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Somerset Community Herb Clinics

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25.01.2022 Borage is not a plant I've used in the clinic. In fact, it wasn't even a herb covered in my uni or college texts! However, it does contain elements that may contribute to reducing inflammation, balance the hormones, and aid waste filtration done by the kidneys. The leaves also contain mucilage - a substance that is known to soothe mucous membranes (think of sore throats for example). ... But - a word of caution - like all medicines, both plant-based or otherwise, we have to carefully consider other effects. Borage leaves contain a substance that has been shown to potentially harm the liver. If you'd like to find out more, or talk about your health and how herbs might help, the clinic will be in ESK on Tuesday, 18 August from 9am. Due to COVID, you need to message for an appointment at least 48 hours beforehand...

24.01.2022 Hmmm...attempt three for herbal candy....still sticky, not hard enough. So...my last two options: a) try with corn syrup as per the original... b) try just with sugar, syrup and water (leaving out the herbal for the moment) and see what happens I'll let you know...

24.01.2022 Although it can be unpleasant to stumble into a patch of them, stinging nettles are an abundant source of nutrition and medicine. Nettle has traditionally been ...used for everything from allergies and anemia to hair care and wound healing, and now, research suggests it may help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. A recent systematic review/meta-analysis looked at studies involving the use of nettle for glycemic control. The studies examined involved the effect of nettle supplementation on fasting blood sugar, insulin, and other markers of blood sugar management. Based on their analysis, the authors of the review concluded that nettle has the potential to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Source: Ziaei R, Foshati S, Hadi A, et al. The effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. February 2020;34(2):282-294. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6535.

24.01.2022 Important dates coming up: Public meetings for the establishment of the Somerset Health Hubs: Kilcoy - Monday, 31 August... Toogoolawah - Thursday 3 September Fernvale - Thursday 10 September Esk - Thursday 17 September Lowood - Monday 21 September Clinic dates: Lowood - 14 September Fernvale - 14 September Esk - 15 September Moore - 24 September REMEMBER - Bookings are essential due to venue and COVID requirements. Numbers at the public meetings are currently limited to 10 per venue. And - if you are good, you can try a herbal candy ;)

23.01.2022 SORRY.... Tonight's meeting in Fernvale is CANCELLED...

22.01.2022 Good morning Somerset :) What a busy time November is going to be. Next week clinics are scheduled for Lowood and Fernvale. While restrictions have eased significantly, appointments are still required. Please message me by Friday if you would like an appointment. ... The following week, the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative will be officially launched. The Cooperative will be owned and operated by its members and anyone who is resident in the Somerset region is able to be a member. I'd love to meet you at one of these events where living healthily is the focus. Please message for more information :) (And tomorrow, I'll start a new Herb in Focus ;) )

22.01.2022 Thank you Superfeast and the Herbal Extract Company for your ongoing support. Some of these will be going into the firies support packs and some into the packs for high schoolers. It is so nice to be able to offer our volunteers and young people free support at times when they need it most.

22.01.2022 IMPORTANT DATES 1. 20 October - Esk clinic. Due to venue requirements, appointments are necessary 2. 26 October - online. I am hosting an online meeting in relation to the proposed Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative. Join in to find out more. To get the link you will need to register. ... Message me for more details, book an appointment or register. :)

21.01.2022 Borage - pretty flowers but really? What can you do with it? An amazing variety of things. In the nineteenth century, the young top leaves were used in salads or boiled as a pot- herb. Added to lemon, sugar, wine and water it makes a "refreshing and restorative" drink in summer (apparently - I'm guessing it would be white wine ;) ).... Flowers can be candied - and probably added to salads for colour and a cucumbery taste. This has been said to exhilarated the mind, make it glad and comfort the heart. It was also traditionally used to help when studying (maybe not in too much wine as that might not help). Traditionally, herbalists used it for fevers, jaundice, consumption, sore throats, rheumatism, itch, ringworm. Next time - how might we use it in the clinic today....

