3 Healing DIY Herbal Tea Blends
Is coffee your main squeeze? Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to convince you to give up your morning caffeine! Coffee drinker or not you can still enjoy the magic of herbal teas, and I’ve got some good reasons why you’ll want to add them to your healing arsenal.This one is for my novice and veteran tea drinkers alike!I'm going to tap into tea’s magical powers and present you with a list to create your own fusion and 3 of my favorite recipes! Caffeine doesn’t agree with my body so I enjoy multiple cups a day of herbal tea. The varieties of herbal blends are endless, but my favorite part is that each blend comes with multiple healing benefits.Tea really is a gift from some ethereal being. After all, legend has it that the second emperor of China discovered tea when some tea leaves mysteriously blew into his pot of boiling water. Today, you can elaborate on this otherworldly brew by picking herbs to tailor-make your special blend.
Is coffee your main squeeze? Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to convince you to give up your morning caffeine! Coffee drinker or not you can still enjoy the magic of herbal teas, and I’ve got some good reasons why you’ll want to add them to your healing arsenal.
This one is for my novice and veteran tea drinkers alike!
I'm going to tap into tea’s magical powers and present you with a list to create your own fusion and 3 of my favorite recipes! Caffeine doesn’t agree with my body so I enjoy multiple cups a day of herbal tea. The varieties of herbal blends are endless, but my favorite part is that each blend comes with multiple healing benefits.
Tea really is a gift from some ethereal being. After all, legend has it that the second emperor of China discovered tea when some tea leaves mysteriously blew into his pot of boiling water. Today, you can elaborate on this otherworldly brew by picking herbs to tailor-make your special blend.
The Herbal Lineup
Here are a few of my favorite common herbs to give you some ideas on your path to becoming a tea blending guru!
Ginger: digestive issues, nausea, colds, immune booster, improves diabetes, reduces inflammation
Chamomile: helps prevent illness, helps heal bacterial infections, calms muscle spasms including menstrual and digestive cramps, soothes the nervous system for decreased feelings of anxiety and improved sleep, promotes clear skin
Rose Buds: flushes toxins from the body, immune booster, improves digestion and blood flow, improves skin elasticity, helps with menstrual cramping and stress
Peppermint: fever reducer, soothes nausea and stomach pain, opens airways, appetite suppressant, stimulates the mind
Elderberry: immune booster, contains fiber for gut health, heart health, improves and prevents diabetes, reduces joint pain, slows aging of the skin
Raspberry Leaf: amazing for women, uterine tonic, antioxidant, protects against cancer, improves circulation
Hibiscus: blood pressure management, liver protection, lowers cholesterol, thirst-quenching, can help with weight loss, tastes amazing!
Echinacea: immune booster, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, mental health, improves skin, fights infection
Lemongrass: cleansing and detoxifying, can reduce arthritis pain, antimicrobial, antioxidants
3 Healing Herbal Tea Recipes
If you want to create blends that you can premix and keep on your shelves you’ll want to use all dried herbs for each ingredient. Some of these herbs can be used fresh, you just won’t be able to save them.
Goddess Tea Blend
A goddess inspired floral fusion! Package this one in a mason jar and tie it up with a big pink bow before gifting it to your bestie. Include:
rosebuds
chamomile
red raspberry leaf
orange peel
hibiscus
honey or stevia (optional)
Immune Booster Blend
Here's an immune booster you’ll want to keep handy this winter. Store this one in an airtight container with your other natural remedies for warding off illness. Include:
elderberries
echinacea leaf
lemongrass
ginger to taste
honey or stevia (optional)
Cacao Peppermint Dessert Tea
Calm the spirit and enliven the mind with this delicious dessert blend! Serve it up with cream and raw honey at your next dinner party. Include:
peppermint
cacao nibs
dried coconut
cinnamon to taste
milk substitute (optional)
honey (optional)
Brewing Instructions
Mix equal parts of each of the herbs, place in your favorite herbal tea bag or infuser, pour hot water over the herbs, maybe even drop a crystal in your glass for an amped up elixir, cover with a lid or plate as the herbs infuse into your water, wait 5-10 minutes, remove your tea infuser, enjoy!
Have a favorite herbal blend? I’d love to hear about it!
