Category Archives: Herbal Wisdom

Herbal Intensive 2012 a success!

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, , , , , , , , , , , ,

We had 10 people take part in our 2012 Annual Medicine Wheel workshop to learn how the four elements can be used to understand the actions and principles of herbs, and then how this apply this knowledge to help keep us healthy.

A smaller group of us joined together for the next 3 days of the Annual Herbal Intensive, and what fun we had! As usual, we prepared a St. John’s Wort tincture, Herbal Savory Vinegar, St. Joan’s oil, Prunella Vulgaris (Heal All) Glycerite, Yarrow Tinctract and Four Quadrants Healing Salve, along with many infusions, decoctions, a poultice, eyewash…..and more. We shared herbal knowledge, stories and deepened our understanding of how our health can be improved mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, thus applying the four elements of Medicine Wheel in more depth.

Below are some photos of the herb gardens and wildlife we enjoyed during the Intensive. Some pictures and comments from participants may follow to give your their perspective. From my perspective, I have to thank those who invest their time to join in these classes and empower themselves as they learn to take control of their health through the gifts provided freely to us through mother nature.

Some of the herbs – can you name them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our deer family leaving after their breakfast

Join us for next year’s Annual Herbal Intensive

July 12-15th, 2013!

 

 

The Yukon wild flowers are in full bloom!

Herbal Wisdom, , , , , , ,

A quick hello from the Yukon, where we are enjoying a visual palette of blooms: wild blue lupin, lady slippers, jacob’s ladder, sages, which is the common name, although they are not of the sage family, but rather Artemisia. Not yet in bloom but coming up are delphinium, yarrow and more.

I have included a photo of an Artemisia species photo below, aka Sage. As you can see, it grows easily in nothing but rocks, and will often be found up on high arid ridges and sides of hills. You can learn a bit about Artemisia from the Fact sheet on Artemisa Combination, an excellent parasite and Candida buster. I also mention Artemisia in my book:  The Paw Paw Program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round
and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally, as parasite cleansers are used as part of cancer approaches worldwide.

 

 

There has been so much rain that for a couple of days Whitehorse had roads in all directions closed; with most now being open to one lane or “pioneer” roads as they are being called, except the Alaska Highway, which is still closed. A rather unusual circumstance, which I never recall in the 13 years living here, and I think only once in the last 20 years since leaving.

Being unable to leave via car has not been the worst thing to happen as we have now been able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and almost ever lasting light which gives such a beautiful energy to the North. Getting to enjoy more old friends, Blue Grass Festival and helping with the multitude of summer projects. We’ll travel back south once the road opens.

 

Herbal Intensive July 6th – 9th, 2012

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, , , , , , , , ,

Herbal Intensive: What, Why and How?

 

The Cowichan Valley supports a lush growth of plants that have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, as well as for food. We will study indigenous, wild, and some cultivated botanicals with a Master Herbalist who has 30 years experience.

 

 

In this 3 1/2   day Intensive you will learn:

Ø       introduction to botanical terms

Ø       plant families and identification

Ø       medicine wheel & plant energy

Ø       drying and storage

Ø       doctrine of signatures

Ø       harvesting

You will also learn how to prepare and apply herbs in a practical and fun “hands on” setting:

Ø       Poultices, fomentations and compresses

Ø       Infusions,  decoctions and juices

Ø       Sweat baths, inhalations

Ø       Herbal oils and salves

Ø       Enemas and douches

Ø       Tinctures, herbal vinegars

Ø       Preparations for eyes, teeth, sinus and nose

Ø       Glycerites, syrups and more…

Someone might get a poultice applied; another a compress. Faces often contort as we taste the various decoctions!

We learn how to prepare and apply herbs in a practical and fun “hands on” setting.

Plus: 1/2 day Medicine Wheel Workshop, July 6th, 1-4 pm

Ø     Understand the 4 element model that has endured from ancient cultures around the world,

Ø     Learn to apply this to 4 pillars of health:

  • physical,
  • spiritual,
  • mental and
  • emotional.

Ø      Learn to understand  herbs and conditions

People can take Medicine Wheel Workshop  on its own, (Contact the office) and those attending the Intensive are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the Medicine Wheel workshop.

