Throughout the course I've sat with oat straw daily and my goodness I truly did not know what I was missing. I NEED this herb to keep balanced in my mind and body. I suffer from anxiety and find that I am most regulated when I am at ease and at peace sipping my tea and minding my business (TRULY) :) Most times this looks like solitude. I love planning my days without distraction, rushing and being inundated with others' issues and burdens to fix. As a fixer, I've learned to respect myself and my peace by practicing proper boundaries. It's amazing how much our throat is attached to this system as well. Most often, our emotions, nerves and thoughts are troubled due to past traumas, things left unsaid and truths unheard! I've learned throughout this course to speak my truth and be set FREE even if I am the only one listening. What peace I have gained and nervous unrest put to REST by doing just this. We can all see so much clearer when we first acknowledge and hold ourselves accountable.

I am currently sitting with elecampane has the valley pollen is doing it’s jobs on my sinuses and respiratory system. I was not very familiar with this herb until last year. I’m on my 4th day with her as I’ve been consuming as a hot tea with honey just as an added soother. She’s definitely clearing things up. She’s a little strong and medicinal in taste but I feel her soothing qualities as she enters my system.

Cinnamon is my herb of choice for the cardiovascular system. This warm herb makes me feel comforted and balanced. I burn it in my home to cleanse and purify the air and cook with it often. It gives me feelings of love and warmth. I recently had an opp to see it’s source in Hawaii at a huge mama tree imported from Sri Lanka. It was beautiful and of course I had to scratch and sniff! :)

I sat/sit with peppermint for digestion as it is very nostalgic for me. I remember having it as a child my mom would pair it with coconut milk before bed. I was like a warm peppermint patty, soothing, slightly sweet and relaxing for my little body before I closed my eyes. I still love peppermint and all it’s offerings to this day. I notice that it’s sweet smell relaxes me and brings a warm inviting energy into my home when diffused as an oil. When I’m stressed a warm bath with lavender and soaking salts help decrease my worries with a cup of peppermint shortly after the bath. After dinner it’s helped with bloating and the ‘itis’ if I find myself a bit gluttonous going for more than one serving. Ha ha

Like so many others: Raspberry leaf, hibiscus and red clover are my moon allies! I started to keep a moon journal throughout the month to examine my emotional state, my waters, mood, and stress levels. I definitely notice that my moon time is quite healing when Ive been at ease and without stress. Ive also found that taking my first couple days to rest and sip tea make for a shorter, painless experience. I refuse to do any activity my first couple days now. This means creating strong boundaries and saying NO to preserve my time. By resting, my dreams are vivid and I am most creative shortly after around ovulation. Raspberry leaf is drank almost daily (throughout the month) to tonify. The red clover is used during my moon with the other two allies to support a healthy flow. Im estrogen dominant as well, Ive found that movement like hiking, dancing and yoga keep everything in balance along with a diet consisting of minimal sugar and starches.

This is my favorite system to discuss! It's become a constant theme since the wake of the pandemic but I love educating folks on its importance, not just for Rona prevention but overall health. I struggle with anemia so immunity is one thing I am always conscious of when consuming foods and herbs. My medicine consists of elderberry syrup with extra powerhouse ingredients, ashwaghanda and reshi. I love making hot chocolate with cacao, cayenne, chaga, cocoa nibs and fresh coconut whip. Its so yummy! Last summer I attended a Juneteeth event as a vendor where I sold fresh sea moss teas and herb infused skin care. I made a fresh honey peach black tea and a cooling hibiscus lime elixir with the sea moss and it was a hit (especially in this hot valley heat!)

Dandelion: This lovely gives BIG Grand daddy energy for me. Strong and wise yet calm and humble. It's like that stern scolding when you need to be checked but in an incredibly loving and comforting way. :) Dandelion is used daily in my home. As a tea, I steep the roots mid mornings after my yoga practice. I always feel regulated and more aligned after consuming its offerings. The leaves: though bitter, I have really grown to love their taste. I enjoy mixing them with celery, lemon, parsley and ginger for a detoxifying juice. Some nights they get sautéed and mixed with dino, peppers and warm quinoa. I feel my best when eating clean and light. Nourished and satisfied without the feelings over consumption. I usually only add lemon juice and a little sea salt to taste so that I can enjoy all the fresh flavors without overpowering with excessive seasonings. I definitely feel the difference when I have not consumed this herb in a while. Usually travel prevents me from having it as I normally would.