20.01.2022 The Kilcoy meeting next week is now full. Thank you for your interest. There are still spaces available at other meetings around the Somerset area where you can join in the discussion about taking our region the healthiest in Queensland. However, I know that you might not be able to get to a meeting but do want to be part of this. ... If there is enough interest - I would be happy to host an online meeting using Zoom. Please register your interest by commenting below....

20.01.2022 I think it must be time for another herb... My focus (carefully) for the next few days will be stinging nettle - Urtica dioica...

20.01.2022 And so my enforced rest continues... I would like belatedly thank all those who attended the meeting the other week regarding the proposed Somerset Health Hubs Cooperative. A couple of questions arose - which I wanted to respond to more fully. So the decision was made to postpone formation of the co-op. ... This gives us more time to consider exactly how we want OUR cooperative to run to best meet OUR health needs and communities. Once I am able to travel more freely, I will be attending markets, meetings, or other opportunities to share the idea more. Copies of the proposed rules are available from me. I invite you to read them and discuss the idea with your friends and neighbours. Send me YOUR ideas for how to make OUR health OUR way... In the meantime - what does a herbalist do when they can't get to their garden? Colour of course!!

19.01.2022 Remember - there are various public meetings coming up to discuss the proposed formation of a Community Cooperative to manage Somerset Health Hubs. But - what is the Cooperative really about? The co-operative will promote the health of residents of the Somerset Region by creating and operating hubs for the provision of complementary health care services. ... It is proposed that the Cooperative will operate local health hubs across the Somerset region that provide affordable access to a variety of complementary health services. The Co-operative will also support, promote and where possible run workshops and courses that will promote preventative health - aiming to reduce the incidence of chronic ill-health across the region. An important feature of community co-operatives is the active involvement of their members. This includes managing the co-operative, making decisions and supporting the activities of the co-operative. In return, members are able to access the services of the co-operative in a system of mutual benefit. To find out more - come along to one of our meetings. Check the events pages for more information and to register your interest. Message us if you have any questions. Please note: Due to the current COVID19 requirements, attendance at the meetings is limited to 10 people at any event. Events are free to attend but you MUST register in advance.

19.01.2022 Last week, I was able to send out another Firies Support package to one of our local rural fire brigades. This weekend, I will start work prepping the next few packages. Work is now underway looking at Herb Care packages for couch surfers. I've got all sorts of great (I hope) ideas. So, I'll be experimenting in my little workspace with making candies, lollipops and gummy bears :) I am really looking forward to being able to develop up all these community care ideas with eve...ryone in the Somerset region. These will be some of the projects that the proposed Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative will work on. You can join the discussions and plans by attending one of the public meetings being held from August 31 through to October. Find a meeting near you on our event pages, or message for more information.

18.01.2022 Current clinic dates for the remainder of the year: Lowood: (Monday) 10am - 1pm - July 13, Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9 Fernvale: (Monday) 2pm - 5pm - July 13, Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9 Esk: (Tuesday) 9am - 12noon - Aug 18, Sept, 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15... *Moore: (Thursday) 2pm - 4pm - July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24 Kilcoy: (Monday) 8am - 12 noon. - Sept 7, Oct tbd, Nov 2, Dec 7 (* = to be confirmed) Arrangements for the clinics: 1. Appointments must be made prior to attending (message your name and contact number or text 0403021194) 2. A pre-attendance form must be completed (will be forwarded when your appointment is confirmed) 3. Cancellations must be made no later than 48 hours before 4. If there are no appointments, the clinic will cancelled (this is a courtesy to the venue owners) 5. Infection control procedures and cashless payments will be in place. You will be given details when making your appointment I look forward to seeing you at a clinic near you.

18.01.2022 FYI - unfortunately, due to an accident, I won't be able to hold any more face-to-face clinics for the remainder of 2020 :( However, I will be able to conduct telephone or online consultations for anyone who needs one. At this stage, the Formation Meeting for the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative WILL go ahead as scheduled (come along and see how awkward I am on crutches!! ;) )...... Please message for any further information, to organise an appointment or book your place at the meeting.

