Cold + Flu: Herbs for Prevention and Relief

At the beginning of this cold + flu season I made sure to order some of my most trusted herbal formulas from companies I know and respect, namely Five Flavors Herbs and Snow Lotus. In an optimal world we would all build a home medicine chest that helped keep us well and had herbal formulas to help alleviate our symptoms when we succumb. The apothecary at the studio is well stocked! Here's a simplified guide to what you might want to have on hand: 

Preventative Remedies Include: 

* Jade Wind Screen Tincture: Best if you are catching every cold that is coming around. To be taken throughout the cold + flu season. Best for: you have children in daycare, job in retail, public school, service industry and/or have a high degree of stress on the daily.

*  Powdered Reishi: Reishi in Traditional Chinese Medicine is regarded as the herb of longevity. In this powdered form it is easily added to soups, sprinkled over salad or eggs, stirred into a loaf of sweet or savory quick bread, limitless options really.  Best for: People wanting to easily integrate herbs that boost the immune system, part of an integrated approach.

*Elderberry Elixir: Will be ready in less then two weeks! Best for: A grown up cocktail ingredient that is also medicine. Good for those with a sweet tooth.

*Vir Away Essential Oil Blend: Perfect to mix into a spray bottle of water to wipe down surfaces, door knobs, the water cooler handle, plane fold down trays, you name it. Best for: OCD (otherwise known as realistic) people who are looking to stay well. Great in diffusers in high traffic areas. 

Sick Already Remedies, Best to Have on Hand: 
* First Response Tincture: Blend by Five Flavors Herbs to be taken at the first sign of cold or flu. 

*Yin Qiao Tincture: Good at first signs of cold, especially if it begins with a sore scratchy throat. You are probably familiar with the tablets/pills and they work well, but because this is alcohol based it absorbs into your bloodstream quicker and sets to work.

* Respiratory Recoup Tincture: For when the cold or virus has moved down into your chest and you have a wet productive cough.

*Respiratory Essential Oil Blend: To help clear sinuses and breathe easier. Can be used in a diffuser or mixed into oil for a chest / soles of foot rub.

Feel free to message me through this site if you want to pop in to purchase any of these remedies and are not currently a client here. I'm happy to help you decide what is best to have on hand!

Nettles, Change In a Cup of Tea

I'm lucky enough to be a mom to a vibrant, twinkle eyed rascal, Jasper James.  Every day he pushes me in amazing ways and into fits of exhaustion. This road of parenting is all encompassing and full of extremes that I never could have imagined prior to just being here. As a result, 4 years later, I feel like I'm just waking up and coming into myself again. I am realizing that even though I'm a healer, and work with people daily around their health concerns, that I am needing, once again, to take a deeper look into my own well-being. At some point pushing through has stopped working.

So what to do? As a busy parent and business owner it has to be simple.  So I am starting with tea. The nettles are abundant here in the Pacific Northwest offering up their mineral dense nutrients to those who know the plant well, and are brave enough to harvest its stinging leaves. So instead of jumping into a 'detox', or a fast, or some other kind of extreme, I am just going to add one simple nutritive tea to my daily routine. It's been my personal experience, and my clinical experience, that one tiny gesture like this holds real power in its ability to change a body's ecosystem and a mind's perception. I invite you to join me if you've been running a little ragged, with maybe too many trips to the coffee shop. I know I've been leaning on coffee a little too heavily as of late. If you have an especially demanding job or circumstance it is good to always have a thermos of nettle tea with you and to help strengthen you for the task at hand.

**********

To make a cup of nettles tea you can either make an infusion of the fresh leaves in the spring from a local clean source, or often times you can find a bunch bundled up for you at the farmer's market. I usually use dried Nettles and make a strong overnight infusion. I'll take a big handful of nettles leaves, throw them in a quart jar, and let it steep overnight until the tea is a deep green black color. Sometimes I'll add a little mint, or some oat straw. But mostly I just really like the flavor of nettles that I can only describe as green. In the morning simply strain and reheat, but don't bring to a boil. I usually make enough for about 3-5 servings and pack it up in a thermos so I can drink it throughout the day. 