3 Anxiety Reducing Tips for the Holidays or Post Election
Do you sense it? That palpable feeling of uncertainty, anger, and anxiety in the air?I intended to share this blog post closer to the holidays, but hey, I think we might all need it now and the holidays really aren’t too far away!If you’ve been sitting in a combination of befuddlement, anger, and anxiety over the last few days, like me, you might be getting to the point where you’re asking yourself, “what now?”Well, I might not have the big answers for you but I do have 3 quick tips for reducing your anxiety, which will hopefully give you the tools you need to answer, “what now?”, for yourself.
Do you sense it? That palpable feeling of uncertainty, anger, and anxiety in the air?
I intended to share this blog post closer to the holidays, but hey, I think we might all need it now and the holidays really aren’t too far away!
If you’ve been sitting in a combination of befuddlement, anger, and anxiety over the last few days, like me, you might be getting to the point where you’re asking yourself, “what now?”
Well, I might not have the big answers for you but I do have 3 quick tips for reducing your anxiety, which will hopefully give you the tools you need to answer, “what now?”, for yourself.
Not only can lingering feelings of anger and anxiety make it hard to move forward, but they can also seep out onto others and wreak havoc within your body. Here are 3 of my favorite go-to’s to help heal mind, body, and soul during intense times of anger and anxiety.
Golden Milk Latte
Turmeric is the main ingredient in golden milk (I could write a whole post just about the health benefits of turmeric alone) but I’ll save that for another day! Studies have shown turmeric to help with inflammation, depression, and anxiety.
This recipe has quickly become my favorite anxiety soothing beverage. Bonus, it’s delicious. Move out of the way pumpkin spice!
Golden Milk Latte Recipe
1 tsp of golden milk powder
2 cups of coconut milk or your favorite milk substitute
Honey to taste
Heat your milk substitute on the stove, whisk in your golden milk powder, and add honeyto taste.
Gold milk powder ingredients will vary, though my favorite blends include ashwagandha root. Ashwagandha root is an adaptogenic herb that is also helpful with combating anxiety. If you’re live in Phoenix, I purchase my gold milk powder locally from Strawberry Hedgehog Soap shop (available in her store only) but you can also purchase it here.
Have turmeric at home and want your soothing beverage now? Not a problem, add 1 tsp. of turmeric to your milk substitute then blend in some cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, to taste.
Earthing: Get Grounded
Have you had a hamster wheel of thoughts and emotions cycling through your head over the last few days? It’s to be expected, anger and anxiety often come with a whirling array of constant thoughts that can be hard to silence.
Getting a big dose of grounding energy is a great way to help silence the mental chatter and may even lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
There are countless ways to invite grounding energy in, but sometimes the simplest are the most healing. Have you heard of Earthing before? It’s the idea that you can be healed from the Earth and there’s actually some science behind it too. A recent study indicates that skin contact with the earth can actually lower cortisol levels.
When I was dealing with the anger and sadness of the loss of my Grandma and Father last year, I had a strong desire to lean on trees and lie on the ground. It was strange and I didn’t know why it was happening, but I went with it. After learning more about Earthing it makes sense, and now I listen to those gut instincts and get in some grounding time when I need it.
I know it might be getting cold where you are, and sometimes it’s too hot here in the desert. My second grounding go-to is an earthy essential oil, it’s not quite the same but it can help in a pinch!
Anxiety Tea Bath
The power of a bath is often overlooked but your skin is your largest organ! Can you think of a more relaxing way to get in your favorite calming herbs? With open pores from warm water, your body can soak up the healing powers of herbs quickly.
Think of this as making a giant cup of tea for your body. Many herbalists actually prefer this method for administering herbs. Here’s one of my favorite recipes from Rosemary Gladstar’s book Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health.
Mix these herbs into a muslin cloth bag or a cotton cloth that you can tie a knot in one end. Tie or wrap the bag of herbs around your faucet so the running water runs through the herbs.
2 parts chamomile
2 parts lavender
2 parts roses
1 part comfrey leaf
I love to add in some Epsom salt and essential oils to the mix for the ultimate calming bath.
Will any of these tips heal the world? Nope. I simply want to offer you some of my favorite tools when sometimes taking any action to move forward seems difficult. There is much work to be done here on this Earth plane, and I don’t want you or me to be a ball of angry anxiety as we embark on it!
Have a favorite de-stressing tip? I’d love to hear it, feel free to send me a DM!
