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A~Z HERBALS

GREEN

*CommUniversity*

*******

...Herbs A~Z...

Agrimony Herb - Agrimonia eupatoria

Agrimony (also known as Liverwort) is a native of Europe where it was used extensively as part of their herbal traditions.

Alfalfa Leaf - Medicago sativa

Alfalfa has a deep root system highly conducive to absorbing minerals from the soil, resulting in a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein.

Aloes (Cape) - Aloe ferox

Cape Aloes (also known bitter aloes) is a palm-like succulent plant that is native to the Cape Region of South Africa. The yellow latex or sap located inside the leaf is drained and then dried to produce the powdered herb.

Angelica Root - Angelica archangelica

Angelica Root is derived from a biennial plant in the same family as celery, parsely, chervil, fennel, anise and caraway. Used as a vegetable and as a dietary supplement, Angelica Root is most commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its pleasant, aromatic perfume.

Annatto Seed - Bixa orellana

These small, reddish-brown seeds from the annatto tree are used to impart a rich yellow color and mild, distinctive flavor to foods such as rice and sauces.

Arnica Flowers - Arnica chamissonis

Arnica - a member of the aster family, is a tall woodland flower, native to Central Europe and the western United States. It is in the same family as the sunflower. Its dried yellow flowers are used in oils, creams, infusions and tinctures. Arnica is generally used to help relieve muscle pain and bruising.

Ashwagandha Root - Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha root is an herb similar to ginseng (and sometimes called Indian ginseng), used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is known as a vitality tonic and adaptogen.

Astragalus Root - Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus root is derived from a perennial plant that grows in northern China and Mongolia. The herb is a staple of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), where it has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and treat a variety of ailments.

Barberry Root - Berberis vulgaris

Barberry is a tall shrub native to North America where it was employed by natives for its tonic effects believed to cleanse the liver and purify the blood.

Bayberry Root Bark - Myrica cerifera

Bayberry, also known as wax myrtle, is a common shrub in the marshlands of the eastern United States. In addition to its use in candle making, it is also commonly employed as a fragrance in potpourris. The root bark, when steeped into a tea, is astringent and cleansing.

Benzoin Gum - Styrax benzoin

Benzoin gum is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of trees in the genus Styrax. It is commonly employed in perfumes and incense as a fixative.

Bilberry Berry - Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberries, Vaccinium myrtillus, are very similar to their American cousins blueberries and huckleberries-- and like all members of the Vaccinium species, they're high in antioxidants due to the rich blue-red pigments responsible for their unmistakable color.

Bilberry Leaf - Vaccinium myrtillus

The bilberry bush is marked by small leathery leaves, similar to that of the myrtle bush, and clusters of deep purple berries. The leaves are often steeped in water to release their tannins and provide a delicious cup of antioxidant rich tea.

Birch Bark - Betula alba

Birch Bark, well known for its uses in building and tanning by Native Americans, has also been employed as a poultice and steeped into tea for its cleansing properties.

Black Cohosh Root - Cimicifuga racemosa

Black Cohosh is delightful perennial native to eastern North America and it grows readily in a variety of woodland areas. Preparations containing the root remain one of the most popular natural remedies for women's health in the world.

Black Walnut Hulls - Juglans nigra

Black Walnut Hulls are the powdered outside covering of the nut of the North American black walnut tree. They can be used to produce a brown dye for clothing, rugs and baskets.

Bladderwrack - Fucus vesiculosus

Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly along sheltered shores of cool ocean waters around the world and is easily recognized by the tiny gas-filled vesicles that appear in pairs along its midvein.

Blessed Thistle Herb - Cnicus benedictus

Blessed Thistle is a thistle-like herb native to the Mediterranean region. The herb is often used in bitter, tonic drinks.

Bloodroot Root - Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is a perennial flowering woodland plant native to eastern North America. This plant gets its name from the deep red sap that exudes from a fresh wound to the rhizome.

Blue Cohosh Root - Caulophyllum thalictroides

Blue Cohosh--a member of the Berberaceae family which includes barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root--is native to eastern North America and has long been prized as beneficial to women's health.

Boldo Leaf - Peumus boldus

Boldo is a slow-growing, shrubby evergreen tree native to western South America, where the native peoples employ it as both a spice and an after- dinner tea.

Boneset Herb - Eupatorium perfoliatum

Boneset is a perennial daisy native to the Northern Hemisphere. Although poisonous to humans and livestock, it has been used in folk medicine to support recovery from a variety of ailments.

Buckthorn Bark - Rhamnus frangula

Buckthorn, also known as Frangula, is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Northwest Asia and Northern Africa. Proper aging of the bark is required to allow its primary active constituent, anthrone, to oxidize. Buckthorn, also known as Frangula, is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Northwest Asia and Northern Africa. Proper aging of the bark is required to allow its primary active constituent, anthrone, to oxidize and prevent intestinal cramping when taken as a tea.

Burdock Root - Arctium lappa

Burdock is nature's purification tonic. The young, fresh taproots are popular in Japan as a sweet, crunchy nutritious vegetable called gobo. Burdock is well-known for its ability to cleanse the body and is also used in topical skin preparations such as salves, compresses and ointments.

Calamus Root - Acorus calamus

Calamus is a perennial wetland plant found growing in marshes and muddy stream banks throughout most of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. It served as the basis for the original Calamine lotion and is used primarily to ease skin irritations of all kinds.

Calendula - Calendula officinalis

Calendula, commonly known as marigold, is an annual flower native to the northern Mediterranean countries. Lotions, salves and creams prepared from the golden yellow to orange-red flowers, are used to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns and bruises.

Cascara Sagrada Bark - Frangula purshiana, Rhamnus purshiana

Cascara Sagrada is a deciduous tree found throughout the northern United States. The bark is harvested in quills and aged for at least one year to allow the anthrone constituents to oxidize, which prevents intestinal cramping when drunk as a tea.

Cat's Claw Bark - Uncaria tomentosa

Cat's Claw is a woody vine that grows in the tropical jungles of Central and South America. Traditionally used by indigenous Peruvian peoples for a variety of conditions, it wasn’t brought to the U.S. and Europe until the 1990’s.

Catnip Leaf & Flower - Nepeta cataria

Well-loved by cats and prized by traditional European and American herbalists, this member of the mint family makes a pleasant herbal tea that is soothing to the tummy and is often used with children.

Cedar Tips - Thuja species

Cedar Tips consist of the youngest branchlets of the coniferous North American tree known as arborvitae, which is Latin for tree of life. Cedar tips are a colorful, fresh addition to potpourris and sachets.

Cedar, Red - Juniperus virginiana

Red Cedar, also known as Easter Red Cedar and Juniperous virginiana, is native to eastern North America. The fragrant, rosy colored inner bark is often used in sachets and potpourris.

Chamomile Flowers, German - Matricaria recutita

German Chamomile is an annual flower native to Europe and Asia and it has been successfully introduced to temperate regions throughout the world. This herb is used as a soothing tea, in shampoos and conditioners for light colored hair, in skin care creams and lotions and relaxing bath blends.

Chamomile Flowers, Roman - Chamaemelum nobile

Roman Chamomile, also known as English chamomile is a perennial flower native to Europe and naturalized in North America. It's used in cosmetics as a rinse for blonde hair, and is a popular aromatherapy oil.

Chaparral Leaf - Larrea tridentata

Chaparral is an aromatic flowering bush found in the deserts of western North America and parts of Mexico. It is also known as creosote bush because it contains a sticky, resinous gum with a strong, distinctive aroma.

Chaste Tree Berries - Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste Tree Berries, also known as Monk's Pepper, are native to the Mediterranean region. Preparations of the berries are commonly used in male and female tonics.

