My Eyes Were Opened In 2005

 I was dealt a pretty serious dis-ease of my own in 2005.  Up until this point, I'd never thought much about what it meant to be healthy.  I was brought up on the typical American diet, which consisted of mostly processed foods, lots of soda and some home cooked meals that revolved around meat every Sunday.  My mother and I had  randomly decided to experiment with vegetarianism when I was 15.  I'd done a research paper on it and it seemed as though there were lots of benefits.  So we both gave it a whirl and it stuck.  Don't get me wrong- it took us awhile to learn how to be "healthy" vegetarians. For the first several years we relied on everything soy and processed fake meats. But we felt healthier and didn't miss regular meat at all.
That's where the "health experiment" ended for me.  I still loved junk food and ate plenty of it (I still struggle with my love for it!) and I was probably the worst kind of vegetarian possible all through college.

I ended up studying abroad in India in 2001 for 3 1/2 months with a group of other students, who many of which were hardcore vegan, Earth worshiping, community loving hippies.  Being around these people for over 3 months straight and learning from them was a huge turning point in my life.  Although I found most of them quite challenging and I certainly wouldn't have sought them out as friends in another arena, they truly played an enormous part of showing me my path.

In 2005 I was diagnosed with my first (what doctor's called) serious health imbalance.  Because I was introduced to Ayruveda in India, aromatherapy, herbs, vitamins & health food by my fellow students on the trip back in 2001- I decided that I would take that leap of faith and try the world of integrative medicine.
 Long story short- I healed myself and I realized what a teacher dis-ease was.  Without having gotten sick, done the work, used the tools- I never would have experienced the power and importance of all the things that are involved with self care, self love, and integrative medicine.  I may have continued into herbalism without having dealt with a disease on my own, but I don't think that the passion I have now for my work would have been quite as strong.

I've been studying herbs, Reiki & integrative medicine going on 10 years now, and I can say with certainty  that almost every little ache and pain, every cough or sneeze, every skin blemish, burp or fart and almost every life threatening or serious illness, is our bodies way of communicating with us.  It's our bodies waving the bright red caution flag, calling out "Hey! I need some help over here!"  The voices may start out small and quiet, usually so much so, that we can live with the discomfort of the symptoms and maybe even accept them as signs of aging. Then our body's signals get louder and louder until sometimes it may reach a point where you can no longer ignore the signs anymore, and you've got a  full blown "situation" to deal with.  Our bodies, do their very best to keep us healthy and strong- but they can't do it alone! Our bodies need our full undivided attention & help!

What a lesson & blessing it can be if you allow dis-ease to teach you  and learn what you can do for yourself to heal.
I'm not just talking about what the wonders of modern medicine can offer us ( which absolutely has it's place and thank goodness we have it...) I'm talking about the healing that comes from whole hearted self care.  Food, water, movement, spiritual/religious practice, playing, whole food vitamins, herbs, essences, aromatherapy, energy work, massage....
When our eyes are opened to see how each of us is so unique & have different needs and that quick fixes and magic bullets are not the long term answer for health & happiness, then we truly become our own best healers.
Taking care of ourselves is a job no doctor, no herbalist, no naturopath or chiropractor can do for us.  Healing & staying healthy and strong is a lifelong path and process you must choose to prioritize for yourself- but if there is a cause that's more worthwhile, I'd like to know what it is.  YOU are your own best healer. xo Amanda



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My Love of Cheese, Stinging Nettle And the Neti Pot

Check Out My Favorite Neti Pot: Baraka Neti

It's true. I love cheese. I've tried and tried to break up with it, but I just don't think I have it in me. Or maybe I do have it in me, but just wouldn't want to live life without it.
Yes, I'm that dramatic when it comes to my love of food.
Although I do my best to live in a gray world ( I don't believe "black and white" really exists), I find it's in my nature to go to extremes and find it hard to find a happy medium at times. I've been vegan, played around with "raw", done lots of different cleanses, elmination diets, been sugar free and tried some fasts, but in the end, I just to listen to my body, mind and spirit and do my best to find that happy medium to come back to that makes me feel my best. It's a day to day journey- but it's something I always strive for.

Okay so why am I going on about my love of moldy dairy? Because it's time to talk ALLERGY SEASON! Oh yes, and as my title foreshadows; Cheese, Nettle and the Neti pot are all key players in keeping our bodies happy & healthy during allergy season. AND the trick is to start NOW- preventatively looking at what we can do for allergies- not waiting until the first symptoms appear. (There are lot's of different kinds of allergies out there today- so right now I'm talking the sniffley, sneezey, congested, red eyed- sinus discomfort kinda allergies.)

No matter if allergies are a year round struggle for you or just during the Spring or Fall, I have some super simple tips that will help you better fare your allergy woes.