3 Unexpected & Healing Uses for Himalayan Salt
Did you know that the Himalayan salt “crystal” is an up and coming contender not only in the kitchen but also in the medicine cabinet?What you put in fuels your temple. I know that you need your ingredients to pack a punch. Actually, you need salt to survive. It keeps hormones and nutrients in balance and maintains fluids. Since your body doesn't produce salt, it's counting on you to give it the purest option out there. Table salt isn't going to cut it.Let me start though, by answering your first question…Is it really that different from table salt?
Did you know that the Himalayan salt “crystal” is an up and coming contender not only in the kitchen but also in the medicine cabinet?
What you put in fuels your temple. I know that you need your ingredients to pack a punch. Actually, you need salt to survive. It keeps hormones and nutrients in balance and maintains fluids. Since your body doesn't produce salt, it's counting on you to give it the purest option out there. Table salt isn't going to cut it.
Let me start though, by answering your first question…
Is it really that different from table salt?
What you might not know about Himalayan salt is that it is mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan. Ancient. Meaning, before pollution. This pure pink salt is free from toxins that appear in other sea salts. Because it has housed itself in such a clean environment it doesn't need to be cleaned, and therefore stripped of any of its 83 trace minerals. The same can't be said of table salt. After it's been cleaned, you’re left with sodium chloride and maybe even some additives to keep it from clumping.
So, how can you incorporate this magical salt crystal into your day? Here are 3 easy and healing uses for Himalayan salt.
Salt Inhaler
When I first stumbled upon the uses of Himalayan salt, I saw that it helps with respiratory and sinus function. There's actually such a thing as a salt inhaler! For us allergy sufferers, I'm not sure a more steadfast way exists to test out this crystal’s effectiveness.
Can't wait to find out if this crystal will work its magic on your wicked allergies? I couldn't either. I got a portable inhaler to take on the go here, but you can also purchase larger ones here.
While I was surprised by this awesome gadget, using salt to treat breathing ailments dates back to the ancient Greeks who coined the term, “Halotherapy.” Other forms of Halotherapy include salt caves and even Neti pots! Benefits of Himalayan salt for breathing conditions include:
cleanses the nasal passages of irritants and pollutants
reduces swelling
relaxes airways
natural expectorant to reduce mucus
Salt Sole
An obvious way to enjoy the healing effects of Himalayan salt is to ingest it, so...I'm going to give you ZO’s recipe for Himalayan salt rock candy. It'll be a hit at your next family party...no, no, just kidding!! The best way to get a full dose of Himalayan salt is by making sole (so-lay).
Sole is a super-concentrated saltwater solution that can be made with a glass jar and a non-metal lid.
To Make Sole
Fill your jar ¼ of the way with Himalayan salt. Then add filtered water, seal with a lid, shake, and allow the mixture to sit overnight so that the salt can dissolve. If you notice that all of the salt has dissolved, add more salt until the water cannot hold anymore and is therefore fully saturated.
To Use Sole
Add a tsp to a glass of water every morning and take on an empty stomach. This is also a great concoction to add to your homemade electrolyte drinks! The benefits include:
antibacterial components detox the body
stimulates the digestive system and aids in healthy weight loss
increased hydration
caffeine-free energy
trace minerals contribute to bone health, healthy veins, skin, hair, and nails
lowers blood pressure
Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt has your allergies in the bag! But more important than clearing your nasal passages, it can also improve the air quality and give your mood an overhaul!
You are made up of negatively charged cells. So, like a magnet, you attract things with a positive charge...such as pet dander...dust...oh, and ions from electronics like microwaves, cell phones, and TVs. Himalayan salt lamps can combat these positive ions by emitting negative ions. Use a salt lamp by your bedside to emit negative ions for these benefits:
increased oxygen flow to the brain for better sleep and more energy
neutralizes electric smog
lowers blood pressure
decreases feelings of anxiety
I've done the research on the salt inhaler, and I have a salt lamp on my bedside table. Now, I'm looking forward to adding a Sole salt flush to my morning routine! Let me know about some of your other favorite ways to use this pretty pink crystal!
6 Steps to Creating Positive Emotional Anchors
Have you ever wished that you could trigger a certain emotion at any given time? Sure, its healthy to move through uncomfortable emotions in order to heal. However, some negative emotions can become enslaving and stop serving a purpose.Creating positive emotional anchors is a great tool for combatting your daily triggers. Bonus, it’s pretty easy, and you probably have everything you need (maybe even in your purse!).If you’ve had it with overriding emotions of fear, anxiety and depression, I invite you to add this to your enlightened tool belt. Having a go-to emotional anchor is kind of like having your favorite person on reserve for a hug anytime you need it. It may not be a cure-all, but it’s certainly lifted me out of some dark places on the spot.
