It is that time of year when everyone you know is fighting the flu.  So what can we do to prevent it?  It comes down to some basic principles and simple remedies to have on hand.

To avoid flu first off it is most important to get enough rest, relaxation and a good natural foods diet.  Making sure our schedules aren’t too filled with activities, especially for young ones this is important as they are growing and need their rest.  Children 6-11 years old need at least 10 hours of sleep a night!  Sometimes more if they are being particularly active or having a growth spurt.  So, making sure they are getting their sleep is super important.

By natural foods diet this means eating with the season, not too many sugary juices or fruits,  more soups, squashes and whole grains, and making sure they are drinking enough water.  Sugar can be a tricky one, but try and eliminate the concentrated sugars as they can really suppress the immune system.  Herbs to add to foods for this time of year are cinnamon, ginger, garlic and Elderberry.  Elderberry is a great one as most kids love to take Elderberry Syrup as it tastes so good and is an excellent preventative for viruses, there are also some great chewable varieties available now too.  Also having a multi-vitamin is a good idea this time of year especially one with Zinc and Vitamin D3.

Finally if you do end up getting the flu, drink plenty of liquids, rest and a fantastic tea is a combination peppermint, yarrow and elder flowers, equal parts and drink freely.

Heres to staying well!

Making tea can become a meditative ritual as well as relaxing and rejuvenating.  For me it helps me to slow down and focus on what I am about to do, and become more present in the moment…

I fill the kettle and take a deep breath
I choose the tea that best suits my mood, for example today I needed some warmth and sweetness so I chose the licorice orange tea my Mum bought me!
listen to the water boil and pour into the tea pot
smell the aroma of the tea as the hot water pours over it
watch the steam rise from the top
feeling the warmth of the cup in my hand
tasting the tea in my mouth as the flavors and heat permeate the palate

This is true quality of time, reminding us to slow down and use our senses and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.  And as I read on a sticker somewhere to ‘Make tea and not war’, I think there may be more to that than we realize!

Autumn is here, the time of harvest and a time to pull inward.  As we gather together on all levels, storing food; warm clothing; and planning for all the winter activities, it is a good time to assess where you are in your mental and physical health.  It is my hope to give you some thoughts and ideas of how to look after yourself during this transition to make it more pleasurable and healing.

In Chinese Medicine Autumn is associated with the element of Metal.

Metal is associated with the following correspondences:

• the color white
• the flavor pungent
• the emotion grief
• the lungs and skin
• the sound of weeping

In Ayurveda it is the time of Vata dosha, where there is a tendency to become cold, dry and anxious.  Interestingly there are some similarities in the two systems.

In nature we see that the plants energy is going inward, as the leaves and fruits fall and the seeds dry to return back to the earth and wait to be born again in Spring.  In us, this time of year can bring about dry conditions, of the lungs, skin and even of the mind.

We can help protect and prepare ourselves for this time of year by being aware of our lifestyle, diet and practice.  For the lifestyle it is time to refocus scattered energies from the summer, this can be helped by adding more sour flavored foods to the diet:  lemon, sourdough, sauerkraut, olives, pickles, leeks, aduki beans, rose hip tea, vinegar, cheese, yogurt, grapefruit and the more sour varieties of apples and plums.  Remembering that the sour flavor, a little goes a long way!

To counter dryness we can add more moistening foods such as:  spinach, barley, millet, apple, seaweeds, almond, peanut, sesame seed, honey, dairy products, eggs, clam, crab, oyster.  Herbs such as Marshmallow, licorice, fennel, slippery elm, ashwaganda and flax seed can help moisten the lungs and skin.

Protective and purifying foods for the Metal element are:  garlic, onion, turnip, ginger, horseradish, cabbage, daikon, beta carotene foods such as carrot, winter squash, pumpkin, broccoli, parsely, kale, mustard greens.

The metal element is associated with the colon and the lungs, which are also responsible for elimination in our bodies and energetically in our spirits.  In our diet most of us have an insufficiency of fiber in our diet  and the incidence of cancer is highest in these two places:  lungs and colon.  So adding fiber to the diet is good to do year round.  We get our beneficial fiber from the vegetable kingdom and whole grains.  The pectin from apples, cherries, carrots and other produce is most beneficial and oats are a great way to get your fiber in by having a bowl of hot oatmeal in the morning with some cinnamon and honey, yum!

Energetically we can use practices like breathing to heal the lung energy as we find  in Qigong and Yoga to help focus and internalize our energy.  Meditation and the practice of letting go that which is not needed is an excellent practice.  Preparing to go inward is sometimes a difficult practice for us in the modern age, but I think it has huge potential for our health.  So here is to your healthy and wholesome fall!

Herbal Vinegars are a wonderful and healthy way to use all those fresh herbs growing in the garden or out in your backyard.  It is said that Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, relied on two things to keep healthy:  honey and apple cider vinegar!  Apple Cider Vinegar on its own has many health benefits, such as enhancing metabolism; tonifying digestion; regulating the acid/alkaline balance of the body, clearing the skin and helps to build the bones.  A lot of the older food type remedies which were fermented are being found to have immense nutritional and health value, such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha as well as vinegar.

When you add the health benefits of herbs to the vinegar you have a vibrant and full spectrum remedy.  The vinegar is especially good at extracting the minerals and vitamins from plants.  Susan Weed says that a tablespoon of herbal vinegar has as much calcium as a cup of milk!  There is really no limit when choosing your herbs for your vinegar.  Depending on whether you are making it for a specific need or just for an over all health tonic.  Some popular choices are:  fennel, raspberry leaves, lemon balm, dill, chives, rosemary, sage, mint, plantain, etc.

