Being Compassion: The Wood Element

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Ahhh, Spring is here! Equinox always brings me to tears of joy as I witness the balance of yin and yang on our planet and feel it harmonizing within me. Winter is damn hard for many of us, and Spring bring us a renewed sense of hope and positivity. The longer days gives us that solar energy everything on Earth needs to thrive. Spring is the time to start bringing your wintertime musings and dreams from the visionary world into the material one. Understanding the nuances of the Wood element can help you with those manifestations.

I wanted to introduce you to the Wood Element in Chinese Medicine, as it represents Spring, and the generation of new life, new energy, and new ideas. The Wood element/phase has gotten a negative wrap (like an ethereal concept of the manifestation of life on Earth can be negative!) with people saying “when the wood element is out of balance, one is angry, inflexible, bossy, violent, loud and rude.” All of these qualities can be attributed to Wood out of balance- but one very important quality of Wood is often not talked about. The Hun- our ethereal souls.

The Hun are described in different ways but many texts say the Hun are three benevolent, 3vin-sagescompassionate beings that guide our actions, thoughts and dreams. When out of balance, the Hun are restless and can become frustrated, relentless or de-motivated. We can help balance our Hun by leading a more simple life. Eat foods that are easier to digest (knowing your constitution is key to good health because appropriate foods will differ between people), minimize the alcohol and drugs, take a deep breath in times of stress instead of spiraling out of control. These can be life changing moments when you just took one minute to care for yourself instead of going down a road of negative emotions.

Spring is the time to eat those tender, young greens! Dandelion, burdock, violet, nettles- all are sprouting right now and inviting you to take a couple nibbles of their new growth. Try it! You may just like it- and your Hun will love you for it!

May the blessings of Spring bring you renewed energy, compassion and insight into why you chose to be here, right now, with all of us.

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

when energy flows, wellness grows

 

Eating with the Seasons

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As Spring approaches next week, it’s time to start our transition from eating the heavier root vegetables of Winter to eating our fresh Spring greens like dandelion and chickweed. To help guide you into eating with the seasons, I’ve included the tastes that correspond with each season.

Spring (Sour): Cleanse the liver with steamed bitter greens, lemon water and fresh fruit and
vegetable juice. Eat sour foods like balsamic vinegar, sourkraut, and kimchi. Help regenerate liver cells with milk thistle seed. Drink herbal teas with burdock root, dandelion flowers/greens and chrysanthemum blossoms. Begin to prepare the body for the long hot summer ahead by cooling the body down and eating less spicy food.

Summer (Bitter): Eat from the farmer’s market!! Eat cucumbers, green beans, and drink fresh watermelon juice to cool yourself from the summer heat (this is optimistic for our coastal summer!) and over stimulation of the long fun days of summer. Stay hydrated and spruce up your water with fresh mint leaves instead of ice cubes.

Late Summer-0r 18 days between each season (Sweet): Mentioned because this is the season associated with the Earth element in 5 Element theory. It is the time to nourish yourself from all the expansion of summer and begin to draw your energy back inward. This is the time for yellow summer squash, corn, yams and other sweet foods that nourish Earth.

Autumn (Spicy): Add a little spice to your life with green onion, ginger and other invigorating herbs to help fight off anything that might be going around. Drink warm broths with astragalus root, oyster and shiitake mushrooms and fresh ginger.

Winter (Salty): Eat root vegetables like carrot, beet, parsnip in hearty soups and stews. Drink warm tea with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and milk. Stay warm and nourished. Try to avoid too much sugar and caffeine in a time when we should be restorative and quiet.

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

Plant Medicine to Soothe the Soul

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Many of us are experiencing an underlying tension that has us reactive and sensitive. I know I have had to be very conscious in my language and actions because much of what I was saying wasn’t coming out as eloquently as I would like.

The politics that enraged millions of people into action has begun to settle into our beings and has created fear, depression and anxiety. The hope that many carried for almost a decade has been replaced with despair, anger and apathy. I feel all three of these things on an almost daily basis.

When I’m in a space to recognize my feelings, thoughts and behavior I can transform these overwhelming emotions with love, understanding and compassion. I am able to take myself out of this moment and remember that this is only a blip in the evolution of consciousness. Sometimes we need to feel betrayed, afraid, and pissed off-if those are the only things that spur a leap in our own humanity.

