Rose Oxymel

In celebration of the New Year, I am sharing a recipe for rose oxymel. This was my first go at oxymels and I’ve got to say it was delicious. I enjoyed it in lemonade but loved it as a salad dressing with a little olive oil. Note health benefits below the recipe.

Rose Oxymel 

Fill a  mason jar ⅓-½  full with dried organic rose petals/rosebuds

Fill  the jar ⅔ full (more or less depending on your preferred taste) with organic raw apple cider vinegar

Fill rest of the way with raw honey (use organic glycerin or coconut nectar to make it vegan)

I added a little crushed cardamom and hawthorn berries 

Cover with a plastic lid and shake (apple cider vinegar will corrode metal)

Let sit for 2 weeks in a warm place shaking daily

Strain through a cheesecloth

Store in a cool place

Dosage:  1 tablespoon daily as a health tonic

• Heart tonic, poor digestion, worry, nervousness, chest or abdominal pain and bloat, PMS

• Try adding it to cocktails, use as a dressing or marinade, add to lemonade

Nasya Oil

Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy with varied types including:

• Cleansing (Shodhana, Pradhamana, and Virechana)

• Nutritive (Bruhana, Tarpana)

• Sedative or Balancing (Shamana)

• Lubricating (Navana)

• Daily (Pratimarsha or Marsha)

Nasya is administered through the nose, which is the door to the brain and consciousness, using medicated oils, ghees, and herbal powders.

Before choosing which nasya to use it is important to understand your body’s constitution and imbalance as each type has its specific dosha, time of day, and indications for use - misuse may cause further imbalance.

Some uses for nasya include:

• stiffness & pain in the head or neck

• sinus congestion

• dry nasal passages

• stress

• shoulder pain

• jaw pain

• headaches & migraines

• toothaches & receding gums

• tonsillitis & hoarse voice

• supporting the mind & memory

• depleted sexual energy

Use ghee for a daily nasya practice (Praitmarsha) to help with stress and to open the deep tissues. This may be used by any constitution at any time although best if done after urinating and defecating.

Ghee Instructions: 

• Place organic/hormone free cow butter in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil

• Once boiling, reduce heat slightly, and allow to gently boil, foam will form on the top, the butter will turn a golden color and the milk solids will have sunk to the bottom and turned brown. 

• Ghee is done when the butter turns golden - about 8 minutes or so. 

• Skim off the foam and discard. Strain ghee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and store it in a heatproof airtight glass container - no need to refrigerate. 

• To avoid bacteria growth use a clean and dry spoon allowing no water into the jar.

Use a small amount of ghee on your little finger massaging into each nostril - this may be done while sitting. 

If using drops:  Lie down with your head tilted back and put 5 drops of nasya in each nostril (3 drops each nostril for children over 7) sniff until you feel it in the back of your throat, allow the oil to penetrate for a few minutes.

TCM Evils - The 6 Pernicious Influences

• TCM Evils otherwise known as the 6 Pernicious Influences are External causes of disease according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

• Due to overexposure they invade the body and cause disharmony.

• They can be Exterior or Interior.

• They may invade alone or in combination, usually through the mouth, nose, or skin - or in the case of Wind the nape of the neck.

• Wind, Damp, Cold, Dry, and Summer Heat have a seasonal association and have a relationship with a specific organ.

• Wind, Dryness, Summer-Heat, and Fire are Yang pathogenic factors, which injure Yin.

• Cold and Dampness are Yin pathogenic factors, which injure Yang.

• They always correspond to a Full pattern but may be associated with a Deficiency.

• An Evil can give rise to Deficiency or a Deficiency can give rise to an Evil.

• There are many different patterns of disharmony associated with the 6 Evils, in which case symptoms, tongue appearance, and pulses would all vary accordingly - there are simply too many to list in this chart.

• Symptoms, tongue appearance, and possible pulses listed in the chart are all general unless otherwise stated.

