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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
November 26, 2020     Shelton Mason County Journal
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November 26, 2020
 
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PEBMAGULTUBE egenerative agricul- Rture acknowledges its place in an intact ecol- ogy. To the extent that an ecology is balanced, it offers us food, medicine, material and fuel on which we should re- flect with humility. Some believe we’re exiled from Eden and must labor for our every need. But inasmuch as We do not pave and build over it, what is “undeveloped” has yet so much to offer us. Oregon grape (Berberis spp. or Mahonia spp.) carpets our young timberlands. On the Olympic Peninsula, the species is likely aquifolia, nervosa or repens. It has me— dicinal uses that coincidental- ly correspond with its harvest time, and it’s so abundant you can comfortably harvest some in the five to 120 min- utes between autumn rains. Around this time of year we probably slow down and eat more. How fortunate that Oregon grape root is best har— vested from midsummer to winter, and that it functions as a “bitter tonic for impaired salivary and gastric secre- tions, a stimulant to liver and skin protein metabolism, and an antimicrobial for the skin 'lhe grapes of worth By ALEX FETHIERE and digestive tract,” accord- ing to Michael Moore’s book “Medicinal Plants of the Pa- cific West.” One of Oregon graperoot’s active in- gredients, berberine, is what gives the en-' dangered medicinal goldenseal root its vibrant yellow color. Berberine’s antican— cer, anti—inflammato- ry and digestive sup- port functions are the subject of much current research. Most Oregon grape research at present involves its topical uses for treating psoriasis. I don’t take any pharma- ceuticals and I don’t practice medicine, but then neither do indigenous Oregon grape us- ers. The Quinault, Swinomish and Samish, among others, have used the root medici- nally for generations. One can just as easily buy — from reputable com- mercial outfits such as Herb Pharm — as produce these tonics. With these warnings in mind, consider what this folk medicine might do for the responsible user. A bitter tonic can be made of roots using vodka or glyc- erine. When harvesting, it is polite to say thanks or make an offering of poem or song. I Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 Shelton-Mason County Journal — Page A-9 ’ This fresh batch of Oregon grape root vodka tincture is already deep orange after a half hour. Journal photo by Alex Féth/‘ére brush off the dirt, grind away the woody outer bark with the spine of a knife, and skin only the brightest yellow in- ner bark to infuse. Per Moore, the fresh root should be steeped at one part chopped root to two parts 50% alcohol, or dry root at 1:5. He recommends taking 15-30 drops up to four times a day, before eating or retiring, or 30-45 drops up to three times a day. The former dosage is a hepatic tonic and the latter is a liver stimulant. The same formulation can be used as a mouthwash. I suspect it would work for indigestion as well and will try it on the next such occasion. I spilled a little while making this batch and even a taste of it set me salivating. If you find the tincture too bitter, a tea might also work for the same complaints, at 2 teaspoons of dried cut bark or root per cup of boiling water. This should be simmered for 15 minutes in a nonreactive (enamel or glass) pot, if you have one. If your psoriasis worsens in winter and you’re inclined to self-treat responsibly (con- sulting your doctor and medi- cations, etc.), Oregon grape leaves can be infused in olive or sunflower oilplus vitamin E as a preservative. This salve can be gently heated if you want to melt some bees- wax in it for thickening. As we celebrate the holi- day responsibly because of the pandemic, I’m giving thanks that the remedy for too much Thanksgiving grows just outside the window. I Alex Fe’thiére has lived on Harstine Island long enough to forget New York City, where he built community gardens and double-dug his suburban sod into a victory garden. He can be reached at onlandist@ gmail.com. g Same Day Emergency Appointments Pei 11 Free Den tistry Experts In Helping You Maximize insurance Benefits ,t WWW. HELTONSCHOOLS. ORG/COMMUNlTY/HALL_OF_FAME , To be eligible for nom n “that? a ca idgatt'e,_ should have distinguished themselves and/Or shown great leadership at the local. state. national, and/or international level through their chosen careers or vocations, who have made distinguished contributions to Shelton and/or society through their work or donation of time. W’f'i‘NTGM’IINAT-WN 'f; - Fine Arts. Academics, and Business , Humanitarian and Service dental [mnems g" m - Lifetime Recognition ' Be sure to o Athlete Easy Financing Options Evening Appointments Avalable Serving you in two loo: ,tions: Marlin Meharry, DDS Thomas Duffy, DDS 1525 Olympic l-lwy North (360) 426-9711 Don’t let your unused schedule before the - Coaches, Athletic Staff Members, and Other Athletic Support Person o Teams and Groups - Friends andBenefactors of the Shelton School District - Shelton School District Faculty and Staff end of the year. New , Patients Always Welcome! Steven H. Bowers, DDS 717 W. Railroad Avenue (360) 426-1664 Visit www.sheltonschools.org/community/hal|_of_fame to: - Nominate someone online o. Print a Nomination form 0 Forms should be dropped off or mailed to Shelton School District: 700 South lst St, Shelton. WA 98584. Attn: Hall of Fame Committee www.bowerSdentalgroup. com