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Each year, in the coming weeks of November 11th, we see various displays of the iconic red poppy. We display poppies to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The poppy is beautiful, bold and elegant. Its bright red flower and jet black centre are a true Canadian symbol of honour. But besides that, do you know why it’s a poppy we display and not a daisy?

Canadians should value historical understanding alongside tradition, especially on a day of remembrance.

The History of The Poppy

The first connection to the poppy dates back to the 19th Century, during the Napoleonic War. A writer had noticed that blood-red poppies had started exploding all over a field where a battle was taking place, one that was otherwise bare and unnoticeable. Prior to WWI, few poppies actually grew in Flanders. However, during the attacks on that field during the war, the soil became rich in lime from the rubble, allowing ‘Papaver rhoeas’ (a species of flowering plant in the poppy family) to grow and flourish. Research discovered that disturbed soil triggered poppy seeds to germinate. As the soil recovered, poppies gradually disappeared.

Canadian doctor and Lieut-Col. John McCrae made the same connection nearly 100 years later, during the First World War, and wrote the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. It was after that that the vividly red poppy became a recognized symbol for soldiers who had died in battle. However, it was not John McCrae who made the symbol wearable above our hearts – that came three years later, by an American, Moina Michael. She was working in New York City when she started wearing a poppy in memory of those who died in battle. At this time, Madame Guerin, a French woman who was visiting the United States, learned of the custom and brought the notion back home with her. It was on her return to France that she decided to hand-make poppies to raise money, at the time for children in war-torn areas. The Great War Veterans Association officially adopted the poppt as Canada's flower of remembrance in 1921.

Today we wear our poppies to remember those who fought for our country, our freedom and who died in battle, but it is also a symbol of representation for unity. By wearing a poppy, Canadians honour those who served and remember their sacrifices. Donations from the Poppy Campaign raise more than $14 million annually for the support of veterans and their families.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae

Nutritional Profile of The Poppy

Poppy petals can be toxic to some people and animals. However, many cuisines safely use poppy seeds. They also hold some natural health benefits you should all be aware of:

The edible poppy seed is slate blue or off-white, with a mild nutty flavour. Poppy seeds may be small (tiny, really) in size, but they make up for it with their high nutritional content. They are a high source of protein, dietary fibre and Omega 3and Omega 6 fatty acids. One Tbsp. of poppy seeds contain 1.6 grams of protein and 3.7 grams of fat, including ‘healthy’ fats, omega-3 and omega-6 (2.48g). Poppy seeds are also a good source of manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

The seeds of the African Griffonia shrub (Griffonia simplicifolia) have long been used as a source of 5-HTP. 5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is a chemical naturally synthesized from tryptophan by your body. From this state, 5-HTP can be converted directly into our relaxing brain hormones serotonin, and melatonin.

Key Health Benefits of Griffonia

Mental Health Benefits

The main compound in Griffonia, 5-HTP, helps to dilate the blood vessels in the brain and thus can help to prevent migraines. When converted to serotonin, it helps to balance mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. In fact, in research studies, 5-HTP was found to be equal or better in the treatment of depression than tricyclic antidepressants and Prozac!

Weight Loss Benefits

A deficiency of serotonin in the brain can lead to emotional overeating and then to obesity. Supplementing with Griffonia, as a source of the building blocks of serotonin can help to reduce emotional and stress-related food cravings and overeating.

Age-Associated Insomnia

As you age, the melatonin production in your brain declines naturally. Supplementing with this nutrient provides a source of 5-HTP, which can support healthy melatonin production.

Griffonia Supplement Options & Shopping Tips

Generally, these supplements will be standardized by their content of 5-HTP. The dosage is usually standardized to provide somewhere between 50 and 300mg of 5-HTP daily. 

To allow your body to adapt, it is a good idea to slowly increase your dosage over a few weeks until you achieve the desired dose. Taking Griffonia supplements with carbohydrates like juice can help to speed its absorption. Be sure to read the important information below for safety tips.

Plant Information

Plant History

The colour purple is known for being a rich colour that exudes royalty; therefore, it is no surprise that Lavender and lavender essential oil was a favourite among royal families. The Lavender plant has Egyptian and Mediterranean origins. Egyptian royals and high priests used Lavender all throughout life by adding it to their cosmetics, medicines and tombs. While lavender was used cosmetically and for it’s alluring aroma, it wasn’t until 77 AD when a Greek philosopher had the first record of Lavender being used for its healing qualities. At that time it was noted that when taken internally, Lavender helped with indigestion, headaches and sore throats, while externally, it helped clean wounds, alleviate burns or other skin irritations. As time passed, the Romans used Lavender in their washing to scent both their baths and clothes as well as for its healing and antiseptic properties. Roman soldiers took Lavender in their first aid kit when heading off to war to dress wounds. WhileLavender originated in Egypt & the Mediterranean, the English played a large role in its history by cultivating some of the most fragrant Lavender in Europe and by bringing Lavender into mass markets. In the 17^th century, an English herbalist deemed Lavender oil as a “cure-all” and during the plague of 1665, Lavender oil sale prices skyrocketed because it was believed to protect people from the infectious disease. During the Victorian era, Mitcham, a suburb of London, was the hub for Lavender oil production and during that time, England's Lavender products became well known world wide. Lavender production continued to grow and is being used today as a remedy for stress, insomnia, tension and congested sinuses. 

