HWB Winter Solstice 2016 E-Newsletter

Herbalists Without Borders

Quarterly e-Newsletter Winter Solstice 2017

Happy Winter Solstice

Sue Wika of Deep Roots, pictured as part of the recent delegation to Cuba: ‘Women in Cuba: Health Care, Herbalism & Sustainable Agriculture”

The group experienced a tour and inspiring interactive delegation to Cuba, co-hosted by Herbalists Without Borders, Witness for Peace and The Green Wisdom School of Natural & Botanical Medicine. What an interesting time, as they arrived just after the death after former president, Fidel Castro.

They met with womans rights leaders, visits to sustainable medicinal plant and agriculture projects, and exchanges with holistic physicians and practitioners. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting trip!

 Health is a Human Right!

Please support the work of Herbalists Without Borders this holiday season with a generous donation or by joining as a member. Easy to do via PayPal. Visit:

www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

Happy Holidays everyone! It’s Winter Solstice time!

I am playing in the snow this Winter, but snow storms and cold weather are not always a gift in many parts of the world. Many people do not have a roof over their heads. Last year was intense; full of devistations, war, protests, ugly politics, killings, shootings, floods,

earthquakes, fires, drought, and many people displaced from their homes. It might be a bumpy road ahead, but I have faith in humanity. Let us shift our consciousness towards love, light, and compassion as we enter a new year and the light slowly returns.

Please share this e-newsletter with your friends,

co-workers, chapter members, patients, and anyone who wants to join the fight! There are no real borders in this world for love knows no boundaries.

Peace and love, Miriah Meiers

Herbalists Without Borders, e-newsletter editor Colorado, USA

docmiriah@hotmail.com

Most of what we do at Herbalists Without Borders (HWB) is to create options for local to global communities in need of urgent health and wellness options. We call this health justice--accessible, affordable care for all. HWB assists when people are impacted by natural disasters, such as the recent hurricane that hit Haiti or past earthquakes in Nepal. We also help start Free Peoples Clinics in rural and urban neighborhoods across North America where natural medicine care is lacking and sometimes non- existence. Our borderless medicine projects and chapters help people who are refugees from countries such as Syria, escaping to sanctuary zones such as Greece and the UK.HWB is creating safety, space, health and relief from suffering.

Herbalists Without Borders began one decade ago with a handful of dedicated people like you,

committed to helping humanity with herbalism and natural medicine. Now our network is global with 65 official chapters. Because of donors like you, we served urgent herbal aid and compassionate care to 3000+ people in urgent need this year.

“The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds."

~Albert Schweitzer

“The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds."

~Albert Schweitzer

While our accomplishments over the past 10 years are significant, there is still much to be done. In the United States, Affordable Care will most likely be changing radically after January. People need safety, support and health--and we need your help--your tax deductible contribution nourishes Herbalists Without Borders to continue our vital work.

Hurting Those Who Help:

Street Medics, Herbal Aid & Front-line Crisis Workers

Injuring street medics, water protectors, crisis workers and other health care practitioners in the line of service has been a burning issue all of this year for Herbalists Without Borders and other NGO’s, from water blasting people in freezing cold temperatures, tear gas launches on medics at Standing Rock, to Doctors Without Borders emergency medical staff in hospitals being bombed in Aleppo. These are grave human rights violations. During the past several months we have witnessed this first-hand at Herbalists Without Borders and via social media postings.

Sophia Wilansky was severely injured by a concussion grenade during one of many police attacks against water protectors at Standing Rock. The Morton County Sheriff’s Department has denied that they used such grenades, but all accounts indicate otherwise.

Here’s Sophia’s father, Wayne Wilansky, during an interview:

“...It took many, many hours to get Sophia airlifted out of there, and there are people that are going to die there. They need to clear that bridge so people can get to hospitals...They have to demilitarize the police. There’s no reason that the police should be intentionally trying to kill people, maim people. And this has to stop.”

Hospitals as Targets

And then there’s the serious situation in Syria... Aleppo especially. Violence against doctors, Medical workers, and humanitarian aid workers escalated all year globally. The U.S. bombing of an Afghan hospital, the Kunduz Trauma Centre, required an independent investigation that Doctors Without Borders and others called for. And it was no accident (October 2015).

