Healthy Living

The Sun Flower Method

Following is the equipment you will need to make a sun flower essence: a clear glass bowl, fresh mountain or spring water, sharp scissors or a crystal, or stone (used only for this purpose), a camera, a notebook or journal, something to write or draw with, a funnel (preferably glass), tweezers, a strainer (this is not an a necessity - muslin or cheesecloth work well), a 2-4 ounce  dark amber or cobalt blue glass bottle (4 ounces is a good size), organic brandy, apple cider vinegar, glycerin, or red shiso vinegar, and a local wildflower guide.

Offering: bring a gift to offer to the flowers – suggestions include Indian Tobacco (Lobelia), cornmeal, sage or sweetgrass, a song, a prayer, crystal or offering of personal choice.

Find the plants from which you wish to make into a flower essence.
They should be plants growing in a pristine natural setting or cultivated organically; away from traffic; in abundance.

You may wish to spend some time in mediation with the plants prior to harvesting. Get clear and enjoy the process of developing this relationship.

Ask and gain permission and NEVER take the grandmother flowers.

Ask for a sign and be sure to stay open to recognizing when your sign appears.

When you have made a connection with your plant make your offering.

The process:  The best time of day to harvest the plants is when the plant is at its peak power, usually sometime between 11 am and 3 pm. If possible use natural spring water that is found near the plant.

Begin by preparing yourself. Peaceful, open, joyful, present and clear.
Do NOT make the flowers when your thoughts or emotions are turbulent or chaotic.

Use a clear glass bowl that is only used for this purpose. (Dr. Bach destroyed his bowls after using…I like to use mine in the kitchen for living foods meals).

After sitting with the plant in meditation and when you feel the timing is appropriate begin by making your offering. This is a precious opportunity to commune with the plant. Enjoy this time.

Use the new scissors or crystal or stone to cut the most auspicious of the plants blooms. Do NOT touch the flowers. Allow the blooms to drop gently into the top of the bowl that has been filled with water. Cover the surface of the water with the blossoms.

Leave the flowers in the water for several hours, until you can see the energy has left the flowers and ‘transferred’ to the water.

In the meantime: As you wait for the flowers to potentiate the water… take time to photograph the site; the plant; the surroundings. Journal. Draw. Meditate.

Examine the plant carefully. Become fully acquainted with the plant. Draw the plant. Note any physical aspects of the plant that might be related to its healing properties. (Doctrine of Signatures) Note colors; textures; energies; aroma; shape; arrangement and number of petals and so on.

Sit with the plant as you would a dear friend. Listening attentively, learning all that the plant is willing to reveal and you are ready to receive.

Potentiate: The water is charged.
a) Remove the blossoms with the tweezers. Offer the flowers back to the earth and the surrounding environment.

b) Put the funnel in the large bottle.

c) Pour the flowers (through the strainer) and into the bottle.

d) Label the ‘mother tincture’ with the name of the plant, the date, and the location, and any other pertinent information.

e) If there is any remaining water you can either drink it or offer it back to the plants or both.

Upon returning home: Preserve the flower essence in an equal amount of brandy or other tincture preservative.

To make a dosage bottle:
a) Almost fill a (dark glass or cobalt blue) glass dropper bottle with water.
b) Add two to three drops of your ‘mother tincture’ flower essence to the bottle.
c) Add a small amount of brandy or other preservative.
d) Shake gently.

e) Doses of four to six drops of this bottle can be taken as needed.

Effectiveness:
a) Always set an intention before using your flowers.

b) Consistency is the KEY.

c) Flowers can be taken neat (in the mouth); added to one’s drinking water; added to a bath; applied to the crown of the head of feet (this works great for children and animals); any variety of ways that feels appropriate to you.

d) The flowers will not conflict with other methods of healing. They are vibrational medicines that support healing from within and without.

e) Trust and heal. You are whole. You are divine.

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A few weeks ago I picked up a few bars of organic soap. This soap was a little different as it is infused with essential oils and such that is actually geared to treat a range of ‘ailments’. The soap was from a company called Zen Organic Soap and I received the whole line of [...]

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Ginkgo biloba is a plant of eastern origin more accurately ethnic Chinese and Korean, however this can also be found in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, United States and France, this tree has within its main features the longevity of it, because some data argue that this can last up to a millennium without losing their [...]

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Tired, feel heavy and fatigued? Maybe its time that you gave your body a break. In many cultures across the world they practice fasting because it is a way to clear their body and their mind. This fasting doesn’t really correlate really well to Chinese Medicine as food is very important to your body, however [...]

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So lets start with the basics here. You have slowly gotten yourself off the bad food and into the good stuff and have picked up some exercise routine. Now with June already here you are looking to act fast for a bikini body by July. Well, there are defiantly some drastic things out there that [...]

