On October 18, 2015 Anastasja "Stasja" Graffa was in a tragic car accident, taking her from this world at the young age of 18. The devastation that our group of friends experienced could never be conveyed in words. We flocked to her mother, Keri's, side in an attempt to console and surround her in love. At a loss for words, and in lieu of flowers, I presented Keri with a chaste tree and a plaque honoring Stasja's memory.
I chose the chaste (Vitex agnus-castus) as my offering because this beautiful shrub supports women's health throughout the course of their reproductive cycle. The purple, peppery scented berries have been said to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels; helping to alleviate symptoms of PMS, perimenopause and menopause.
Vitex berries have been credited with helping to reduce hot flashes and night sweats, lessening acne, cramps and breast tenderness along with taming irritability and mood swings. We coupled these supportive berries with black cohosh root (Actaea racemose) with the purpose to create Stasja Strong, a product meant to support women in any phase of life.
Black cohosh is a native woodland dweller, preferring a shady and moist home. We utilize the roots of this beauty as it has been known to support women through menopause as it may contain chemical constituents that combat hot flashes and night sweats. People have used this herb with varying results, but studies have shown that it raises estrogen levels. Lower estrogen in (peri)menopausal women is what researchers believe to the leading cause of common symptoms associated with this change in hormonal health. We combined these pungent roots with vitex berries in an attempt to extract support for women suffering from these life disrupting problems.
It is so heartbreaking when we lose people close to us, I am not sure how to combat the feeling of sadness and loss. But I have found that sharing stories and remembering them often keeps their spirit alive, and in our lives. It made my heart happy to create medicine from the "Stasja tree" in Keri's yard; having the privilege to honor Stasja's memory while supporting Keri's hormonal health.
***I think of that beautiful soul every morning when I take my dropper full.***
A 2oz bottle of Stasja Strong, is included in our 2024 Spring box. Order today and your herbal package will arrive on your doorstep by March 21st, ready to support you and yours throughout the spring months and the year ahead.
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