Herbal Teas + Elixirs
I drink the tea, the essence of the leaves becoming a part of me. I am informed by the tea, changed.
This is the act of life, in one pure moment, and in this act the truth of the world suddenly becomes revealed: all the complexity, pain, drama of life is a pretense, invented in our minds for no good purpose.
There is only the tea, and me, converging.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Summer Solstice Elixir:
Liquid Sunshine:
resilient expansion:
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Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale): a beautiful and effective bitter, dandelion’s roots, leaves, stems and flowers offer a kickstart to our digestion, activating bile with all of the enzymes to kickstart our digestion. It’s leaves are rich in minerals: vitamin A ,iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, vitamin C, and potassium. While the leaves are highly nutritive, they are also diuretic- purifying the system and releasing unwanted stagnation through the urine: draining dampness from the kidneys and gently cleansing the liver.
This plant has been such an ally for me personally in clearing the fog, assisting in the releasing of old emotional+energetic blocks, and turning my being toward the sun. Truly a plant of Jupiter, it allows us the space for expansion. It’s minerals assist in building our foundations so we can turn our hearts to the sun and grow- held and supported. Just chewing on a stem of dandelion shifts my heaviness into brightness. Dandelion is calling and stepping forward in an important way to be of service in these times: growing in abundance to be a part of the Summer Solstice.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): this little powerhouse, relative of the fern family (it reproduces with spores!) is incredibly rich in silica, calcium, copper, zinc, B vitamins, and magnesium. This is a supportive plant for women in perimenopause to prepare and strengthen the body with an abundance of bone-building minerals. It is well known for aiding in hair growth, healthy nails, and glowing skin.
I’ve been drawn to use horsetail every spring as I see these beauties grow in abundance in fertile soils near a water source. I feel the strength and building structure as I use horsetail this time of the year. It adds to a strong foundation of our beings as we prepare for a busy yang summer season. Care must be taken not to over consume internally for a long period of time.
Spruce tips (Picea ..) these vibrant conifer jewels call out this time of the year with their vibrant green color amidst the forest. After the trees have been in “hibernation” for the winter, they send these new growth tips out, sharing their life force with the world. These tips are bright, citrus-y, and high in vitamin C.
I love using spruce and fir tips as a vibrant flavor and to capture and share the essence of new growth, new possibilities, a new season of vibrance.
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