Cranberries! - A Healthy Superfruit

Cranberries! - A Healthy Superfruit

(Vaccinium oxycoccos)

Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing E. coli from adhering to the cells that line the urinary tract1,2. This same effect may help prevent other types of infections involving host-tissue bacteria such as H. pylori, a major cause of gastric ulcers3.

Cranberries are a potent source of antioxidants, specifically from a subclass of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are unique and abundant in cranberries. The antioxidant properties of PACs may have a range of other health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health. However, there has been some discussion concerning cranberry-warfarin interation6. If you are on blood thinning drugs, please consult your doctor with regard to possible herb-drug interactions.

1. Howell AB, Reed J, Krueger C, Winterbottom R, Leahy M. A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity. Phytochemistry 2005; 66 (18): 2281-2291.

2. Howell A. Cranberry Proanthocyanidins and the Maintenance of Urinary Tract
Health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2002; 42(S): 273-278.

3. Burger O, Weiss E, Sharon N, Tabak M, Neeman I, and Ofek I.
Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus by a high-molecular-weight constituent of cranberry juice.
Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 2002. 42(Suppl.).

4.Reed J. Cranberry flavonoids, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2002; 42(Supp): 301-316.

5. Ruel G, Pomerleau S, et al. Low-calorie cranberry juice supplementation reduces plasma oxidized LDL

and cell adhesion molecule concentrations in men. British Journal of Nutrition 2008; 99(2): 352-359

6.Suvarna R, Pirmohamed M and Henderson L. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. BMJ 2003;327:1454.

Cranberries are naturally fat-free and have very little sodium, so adding them to a balanced diet is a delicious, refreshing, and nutritious way to meet the recommended servings of fruit daily. Making your own cranberry sauce is not only easy, but also great way to enjoy this fruit year-round.

Here is an easy recipe that you can make yourself:

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) packages fresh cranberries,

2 oranges,

1/2 cup sugar.

Directions

Grate the zest from two oranges and squeeze the juice. Put all the ingredients (zest, orance juice, sugar and cranberries) into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve at room temperature or cool and refrigerate.

For more information about herbs - visit our website - www.herbalbear.com

Join us for the 2010 Botanical Medicine Program - Learn about Herbs at our 30 Acre Catskill Learning Center

We are still accepting students for this years class!

2010 Botanical Medicine Program
For full information please vist us at herbalbear.com

A six weekend intensive program for those interested in a well rounded education in herbal studies. This class is designed to give students a solid foundation in herbalism. Each class we will learn about herbs for the different systems including: the digestive, nervous, cardiac, reproductive, and immune system. Students will learn plant identification, harvesting techniques, medicinal plant preparations and herbal formula development. This class is held in the Northern Catskills on a private 30 acre property. Many of the medicinal plants we study are growing in our gardens or found on our property. Unlike other herbals classes, this class incorporates field work with the plants. You will be able to see, study and harvest medicinal plants throughout the entire growing season. This class is designed for beginning and intermediate herbal students. For a full description of this class - please follow this link

Program Dates

The 2010 Botanical Medicine Program meets for all of the following dates:

Saturday, June 12th - Sunday June 13th, 2010
Saturday July 10th - Sunday July 11th, 2010
Saturday August 14th - Sunday August 15th, 2010
Saturday September 11th - Sunday Sept 12th, 2010
Saturday October 2nd - Sunday October 3rd, 2010
Saturday October 23rd - Sunday October 24th, 2010

Program Cost:

Option 1:
Full Registration. Pay in full: $3150.00.
- or -

Option 2:
Registration with Easy Payment Plan: $3600 in 6 monthly installments by automatic credit card payment. Begin by April 15, 2010.

If you have any specific questions about our programs, please feel free to contact us.

Oats - The Gentle Herb for Your Nerves

Oats
(Avena sativa)
By Ursula Basch -
The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Fresh milky Oats, the actual Oat seed, is an important and useful remedy in nervous exhaustion. Oats action upon the nervous system, although not strongly sedative, is relaxing and useful in promoting restful sleep.

Often used in combination with Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) or Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Oats is an effective treatment in insomnia. The ability of Oats to reduce irritable states generally also makes it an important remedy in the treatment of stress, and oats have been used to help wean people nicotine addictions.
Used topically, oatmeal is an excellent remedy for inflamed, irritated or itchy skin. To be used topically, 2 cups of oatmeal should be placed into a clean knee-high stocking or sock. The filled sock is then tied at the top or secured with a rubber band to contain the Oats. A tub should be run with the hottest water and the Oat filled sock is then tossed into the bath. Allow the bath water to cool to a comfortable temperature - usually 20- 30 minutes. You can then bathe using the sock to sponge the irritated or itchy areas of the skin.

