All Our Plant Partners & The Benefits to You
Toni and I are but two founding members of a seven-member team at Terra Mater Farma. The other five members are plants. Four of our founding partners grow on the farm. We didn’t plant them; they showed up on their own. They are gifts from the earth. They have declared their wish to partner with us so that we may share what we’ve learned with others while we share the beneficence of their gifts as well. Cannabis was the only member who was consciously planted, but she’d already called out to us to partner with her years before. We recognize and assume our responsibility to respond to their calling by caring for them and giving back to Mother Earth - Terra Mater.
Plants moved out of the ocean and onto the land about 400-450 million years before mammals did. We would not be here but for the wisdom the plants acquired over those hundreds of millions of years they had to learn, while we were waiting to join them on the land. They are our very wise elders and are eager to teach us what they know- whenever we are able to recognize our humble place as students.
CANNABIS
It was the cannabis plant that reached out to each of us, Toni and Andi, long before we knew each other. Years later she made sure we met, for which we are eternally grateful. We use the flowers of the female plant and often refer to her as She.
Four years ago, she asked for help to protect her from the way she was being forced to grow inside industrial warehouses, at an enormous detriment to the environment and our health. Andi responded by starting NY Small FarmA, in order to get legislators and the public to recognize this majestic plant for who she is: not some drug to be abused or an excuse to imprison people of color. Toni then joined forces at Small Farma, shining the light on the need for plants to be grown outdoors under the sun.
Now that prohibition has been lifted in New York we have started a regenerative organic micro farm, Terra Mater Farma, where we grow everything organically, regeneratively, and conscientiously. We grow a variety of medicinal plants, but cannabis is the one we teach about. Educating about cannabis is critical because knowledge of its extraordinary benefits to humans has been kept in the dark for the last century of prohibition.
Terra Mater Farma provides educational consults and workshops where people learn about cannabis and how to use it safely and comfortably. To share some of our amazement at how many conditions this plant can provide relief from, here is a very partial list of what cannabis can do[1]:
protect the brain after a stroke,
provide pain relief from almost any type of chronic pain including migraines, muscle & joint pain,
calm and regulate moods,
heal bone injuries,
treat inflammatory bowel disease,
reverse aging in the brain,
soothe symptoms of Parkinson’s,
prevent Alzheimer’s,
increase energy,
control seizures from epilepsy and other seizure-inducing conditions,
reduce painful muscle contractions in MS,
stop cancer cells from spreading,
treat glaucoma by reducing pressure in the eye,
improve symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes and ALS,
stop asthma attacks and increase lung capacity improving conditions like pulmonary fibrosis,
treat gout,
treat Crohn’s disease,
reduce blood pressure,
lower anxiety and depression,
protect against age-related bone-loss- osteoporosis;
And last but not least, because of cannabis’s superior anti-inflammatory qualities it is the key to good health and long life. It is well known that most diseases of aging are inflammatory in origin, thus making cannabis the best anti-aging supplement we could take to avoid arthritis, dementia, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Sounds like snake oil until one learns that each of us possesses an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), first discovered in 1992, which regulates all systems of our body and relies on cannabinoids to do its job of maintaining homeostasis, critical to our health. We teach about our ECS and its reliance on cannabinoids and why one needs to use whole plant medicine to get the benefit of the full entourage effect of the cannabinoids; why taking a daily dose of cannabis can prevent some of the deteriorating conditions of aging as well as alleviate chronic conditions at all stages of life; how the way the plant is grown impacts not just our health, but also the earth’s; why it’s particularly important to avoid pesticides with cannabis; how to dose cannabis to experience relief with or without getting the psychoactive effects; using cannabis in one’s meditative practice or to enhance our experiences out in nature; and how to choose the best medicine for you.
When we look to plants to heal and restore us, we are seeking both the so-called ‘medicinal benefits’ the plants have to offer, as well as the plant’s ability to restore our well being and wholeness through their spirits. Spirit medicine is the oldest medicine there is. It is our body, our hearts and our spirits that are suffering and that type of healing is something only plants can provide.