As always I utilize our ancestors, our plant allies to bring me back to a sense of peace,
calmness and compassion. This winter Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been a daily friend, strengthening my Wei Qi (defensive energy) so I elderberrycan deflect some of the negativity and retain my own vital life force energy. If you’ve been getting colds/flus frequently, I highly recommend starting the day with one tsp of elderberries steeped in a cup of hot water. Berries are generally simmered, but I find elderberry to work wonders as just as infusion. Some species of elderberry are toxic, only use sambucus nigra or

Our aromatic plants are always important to help us move out of a feeling of discontent. Artemisia-tridentata-close-up-e1396654925527The strongest essential oil I am working with right now for clearing out what feels stuck, opening the lungs, and activating my crown chakra is Big Mountain Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). The aroma of Big Mountain Sagebrush is overwhelming for some, but I love it. It smells similar to chaparral or creosote, and it is just as healing. I recommend one drop on the top of the head. You will be surprised at the insights that will come to you.

To deepen your exploration with herbs, join me and other experts for a free online event March 20-24! RSVP at no charge: The Plant Medicine Summit

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

when energy flows, wellness grows 

Elderberry credit:  Roger Butterfield

 

 

 

Do you want to learn more about herbalism and aromatic plants?

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If so, join me and other experts for a free online event: The Shift Network’s Plant Medicine Summit! 

Enjoy a vibrant you and thriving planet when you join 25+ leading ecological experts, health practitioners and inspiring educators — including David Crow, Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Jill Stansbury, David Winston, Sara Crow, Lakisha Jenkins, Matthew Wood, KP Khalsa, Acharya Shunya and more — as they bring to light the curative and evolutionary powers of specific medicinal plants, many of which you can grow in your own garden or neighborhood!

During this unparalleled 5-day gathering, you’ll discover:

A classic approach to reestablishing our eternal connection with Mother Nature
The cutting-edge science — and overwhelming evidence — of plant intelligence
A unique integration of herbology, Ayurveda and astrology — exploring medicinal plants related to the planets and the astrological uses of essential oils
Rare teachings of Ayurveda sages from ancient texts, bringing to light Ayurveda’s stand on environment & consciousness
“Forest Bathing” as a therapeutic practice
The use of medical cannabis oil in treating patients with cancer

Use the Earth as your healing source, March 20-24, 2017.

RSVP at no charge here: Plant Medicine Summit

I hope you join me!

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica 

when energy flows, wellness grows

5 Element Recipe post

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Chinese medicine is rooted in the knowledge that humans are cosmic beings of this Earth that are intricately connected to the rhythms of nature.

Use this blend when you need balance, clarity or harmony in your life.

Elemental Essences

Fire (Summer)- 3 drops St. John’s Wort essential oil

Earth (Center)- 2 drops Mandarin essential oil

Metal (Autumn)- 2 drops Himalayan Mint essential oil

Water (Winter)- 3 drops Pink Lotus absolute

Wood (Spring)- 2 drops Douglas Fir essential oil

Add all essential oils to a carrier oil (olive, apricot kernel, coconut) and put in a 1 ounce glass bottle. Apply the oil to your heart, head or low back when feeling fatigued, overwhelmed or out of sorts.

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

when energy flows, wellness grows

5 Elements

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The 5 Elements (I prefer to call them Phases or Cycles) of Chinese Medicine are often discussed but not accurately understood. Many people are excited about Chinese Medicine and want to share it, but the lack of depth in understanding Chinese medical theory has left a gaping hole in most of the teachings on Chinese medicine.

When we talk about the 5 Elements/Phases we are not only discussing the dynamic changes that occur within the body, mind and spirit during each season (and during the transition time between seasons), but also the myriad of colors, emotions, spiritual entities and other correspondences that accompany the “elements.”

Our current interpretation of the 5 Elements is from the Warring States period, when 5 factions were fighting for control. This directly affected how we applied the elements to daily life.

I prefer the classical interpretation, when Earth is represented as the 18 day period five-elements-earth-289x270between each season, a time of transition and preparation for the season ahead. This makes more sense to me than Earth as “late summer” where it seems to be placed just to serve ideology instead of seasonal shifts. In a later blog, I will go deeper into the 5 Elements and the emotions, colors, sounds and other associations.

