullein has been used for centuries because of its outstanding medicinal properties. The herb Mullein grows in dry, barren places. Following the ancient law of signatures, this would indicate that Mullein is an herb for respiratory conditions, especially those where the lungs need “drying out.” Mullein also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties, thus increasing its value in respiratory ailments and is certainly recommended for use as a carrier oil with these conditions.

Mullein Oil is one of the ingredients in EO made by Butterfly Express ^LLC for use with earaches and infections. Mullein is often added to herbal poultices to provide emollient and healing properties and to offset the astringency of some anti-infectious herbs. The infused oil can be used in much the same way.

Mullein Oil, as a carrier oil, should be used when applying oils to the chest for infections, coughs, and congestion. It can be used in the ears, alone or as part of the EO recipe, to relieve the pain of ear infections and fight the bacterial involved. It can also be of benefit as a carrier oil when working with inflammation and pain. Mullein is gentle enough to be used on babies for diaper rash and for cracked nipples with nursing mothers.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: tonic, digestive, antiseptic, anti-infective, restorative

AFFINITY FOR: urinary tract, lymphatic system, triple warmer meridian, spleen meridian, heart chakra

RESONANCE: physical, emotional, mental

PLANT FAMILY: Rutaceae

PART UTILIZED: fruit

EXTRACTION METHOD: cold pressed

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Grapefruit is uplifting to the mind and spirit. It is hard to be negative or anxious in the presence of this oil, because it promotes feelings of joy, confidence, and spontaneity. Grapefruit should be diffused or inhaled for performance stress or to cope with jet lag.

APPLICATION: Grapefruit should be diluted and applied to the feet or to areas of the body needing to release emotions, cellulite, or both.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: Grapefruit is a very joyous and positive essential oil. It can be a ray of bright light guiding us out of darkness and depression. Grapefruit is equally good for mental exhaustion and mental tension. Grapefruit seems to address the emotional issues of self-worth and discontent with one’s body that are so often a part of anorexia and other eating disorders.

The aroma of Grapefruit is particularly suited to people who, when tense or under pressure, eat as a means of relieving stress or finding comfort. Often, the driving emotion is frustration because their too high expectations have not been met in some way. If they reacted to their frustration with anger or blame of themselves or others, a layer of guilt is added to the frustration.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Grapefruit is used in treatment programs for drug withdrawal and to cope with the after-effects of drinking too many alcoholic beverages. Grapefruit is an excellent detoxifier of the lymphatic system and aids the kidneys in maintaining proper fluid levels throughout the body. Grapefruit has a reputation for burning fat and cellulite.

Graprefruit essential oil contains a high percentage of limonene. Preliminary animal studies indicate the limonene protects against pancreatic, stomach, colon, skin, and liver cancers. A study done at Brigham Young University showed an 80% cancer cell growth inhibition. Purdue University reported that limonene helps 80% of carcinomas in breast cancer to regress—with little toxicity.

Grapefruit detoxifies the lymphatic system. This makes it a useful tonic for many body systems. It is specific for water retention and the dissolving of cellulite. Grapefruit aids with gallstones, water retention, and kidney and liver disorders. Grapefruit, diluted in water, can be used as an astringent face wash for acne. Grapefruit can relieve a migraine headache and return the energy system to normal after long jet flights. Grapefruit is one of the best oils for premenstrual water retention and headache.

CAUTIONS: Grapefruit is photo-toxic. It is recommended by some experts that you avoid exposing areas of skin to which Grapefruit has been applied to sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

PINE NEEDLE (Pinus sylvestris)

Pine oil is useful for moving on from regrets and self-judgement. It can bring relief from feeling the necessity to "carry the whole world" on our own shoulders. Helps us to establish a healthy respect for our own needs, including the need to rest and rejuvenate from time to time. Pine is also for those who confuse the acquisition of more and more "facts" as wisdom. Increases metabolism and nutrient absorption. Pine has a beneficial action on both the kidneys and the intestines, aiding them in their function of removing cellular waste and toxins from the body.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: anti-infective, antifungal, tonic, pectoral, expectorant, diuretic, balsamic, stimulant, depurative, restorative

AFFINITY FOR: respiratory system, circulation, metabolism, skin care, brow chakra, crown chakra, governing vessel meridian, stomach meridian, lung meridian

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Coniferae

PART UTILIZED: needles, leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: The aroma of pine essential oil can bring us true wisdom through acceptance of what was and acknowledgement of what is and what can be.

