Your placenta is the amazing organ that supported your baby for the nine or so months before birth. It has done such a good job of nourishing and supporting your growing baby in the womb and yet it is often regarded as nothing more than "medical waste" after it is born. In many other cultures, the placenta is honored in a variety of ways and considered medicinally beneficial to both the mother and child. Just as it protected, nourished, supported and sustained its baby, the placenta, when carefully prepared for consumption, continues its job by supporting lactation, facilitating an easier postpartum recovery, increasing maternal energy, easing life transitions, and avoiding postpartum depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has recognized the placenta as powerful medicine used to increase scanty lactation and life energy after the birth.
     Today, many women look to placenta encapsulation as a natural way to even their hormones after birth and avoid postpartum depression. I have personally seen this difference. I have three amazing kids, two in which I birthed without encapsulating, and with my last I encapsulated. The difference for me was night and day. My first two I had postpartum depression, and suffered supply issues, but with my son I had no postpartum depression at all (In fact my energy and mood was amazing) , I had an exorbitant amount of milk (so much so that I was able to donate close to one thousand ounces of my milk to babies in need.), and I had an energy level that I cannot even describe. I have seen, personally, what a change this makes.
     I use TCM methods to gently steam (I steam with fresh ginger root, lemon­grass, and fresh lemon slices unless an allergy is known, or you request otherwise), dehydrate, powder and encapsulate the placenta. Each placenta is different in size and substance so the amount of capsules it makes can vary from 90 to 140 capsules. The standard dosage is up to 2 capsules, 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks. Some TCM practitioners suggest taking the pills with a little wine, saying that it helps diffuse the placenta energy throughout the body.
     After 2 weeks you can slowly start to decrease how many of your placenta capsules you are taking. In my opinion this is more effective, and gives a longer lasting effect than simply cooking and ingesting your placenta after birthing. The first month after birth is a crucial time. Your body is regulating hormones, making milk, and recovering. Finding a method that will give you a lasting effect is very important and TCM gives you that.
     For menopause and times of stress I suggest a tincture. A tincture is made using the same ingredients as the capsule, and is steeped in a high quality organic wheat alcohol. The tincture
can be used for years and years without the worry of it spoiling, as it does not have a shelf life. It
can also be used for your baby/ child in times of need. For Mom, I suggest adding 7-­8 drops into a
glass of wine or juice when needed. For children I suggest adding 3­-4 drops to juice (this is less
alcohol content than is found in traditional cold medicine).
     I also include for no extra charge, two Placenta prints (printed on a thick acid free water- color paper) I am happy to try to customize the print upon request. I highly suggest laminating the print so that you may have years and years to enjoy it. It looks beautiful hanging in babies room! Lastly I include a cord keepsake. I am very open to trying to dry the cord in whatever shape you would like (typically I would do a swirl, or a heart). I can provide pictures of what these look like upon request.
     If you are interested in my placenta services, please contact me before, or during your pregnancy and let me know your estimated due date and the intended birth place. I will send over documents for you to sign, and information on pickup, and delivery.

Many have heard it before, and you will likely hear it again. When "Flu season" strikes, have Elderberry Syrup on hand. Or for any illness that is being spread, for that matter. European Black Elder trees (Sambucus nigra) produce the berries that are most commonly used as a medicinal herbal immune booster. This large shrub to small tree bears greenery that is poisonous, as are the berries (mildly) when they are unripe. Once the black-to-blue colored berries are ripened and cooked, they become a culinary and medicinal treat with a wide variety of uses.

The berries of the Black Elder tree are used in many  household recipes in its native Europe. They serve as a tasty treat in the creation of jams, jellies, chutney, and sauces. They are also used in the production of infusions, cordials, wine, brandy, and commercial drinks due to the pleasing and popular flavor. Just as common are the traditional medicinal uses for elder berries. Native peoples and herbalists use extracts from aerial and root portions of the plant for bronchitis, cough, disorders of the respiratory tract, viral infections, the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, fever, colds, and influenza.

So what makes this tiny delicious berry so very good for you? Elderberries have been shown to contain a variety of compounds that enhance individual immune function. These compounds include organic pigments, tannins, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids (including quercetin and anthocyanins), rutin, viburnic acid, vitamins A and B, and a large amount of vitamin C. It is believed by researchers that the anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants) present serve to protect against cell damage and are responsible for the therapeutic effects of the berries.

​All in all, this little fruit is big in both flavor and potential health benefits. It's also the star ingredient in the ever popular Elderberry Syrup either on it's own in a simple decoction, or combined with other immune boosters to make a delicious and healthy daily ritual to avoid seasonal illness.

​Welcome to Nourished Earth Apothecary! We are finally up and running! Though as with all newly actualized dreams, we are a work in progress.

This shop will be focused on all natural remedies and teas for life's many adventures. As with all small businesses, individual passions may prevail, and there will always be something here awaiting the new mother in her journeys as I continue my own travels in motherhood.

Please feel free to contact us anytime, and new product suggestions or requests are always welcome!

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