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.


















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