If you live in the U.S., you know that this summer has been HOT! The Northeast and the Midwest seem to have been especially hard hit the past month or so. Typical forecast: Hot. Humid. And no rain. Can you hear my dog panting? Since most of us in the Northeast don't have central air (or in my case, a window unit or A/C in the car), we have to use other strategies to cool down. Yes, fans are my best friend right now and we have been practically living in the various swimming holes in the area. Here's some other ways we have been keeping cool and keeping sane. 1. Peppermint Mist: Take a spray bottle and fill with water and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake vigorously, spray, and feel refreshed! 2. Smoothies: If you read this blog regularly, you know just how much my family LOVES smoothies. Any kind will do. Feel free to look up some of my past recipes. Blend yogurt, frozen or fresh fruit, ice (optional), and any other herb or other flavoring you like. Note: These are heaven when eaten after harvesting large amounts of peas and strawberries. 3. Frozen Tea Pops One of my friends passed on the idea of freezing peppermint tea into Popsicles. Genius! I have since been experimenting with a wide variety of cooling herbs. Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Lavender have been my favorites so far. You can mix in a little honey before pouring into Popsicle molds if you like. Added bonus: Lemon balm helps hot grumpy kids turn into little angels again! 4. Eat Cooling Foods Cucumbers and Watermelon cool me all the way down to my toes. I can literally feel the sensation. Find those foods that do that for you. Yogurt? Melons? Citrus? Try them all. And under no circumstances are you allowed to turn on the oven. 5. Siesta! That's right. Take a nap. And that's an order. During the hottest part of the day, put a peppermint or lavender tea soaked frozen washcloth on your forehead and lay down. I know it's not always practical (I do have 2 little ones), but even if it is for 2 minutes, it gives your body a chance to recharge and cool down. Rain is on the way for us. Hooray! Look for me, dancing around in it. ~Kristin
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Ahhhh summer! We tend to think of summer as a time for resting, relaxing, and rejuvenating. But really, it's not. Summer is a time for speeding up. For doing things, getting out there, and enjoying each precious moment. As we gorge ourselves on fresh greens, strawberries, and all the other fruits of summer, we are filled with that same fresh sun-lit energy that those plants took in. Maybe that's what makes our summer memories seem so spectacular. Wanna know the best part of summer? Happy Summer!
~Kristin As promised, this last post on Wild Medicine is dedicated to a plant that helps stop bleeding. Remember those skinned knees? In addition to helping to arrest bleeding when used externally, it is also useful for colds, flus, and breaking a fever when used internally. You may even have it in your garden--right now!! What is this beautiful and amazing plant? It's Yarrow. Achillea millefolium was historically used as an herb for the battlefield, specifically for its antihemorrhagic properties to wounds. At the end of a day outside playing, my little ones sometimes look like they've come off a battlefield. So they have learned how to identify Yarrow, crush the leaves and/or flowers well (much like Plantain), and apply to the bleeding area. If they can do it, so can you! Yarrow is found all over North America, although there are several varieties. All are excellent for medicine however. Even the pretty cultivated kind that you may have in your garden. A member of the Sunflower family , they have small white flowers, and the most delicate feathery leaves. They are often found along roadsides and meadows so keep your eyes open, they are in full bloom right now! Use them for medicine, hang them up to dry, put them in a vase to beautify your home. Just use them! These plants can empower you to heal yourself in a deeply fulfilling and gentle way. In Health, Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T. Skinned knees seem to be an everyday occurrence in my house in the last few weeks. The first few weeks of shaky bikes rides with the kids, as they get the hang of flying on two wheels again, tends to bring lots of tears and lots of band-aids. Luckily, you don't have to pack a whole box with you on that next hike or bike ride. Instead, just look for plantain. There are a few species of Plantago that are a great make-shift band aid. Plantago laneolata and Plantago major are the most common. The broad leaves are used topically for wound healing, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe painful cuts and scrapes. They can even soothe and heal burns! After you pour a little water on the wound, simply grab a