THYME: Herb of the Month

Thyme is a low-growing aromatic perennial herb that is common to Mediterranean countries and parts of Europe. Thyme was brought to North America, and has become a beloved garden herb. It is one of the most commonly used plants both medicinally and for culinary uses and has a rich history throughout the world. In ancient Egypt, thyme was used in embalming fluid. Thyme was one of the favorite plants in ancient Rome, and was beloved by the emperor. It was considered protective and healing, and was believed to protect against poisoning. It was also burned by the Romans and Greeks to purify homes and temples. The Romans used it to flavor alcoholic beverages and cheese. It is said that the Romans also gave this herb to people to cure them of melancholy and shyness. The Romans then introduced this herb to England, where it took on the same popularity it had in the Mediterranean. During the plague, which took hold of Europe in the mid 1300's, people would wear and carry thyme as protection. Rich in both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and loaded with vitamin C, thyme is medicinal for many different ailments. One of its most common uses is for respiratory issues. Because of its antibacterial and expectorant properties, thyme can help with soothing a cough. The antispasmodic property works as a cough suppressant, helping one to sleep through the night. Thyme can also be a wonderful digestive aid and can help bloating and malabsorption. It has also been shown to be beneficial to bone health because of its calcium content, and to be an aid in proper cardiac function because it relaxes the valves and veins, thus improving the heart's overall function.

If all these benefits aren't enough, thyme is also documented to increase feelings of positivity and to work to uplift the mood and ease stress. It contains many powerful compounds including caracrol, which has been shown to have a positive effect on mood as it increases level of serotonin and dopamine. Drinking thyme tea, consuming it, or diffusing the essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, can elevate feelings of well-being and enhance feelings of relaxation.

by Theresa Musatto

MYRRH: Essential Oil of the Month

Myrrh is a resin that comes from trees of the Commiphora species.

Myrrh essential oil has a long, rich history with a variety of uses. The resin has been used medicinally and burned as an incense. Often used in combination with frankincense, it has been used in places of worship to purify and stop the spread of diseases. In Chinese medicine, myrrh is considered a potent medicine and is used in cases of hay fever and a variety of other ailments. Myrrh oil has been proven to kill bacteria. It can be useful in cases of oral infection. Diluted myrrh oil can be used to treat topical wound infections and because of its strong astringency, it helps prevent blood loss and promotes wound healing. When added to a lotion or oil, it can be a wonderful remedy for the skin, reducing lines and wrinkles.

For aromatherapy purposes, myrrh is said to help with coughs, colds, and congestion. It is also known to help lift depression and give one a feeling of calm alertness and spiritual awareness. Used on the scalp, its astringency can strengthen the hair, preventing hair loss and dandruff.

When diluted and used in massage oil, myrrh oil helps to relax the muscles, and can help aid the gentle detoxifying effects of a massage. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, it can help with digestion issues when applied topically.

Remember, it is never safe to ingest essential oils. Myrrh oil is not safe for pregnant or nursing women.

Always dilute essential oils before using for topical or aromatherapy purposes.

by Theresa Musatto

AVENTURINE: Gemstone of the Month

As winter begins to slowly fade and some bits of green begin to appear on the ground, one can be reminded of the vibrant color of the gemstone aventurine.. Derived from the Italian word “venture” meaning “by chance”, aventurine is considered a stone of opportunities and a bringer of good luck. The stone can increase feelings of positivity and hope. Considered a heart stone by many, aventurine can help to soothe any old wounds and give one a feeling of calm and joy. It helps one to embrace change and can give a feeling of newness and restored faith. The stone can be seen as a sort of “spring cleaning” for our emotional self.

“Green aventurine's essence is that of spring bursting forth after a long, dark winter. It's frequency stimulates renewal on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, assisting one in releasing old patterns, disease, and lessons, so new growth and movement can take place... It soothes emotional wounds and facilitates the release of outmoded relationships, emotional patterns, and heartache. Its frequency stimulates a sense of renewed hope and joy and is very useful for those who have issues of depression... It acts as an emotional anchor, keeping one rooted in the heart when emotional storms arise.”