Multiple air-strikes have hit hospitals in Yemen. Government leaders and spokespersons continue to condemn such air-strikes on hospitals, medical centers and health workers in crisis zones,but it just does not end. This has continued especially in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Honduras and South Sudan. And now, water protectors in the UnitedStates are being assaulted. A survey of just 11 countries, the International Committee of Red Cross documented 2,400 attacks on health care workers, patients, medical facilities and medical transports between the years 2012-2014. During 2015, Doctors Without Borders in Syria were targeted 94 times. At Herbalists Without Borders we believe all of this violates international laws. There are numerous protections, international humanitarian laws creating safe space zones essentially for hospitals, medical facilities, patients and staff. This must be enforced and supported from the Standing Rock Medic tents to Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Herbalists Without Borders International. There should be ‘no weapons’ policies at all medical facilities. To deny health care and worse yet attack medical workers, patients and facilities...

These are war crimes.

With Herbalists Without Borders humanitarian aid and health justice workers protected, those at risk can receive compassion care, support, sanctuary and some amount of safety. All human rights.

Thank you everyone who has supported our human rights efforts this year!

With peace and healing for all of humanity, Gigi Stafne ND, MH

Executive Director

Herbalists Without Borders International Stafne can be reached at: officeHWB@gmail. com

Stop Violence Against Street Medics

Herbal Aid Tents are Safe Zones

Hospitals Cannot Be Targets Help Heal Humanity

www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

HWB Photo Contest Finalists

Thank you everyone who participated in the HWB photo Contest!! We have three photos by three different photographers as our finalists! Great photos everyone!

HWB Photo Contest!! Here are the 3 winners!

1. Joanna Marolt Czubernat

2. Sarah E. Millhoff

3. Amy Shea

Much of our communication, externally and internally as an organization, depends largely on the visual world. Photos help us illustrate the

borderless actions being done by our members and volunteers, our deep roots in botanical medicine, and the rawness of the global travasties our world is experiencing! Please keep capturing the world around you Herbalists and Actavists so that we can tell your stories!

Thank you everyone who participated in the HWB photo Contest!! We have three photos by three different photographers as our finalists! Great photos everyone!

HWB Photo Contest!! Here are the 3 winners!

1. Joanna Marolt Czubernat

2. Sarah E. Millhoff

3. Amy Shea

Much of our communication, externally and internally as an organization, depends largely on the visual world. Photos help us illustrate the

borderless actions being done by our members and volunteers, our deep roots in botanical medicine, and the rawness of the global travasties our world is experiencing! Please keep capturing the world around you Herbalists and Actavists so that we can tell your stories!

We are looking for artists to create HWB postcards and custom HWB graphic designs!

Please contact us: officeHWB@gmail.com

We are looking for artists to create HWB postcards and custom HWB graphic designs!

Please contact us: officeHWB@gmail.com

HWB 2017 Calendars are ready for order!

Full of HWB photos and photo contest photos

Please send order requests to:

docmiriah@hotmail.com

pay via paypal: officeHWB@gmail.com

$5 for Calendars, plus $2 shipping per order

HWB 2017 Calendars are ready for order!

Full of HWB photos and photo contest photos

Please send order requests to:

docmiriah@hotmail.com

pay via paypal: officeHWB@gmail.com

$5 for Calendars, plus $2 shipping per order

Upcoming Herbal Conferences

6th Annual Florida Herbal Conferences

February 24- 26, 2017

Lake Wales, Florida, USA

Medicine from the Edge – A Tropical Herbal

Conference

April 6-9, 2017

Talamanca, Limon, COSTA RICA

National Morel Mushroom Festival

May 17-21, 2017

Boyne City, Michigan, USA

Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine

April 7-9, 2017

Tempe, Arizona, USA

Michigan Herb Associates Annual Conference

April 26th, 2017

Lansing, Michigan, USA

The Herb Society of America 2017 Annual

Conference

May 3-7, 2017

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

2017 Traditional Roots Herbal Conference

May 19- 21st, 2017

Portland, Oregon, USA

6th Annual Herbfeast 2017

May 26- 28, 2017

Blackrock, Cork, IRELAND

Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium

June 2-5, 2017

Black Mountain, North Carolina, USA

6th Annual Midwest Women’s Herbal

Willow Curthoys - Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Chapter Coordinator

