Yahoo!! Spring is coming (or rather here). At least that is what OUR calendar is saying. However the Chinese have both a solar and lunar calendar that they use to mark the passage of time. Their seasons have ‘nodes’ which
Four Thieves Vinegar
THE GARDEN HERBAL REMEDY THAT SURVIVED THE PLAGUE Four Thieves Vinegar is the stuff of legends and kitchen magic. Recipes for this concoction are as numerous as the stories behind it. An easy version for the home herbalist is
Cucumber Cool This Summer
There’s a reason we say “Cool as a cucumber.” Cucumbers have been around for about 10,000 years. They started out as a tropical plant but have been hybridized over time to grow quite well in more temperate areas. They pack
Ban Colds and Flus this year
Wowza! Can you believe it? Kids are going back to school. The days are getting shorter but it is still summer. However, in Oriental medicine Autumn starts in August. There is plenty of Yang with the hot, steamy days but
Holiday Greetings
Here are some tips to make your holidays happier, healthier and more beautiful. More will be done from a distance this year. It will be difficult to celebrate in our traditional ways with family and friends. We need to take
Tradition – sometimes you have to let go
I was reading a few articles the other day on kids going back to school. Another busy year of learning and growing. Hopefully they get a teacher that inspires, supports and nurtures them as they try on new subjects to
Reflection time – what will Feed your soul?
Hopefully you have spent the summer planting and tending your ‘garden’ and now you have a lot to harvest and treasure. This not only refers to food but also to friendships, work accomplishments and other life goals. Summer is when
True Healing Begins With The Heart
Have you ever given your friends valentines and little heart-shaped candies on Valentine’s Day? Have you ever crossed your heart when making a promise that you really mean? Or turn on the radio to hear a guy singing about
Bone Broth for Winter Health
Soups or broths are excellent for supporting the Lungs in the fall and winter. In Chinese medicine bone broth nourishes our Kidneys—the internal organ associated with winter season–supports our qi and builds blood. Bone marrow is the source of essence
NAET: Hope for severe allergies.
It’s Allergy season again. What’s that you say? “I thought that was in the spring”. Actually any season can be allergy season. Fall is the season of the Lung and this is the perfect time to be addressing your allergies.
Wrap up in Winter
Ward Off the Winter Chills You know that scarf your Aunt Betty gave you for Christmas several years ago? You tossed it on the shelf in your closet and forgot about it! It is one of the best things you
Jing Ball Recipe
Herbal Tonics need not be bitter teas or handfuls of pills. In fact, one of the best ways to nourish and tonify is by creating foods and treats one can enjoy. The following recipe is adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s
Put the Jingle Back in your Jing this winter.
Put the Jingle Back in your Jing this winter. We are all born with an intrinsic energy known as Jing. Jing, or Essence, is a Chinese term for the fundamental energy of life. Jing is stored in the Kidneys
Defend Your Vital Energy This Winter
The concept of QI or vital energy is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi changes its form according to its location and function. The lungs are associated with Wei Qi. Fall is the time to nourish and strengthen the
Beat the Summer Heat
So the sun is finally shining after months of Northwest gloom and drizzle and you’re more than ready to get out there and do some gardening, play some volleyball or tennis, hike in the Gorge, ride the Portland bike paths.
Beet Borscht for a Spring Liver Cleanse
Spring is Liver time, and a good time to give your liver a little extra attention after a long winter. Beets are a good food to assist your liver and continue to nourish your kidneys as winter ends and spring
Love Without Chocolate?
“I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process…. It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?” – Katherine Hepburn Can you show love without using chocolate? Chocolate, cacao. It was considered the food
Exploring Camassia Preserve
Thanks to a friend, Tim Delano, I was reminded of a nearby natural area. I actually had tried to visit it 30+ years ago. I think the Nature Conservancy was thinking of acquiring or had just acquired it. It was
DON’T GET “SAD” THIS WINTER
During the cold dark days of winter, is it hard for you to get up in the morning? Do you experience a drop in normal energy levels in the afternoon and feel a need for more sleep? Is it difficult
Energy of the Seasons
Using the energy of the each season to nourish you. This is winter. Even though it feels like spring is coming many know it is still clearly winter. Here in the Willamette Valley we’ve had our usual variation of weather