To make an herbal vinegar is easy, get yourself a glass jar, and after picking your herbs of choice, cut the leaves in to small pieces with a scissors or your hands and fill the jar to the top, then add the organic apple cider vinegar, and close with either a plastic top or with some waxed paper.  The vinegar can disintegrate metal lids!  After labelling your vinegar, put it in a cool dry place for 10 days.  After the 10 days, filter out the plant material and store in a bottle with a cork or plastic lid, if you keep it in a cool dark place it can keep for a long time or even in the fridge.

You can take your vinegar in many ways.  Some people enjoy a tablespoon with some honey and water, or splash on some kale or chard which helps you receive more benefits from your greens!  Or use in place of a salad dressing.  The great thing is that it is very safe for children and they seem to like the taste or people who are sensitive to alcohol.

Spring Equinox is when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither away form or towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being on the same plane as the Earth’s equator.  In ancient Pagan and European practice this was a time when the Sun was returning to it’s fullest height and life was celebrated as the plants returned with the warmth of the sun.

This time can also bring about a lot of internal or psychic growth and change.  In fact the two weeks before and after both of the equinoxes there can be great tension and stress as all of the elements of nature are being brought into balance.  A new tide of life begins, but first the old ways must be broken down.

Times of change can be both chaotic and stressful, yet out of this chaos new ways are born and from the breaking up new life comes forth.  This is why the image of the egg was linked with this time of year.  Imagine life is enclosed, growing inside the darkness of the shell, this is your winter self – incubating slowly – you feel the life of these new plans, frail but determined, like the new shoots of plants that are emerging from the ground.

This is a time to break free from your shell and let the ideas that you were planting in the winter months to be born to break free and take form.  This is the festival of new balance and change.  Break through your shell and let the light shine on your new self!  Happy Spring!

Springtime is here and for some of us that means the onset of sneezing, wheezing and puffy eyes.  Allergies are an immune system response to a foreign substance, such as pollen, chemicals, mold, etc.  It is not completely understood why some people have allergies and some not and why some people have spent their lives allergy free and then one year develop them.  Up to 1 in 4 people suffer from allergies and the U.S. is thought to spend up to $18 Billion per year on OTC medicines on allergy symptom relief, which have their place but can have side effects such as drowsiness and depression and are costly.  A more holistic approach to healing could have more long lasting effects and cost a lot less!

From a holistic herbal approach, we like to support the immune system to do it’s job through diet, herbs, lifestyle and proper supplements.  After Winter, Spring is a perfect time to clean up the diet and start eating more fruits and veggies, and can really help to boost the immune system.  Have one healthful salad a day with plenty of color and variety with leafy greens, root vegetables, sprouts, seeds and avocado.  Avoiding mucous forming foods (dairy, white sugar, fatty foods, alcohol) can help in the interim period to put less stress on the immune system.

Supplements can be most useful to start about a month before allergy season to get your body prepared.

• Vitamin C is immuno-stimulating, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.  Some people overdo Vitamin C, and you can easily add it in your diet with strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers and oranges.  But to take it get a good powder source and take about 200mg, of a food extract which is naturally buffered.  I like Healthforce Nutritionals brand.
• Quercitin is a bioflavonoid which has been found to be very effective with preventing allergies, as it is an anti-inflammoatory that seems to inhibit and prevent histamine release.
• A good B Complex can help support immune function especially if there is any stress involved.
• Omega 3 oils are very beneficial as a natural anti-inflammatory.  Good quality fish oils are most therapeutic, and one can supplement with foods such as anchovies, salmon, walnuts, flax seeds and chia.

Lifestyle is always accounted for in any holistic approach and things to pay particular attention to is adequate sleep and good quality sleep (6-8 hrs/night).  Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga are always helpful if there is any problem with sleeping.  A healthful amount of exercise is always beneficial to health and the immune system, anything that gets the liver and lymph system moving will be beneficial.

Herbs have long been used in the Springtime traditionally to ‘clean’ the blood after a long winter of eating more fatty foods.  These herbs are precisely the ones we use in healing allergies as they seem to boost the immune system as well.

Urtica dioica or Nettle leaf can be taken as a tea or tablet or in the old days eaten in soups!

• high in chlorophyll, calcium, potassium and iron
• anti-histamine naturally
• blood tonic
• vaso-dilator
• circulatory stimulant

Sambucus nigra or Elder flowers and berries as a tea/tincture or syrup of the berries is delicious for kids!

• high in flavonoids, sterols, mucilage and tannins, vitamin C
• anti-inflammatory
• helps tone the mucous membranes and decrease secretions which help it to heal

Euphrasia officinalis or Eyebright as a fresh tincture or tea

• iridoid glycosides, tannins, phenolic acids and volatile oils
• astringent to mucous membranes of the eye, middle ear, sinuses and nasal passages
• do not use for dry congestion as it can worsen

As with all medical conditions it is important to seek professional advice before taking herbs especially with prescribed medications.  But with all medical conditions it is important to remember there are many avenues to take and there are alternatives to those who suffer from allergies.

Happy Health Springtime!

