Herbal Tea Guide to Surviving Winter Colds and Flu

My household and I just weathered a series of colds and feverish flus and tea got us through it all!ere are some of the herbs that helped us heal up and get back to happy and healthy:

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) This revered candy classic is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory that relieves the discomfort of colds in the sinuses, It can sooth sore throats, coughs and also is a GI curative. Treat licorice root exactly as you would ginger with 1 minced teaspoon of fresh or dried steeped in one cup of tea twice day,

Milk Thistle (Silybum manianum )Healers love mile thistle for its ability to protect the liver from toxins, harsh medicines, alcohol and unseen environmental pollutants, It can be obtained as an extract at any health food store or upscale groceries or pharmacies. There is some evidence it can also help heal the kidneys.

Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) Here is an herbalist’s favorite for healing any respiratory ailment involving congestion coughs sore throats and calms the breathing. Mullein flowers infused in oil are also used to aid earaches. Take one heaping tablespoon of the leaves and steep in one cup of boiling water for no more than 10 minutes. Taken as a tea once, you’ll feel better soon

Nettle (Urtica dioica) Nettle has been used as a healer for untold centuries and relieves allergies, an immune booster and can even help with a distended prostate. It is also a superfood and beloved for the nutrients. If you are working with fresh nettles, wear gloves to avoid the stinging. Cooking or drying removes any irritant. Any herb or health food store will have dried nettle or capsule form. Make nettle tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of leaves for ten minutes or take the capsules in recommended doses of 300 to 500 mg twice a day.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) We know sage is great for clearing spaces and also as a savory for soups, roasts, dressing, stew and much more but it is also a highly regarded treatment at European spas for sweating, menopause, hot flashes, night sweats and accompanying discomfort. It is also an excellent remedy for colds, coughs and sore throats. ***Note: pregnant women should not use this. Simply make sage tea with one teaspoon of the dried leaves which you can drink or gargle to amend a sore throat.

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)

Slippery Elm Bark has even been approved by the FDA as a remedy for the irritation of sores throats and other sighs of an impending cold including coughs. This herbal can also help with stomach upset and amend heartburn, A powdered version of the bark can easily be obtained at any health food store or upscale green grocer which can be made into a tea using 1 to 2 teaspoons of the powdered bark you can drink twice a day,

North, South, East and West ~ A Ritual for Daily Life

You can purify your home every day, and in so doing, create sacred space:

1.     Take the cup or bowl of water and add a sprinkle of salt.  Then anoint your fingers and forehead with the salt water.

2.     Now turn to the east and say:

Powers of the East,

Source of the sun rising.

Bring me new beginnings.

After speaking, sprinkle some of the water in the east.

3.     Face south and say:

Powers of the South,

Origin of the sun and warmth and light,

Bring me joy and bounty.

Scatter some of the water in the south.

4.     Face west and say:

Powers of the West,

Source of oceans, mountains, and deserts all.

Bring me the security of the ground beneath my feet.

Scatter some of the water in the west.

5.     Face north and say:

Powers of the North,

Bringer of the winds and the polestar.

Show me vision and insight.

Scatter some of the water in the north.

6.     End this simple ritual by sprinkling the water and salt all around your home, especially on or around windows, sills, doorways, and thresholds where energy passes in and out as visitors and delivery people arrive.  In this way, you are cleansing and managing the energy of your space.  After a distressing occurrence, you can repeat this ritual to clear out the “bad energy”.