APPLICATION: Pine is especially nice in a bath or sauna. Dilute to apply to the feet or the body.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Pine essential oil is useful for moving on from regrets and self-judgement. It can bring relief from feeling the necessity to "carry the whole world" on our own shoulders. Pine helps us to establish a healthy respect for our own needs, including the need to rest and rejuvenate from time to time. Pine is also for those who confuse the acquisition of more and more "facts" as wisdom.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: When pine essential oil is massaged into the skin, it promotes healthy circulation and brings comfort to sore joints and muscles. Pine is an excellent massage oil for arthritis.

Pine oil increases metabolism and nutrient absorption. Pine has a beneficial action on both the kidneys and the intestines, aiding them in their function of removing cellular waste and toxins from the body. This essential oil is a pleasant way to disinfect the air or any surface.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Pine needles were used by the ancient Romans and Greeks and by the American Indians to treat respiratory problems, relieve muscle aches, and prevent scurvy.

YARROW  - Achillea millefolium

Perennial / Full Sun to Part Shade

Organically Certified Seeds / Open-Pollinated / Untreated / GMO Free

APPEARANCE: Mounding and creeping herbaceous or evergreen perennial, native to temperate zones worldwide. Flowers white to 2 feet tall.

GROWING INFORMATION: Hardy to Zones 4 to 8. Plant thrives in regular garden or woodland soil in full sun to part shade. Press seeds into soil surface and deep evenly moist until germination, which can take up to 3 weeks. Thin or transplant to 18 inches apart.

200 Organically Certified Seeds / package

We’ve combined the immune boosting goodness of elderberries with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and pepper. A golden chai tea with the health benefits of turmeric, warm spices, and the rich taste of elderberries. Enjoy hot with a dash of milk and honey.

INGREDIENTS: Elderberries, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, pepper.

This product is caffeine free.

We’ve combined the immune boosting goodness of elderberries with South African honeybush for a delicious herbal tea with the warm flavor of red tea and a rich elderberry taste. Enjoy it hot or cold.

INGREDIENTS: Elderberries, honeybush red tea (origin South Africa).

This product is caffeine free.

Elderberry Family Farms has created an elderberry tincture with the added benefit of herbs for pain relief: wood betony, feverfew, nettle, oat straw, marshmallow, and cayenne. For times when you need more help with acute pains. Created gently by being extracted without alcohol. Intentionally made safe for use by our own children and grandchildren.

INGREDIENTS: Elderberries, wood betony, feverfew, nettle, oat straw, marshmallow, cayenne, water, and vegetable glycerin.

About the Ingredients

• Elderberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and fight free radical damage, reducing oxidative stress on cells. Elderberry has been found to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as health promoting and antidepressant properties. * (1)
• Wood Betony is “an excellent remedy for all head and face pains, and for nervous troubles” according to traditional herbalist, the late Dr. John R. Christopher. The traditional medicinal uses of this herb include neuralgia, rheumatism, nervous troubles, headache, and pain. * (2)
• Feverfew is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, and other inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of feverfew may help relieve pain. * (3)(4)
• Nettle contains many nutrients that have antioxidant properties, helping reduce oxidative stress on cells and preventing free radical damage. Nettle may help reduce inflammation and may reduce arthritis pain. * (3)
• Oat Straw is rich in many antioxidants which have been shown to help reduce inflammation; they may also reduce the production of cytokines, proinflammatory compounds that are linked to chronic conditions. * (3)
• Marshmallow root has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the body from free radical damage and may act as an analgesic to relieve pain. Traditional uses of this herb include inflamed or swollen joints and muscles. * (2)(3)
• Cayenne is high in nutrients including vitamin C, provitamin A and flavonoids. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which may help with pain relief. Research suggests that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. * (3)

Research Sources:

(1) Elderberry
The American Botanical Council Clinical Guide to Elderberry
https://www.herbalgram.org/media/13294/elderberry-scr.pdf

The Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 40, January 2018, (pages 377-390)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977?via=ihub

Science Direct, Non-vitamin and Non-mineral Nutritional Supplements, 2019, (pages 211-215)
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812491-8.00030-

(2) Herbal Reference
School of Natural Healing: 25^th Anniversary Edition, Dr. John R. Christopher
Herb Syllabus: Master Herbalist Guide, Dr. John R. Christopher

(3) Health Benefit Reference
https://www.healthline.com

(4) Research Source
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: External (outbound) links to other websites or educational material (e.g., PDF’s, research sources, etc.…) that are not explicitly created by Elderberry Family Farms are followed at your own risk. Under no circumstances is Elderberry Family Farms responsible for the claims of third-party websites or educational providers.