One Steamboat Place is one of the only Spas to offer the HAY treatment:

Alpine Hay Body Wrap with Arnica and Birch Liniment Massage.  The healing properties of alpine hay have been tried and true for over a century. Undo the stress and strain of pushing your body’s limits as you are purified and detoxified in a steamy alpine hay and herbal wrap. A birch and arnica liniment massage completes the treatment, where they use Phytonica’s Arnica Action Oil to top it off with its relaxing and anti-inflammatory action.

Check the video link below and if you look on the table next to the treatment table, voila!, is Phytonica’s Arnica Action Oil!

Thanks Erica!

the doctors tv show

Hair Tonic

Take about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and add some type of essential oil (about 5-10 drops) such as tea tree oil for a dry scalp or chamomile or lavender to relax and soothe; and you can also add a herbal tea of Nettle leaf, Sage or Rosemary leaf, which are all revitalizing to the scalp and hair and can also darken hair; or Chamomile tea to lighten hair – you want to add about a 1/2 cup.

You can wash your hair with your normal shampoo and after rinsing you can pour your vinegar/essential oil mixture onto your hair and let it sit for a few minutes, then add your normal conditioner and rinse well.  Your hair will feel softer and shinier!

Home Made Face Mask

Equal parts of the following ingredients:  cornmeal or ground oats; ground flax seeds or almonds; ground herbs of calendula, chamomile, lavender, rose, or yarrow; and finally some raw honey.  Mix it up until it is covered in the honey mixture and put it in a glass jar.  This can be used as a mask or a face scrub.  You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Honey is very good for the skin, it is nourishing, moisturizing as well as a natural cleanser.  To use as a scrub or mask take about a tablespoon of the mask and add just enough water to make it into a paste and gently scrub into face, either leave it on as a mask for up to 10 minutes or gently wash off with warm water.  This mask is so good you could almost eat it and your skin will enjoy the snack!

Happy Winter Spa Day!

The benefits of self-massage are many.  We do not always have the luxury of having someone to give us a massage and yet it is so good for us, so why not do it ourselves!  Aromatherapy self-massage is truly about promoting health.  This idea of nurturing our bodies with herbs and healing touch to help support our body/mind cope with all of the modern day stressors is key to staying vibrant and healthy.



There have been a number of scientific studies on the medical benefits of massage which proves its effects in varying different conditions.  Here are some to name a few:

• insomnia – massage with the added benefits of relaxing essential oils such as lavender can help to promote deep relaxation through stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and therefore a better rest, and is a perfect ritual to create before bed with a cup of chamomile tea.
• immunity – using massage helps to increase circulation and lymph drainage as well as the anti-inflammatory action of oils such as ginger, lavender and rosemary to name a few.  This is great gift parents can give to their young children after a warm bath or before bed to ward off colds/flus.
• arthritis – massage has the benefit again of increasing circulation to the joints and decreasing inflammation and is especially beneficial with herbal anti-inflammatories such as arnica and st.johns wort.
• eczema- there have been some studies showing massage can help decrease the pain/inflammation in eczema, especially in children.  It is unclear scientifically what the exact action is, but it could quite possibly be just the power of touch!  Again a wonderful way to introduce anti-inflammatory essential oils in a massage oil or cream, especially calendula and chamomile.

These are just a few of the specific medical benefits of self-massage, and there are plenty more.  From a medical herbalist point of view I think it helps connect us back to our senses, especially when using an aromatherapy massage oil such as Arnica Action Oil, where you have the sense of touch from the massage, sense of smell from the oils, sense of sight as you observe your body as you massage, and perhaps you put on some soothing classical music to enhance the sense of sound and finally a wonderful cup of herbal tea to finish off the sense of taste.  It is becoming more and more apparent that we must take the time to indulge in the senses, to slow down and pay attention to our body/mind and connect with our center.

Start with just giving yourself a massage before bed, the feet are a great place to start as there are so many reflexology points here and we use our feet so much during the day.  Aromatherapy and Herbal Oils are far more beneficial when applied during massage and especially after a warm bath with bath salts.  Indulge yourself and give yourself a aromatherapy self-massage tonight, enjoy!

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year, and this year we will have a full moon, lunar eclipse, so it will be even darker! This is a time for going inward, and as we are withdrawn inside, the inner realms expand.  The world of Spirit, imagination, dreamtime and as the outside is so dark, it allows our true inner light to shine at it’s brightest.  The solstice was thought to be the Sun’s Birthday as it is the longest night of all the year, the next day is the return of the Sun.  The traditions of Yuletide and Christmas show us  this with all of the lights, decorations and the celebration of life as we move into the next cycle.

The plants of this time have ancient symbolism.  The Holly Plant was used to represent the old Lord of the Waning year, the Dark King, who at solstice is transformed to the infant of light.  The Mistletoe was thought to be sacred to the Sun, invoking fertility and the healing powers of the summer sunshine.  The Christmas trees were used as an offering to Nature, which were hung with offerings and are as old as mythology!

The Winter Solstice preludes the ancient practice of the 13 Holy Nights, which runs from the sundown of 24th of December to the sundown of Jan.6th.  This was thought to be a time when the seeds of the next phase of life are to be found, bringing illumination and restoration.  Time slows down.  You can practice any sort of divination, such as journaling, tarot cards, the I Ching, as it is a potent time for the imprinting of the Spirit world.  Especially bring awareness to what has come of this last year, and where you would like them to go.

Blessings and Light to you all on this Solstice and see you Next Year!

It is the season in the five-element tradition of Earth, the time of harvest, reaping what you have sown through the spring and summer.  This is a time when we move from the Yang energy of summer to the Yin energy of fall and winter.

