Citrus & Cinnamon Cider
1 pint organic apple juice
2 3″ pieces of orange peel
2 pieces of star anise
1-2 cinnamon sticks
handful of hawthorn berries
Optional: splash of Cognac in your mug
Pour apple juice into a large saucepan. Add herbs and spices to juice and simmer on low-medium heat for 30 minutes. Strain out herbs and set aside. Sip 6 ounces of warm cider for pleasure or after a heavy meal to help promote digestion. Add 1/2 ounce cognac or brandy if desired.
Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is celebrated as the turning of the wheel and the return of the Sun. We are in rhythm with these holy days and we feel our own energy slowly begin to rise as our yang energy increases with the sun.
This essential oil blend honors the holy season of spiritual rebirth with Frankincense, Myrrh and Hemp and celebrates the return of the sun with Saint John’s Wort. It is divine!
Winter Solstice Blend
1 ounce Apricot Kernel Oil
3 drops Frankincense essential oil
3 drops Myrrh essential oil
2 drops Hemp essential oil
2 drops St. John’s Wort essential oil
Add essential oils to Apricot kernel oil, one at a time, blending completely between each addition. Pour into a 1 ounce roll-on bottle. Anoint yourself and your loved ones on the top of the head, temples, chest, and lower back.
Invoke the energy of the sun and give thanks for the warmth, light and life it provides.
With love,
Jessica
Photo credit: Organic Facts
It’s a pity that the DEA can’t see beyond their bias and continue to publicly deny the therapeutic value of cannabis. To further their renunciation of cannabis they have had to demonize a cannabinoid dubbed CBD, a THC antagonist (meaning reducing the psychoactive effect of THC), which has helped reduce the suffering of countless people with seizures, pain, cancer, and countless other conditions.
The newest research on cannabinoids is astoundingly positive if you consider neuro-protection, antagonizing tumor necrosis, and reduction of pain without life debilitating addiction a benefit to the medical community. The U.S. Health and Human Services even has a patent on the antioxidant and neuro-protective properties of cannabinoids. The mounting evidence in support of CBD has not stopped the current administration from declaring CBD (cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid present in cannabis) a Schedule I drug.
This decision is right on the heels of entrepreneurs and big business investing heavily in CBD oil and crystalline extract. The ability to sell CBD products online and beyond state borders without restriction seemed an easy way to get into the green rush, without the stigma or taxation of the cannabis industry. The specific scheduling of CBD (cannabis was already Schedule 1), gives no grey area as to whether or not CBD extracts are legal to sell. It appears they have established that CBD products are indeed Schedule 1. This is disappointing and is just another attempt to control the spread and acceptance of legal cannabis.
As a practitioner I am appalled that our government continues to add to the needless suffering of its citizens. As an herbalist I am concerned for what this means for all plant medicine. Making plants and their constituents illegal takes away our right to treat and prevent illness as we see fit. It is our right to have access to herbal medicine. The prohibition of one constituent makes it all too easy to prohibit another.With the recent designation of hemp and CBD it is even more important that we dutifully educate ourselves on the benefits and application of cannabis.
I am on the faculty of the Holistic Cannabis Academy and am incredibly impressed with their program. With two tracks- one for practitioners and one for the canna-curious, they provide a high level of education and turn-key solutions for counselors and health providers with modules on business-building and marketing. Their faculty includes prestigious researchers and clinicians like Roy Upton, Ethan Russo, Jonathan Treasure, and Laura Lagano.
Empower yourself and your community by becoming a Holistic Medical Cannabis Counselor or Holistic Medical Cannabis Practitioner through the Holistic Cannabis Academy!
With love,
Jessica
Photo credit: Vote Hemp
Herbs and essential oils are some of my favorite allies to combat the stress of the holiday rush. Instead of stalking the malls, I choose to walk among the conifers that have been here for millennia. I inhale their resinous aroma and instantly breathe deeper. Evergreens, like redwoods, pines and firs are some of our oldest ancestors, and their resiliency is transmitted to us, simply by being in their presence.
