Moving into 2016 With Rebel Herbal Tea (Recipe)

The Herb Walk with Dr. Jessica Baker4 Comments

Whew, 2016. I feel it has come on with a bang as my life has changed dramatically since 2015.  

When your dreams become reality, after years of innovation and hard work it feels good to revel in the achievement. It also feels good to go inside and listen to your deepest inner voice and observe how the completion of the goal makes you feel on a visceral level.

We have a tendency to tell ourselves that we are not worthy of love, abundance, or happiness. We make up excuses and procrastinations to keep us from accomplishing the vision we have for ourselves. I am done with these self-limiting beliefs that have been ingrained in me for lifetimes. I have had a reawakening — one that has brewing for years and is bubbling over and coming out in wonderful ways.

People, this is the year! This is the moment! You are here to shine! It’s time to bring your hopes, dreams and visions to reality. Life is short. We know it, we fear it and yet we still don’t truly live in the time we have on this beautiful earth. Friends live. Live the life you here to live. And be kind, loving and have compassion for all life. We are all precious. We all need love.

Speaking of hopes and visions, please share my blurbs on herbs and business success videos to those you love.  

I’ll leave you with a tea dedicated to and inspired by someone who gave many of us the courage to be ourselves and live our lives with passion and grace.

Rebel Hero Tea

Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp Linden flowers
1-2 tbsp Jasmine flowers
1 tbsp Cannabis flowers (if of legal age)
1 tbsp California poppy
1 tbsp Hops

Instructions:

  1. Steep all ingredients in two cups hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.  
  2. Sweeten with honey and add non-dairy milk if desired.  
  3. Sip and envision what creation you are bringing to the world.

After drinking, get up and do it!

Share a Cup of Kindness this Year (And Learn to Make One)

The Herb Walk with Dr. Jessica Baker2 Comments

With the last few days of the holy days season approaching I look forward to what 2016 will bring to the world. Believe it or not, 2015 was a yin year (Yin Green Wood Sheep) when the energy is more subdued than a typical yang year. This year is a Yang Red Fire Monkey year (beginning February 8th) so let’s use the last month of our yin to build our reserves and nurture our spirit for the active year ahead.

The yin energy of 2015 brought me the opportunity to step back from my private practice to have the time to attend several herbal conferences and learn from people and plants that inspire me.  I accomplished my goals of  completing several videos as well as my book proposal.

One of my favorite people this year is Tim Ferriss. I love his term “new rich,” which means those that value time and experiences more than money and material objects. He has some great tips on how to work efficiently to have more free time to enjoy life.

In 2016 my goals are to finish my book, “Plant Songs,” teach more CEU’s, and spend as much time as I can with my husband Chip. In 2016 I will also be way nicer to myself and let go of the negative speak I tell myself when I’m not living up to the standard I have set for myself. The fire element is associated with the heart, so a fire year is a great time to love yourself and share that love with others.

You are capable of achieving whatever you put your energy towards. What dreams will come true for you in 2016? I’d love to hear what you are excited to bring to the world! If one of your goals is to open or build your business, here is one of my videos that may be of help to you or someone you know.  

I’ll leave you with a delicious tea to share with loved ones on New Year’s Eve or to keep you warm on any cold winter night. The tea is inspired by the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne and honors both the friends of the past and the future.

Share a Cup of Kindness Tea

Ingredients:
3-4 tbsp chen pii (dried tangerine peel)1 cinnamon stick
3-4 tbsp hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries
3 tbsp rose petals
1 tbsp rosemary
2-3 tbsp hibiscus flowers
1-ounce lowland Scottish whiskey (option to honor Scottish lyrics)

Instructions:

  1. Decoct/Simmer chen pi and cinnamon stick in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
  2. Infuse/Steep all other ingredients (except rose) in two cups of water for 15 minutes.  
  3. Add rose petals to the steeped ingredients the last five minutes.
  4. Strain both the decoction and the infusion and add liquids together.  
  5. Add a shot of whiskey to each cup if desired.
  6. Add honey to taste if a sweeter taste is desired.

May the new year bring more peace and austerity to all living beings on our beautiful planet.

Recipe: Spiced Cider in Time for the Winter Solstice

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Today brings the Winter Solstice, a time of introspection and renewal as we once again welcome the lengthening of days. Solstice is one of my favorite holy days and I find comfort and warmth in knowing that slowly the days will catch up to the night.