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Acne is a sign, according to Chinese traditional medicine, of underlying problems in the body’s balance. Generally it is a result of excess heat from lungs, stomach or blood. In addition, dampness contributes to the problem. Acne occurs when excess sebum in the follicles accumulates and bacteria grow leading to inflammation. The result is that white and black heads form or there may be papules or pustules. Acne begins in adolescence and may last well into adulthood. Chinese tradition suggests that the natural ascendance of yang energy that happens in adolescence may contribute to the problem. Other factors that may add to the problem are a poor diet that includes fatty foods, stress and exhaustion. Qing re an Chuang is a Chinese formula that is used to restore balance and combat acne.

Qing re an Chuang is also called Heat-Clearing Acne Tablet.It contains ingredients that are used traditionally to rid toxic heat, dampness and are beneficial for digestion. Flos Lonicerae (honeysuckle flower), in one herb that is used in Qing re an Chuang. It is sweet in nature and also cold. It may help to dispel heat. It works in the lungs o reduce wind heat and helps detoxify he stomach. It is often combined with other herbs to treat the external symptoms, like acne, such as dandelion another active ingredient in Qing re an Chuang.

Dandelion (Herba Taraxaci) is sweet, bitter and cold. This herb is used to detoxify and expel heat, but is also used to dissolve lumps. It works in the stomach and in the liver channel. Qing re an Chuang also contains Herba Andrographitis. This herb is highly regarded for its detoxifying qualities. It acts on the lungs, small and large intestines as well as the stomach. By assisting the removal of lung heat it helps drain acne lesions and boils. Rhubarb (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) also contributes to ridding the body of toxins. It has bier and cold qualities that are valued for clearing heat. Rhubarb is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support he liver, gastro-intestinal tract and has many properties that help blood. For example, it is used to detoxify the blood, improve circulation and reduce blood stasis. All of these qualities may help resolve acne and restore balance which can help prevent future breakouts. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using this ingredient.

Another root that is used in Qing re an Chuang is liquorice (Radix Glycyrrhizae). Liquorice is reputed o stimulate Qi which is a necessary component throughout the body. It is used to support heart, spleen and lungs. Its ability to quench fire and detoxify make I an important ingredient in Qing re an Chuang for combating acne.

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Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan

Acne is, according to Chinese traditional medicine a result of an excess of heat and dampness. It is believed that acne is also a result lifestyle factors that create an imbalance. For example, fatty, excessively spicy foods, emotional distress all contribute to the formation of acne. Throughout a lifespan many people first experience acne as an adolescent when hormones create changes that lead o the first breakouts. However, acne can continue to be a problem for adults as well. Acne forms when conditions in the body lead to an accumulation of sebum from glands in the skin. The sebum blocks pores and bacteria causes’ inflammation.

Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan is a Chinese medicine that is used extensively for acne. It is reputed to dispel heat, a leading factor in acne, and to expel wind. It contains many ingredients that specifically impact the accumulation of heat in the body, in particular the upper body. For example, Flos Crysanthemi (chrysanthemum flowers) helps disperse wind heat from the lungs. According to Chinese medicine, it is the lungs that control many aspects of the skin and ultimately acne. The flower has the properties of sweetness and cold and it helps to treat both the outwards signs of acne and the inside conditions that create a toxic environment.

Rhizonma Coptidis (Coptis root) is called huang lian and is a primary ingredient in this acne fighting treatment. It has bitter and cold qualities. It is frequently used for detoxification and for dispersing heat. According to tradition this herb influences the heart, gall bladder, spleen and stomach. It is often combined with scutellaria and forsythia fructus as it is in huang lian shang qing wan, to clear away heat, dampness and in addition promote Qi. In Chinese traditional medicine Qi is vital because of its many functions. For example, Qi has 5 primary functions; it underlies all movement in the body. It protects the body by resisting external pernicious influences, is implicated in digestion and helps regulate temperature and it also helps keep systems and organs in their proper place. Disharmonies of Qi can lead to illness. In skin disease such as acne the protective quality of Qi may need support.

Scrophularia root is bitter and sweet. It influences the lungs and kidneys. It is indicated for cooling and eliminating heat. Scrophularia is also famous for its abilities to dissolve lumps and to nourish the Ying. Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan’s unique combination of ingredients helps fight acne that is a result of excessive heat in the lungs, stomach and blood heat. Lung heat for instance usually results in acne that is near the nose or on the forehead. Stomach heat may result in lesions on the shoulders and back.

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Blood sugar is a very interesting subject…it appears to be distinct and unique in its expression from individual to individual. The health of one’s body and mind is intimately connected to one’s blood sugar balance. Numerous inter-connected factors include but are not limited to: one’s eating patterns (timing, nutritional value of food, ); one’s patterns in relation to movement and rest; the use of stimulants (coffees, teas, white sugars, cooked chocolates, sodas, etc.); stress and cortisol levels; the health of one’s organs of digestion and absorption; the release of toxins from the system; and one’s patterns of thoughts and emotions.