Conference

June 9-11, 2017

Almond, Wisconsin, USA

Turning of the Wheel: Memories and Traditions 

by Victoria Reddick, Pacific Northwest Chapter

Winter solstice is here, and so another year and season are ending and new ones beginning. The celebration

of the longest night and the sun’s return was incredibly important to our ancient Celtic ancestors and was celebrated with fire. Bon fires were built on every

hill, and decorated Yule logs, which had to be large enough, burned all night long.

It was a time of feasting; merrymaking with family, friends, and community; where well-wishing prayers were offered and small hand-crafted gifts were given. Storytelling was also an incredibly important part aspect of the winter season and was much more than just entertainment.

The old stories held incredible gifts of insight and depth into the human condition that weaved together much magic and spiritual medicine. A good storyteller was worth his weight in gold and if he could sing or play music, then all the better.

How are you going to celebrate this turning of the wheel? I plan to have a bonfire in my horse pasture, invite a few friends and celebrate. First though I will attend to my cleaning out the closets and cupboards of my home and let anything go that I have not used or worn in a while.

I also make an intentional list of what I no longer want to carry forward into the new year such as bad habits, outworn goals, things with expiration dates past thrown out, etc. This list I will feed to the bon fire and create another list of things I want to manifest in the coming year. Doing these things helps me create a strong and beautiful container for my future success; this one I will keep, then feast, trade hand-made gifts, well-wish and maybe share a story or two.....

ESSENCES AND HERBS FOR DECEMBER

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra or Sambucus caerulea)-

Make medicine as tincture from the dried berries by filling a pint jar with berries and pouring 100 proof vodka over and to the top, cap and infuse for 2-4 weeks then strain off the plant material, put back into your jar and label. Sometimes I add honey, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, to this tincture for a warming effect. You could also add the dried berries into your recipe the next time you make a batch of fire cider or make it into a syrup.

The tincture will last for a year or more on a cool dark shelf out of direct sunlight.

Makes a wonderful antiviral remedy for colds and flu or any viral flare ups of the herpes type I or II variety, those nasty cold sores, shingles or herpes- this tincture is for you and will keep what bugs you at bay. Buy it or make it yourself by harvesting the berries in summer on the east side of the Cascade Mountains here in Washington or buy from a reputable herbal source like Mountain Rose Herbs. Our red elderberry (sambucus racemosa) of the west side of the mountains is not suitable.

Rose Hip Flower Essence (plant spirit tincture)–

I make this essence from our wild rose hips of which we have at least 3 different varieties on our property; it is made by boiling water infusion method.

Put a few hips in water, bring to a boil and turn off heat, let steep for up to an hour. Then take a small, clean, sterile glass jar- add a few drops of your hip tea water, and add vinegar or brandy (this is your preservative) to the jar I like a 1-4 ratio because keeps longer. Take a few drops in water, under the tongue or in your tea.

This essence is made from the collected rose hips after the first hard frost which sweetens the hips, and is useful in helping us to go deep by grounding us in our deepest “self” so we may choose what is right for us without societal or parental imprinting getting in the way. Ask yourself what are my core values? Am I living from my core values inside and in the world or those I have unconsciously picked up or adopted? Rose Hip essence helps us uncover this mystery and to be reminded of choice. Choice to let the old imprinting fall away like an old crusty shell and to bring forth our truth in a new sense of self in regard to values. Key words- “I am aligned with my

deepest core values.” Namaste…

Herbalists Without Borders Chapters

Herbalists Without Borders Chapters

Our grassroots Chapters coordinate and operate within the values, mission and vision of HWB. Innovative projects and grassroots actions happen globally each week. Dedicated volunteers engage in Free Peoples Clinics, Wellness Days, Street Medic Camps, Herbal Education Days, Community Gardens & Apothecaries, Seed Saving and other important health and wellness social justice volunteer-ism.