18.01.2022 Welcome to Thursday. I will definitely be doing posts in coming days about own Herb In Focus - Clary Sage... But to be honest, my brain is still befoggled after my fall. I needed a reminder, obviously, about the impacts of trauma on our physical, psychological and emotional selves... In the meantime, enjoy reading about these "Plants Inbetween"

17.01.2022 Hi everyone. Well, I am back after a self-imposed precautionary 'stay home'. Next week, the clinic will be visiting Esk - Tuesday 18th August. Appointments are available between 9am and 12noon. Due to COVID requirements - appointments MUST be made at least 48 hours prior. This ensures that venues and fellow community members can be kept safe. ... Consultations are $20 for residents of the Somerset region and last approximately 45 minutes. During your consultation we will discuss your aims for your health and how herbal medicine might support your goals. We will then look at a possible plan and the specific herbs that may be beneficial. Please message if you would like an appointment :)

16.01.2022 The next two public meetings about the proposed Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative are: ESk - Tomorrow, 17 September, 2.00pm -3.30pm at the Esk QCWA Hall LOWOOD - Monday, 21 September, 6.00pm - 7.30pm at the Lowood QCWA hall... These are free to attend. In respect for current COVID restrictions, numbers are limited to 10 in each location so you will need to book beforehand. This is also a requirement for the venue owners - who I thank for their support. I look forward to seeing you :)

16.01.2022 Remember, there will be a public meeting this Thursday evening in Fernvale to discuss an opportunity to make the Somerset region the healthiest in Queensland. Entry is free, but places are limited to 10 and it is essential to book your place. Message us now :) I hope to see some of you there - ... https://facebook.com/events/s/creating-a-healthy-somerset-fe/346160563059213/?ti=as

16.01.2022 Good morning everyone. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting another herb garden walk. The dropper system might be finished today The clinic is due to visit Lowood and Fernvale next week. As per covid requirements, appointments are necessary. Please message before midday tomorrow if you would like a Herbal consultation. ... :)

13.01.2022 How is your week shaping up? Despite the public holiday (and the start of daylight saving down south), it is going to be busy here for the clinics. As well as farm chores, a new dripper system is going in to the herb garden (reminds me - it's time for another herb walk. Must add that to the list ;) ). Then, there's the Ayurveda training and a new Herbal intensive "deep-dive". And, more planning for the Community Cooperative - including a research proposal to draft. So, I thou...ght I'd get in early before I get swamped and post a couple of reminders :- a) Clinic will be in Lowood and Fernvale next Monday. Appointments will need to be booked in by Friday. Message for more info. b) To participate in an online information session about the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative, comment "yes" or send me a message. c) Tomorrow there will be more information about our current herb focus - Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). How has this been traditionally used (and a Nettle Beer recipe ;) ). d) Remember to nominate your SES or Rural Fire Brigade to receive a Herbal Support pack. See you tomorrow :)

13.01.2022 "Nettle in, dock out Dock rub nettle out" At least, that is one of the old sayings about getting the sting out of nettles - rub a dock leaf on the spot, because dock was a plant that few near stinging nettle - at least in England anyway. Apparently, this is not always so here in Australia where dock doesn't necessarily grow right beside a patch of nettle. ... Apparently, rosemary, mint or sage leaves will do the same trick. Back in the day, it is said that Roman soldiers brought the seeds of nettles to England - so that they could use the leaves to warm themselves!!! - the idea being that rubbing the skin would increase blood flow thereby warming the limbs. Not only have nettle leaves been used throughout the world as a pot herb in stews, but they have also been used to make cloth - said to be stronger than linen. For all you cattle farmers - if you gather your nettles before sunrise and feed them to your cattle, then they will not have evil spirits...... Next time - Nettle beer and traditional medicinal usage...but for now, a nettle soup recipe.

12.01.2022 Reminders for today: 1. The clinic is scheduled to visit Lowood and Fernvale next Monday (9 November. Appointments must be made beforehand to meet venue requirements. Consultations are $20. 2. The Formation Meeting for the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative will be held on Monday 16 November at the Grand Hotel, Esk commencing at 7pm. Visit the events page to get your ticket link (attendance is free). ... Today is going to be hot so I hope that you take time to rest and keep cool.

