• Even on chilly or cold days, kids need time outside to get the sunshine on their faces and fresh air in their lungs. More time outside makes for healthier kids Exercise:
• Getting your littles outside for some fresh air and fun to run around unstructured is a great way to boost their immune systems! Kids are full of energy and there is no better way to expend that energy than by running, yelling, jumping, walking, exploring, climbing, and laughing! Outdoor play also helps kids get tired so they can sleep better and be healthier!
• Good for the body! Good for the soul! Good for the spirit! Good for the heart! 

This post was written by Debra Romano, an herbal apprentice at Herbs Love And Yoga

The Elderflowers can be harvested around mid-June. The flowers grow in clusters called umbels (think umbrella) they are a rich white color and have a milky floral essence to them. They are best harvested well after the morning dew has evaporated and they are full of pollen. Remember that you want to leave enough flowers on any given plant for our pollinator friends and also to pollinate other nearby Elder trees, as they do not self pollinate. Also, any flower umbels you harvest would have been where the berries would have grown, so keep that in mind too, if you want a good amount of berries later on. Elderflower has similar properties to the elderberry for treating/preventing colds and flus when prepared as a tea or a tincture. It is also used to treat bronchitis and swollen sinuses. The delicately sweet floral flavor of elderflower makes it a great ingredient to use in a syrup for desserts and drinks and can be used to flavor baked goods as well.  

Want to get to know the elderberry plant up close and personal? Check out our instagram video that gets up close and personal with elderberry. Don't forget to like and follow to get daily plant wisdom ;)

Are you interested in learning more about plant medicine?  Get started by downloading our FREE starter guide: Nourishing With Herbs The Wise Woman Way

This post was written by Debra Romano, an Level 2 Apprentice at Herbs Love And Yoga

The ancient practices of yoga and herbalism have long been revered for their holistic approach to well-being, delving into the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit. In this exploration, we'll uncover the profound synergy between yoga, specifically spinal twists, the herb fennel, and the Manipura Chakra, also known as the third chakra.

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As the earth gracefully shifts on its axis, we find ourselves amid yet another seasonal transition, preparing for the enchanting arrival of winter. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks a profound shift in nature's rhythm. It has been celebrated across cultures and traditions as a time of rebirth, renewal, and the gradual return of light. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, this natural pause invites us to slow down, connect with the stillness within, and align with the energies of the season. The powerful synergy of yoga, meditation, Reiki, and herbs can help you connect with your inner stillness during this reflective time.  

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4. Start Counting: As you breathe in and out, silently count each breath. For example, as you inhale and then exhale, say "one" in your mind, and as you inhale and exhale again, say "two," and so on.
5. Stay Focused: Keep your attention on the counting. If your mind begins to wander (which is natural), gently acknowledge the distraction, and bring your focus back to the count without judgment.
6. Count to 10 and Start Again: Keep counting the breath until you get to 10. If you get lost in your thoughts or lose count, start over again at 1.
7. Continue for a Set Duration: Continue counting the breaths for a predetermined amount of time. If you're just starting, you may choose to meditate for 5-10 minutes and gradually extend the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
8. End Mindfully: As your meditation time comes to an end, gradually become aware of your surroundings. Take a few deep breaths before opening your eyes.
9. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on how you feel after the practice. Notice any changes in your mental state or overall sense of well-being.
This counting-the-breath meditation is excellent for cultivating mindfulness, improving concentration, and calming the mind. Consistent practice can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote a greater sense of inner peace. 
Creating a Meditative Space By Burning Plant Resins
Resins such as frankincense and copal help set the mood for meditation and signal to your body through the sense of smell that it's time to begin your practice. To learn more about burning resins, check out this video. 
Frankincense Traditional Uses: Burn frankincense resin as incense during meditation to ground and protect. Its rich aroma elevates the spirit and promotes a connection to the divine.
Copal Traditional Uses: Copal is commonly used in meditation practices and rituals to aid in focus, grounding, and centering. It is associated with promoting mental clarity and calmness.
Finding Moments of Tranquility with Reiki
In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding moments of tranquility is essential for our overall well-being. Enter the transformative practice of Reiki, a powerful tool for cultivating stillness amidst the chaos. Through gentle channeling of universal life force energy, Reiki creates a sacred space for inner peace to blossom. Join us on this journey of self-discovery as we delve into the art of cultivating stillness, releasing tension, and inviting balance into our lives with our Reiki Certification Courses, FREE Reiki Circles, and Reiki Sessions offered at Herbs Love and Yoga in Sandy Hook, Newtown CT. 
Herbal Allies to Cultivate Stillness and Reflection
Incorporating herbs into your winter routine can be a transformative practice, supporting your well-being in harmony with the changing environment.  Herbs such as passion flowers help calm down mental chatter, connect you to your heart center, and nourish the nervous system. 