Lavender Mint Energy Cleanser: Clearing Vibrational Clutter

The very best way to prepare for the coming new year is an energetic decluttering        

                                               

In order to do any ritual work, you must clear the clutter that can create blocks. Banish the old, bad energy from your house by following this spell. Make a tea from one part dried lavender and one part dried mint. Draw fresh water and boil, and then steep a teaspoon of each herb for five minutes. Once it cools, dip your finger in the tea and sprinkle it throughout your home. If you feel the need to clear out any remaining cloud of psychic clutter, add diluted lavender mint tea water to your cleanser when you wash floors or surfaces. Make your energy-clearing tea by bringing 4 cups of water to a full rolling boil; remove from heat and add in 4 sprigs of fresh lavender and 4 sprigs of fresh mint. If it is winter and there is no access to the fresh herbs, one tablespoon each of dried lavender and dried mint will do nicely. Steep the herbal tea for at least 4 minutes and as long as ten minutes if there is a lot of energetic clutter. The scent of calm and clarity will lift the spirits of all who enter your space. The purpose of incense is to release energy into the ritual space, not to create billows of smoke that can cause respiratory problems in the circle. If you or someone else finds incense smoke irritating or worrisome, consider using another symbol of air instead, such as potpourri, fresh flowers, feathers, or a fan.

There exist an abundance of incense burners nowadays, so use your discretion and choose one that pleases you—perhaps a smoking dragon or a goddess to hold the fiery embers of your incense would add to the energy of your altar.

Stress-Busting Essential Oils and How to Use Them

Put simply, essential oils have aromatic, fragrant molecules that can actually pass right through the blood/brain barrier, having a direct effect on the areas of our brain in charge of controlling feelings of stress and anxiety and even panic and depression. 

Are you stressed out, feeling unwell or simply a case of the blues? Essential oils can help in so many ways and are wonderful to boost your immunity and your mood! Turn to these scentful helpmates to help you deal with anxiety, respiratory ailments, headaches and so much more. Sure, they smell good and even feel good on your skin but how do they really work to ameliorate depression, anxiety, lungs, heart rate, skin conditions and so many other issues? A German study conducted by Ruhr University found that “essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function." Essential oils are unique in that they can be both a stimulant and soothing for us humans. The same oil can have cause a different response based on the application as these oils are adaptogens, as they truly adapt to the your individual needs. If you are feeling down in the dumps, for example, bergamot can be a major pick me up and one I have depended on for years. My clients and I have come to depend on the power of these natural healers for dealing with stress, anxiety, worry and woe.

Stress-Busting Essential Oils and How to Use Them:

1.     Breath in deeply: Rub 1-2 drops in cupped palms and take a long, deep breath

2.     Apply to your skin: Rub 1-2 drops of oil into your temples, wrists or anywhere, for full body relaxation

3.     As a quick pick me up: Put a few drops on a handkerchief, cotton pad or on a scarf and inhale as needed. You'll get instant calming support throughout your day.

4.     As a shower infusion: Immerse yourself in an essential oil steam by adding a couple of drops in your shower. Remember to plug or cover the drain and inhale deeply.

5.     In a diffuser: To get long-lasting benefit, use a diffuser (great for everyone at home - adults, kids and pets!)

 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is beloved and for good reason; it is one of the best and most commonly used "adaptogenss" that appears to adapt to any mood. An instant refresher, the sweetly serene and floral aroma is relaxing and calming. Applied topically, lavender oil is excellent for mental concentration, reducing stress tension, calming upset and alleviating insomnia.
 

From the Breath to Your Brain:
Put  2-3 drops of lavender oil in your palms, rub rapidly  and take a deep inhalation. This way the smell enters the amygdala, the center for emotions, and provides a feeling of instant relaxation. In case you are have skin sensitiveness, you can put the drops of lavender essential oil b a cotton call or clean dry cloth, I advise keeping some at your desk for work and also bring a tiny bottle for when you are travelling, Heck, keep some with you at all times!

Headaches, Begone!
Dab a drop of lavender oil on your temples near your hairline when you have a tension headache and it will begin to diminish right away. If you are looking for even more relief and relaxation, run on your pulse points such as your wrist and insoles of your feet,

Lemon and  Lavender Lift  Blend

This is a miracle mix of oils that you should massage into your body for both stress relief and a moisturizer:

4 crops lavender oil

2 drops lemon oil

4 drops clary sage

5 teaspoons of your favorite carrier oil such as sesame and shake in a small dark colored dropper bottle. Keep this blend handy!