12.01.2022 Read to end for your nettle beer recipe.... Urtica dioica - the Greater Stinging Nettle (greater because it is bigger than it's cousin the Lesser ;) ) has been used for centuries - perhaps because it grows just about everywhere. Traditionally, it was used for rheumatism (Through a process of urtication - simply flogging oneself with nettles ). As it has multiple nutritive properties, it was added into broths for recovering patients. Consuming the seeds was said to relieve s...tings and bites from mad dogs. As a positive, it was used for gout, joint pain, nettle rash, eczema and sciatica. And it was extensively used as a vegetable in soups, stews and even in a pudding. But, I promised you all a recipe for nettle beer :) 1 gallon of water 1 good pailful of washed young nettle leaves 3-4 large handfuls of dandelion leaves 3-4 large handfuls of goosegrass 2oz of bruised whole ginger Boil for 40 minutes. Strain. Stir in a teacupful of brown sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Top with a slice of toast spread with 1oz compressed yeast and teaspoon of sugar. Keep in a warm place for 6-7 hours. Remove the scum. Add 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar. Bottle.

12.01.2022 Lets work together to make the Somerset region the healthiest in Queensland. The Somerset Community Herb Clinics are sponsoring a series of public meetings across the region to discuss the development of community-operated Health Hubs. The hubs will be operated by a Community Cooperative. ... Come along to a meeting near you to join the discussion about Health Hubs and the formation of the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative. Meetings are currently scheduled for: Kilcoy - 31 August Toogoolawah - 3 September Fernvale - 10 September Due to COVID and venue requirements, numbers are limited. Check our events page for more information. These are free events but bookings are necessary. Please message us to reserve your space.

12.01.2022 Makes the verses in Macbeth so much less interesting...."eye of newt" anyone?

11.01.2022 Thank you Kilcoy for a (small) but great meeting. Toogoolawah, this Thursday is your turn to join the discussion about Health Hubs, Community Cooperatives and Making the Somerset the Healthiest Place in Queensland ... :) There are still a couple of spaces available. Register by: - replying to this post - sending us a message - sending a text with your name to 0403021194 Remember, we are limited to 10 people only in the face to face meetings :)

10.01.2022 Knowing leaf shapes is helpful for identifying useful herbs...

10.01.2022 Good morning- first off, my apologies to Kilcoy. I thought (and my calendar showed) that today was a public holiday.....but it isn't....the public holiday is next month... So - for anyone in Kilcoy who would like a consultation, please message me and I will make arrangements to come and see you. This week, it is Fernvales turn for a meeting about the proposed Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative. There are still a couple of spaces left so comment below or send me a mes...sage.. Next week is super busy - clinics in Lowood and Fernvale (Monday) and Esk (Tuesday) and a public meeting in Esk (Thursday). Due to COVID requirements, appointments and bookings are necessary. These need to be confirmed at least 48 hours prior... I hope everyone has a great week. Stay safe and healthy.

10.01.2022 Even herbalists sometimes need doctors and surgeons..

09.01.2022 Exciting day today - at last, the launch and formation of the Somerset Health Hubs Community Co-operative. The meeting will be held at the Esk Grand Hotel at 7pm tonight. There is still space for people to attend if they wish. ... (I will be the one in the wheelchair LOL)...

09.01.2022 The clinic is scheduled to be in Moore this Thursday from 2 - 4pm. Current requirements mean that firm appointments must be made at least 48 hours beforehand. There are arrangements in place to meet COVID requirements- these will be outlined when you make an appointment. Please message to make an appointment - 2 spaces currently available....

09.01.2022 Oops...when I organised the clinic dates for Lowood and Fernvale, I didn't realise that next Monday would be the show holiday.. So, unfortunately the clinic won't be open next week. However, I am more than happy to organise a telephone consultation for anyone who might be interested. Message me and I will contact you to confirm an appointment time.