Chestnut Leaf - Castanea sativa

Chestnut Leaf, commonly known as Horse Chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to Asia. Its leaves are odorless and astringent, and are traditionally prepared as a tea.

Chia Seed - Salvia hispanica

Chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other natural source, and are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and vitamins: including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.

Chickweed Herb - Stellaria media

Chickweed is a low growing annual native to Europe that is common fare for chickens, hence the name. It is often prepared as a soothing ointment or skin cream.

Chicory Root - Cichorium intybus

Chicory is the long, thin taproot of a perennial plant closely related to endive. Native to Europe, it is naturalized throughout the U.S. It can be eaten fresh as a vegetable, and dried it makes a satisfying tea.

Chicory Root Roasted - Cichorium intybus

A hardy perennial best known for its association with coffee, it produces a more 'roasted' flavor, with no caffeine. Some coffees offer blends with up to 30% chicory, which cuts down on the caffeine content.

Cleavers Herb - Galium aparine

Cleavers is an annual plant native to North America, Europe and Asia. Preparations of the herb are used externally to soothe skin irritations such as burns, scrapes and bug bites.

Collinsonia Root - Collinsonia canadensis

Collinsonia, also known as Stone Root, is a perennial herb in the mint family with recognizable knotty, rough, very hard roots. The root is often steeped into a soothing, cleansing tea.

Coltsfoot Leaf - Tussilago farfara

Coltsfoot, also know as coughwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, though common throughout North and South America, where it was introduced by early settlers as a medicinal plant.

Comfrey Leaf - Symphytum officinale

Comfrey leaves have tiny surface hairs which make them hard to dry quickly without spoiling. Allantoin, a consititue in comfrey, makes the leaves a useful emollient in lotions, creams, and hair rinses.

Comfrey Root - Symphytum officinale

The long, pervasive roots are more potent than the leaves but have higher levels of a constituent toxic to the liver. Use only on unbroken skin.

Cornsilk - Zea mays

Cornsilks are the fine, silky hairs that run the length of an ear of corn. Often steeped in water to make a tea, try it with a little molasses to sweeten.

Cramp Bark - Viburnum opulus

Cramp Bark, also known as Highbush Cranberry, is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, though it's grown worldwide as an ornamental shrub. The bark, often prepared as a tea, has a strong aroma and a bitter flavor.

Damiana Leaf - Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca

Damiana is a flowering shrub with aromatic leaves. A native of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, it has long been used to make lover's tea.

Dandelion Leaf - Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion is native to all temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Though viewed as a nuisance weed by many, the fresh leaves are a tasty and nutritious addition to salads.

Dandelion Root - Taraxacum officinale

The root of the common dandelion, long prized by herbalists for its cleansing action, is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Almost every herbal tradition has noted it as a useful tonic for the liver and gallbladder.

Dong Quai Root (Dang Gui) - Angelica sinensis

Dong Quai, also known as female ginseng, is native to China where it has traditionally been used as a tonic for the female organs.

Dragon's Blood - Daemonorops draco

Dragon's blood is a bright red resin of several different species, the most well known of which is Daemomorops draco. It has been used as a colorant for centuries in everything from varnish to incense.

Echinacea - Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea, commonly referred to as "coneflower" is a genus of nine different herbacious plants native to North America. The two primary species used in herbal preparations are E. Angustifolia and E. Purpurea, which are often used interchangeably.

Elder Berries - Sambucus nigra

Elder Flowers - Sambucus nigra

Elder Flowers are an umbrella-like mass prior to harvest, when the flowers are removed from the stem. The flowers, like the berries, contain bioflavonoids. They are used in skin salves and ointments and to make a soothing gargle. A popular winter tea is made using equal parts of elder flowers, peppermint and yarrow flowers.

Elecampane Root - Inula helenium

Elecampane is a perennial herb common in Great Britian, and native to Central and Southern Europe where it was used in making flavored wines, aromatic bitters and liqueurs.

Eleuthero Root - Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleuthero, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is a woody shrub native to Northeastern Asia. Like true ginseng, it is an adaptogen and has been the subject of a great deal of on-going research in Russia and Korea.

Eucalyptus Leaf - Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia. The leaves contain eucalyptol, a common flavoring ingredient in commercial mouthwash, cough drops and vaporizer fluids.

Eyebright Herb - Euphrasia officinalis

Eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis is a semiparasitic plant with roots that attach to some grasses. Eyebright herb is often used in a poultice.

Feverfew Flowering Tops - Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew is a daisy-like perennial that can be found growing throughout the United States and Canada. As the name suggests, it was historically used for fevers, though current research is studying its efficacy for head health.

Fo-ti Root (He Shou Wu) - Polygonum multiflorum

Fo-ti Root, also known as He Shou Wu is a perennial flowering vine native to southwestern China, Japan and Taiwan. Traditional Chinese Medicine employs root preparations both alone and in conjunction with many other herbs.

Frankincense - Boswellia carteri

In ancient times, frankincense was used by upper-class Egyptians to ward off foul odors, which were associated with evil. It is still burned as incense today but needs an outside heat source, such as incense charcoal, to burn. Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin that seeps from the tree when the bark is injured or cut. The liquid solidifies on contact with air into globular chunks or "tears." When ground, frankincense powder quickly hardens again upon air exposure. The resinous, dry and balsamic aroma is a component of many perfumes.

Gentian Root - Gentiana lutea

Gentian grows in mountainous regions throughout the world and takes 7-10 growing seasons to mature. Use of this herb has been documented for over two thousand years, primarily in digestive bitters and teas.

Ginkgo Leaf - Ginkgo biloba

The ginkgo tree is an old species with fossils dating its existence back more than 270 million years ago. The leaves and nuts have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with leaf preparations being popular throughout the western world today.

Ginseng American, White - Panax quinquefolius

American Ginseng is a member of the ivy family and native to eastern North America. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed to increase "yin" energy and as an adaptogen. The most sought after product is commercially produced and bears the seal of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, ensuring it's authenticity.

Ginseng Root American, White - Panax quinquefolius

American Ginseng is a member of the ivy family and native to eastern North America. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed to increase "yin" energy and as an adaptogen. The most sought after product is commercially produced and bears the seal of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, ensuring it's authenticity.

Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal is a perennial herb that is native to southern Canada and the northen United States. It has been over-harvested in many regions and is listed in various states as threatened or endangered. We sell only cultivated goldenseal.

Gotu Kola Herb - Centella asiatica

Gota kola, also known as Asiatic pennywort, is a small annual herb native to parts of Asia and northern Australia. A mild adaptogen, preparations of the dry herb are popular throughout the world. In its native land, however, it is eaten raw as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Guar Gum Powder - Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

Guar gum is the ground endosperm of the guar bean, an annual legume native to India and Pakistan. It's primary use is as an emulsifier and thickening agent; it has 8 times the thickening power of cornstarch.

Guarana Seed - Paullinia cupana

Guarana, Paullinia cupana, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon Basin. It features large leaves and clusters of white flowers, but it's the fruit that is prized. Each fruit contains a single seed that contains as much as five times the caffeine as a coffee bean.

Gum Arabic - Acacia species

Gum Arabic, also know as gum acacia, comes from the sap of several species of African Acacia trees. A water soluble gum, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in foods.

Hawthorn Berries - Crataegus species

Hawthorn Berries, also referred to as haws, have been used since the 19th century to tonify the heart. In addition the deep red berries are loaded with antioxidants.

Hawthorn Leaf & Flowers - Crataegus species

Hawthorn is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, native to Europe, Asia and North America. They feature brownish-white flowers, rose-like leaves, and deep red berries. A preparation of the leaves and flowers is a popular tonic.

