Opportunity: Free Comprehensive Health Consultation

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August 22, 2010
Art from a 13th-century illuminated manuscript...
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In order to complete my Master Herbalist Certification, I must see 7 more volunteer clients at the Student Clinic, as the birth of my Son coincided with the intensive weekend.

What does this health consultation include?

A comprehensive health analysis including your health history,

Chinese pulse-taking and tongue diagnosis

Nutritional evaluation including supplements taken

Medication evaluation

Herbal and Lifestyle suggestions

Support for your health and wellness!

(All information is confidential and all treatment is supported by Licensed Acupuncturist and Clinical Herbalists)

You may be surprised to know that herbs can support you concurrently with Western prescriptions, and can be very safe and effective! This means that even if you are currently being treated by a Doctor, seeing an Herbalist can be a very beneficial addition to your health regimen…. and this visit is Free! The only cost to you is your time (1.5 hrs first visit and .5 followup) and any herbs recommended.

Varying conditions that are easily supported with herbal medicine include:

Peri-menopausal symptoms, Men’s Health issues, Children and Infant Health and Wellness, Women’s Health,  Emotional and Mental Support, Athletic Stamina, Blood Glucose Stabilization support, Sleep, Dietary Complaints, Skin Irritations, Stress support, Sexual Dysfunction,Respiratory Illness,  Kidney Support and an overall Qi/Prana/Vitality Support… the list could go on and on.

Why choose Herbal Medicine?

Because Nature holds the keys to our health and well-being. Utilizing plants as medicine supports our bodies in a vitalistic and holistic way. Herbs work synergistically WITH our body’s natural mechanisms to increase wellness and support our lives in a comprehensive and nutritionally beneficial way. They are safe and effective and can be used in support of Western medical treatment as well.

If you have ever felt like there was something missing from your wellness regime, are experiencing severe side-effects from a disease process or perhaps medication, have a seasonal illness and are tired of the symptoms, are looking to enhance your life on more than just a physical level…. come see me and let me help you make that small change that could get you on the path you desire!

I believe in the power of Nature and have witnessed it first hand. I look forward to working with anyone who is ready to take the leap…. and its free! Please call me at 720-480-2689 to set up an appointment.

Much love,

Trysta Major

B.S. Integrative Therapeutic Practices

(Soon to be Certified Master Herbalist, with your help!)

Trysta@IntegrativeHerbalism.com

720-480-2689

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Fenugreek- a Nursing Mother’s Best-Friend.

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July 24, 2010

 

My son and me

My recent adventure with nursing my newborn son has been a first class education for me–not only as a mother and woman, but also as an herbalist and health care provider. I entered into the world of my newborn with high hopes and sheer will to nourish him with what nature had intended–my breastmilk.

I have girlfriends for whom breast feeding came completely natural- by this I mean they had no issues, needed no instruction and really never experienced any pain. Good for them! I have also had girlfriends who struggled furiously at the beginning only to end up with severe mastitis and a lack of desire to continue. For me, this time around, I found it to be a mostly intuitive experience that needed some professional tweaking (so to speak).

Archer and I worked very hard in those first few weeks and yet he continued to remain the same weight.  After many furious feeding marathons and quite a few visits to the pediatrician, I blended some herbs for a yummy lactogenic tea, I encapsulated some organic Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) , I drank green leafy drinks daily and I visited a wonderful Lactation Consultant at Littleton Hospital–where I delivered– named Mary. She was so helpful!

I DEFINITELY recommend Fenugreek seed capsules, rather than tea or tincture, for every nursing mother simply for ease of use. I took 3 size O caps 3 times a day for more than a month and found my breast milk supply to increase and maintain after discontinuing to take it. I also keep some on hand for days that I feel I could use a bit of increase.

Each O capsule contains roughly 680 mg of material= 6120 mg (5000 mg is a teaspoon).

From what I can find in my plethora of resources, the mode of action is that it encourages lactation by stimulating breast tissue to grow. In addition, it slows the rate of break down in the liver of estrogen, allowing levels to be a bit higher to support lactation. It both promotes, and supports lactation.

Fenugreek has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicineto decrease Vata and Kapha and increase Pitta– warm the body. It is said to affect plasma, blood, marrow and nerve tissues and reproductive tissues (The Yoga of Herbs, Lad and Frawley). It is contraindicated in pregnancy–so don’t take it in anticipation of nursing, wait until post-partum!

