Angelica

Angelica archangelica/officinalis, also known as garden angelica, masterwort, bellyache root, angel's plant and root of the holy ghost has a long history of healing by traditional herbalists. The name is thought to have come from it's relation to "Angels" as it is said to have come from a monk who dreamed of an angel who told him that it would be effective to use in the treatment of the bubonic plague that was overtaking Europe during the 17th century. It also typically blooms on May 8 which is the day of Micheal the Archangel. All the parts of the Angelica plant can be used; roots, seeds, stems and leaves.

Angelica archangelica is a cousin of Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) and there are over 60 species of angelica worldwide. It is an important ally to the female reproductive system and is often referred to as "female ginseng". I love to take Angelica personally for menstrual cramps and for the relief of PMS symptoms. It's a wonderful herb to use for coughs, colds, congestion and fevers. As well as for digestive issues such as gas, stomachache and indigestion. It's a great herbal medicine to stock in your family's medicine chest with as it has many medical uses! It can be used by adults as well as cautiously by older children.

**Do NOT use Angelica during pregnancy unless under supervision of a qualified herbalist/midwife and only if you are trying to stimulate labor.**


A few medicinal properties of Angelica are;

-Antitussive (Cough suppresant)
-Bitter (Stimulates digestion)
-Cardiac tonic (Nourishing to the heart as well as beneficial for those with high blood pressure)
-Carminative (Helps prevent & induces the expulsion of gas)
-Emmenagogue (Stimulates blood flow in the pelvic region and helps stimulate menstruation)
-Expectorant (Helps expel phlegm from the lungs)
-Nervine (Has a soothing, calming effect on the nerves)
-Stimulant (Induces temporary improvement in both mental and physical states)
Stomachic (Improves the overall function of the stomach and digestive process and stimulates the appetite)


Some general uses of Angelica to support health/wellness and for any of the following conditions;

-Amenorrhea (Absence of menstrual cycle, angelica helps stimulate menstruation)
-Arthritis aches and pain
-Colds, coughs, congestion & most respiratory ailments including the flu
-Depression
-Digestive aid (Helps in the treatment of IBS symptoms, indigestion, gas, cramps, heatburn & upset stomach)
-Fevers
-Hypertension
-Induction of labor (Again only under to be used and recommended under the care of a qualified practitioner)
-Muscle relaxant
-Helps relieve symptoms of PMS
-Calms a nervous stomach and frayed nerves

These are just a few ways you can use angelica to promote health and wellness as there are many uses and benefits. It is also a very easy plant to grow in your home garden!

Greetings from the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont!

Welcome to my blog! This is a new venture so please bear with me! I will be posting weekly about topics that I feel are important or topics that have been requested to be written about. (If you have a request please leave a comment and I will do my best to address/write about it in a future post!)

I'll also be posting book reviews in the pregnancy/ birth, herbal and breastfeeding genres among other things. Probably some personal essays, articles, recipes, tangents, adventures in midwifery school & birth stories! (with permission of course!) As well as some fun things like GIVEAWAYS! Also maybe occasionally showcasing things I create for sale like herbals, bodycare products, baby stuff, Mamawear, fertility jewelry and more! This is my little spot on the web to combine all my passions if you will and I'm so excited to share!

A little about me;

I'm a 39 year old mom of 3 awesome kids first and foremost & Motherhood has been my greatest & most important job! I'm also a doula, massage therapist and herbalist. My interest in birth goes back to high school science class when we watched the dreaded birth videos.. I have to admit it was good birth control back then (Ha!) but I still remember how secretly amazing I thought it was! Wow! Not just the act of birthing but how incredibly capable our bodies are of growing another human! Awe inspiring! It still amazes me now, all these years later, if not more so than it did then..No matter how many births or types of births I see, support or experience myself, it is always magical.

My Goal;

My goal is to educate, empower & support every client I come into contact with. Also to teach others (if they wish) to be able to be pro-active in their health care in some form. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey, we all have the innate ability to heal, grow ourselves & babies as well as become & stay empowered during the birthing process & beyond. I am here to help facilitate, support & empower you on your journey.

My Path;

I'm an herbalist and have been studying herbal healing since 1995. I have completed formal certificate programs via The Sonoran Herbal Institute in Tucson, AZ (150 hrs) and an apprenticeship at Blazing Star Herbal School in Ashfield, Ma. (250 hrs) Both amazing schools! As well as many other random courses over the years through
Pima Community College, The Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, The Heart of Herbs Herbal School and The American College of Healthcare Sciences. Currently I am attending my second year at Blazing Star Herbal School and deepening my advanced clinical skills. While I'm a perpetual student and always welcome the opportunity to learn more and deepen my understanding and connection with the plants, I'm always available for plant walks/hikes, classes, private consultations & tea! :)

I became a birth doula a couple of years before starting my own family and I trained through DONA in Tucson, AZ w/ Penny Stansfield. (2002). I also completed a 2yr 1000+ hour dual program in Shiatsu and Massage Therapy at The Desert Institute of the Healing Arts
(2001- 2003). I'm experienced in prenatal,sports massage, swedish, trigger point therapy & myofascial release techniques as well as teaching infant masssage.

I'm also a trained aromatherapist, flower essence practitioner and Reiki Master. Although I don't offer those as paid services, they do drift into my practice from time to time if I feel they would directly benefit a client specifically.

Currently I'm a midwifery student and after a many year break from massage and birthwork when my children were younger, I am now growing my private doula & massage therapy practice in the Southern Vermont region. My paths seem to be merging very nicely here and I look forward to more growth, learning and transition..

I'm available for massage in your home/hospital/birth center and for births as a doula. (I also offer chair massage at corporate rates for groups). I am available for postpartum and breastfeeding help as well as sibling support and healthy food preparation & delivery.. I offer many packages and believe I can fit my services into all budgets. I'm open to barter and offer a sliding scale to those in need. I will be adding additional pages here with a menu of my services, prices and other information and resources soon, so stay tuned..