For more information on the theories of Chinese Medicine, check out The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (NeiJing SuWen) translated by Maoshing Ni. It is the foundational text of Chinese medicine and is a fascinating read.

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

when energy flows, wellness grows

 

5 Elements

The Herb Walk with Jessica BakerLeave a comment

The 5 Elements (I prefer to call them Phases or Cycles) of Chinese Medicine are often discussed but not accurately understood. Many people are excited about Chinese Medicine and want to share it, but the lack of depth in understanding Chinese medical theory has left a gaping hole in most of the teachings on Chinese medicine.

When we talk about the 5 Elements/Phases we are not only discussing the dynamic changes that occur within the body, mind and spirit during each season (and during the transition time between seasons), but also the myriad of colors, emotions, spiritual entities and other correspondences that accompany the “elements.”

Our current interpretation of the 5 Elements is from the Warring States period, when 5 factions were fighting for control. This directly affected how we applied the elements to daily life.

I prefer the classical interpretation, when Earth is represented as the 18 day period five-elements-earth-289x270between each season, a time of transition and preparation for the season ahead. This makes more sense to me than Earth as “late summer” where it seems to be placed just to serve ideology instead of seasonal shifts. In a later blog, I will go deeper into the 5 Elements and the emotions, colors, sounds and other associations.

For more information on the theories of Chinese Medicine, check out The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (NeiJing SuWen) translated by Maoshing Ni. It is the foundational text of Chinese medicine and is a fascinating read.

With love,

jessicabaker

Jessica

when energy flows, wellness grows

 

Supporting Community

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These days it is way to easy to disregard our feelings as some of us are overly sensitive about Everything! The news and social media have infiltrated all of our lives- and we are having trouble processing it all.

Some of us get to take a break from the real (and alternate) news, but inevitably it is going to affect us all. Turning off your computer, going on a walk in nature, playing music- all are super important to keep us sane and balanced with all the sensory overload.

What is even more important is helping out your community in whatever way that works for you. If it’s donating your time to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen- that’s awesome! If it’s hosting free or donation based yoga, acupuncture, herbal classes- that’s great!

You know what may be even better. Actually looking at your neighbors in the eye, saying hello, asking if they want to have a cup of tea, helping them bring in their groceries….the list goes on and on.

If you don’t have the energy to be active in your community, be a good neighbor and engage with those that live around you. It only takes a couple of minutes to let them know you are here if they need you.

With love,

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Jessica

In Honor of Us All

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I am very grateful and inspired by the billions of people worldwide that have participated in direct action for the equality of Women, Muslims, LGBT, and anyone that lives south of “the border.” Your compassion and courage is seen, heard, felt and respected!

I am working through my own emotions surrounding those that disagree with or choose not to participate in direct action. I am also sitting with my own feelings about how far I am willing to go to continue the momentum. The blatant disregard for me, as a woman, as a human, as a being of this Earth,  is too much to just sit back and pray that “they” will change their actions.

We have to start by changing our beliefs if we expect our actions to reflect true equality. We have to acknowledge our own conveniences and prejudices if we say we really want equality for all. What does equality for all really mean? Equality for all means the end of a consumer lifestyle that depends on labor conditions we privileged would never work in. Equality for all means a living wage for farm workers that grow and harvest all of our food. Equality for all means no mines and pipelines through other peoples land.

A lot to assimilate before my transformation can begin. We are all just people, most just trying our best to make it in this world. We are in this together. How do we choose to co-evolve?

I always come back to my plant allies when I’m having a hard time accepting things I don’t want to hear. I think of Chen Pi, tangerine peel, used in Chinese medicine to regulate digestion and help with assimilation of both food and emotions. I like to diffuse the essential oil of Citrus peel when I need help digesting the realities of our world. Citrus’ ability to transform energy is not to be overlooked.

Take some time out today to notice how you are digesting the things that affect your life. When we begin to assimilate these experiences, then can they be transformed. I am with you as we shift our perspectives and paradigm.

With love,

JessicaBakerPic

Jessica

Community Offerings Revised

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I got so excited about putting classes out there that I didn’t realize I had a scheduling conflict with the studio at Urban Sanctuary. I’m not able to host a 4-week series at this time, but I can offer an Intro to Herbalism on February 28 and two Community Herbalism classes on March 16 & March 30. A longer herbal series will be offered later this year!