Fenugreek is also used commonly to support stabilization of  blood sugar and correct imbalances in cholesterol (LDL vs HDL).

Fenugreek  is a nursing Mother’s best-friend. If you have a breast-pump available, add in several sessions of pumping in between feedings or when the little one is sleeping to multiply its effect as well as its nice to SEE that you are  succeeding.

So with all of the minor changes, his latch improved, my confidence soared and my stress levels dropped dramatically. We were in the milk-making business! I now nurse him with ease and am so proud and happy that I did not give up. I perservered. I pumped, nursed and nursed some more and although it was truly challenging at times, it was all worth it. Fenugreek Seed was such a simple thing that I could do for myself, and you can too!

 One side effect– you smell like maple syrup! So to all you nursing mamas out there, don’t give up! Feed the masses!

Much love,

Trysta Major 

Contact me with any questions/concerns, I would love to help! Trysta@IntegrativeHerbalism.com

Any information contained in this website is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose and/or treat any illness.  If you have any concerns about this information, please contact your provider and/or certified Herbalist.

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Reading for your healthy pregnancy

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July 8, 2010

During my pregnancy it was important to me to have all of the information about how to maintain health and prepare for laboring and birth. So, I did what I always do–read, read, read!

Here is a list of the books that I found most useful during my pregnancy(the ones with the hyperlinks should take you directly to amazon to purchase):

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth  by Sheila Kitzinger

The Whole Pregnancy Handbook by Joel M. Evans, MD, OB/GYN

Hypnobirthing, The Mongan Method  by Marie F. Mongan, M.Ed., M.Hy

The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm (This one was my absolute fave)

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin

A few books that I read right towards the end of my pregnancy and still consult as needed:

Natural Health after Birth by Aviva Jill Romm

Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin

Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm, MD

Also, The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff gives perspective to a new/old approach to parenting: attachment parenting. This book changed the way I view providing emotionally to our babies through physical accessibility. Check it out.

The more information you have about healthy choices in your pregnancy, preventive wellness and natural remedies, the better off you will be! Take what knowledge you receive from anything you read and anyone you talk to (because Lord knows everyone is ready to give you advice) and follow your own heart. It is YOUR pregnancy, your body and your baby so don’t ‘hesistate to do what YOU believe!

Much love,

Trysta Major

Please contact me @ Trysta@IntegrativeHerbalism.com with any questions or feel free to leave your comment here!

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Introduction to Modern Choices in Pregnancy and Prenatal Care.

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January 5, 2010
Woman at the fifth month of pregnancy.
Image via Wikipedia

Doctor, midwife, homebirth, hospital birth, natural, pain medication, water birth,  bradley method, hypnobirthing, ultrasounds, testing, supplements, exercise. . . the world of pregnancy includes an abundance of choices–important choices which need consideration.  For many of us, the choices aren’t as easy as they would seem to be. There are many things to consider from safety to studies, tradition to holism and all of them are not only affecting the mother but the lil babe as well.

For me, many of the choices I am making are not simply based upon what I desire–a completely natural and non-interventional pregnancy–but are also dictated by the results of tests that maybe could or could not predict a poor outcome if not watched carefully–an irritating complication with a great lesson to learn. I found that after my overly-medicalized pregnancy and delivery of my firstborn that for this pregnancy I wanted the complete opposite (not to mention the whole herbalist piece).

Having in mind a beautiful pregnancy and childbirth experience will help me to make it through the extra ultrasounds and baby aspirin and synthroid I must take everyday. I am a perfect example of integrating both allopathic and natural remedies.  I take my pills, drink my organic prenatal herbal tea blend, take my Chinese herbal tincture and eat a beautiful array of vegetables and fruits everyday as well as many other natural and wonderful activities.

In the next several months, I will be researching and sharing  information with you about the modern world of prenatal care: the tests, the concerns, the natural methods, the medical methods and so much more. Being a pregnant mama myself, I have embarked upon this incredible and at times frustrating journey of researching every little fact that I am given until I find my truth. For this reason I would love to share what I have found and will find in order to shed some light on what the test results mean in a literal sense, and what types of treatment and wellness programs we have as options.  I will also share  some amazing herbs and formulas for a variety of ailments that are completely safe and nourishing in pregnancy (something Doctors know little to nothing about)!

