Motherwort is a common plant seen in backyards and along sidewalks here in West Michigan. I first came into contact with her in my backyard about four years ago. The latin name for Motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca - Lion Hearted. Now this is what got me, even though I didn't know it at the time. As I look back over the past few years, I can see the thread that has been illuminated by this plant.
Read moreSeasonal Support: 4 Simple ways to support your Body this Spring
"Worms will not eat living wood where the vital sap is flowing; rust will not hinder the opening of a gate when the hinges are used each day. Movement gives health and life. Stagnation brings disease and death."
-Proverb in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Read moreLiving in Harmony with Nature
I have had an image of a way to work with plant medicine floating around my brain for the past few months. The image is of a plant and human side-by-side. The plant (say a flower) has roots, stems and leaves, and a flowering top. The human looks just like you would imagine. What if we worked with plant medicines in a way that reflected this image? Plant roots to nourish our arms and legs, our root chakra, to ground our energy. Plant leaves to support the internal organs, the fluids like blood and lymph, the bones. Flowers and tops of plants serve to balance the head, the mind, the emotions, the energetic system.
Read moreRosehip Apple Compote
I love living in Michigan because we have a wide variety of seasonal fruits and veggies, especially in the fall. I have been enjoying the abundance of apples right now, but have been craving something warmer than the old peanut butter/ sliced apple combination. So, I created this super simple, rosehip apple compote. It is excellent spooned on top of plain, whole milk yogurt with a drizzle of blackstrap molasses (raw honey would be great too!).
Read more4 Simple Healing Practices that I LOVE
I wrote about the theme of simplicity in the healing process last week and wanted to share some of my favorite, simple healing practices.
Read moreUsing Plant Allies: lavender
Lavender has been one of my favorite plants to use therapeutically for the past few years. I love the smell and even the taste when mixed harmoniously with other plants and foods. I recently moved into a house that has a handful of large lavender plants in the front yard and they are just starting to bloom. Lavender has wonderful healing properties, some of which I will share here. There are many ways to enjoy and prepare lavender.
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