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You are here: Home / Archives for herbs

Farm Fund Recipient: Ebb & Flow Herb Farm

Robin Crandall of Ebb and Flow herb farm harvesting echinacea

Watch the video.

In September, we headed out to Ebb & Flow Herb Farm to visit Farm Fund recipient Robin Crandall. Located in the Skagit Valley, Ebb & Flow is just a 30-minute drive from the Community Food Co-op in Downtown Bellingham. Robin grew up in Bellingham but moved to Mount Vernon two years ago to start her farm on an opportune plot of rented land. 

Ebb & Flow has seen success in its fledgling years. Robin has forged relationships with many local herbalists and sells direct to them to make up the bulk of Ebb & Flow's annual sales. Robin also has a small CSA program for the smattering of organic vegetables she grows on the farm.

Robin has roots in western Washington and many connections with small businesses in the area. She'll occasionally provide local restaurants with a batch of veggies or provide herbs to businesses. For example, she sells herbs to Junebug Ferments in Bow to make into yummy probiotic concoctions.

If you're a beer drinker, keep your eyes out for Robin's annual collaboration with Stone's Throw Brewing. Last year's beer was brewed with organic Ebb & Flow chamomile and calendula.

Robin currently sells her dried herbs and veggies to Anacortes Food Co-op. She's excited about the potential of selling to more co-ops in the area if she can ramp up production enough in the coming years.

There's also an Ebb & Flow Etsy store that allows Robin to share her herbal blends with folks far and wide—though that's a small portion of her overall sales.

bulk bags of dried herbs
farmer's dirty hands holding yellow arnica flower
field of fresh holy basil herb

Robin's land boasts two acres of certified organic herbs, veggies, and flowers, along with two greenhouses. Her Farm Fund grant allowed her to build an herb drying shed and install solar panels that bring electricity to her farm. Now, she can plug in fans to speed up the drying process, so she can produce more herbs, more often.

Prior to having the drying shed, Robin was drying all of her herbs in her house. Having a better drying set-up has allowed her to produce a whopping 150 pounds of dried herbs so far this year. That’s about three times the yield she was able to produce last year.

two greenhouses and a farm shed on a sunny day
the inside of an herb drying shed

In general, Ebb & Flow is a one-woman operation, but Robin recieves help from friends here and there. The farming community is strong, and Robin says she feels like she’s found her people since moving south to start the farm.

The farm is still in its early days, and Robin is looking forward to the future. She's excited to continue building relationships and hopes to continue expanding production, so she can provide more local, organic, and healing herbs to her community.

Farm Fund Recipient: Ebb and Flow Herb Farm

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Natural Strategies for Seasonal Allergies

sign next to blooming branches reads "allergy season ahead"

You may have noticed the first signs of spring as Indian Plums break from their buds, nettles emerge from the damp ground, and daffodils and crocuses brighten the landscape. Although always a welcome sight, this time of year also harkens the beginning of the sneezes, itchy eyes, and stuffed noses of allergy season.

If you are looking for natural support when it comes to mitigating seasonal allergies, the most important thing to remember is to start early. The most common mistake people make during allergy season is waiting for their symptoms to arrive before starting natural treatments. Although they can be very effective, many herbs and nutrients used for allergy support take time to work.

For best results, I recommend starting an allergy protocol at least one month before allergy onset.

Unsure of where to start? Below are some common strategies for alleviating allergies.

person changing pillowcase in bedroom

Healthy Habits

Often overlooked, simple hygiene measures can make a big impact when it comes to reducing unwanted allergy symptoms. Pollen very efficiently travels long distances via air streams and animal fur to find new homes in which to flourish. Although we lack the dense fur of our animal counterparts, our clothes and hair offer welcome spots to catch a ride for the innumerable pollen grains that we encounter during a short stroll outside. We end up inadvertently bringing these pollen grains into our homes and onto our sofas, pillows, blankets, and sheets. Luckily, there are some simple steps to decrease this load:

  • Change out of your clothes and shower as soon as you get home. Make sure to put your clothes away in a hamper or closet to prevent pollen recirculation. Showering helps to remove pollen embedded in your hair or on the surface of your skin.
  • Change your sheets and pillowcases often. Since we spend a lot of time with our heads against a pillow, we want to make sure that pillow is as free as possible of pollen. Switch out pillowcases twice weekly and wash sheets weekly if you are able.
  • Vacuum, dust, and mop often. If you have rugs or carpeting, vacuuming at least weekly or multiple times a week is critical. If time is limited, focus on the rooms you spend most of your time in, such as the bedroom and living room. Use a damp cloth to wipe down hard surfaces, such as tables and shelves.
  • Use HEPA air filters to filter pollen out of circulation. Start with the room you spend the most time in, such as the bedroom or a home office.
white neti pot with towel and salt on display

Nasal Rinses

In addition to cleaning around the house and improving the quality of the air you breath, you can also take steps to clear your sinuses.

  • Neti pots and nasal lavages help to clean the nasal passages of pollen as well as to lubricate the nose and throat. If used regularly, they have the added benefit of preventing mucus in the sinuses from building up and causing sinus infections.
  • Inhaling steam produced by a hot shower or a pot of water on a rolling boil can help to break up mucus and clear out the sinuses. Take care to position yourself far enough from the source to prevent getting burned by the steam. Consider adding fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, to the water for their soothing volatile oils.
variety of colorful and fresh apples in a wooden box

Nutrients & Foods

Eating foods that are natural sources of antihistamines and antioxidants will help you combat seasonal allergy symptoms.