I share with you one of my favorite blends for honoring the vitality and strength in all of us.
Holiday Hustle Spritz
2 ounces Spring Water
5 drops Douglas Fir (or conifer of choice) essential oil
4 drops Clary Sage essential oil
4 drops Mandarin essential oil
2 drops Spearmint essential oil
Add each essential oil separately to the spring water, blending thoroughly between each one. Pour mixture into a 2-ounce glass spritzer bottle.
Spray as needed for energy, inspiration and grounding amidst all the holiday madness. Inhale and appreciate that it’s necessary to take time to slow down, breathe and relax.
If you find yourself stressed out, contemplate on what you are getting caught up in. If you are worried about what to buy someone you love, know that your friendship and love are the greatest gifts you can give someone this holiday season. Your presence is all they truly desire.
With Love,
Jessica
As we move deeper into the dark time of year, instinctually we know to slow down. We feel the need to go to sleep earlier, sometimes ridiculously early for me, as it is pitch dark by 5pm and the coziness of my bed is overwhelming as the cold darkness engulfs me. But the hustle of the holidays is counter-intuitive to our natural urge to hibernate, retreat and restore.
Instead of spending time indoors, nourishing ourselves with slow cooked stews and teas, we run around mad buying gifts and preparing for endless parties and indulgences. A lot of this energy can be fun as we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holy days around the world. All the running around and monetary stress often lowers our immune system as we resist the wisdom of our bodies. Something archaic within us knows we should be home resting with a warm tea (or toddy!)
To honor this instinct in me, I’ve gone back to my home in the Redwood forest on the coast of Northern California. I feel the need to withdrawal to the seclusion of the forest, innately drawn to the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean, where I have always felt at home. This year, more than most, I know it’s necessary to be in my comfort zone during the darkest month of December. I need to stay balanced, nourished and insulated instead of hurried, frazzled and distracted with extraneous seasonal events.
This time of year I need to be on tree time. On their time I can slow down enough to hear these ancient beings remind me that even with all the intensity and seemingly insanity in our human world, there is also an immense beauty and connection that surpasses any injustice we witness on our minute mortal scale. I am reminded that we have worshipped and communed with trees for millennia, as our Solstice and Yuletide rituals, and Christmas trees still emulate. Being in an ancient forest is my way of celebrating Solstice, the return of the Sun.
How are you honoring these dark holy days before the return of the life-giving Sun? I will for sure be humming my own version of O, Tannenbaum and sipping a warm conifer cider.
Photo credit: k-k.club
The consumerism of the holiday season really bothers me. I mean Really bothers me. Too much importance is put on buying stuff that people don’t want or need and for those that can’t afford to buy for their children, much less their friends or co-workers the stress is unbearable and unnecessary. Although I make as many gifts as I can (stay tuned for my free e-book with lots of fun holiday recipes), I also like to support businesses that really care about people and the planet.
Here’s the list of my top 5 companies to support this season:
Carry The Future stands in solidarity with refugee families worldwide by personally providing humanitarian aid to ease their journey while creating meaningful opportunities for global volunteers to be a collective force of action and hope. They donate baby carriers to refugees that are forced to carry their children for countless miles.
United Plant Savers mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Become a member and receive at-risk plants to propagate in your area.
The Holistic Cannabis Academy is a cannabis education, training, and business-building platform for holistic-minded practitioners about medical marijuana and its integration with other healing modalities. Give the gift of education and empowerment.
Together California blends an insatiable lust for color, fun, and forward thinking, Lily and Benedict want to encourage fashion lovers and the fashion industry itself to be their best while still looking and feeling gorgeous. Out of their mutual respect for humanity and planet earth, Together is committed to provide clothing that is equally high-fashion and high-tech. All products are created with the safest and most sustainable manufacturing techniques available without sacrificing style; these methods are reflective of the thoughtfulness and positive change that our current cultural and physical climate demands. Their designs and styles are unmatched, as is their commitment to sustainable fashion.