3 Herbs that Clear Heat and Cool the Blood

Sheng Di Huang - Raw Rehmannia- Rehmannia Glutinosa 

• The unprepared or raw root is Cold in nature vs the prepared root which is Warm in nature. 

• Used for fevers, thirst, mouth sores, and hemorrhaging. 

• Lack of Yin fluids with dry mouth, throat pain, afternoon fevers and feelings of Heat, and dry constipation.

• Also used in formulas to treat conditions such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and eczema.

Mu Dan Pi - Moutan Peony root bark - Paeonia Suffruticosa 

• Used in Chinese medicine for gynecological issues, such as amenorrhea, scanty periods, painful periods, muscle spasms, and enhancing blood flow. 

• Commonly used when there is Heat caused by deficiency such as menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. 

• Also used for headaches, flank, and eye pain due to Liver Fire. 

Oregon Grape root- Berberis repens, Mahonia repens

• Liver tonic that stimulates bile flow  = increases digestion and absorption by breaking down fats into fatty acids. 

• Cools the Liver and is often used for toxic Liver issues from alcohol or drugs (hepatitis, jaundice, enlarged Liver). 

• Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal making it useful for IBS, UTIs, yeast infections, acne, rosacea, cysts, dermatitis, styes, strep and staph infections, intestinal viruses, and inflamed gums.

• Oregon Grape root and Barberry are often interchanged due to their similarities.

3 Herbs for Blood Stagnation

“Always treat a bruise because a bruise can turn to Bad Blood (Blood Stagnation) and Bad Blood can turn to cancer” - Matt Wood

All Blood Movers enter the Liver and/or Heart channels - which makes sense -  the Liver stores the Blood and the Heart pumps the Blood. Many also enter the Spleen channel which also makes sense, according to TCM the Spleen transforms food and drink into Blood and Qi (energy) and then transports it throughout the body. This is not to say that there aren’t other channels entered by different Blood moving herbs, as an example I included one that also enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels.

Mo Yao - Myrrh - Commiphora Molmol

• A resin used internally and externally

• Blood stasis affecting the uterus for uterine tumors, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and abdominal masses with pain 

• Pain from trauma, strikes and blows, falls and injuries - used as a liniment in a hit or jow formula massaged into a bruise or sore muscle

• Increases circulation throughout the body making it is useful for angina & joint pain

• Promotes healing of chronic sores due to its ability to generate flesh

• Additionally, an effective disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and astringent commonly used in cases of toothaches, gingivitis, bronchitis, and as a gargle for strep throat and laryngitis

• Effective for leaky gut, colitis, ileitis, gastritis, and gastric ulcers

Here is an article on myrrh & frankincense. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/myrrh.htm They are often used in combination for their synergistic strength.  Myrrh is a stronger Blood mover & breaks up Blood stasis whereas frankincense circulates Blood & is better at moving Qi

Chuan Xiong - Szechuan lovage root - Ligusticum wallichii

• Blood mover in arguably the most popular TCM Blood tonic formula - Si Wu Tang 

• Invigorates Blood and promotes the movement of Qi for any Blood stasis pattern

• Chest, flank and rib area pain

• Important herb in gynecology used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, difficult labor or retained lochia, and menstrual cramps

• Its acrid flavor disperses both Qi stagnation and Wind in cases of spasms, headaches, dizziness,  Bi syndrome, as well as skin disorders

Tao Ren - Peach Seed Kernel - Prunus persica

• Toxic in doses of over 30 kernels for adults and 5-10 kernels for children

• Breaks up Blood stasis and has an affinity for the lower pelvic cavity due to its bitter taste and heavy nature making it useful for menstrual disorders such as endometriosis, amenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain

• Also enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels -with its moistening quality it is effective for constipation, moistening the skin, coughs, wheezing as well as Lung and Intestinal abscesses

As always before adding in any new herb speak with your Dr. or a qualified herbalist to make sure it is the right herb for you.

