Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), is a creeping annual herb closely related to snapdragons.  Its name is derived from the delicate, scalloped-edged white flowers with yellow spots and a dark center that resembles a blood shot eye.  According to the sixteen century theory, the Doctrine of Signatures, a plants appearance was an indicator of what it was used for. Eyebright has been used because of this for several centuries for many eye conditions and is currently a common ingredient in pharmaceutical eye drops and tablets.    

Primarily, Eyebright has been used for conjunctivitis, eyestrain, oversensitivity to light, and stinging & weeping eyes.  Resent research has shown that Eyebright contains tannins, flavonoids and iridoid gycocides that prove helpful in fighting infections, inflammation and drying tissues.  Eyebright is also recommended for use for treating colds/flu, hay fever, allergies and even enhances memory.

Eyebright can be used as an eye wash, tincture or as a tea. People that wear contacts, have had eye surgery and pregnant & lactating women should avoid using eyebright.  Eyebright may lower blood sugar and may interfere with the metabolism of some drugs in the liver. There may be some that are sensitive to eyebright and may develop side effects such as rashes or shortness of breath.  Always trust your source for Eyebright formulations, especially tinctures, before applying to the eyes directly- contaminated tinctures have been known to cause serious eye infections.  

If you have questions or want to know more please contact me at herbalelements@comcast.net or stop by The Pond Pad inside Alpine Nursery!   

The following information is for educational purposes.  Always consult with your health care professional when needed.

Join our celebration of opening the second Ubi’s on 6^th Ave in Tacoma! Starting this Friday, the 15^th thru the end of the month.

We will be giving away chocolate covered fortune cookies with every drink purchase, we have apples from Tiny’s Organic farm for those considering to sign up to support their CSA program, plus we will have drawings for some special giveaways including gift certificates for Ubi’s as well as neighboring businesses.

 Get a ticket every time you come into the café. We are also having classes on Saturday the 23^rd and Sunday the 24^th. Sign up now to reserve your spot! During our Grand Opening, all bulk teas, spices and herbs will be 20% off! Limited to 8oz or less quantity. Call in 2 days in advance if you want to pick up at the South Hill store to make sure we have it for you there. Hope to see all our friends at the New Ubi’s Café!

You can finally enjoy a pot of our fabulous tea, lunch spiced with our amazing spices and take home the best flavors the world has to offer. FYI – all you coffee lovers: The café we took over won Best Coffee and Tea in Tacoma 2010, 2011 & 2012. We are continuing to serve the best and winning that award as long as we are here

Nettles (Urtica dioica) or “stinging nettle” is so named for the hairs on the leaves and stems that cause a “stinging burn” when touched. Known in many cultures as a medicinal plant, it has naturalized itself in many parts of the world. 

The Nettle leaf contains natural antihistamines, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Helps ease symptoms of arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. It is an excellent treatment for hay fever & used to loosen congestion and open the bronchial airways in people with asthma or allergies. Nettle leaf extract may help re-grow hair and promote thickness. 

Nettle root is known for its ability to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), enlarged prostate causing urination problems in men. Combine Nettle Root with Saw Palmetto for an added benefit. 

It can be taken in tea, tincture or capsule form.  The leaves, stems & roots can also be steamed and eaten as a vegetable.  Pregnant  and nursing women should avoid this herb.

The following information is for educational information.  Always consult your health care professional when needed.

It has been said that “the skin is a mirror of what is going on inside of our bodies”, so take a look at your skin, what is it telling you?

   Our skin is the largest detox organ that releases toxins through sweat, rashes or abscesses.  The skin also protects internal organs like the kidneys, liver and heart from overwork due to toxin overload.  Skin is made up of two layers- the Epidermis and the Dermis.  The Epidermis is the outer protective layer that is only about a millimeter thick.  Epidermal cells produce lipids (keeps skin moist), keratin and and vitamin D from sunlight. The Dermis is the inner skin layer composed of connective tissue and the proteins collagen and elastin which give the skin strength and elasticity.

   You may need a skin cleanse if you have any of the following:

ñ  Acne, Age Spots, Sallow or Uneven Skin (poor liver function)

ñ  Wrinkles, Sagging or Dry Skin (free radical damage)

ñ  Puffy Eyes, Crusty Eyes, Dark Circles (over load of fluid wastes)

ñ  Rashes, Bumps and Sores (overload of unexcreted waste)

ñ  Chronically Chapped, Itchy, Oily, Scaly Skin (toxic overload)

   A proper diet with limited processed foods and drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily can improve skin health and overall appearance.  Drinking herbal teas can help flush out toxins internally and used externally as a skin wash on problem areas.