Henna Leaf, Red - Lawsonia inermis

Henna is a flowering shrub native to regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. The plant produces a red-orange pigment molecule that readily bonds with proteins, making it a popular dye for skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool.

Hibiscus Flowers - Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus, also known as rosemallow, is a flowering plant belonging to the same family as cocoa and cotton. The flowers are popular as an herbal tea, especially in Caribbean and Latin American countries. They are often combined with other herbs or fruit juices and they impart a cheery red color and tart flavor.

Hop Flowers - Humulus lupulus

Hop flowers are the yellowish green female flower bracts of a tall vine in the hemp family. Our hops are harvested from the unfertilized female flowers and are suitable for use in brewing beer and as a dietary supplement.

Horehound Herb - harrubium vulgare

Horehound is a perennial herbaceous plant found throughout Europe. It is common to find the herb in small patches in cottage gardens, where it is harvested for use in flavoring tea and candy. It is also brewed into horehound ale.

Horsetail Herb (Shavegrass) - Equisetum arvense L., Equisetum hyemale L. or arvense L.

Horsetail is also known as scouring rush, shavegrass, bottlebrush or pewter wort. Because of its large quantity of silica, it was used to clean metal. Our horsetail consists of the sterile, aerial parts harvested in the summer months between June and August.

Hydrangea Root - Hydrangea arborescens

Hydrangea is a flowering shrub native to the United States and Asia. The root is traditionally used as a tea, though it is also available in capsule and extract forms and is useful in toning the liver and kidneys.

Hyssop Herb - Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop is an herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean and Asia. It is an ingredient in eau de Cologne, the liquors Chartreuse and absinthe, and in herbal remedies.

Irish Moss - Chondrus crispus

Irish moss, also known as carrageen moss, is a species of red algae found along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. Its main constituent, carrageenan, is a common thickener in milk products.

Jasmine Flowers - Jasminum officinale

Jasmine is a genus of very fragrant flowering shrubs and vines native to the tropical regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Along with its popularity in aromatherapy and perfumery, it is also popular as an herbal tea, alone or mated with green or black tea.

Juniper Berries - Juniperus communis

Juniper Berries are spicy, sweet, with a piney aroma. They are delicious in stews and soups and with meats (especially wild game). They also give gin its distinctive flavor and are a common flavor ingredient in bitters.

Kudzu Root - Pueraria lobata

Kudzu, also known as kuzu, Japanese arrowroot, mile a minute vine, foot a night vine and the vine that ate the South, is a perennial plant native to the Orient. It can be used as a thickener in foods and has been used for hundreds of years in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Lady's Mantle Herb - Alchemilla xanthochlora

A member of the rose family, lady's mantle is a perennial herb found throughout North America, Europe and Asia. It is used in skin creams to soften and clean the skin. The herb has been historically associated with female health, hence the name lady's mantle.

Lavandin Flowers - Lavandula x intermedia

Lavandin is a hybrid plant, the result of a natural cross-pollination of true lavender and spike lavender. The flowers have a woody, spicy-green, floral aroma with a hint of camphor. The color is a deeper blue than the grey-blue of true lavender. Lavandin is a popular substitute for true lavender in potpourris and herbal crafts.

Lavender Flowers - Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender contains a sweet-smelling essential oil that is the most popular aromatherapy oil in the world. Soothing, calming and balancing, lavender is used in all types of personal care and aromatherapy products. Note that while lavender flowers are often mixed with lavandin (or in some cases lavandin is sold as lavender), these are true lavender flowers, tested with gas chromatography to insure 100 percent purity.

Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its subtle lemon flavor with minty undertones makes it a popular and tasty and relaxing tea.

Lemon Verbena Leaf - Aloysia triphylla

Lemon verbena is a very fragrant flowering shrub native to South America. An herbal tea prepared from the leaves has been traditionally employed to soothe and calm the stomach.

Lemongrass - Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass has a fresh, light, lemony flavor and scent that is a staple in many ethnic cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Caribbean. Citral, the ingredient in lemongrass that imparts its lemony scent, is also a key component of lemon peel. Lemongrass also makes a very pleasant herbal tea.

Licorice Root - Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice is the root of a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. Along with its popularity as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, it has also been used to make coughs more productive and as a vitalizing herbal tonic.

Life Everlasting Flowers - Helichrysum species

Life Everlasting, also known as strawflower or Helichrysum, is a member of the sunflower family. Native to Africa, Europe and Asia, it is used as a bitter tonic and the yellow flowers are used in herbal crafts such as potpourris and wreaths.

Linden Flowers - Tilia europaea

Linden flowers include this plant's small yellowish flower and oblong flower bracts, which look like leaves. They are called lime flowers in Europe, where they are popularly used as a soothing herbal tea

Lovage Root - Levisticum officinale

Lovage is a flowering plant native to Europe and naturalized throughout the United States. The root has a spicy,somewhat sweet flavor and its main constituent, quercetin, has been found in studies to be the one of the most active of the flavonoids.

Lungwort Leaf - Pulmonaria officinalis

Lungwort is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It contains allantoin, the same constituent in comfrey that makes it valuable for use in salves and ointments for damaged skin.

Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis

Yes, marshmallows originally were made using this herb, but today’s confectionary is not related to the original medicinal preparation. Marshmallow root is know for its soothing, emollient mucilage and is used in teas, syrups, poultices, ointments and lozenges.

Meadowsweet Herb - Filipendula ulmaria

Meadowsweet, also known as queen of the meadow, is native to Europe and Asia, and today is naturalized throughout North America. It acquired some fame in the late 1800's when the German drug company, Bayer, synthesized acetylsalicylic acid, based on the structure of the naturally occuring salicylic acid found in meadowsweet--and named its new product, aspirin, after the plant's old botanical name, Spirea.

Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum

Milk thistle is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, though it is commercially propagated in North America. Preparations of the herb are found in liver tonics and herbal bitters.

Mistletoe Herb - Viscum album

Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic vine that grows attached to and within the branches of a host tree. There are several species, with the European species held in highest regard by herbalists.

Motherwort Herb - Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort is literally mother’s herb, a name the plant acquired because of its historical use by anxious mothers. The plant is large, easy to grow, and quite striking -- but prickly. The leaves are most often used in herbal teas.

Mugwort Herb - Artemisia vulgaris

Related to wormwood, mugwort is a bushy plant with gray-green, very bitter-tasting leaves. One of its more interesting uses is in sleep pillows, where its inclusion is said to encourage vivid dreaming. Mugwort is also used in skin preparations and poultices.

Muira Puama Root - Ptychopetalum olacoides

Muira Puama, also known as Potency Wood, is a small Brazilian tree found across the Amazon river basin where it has a long history of use in Brazilian folk medicine.

Mullein Leaf - Verbascum thapsus

Mullein Leaf, sometimes referred to as Great Mullein or Common Mullein, is native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia. The leaf has been used since ancient times to provide relief from skin, throat and ear complaints, however the seeds are considered toxic.

Myrrh Gum - Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh is the dried sap of the Commiphora Myrrha tree, native to Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. It is used extensively in aromatherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayervedic medicine.

Neem Leaf - Azadirachta indica

Neem is a fast growing evergreen tree native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan. Locally it is referred to as the "Divine Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," and is regularly prescribed in Ayervedic medicine.

Nettle - Urtica dioica

Nettle leaf or stinging nettle (so called because of tiny hairs on the leaves of the plant that cause a stinging sensation on the skin when the fresh plant is touched) is a perennial herb found throughout most temperate climates. Nettle tea is used as a blood tonic and is an overall cleansing herb.

