New Moon, New Beginnings (Enhanced by Eclipse Energy)
This weekend’s solar eclipse and new moon provide yet another opportunity for washing away what no longer serves us and fertilizes the ground for new growth. What does that growth look like for you? With the eclipse in Capricorn there is a lot of earth energy available to us, and it seems that will be a theme for the year ahead. Whether growth means taking the leap on starting the business of your dreams, going on an adventure, or committing to feeding yourself better and moving more, the planets are behind you!
Earthiness as Embodied by the Kapha Dosha
As an herbalist “earthiness” really appeals to me. As a womyn who Ayervedically would be considered vata/kapha, I treasure the chance to embody more of the Kaphic side of myself. Each dosha is aligned with one or more elements, and for kapha it is the earth element. At their best kapha folks are rooted, grounded and emotionally steady. They are comfortable with feelings, while remaining patient and nurturing. They have the most stamina and are strong bodied. Having a meal cooked by someone with a kapha predominant dosha can be a deeply nourishing experience, as cooking is a gift that often comes naturally to them.
When worn down or challenged, like all doshas, kaphas can become out of balance. A kapha out of balance can get very stuck in their ways, and become sedentary. Imagine trying to move a pile of earth compared with the fluidity of fire, water and air. When these strong people get sick, which is rare, they get hit pretty hard. Their bones ache and there is a propensity towards phlegm and mucus, which can get stuck. A sense of heaviness may descend and can manifest emotionally in the form of depression and withdrawal.
Herbs to Support Grounded (Earthy) Growth
After reading about kapha you can probably guess that it is the dosha most closely associated with winter. So how can we encourage growth in a season that can lend itself towards stagnancy? There is a certain deliciousness in embracing all the goodness of winter: longer sleeps, cozy clothes, stews cooked slowly on the stove. Lest we sink too far into the complacency of winter, it is helpful to add complementary energy to the mix. For instance, morning movement and herbs with a kick, such as rosemary or cayenne, added to those stews. Never underestimate the power of finding middle ground. If you normally like to do vinyasa yoga, but the coldness of winter makes you prefer lying in bed with a book, give gentle yoga a try.
Let’s talk about some herbs that can encourage growth, while keeping us grounded, and how to use them!
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Like many mints, holy basil is a wonderful herb for the nervous system (a nervine). It encourages flow, and can help move thought into action. It is also supportive of the immune system and helps to nourish the stress response system to be more resilient in the face of long term stress (aka life). In India it is said that planting a holy basil (tulsi) plant by the home will assure good fortune and health. Every year I plant numerous plants in my garden and always try to bring one in for the winter. This year I am having the most success keeping it alive but it is far removed from its summer state. I just miss that fragrant beauty so much in the off season. I dry a lot to use for infusions (herbal tea) and also tincture it. Both are wonderful ways to work with holy basil medicine and you can feel free to enjoy in either medium numerous times throughout the day. It is best avoided during pregnancy.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) An amino acid found in green tea called Theanine directs the stimulating property of the caffeine to mental pathways, increasing focus in a non jittery way. It can also be extremely supportive to immune system health. I start many of my days with a mug of green tea. My favorite preparation is to brew the tea in the traditional Japaneses style which is to use the same tea bag or infuser basket of tea numerous times throughout the day, steeping for a little longer each time. This method ensures that you aren’t becoming dependent on the green tea for energy. This past summer I infused raw honey with holy basil and I adore the combination of green tea with that honey. If that idea appeals to you but you don’t have any tulsi honey on hand you can always add the tincture along with a bit of honey.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Warming and anti-inflammatory, turmeric can be both comforting and invigorating at the same time. It is a wonderful antidote to cold and stagnation with a fiery base. Turmeric can be cooked with, best with coconut oil and a bit of black pepper as studies show our bodies absorb it best this way. Turmeric can be also be taken in tincture, herbal tea or made into a delicious golden milk. There are some easy options, available to purchase in stores, that are already in tea bags or packets for stirring into your mug. The key to working with herbs is finding the methods that are most accessible to you. Be creative and have fun!
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Warrior medicine (helps with strength and boundaries) and can truly assist you in building new growth pathways. This herb can be drying so it is a good balance for the wetness of kapha and the winter season. Yarrow is also helpful in fighting infections so it can be a winter ally in that way as well. To support good boundaries and forward movement yarrow tincture would be taken in drop doses throughout the day. It could also be used as flower essence in the same way. The amount of tincture would be increased if you were fighting an infection. Yarrow can be made into an herbal infusion but its bitter taste isn’t appealing to many. I make a Fever/Flu tea in which I mix yarrow with other herbs that balance its astringency and bitterness.
If this blog wet your appetite for some more herbal learning please join me this Sunday (January 13th) at the Gardiner Library for a short workshop on “Herbs for Cold & Flu Season”. It’s a class I’ve been offering there for years and it’s always a fun and info-packed. Here’s the link to register and find out more info: link