   There are many herbs that benefit the skin, one of my favorites is PNW native Oregon Grape. There are many species of Oregon Grape- Mahonia aquifolium is the most popularly used and is the state flower of Oregon.  They make an attractive landscape plant having evergreen, holly-like leaves and bright, yellow spring flowers followed by purplish-blue berries.  Oregon Grape contains Berberine, a bitter chemical also found in Barberry& Goldenseal which gives them their yellow color.   Oregon Grape Root has been used as a treatment for bacterial infections, diarrhea, gastritis and skin problems.  It is effective for psoriasis, eczema, acne and allergic rashes as an external skin wash and internally for a short term (up to 3 weeks).  Do use if you are pregnant, diabetic, have excessive heart burn or take anti-anxiety drugs.

  Decoction Tea: Pau d’arco, Marshmallow, Dandelion Root, Oregon Grape Root, Burdock Root.  You may want to add honey or Stevia to help with the bitterness. Drink 2-3 cups per day for 1-3 weeks depending on your skins condition.  You should see a noticeable improvement.

Before you start any detoxification program, consult with your health care practitioner.  If you have a history of any disease or medical condition,  use special caution and detox under medical supervision.  Children and pregnant / lactating women should not detox unless under medical supervision.  Always err on the side of caution.

The following information is for educational purposes and not intended for self diagnosis.

The Lungs are part of the respiratory system responsible for extracting oxygen from the air we breathe.  Oxygen  combines with hemoglobin in the red blood cells and is then carried to the rest of the body.  The lungs have the greatest exposure of any organ to toxins from the environment.

  There are 3 diseases that effect the bronchial tubes inside the lungs- asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Asthma consists of breathing difficulties and bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes.  Both can be triggered by toxins, which can be reversible in their early stages.  Emphysema destroys elasticity and is irreversible.

   Detoxification for the lungs is an important step in keeping our bodies healthy by removing toxins, cleansing, and rebuilding.  Herbal teas can be an essential part of any cleanse utilizing herbs that reduce inflammation & congestion and strengthen the lungs.   Teas should be consumed 2-3 times a days for 2-3 weeks, longer if you are or were a smoker.  Vitamin E oil has been shown to protect the fluid lining the lungs and can be a benefit to smokers and can be taken during a lung detoxification program.

   One of my favorite herbs for the lungs is Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, a hardy, tall biennial with fuzzy leaves and bright yellow flowers.  Mullein is a relaxing and antiseptic herb that lubricates and heals lung tissues.  It is used for almost any respiratory problem and helps to maintain the acid/alkali balance in the lungs.   Use Mullein with other herbs in teas such as Lobelia, Lungwort, White Horehound, Hyssop, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Vervain, Nettle and Thyme. 

Herbs for Decoction Lung Tea: Licorice root, Bloodroot, Pleurisy root, Pau d’arco, Fenugreek

Herbs for Infusion Lung Tea: Mullein, White Horehound, Hyssop or Vervain, Lobelia or Coltsfoot and add Mint or Lemon Balm for taste Add  a pinch of Stevia or local honey as a sweetener if desired.        

Before you start any detoxification program, consult with your health care practitioner.  If you have a history of any disease or medical condition,  use special caution and detox under medical supervision.  Children and pregnant / lactating women should not detox unless under medical supervision.  Always err on the side of caution.

The following information is for educational purposes and not intended for self diagnosis.

Honeybush tisanes (or “herbal teas”) are made from the leaves of this tasty plant, Cyclopia, native to South Africa and relative to Rooibos.  The taste and properties of honeybush is similar to rooibos yet a little sweeter.  The name, honeybush is a reference to its fragrant flowers that smell like honey.

At Ubi’s, we have delicious Honeybush tisanes and welcome an additional flavor- Honeybush Gardens.  This new tea is a delightfully light and fragrant blend with citrus notes. Refreshing, fabulous fragrance and flavor, great hot or iced!  Contains: Honeybush, dried apple, hibiscus flowers, rosehips, bitter orange peel, cinnamon, stevia leaf and organic flavors.

Growing cardamom is extremely labor intensive. The tall plants, grown on plantations in Guatemala or India, flower for eight or nine months of the year. Each pod, or capsule, ripens slowly, and must be plucked when it is three-quarters ripe. After harvest, the pods are washed and dried. The method of drying dictates the final color. White indicates the pods have been dried for many days in the sun leaving them bleached. Green pods have been dried for one day and night in a heated room. The three seeds inside each pod are considered the spice. 

You can find cardamom in the market in several forms. You can purchase whole pods and remove the seeds as needed. This form of the herb retains its aroma and flavor longest. You can also buy cardamom seeds (decorticated cardamom) or cardamom powder, but they do not keep as long as the pods.

 The parts used are the seed, removed from the pod, and ground. Whole pods may be used as well.  Usually used in cooking, but also in teas, tinctures, and infusions.  At Ubi’s , we have several tea blends that contain cardamom, as well as the seeds and powder for sale in bulk.