The consumption of Oat bran, the outer casing of the Oat, is believed to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and possibly to reduce the risk of heart disease. In January 1998 decision the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final rule allowing a health claim to be made on the labels of foods containing soluble fiber from whole oats (oat bran, oat flour and rolled oats), noting that 3.00 grams of soluble fiber daily from these foods, in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and fat may reduce the risk of heart disease. In order to qualify for the health claim, the whole oat-containing food must provide at least 0.75 grams of soluble fiber per serving. The soluble fiber in whole oats comprises a class of polysaccharides known as beta-D-glucan. Beta-D-glucans, usually referred to as beta-glucans, comprise a class of non-digestible polysaccharides widely found in nature in sources such as grains, barley, yeast, bacteria, algae and mushrooms.
Oats contain more soluble fiber than any other grain, resulting in slower digestion and an extended sensation of fullness. By adding fiber and bulk, oats taken as food can aid in chronic constipation.

Some books on Herbs and Stress Management that may be of of interest:
(All titles below have a link to Amazon.com

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

Herbs for Reducing Stress & Anxiety (Natural Health Handbooks)

Stress & Natural Healing: Herbal Medicines and Natural Therapies

Cold Process Herbal Soap Making in NYC

Herbal Soap Making

Date & Time: Friday, April 16, 2010; 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
The class is now held on the 7th floor.
Class size is limited to 10 students.

Cost: $95.00
To register for this class visit: http://www.herbalbear.com/hsm160410.html
To see all our classes visit: http://www.herbalbear.com


Study basic techniques for making vegetable based soaps that heal and beautify the skin. This is a hands-on class where each student will actually prepare and make their own batch of soap in class. All aspects of soap making including: oil selection, scenting, coloring, super fatting and trouble shooting will be discussed. Student's will be using the "Cold Process" method of soap making - the use of Sodium hydroxide (Lye) is employed in this process. All students must wear safety equipment during this class. Class size is limited, please register early. Each student must bring their own apron, rubber dishwashing gloves and a pair of safety glasses to the class.

The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine offers classes in herbal studies.
Visit our webiste at: http://www.herbalbear.com

Elderberry - An Herb for Flu Season

Elderberry - An Herb for Flu Season

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus nigra)
By Ursula Basch
Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Elderberries have been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Widely used in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity to boost the immune system, for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections. In a placebo-controlled double-blind study, Elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza B.1 with the result that those who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not.

A recent study in 2009 2 showed that Elderberry extract inhibited Human Influenza A (H1N1) infection. Flavonoids from the Elderberry extract bind to H1N1 virions and, when bound, block the ability of the viruses to infect host cells.

Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. Elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. Cytokines act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, helping to defend the body against disease. The anthocyanins found in elderberries possess appreciably more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or vitamin C 3.

Elderberries are also mildly laxative, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.

1. J Alt Compl Mod 1995: 1:361-69
2. Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61. Epub 2009 Aug 12.Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.
3. Youdim KA, Martin A, Joseph JA. Incorporation of the elderberry anthocyanins by endothelial cells increases protection against oxidative stress.



Making Elderberry Syrup
Makes 1 quart

Make sure the cookware you're using is made of stainless steel. If you use an aluminum or enamel the juice from the elderberries will stain the cookware purple.

Ingedients:
2-pounds elderberries - be sure to remove all woody stems.
4 cups water
2½ cups sugar
1 tsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Method:
1. Place the elderberries in a large, stainelss steel pot with the water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender and soft.

2. Pass through a food mill or a sine mesh strainer and discard the skins.

3. Pour the juice back into the pot, add sugar, and cook at a low boil over moderate heat for 15 minutes, until the syrup has thickened. Add a spritz of lemon juice. Cool completely.

4. Pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator.

Elderberry Syrup is delicious used over pancakes, waffles or added to plain yogurt.





Upcoming Classes:

The Herbal Bear offers short one day classes on a variety of herbal topics. To view a full description of the class or to register on line for any class please click on the individual class.

• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Friday, February 19, 2010; 6:30pm - 8:00pm NYC
• Herbal Soap Making - Friday, February 26, 2010 6:30pm - 8:30pm NYC
• Herbal Spa Workshop - Feb 20, 2010; 2pm - 4pm NYBG
• Medical Botany - 6 Classes: Sundays; Feb. 21, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010; 2pm - 4pm NYBG
• Herbal Soap Making - Friday, March 5, 2010 6:30pm - 8:30pm NYC
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Friday, March 12, 2010; 6:30pm - 8:00pm NYC
• Herbal Preparations Workshop - Friday, March 19, 2009; 6:30pm - 8:00pm NYC
• Herbal Soap Making - Friday, March 26, 2010 6:30pm - 8:30pm NYC
• Holistic Approaches to Stress Relief - Friday, April 9, 2010 6:30pm - 8:30pm NYC
• Herbal Soap Making - Friday, April 16, 2010 6:30pm - 8:30pm NYC
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Friday, April 23, 2010; 6:30pm - 8:00pm NYC
• An Herbal Approach to Menopause - Friday, April 30, 2010; 6:30pm - 8:00pm NYC
• Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, April 17, 2010; 3pm - 5pm Grand Gorge, NY
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Sat., May 8, 2010; 3pm - 4:30pm Grand Gorge, NY
• Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, May 22, 2010; 3pm - 5pm Grand Gorge, NY
  
  
  

  2010 Botanical Medicine Program
  
  We are currently accepting applications for the 2010 Botanical Medicine Program.
  
