Relax into Life

Experiencing Ecuador

2011-05-07T12:31:00.006-04:00

Yes it has been quite a while since my last post. I have had very limited access to internet over the past three months, as here is what I have been up to:

I had been feeling called to Ecuador for several months, and was not sure why, yet I knew i needed to be here, so I journeyed here in January 2011 with a loose plan. I dabbled in a Spanish language study program, lived with an Ecuadorian family for a month, bathed on a beach, immersed myself in the culture, and did a two week study of biodynamic farming and Earth based spirituality. Yet only once I was here for six weeks did my higher purpose in coming to Ecuador become clear.

In a truly divine way I was invited to participate in what has evolved into a three month intensive study of mind consciousness, the nature of personal reality, with a gifted hypnotherapist, educator and life coach. Not only have i been given the opportunity for personal healing, but I have also been given powerful tools and concepts to work with in helping people create change within themselves and in turn others.

Each day I am learning more and more and over the next couple months I will be continuing to integrate and incorporate these new learnings into my life school.

Oh what fun it is to ride on a one horse open sleigh!!

I am committed to sharing my experiences and learnings with all who wish to receive them. I firmly believe that understanding one´s mind and the fundamentals of how our reality is created are key aspects of creating happiness and peace within the self and everyone and everything around you.

In the meantime, I am wishing you all an abundance of love and joy on your path.

The Premiere of my Homemade Pie!

2010-11-16T13:46:00.016-05:00

Last Sunday for my dad's birthday brunch I decided to bake my first pie. I am known for making scrumptious cookies, though making a pie is quite a different venture. The most difficult part of making a pie, as I discovered first hand, is the crust. I chose to try a millet and mushroom pie, and though it looked a bit sloppy and was difficult to serve, it tasted delicious!

Not only was it delicious, but it was nutritious! That is the beauty of home cooking and baking. It takes time and effort, but you can use organic ingredients and make modifications if you so desire. I used a recipe from Jae Steele's cookbook, "Get it Ripe", which contains many unique and fun recipes that usually get my lips smacking in delight!

When I bring over my creations to a family gathering, I am usually asked about them because my food often looks a bit different, as I do not use eggs, meat, dairy or wheat flours, and often incorporate grains and lentils. Having said that, I always get praise for the taste! I think it really comes down to using the purest ingredients (organic), putting love into whatever you are making, and having fun in the process. :0)

The Genie in your Genes

2010-11-16T09:15:00.007-05:00

A friend of mine recently gave me a book to read called, "Genie In Your Genes", and after reading it I felt compelled to write about it. The author, Dawson Church, examines the changing paradigm of health care in the 21st century. He asserts that we are moving into an age in which people are taking a more conscious role in their well-being. It is packed with scientific research studies that highlight the healing potential of one of these conscious means - energy medicine - specifically epigenetics.

The dictionary definition of epigenetics states it is the study of heritable changes that occur without a change in the DNA sequence. In a nutshell, Dawson states that genes can be turned on and off by our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. He suggests we can actually influence the genes we were born with through conscious intention and things such as prayer, faith, beliefs, visions, and energy. So all the talk about explaining ailments away by saying, "it's in the genes", is not entirely truthful.

I have to admit the research is there; people suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) to carpel tunnel syndrome to depression showed remarkable recovery from using energy medicine techniques. The modality in focus is EFT(emotional freedom techniques). The book suggests that the health care industry has not wanted to give credence to this kind of medicine, as it will not make the pharma companies any money, though people are beginning to see its inherently powerful capabilities.

I think one of my favourite parts of the book is its focus on holistic remedies as a means to healthy healing and prevention versus solely taking a pill for the symptoms and hoping for the best. It examines how Western medicine can be coupled with energy medicine to cut health care costs and create healthier and more conscious human beings. It challenges people to take a more proactive approach and look within for answers. It is a revolutionary book, and for that I give it two thumbs up!

Magnificent Miron Bottles

2010-10-30T14:35:00.004-04:00

About a month ago, I purchased a Miron glass bottle to store my water. These beautiful violet coloured bottles come from Switzerland, and I cannot say enough good things about them!

Here is the nitty gritty: Miron glass blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of the violet part. At the same time they allow a certain part to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UV-A and infra red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the aging processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products.

This may sound complicated, though the significance here is that whatever you put in the bottles stays good for a LONG time.

I have been storing purified water in my bottle, and every time I drink from it my cells leap with joy. Even after a few days the water tastes amazing. There is no metal or plastic taste like you get with most other water bottles. The only downside is that they are heavier than most other containers. In my opinion, they are worth their weight in gold!

