Spring is here…Hello “Miss Violet”
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I really love spring…..I love all the other seasons, too…However, there is just something, for me about spring that makes me aware of new beginnings, regeneration, new growth and the hope that fills my heart with Joy.
Yesterday, as I was in the gardens at A Thyme for Herbs…I was so happy to see that the beautiful “Miss Violet” is blooming in all her wonderfulness! It is said that if you gather the first violet in the spring your dearest wish will be granted(but first, you must ask her permission). Ancient Greeks wore the violet to calm tempers and induce sleep. This little jewel in our gardens is so amazing, not only does she share her beauty and her wonderful fragance that is soooo uplifting, she also shares many medicinal properties that are so beneficial to us. Fresh violet tea is very yummy, she can be used for poultices, cold infusions, Violet flower syrup…just to name a few….Her principal actions are primarily demulcent, astringent, bitter. She is great for the lymphatic system, however first and foremost Miss Violet nourishes, so eat her flowers and leaves(be sure the leaves are the very young ones), she is rich in minerals and abundant in vitamins A & C, and is wonderfully soothing for inflammation of the sinuses, just to name a few of her healing abilities….
From Hildegard of Bingen’s(who practiced herbalism over 800 years ago) we were given, what she felt was one of her best skin remedies, The Violet Salve, which is effective against scar tissue: she says “Take violets, press their juice, and strain it. Weigh olive oil to one-third the weight of the violet juice, and take goat’s fat exactly the same weight as the juice. Let these three ingredients simmer in a new pot and it will become a salve.”
So, while in my gardens and being out in Nature, I will definitely take time to stop, admire and pay homage to this wonderful little Lady of our plant kingdom. For she is special, there is much we can learn from her, remembering, always to be grateful for the many, many gifts that she is so willing to share with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Miss Violet, we honor you.
Many, many green blessing and joy to all.
Herbs, Food & Love Recipe for Herbal Kale Quinoa “Love Nuggets”
Once again, we had a wonderful GATHERING at A THYME FOR HERBS on this last Saturday…so many wonderful beings showed up and were present, thank you, thank you, thank you….At each of these GATHERINGS all of the food that are created and shared will be in the up coming book, HERBS, FOOD & LOVE Cookbook…which is really great for me, because I have all you wonderful “food tasters” out there who give me feed back on all of the recipes, once again I am filled with Gratitude and Love for all of you. Everyone seemed to like this one and I was asked to share this one before the book is published…so here you are..
HERBAL KALE QUINOA “LOVE NUGGETS”
(My adaptation from Cheryl ‘s recipe at Everyday Dishes)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees; lightly grease a baking pan(cookie sheet works best)
2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled; 4 cups kale, cleaned, deveined and chopped small; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 tsp. sea salt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 cup chives, chopped; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp. nettles, dried; 1 tbsp. alfalfa, dried; 1/2 tsp. basil, (using *chiffonade technique); 1/2 tsp. tumeric; 1 tsp. cilantro; 1 tsp. flaxseed, ground; 1tsp. eluethero; 1 tbsp lime juice; 3 tbsp. lemon juice; 3/4 cup of finely ground bread crumbs(I used gluten free bread and ground my own); 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil(EVVO) and a dash of cayenne pepper(to taste); garnish with Limes or Lemon and always with a huge dash of Love & Gratitude.
1. In a medium mixing bowl combine quinoa, eggs, parmesan cheese, chives, nettles, basil, tumeric, cilantro, alfalfa, flaxseed, eluethero, salt and cayenne. 2. Over medium heat let your skillet warm up then add EVVO, let it heat until just before it smokes( the oil will kind of “wink” at you…don’t let your pan smoke) add the onions and garlic and sweat for about 3 minutes, then add Kale until it is soft and bright green in color. Let cool for a few minutes.
3. Add quinoa mixture and kale mixtures in a large bowl, then mix in bread crumbs, lime juice and lemon juice, and mix, I used my hands to mix(got more love into it that way). The texture should be just sticky enough to hold together nicely.