Botanical Information

Lavender is one of 47 species of flowering plants that are part of the mint family. It is a perennial shrub and its flowers are a favourite amongst bees. While purple or mauve-blue lavender flowers are most commonly known, this plant can also bloom white or pink flowers. There are 3 main types of Lavender used in essential oils: Lavandula angustifolia, which is the main type that’s used in aromatherapy because of it’s potency and its sweeter scent. The second strain is Lavandin,which is a cross between Lavendula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, this strain offers more oil production and is used to give products a Lavender scent, like laundry detergents and perfumes, but isn’t as potent as the former, and therefore shouldn’t be used for therapeutic grade essential oils. Lastly, Spike lavender, which is more herbaceous and therapeutic,therefore it is used in medicinal settings with the guidance of a certified aromatherapist. 

Growing Information

Lavender is a great addition to any garden as it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. This plant can survive in a dry environment with a high ph soil. Lavender thrives best when watered occasionally, has adequate drainage and space and lots of sunlight. It is easy to maintain as it only needs to be pruned once or twice a year and once it’s established, it doesn’t need to be re-fertilized.

Parts Used To Make Lavender Essential Oil

The flowers, buds and leaves of the lavender plant can be used for various purposes. Typically, the buds are dried and used to enhance culinary dishes, teas or in a healing compress. The fresh flowers are used for decoration or to garnish dishes and the dried flowers are popular in potpourris and perfumes. The flowers can also be dried or distilled for oil extraction. The leaves are great when dried to mix into spices, such as Herb de Provence and other various seasonings or to add to a compress to relieve headaches or muscle tension. 

Lavender Essential Oil Information

Extraction Method: How To Make Lavender Oil

Therapeutic essential oils are extracted either through steam distillation or cold expression. Lavender oil is extracted through straight steam distillation using a Still. The plant is hung inside an apparatus above boiling water. As the steam rises, it pulls the oil out of the plant. The steam then carries the oil along the tubing of the apparatus and into the condenser where the steam is then cooled. This causes it to re-liquify, forcing the essential oil to float on top of the water vapour, which is then siphoned off. The floral water is then used as a fragrant water in cosmetics and the oil is used for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy. 

Active Ingredients Found in Lavender Oil

The Lavender flower is the main source of Lavender oil extraction. The active ingredients found in Lavender are: 51% Linalool, and 35% Linalyl Acetate. Linalool is a terpene alcohol and it’s what gives Lavender it’s floral scent. 

Lavender Oil Applications & Benefits

Calming Benefits

Lavender is widely known to create a calm, stress free environment and is linked to anxiety support. Some ways you canincorporate Lavender essential oil in your routine to create a soothing, euphoric environment is to:

• Add 1-4 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath and mix in with water
• Add 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser 
• Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub on your temples, wrists or upper lip to inhale
• Put 1-2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale during meditation or slow breathing 
• Carry a rollerball of lavender oil and inhale with slow breaths when feelings of stress or anxiety arrive

Deodorant

Lavender oil can make for a great natural deodorant because it’s anti-bacterial. Therefore, it can prevent the growth of bacteria, leaving fewer bacteria to mingle with sweat that causes unpleasant body odor. While a natural deodorant won’t stop you from sweating like commercial antiperspirants, they are safe to reapply as needed and by making your own, you can alter the proportions to your personal preference/needs (see below for recipe).

Headache Relief

Lavender oil relieves stress and tension and can be a natural remedy for headache relief. In fact, Queen Elizabeth 1 used Lavender to treat her migraines. Below are some Queen approved ways you can try it out for yourself:

• Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam. 
• Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil into a cup of cold or warm water, depending on your preference, dip a facecloth in the water, wring it out and lie down, placing the wet cloth on the forehead or base of the neck. 
•  Add 1 drop of lavender oil per 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil (grape seed, jojoba) and apply it to your temples, hairline or the base of your neck. 

Pest Banisher

Lavender has been used in repellants for a long time. It can help fight off pesky mosquitos, moths, flies and even fleas on your pets. To keep your backyard pest free you can:

• Plant lavender flowers
• Burn a lavender infused candle
• Rub lavender oil (mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil) on exposed areas, i.e. neck, underarms, behind ears, ankles etc.
• Diffuse lavender oil outside. 
• To keep flies out of your home, simply diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil in your diffuser, or place lavender bouquets inside your house.

Insomnia Support

As previously mentioned, lavender oil can help induce feelings of calmness and can help promote deep, slow wave, sleep. The findings of an EEG scan in one study showed participants were in a more drowsy state after undergoing a lavender aromatherapy session. Ways to help insomnia with lavender oil is to:

• In a small spray bottle, add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lavender essential oil and mix with 3 ounces of water. Just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep.
• Diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night
• Apply 2-3 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil and apply to the body, especially the feet

Shopping Tips For Quality Lavender Oil

Lavender oil should be steam distilled if you want an oil that's pure and free of solvents. At National Nutrition, we carry a variety of high quality lavender oils.