Hydrosols + Vulvas

Small Batch Rosa rugosa Hydrosol

I never thought to spritz a hydrosol on my vulva until I took a class by Lisa Kelly of The Red Tent Wellness space in Florida. I found that many of my friends, on the path of reclaiming there femininity as well as learning all things hormonal and womb support, have taken her online offerings. She is a wealth of information and shares generously. I was blown away by how much information was shared in just a few short hours. Here is a bit of what I learned from her as well as my own journey with distillation.

Hydrosols are created through plant distillation, a process that has been around for decades. If we break down the word we can get a better understanding of what hydrosols are. ‘Hydro” water and ‘sol’ solution, water solution. It contains the water soluble molecules of the plant as well as the essential oils. With this combination we have a beautiful aromatic plant water with a pH ranging from 2.0 to 5.5.

Did you know your yoni has a pH ranging from 3.5-4.5? When you shower, swim in the ocean, or have intercourse the yoni pH can become too alkaline. This can cause many women’s microbiome to become altered and more susceptible to things like yeast infections or BV. Hydrosols are a lovely Venusian way to tend to ourselves. A little spritz goes a long way. I have become fascinated and have tested this out on myself. That is the joy of self discovery. You get to try things out and see what works for you.

The process of distillation is associated with Alchemy. An area that I have started to learn more about through Sajah Popham’s Evolutionary Herbalism courses. It was here that I got inspired to get a distill of my own and to work with the plants that I was growing in my garden. Tulsi, seemed like an obvious first choice to distill, just walking by you create a cloud of sweet fragrance that brings a smile to anyones face. Tulsi is known as the “Queen of Herbs” in India. An herb that supports us in so many ways. Calming to the nervous system, focusing to the mind, and uplifting to our spirits. In a Epubmed article they write, “tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solutions to many modern day health problems” (J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec; 5). Tulsi has a sweet yet spicy aroma. Awakening and enliven to our senses. It is a beautiful hydrosol that supports a balanced microbiome with is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I love to mist Tulsi if I am feeling excessive dampness, brain fog, or want to awaken my skin. It is a lovely hydrosol during summer and swimsuit season. So far my journey with hydrosols have been used as maintenance of my pH. Spraying after showering, being in a bathing suit all day, or after steaming with herbs. Here is a list of other plants I love to work with and where I get them. I love to work with Rosemary, Rose, Rose Geranium, Tulsi, Lemongrass, and Lavender. I source hydrosols from Madame Moon, Seed Apothecary, Red Tent Wellness, and from my small batch distillations.

This article is for entertainment purposes only. It is not to prevent, treat, or cure. Do not take as medical advice.

Tulsi in my glass distiller

Hibiscus Rose Soda

Recipe sourced from the fabulous book Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice

The art of fermenting is ancestral and brimming with energy! Weekly I feed my sourdough starter, mix up ingredients for a lacto-fermentated herbal soda, and blend fresh coconut yogurt to support my overall health and microbiome. I love to try new recipes that excite my body. Herbal Sodas are a delightful treat that I started to make after reading Jessica Prentice book about the Wort Moon. It created a deeper sense of connection to my European ancestors, those they called ale wives. I was able to imagine them in their aprons brewing teas for herbal ales as a way to stay hydrated during long laborious days. I find it fascinating to learn new ways of creating in the kitchen, especially the history that comes along with it.

Lacto Fermentation has been used for generations using whey or kefir grains as the kick starter to fermentation. Whey is the by product of cheese making. During the time that I learned about herbal sodas I had also learned how to make ricotta cheese. This allowed me to make delicious cheese and have a byproduct of whey! If I am not making cheese I will buy whey from a local farm. The farm I source from uses A2 dairy products, “A2 milk has to do with the type of beta-casein protein in milk. A2 milk contains 100% beta-casein protein, whereas most cows in the US produce a mix of A1 and A2 proteins. A2 milk can be easier to digest and may help those with milk intolerance or allergies” Millers.