  A six-weekend intensive program for those interested in a well rounded education in herbal studies. This class is designed to give students a solid foundation in herbalism. Each class we will learn about herbs for the different systems including: the digestive, nervous, cardiac, reproductive, and immune system. Students will learn plant identification, harvesting techniques, medicinal plant preparations and herbal formula development. This class is held in the Northern Catskills on a private 30 acre property. Many of the medicinal plants we study are growing in our gardens or found on our property. Unlike other herbals classes, this class incorporates field work with the plants. You will be able to see, study and harvest medicinal plants throughout the entire growing season. This class is designed for beginning and intermediate herbal students. For a full description of this class - please follow this link
  
  If you have any specific questions about our programs, please feel free to contact us.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Class

A new class at the Herbal Bear School! -

Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms

Date & Time:
Saturday, October 3, 2009;
10am - 5:45pm

Location:
The Herbal Bear House
11 Old Ferris Farm Road,
Grand Gorge NY 12434

Cost: $175.00 (includes lunch)
Register Here

Learn the skills needed to utilize wild edible and medicinal mushrooms! Spend an exciting day at the Herbal Bear Catskill Cabin with our instructor Bob Beyfus, learning about wild mushrooms and their many uses.
The course provides an introduction to wild mushroom identification. Emphasis is on basic identification skills of wild mushrooms, including edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms and their poisonous look-alikes. Students will learn how to use a key to identify mushrooms and the terminology used to distinguish common mushrooms and relatives. Basic fungal biology and ecology will be discussed.
The class covers mushroom foraging fundamentals, including:
· Where to look for different species: habitat preferences
· When to harvest different species: seasonal growth patterns
· Non-edible look-alikes and poisonous mushrooms to avoid
· Mushroom cultivation
· Storing and preserving wild mushrooms
· A review of useful resources: books and websites on mushrooms
The course begins with a slide show presentation that explains how to identify a wide variety of mushrooms found in the Northeast. The course continues with a mushroom foraging hike. The afternoon is spent practicing identification skills with the mushrooms gathered on the foraging hike, learning mushroom cultivation techniques, and ends with a presentation on the use of medicinal mushrooms. Hand-outs are provided with resources for further learning.



Each Student must have:
A copy of the Audubon Field Guide to mushrooms.
A hand magnifying glass.
Hiking shoes suitable for walking in the woods.
Rain gear - in case on inclement weather.
You may bring your own copy of or purchase one at the time of registration for this class. Your purchased copy will be given to you at the class.



Each student will receive a mushroom kit that they can take home and grow their very own mushrooms. Tuition includes lunch. Supper is served after the class lecture and is available to students for an additional $20.00.





Lodging is not included. If you wish to stay in the area – we can recommend several local motels or inns.



Register Here
The registration fee will include a non-refundable $35.00 fee that can not be applied to any other class. No refunds will be made for missed classes or cancellations that are made less than two weeks before the class begins. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for classes missed by the student.
NOTE: All students must be pre-enrolled and paid in order to attend the classes.We will not accept walk ins.

Learn about Medicinal Plants!

The Herbal Bear 2009 Botanical Medicine Program 
We are currently accepting applications for the 2009 Botanical Medicine Program.
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program offers a 6-weekend program, June through October, for those who desire an in-depth herbal program. The program is held one weekend a month (twice in October). This course is very special. It offers students the opportunity to learn about herbs by placing the classroom right in the garden! The program is at the Herbal Bear, Grand Gorge, NY location - a beautiful private 30 acre property in the Northern Catskills - just 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC.

Each weekend we learn about the plants that grow around us, studying their healing properties upon different body systems, gathering and harvesting the local medicinal plants which grow on the property, and developing a systematic approach to herbal formulations. By the end of the program you will be able to identify and know how to use well over 100 different herbs. Our classes are informal and relaxed - however we take pride in the fact that our instructors are among the top in their fields and include experienced herbalists, research scientists, and authors who have published in their field of botanical expertise.
Our small class size allows accessibility to our instructors both during lessons and after class.

