the effects of fragrant dirt
"Recent research has shown that the smell of humus exerts a physiological effect on humans. Breathing in the scent of mother earth stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, the same chemical that promotes bonding between mother and child, between lovers. Held in loving arms, no wonder we sing in response." -Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
how brilliant is that? As kids, sitting idly under a tree pulling out little clumps of grass--our mothers elsewhere--we were unknowingly being mothered. Not just energetically, but physiologically through our hormonal response. The smell of the earth can change our hormones…wow. It makes me wonder how different we might be if, as infants, we were always in contact with our birth mother or our earth mother. would the kinds of endocrine disorders that abound today be so prevalent? how many other connections can be made through this little piece of scientific data? how easily could things change by returning to a daily dose of palming the forest floor?
letters from the allergy capital...
what do allergies have to teach us, and can I stop sneezing long enough to listen? I will not pretend that I have all the answers here, but I have been finding a personal connection between allergy attacks and putting myself in situations where I am compromising my own needs. The body finds a way to get what it needs, even by overreacting sometimes. It's a child-like response, but very effective. So what if I stand up for myself, be brave, and simply state what I need? "sorry, I need to go home and rest." Well, so far, no allergy attack.
Now, for the little sniffly annoying allergies that worsen at night or when the wind picks up, here's some things to try: in general, improve digestion, calm and cool the liver, and support the deep immune system.
astragalus
immunomodulator (don't use with a high fever, otherwise good)
5 grams daily via decoction
ganoderma--reishi
deep immune stimulant. 1/2t. two-double decoction extract tincture
2x/day
silymarin--milk thistle seed
cooling to the liver, protective of liver function
2T daily ground up (buy/harvest whole, grind as needed), sprinkle on food
gentian
great for food sensitivities, intolerances, digestive issues. reduces gastrointestinal and respiratory inflammation. look for bitter formulas with gentian as the chief herb. 10 drops tincture before meals.
* *nettles are often said to be great for allergies, but studies are showing that to be true ONLY in it's fresh plant form. So go for the freeze-dried capsules, or make pesto.
if you use a neti pot, you can add a drop of golden rod tincture or a teaspoon of marshmallow root infusion in there too. always follow with some good quality oil up your nostrils when your done. oh joy;)
good luck!
sb277--vaccination without choice
I imagine we all know about this bill, but i want to make a personal request that each of you, whether you have kids or not, vaccinate or not, work with kids or not, take a stand on this issue. our freedom to choose our own medicine is being threatened by an industry that is not held accountable by anyone and has a long history of corruption. at the very least, we should be asking the question of who is behind this bill, and what they personally gain in it going through. unfortunately, the big pharm industry is fueled by money and power, which breeds greed. i think we should also be asking the question, "how does fear fuel our choices around health?" fear is what happens when we feel threatened, so what would it look like to act out of deep understanding and wisdom around this issue of disease, illness, and sickness in our society? we gotta bring this thing back to the ground.
alder. elderflower. sedge. willow. wild lettuce. teasel. cattail. shooting star.
May the earth's smell make you feel loved~
frieda kipar bay
**and for upcoming classes, garden days, and clinics, head over to the calendar page….