4. These can be made as patties, but I prefer them in 2-3 inch rolls. Place them on a lightly greased baking (cookie)pan, and leave in oven for 17 – 2o min. or until the bottoms are browned nicely, then flip them and bake another 5 minutes ( this always depends on oven temperature variables); remove from oven, these can be served hot from the oven or at room temperature (they are yummy with sour cream or greek yogurt as a dip)
*Chiffonade Technique: This is for leafy vegs. or herbs like basil, stack the leaves into a little pile and then roll the pile up as if it were a cigar. Then, you cut the cigar into little threads, or ribbons. When chopped rather than using this technique, both basil and mint will quickly turn black because the enzymes in them do not react well when exposed to oxygen, this is the least invasive way to work with these herbs
I hope you have a much fun as I did making this recipe, Lots of Love, From My Heart to Your Heart and many, many Delicious Blessings. Dixie
It’s Spring ~ Lets Cleanse & Rejuvenate our Body & Mind
It is spring and my thoughts and actions have turned to Detoxing my body…I call it “Spring Cleaning”. Unfortunately, our lives are Toxic, sad but true, there are toxins in our food, our water, the very air we breath and our own bodies produce toxins as a result of the metabolic processes that keep our body in good working order.
There is much written about toxins and what they are..but just to recap…A toxin is any substance that creates harmful or irritating effects in our bodies, that undermine our health and impair our bodies proper function. WOW! Pretty scary….This is not to scare you, but to awaken you to information and techniques that will guide you so that you can make educated decision to obtain balance and optimum health. Some of the benefits of cleansing are: improved health; increased energy, better digestion, restful sleep, weight loss, better flexibility not to mention the mental and emotional benefits.
So what do we do?? We remember that food is our medicine and we do a gentle Detox….First, we look for signs that we need to detox…do we have aches & pains; allergies; anxiety; headaches; constipation; depression; and fatigue…these are just a few of the symptoms….does this sound like you???? If so you probably could use a detox but, ( always BEFORE you detox, check with your primary care physician, as not everyone should do a detox because our bodies are all unique). There are many ways to detox so it is important to listen to your body signals to determine the one you need that will best serve you.
For myself, I have chosen a gentle detox program…I am using a gentle Organic Cleansing Tea Blend consisting of Burdock, Oregon Grape, Dandelion root, Licorice root, Nettle, Peppermint, Ashwagandha root and Marshmallow root( this blend can be purchased at A THYME FOR HERBS). After my cleanse with the tea and juices for a day, I will then eat a diet of Organic greens, vegetables, fruits, vegetable soups, brown rice, some Wild fish, small amounts of Organic chicken, nuts and whole grains…I will be drinking lots of water so I do not get dehydrated.
Here a recipe for a Spring Tonic Soup (my adaptation from “14-Day Herbal Cleansing” ~~ Laurel Vukovic)
This is a delicious cleansing tonic soup that can be used all year long…very loving for your liver, kidneys, immune system and basically your whole body will love it.
1 small leak, sliced thin; 1/2 cup sliced shitake mushrooms; 1/2 cup carrots, sliced; 1/2 cup bell peppers; 1/2 cup kale; 1/2 cup bok choy; 1/2 cup dried nettles or 1 cup fresh; 1 inch piece of fresh minced ginger; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1/2 tbsp. Ashwagandha root powder; 1/2 tsp. tumeric; 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil(EVVO); 5 cups veg. stock or water; 2 tbsp. light miso, or to taste; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; freshly ground pepper.
1. In a large pot over medium heat, make sure your pan is heated, then add EVVO, and jus your pan starts to smoke (you will note that your oil kind of “winks” at you) then, saute leeks, shitake mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, kale, bok choy; fresh nettles (if you are using dried nettles, add later), and garlic until vegetables have softened, usually takes about 5 minutes.
2, Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for about 10 min. Dilute miso in a small amount of hot broth and add to soup, if you used dried nettles, add at this time, add Ashwagandha root powder, tumeric, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, add freshly ground pepper and garnish with parsley. Add a large pinch of Love & Gratitude…..Enjoy!
Note: If you cut all your vegs. the same size, they will cook more evenly.
From My Heart to Your Heart, many, many Delicious Blessings, Dixie
AMAZING GARLIC HERBAL IMMUNE SOUP
This is the AMAZING GARLIC HERBAL IMMUNE SOUP recipe that we served during the October Gathering in Arnold at A THYME FOR HERBS….hope you enjoy this delicious soup while you are supporting your Immune system …..