SEASONAL WELLNESS // SPRING

Spring is bursting forth; the rising sap is evident in the unruly growth all around us. Heart melting blossoms are covering the magnolia and plum trees, and the cottonwoods are heavy with sticky resinous buds that smell amazing, heralding the riot of growth the forests and fields are about to put forth. Spring is a transition season from the deepest recesses of Yin during Winter, to the height of Yang during Summer. Spring represents the Yang within the Yin. The stirring of Spring’s ultimate frenetic energy within the dreaminess and conservation of Winter is the beginning of Yang’s awakening. The plants ready themselves for their cycle of growth, flowering, pollination and seed; the animals are stirring from slumber, searching for their mate and stretching out their bodies in the sun that is beginning to warm the earth again. Where does this leave us? Although perhaps more subtle then in the flora and fauna that we share this earth with, we too are feeling the effects of the season. Our hearts may lift at the sweet pink clouds of blossoms on the cherry trees, or smile at the bright yellow forsythia, our eyes scan the recently dormant earth for bulbs determinedly pushing up to meet the sun. We too are ready for movement, to stretch our limbs out and to move forward with the dreams we’ve schemed during the long winter months.

Spring is the time of the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which in turn is associated with the Liver, Gallbladder, the color green, the wind, tendons, sour flavors and the emotion of anger. The Liver is the second largest organ in the body (second only to our skin) and its functions are numerous. In general terms, the Liver is responsible for filtering blood that comes from your digestive tract, metabolizing nutrients, alcohol, medications, environmental toxins, etc. The Liver ultimately filters any substance that passes through your body. It also manufactures proteins and produces bile where it works in conjunction with the Gallbladder in preparing foods for digestion and in the breakdown of fats. The Liver has its hand in producing glucose, our bodies fuel, and factors into hormone production. When our Liver is stressed or overloaded by toxins in our bodies it can cause many of our systems to go haywire causing hormonal imbalances, headaches, achy muscles and joints from toxic buildup and so forth. Keeping this all in mind gives us incentive to give our Liver & Gallbladder support, especially during the Spring when the energy is already leaning in that direction.

As with any change in the seasons we must take a moment to fully realize that we are in the middle of a transition. How we move through this time can determine how our health will be during the entire season and the next. If transitions are not approached with a slow and steady hand it can leave us more susceptible to catching passing colds, or in the case of Spring, pulling a muscle, having increased allergies, headaches, fatigue or restlessness. As we take the steps from Winter towards Spring, the following suggestions will help you maintain optimal health:

**Eat Green & Pesticide Free: For many of us the farmer’s markets are beginning to open again and it’s a great time to take advantage of all of the young green leaves on offer. Mustard greens, lettuce mixes, chard, nettles and kale are all rich in chlorophyll and the vital energy of Spring. Search out fresh asparagus stalks, pea shoots, sprouts and green onions. Since this is a transition period, it is a good idea to still lightly steam your vegetables as opposed to eating raw salads that are cold in nature. Herbs like cilantro and parsley are great allies in cleansing your body, and can be made into pesto to easily incorporate them into your diet.

** Eat Light: We are leaving Winter’s inherent need to conserve and store, and entering Spring with a need to awaken, circulate and take action. It’s a good time to trim some of the excess of Winter and start substituting simple and fresh foods into your diet to allow your body to rest from processing denser fare. Pare down on your intake of dairy, sugars and alcohol to give your Liver a little rest.

**Stretch: Spring is associated with the tendons and movement. It is time to get back into your body and gently begin stretching it out. It is a perfect time for going outside for hikes in the awakening forest and to immerse your self in all of that bright green color of new growth. Movement + nature + engaging the senses will do wonders for your spirit. Take it slow in the beginning, most acupuncturist and massage therapists see an uptick in business during spring due to all of the injuries, sprains and strains from people taking on too much, too soon. Consider tai qi, qi gong and yoga for a gentle stretching routine that helps keep your qi running smoothly.

**Dry Brushing: Your lymphatic system needs you to move in order for it to move! So of course that means getting regular exercise, but it also highlights the value in getting massages, or in adding a simple routine like dry brushing to your daily activities. Dry brushing not only helps slough off old skin cells, but it also stimulates the lymph to move. Before showering, brusquely brush over skin with a soft natural bristle towards your heart to promote circulation, you’ll notice a soft rosy glow! Follow this with the salt scrub from this share and you’ll be feeling great!

**Keep calm: Anger is the predominant emotion of Spring. Seems strange doesn’t it? But if you think about colloquial terms like ‘Spring Fever’ it may begin to make sense. With Yang beginning to stir while Yin still has us in her spell we often become restless. Unchecked restlessness easily can lead to irritation, causing subsequent bursts of anger. Being aware of this potential can really help a lot. By eating light, getting outside to move your body and connecting with nature, you can help keep your qi running smoothly. It is also a great time to check in with your acupuncturist and let them get your channels all running freely again. If you find yourself getting edgy, simply check in with yourself and alter your course!