Like many of you, my year has been full of changes that have been both overwhelming and amazing.

LiaandFaunaThe most heart warming occurrence is the birth of my niece Fauna Jessette Sunshine Schneider on Dec. 3, 2015, at 3:03 a.m. Much to the surprise of my sister Lia and her husband Scott, Fauna came a couple of months early because she just had to have all the auspicious threes in her birth chart and the adventurous nature of Sagittarius was beckoning her to enter the world. My heart melts just thinking about her!

Another great thing that happened was I finally have my Blurbs on Herbs video series on YouTube.  I also have a free business video to share with you. As soon as I have the approval from NCCAOM, I will also share my three videos I have for sale for those that need your Acupuncture CEU/PDA. The first month the videos are available I will have a 20 percent off sale on all 2016 classes (live and distance learning).

I hope all of  your holy day celebrations are filled with love, laughter, and good memories. Try to keep the drama low and the compassion high as you sit down with friends and family the next couple of weeks.

Here is a spiced cider to warm you on cold winter nights. It is also great with a shot or two of brandy added. As always, use organic ingredients.

Recipe: Spiced Cider

Ingredients/Instructions:
1 to 2 grams hawthorn berries
1 cinnamon stick
A pinch of clove
A handful of orange peel

Simmer all ingredients with apple juice for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, sip and enjoy.

 

Recipe: Holiday Compassion Chai Latte

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I have just returned from visiting my family in Georgia and I feel as full as the tonight’s moon.

I’m lucky to have a family that loves and supports me no matter how different I may be from them. It is comforting to know that I can always count on them to be there for me when I need to laugh, cry or vent! Take the opportunity to call a loved one and tell them how much they mean to you.

With the holidays approaching, emotions can run high as we mourn the loss of those that can’t be with us or stress out over gifts that we may not be able to afford to buy. This season, let’s focus on the gift of our presence instead of the store bought gifts that promote materialism over togetherness. I know I would prefer a walk in the woods with a loved one over another knick knack that ends up being donated to goodwill in a year or two. It’s time we prioritize what is truly sacred to us rather than buy into another holiday that is guided by consumerism rather than spirituality or faith.

The only way we are going to change the world is to have the knowledge and courage to live in a way that is going to actually be sustainable for every living being on our planet. This year, make gifts for your family infused with love and good vibes. Or, donate to a local homeless shelter or food bank instead of buying gifts. If shopping is something you enjoy, buy coats or shoes for families that can’t afford it. Spread joy in little ways like making a warm meal for the homeless people you walk by every day. The spirit of the holiday should be one of caring for all life!

I want to share with you a spicy and sweet chai recipe that will warm your heart and increase your compassion for yourself and others.  While you drink this tea, envision love spreading through your entire body, allow this love to penetrate deep within your soul. Spread that love to every being that crosses your path!

Recipe: Compassion Chai Latte

Ingredients:
2 tbsp dried cinnamon bark
2 tbsp dried fennel seed
2 tbsp dried cardamom pods
2 tbsp dried rose buds
1 tbsp dried clove
1 tbsp dried orange peel

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together.  
  2. Add 1 to 2 tbsp mixed spices to 4 ounces water and 4 ounces milk of choice (coconut, almond, dairy).  
  3. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes on low. Strain out herbs.
  4. Add honey to taste if desired. Sip and feel the warmth spread through your body and soul.

Let gratitude and compassion fill you completely.

The Art of Doing Nothing & A Fall Tea Recipe

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As the first snowstorm comes into the mountains around Denver I find myself a little intimidated by the cold, dark winter ahead. I put on a pot of black beans and wrap up in a warm blanket as I sit in my cozy blue chair and write. All my herbal adventures this year have brought on an intense need to just be — to sit and reflect and try not to expend much energy.

Traditionally, winter was an opportunity to rest, to reflect and tell stories of the years past, to connect back to yourself and the earth. Before the holiday rush begins take some time out to do nothing.  Literally, nothing. Stare into space and just let the thoughts come. Walk in the woods only if there is no goal or destination. Lay on the sand at the beach without feeling like you should be doing something. It is blissful when you can really let go and be. Allow space to fill you with the peace of nothingness.