3 Herbs that Tonify the Blood

Bai Shao - white peony root - Paeonia lactiflora root

• Best for Blood-deficient clients with (Blood deficient) Heat signs such as night sweats and hot flashes or Liver Yang rising signs such as headaches, dizziness, flushed face, red eyes due to Blood deficiency

• Nourishes the Blood and regulates the menses ie: irregular menstruation, postpartum disorders, uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, PMS symptoms

• Soothes the Liver and alleviates pain for numbness, spasms, petit mal seizures, restless leg syndrome, and pain in the limbs, tendons, and sinews from Blood deficiency

• Also used for fibromyalgia and PCOS

Shu Di Huang - Prepared Rehmannia root - Rehmanniae Radix preparata root

• Tonifies & nourishes the Blood ie: irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, anemia, dizziness, palpitations, restless fetus, habitual miscarriage, & postpartum complications

• Nourishes the adrenals, hormones when weakened by stress, overwork, or excessive sex and enriches Yin & Essence (Jing). For night sweats, dry mouth, memory loss, low back pain, wasting and thirsting syndrome, childhood delayed development, gray hair, impotence

• Often combined with aromatic herbs to prevent digestive upset as it has a cloying nature

• The primary herb for tonifying Liver & Kidney Blood & Yin

Zhi He Shou Wu - prepared  Polygonam multiflorum root -Polygoni multiflori

• Prepared by boiling with black beans to eliminate its laxative effect & release its power

• Nourishes Blood, augments Essence (Jing) - dizziness, blurred vision, gray hair, involuntary ejaculation, soreness and weakness of lower back and knees, and insomnia

• Used to stimulate male reproductive function, improve athletic performance, stimulate Liver and bowel function, and lower cholesterol levels 

• Dry fried for irregular menstruation and uterine bleeding

• Noted as one of the best tonics because it is warm and not too drying, tonifying without stagnating like other tonics

• Contraindicated for pregnancy and Liver disease

• Use of this herb should be short term as long term use may be responsible for Liver damage

As always check with your Dr. or a qualified herbalist before starting a new herb. If you have any questions about any of the herbs listed let me know.

TCM Blood Patterns of Disharmony

Today’s chart is on Blood disharmonies. Some general symptoms are listed for each as well as organs that may be affected, possible pulses, helpful foods and other recommendations.

It is important to look at each individual as a whole rather than just a few symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to learn more please reach me through the ”Contact” tab to set up a free 15-minute call .

4 Herbs to Tonify the Kidneys

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season of the Kidneys. The Kidneys are at their most vulnerable this time of year so it is the perfect time to nourish them. Here are four herbs to Tonify the Kidneys.

• Walnut - Especially good for cold and weak back and knees. Also good for frequent urination, coughs/wheezing that is worse with exertion, and constipation. Note that eating in excess may cause canker sores.

• Ashwagandha - Normalizes hormones including thyroid, testes, and adrenal glands. Also helps with anxiety, fatigue, muddled thinking, stress, low libido, lowers Blood sugar, insomnia, etc. A calming adaptogen. Note that it takes about a month to build up in your system so the effects of this herb won’t generally be noticed for a while.

• Fenugreek - Especially useful when there is coldness in the body from a weakness of the Kidneys such as abdominal coldness and pain, pain and cold sensations in the knees and feet. Also helpful for fevers, asthma, emphysema, hernial pain, nervous exhaustion, anemia, and pain in the testicles. Note that it should not be taken during pregnancy.

• Damiana - A Kidney tonic especially useful for decreased libido and impotence. Also used as an aphrodisiac. A nervine and mild antidepressant per David Winston it is useful for elderly people with mild depression. Note that this should not be taken during pregnancy.

9 Things to Know About Sage - Garden Sage - Salvia Officinalis

• Native to the Mediterranean with over 900 species it belongs to the mint family of herbs.