Samadhi Yoga is my favorite yoga studio in Denver. For those that live elsewhere, choose a locally owned studio in your town. Your friends will love you for it!
Photo credit: Website of Carry The Future
Spiced cider is one of my favorite things about fall. I always look forward to making my herbal cider recipe, which I like to drink on cold nights.
Ingredients:
1 quart Apple Juice
3 cinnamon sticks
1-3 inch piece of ginger
1/2 tablespoon clove powder
Handful of dried or fresh orange peel
Handful of dried hawthorn berries
Instructions:
As I sit among the redwood trees and bask in their majestic presence, I am deeply saturated by not only the moisture the traps in their canopy, but also by all the essential oils exuded by their cells. If you have ever sat in an old growth redwood forest, you know the sensation I am talking about. The density of the air is palatable and there is a silence that pervades deep within.
I like to use the Douglas Fir instead of Redwood in this blend, as I have yet to see redwood essential oil on the market. Like all conifers, Fir is anti-infectious and decongestant, so it has the extra benefit of protecting you from illness.
Ingredients:
3 drops Douglas Fir essential oil
3 drops Pinon Pine essential oil
3 drops Frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
Mist yourself as needed for meditation, concentration or focus. Or anytime your mood needs a little pick me up!
Photo: Michael Balint
I have been a little reluctant to talk about my upcoming projects, as I have not been exactly clear on what my goals and intentions for such projects. As I develop more clarity around my purpose it is obvious that educating about the sustainable use of herbs and essential oils is of utmost importance. As consumers, it is our responsibility to assure the viability and availability of our plant medicines are here for future generations.
As I develop more clarity around my purpose it is obvious that educating about the sustainable use of herbs and essential oils is of utmost importance. As consumers, it is our responsibility to assure the viability and availability of our plant medicines are here for future generations.
I hear people using excessive dosages of essential oils, with a “more is better” attitude, without taking into account the large amounts of plant material it requires to make 1 ounce of essential oil. In many cases, one to two drops, diluted in a fat-based substance, will do the trick. Use wisely, and with a thought to sustainability.
I also want to encourage bringing ritual back. We have lost ritual in our societies and I think it’s important to have reverence for the precious life we are blessed to have.
Today I diffuse essential oils of:
Lavender (organically grown)
Clary Sage (organically grown)
Palo Santo (from dead trees only)
as an offering of gratitude to the plant spirits as they guide me on this journey of life.
Halloween has deep roots in Celtic tradition as being Samhain (end of summer) and this day initiates the dark half of the year.
It is a time to communicate with the deceased as they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. Hints of the tradition remain as we dress up in costume and have parties and bonfires and tell stories of the dead.
Around this time I like to set up altars for my loved ones that have passed. It is especially important for those that have passed in the last year, as their spirits may still be in between world. On these altar, I burn pine, frankincense, and copal and I send prayers of good will up with the smoke. I place water, flowers, fruit and other treats to give them strength to move past the land of the living and embrace the realm of the dead.
For fun, I do like to dress up, eat pumpkin pastries and drink strongly spiced apple cider (both strong with spices and with spirits).
Photo: Kathy
As October glides past us like an autumn leaf, I get excited for the season of root vegetable stews and warm cups of tea.
One of my favorite soups is to throw in any root and vegetable I can find- burdock, dandelion, turnip, carrot, radish, broccoli and throw it in with garlic, ginger, and scallion and as much water as will fill it all.
I let it cook down for hours, adding more scraps, salt, spices and water as I see fit. After satisfied with the extraction of all possible goodness from the plants, I strain off the herbs for composting and am left with the most delicious, medicinal broth imaginable.
I add some sautéed mushrooms and a little chickpea miso to the broth, make a grilled cheese sandwich and sit back and watch the blustery breeze outside. The broth is easy to freeze to be pulled out later for a base in casseroles and other dishes.
What’s your favorite fall recipe? Comment below!
I know fall is here, mostly because people around me are starting to have that congested cough that often accompanies the onset of respiratory infections.
