Winter Health


Winter Health

I have always believed that herbs and wholesome foods are one key to a healthier lifestyle.  I notice in myself, when I am not making healthier choices of what I am putting into my body, then I pay the price of frequent illness and low energy levels.  
Frankly, I don't have time to be sick and tired!

As much as I love the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Years, I notice sickness can be rampant during what should be a fun time of year!  So, like everyone else, I am starting the new year with changes in my diet and exercise!  Truthfully, I feel so much better when I am eating healthier!  So, the healthy cycle of seasonal living, begins in January.  I hope to 'stick to it' throughout each season and not trip up when the later season of the year brings on the 'temptations' of poor food choices that lead to illness and low energy!

As an herbalist, I get many requests for a 'magic bullet' when the cold/flu season is in full swing.  I truly believe that health starts with a consistent lifestyle that incorporates herbs and wholesome foods in our everyday living. I also believe that health and wellness should encompass all areas of who we are: spirit - soul - body.
All three areas of who we are need consistent 'nutrition' on the daily.

So many things affect our immune system.  Believe it or not, our spiritual and mental state of being play a huge role in our health and wellness.  Our immune system is affected just as much by 'negativity' as eating sugar.  

So, as a new year has begun, so has our reflections on 'how to live a healthier lifestyle' in this coming year.  I can honestly confess, I don't have all the answers. Sometimes it is 'hit and miss'. But, as I pursue to educate myself on the subject of health, I am making a conscious effort to strive to make better choices.

I have learned from many 'mentors' that I trust.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I will share from many sources of expertise.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Rosalee de la Foret

I love what Rosalee de la Foret says in one of her articles about 
Living with the Seasons. The goal is to be in balance with the forces of nature as each season changes.  We should balance the foods we eat, the herbs we use as well as other aspects of our lives 
according to the seasons. She says that winter is a time of rest and nourishment, and a time to recharge our energy.  This statement and many other great tips for living in the winter season is here in the article Winter Detox.  

Her site: Herbs With Rosalee
Is a great place to start with learning all about herbs and foods.
I have studied several of her E-Books, Books and Educational Sources. Her online articles are full of wonderful information that is easy to implement into your daily routine.
She is easy to understand and learn from.  The article on Winter Detox is very informative.

 Check out Rosalee's Astragalus and Reishi Chai Tea HERE!

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Donna Schwenk

Another great source that I trust and follow is
Donna Schwenk of Cultured Food Life.
You can read all about her story HERE.
Because of Donna, I now make so many nutritious
cultured foods and drinks.

 Search her site and be amazed!

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 Healthy 'Everything'

 Heather Dessinger of Mommypotamus 
is a site that is amazing!
There is no end to the topics that talk about
health and wellness.

 Bone Broth is a wonderful addition to winter health!

 HERE is a recipe/video tutorial on how to make bone broth 
from Mommypotamus.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Maria Noel Groves

  Maria Noel Groves, a Clinical Herbalist is another resource that I learn from.  Her website is called Wintergreen Botanicals.
You will find several fall/winter herbal 
immune building recipes HERE. 
You can download many awesome class notes HERE.
Maria shares herbal remedy recipes HERE. 
HERE are food and recipes.
Maria's 'Stay Healthy: Natural Cold and Flu Support'
page is an excellent source for that dreaded season
of colds and flu. Click HERE.
"Invigorate and Reboot" Newsletter HERE.


 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Colleen Codekas

 Learn How to Live with the Seasons
Click HERE to the website that inspires people to live with the seasons, to become more self sufficient and to protect our health. 
Grow, Forage, Cook, Ferment.
It is a fascinating site!  Awesome articles!
"What to Forage in Winter" is a great article.  Click HERE.


















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fire Cider

Image
Cold and Flu Season is upon us. How can we help our body to remain healthier during  this season?  One recipe that our family uses as a preventive measure and as a remedy during illness is Fire Cider. Fire Cider is a lovely, spicy drink made with several ingredients that build the immune system as well as fight against viral and bacterial infections. "Fire Cider" is a term that renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar made popular through her many books, classes, herb courses and teachings. The basic recipe includes: Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) Ginger, Hot Peppers, Onions,  Garlic, Horseradish and Honey. However, there are other ingredients that can be added that have cold/flu fighting properties. Let's look at some ingredients:     Apple Cider Vinegar We are talking about raw, organic ACV with the 'mother'. ACV is full of vitamins and trace minerals! It helps support the systems of the body in a vari
Read more

The Home Apothecary

Image
Elderberry Syrup Preparation I love making herb and food medicinal preparations! It amazes me that herbs, spices and wholefoods can actually tone and strengthen your body to heal itself in many situations. As an herbalist, it is so much fun to share with others  the amazing benefits of incorporating herbs, spices  and whole foods into one's daily health plan. We are not quite through the winter season here in Missouri. Even though the days are getting longer, they can still be dreary and cold!  Getting out and about in the winter  weather is quite challenging at times.  But, there is beauty during the winter as well.  It is a needful time for nature, and it is a needful time for people. Nature is resting.  It is her season to be quiet and withdrawn. Her roots are preparing for spring.  The natural way of things for people during the winter season, is a time of rest and reflection. It is a time to physically replenish with warming nutriti
Read more

Winter Health

Image
  Winter Garden The gardens are beautiful in every season. I appreciate living in the mid-west where we have all four seasons to enjoy. Winters can be harsh here in Missouri, but they are also beautiful. I like to go with the flow of the seasons with my health and wellness path. Winter is a great time of nourishing rest for our bodies. Winter is the season for eating slow foods and drinking nourishing hot drinks. I am a certified herbalist. But, I do not re-invent the wheel when it comes to herbal education. I love to share other herbalist information. Here are a few links that are excellent reads for the season of winter health and wellness: Wintergreen Botanicals  shares about choosing the right immune support for your needs. Other great links on this site include: Building Resistance and Resilience   Fire Cider Recipes Lung Support Benefits of Mushrooms Immune Teas Elder and Immune Health Cocoa Tea Recipe Winter Newsletter Greenhouse Another awesome source is Herbs with Rosalee . So
Read more