“The days shorten, and evenings are heavy with humid haze.  The flowers, which were ablaze yesterday, are today drab and fading, their colors mottled and dull after the bloom of summer has left them.  It is like the end of a wonderful party when everything is just losing its sparkle and the proper time has come to bring things to an end.” ~ JR Worsley

All the summer’s light, warmth and energy has served its purpose and as the flower petals drop, the fruits ripen, the berries and seeds swell with nourishment for the coming seasons. It is said we do not live by food alone, to remember it is not only a time to pay attention to our physical nourishment, but to our souls and spirits, and what feeds us on these levels.  This is a powerful subject and the reason why the element of Earth was often seen as a central element, which all other elements come from.

The correspondences for Earth are as follows:

• Color is Yellow
• Season is late summer
• Odor is fragrant or sweet
• Taste is sweet
• Sound is singing
• Emotion is sympathy or anxiety/worry when out of balance
• Sense organ is mouth
• Organs are stomach/spleen

The color is yellow like that of the field of sunflowers or a field of corn, it is the color of harvest.  The odor is described as fragrant and is used in Chinese medicine as a diagnostic tool, if someone had an almost sickly sweet odor, it would be a symptom of Earth being out of balance.

The taste of sweet is an important factor for the Earth element as our diets usually consist of too many refined sweets of sugary snacks, candies, cereals, etc., The true sweet taste is that of the harvest, fresh corn, peas, squash, carrots, ripe fruits, and the very first nourishment of breast milk the original sweet taste.  An imbalance of the Earth element can sometimes be seen through a craving for sweet candies, a sign of needing nourishment of this element and the opposite can occur when a person has a complete aversion to the sweet taste and may be under nourished.

The element of Earth can be enhanced with foods that are harmonizing, mildly sweet, round in shape and yellow/gold in color.  Prepare foods simply, with minimum seasonings and preparation.  Smaller frequent meals.  Foods with cooling properties can weaken digestion, so avoid too many raw fruits, vegetables, cold drinks and warming most foods even slightly.

Foods that can help strengthen the Earth element:

• Millet, amaranth, rice (especially well cooked rice such as congee and mochi), oats
• Corn, squash, turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, onions, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, peas, string beans, garbanzo beans

Herbs can be used to help strengthen the Earth element:

• Sweetly pungent herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, fennel, garlic, cardamom, like the ones in Phytonica’s Rooibos Chai!
• Marshmallow, dandelion, ashwaganda and licorice root.

Taking the time to be centered and focused on the nurturing aspect of food when cooking and eating can greatly enhance not only the experience but also the digestion.  Create a harmonious environment when cooking and eating with candles, relaxing music, saying a blessing or giving thanks before eating.  Inviting the spiritual aspect into our nourishment.

Happy Harvest!

]]> http://phytonica.com/earth-element/feed/ 0 http://phytonica.com/back-to-school/ http://phytonica.com/back-to-school/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:32:55 +0000 helen http://phytonica.com/?p=755

Well, the time is here…packed lunches, homework, parents meetings, friends, schedule, etc.  I always find it a little tricky to transition from the lovely summer schedule of no schedule into school time where we have to get up early, be on time, etc.  This requires a little more attention and focus.  It is important for parents and children to get this time right so there is plenty of support, rest and nourishment to deal with all the new people, activity and surroundings.  There is also the hope that this will keep kids healthy and strong and less likely to get ill in the fall.

So here are my tips for making it an easier transition…

First is diet.  Going back to school may mean school lunches or if you have a child like mine, they prefer a packed lunch.  Breakfast is the most important meal, as most times children don’t have enough time to eat a full lunch, so we can make sure they start off their day with a wholesome meal.

Some good healthy breakfast choices

• Oatmeal with fruit/nuts, maple syrup and milk of choice.
• Poached eggs with hash browns and wholegrain toast.
• Bagel with cream cheese/salmon/veggies
• Whey protein is an excellent protein source as it has an extensive array of amino acids, one of which is glutamine, which supports the immune system.  Most people can handle whey protein, even if sensitive to cows milk as it has very little of the actual milk protein left which causes sensitivities.  Whey can be put in a smoothie, added to oatmeal, pancakes or taken with juice.
• Wholegrain cereal with some fruit and yoghurt.

Staying hydrated is also very important and sometimes challenging when at school.  Having a good BPA free water bottle is a good idea and making sure children drink enough when they get home from school.

Reminding children that the recommended amount of fruit/veggie servings is 5-10 a day.  Make sure that each meal and snack has some fresh fruit and veggies in it will help to keep their whole vitamin/mineral levels high.

If children are having a hard time getting all they need nutritionally from food, there are plenty of decent children’s vitamin/mineral supplements to choose from and it is not a bad idea to supplement, especially during school time where it is harder to monitor their food intake.  My recommendations for supporting children’s immunity are a good multi-vitamin with zinc, essential fatty acids and probiotics.

Finally is rest.  Getting ample sleep and rest is vital to children’s health and wellbeing.  School-age children are said to need between 9 and 12 hours sleep a night.  Sticking to a routine helps children to sleep on their own and to not have waking up for school be such a trial.  If children have a hard time getting to sleep, here are some tips to help:

• Create a routine of calming down; which can include a bath, foot rub with calming aromatherapy oils such as Arnica Action oil, and a bedtime story.
• Calming teas such as chamomile, passionflower or lemon balm can help transition and calm many anxieties.
• Avoiding over-stimulation with things like TV and movies as this excites the brain before bed.
• Having the dinner meal 1-2 hours before bed, so they can digest before sleeping.
• Getting enough exercise is very important for children, as sadly the public schools do not always provide enough.  It is important for children to exercise with their parents as they will mimic our activities.  Choose an extra-curricular activity to keep children active like swimming, martial arts or dance.  The exercise is a complement to getting proper rest, as children need to exert their physical energy in order to relax completely.