Oakmoss, Potpourri Cut - Evernia prunastri

Oakmoss is a type of lichen used extensively in the perfume industry. It grows in temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere. As the name implies, it grows primarily on the branches of oak trees.

Oatstraw, Green Tops - Avena sativa

Oatstraw is harvested when the seed of the oat grass is at the milky stage, before it is fully ripe. The herb is nutritive and soothing to itchy, flakey skin and is used in baths, lotions and skin washes. It also makes a comforting herbal tea.

Olive Leaf - Olea europaea

Olive trees are small evergreens native to the Mediterranean from which olives, olive oil and olive leaves are obtained. Olive leaf was the first botanical cited in the Bible as a natural healer, "The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."

Oregon Grape Root - Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub related to the barberry. It is commonly employed as an alternative to Goldenseal, due in part to their similar berberine content.

Orris Root - Iris germanica var. florentina

Orris, also known Bearded Iris, is a perennial plant native to Europe. Though once an herbal medicine, it is now primarily employed as a fixative and base note in perfumery, and as an ingredient in several brands of gin.

Osha Root - Ligusticum porteri

Osha Root, also known as Bear Root or Colorado Cough Root, is the root of a perennial plant native to the higher elevation ranges of the Rocky Mountains. It is used in teas, tinctures, steams and saunas.

Papaya Leaf - Carica papaya

Papaya is a small tree-like plant native to the tropical regions of the Americas. A tea prepared with the leaves has been used to ease stomach upset for centuries.

Parsley Root - Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a bright green herb native to Iran, though it can be found in culinary gardens throughout the Middle East, Europe and the United States. A tea steeped from the root is a popular breath freshener.

Partridge Berry Herb - Mitchella repens

Partridge Berry is an herbaceous woody shrub native to North America. It was a popular uterine tonic among Native American women who often used it in preparation for child birth.

Passion FlowerHerb - Passiflora incarnata
Passion Flower, also known as Maypop, is a climbing vine native to the Southern United States, where it has enjoyed a long history of use by Native Americans. Commonly taken as a tea, it has calming and soothing properties.

Patchouli Herb - Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli is a bushy herb in the mint family. It is native to tropical Asia, though now it is cultivated in most tropical regions throughout the world. The scent has been used for centuries in perfumes, which remains one of its staples uses today.

Pau d'Arco Bark - Tabebuia impetiginosa

Pau d'Arco is the inner bark of a tropical tree native to Central and South America. The tea brewed from this species is commonly referred to as Lapacho or Taheebo and contains lapachol, quercetin and flavonoids.

Pennyroyal, European - Mentha pulegium

Pennyroyal is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and Asia. Like the other mints, it helps soothe digestion and is often added to dog bedding and patio sprays to deter infestations of pests.

Peppermint Leaf - Mentha piperita

Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world. Sometimes referred to as "the world's oldest medicine" it has been used for centuries to settle tummy upset and freshen breath.

Plantain Leaf - Plantago major or lanceolata

Plantain, also known as Greater Plantain or Common Plantain, is a small herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It is often found growing near stinging nettles, where an extraction of the juice from its leaves brings quick relief to the pain inflicted by the nettle.

Prickly Ash - Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Prickly Ash is a spiny tree or shrub native to the southeastern United States. It's sometimes referred to as "toothache tree" or "tingle tongue" due to the numbing sensation produced by chewing on the leaves or bark.

Psyllium - Plantago ovata

Psyllium, also known as blonde psyllium, is a low growing herb native to Iran, Pakistan and India. It is the main ingredient in the commercial dietary supplements "Metamucil" and "Citrucel".

Queen of the Meadow Herb - Eupatorium purpureum

Also known as Gravel Root or Joe-Pye Weed.

Queen of the Meadow Root - Eupatorium purpureum

Queen of the Meadow Root is an herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It's also commonly known as "Gravel Root" a name which originated at a time when kidney stones were often referred to as kidney gravel.

Raspberry, Red Leaf - Rubus idaeus

Red Raspberry, also known as European Raspberry, is a perennial native to Europe and Asia. Though most recognized for it's delicious fruits, a tea prepared from the leaves has been employed by midwives for centuries to ease menstrual complaints and labor.

Red Clover Blossoms - Trifolium pratense

Red Clover is a perennial native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It's most recognizable use is as a fodder crop, however its phytoestrogen content has made it a popular supplement for women.

Red Root (Jersey Root) - Ceanothus americanus

Native to North America, Red Root became known as New Jersey Tea during the Revolutionary War, due to its popularity as a substitute for tea. Prior to that, it was employed by Native Americans for complaints associated with mucus membranes.

Rhubarb Root - Rheum officinalis

Rhubarb is a perennial native to Asia where it was widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to ease constipation.

Rhubarb Turkey, Root - Rheum palmatum

Rheum palmatum, also known as Turkey rhubarb, Chinese rhubarb and East Indian rhubarb, is a perennial plant with similar purgative effects as Cascara sagrada and buckthorn. The U.S. National Institutes of Health's Medline lists it as one of the ingredients in the historic Essiac tea formula.

Rosehips - Rosa canina

Rosehips, or Rose Haws, are the fruit of wild roses, also known as the "dog rose". Their high Vitamin C and antioxidant content make them a popular addition to a variety of herbal tea blends.

Rosehips Seedless - Rosa canina

Rosehips, or Rose Haws, are the fruit of wild roses, also known as the "dog rose". Their high Vitamin C and antioxidant content make them a popular addition to a variety of herbal tea blends.

Roses - Rosa centifolia, Rosa gallica

Prized for it's delicate beauty and intoxicating fragrance, rose buds and petals are a staple of potpouri blends and sachets.

Safflower Petals - Carthamus tinctorius

Safflower, also referred to as False Saffron and Azafran, is a thistle-like annual with a red-yellow composite flower head. A tea made from the petals is popular for easing digestive upset and has an overall soothing and relaxing effect.

Sage, White Tops (Incense) - Salvia apiana

White Sage, also called incense sage is native to the Southwest U.S. where is was used as a traditional remedy by Native Americans. Branches of white sage are burned as an incense, for purification and in sweat baths. This sage is not used as a spice.

Saint John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum

Saint John's Wort, so-called because it is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day, is a striking perennial herb indigenous to Europe. It is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the United States with its primary use being to balance the mood.

Sarsaparilla - Hemidesmus indicus, Smilax ornata

Sarsaparilla refers to two seperate genus of plants, one native to South Asia (primarily India), the other native to Central and South America. Primarilly used as a flavoring for beverages, it is traditionally used in cordials and tonics as a blood purifier and detox agent.

Sassafras Leaf - Sassafras albidium

Sassafras is a sturdy tree found in the bayous of Louisiana. When the tree is young, its leaves are shaped like "mittens," sometimes with two "thumbs." The leaf is primarily used to thicken and to season.

Sassafras Root Bark - Sassafras albidium

Sassafras is a tree that grows natively in North America. It has fruit and small yellow flowers that bloom. The bark was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

Saw Palmetto Berries - Serenoa repens

Saw palmetto is a small, palm-like plant found in swampy areas, and along the Atlantic coast of the United States. The fruit is a dark purple-to-black berry rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. It is used to promote prostate health.

Schisandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi) - Schisandra chinensis

The first recorded use of schisandra berries is found in China's earliest text of herbal medicine, where it was used as a general tonic due to its effects and reputation as an adaptogen.

Scullcap Herb - Scutellaria lateriflora

Skullcap is an herb that grows uncultivated in the marshy lands of Canada, the northern and eastern parts of the United States, and southeast Asia. In China, the plant roots are known as huang quin, and employed to ease several conditions.