One trained practitioner from Calgary, Alberta wrote this in her evaluation:
“I learned to identify herbs out in the field, herbs which I have used with people for many years but never knew what they looked like.  It was great to see them in their natural habitat.  It helped me get to know them better as living beings! ”
Monica H.  Calgary, AB.

More testimonials:

I was one of the lucky participants, and it was so worth the time and cost. The setting was lovely, the other participants were generous in sharing their own experiences, the food was delicious, and the learning was boundless! Lorene is a born teacher, and the breadth of her expertise is amazing to me. This was just the workshop I needed to get me started in my own learning about herbs. Thank you!                                                                                                                       Miriam S. Duncan, BC

I can only encourage everyone to attend this inspiring & educational event. Once you embark on this opportunity to identify, smell, and work with a wide variety of herbs you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the healing powers herbs have to offer. The medicine wheel and other teachings on all pillars of health will bring you closer to nature and discovering your true inner self – reminding you the importance of incorporating all aspects of life into your daily living to achieve well-being. Take advantage of this event held in a beautiful paradise – only a walk away from a crystal clear river, taught by a very knowledgeable and successful instructor & provided with delicious meals fresh from the garden!            

Monica F, Annapolis Valley, NS                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Join us to experience the healing powers we have been provided with by getting in touch with herbs. Feel the peace of nature seep into your cells, guided by one of Canada’s leading herbal experts,  Master Herbalist and Healer of over 30 years.

On beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia – build a holiday of your lifetime around this event! Please contact our office for posters with details.

You will keep a minimum of three herbal products you help make.

 

Date: Friday-Monday, July 6th– 9th, 2012 

Investment: $475 includes: ½ day Medicine Wheel Workshop Fri, plus 3 full days Sat, Sun, Mon, all supplies, samples, and organic lunches.

Early Bird Discount for payment received by June 15th:  save $100!

Registration closes July 2nd        $50 of registration fee is a non-refundable deposit

About the Instructor: Lorene Benoit is a Health Educator with a Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physical Education. She has a Masters of Holistic Health; Certifications as Herbal Consultant, Iridologist, Contact Reflex Analyst and several Body-Mind Healing modalities.  She has engendered nutrition, lifestyle management and natural therapies for more than 30 years. Her passion is empowering people through down to earth education of   their own bodies, herbs and health on all levels.  In her vision to help people move towards optimum health, she offers consultations in her Vancouver Island office, writes and travels extensively to lecture and teach, and promote her book: The Paw Paw Program, a natural approach to cancer and health optimization.  This annual intensive is a favourite, where all the connections of healing come together in nature!  

These courses are being taught on 5 wild and cultivated acres within the temperate rain forest, and riparian habitat of the Cowichan River, Vancouver Island.

5175 Bills Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 6S7, Canada

Payment:   Money order can be mailed to Lorene Benoit at above address.

A list of local accommodations, B&Bs, or camping options & other activities available to help you stay and enjoy the Cowichan Valley paradise!

Register: Health Education, 250-748-6802 ;

email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com

In one of the herb gardens…

Over 300 species of plants out there!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 

 


Annual Herbal Intensive 2011 a Success!

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, Success Stories, ,

Our Annual Herbal Intensive was busy and full of stewing and brewing. As we had typical West Coast winter weather, (not at all typical for July!),  picking and identifying had to fit in between sun and rain spells. Despite this we learned how to identify, harvest, store, prepare and use over 30 herbs on this 5 Acre property!

We spent the first afternoon studying the Medicine Wheel garden and opening the Intensive by inviting the energies and spirit of the four elements  to join us. We made a soothing, healing salve with plantain, comfrey, yarrow, St. John’s wort and a few other propriety secrets available to those who participate in the course; St. John’s wort oil; herbal vinegar; herbal glycerites and some down home tinctracts, an alcohol tincture, plus a variety of aromatherapy products. We poulticed, snuffed, and drank lots of medicinal herbs in decoctions and infusions, both dried and fresh.

We prepared a 30% alcohol St. John’s wort tincture, as we have so much of it in late bloom, and it is great as a tincture for a dull winter uplift, and if things don’t change, we may need it for the summer too!

Everyone raved about Alain’s organic lunches; including the “weeds” we picked for the daily salads.