  • Luteolin is a common constituent of many fruits and vegetables, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. Common sources of luteolin include carrots, olive oil, peppermint, thyme, oregano, and celery.
  • Quercetin, like luteolin, is a powerful antioxidant that has antihistamine properties. It can be found in common foods such as onions, citrus fruits, buckwheat, green leafy vegetables, and apples.
  • Apples not only contain quercetin, they are also a rich source of allergy fighting polyphenols and antioxidant proanthocyanins.
Nettles: leaves, supplements, tincture, and tea

Herbs

Support a nutrient-rich diet with herbal supplements.

  • Nettles have natural antihistamine properties, with the highest concentrations in freeze dried preparations. Since nettles are abundant this time of year, enjoying them as food or tea can also be helpful.
  • Butterbur is shown to be effective against allergic rhinitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that acts to inhibit inflammatory leukotrienes and histamine-releasing mast cells.

Start now for a more enjoyable allergy season. And, as always, remember to consult your health care provider before starting any herbal or supplement protocol.

Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

NUTRITION| SALES| WELLNESS allergies| herbs| naturopathic medicine| spring| wellness

Herbal Adaptogens for Stress Support

silver spoons with brightly colored superfood powders in them

The past few years have brought about unexpected and unprecedented change. As a consequence, it has also burdened us with significant stress: stress at the workplace, stress in relationships, stress about the future, financial stress, and burnout. For many of us stress has permeated our lives, becoming a daily and constant unwelcome companion. It is important to note that not all stress is bad. In healthy amounts, stress can be a source of motivation, it can help us endure discomfort in the short term for long term gains, it can help keep us safe by cueing us into danger. When stress becomes prolonged and overwhelming, however, it stops being beneficial and instead becomes disruptive, burdensome, and even detrimental to our health. Excessive stress can cause fatigue, disrupt our sleep, make us more irritable and on edge, and lead to or exacerbate chronic conditions like IBS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Luckily, there is a group of herbal allies that can help us bear the weight of stress so that it does not feel so heavy. These allies are called adaptogens. Adaptogens are uniquely well suited to help our bodies adapt to stress on a physiological level. When taken regularly, adaptogens can help decrease fatigue, improve attention and endurance, and blunt the detrimental effects that chronic stress can have on our hormones, immune system, and nervous system.  

Let’s take a closer look at four common adaptogens.

Rhodiola plant pictured with root on wooden spoon

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a short, fleshy perennial herb with a fragrant rhizome that is abundant in the Arctic and originates in Siberia and the mountains of northwest China. Just as the plant itself is able to withstand and even flourish in these harsh habitats, rhodiola as an adaptogen helps to increase endurance, combat fatigue, and enhance physical and mental performance. It is ideal for those who are experiencing prolonged periods of heightened stress leading to fatigue, burnout, and difficulty focusing. Think of this plant for those who are burning the candle at both ends, such as college students, exhausted parents, and overworked individuals. Because of its energy boosting properties, it is best taken earlier in the day.

Find rhodiola in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Astragalus roots slices in front of black tea pot

Astragalus

Astragalus is widely used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen with cooling and calming effects. In addition to being an adaptogen, astragalus is inflammation-modulating. It does it all. Astragalus protects the kidneys and liver, supports a healthy heart, breaks down scar tissue, and fights against viral infections. It is best used on a regular basis for general stress support, especially when stress leads to frequent illness, anger and irritability, and chronic fatigue.

Find astragalus in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Ashwagandha plant, root, powder, and capsule on cutting board

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition as an herb that helps to replenish us when we feel our vitality is depleted. Not only a powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory and anxiety reducing. It helps to nourish and protect the brain. Ashwagandha is ideal for those experiencing stress-related insomnia, as it can help increase sleep latency times, allowing us to sleep longer and more fully. Think of this plant for when you are feeling “wired and tired,” exhausted and unable to cope with stress with excessive worry and thoughts.

Find ashwagandha in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Bacopa herb and powder in bowl

Bacopa

Bacopa is the go-to adaptogen when stress is starting to affect brain health. Bacopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, increases GABA (an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter), and helps to repair damaged neurons. Bacopa is helpful in improving cognition, focus, memory retention, and concentration. Because of these qualities, it can be a powerful adaptogen for the aging, the overworked, and those with ADHD.

Find bacopa in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

HOT OFF THE PRESS| NUTRITION| WELLNESS adaptogens| herbs| naturopathic medicine| stress| supplements| wellness

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The search for our next General Manager has begun. Nonprofit Professionals Now is actively recruiting for the next Community Food Co-op General Manager.

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A Visit To Tortillas Con Madre

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo early this year by visiting one of our favorite local companies, Tortillas Con Madre! Hear Lupita’s story and check out behind the scenes footage of production day at the tortilla factory.

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Earth Day at the Co-op

This Earth Day, we’re sharing some of our favorite sustainable products and actions to help you be gentler on the Earth today and everyday.

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