Not only do you get a fun bubbly drink but Sally Fallon says”throughout the world, these lactic-acid containing drinks have been valued for medicinal qualities...they relieve intestinal problems, strengthen the sick and promote over-all wellbeing and stamina. Above all, these drinks were considered superior to plain water in their ability to relieve thirst during physical labor. Modern research has discovered that liquids containing dilute sugars and electrolytes of minerals are actually absorbed faster and retained longer (think sports drinks)...natural lactic-acid fermented drinks contain numerous valuable minerals in ionized form and small amounts of sugar, along with lactic acid and beneficial lactobacilli”.

Above is a photo of a recipe from Jessica Prentice Book Full Moon Feast including her Wort Moon recipe Hibiscus and Rosehip Soda. This is favorite of mine during the heat of summer when Hibiscus and Rosehip start to ripen. Hibiscus is a cooling herb during the heat of the summer, supportive to the reproductive system and kidneys. It is cooling to inflammation, helps to purify the blood, as well as being an astringent that supports excessive bleeding during menstruation. Rosehips is high in vitamin-c, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids. A lovely pair to serve up after a day of sun.

Melty Marshmallows

There is something so fun about eating marshmallows. Such a treat to have during these colder months. I imagine this being fun to do with kids and quite nutritious for them too! I love to add them into my morning coffee, cacao elixir, or eaten with chocolate. I made these back when I read the cookbook “Food With Benefits” by Joy Coelho & Jay Denman and have returned to making them when I stumbled upon them in a different cookbook “Heal your Gut” by Hilary Boynton and Mary G. Brackett. Below is a combined recipe with some tips by me. You will need a mixer and thermometer to get the consistency you need to make marshmallows.

Ingredient List:

3 Tablespoons of unflavored gelatin powder

1/2 cup water for pan

1/2 cold water for mixer

1 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon marshmallow powder

Coconut oil for greasing the pan

1/2 cup coconut flakes optional

1/2 teaspoon rose powder

Grease an 8x8 pan and line with parchment paper, allowing the grease to hold the paper in place. Smooth out as best you can. In a standing mixer, add gelatin to the bowl. With the mixer on low slowly add the cold water, allowing the gelatin to dissolve. Once mixed let this sit to the side. Add the remaining water to a sauce pan with the honey, vanilla, and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking every so often to make sure it doesn’t boil over. It should take about 8-12 minutes to reach 240 degrees. It will linger in the 220’s for a bit. Once it reaches 240, take it off the heat. With the mixer on low, slowly add the marshmallow powder along side the honey blend in with the gelatin. Turn the mixer on high and beat for 8-10 minutes. You want it to become a thick creamy consistency. Immediately poor into parchment lined pan before it sets. Smooth top with a spatula. Here you can dust with coconut flake and rose powder. Let them set for an hour on the counter. Next lift the marshmallows from the pan and cut into squares. Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Season of Grief

The season of shedding that we currently reside in brings up feelings of melancholy, sadness, and reflection of past mistakes. As these regrets start to surface many of us lack the ability to confront the rawness of these mishaps. Instead, we numb out by keeping busy or having ourselves a forget me brew and hope that everyone, ourselves included, forgets. 

I think of so many stories told by friends and family of generation trauma.  As no one escapes this reality, whatever the story may be. I received a call a few nights back that my uncle Richie passed away.  He one of 6 on my maternal side of the family.  As many stories go, he grew up to witness the self-destruction of his father after his return home from the war and turmoil ensued. I understand why a young man sent to war, to return home to start a family would be a challenge. That his self-regulation was beer and cigarettes. This is not to shame my grandfather or any family that have similar stories. It is to acknowledge and have compassion for the sad reality that took place in many households. I don’t think my uncle could shake what happened throughout his life or the misfortune of his childhood. My heart hurt every time I saw him.  He was quiet, troubled, and sad.  Yet, his gentle soul always shined through.  I wished I could’ve helped him shift his trajectory, but as I sat and prayed for his journey to the other side, I saw him beaming.  He said, “it was never anyone’s responsibility”.