First thing's first. What typically exacerbates allergies? The well known offenders are mold, pollen, mites, dust & pets.
As a lot of folks are finding out, diet is a huge contributer to allergy symptoms as well.  Dairy of all kinds, refined sugar, all soy products and for some folks refined wheat are also all ENORMOUS offenders of creating more mucous in our body.
When we are sniffling and congested the last thing we need is to be adding more mucous into the picture.
If you don't believe me enjoy a big fat bowl of ice cream. Afterwards tell me if your nose starts to drip or if you start getting a "frog" in your throat.
Or try a healthy dose of your favorite homemade mac and cheese and see how you feel after that.
I guarantee that even if you aren't necessarily susceptible to allergy symptoms you'll still experience at least a sniffle or sneeze.
I know it's so sad for us food lovers. But I'm not here to tell you to STOP eating the food you love. I'm here to teach you what you're triggers might be and to encourage you to check in with your body when you eat to see who your offenders might be. Then once you know, the decision is yours:)

Okay, so maybe now you're clearer on what your allergy triggers are. Now, what can you do to manage- and even hopefully prevent the unpleasant symptoms?
The neti pot is your best friend. I REPEAT; the neti pot is your best friend. If you haven't made friends with a neti pot yet, I suggest you do so STAT. Truly, I promise, it will change your life.
Check out my video on how not scary and super easy the neti pot is. Hey, if my mom can do it ( and she does!) anyone can!
The neti pot's role is to flush out the sinus cavities-plain and simple. We are inhaling various germs and microbes, dust, pollen and hundreds of other possibly irritating particles on a daily basis. And if we tend to be congested in our nasal and sinus cavities, that means all of those particles are getting stuck up there!
No good.
The neti pot gently and effectively clears the nose and sinuses and it seriously only takes 5 minutes of your time daily. For real. I use mine almost every single day- and when I skip- I notice and wished I hadn't.
An added perk to my neti pot use is that when I have my moments of sugar and dairy bingeing ( yes, it does happen, I won't pretend to be perfect.) I am able to bring my mucous levels back to normal within a day or two depending on how overboard my indulging went. The neti is an amazing ally to have for everyone- allergy sufferers or not.

Finally let's not forget our herbal allies! If you know me, then you know I adore Nettle (Urtica dioica).
I use it for just about everything- but did you know it's a natural antihistamine? Well it's true! Not only is Nettle a rich green, mineral & vitamin packed herb that nourishes and supports whole overall body, it also fights off histamine responses from allergies! Horray! Goldenrod and Eyebright are also great allergy fighters, but I just don't think they taste as good:).
Liver support is also of enormous importance when it comes to allergies and my go-to herb for the liver is... yes, you guessed it good ole' Lion's tooth aka Dandelion root! Nettle and Dandelion root are wonderful combined as a strong tea steeped overnight and drunk the following day or taken as liquid tincture. With chronic conditions (which allergies tend to be), my preference is always tea/infusions- but I get that tea's are not always convenient. Just don't forget the water/hyrdration element (so important!)! If you are in the thick of allergies and you want to get an immediate herbal blast then by all means go ahead and take a dropper of herbal tincture directly in your mouth- but if your going for prevention, then squirt a couple droppers of tincture into your water bottle and drink it all day.  This way you get the herbs and the hydration too.
Fresh Ginger & lemon are also your allies as they support the liver & warm and move the body (promote circulation & detox!). Do add those to your water daily for even more herbal support- plus they're delicious too.

The time to start is now! Don't wait, spring is just over a week away! Have a talk with your food, introduce yourself to some herbs and don't forget to go out and get your neti pot!

HAPPY ALMOST SPRING!
XO AMANDA

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Are You A Tick Magnet? Tips For Keeping Those Suckers OFF!

Don't let those bugs keep you from enjoying your Spring, Summer and even Fall (they love the cold weather ya know...) to the fullest!  Whether it's a long hike in the woods, gardening or just hanging out in the backyard, there are many simple ways to protect yourself & your loved ones from the dreaded tick.

1.  Keep Your Immune System "Strong Like Ox" (said in an accent.)
This seems an obvious thing and yet we often overlook its importance.  A strong immune system makes it harder for microbes, viruses and negative bacteria to prevail and wreak havoc on our systems.  The same goes for being preyed upon by bugs.  It's been proven that ticks in fact seek out the weak to attack and infect, more so than animals with a strong defense- or immune system. Since we're ALSO animals, the same is true for us. So let's keep our immune system strong with these helpers:
     *Probiotics: the good guy bacteria we need in our gut for proper digestion & immune function.  You can find encapsulated probiotics at your local health foods store for the greatest benefit or in fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, kefir and yogurt.
     *Eating a whole foods diet focused on fresh fruits and veggies- especially greens. 
     *Pure clean water intake- and lots of it- at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces.
     *Take immune enhancing herbs like Astragalus & Eleuthro on a regular basis- especially during tick season.  I find tincture form is the most potent. Ask your health care practitioner for details.
     *Manage your stress, whatever that looks like for you.  Meditation or breath work, exercise or just taking time out for you....whatever works- because stress is one of our worst enemies for a healthy mind, body & spirit.