This year we had veteran herbal practitioners and beginning gardeners wanting to start herb gardens, from Canada and Holland, so the discussion and sharing were informative and lively. We may see some return next year and look forward to new people too! Thanks to all who attended – go forth and spread the wonders of herbal healing and health!

 

July Health Newsletter

Allergies, Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, Hormones, Newsletters, Vaccines, , , , , ,

We have been enjoying these sunny days preparing our herb gardens for the upcoming Medicine Wheel Workshop and Annual Herbal Intensive. Registration is open until July 14th.

For more information or for help with achieving your optimum health levels, please contact our office by phone:  250-748-6802
email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com Website www.naturalpathremedies.com

Articles added to our blog since the last newsletter, with direct link:

Allergies:
To help a person who has allergy problems, one must play detective. There are several body systems which may need to be addressed to solve the riddle. Determining which one or ones are the priorities can help to find quicker resolution. Every person is an individual, and although there are some herbs which will help many people most of the time, there are more severe or stubborn cases, where some sleuthing can make a difference quicker and with longer lasting benefits.

The systems that we assess for allergies are digestive, eliminative, respiratory, urinary and hepatic or liver. Our marvellous liver performs over 500 functions, so for those who are challenged with allergies, the liver is certainly one of the organs to check out. Let’s look briefly at the other systems first, by learning some of the clues as to which system is trying to tell you something. Click here to read more

Muscle Testing:
Muscle Response Testing, or MRT, is based on the principle that there is an energy field which flows around and through all things. The Chinese call this energy CHI. Like a magnet creating a magnetic field, which holds iron filings in a certain pattern, the CHI creates a field which holds the cells of our body in alignment. In muscle response testing we are checking the strength or weakness of the body’s energy field. It is a method of measuring the body’s energy balance. Click here to read more

Weight Loss and HCG:
Response to question: I have done some research and have come up with several opinions which  feel the HCG component is a placebo affect. This makes sense as anytime a person cleans up their diet, and decreases their caloric and carbohydrate intake, they will lose weight! Click here to read more

PhytoTherapy and Hormones:
Many women using synthetic hormones stopped when the Nurse’s Initiative published the negative side effects. Now more women use natural treatments to help with hormonal challenges, ranging from acne to weight gain and hot flashes.

Phytotherapy is the use of plants, either from food or herbs, for healing purposes. Phytotherapy is a wonderful alternative for hormonal balance because it works with your body to give you what you need, and has a proven track record of safety and efficacy. Click here to read more


If there is a natural health topic you would like to know more about, ask me on my website blog and I will do my best to answer.

Monthly Specials For Members

July special for new members – free Digestive Enzymes PLUS free small Chlorophyll with $75 order – if you have been thinking of it, now is the time! Call our office.

How does Membership with Nature’s Sunshine Products benefit you?

  • You can receive discounts from 10 – 40% on the most potent, most professionally formulated herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements in the industry since 1972.

What do you need to do?

  • Contact our office by email, phone or website
  • Memberships are free in most countries when you place an order.
  • Go to www.naturessunshine.com choose your country and use sponsor # 309344 to receive discount

Education

Free education, resource centre, fact sheets, webinars and professional conference calls available to all members. Canadian link is www.nsprc.ca. Call our office to get connected in other countries.
Ztyo Compass – learn what your body’s needs are: watch this 3 minute video to explain this simple, yet accurate biofeedback tool:
http://www.zytocompass.com/af/link.aspx?a=lbenoit
Assessments in group setting – fun and informative – are only $25, second time $20 – make it a party to get yours free, plus host gifts

Political Scene

If some people actually think there have been deaths from vitamins… which of course is ridiculous because the very word means “Vital Minerals”, please direct them to this one article. It is an excellent backup for those of us who find ourselves struggling to convince people… the article clearly shows that there has not been ONE proven death from natural products in the last 27 YEARS.

Compare this to the annual deaths reported by government agencies on deaths from adverse effects of drugs – in the USit is now over 160,000 per year! (Canadawould be roughly 1/10 of that figure).

http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v07n05.shtml

More than 2,000 vaccinated babies died: The cost of doing businesshttp://www.naturalnews.com/z031820_vaccinations_babies.html

Risk of infant mortality linked to more vaccines:
http://www.infowars.com/new-study-finds-direct-link-between-vaccines-and-infant-mortality/

Spiritual and Emotional

It was Tagore who said, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy.  I awoke and saw that life was service.  I acted and behold, service was joy.”