That left me with this. Each of us has a shameful experience, a regret, or story of grief that lingers in our mind. Holding onto this past self only keeps us weighed down. When you can confront yourself, forgive, and self-regulate in a mindful way you allow yourself a new start.  I’ve had plenty of cringe worthy moments thus far in my life. I’ve also held onto a lot of grief. Yet, I have come to realize that no one is doing better by me holding onto this bag of old rotting pain.  That it actually is starting to smell and it’s time to go dig a hole and bury it in the earth.  Allowing mother earth to compost it, turning it into some fertile magic. Each month I allow myself the gift of renewal through my moon cycle, but seasonally we can welcome this practice in. Fall asks us to let go, to grieve what was so we can show up in full presence for what lies ahead.

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Ritual

Write on a piece of paper or leaf the answers to these prompts:

What can you forgive yourself for?

What can you learn to accept?

What shame, guilt, or grief are you holding onto?

What keeps weighing you down?

What do you need to offer up to the earth?

Dig a hole and bury it in the earth or place in your compost bin.  Allow the earth to take it.  Release it into the soil, bury it down and not within your body. The earth has a miraculous way of transmuting energy into rich fertile soil. 

Reishi Cacao Mousse

Ingredient List:

1 avocado
1 can of coconut milk
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cacao powder and 1 tbsp raw cacao (only put in if you have high speed blender)
1 tbsp reishi
Sea salt

Fridge can of coconut overnight. Next day blend the ripe avocado and cream from the can (only top white cream). Add honey, cacao, & reishi powder to blend. Blend on high till smooth + creamy. Place in ceramic dishware then top with sea salt. Place in fridge and enjoy by the spoonful or more. Other options- splash of vanilla, probiotic powder, or maple syrup instead of honey! Play around with proportions and what feels right for you! Some like it less sweet or want more chocolate. Enjoy!

Herbal Infusions

When diving into herbalism you may notice that Nourishing Herbs are the plants that you will hear about first. These plants are wild foods, gentle enough to consume daily yet are power houses when it comes to nourishing our whole bodies.

Since these are considered foods the plants are great for long infusions to draw out the variety of constituents the plant has to offer. They differ from medicinal plants as they are lower in compounds that can be toxic in high doses. Nourishing Herbs contain polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins, making them ideal to consume daily.

Herbal Infusions are a way in which we drink these herbs. Using one of the nourishing herbs, steep 1 ounce of plant material (about 1/2 cup but less for roots) to 1 quart of simmering water for 4-8 hours. You will cap and lid your quart jar, allowing it to sit out over night.  Drinking on an empty stomach is best but not necessary.

You may do this as a cold infusion or a hot infusion. Hot infusions draw out more mineral content and colder infusions will excrete more vitamins. Drinking 1 quart of infusion daily helps to support your overall health and well being by bringing nutrients to your cells.

burdock root

N o u r i s h i n g H e r b L i s t

Nettles: leaves

High in chlorophyll, potassium, fiber, Vitamin-B, iron, protein. Supports urinary tract, kidneys, adrenals (seeds), cleanses blood, soothes arthritis, calms allergies, soothes inflammation, builds hair, skin, and nail strength.

Chickweed: leaves & stems

High in Vitamin-C, zinc, manganese, potassium, iron, Vitamin-A. Soothing to inflammation, vulnerary, cooling, gentle cleanser, lymphatic support.

Dandelion: flowers, roots & leaves

High in iron, potassium, inulin, magnesium, calcium, supports digestive system. Supports liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. Great for cleansing the fluids of the body. Pairs well with and is similar in action as burdock.

Violet: flowers & leaves

High in mucilage, zinc, Vitamin-C, Vitamin-A, calcium. Soothes mucous membranes, great in relieving painful cough, soothes bronchioles, moistens digestive tract, vulnerary. Soothes heart space.

Burdock: root

High in inulin, fiber, vitamin-A, Vitamin-B, Vitamin-C, protein, and zinc. Supports cleansing, liver, great for soothing inflammation, and healing to the gut

Red Clover: flowers & leaves

HIgh in calcium, manganese, phytosterols, potassium, Vitamin-C. Supports the lymphatic system, reproductive system, increases circulation. Not for those on blood thinning medication.