** Allergies: This is a really difficult time for people who have seasonal allergies. If you suffer from allergies immediately begin making strong infusions of nettle leaf tea. And by strong, we mean infusions of over 4 hours! Alternately you can also take freeze dried nettle capsules to help stave off symptoms. Adding local honey to your routine can also help with symptoms. Working with an ND, Acupuncturist or Herbalist on treating your individual symptoms can be highly beneficial and also help you to avoid taking medications and steroids.

** Eye Health: In TCM it is taught that the Liver ‘opens to the eyes’, and is a major contributor to their function. Remember during this season to give your eyes breaks from the tasks you are performing. If you are doing close up detailed work involving screens, sewing, etc make sure you take the time to look away to focus on something in the distance. Ideally you will step away and look up towards the sky, relaxing your eyes and changing your posture. Also goji berries combined with chrysanthemum flowers make a nice soothing tea to benefit your eyes.

Favorite Spring Herbs: Dandelion, Burdock, Sassafrass, Cleavers, Violets, Lemon Balm, Nettles

Happy Spring to YOU!

Field Guide Deck + Nightingale

Lori Pollock creator of The Field Guide Deck has long been one of my favorite healers in Portland. She is who I turn to when I need some clarity when I'm so far inside a situation I can't see my way out. Her help has been immeasurable, and her friendship golden. I am so excited that she is beginning to teach how to work with deck. This deck is hands down my favorite one to use, and that is the feedback I receive time and time again from the people I introduce to it. In fact, I give my deck away so often I am always buying a new one and breaking it in again. Here is her description below, hope to see you there:

Find Your Place in Magical Space
Learning to go Deeper with The Field Guide Deck

Join Lori, the creator of the deck, for a relaxed and inspiring evening of working with the cards and learning new ways to see and hear the information they share.

We’ll cover the fine points of getting yourself, your surroundings, and your deck aligned for the clearest, most accurate answers. We’ll practice alternative ways to interpret the guidance and insight of the cards, and you’ll notice a bright difference, right away. We’ll be using the Field Guide Deck in class, and the skills you take home will enhance your work with any deck.
Guided exercises, card readings, questions, snacks, 
and more, held at the very inviting
Nightingale Health + Wellbeing Clinic!

July 7th, 7-9pm

$45 class only
$70 includes a deck at a reduced price

Nightingale Health + Wellbeing,
5128 N.E. 42nd Ave, Portland OR. 97218

Call to register: 503-442-4188 This class has limited space. please register by July 6th!

5 Questions Interview Series with Dori Midnight

I have the chills after this interview with Dori Midnight, one of my favorite wild-hearted healers! She is an inspiration, with dedication to the health of our communities on every level. Many thanks to Dori for her work and presence in healing, activism and friendship. To find out more about Dori's work please do explore her offerings - including intuitive counseling, charmed honey, rituals/ceremony and many classes & events.  I am so happy to offer some of her remedies here at Nightingale Studio as well. 

This interview is part of an ongoing 5 Questions interview series I started while with Portland Apothecary, where we explore plants, art and healing.

*Photo credits to Charlie Curtis.

1.  What motivates you to do the work that you do?

I am motivated by love! I come to this work by my heart, which is open to, in love with, and sometimes broken by this world. I am moved by all the people I work with, this magnificent earth, the wise plants and stones and animals, and people’s struggles and capacity to heal, and I just want to be in service to what I love.

And of course, like so many of us who hold space for other people’s healing, I also come to this work from my own healing journey, which I’m obviously still on!

 2. Do you use plants in your work and if so, how?

I have a teacher who might say the plants use her, which I can relate to! I sometimes feel like I’m doing a dance piece or art project collaboration with plants. (I often romanticize about the lives of my dancer friends; like it must be so amazing to not have to use anything other than your body and other people’s bodies to work!) So I suppose I’ve brought this fantasy to life in my work and often work with the plants through my own body, my hands and breath. Though I’m trained as a clinical herbalist, and many times I’ll send someone home with a bag of dried herbs for tea, or make up a tincture, more often I am working with the plants in a more subtle way. Some people might say I work with plants spiritually or energetically- I like those words too-  I like to say I’m collaborating with the plants.