To do the thing that is yours to do today, that’s service.  As we do the thing that is ours to do today, there is joy.  We can act from that joy and live in a state of joy.

It was Charles Fillmore, the founder of the Unity religion, who on his 90th birthday wrote this affirmation:  “I spring out of bed and fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and go forth this day to do the things that ought to be done by me.”

Health Tip
Have a healthy happy summer storing up your Vit. D3 – sun is good for you in moderation. Protect yourself with clothing and shade, rather than sunscreen, especially between 10am and 2 pm.

Yours in health,
Benoit & Associates Health Education
Here to serve you……

Medicine Wheel Workshop

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, , , , , , , , , ,

Our Medicine Wheel workshop integrates the four pillars of health: physical, spiritual, mental and emotional with the four elements: air, fire, earth and water. We learn the actions of the medicinal herbs in each category and their use for healing.


Friday, July 15th 1:00 – 4:00 pm


About the Instructor: Lorene Benoit is a Health Educator with a Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physical Education. She has a Master of Holistic Health; is Certified as Herbal Consultant, Iridologist, Contact Reflex Analyst and several Body-Mind Healing modalities.

Taught at “The Sanctuary” in Glenora.
5175 Bills Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 6S7, Canada

Exchange: $30 – pre-register by July 12 th

Register: Benoit & Associates Health Education

250-748-6802 or TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com

Solstice Wishes

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom

Perhaps having lived in northern BC and the Yukon for 13 years makes the Summer Solstice very special to me, so I just wanted to send blessings and wishes to enjoy the energy that this offers us.

Here’s interesting advice about the solstice that is timely:
http://spiritualnetworks.com/shamancarla/blog/summer-solstice-a-message-from-the-elders-whispering-in-the-winds/

Looking forward to a great Herbal Intensive this July 15-18th. So far we have people from BC and Holland attending! We have been very busy in food, flower and herbal gardens. Bring on the SUN!

Herbal Intensive July 15th – 18th, 2011

Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom

Herbal Intensive: What, Why and How?

 

 

The Cowichan Valley supports a lush growth of plants that have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, as well as for food. We will study indigenous, wild, and some cultivated botanicals with a Master Herbalist who has 30 years experience.

In this 3 1/2   day Intensive you will learn:

Ø       introduction to botanical terms

Ø       plant families and identification

Ø       medicine wheel & plant energy

Ø       drying and storage

Ø       doctrine of signatures

Ø       harvesting


 

You will also learn how to prepare and apply herbs in a practical and fun “hands on” setting:

Ø       Poultices, fomentations and compresses

Ø       Infusions,  decoctions and juices

Ø       Sweat baths, inhalations

Ø       Herbal oils and salves

Ø       Enemas and douches

Ø       Tinctures, herbal vinegars

Ø       Preparations for eyes, teeth, sinus and nose

Ø       Glycerites, syrups and more…

Someone might get a poultice applied; another a compress. Faces often contort as we taste the various decoctions!

We learn how to prepare and apply herbs in a practical and fun “hands on” setting.

Plus: 1/2 day Medicine Wheel Workshop, July 15th, 1-4 pm

Ø     Understand the 4 element model that has endured from ancient cultures around the world,

Ø     Learn to apply this to 4 pillars of health:

  • physical,
  • spiritual,
  • mental and
  • emotional.

Ø      Learn to understand  herbs and conditions

People can take Medicine Wheel Workshop  on its own, (Contact the office) and those attending the Intensive are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the Medicine Wheel workshop.

One trained practitioner from Calgary, Alberta wrote this in her evaluation:
“I learned to identify herbs out in the field, herbs which I have used with people for many years but never knew what they looked like.  It was great to see them in their natural habitat.  It helped me get to know them better as living beings! ”
Monica H.  Calgary, AB.

 

Join us to experience the healing powers we have been provided with by getting in touch with herbs. Feel the peace of nature seep into your cells, guided by one of Canada’s leading herbal experts,  Master Herbalist and Healer of over 30 years.

On beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia – build a holiday of your lifetime around this event! Please contact our office for posters with details.

 

You will keep a minimum of three herbal products you help make.