Like most of us, there are a couple more things to be accomplished before the year is through. I have my final deadline on my book proposal December 1st. This process has been humbling and enlightening in my ability to share herbal medicine with others. Turning people on to the plants is my favorite part of teaching and practicing Chinese medicine and herbalism! I am truly blessed to live the life I want to live!

I will also send out one more newsletter this year. The newsletter will include links to my new videos! I have prepared 4 webinars that are approved for NCCAOM PDA’s and CA Acupuncture CEU’s. Anyone interested in Chinese medicine, Herbalism or Aromatherapy will find these videos inspiring and informative. I am giving one video away for free so there will also be a link to that discount code in the newsletter.  I hope you give me some honest (yet kind) feedback so I can improve for the next round. Sign up for my newsletter here!

I will continue my weekly blog posts and work on classes for next year. Thankfully more passive activities that can be done from my cozy blue chair or maybe even a tropical beach somewhere…

Until that beach happens, I want to share of my favorite autumn teas that warms me head to toe and that I know I will be drinking a lot of in the next few weeks.

Recipe: Autumn Tea

Ingredients:
3-6 grams Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis root)
3 grams Chen Pi (dried tangerine peel)
3 grams Shan Zha (hawthorn berries)
1-inch slice of Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger root)

Instructions:

  1. Simmer all ingredients in 1 to 2 pints of spring water for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Strain out herbs and set aside (can reuse them if desired).
  3. Add a little honey if need be. Drink throughout the day.

May the rest of your week be restful and exactly what you need it to be! When energy flows, wellness grows…

The American Herbalists Guild Symposium & A Recipe to Embrace the Divine

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After weeks of working on releasing suppressed anger, grief, and fear I feel lighter and more at ease.  

With these clearings, I’ve moved even deeper within myself and have tapped into a shame so embedded in my matrix that it is almost overwhelming me.

As the anxiety rises from knowing I have to look at this aspect of my growth process, I just breathe. A long belly breath that expands my belly and my chest. I remember that I am infinitely supported by the universe and my human and plant allies.  I know that any information gained will be transformed into wisdom and love and I will release all residual fear, anguish or disgust that embodies all shame.

Last weekend at the annual American Herbalists Guild Symposium in Granby, Colo., I had the pleasure of meeting and gathering with so many of my herbal heroes. Teaching alongside people I admire so deeply and being acknowledged for my accomplishments was incredible — and intimidating! The symposium also brought up these feelings of shame and I am glad I had the courage to overcome them. I know I was chosen by the plants to teach their wisdom and I am honored to have the opportunity.

I want to thank the AHG for putting on such an epic event! Every teacher at the Symposium is amazing, but I wanted to recognize two of my favorites. Check out their links as they are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Ethan Russo, MD

The top of my list is Ethan Russo, MD, he is a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals. I heard him speak in Bern, Switzerland in 2002 when he was part of the team that developed the first patented cannabis product.  So much of his work is finally being recognized in the scientific community as CBD and Terpenoids become the new buzzwords in cannabis research. More importantly, he is a plant person and understands the synergy of whole plant medicine! His team at Phytecs is researching the Endocannabinoid System and its role in our physiology and our evolution with cannabis. Ethan is a humble likable guy that you will be hearing a lot about in the future.

Mindy Green

I finally got to attend a class of my favorite aromatherapist, Mindy Green. Her four decades of work with essential oils and in the natural products industry makes her an authority on botanical medicine.  She runs a consulting company, Green Scentsations and specializes in botanical therapies, product development, and aromatherapy education. Mindy has welcomed me into the aromatherapy community and is a genuinely kind person.

As you see I was in the presence of people that have been studying botanicals since I was a wee baby. I had to convince myself that I was worthy of being on the stage alongside these giants in our industry.  Acknowledgment from our peers (and heroes) is important, but ultimately it is how you feel about yourself that is important. I continue to liberate this deep feeling of embarrassment of who I think I am. Just like you, I am beautiful, strong, kind and worthy of all the love and acceptance the universe has to give.

I’ll leave you with a simple soul nourishing, energy building recipe that will help you open up to the loving embrace of the Divine.

Recipe: Embrace the Divine

Use all organic ingredients (of course)

Ingredients:
1 small handful of fresh or dried rose petals
1 handful fresh or dried milky oat tops or oatstraw
1 handful fresh or dried hawthorn leaves and flowers
1 handful fresh or dried tulsi basil
1/2 handful fresh or dried violet leaves
1/2 handful fresh or dried calendula flowers

Instructions:

  1. As you blend the herbs together, honor each plant for its offering of medicine and ask it to open your heart to the infinite wisdom you are about to receive.  
  2. Steep the herbs in 4 to 6 cups of boiled (not boiling) water for 15 to 20 minutes.  
  3. Strain herbs and set aside for a second use. The bitter quality of some of the herbs will help clear toxins and negativity from your body.  
  4. If the taste is unpleasant add 1 tsp honey and thank the bees for their role in our nourishment.  Drink anytime you need of day or night.  It is a great ally on days when you need extra support or love.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my ramblings.

When energy flows, Wellness grows

release fear

Release Fear & Embrace Life (+ A Herbal Tea Recipe to Help You Do So)

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I have been told by several people that last week’s blog post helped them move through some serious anger they were holding.  As I continue to release what no longer serves me I am reminded that I continue to carry around fear, insecurity, and hesitation around my career.

After years of private practice, I have been teaching and writing more. It is scary! The part that frightens me the most is failure. For me, I don’t even know what this vague concept of failure really means. Does it mean my classes won’t be attended? Does it mean I don’t do the plants justice by not sharing their messages in just the right way? Or, is it my own low self-esteem just playing tricks on me?

Today, envision yourself accomplishing one of your loftiest goals. See yourself completely satisfied at the completion of something you dared to think couldn’t happen. What emotions are you feeling?  What do you look like? Are you the age you are now or is this in the future? Who is supporting you and cheering you on? Take this vision and place it in your heart. Be courageous and tell your closest friend what this dream/goal is. If they aren’t supportive, tell them you only need positivity to make this happen.

Here’s a simple herbal tea to help you release fear and increase positive abundance in your life:

Instructions:

  1. In 16 ounces of water add 1 to 2 tbsp Osha root and one reishi mushroom (cut in pieces if possible).
  2. Decoct (simmer) for 15 minutes.  Strain and put herbs aside to use in another batch of tea.
  3. This formula is Bitter! If needed, add honey to taste.

Osha root brings strength and courage while Reishi lifts the spirit, enhances spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.

I bow to all of you courageous souls and encourage you to listen to your heart and fulfill your life’s purpose.

When energy flows, Wellness grows.

Photo: Aristocrats-hat

Fall & the Art of Letting Go

The Herb Walk with Dr. Jessica Baker2 Comments

As I watch the leaves turn color, go limp and let go I am reminded of how beautiful it is to release what no longer serves me.

Our own process of going inward and releasing our fear, anger, and grief is like the autumn leaves. It requires a transformation, a surrender, and a liberation.

The past couple of days were hugely emotional for me as I let go of anger towards others and myself, owning my responsibility of forgiveness and motivated by all the energy I now have for myself. Holding on to blame and hatred has prevented me from being grounded and present on my own path.  I spent too much time giving my energy to negative thoughts about other people instead of focusing my positive intentions on what I am achieving.

Allow the courageous act of change that autumn inspires, help you let go of your inhibitions, excuses, judgements and anything else that is holding you back from moving forward in your life.

This autumn, eat root vegetables like dandelion and burdock to deeply nourish and ground you.  Drink teas of mint (spearmint, lemon balm) and sage (white, clary, or pineapple) to clear the respiratory tract. Begin taking a spoonful of elderberry syrup daily to boost yourself for the upcoming winter. Allow yourself 10 minutes a day to meditate, stretch, walk in the forest, sit on a bench in the park. Do nothing and just breathe. Revel in the fact that you are alive, you are here, you are you.

When energy flows, wellness grows.

Photo: Ian Sane

Explore the World & Enjoy this Recipe for One World Tea

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I have just returned from a family vacation in Alaska and British Columbia. Since I was born in Alaska, I have been wanting to get back there for years.

Helpful hint: if possible, go to Alaska! The scenery is magnificent, the locals are friendly and the native art is a must see. A highlight for me was seeing glaciers in person.

As my Dad said, “See the glaciers while you can.” Unfortunately, that’s a true statement. I saw the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau that according to a local, had receded greatly since he moved there in 1990. He was actually surprised at how much it had receded since he had been there just a couple years ago.  

It is imperative that we recognize, accept and change much about the way we live so we have the biodiversity for future generations to enjoy. And not just enjoy, but to have the ability to thrive as we have done.On a positive note, we have the resources to create a truly sustainable world if we really wanted to.  I am encouraged that we will come back to our senses and treat Mother Earth (and ourselves) with the love and respect we need to heal the planet.

While there, I found some local huckleberry tea, handmade herbal salves and ethically harvested chaga tincture. I was so happy to take home some herbal treasures to add to my medicine kit. I saw “Devil’s Club” for the first time growing wild by the side of the road from Anchorage to Whittier. Traveling and learning about different cultures feels me with such joy! Seeing them use the same herbs as I do always remind me that we are surrounded by our plant allies and they are an integral part of our survival and evolution. I encourage you to get to know some of the plants growing in your environment. You’ll be surprised how many are commonly used around the world.

With our global community in mind, I share with you a simple tea recipe inspired by some of my favorite cultures:

One World Tea

Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp hawthorn leaf & flower
1-2 tbsp Shan Zha (hawthorn berry)
1-2 tsp Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel)
1-2 tsp linden flower
1-2 tsp fennel seed
1-2 tsp cardamom seed
1-2 tsp rose petals

Instructions:

  1. Simmer the Chen Pi, Shan Aha, cardamom and fennel for 10 to 15 minutes in a quart of water.
  2. Turn off the heat and steep the rest of the herbs for 10 to 15 minutes.  
  3. Strain herbs.  

Drink throughout the day and give thanks for the opportunity to celebrate the culture and from around the world. As always, use organic and ethically harvested herbs

When energy flows, wellness grows.

Photo: San.ounette

Be the Change With This Compassionate Heart Tea

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July was a heavily emotional month with two Full Moons, the heightened energy of the summer, and all of the divisive news stories in the media.

The internet is an invention that has brought the entire world together and has even made our universe seem a bit smaller and more attainable by all of the satellite images of far away earth-like planets.

As our realities are becoming infinite, our minds and physical bodies are transforming from centuries of old truths and we are having a rough time keeping up with our new imponderable existence. In a Caroline Myss lecture, she spoke about how the invention of the atomic bomb and the realities of global destruction shifted us culturally, biologically and spiritually. That is why we are now a throwaway culture and why most of the structures we build are built to last more than 20 to 30 years.

Deep down in our DNA, we no longer believe we are going to survive as a species. Heavy shit, I know. But I am saying this so we can gain insight into who we are so we can become the person we want to be.

Like so many of you, I got caught up in the whirlwind of emotion that surrounded the death of Cecil, the majestic lion that was hunted and killed. I immediately felt an immense sadness that quickly transformed into disgust and anger towards the killer and what he had participated in. I wanted to separate myself from him and from all the acts of animal cruelty humans take part in.

I’m a vegetarian, but I do eat some eggs and dairy products. So I have no illusion that I perpetuate an industry that I loathe and speak out against. I also drive a truck, fly across the world in jets, forget my to-go cups and shopping bags and do all sorts of other things that harm our Mother Earth. And like everyone else, I feel bad about it and do what I can, when I can to make myself feel better. And that wasn’t the only disturbing news of the month that threw me off balance and shattered some of my realities.

With the current realities of the world, we constantly need to remind ourselves to love ourselves so we can love the other people on this planet and therefore make the world a better place.

Use the tea recipe, listed below, to remind yourself to be a more compassionate being.

Recipe: Compassionate Heart Tea

Instructions:

  1. In a quart jar, throw in a handful each of Hawthorn berry, leaves and flowers, rose petals and a touch of cinnamon powder.  
  2. Pour boiling water over herbs and cover completely. If you’d rather make a sun infusion, only cover herbs 1/4 with boiling water and add room temperature water instead and set out in the sun for 2 to 3 hours.  
  3. Drink a little before your daily meditation or anytime you need cheering up or clarity on a stressful situation.

As always, when energy flows, wellness grows. Love yourself every single day.

Transform your Home from a Stale to Sweet with this Welcome Home Spritz

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Right now I’m feeling as though I could accomplish anything.

After a move, I’m feeling more  blessed than ever to have the opportunity to live where I want to live, eat what I want to eat and live the life I want to live.

Even positive change can give me a momentary sadness as I reflect on all I manifested and achieved since I “officially” moved to Denver last October. In this new home, I see even more positive changes in my life. It is a bright open space that has already made me feel more creative and inspired. And my kitchen is going to be perfect for making herbal recipes. Stay tuned for fun, short videos on making delicious herbal goodies, body care products and more!

As a housewarming gift to myself, I made a spritzer to clear the energy of new construction and to honor the land that was developed to build our beautiful home. Feel free to make this for your home, car or office to help clear the air.

Welcome Home Spritz

Ingredients:
2 ounces Rosemary Hydrosol
2 ounces Spring Water
6-8 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
2-4 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
2-4 drops White Sage Essential Oil

Instructions:

  1. Fill a 4-ounce glass bottle with the hydrosol and water.  
  2. Add essential oils.  
  3. Shake well and spritz as needed to fill you with a sense of home, belonging and love.

When performing a clearing on a new house, settle your heart and your mind and take a few deep breaths. Begin by honoring the land upon which the house is built.

Send your roots deep into the earth and feel Her nourishment come up through you.

Send your love down your roots and into the core of the earth. Say “thank you, I love you, I nourish you too.”  

Then bring your attention to those that worked hard to get your house built. The builder, the designer, the contractor and all the laborers that poured their love into the job. Send them a silent “thank you, I appreciate you, I honor you.”  

Lastly, set an intention for your home. What energy do you want people to feel when they walk in the door.  Say your intention out loud.  For me, our new home is a space for creativity, expansion, growth and a place for our friends and family to gather. Be positive and clear with your manifestation and transform your home into whatever you desire.

As always, Love yourself enough to live the life you are meant to live.

“When energy flows, wellness grows…”

Photo: Sunny mama

Recipe: Fire Cider to Embrace Your Inner Activist

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Recently I saw Neil Young & The Promise of the Real at Red Rocks. The tour that was in promotion of Young’s new album “The Monsanto Years,” which was written to spread the word about the evils of Monsanto, and the corporate takeover of our country, our food and in essence, our livelihoods. Using his voice not only to entertain but to educate and inspire activism, Neil Young is once again at the top of my favorite artists. And, for almost 70, he rocked the guitar.

In the spirit of activism, I’d like to share with you Rosemary Gladstar’s (in)famous Fire Cider Recipe.  For those of you unaware, the name Fire Cider has been trademarked and the company that owns the TM is suing herbalists that are actively fighting the trademark to stop making their products also called Fire Cider. Rosemary Gladstar wants the name to be available to Anyone because it is the right of all herbalists to make and sell these collectively held recipes. To join the fight, make and share Fire Cider to your friends and family. To help with legal costs or to donate to the cause, visit their website.

Recipe: Fire Cider

Ingredients:
½ cup grated fresh horseradish root
½ cup or more fresh chopped onions
¼ cup or more chopped garlic
¼ cup or more grated ginger
Chopped fresh or dried cayenne pepper “to taste.” Can be whole or powdered.

“To taste” means should be hot, but not so hot you can’t tolerate it. Better to make it a little milder than too hot; you can always add more pepper later if necessary.

Optional ingredients: Turmeric, Echinacea, cinnamon, etc.

Instructions:

  1. Place herbs in a half-gallon canning jar and cover with enough raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs by at least three to four inches. Cover tightly with a tight fitting lid.
  2. Place jar in a warm place and let for three to four weeks. Best to shake every day to help in the maceration process.
  3. After three to four weeks, strain out the herbs, and reserve the liquid.
  4. Add honey “to taste.” Warm the honey first so it mixes in well. “To Taste’ means your Fire Cider should taste hot, spicy, and sweet. “ A little bit of honey helps the medicine go down……”
  5. Re-bottle and enjoy! Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it’s better to store in the refrigerator if you’ve room.
  6. A small shot glass daily serves as an excellent tonic (or take teaspoons if you feel a cold coming on)
  7. Take it more frequently if necessary to help your immune system do battle.

What cause are you passionate about? As Bob Marley would say, “Wake up and Live!” It’s time we stand up for what we believe in and become advocates for ourselves and the planet.

Full Moon in Capricorn: Manifest Your Dreams into Reality

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14999083677_f686a4ba53_kCould you believe that it’s already July 1st? I have been riding a wave for weeks now and with the Full Moon in Capricorn, I feel the intensity of energy even more. Today is a great day to start manifesting your dreams into reality. Yes, the universe is working on your behalf, but your part in manifestation is working toward making dreams into reachable goals.