To the best of it’s ability the bodies natural regulatory patterns are constantly seeking a harmonious balance. A spacious and investigative look at one’s life can prove beneficial in the quest for optimal health.
Blood sugar imbalances have been linked to ADD, ADHD, diabetes and hypolglycemia, eating disorders, drug use/abuse, emotional outbursts, obesity, depression, poor test scores, lower athletic performance, immune related illnesses, PMS, fatigue, and many other states of dis-ease including coma and even death. Studies indicate that prison populations have a higher than average levels of blood sugar imbalances.

Craving sweets is an indication that we need more minerals from living foods sources and more usable protein from high vibration sources. Additionally these cravings can have emotional and psycho-spiritual indications.  Ex. A feeling of lack of ’sweetness’ in one’s life.

Seeds and greens both provide high levels of bio-available proteins. The best seeds are flax, sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame. On average these seeds are 2 parts fat to one part protein.

In addition, minerals feed the skeletal and muscular structures of the body as well as the nervous system and overall help to balance the energy production and utilization of the body. The most effective method of obtaining the necessary minerals that feed the body systems is through the ingestion of vegetables - foods that through the alchemical transformative power of the sun change molecules of energy into usable food-stuff.

A wonderful natural tool for balancing the alkalinity of one’s inner ecology is through the regular use of minerals found in super-foods. Greens, blue-green algaes, spirulina, and chlorella are all wonderful for helping to regulate the health of one’s blood. Known to build hemoglobin values these superfoods assist in overall liberation of oxygen to the cells.

Action steps:

• Starting one’s day with a 1/2 lemon in a warm glass of water is alkalizing to the system and setting up an optimal opportunity for minerals to be properly utilized. (When one’s mineral conditions are such that the system is acidic the minerals can get lodged in either the vascular system in an attempt to help buffer the acidity or in the joints of the body.)
• The more refined the sugar source - the more likely it is to be ‘abused’. Did you know that one soda has 9 teaspoons of processed refined sugar. These empty sweets rob the body of minerals and vitality. In the United States, the average per capita use of refined sugar is 142 pounds per year. Replace ‘empty’ sweets with full sweets such as fruit and vegetables.
• Eat fruit in the morning. This will alkalize and mineral the system. A system that is mineralized is much healthier. Cravings for processed sugars will diminish. ‘Fruit will make you beautiful.’
• A wonderful natural tool for balancing the alkalinity of one’s inner ecology is through the regular use of minerals found in super-foods. Greens, blue-green algaes, spirulina, and chlorella are all wonderful for helping to regulate the health of one’s blood. Known to build hemoglobin values these super-foods assist in overall liberation of oxygen to the cells. This will greatly increase one’s overall wellness. These also help to mineralize the body.
• Some  herbs to research include: Pau d’arco; Cats Claw; Stevia.
• Add cinnamon to your food to help stabilize blood sugar levels especially when eating carbohydrates. Great on toast, brown rice, bananas, and oatmeal.
• Juiced veggies are a concentrated form of energy - start slowly and consider diluting with water. Raw veggies can be difficult to digest for some folks with low digestive fire or depleted digestive enzymes. Enzymes help to stoke the digestive fires and help the body to draw out the precious nutrients from food. It may helpful to lightly steam one’s veggies until the digestion is stronger. Veggies are a great source of minerals. Do not over-cook them as the minerals will be lost.
• Taking supplemental enzymes can also prove effective. Make sure that the enzymes are plant based and always take them when eating any meal that is ‘complicated’ (meaning a lot of different foods at once) or heavy.
• Simplify one’s eating choices for best digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Chew your food thoroughly in order to receive the most nourishment.
• Drink adequate amounts of fresh water. Sometimes when we have cravings, we are actually thirsty. Use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day. (move to this amount over time)
• Take an honest look at your emotional well-being. Flower essences are a fantastic way to support your overall emotional health.
• Love yourself and take good care of yourself.

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Adrenal Health

Adrenal glands are no bigger than a walnut and weigh less than a grape. They sit like a tiny ‘pyramid’ on top of each kidney. Their location is spelled out in their name; ’ad’ ‘renal’ means ‘over’ or ‘above’ the ‘kidney’.

Important ‘control centers’ for many of the body’s hormones These powerful endocrine glands manufacture and secrete steroid hormones including coritsol, DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone, as well as adrenaline all of which are essential to ones health, vitality, and overall well-being.

The adrenal hormones support and affect every tissue, organ, and gland in your body. Their main purpose is to enable one’s body and mind to deal with various forms of stress including injury, disease, and adaptability to situations. The adrenals (largely) determine the energy response of your body to every change in one’s internal and external environment, in fact, every cell in your body responds to signals from the adrenals.

