I would like to introduce myself, my name is Colleen Zorbas. I am an herbalist and the head potion maker for Moon Garden Teas & Herbals. If you are receiving this email, it is because, I either met you at one of my events, or at the Spa City Farmers' Market and you signed up for this email. If you do not want to receive any of these newsletters, please feel free to unsubscribe, If you absolutely love this blog,
please feel free to share far and wide! And I thank you for your support. I will be sharing herbal medicine stories, great recipes, fabulous Moon Garden products, and specials. I will also let you know what's happening in our Art & Music Studios! Black Box Studio & Zorbas Productions. (http://www.blackboxstudio.net ) Herbals, Art, and Music it can't get better than that!
To my new subscribers, WELCOME! I am so glad you are here. As I am writing this blog, I am sitting on my deck listening to the frogs in our pond singing quite the musical soul mate song. There is such magic in Spring. It is a time for new beginnings, sunshine, lush green landscapes and the gorgeous sounds of nature. One of my favorite seasons. <3
Nettle- A Powerhouse Herb
All last year my family and I cared for my ailing in-laws. It was an honor to care for them, but it was also physically and emotionally draining at times. I won't go into deep detail about the care, but I will mention some things in this blog and future blogs about herbalism for the elderly, and how I incorporated some of my herbal knowledge to help with different issues pertaining to my father and mother in law.
When my in-laws came to live with us, from being very independent and alone in Florida, we really didn't realize how much care they really needed. My father in law was very weak and undernourished from caring for his wife (my mother in law) by himself, plus he had many serious health issues himself. Of course they were too prideful to let us know they needed help. Every time we spoke on the phone, they acted like everything was fine, but it certainly wasn't! Long story short, we were so glad they decided to move back home with us to New York.
The first herb in action--Nettle( urtica dioica.)--I started nettle infusions for my father in law right away. With extremely nourishing foods and nettle infusions everyday, he went from very underweight to a healthy normal weight and his energy levels started to go through the roof! He started to walk everyday, and work in the garden. The best thing was, he was smiling again. He started to crave his nourishing nettle infusions because he knew how great they made him feel. My mother in law started to see a change in him, and even with her extremely stubborn ways and very particular tastes, she started to ask for nettle too!
My Father in Law, John, in his element (2022--95yrs old)
Benefits:
Nettle ( Urtica dioica ) has been used since ancient times and contains many, many nutrients.
Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as B vitamins.
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sodium.
Fats: Linoleum Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, and Oleic Acid
All of the essential amino acids
What's more, many these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body
Nettle reduces inflammation.
Treats enlarged prostate symptoms
Helps tremendously with allergens
Lowers blood pressure
Aids in Sugar Control
Liver health
A natural diuretic
How to Make a Nourishing Nettle Infusion
1 cup (by volume) dried nettle leaf
Place in a quart size mason jar
Fill to the top with boiling spring water -stir-
Place top on ( it will seal ) -Do NOT shake.
Let this sit on your counter for 8 to 24 hours. I usually prepare this before bedtime and in the morning I strain the nettle out and place the infusion in the refrigerator.
Drink all day.
Nettle is for all ages and an energy game changer for me. It isn't a sugar rush or a caffeine high, nettle gives you a clean steady lift and a clear mind. Give it a try and let me know how it makes you feel. <3
Stinging Nettle Plant
No forum post or website comment should be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before trying any new herb or remedy mentioned in the website or any related forum.
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In the Art Studio
Callista & Demetra have been keeping busy with pet portrait commissions and art shows. Let us know if you are interested an original work of art. Makes the perfect gift!
Pet Portraits by Artist: Demetra Zorbas
"A Red Rose" Oil on Canvas - Artist: Callista Zorbas
In The Music Studio!
The Zorbas Trio
Callista Zorbas: Guitar & Vocals
Demetra Zorbas: Bass Guitar & Vocals
John Zorbas: Piano/Keyboard
The Zorbas Trio has been hard at work rehearsing and writing new music. I hope you are able to make it to one of their shows this summer!
Spa City Farmers Market in Saratoga Springs
10am till 2pm
May 21st
June 25th
July 30th
August 27th
September 24th
October 29th
The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls
August 25th --7:30pm
More Dates To Come!
Many Blessings to you and yours.
With Gratitude,
Colleen
Wow, thanks for sharing this Colleen! I have some shampoo with Nettle but have never tried ingesting it. It sounds like something I would benefit from. Where do you find seed to grow it? I will add it to my list of things to try. Very valuable info!