I hear it rattle in their throat and chest and while part of me wants to run the other way with my nose and mouth covered, the other part wants to stay and give them this recipe to help reduce the length of their illness.
Try this essential oil blend to ease your cold symptoms this fall.
Ingredients:
3 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops melissa essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil
6 drops clary sage essential oil
3 drops thyme linalool essential oil
Instructions:
For some this may irritate the skin, so reduce the drops of essential oils (especially thyme and peppermint) if this irritation occurs.
Cheers to a healthier fall!
Gathering with other herbalists and aromatherapists always fills me with such inspiration.
The presenters, as well as the participants, brought their wisdom and love for the plants, and together we created a beautiful gathering. I would like to thank the American Herbalists Guild for their ongoing effort of inclusiveness into this organization. Their membership has grown 65 percent in the last five years, so I believe their efforts of honoring the diversity of herbal education are succeeding.
A couple of highlights of the symposium for me were hearing Phyllis Hogan describe her ethnobotanical journey with the Hopi and Navajo. She co-founded the Arizona Ethnobotanical Research Foundation, which is committed to the investigation, documentation, and preservation of the traditional plant uses in Arizona and the greater Southwest.
This symposium was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to hear David Winston speak. I really enjoyed his teaching style and use of Chinese, Cherokee and Western herbal traditions. He seems a kindred spirit and I look forward to learning more from him in the future.
I encourage all of you to attend an herbal conference! The depth of knowledge that is passed on at these events is immeasurable. I always leave with my heart and mind full!
As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall away I go in between nostalgia for the long, hot days and acceptance of the dark, cold nights.
I love the time of year when the harvest is in full force and the excitement of the bounty is high. Now that I am in Denver, I am removed from the seasonal work that I grew so accustomed to my autumn rituals have changed a bit. To remind me of all that is happening for the farmer’s out there, I love this roll-on blend.
Ingredients:
1-ounce Self-heal infused Olive Oil
3 drops Hemp essential oil
3 drops Clary sage essential oil
2 drops Frankincense essential oil
2 drops Myrrh essential oil
Instructions:
Here’s to a happy and healthy fall!
Photo: B Gilmour.
I am so excited for the American Herbalist’s Guild Annual Symposium this weekend!
Not only do I get to teach on my favorite subjects — aromatherapy and herbalism — I also get to be around other herbalists that love plants as much as I do! As I prepare for my trip and attempt to get everything completed before I leave, I am reminded that it was only a few years ago that I decided to transition from private practice to teaching. That decision solidified two years ago when I closed my practice and moved to Denver. What a ride it has been!
At last year’s AHG Symposium I still wasn’t comfortable with the move from the ocean to the mountains. I still yearned for California and hadn’t found an herbal community yet. I am happy to say that I am now fully committed to being in Colorado and have met several herbalists I can get herb geeky with. Ah! I can breathe a sigh of relief! The stress of transition has eased, and I feel at home!
Anytime we get outside our comfort zone, we experience some sort of pain. Be it physical, mental or spiritual. I can’t say enough how herbs and essential oils have helped me with all the pain mentioned. It sounds corny, but it’s true. The plants offer more than just pain relief or immune support, they gift us with messages of love, acceptance, and compassion.
If you want to learn more about herbalism or aromatherapy, check out my YouTube channel or join us there this weekend!
Photo: Robin Atherton
To honor the Fall Equinox and to bring our yin yang into greater balance, I have created this blend that recognizes the dark and the light within us all.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Calendula infused Olive Oil
4 drops St. John’s Wort essential oil (connects us to the Sun)
4 drops Artemisia alba essential oil (connects us to the Moon)
4 drops Vetiver essential oil (connects us to the Earth)
Instructions:
May this blend bring you into balance with yourself, the seasons and the universe
As always use organic and/or sustainably harvested herbs and oils.
Although Denver is still holding on the warmth of the summer, I was up in the mountains last weekend and the icy breeze of winter reminded me that autumn is quickly approaching.