The Lymph and the Blood play important roles in detoxification in our bodies.  The Lymph system is composed of lymph glands & nodes, the spleen, thymus and tonsils.  It carries wastes that the cells excrete into the blood stream where it is detoxified and eliminated.  Lymph contains white blood cells and antibodies that combat infections and remove infections.  Blood supplies oxygen to all cells in our body, transports hormones and vital nutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.)  If toxins build up in our blood and lymph, our health suffers and diseases like immune deficiency could result.

   An important part of cleansing the blood and lymph are a proper diet, try adding  onions, garlic, fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of fresh, clean water.  Adding herbal teas & bathes will help flush out toxins & waste into the blood and lymph excreted through the urine.

Essential Oils for Baths:

 Lymph- Geranium, Juniper & Black Pepper     Blood- Rosemary, Cypress & Vetiver

We have a selection of tea blends available and custom blends are always available with our herbalist , contact our Puyallup location for more information, 253-445-6128 or email Kerri Bailey at herbalelements@comcast.net

Herbs for Detox Infusion Tea:     Elder Flower, Horsetail, Lemon Balm, Oat  Straw & Red Clover

Herbs for Detox Decoction Tea:  Burdock Root, Cloves, Hawthorn Berry, Pau’d'Arco, Red Root & Sarsaparilla   

Before you start any detoxification program, consult with your health care practitioner.  If you have a history of any disease or medical condition,  use special caution and detox under medical supervision.  Children and pregnant / lactating women should not detox unless under medical supervision.  Always err on the side of caution.

The following information is for educational purposes and not intended for self diagnosis.

The Carob tree has been used for food and medicine by humans and animals in the Mediterranean countries for centuries.  Also known as St. John’s bread, Carob or Ceratonia siliqua, was thought to sustain the biblical figure John the Baptist as he prayed in the desert. Today, carob is widely used as a healthy chocolate substitute in baking products, cereals, snack bars, dairy products, beverages and as a binder in foods and cosmetics.  Unlike chocolate products, carob contains no caffeine or other psychoactive substances and is non-toxic to dogs.  Having less calories than chocolate Carob can be used with success in weight loss formulas.

Carob is very nutritious, containing antioxidants, protein, calcium and potassium. High in pectin, fiber and tannins carob is a great herbal choice for the relief of diarrhea in children & adults and may also be beneficial for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. The phytoestrogens found in Carob are thought to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties helpful in fighting some oestrogen related cancers and useful for women during menopausal stages.     

Carob can be taken as a tea, capsules or extract. With its naturally sweet, pleasant taste, carob powder is a welcomed additive in yogurt or in smoothie recipes.  It is considered a safe herb with few interactions reported.  Always drink plenty of water when consuming carob.  

An efficient and balanced immune system is the key to maintaining good health.  Our Immune System protects us from diseases, allergies and slows down the aging process. Our immune system is like a team of organs working together mainly made up of the skin, bloodstream, digestive and lymphatic systems. The Lymphatic system is a network consisting of lymph nodes and vessels, the spleen and thymus gland that produce lymphocytes which destroy and eliminate invaders.   

Unhealthy lifestyles, poor health habits and toxic environmental conditions can compromise and weaken our immune system leaving us susceptible to infection.  Immune system enemies  are: poor nutrition-low vitamins  A & C levels in the body, stressful lifestyles, lack of sleep, smoking, excess alcohol, caffeine, drugs, sugar, food additives, pesticides and pollutions. The signs of low or imbalanced immunity are those that are excessive or frequently sick.  Chronic illness can cause allergies, food intolerances, auto Immunity, digestive problems, fatigue, soreness and poor skin.

We can boost our immunity by adding healthy foods, herbs and teas to our diet and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits:

• Healthy Diet.  Eat foods high in vitamins A, B complex, C and E; high in Zinc, Calcium and Selenium, green leafy veggies and  berries. Acerola, Rose Hips, Barley & Wheatgrass powders, Green Tea, Green Rooibos, Hemp Seeds
• Healthy Outlook. Positive outlook on life.  Laugh, spend time with friends and loved ones.
• Healthy Habits. Regular sleep and exercise. Yoga and meditation. Spend some daylight hours outside. Wash your hands frequently, avoid exposure to sickness when possible.
• Immune Boosting Herbs: Shitake, Maitake and Reishi mushrooms, Cayenne, Ginger, Black Pepper, Astragalus, Echinacea, Eleuthero, Oregano, Thyme, Usnea to name a few. 

At Ubi’s, we have a great tea blends for colds and flu, carry herbal immune supplements and we also provide custom blending for a formula made just for you!  Inquire at herbalelements@comcast.net or call 253-445-6128.