Last week was Imbolc, pronounced like im-balk. This fire festival marks the halfway point between winter and spring. So we are on the other side of old man winter and spring will be here before you know it. Soon spring greens, roots and shoots will begin to emerge from the ground reminding us of renewal and birth. Mother nature operates seasonally; there is an ebb and flow, a giant cycle to her death and growth each trip around the sun. If we learn to walk along side her, taking cues and utilizing her strategically planned herbal gifts, we too can benefit from her cyclical life.
Start to take notice of the first plants that begin to emerge at the beginning of spring. These generally are the herbal allies that help support our digestive system, detox the liver and kidneys and help us put a little spring in our step. These are the "spring cleaners" of the plant world. After indulging in comfort foods and more sedentary behavior over the winter months, our bodies need a little tune-up to get back into the swing of things.
When I think of spring cleaning my body, the lymphatic system comes to mind. This integral part of the immune system is comprised of a network of tissues and organs designed to help rid the body of toxins and waste. While the circulatory systems relies on the pumping action of the heart to fulfill its function. The lymphatic system lacks a pumping mechanism and is reliant on us to create movement to transport the lymphatic fluid throughout the body, filtering out toxins and carrying white blood cells to combat infection and foreign invaders.
There are some easy things you can do to support your lymphatic system:
Dry brush your skin before showering: Using long strokes working towards the heart. There is no need to press hard as the lymphatic system is located close to the surface of the skin.
Drink lots of water/herbal tea: Lymph fluid is comprised mostly of water and when we become dehydrated, our bodies retain water and this does not allow excretion to happen. Drinking plenty of water ensures movement of fluids and filtration.
Movement is the key to flow: practice yoga, exercise daily, and possibly get monthly massages.
Eat alkaline foods: Nutrient dense foods such as leafy greens are filled with life-giving chlorophyll....think spinach, kale and dandelion greens.
Hold/Cold shower: Taking a shower and alternating the water between hot and cold will create contracting and dilating, mimicking a pumping action.
It is not surprising that the first plant life to emerge after a long winter's rest are dandelion, nettle, cleavers, chickweed, lamb's quarter, purslane and red clover, as these are all amazing purifiers that support the lymphatic system. You can harvest these greens and substitute them in your favorite pesto recipe, or just eat them raw in a salad. Not into harvesting "weeds" in your yard? We got ya covered! We created our Lymphatic Tisane with spring greens, to provide you with the support you need in the ease of a "tea." This tasty brew includes nettles, cleavers, red clover, echinacea, dandelion and we also added delicious, adaptogenic tulsi basil.
As the Vernal Equinox approaches (March 20,2021) take notice to what you are drawn to do.....are you feeling called to open your windows, clean out those dust bunnies behind the couch and purge your closet? This year, why not partake in spring cleaning rituals that brush out your internal cobwebs; getting your body ready to spring into the next season.
Want to work with the herbs seasonally, but do not know where to start? Let us curate seasonal herbal products that we will ship to your door by the beginning of each season. You can "set it and forget" with our Annual 2021 Box so you do not miss out on any of our seasonal offerings (last winter box sold out). Each box will contain 3-5 organic, plant remedies all made by me (Heidi) to help your bodies flow with the seasons. The 2021 Spring box will include our tasty Lymphatic Tisane along with other apothecary favorites. Each package includes a newsletter highlighting all products, their ingredients, suggested uses along with some tips and tricks for storage. Let us provide you with tasty, easy to use products to work with the seasonal shifts with ease and grace.
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