Passion Flower (Passionflora incarnata)

Traditional Uses: Restless agitation, Improved concentration, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Inflammation, Blood Pressure Regulator

Traditional Spiritual Uses: Grounds and centers the mind. Quiets mental chatter. Heightened states of awareness. 

Passion Flower Focus Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Passion Flower
• 1 teaspoon Ginkgo
• 1 teaspoon lavender
• 2 teaspoons of Peppermint
• 4 cups Water
• Honey or sweetener of choice (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Boil 4 cups of water
2. Place herbs in a quart glass canning jar
3. Pour boiling water over herbs
4. Cover jar with lid
5. Brew tea or 15-20 minutes (this allows for the beneficial plant constituents to diffuse into the water).
6. Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.

Want to learn more about herbal medicine in a fun and supported environment? Sign up for our weekly herbal workshops at Herbs Love and Yoga in Sandy Hook, CT or check out our Herbal Medicine Blog and YouTube Videos

Embracing Winter’s Tranquility
In the gentle embrace of the Winter Solstice, our journey through the seasons takes a reflective turn. This sacred time becomes an opportunity for introspection and renewal. Yoga, with its harmonious blend of postures and mindfulness, anchors us in the stillness of the longest night. Guided by the breath, meditation becomes a powerful companion, weaving us into the introspective energy of the season. To enrich this solstice journey, our herbal allies – passion flower, frankincense, and copal – join the narrative, nurturing our well-being in harmony with the changing environment. 

As winter's tranquility unfolds, let yoga, meditation, and herbs illuminate your path of self-discovery and well-being. Join our transformative courses, Hatha Yoga Classes, and Herbal Workshops to delve deeper into the essence of the season. Embrace the stillness, release tension, and invite balance with Reiki. Cultivate stillness and reflection with our passion flower-focused tea, a gentle sip of calmness. Winter is the canvas; let yoga, meditation, and herbs paint your masterpiece of well-being. 🌿✨

With Love and Light, 
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Alyssa
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What is an herbal decoction?
Herbal decoctions are when you boil herbs on the stove in a pan of water for at least 20 minutes.

Why Decoct? Unraveling the Tough and Fibrous Nature:
Certain plant parts, often the roots, bark, and berries, boast a tougher and more fibrous composition. These tenacious structures house potent medicinal compounds, but their resilience demands a bit more coaxing to release the full spectrum of benefits. Decoction, a method involving prolonged boiling, proves ideal for these hardy plant allies. The extended exposure to heat facilitates the breakdown of cell walls and allows for a thorough extraction of medicinal constituents. If you are preparing a medicinal tea for the more delicate parts of the plant such as the leaves, flowers, or seeds- then you would prepare the tea using a standard herbal infusion

Ideal Plant Parts for Decoctions:

1. Roots: The powerhouse of many medicinal herbs, roots like ginger, turmeric, and burdock are decocted to extract their valuable compounds.
2. Bark: Plants with protective bark layers, such as cinnamon and willow, lend themselves well to decoction, offering anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
3. Berries: Tough berries like hawthorn may be decocted to unlock their therapeutic potential.
4. Woody Stems: In herbs like astragalus, where the medicinal virtues reside in the woody stems, decoction ensures a comprehensive extraction.

Crafting Your Herbal Decoction:
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoons of dried herbs (double if using fresh)
• 16 ounces of water

Instructions:

1. Measure the Plant Material: For dried herbs, measure 1 tablespoon per cup of water. I usually decoct nothing less than 2T of herb with 4 cups of water. Add herbs to a pan. 
2. Boil Water: Add water to the pan and bring water to a vigorous boil. The robust heat is essential for coaxing out the medicinal compounds.
3. Simmer and Decoct: Lower the heat to a simmer after adding the plant material. Allow the concoction to simmer for approximately 20 or until the water reduces by half. 
4. Strain and Collect the Decoction: Once simmered, strain the decoction, separating the liquid from the plant material. The resulting liquid is your herbal decoction, rich in medicinal goodness. Save your herbs and put them back in your pan or step 6. 
5. Enjoy Hot or Cold: Your herbal decoction is ready to be savored. Whether you prefer it hot or chilled, let the liquid embrace you with its medicinal warmth.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 again with the herbs you collected from step 4. We always use our herbs twice- there is plenty of medicine still in them to make a second batch of tea.