leaf, smush (a very technical term, I know) gently with your fingers, and apply to the wounded area. Make sure to get that good juice in there! You can use another leaf or bandage to cover the wound to facilitate healing. This is another wild medicine that is found everywhere in the U.S. Just check your lawn, roadsides, meadows, or fields. Try not to collect directly from the side of the road or on a lawn that has been sprayed by chemicals. Look for long oval leaves, spreading from a central point, with parallel veins. Of course, always be sure to properly ID a plant before you use it. But I don't have to remind you of that. Right?! Gathering your wild band-aid will cheer those kids right up after a fall. Especially if you combine it with another plant to stop bleeding--which I'll talk about next post. Cheers, Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T. Summer seems to be officially upon us (well, almost officially). You know how I can tell? The wild flowers have truly grown wild. Many are in full bloom. In the fields, in the forests, and in my unkempt backyard. Truth be told I prefer an unkempt backyard. Many wildflowers are actually wild medicine, which means my backyard is actually an apothecary. This week I'll be introducing you to some of these wonderful wild medicines. Many of them you are probably familiar with. Ever search for a four-leaf clover? They not only bring good luck, but good health as well. Red clover (Trifolium pratense)blossoms in particular are an incredibly powerful medicine. It is primarily used as an alterative or blood cleanser, but has great applications as an antispasmodic as well. Why clean the blood? To increase circulation, improve urine output, and increase bile that's why! Hint: These are all key factors in detoxification. The antispasmodic properties of red clover helps ease summer colds by loosening up phlegm and calming pesky coughs. Not only that, but it contains a high amount of nutrients (think super multi-vitamin) and is well-known for its benefits for fertility. Another great thing about this herb is that it is everywhere! Every state in the U.S., in fact. Usually blooming from early summer through early fall, it is hard to over-harvest. Gather the bright pink blossoms just after the dew has dried up, always leaving the third blossom alone. Even wild medicine needs to be harvested ethically! Avoid gathering right near roadsides, instead diving deep into your favorite field, meadow, or wild backyard space. You can dry them to use in tea or other herbal preparation, or simply eat them raw. Be sure to research contraindications in your favorite herb book, and have fun! Wild medicine hunting is a great way to connect with nature and yourself. Happy Gathering! Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T. The kids have Spring Break this week, and the beautiful weather has had us out and about quite a bit. Muddy hikes, blowing bubbles in the grass with the neighbors, and even sandy beach fun at the ocean have kept us busy. Technically it's only the second day! All this gallivanting around has given me a rude awakening one byproduct of such fun. Disgusting floors! Yup, it's time to hit the wood and tile. Here's some recipes to make the job a little easier.
Lemon-Scented Wood Floor Cleaner and Polish 1 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tsp lemon essential oil Mix ingredients together well, and apply with mop or sponge. This combination even makes small scratches seem to disappear. It's magic! Cedar-Scented Kitchen Cleaner 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup water 1 tsp cedar essential oil (Pine also smells great and acts as a disinfectant) Mix ingredients well, and apply with mop or sponge. For tough stains, try mixing a few tablespoons of washing soda into the mix and apply. Voila! Floors you can eat off. And believe me, my children will. Carpet Freshener 5-10 drops of essential oil of choice (Lavender, Rose, Peppermint are all yummy) 5 cups baking soda Mix well. Sprinkle on freshly vacuumed carpet and let sit overnight. Avoid stepping on mixture during treatment. Vacuum up and inhale deeply! So don't be scared of the spring and summer fun! You are now armed with all you need to know on how to do damage control after a few days of outdoor adventure. Get Messy! ~Kristin Henningsen M.S., R.Y.T. The beautiful sunshine today (and large cup of dark coffee) has inspired me to do some major washing. The best part of washing all those blankets, rugs, and even curtains is being able to hang them up on the line. There are few things in this world that beat the smell of line-dried sheets, especially when washed with chemical free detergent. Unfortunately natural laundry detergents can be pricey! Here's a few recipes for easy to make, affordable laundry detergent that will leave your wallet and your skin feeling happy.