Check out http://www.miron-glas.com/ for more information on them.

Creativity is in the Cards

2010-10-19T20:21:00.014-04:00

Along with reading tarot cards, I also derive piles of joy from making homemade cards. I never really enjoyed buying cards at the store, I found them cliche and impersonal, so 10 years ago I decided to start making my own.

In my opinion, homemade anything is better than store-bought. As a young child I had a stash of crafty goods, such as popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, cardboard and string, and I would whip up these kooky crafts. I wish I took photos of them; they were truly creative works of art!

There are a number of ways in which we can utilize our own creativity, and it is a great way to re-connect with that playful self many of us buried in the process of growing up. For me, making cards is one of my ways. For my mom, creating zany cakes is one of her ways (see photo of her cake from our summer bbq). We ALL have a creative side within, even if we have not accessed it in a while, so what is your way?

Remedy to the Rescue!

2010-10-01T09:17:00.004-04:00

I have been finding myself talking a lot about herbs lately, and wanted to share some of my knowledge, so I decided to write a little blurb about one of my favourite herbal flower remedies, Rescue Remedy. I often tell my clients about it if they are going through a stressful situation or event in life.

Rescue Remedy helps people face difficult situations with a better frame of mind, and helps to reduce fear and nervousness.

It is a combination of the following five flower remedies:

1) Impatiens - aids to calm

2) Star of Bethleham - promotes ability to recover from trauma, whether past or present

3) Cherry Plum - restores balance

4) Rock Rose - helps with situations of shock or terror

5) Clematis - brings clarity and focus to present moment

It can be taken as often as you feel necessary, and will help provide comfort and reassurance. I always make sure to have it on hand, and over the past couple weeks I was really glad I had it!

Tapping into the Tarot

2010-09-18T11:33:00.006-04:00

I have been quite tardy these past few weeks in posting a blog. I could list some excuses, such as, i was working, i was away at cottages, it was my birthday, though what good would that do?! So, I will simply acknowledge it has been a while and here is a new post:

I took a tarot card reading course last spring, and since then I have been dabbling with it both with myself and with others.

Tarot is a divination system which aids a person in getting in touch with hidden knowledge. I do not completely understand how it works, though I think some of the best things out there cannot be understood by the rational mind.

According to dictionary.com, tarot comes from the old Italian word "tarocco". The deck was first used in Italy, in the 14th century, as playing cards as well as for fortune-telling. The tarots, strictly speaking, are the 22 figured cards added to the 56-card suits pack.

I am not sure I would call it fortune-telling, but if you are struggling with a decision, a tarot reading can certainly provide you with insight and information to help make an informed decision.

In doing a tarot card reading, my teacher suggested that the tarot can be thought of as consulting an oracle, one's higher self, or one's subconscious. From my experience in doing readings thus far,I will say this: it is definitely helping me get in touch with my intuition, and it has also provided me with wonderful guidance on a few occasions. I am fairly science-based and rational, though in my short time with tarot, I have been amazed at how accurate and helpful it has been for people.

A reading takes about an hour, though depends on the situation, and you can come with a specific question or a request to receive a general overview of what is going on in your world.

Here is an image of the Lovers card, my soul card, from the Thoth deck. Your soul card is calculated using your birth date.

Feel free to get in touch with any questions you have regarding the tarot.

Recipe for Rehydration

2010-08-11T20:58:00.006-04:00

With the extended heat wave we find ourselves in this summer, one of my must-haves to prevent dehydration is an electrolyte drink. As an aside, it has also been proven to be a very effective remedy for mild dehydration. I have known about this concoction for years now, and I cannot recall where I discovered it, but what I can tell you is that it works QUICKLY, and it is EASY to prepare!

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt**
1/2 lemon
maple syrup to taste (you can substitute sugar or honey if need be)
1-1.5 cups water

Serving: 1 drink
Just plunk all the ingredients into a cup, stir, and ENJOY!

Small amounts of salt are often used to retain fluids in the body and balance the body's electrolytes. With a little snooping around I found some support for my remedy from Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, Adina Stanescu. In her Vitality magazine article, Beat the Summer Heat, she affirmed, "the combination of sweet, salty, and sour offers the best hydration."

According to our trusted friends at WikiAnswers, dehydration can occur in as little as 1-2 hours in very hot weather with extraneous activity and no fluid. So if you are feeling headachy, lethargic, dazed and confused, especially during the heat wave, I suggest you whip up one of these drinks.

Better yet, why not use it as a PREVENTION tactic to AVOID dehydration?

** It is best to avoid refined white salt because it contains heavy metals. Himalayan crystal salt or unrefined sea salt is a much better choice, as these contain a full complement of trace minerals and have no chemicals added.

Weekend in the Woodlands

2010-07-29T12:16:00.004-04:00

It has been a while since my last post, and I felt compelled to share my camping excursion in Algonquin park last weekend. I know not everyone is excited by camping out in the great outdoors, though I have to say it is such a great way to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Actually it is mostly the mind and spirit that got a weekend off; my body was crying out for some bodywork after hiking two hours each way with a pack full of gear!

Having left our cell phones and all other technological devices at home, we had no access to time, technology, and thus we were able to fully embrace the beauty of nature's elements: lake, forest, sunshine, rain, and animal creatures abound! We were greeted by a bunny, fireflies, a turtle, a loon, a couple chipmunks, and a few mosquitos. As an aside, peppermint essential oil is an effective aid in relieving the swelling from the pesky bites. I used it this weekend, and it definitely made a difference.

Even with the buggies, that many people could do without, I think camping is such a great experience for various reasons. It allows time for families and friends to reconnect, it gives us the space to unplug from all the techie devices that clog up our energetic fields, and it also gets us back in touch with our true nature. In a bustling city, such as Toronto, it is easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the busyness, creature comforts, and indulgences. A break from the city is guaranteed to shift your perspective on things.

Camping has its own comforts: a mini camping stove to cook delicious food, a thermarest for body comfort while sleeping, the therapeutic effects of the lake waters, and a good dose of vitamin D from being outside for many hours of the day. One thing I would highly recommend is bringing a comfy portable pillow. I forgot about this little detail and I definitely would have loved to have one!

Three cheers to Ontario's beautiful landscapes! I feel so lucky to have such beauty so close by.

2010-06-15T08:56:00.005-04:00

Thanks to a super supportive friend, I discovered these useful links for farmers markets in the Toronto area. See below for a map and a calendar of all the markets.

Here is your chance to get the freshest breads, cheeses, and produce packed with the highest levels of nutrients! My taste buds go to paradise every time I take a trip to the market. Having been a farmers market supporter for about five years now, I am confident in saying it is worth the trip!

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?showCalendars=0&showTz=0&mode=WEEK&height=600&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=7cg7ppiadhqot1kfova0d1u0kc%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23060D5E&ctz=America%2FToronto

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&source=embed&msa=0&msid=104650199588914453736.00048885573bd5d1e9a9f&ll=43.698658%2C-79.393387&spn=0.173752%2C0.411987&z=11

Essential Oils are Essential!

2010-05-17T13:23:00.005-04:00

My favourite people of the essential oil kingdom came into town for an open house event at the Big Carrot this past weekend, and I was tickled pink that they set up just down the hall from my clinic.

If you have never used essential oils before, it is never too late for an introduction. The power of these essences are truly beyond description. Our sense of smell is a key contributor to our mental health. More specifically, the olfactory nerve (the nerve responsible for our sense of smell) is the only cranial nerve that bypasses the spinal cord, and therefore elicits an immediate response. How is that for good timing?! Olfactory nerves are directly connected to the limbic system which houses all of our sensory experiences such as memories, emotions, sex drive, hunger, pleasure, instincts etc. Consequently, our nose is of utmost importance in these realms.

Not only can these oils help improve our mental health, but they can also be used as medicine in a person's healing process, as well as natural cleansers and purifiers for our homes and offices too!

For example, I often put a few drops of lemon, tea tree or peppermint essential oils into my bucket of water to give my floors and rooms a tingle.

Also, if you have a tummy ache, try putting a couple drops of fennel essential oil on a spoonful of honey and ingest. I have definitely used this at times, and it works like a charm!

Having said that, you need to be mindful around the quality of essential oils you use. Not all oils are created equally, and also not all oils are made to be ingested.

The wonderful people I mentioned at the outset of this post truly carry the purest oils I have ever come across; I have tested many brands. Nadine and Ron of Living Libations receive my highest gratitude for enabling me to experience and share the purest of pure essential oils.

Their products range from essential oils, to self-dentistry, to skin and face care and more. You will not find their products in stores. They can be found on-line, at health shows, and occasionally at open houses in the Toronto area. www.livinglibations.com. They are worth a try; you will be glad you did.

Supporting Your Foundation with Reflexology

2010-04-17T09:31:00.004-04:00

Check out my latest published article in the new magazine, Family Health and Life. "Supporting Your Foundation with Reflexology" sheds light on the holistic healing art, and suggests a few ideas for improving total body health through caring for your feet.

www.thefamilymag.com

All comments are welcomed!