-Naisha Ahsian , The Book of Stones

by Theresa Musatto

Spring Tonics

Spring and love are in the air! Unfortunately, so are sluggish bodies moving about after being worn down from the long winter months. Now, you may consider this to be a terrible series of woes to contend with, but you can rid yourself of that tired body, take in the fresh scent of the spring air, and allow love to bloom.
Spring is the time of year to "cleanse the blood." The body becomes deficient in nutrients during the winter months, and in early spring eating greens for rejuvenation are in order. Among the popular springtime greens are dandelions, watercress, burdock, and parsley. Fresh minced leaves can be liberally sprinkled on salads, soups, and stews.
Those pesky dandelions everyone tries to rid their yards of in the spring are quite useful. Dandelion leaves are eaten in the spring, before flowering. The leaves can be eaten either raw or cooked. Dandelion is also a diuretic and will aid in cleansing the body of toxins.
Watercress is just what is needed after being cooped up for the winter. It is said that watercress is an aphrodisiac. Try it in salads, sandwich spreads, soups, or stir fries for a radiant glow to your skin.
Herbs which can build the energy of the organ system are used as tonics and are commonly recommended for low vitality. Many tonics act primarily to provide nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and sugars. These include comfrey and dandelion leaf. Others act to balance and stimulate energy, improving the ability to utilize nutrients. The most valuable of these being the Chinese root tonic herbs: burdock, dandelion, parsley, Oregon grape, and goldenseal root.
The young leaves of burdock can be cooked in several changes of water and eaten as a potherb. The stalks, before it flowers, can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Dig up the root and add it to soup or use it to make a stir fry.
Everyone recognizes parsley as a garnish, but it is an herbal multivitamin containing beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. (Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be should avoid eating large amounts as it can stimulate menstruation).
This spring, put a spring in your step with a spring tonic!


by Judy Burger

Book Spotlight: Sanctuary of Your Own by Caroline Dow

Bring a sense of harmony and balance to your environment so that no matter where you are, you can connect with spirit. This book shares insightful techniques for transforming any space into a haven designed to help you achieve serenity and joy.

By engaging your five senses and working with the power of intention, you can create a sacred space anywhere, no matter what your spiritual background is. Sanctuary of Your Own shows how to carve out your own personal refuge at work, in your car, or even in a hotel room. Author Caroline Dow also shares tips for designing your own altar, getting rid of clutter, and establishing spaces to share with family and friends.

Whether you want to facilitate a meditation practice or express your personal interests and cultural background, this accessible guide shows how to take small steps that get big results. With examples from cultures around the world and practical ideas for incorporating colors, fragrances, botanicals, gemstones, textiles, and even special numbers, Sanctuary of Your Own helps you fashion a perfect space where you can feel safe, relax, and rejuvenate. -from Amazon.com

Love Potions & Charms

Love and the pursuit of love have always preoccupied the human race. And the beautiful, modest flowers have been used the world over as love charms. Plants were thought of as powerful forces that could influence lives. For the charm to be properly effective, the usual practice was to pray and talk to the plants, conveying one's purpose to the plant along with showing proper respect. When a dried herb was made into a charm, it was usually made into a powder and then placed into a leather bag and worn as a necklace or around the waist. Love potions were another popular use of plants (herbs and essential oils) to ensure attraction to another, cure lovesickness, or help in cases of thwarted love.
Is the magic completely gone? Is there anyone who still searches for mountain valerian? Or fills their pockets with wild parsley seeds and a secret hope in their heart? I certainly hope the magic is still alive. In the spirit of the past, and a hope for the future, I give you this potion to try for yourself.

Love Potion No. 9
Mix two cups good quality brandy, one ounce dried Damiana leaves, 1/4 cup flavored honey, one two-inch piece of orange peel, five whole allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds in a bottle, then close tightly. Store in a dark place, shaking daily, for one month. Strain, re-bottle, and take by tablespoon as desired.


by Judy Burger

SWEET ORANGE: Essential Oil of the Month

During the long dark winters full of dreaming, sweet orange oil contains the perfect essence that captures the height of summer. Uplifting for midwinter, it can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Considered to have strong antidepressant characteristics and considerable calming affects, simply smelling the scent of orange oil can be a useful tool for any stress one may be going through. According to one study, people exposed to the aroma of orange essential oil had a more positive mood, less anxiety, and an increased alertness than those who were not exposed to the aroma. Because of its antiseptic properties it can make a wonderful skin cleanser when diluted, helping skin conditions such as acne and decreasing signs of aging. When diluted in oil and massaged into the abdomen it can help relieve a variety of digestion issues. Because orange oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be useful in cases of arthritis by simply adding it to an oil and massaging into the affected areas.