I send people home with little bundles for them to burn or dream with or throw in their baths. I also burn a lot of plants- mugwort, juniper, cedar, sage - for clearing and protection and movement. But most of all, I make and work with essences and use them for hands on healing.

Essences are both gentle and powerful, working in invisible and mysterious ways. I love them because they are low-impact on the land- like you don’t even need to pick the plant to gather the healing properties- and are so affordable and accessible. And I love teaching people how to make their own, which is such good, deep medicine!

3. Is there a certain piece of advice you find yourself giving to your clients often? If so, what is it?

Lately I’ve been leading a lot of guided meditations to meet one’s elder self. So you imagine you are sitting with yourself at 75, 80, maybe 90 years old and you feel their weathered old hand on your back, or in your own hand, lending that kind of sweet, ancient support that some grandmas and grandpas give us. It’s so powerful to connect with that part of ourselves, especially because it evokes a kind of gentleness and compassion (and sometimes fierceness) that is often hard to cultivate for ourselves. If someone wants advice, I encourage them to ask this elder self. Our 85 year old selves give really good advice, like “break up with that good for nothing!” or “quit your job, girl!” or simply, “it’s going to be okay, honey.”

4. What do you turn towards for inspiration? If you include books, artists, other makers, music, etc can you include some links?

I am really inspired by social justice movements and indigenous resistance, people who are reclaiming and sharing ancestral and folk healing traditions, the healing justice work of people like the Kindred collective (http://kindredhealingjustice.org/) in the south, community healing spaces at places like the AMC and community healing clinics farmacy herbs and third root clinic, mutual aid and disability justice movements, and so many other artists, change makers, farmers, dreamers and healers!

I often turn to my dreams for inspiration or clarity, or ask for guidance from my ancestors of blood and spirit, and I also look to the lives of my fierce and wild elders like Juliette de Bairacli Levy and Miss Major Griffin Gracy.

My teacher/mentor/spirit mother is someone I have been working with since I was 22. Cybelementored me in intuitive healing practices and stone medicine- she is a beautiful example of someone who brings an artist/poet’s sensibility to the healing arts, like my dear friend Kristen of Nightingale, who is also a total inspiration!

5. Please include 1 instructional for a quick project someone reading this could incorporate into their own lives.

MAKE A FLOWER ESSENCE!

What you need:

A bowl or vessel (something pretty, preferably)

Spring water (or the water from your tap that you are grateful for)

Flowers

A jar

A small dropper bottle

Brandy

An open heart

Choose a flower, or rather, let a flower choose you, that seems to be growing abundantly and is calling your name. This could be a plant that you’ve always loved, a plant that visits you in a dream, or a plant that grows right outside your door the day you decide to make an essence. I particularly like making essences on new moons, full moons, or eclipses.

Fill your bowl with water.

Ask for permission: extend gratitude and ask if you can make an essence of this plant. If so, you can pick a couple of flowers and place them in your bowl. Place the bowl in the sunlight or moonlight near the plant or in a special spot for a few hours (or as long as you feel is right) and have a seat.

Notice everything: where this plant grows, what plants it is growing near, the color, shape, smell, and the pollinators who love it. Take note of any words, images, memories, or sensations that arise while you are sitting with this plant. Even if it’s unpleasant, this is good information about what this essence might be for!

When it’s done (approx 3 hours), gently remove the flowers with a stick. The water in this bowl is calledPotentized Water. Fill your jar halfway with brandy and then fill the rest of it with the Potentized Water. This jar now contains your Mother Essence. Label it with the name of the flower and the date.

Pour what is left of the Potentized Water on the ground near the plant with gratitude and/or take a small sip and share the magic water with friends.

To make a stock bottle, fill a dropper bottle with 70% water, 30% brandy and place 3 drops of the Mother Essence into the bottle. Label it!

To take your essence, you can place 3-13 drops under your tongue, in your tea or water bottle, or in your bathwater to help support your healing and bring more magic into your life!

Dori Midnight is a community care practitioner, ritual leader, writer, and deep listener oriented towards healing and liberation. For over two decades, Dori has practiced intuitive healing and woven rituals in reverent collaboration with plants, the seen and unseen, and in service to personal and collective healing. Her work is rooted in and guided by Jewish ancestral traditions, feminist, decolonial and abolitionist scholarship, queer liberation, and disability and healing justice work. Dori lives on the ancestral lands of the Pocumtuc and Nipmuc, also known as Western Massachusetts.