Senna Leaf - Cassia angustifolia, Senna alexandrina

Senna is native to tropical Africa and cultivated in Egypt, the Sudan and elsewhere. People in northern Africa and southwestern Asia have used senna to support healthy bowel function for centuries.

Senna Pods - Cassia angustifolia

Senna pods are a milder version of the leaves due to their lack of resinous compounds believed to induce griping. Because of this, it is often preferred over the leaves. It too has been used for centuries to support healthy bowel function.

Sheep Sorrel Herb - Rumex acetosella

Sheep sorrel, which grows wild, is much smaller than either French or garden sorrel, and is often tinged a deep red hue. Also called sour-grass, because of its sharp taste. One of its main uses is in the herbal tea, Essiac.

Shepherd's Purse Herb - Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's purse gets its name from the shape of the herb's fruit, which resembles purses Europeans once hung from their belts. Shepherd's purse can be found almost anywhere in the world. It has long beleived to be an astringent agent.

Slippery Elm Bark - Ulmus rubra

Slippery Elm is a small tree native to North America. The bark is harvested from the tree in the early spring and the outer bark is scraped off, leaving the mucilage-rich inner bark. The soothing mucilage is used in ointments, poultices, throat lozenges and skin care products.

Solomon's Seal Root - Polygonatum species

Solomon's Seal is a flowering plant native to Northern Europe and Siberia, and a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years. It's commonly used to moisten dry throats from colds, and to ease stomach spasms.

Spearmint Leaf - Mentha spicata

A parent of peppermint and one of the oldest mints cultivated, spearmint is used to flavor all types of foods, such as jellies, jams, candies, sauces, desserts and fruit dishes. It is also used to flavor and fragrance toothpaste, mouthwash, lozenges and chewing gum. Spearmint makes a refreshing herbal tea and is delicious iced or hot.

Stevia Herb - Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia, also known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a member of the sunflower family and native to South and Central America. It is 300 times as sweet as sugar and widely utilized as a sugar substitute.

Suma Root - Pfaffia paniculata

Suma root is a perennial vine native to tropical forests of South America. It has similar adaptogenic properties as plants in the Panax family, giving rise to its other common name of "Brazilian Ginseng".

Uva Ursi Leaf - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Uva Ursi is a low growing evergreen native to North America, Asia and Europe. It is also commonly referred to as bearberry, because its bright red berries are a favorite of bears. It supports a healthy urinary tract.

Valerian Root - Valeriana officinalis

Valerian is well known for its strong, distinct aroma (some equate it to stinky socks!), which only develops after the roots are dried. One of the most calming and deeply relaxing herbs we know of, valerian is often used in bedtime formulas and sleep pillows.

Vervain Herb, Blue - Verbena hastata

Blue Vervain, also known as swamp verbena, is a creeping perennial of the mint family, native to North America.

White Oak Bark - Quercus alba

White oak bark, one of the strongest natural astringent herbs available, has been used by Native American cultures for hundreds of years, to treat wounds and intestinal problems. White oak bark is also rich in tannin, and is used by tanners for tanning leather.

White Willow Bark - Salix species

Several species of willow are used to produce willow bark herb, Salix alba, S. Fragilis, S. daphnoides and S. purpurea. All contain adequate levels of the important constituent, salicin, to allow their use as the herb. Salicin was isolated and synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid in the 1850's and eventually marketed as aspirin in the late 1890's by Frederich Bayer & Co.

Wild Cherry Bark - Prunus serotina

The wild cherry tree is native to the Eastern and Central U.S. and is a valuable lumber tree. The bark has a faint almond-like aroma when placed in water, and a bitter, aromatic flavor.

Wild Yam Root - Dioscorea villosa

Wild yam, also known as rheumatism root, colic root and yuma, is a low creeping perennial that grows wild in the eastern half of North America. It is not related to sweet potatoes or yams.

Witch-hazel Bark - Hamamelis virginiana

This smooth grey bark comes from a shrub with several crooked branching trunks from one root, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, 10 to 12 feet in height. Extracts from its bark and leaves are used in aftershave lotions and skin lotions.

Witch-hazel Leaf - Hamamelis virginiana

Also known as hazel nut, snapping hazel, spotted alder, and tobacco wood-- Native Americans used witch hazel leaves and bark as a poultice . This herb is a widely known all-around astringent, its uses ranging from facial care to soothing aching feet.

Woodruff Herb - Galium odoratum

When dried, woodruff has the scent of new-mown hay. Because of their enduring fragrance, its powdered leaves are used in potpourri. The dried herb may be kept with linen to repel insects.

Wormwood Herb - Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood is one of the most bitter herbs known, and provides the bitter flavor in vermouth. It was the famous ingredient in absinthe until it was banned for causing absinthism or wormwood poisoning.

Yarrow Herb - Achillea millefolium

In Europe, yarrow is the "herb's herb" because it stimulates growth, and improves essential oil and mineral content of herbs or plants it grows with. Yarrow is blended in formulas to enhance effects of other herbs. It is best known for its astringent properties.

Yellowdock Root - Rumex crispus

The familiar yellow roots of the the yellowdock plant were used in cultures around the world, primarily as spring and blood tonic. A Eurasian plant, it was brought to the U.S. as an important medicinal plant by early colonists and is now considered in many places a noxious weed.

Yerba Mate Leaf - Ilex paraguariensis

Yerba maté is prized as a delicious, gently energizing herbal tea. The flavor of the natural leaf is herbaceous and somewhat like green tea. We also offer roasted leaves for a richer-bodied tea.

Yerba Santa Leaf - Eriodictyon californicum

Sometimes referred to as Mountain Balm, this herb was widely prized by Native Americans for its ability to ward off negativity and provide protection. The leaves were often carried by individuals to boost their spiritual strength.

Yucca Root - Yucca species

Yucca, also known as soap root contains saponins which have a foaming, cleansing action in the presence of water. Yucca was used by Native Americans in the desert southwest in shampoos, soaps and laundry detergent. Yucca has also been used as a natural foaming agent in root beer and other beverages

Historic & Healthy Hikes

~ Eco*Enviro Edu*Touring ~

...walking with pleasure & purpose...

~ Green Gazing ~

...visit premiere gardens, nature reserves & parks...

~ Trolley Treks ~

...traverse the center city and experience OURstory...

~ ARTouring ~

...access the alluring aesthetics of  galleries & museums...

The GOD*ESSENCE

HER*LORE

...in my quest for Perception & Peace...I am guided by the eternal quantifying gifts of Sister SELKHET formed in AMEXEM...and by the Amer life giving powers of

WHITE BUFFALO WOMAN
and the
 Hopi BUTTERFLY MAIDEN
 and by
~YEMANYA~
  ...ALL centered in the 1*WOMAN spirit of the Seven...
 ~welcoming~
 AMER*AMEXEM GODDESSES
...Recognizing us ALL as Sisters...
particularly as related to OUR Goddess of music and lore, we are born witness to the regenerating essences of royal
 MOTHER*SISTER HATHOR  and SIStah*WOMAN SEDNA
...each of us relatives...
~SHE*BEINGs of Power & Majesty~
*ALA - ALE - ANE*

(Mother Goddess...Nigeria)

...she who blesses the harvest...

*BAST - BASTET*

(Sunrise Goddess...Egypt)

...she who protects the spirit of clay...

*ERZULIE*

(Love Goddess...Haiti)

...the voodoo goddess of temptation...

*ISIS*

(Exceeding Queen...Egypt)

...the daughter of earth & sky...

*NOMMA*

(Cosmic Goddess...Mali)

...she who came from the stars...

*NOWA*

(Protectress...AMEXEM)

...she who guards and protects...