2.  Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself- of rather, the tick does.
Ticks, whether or not they bite, sure do like crawling all over  you assessing the situation-but hey, as long as they don't bite- you're in the clear!  BUT do check yourself often.  They love all of our nooks and crannies-yes you know the ones... so each time you go inside to use the restroom, or back to the tent while camping- shake out your clothes and check your body: arm pits, behind the knees, ears, hair, under breasts and nether regions thoroughly.  LOOK HARD deer ticks can be really TINY!

3.  Make Friends With Essential Oils.
Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Rose Geranium *& Lemon Tea Tree are the heavy hitters when it comes to tick prevention.  Essential oils are versatile, anti-microbial in action and they smell great!  Here are a few easy ways to use them:
     *Make your own tick spray: buy a 1 ounce spray bottle, fill with water or a combination of witch hazel and water, then add 1-15 drops of essential oils.  Shake well and spray your skin, hair and clothing as needed.  If you want a heavier blend that will last longer on your skin, use a carrier oil like grapeseed, almond or olive oil instead of water in a 1 ounce pump bottle.  Again add the 10-15 drops of eo's, shake well and apply to skin before dressing yourself.  
    *Add them to everything!  I love using tea tree essential oil ( I find that ticks hate this essential oil the most). In the shower after a day outside in tick-land (aka the garden!), I use unscented Dr. Bronners castille  soap and add tea tree essential oils to it. Once again using the 10-15 drops of eo's per ounce ratio.  Another option is buying (or making!) an unscented body lotions to lube yourself up with after a nice hot shower (btw ticks HATE hot temperatures- so make your shower extra steamy!)

4.  A Non-essential Oil To Love.
Neem Seed Oil is a pressed oil from the seed of the Native Indian Tree- the Neem Tree.  It smells a little like garlic and peanut butter to me ( I know, gross), but man does it work!  Add this to your tick repellent oil or spray and give it an extra punch for tick prevention!  The Neem tree is known for it's anti-EVERYTHING properties.  From fungus, parasites, microbes and even malaria- Neem is your plant to kick butt.  Neem seed oil is also an excellent  choice for keeping ticks off your pets, as animals are often too sensitive for essential oil use.  Simply dilute Neem seed oil (6 drops per ounce) in a carrier oil of choice and rub into your pet's collar.  Put the collar on your furry friend (or ruffle the oil blend into their fur- or both!)  and they will be good to go!  Refresh the collar with new Neem oil every few weeks. 

5. Meet Your Herbal Allies.
Since ticks are the culprit for Lyme disease and it's co-infections, prevention is key.  Prevention of getting bit by a tick and keeping our bodies strong to combat the possible infection (heaven forbid) is where we need the most help.  The herbs are here to do that for us. 
     *Garlic: A heavy duty herb that boosts immune function, flushes viruses and microbes, calms inflammation, boosts circulation, repels parasites and fungus and so much more- EAT UP!
     *Astragalus: As mentioned above, Astragalus is and amazing adaptogenic herb, which really just means it's a "super hero" herb.  Adaptogens have the ability to bring our bodies back to balance, enhance or modulate immune function and aid in combating stress of all kinds- pretty great right?!  Astragalus has a particular affinity to the immune function and it has an anti-spirochetal action (spirochetes are the bacteria like critters that come with Lyme.)
     *Eleuthro: As mentioned above is another adaptogen specific for boosting immunity in a  very depleted and stressed states as well as supporting adrenal function.
     *Stinging Nettle: One to the most mineral rich herbs that gives the whole body a boost!  I call it an herbal "multi-vitamin".  Nettle is specific for supporting an building a healthy nervous system but offers a myriad of other benefits-one of my absolute favs!
     *Red Rood Bark: Red root gets things moving!  Especially the lymph which is where we often have a lot of toxins built up in our systems.  Getting the lymph moving and supporting our liver/spleen function, Red root will help out bodies get back on track in no time.
You can find all of the above herbs in tea, tincture or capsule from at your local health foods store.  I find that tinctures are the most potent and fast acting form of herbal medicine.  As your health practitioner for guidance.

In conclusion, don't choose to live in fear over ticks & their possible infections and deprive yourself of time enjoying Mother Nature- act now, prevent, now, just plain take care yourself  now and not only will you stay tick free, you'll just feel fantastic.

XO AMANDA

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*All of the information shared on this blog is for educational purposes only and  is not meant to treat, cure or replace any other form of medicine or treatment. Use herbs under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner.