As the full moon wanes & we embrace Autumn’s golden light, our invitation to shore up for the changing season has arrived. Canada geese greet the morning with their migration melody and squirrels stash their winter nut stores. The path to re-wilding our health is blazed by minding these cues. In order to liberate one’s self from the concrete mess that our healthcare system has become, we must anchor into the rhythms of seasonal healthcare. This newsletter has some accessible ways to do just that.
Adaptogens, adaptogens, adaptogens
I can’t say enough about these tropho-restorative (body/mind/spirit) nourishing herbs. Adaptogenic allies have been central to long-standing traditions of medicine such as Ayurveda and TCM for centuries. While ashwagandha has become a famous spokes-herb for the adaptogens, there are many other leaves, roots, berries and mushrooms that fall into this category.
Holy Basil (Occium sanctum) the leaves of this fruity mint family ally can be ingested daily. I keep tincture of Holy Basil on my desk to take throughout the day, in a little water, and make tea daily as well.
Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae/Ganoderma lucidum) this mushroom is wonderful to decoct (brought to a boil and simmered for 20-30 minutes), either in soup or as a hot water medicinal beverage. Reishi can also be ingested as a powder in smoothies or added to coffee. Reishi helps to strengthen the immune system and is a wonderful support for deeper sleep.
Codonopsis (Codonopsis species) root nourishes the adrenals and the immune system. This is my favorite adaptogenic ally for those prone to pneumonia. Codonopsis can be taken in tincture or capsule form and is a wonderful ingredient for teas. I’ll share the recipe “Changing Season Chai” below.
Other adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Ginseng, Maca, Rhodiola, Schisandra & Shatavari. Think of all adaptogens as food for your immune and nervous system that help make your more resilient. Experiment and play with the various kinds and make an appointment for seasonal wellness if you’d like some guidance with choosing and working with the adaptogens most suited to your individual health needs. Sessions can be by telehealth, most days and some eveenings, or at the lovely Sunset Healing Collective on Mondays and Wednesdays in New Paltz. Here is the link to make your appointment of choice.
Soup & Water Decoctions (Herbal Tea made from Woody Plant Parts) are two of my favorite ways of working with adaptogens. Check out The Soup Recipe Extravaganza issue for kitchen seasonal medicine inspo and read on for “Changing Season Chai” recipe.
Save the Dates
Friday October 11th from 12-2 pm I will be presenting a class on “Functional Medicine and Herbal Practices for Seasonal Mood Support” in collaboration with The Holistic Health Community and The People’s Place Wellness Empowerment Center in Kingston, NY. The class is free through sacred reciprocity. Join me on Instagram and/or Facebook for access to registration links when they are ready and you can follow the People’s Place Calendar and The Holistic Health Community calendars for more info and to check out all of their amazing offerings.
Sunday November 3rd from 1-3 you can join “Youthful Radiance: Natural Skincare for Beauty, Health & Vitality” a class that I am co-teaching with Kristin Misik, founder of the Sunset Healing Collective at Crescent Hudson Valley. The class will be an investment of $40 and you will be able to register via Crescent and I will make sure to share the link in my Samhain newsletter. This new event space is part of an amazing community space that has recently opened in Gardiner NY called Full Circle.
Speaking of Full Circle….next weekend my dear friend Rochelle is opening Gardiner Bakehouse, a bakery like none other. When you walk into this space, trust me, you will not want to leave. While there, you can order a hot mug of my newest tea, “Flower + Joy” an homage to Ro’s roots as the “Flour + Joy” Micro-bakery.
Changing Season Chai
Chai (with Codonopsis)
This recipe is a modification of the traditional chai recipe with the addition of reishi mushroom and codonopsis root to help with immune health and vitality. This tea can be enjoyed daily.
Makes 2-3 servings
5 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon peppercorns
3-5 clove buds
1 tablespoon cinnamon bark chips
2 tablespoons ginger and or turmeric (dried cut root or fresh grated)
1 vanilla bean
2 tablespoons codonopsis root
2 slices of reishi mushroom
Combine herbs in a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Keep on a simmer for 1 hour. You can also combine the herbs in a crock pot on low overnight. Strain, add honey, or maple syrup, and any kind of milk to taste.
What I’m Into:
Reading Firekeeper’s Daughter
Listening to Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Tending my Ancestor’s Altar in preparation for Samhain.
Spending as much time in nature as I can, soaking up the sunshine and vitamin D.
Hit Reply and let me know what you are fired up about right now!