Start a 21-day mantra or exercise that will bring  your vision into form. What I mean by this is if you want to change the reality of your weight then for 21 days have a light workout for 30 minutes every day and follow that workout with rewards of healthy snacks.

Look at yourself in the mirror every day and say, “With hard work and perseverance I will reach my target weight.” Once the 21 days are up it will be easier to stay in the habit of exercising.

Say it, believe it and work hard to make it happen. This can be applied to anything you want to manifest in life.

Here are some tips to help reach your goals:

  1. Get your friends involved. If you want to lose weight, get your friends together for workouts & walks, have potlucks where you all bring healthy food.
  2. Tell people what you are doing. Sometimes it helps if others keep you accountable. This is not to create judgement from others, but encouragement by those that want to see you succeed.
  3. Ask for help. You may need a professional to help you reach your goals, be it a nutritionist acupuncturist or life coach. Asking for help does not make you weak, rather having a team of support only makes you stronger.

May the Full Moon bring you abundance and motivation to achieve your highest potential!

I’ll leave you with a smoothie recipe that is inspired by my southern roots and is sure to keep you cool and hydrated on a hot summer’s day.

Recipe: Summer Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 banana
Handful of strawberries, blackberries &/or blueberries
Handful of collard greens
2-3 large pieces of watermelon
2-4 ounces coconut water or filtered water
1 spring of fresh mint
Handful of ice (for an extra special treat, make this peppermint ice cubes)

I hope you enjoy this recipe and please share with your loved ones!

Photo: Ulrich Peters

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

The Herb Walk with Dr. Jessica BakerLeave a comment

summer solsticeThe Summer Solstice has been celebrated in cultures around the world for centuries, maybe even for millennia.

In the northern hemisphere, today is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. In China, it represents the peak of yang energy with yin energy being at its lowest. Tomorrow will start the rise of yin and decline of yang, even though we normally see solstice as representing the beginning of summer.  

The perfect way to celebrate solstice is to invite your friends and community over for a feast with all of your favorite summer foods. If you are near water, jump in and balance the fire element of summer with a refreshing swim.

If you are in the southern hemisphere, today is the Winter Solstice and a good day to stay cuddled up inside with a good book and reflect on all that has come to pass in the last year.

Regardless of where you live, celebrate nature, the seasons, and all the abundance that is provided for us to thrive on earth.

It is also Father’s Day here in the United States, celebrate your Dad for all he has provided for you, as we celebrate Father Sun and all its life-giving properties.

Here’s a cooling drink to serve at your feast tonight or enjoy any time of day.  Feel free to add vodka, gin, whiskey or your drink of choice!

Cooling Drink Recipe:

Instructions:

  1. Using a gallon glass jar, add 1/2 cup raw sugar or honey, five squeezed lemons, enough loose green tea to fill about 1/4 of the bottom of the jar, and a handful of peppermint, spearmint or lemon balm sprigs.  
  2. Sit out in the sun for one to two hours. Strain the herbs and tea. Serve over ice and enjoy! For an extra fun drink, make the ice cubes with mint tea instead of plain water.

May your summer be filled with laughter, love, and abundance.

Photo: Jason

Hello Friends!

The Herb Walk with Dr. Jessica BakerLeave a comment

I am happy to announce that I am finally starting my weekly blog.  It has been a long time coming and now I am happy to share fun herbal recipes, health and wellness tips and easy to understand information on herbs and their medicinal uses. Please share any information with your friends and family.  Let’s work together and share openly with each other.

If there are topics or recipes you would like me to include, please let me know!  This is a dynamic blog, written for all of you.

To start it off, here’s a tried and true recipe for a delicious energy boosting, yin nourishing tea.  Usually I would say drink warm or at room temperature, but if you’re in a hot dry environment like I am in Denver, I’m saying it’s okay to add a couple of ice cubes (rose infused are extra yummy!)

Summer Lovin’ Tea

3 tbsp fresh rose buds (1 tbsp dried rose buds)

3 tbsp fresh lemon balm

1 tbsp dried milky oats

1 tbsp hawthorn flowers & leaves

Steep in 8 ounces hot water for 10-15 minutes.  Strain and Enjoy!

Blessings,

Jessica