Life is about going with the flow, and because of this shift I am able to offer another Community Acupuncture on March 17. The transformations that occur when we come together with the intention of healing our traumas is beautifully profound. I am honored to be able to offer this once again.

All offerings held at Urban Sanctuary 2745 Welton Street, Denver CO

Tuesday Feb 28, 2017

6pm-7:30pm 

Intro to Herbalism 

This donation-based class is offered to give you a brief overview of western and Chinese herbal energetics, aromatherapy, and plant spirit medicine. I’m interested in knowing what the community wants to learn about so I can offer classes according to your needs.

Thursday March 16 & Thursday March 30, 2017

7pm-8:30pm

Community Herbalismlove-yourself

These classes are meant to inspire you to take your health into your own hands. You will be introduced to Western & Chinese herbal energetics, aromatherapy, and plant spirit medicine. The second class will build on the first class. You are welcome to come to one or both. Herbal teas, essential oils and elixirs will be shared.

Please come with an open mind and an open heart. Drop-in available if the class doesn’t fill. Class is limited to 15 people.  $15/class

Friday March 10 & Friday March 17, 2017

12pm-2pm

Community Acupuncture

$10-20 suggested donation (no one will be turned away due to lack of funds)

Your session will be in the yoga room. There may be up to 8 people receiving acupuncture at the same time. You will be lying on a mat, supported with blankets and bolsters. Auricular (ear) acupuncture will be provided and body points may be used in some cases. The intention of this community acupuncture is to help heal the collective trauma we have all experienced. Walk-in only

If you’d like to attend the herbal classes, contact me at 707.499.8587 or jbakerlac@gmail.com

I hope to see you at one or all of these events. Please share the word to others in the Denver/Boulder area!

With love,

JessicaBakerPic

 

Jessica

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

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Happy New Year of the Yin Fire Hen!

For many, 2016, the  year of the Yang Fire Monkey was a little too disruptive. Too many unexpected events, deaths, and political outcomes left us mentally and emotionally exhausted. The mischievous Monkey is finally behind us and we’ve moved into the more trustworthy Yin Fire Hen.

Being a Fire year, there is still a potential for a fanning of the flames, but the Hen is more

red-chicken

loyal and courageous. With Hen dominating the show, we are sure to see more civil unrest and uprising as patriarchal ideals of sexism, racism and bigotry continue to be challenged. Change may move slower than some of us want, but the Yin nature of the year will help deter burnout, which can occur when our Fire rages out of control. The Yin Hen reminds us to nest, reserve our energy so we can be there for ourselves, our family, and our community when the time comes.

With the rights and equality of women being recognized once again, I am seeing the patriarchy that has molded and shaped our cultures and how it is ingrained in every aspect of our lives. I have purposely used the female Hen instead of the male Rooster. Yin is attributed to the female, so I am honoring matriarchy and every one that identifies with the female energy and dedicating this year to us!

May the reality we create be of benefit to all. May our passion be fueled into love and compassion action.

With love,

cropped-jessicabakerpic.png

Jessica

 

Community Herbal Classes in Denver

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I have had so much on my plate lately that I haven’t been able to focus on doing one of the things I love so much- teaching people about the powers of herbalism!

That is why I am so happy to announce I have scheduled 5 upcoming herb classes. All classes will be held at Urban Sanctuary at 2745 Welton Street Denver, CO 80205

Tuesday Feb 28th

6pm-7:30pm 

Intro to Herbalism          

This donation based class is offered to give you a brief overview of western and Chinese herbalismherbal energetics, aromatherapy, and plant spirit medicine. I’m interested in knowing what the community wants to learn about so I can offer classes according to your needs. A 4-part herbal series begins Thursday March 16th.

Thursdays March 16, 23, 30, April 6

7pm-8:30pm 

4- week Community Herbalism Series

This is a 4-week series that will include Western & Chinese herbal energetics, aromatherapy, herbal medicine making and plant spirit medicine. Please come with an open mind and an open heart. Drop-in available is the series doesn’t fill. Limit is 15 people.  $50/series, $15/class

I’m also hosting a Community Acupuncture clinic to offer services to those that may not be able to afford a private session.