WILD STINGING NETTLES
Wild Stinging Nettles were the first plants to call to me. When I brushed by them, they really hurt in a powerful way and while I hated them in my ignorance, they wouldn’t let me ignore them. I came to develop great respect for this plant’s persistence and seemingly uncanny ability to place itself where I wouldn’t find it, like in the blackberry bushes where it camaflouged in. It led me to read up and there I discovered the exceptional healing benefits of this plant. I stopped pulling it and let it grow where it wanted to.
Its anti-inflammatory qualities are so impressive in treating allergies or any runny nose or sneezing or inflammatory reaction. It will prevent hay fever if you take it early in the season. And if you take it early in the season of your hair going gray- as in when you’re first going gray- it will delay the gray hair from coming in. I know - I did that for myself. I’ve also personally witnessed its ability to lower blood pressure enabling one to get off pharmaceutical blood pressure medications.
It is amazingly rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, particularly the trace minerals: anti-cancer selenium, memory-enhancing zinc, bone-building boron, to name a few. Nettles’ nutritional value is good for all of us but especially generous with women: Regular use of nettles will nourish your nervous system, calm and steady your nerves and strengthen your bones, thereby preventing osteoporosis. It is excellent at nourishing the adrenals, which impacts women in particular in our society who tend to suffer adrenal fatigue as a result of societal demands.
Nettles helps us build bone mass into and beyond our menopausal years. It contains an abundance of chlorophyll, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A, C and K. It is good for the heart and blood and using nettles consistently can boost energy levels, help with depression and mood swings. Nettles can balance blood sugar levels, relieve anemia, treat symptoms of gout, alleviate skin conditions like eczema and prevent hair loss.
Stinging nettle decreases muscle and joint pains. Osteoarthritis sufferers can reduce or eliminate other medications after consistent use of nettles. Nettles has been well studied in modern times, one such study showing stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory power against other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used for many thousands of years for all sorts of arthritis.
Stinging nettle root extract has also been shown to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells. It relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder infections. Its roots are used to treat urinary issues, like urinary tract infections. The list of conditions nettles has been shown to ease is long and very partially referenced here.
WILD MOTHERWORT
Wild Motherwort came to teach me the way only a plant can do. It has been said that taking motherwort tincture makes you feel like you’re being embraced by Mother Earth. I agree. I found it when I was in dire need of mothering and comforting and that’s what I received, and continue to receive, from this nourishing plant. I hadn’t noticed this plant on the farm before, but there she was calling to me (I call her she because I can feel the feminine energy of the plant). I tinctured her flowers and when I tried the tincture it almost immediately calmed me. Plants don’t always work that fast, but I was in need and she knew it. She helps me feel grounded. I use motherwort whenever I need to feel more balanced or to be soothed. Or every day.
Motherwort is said to encourage a positive mood and helps promote relaxation. It is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. It helps with menstrual cramps, hot flashes and hormonal mood swings and is a true ally to women at all stages.
Women with fibromyalgia respond strongly to motherwort, providing pain relief. Motherwort can relieve lower back pain and tooth pain and gas pain. It can help with sleep problems as well as with chronic fatigue.
Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce anxiety and can relieve a rapid heartbeat. Motherwort has been used to control inflammatory diseases. It is often recommended to help normalize blood pressure. It is a nervine: an herb that soothes the nervous system. By calming the nervous system, we can handle stress and anxiety in a more mindful way, allowing us to stay centered and peaceful at the core. It helps with depression. It is strengthening to the circulatory system.
It’s even been found to have anti-cancer properties. In one study Motherwort encouraged apoptosis of human cancer cells: a type of programmed cell death which is critical to treat or prevent cancer.
Studies in China have shown motherwort’s ability to relax the heart and other studies have demonstrated this herb’s ability to prevent internal blood clots that trigger heart attack. German tests show motherwort’s sedative action and Russian researchers found that it contains chemicals that reduce blood pressure
The latin name for motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca, or the lion-hearted or strong hearted one. Regular use can help new blood vessels grow to the heart.