• Contains many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds including cineole, camphor, camphene, borneol, and bornyl acetate.

• Contains thujone which has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that helps the body fight off viruses and bacteria.

• A natural source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds possessing strong antioxidant, radical-scavenging, and antibacterial activities. 

• Contains many nutrients including vitamins A and K, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, folate, and beta-carotene.

• There have been studies done on its anti-inflammatory abilities, its effect on cognition and memory, as well as its ability to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. This is exciting news for those with diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and high cholesterol.

• It has been looked at for use against obesity in studies due to its active components on the pancreatic lipase activity and lipid digestion. 

• Traditionally been used for the treatment of digestive and circulatory disturbances, bronchitis, cough, asthma, angina, mouth and throat inflammations, depression, excessive sweating, hot flashes, skin diseases, muscle tension, worms, colds, and flu, etc. 

• Used to dry breast milk production.
  

Sage tea: 

Bring 1 quart of water to a boil

Add 1 ounce of fresh sage leaves,  honey to taste, 1-2 lemons cut into wedges

Turn off heat, cover pot, and let sit for 30 minutes, strain and drink. May also use as a gargle for a sore throat.

Sage can interfere with certain medications or health conditions. Those that are dry or experiencing Yin deficiency should consult a qualified herbalist.  Sage should be avoided by those women who are pregnant or nursing.  If you are unsure if sage is right for you - let me know,  I am happy to work with you to see if it is a fit. 

• Christensen KB, Jorgenson M, Kotowska D, Peterson RK, Kristiansen K, Christensen LP. Activation of the nuclear receptor PPARγ by metabolites isolated from sage (Salvia officinalis L.) J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;132:127–33.

• Baranauskiene R, Dambrauskiene E, Venskutonis P. Influence of harvesting time on the yield and chemical composition of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Foodbalt. 2011:105–9.

• Yurtseven S, Cetin M, Sengiil T, Sogut B. Effect of sage extract (Salvia officinalis) on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage in partridges. S Afr J Anim Sci. 2008;38:145–52

• Yadav S, Mukundan U. In vitro antioxidant properties of Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz ex etl. and Salvia officinalis L. Indian J Fundam Appl Life Sci. 2011;1:232–8

• Ninomiya K, Matsuda H, Shimoda H, Nishida N, Kasajima N, Youshino T, et al. Carnosic acid, a new class of lipid absorption inhibitor from sage. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2004;14:1943–6

Garlic Syrup

I spent the day making garlic syrup, elderberry syrup, and fire cider.  I thought I’d share the recipe for garlic syrup. The syrup includes raw garlic, raw apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. All are helpful when it comes to building immunity and fighting off bacterial invasions. In combination they include vitamin c and antioxidants, kill bacteria, and suppress coughs.  This can easily be made vegan by swapping coconut nectar for the honey. In our home we take this at the first sign of a cold, finding it to be very effective at keeping us healthy all season long. 

Garlic Syrup

1 lb. peeled garlic bulbs

3 cups distilled water

3 cups organic raw apple cider vinegar

Put everything in a Vitamix or blender to dice garlic

Pour into a 2-quart mason jar

Cover with a plastic lid (apple cider vinegar will corrode metal) and give it a good shake

Let sit for 4 days in a warm spot - shaking several times a day

Add 1 cup organic glycerin, let sit 1 day

Strain

Add 1 cup raw honey and stir until incorporated

(vegans omit honey add 1/2 - 1 cup coconut nectar)

Store in a cool place.

Dosage:  1 tablespoon, up to 3x per day after meals as a preventative or taken at the first signs of a cold.  

**(I’ve taken this on an empty stomach and felt a wave of nausea that lasts a few seconds. I can tolerate it in a smaller 1 teaspoon amount without food). 

• Makes a tasty dressing or marinade

• Recipe from Michael and Lesley Tierra founders of East-West School of Planetary Herbology

• Coconut nectar may be used instead of raw honey to make it vegan.