Oatstraw: stem & oat top

High in magnesium, zinc, Vitamin-B, calcium, phosphorus. Supports our musculoskeletal and nervous system. Deeply nourishing and moistening to tissues. Great for soothing trauma.

Nettles, Burdock, Oat Tops and Oat Straw

Spring Time Cleansing

A guideline to assist in restoring vitality by adding fresh medicinal weeds for cleansing and added nutrition after the winter months.

MORNING TIME 

UPON WAKING…

RAW CRUSHED GARLIC

Crush garlic, letting it sit 10-15 minutes then eat on an empty stomach immediately followed by 1 cup of water

LIVER VITALITY DRINK

Drink this 10 to 15 minutes after the garlic.  I like to add a squeeze of lemon. There are so many herbs in this powder that assist your liver.  Supporting in restoring it to better deal with metabolic waste.  It also has binders in it to support in the elimination of waste.

NOURISHING INFUSION

Make this in a quart size jar the night before.  Drink 1 quart a day, making a batch of 3 at a time.  Keep the other two in the fridge for the next 2-3 days to drink.  After it has sat for 4-8 hours, strain and heat up 1 cup.  Splitting 1 quart jar through-out the day or drinking in full in the morning. These drinks have substance and support your body in multiple ways. Check out my other blog on Nourishing Infusions. I like to drink Burdock & Red Clover for liver and lymphatic support.

ADAPTOGEN DRINK

Once I feel that I digested the garlic, liver drink, and nourishing infusion and feel I can use a little more substance I move onto a yummy drink!  If you can make your own nut milk, do, if not don’t stress.  This is all about doing the best we can with the time and tools we have.

• 1 cup Milk of choice

  I enjoy Oat Milk

• Raw Cacao 1tbsp I have been enjoying Heart Blood Cacao

• Powdered mushrooms about 1 tsp 

  I like to blend of Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lions Mane

• Stevia few drops

  Stevia is a beautiful plant and blows my mind how sweet one leaf can be.  If you do not like the taste opt for no sweetener or use a little honey or date

• Coconut Butter or Oil 1 tsp

  if you are feeling that you need nourishment add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter.  The fat helps to extract more medicinal properties of the mushrooms and to better assimilate the medicine in your body

• Simmer for 15-20 minutes to extract medicinal properties.

LUNCH TIME

STEAMED VEGETABLES & WEEDS

Fresh Nettles is lovely sautéed! Make sure to add lots of fats to make sure they are coated and cooked. Asparagus and Leeks are in season.  Be sure to look for the vegetables that look the most vibrant and locally grown when possible!

WILD GREEN SALAD WITH HERBAL VINEGAR & OLIVE OIL

If you have an herbal vinegar here is where you can add that into the mix! You can also blend ACV and Olive Oil for a simple dressing.

Wild Greens: *if you need help identifying please reach out

• Chickweed and Violets are great to support the lymphatic system, soothing to heat tissue states, high in vitamins & minerals, and great for mucosal membranes.

• Nettles is used to soothe inflammation, support the kidneys, cleanse and build the blood.

• Curly Dock and Dandelion are bitters.  They stimulate bile production to assist in breaking down of food, creating better absorption in GI.  Great for moving any stagnation in detox pathways.

• Sheep Sorrel is high in antioxidants and nutrient content

  *if you need help identifying please reach out

  You can also make pesto to add to meals for added nutrition!

HERBAL JUICING

A fun way to get a super luxurious and colorful drink that are highly nutritive. Just blend a cup of fresh dandelion leaves, violets, or plantain with 8oz of water. Straining out the pulp (can be used on skin) and sip! This supports our digestion, mucosal membranes, and packed with minerals! A beautiful drink that is fun to make with friends and family. You can store as ice cubes too!

sauted nettles, baby arugula, potatoes, & beets

DINNER TIME

BONE OR VEGGIE BROTH

Purchase broth from an organic, small, and local source.  For myself I find comfort in local products and connecting with ancestral foods.  My health has shifted since this journey of reconnection with my roots.  Honoring all sentient beings on the earth with prayers of gratitude.  Add some garlic, lemon, lots of thyme, oregano, sea salt, nettles, fennel, and broccoli. Bone broth is great for tissues, ligaments, the musculoskeletal system, gut, hair, and skin health. Thyme and Oregano have resinous oils that support immune and lung health. If you add Nettles you are adding a nutrient rich element that is blood building.  If you don’t have fresh add dried.  

Side Note: *Nettles is an amazing herb to consume during allergy season especially when paired with goldenrod.

OTHER HERBS AND MEDICINAL ELEMENTS:

HERBAL TINCTURES

Detox tincture 2-3x a day in the morning or before meals to stimulate digestion.

Sunny Side tincture 2-3x a day. This soothed my nervous system, boosted my mood, and calmed my mind.

FRESH HERBS

As spring time can be a bit cold and damp, adding Ginger into broths and teas can help stimulate and keep your body warm.  Circulation is a beautiful way to make sure that the medicine is being delivered through out your body. If you run hot or dry, herbs like ginger may not be needed.

PROBIOTICS

Sauerkraut or Kimchi on an empty stomach before lunch and dinner. Using one with ginger to activate and warm the stomach up, prepping the digestion process.

DRY SKIN BRUSHING

I do this in the morning by drop stimulating essential oil, like lemongrass, into my hand and brushing the skin over it so the brush picks up the oil.   Brush up your legs, up your arms, and up your belly to support your lymphatic system and boosts circulation.

LYMPHATIC HERBAL OIL SELF MASSAGE

Ingredients: Violets, Red Clover, Calendula, Chickweed steeped in Olive Oil

At night I dry skin brush, followed by an herbal oil self-massage, and a hot shower.  Skip dry skin brushing at night if you have trouble settling down and instead soothe the nerves with an herbal self massage followed by a hot bath or shower. The nervous system is immediately smoothed and ready for bed. Herbal oils are great way to support your nervous and lymphatic system.  It gently cleanses and soothes tension by coating your nerve endings.  When your nervous system is smoothed out your body is able to address any stagnancy or blocked pathways.

ENEMAS

This is a way to support our detox pathways. Clearing skin, increase energy, immunity, and overall wellbeing. You can do gentle enemas of lemon water, garlic water, or even marshmallow root tea infusion to support mucosal membranes in GI tract.

NERVINE HERBS FOR BED

Tulsi, Skullcap, Passion Flower, Lavender, Chamomile to name a few. These are great before bed to drift off, adding a bit of assurance to a good night’s rest. A restored nervous system supports in better communication throughout the body. 

Supporting Symptoms

I write this to share resources and information that have been passed onto me by my teacher Sage, the plants, and herbalists that I have found along my journey of communing with plant medicine.  This post is to ignite the confidence in your ability to support your health.  I hope this brings you a better understanding about your body in order for you to make wise and conscious decisions.   I am going to share herbal remedies that supported me through it all. This share is just that. It is not meant to be used to replace medical guidance.

MY SYMPTOMS

Congestion in the lungs. Phlegm that was causing blockage in my bronchioles, creating wheezing and shortness of breath. I was coughing through out the day to move phlegm up and out. This created a sore throat and tired lungs. I had low energy and finally my cough and congested moved to my head. I had headaches, congested sinuses and earaches. I am still working on my congestion by supporting my lymphatic system. Working with plant medicine to help my lungs, immune and nervous system through it all.

I M M U N E  &  L Y M P H A T H I C  S Y S T E M

We have two different immune responses.  

The first being our innate response this includes fever response, mucus production, and stomach acid.  Our second response is our adaptive response, this is how we build the immune system overtime with memory.  Our body identifies and remembers invaders, so the next time our body is exposed to the same pathogen, it is ready and able to fight it off faster.