Thursday, September 22 is the Autumn Equinox. The Equinox is marked by the 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light that occurs twice a year. During the equinox, it is a reminder of the intricate balance of yin-yang, the dynamic opposites that govern all existence according to Chinese philosophy. I love this time of year, when I see plants letting go of all the energy they absorbed from their leaves during the year and then effortlessly releasing it all back to the Earth. Watching their process makes me reflect on all I have taken on throughout the year and gives me an opportunity to let go of all that I don’t need to hold on to.
I love this time of year when I see plants letting go of all the energy they absorbed from their leaves during the year and then effortlessly releasing it all back to the earth. Watching their process makes me reflect on all I have taken on throughout the year and gives me an opportunity to let go of all that I don’t need to hold on to.
Some of my favorite plants are those that remind us to let go of what we no longer need. In the case of Hawthorn Berries, they literally break up fats that may lead to arteriosclerosis or sluggish digestion.
Citrus peels, especially grapefruit peel, is very mucolytic, which means it breaks down substances containing mucus. In Chinese medicine, mucolytic herbs break up what we call phlegm, qi and blood stagnation (which can manifest as lipomas, tumors, cysts) and can be helpful in both decreasing cellulite and acne. Respiratory disorders are rampant in autumn, with many suffering from a wet cough that tends to linger with the cold, wet weather. Perilla leaf is useful to stop coughing and dissolves the phlegm that causes the tight, stifling sensation in the chest that accompanies the cough.
What are your favorite herbs for helping you let go of what is holding you back from optimum health?
Feeling the fall allergies? They’re pretty bad here in Colorado, and many people with fall allergies also have asthma.
Common allergens like pollen can flare an asthma attack in many of these people. Use this oil blend to either roll on your chest or to inhale as needed to help prevent or stop a mild asthma attack.
Ingredients:
1-ounce lavender-infused apricot kernel oil
3 drops neroli essential oil (reduces shock and anxiety)
3 drops frankincense essential oil (stops wheezing, calms spirit)
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil (arouses kidney to grasp lung qi)
As always, use only sustainably harvested and/or organic essential oils.
Let’s be real — many of us are feeling the effects of Mercury in retrograde as we are experiencing communication and technological mishaps.
Usually, I am not affected by this astrological phenomenon that can occur up to several times a year and last for weeks, though right now, I’m totally feeling it. Each project is taking longer than usual, and I’m having to put more effort into being clear to avoid misunderstandings.
When Mercury is in retrograde it is recommended that you don’t sign any important documents or having any dealings where miscommunication or misrepresentation may be heightened. I usually don’t go this extreme, but I do notice that I have to slow down and pay attention to the subtleties behind the words. To help give you clarity and grounding that is needed during this time I love this recipe.
Mercury in Retrograde Blend — Gain Clarity & Grounding
In a 1-ounce glass spritzer bottle, add 1-ounce spring water and the following:
Ingredients:
4 drops Clary Sage essential oil (brings clarity to thought and insights)
3 drops Mandarin essential oil (regulates qi, much needed during retrograde)
3 drops Frankincense essential oil (calms spirit, promotes circulation of qi)
2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil (calms spirit, cools heat)
As always use only sustainably harvested and/or organic essential oils.
Hope you gain clarity and grounding during this turbulent time!
The transition from summer to autumn can be difficult for many of us. As the days shorten and the wind cools, I need a little extra help from my herbal allies to accept that the long hot days of summer are ending and the long dark days of winter are soon to come.
As the days shorten and the wind cools, I need a little extra help from my herbal allies to accept that the long hot days of summer are ending and the long dark days of winter are soon to come.
1 ounce fresh St. John’s Wort infused Olive Oil
Ingredients:
5 drops Clary Sage essential oil (euphoric, brings clarity and insight)
2 drops Mint of choice (clears heat, calms “angry” liver)
2 drops St. John’s Wort (associated with summer, the sun, grief, depression)
2 drops Hemp (regulates key systems in body, modulates immunity)
Instructions:
Let me know what you think!
Photo: Paul Bica