My boobs have had the adventure of a lifetime: breast feeding. That’s what they are there for, right? Not just fabulous ornaments to entice our partners and add a nice silhouette to your fashion ensemble. No, these boobs have been working hard-day in and out, all night and whenever little man had interest. My philosophy has been to follow his cues, feed him on demand and have no restriction to access… I have been a “D” machine (his loving little name for nursing).
And now I am weaning.
I have poured over the internet for the “best” ways to wean, read numerous articles from other moms and various “experts.” Guess what? THIS IS NOT A SCIENCE. Like all choices in parenting, there is no right answer, no proper way to transition from full-access to denial of le breast.
So, as usual the best method is to follow one’s own instinct and heart about the matter and see how it goes.
My original intention was to nurse Archer, on demand until two. He is nearly 21 months and I feel successful and proud of my efforts…..and SOOOO ready to stop.
Christmas nursing...eyes somehow always closed!
I don’t want to emotionally traumatize the little guy and am doing it slowly, as is comfortable. He eats, a lot, and has gradually decreased his interest but not completely. We started implementing distraction during the day and evening. “Look at this book” or “play with this toy” or “eat some yogurt”.. you get the picture. I’ve been nursing him when he wakes up, before he takes a nap (or really, more like trying to get him to take a nap) and before bed. Occasionally I have nursed in the middle of the night- he sleeps with me or his dad rather than in a crib-which has been very convenient until this moment of transition. I find it super helpful for other people to be involved in this process. John taking him to sleep with him, my older girls distracting him, grandparents and very soon some overnights away. I will say, that when its just me and little dude its a bit more challenging and there are little “D!” tantrums and tears. Hopefully this will subside-soon. I’m doing my very best to console him, distract him and let him know that today there will be “D” before nap time, and before bed. But the menu is changing and within weeks, “D” will no longer be served.
There is an emotional element of losing this aspect of our relationship-lil’ Archer and me. He not only obtains immune support and nourishment, he derives great pleasure and comfort from nursing. And here I go taking that away…. so the way I am attempting to transition this aspect is by showing him that we can cuddle almost anytime. Rather than nursing that extra bit in the middle of the night, last night for example, I placed the skin of my cheek on his face where my breast would be and held him. This seems to work fairly well. Its not necessary for the breast to be in his mouth to receive the skin contact and emotional connection (shocking, I know).
I’m not a big fan of conventional milk. I’m a primal/paleo lady and occasionally eat dairy in the form of goat cheese etc. but the idea of giving him milk in a sippy cup is not my ideal way to transition. Calcium and fats, vitamin D and protein are better taken in whole foods, herbs and sunshine, and good ol’ fashioned animal bits. Luckily, he has no taste for milk and absolutely loves all of the rest (except he does have a penchant for the sugary milk at the bottom of his dad’s cereal bowl–thanks, John! haha).
He nurses less when his belly is full…. so I keep him stocked up on proteins and fats, berries and fruits and lots and lots of H2O. He’s a big boy and requires a lot of food to fuel that growing little body!
So, as I head toward the end of this beautiful, primal, connected, patience-trying, at times exhausting experience I’m pretty proud of what I have accomplished. 21 months of being physically available and emotionally present. Giving my entire self to this little beautiful creature to ensure his health and happiness (and increased IQ). I struggled through the bullshit of everyone suggesting that I stop at various junctures of the process, add formula-blah blah blah. I pumped and nursed, pumped and stored, pumped and pumped and took fenugreek capsules, placenta capsules, drank lactogenic herbs, ate lactogenic foods, took supplements, nursed in public, made my own hooter hider (yay), connected with and received support from other nursing mom’s when I was unsure or worn down, defended my choice to nurse as long as I have, endured scrutiny (ridiculous, by the way) … I did it all!
And now I am almost done. So, thank you breasts for all your fabulous accomplishments! Here’s to hoping you are still ornamental!
Hello! Although I am not in the Apothecary everyday yet, I am getting geared up to open the doors! Still several things to do to get ready but I am available for Consultations, by appointment and if you are interested in coming up, call me and I will meet you there! (Learning to balance Motherhood and Business!)
The Apothecary currently holds 80+ tinctured herbal medicines, 50+ bulk organic herbs, several pre-made formulations for anxiety, memory, cold and flu etc, I also have Traditional Chinese patent formulas, neti pots, medicinal tea blends, lotions, salves, butters, Yang Tonic Capsules, Liver Support Capsules and so much more! It has been a delight getting the Apothecary set up and so much fun creating labels and my new logo!!!
I hope you will all come up to see it and me!