Making this a special time to enjoy the growth of our children is so important, so enjoy!

St. John’s Wort

St. Johns Wort, Hypericum perforatum, has been well known for it’s anti-depressant action in recent years.  It being an w wonderful herb for people who need to relieve some mild-depression or anxiety.  Most people are unaware of it’s topical uses and how effective it is in this form.  St. John’s wort contains flavonoids and hypericins (which are responsible for the anti-depressant action), and when used topically has this wonderful rich red color.

Topically, St. John’s wort is an analgesic or pain reliever.  It is also highly effective in aiding the healing of damaged nerve areas, say for instance if someone has broken a foot or hand where there is a lot of nerve tissue, St. John’s wort can help those nerve tissues to restore.  It can be helpful for people with shooting pains, such as in polymyalgia, sciatica pain, and neuralgia.  Also an effective remedy for mild burns and bites.

When using St. John’s wort topically it is used in an oil form, extracting the fresh flowers in olive oil, and using when needed. In Phytonica’s Arnica Action Oil there is a significant amount of St. John’s wort oil added for this very effect of pain relieving, nerve repair and anti-inflammatory action.

So, next time you think of St. John’s wort, try it topically and see what you think!

This is the time of Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, when the Sun reaches it’s peak  fulfillment and changes direction and begins waning in energy.  In Nature everything is peaking, leaves are out on the trees, flowers in full bloom, and the crops are established.  It is a time to enjoy what one has, as our cups are full.  This is a time of transformation, the Sun is considered to be the energy that transforms the destructive forces with the light of truth.  A good time to look at what brings you fulfillment in life and how it can transform you to be a better person.

In the Chinese Five Element tradition, Summer is the season of Fire, the season to express the Yang Energy ‘through growth, expansion, lightness, outward activity, brightness and creativity’.   This is the time of year to wake up early with the sun, work, play and be joyful.  ‘The warmth of this love from the Fire Element helps everything to flow on all levels.  The fluids which bathe all living cells flow more easily when warm.  The exchange of ideas and feelings between us is greater when we are warm and relaxed and our deeper relationships flow more easily when warmth and love are present.  When the Fire Element is lit within us and feeding us, our spirit is able to communicate with the spirit in other people and in Nature.’ ~ J.R. Worsley

The heart in Five Element theory is linked with the Spirit, sometimes called the Spirit-Mind.  I am sure we have all had a ‘heart-connection’ or truly felt that spiritual connection and opening of the heart.  In a newly developing embryo it is the heart that develops first, then the brain and nervous system.  With heart dis-ease and spiritual dis-ease so prevalent in modern living it is  no wonder that we are so thirsty and truly in need  of spiritual knowledge and healing more than anything.  We achieve this through practicing mindfulness, practicing meditation, Chi Kung and Yoga.

Controlling theSpirit, facilitates the movement of Chi ~ Inner Classic

In Chinese Medicine, the Fire Element corresponds to:

• the organs of the Heart and Small intestines
• the season summer
• the temperature is hot
• the taste is bitter
• the sound is laughing
• the color is red
• the emotions are joy and anxiety
• the external physical aspect is the Complexion

To maintain some cool during the Fire season, one can utilize the ancient traditions and gifts of nutrition, herbs and chi kung exercises.  In Nature’s brilliant wisdom, we have some wonderful cooling foods on offer in the summer time and to eat locally is always best for our constitution.  All things are whole, as are the elements so if we heal the liver, kidney, lungs and stomach so too will we heal our hearts.  Spending time in Nature can help to rejuvenate our spirits as Nature is full of energy at this time, doing any type of spiritual practice or meditation in Nature at this time will be heightened.

Cooling foods to choose from:

• bitter greens:  dandelions, watercress, endive, mixed lettuce, arugula, basil, dill
• cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, apples,
• the dispersing hot flavors of chili peppers, ginger, horseradish and black pepper help to disperse the heat to the surface of our body allowing it to cool, this being why you have such wonderful salsas and chutneys in the hot climates of Mexico or India.  Remembering that a little goes a long way…

Herbs which can be used to calm, soothe and cool the nerves in the summertime:

• Mentha spicata or Spearmint is one of the best summertime teas you can have, it has a powerful cooling effect while calming the digestion.  Spearmint can easily be incorporated in foods/salads as well freshly chopped with some parsley, fresh tomatoes and olive oil, salt and pepper, yum!
• Mulberries, although a little difficult to find in our local stores, one can find it dry and use as a tea.
• Skullcap, Chamomile, Valerian and Schisandra are some wonderfully cooling and calming herbs to help quiet the mind and spirit.
• Rooibos tea is a common tea in South Africa where it gets stupendously hot in the summer, it helps to keep you cool without the caffeine, high in antioxidants and a good bladder/kidney tonic, and it tastes great!  Like our Rooibos Chai which also has some gentle heating herbs which will help you keep your cool!

If you are experiencing any imbalances of energy or physical manifestation, visit a Chi-Kung Practitioner or Medical Herbalist, get some acupuncture, or do some Kung-Fu to help balance and restore the elements in your mind/body.