Use orange oil to disinfect surfaces and to permeate your kitchen with its uplifting scent- simply dilute the orange oil in water and spray.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid orange essential oil.

by Theresa Musatto

SIBERIAN GINSENG: Herb of the Month

As winter deepens, the energy of the plants goes into the roots, storing energy for the spring. Likewise, many animals hibernate in the winter- humans, too, can go into a bit of “hibernation mode.” The root of Siberian ginseng can help you build deeper strength and energy this winter so you are ready to blossom in spring. 

Siberian ginseng is a small, woody shrub, native to Northern China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. It is now cultivated in many temperate climates throughout the world. The name Siberian "ginseng” is a bit of a misnomer, for it is not a true ginseng- it is in a completely different family than the other ginsengs and does not have ginsenosides, which are natural saponins found in ginseng. However, Siberian ginseng's properties somewhat mimic the other ginsengs and it is considered a superior herbal medicine. It also goes by the name eleuthero, from its latin name, eleutherococcus senticos. 

An herb used extensively throughout the world, eleuthero is a mainstay for many who know about its uses. Used in China for over 2,000 years, the medicinal properties of eleuthero are well-documented. “I would rather have a handful of eleuthero than a cart of gold and jewels,” said the well known Chinese herbalist Li Shi-Chen, in 1596 in his treatise for herbal medicine. It has been used for thousands of years to promote vitality, help build and support immunity, help heart ailments, and decrease mental strain.

Eleuthero is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and balance anything that might be out of balance. Because of it's well-documented ability to increase endurance and strength, many Olympic and professional athletes are reported to take it to increase their performance, training, and stamina. The plant can also be useful to counteract effects of radiation; many Siberian citizens were given eleuthero to help counteract the affects of Chernobyl. Eleuthero can also strengthen the immune system to prevent the onset of colds and flus.

Eleuthero is a difficult herb to beat in terms of plants that increase your life energy and strengthen the overall system. It can help combat the issues of chronic fatigue disorder and any stress-related conditions. Those who are overworked, overtaxed, and chronically tired, will find a good friend in eleuthero.

by Theresa Musatto

Side effects: Generally considered safe by many herbalists. Consult your doctor before taking eleuthero if you are taking any medications or have considerable health problems. Use cautiously if you have high blood pressure. Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.

GOLDSTONE: Gemstone of the Month

Blue goldstone can remind one of the sky in January when it's clear; dark blue with many stars. A man-made stone, typically in the colors of red and blue, goldstone is made from a type of silica glass that contains metallic crystals inside.
A stone of “soul- truth,” it helps us to remember and accept who we are, and to stop denying the truth. Known as a protective stone, blue goldstone can also be a great support for focusing on one's life vision, self-expression, self-discovery, and enhanced creativity. Associated with the throat and third eye chakras, goldstone can help you express your truth in a meaningful way and have deeper insight into yourself. With its shimmery sparkles in the dark, goldstone reminds us that there is always light in darkness. The stone can be used to help guide us to remember our own inner light and its radiance that cannot be extinguished.

By Theresa Musatto

Yule

The winter solstice (on or around December 21^st) has long been honored as the moment we shift from the darker half of the year to the lighter half, as the days begin to lengthen- the sun is reborn. Germanic and Norse traditions historically celebrated a festival known as Yule or Yuletide, a holiday that is still celebrated by Neopagans and Heathens today and lasts anywhere from three to twelve days. Many traditions we now associate with the Christian holiday of Christmas originated in historical Yuletide celebrations, such as caroling, imbibing on wassail (spiced cider), mistletoe kissing, as well as decorating trees with lights, and hanging holly and ivy in the home. A Yule log, traditionally made of ash, was brought into the home and lavishly decorated before being set ablaze, as the highlight of celebration. A piece of the previous year's log was added, symbolic of retaining prosperity throughout the year and into the next. There are many variations of these celebrations in modern traditions. Whatever you celebrate, we hope you have a blessed and warm holiday!

Book Spotlight: A Year of Living Mindfully by Anna Black

Experience a year of living mindfully with weekly activities and practices that will help you enjoy a more stress-free, contented, and fulfilled life.