Herbalists making medicine for the people

The Bay Area, California Chapter, “HWB United for Social Justice”, met in November to make medicines for the Water Proectors in North Dakota. 17 people participated. In addition to the 13 herbalists, we were joined by 4 caring community members who wanted to participate in the cause. It was great to have non- herbalists with us. I love that herbalism is so accessible and anyone can jump in and make a difference.

We made Fire Cider, Elderberry Syrup, Nettle and Tumeric Glycerin Tincture, Pickled Garlic, Comfry, Plantain, Calendula Salve, and Wound Pouder. One of our members drove to Standing Rock over the Thanksgiving Break to deliver a car full of medicines. (photos above and to the left)

hErbalists in action: hErb fairE 2016

Lauren and Carrie Ann at the recent Herb Faire in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. Working on behalf of their Madison, WI based chapter of Herbalists Without Borders. Herbal aid and donations were generated for Standing Rock Medic Society. ( Photo to Right)

Become a member today!

Join an existing HWB chapter or sow the seeds of a new chapter in your region, state, province or country.

Interested in beginning a new chapter? Contact our Executive Director, Gigi Stafne: officeHWB@gmail.com

To see a complete list of our chapters, visit our website: www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

Become a member today!

Join an existing HWB chapter or sow the seeds of a new chapter in your region, state, province or country.

Interested in beginning a new chapter? Contact our Executive Director, Gigi Stafne: officeHWB@gmail.com

To see a complete list of our chapters, visit our website: www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

“Fire Cider”

Recipe makes 1 pint or more

1/2 cup peeled and diced horseradish 1/2 cup peeled and diced garlic

1/2 cup peeled and diced onion 1/4 cup peeled and diced ginger 1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric 1-2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

2 jalapeños or 1 habanero chili, split in half (optional) Zest and juice of one lemon

2 to 3 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (At least 5% acidity)

Other optional ingredients you may add if you desire: thyme, parsley, sage, elderberry, holy basil, goldenrod, echinacea root

Place all of the vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in a clean 1-quart jar. Fill the jar with vinegar, covering all the ingredients and making sure there are no air bubbles. Cap the jar. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to prevent corrosion from the vinegar. Shake well. Let the jar sit for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking daily (or as oft en as you remember). Strain the vinegar into a clean jar. Add honey to taste (1/4 cup). Refrigerate and use within a year. You may take straight or add it to hot water or tea. Take about 1 tsp daily or every hour when ill. Rub on sore muscles and aching joints. You may also soak in a clean cloth and apply to a congested chest.

“Fire Cider” is an inexpensive and effective concoction for fighting off colds and flus, as well as breaking up congestion. Recently, there has been much discussion and controversy pertaining to “Fire Cider” ever since Shire City Herbals, a Massachusetts- based herbal company, trademarked the name and product. There is a movement of herbalists that are trying to stop future trademarks of such remedies and petitions to sign regarding “Fire Cider. Please visit www.freefirecider.com to learn more.

Herbalists Without Borders WISH LIST of items and services we need help with...

Herbal First Aid Kits Office Supplies: Rolls of Stamps Copy Paper Printing Gift Cards

Advertising Space in Publications Winter Gift of HWB Office Rent Artwork for 2017 HWB Postcards

Herbalists Without Borders WISH LIST of items and services we need help with...

Herbal First Aid Kits Office Supplies: Rolls of Stamps Copy Paper Printing Gift Cards

Advertising Space in Publications Winter Gift of HWB Office Rent Artwork for 2017 HWB Postcards

Herbalists Without Borders is searching for volunteers to commit to 1-2 years in the following volunteer spots:

Educational Resources Coordinator Peoples Clinics Coordinator (U.S.)

Please contact HWB Executive Director, Gigi Stafne: officeHWB@gmail.com

Herbalists Without Borders is searching for volunteers to commit to 1-2 years in the following volunteer spots:

Educational Resources Coordinator Peoples Clinics Coordinator (U.S.)