*NUT*

(Sky Goddess...Egypt)

...she who is the Mother of the sun...

...Forbearering Perpetuators of the Feminine*Divine...

YOU are Recognized, Loved and Honored.

Zuri Watoto~Beautiful Children...MURDERED

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Cory Hatter, 17
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Marcus Washington, 15
Andre Malcolm, 17
Arthur Tyler, 16
Sameere Con, 13
Kiyanna Salter, 17
Shaun Brown, 17
Shaun Bowens, 17
Daniel Calderon, 15
Ernest Williams, 17
Julian King, 7
Brian Murdock, 15
Quenton Buckner, 17
Sergio Dukes, 18
Dushawn Johnson, 16
Isiah Stroud, 16
Andre Stephens, 17
Esteban Martinez, 15
Itzel Fernandez, 7
Johnel Ford, 16
Racheal Beauchamp, 16
Johnny Edwards, 13
Kendrick Pitts, 17
Raheem Washington, 15
Gregory Robinson, 14
Franco Avilla, 17
Devour Robinson, 17
Rakeem Robinson, 15
Lee Miller, 15
Tommie Williams, 18
Marquell Blake, 15
Juan Cazares, 14
Darnier Love, 16
Alex Arellano, 15
Ramone Morris, 16

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An African American, Jesse Earnest Wilkins, Jr, earned a ph.D. from the University of Chicago in mathematics at the age of 19 in 1942.
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Wondering as WE wander through the glamoured commUniversity...

...as relates to the realities of the conscious spiritual walk and work and everyday living and life...

Ah!...the stuff of  simple & complex, epic journeys & poems and novellas, and murals and gardens and soliloqy and screenplays and encyclopedias and dissertations and quilts and even healing herbal combinations & remedies...

...everyone is is NOT well within the conceptual satisfaction of sanctuary, as each individual's reasons for being in a place or situation are as varied as leaves on every forest's myriad trees...

...and so, circumstances and beings come and go~and even those of us who seemingly stay, we too wonder in silent listening...as we wander wishingly, to and 'fro...

...We pray with heARTfelt SELF DETERMINATION to ever ask and answer PURPOSEfilled questions pertinent to the validity and viability of UNITY...

...WE make concerted, diligent and dedicated commitment with respect to the righteousness of our obligatory life*skills choice...

...with unequivocal and humble respectful reverence to the GODessence, the Elders...

...for the well*ordered life insurance of our Zuri*Watoto (beautiful children)! 

 ...professing selflessness, we struggle (blessedly) for every opportunity in COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, as our collective freedom is contingent upon sustainance and survival ...

...many of us really do take dedicated RESPONSIBILTY for our COLLECTIVE WORK, as committed, respectful service and productivity absolutely insures a harvest, perhaps & hopefully for the entire world...

  ...and so, we employ every avenue of CREATIVITY, focusing ALLways on the grande never ending resulting glorious prize...

...our individual and combined reckonings for and in greater IMANI, may well strengthen us in this beat by beat, day by day,  "wondering as WE wander" Community Organizing ethereal struggle...

...as we bear the fullest of gracefilled witness, with the most unwavering standards of love and RESPECT to the quintessential embodiment of the ELDER*Spirit...

...we humbly recognize in KNOWing, that the All is reconciled & sealed within the concern and care we own for the blest futures of our ZURI*WATOTO...

 ALL
THINGS WE CONSIDER DOING ARE DONE  FOR THE GUARANTEED SAFE*HAVEN PRESENT  & WELL FUTURES OF OUR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN!

...one may well ask one's self... 

~Who am I?~

~ What am I?~

~What do I want?~

~What do I need?~

~What must I do?~ 

~What will I do?~

~Why am I here?~

...from draught to flood...

...there is no danger...

as there is fear of nothing!

...and even the kindest gesture of concern...
~is measured by the maniacal as so much less than more~
~thereby being sustainance for playerhater malcontent~
...and once reasonable caring is drug jaggedly to it's loving limit...
~relegating Kodesh to stand it's very hallowed height~

...often, the ingrate REALLY is of the most well ordered value...
~as things & beings are only as good as the true roots test defines~
...and though my love is alive and well within the most sacred of haven...
~our claiming is obligatory to the taxing test of choosing~

PEACE!

~once chosen...obtained~!

...having ourselves a merry little Xmas...

04DEC08/9:35a
...ah! to be sure...we sure enough had them~each and every Christmas was INdeed a merry, way, way OUT of body, joyluv experience...

Lately, these some several days just past Thanksgiving Day...I too; tried and 4True Kwanzaan that I am for REAL, have been spiritually affected by seasonal rememory and reminisce.

...been musing lately about the power and "ghetto" glamoured glory Christmas' of my 56 year PERSONAL holiday experiences...

At my  time of farthest back recall, I remember knowing that our period of soul satisfying family warmth and relvory are in the here and now... reflectionf of when MaDear gave sanction that the carefully packed away illuminating Santa Claus bust could be retrieved from her old in the closet trunk, dusted, and regimentedly hung in our Dixie Homes apartment front door.

Over many, many years. if our beloved Santa's lone bulb was ever blown, I recall our joyful squeals at the spotaneous release of  hopefilled and anticipatory breaths when the electrical cord was plugged into the outlet nearest the front door foyer of our North Memphis housing project flat...O, the brightness of that big fat single bulb wrapped me up in what has to have been the selfsame aweinspired
euphoria felt when that little drummer boy and wise men saw and traveled by that little bright star shining and aligning in the Bethlehem of old!

Over the use of many years, Santa's big white plastic face begin to crack, his mirthful eyes and robustly red cheeks began to fade in color and about the same year when I  had matured enough to know just abit more about the reindeer and chimney myths...I began to wonder why my Scottie Bag Pipe and other gifts were in the bottom of my GranMa Dovie's old mirror doored chiffarobe and not being packed onto the magical sleigh  at the freezing cold toy factory at the North Pole...

When our Christmas cheer door decoration light's shortage could not be repaired again, I began to view new things with expanding and increasing awareness...being aware of time and place was so much a part of my civil rights era days, particularly as relates to issues of being unknowingly  impoverished and Amer*African. Simple things like holiday lights shining or not...being made aware by my little life standards that good Christmases were measured by grown folk's ability to spend big dollars and that issues of race and gender had huge impact at ALL levels on every little thing. . Our small family unit loved so bright and shiningly and with such nurturing protection, that I did not fathom being economically challenged, what for the unifying richness of our day to day process.

Uncle Charles used electrical tape sucessfully over the years to repair the shortage, even bending wire a time or two in order to make the brittle brown cord's wires connect ...but that year, old Saint Nick's little light shown no mo'....all our patient wishing and waiting was to no avail...that year, my personal treat was to ride at the back of the #5 Poplar bus  to downtown segregated Memphis to get a box of stringed colored indoor / outdoor lights which replaced our familiar, aging and ailing bearer of the bright holiday light and happy, big laughing smile.

And now, I see holiday lights each and everytime I light a candle. I feel insurmountable joy when I glimpse a Kinara or Menorah and even the Star and Crescent and too...the Locust Blossom...as well as the trailing smoke from deer skin covered Sweat Lodge domes...

I feel now days, holiday cheer each and everytime I pass through old  neighborhoods and witness the signs and symbols of fimilial and economic stability, pride and increase...

I hark the herald each time ( no matter the season)  I see "amount accepted" on my laptop screen, when I sometimes make the minimum payment of life sustaining bills. Being willing and able to pay the righteous debt is undeniable conduit to our cooperative~communal comforts  and joy...I am beginning to know the celebratory revelance of everyday's holiday quality and essential relativity.