 

Date: Friday-Monday, July 15th– 18th, 2011

Investment: $475 includes: ½ day Medicine Wheel Workshop Fri, plus 3 full days Sat, Sun, Mon, all supplies, samples, and organic lunches.

Early Bird Discount for payment received by June 15th: save $100!

 

Registration closes July 7th $50 of registration fee is a non-refundable deposit

 

About the Instructor: Lorene Benoit is a Health Educator with a Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physical Education. She has a Master of Holistic Health; is Certified as Herbal Consultant, Iridologist, Contact Reflex Analyst and several Body-Mind Healing modalities.  She has engendered nutrition, lifestyle management and natural therapies for more than 30 years. Her passion is empowering people through down to earth education of   their own bodies, herbs and health on all levels.  In her vision to help people move towards optimum health, she offers consultations in her Vancouver Island office, writes and travels extensively to lecture and teach. This annual intensive is a favourite, where all the connections of healing come together in nature!

 

Location: These courses are being taught on 5 wild and cultivated acres within the temperate rain forest, and riparian (riverside) habitat of the Cowichan River, Vancouver Island.

5175 Bills Road, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 6S7, Canada

 

Payment:    Money order can be mailed to Lorene Benoit at above address.

 

A list of local accommodations, B&Bs, or camping options & other activities available to help you stay and enjoy the Cowichan Valley paradise!

 

Register: Health Education, 250-748-6802 ;

email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com

 

 


New Book: Paw Paw Program – A Christopher Columbus Approach To Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally

Cancer, Herbal Wisdom, Success Stories, , , , , ,

New  Release helps people with Cancer : “The Paw Paw Program,  A Christopher Columbus Approach to Cancer”

This book contains  286 pages of well – researched information on the Paw Paw comprehensive program, clearly explains a natural approach to cancer.  Besides the Paw Paw program, it includes dietary suggestions, lifestyle change, recipes and more.  The price is $29.95, plus S/H, with specials available for bulk purchases. Call now to order yours.

I premiered this book at a Convention in Lake Louise from Oct. 21st and had great response, with over 150 sales.

Contact our office if you want to schedule a class or event in your area to introduce the program and book.

To read more about the book, and to order, please go to our separate Paw Paw Program book page, or contact our office with details of your address and payment for prompt service!

UPDATE: 

2nd Edition was released May, 2013 with updated statistics, and recommendations based on successes! Healthful recipes, dietary recommendations  and lifestyle tips are essential for everyone,  not just those wanting to prevent cancer, but ALL chronic and degenerative conditions.

To date we have donated $400 for the Nepal Education Fund, (www.nepaledfund.ca) from book sales for this worthwhile cause.

Ginkgo biloba: Benefits to brain, stroke prevention and treatment and other CV challenges

Brain Health, Healthy Solutions, Herbal Wisdom, , , ,

The herb Ginkgo biloba has a long history as the ultimate brain and memory booster. In China it is considered the Tree of Longevity, some trees living to more than 1000 years old. Significant research has shown it can also protect you from brain damage after a stroke, as well as aiding in prevention of all cardiovascular challenges.

The American Stroke Association says strokes can occur when a clot blocks or bursts a blood vessel to the brain. This damage prevents your brain from getting the blood and oxygen it needs. When your brain is starved of life-giving oxygen, it could lead to seizures, vision problems, memory and speech loss, or paralysis.

According to research completed at Johns Hopkins University there is evidence that Ginkgo biloba may neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.  A research team gave mice daily doses of Ginkgo biloba extract. The mice then had a laboratory-induced stroke. The researchers found these mice suffered about half the brain damage as animals not given the ginkgo.

They also found that mice that were give ginkgo five minutes after the induced stroke sustained nearly 60 percent less brain damage the day after the stroke than those not given ginkgo at all. And when mice received ginkgo 4 1/2 hours after a stroke—they still showed about a third less damage than those not given ginkgo!

“If further work confirms what we’ve seen, we could theoretically recommend a daily regimen of ginkgo to people at high risk of stroke as a preventive measure against brain damage,” said lead researcher Sylvain Dore, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.

Gingko has also been used to improve concentration and memory, Raynaud’s, and is an effective blood thinner for stroke prevention.

The Ginkgo biloba that I use is a time released concentrate, which is very potent and effective. Contact our office to learn how to order this potent Gingko Biloba.