WILD AUTUMN OLIVE BERRIES
Our Wonderful and Wild Autumn Olive Berries personally provide me with rapturous doses of bliss in the middle of May, when its powerfully scented flowers are in season for my birthday every year with me having to do nothing more than inhale and smile for two weeks. In autumn she also generously produces magical berries possessing an extraordinary 17 times more lycopene than tomatoes. Tomatoes and related tomato products are the major source of lycopene compounds in our diets, but tomatoes can’t compete with autumn olive berries in this regard.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, thought to decrease the risk of cervical and prostate cancers, among other cancers; decrease the risk of heart disease, decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol, and prevent chronic diseases.
The berries are also high in flavonoids, another very strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Flavonoid rich foods have been associated as a protective agent against premature aging and deterioration of brain function, which is related to Alzheimer’s and dementia; as well as protecting against cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
Quercetin, a flavonoid, characterized by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties has been specifically flagged for its potential effectiveness in preventing Covid-19. And quercitrin, as a strong antihistamine, can be used for all types of allergies.
Extracts from the autumn olive have also been used to promote wound healing and its seeds have been applied as a stimulant in the treatment of coughs and pulmonary complications.
As if that all weren’t spectacular enough, these berries are also high in vitamin A, C and E. And their sweet and sour flavor is delicious. My dog, who is super picky about absolutely every food, loves these berries more than any other food I’ve offered him. It’s like he knows!
I love this plant more with every passing year as her generosity and abundance just keeps on giving. I know, as I age, the antioxidant action of these berries is protecting me. What I particularly love about this wild bush is that she has called to me, delights me, nourishes me and asks nothing from me, other than to let her live. I am so grateful for the gifts of the Elaeagnus umbellata.
WILD PURSLANE
Wild Purslane is yet another superior plant and superfood that found me. Turns out this plant has the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) found in any green plant - even more than found in many fish oils. Funny how this plant showed up right around the time I became a vegetarian. This is an essential food for vegetarians and vegans.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be helpful in lowering blood pressure, slowing the development of plaque in the arteries, reducing the chance of heart attack and stroke. They may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer.
Purslane is loaded with nutrients, possessing one of the highest concentrations of vitamin A among vegetables. Purslane has six times more vitamin E than spinach and seven times more beta carotene than carrots. It also provides vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, plus the minerals iron, calcium, potassium and manganese.
It is one of the best sources of magnesium. Lack of magnesium is associated with diabetes, migraines, osteoporosis, hypertension, and asthma. It is also a natural source of melatonin. It is a superior source of calcium, potassium, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, all of which are known to moderate the effects of depressive brain chemicals.
Purslane has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, strengthen the immune system, improve vision health and treat diabetes. In one study it was found to enhance immunity and exert anti-cancer effects against cervical cancer.
Purslane has been studied and found to contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti -bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor and neuro protective properties. Because of these properties, it is a powerful anti-aging herb.
As women, we may try strengthening our bones with calcium supplements, but many claim supplements don’t help us. Eating foods rich in calcium -- such as yogurt, stinging nettles and purslane -- provides us with the kinds of flexible bones we need as we age.
[1]Recent Medical Marijuana Research
https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/
This report seeks to provide this guidance by highlighting hundreds of relevant, recently published scientific research (2000-2021) on the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids for a variety of indications. This summary of the available peer-reviewed research is among the most comprehensive reviews available in the modern literature and is the result of hundreds of hours of research and writing
and see, 20 Medical Benefits of Marijuana You Probably Never Knew,
and see, Recent Medical Marijuana Research
https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/
This report seeks to provide this guidance by highlighting hundreds of relevant, recently published scientific research (2000-2021) on the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoids for a variety of indications. This summary of the available peer-reviewed research is among the most comprehensive reviews available in the modern literature and is the result of hundreds of hours of research and writing.
