Christmas Ice Storm 2013 Thank You Electrical Workers.

Santa came wearing a hard hat and driving a truck. There were more than one Santa this year and the hard hat and heavy clothing made it hard to tell in the darkness if it was a man or a woman teetering on the icy bucket reaching into the sky. The branch laden wires creaking and groaning as their cold heavy tools restored just a spark. The spark grew like magic and lit up the town and the switches that clicked , and heard all over town turned upside down smiles all back around. The coffee aroma is wafting all through the air , cookies are backing in ovens a flare. The danger they faced turned the furnaces on the heat hit the pipes and water restored. I thank you each one of you on the electrical crews each woman and man in your big heavy shoes. Be careful out there and know as you work through the cold and the ice and the darkness high above our roof. Each of us is grateful and so much in awe at the bravery and commitment you have shown through this storm. God Bless you and keep you each safe and Please God take each of them home to their own Christmas lights. Sincerely, Robin and many, many others in Maine.

Ice Storm Christmas 2013

Yarrow Achillea millefolium Dispel the melancholy drink your tea!!

Yarrow tea is a herbal tea that has been used for many generations. Yarrow or (Achillea millefolium) was mentioned in ancient Greek mythology, it was the herb of the story of Achilles in Greek mythology. Achilles, the Greek God, many stories are told of him and his Mother and his “Achilles heel” and the river Styx. As many variations of the story as colors of Yarrow have been told and retold through the generations. “Achilles heel” is also used to reference an “area of weakness”, a vulnerable spot. Yarrow the plant is also known as soldier's woundwort, knight's milfoil and carpenter's weed. Being tagged the “blood stopping bandage” by those Soldiers, Knights and Carpenters. The anti - inflammatory properties in the oils it contains camphor, eugenol, saponin among others is also benifit to have on the inside of the bandage. Last but not least the use of Achillea Millefolium is said to bring on sweating because of its, polyphenol flavonoids, some of the same polyphenol found in the red wine of the French is said to be a contributing factor to the low numbers of heart disease of the French people, which I am certain is also a reason it is coined as tea or tonic used for depression and memory maintenance. The stories are as many and more of many colors of Yarrow. I grow the white one.  It has a magical light that seems to come from within and shows off quite nicely in a photo.  I have tincture bottles readied and tea bags and tins lined up.  There will be plenty of Yarrow on the shelves this year! Check in often I'll put the shopping list up and you can check off the yarrow its in the bag. By the way bring a snack, it is also said to stimulate and appetite!

P.S. Everything is better with Chaga.

                                              Chaga, " It's a way of life."

Extracts

Vanilla Extracts 
 The vanilla is ready!! Labels are done ...sealing the jars. We can't grow vanilla in Maine, but we can make vanilla extract!! Madagascar Vanilla Beans and vodka. Madagascar Vanilla Beans and vodka. Speaking of Gluten Free Tricia Thompson wrote in and article published in the Huffington Post , "The process of distillation separates substances that are volatile from those that are not volatile," gluten expert Tricia Thompson explained. Tricia's website is a well written go-to for gluten free information,she is a Gluten Free Dietitian  It seems she has answered many of the questions I posed just the other day on the note I started titled Gluten Free. 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Chaga mushroom,  has been used in folk medicine in Russia and other European countries for generations. Chaga draws nutrients from the tree it grows on and extracts the medicines from the inner layers of the bark. The active constituents are thought to be a combination of things but most importantly, betulinic acid. "Betulinic acid' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betulinic_acid Chaga starts it’s growth in the heart of the birch and slowly grows outward, over time Chaga resembles a charred knuckle protruding from the tree. Trees are the most powerful living beings in the world, some living over 10,000 years, and chaga draws it’s nutrients directly from this life force. Chaga has been said to: calm the nervous system have a positive effect against cancerous tumors positively affect various stomach diseases and ulcers stimulate the immune system reduce inflamation enhance liver health fight viruses be antibacterial be particularly high in copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron. In Russia,chaga was approved for public use against cancer by the Medical Academy of Science in Moscow in 1955. In addition to these many benefits chaga is also a great source of antioxidants, which are said to have anti-aging properties, fight free radical and oxidative stress. Some of the reported uses of the Chaga Mushroom:
 • allergy relief • Anti-aging • Anti-bacterial • Anti-Cancer, including lymphatic support • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-oxidant • Anti-tumor • Anti-viral • Arthritis • Asthma • Blood Pressure High (Hypertension) • Blood Pressure Low (Hypotension) • Blood Purification • Bronchitis • Cardio-Vascular • Crohn’s Disease • Diabetes • Fungal Growth • Heart Disease • Indegestion • Immune Support • Indegestion • Influenza • Intestinal Worms • Kidney support • Lowering Cholesterol • Liver support • Lung support • Pain Relief • Parasites • Sleep Cycle Support • Skin Ailments • Stomach Ailments • Yeast infections
 Chaga Mushroom can be found on white and yellow Birch trees in Canada the United States and Russia. Chaga mushrooms have the highest antioxidant concentration of any known natural food, more than the blueberry or the Acai Berry. Chaga boosts the immune system and helps detox the body. The antioxidants in Chaga tea can help guard the body against free radicals, environmental toxins, premature aging, Hypertension and cancer. Chaga has the highest reported Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score of all natural foods or oils. The FDA has recommended that people should increase their antioxidant consumption to 7,000 ORAC units a day to help lower their risk of developing Cancer. Chaga can give a person a boost of energy to begin the day. But, Chaga tea contains no caffeine. Chaga is a good source of rare vitamins D and B, and many minerals. Chaga is a natualizer, a regulator a normalizer. Chaga,works to balances what is out of balance. Chaga is not, a quick fix a cure all or a hoax. As you get to know Chaga you change the way you live, quite naturally

. Disclaimer None of the opinions or claims on Carob's Chaga Farm, or That Other Stuff are to be taken as medical truths nor are they meant to diagnose or treat any disease. Instead, we provide you with this information to aide you on your own path of discovery, and on "that" path your best judgment is always the best choice.

Yarrow tea is a herbal tea that has been used for many generations Yarrow or (Achillea millefolium) was mentioned in ancient Greek mythology.Yarrow was the herb of the story of Achilles in Greek mythology. Achilles the greek God, many stories are told of him and his Mother and his Achilles heel , and the river Styx. As many variations as colors of Yarrow have been told and retold through the generations. Achilles heel is also used to reference an “area of weakness, a vulnerable spot. Yarrow the plant is also known as, soldier's woundwort, knight's milfoil, carpenter's weed. being tagged the blood stopping bandage by those Soldiers, Knights and Carpenters. The anti - inflammatory properties in the oils it contains camphor, eugenol, saponin among others is also benifit to have on the inside of the bandage. Last but not least the use of Achillea Millefolium is said to bring on sweating because of its, polyphenol flavonoids, some of the same polyphenol found in the red wine of the French said to be a contributing factor to the low numbers of heart disease of the French people, which I am certain is also a reason it is coined as tea or tonic used for depression and memory maintenance. The stories are as many and more of many colors of Yarrow. I grow the white one it has a magical light that seems to come from within and shows off quite nicely in a photo. I have tincture bottles readied and tea bags and tins lined up there will be plenty of Yarrow on the shelves this year. Check in often I'll put the shopping list up and you can check off the yarrow its in the bag. By the way bring a snack, it is also said to stimulate and appetite.P.S. Everything is better with Chaga.
Chaga, " It's a way of life." As with any member of the Asteracea family, there comes slight risk of possible sensitivity for some individuals, especially those with dermatological problems. As ever, always seek professional advice before using wild plants as medicines.

Post by Medical Medium.

See more from the Medical Medium at Carob's "Chaga" Farm Chaga, " It's a way of life."

A Letter From Fred on Vimeo

A Letter From Fred on Vimeo

Combat Medic to Ceramic Artist...a Disabled Veteran's Story: Mudita Monday - Angie Blevins

Combat Medic to Ceramic Artist...a Disabled Veteran's Story: Mudita Monday - Angie Blevins

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga mushroom, is found on Birch and other trees in cold climates, it has been used in folk medicine in Russia and other European countries for generations.

  Chaga draws nutrients from the tree it grows on and extracts the medicinals from the inner layers of the bark. The active constituents are thought to be a combination of things but most importantly,  betulinic acid. 

  Chaga starts it’s growth in the heart of the birch and slowly grows outward, over time Chaga resembles a charred knuckle protruding from the tree.

  Trees are the most powerful living beings in the world, some living over 10,000 years, and chaga draws it’s nutrients directly from this life force.

Chaga has been said to:

• calm the nervous system
• have a positive effect against cancerous tumors
• positively affect various stomach diseases and ulcers
• stimulate the immune system
• reduce inflammation
• enhance liver health
• fight viruses
• be antibacterial
• be particularly high in copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron.

In Russia,Chaga was approved for public use against cancer by the Medical Academy of Science in Moscow in 1955.

In addition to these many benefits chaga is also a great source of antioxidants, which are said to have anti-aging properties, fight free radical and oxidative stress.

 

Chaga, " It's a Way of Life."

By the cup.

Hot or cold

In your soap or lotion.

Chaga.

Mit's 2013 Iris Showing Line up

Mit's 2013 Tall Bearded Iris "The Line Up"

Please Join us for the 4th Annual Mit's Tall Bearded Iris showing and sale. Our Facebook page has all the information you will need to  purchase and find other collectors along with growing , hybridizing and general Iris care.

Robin & Mit

We have added some of the line up here there are more everyday as the Irises come into full blossom. 

Carob'sChaga Farm, Soap, Lotions, Extracts and Edibles.: Mit's Irises - In The Garden

Carob'sChaga Farm, Soap, Lotions, Extracts and Edibles.: Mit's Irises - In The Garden: Mit's Irises - In The Garden Nothing over 3.00!!         M ost of this year’s offerings are TB (Tall Bearded more than 27.5&quot...

Bowdoinham Farmers Market

We are so excited to be accepted as a part of our local Farmers Market. Please come by and visit us and all of our neighboring craftspeople, Farmers, Bakers and Artists, the list goes on!! You can find the market at the link here. The hours are 8:30 to 12:30 every Saturday!
The map is here too!! http://goo.gl/maps/Jm6kx

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bowdoinham-Farmers-Market/100378033339903

Our Mission Statement
Here at Carob's Farm our goal is to provide information, resources and products that encourage a healthier, more sustainable way of life. We strive to contribute positively to the community through organic living and a commitment to bettering our environment.

About our Products 
Our handmade/handcrafted artisan soaps are carefully created to deliver the very best in skin care, using only safe and natural ingredients. We never use synthetic chemicals or preservatives. All of our soaps are made in small batches to closely monitor the quality of each batch. We hand stir, hand cut and hand wrap every bar. Every bar is given a long cure period so that when it reaches you it is mild and ready to use. We hand-make and hand design several different varieties of soap and lotion. We scent or fragrance soaps and lotions with only the fresh clean scents of nature.The color of each batch may vary a bit as they are made in small batches with fresh natural ingredients.Its important to us to state that our palm oil derives from a "plantation" and is sustainable. We follow our own "No Compromise Standards" and use fresh, sustainable, and responsibly harvest all natural products and scents only.

http://www.thatotherstuff.com

http://www.facebook.com/carobsfarm

http://twitter.com/arejay59

http://pinterest.com/carobsfarm/

Chaga, " It's a way of Life."

Retweet us and we'll retweet you to over 50,000 people! 40Billion will pick up to 4 followers to retweet each day. #Retweet40Billion... | 40Billion

Retweet us and we'll retweet you to over 50,000 people! 40Billion will pick up to 4 followers to retweet each day. #Retweet40Billion... | 40Billion

The magic button — Make Everything OK

The magic button — Make Everything OK

Extracts and Edibles

Let the Good News continue!!Yesterday, May Day was a great day.There wasn't a May Flower to be found but I did find a small stand of coltsfoot!! We were licensed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, the division of quality assurance the only Lab in the Northeast with the standards that they carry.Heidi was quick to give credit where it was due. I hear we in Maine have some great people in the Main Lab. Heidi, was the inspector that arrived at the door. Let me tell you it is intimidating to have someone on the way deciding the fate of something you have put your heart, soul and every extra waking minute you have into. Will it pass , will they hate the cats, will it matter that the shoe tray sits inside the front door leading to the place of question? Approval this morning from the liquor enforcement officer!! Let the extracts begin!! We have some great extracts and tinctures ready to go!! To name a few we have Almond, Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Extract. Made in Maine of course!! I have a list of tinctures grown and brewed here, soon to come, Chaga Extract , Burdock root tincture, Agrimony tincture!!