I am located on the campus of the Church of the Transfiguration, off of Hwy 74 (if you are coming from Morrison/Kittredge you will see the Labyrinth that is also on the campus). Turn into the Church parking lot and park in front of the playground or church. I am located to the left of the church in the first cabin with red stairs and a room of windows. I will soon have a sign, but for now I have a little posting on the door and my card in the window. I am a short walk away from Downtown Evergreen and across the street from Dakind Soups and the Bradley gas station. If there is any confusion as to how to get there, call me! xoxo
Integrative Herbalism Apothecary and Clinic
Give me a call or shoot me an email for more information or to schedule a consultation of visit! 720-480-2689 Trysta@IntegrativeHerbalism.com
Last night, I came across an amazing and “old” video that has sparked me to share it with you all. The Kogi, an ancient tribe of Earth-centered caretakers of the planet came out of their isolated existence in the late 80′s to send us “younger brothers” a message about our destructive ways and to gently remind us to find our way back to nature, caring for her, rather than raping and destroying her. This video is called “From the Heart of the World” and is almost an hour in duration. Please find the time to listen to their message. This is the truth, it is time to truly change our ways and it has been since we began this pilaging from Mother Earth. The next movie, “Aluna” will be out in early 2012, as they have come forward with another message. Here is a LINK to the most recent site regarding “Aluna.”
The message from the Earth is loud and clear and what a gift these men and women are to this world- to carry on the traditional Earth-loving ways that we humans were intended to live.
If you have 30 minutes, take the time for yourself to do this guided meditation by Kelly Howell. Healing can really take place when we can let go of our egos and schemas and simply “be.” Do this meditation every day for a week and experience a centering transformation. Meditation can be challenging for many of us, so having a guide can really assist us in the transition.
THE PRACTICE OF HERBAL MEDICINE is a wonderful way to combine ancient wisdom with modern scientific validation of our botanical bounty. We are excited to offer a comprehensive cross-cultural program in herbal medicine. There is much to be learned from the Eastern and Western traditions. For the westerner, Chinese herbs cannot be fully utilized without an understanding of the principles of Chinese medicine.
Who is this for? The program is designed for anyone interested in entering the growing field of botanical medicine and who is serious about becoming a professional herbalist.
What do I get when done? Upon successful completion of the program you will become a “Certified MasterHerbalist”. You will have a good understanding of herbal medicine from the western and eastern traditions. You will be able to function as a professional clinical herbalist or to enter the herbal industry in other areas.
What is the time frame?This certificate program meets approximately every third weekend, all day Saturday and Sunday for 17 months. (23 weekends total)
CURRICULUM
Hours
Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Western Materia MedicaChinese Medical Theory & Terminology Chinese Materia Medica
Therapeutics and Formulations: East and West
483232
32
32
80
Primary Instructors: Luke Terry,MTOM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., Private practice, Chinese Herbalist, freelance writer, nutritionist, & practitioner of functional medicine, qigong, and functional fitness training.
Rachel Lord, RN, MH, CMT. School founder. Private herbal practice for many years. Former Intensive Care RN, Board Certified Reflexologist and Certified Massage Therapist.
Herbal Preparations and Dispensary
Preparation for Student Clinic
Student Clinic
Field Walks and WildcraftingBusiness and Ethics
1632
32
16
16
In-Class Hours: 368
Externship: Outside Materia Medica: TOTAL HOURS: 450
4042
Tuition and Fees
Deposit : $100Tuition: $265 (payable at beginning of each weekend: 23 total) Materials Fee: (payable at beginning of WesternMateria Medica Class)
I am so-pleased to announce that in addition to holding a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Therapeutic Practices, I have completed my East/West Botanical Education at Just For Health School and now hold the title of Certified Master Herbalist in East/West Herbology! For those of you who have helped me along the way, thank-you so very much.
I have had the great pleasure of studying under many very wonderful teachers: Rachel Lord, the founder of JFH school and CMT/MH who studied with Peter Holmes, Laura Golub-Matthews with whom I studied Western Herbs and Reproductive Herbal Medicine and Mayan Uterine Abdominal Massage techniques as well as apprenticed/interned at Holistic Pathways–who studied with the late/great Michael Moore at SWSBM, I was blessed to be introduced to Sacred Plant Medicine and wild plant identification with Joan Zinn of Medicine Hill Herbs, and have had the privilege of studying TCM and Chinese Herbology with Luke Terry LAc extraordinaire and President of Just for Health School. I also learned so much from many of my fellow classmates and friends–thank-you to you all.
BIG NEWS!
Now I can finally announce that beginning February 24th, I will be practicing Herbal Medicine at Just For Health School! I am very excited about this opportunity to not only continue learning and growing my practice, but to also work with new herbies and be surrounded by so many wonderful and talented healers.
