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.

The gift of losing expectations.

The gift of losing expectations.

What a wonderful, yet crazy season this is. The holiday season is at my door step and I find myself caught up in a seemingly endless loop of what I want to do, obligations that I am committed to do, and my own expectations of what I think I should be doing, or at least that was what this time of year used to look like for me. Last year, I gifted myself a year of working at letting go of expectations and it has been the best gift I could ever have given. Most of our stress comes from our own expectations. The expectations of how we think everything ‘should’ be and what we think others want us to be. We have become so focused on those unreal expectations of ourselves and trying to obtaining a Hallmark movie perfect Christmas and life. The truth is we end up looking more like a scene from National Lampoon. Did we buy this, make that, should we do this or that, did we remember to do this or that? It’s our own unobtainable expectations that can suck the joy out of life. In reality, all our family and friends ever really want, is us. Down the road, when all is said and done, all anyone really remembers is whether or not we were there. We don’t remember perfection, it doesn’t exist. All those to-do lists, or rather, the what we think we should do lists, will never compare to us simply showing up. So, gift yourself and your family and let go of the expectations that weigh you down. If you’re lucky there will be spills, tears, lists and dates that you forgot and unexpected mishaps, but it will be wonderfully memorable and full of love. We remember the company, the smells, the dried-out turkey, the tree that fell over, that really ugly sweater, the time we took a wrong turn and got lost, the laughs along the way and how we felt. The only thing anyone wants and needs is you, showing up as you are. Your presence is the gift.

Merry Christmas!!