Happy Summer!

Here is a wonderful summer drink made with both fresh and dried herbs to help keep you cool during the hot days of summer!

Ingredients:

2 sprigs fresh lemon balm

2 sprigs fresh spearmint

1 tbsp dried licorice root

2 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers

1 cup of organic apple juice

1 cup sparkling mineral water

1/2 lemon or lime

Take the fresh herbs, wash and chop lightly to get more surface area and put all the herbs in a large glass jar (about 3 pints) and add freshly boiled water, let sit for about 15 minutes.  Strain into a clean jug (careful it’s still hot!) and let cool completely in the refrigerator.  When cool add the apple and lemon/lime juice with the sparkling water and serve over ice.  You now have an incredibly refreshing, cooling and calming summer time drink to enjoy and share with family and friends!

Melissa officinalis or Lemon balm is a member of the mint family.   Originally from the Mediterranean, it now grows all through Europe.  The Arabs were the first to recognize it’s virtues, using it for melancholy, mental illness and epilepsy.  Paracelsus said that ‘the essence of balm given in wine every morning will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness’.  The name Melissa is Greek for ‘Honey Bee’, relating to why beekeepers will rub their hives to attract the bees.

One of my first herbal memories is of picking Lemon balm from my Grandmother’s garden in England and relishing the fragrant smell of the plant, it is now one of my favorite teas in the summer as I find it cooling as well as calming – a perfect combination for me in the summer!

Lemon Balm is very easy to grow, a bit like mint it can literally take over your garden.  Grown by seed or by dividing the roots in the fall it is a lovely plant to have on hand for it’s fresh aroma.  Lemon Balm as a medicine is best when extracted from the fresh plant as it is high in the volatile oils which are responsible for it’s medicinal effect, but the dried plant can also be utilized in teas as long as it is freshly dried.

Currently, herbalists use Lemon balm for a variety of effects.  It has a mild sedative and anxiolytic effect, meaning that it induces relaxation and calmness without a deep and overpowering stupor, making it a useful remedy for sleep.  It is an effective plant for depression as stated in the older texts which noted it’s use for melancholy, ‘Seraphio says it causes the mind and heart to become merry, and revives the heart, especially of such who are overtaken in sleep and drives away all troublesome cares and thoughts out of the mind arising from melancholy or black choler, which Avicenn also confirms’.

Also a wonderful digestive herb, especially helpful to the person with a ‘nervous’ stomach.  Taken on it’s own or with some Peppermint it will soothe griping pains in the stomach and relieve wind.  Similar to mint it is useful when dealing with a fever as it has some diaphoretic or sweating properties, also best taken as a hot tea.  Recently discovered was it’s powerful effect on herpes as an anti-viral both topically and taken internally.

In Aromatherapy the essential oil of Lemon balm’s most valuable uses are:  Calming, stomach cramps, nausea, palpitations, stress, depression, headache, intellectual fatigue, menstrual pain, general tonic, herpes and candida. – taken from Essential Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

So please add some Lemon balm to your list of herbs to have in your garden or try some tea, guaranteed it will brighten up your day!

Spring Cleansing

Spring is a time of new beginnings, life is moving up from the earth, sprouting up towards the new found sun. Traditionally this was a time when all of the stored food was no longer available and people had to naturally fast until the new crops or harvested food could be eaten. Living with the cycles of the earth they perhaps lived a more balanced, in-tune lifestyle. During the winter there would have been a lot of meat, fats and rich foods eaten and the first greens of the spring would of naturally helped the body cleanse itself of this diet, adding highly active nutrients and minerals to refresh and rejuvenate the body.

In traditional medicine, before treating any disease, the bodies eliminatory functions have to be working properly, so before any treatment the first and foremost was to aid the bodies eliminatory functions, therefore administering laxatives, purgatives, emetics and diaphoretics. The idea that we had toxins and poisons to get rid of and were the main cause of dis-ease. With more chronic conditions, the gentler more systemic alterative, blood purifiers were used. Now more than ever we have access to so many foods as well as living in a highly toxic environment it is probably not far from the truth to say most people are carrying some level of toxicity and could benefit from detoxification

When we think of cleansing, most people think of fasting. Fasting must be done with great consideration for your body-type, lifestyle and the time of year. People who should not fast are: children, pregnant and nursing mothers, elderly and anyone showing signs of weakness or debility. That said, Spring is a good time to fast, as it coincides with the natural rhythms of the earth. There are a number of different ways to achieve a fast:

• Liquid fast or raw veggie and fruit fast which can include mainly vegetable juices of: carrot, beet, celery, cabbage and parsley. With plenty of water with lemon, and herbal teas (drunk at room temperature). Some fruit can be eaten, apples are especially beneficial.  These fasts are usually done for 3-5 days.
• Steamed veggie and cooked grain fast is a good alternative for those who are more deficient and cold in body type. This is a great way to allow the body time to acclimate to a more healthy eating style. The important thing here is to not eat more than two handfuls at a time, eating all whole grains, organic vegetables (in season is best). Plenty of clean filtered water and herbal teas can be drunk.
• Herbs can be added to the grains and veggies to help digestion such as ginger, garlic and fennel. No oils, nuts and fats should be used.
• Some people are ready for a complete fast of one day; no food or water just oxygen. This can be a good way to increase one’s spiritual practice, to attempt on a day where there is very little to achieve and one can just experience it.