Come and see me!
I will be available for consultations Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Monday and Saturday alternating. Please Call/Email me to set up an appointment. I will also continue to offer a variety of Organic Herbal Medicines, Neti Pots and Products both online at www.IntegrativeHerbalism.com and now at the School!
Consultations are $65 for the Initial 1.5 hour visit and first followup (1 hr) , additional followups are $35. (Please don’t hesitate to contact me if money is an issue, there is always a way to work things out!)
My office is located at
JUST FOR HEALTH ENTERPRISES, INC.
Old Hampden Holistic Center
3501 S. Corona St., Suite #1
Englewood, Co. 80113
Please tell your friends, family and anyone you know who may be interested in seeing a Certified Herbalist (who also has an extensive education in Western science)!
Much love and gratitude,
Trysta Major B.S. ITP, CMH
(If you would like to find out more about Herbal Education at JFH, contact me or go to www.Justforhealth.net )
“If you make a regular effort at praying–by thinking good thoughts–and you live in an environment that makes you happy, then You will soon find that many of the things you do in your daily life give you good thoughts and can, thus, add strength to your prayers. Your prayers can involve more and more of daily life–by spending more and more of your time doing those things that are good enough to pray about…and then all the goodness will make Your Life a Prayer.” Adolf Hungry Wolf, A Good Medicine Collection: Life in Harmony with Nature; quoted in Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing by Kenneth Cohen.
There is so much to learn, so many wonderful concepts, frameworks, ideas flowing in this world. I can’t get enough! In 2009 I took a “Reorganizational Healing/Living” seminar while working for an integrative chiropractor and Naturopathic Doctor and the experience was transformational (Thank-you, Carney’s!). Although I cannot utilize the methods of Network Spinal Analysis (must have a D.C), anyone, including myself can utilize the fundamental knowledge of ROH.
The information in this video is only the tip of the iceberg. Donny Epstein, the founder of Network Spinal Analysis (if you don’t know what it is you should visit www.wiseworldseminars.com)has eloquently verbalized concepts into a workable framework for all healers and practitioners, clients and patients. It is not new information, the concept is so basic and obvious that it is profound.
Reorganizing your perception, behavior and structures in your life–those that define and support your lifestyle, can bring about a higher awareness and move you closer to self-actualization. I am reminded constantly that medicine comes in many forms–sometimes it comes to us in the form of an uncomfortable situation, perhaps a difficult person, a physical challenge, the food we eat, an injury or disease, herbal remedies, being with nature–all experiences act as mirrors to teach us something, to transform us, to heal us. If you are interested in transformation…watch/listen to this video. This philosophy supports my herbal practice and has been more than transformational for my own personal healing and continues to integrate itself into my life. Much love!
There are many powerful-herbal remedies that are useful this time of year. Echinacea is well known, elderberry and flower, eupatorium, thyme, peppermint, ginger…. warming and yet heat clearing and so beneficial during respiratory challenges. One herb in particular; however, truly is the warrior of them all.
Ligusticum porteri-Osha root.
This powerful root grows between 7 and 10,000 feet in elevation and is in the same family as water hemlock (tells you something of its potency). Utilized for thousands of years by local indegenous peoples specifically for the lungs and illnesses related to the lungs. Apache warriors used this herb to ehance their stamina and Arapahoe runners to increase lung capacity. It has also been used to “ward off” rattlesnakes… Topically, it is said to be drawing and anti-microbial.
The Aztecs called this medicine Chuchupate, meaning “Bear Medicine” because of its use by the local bear population. It is said that after hybernation and upon wakening, bears search this plant out and eat it up! It has also been a bargaining tool during bear-courtship Bear catnip anyone? It has also been called Singer’s root by the Dine, as it is used commonly by singers during drum circles and various ceremonies to sooth and moisten the throat.
(so I guess one chooses, rattlesnake, or bear? ha ha)
Osha can be used in many different forms. Chewing the dried root, as an infusion, fresh/dry root tincture and my favorite–in honey (MM). This strong root is useful during viral infections–specifically respiratory but also digestive as well. It is slightly numbing and particularly helpful when you have a sore throat. In a state where visitors have to adapt to altitude, this root can come in handy as support as well. I find that it gives me a zest of energy, most likely due to the increased qi from increased lung capacity.
Osha is described by Brigitte Mars as having the following energetic correspondences:
Flavor: Pungent, Bitter
Temp: warm
Moisture: dry (although I find it to be moisturizing)
Polarity: Yang
Planet: Sun/Mars/Jupiter
Element: Fire
Definitely the Warrior of Respiratory Herbs!
