A calming cup of herbal tea to support wellness Living with a chronic disease can feel like a constant balancing act. Some days are better than others, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is key. Over time, I’ve discovered that embracing effective natural remedies can make a real difference in managing symptoms and boosting overall wellness. These remedies don’t replace medical care but can complement it beautifully, helping you feel more in control a

As we head towards winter, the days continue to get shorter and colder, beckoning us to slow down and stay home more often. While we may feel inclined to stay home and settle in, we also have many celebrations this month. To balance the hustle and bustle of the holidays, be sure to eat healthily when you’re not celebrating, and get some rest. To help you maintain balance during the festive season, here are some self-care tips for December. December Self-Care Tips Food In gene

The leaves are turning color, and the Balloon Fiesta is starting this weekend here in the Albuquerque area. It’s a beautiful sight – lots of colorful balloons with colorful changing leaves. So, now that we’re fully into Fall (or Vata season), it’s important to stay warm and build immune health. The holidays are right around the corner, so be sure to get some rest to calm the nervous system. Follow some of these selfcare guidelines for October. Selfcare Guidelines for October

As we transition from the warmer season of summer to the cooler season of fall, we need to take extra care of our skin. Fall is the beginning of Vata season in Ayurveda; and Vata’s qualities are dry, light, cold and rough, so you may notice your skin taking on these qualities. As the weather gets colder, the body draws blood from the limbs into your core to protect the internal organs. This can cause the skin to look pale and become dry. So, you'll need to step up your skinca

April is within Kapha season, according to Ayurveda, and is characterized by increasing warmth and moisture. This moisture can lead to a buildup of Kapha dosha in our bodies, causing heaviness, lethargy, and congestion. If this sounds like you, then try some of these self-care tips for April. Self-care Tips for April Diet We need a diet that is light, warm, and dry to drain dampness and to support the liver. Light, warm, dry foods include greens like dandelions, beet greens,

Welcome to November!  The cold, dry, windy air is with us and is characteristic of Vata dosha in Ayurveda. To counteract these qualities, we want the opposite characteristics of warm, moist, and grounded. To do so, follow some of these selfcare tips for November.   November Selfcare Tips Diet Include hearty whole grains, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. Favor sweet and earthy root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and potatoes. Be sure to eat

An herbal electuary is a thick paste, made with powdered herbs and honey.  It’s a wonderful way to take your herbs, because the honey makes it taste great. So, this is ideal for children, who may not like the taste of herbs.  However, do not  give honey to children under 12 months of age, because honey can contain bacteria that produces toxins in a baby's intestines.  Herbal Electuaries The use of herbal electuaries dates back thousands of years.  They were used in ancient Ar

A sun tea is a type of herbal infusion made with herbs and water. But, rather than heating water on the stove, you use the power of the sun to heat up the water to make your sun tea. Making Sun Teas You can use fresh herbs from your garden, as well as dried herbs. Some examples of herbs and flowers to include are: lavender, rose petals, calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, feverfew, yarrow, red clover, peppermint, spearmint, catnip, echinacea, tulsi (holy basil), thyme, nettles

Herbal salves are useful for a variety of skin issues, including cuts, scrapes, bruises, irritated skin, dry skin, acne scars, arthritis, and so much more. They’re also easy to make, so this is the perfect project for beginner herbalists. So give it a try - make these herbal salves for natural skin care. Herbal Salves for Natural Skin Care Where to Get Your Herbs If you're a gardener, then you're all set; you can grow some of these herbs. If you don't wish to start from seed,

Start preparing for the cold and flu season now. One herb that is beneficial for respiratory health is mullein (Verbascum Thapsis). It's abundant now; so forage what you can if you see it growing while walking or hiking. However, don't pick any herb that grows along a busy highway or road (which mullein does); rather go in about a mile to gather any plants. Read more about mullein for respiratory health - it's history and benefits. Mullein for Respiratory Health The History o

Poison Ivy, like other poisonous plants, are actually protectors of a disturbed environment. Wherever you see an abundance of any of these plants, it means that the area has been badly damaged. These plants are Mother Nature’s way of saying “Keep Out”. Their role is to keep us away until the area has healed. However, if you’ve ever broken out from poison ivy exposure, you know it can be downright miserable. Try some of these herbal remedies for treating poison ivy. Herbal

Learn how to make herbal candies for people, especially children, who don't like the taste of herbal teas or tinctures.

Herbal ice cubes are so refreshing during the hot summer months. They can add flavor to a glass of plain water or iced tea. Flowering herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, roses, or calendula, are great to use. You can add flowers to an ice cube tray, cover with water, and freeze; or you can make an infusion (a tea) with the herbs first in order to get the therapeutic benefits of the herbs. Here's how to do it. Herbal Ice Cubes Directions Add about 3 tablespoons of flowers

Now that we're in Fall, and cold and flu season is around the corner, it's time to make Elderberry Syrup. It's a wonderful immune...

Are you growing herbs in your garden this summer? If so, be sure to dry some so you'll have herbs to use this winter. Store-bought...

Everything is blooming, which means it's time to make an herbal honey. Infusing herbs in honey is a great way to get your antioxidants...

Solar-infused oils make wonderful skin-care products. I use them for lotions, creams, and salves. A few of my favorite solar-infused...