My Experience with Mother Meera

2010-04-14T15:35:00.006-04:00

This morning I took part in a very special ceremony: Darshan with Mother Meera, one of the most widely revered and loved Avatars. For those who need explanation, an avatar is the descent of a deity to earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape (according to Hinda mythology). Darshan is the bestowal of Love, Light and Grace. Mother gives Darshan in silence. It is her gift to humanity.

I went knowing little about what I was embarking on, though I knew I wanted to experience "receiving" her gift. So I headed down to the Radisson Hotel on Queen's Quay early this morning, along with 150 others, and entered a large ballroom with neatly lined chairs and a small stage front and centre where each of us would take our turn "receiving" from Mother Meera.

The ceremony started promptly at 10 am. As my row was called, I felt a glimmer of excitement and took my place in line. As my turn approached, I could feel myself getting nervous like a little schoolgirl getting ready for her first day of class. When it was my turn, I slowly knelt down in front of Mother Meera, and put my head in her hands. I gently touched her feet, and for a moment wondered if i was doing it "right". Then in an instant I let go of all thoughts and simply opened myself to her. When she let go of my head, I looked at her straight in the eyes and we shared an exchange. She then lowered her head, signaling she was finished, at which point I stood up, and went back to my seat. In less than a minute I felt a surge of energy run through my body and tears began forming in my eyes; I felt an explosion of gratitude and joy. It was truly beautiful.

For the remainder of the Darshan (it was two hours in total) I sat in my chair meditating, being, sensing, and watching. I am left with a feeling of peaceful serenity.

With all the turbulence and global challenges we are facing on a cultural, societal, political, economical, and environmental front, it is essential in my opinion to seek out ways to help create peace of mind, body and spirit. In my exchange with Mother Meera, I did just that.

Thank you, Mother Meera, for opening yourself up to us, and sharing your gifts.

Holistic Health Care for Your Pet

2010-03-12T21:15:00.016-05:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about how grateful I am to have my cat Snapper in my life. He is about 17 or 18 years old - I inherited him almost 8 years ago - and have schlepped him with me everywhere! From Little Italy to the King St. East district, to San Diego,California, to Cabbagetown, to our current residence on the Danforth, my only constant has been Snapper.

He was diagnosed about 3 years ago with kidney disease, which can really only be managed, not cured, and I am amazed at how well he is doing. When he was first diagnosed, his fury coat looked dull, he was constipated, he was frequently vomiting, and always thirsty.

The vet suggested I give him injections under the skin to hydrate him, but i opted out.

I decided to take him to my Doctor of Chinese Medicine (TMC doctor), and she urged me to start making him homemade food. I had never thought of that before, but she explained that processed pet food is the same as processed human food. She made a really good point. Seeing as I have chosen to opt for local, organic, whole grain, unprocessed foods, it seemed like a no-brainer to do the same for my cat. She recommended the book Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health For Dogs and Cats; a holistic health care guide for animals. It gave me a few ideas of homeopathic remedies to help support his kidneys. Needless to say he is not a big fan of having his mouth pried open, and having a tiny pellet shoved down his throat, though it is for his greatest good. In some strange way I think he knows it. Upon hearing his name only a few minutes later, he will approach me for a cuddle.

Also, upon taking my doc's suggestion, I started feeding Snapper a medley of cooked millet, parsley, and fish. I would leave him dried kibbles when I knew I would be out for a while. After a few months i noticed dramatic changes in his coat, and he stopped vomiting regularly. And after almost 3 years, his kidney disease has progressed unusually slowly according to the vet. He still vomits and experiences constipation occasionally, though generally he seems content. Not only does he eat his own food, but he also has taken an interest in the food i cook for myself. White beans in pesto are one of his favourites!

The take-home here is that just as humans do better with unprocessed food, and natural remedies, so do our pets! I will be honest, it takes more effort to make his food versus pouring some processed wet or dried food in a bowl. Having said that, from personal experience, the benefits far outweigh the effort.

One more thought: I suppose Snapper's regular massages probably have something to do with his slow progression as well! All in all, animal health parallels human health.

Changing the Channel

2010-03-07T17:36:00.003-05:00

You may have noticed I changed my blog title from "Relax Into Health" to "Relax Into Life". It is a subtle change, yet a significant one. From here on in, I am opening up to writing about whatever peaks my curiosity, whether it relates to health or not. Holistic health and wellness is definitely one of my passions, so I will continue to write posts on this topic. However, I am also passionate about a lot of other things; I would like to branch out and explore sharing other curious findings and experiences. Exciting, isn't it?!

"Relax Into Life" symbolizes being content with where you are in life. It does not mean becoming stagnant, sluggish, and snoozy. Quite the contrary, it translates to dreaming big for yourself, being proactive, and committing to your life. I advocate for having fun on your life journey, living in the present, and being content with where ever you are on that journey.