Please contact HWB Executive Director, Gigi Stafne: officeHWB@gmail.com

HWB Gift Ideas

Looking for that great gift idea for your botanical loving friend? Maybe it’s time you treated yourself? Check out the Herbalists Without Borders shop where you’ll find totes, t-shirts, hoodies and so much more. Just go to our home page, scroll to the bottom and click on the ad for our Café Press shop. You can’t miss it. Another great gift idea is

a membership to HWB for that herbalist in your world who loves to be and bring the changes that we would all like to see happen in the world. Our memberships are super reasonable and help us to do the work we are so committed to. Stop by today, because every season is the season for wellness justice. www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

Looking for that great gift idea for your botanical loving friend? Maybe it’s time you treated yourself? Check out the Herbalists Without Borders shop where you’ll find totes, t-shirts, hoodies and so much more. Just go to our home page, scroll to the bottom and click on the ad for our Café Press shop. You can’t miss it. Another great gift idea is

a membership to HWB for that herbalist in your world who loves to be and bring the changes that we would all like to see happen in the world. Our memberships are super reasonable and help us to do the work we are so committed to. Stop by today, because every season is the season for wellness justice. www.herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com

We are so grateful to have such an amazing network of volunteers around the globe who help make a huge difference in their communities and within Herbalists Without Borders non-profit organization.

Thank you for your dedication!

National & International Lead Volunteer Team Executive Director: Gigi Stafne

Office Coordinator: Amy Shea

Membership Coordinator: Gabrielle Visco Volunteer Coordinator: Petra Sovcov Peoples Clinics Technical Assistance Coordinator: Chere Suzette Bergeron Educational Resources Coordinator: Jude Geske Brown

Social Media Coordinator: Joanna Czubernat

e-Newsletter Editor: Miriah Meiers Website Manager: presently open Graphic Artist: Open presently

Volunteer Board of Directors

Erin LaFaive, Chairperson Gabrielle Visco, Vice Chair Erik Stelter, Treasurer

Jeanne Hughes, Africa Clinics Liason Melany Birdsong, Board Member Stephanie Bliss, Board Member

Julie James, Board Member Joshua Muscat, Board Member

Nurturing Pinyon Pine Tree

by Miriah Miers

Even in the darkest and coldest days of winter, Mother

Nature provides food and medicine. Pinyon Pine can be used medicinally, as fuel, and as a savior food source.

Pinyon trees are abundant in my neck of the woods in Southwest Colorado. They generally grow at 4500 to 6500 feet in elevation, above the deserts, grasslands, and sagebrush, and below mountain forests. In Colorado, Pinyon pine can be found at 4000 to 9300 ft above sea level in dry sunny locations and are often grow near Junipers. They grow widespread in parts of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and California, as well as Canada, Mexico, and even China.

A slow-growing species, Pinyons rarely reach more than 30 feet tall, but they live a long time. They may reach 100 years old before even producing any kind of pine cone. Mature trees

reach ages of 350 – 450 years old and some live as long as 1000 years old! Pinyon timber was used in building the early pit houses of Mesa Verde from 400 to 900 A.D.

Pinyon Pine nuts became a food source shortly after the arrival of Homo sapiens, some 12,000 years ago. Pinyon nuts were a major food source for early Native Americans in the Southwest, and in some cases providing a key part of the winter diet. All pines produce nuts, but only the Pinyon seeds are large enough to be a key source of food.

Pinyon Pine resin (Pinyon pitch) is also very useful and medicinal. When burned, it releases a warm and fresh sweet pine fragrance, encourages healing and helps focus the mind. It will lift your vibration, refresh and support your inner soul, and clear any negative energy from one’s aura and environment. It is best to burn with charcoal or in an incense burner.

Native Americans have used pine resin to treat rheumatism because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also anti-microbial and used on skin sores and burns. It is great for getting splinters or other embedded objects in your skin because it is a powerful counter-irritant.

Pinyon Pine Salve

The best time to collect Pinyon Pine Resin (Pitch) is in the summer and early fall. Trees often have semi- hard globs of pitch on their trunks or base of the tree. I collect it when we are cutting firewood in the fall. Once you collected a mason jar full, break it up into small pieces.

Slowly melt ½ ounce beeswax in a sauce pan on low Slowly add 2 ounces of Pinyon Resin and stir until melted together

Drizzle 4 fluid ounces of oil (can be coconut, jojoba, olive, almond, etc)

Add any other essential oils or skin care oils you wish Pour mixture into metal or glass containers and let cool