 I hear the melodic strain of angelic voices whenever I switch on the lights, answer the phone, check Email and too, as I ride in our vehicles, as we work and live empowered and dedicatedly in these so many, ever increasing welcoming rooms....

I rejoice with historic gladness, remembering within the  fondest recall so many merry holidays...as I light obligatory candles and pray for individual and world peace & global blessings...at the portal of my altar...the Zawadi bust of Queen Nefertiti gazing as ever on & on...

When I think on the reasons for  the season, I remember Christmases past and I am pleased that vestiges of them yet live in me...I bear FULL witness to that fact that gentle love, basic respect, environmental and cultural consciouness all indeed help us know and value ourselves...ourstories... our peace...our names.

Who are YOU?
Why are YOU merry?
Why are YOU here?
When did you last bask in and share the simplistic joy of REmemory?

PEACE & BLESSINGS...joyluvALLways!

uccommuniversity@gmail.com
ultrayouth.blogspot.com

...what we ARE is what we've done...

04DEC/08

...WHAT U R...

 is

....WHAT YOU HAVE DONE...

...as what we own & claim is what we become...

...as what we were is who we are...

...as ALL we dream is our reaching star...

...as ALL we need is just what we have...

...as what we were is far better by far

KOMMUNITY*HEJIRA*KARE

15 JUNE 08

I SEE YOU...as relates to HEJIRA situations ~ THERE IS NOTHING when the SPIRITUAL heART is not sanctioned!

As we go about...I am so very proud of the ways we are given spiritual guideposts & signs & symbols which serve to strengthen us in such ways of comfort

Peacefilled timing & tone guarntees LOVE's unequivocal flourishing!

And...as OVERSTANDING is in fact DIVINE understanding...

I SEE YOU

...everywhere I go...!

April 08

HEJIRA...the unequivocal faith walk ~ being a course in life altering miracles & blessings~being that defining place wherein one's take on righteousness, hospitality, loyalty and truth is challengeds within EVERY ancestral breath!

7 March 08

...when 1one will not...can not...does not righteously join up...come forward ~ 1one can not...must not...will not be a part of the heART...

03 January 08

L.A.W.S. !

Land ~ Air ~ Water ~ Sunshine!

Is there really much more that we need?

Perhaps so, particularly when winter's cold makes cause for the warmth of heat of hearth...OR when summer's swelter makes for the burning desire of soothing cool drink or breeze...OR when one is lonely, some satisfying company most certainly fills the pressing bill ~

Invariably we ALL can / will bear witness to the undeniable LAWS of attraction ~ put simply, we ALL come full circle in the axiom...

ONCE CHOSEN...OBTAINED!

...and so ~ our lands may be palatially luxurious...as our air may be pure & unpolluted...AND our water may no longer be privitized...as our soul satisfying sunshine will ALL ways energize ~

AND

OUR healed heARTs

will ever beat the ancient rhythms of

...joyluv...

that

~ within the ethereal passionate connection personal ~

WE

R

forever

1One!

~

31 December 07

~ JOY * LOVE ~

~

...be it love of family...

~as in the sharing of home cooked meals and stories of commonality which bind generations~

...be it love reciprocated in friendship...

~as within the well wishing ways one simply calls just to say "hey"~

...be it love embodied in ALL which defines romance & energizing physicality...

~as with the simple surge of endorphins transmitted through the healing touch of heART*hands~

...be it the breath taking OR giving love of the the aesthetically pleasing...

~as in latter day reminiscences of rain washed trolley line umbrella trees & gifted city hall flowers~

...ALL ways BE...

...that wholistic, divine beginning, libatory joining up & ever cherished...

...ever new eARTh*Sky courtship...

beloved

&

~ Sterling ~

21 December 07

I*AM!

...BEING...

ever & ever

DOOR*BEING

open

2

likin&luvin

DESIRING

...U&U&U...

SPEAK!

he*ART*Talk

mackin*connection

over

miles & mountains

...MYnute...

525,600 MYnutes*TIMES 20

over hOUR surrogate lines

...not mine...

4 TIMES 525,600

MY*nutes

MyN*US

10,512,000

...equates...

DEVINE

deliverance

DEEP

heART*Drum*Talk

Nguzo'd

preparedness vows

of

joyluvALLwayZ!

...ALL y'all HEARD...

WE

...picked upon...

Born witness to the @ LONGlast wordz

'bout joining up...property claiming

BEINGS*1ONE

...traveling miles over begged & borrowed mountains & minutes...

heART*Talk

as

i&I&i

repose*response

Aquiessence*Allowing

the

EVER*TRANSPARENT

&

...Open*Door...

ALL*WE*WAYZ

nuetranoids

&

4TRUE

!

RESPONSIBLITY

echos

ASE'

7 October 07

HEJIRA...The escape 1One makes by way of DIVINE order, with the exacting plan to avoid, leave behind or escape eminent danger...a seldom used term derived from an ancient language, a quanitifying term relative to EVOLUTIONARY, necessary journeying...Be they journeys which involve physical movement, or one's which allow for ethereal travelings which supercede time and space ~ I fully recommend ~ NO!, challenge EVERYone to be open to at least SPIRITUAL sojourn!

...1One's range of vision is often influenced as well as enhanced by 1One's experiences and awareness...

My personal HEJIRA is a reality which I hope will never end ~ as I am learning through living that when one door closes...myriad others swing open wide!

I am recognizing, and bearing FULL witness ~ ALL OF LIFE IS INDEED A JOURNEY ~ though we are constantly moving within and through cycles...journeys are oftenbest taken when 1One is OR at least willing to be consciously aligned...AND of nuetral spirit!

Wise one's are recalled as having said something to the effect of, "endings ARE beginnings of wonderful, beautiful, healing things"...in my life's travels, I am actively living the absolute truth of these profound words.

My personal life sojourns are manifesting as clearly defined cycles of qualitative recognizings of omnipresent JOY even as steps are woven within swirling, gripping cycles of pain ~ within revelatory cycles repeated within many, many maelstroms of varying degrees of truth & cvonsequence...over & over...again and again!
THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL...STRENGTHENS!

The most recent Hejira*Cycle within which I am currently consciously born & coming full circle, started as I so often lay seemingly dying and too steadfast to live. I was cold, in dire need of warmth, though I was not frozen...I was also alone in places OVER crowded... I was sick, though not disEASEd ~ and though the very fact of death & dying was all around me, I was not, and yet am not by the presence of it consumed.

I promised a friend of spirit, "...when the time comes that I travel to the east again, I will come to New Orleans to see about you ~". Sistah Sharifa had only been back in post Katrina New Orleans for about 6six months after relocating to Houston immediately after the 2005 cataclysmic flooding when the heavens blessed that my heART*Pledge came to BE 4True!

...the quintessential*carribeanesque culture of the "CRESCENT" city is at once ancient, embryonic and too ethereal!

As we morning mourners somberly marched, strutted and too, grooved emersed within the womblike comfort of musical impresario Willie T's funeral march 2nd line, i was uplifted well within the mesmerrirhythmic syncopative gyratings of jubilant NOLA grievings as well as wholistically ~embraced by~

...SOUL*SEARING*DIRGE* MUSINGS...
~
CANDLELIT
ZAWADI
LIFE ALTERING ESSENCE!
THE UNEQUIVOCAL...
joyLUVeverLASTING!
~
LIGHT*DOV...
Diamond*LIFEverlasting
MARQUIS...
HeavenBlest
ME!
...done come an' so so soon done gone ~...
Brought i*me*me*mine ENUF lub*luv*LOVE
4
...ever...
~
We started the last rites walk subdued and slowly...WE picked up to a somber samba...and O as we turned the inevitable steepled corner...We cast off ALL judgemental restraint as we shagged them on down the 4TRUE*NEWbeing 2nd*line!