Our instructor's enthusiasm for their topics shows in their willingness to share both their time and knowledge with students - in class and one-on-one.
No one enjoys a boring classroom lecture - this is why we have designed this program to be an interactive and hands-on experience. Learning about herbal remedies takes on a whole new dimension when you have a chance to see, smell, touch and use the plants that grow right in the Northern Catskills.

The 2009 Botanical Medicine will be the 17th year our program has been running. Each year I have the pleasure to meet wonderful people who come to learn about plants and botanical medicine. The program is a unique experience, bringing together professional instruction in an informal setting which provides a relaxing environment in which to learn.

The Botanical Medicine program offers course material that is often offered in college level classes. An applicant should have a minimum of a high school diploma and be comfortable with scientific topics.

Please see our web page for the full course description.

Ursula Basch

Director and Principal Instructor

http://www.herbalbear.com/

The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine
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Over the course of the program, you will learn: 

• Spring Herb Identification
• Spring Herb Identification Herbal Terms and Resources
• Wild Food Gathering
• Herbs for the Digestive System
• Making Herbal Teas
• Plant Meditation
• Herbal Harvesting, Drying and Storage
• Herbal Vinegars
• Making Herbal Tinctures Medicinal Herbal Oils
• Herbs for the Nervous System
• Making a Herbal First Aid Kit
• Herbs for Women’s Health
• Herbs for The Circulatory System
• Making Herbal Salves
• Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Energetics and Diagnostic Techniques
• Developing Herbal Formulations
• Making Herbal Cosmetics, Body Creams and Herbal Bath Salts
• Herbal Case Studies
• Herbs for the Immune System
• Sacred Herbs and Ceremonial
• Uses Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms Field Identification of Mushrooms
• Mushroom Propagation
• Harvesting Autumn Roots and Barks
• Herbs for Colds and Flu
• Making Herbal Brandies and Elixirs and Syrups
• Exploring Healing Modalities (i.e. Reiki, Reflexology)
• Planting a Herb Garden

As a participant you will learn the gentle cycles and rhythms of the plants as they develop and change through the seasons. Together with the plants, we will discover our own rhythms and connection to the Mother Earth. The Botanical Medicine Program meets at Herbal Bear Cabin in the Northern Catskills. Located on 30+ acres of woods and field, Herbal Bear Catskill location is a beautiful place to learn. The land is home to deer, bear, turkeys and an incredible assortment of wild edible and medicinal plants. We have a pond suitable for swimming, planted herb gardens, a water lily gardens and many paths to explore through the woods.
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Program Dates

The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program meets for all of the following dates:

• Saturday, June 13th – Sunday June 14th, 2009
• Saturday July 11th – Sunday July 12th, 2009
• Saturday August 8th – Sunday August 9th, 2009
• Saturday September 12th – Sunday Sept 13th, 2009
• Saturday Oct 3th – Sunday October 4th, 2009
• Saturday October 24th – Sunday October 25th, 2009

We strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule to be able to attend all the scheduled weekends.
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Location

Grand Gorge, NY 
Click HERE for Public Transportation from NYC 
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Our Instructors

• Ursula Basch
• Susan Pell, Ph.D.
• Bob Beyfuss
• Kelly Martin
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Meals are Included

Delicious vegetarian meals are included in the Program.

We use organic produce and local products as much as possible.
We serve 5 meals per weekend - starting with breakfast on Saturday morning. Our meals are vegetarian and may include dairy and eggs. If you are strictly vegan or have religious limitation for your diet - you may have to bring some food to supplement what is served. We do not serve soy or rice milk. All meals are served buffet style. We ask that you assist in clean-up after each meal.
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Daily Schedule

Saturday:

8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast

9:30am - 12:30pm - Class

12:30pm - 1:45pm - Lunch

1:45pm - 4:30pm - Class

4:30pm - 4:45pm - Break

4:45pm - 6:30pm - Class

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Dinner

Sunday:

8:00am - 8:45am - Breakfast

9:00am - 12:15pm - Class

12:15pm - 1:00pm - Lunch

1:15pm - 2:45pm - Class

Our Early Registration has been extended to April 30th
Program Cost: Early registration cost: $2650
Registration after April 30, 2009, cost: $2850.00 (required at once)

Registration:

Register online

Refund Policies: We will make no refunds after April 30th, 2009. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for any classes missed by the student.
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Lodging:

The program costs do not include lodging. Each student is responsible for their own lodging arrangements. Please click click here for infomation about local motels and inns in the area - as well as lodging offered at the Herbal Bear. We are offering lodging information to assist you in finding accommodations. If you need further assistance, please feel free tocontact us.
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Recommended Reading: There are a few books that I recommend that each student purchase.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers : Eastern Region

Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs by Penelope Ody

The Herbal Handbook : A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman