Bulk Dried Herbs

Inspired by seeing Milk Thistle growing wildly in it's native Sicily, Avena's Gardens now maintain a permanent Milk Thistle bed, where it reseeds itself annually. Students and visitors often comment on the uniqueness of these large fleshy, green, and milk mottled leaves, and their lovely, purple thistle-like flowers. Milk Thistle, also called St. Mary's Thistle, in honor of mother Mary, has a long history of use as a liver restorative. The seeds are used for preventing and treating liver damage, especially when caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and poisons, including mushrooms, alcohol and recreational drugs. Traditionally indicated for conditions such as Cirrhosis of the Liver, Hepatitis A, B and C, and Psoriasis. It also stimulates bile secretion and increases milk production in nursing mothers.* Grind 1-2 Tablespoons daily in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on your food.

Oh dear Nettle! What can we say? You are one of the most nutritive and beneficial herbs growing in our garden! In May, Avena's gardeners, wearing long sleeved shirts, and pants, and purple gloves carefully cut several hundreds pounds of fresh Nettles for drying. This herb is traditionally known to restore overall vitality, stimulate the liver and kidneys to cleanse the body of waste products, and to clear skin conditions such as Eczema and Rosacea. It is also effective as a preventative treatment for Hayfever symptoms.* Nettle Leaf is a high source of iron and other minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Avena’s organic Biodynamic® gardens produce 70% of the herbs used in our products. We apply organic compost and Biodynamic® preparations to nourish the soil and hand harvest our herbs following seasonal cycles. Some herbs are respectfully wildcrafted or organically grown by others who share our philosophy of care and respect for our Mother Earth.

Every August, several Avena staff join the gardeners in hand harvesting three hundred pounds of the fresh, green, milky Oat Seeds. Most of these Oats are carefully laid out upon dozens of screens in Avena's drying rooms. Oats is one of the most renowned herbs for restoring vitality to the nervous system. Traditionally used for people experiencing acute or chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and lowered libido. Supportive for menopausal women and any person experiencing stressful transitions. * 8oz bag Avena’s Gardens produce 70% of the herbs used in our products. We apply compost and Rudolf Steiner’s preparations to nourish the soil and hand harvest following seasonal cycles. Some herbs are respectfully wildcrafted or grown by others who share our philosophy of care respect for our Mother Earth.