Honey from the Blossoms of NE Portland

Slowly, slowly we are building the apothecary here with items that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Small gestures that will undoubtedly make a larger impact in the long term. Shortly after I moved to the Cully Neighborhood my son Jasper was born and I spend endless hours walking up and down each and every street. I love this neighborhood. And one of the homes that made me so excited is over on Alberta Court. Since then I've found out that this is the home of Glen Andresen, one of the founders of Bridgetown Bees. There are what seems like 100s of beehives in his yard, and on a perfect Spring day I swear I can hear them buzzing from about half a block away and smell the sweet smell of honey and propolis as it warms from the sun. The yard is surrounded by cedars and espaliered fruit trees and as both a gardener and a lover of all creatures big and small I was inspired. 

Glen teaches backyard organic beekeeping at PCC and Garden Fever, and has a radio show on KBOO (90.7fm) called "The Dirt Bag" about edible gardening. In other words, a man after my own heart. I'm happy to be supporting Bridgetown Bees in even this small way, because they bring heart and care to their work. Last year they produced 3,300 lbs of honey, even with leaving ample amounts of pollen and honey in the hives to support the bees through our cold + wet spring and winter seasons here. They are also working on producing queens that are particularly strong and healthy in this particular ecosystem. 

The health benefits of raw unfiltered, unheated, organic honey are many. Some of my favorite uses for honey are immediately applying it to burns in the kitchen, and for allergies. Allergy relief has not been substantiated by any good research I can find, but my clinical experience has proven time and time again that it helps immensely. A lot of my clients will find relief with just the honey, the next tier needs to do honey and nettles, and then the more severe cases usually find total relief with a classic TCM formula and frequent acupuncture. I'm so happy that I can source such amazing medicine from just a few blocks away from the studio. I would love to help you with allergies if you need some relief, no-one should suffer from Spring and Summer!

Currently Re-Reading: Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life

Over the years I've come to realize that hormones have a much larger effect than most of us realize. In my own life, especially throughout my pregnancy and postpartum I have experienced how disruptive the swings and shifts can be. And in my clinical practice I see every day women having to miss work because of painful debilitating cramping, having to endure hot flashes at inopportune times (!) and mood swings that can be so severe one day that all seems lost only to have a complete turn around the next day. We've been told for the large part that this is just something to endure. But, of course it is not, and there are many, many different tools that can be used to find balance and relief. I will be focusing more and more on that in this journal so it can be a resource for those of you who are being affected in both big and small ways by your hormonal shifts. 

Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and Western Science by Dr. Claudia Welch, MSOM is a great book that I come to time and time again that I think is worthwhile reading for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of both the mechanisms of how hormones work and a really varied take of three different medical models on how to work with where you are to get where you want to be. The appendix is also great with detailed instructions on how to perform Ayurvedic warm oil massage, how to make ghee & Kitcheri and how to use castor oil packs. 

Hmmmm, I wonder if we should start a book club?

Julianna Bright // Solo Show

This upcoming Thursday April 7th from 6-8pm we will be having our first open house as part of a larger open house including all of the businesses in the Go42 building that we are so lucky to call our home. For our part in the festivities we are so happy to host our first art show, a solo show by the lovely and talented Julianna Bright.

Most of the practitioners of Nightingale Health + Well-being will be on hand and there will be some impromptu workshops going on throughout the night. There will be food, live music and laughter all around. Please do pop by and enjoy this new community hub on NE 42nd. A big thank you to Our 42nd Avenue for putting this together and for the unflagging support of all of our businesses. 

Seasonal Medicine: S P R I N G

Spring is bursting forth. The rising sap is evident in the unruly growth all around us. Heart melting blossoms are covering the magnolia and cherry trees, and the cottonwoods are heavy with sticky resinous buds that smell amazing, heralding the riot of growth the forests are about to put forth. Spring is a transition season from the deepest recesses of Yin during Winter, to the height of Yang which is Summer. Spring represents the Yang within the Yin. The stirring of Spring’s ultimate frenetic energy within the dreaminess and conservation of Winter. The plants are readying themselves for their cycle of growth, flowering, pollination and seed; the animals are stirring from slumber, searching for mates and stretching out their bodies in the sun that is beginning to warm the earth again. Where does this leave us? Although perhaps more subtle then in the flora and fauna that we share this earth with, we too are feeling the effects of the season. Our hearts may lift at the sweet pink clouds of blossoms on the cherry trees, or smile at the bright yellow forsythias, our eyes scan the slumbering earth for bulbs determinedly pushing up to meet the sun. We too, are ready for movement and to stretch our limbs out and move forward with the dreams we’ve schemed during the long winter months.