As far as safety or medication interactions, this herbs is generally considered safe. If pregnant, I would err on the safe side and either use miniscule doses or avoid the fresh root completely during the first trimester. (Although there have been no reports of any negative issues related to pregnancy). If you have blood or Yin deficiency (yin can mean many things, specifically lack of body-fluids such as during menopause), you may want to avoid this herb in tincture form; however, the honey seems to be well tolerated.
It is not often that I write poetry, as I once did on such a regular occasion; however, the autum truly inspires me. I have found that each year, this time of year, I am filled with a new energy–one which I witness many others experiencing as well. Our ancestral pasts were filled with a similar energy, although it was much more productive in a tangible sense. This is the time of year when we harvest, prepare for winter and celebrate the people and things we are thankful for. In our not-so ancient past, most of us were gathering wood, harvesting crops, nuts, berries and any other food stuffs we could in anticipation of the long, cold winter nights. We were celebrating abundance if there was and accepting the lack-of , if there wasn’t. We were gathering together to thank Mother-Earth for her blessings and ask for a return the next spring. Our men were hunting– a truly divine expression of manhood. We were preparing for detachment from the outside world.
I was talking with my husband the other day about how this time of year brings up some mixed emotions for me. As a wild-youth this was the time of year I would “reap what I sow,” I would continuously find myself in a state of detachment, trouble and ultimately a deep sadness. My husband relayed similar experiences to me, as we sat sipping coffee at our warm kitchen table. We witness it even with our own children–seeminly reacting to a shift in energies that until recently I had not given much thought. This awareness, for me, has brought about a shift within my own household–that of tolerance and acceptance. The truth is, if we harness this energy, these emotions, the sensations–a lot of change can occur for the better.
It is so important to accept the seasons. The seasons of our worldly location, the seasons of our bodies, the seasons of our lives. I pose this question to you:
What will you do, in your season, in this season, to make this transition something that invites a positive change? What is it in your life that you are harvesting for the winter?
With that, I would like to share my little piece–straight from my heart.
Reveling in the autumnal sensations
Brings abundance
A distinctly reflective joy
A uniquely inspiring relaxation
The crisp sensation of inhalation
The crunch of my feats as I meander
Gold and rusty reds reveal themselves
As the trees exhale in release
A tangible expression of the divine circle
The feminine simmering in quiet harmony now
Masculinity throughout the forest
Life transitioning into its roots
Brings internal awareness
A distinct shift
A uniquely somber invigoration
Revealing indeed.
Please leave comments, poems, anything you like. I invite you to share your abundance!
The following piece was written by Bobby Woelz, an old friend of mine from high school. Bobby received his start in conservation by volunteering on an ecological reserve in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve of Guatemala with the non-profit organization, Volunteer Petén. While receiving his degree in Anthropology from Metropolitan State College of Denver he interned with Fifth Sun Development Fund as an Environmental Anthropologist in the rural villages of Northern Mexico. He is currently working as a Project Leader for The Student Conservation Association conducting research and inventorying Wayne National Forest in Southeastern Ohio. He is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, conservationist, and is a certified Wildland Firefighter, Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. The path which he follows and his personal passion for nature truly emphasizes that there is so much we can do to make a difference in the future of our planet, and our society. Please take the time to find out how you can get involved! Thank-you, Robert, for your dedication!
Bobby Woelz
The SCA assists WNF with Fire Effects Monitoring:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) has begun working in conjunction with Wayne National Forest (WNF) on a project made possible by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The SCA’s Mission is: “To build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands on service to land.” The SCA’s 4,000 interns and volunteers provide more than two million hours of conservation service per year. The SCA was founded before the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, the EPA, Earth Day and the novel ‘Silent Spring’. The SCA’s mission is two-fold: to provides educational opportunities, professional trainings, career exploration, and networking opportunities to young people while providing a much needed service to our Parks and Forests.
The SCA has constructed two autonomous teams of talented individuals from across the country to pioneer a custom tailored Fire Effects Monitoring (FIREMON) project with WNF. Each team, consisting of four Corps Members and one Project Leader, have already undergone rigorous trainings including: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Fire Ecology, and Wildland Fighter Red Card Training. Most of the Corps Members are college graduates and come from a wide array of educational disciplines including: anthropology, biology, environmental studies, and geographic information systems. These highly ambitious individuals joined this project looking to gain much needed career experience and to learn more about land management issues. Corps Members also receive: a subsistence living allowance, medical coverage, housing, expense paid travel, and may choose to enroll in the AmeriCorps Education Award Program to receive an award for college tuition or existing student loans.
