My new toy! :)

Remedies #24, 25 & 26: Spanish Moss

I recently spent some time in Florida and noticed more than ever the Spanish moss all over the trees.  So, I set out to learn about this amazing moss, which is not even a moss at all actually, but a rootless plant.  In particular, I researched the uses by local Indians of Florida.

Spanish moss is a relative to the pineapple plant and actually not parasitic - it doesn't take anything from it's host unlike other invasive growth I've seen, like kudzu.  It does slow tree growth, but doesn't usually kill them.  

The plant was traditionally processed and worn by the women of the Timucua tribe in Florida.  To prepare the Spanish moss, they would soak it in ponds for six weeks, until the outer layer of the plant would rot away, leaving the stringy black  fibers they would use for weaving their skirts.  It was also used for filling mattresses and in construction of their mud walls, as well as for making cords.

Spanish moss was also used in medicine for a variety of purposes, but it also has many uses in contemporary herbal medicine as well.  Research has shown that Spanish moss has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which make it useful in preparations for hemorrhoids, tumors and abscesses.

It was because of these healing properties, that this plant was used in the Civil War as packing for wounds.

Be warned - Spanish moss does harbor red bugs and chiggers, among other tiny pests.  You can treat it by microwaving it for a few seconds and boiling it in water.  

Remedy #24: Spanish Moss Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Collect and sterilize Spanish moss by boiling it.  Dry the plant and crush it.  Apply directly to hemorrhoids to relieve swelling and pain.

Remedy #25: Spanish Moss Treatment for Sprains & Sore Muscles

Collect and sterilize Spanish moss by boiling it.  Crush several handfuls of moss, cover with water & bring to a boil, let simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, place a towel directly into the pan and let it cool down enough for you to touch it.  Wrap the hot towel around your sprain or sore muscle and cover with plastic wrap.  Leave the compress on until it has cooled.  Repeat up to 4 times each day to reduce swelling and pain.

Remedy #26: Spanish Moss Treatment for Tired, Sore & Swollen Feet

Collect and sterilize Spanish moss by boiling it.  Crush several handfuls of moss, cover with water & bring to a boil, let simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, and let it cool down enough for you to touch it.  Pour into a foot bath and add enough warm water to cover & soak your feet . 

The Gulf Coast of Florida

What a wonderful trip I recently had to Sarasota, Florida. 

I spent some time at several local beaches, including Clearwater, Indian Rock, Sanibel and Bowman's.

I warmed up after a cool and breezy day with a hot Irish Coffee at an incredible local Italian place, El Pescador.  I had a delicious bruschetta appetizer and then enjoyed lasagna and a glass of Chianti.  Of course I had to finish it all with a cannoli to go.  

As I was ooohhhing and awwwwiiiinnnggg over my pasta, I commented to the bartender about it being the best I'd ever had, he was quick to point out that the little old man passing through the bar towards the soda machine was the pasta man himself.  I asked the chef how he did it and this cute little guy replied, "Ahhh, it's a curse."       

Here are a few pics.

Enjoy.  

Shaman Quartz

I went to my favorite bookstore and walked around, not sure that I would get anything at all.

I've been looking for something to burn loose sage in, but ended up deciding to make something myself - I'll post info on that creation once it takes shape.

I wandered around for a while longer - this is my own little private getaway and I just didn't want to leave yet.

The store is tucked in a cool little spot right off 285 just North of Atlanta in Sandy Springs. Once in a while I take a detour on the way to the office and escape the busy streets inside the Dragon & Phoenix Bookstore (http://phoenixanddragon.com/).

It's a serene place where you can overhear conversations about the mystical or peruse books on everything from self help to magic, as well as find crystals, Tarot cards or candles.

One of my favorite parts of the store is the huge wall of crystals and stones of every kind you could possibly imagine! The wall behind it is made of glass bricks and the sunlight shines through thousands upon thousands of stones held in glass containers and on glass shelves.

When I step up to the wall and take a container in my hands and thumb through the crystals, I always feel like I am the only person in the room.

I walked along the wall this time and was drawn right away to the most gorgeous crystal. It was magnificent!!!! I turned it over and was shocked to see the sticker displaying the name of the stone: Shaman Quartz.

I thought it'd be impossible to capture how pretty this crystal is with a camera, but to my surprise, I snapped this shot with my iPhone. You can make out some the mossy inclusions and lines throughout it. As you turn the stone, the cracks look like shards of glass or ice and they cast their own little rainbows inside of this perfect little quartz that fits in the palm of my hand. It measures about 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".