Please leave any comments or questions you have about pregnancy, whether you are currently pregnant, a mama or just interested in the entire beautiful process!

Much love,

Trysta Major

Also note that none of the information within this website is intended as medical advice or to diagnose and/or treat an illness.

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Free Days to Enjoy Denvers Museums and Gardens in 2010

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December 14, 2009

Here are the free days for Denver-area attractions for all Colorado residents. My girls and I fully take advantage of these days and it is such a great way to spend the day–for a little less money. Enjoy!

xoxo, Trysta

Denver Zoo

2300 Steele Street
Denver
(303) 376-4800
http://www.denverzoo.org/

2010
January 9
January 18
February 7
February 16
October 13
October 21
November 7
November 13

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Boulevard
Denver
(303) 322-7009
http://www.dmns.org/

2010
January 11
February 21
March 1
April 18
August 8
August 30
September 13
September 19
October 3
October 18
November 14
December 6

Denver Botanic Gardens

1005 York Street, Denver
(720) 865-3500
http://www.botanicgardens.org/

2010
January 18
February 15
April 22
July 22
August 25
September 26
October 28

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
(303) 973-3705
http://www.botanicgardens.org/

December 4

2010
January 1
February 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
August 6
November 5
December 3

Denver Art Museum

100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver
(720) 865-5000
http://www.denverartmuseum.org/
December 5

2010
January 2
February 6
March 6
April 3
May 1
June 5
July 3
August 7
September 4
October 2
November 6
December 4
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Ahh, The Many Hats We Wear.

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June 18, 2009

Charley's first Hat.

Charley's first Hat.

Talk about multitasking–I can barely remember which hat I have on for any particular day. In fact, Monday through Friday is one, long day. I’m certain that most of us realize just how crazy things have gotten.

Its a delicate balancing act full of family, work, hobbies, exercise (because most of us don’t use our bodies in our work), household chores, doctors appointments, walking the dog, getting the kids to school, paying the bills, hygiene, tweeting, facebooking, myspacing, emailing, texting, blogging, studying, extensive hygiene, lunch dates, birthday parties, babyshowers. . . .(inhale). It really could take up this whole page.

I have found it difficult at times to balance all the many hats I wear on my one little head. How do I do it? I go insane once a month and pick myself back up to do it all over again.

I want to know about the hats you wear. What do you expect yourself to accomplish in a day, a week, a month and how the heck do you do it?

Is this the way that life should be lived? Let me know what you think.

To start it out my hats are as follows and in no particular order;

  1. Daughter
  2. Mother
  3. Sister
  4. Wife
  5. Lover
  6. Friend
  7. Employee
  8. Coworker
  9. Patient
  10. Dog owner
  11. Herbalist
  12. Student
  13. Housekeeper
  14. Assistant
  15. Daughter in law
  16. Sister in law
  17. Boo-boo kisser
  18. Judge and Jury
  19. Healer
  20. Blogger (word makes me gag)
  21. Athlete
  22. Yogi in training
  23. Rebel
  24. Gardner
  25. Counselor
  26. Chef
  27. Lunch Lady
  28. Tiny business owner
  29. Entertainer
  30. Young Woman
  31. Wise woman
  32. Concierge
  33. Village idiot
  34. Party Planner
  35. Black Sheep
  36. Taxi cab driver
  37. is there anything else? lol

Some hats are fun hats.

Some hats are fun hats.

I feel that as a woman, I need to be June Cleaver Mother-of-the-Year, look my best and be as intelligent and strong as any man ever was. “Anything you can do, I can do better. . .” At times I get  worn down and am wondering how truly important all the extra activities are in relation to the truth of life–whatever that may be.

Your turn.

Much Love,

Trysta

How do you leave a comment? Click HERE
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Another Shipment of Neti Pots Has Arrived.