Friday March 10 12pm-2pm

Community Acupuncture Clinic

img_0307$10-20 suggested donation, Walk-in only

Your session will be in the yoga room. There may be up to 8 people receiving acupuncture at the same time. You will be lying on a mat, supported with blankets and bolsters. Auricular (ear) acupuncture will be provided and body points may be used in some cases. The intention of this community acupuncture is to help heal the collective trauma we have all experienced.  More community acupuncture clinics to come. (photo credit: AWB)

Contact Jessica at 707.499.8587 or jbakerlac@gmail.com to register for classes.

I hope to see you there!

With love,

cropped-jessicabakerpic.png

Jessica

Rising Up to the Occasion

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Being in Denver has been a drastic change from my rural lifestyle of northern California. The opportunity to step away from daily clinical work and the stresses of running a thriving practice have given me time to write, formulate and come back into myself as Jessica, instead of the professional self of “Dr.” Baker. It has been an insightful transition, as I’ve reflected on my own insecurities surrounding all the aspects of who I am and why I am drawn to working with plants and people.

I have missed the one-on-one counseling of my clients as well as the community vibe of group acupuncture. That is why I’m so happy to announce that I will be seeing clients at Urban Sanctuary. I’m offering private sessions of Western and Chinese herbal consultations, Aromatherapy sessions,and Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Beginning in March I will be hosting one Community Acupuncture sessions a month! Urban Sanctuary is a perfect location,. Being a yoga studio, there is plenty of space to lay down on yoga mats, breathe and allow your body to heal. I will also be able to hold classes on herbalism, Chinese medicine and anything else I’m inspired to share. The intention of my work is to help empower others to heal themselves so that our larger community will benefit in ways that can be hard to imagine.

I’m really stoked to be a part of Urban Sanctuary, a boutique wellness studio that offers yoga, meditation, workshops and
traditional health care services in the 5 Points community. The founder, Ali Duncan, created the sanctuary as a way to encourage and educate people on the powers of preventative health and self-healing. Learn more about  Urban Sanctuary and all they have to offer.

Call me at 707.499.8587  to schedule an acupuncture session or herbal/aromatherapy consultation! I’m honored to be part of healing and uniting our community.

With love,

JessicaBakerPic

Jessica

Change through Compassionate Action

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Emotions are high as we get closer to the inauguration of a man many believe can have a huge negative impact on their lives. As a woman, I am one of these people. I do not believe he has any respect, compassion or care for me or for women in general. That being said, I don’t believe many politicians have our best interest or care in mind. Unlike some, I am not afraid of Trump or his administration. I am motivated! My inner activist is evoked, and like the the wise words of Angela Davis (thanks Greg for sharing this with me)

“I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change,

I’m changing the things I cannot accept.”

The truth is, I know that my motivation is fueled by my anger at the injustices that continue to happen, regardless of who is president. My anger is rooted in despair, millennia of violence, rape, and systematic control. I am having trouble coping with all of this myself. Thankfully this is when I remember my allies, and let the plants soothe my injured soul.

Today my blend is simple. Intentional in knowing that I need healing, that my clarity of words, thoughts, and emotions are of upmost importance so I can sustain my energy for the cultural evolution that is coming.

Mix all ingredients in a 1-ounce glass spritzer bottle

1 ounce Spring Water (vitality of all life forces)

9 drops Clary Sage (clarity of heart & mind)

6 drops Lavender (calms mind & body)

3 drops Piñon Pine (reminds us we all came from one source, connects body to spirit)

Spritz yourself whenever you feel disoriented, overwhelmed, sad, angry, or out of balance. Allow the plants to nurture your body and soul.

With love,

JessicaBakerPic

Jessica

 

Open Up & Let Hawthorn In

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Everyone wants to be cracked open. We experiment with drugs and psychedelic substances to blow our mind wider than we even though imaginable. We play football, skydive and speed in our cars for the excitement of the rush. We watch death and destruction as entertainment and participate in violent computer simulations until the domestic violence and world wars of our reality no longer bothers us. We obsessively check our social media status to see if we’re liked, followed and adored. For those addicted or crippled from these activities, they know what they’re doing, yet they can’t stop. We all hear the voice inside our head that says, “stop hurting yourself; you’re better than this; get off the computer and go outside.” It is in the stillness of nature or in those quiet moments between sleeping and waking we hear our truth being whispered back to us.

