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.
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. read more
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. read more
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!
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
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. read more
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!
Arnica Action Oil is an exclusive blend of herbs and oils used as an effective natural remedy* for: Swelling, bruising, pain and stiffness*
Improvement after injury*
Athletes to speed up recovery during intensive training i.e. yoga, pilates, martial arts, cycling, running, weight training, etc.*
Soothing massage oil for the entire family, including pets!
Self-massage releases muscle tension; increases flow of energy; boosts your immunity*
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
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