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June 17, 2009

Hello! The beautiful neti pots have arrived once again and this time with a new color- speckled yellow. All Neti Pots are $19.50.

dscn0781

Pearl Blue

Pearl Blue

sea foam green

sea foam green

Midnight Blue

Midnight Blue

Rosehip

Rosehip

Speckled Yellow

Speckled Yellow

Balsam

Balsam

Lavender

Lavender

Jala neti is an important part of maintaining health. Click HERE to read all about the amazing benefits and why you should include this practice into your daily routine.

Please feel free to contact me via the contact tab at the top of this page or by email trysta@integrativeherbalism.com for more information, to place an order or to set up a free herbal consultation! I look forward to hearing from you.

Much Love,

Trysta

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Good Times.

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May 31, 2009

A little oasis in the city

A little oasis in the city

Hello! It feels like it has been a really long time since I last wrote (a month I think). I would like to share some photos I have taken during the recent weeks.

My flinstones in the Platte River

My flinstones in the Platte River

Yay

Yay

I made a large batch of bulk Serenitea. My daughters call it sleepy time tea and it has gone by the name of calming tea. I like the sound of serenitea, its a tea that assists you in becoming a bit more serene. It is safe for everyone, including pregnant and lactating women and children–and it tastes great. ($4.00/oz)

dscn0691

My Rose Glycerite should be ready in a couple weeks. An amazing ally for  emotional wellbeing. The beautiful color, smell and taste lift my spirits. Yay.

Cleansing teas

Cleansing teas

My little brother is moving to Alaska and leaves on Monday. We’ll miss you Bard! He is an avid drinker of the am and pm cleansing teas and so I send him off with quite a bit. He has done wonderfully since the cleanse. I wish I could get him on here to tell you all about it! He has lost over 40 lbs since the 7 day cleanse by doing all the right things and continuing with the am/pm cleansing tea and the morning lemon-water. He has told me that he feels a lot more energetic and has a decreased appetite-which he loves. He is definitely the perfect example of what a cleanse is supposed to do and what one should do afterwards. Best of luck up there! (Now I have even more of a reason to take a random AK vacay).

Jayme and a friend

Jayme and a friend

Charley on her last day of Preschool.

Charley on her last day of Preschool.

Both of my girls have pretty big changes this fall! Charley “graduated” from preschool (we’re so proud, lol) and will be a kindergartener. Jayme is going into junior high in August. It is a really big step in her life and we are scared and excited.

dscn0693In addition to everything else, I have also started a new job! I am really excited to have found the perfect place for me. I am working at a holistic center called Your Healing Place for a Naturopathic Physician and Chiropractor who focuses on a more integrated approach (Network Spinal Analysis). The place itself exudes this positive and healing energy. The building materials are “Green” as in renewable. We have bamboo flooring and cabinetry, high efficiency everything and are going paperless within a few weeks.

The ND and Chiropractor are a husband and wife team that work really well together and are doing AMAZING things at YHP. It is exhilirating and incredible for me to witness and be a part of something so wonderful-something I dream of myself. Its inspiring, really. To see natural remedies at work and people who truly devote themselves to their health and doing it the way that their body can best appreciate is so exciting. Everyday I work with amazing people, not only my coworkers (you guys rock!) but also the patients and clients.  Being surrounded by such a healing and encouraging atmosphere makes me even more passionate about my work and about people. Thank-you Universe!

So, in the near future I am looking forward to learning about many different aspects of natural medicine and sharing some of that here, with you. Some topics to look forward to: Men’s Health, Network Spinal Analysis, Fertility Awareness Method and much much more. I am still very much enjoying the herbal classes that I am taking and am so excited to be a part of all of this that is going on in my life.

I am doing free herbal consultations generally on the weekends. Contact me if you are interested in integrating herbalism into your lifestyle or have questions about a particular herb or herbal matter. If you have a topic of interest that you would like to know more about, contact me via the contact tab at the top of the site or email me at trysta@integrativeherbalism.com. I would love to incorporate your topics as well.

If you are interested in purchasing any organic teas, tinctures, bodycare products etc. please contact me as well.

Much Love,

Trysta

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Categories: Earth Day, Staying Healthy.

Swine Flu: What to do?