My goal here will stay the same: to inspire, educate, and create.

So relax, and enjoy the ride!

Any feedback is always appreciated and welcomed. :O)

Moroccan Bean Stew Recipe

2010-03-04T22:18:00.006-05:00

So today I decided to make this stew because, first and foremost, I had the ingredients, and second, I was inspired by the fresh tumeric root I purchased at my local grocery store. Actually I tweaked the recipe a bit, used squash instead of white potato, and omitted the beans, yet it was equally delicious. I have used the recipe a bunch of times as is, and it is always a hit.

I am not sure where my friend got the recipe from, but I am really glad she shared it with me, and I shall do the same. Enjoy!

Here are a few healthy bits:

Tumeric - a natural liver detoxifier, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and is useful in disinfecting cuts and burns

Cinnamon - helps to boost brain activity, and control blood sugar levels

Coconut Milk - contains potassium and calcium, and the saturated fat is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids that the body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, although high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss.

Hobbies Keep us Healthy!

2010-01-15T21:49:00.025-05:00

So I recently decided to get back into a sport I had participated in as a kid. For 12 years, starting at a wee age, I rode horses. It developed into a passion, something that certainly kept me sane through my teenage years.

Every Saturday morning, instead of watching the early morning cartoons, my sister and i would trek to Stouffville, Ontario for our weekly group horse riding lesson. Over the years it developed into a whole day affair. We would pack a lunch and, after our lesson, we would clean our tack and then get to work: muck out stalls, pack shavings into huge burlap sacs (we wore masks to prevent dust clogging our little lungs), transported super heavy bales of hay, bathed the horses, basically anything that needed to get done. One might think this is dreadful, but I LOVED it!! I felt like I was helping out, I got good exercise, and I suppose it was an outlet for a lot of my frustrations as a kid...and it fed my heart.

One wouldn't necessarily think that horse back riding is good exercise, but indeed it is, and to me, way more fun than traditional exercise. By this I mean going to a concrete building, ie. the gym, or more preferred term, health club, for exercise. Horse back riding is feeding my soul.

So having not ridden in 15 years I was a little, shall we say, fearful to get back in the saddle. Though I have got to say, as soon as I legged up onto the horse, it was as if I had never gotten off! Pure and simple, I was in my glory. Ok, I will admit I was a little rusty, and I have yet to go over some jumps. Though, that will be happening soon, and when it does, I will surely feel the rush I felt as a kid; it will be pure bliss!

So I encourage you to think about something you used to do that you loved, and give it a second or third go. It may not be a form of strenuous physical exercise. Perhaps it is quilting or painting. And you may only be able to create a smidgen of time for it at present. Whatever it is, and however little or much time you choose to spend, I am suggesting you do something that lifts your spirits, and makes you feel that child-like glee that you may have not felt in a long time. There are no two ways about it; hobbies equates to healthy!

Is it time for a Chakra Tune-up?

2009-10-31T17:50:00.023-04:00

Recently I learned how to do chakra balancing from a wonderfully talented body worker in Sedona, Arizona. She was kind enough to share her wisdom and experience with me, and I am so happy she did!

I was a bit skeptical about incorporating it into my practice at first, yet I soon discovered that many people not only knew about chakras, but they were open to having them balanced! The results and feedback from clients so far has been really positive. Deep relaxation has been the most common experience from the balancing. Some clients felt heat rushing though their body, and a few of clients experienced detox symptoms post treatment, including nausea and chills. This may sound unappealing; however, these are actually signs of deep toxicity release in the body; a major part of the body's natural healing process.

For those who do not know what a chakra is, it literally means 'wheel' in Sanskrit.
There are 7 chakras, or spinning wheels, running midline through your body, going though your major organs. The body simply wants to be in harmony at all times, and due to stress, trauma, and life experiences, this harmony is interrupted. By giving the chakras a tune-up, you can bring your body back into balance.

Each chakra is represented by a colour and corresponds to various organs, body parts, and glands. Also, each one relates to different personal character traits, and this wisdom can be a good indicator as to what area in your life you may want to take a magnifier to.

In thinking about the chakras, you have to look at them from a holistic perspective. That is, you need to acknowledge the connection between the body, mind, and spirit: to affect one is to affect all. To get a better description of each chakra, you can visit this site: www.sacredcenters.com/chakras

As for the length of the tune-up, well it really depends on the client's needs at that particular point in time. Sometimes a person will only have one chakra out of balance, while at other times, a few may need attention.

