Filed under herbs …

Liquid Nurturing

Turmeric powder and fresh root About four years ago, my life went through some shocking changes.  A short relationship had ended abruptly (although right on time, really), triggered by an abortion that I went through.  Deciding to go through the abortion was very difficult.  However, after consulting my inner wisdom and guidance (and with heart-felt … Continue reading →

Summer Peach Chutney (lacto-fermented)

Fresh and fuzzy peaches Unfortunately, these beauties are one of the most sprayed fruits in the US.  So, always wash and peel (sigh, as if that really does anything) and buy organic (ask the farmer if they are chemical-free!) whenever possible!  Below, I have a lacto-fermented peach chutney recipe for you.  But, first — a … Continue reading →

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort is a beautiful weed that spread from Europe to the Americas with the settlers.  This plant is energetically associated with sunlight and is able to cast light in dark places.  The flower essence serves as an aid for the very emotional and light-sensitive ones. Hypericum perforatum blooms around the Summer Solstice — … Continue reading →

Kickin’ the Coffee Habit

If this picture stimulates your salivary glands and kicks in your coffee craving, consider that you are addicted to coffee.  I kicked my short-lived habit about 10 years ago.  I used to drink quite a bit in one day (I think, encouraged by my restaurant job at the time).  However, after a couple years of … Continue reading →

Mint-Fennel-Rose Whey Cooler

Whey cooler ingredients (+ organic cane sugar) One of the best ways to cool off and break up cascading heat in the body is by putting mints in you or on you.  And, one of my favorite ways of taking in mint is by drinking a whey cooler.  Whey (a by-product of making queso fresco … Continue reading →

Seasonal Intelligence (on-line course)

Hey there friends,  I am putting together a monthly (one, 1 1/2 hour session a month) course beginning Sunday, April 29th on foods, herbs, and simple exercises for seasonal health and wellness.  We will cover the basic understanding of the following topics: tonic herbs and infusions, body care herbs, yoga and breathwork, Traditional Chinese Medicine … Continue reading →

The Will to Live: A Chicken Healing Story

Last week a friend’s Dominique chicken got attacked by the neighbor’s hound dog.  The dog was put in a small cage to reflect on his abrupt actions through the rainy night.  The chicken…well, she had a fist-sized wound under her right wing; basically, the skin had been scraped back and a large amount of muscle … Continue reading →

Elderberry Syrup Goodness

We just passed elderberry picking season. You can find them in their favorite place, a moist and vegetation-rich area, often-times near a stream or creek. There could be a species or two you could confuse with elderberry, but once you learn her serrated leaf shape and tell-tale white flowers in the early summer, you won’t … Continue reading →

Whey Coolers

I have been experimenting with Whey Coolers recently. A Whey Cooler is a lacto-fermented beverage that also has a lot of wonderful health benefits. Cultured sodas are a great source of probiotic enzymes and electrolytes. Since the soda uses whey which is a live probiotic it helps maintain a healthy intestinal micro flora.  In her … Continue reading →