I traveled west initially to meet Peace, and in time, soul satisfying solace I could sence...
I was a stranger in a strange land, and even familiar imagings were not mine to own or claim...and even though in a state of heart constricting debilatation, I remebered my life's purpose and I have NEVER forgotten my name...I finally found recognizeable within me the lulling lure of HOME...I know; throughout this sojourn of grace, I shall never forget my way home.

When the much prayed for time came for me to actualize the strength needed to complete the steps required to submit to the rebirthing truths of salvation...I was aware in an instant! In a split second I was, and made ready to GO!

I rose up from my divan shouting rejoicing from within my soul...I walked as if floating in rooms inwhich and by which I had been blessed, KNOWING that the time had come to reach out for the sights and sounds and smells of my less than joyous beginnings.

The two or more days I initially spent on the Washoe People's Northern Nevada lands blessed me within surging circles full with cleansing and amazing wonder. While in the sweat lodge, I KNOW I am not in control of the levels of release I live through...I exited that dome of spiritual evolution a Woman better than before...I walk onward, unafraid.

I pray to EVER WELLcome to sit upcome the handhewn carpenter's bench, beneath the rustling branches of this Washoe*People's fierce wind willow tree...
I will have faith as this Elders of the ancients yet do...and i will gaze upon jagged mountains & clouds and count the soaring planes...
as they have done and so

I will take the obligatory steps of 7Seven...
round & round pit & lodge...
i will rejoice in hawk & eagle flying
and smudge with smoke from resin & bush & brush & tree...

HEJIRA may allow that I will again walk upon that mountainous terrain ~ though if not...I shall always cherish most the memory of young Hale Bop's sweet sad eyes as I prepared to go...

As he lay on the ancestral living room floor gazing up at me I busied myself, packing...my heART swored beyond physicality upon hearing him ask and say...

"IiYAH*ISHA...when will you return...when you do return will you come stay with us...do you have enough money to take with you?" "...I can save my allowance and give it to you so that you will have all the money you need to come back..."

...and so my 11eleven year old Shaman blessed that I will have no financial need as I walk this HEJIRA of Love & Light...!


We traveled south and eastward...I was awake in a dream unfolding as realities revealed themselves, ever and ever more viable and limitless!

With the greatest respect I have ever known I feel the honor and value of 4true community and home.

As I move through this satisfying journey of spirit and light, I know the power of being at 1one within miracles...the knowledge which confirms continuance...a most humbling truth of which I am more than proud.

The unequivocal embodiment of fearlessness is with me now, and I am no longer afraid...there is for me no doubt. I was recipient of the full measure of the fearless example by witnessing the "at home" tradition of tenacity representative the Survivors of the Breaching of the Levies after the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina.

...the redemptive Memhis portion of my hejira was a maelstrom of heARTfelt REbirthings and emotional evolutions...

Being stalled for more than 16Sixteen hours on those cornhusk strewn tracks in Yuma, Colorado caused me to bear increasing witness to the recalibrating dictates of TIME...

3Three year old DESTINY was among the waiting AmTrak passengers who quite soon after hearing the details of the coal car derailment on the tracks some 30Thirty minutes ahead of us 'detrained' with her young Mother...although they were in a cluster of fellow passengers milling around on the gravel alongside the tracks, she, on her own, made her way to my immediate leftside and stood next to me looking up at me...right into my sunshade covered and weary eyes & smiling...I clearly could discern by way of her warm*welcoming language of child*body that she had some particular interest in me!
I removed my amber hued UV shields from my half century plus 5Five eyes...

I could tell by way of her warm and welcoming language of precious pink clad child*body that she indeed had some pointed and particular interest in ME!

SHE HELD UP & OUT HER SMALL WHITE HAND, AND I NOTICED THAT SHE HAD SOMETHING IN IT...I OPENED MY LARGE BLACK HAND AND IN IT SHE GENTLY PLACED A SMALL SAND STONE PEBBLE...

BEING AN AVID EARTHLOVER, I WITH PLEASURED EXUBERANCE THANKED HER...SHE IMMEDIATELY WALKED A FEW STEPS TO MY RIGHT AND STOOPED DOWN ON HER HAUNCHES (...as only children either do OR can...) and painstakingly dug out a sandstone 'boulder' the size of my fist...just for me...smiling and chuckling as I clapped my hands as I thanked her for gifting my w/ yet 1One other Earth*Treasure for my many decades old collections...

Her Mother spotted her there in the clustered groups of wating passengers and came over to us, I asked the Mother her name...Miss D didn't give her mom the breath she required in order to reply and as she looked up at me beaming she said..."I Dest'ny,,,and I 3Tree...I asked her Mother if it would be alright if I shook her hand ~ and with parental consent, I bowed to that very cordial and special little being of light and touched her small dirt crusted hand to each of me windchilled Black cheeks RESPECTively!

Little Lady DEE said turning as she joyfully skipped away, her small hand hidden now inside that of her Mother, "...I like your long hair, it real pretty...& I like your purple too..."

ALL of these really miraculous things occurred on my PURPLE day which is on Fridays...I traveled in basic black wrinkle resistance garb...I packed color specific turtle necks...thinking to be PREpared for the general cooler temps associated with train travel ~ and too to pledge allegiance to a creative 7Seven color*gift bestowed upon ME from the heART*hands of dear sister Elders...yet another story still...

I am aware now that this gentle and innocent honoring of an interesting Elder was from that particular golden*child, an ethereal precursor to yet another PURPLE chance meeting as I was again waiting on the City Hall lawn one Saturday soon to come in sunny San Francisco!

The universe is providing for me such confirming wellsprings of hopes and dreams which at one time I admittedly, was by far too tentative and weak to even think on...

I am well enough NOW to name this new state of being...Freedom Within Miracles!

And so onward and upward I go!

###

AUTUMNA*RISING

(...to falling...)

this autumnal tale of every Man*Woman beginnings

magical mysteries begin as cycles upon successive seasons

begin & end & end & begin

again & ever & ever & again

long ago times

way way before YOU & I were born

way before WE were

SHE is borne of the ethereal ancestral breath

ever & over & over & ever

...wondrously born...

wrapped within the blasting quietness if Terrestia's tambre*time

then SHE...being concieved & spawned at once

every awakening of the eternal season's 3three

reconciled eARTh rythms which proclaim & manifest

yes

conception

& birthing &

RE

birthing

ALL the saME

we hear of the IRIE*TIME a moment of a WOman*motHER child

a young one welcomed in Primavera's wanings

that blessed often misunderstood child of miracles

...YOU may know HER...

that OVERSTANDING daughter of Wintera's dawning dust

around the womb roundness of Terrestia's seasoned places

WE

livers of lives

self transformed

OUR

selves

seemingly degenerant postulate suddenly

gradually...decadently vital...regressively present

ALL together ALONE

considered by the few*many

in

love*light

juxtaposing

dank darkness

abject

&

off

center

OUR

seasoned 1one well & rythmically responds

ALL time aligns within Autumna's unfailing whimsical wonder

...NOW...

we bear unquestionable witness

Fall is in fact Summer's beautifully blessed ending of Winter's healing hibernative liberations

&

@

...Spring...

there is the welcomingly majestic promise epoch of satisfying increase

&

in the turning in & out & around & 'round

the is the quintessence of nostalgia's memory

basking in the relvory

of

golden & crisp leaves fluttering & flying & falling down & down

on ever wanting & waiting soulfully solid motHER*SIStah green Autumna energized & giving grounded in her eternal falling

&

~i~

*