 The lymphatic system filters the blood and fluids of the body while also screening for pathogens. This system works by cleaning up cellular debris and waste products and then off-loading fluid back into the bloodstream.  The movement of lymph fluid is through our diaphragm, it does not have a pump as the blood does with the heart.  That is why people use the rebound trampoline or a dry skin brush to activate the lymphatic system.  When we get sick, our immune and lymphatic system work together to produces cells (army) to support our body in ridding it of the pathogen.  There are multiple cells that are produced;  some cells consume or engulf pathogens, some attach and kill, and some multiply to prevent it from spreading.  Some of our cells die in the process and are in our blood and lymphatic system.  This is where the lymphactic system comes into play as we need to clean up after cellular death.  This is important to note so that even when we start feeling better we need to stay hydrated and care for our lymphatic system.  Cleansing is still needed so we can fully recover.

IMMUNE SUPPORT

• Reishi long term immune support

• Elderberry at the onset of symptoms

• Ginger

• Garlic 

MY PROTOCOL

• Crushed garlic ate it on an empty stomach. As well as raw onion (anti-viral).

• Tablespoon of immune syrup at the onset of a cold every couple of hours.

• Reishi daily- I have been taking medicinal mushrooms daily for quite sometime now.  Reishi does not have a strong impact on the immune if you take it once, best used over an extended period of time.

• Fresh ginger in soups throughout the day, keep in mind that I had damp congestion.

•  I found throwing things in a pot to be the easiest/most nourishing thing I could do for my body. This is super supportive as it is the season when it is cold and damp. Make sure to add spice to keep you warm.

REST

Sleep is always at the top of this list.  Sleep is a time for our bodies to rest and fight off infections.  Without adequate sleep our bodies become depleted, inflamed and stressed.  When our body does not have the energy it needs to fight off pathogens, we become more susceptible to sickness.  Adequate sleep and lowering stress can be supported by nervine herbs.  Nervines are lovely herbs that support your nervous system by lowering anxiety, nourish the nervous system and relieving muscle tension.   Herbalists are making sure to highlight nervines as this is a highly stressful situation.  We need to make sure that we are able calm our minds, so our bodies natural intelligence can do its work. 

            I found nervines extremely helpful during nighttime.  This was when I felt my worst.   My anxiety was heightened by my wheezing and my symptoms seemed to be more apparent, yet my body just wanted to sleep.  I took heavy nervines such as hops and vervain root as well as more common herbs that I find comfort in such as lavender and chamomile.  There are many nervines out there, find the ones that are calling to you.  I found it essential to take nervines at this time as it was one of the few things that got my mind and body to rest.

Valerian and Kava kava root tea to calm muscle tension and nervous system

NERVINES

• Oatstraw

• Skullcap

• Motherwort (do not take if pregnant)

• Mugwort (do not take if pregnant)

• Blue Vervain

• Hops (may be trigging to those with history of substance abuse)

• Kava kava (may be trigging to those with history of substance abuse with numbing effect)

• Lavender

• Chamomile

MY PROTOCOL

Chamomile tea with sleep tincture of choice-hops, skullcap, or motherwort. Two dropper full in 8oz cup of nerving tea. I would also steep hops with lavender and sip before bed. I drank oatstraw top infusion during the day.

R E S P I R A T O R Y  S Y S T E M

Our lungs resemble an upside-down tree.  “As above, so below. As within, so without” is something that comes to mind, as we are in direct relationship to plants when it comes to the air we breathe.  When we exhale, we release carbon dioxide, which plants then take in and in return release oxygen that we breathe in. 

 Our Respiratory system starts at the tip of our nose, down through the trachea (windpipe), and then splits into two bronchi’s.  These tubes then continue to branch off, subdividing into smaller tubes with less and less cartilage.  Once there is no more cartilage, they are considered bronchioles.  At the end of each bronchiole is an alveoli, air sack.  The alveoli are surrounded by capillaries which bring deoxygenated blood to the lungs.  This is where gaseous exchange happens.  The oxygen from the lungs and alveoli exchange with the carbon dioxide from the capillaries. The oxygen is then brought to the heart and distributed through-out the body and the carbon dioxide is exhaled out.  If there is inflammation or obstruction of this process you can have shortness of breath, feel tired, and your PH will become more acidic from the carbon dioxide not being released properly.