Elderberries are a natural Immune Booster! Use whole dried elderberries to make your own syrups, tinctures and teas. Includes instructions on making your own elderberry syrup and three elderberry labels.

Ingredients: 100% whole air-dried elderberries (Sambucus Nigra).

This product is non-irradiated and vegan.

ARNICA OIL (Arnica montana)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Arnica flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light yellow color

PART UTILIZED: flower

APPLICATION: Arnica carrier oil can be used all by itself, 100%. Though it is not recommended to use on open wounds.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Arnica is useful for bumps, bruises, and inflammation. Arnica works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Applying Arnica Oil immediately after the injury can prevent swelling; application later on can reduce swelling that has already taken place. Arnica is also effective in relieving the pain of arthritic joints and swollen feet.

In recent years, Arnica is being used by midwives as the oil of choice during exams for dilation during labor. It is absolutely incredible how the application of a little bit of Arnica oil “melts away” any swelling of tissues that may be occurring, and prevents bruising and trauma to those very delicate tissues. One of the most important things I learned in the last few years of my midwife practice. (Thanks to Laura Lechner, friend and trainer.)

Arnica Oil in herbal/oil form is ment for external use only. Arnica Oil is said to cause swelling in exposed muscle tissue, so it is not used on open wounds or deep abrasions except in homeopathic form. Arnica is one of my favorite healing plants and should be in every first aid kit!

Special Instructions: Arnica Oil (at least the one sold by Butterfly Express LLC) is made by soaking Arnica blossoms—fresh, whenever possible—in Almond Oil. Arnica Oil is used with amazing results for injuries where bruising, swelling, and/or inflammation are present.

Place Arnica flowers in a carrier oil such as Almond oil. Cover with a loose-weave cloth and let sit for 2 weeks stirring daily. The ratio of oil to plant material is 1:25. Arnica is better made with fresh flowers whenever possible. The dried flowers are easier to find and handle, and have proven very effective for me many, many times.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2022

THYME (Thymus zygis)

Thyme is revitalizing and nourishing to the nerves and emotions. It can help us overcome mental and emotional exhaustion, inability to concentrate, apathy, and uneasy feelings that have no cause. Thyme can aid us in finding a fresh view of a situation or a new way of doing something. It is specific for physical exhaustion, especially when there seems to be a lack of direction. General tonic for the stomach, thyme's carminative properties alleviate gas and bloating.

INGREDIENT IN:  LeBountiful, LeDelicate, LeDeliverance, LeEnergy, LeEternity, LeInsideOut, LeLifeForce, LeMariah, LeSimplicity, LeTendaCare

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, anti-infective, antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, pectoral, analgesic, expectorant, balsamic, stimulant, tonic, rubefacient, diuretic, emmenagogue, vermifuge, antivenomous, antiputrescent, immune stimulant

AFFINITY FOR: digestive system, immune system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, muscles, bones, base chakra, water element, metal element, heart meridian

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Labiatae

PART UTILIZED: leaves, stems, flowers

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Thyme should be diffused, either by itself, or as part of a synergistic blend, to purify the air of your home or office during the cold and flu season. (A blend would probably have a better aroma.)

APPLICATION: Dilute well to apply to the feet or body.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Thyme is revitalizing and nourishing to the nerves and emotions. It can help us overcome mental and emotional exhaustion, inability to concentrate, apathy, and uneasy feelings that have no cause. Thyme can aid us in finding a fresh view of a situation or a new way of doing something. It is specific for physical exhaustion, especially when there seems to be a lack of direction and motivation more than overwork. Thyme can give us strength, self-confidence, and will power. It can help us think positively, allowing us to give ourselves credit for every little bit of will power we possess, instead of berating ourselves when we display less of it than we think we should have.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: As a general tonic for the stomach, thyme's carminative properties alleviate gas and bloating. Gas is an indication of poorly digested food. It can interfere with sleep, raise your blood pressure, become a threat to your cardiovascular system, cause severe stomach aches, cramps, and vomiting, as well as headaches and nausea. Thyme has a beneficial effect on heart valves. It relaxes the veins and arteries, reducing blood pressure, and as a result, reducing stress on the heart. It should be mentioned that, like nearly all natural remedies, thyme balances blood pressure, bringing it back to normal whether it is high or low.