When I envision a person cracked open it is a red -faced cartoon character with his head blown open like a volcano erupting. He is not necessarily angry, but there is so much pressure (social, financial, marital) that just like a volcano, the only way to release the build up is to explode. Some erupt with anger, others destruct with gambling, drugs, TV, food. It is when we are incapable of digesting one more thing where Hawthorn comes in.

Hawthorn berries relieve stagnation from sluggish digestion, transforming turbid energyhawthorn and reducing plaque in the arteries. The leaves and flowers of hawthorn have long been used as a cardiac tonic, regulating heart beat and reducing pain. Regular ingestion of Hawthorn will strengthen the body’s ability to physically digest fats, while also helping the mind/soul digest unprocessed emotions and stress.

See for yourself. Make an infusion of Hawthorn leaf, flowers and berries to sip after a heavy meal or when you are having trouble digesting something you have seen or heard. Allow Hawthorn to clear the turbid energy from your body. With this clearing, comes the opportunity for the heart to blossom just a little bit more.

With love,

JessicaBakerPic

Jessica

When energy flows, wellness grows

Hawthorn Art by: Robert O’Brien

Go On An Olfactory Journey

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In Tuesday’s blog I talked about terpenes and how vital these aromatic compounds are for all life on Earth. Today I’d like to take you on an olfactory journey that will allow you to experience familiar smells on a visceral level and give you a little information about the therapeutic value of terpenes.

Items to have on hand for our exploration: a journal to record your experiences and memories, a juicy orange, a bundle of lavender, and a handful of pine needles (fir, redwood, spruce- or any conifer you have access to).

If you don’t have these items handy, you can use essential oils of sweet orange (lemon, mandarin- any citrus really), lavender, and pine (or other favorite conifer)

1. Wash the outside of the orange and smell the peel. What does it smell like? Now slice orange1into the orange. Take a deep breath. What emotions are evoked when you inhale the crisp, citrus aroma?

All citrus is high in limonene, a terpene that is known to have antispasmodic properties and is used for painful intestinal conditions. Limonene is also a potential anecdote for cannabis intoxication- so have that lemonade handy if you decide to partake!

Cleanse your pallet with a sip of water.

lavender-buzz-sidebar-image-350x3502. Crush the bundle of lavender and hold it under your nose. Inhale deeply.  As you smell the familiar floral scent, what do you notice within your body?
All lavender varieties are high in linalool. The sedative and calming properties of linalool
have been extensively studied and recognized as a potent remedy against anxiety, nervous tension and stress.

Cleanse your pallet with a sip of water.

3.Boil a cup of water and place the pine needles into the hot water. Let the needles pine-cone-and-needlessteep for a couple of minutes and then inhale the infused water. Take a small sip if you feel inclined. What emotion/sensation first comes to mind upon inhalation or taste?

All conifers contain the terpene pinene, that familiar smell of pine that many of us remember from childhood. Pinene is a powerful analgesic (pain-reliever) and can also help improve memory.

Cleanse your pallet with a sip of water.

4. Experiment with other aromatic plants (rosemary, sage, thyme) and see what feelings, sensations or memories they awaken within you.

As always when we are working with these plants, give thanks and gratitude for all they provide.

With love,

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Jessica

When energy flows, wellness grows

Photo Credit: Pinterest

A Walk Down Memory Lane

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Terpenes are found in plants and animals and are responsible for the aromas that we are all so used to smelling. As terpenes have contributed to the evolution of all life on Earth, their therapeutic value  can not be stressed enough.

Close your eyes and think about peeling a fresh juicy orange. Can you smell that familiar orange1citrus aroma? You’re smelling compounds within the large family of terpenes. Do you love the smell of lavender? Terpenes are responsible.  How about the smell of conifers after a refreshing autumn rain? Terpenes again.

These fragrant compounds not only hold many of our childhood memories, but they have contributed to the formation of our limbic, immune, endocannabinoid, and endocrine systems. Our ability to regulate temperature, mood and appetite are all functions of the limbic system. The limbic system is also responsible for olfaction, or smell!

The connection between plants and humans is so ancient we have forgotten who are ancestors are. I encourage you to go out and smell some plants- allow yourself to let your memory take you places you may have forgotten long ago.

More on the limbic system in Thursday’s blog, when we will explore what compounds you smell when you crush up a bunch of lavender, walk past a pine tree, and peel that juicy orange. Together we’re going to have an olfactory buffet!