Springtime Cleansing Herbs

Nettles Urtica dioica, is a favorite for cleansing the body of impurities. Nettles has been used for centuries in Europe as a good spring time tonic. It not only purifies the blood, but has high amounts of chlorophyll, minerals and vitamins which were so vital to people back then. Nettles is great as a tea, on it’s own and mixed with other herbs. Can be used in soups, pesto and vinegars.

Oregon Grape Root Mahonia repens, is a good liver tonic. Used by the Native Americans, Oregon Grape Root has many similar actions to Goldenseal root, it is high in Berberine which stimulates the liver and gallbladder to produce more bile. Specifically used for skin conditions, laxative and digestive bitter.

Dandelion Root and Leaf Taraxacum officinale is another truly holistic herb to use when trying to detoxify. The leaf is specifically a spring time tonic as you see the dandelion leaves sprouting up before you see any other plants. Dandelion leaves contain numerous vitamins (especially Vitamin A up to 7,000 units per oz.)and minerals which are specifically useful and gently cleansing to the urinary tract as well as the liver. A true bitter, dandelion greens are a great addition to the diet and are delicious sauteed in some sesame oil with garlic. Dandelion root is a more dense medicine, used to gently stimulate the liver safely. It is very useful in skin diseases such as eczema and has a good use in female complaints as well.  Together the root and leaf, they are a perfect liver/kidney cleanse.

In Chinese Medicine Spring is the time of Wood Element:

• Wood corresponds to the color green, the flavor sour, the liver/gallbladder, eyes, the emotions anger/power.
• Wood is rising yang energy from the deep energy that has been deep and resting in the winter, ascending, a time to get the body moving and outdoors exercising, not allowing this rising energy to take over but to allow it to flow in a natural state.
• Dietary ideas for increasing the flow of Wood energy through the Liver: young greens, sprouts, small amounts of raw foods, apple cider vinegar with honey, lemon/grapefruit first thing in the a.m., cook foods for a shorter time with higher temperature (stir-fry and steaming), foods like: romaine, amaranth, asparagus, seaweeds, cucumber, watercress, quinoa.

In Ayurvedic Medicine Spring Season is from March 15-May15th. This is a time that is vulnerable for both Kapha and Pitta. Kapha types should avoid excess sweets, sugars, refined carbs and fatty foods. Pitta types should avoid excess sour, salty, oily, fatty foods and intoxicants.

In Ayurveda, Springtime means:

• taste is astringent
• energy is rebirth
• the mantra is regenerate and transform
• some dietary suggestions based on the food ‘sadhanas’: steamed asparagus, spinach masala, soft millet, ginger/scallion soup, cinnamon-mint tea. (from The Path of Practice by Maya Tiwari)

As all seasons teach us, it is a time to reflect on our connection with the earth and nature’s rhythms. Through our awareness and respect of this connection we can learn to live a more holistic and wholesome lifestyle.

Yoga and self-massage provide excellent practice in slowing down, we become aware of and reconnect with our bodies; through this awareness we are often reminded of an old injury, such as a stiff neck or places we hold tension. It would seem obvious that as one makes contact with the vessel that bears these burdens, anything that enhances this healing is most certainly warranted. Arnica action oil brings additional benefit to people who practice yoga by bringing them closer to their core being. Yoga means union, union of movement and breath, union of mind and body, union of muscle and bone, union of thought and action and with arnica action oil it can bring union of plants and humans.

The ancient practice of sacred medicine from India – Ayurveda, is the ‘science of life’ – inside of this holistic preventative medical theory: a daily regime of yoga, meditation, diet, chanting and herbs, is encompassed. Ayurveda also uses medicated oils in massage to help calm the nervous system and create energetic balance – the specific use of herbs has been in place for thousands of years.

Specific herbs and oils, within Phytonica’s Arnica Action Oil formula deliver a powerful combination of counter measures to the relief of stress, stiffness, pain and swelling and enhancing one’s energy by increasing circulation and relaxation. The idea of self-care and self-compassion is one of great importance in natural healing.

From a clinical perspective – Arnica is used specifically for decreasing swelling that is associated with injuries or arthritic joints – it is pain relieving; St. John’s Wort is used to relieve pain, and has a vitalizing action in the repair of damaged nerves; Lavender essential oil is a relaxing herb, this can help one in the motivation of practice – where approach is all important; Ginger and Juniper are used for their warming qualities and the promotion of increased circulation in the blood and tissue systems.

There are numerous products on the market which claim to be natural/herbal pain relievers, but many contain hidden chemical and potentially carcinogenic preservatives. Arnica Action Oil is whole plant based product with essential oils used for preservatives, it contains nothing artificial or chemically processed.

The focused practice of yoga and self-massage using arnica action oil, can allow one to reach a higher understanding and appreciation of energy and so promote a higher level of practice; the idea that ‘charity begins at home’ would not be amiss here, certainly – self compassion, is followed by compassion and the old expression ‘beauty comes from within’ a key understanding, for all.

Plants carry ancient and powerful vibrations, as we do; when we choose to use plants with a focused intention of bringing balance and restoration to ourselves, in conjunction with the disciplined practice of yoga – this is true holistic medicine; to embrace this vitalistic philosophy holds great value with far-reaching impact, and great potential.

So, next time you are practicing yoga try some arnica action oil; try it: either 20-30 minutes before to help warm up the body, or after a shower or bath to help house your energy and thereby extend the benefits of practice.