More to come!

When I get done planting the list will be endless!!

Building, building and more building of links and products and social media arenas. How do we decide which ones. There is pintrest of course then we have Linkedin after that we have twitter oh and there is Etsy and we certainly can not forget the leader of the pack, Facebook,

Which ones do you subscribe to? It seems I have almost as many social networks working as I have herbs growing!!

Stop in again leave a note and let me know you were here. I love
dialogue!!

Remember Chaga, " It's a way of life." Enjoy your day, Robin

Carob's Farm - LocalHarvest

Carob's Farm - LocalHarvest

Happy May Day!!

Discover Something Local

Our Chaga soaps and lotions are available on our website. 
We are adding to the Herbs avail each day. Visit the gardens and have a cup of chaga.

Chaga and Chickweed

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is used as a cooling demulcent and expectorant to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and hoarseness. It is considered a nourishing tonic for improving overall energy levels, helps speed fat metabolism and can be a tool for weight loss programs. It is claimed to loosen a tight chest, reduce a fever and is used to complement cancer treatments and restore a feeling of health. Some have used it successfully to help conjunctivitis and other eye problems. Chickweed is full of Vitamin C a restorative health tonic can be made with Chickweed.
Externally Chickweed as an emollient, has a cooling and drying effect on wounds and skin problems. Minor burns respond nicely to chickweed as do burns, eczema, some even say impetigo. The medicinal properties of this common " weed's " nutritional properties make it a popular in salves and lotions.

We can customize a lotion of chickweed with different oils, other herbs and even some of our own garden scents or organic essential oils. Here at Carob's Farm we find, companioning with our own local Chaga, Chickweed borders next to perfect any way we use it.


Disclaimer: None of the opinions or claims on Carob’s Farm, Chaga Chasers or That Other Stuff are to be taken as medical truths nor are they meant to diagnose or treat any disease. Instead, we provide you with this information to aide you on your own path of discovery, and on “that” path your best judgment is always the best choice. Our very best to you.

Chaga, " It's a way of life."

Carob's Farm and Melissa Officinalis

Carob's Farm 
 Chaga, It's a way of life!!

Melissa; she is so versatile and peeking through last years Oak leaves that covered the ground before the snow!! Melissa Officinalis that is otherwise lovingly know as Lemon Balm. The promises Melissa makes are many. Melissa Officinalis has been written about for centuries and has not lost any of her charm as she is still written about and used around the world. Whether medically or culinary, Lemon balm can be used, fresh, dried, tinctured, in teas and in cosmetics. It is even said it keep the bugs away!! So versatile and freshly scented, Melissa is certainly one of my top five favorites. I use it often, maybe even daily. As an herbal tea Melissa can be used hot or cold. It is often used with Lavender is in sugary treats and is an excellent addition to fish and famous for pesto. It mixes well with other herbs such as Lavender and Spearmint. Melissa is of the mint family. Medicinally Melissa throughout the centuries is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, I add it to lip balms to relieve not only chapped lips but also cold sores. The Essential oils in Melissa are known to be soothing and calming as an aromatherapy or medicinal tea. Melissa grows at my door to keep away any negative energy passing through with the wind and helps to keep the Maine Monster Mosquitos away. The possibilities are endless no matter what you call her, Melissa will respond with a quick and pleasant response every time. Please Note: None of the opinions or claims on Carob's Farm, Chaga Chasers or That Other Stuff are to be taken as medical truths nor are they meant to diagnose or treat any disease. Instead, we provide you with this information to aid you on your own path of discovery, and on "that" path your best judgment is always the best choice.

Melissa Officinalis