Anna Black believes we can see our essential nature as the blue sky and our experience, good and bad, simply as impersonal weather that obscures it from time to time. We can’t stop the difficult times occurring but we can help ourselves move through them by connecting with our essential nature through mindfulness. In A Year of Living Mindfully Anna helps you to gradually integrate mindfulness into your everyday life. Week by week it suggests different activities and meditations to cultivate present moment awareness. The emphasis is on progressing at your own pace and cultivating a spirit of curiosity about the moments that make up your life. There is plenty of space to reflect on your experience and what you are discovering. Anna suggests ways to actively cultivate qualities that build our emotional resilience in the same way we may exercise to improve our physical fitness. We can learn to handle difficult emotions more positively and learn to respond to our experience rather than being hijacked by it.



(from amazon.com)

VIRGINIA CEDARWOOD: Essential Oil of the Month

While most trees are bare this time of year, cedar trees are evergreen. Cedar oil can remind you of your deep strength and give you some emotional stamina this winter. Cedar is considered a sacred tree in many different cultures and traditions. It has been used in many different religious and spiritual ceremonies and practices, partly because it is known to relax the mind and body, making prayer and meditation easier. Used in aromatherapy, cedar oil can be a wonderful tool for aiding both relaxation and concentration. It can both alleviate feelings of stress and stimulate cerebral function, making it easier to focus. Cedar oil can help ease tension in the body and make it easier to fall asleep. It can be used to help one breathe easier, help with the buildup of phlegm, and a variety of other respiratory ailments. To help with breathing, try using it as a natural vapor rub by diluting it and massaging it into the throat and chest.

When diluted and used topically, cedar essential oil can help ease inflammation, dryness, cracking of the skin, acne, and can reduce signs of aging. It can facilitate wound healing, as well as soothe muscle aches and spasms.

Cedar oil is great for encouraging hair growth and health. It has been known to reduce hair thinning, slow hair loss, and help improve circulation to the scalp while cleansing.
It also can be used in spray bottles to disinfect and to repel insects.

Enjoy cedar oil's many and varied benefits this winter season.

by Theresa Musatto

RAINBOW OBSIDIAN: Gemstone of the Month

The French writer Albert Camus once wrote, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” In this darkest time of winter, the stone of rainbow obsidian can remind you of that invincible summer within yourself. Like the rainbow comes after a storm, rainbow obsidian holds this rainbow within itself, as a promise of hope encapsulated by the fertile darkness. This stone is useful for grounding and is a powerful protector. It can help you touch on some of the root causes of emotional distress. It carries you deep within yourself and aids in shining light on different, perhaps buried, parts of oneself. This journey is not always pleasant to begin with, but looking deep into oneself bears the fruit of true understanding and peace that cannot come without an earnest and determined search.

Use this stone as an ally in this dark months, to dig deep and find your inner rainbow.

“Rainbow Obsidian helps one take the downward journey to unexpected Light. One often expects the spiritual Light to be found above, in one's flights towards Heaven, but for most human beings it's impossible to escape the prisons of one's own wounded psyche without going down. This journey into the depths is as amazing as it is necessary. As one descends, one finds the forgotten pieces of oneself that have been left behind at each wounding. Reclaiming the parts and continuing downward, one may experience more emptiness and deeper darkness before suddenly bursting into Light at the very nadir of the descent.” - Robert Simmons

by Theresa Musatto

WILD CHERRY: Herb of the Month

As winter progresses, wild cherry bark can help you with any coughs or colds that come along. Considered one of the most precious herbs to the Native Americans, it can be used in a variety of ways. Known best as a cough suppressant, one can often find wild cherry bark syrup at their local natural food or herb store. Because it is also a bronchiodilator, it not only suppresses coughing (very useful if it is keeping you up at night), it can also open up your airways. Its astringent actions reduce mucus, and its gentle nervine action helps you to feel soothed. Being a member of the rose family, it is not surprising that wild cherry bark is also a wonderful heart tonic. It both tones the heart and aids in relieving congestion of the cardiovascular system. It can help remedy heart conditions such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure.

Wild cherry bark is also considered a wonderful digestive tonic. Being a bitter, it promotes the secretion of digestive juices, which help the breakdown of food and aid in the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, it can tone and strengthen the digestive system and can be useful for cases of indigestion.

Many Native America tribes used the berries and inner bark to treat worms and diarrhea. Used as a poultice, wild cherry bark and root have proved to be useful in treating a variety of skin problems and wounds. The inner bark was applied as a poultice on cuts, ulcers, wounds, and burns by the Chippewa tribe.