Have you ever wished that you could trigger a certain emotion at any given time? Sure, its healthy to move through uncomfortable emotions in order to heal. However, some negative emotions can become enslaving and stop serving a purpose.
Creating positive emotional anchors is a great tool for combatting your daily triggers. Bonus, it’s pretty easy, and you probably have everything you need (maybe even in your purse!).
If you’ve had it with overriding emotions of fear, anxiety and depression, I invite you to add this to your enlightened tool belt. Having a go-to emotional anchor is kind of like having your favorite person on reserve for a hug anytime you need it. It may not be a cure-all, but it’s certainly lifted me out of some dark places on the spot.
What Is a Positive Emotional Anchor?
Anchors are what link us between our present emotional state and a more preferred one. You might already use an anchor without even knowing it. Take music, for example. Maybe you’re dreading going into work, your favorite song comes on in the car, BAM your mood is instantly lifted and you’re ready to take on the day.
Unfortunately, hearing a song that reminds you of someone that’s no longer in your life may take you in a fast downward spiral. Scents, sounds, tastes and imagery all have the power to swing you one way or the other.
So, how can you use these to your benefit?
How to Create Your Anchor
Forming an anchor can be simple, it just takes practice. The more you can reinforce your anchor with all of your senses the better. That’s right, pull out the big guns for this one, your favorite scent, mudra, imagery and mantra. Here are some steps to get you started:
What emotional state are you in need of most? Maybe it’s a feeling of safety, calm, happiness, or peace. We’ll build from the emotion you’d most like to bring into your life.
Pick a scent that matches your emotion. I use lavender for mine.
Choose a touch sensation that you can do while smelling your scent. This could be a simple mudra, maybe placing your hand over your heart, whatever feels right to you. Keep in mind you’ll need to be able to do it with one hand and you might need to use this tool in public so maybe don’t use placing your leg behind your head as your touch sensation ;)
Decide on imagery that brings about the emotion you’re aiming for. This could be imagining you’re in a calm forest or simply imagining an object. I use the image of a feather for mine.
Bring something auditory into the mix. This could be a favorite song, though you might not always have this available so a mantra is a great option. It can be something as simple as repeating, “I am safe”, “I choose peace”, or “so hum”.
Now bring all of your tools together for one superpower of an emotional anchor. The next time you start to feel your anxiety or sadness triggered and need a boost, find a few moments to implement all of these at once.
Tip: The more you do this the more ingrained it will become in you. Our negative triggers form over years and this positive one will need time too. Treat this like a mini-meditation practice, the more you use it the more powerful it will become.
The best part is, you don’t have to do all of these things at once. If I’m in a public space but need some calm I’ll hold my mudra and quietly say my mantra to myself for some quick relief.
No matter what emotion you are choosing to anchor, feel relief in knowing that you don’t have to be at the mercy of your negative emotions today. Find power in choice. You have options today.
DIY Crystal Infused Elixirs
I love discovering all the ways I can add a little more sparkle to my life! And let me just say, you are going to love my newest find! When it comes to beauty and wellness I'll take all the help I can get. Crystal elixirs are becoming the newest part of my regimen. I'm so happy to be letting you in on this little bit of magic that you can use to spark up your routine!
I love discovering all the ways I can add a little more sparkle to my life! And let me just say, you are going to love my newest find! When it comes to beauty and wellness I'll take all the help I can get. Crystal elixirs are becoming the newest part of my regimen. I'm so happy to be letting you in on this little bit of magic that you can use to spark up your routine!
The Back Story
Crystal elixirs are no modern craze. In fact, they were all the rage in ancient cultures! Some crystals have long been esteemed as heavenly stones. They were put to use in Neolithic times for fashioning tools and weapons, by the Pharaohs and Indian culture for curing disease, and get this...Chinese emperors used to drink a powder form of crystals and herbs to achieve immortality!! Ummm, not sure if immortality is my aim, but wouldn't you love to add a little youth to your day!?