So I say, why not give it a try? You never know what you may discover? The worst thing that can happen is you fall into deep relaxation, and a state of pure bliss. That wouldn't be so bad, now, would it?!

Hooray for Fresh Herbs

2009-08-17T14:07:00.026-04:00

In keeping with my commitment to continually expand my knowledge base of natural healing aids, I attended a workshop on medicinal herbs, and wanted to share my new found wisdom.

The theme of the workshop was the importance of fresh herbs. Maria, the workshop facilitator, could not say enough wonderful things about fresh herbs. Whether it be growing them, cooking with them, drinking them in tea, or slathering them on our bodies, fresh herbs are essential to optimal health. Did you know that all the living greens we ingest go straight to the liver, and contribute to the body’s purification processes? Ultimately, consuming living green things, in whatever form, makes for cleaner blood, happier organs, and a healthier life. So doesn’t it make sense for us to incorporate fresh herbs, rich in nutrients, into our diet, versus consuming processed foods and beverages?!

Due to time constraints, we specifically focused solely on two aspects of herbs: teas and salves.

Let’s start with tea. Simple to prepare, yet huge health benefits. Here's the steps to making a herbal tea:

1) Clean fresh herbs (you don’t need to wash them, unless they have a lot of dirt on them)
2) Boil water in a pot,

3) Put the herbs in the boiled pot, put the lid on, and let steep for 15 minutes.

Voila! The tea we prepared required no sweetener whatsoever; it was so tasty all on its own.

Note: It is best to use fresh herbs, as opposed to dry, to produce the most flavourful tea.

**From personal experimentation post workshop, I would suggest using a maximum of three herbs per tea. Too many herbs can be overwhelming for the body.

For heat conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, skin eruptions, and blotchy red skin, the following herbs are useful: chamomile, mint, raspberry leaf, and lemon verbena. These herbs are considered cooling to the body, and help with the conditions mentioned above.

Useful herbs for hair growth are: rosemary, stinging nettles, and horse tail.

Good grounding teas can be made with these herbs: dandelion and burdock root.

Comfrey is a particularly excellent herb for treating muscle and joint pain.

Lots of choices for making teas!!

For chronic, long standing health ailments you can make a tea infusion. You take a big handful of fresh herbs, put it into a 1L jar, add boiled water, and leave it for at least four hours, or overnight.

Let’s move onto salves (aka cream or ointment). At the workshop we made a salve using herbs of comfrey, lavender, and calendula. This herb combination is excellent for helping to heal minor scrapes, and burns, and is a lavish treat for the skin; your skin will literally drink it up. It was so delicious, that I have been savouring the last of my take-home sample!

To make a salve, you need the following supplies:

Fresh herbs (4 cups) (you can change the amount of herbs, but keep the ratio the same)
Olive oil (4 cups)
Beeswax (1 cup)
water
A big pot
A big bowl (ceramic, glass, or stainless, that will sit on top of the pot and not fall in)
A big plate or covering for the bowl
strainer
a few glass jars (with wide openings, so you can access the salve once in the jar)

Making a salve takes a bit more time and energy than making tea, yet definitely easier than I originally thought.

Here's what you do:

1) Fill the pot with water and boil
2) Put the big bowl on top of the pot and fill bowl with oil, beeswax, and herbs
3) Keep the burner on low heat, cover the bowl with plate, and heat the mixture for a half hour
4) Once this is done, strain the liquid mixture into the jars, and allow the salve to harden and cool

Presto!!

Drinking medicinal teas daily can aid in treating a wide range of health ailments, and many of them taste great too! As for the salves, who wouldn't want to slather themselves in a purely light natural cream?! Both require small investments, with a huge payoff. Hip hip hooray for fresh herbs!!

For more information on Maria, check out her website: www.guerrilla-gourmet.com/

The Buzz on Bee Pollen

2009-07-09T10:26:00.005-04:00

Everyone discovers things at varying times, and last week at my local Farmer's Market I discovered the yummy goodness of bee pollen. For as long as I can remember there has been someone selling fresh honey, and other bee products at the market, and yet I had never inquired about the pollen. The time had come for me to connect with the bee kingdom. Here is how my experience transpired:

One of my friends, who sells edible herbs and plants at the market, acquired some treats from the other vendors, and being in a generous mood, offered me some samples....fresh cherries, raspberries, cacao, and finally bee pollen. He poured out a small handful of little pebble-like round balls from the jar into my hand, and after looking at them for a few moments, I popped them into my mouth. What a burst of flavour! I could feel my body scream out in joy, "oh, thank you for giving me such nourishing food!". I knew there was something special about this pollen stuff, and I made a mental note to check it out, and then I scurried off to go see a movie with a friend.