One of the essential functions of your adrenal glands is to draw all your body’s resources into “fight or flight” mode by increasing the production of adrenaline and various other hormones. I would like to re-name this response “fight, flight, or freedom”. When the adrenals are healthy one’s ability to respond to situations appropriately is enhanced. This renewed freedom allows for a whole host of possibilities.

When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release energy stores for immediate use, sharpen your senses, slow digestion and various other secondary functions. This function is extremely important in emergency situations.

Another aspect of healthy adrenals is the ability to endure long periods of physical exertion such as seen in marathon running, swimming, long distance cycling, and the day to day responsibilities of parenting. When supported by healthy adrenals, one’s natural energy supply is balanced. It is your adrenal gland’s ‘job’ to react to stress in a ‘balanced’ way so that one’s response is appropriate to the situation and not injurious. An example of this is the ‘protective’ activity of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant adrenal hormones such as cortisol that helps to minimize allergic and negative reactions such as inflammation and swelling to environmental allergens, infection, and various foods.

The hormones produced by the adrenal glands closely affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, as well as the distribution of stored adipose (fatty tissue) on the body (especially around the waist), blood sugar regulation, and healthy cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (digestive and absorptive) function.

Adrenal gland hormones have a wide variety of physical, emotional, psychological, and physiological effects including sex drive and the tendency to gain weight. In fact, at mid-life (menopause in women), the adrenal glands become the primary source for sex hormones circulating throughout the body in both genders. (reword the last two paragraphs)

An estimated 75-80% of Westerners suffer from ‘Adrenal fatigue’ at some point in their lives. ‘Adrenal fatigue’ is a described as a collection of signs and symptoms classically known as a “syndrome” that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, light-headedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and general malaise, loss of appetite, food cravings, and dark circles around the eyes. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, various other situations contribute to ‘adrenal fatigue’ including life crisis, trauma, lifestyle, and chronic illness. Other factors that contribute to the depletion of adrenal health include certain lifestyle choices such as improper diet, substance abuse, too little or improper sleep or rest and increased or on-going life-style pressures.

Following are some natural suggestions for nourishing and rejuvenating adrenal health:

Adequate intake of water. I use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day for my clients. This is a number that should be moved towards over time. For example if weigh 150 pounds your daily water intake would be 90 ounces. .6 x 150 = 90 ounces. If you are currently drinking 40 ounces of water per day and your (ideal) daily ounce intake is 90 ounces, increase gently to your ideal ounces of water over the next month or two.

Silence. Take 10 minutes of time to sit in silence at both the beginning and the end of each day. Find a quiet place in your home or outside near a tree or natural source of water. Sit in a comfortable position and gently follow the rhythm of your breath. Allow yourself this sacred quiet time each day as an opportunity to nourish and assimilate, ground and rejuvenate your energy.

Decrease (or preferably eliminate) intake of processed sugars and increase intake of natural earth sugars from root vegetables such as yams, carrots, turnips, and beets.

Ingest adequate amounts of essential fatty acids. Various sources include fish oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oils, coconut oil, and flax oils. Research which sources are best for your needs.

Adequate fresh air, deep breaths, and movement. Spend time in nature-walking along the ocean, at a park, on a well traveled trail. Take full deep breaths and inhale in the healing power of the natural world. Take time to look at the trees and flower as well as the sky and various birds and so on. Enjoy this time outside as healing and nourishing.

Take time for baths using Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar (a tablespoon of either is sufficient). This will help to pull out fatigue and ‘acidity’ from the your mind and body. Light a candle and read a book or simply soak in the warm water imaging your worries and stress washing away as you renew, strengthen, and ‘purify’ your energy. Consider adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the relaxing aroma to help you relax and refresh. A favorite essential oil blend: 4 drops Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Rose essential oil. Lavender essential oil is often used for the decreasing stress and depression. Lavender has a calming and mood lifting effect.

Deep sleep. The two hours before midnight is consider essential time for sleep for rejuvenating sleep. Start consciously moving your bedtime towards the bewitching hour of 10 pm and notice the shift in health. A couple of drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow can help with sleep.

The following essential oil blend used directly over the adrenals first thing in the morning and then again in the (early) evening can help to nourish, strengthen, and rejuvenate the adrenals.

In a 30 ml (one ounce blue cobalt or amber glass bottle)
Black Spruce 2 ml
1 ml Pine essential oil
1 ml Cedarwood essential oil
1 ounce of Hazelnut carrier oil (unless allergic to nuts-then choose another carrier such as sesame seed).

Fill the remainder of the bottle with carrier oil and blend.

Use 1 ml at a time and rub into the adrenal area at the bottom of your ribs on your back.

*** As with any suggestions please consult your primary care giver prior to utilizing if you have any questions or concerns.

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