Oh the Weeds

I love how life will often push you in a direction you never thought you’d go. I was doing yard maintenance years ago in Kelowna when I stumbled upon one of my passions. Herbs. I asked the gentleman I worked for, why he didn’t care what was growing in his lawn. I mean I felt like I was literally mowing weeds, there was little to no actual grass. He had 10 splendid acres located on the road to the main ski resort, and he won’t plant grass? He told me that all plants served a purpose even if we don’t know what that is, including weeds. That has stuck with me. Years later when I took my herbal courses I specifically chose to stay away from eastern herbs and focus on the herbs, or weeds, right in our own backyards. Wouldn’t you know it, we started with what we commonly refer to as weeds! For most avid gardeners, such weeds as dandelion, couch grass and alfalfa can be the bain of our gardening experience. We herbalists and wildcrafters on the other hand, know that these are a goldmine of resources! Most of our pesky weeds have extensive root systems, which means they are great at harnessing the micro nutrients from the soil. If you have ever tried to pull out a clump of alfalfa, burdock or dandelion, you know how deep those roots go. It’s getting to know the ‘weeds’ cropping up in your yard, and learning about what they can do for you. You gain an appreciation for them. Aside from the food aspect of weeds, most are healing in one form or another. Dandelion helps support our livers. Plantain is great for helping draw out poison from bites and stings. Viola’s for lymphatic stimulation. Even that invasive Couch grass is known as an expectorant herb. Ahh, weeds. From Alfalfa to those wee Viola’s that sprout in the grass, these wonderful little plants are truly a wealth of health and nourishment. So, while you're yanking out those dandelions, look up their uses. You just might not send all of them to the garbage pail. The only difference between a weed and a flower is how you look at it.

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For the Joy

Recently, I had the immense honor to watch as a dear friend had her hair cut, professionally, for the first time in years, if not decades, and the result was overwhelming. Something that most of us take for granted, lifted and boosted her confidence up to unimaginable heights! I’m not sure the last time I saw someone shine that bright! That was such a great reminder of how vitally important it is for us to make the effort, to take the time, and invest in our emotional wellbeing. Doing those seemingly small everyday things can have such an impressive impact on us and most of us don’t give it a second thought. I cannot begin to say how good and joyous I feel after taking the time to finally have a massage, get my nails or hair done, even my teeth cleaned (I love that feeling!). I get it, we’re all busy and there is always the ‘to-do’ list. I work, probably too much, have a family, but I make the time to do those little things that bring me joy so that I am in a better emotional space to take care of the ‘to-dos’. Wellness encompasses so much more than our physical bodies. It’s about joy. Thankfully spring is around the corner and next month our community starts the Wellness challenge. I encourage you to set aside the time to do for you. Start doing something to enhance and refill that cup! Health is not only movement and diet, but also, doing those little things that bring you joy. When you enjoy it, whatever that it is, that’s when you reap the benefits. There is a lot to be said for setting aside the time to invest in ourselves. So, go out and join a class, go for a walk, get a massage, try Reiki, or even take those precious 5 minutes and watch the sunrise in the morning. Life’s too short to skimp on joy!

It's better to give than receive

It’s better to give than receive.

It is easy to wrap ourselves up in the holiday stress. What are we going to give, what are we going to get? For as much joy as it can bring, Christmas is stressful for many, and stress wreaks havoc on our entire system. So, how do we try and reduce the never-ending list of to-dos’ this season? I start with service. To be of service teaches us grace, and when we come from grace there is no room for stress. Service costs nothing but our time, and the reward is immeasurable. There are so many ways we can be of service without having us search for extra time in our hectic schedules. One of the ways I partake is simply inviting those, who would otherwise be alone at Christmas, a seat at our table. So many are without family. I grew up with my mum and sister, our extended family was no where close. That get’s pretty lonely. Our neighbours, Marcy and Jake, lived in a small single wide trailer two doors up, and they didn’t have a lot, but they had love and kindness. Each year their 4 children and their families would squeeze into their place to celebrate the season. Each year their home was also host to a few more people. She always opened her home to anyone that would find themselves alone during Christmas. Our family of three and the little retired couple down the street, would often be squeezed in to share in the joy. She always said it’s hard to stress about what you don’t have when others have less, and it cost nothing to be kind. Setting out a few more plates, wasn’t a big deal, but that one simple act meant the world to us and made our holidays that much warmer. I have never forgotten that kindness and it is the one tradition that I keep. We never know the impact of one small kind act, but I certainly know the reward. To me, that is the true meaning of ‘it is better to give than receive.’

Comfrey

Comfrey, also known as ‘knit bone’, is a herb that has been used for 2000 years to help heal everything from bruises, cuts and scrapes, internal injuries, to broken bones. The common name, Comfrey, comes from the Latin word ‘confervere’ (to join together). Fascinating to wonder how the Romans knew of this herb to heal their fractures! It is an incredibly versatile plant that is a staple in any herbalist’s cupboard. Considered a weed from the burdock family, Comfrey contains allantoin which triggers accelerated mitosis (cell division), this speeds up the healing process and is believed to slow the signs of ageing (wouldn’t that be nice!). I love working with this herb. I use it in most of my salves and body oil. Of course, moderation is key. Often with these wondrous herbs, less is more. Trans dermal (topical) application is the safest way to use this herb. It is both an astringent and a demulcent (softens). Infusing oils with Comfrey is prized when used in salves for dermatitis such as eczema, psoriasis, stings, bug bites and rashes. It helps balance PH of the skin so, it helps keep our largest organ stay healthy whether you battle dry, oily or sensitive skin. I especially love to use it in muscle rubs! The healing time of sprained and strained muscles is greatly decreased and visible bruising literally disappears. Since the introduction of modern medication, there is some debate over the safety of Comfrey. It does have some restrictions and contradictions, but it would seem when you use the dried herb, sparingly, it is safe. I say this because there have been problems when individuals have tried prolonged daily consumption of the fresh herb. Unlike dandelion, comfrey should not be added to your daily salad or tea. As always, I encourage doing your own research. Ask questions, and always use moderation!

Oils are more than just food

Oils are more than just food

Hello winter! With the drop in temperature also comes dry itchy skin. I remember the days where my skin would be burning it was so dry. It was during the beginning of my Herbal studies when we learned the importance of using oils. The use of oils and herbal infusions is a mainstay practice in Eastern medicine. From food to massages, oils are nourishing for the body inside and out. Of course, I was skeptical when we were challenged to begin blending and using our own body oil recipes. I mean when it comes to dealing with dry sensitive skin, isn’t the rule of thumb, the thicker the lotion the better? Won’t I just end up an oily mess and stain my clothes? So, after some trials and errors, I found my recipe and hot dang imagine that, my predecessors were right!  Blending and infusing various oils with herbs and massaging them into the skin is an incredible way to hydrate and soothe the skin! Of course, I had to re-adjust my moisturizing method. Gone were the days of pumping out as much lotion as I can in an effort to keep the dry flakiness at bay. With oil, less is more. Give it a moment to soak in, like when we’ve applied too much lotion, and I don’t have stained clothes. I like to massage my body oil in right after coming out of the shower or tub. Skin is more absorbent when damp. Introducing certain herbs, like comfrey or chamomile, also adds a great level of healing and nourishment. Gone are the days of buying heavy moisturizers in bulk, crying that my legs are on fire due to jeans and cold weather.  No more dry rough knees and elbows. I use a quarter of the amount of oil in comparison to lotions, and my skin is so much happier!! So, give your skin some oil and see what happens. You’ll likely end up pleasantly surprised.