Spring is the time of the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese medicine, which in turn is associated with the Liver, Gallbladder, the color green, the wind, tendons, sour taste and the emotion of anger. The Liver is the second largest organ in the body (second only to our skin) and its functions are numerous. In general terms, the Liver is responsible for filtering blood that comes from your digestive tract, metabolizing nutrients, alcohol, medications, environmental toxins, etc. The Liver ultimately filters any substance that passes through your body. It also manufactures proteins and produces bile where it works in conjunction with the gallbladder in preparing foods for digestion and in the breakdown of fats. The Liver also has its hand in producing glucose, our bodies fuel, and in hormone production. When our Liver is stressed or overloaded by toxins in our bodies it can cause many of our systems to go haywire causing hormonal imbalances, headaches, achy muscles and joints from toxic buildup and so forth. It’s a good idea to give our Liver & Gallbladder support, especially during the Spring when the energy is already leaning in that direction

As with any change in the seasons we must take care to observe that we are in the middle of a transition. How we move through this time can determine how our health will be during the entire season. If transitions are not approached with a slow and steady hand it can leave us more susceptible to imbalances, as in the case of Spring, pulling a muscle, allergies, headaches, fatigue or restlessness. As we take the steps from Winter towards Spring, the following suggestions will help you maintain optimal health:

** Eat Green & Pesticide Free: For many of us the farmer’s markets are beginning to open again and it’s a great time to take advantage of all of the young green leaves on offer. Mustard greens, lettuce mixes, chard, nettles and kale are all rich in chlorophyll and the vital energy of Spring. Search out fresh asparagus stalks, pea shoots, sprouts and green onions. Since this is a transition period, it is a good idea to still lightly steam your vegetables as opposed to eating raw salads that are more cold in nature. Herbs like cilantro and parsley are also great allies in cleansing your body and are easily made into pestos that are easy to incorporate into your diet.

** Eat Light: We are leaving Winter’s inclination to conserve and store, and entering Spring with a need to awaken, circulate and take action. It’s a good time to trim some of the excess of Winter and start substituting simple and fresh foods again to allow your body to take a rest from the denser Winter fares. Pare down on your intake of dairy, sugars and alcohol and give your Liver a little rest.

**Stretch: Spring is associated with the tendons and movement. It is time to get back into your body and gently begin stretching it out. It is a perfect time for going outside for hikes in the awakening forest and to immerse your self in all of that bright green color of new growth. Movement + nature + engaging the senses will do wonders for your spirit. Take it slow in the beginning, most acupuncturist and massage therapists see an uptick in business during spring due to all of the injuries, sprains and strains from people taking on too much, too soon. Consider tai qi, qi gong and yoga for a gentle stretching routine that helps keep your qi running smoothly.

**Dry Brushing: Your lymphatic system needs you to move in order for it to move! So of course that means getting regular exercise, but it also highlights the value in getting massages, or in adding a simple routine like dry brushing to your daily activities. Dry Brushing not only helps slough off old skin cells but also stimulates the lymph to move. Before showering, brusquely brush over skin with a soft natural bristle towards your heart to promote circulation, you’ll notice a soft rosy glow! Follow this with the salt scrub from this share and you’ll be feeling great!

**Keep calm: Anger is the predominant emotion of Spring. Seems strange doesn’t it? But if you think about colloquial terms like ‘Spring Fever’ it may begin to make sense. With yang beginning to stir while yin still has us in her spell we often become restless. Unchecked restlessness easily can lead to irritation, causing subsequent bursts of anger. Being aware of this potential can really help a lot. By eating light, getting outside to move your body and connecting with nature, you can help keep your qi running smoothly. It is also a great time to check in with your acupuncturist and let them get your channels all running freely again. If you find yourself getting edgy, simply check in with yourself and alter your course!

** Allergies: This is a really difficult time for some people who have seasonal allergies. If you suffer from allergies immediately begin making strong infusions of nettle leaf tea. And by strong, we mean infusions of over 4 hours! Alternately you can also take freeze dried nettle capsules to help stave off symptoms. Adding local honey to your routine can also help with symptoms. Working with an ND, Acupuncturist or Herbalist on treating your individual symptoms can be highly beneficial and also help you avoid taking medications and steroids.

Herbs to consider: Nettles, Dandelion leaves, Cleavers, Redroot, Violets, Calendula

Wishing you a very happy Spring Season!