Prunus serotina (wild cherry) is very closely related to prunus virginia and both are often referred to as chokecherry. According to the Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, "When Captain Meriwether Lewis fell ill with fever and abdominal cramps on the Lewis and Clark expedition, he was on his feet the next day after being dosed with chokecherry twigs simmered in water." 

Wild cherry should be avoided in large doses and for long periods of time. In addition, avoid if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a doctor if you are taking it with medications because wild cherry bark can affect how they are are broken down by the liver.



by Theresa Musatto

The Magic of Soup: January is National Soup Month

In the 17th century B.C., I-Yin, the Chinese imperial chef studied herbs for medicinal use in cooking and developed the healing herbal soups that are now a standard part of the Chinese diet and healing regimens.
Experts believe the therapeutic value of soup comes in part from the ease with which the body assimilates the ingredients, broken down by simmering, as well as from the synergy of food and herbs cooked together. Soups don't require much energy to digest so in many cultures they are often used instead of food when a person is sick. (For example, chicken soup: the Jewish penicillin). Soup is an ideal vehicle for introducing therapeutic substances into the daily routine. You can eat soups containing tonic herbs and food daily for preventative health.
To make a good tonic soup, use a non-metallic pot such as a ceramic or crock pot. Cook the ingredients over low heat. Simmering gently leaches out the energetic and therapeutic properties of the foods, rather than destroying them.
Fall is the season of the lung, which is nourished by pungent foods, and must be protected from excessive dryness, and from ailments like cods, bronchitis, and the flu. Winter is an important time to tonify the kidneys with soups. As you strengthen the kidneys, you strengthen the whole body.

Soup Recipe for Cold & Flu

3 whole scallions, sliced into thin 1" strips

1 ounce black or white soybeans

5 quarter-sized slices ginger, cut into 1" strips

2 pints water

Bring all ingredients to a boil. Cover and simmer over very low heat for thirty minutes. Makes 2 servings.

Recipe for Kidney Tonic Soup

1/4 ounce fennel seeds

1/4 ounce cinnamon bark

Dried orange peel (about 1/2 of an orange)

2 scallions, cut into thin 1" strips

3 cloves garlic, pressed or chopped fine

3 quarter-sized slices ginger, cut into 1" strips

1/4 pound tofu (or cooked chicken) 1" cubes

1 quart vegetable or chicken stock

Place fennel, cinnamon, and orange peel in a tea strainer or herb floater. Place with other ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for forty minutes. Remove strainer and serve. Makes 2 servings.

by Judy Burger

Recipe: Chocolate Adaptabili-Tea Balls

Chocolate Adaptabili-Tea Balls

1c. nut butter of choice (such as almond or cashew)

1 c. raw, local honey

1 oz Adaptabili-Tea, ground & sifted

1 c.+ cocoa powder

Mix the honey & nut butter together thoroughly. Add the powdered herbs and combine evenly. Add cocoa powder until you have a knead-able dough consistency. Roll into 1” balls. Can coat in additional cocoa powder, if desired.

FRANKINCENSE: Essential Oil of the Month

Frankincense is a wonderful oil to use when you want to feel connected spiritually, as the case may be this holiday season.

Frankincense is the dried resin from the Boswellia tree. The resin is burned as incense, and often incense in stick form is made from it. The scent is said to be very uplifting spiritually- some say it can help you feel connected to the Divine. The resin is anti-inflammatory and can be used for a variety of ailments, such as arthritis. The essential oil contains constituents that help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while enhancing mood and memory. It can work against aging, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other spots, as well as increasing the skin's elasticity. It can be used for cleaning, as it eliminates both surface and airborne bacteria. It can both disinfect and tighten pores, therefore being helpful with the effective healing of cuts, scars and wounds. When inhaled, it can work to encourage easy breathing, clearing the nasal passageways.

Being a strong anti-inflammatory oil, it can reduce redness, itching, and swelling, and is known to soothe inflamed skin. It can also stimulate growth of new cells and help with circulation and blood flow.

Be sure to always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin. Never ingest essential oils, as they are very potent and can damage the liver if used without caution. Avoid frankincense essential oil if pregnant or nursing.

by Theresa Musatto

AMETHYST: Gemstone of the Month

Amethyst can be a wonderful ally in this season where many traditions celebrate their connection with Divinity.