How it Works
Today, companies are selling crystal elixirs in the form of waters and beauty products. Here's a fun little tidbit. When evaluating the difference between tap water and water treated with crystals, Institute Hagalis (an international research company), determined that in the crystal treated water there was "a distinct improvement in water quality, neutralization of harmful substances, improvement of the pH-value and oxygen content, increase in bioavailability of minerals, and an increase in energy balance." Wow!
Also interesting is that the energy of the crystal can be transferred to the product it's being used in. KORA Organics beauty line uses crystal-infused water in their products. The process incorporates rose quartz "to give the vibration of self-love." Sounds amazing!
The Cost of Luxury
While I wish I could just add all of these products to my shopping cart with the click of a mouse, they'll cost you a pretty penny.
You can find Vitajuwel's Gem Water on Amazon for $87, which is a steal compared to some of their other products. Over $340 for their Golden Moments Crystal edition water, or a whopping $624 for the GranFontana Sunny Morning Set! Vitajuwel's products are utterly delectable though, so maybe jot down one of their Gem Wands onto your holiday wish list this year!
DIY Solutions
Budget worthy DIYs are definitely the way to go with crystal elixirs. You can tailor them to your exact needs, and incorporate your current stash.
Crystal Infused Water
Select a crystal that speaks to your needs. We’ll be using amethyst for this DIY.
Cleanse the amethyst with warm filtered water and incorporate any other cleansing routine that works for you, such as smoke cleansing.
Put the amethyst in a glass bowl and cover them with filtered water.
Charge your water in the sunlight or moonlight.
Enjoy your amethyst infused water!
Amethyst relieves headaches, as well as promotes good dreams and healthy skin. Add some lavender to your water and use it as a nighttime foot soak as you wind down from a long day!
Crystal Infused Face Mist
Instead of adding lavender to your crystal infused water, take advantage of amethyst’s properties for healthy skin by making this moisturizing facial mist!
Add your amethyst infused water to a 4 oz. glass spray bottle.
Add ¼ tsp of argan oil.
Add 12 drops of rose oil.
Add some rinsed amethysts directly into your bottle (optional).
Shake well.
Mist cleanse your face while repeating affirmations of self-love!
My skin has been loving me for this new elixir plus it smells like fresh roses. Rose and Argan oil offer a host of healing benefits for your skin including helping with acne, dry skin, and skin permeability.
Have a favorite crystal blend that you use? I’d love to hear about it!
Tarot vs. Oracle // What’s the Difference and How to Choose
Aside from being beautiful works of art in and of themselves, Oracle and Tarot cards can be powerful divination tools. But, if you’re not familiar with these tools, deciding which deck to choose may have you stumped before you even start.I want to give you the confidence to choose what works best for you. So many big questions present themselves in life and, you need to know how to prepare yourself! Today I’ve got the skinny on the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards, and info on how to choose a deck that will work best for you.
Aside from being beautiful works of art in and of themselves, Oracle and Tarot cards can be powerful divination tools. But, if you’re not familiar with these tools, deciding which deck to choose may have you stumped before you even start.
I want to give you the confidence to choose what works best for you. So many big questions present themselves in life and, you need to know how to prepare yourself! Today I’ve got the skinny on the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards, and info on how to choose a deck that will work best for you.
The Basics
Let’s talk about the basics of Tarot and Oracle cards to help you find the best way to connect with the greater knowledge of the universe when life’s big moments pop up!
Tarot Cards
78 cards
Prim & proper
Organized into different suits
Each tarot deck has a unique energy depending on where they came from, such as their design and printing process
Measure outcomes and influence
Can be lengthy and detailed
Offers insight on situations
Only images on the card, takes some studying
Oracle Cards
Any number of card per deck
Rebel deck
Designed around a theme or deity
Use your intuition to guide you rather than the structure of the deck
Meant to give advice
Quick and more open to individual interpretation
Easy for beginners. Includes thoughtful phrases
How to Choose
Trust your intuition. You might lean towards either method on a given day, or you might use one method over another for a certain question you have.
Try them out. Which deck feels right? Is Tarot too grave, or are Oracle cards not enough for you? If you are seriously in the sticks with some relationship drama, the Tarot deck might offer the ins and outs you are searching for. If you’re less phased by this relationship woe, then a simple “You’re free to do what you choose,” might be all you need from an Oracle deck.
Structure. Do you need it or do you run from it? When I’m in a place where my internal compass is all out of whack, I know I need to use my Tarot deck as my guide. If my gut has been pretty spot on, I’ll use my Oracle cards as my quick spot-checking guide.
