Friday, November 21, 2008

November Herb of the Month: Elderberrry

November can be a little deceiving because it's technically the month of Fall, but be careful! While the leaves are turning (in some parts of the U.S.) and folks are getting into the long-sleeved gear, mold and bacteria are gearing up for flue season. Don't be caught off guard, with a weakened immune system.

Elderberry is a dark blue or purplish looking berry from the elder bush. Found in various parts of North America and Europe, it is known for it's immune boosting properties. The berries have been proven to aid in the resistance to viral infections (particularly influenza and herpes) and is also a great anti-inflammatory herb.

Source: The Pocket Herbal Reference by Rita Elkins, M. H.

Elderberry can be made into a tea using the loose berries, as a tincture (herb is extracted via alcohol infusion) or my favorite, as a concentrate. As a preventative measure, take elderberry as a daily tonic. I actually add the concentrate, which is sweet and tangy, to what ever tea blend I am drinking in the morning. You can also add it to water or juice. I try to get in a morning and evening dose. At least once a day, I make an effort to get about two tablespoons mixed into about 10 oz of room temperature herbal tea, into my system. It tastes great chilled. All of the various elderberry forms can be found at Smile Herbs in College Park, MD (www.smileherb.com), for those of you in

If you decide to steep the berries alone in hot water, try to drink at least two cups a day to stave off colds and flu. If you do get sick, double the dose to help speed recovery. Tinctures can be taken in a little bit of water or juice; follow the recommended dose on the label.

The key to good health is awareness and prevention. Get your immune system ready for winter ailments by starting now.

Take Care,
IA

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

ReNewed Focus and Change: Ascension Plan

A few months ago a sister friend of mine was in turmoil. What on the surface seemed like a case of the pre-thirty crisis, revealed to be more of a downward spiral related to spirit. Essentially, the "Higher self" that is commonly referred to as the "soul", or "chi" was in sever conflict with the "physical self". This conflict was showing up in all manners of dis-ease. She was miserable! She came to me and asked for help. What came from that request is what I now call the 21-day Ascension Plan.

This plan is designed to create compromise between the two selves by releasing the heavy energies of negativity, doubt and fear. The plan, which involves a combination of liquid fasting and raw rood consumption and has three very important week-long tasks with exercises. The goal is to remove the blocks by:

1. Assessing
2. Accepting
3. Acting

The key to the success of the plan is not in not eating or drinking certain things, but in getting through each week without self-judgment. The results so far have been pretty amazing as clients leave the plan feeling "lighter" and grounded. I am now opening up the plan to everyone and wanted to share some thoughts regarding its content and practice.

Why fast?

We spend a GREAT deal of time eating as a substitute for EVERYTHING. It is always interesting for folks who are not fasters to realize how much of their lives revolve around food when they begin the process. By removing food, you are able to see just how much time you actually have. You also uncover habits that may hide behind food consumption. Ultimately, when you go without food, you are forced to realize how blessed you are to be right where you are.

Who should/n't fast?

This is a decision you should come to on your own. If you have any health restrictions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, IBS, etc. you should let me know so that I can create a modified plan to accomodate your concerns. This plan is not medical advice and is really at your own risk. I work from a place of spirit, but live on the earth plane. As a result, I am forced to recognize that there maybe some people who might attempt this plan without revealing their complete status. Be mindful that Spirit works from a place of balance, so what you put out there does come back. Your intentions should be clear before embarking on this plan, if for nothing elese, honesty is where true change lives.

Why 21 days?

I am big on numbers and "3" and "7" are particularly powerful. The plan is essentially conducted over 3 weeks. The number 3 for many refers to the Holy Trinity,but I have recently discovered that it also refers to the past, present and future, which lines up quite divinely with the work that is done within each week. Each week last for 7 days and the number 7 is often viewed as a magic number of completion, which again lines up with the point of each week's task.

Are there any restrictions?

The plan does list what each week entails in terms of consumption and there are "restrictions", but ultimately the plan serves as a guideline. The founding element of the plan is that in order to ascend, you have to let go of judgment. Even if during the plan you eat a cooked meal or drink fruit juice, it's okay-- there is no judgment. If you go astray, get back on track as soon as possible. The reason for this is quite simple: this is your journey. You have guidelines, but only you can walk your path.

Will I lose weight?

This depends on you, however, I want to state now: This is not a weight loss plan! Fasting is a way to detoxify the body and change behaviors. I am always leery of weight-loss fasts, because starving yourself just to lose weight is not only unhealthy, it lacks humility. In this plan you will rid yourself of unwanted energies which can manifest into physical weight, but that is not the point or the goal. The lightness associated with the completion of the plan, is ultimately energetic.

How involved are you in the plan?

I offer various stages of help. At the basic level I am a coach of sorts. I encourage you to stick with it, but in a way that works for you. There are daily email reports and once the fast begins, clients have access to me 24 hours a day. Some clients will call me while they are at a restaurant and ask for help on menu choices, or ask how to supplement their liquid portion if they are feeling light-headed or uncomfortable. Usually, I am just a receiver of information, here for fasters to vent.

Is there a cost?

Yes there is a base fee of $35 for the plan itself. Depending on the client there can be additonal fees associated with custome tea and bath blends. I am also an herbalist, so I can create blends for clients that are specific to them. I also make bath salt blends that are great for additional detoxing and expunging negative energies. I am a healer and while I am driven by spirit, I too have to meet my earth-plane needs.

If 21 days seems like a bit much, stay tuned for details on my group fast for the end of the year. I started this last year as a way to introduce fasting to clients and the group aspect proved to be quite successful. Fasters check in online and receive tea and bath salt blends customized for whatever intentions each faster has set for the seven days. This is a transition into the new year that works similarly to the Ascension plan.

If you are interested in fasting or other spiritual assistance, feel free to contact me.