Lemon Scented Laundry Powder 1/2-4 tablespoons essential oil (Rosemary, Lavender, Orange, and Tea Tree also work great) 1 cup Borax 1 cup Washing Soda 1 bar soap 1. Mix oil and borax thoroughly by hand. A blender also works great, but the oil will leave a residue that is hard to clean. 2. Use a grater and shave the bar of soap (I like Dr. Bronners) into fine pieces. 3. Mix above two ingredients with washing soda (available in grocery stores) Note: This is different from Baking Soda! 4. Store in air-tight containers, and use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Rosemary Stain Pretreatment 1/2-4 tablespoons Rosemary Essential Oil 1 cup dishwashing liquid 1. Combine essential oil with dishwashing liquid in spray bottle 2. Apply to stains on damp fabric and scrub gently. Allow to set for 20 minutes, then wash in cold water. *This works great on a number of different stains. Be sure to use cold water, as hot water sets stains. Happy washing! ~Kristin Henningsen, M.S., R.Y.T. *This 3 part series was originally published with the Center for Health and Wellness. Find them here http://www.kaplanhealthwellness.blogspot.com/
It's started. My usual spring-cleaning assault on all the dirt, grime, and germs that always seem to take over my house in the winter time. I'm coming for YOU dirty floors! Perhaps it's the sunshine (and subsequent Vitamin D) that gives us the energy to freshen up our homes in the Spring. Maybe it's that awakening we tend to feel as we come out of hibernation, and we finally see some of the dirt and clutter we've been overlooking for months. It doesn't matter. If you are feeling the urge to open the windows and put the sheets on the line, then go for it! Because the temporary inspiration for spring freshness tends to wither with the daffodils. This week I will be sharing with you some of my favorite natural cleansers out there. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and actually work. And you get to have some creative license in your formulas. Let's start in my least favorite place to clean. The bathroom. I do have a 4 year old! Here it is crucial to have some antibacterial and deep cleaning formulas. Gentle Scouring Powder 1.5 Cups Baking Soda 4.5 tsp's Essential Oil Lavender & Rosemary *Other EO's to try are peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Experiment! Combine essential oil and baking soda and apply with sponge or scrubber pad. Herbal Window/Mirror Wash 3 cups water 1/3 cup Herbal Vinegar (see Below for Recipe) Mix herbal vinegar and water and pour into spray bottle. Shake well, spray, and polish with clean, dry cloth. Herbal Vinegar 2 cups dried herb 3.5 cups vinegar 1.Place herbs (Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, or Yarrow are good for cleansers) in clean jar 2.Fill the jar with vinegar, making sure all the herbs are covered. 3.Tighten lid and shake the jar 4.Store in cool, dark, place for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally 5.Strain and label. Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1/2 cup Gentle Scouring Powder Herbal Vinegar Sprinkle powder into toilet. Spray with vinegar to make a bubbling paste, and use brush to scour. You can also leave the scouring powder in overnight for deep cleaning. Whew! Tired yet? Clean bathroom today, clean ---- tomorrow? We'll see what kind of inspiration strikes! Peep, Peep. _Peep, peep! That's the sound that signifies the sure return of spring for me. Right now the spring peepers are in full chorus in our backyard, singing their tiny froggy love songs for all to hear. Combined with the uncustomary early warm weather, life is good right now in the Northeast.
The sunshine has brought more neighborhood strolls and hilly hikes. Keeping up with two kids and two dogs (often way ahead of me as I meander looking for early spring plants) usually leaves me craving something cool to drink. Yep, it's smoothie season! Last week the kids and I pretended we were mad scientists and created a super yummy herbal smoothie that is a great immune booster as well. I don't know about you, but I always seem to get sick with changing seasons as my body adjusts to the new temps. Here's what we came up with: Elderberry Blast Smoothie 1 cup Yogurt 1 cup frozen (or fresh) berry mix. Ours had blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries 1 banana 1/4 cup Elderberry Syrup or 1/2 cup dried Elderberries 1 dropperful Echinacea tincture 2 tspns Cinnamon Powder -Mix together in a blender or food processor to desired consistency and you have a delicious immune boosting treat. Substitutions and experimentation with the recipe is strongly encouraged. :) Happy Spring! Kristin Snow Day! _Moving back to New England after a 3 year stint in sunny SC had me excited for this winter season. Cozy sweaters, steaming bowls of soup, bright blue sky against snow-draped woods. And yes, the occasional snow day. That magical day when the kid's (and my husband's) school is cancelled. Snow angels, snowmen, and sledding? Bring it on! Sadly this winter has been a bit of a disappointment. Aside from a giant snowstorm in October that left us without power for 5 days and a 30 ft. Maple on our house, it's been pretty mild. Well today was payday. We got our snow day! Nothing can top a day of getting crazy in the snow like a big cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. We like to put our own herbal spin on things around here, so I thought I'd share a fun recipe to making real marshmallows. Those air puffed, spongy white things don't contain any marshmallow at all, which is actually a very healing herb. Marshmallow root is renowned for its abilities to sooth skin and heal inflammations in the body. It's one of my go-to herbs for sore throats. Go on, I dare you try making these. Super easy and SO delicious. This recipe is adapted from Lesley Tierra's (2000): A Kid's Herb Book. -Preheat oven to 275 degrees F -Separate 2 eggs, keeping the whites. Beat whites until foamy and not quite stiff. -Add in 1/2 tsp. Vanilla or other delicious flavoring -Slowly beat in up to 1/2 cup (it's okay to use less!) sugar, 1 tsp at a time -Beat in 2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder -Drop mixture using teaspoonful at a time on a lined cookie sheet. -Bake 1 hour -Remove from sheet and let cool. Yum! *Refrigerate extras (if there is any) for several days Hope your day was magical! ~Kristin |
AuthorI am constantly amazed by the healing power of yoga and herbs. They inspire me to heal, to write, to teach, and to keep exploring. Archives
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