With love,

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Jessica

Warm those Achy Muscles

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The snow has finally arrived in Denver and I can feel the cold seep into my muscles and joints. I make this blend to use for guasha or cupping, as it is warming and alleviates aches and pains. This oil can also be massaged into sore muscles- but I recommend using gloves, as this blend contains essential oils that are known to cause irritation and redness of the skin. If you don’t use gloves, wash your hands thoroughly before you touch any delicate mucus membranes (eyes, mouth, genitalia). I learned this the hard way…many times!

Warm Those Achy Muscles Blend

3 drops artemisia alba essential oil (warming, enters all primary meridians)

3 drops st. john’s wort essential oil (cooling, uplifts spirit, reduces nerve and muscle pain)

2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil (warming, tonifies kidneys and mingmen)

2 drops pine essential oil (warming, transforms cold, reduces aches and pains)

Dilute essential oils in 1 ounce carrier oil (apricot, olive or sesame). Pour into glass bottle with dropper lid. Drop 4-8 drops into your gloved palm and massage into painful muscles or joints.

Caution: This will cause redness and irritation of the skin. If warming is too intense, lather area with coconut oil or soap. Rinse skin and apply unscented lotion or cream.

May this blend warm you, body and soul.

With love,

cropped-jessicabakerpic.png

Jessica

When energy flows, wellness grows

Photo credit: Tom Merton/Getty Images

Turn Intentions into Action

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It has been years since I’ve written out new years resolutions or intentions. I’ve had them of course-goals and aspirations that I work towards and start to feel guilty about if I don’t achieve them. This year I am done with this type of thinking. I am going to be kinder to myself. I beat myself up way too much and I’m beginning to notice the impact it has on my psyche and my health. I also notice how my negative self-talk effects those around me.

If I judge myself for every little thing- dirty dishes, unmopped floor- then of course that perception is going to spill out to those I love. It also means I’m going to judge the important decisions in my life too- my book should be done, my essential oil products should be out by now, I should teach more, see more clients…etc. Instead of degrading myself I’m going to celebrate the act of doing. I’m going to credit myself for just having the courage to write, create, teach. And I call in the strength and community to help me with the things I can’t accomplish alone.

We can’t do it alone. We need our friends, family, and community to help us achieve our goals and keep our intentions. Surround yourself with those that really support you.Your setbacks and your successes will be championed by those that love you. Be gentle with yourself-but also put yourself out there, go out on a limb, ride that edge-the rewards are infinite!

With love,

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Jessica

When energy flows, wellness grows

Photo credit: Getty Images

The Future is in Your Presence

The Herb Walk with Jessica BakerLeave a comment

I’ve heard countless people say they can’t wait for 2016 to be over. The deaths of so many legends (too numerous to name, but I will have a blog honoring those I hold dear) and the astonishingly eye-opening presidential race, left us all a little worse for wear. Disillusioned, we are all looking towards 2017 with anticipation, reluctance, and a lot of wishful thinking.

If we expect 2017 to be better than this year, we have got to become active members of our community. No amount of blogging, signing petitions or reposting on Facebook is going to be enough. The only thing that is going to heal this world is to re-connect personally with those in our everyday lives. It’s easy to engage with someone via social media, where you can get dressed, make coffee and hit the like button all at the same time. This shallow attempt at connection is inadequate at a time when we really need each other. I encourage you take the time to sit down with someone, look them in the eye and say with truth and conviction, “I see you, I honor you, I’m here for you.”

I have to transform the intense anger I’ve been harboring about the political and group-healingenvironmental future into something positive. I’ve decided to direct my fear and anguish into community action. As soon as I find a space in my 5 Points neighborhood I am going to host free herb classes on healing trauma. I feel a strong need to heal my own wounds through sharing my love of herbalism and Chinese medicine.  In time I hope I  can also include free community acupuncture to those that need it most. I haven’t had the opportunity to offer community acupuncture clinics since I moved to Denver and I miss it!

Words cannot describe the energy of  group healing. It will be an honor to share this space with all of you. It will be an offering of peaceful transformation, where fear can turn into strength and anger into compassion. A place where we make the world better one person at a time.

May the last few days of 2016 be full of peace and rest, so that 2017 may be one of compassionate action.

With love,

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Jessica

Photo credit: Facebook