The next day I had to pick up a couple of supplements at the Big Carrot dispensary, and while I was there, my experience with the bee pollen from the prior day came forefront to my mind. I asked one of the staff there if they carried it, and the lovely woman motioned for me to follow her to the fridge. She slid the fridge door open and reached for a jar of the pollen. She poured out a small sample into my hand. The little round pebbles were so fresh they actually melted in my mouth, and I immediately felt a deep connection with the bees. I was sold.

As soon as I arrived home, I looked up the buzz on bee pollen, and apparently it is packed full of nutrients. It has long been known for its energizing and healing properties as it contains every mineral and vitamin known, has a higher amount of protein than steak, contains B12 needed by vegetarians, and an abundance of essential fatty acids. Also, it has the highest enzyme-content of any food on this planet! It is truly a natural superfood.

The moral of the story here is twofold: It pays to possess an openness to trying new things as you never know what treasures you will uncover, and two, superfoods are powerful little gems that are great for maintaining optimal health and wellness.

More to come on superfoods in my next post!

fUN at the fARMERS mARKET!

2009-05-19T10:02:00.005-04:00

Last Tuesday was the first farmers market of the season at Riverdale Park. I was bursting at the seems in anticipation of this day, and it was everything I hoped for. Being a Riverdale resident I have remained faithful to this market, even though there are so many markets to choose from these days. From downtown west side to east side, to north in Thornhill, markets are popping up everywhere. Knowing this makes me leap with joy!

Though there was very little produce yet, I managed to get some green leafies, and fresh mint for a black bean salad creation.

The highlights for me were ginger beer from Alli, ex-owner of Fish Shak (who is apparently serving up yummy goodness at Transac these days (at Bloor St and Bathurst St). Also, the lovely girl playing her violin; she makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And of course, market day for me wouldn't be complete without getting some chocolate from Chocosol, the ones making chocolate love in the kitchen. :O)

Oh, and Bruno at Fun Guy Farms, mushroom grower extraordinaire, sells make-your-own kombucha tea kits, which I am definitely going to purchase at some point this summer. How fun?! Kombucha is one of the best probiotics out there, sure to help heal any intestinal ailments one might be suffering from. Here is what happyherbalist has to say about it:

"By aiding the stomach to better digest food and by assisting the spleen to deliver more nutrition, the body heals itself. Kombucha helps to break stagnation, reduces damp and phlegm and expels toxins from the body. Hence the Chinese reference to kombucha tea as the Immortal Health Elixir."

I am looking forward to another market day today. I wonder what new goodies will be there. There is only one way to find out!

The Riverdale Farmer's market runs from May - October, on Tuesdays from 3-7pm. They usually start packing up at 6:30pm, so be sure to get there by then.

The Spirit is Alive in Sedona, Arizona

2009-03-27T19:19:00.013-04:00

This post is dedicated to an aspect of self-care that, for many, may not seem like self-care, yet indeed is so nourishing for the body, mind, and soul.

Yes, I am speaking of vacation travel. Whether it be two hours North, or to another continent, taking a much needed break from the 'every day' will help you to relax and re-energize. In my view, this is an essential part of self-care, and i highly recommend you incorporate it into your life in one way or another.

A couple weeks ago, I ventured Southwest to Sedona, Arizona for one week. For those who don't know, Sedona is known as the mystical town North of Phoenix, abound with mountainous red rocks, psychics, crystals, bodyworkers, and energy vortexes.

I had had a calling to go there since 2006, and now the timing felt right. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do there, but I was sure I would figure it out. I opted to stay in an ashram, as this felt like the most conducive environment for my contemplative journey.

I will say that if you are interested in doing self-reflection and introspection, Sedona is definitely a place to put on your list!

Upon arriving in Sedona, I was immediately taken by the beauty of the town. Just glance at my photos to understand what I am referring to here.

Now most reviews of this lovely town talk of 'touristy' things like the pink jeep tour, taking the trolley around town, walking the strip of shops filled with items such as 'wild west' cowboy hats, and getting a tour of Bell Rock. I chose to create my own adventure, leaving the touristy attractions behind.

I created self-tours. Every morning I drove to the same area just outside of town, pulled off to the side of the road, parked, and hiked for 10 minutes up the mountain to a secluded spot where i would sit and ponder. Sometimes i would be there for 20 minutes, sometimes longer. Sometimes i would write, sometimes i would listen. The final day, I took all my crystals there to get some much needed sun energy rejuvenation.

