SQUAW BUSH BERRIES
In the year 2020, I had a period of time when those simple things we take for granted were now limited. Tasks were impossible to do, stairs took forever to climb, and conversations were hard as I was out of breath within minutes. Nothing I used to heal with was working in gaining my strength back.
I learned that those going through menopause often suffer from severe Anemia which is from reduced and compromised red blood cells that cannot carry the required levels of oxygen to the organs. So basically you can say this was my life and I was suffering.
REMEDY TO THE RESCUE
At the foot of the canyon where I take my grandchildren to play weekly— lay large 6ft high bushes covered with dark green leaves and little tiny red berries. For hours we have sat under these bushes and have thrown rocks in the water, or pretended to fish.
Knowing I was suffering— a friend introduced these sour berries to me and suggested I pick them and make a juice. This bush to the Native Indians is called Skunkbush due to its smell when squished. Within this berry is a powerful antidote to open the lungs and this was exactly what I needed. My girls made a trip to the old familiar spot and handpicked gallons of these berries to make the special ‘lemonade’ —within just a few minutes I could run up the stairs! I honestly had never seen or heard of any form of natural remedy that works that fast and so efficiently. For months I had not been able to do anything, and every day was a struggle so to be able to have instant relief was a miracle!
That day I gained a greater testimony of the power of herbs God sends— that grow right in our backyards, canyons, and even along the roadside, right under our noses — or watering hole in my case.
CURES
Various parts of Skunkbush have been used. The bark of this herb has been chewed and also brewed to prepare a drink for treating symptoms related to colds. The berries are consumed for helping with gastrointestinal, toothaches, smallpox, etc.
LEMONADE RECIPE
- 2 c. squaw bush berries 6 c. water
- Blend the squaw berries with 2 c. water for about 15-30 seconds.
- Place all of the mixture in a pan with the rest of the water.
- Heat the water only until it is warm, not boiling or steaming hot.
- Leave on the stove for at least 30 min. You can strain and drink it at this point or leave it on the stove for 8+hr.
- Add a little honey to sweeten.
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Julie
Julie Smith is the Education Director for the Joseph Smith Foundation. She is the former owner of the Glenn J. Kimber Academy in Lehi, Utah. Julie served as a regional trainer—establishing 18 schools in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. She is a certified teacher for The Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Restoration (TJC) and taught the Making of America seminars written by W. Cleon Skousen and Glenn J. Kimber. Some of her children also traveled across the nation, assisting in teaching during these seminars. Julie taught history and Book of Mormon classes for 10 years. Julie is the mother of 5 children and grandmother to 7. She homeschooled for over 27 years, working through family challenges including pornography addiction, testimony faith crises, and teenage rebellion. She writes and teaches on strengthening the family, working with troubled youth, practically applying the teachings of scripture and the Prophet Joseph Smith, and celebrating higher standards. In her spare time, Julie also enjoys gardening, managing her .5-acre homestead, and hosting Sunday dinners with her family! Her home is a revolving door of guests and friends as her family hosts cultural celebrations and teaching events.
