Autumn Wellness
Autumn is the time of rooting; drawing vital energy down and into our center as we transition to winter. It can be a vulnerable time for our bodies and minds. The coolness can feel sharp and drying. This transition kicks up wind, which can be abrupt and irritating, as well as the cold and flu season adding a little stress to our system.
Herbs + Recipes for Autumn
Cinnamon…
is a warming tonic herb, circulatory stimulant and a digestive carminative. Cinnamon is an antioxidant, anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal so it assists in the transition period to a colder season and fights off infections that may arise in the cooler temperatures.
Homemade Root Beer
This is an old traditional way of using wild yeasts that eat sugar, begin to proliferate and bubble making them fizzy like soda. Unlike our store bought sodas, these have lots of health benefits. The herbs and roots are packed with healing properties, the ginger is an excellent digestive and the fermentation has wild strains of lactobacillus bacteria that also aid the gut in its digestive work. The bacteria eat up most of the sugar as they convert it to delightful bubbly fizz.
Golden Masala Pepper Sauce
Some days, I’m not excited about cooking an elaborate meal. Or, I just can’t find the time before everyone in my family is hangry. One of my favorite solutions for this, is to have a variety of delicious, homemade sauces on hand. They can be dipped with bread or crackers, spread over simple steamed veggies or baked with a chicken breast. They are easy and add a bright, fresh pop to our meals on the fly.
A Little Ayurveda Goes a Long Way
Feeling overwhelmed? Got chronic pain or digestive issues? Of course we all want a magic pill to immediately cure our ailments. And more so… we want that relief yesterday or sooner.
Yet our quick fix, symptom-chasing mindset perpetuates our wellness dilemma. We frantically chase our own tail hoping to get the finish so we may finally rest or finally grasp a taste of nourishment.
Summer: Mead Moon
As the carousel of summer abundance twirls, the Mead Moon is in bloom. The flowers are bursting and the nectar of Mother Earth is gathered by her creatures. The pollinators are busy stocking up.
Summer Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce
Cool Bija Spice Blend is specifically formulated for summer. It utilizes the cooling and nourishing aspects of seeds and herbs. It gently supports digestion while cleansing and cooling the body down. Cooking with these spices is balancing for everyone needing a soothing retreat or tending toward inflammation.
Family Summer Solstice
Family play for the longest day of Father Sun! This is an interactive game and art project we use to celebrate the solstice as a family. The children transform from a hungry caterpillar to a flourishing butterfly seeking nectar from the flowers in the meadow.
Lymphatic Self Care
Simple, DIY routine to support a healthy lymphatic system and radiant skin. The quintessential ritual of self-love.
Homemade Bird Feeders
Watching the local birds outside our window is a favorite late winter family activity. Treating the birds connects us to the wildlife that is still thriving even in the stillness of deep winter.
Holiday Garlands
Simple and soothing family crafts and rituals. We decorate our home and hearth year round with handmade garlands. Personally, I like to make intricate and elaborate seasonal paper garlands. But, as a mother, I also love a garland project that can truly include my young children, without leaving us all feeling frustrated because it is over their skill level. The following garland ideas I share with you are simple, beautiful, family friendly garlands to make WITH your children.
Apple Cider Turkey
This bird is brined in apple cider over night and slowly roasted the day of the feast. It is tender, juicy and bursting with unique flavors.
Autumn: Harvest Moon
The fullness, warmth and body of the growing season culminates with the Autumn Harvest. We gather, stock and store the high-density, nutrient-packed foods. The grains, corn, wheat, rice and rye, symbolize sustenance and a longevity of food security for the long winter ahead.
Summer: Wart Moon
The high summer sun dwindles and the remedies of the plant world are offered up for those who remember the ancient ways of healing. Concentrated constituents rest latent in the humble life of herbs.
Summer: Moon of Making Fat
With the beginning of summer moon, life has fully taken root in the rich soil and the busy work of gathering nourishment has begun for the natural world. The warmth and sweetness of Mother Earth is revealed…