I visited five different vortexes, some with masculine energy, some female, some with both, and i would walk, sitting when i got tired, pondering, reflecting, listening. I was amazed by the strength of the energy in certain spots. The energy was so powerful it twisted the juniper tree branches like spirals of a staircase! I noticed my thoughts were very action oriented when i was at the masculine energy vortex, and more flowly while at the feminine energy vortex. I tried not to think too much about it, instead i opted to observe.

I spent time with a psychic which was an experience i will remember forever. I am not quite sure what happened in those two hours; however, I think i am forever changed!

I stumbled upon a lovely raw organic cafe, Raw Bliss , which is also a place I will remember forever. The energy there was pure bliss, and the food simply divine.

I went to a massage therapy school in town (how could i not?!), and got a treatment by one of the instructors. That was the relaxation part to counter all the hiking I did in the mountains. I am a firm believer in balance!

I had thought provoking conversations with people that really got me questioning my beliefs, my vision, my goals, and I think this is an important ongoing process that is a necessary part of life for each and every one of us.

The last few days of my trip were filled with utter joy. A joy that is difficult to express in words, but a feeling i feel deep inside. This trip opened my heart. I think most of us live primarily in our heads, and for me, my journey to Sedona was about finding my heart. And I am happy to report that I did just that!

So back to my original thought: I cannot stress enough the importance of a getaway from the 'every day'. Not only is it a great way to relax, release, and recharge, but an essential part of maintaining a healthy balanced life!

2008 Reflections: Fresh Farm Foods

2009-01-06T09:46:00.013-05:00

As 2009 is upon is, i think this is an opportune time to make goals for the upcoming year, and also reflect on the previous year in all its glory. As i was reflecting on 2008, I recalled a wonderful experience i had in the summertime: volunteering on an organic farm. It's called Plan B, and it is located just outside of Hamilton, Ontario. (As an aside, I would highly recommend getting their food share boxes as they really take great care in selecting and packing the best produce. www.planborganicfarms.ca )

Why, you ask, would I want to volunteer on a farm? Well i believe that fresh, whole, unprocessed food makes people feel good, and realizing this I have made major shifts in the kinds of foods i eat: all organic, unprocessed, and mostly local when possible. Along these lines, I wanted to get a better feel for where my food comes from, gain an understanding of the labour intensity involved (and yes, it is INTENSE!), helping me to develop more of an appreciation for my food. After my short stint working on the farm, I can wholeheartedly say, i got exactly what i was looking for...minus the sore achy muscles the day after i returned home!

From getting down on my knees wading through rows of zucchini plants deweeding, to harvesting green onions in the fields, to packing food boxes for their CSA program (that's community supported agriculture), I saw it all. And i must say, I enjoyed every minute of it!

I distinctly remember one morning as we were packing fruit food boxes, in the garage as it was pouring buckets outside, I was looking at a pile of oranges and thinking, "these look almost rotten". The oranges had dents in them, looked a little pale, and were completely non uniform in size. So I took one of the oranges, approached Alvaro, one of the owners, and asked if the oranges were good enough to be used. He looked at me, grabbed the orange from my hand, sliced it in half, and said, "well, why don't you try it and see?" he was almost smirking at me, as if he knew something i had yet to discover. i took my piece of orange to my mouth and dug in, and i was in utter heaven. How could something so meager looking taste so delicious?! That was hands down one of the best oranges I had ever eaten! Lesson learned: do not judge a book by its cover!

Overall, my time at the organic farm was bliss. That experience definitely gave me an affinity for the farmers, the process, the land, and helped me realize the importance of supporting them...and not to mention getting some of the freshest, tastiest, whole foods on the planet!

For those living in Toronto, Plan B has a stall at the Dufferin Grove Farmers Market Thursdays, from 3 to 7, all year round. www.veg.ca/content/view/76/108/

"P" is for Prevention!

2008-11-21T14:25:00.006-05:00

Lately, I have been feeling quite a push for the big "P" in health care, which invariably stands for prevention. And prevention to me translates to taking responsibility for our own health. I know of a few people who have recently decided to become vegan, or have started a regimen of herbs and supplements, and this is very exciting to me. Yet what all these people have in common is that they have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. So my question is: why do we wait until we are diagnosed with a critical illness to take an active role in our health? I can not seem to wrap my head around this one. Are we as a society uneducated, too busy, or simply apathetic? What happened to taking care of ourselves so we can feel great all the time, and mitigate feelings of ill health?

On a personal note, since I decided to see a Doctor of Chinese Medicine over a year and a half ago, as part of my self-care regime, my health has improved leaps and bounds. I would have to say I feel the best I have ever felt EVER! I will admit, the road to responsible health takes time and energy; however, the benefits are so worth it! What do we have if we don't have our health?!