09.01.2022 Good morning everyone....it s my intention to still hold the Formation Meeting and launch of the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative, despite my continued awkwardness with crutches. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. We will be electing the inaugural Board of Directors and calling for members.

09.01.2022 For those interested in coming to the meeting tomorrow in Toogoolawah - I need to have numbers by this afternoon. As long as there are one or two interested people, the meeting will go ahead - I just need to be sure that there are no more than 10 people in the building... Please message or comment on this post if you intend to come :)

08.01.2022 Ooo - I'm a garbler! Do you garble? What a gorgeous herb word

08.01.2022 Hopefully, these will work out. They are for our local couch surfers

07.01.2022 Stinging Nettle - has it's very own family in the plant kingdom. The urticaceae family are very easy - but rather painful - to identify. The major characteristic is their capacity to sting. In fact, it seems that the hairs found under the leaves act like a hypodermic. As a result of touching the hairs an amount of formic acid is injected. Another member of this family - native to Australia - is the gympie gympie which is commonly known as the "suicide plant" because of the ...severity and long- lasting nature of its sting! Members of the stinging nettle family have a wide range of uses and have been found globally...we will learn more about the various uses of nettle, and some of its folklore next time :)

07.01.2022 Our next Herb in Focus is.... Clary Sage. To be honest, I really don't know too much about Clary Sage so this will be a lovely chance to learn. ... I do know that it has been used as an essential oil and, it has self-seeded itself in my herb garden 2 years ago, I had one growing but it died (nope, I'm not a natural gardener). I thought I'd lost it completely. Then about a year ago, in a different spot altogether - there was this little baby. And right now, it is in flower.

06.01.2022 What a great opportunity I've been awarded!

05.01.2022 Good morning :) I have two questions today. Please post your responses in the comments.... 1. With fire and storm seasons now upon us, I am preparing some more Firies and Volunteers Herbal Support packs. Each pack contains a range of items that may help our volunteer firefighters and emergency services workers. There are 20 individual kits in each pack. All products have been donated by herbal manufacturing companies. ... Please nominate your local brigade or group. I will be making up 2 packs for distribution. 2. The launch of the Somerset Health Hubs Community Cooperative is planned for late October / early November. Public meetings (limited unfortunately due to COVID) have been held in Kilcoy, Lowood, Esk and Toogoolawah. I am planning an online meeting to reach those who weren't able to attend a face-to-face meeting. Would you like to join an online information meeting to learn more about the Cooperative? Type yes if you are interested...

03.01.2022 Sambucus nigra L. (Elderberry): Collectively the evidence obtained from across five clinical studies involving 996 adults indicate that Sambucus nigra L. berry ...(S.nigra), when taken within 48 hours of onset of acute respiratory viral infection, may reduce the duration and severity of common cold and influenza symptoms in adults http://worldnaturopathicfederation.org//The-effects-of-Sam See more

03.01.2022 So...this is what happens when you don't cook gummy bear toffee long enough....

03.01.2022 Register your interest so that I can be sure to remember to send you the meeting link ;)

02.01.2022 It's back on again! Come along to discuss plans to work together to make the Somerset the healthiest region in Queensland. Together we can...message to reserve your free spot now.

02.01.2022 Sorry - "never use a gif in a post you intend sharing" - the last post didn't share correctly. Sorry about that...

01.01.2022 Hi all, just a reminder for those attending any of the Healthy Somerset events in coming weeks - As per current Covid safe requirements: - participants are limited to 10... - when you arrive, you WILL be asked to record contact details. These will be stored as per privacy requirements and you WILL be expected to maintain the privacy of all attendees - when you arrive, you WILL be asked if you have potentially been exposed to COVID or are waiting on test results - if you are feeling unwell, please don't attend - we will understand. We also understand that you may have a cough or a sniffle due to other medical conditions. Feel free to wear a mask, cover your cough and use hand sanitizer - you WILL be expected to maintain appropriate physical distance - 1.5m - so, please use the chairs provided Please do not feel offended - we just want people to feel safe :)