The antiseptic and antiviral properties of thyme are strong enough to handle most situations. Thyme is even recommended, applied along the spine, for such ailments as spinal meningitis. Thyme, along with killing the invading microbes, aids lymphatic drainage and urine output, and strengthens the immune system. Thyme should be tried for lingering coughs.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Be sure to use Thymus zygis or Thymus vulgaris as they are milder; stronger types should never be used on children or those with high blood pressure. Red thyme is a Thymus zygis but the method of extraction creates concentrations of thymol that are excessive for frequent use or for use with children.

CAUTIONS: When not part of a blend, should be used with great caution or avoided altogether.

This great invention facilitates the filling of ‘0’ size capsules to 24 capsules at a time.

This quality machine allows the user to fill 24 “0” size capsules at a time with as much powder as will fit in the longer “half.” The empty capsules must first be separated and loaded into the base (long half) and into the cover (short half) of the machine.

• Put the large part of The Capsule Machine (the base) onto the enclosed stand, and then place on a flat bowl or plate.
• Separate capsule. Push longer part, open end up, into base, and shorter part into the cover.
• Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of powdered material into base and sweep enclosed card over holes, filling them. If desired, use enclosed tamping tool to compact powder, and then fill base again.
• Place cover on base, and remove The Capsule Machine from stand. Put The Capsule Machine on flat surface and press down evenly until bottomed out. Release pressure.
• Remove cover. Filled capsules should be in the cover. Depress top cover gently on both sides to eject filled capsules.

"A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions" by Alan R. Gaby

Know the Side Effects and Protect Your Health

If you’re among the millions of people taking prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as vitamins and natural medicines, you need to know which combinations are potentially helpful and which can be extremely dangerous. The A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions is an essential resource to understanding the interactions that may affect your health.

From the experts at Healthnotes, this revised and updated edition contains the newest information on thousands of drugs and supplements, based on studies published in the leading medical journals. Reliable and easy to use, this book is sure to become a trusted reference in your home.

MORE THAN 18,000 DRUG-HERB-VITAMIN INTERACTIONS

Find out about:

• Drugs that can deplete your body’s nutrients

• Supplements that can interfere with drug absorption

• Side effects of common drug-herb-vitamin combinations

• Supplements that can help your prescriptions work better

• Combinations that should never be taken together

• With a foreword by Dr. Bob Arnot

Paperback, 338 pages, English, Harmony, 2006

Don't Throw it, Grow it!: 68 windowsill plants from kitchen scraps

by Deborah Peterson & Millicent Selsam

Foraging the Mountain West: Gourmet Edible Plants, Mushrooms, and Meat

by Thomas J. Elpel & Kris Reed

There's food in them thar hills! There is also food in the valleys, meadows, swamps, and all around town, too... maybe even in your own backyard. Foraging the Mountain West is a guide to harvesting and celebrating nature's abundance. Reach out and explore the world with your taste buds. Discover new delights you will never find at the store. Connect with nature on a deeper level by meeting, greeting, and eating the plants, fungi, and creatures that share the neighborhood. Become a little more self-sufficient, and a lot more aware.

Foraging the Mountain West is a hands-on manual for identifying, harvesting, and preparing real food. It is written for the backpacker who would rather bring more knowledge and fewer provisions into the wilderness. It is intended for the happy homemaker who wants to eat well and spend less. It is ideal for the creative chef who wants to explore new ingredients and impress diners with novel dishes.

The authors brought together years of experience and fun to show you, the prospective forager, what, when, where, why, and how to gather wild and feral plants, mushrooms, and neglected wayside crops. In addition, this is a guide for successful fishing without a pole, hunting without weapons, and even shopping without money. This book will help you fill your freezer and satiate your appetite.

Foraging the Mountain West will help you dream in winter, cleanse in spring, forage in summer, and gorge in fall. The book includes hundreds of vivid color photos detailing every essential aspect of foraging. This guide is not meant to sit on your coffee table. It is meant to start a revolution!

Paperback, 360 pages, English, Hops Press, 2014

Edible Medicinal Plants of the West

by Gregory L. Tilford

Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West is a full-colour photographic guide to the identification, edibility, and medicinal uses of over 250 plant species, growing from Alaska to southern California, east across the Rocky Mountains and the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes. Herbalist and naturalist Gregory Tilford provides a thorough introduction to the world of herbal medicine for everyone interested in plants, personal well-being, and a healthy environment.

Paperback, 239 pages, English, Mountain Press