The modern Medical Herbalist combines traditional knowledge with the latest discoveries of scientific research.  A holistic approach is taken wherein therapy is individually tailored to meet each patient’s specific requirements. The nutrients and energy of the plants are used to improve the capability to deal with stress, maintain the body’s immunity and increase vitality in order to meet life’s many challenges.

A medical herbalist:

• is highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of western herbal medicine and medical science
• takes a holistic view towards health and illness
• will assess you as a person and not a disease
• dispenses plant medicines in a safe and effective manner
• seeks to care for the underlying cause of disease
• acknowledges the body’s innate ability to heal itself
• aims to prevent disease and restore health
• provides dietary and lifestyle advice
• maintains high standards of professional practice
• is an authoritative source of information about natural medicine

Conditions that respond well to Herbal Treatment:

Asthma & Hay fever

Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis

Arthritis, Muscular Aches and Pains

Digestive and Bowel Disorders

Headaches & Migraines

Heart & Circulatory Disorders

Menstrual, Menopausal and Gynecological conditions

Cystitis and Urinary problems

Recurrent Respiratory infections

Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

Helen Joffe is a Medical Herbalist in Boulder Colorado, trained in the Western Herbal tradition, she is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Phytotherapy.  If you have questions or are interested in finding out more to schedule an appointment For more details please

> contact us

• chi guides the flow of fluids and nourishment; so we have to keep the chi flowing by keeping the body moving.  Exercise, dance, walk, run, take up a practice like martial arts or yoga.
• Eat moderately and add more raw foods to your diet.  Raw food has more chi and stimulates our chi.
• Add sour/bitter foods:  vinegar, lemon, quinoa, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, watercress.
• Avoid saturated fats, intoxicants, chemicals/pesticides and processed foods.
• Awareness of emotional state and letting go of old stored emotional patterns.
• Get out in nature and observe spring coming to life!

Arnica Action Oil is a combination of Arnica and St. John’s wort flowers infused in Almond and Olive Oil with a specific blend of essential oils of Lavender, Ginger, Juniper, Sage and Rosemary. All concentrations have been formulated according to European safety standards, the Oil can be used for children and pets.

Therapy – External use only. Arnica, has long been a popular remedy to relieve the soreness of myalgia and the effects of sprains, bruises, and contusions. It gives relief to sore muscles that have undergone strain and overexertion. It has also been effectually used on insect bites, mosquitoes and others… Preparations of arnica ointments have been recommended by the ‘German Commission E’ to be no greater than 20-25% arnica, Phytonica follows these guidelines. St. Johns Wort flowers are used specifically in this formula for their analgesic quality, especially for the nerves. The essential oil blend is soothing in its effect, pain-relieving, relaxing and anti-inflammatory.

This unique blend of herbal oils and essential oils is one of the most effective natural remedies for swelling, bruising, pain and increasing ones recovery rate after injury. They are all considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) and increases the circulation to the area it is applied to. When applied the effects last up to one hour, according to the severity of injury it can be re-applied.

The AAO may be used on a daily basis for people with chronic pain issues i.e. fibromyalgia, arthritis or for those under physical stress.

Phytonica’s objective is to aid people in their quest for optimum health by restoring balance and supporting the natural healing process utilizing clinically effective plant based medicines.

Phytonica’s name comes from Phyto which means plant and Tonic which means invigorating medicine, this helps to define Phytonica’s slogan: “the energy of life from plants”.

Ingredients: Theobroma Cacao (African Cocoa Butter), Butyrospermum parkii (African Shea Butter), Prunus dulcis (Sweet Almond oil) and Pure Beeswax.

.15oz.
Suggested Retail Price $5.00

An excellent partner to the Arnica Action Oil, these bath salts prepare the body for the benefits of the herbs.

Ingredients:  Dead Sea salts, Epsom salts, baking soda, Proprietary Essential Oil blend.

7oz.
Suggested Retail Price $12.00

Arnica Action Oil is an exclusive blend of herbs and oils used as an effective natural remedy* for: Swelling, bruising, pain and stiffness*

Phytonica has focused on the clinical efficacy of the AAO to help speed recovery time and enhance endurance for athletes or common injuries. This unique blend of herbal oils and essential oils is one of the most useful natural remedy for swelling, bruising and pain. All of the ingredients are considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) and increases the circulation to the area it is applied to.

When applied the effects last up to one hour according to the severity of injury it can be re-applied. Due to the carefully calculated percentages of the active ingredients, the AAO may be used on a daily basis for people with chronic pain issues i.e. fibromyalgia, arthritis or for those under physical stress.

Ingredients: Helianthus annus (Sunflower oil), and Prunus dulcis (Almond oil), Arnica montana (Arnica flowers), Hypericum perforatum (St. Johns Wort flowers), Essential Oils of Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Zingiber officinale (Ginger rt.), Juniperus communis (Juniper berry), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Salvia officinalis (Sage) and Vitamin E.

4oz.
Suggested Retail Price $16.00

Phytonica’s Soothing Mist is a restorative blend of high grade essential oils used to help calm nervous tension and relieve stress.*

Ingredients:  Aqua (Purified Water), Essential Oils:  Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit, Ruby Red), Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Citrus reticulata (Mandarin).  100% pure essential oils.

4oz.
Suggested Retail Price $8.00

Ingredients:  Aspalathus linearis (Red Rooibos), Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon bk), Zingiber officinale (Ginger rt.), Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and Piper nigrum (Black Pepper). All our teas are Fair Trade and Organic

3oz.
Suggested Retail Price $8.00