The SCA Teams are currently monitoring vegetation changes in the Athens and Ironton districts of WNF. Fire Effects Monitoring (FIREMON) is a ‘plot level sampling system designed to characterize changes in ecosystem attributes over time’ and is a method used to predict and understand the effects that fire has on the ecosystem. Monitoring the forest for changes in vegetation is imperative for documenting the effects of a fire, evaluating ecosystem damage and benefit, estimating the success or failure of a burn, and assessing the potential for future treatments. FIREMON allows fire managers to continually improve prescriptions and fire plans to reflect new knowledge gained from scientific-based field studies.
Learn more about the SCA, including ways you can become involved, by visiting their website at: www.thesca.org
Please send inquiries to: RWoelz@thesca.org
Bobby Woelz
Project Leader
SCA — Conservation Corps — Fire
Wayne National Forest, Ironton District
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!
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.
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):
Also, The Continuum Conceptby 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!
Hello! The beautiful neti pots have arrived once again and this time with a new color- speckled yellow. All Neti Pots are $19.50.
Pearl Blue
sea foam green
Midnight Blue
Rosehip
Speckled Yellow
Balsam
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.
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.
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
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!!
Ahhh, the liver. Not often thought of and yet one of the most important organs in your body. Seriously. Functionally, in Western terms , the liver is involved in:
The Break down of Fats
Eliminating Free Radicals
Blood sugar levels
Amino acids
Detoxification
Packaging and Transforming and Regulating Hormones
We are constantly bombarding our liver with toxins and poisons and chemicals and synthetic hormones and fats and numerous foreign entities, consuming our poor liver’s time and energy. Fatty foods, such as animal proteins are a main staple in our American diet and are general the main focus of many meals. Foods high in cholesterol and fat can lead to cirrhosis of the liver as can a perpetual binge-drinking-fest. Here is a list of just a few things an American liver encounters on a regular basis (obviously not all apply):
Birth Control
Hormone Therapy
Alcohol
Recreational drugs
Fast Food
Acetaminophen and other pain medication
Cigarette toxins
Pollution
Pesticides
Saturated Fats
Cleaning Products
Anti-depressants.
One of the more common, college-age issues affecting the health of your liver is drinking alcohol. According to the National Institute of Health, women should only consume 1 drink per day or no more than 3 in one single day and only 7 per week. For Men it is 2 drinks with a maximum of 4 per day and no more than 14 per week. More than that puts a person at higher risk for liver disease (Niaaa.nih.gov).
Most of the time I follow these guidelines, not because some government agency wrote them down and stamped them, but because more than a glass of wine isn’t usually necessary. Sometimes, however, I have a bottle of wine. C’est la vie.
The point of all this? My favorite liver herb: Milk Thistle (God bless it).
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle (Sylibum marianum) is a member of the asteraceae family (daisy, lily and sunflower are also members).It’s actions in the body are:
Research is indicating its use with Viral Hepatitis A, B and C and perhaps in mushroom poisoning cases (Amanita mushrooms can be very deadly). As with most herbs, its antioxidant capacity lends itself to cancer prevention.
One thing it definitely helps with is a hangover. Now, previously I had mentioned the occassional BOTTLE of wine that I consume: milk thistle is just the thing. My husband and I (and friends) take 2 capsules before we drink, a few hours later take 2 more, take 2 more prior to bed and then take them the next day. Works like a charm.
In addition to the benefit mentioned above, it is also helpful for acne, constipation, crohn’s disease, IBS, gallstones, high cholesterol, lactation (increases), diabetes, ovarian cysts and other reproductive issues, Parkinson’s and Psoriasis-oh my!
Another factor that plays into Milk Thistle being my favorite and the liver-herb I recommend most often is that you can use it without it diminishing the effectiveness of birth control. Unlike St. John’s Wort or possibly Dandelion root, milk thistle does not seem to affect the hormonal supply from the pill/patch/ring/iud. In a world full of liver-villains, it is necessary to have an ally. My herbal liver-ally is Milk Thistle.
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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xoxo,
Trysta Major
Integrative Herbalism
Please feel free to contact me for additional information, a consultation or to obtain some Milk Thistle! You can email me at Trysta@IntegrativeHerbalism.com or through the contact tab at the top of this page!
My boobs have had the adventure of a lifetime: breast feeding. That’s what they are there for, right? Not just fabulous ornaments to entice our partners and add a nice silhouette to your fashion ensemble. No, these boobs have been working hard-day in and out, all night and whenever little man had interest. My philosophy has been to follow his cues, feed him on demand and have no restriction to access… I have been a “D” machine (his loving little name for nursing).
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