Considered a stone that helps support one's connection with the Divine, Amethyst can be a helpful tool if you would like to feel connected to something greater than yourself. If you are seeking clarity, feeling lost or disconnected, this stone may assist you in feeling united again. One of the most known of all the gemstones, amethyst is in the quartz family and is often readily recognizable by its sparkling purple that can range from so dark it's opaque, to as clear as pure quartz. The stone has a rich and long history of variety of uses, mainly that of connecting one with their version of a higher power, and enhancing clarity and spiritual vision. “Amethystos” is a Greek word that means “not drunk”, and was seen in ancient Greece as a protection against drunkenness. Holding the stone was thought to help one find the clarity needed without drinking and reigned in any impulse towards overindulgence. In the same manner, amethyst is a great tool for anyone trying to break any bad habit. It is also a very purifying stone and helps to protect from negative energies. With the clarity amethyst gives, it can also enhance intuition. It is said that holding an amethyst or having amethyst in one's environment, can give one a feeling of being in a “bubble of light”. It is also known for bringing people into awareness of the angelic realm. It can connect you deeply with your soul, and you may feel more understanding about your path and direction.

“.. it is a stone of spiritual protection and purification.. It can be an aid to curbing overindulgence and giving up bad habits. It can be used to assist one in quitting smoking, drinking or drug use. It stimulates the chrown chakra and is an aid to meditation, helping to still one's thoughts and move into higher states of consciousness. It can clear one's energy field of negative influences and attachments and can thereby facilitate the creation of an energetic 'shield'- a field of spiritual Light around the body that wards off the negativity in one's environment.”- Robert Simmons

“Amethyst facilitates, mediates, and engenders communion and communication with one's guides and angels. It assists one in surrendering to the Divine and assuming one's spiritual power as a creation of that Divine being.”

- Naisha Ashian

by Theresa Musatto

HAWTHORN: Herb of the Month

The season can be for many, about bringing a more heart-centered awareness, with gratitude and the giving of gifts. Hawthorn fits perfectly into this season, as it is a main heart herb, both physically and emotionally. The physical effects are documented and extensive. Emotionally, it can give you the “Christmas morning feeling”, both warming your heart and making you feel more relaxed.

Hawthorn, also called thornapple, is a thorny shrub or small tree belonging to the rose family, and is native to the north temperate zone. It is a tree that has long thorns and small red (or ranging from yellow to black) berries that are a bit tangy and are packed with nutrition. The leaves, berries, and flowers are used as medicine. Known best as a heart medicine, hawthorn also has a variety of other medicinal properties. It is an all around heart herb- besides its astonishing ability to regulate blood pressure, it has been shown to help with conditions such as angina and heart failure.

The berry is also known to activate bile and gastric secretions, which aids in the digestion of stagnant food in the GI track, especially food that is rich in protein or fat. The berries are packed with antioxidants and also contain a variety of compounds that help gut flora to improve digestion of nutrients.

Hawthorn has a very rich history in the Celtic tradition, where it was considered a portal to the realm of Fae, and it was written about in many different myths around the world. It's known as one of the oldest medicinal plants that has a written history. It was prescribed as a remedy for heart problems by the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides in the first century AD. 

While hawthorn is generally considered safe and has been consumed as a food in jams and syrups throughout history, it's always best to consult your doctor before using hawthorn medicinally if you are on a heart medication.

Book Spotlight: I Don't Want to Be an Empath Anymore by Ora North

Do you feel all the feels—all the time? Are you fed up with the mainstream spiritual “love and light” scene that calls for constant positivity, even in the face of true loss, trauma, and pain? If so, this book is for you.

I Don’t Want to Be an Empath Anymore is a gift for the jaded empath searching for authenticity in spirituality, and spirituality in being authentic—something beyond the clichéd, positive affirmations that seem to invalidate our anger, sadness, and pain. When we feel broken—and when real damage has been done, it’s not always helpful to ignore our feelings and tell ourselves that we are perfect and whole.

In this refreshingly honest guide, shamanic practitioner Ora North offers practical exercises to help you navigate your intuition and empathic sensitivities, create much-needed boundaries, and build confidence. You’ll also learn to balance your emotions and energy, and harness the strength of your shadow side to embrace your whole self and live your best life.

Like the Japanese craft known as Kintsugi—the art of repairing broken pottery using a lacquer dusted with powdered gold—the process of acknowledging and repairing our fragmented selves can make us even more beautiful than before, cracks and all. In this book, you won’t find platitudes or attempts to whitewash your experiences. What you will find are real, practical tools and guidance to help you make the most of your unique abilities.