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April 29, 2009
Excellent Swine Flu Advice
Image by xaminmo via Flickr

Prevention, prevention, prevention. I cannot emphasize the importance of prevention with any disease–including this recent outbreak of swine flu. From an herbalist perspective there are many things one can do to prevent either the infection of this disease or to curb its pathological effects. As with any flu viruses there are several, very important, ways to protect yourself:

  • Wash your hands–a lot. I don’t recommend using antibacterial soaps usually, as it lends itself to the creation of super-bugs; however some good strong fennel soap would be perfect. If you only have antibacterial soap: use it–a lot.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes: if you are in a public place with others who could perhaps be sick, as a general rule, keep your fingers out of your eyes.
  • Keep your hands away from your mucus membranes, until they are very clean (nose, mouth and any other opening that is subject to external pernicious influences)!
  • Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body fluids at the necessary level allows your body to function optimally.
  • Decrease sugar intake. Too much can knock down your immune system.
  • Eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals are essential to immunity!
  • Elderberry syrup. I make my own and you can too (of course it can be purchased at any health food store). The syrup that I make is pretty strong and I recommend 1-1 1/2 tsp for small children 3-4X a day if they are sick or 1/2-1 tsp 2-3x a day prophylactic.  Adults can do twice as much; although starting at that amount would be fine. (Elderberry syrup in some studies has been found to be as beneficial as Tamiflu in viral cases-but is much better for your body).
  • Adaptogens. Astragalus membranaceos, Eleutherococcus senticosus , Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake  (Lentinula edodes), to name a few. Taking these 2-3 times a day beefs up your immune system to battle anything that comes it’s way (of course you should check with your herbalist first to make sure there are no contraindications for you).
  • Garlic, onions and Garlic oh my! Studies do show that these delicious foods are highly anti-viral and great for your immune system (even anti-cancerous).
  • Get some sunshine! Vitamin D is so important in the healthy function of your body and its metabolism and immune system. Sunshine is almost always a good thing.

If you are planning on visiting any of the states that have been affected by this epidemic make the necessary precautious efforts and purchase some masks for public transit and continue with the above recommendations (if you are really worried, wear gloves as well). If you are exposed you will have a better chance at getting through it with the amazing talents of the human immune system.

These precautions are a good idea with any virus that you are exposed to. Modern medicine truly has no “cure” for viral infections and antibiotics won’t help you unless the disease is bacterial. Plants are the answer as is a healthy diet and smart hygiene.

xoxo,

Trysta Major

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A Global Day to Recognize Mother Earth.

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April 22, 2009
My daughter, Jayme, in 2006

Earth Prayer

O Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

and whose breath gives life to all the world,

hear me! I am small and weak, I need your strength

and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes

ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made

and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things

you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every

leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,

but to fight my greatest enemy-myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean

hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset,

my spirit may come to you without shame.

Traditional Native American Prayer

Translated by Sioux Chief Yellow Hawk

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Prayer for Healing the Earth

We join with the earth and each other.

To bring new lifed to the land

To restore the waters

To refresh the air

We join with the earth and with each other.

To renew the forests

To care fore the plants

To protect the creatures

We join with the earth and with each other.

To celebrate the seas

To rejoice in the sunlight

To sing the song of the stars

We join with the earth and with each other.

To recreate the human community

To poromote justice and peace

To remember our children

We join with the earth and with each other.

We join together as many and diverse expressions

of one loving mystery for the healing of the

earth and the renewal of all life.

U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program

We are finally on the right track. For thousands of years, Native peoples the world round, have known and continue to know the nurturing force of mother earth. Some of them flourished living as givers and partners in this worldwide web of life, and some continue to do so still. They have recognize the necessity to leave only your footprint, and nothing else-to give back to the earth when they receive.  We all can do this.

We are, as a society, beginning to make the changes necessary to live with her in harmony rather than against her. On this global earth day make one change in your life to renew this planet. It can be as simple as switching your recycled napkins to cloth ones, recycling your newspaper, turning out the lights and using candlelight at dinner time. Make a lifestyle change in honor of this majestic planet that we are fortunate enough to inhabit.

Take a walk outside (if you live in Colorado, today is stunningly beautiful) and pay attention to the tiny creatures with which we cohabitate-often forgotten.They too can thrive if we continue to take less and less. Look at the beautiful spring greens coming in all around us, telling us that mother earth is alive and providing for us as she always has-and will if we make the changes necessary. Happy Earth Day to you all and I wish you all a peaceful and healing day!!

xoxo,

Trysta

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