Creativity Crystal: Quartz

Thomas Edison carried quartz crystals with him at all times and called the stones his dream crystals.

 He believed they inspired his ideas and inventions. Literary legends George Sand and William Butler Yeats also relied on crystals to help spark their considerable creativity.\

Data has also been gathered to show the effectiveness of quartz in certain healing techniques, such as chakra therapy, acupressure, and light-ray therapy, as we will discuss in depth later. But the simplest way to promote healing with crystal is to wear a stone.

Quartz can take the form of great hexagonal stones or of crystals so small that only a microscope can see them. Quartz can appear in clusters or singly. It can also appear in every hue of the rainbow. The gorgeous and varied hues of quartz come from electrostatic energy, which now can be altered through technology. I, however, prefer the simple beauty provided by Mother Nature herself.

Quartz is the largest of the crystal families, and we can be grateful for that since it is such a powerful healer. Moreover, it is an energy regulator for the human body, affecting the vibrations of the aura, or energy field that surrounds all living beings.

Fiery Crystals: Soul Stones for Sagittarians

Tourmaline—specifically the multihued specimen known as melonstone, which is pinkish red with a blue-green stripe—is the precious soul stone for the Jupiter-ruled Sagittarians.

Individuals under this fire sign are lively and very action-oriented, and tourmaline, which readily gives off an electrical charge when warmed, can match and propel their energy. Tourmaline is the stone for adventurers and explorers. Get some today and hit the road, dear Sag.

Amber is the power stone for early Sagittarians. This rock formed from fossilized tree sap and resin, an organic crystal. Amber was thought by the ancients to have trapped the sun, and it was called electron by the Greeks, who observed its negative electrical charge. Even wildly active Sagittarians should wear this stone only on special occasions. It keeps energy cycling within, which is good, but it can have a weakening effect if worn all the time. Amber helps performers; actors and musicians swear by it.

Chrysocolla is the heart stone for first-half Sagittarians. Either blue or green, this copper-rich crystal is one of great life-giving vibrancy. Sagittarians always have many irons in many fires and often burn up their energy in typical fire-sign style. Chrysocolla can help prevent this and help Sagittarians direct their energy toward more purposeful and heartfelt pursuits.

Luxuriating In Lavender: Teas & Tinctures

Lavender  is a gift from goddess and truly smells heavenly. It is also a powerful healing herb. 

For tea, the rule of thumb is one teaspoon dried lavender flowers to one cup boiling water to aid tummy trouble, headache, aches, insomnia and even for calming the mind. You can easily amp up the therapeutic power of your brew, add any of these excellent herbs - dried yarrow, St. John’s Wort, or chamomile.  This is a simple and streamlined way to infuse lavender: pour heaping tablespoon into a bowl of hot water and then drape a towel over your head and breathe in the aromatic fumes to deal with respiratory issues, coughs, colds, headaches, stuffy sinuses and nervous tension. You will come away feeling renewed and your kitchen will smell like the heavens above. You can use the water in your morning bath or to your sink garbage disposal; grinding up the flowers refreshes that hard-duty kitchen appliance.

Lavendula Tranquility Tincture

This cure-all should be kept on hand at all times for soothing the skin, the stomach and anything in need of comfort. I have even seen it be used to stanch bleeding in small cuts. You need:

Dried lavender

Dried calendula

Clear quart jar with lid

Cheesecloth

Dark glass for storage

2 cups distilled water

1 cup clear alcohol such as vodka

Fill your clear quart jar to the halfway point with the dried lavender and calendula. Pour in the alcohol also to the halfway point, Add in the water and seal with the lid securely and shake for a few minutes until it seems well mixed. Store in a dark cupboard for one month, shaking once a day.  After 30 days, strain with cheesecloth into the dark glass storage jar and screw the lid on tightly. The lavender leavings will make lovely compost or, even better, dry and bundle them to toss on your next bonfire or at home in the fireplace. 

The scented smoke will smell faintly of incense. Magical!