In light of COVID-19 we want to make sure we take steps in supporting our respiratory system.  My symptoms included coughing, phlegm in my lungs that I was having trouble getting up, dryness from all the coughing, and feeling tired from not being able to breathe that well.  There were a few herbs that I will write a bit about that really supported my tissues and body when my symptoms were at their peak.

Local Mullein rosette with stalk growing up, which produces the yellow flowers

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT

• Elecampane

• Mullein

• Licorice *I mixed marshmallow root when I ran out of Licorice.  Supports the health of tissues.  Coughing is irritating and causes tissues to become dry and inflamed

• Thyme

• Eucalyptus *used as essential oil, breathing it in

• Bee Balm

Elecampane, Bee Balm , Thyme, & Eucalyptus are aromatic respiratory herbs.  The oils from the herbs when taking internally are released through the lungs and support in disinfect the lungs airspace.  You may also use Thyme and Eucalyptus in a steam pot to breathe directly into your lung space to fight off any pathogen while helping to open the airways .  These four herbs are antibacterial & antiviral.

Mullein is a plant that has been use for ages to support the respiratory system and the tissue of the lungs.  It supports us in taking deeper breaths and addressing infections or chronic lung cases.  One tip when drinking mullein is to make sure you strain through a tightly woven bag as the tiny hairs from the leaves can be irritating.  Tea straws or metal strainers may not suffice. 

Licorice is an herb that is great for support the mucous membranes of the lungs as well as assisting in moving any stuck phlegm. It is anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and great to take along side of herbs if they are too drying for the respiratory system.

MY PROTOCOL

Every night I made myself a tea to drink the next day. A cold infusion of licorice and elecampane alternating with mullein tea. It was a lot of liquids, but my body was craving the hydration. It was supporting my lymphatic system and body in flushing out. I also used a Thyme and Licorice Tincture in my teas through out the day to support any infection in my lungs and to support the respiratory system in general. Licorice was a herb that I looked over for many years but know appreciate its application more than ever. This herb not only helped to sooth my inflamed and overworked tissue but it also made it easier to expel phlegm that felt super thick and stuck.

OTHER TIPS

SOUP BROTH

My energy was low.  One thing I could do for myself was make a soup broth with carrots, celery, onions, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, seaweed, sea salt, thyme, and reishi.  This is something we can all make.  Throw in whatever immune kitchen herbs and veggies you have on hand in your soup.  If you have mushrooms of any kind, add those for added support. Heat it up through the day.  It keeps your body warm during Spring’s cold and damp weather. 

STEAM POT

I was steaming with Thyme a couple times a day.  I ran out of the fresh herb and transitioned to rosemary.  This helps to fight off pathogens but also to loosen any stuck mucus. 

NETI POT

I used a neti pot with salt water to clear out congestion. This felt soothing and relieved some pressure.

MUCILAGINOUS HERBS

This was tough on the tissues, one reason being was because I was coughing a lot.  My throat became super dry and horse.  I substituted licorice (I ran out) with marshmallow to support the health of my mucous membranes. 

LYMPHATIC SUPPORT

Once I was feeling a bit better, I still felt congested.  This is a great time to focus your support on the lympathic system and cleansing the blood.  Herbs that are good for this are Burdock, Dandelion root, Calendula, & dry skin brushing.  

 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Calling on my ancestors and spirit guides helped me to focus my attention away from my wheezing and into a higher connected space.  I prayed for the healing of earth, the animals, the sick, the underserved, and lastly for my body to heal.  Prayer and connecting with spirit is powerful and simple.  

I reminded myself daily of my body’s natural intelligence and with the right support I was going to heal.

Thank you to the herbs for supporting me through an anxious time with tenderness and love.

Blessings,

Georgia Louise