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. extra virgin Olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter(organic)
1 Onion (large) chopped(organic)
2 large heads of garlic (peel the cloves and chop)(organic)
1 apple, chopped & peeled(organic)
1 qt. homemade chicken broth or canned(organic)
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley or (1 Tbsp. dried )(organic)
2 Tbsp. fresh thyme or (1 Tbsp. dried)(organic)
1/2 Tsp. Eleuthero Root (organic)
1/2 Tsp. Ashwagandha Root(organic)
1/4 Tsp. sea salt & fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup, half and half(organic)
Garnish with fresh parsley(organic)
Heat the oil and butter in a large pot over low to medium heat. Add onions and garlic
and saute. Cover & cook stirring until soft and just beginning to turn brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Add apples, continue to cook for 10 more minutes, occasionally stirring.
Add stock and herbs, bring to a boil…reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Puree the soup in your blender or (this is best) with an immersion blender.
Salt and pepper to taste, then add the half and half and simmer, stirring.
Remove from heat and top with chopped parsley.
Note: how these herbs support your Body system:
GARLIC: supports Immune system, Lung ailments, high & low blood pressure, parasites, infections; headaches; nervous disorders; colds; flu; fevers; earaches; sprains, etc.
ASHWAGANDHA ROOT: restorative, rejuvenating; reduces stress, fatigue & low energy; protects the Immune system; improves memory, learning & reaction time; helps reduce brain-cell degeneration; lowers cholesterol; anti-inflammatory; enhances sexual potency for men & women.
ELEUTHERO ROOT: relative of Ginseng; tonic; calming;great for insomnia, bronchitis, chronic lung ailments; lowers blood pressure; reduces cholesterol levels, stress & impotence.
PARSLEY: rich in iron and vitamin C; diuretic; supports the urinary tract; cancer preventative; supports gallbladder and helps expel gallstones.
THYME: Tonic; good for fevers; nervine, good for relief of nightmares; used for lung troubles, coughing & asthma; relieves headaches and acts as a mood elevator.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT STUDY CIRCLE
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT STUDY CIRCLE
Personal & Spiritual Growth ~~~~ Expansion ~~~~Conscious Evolution
“Unlimited Potentiality, Space for Pure Potential”
“We are all Spiritual Beings having a physical experience and many of us are waking up to the awesome power of our true inner selves, outside the confines of ego-based desires and realities. If this resonates with you, this could be the group for you…This group is intended to serve as a space to come together in discussion.”
This is a heart centered group of like-minded women who are looking for a different possibility in their lives, to grow, expand, evolve spiritually, consciously, mentally, physically and make a difference in their World and our Planet.
This is not a religious group, but rather a spirit, mind and body exploration circle that will be meeting once a month to explore and expand our conscious evolution, our growth. We are seekers who are willing to remember who “we really are and why we are here.” All seekers are honored and welcome…. This “space” is intended to accommodate and support various individuals….We welcome teachers, healers, and students who are beginning or have been on their journey for a long time. This circle serves as a safe “playground, a sacred space” in which guidance and support is provided through talking, sharing, creating and contributing to one another, demonstrations, presentations, discussions that will provide opportunities for greater understanding of your world, our Universe, Humanity and our Planet as a whole.
WHEN: TBA TIME: TBA COST: Love Donation- $10(to help pay for the space)
Please bring finger food or a snack to share
WHERE: TBA
CONTACT: Dixie Lee Norkoli, dndixiereiki@gmail.com
Sustainable Wildcrafting
There is nothing quite like being out in Mother Nature, along a creek, on a trail or in the forest on a beautiful clear day walking among the plants and listening to the stillness and the messages that we can receive if we are aware….when we are silent we can hear them whisper, immersing ourselves in their Magic….within the deep connection(if we are worthy) we are then given permission to receive their gifts of healing, joy, peace and harmony….this is such an honor and makes my heart sing…..speaking from a “dirt worshiping tree huggers” point of view…..
Harvesting plants is a part of an ancient tradition. For me, wildcrafting is an art and a spiritual experience, a chance to connect with Pachamama (Spirit of Mother Earth). As with all beings we need to ask permission, state our intention, and our gratitude…before we begin to harvest. To collect plants for their medicinal properties or therapeutic use, it is my belief that expressing your intention to the plant is as important to the making of medicine as are the herbs chemical constituents, and thus therapeutic properties. Studies have shown that plants are affected by the emotional, spiritual and physical environment (time of day and conditions, etc.) in which they are gathered.
In Belize, the medicine makers and Shamans pray to the plants as they harvest: “I thank the spirit of this plant and have faith with all my heart that this plant will cure the ills of the people.” Other herbalists simply say, “help and heal” as they collect the plants. It is said that if one does not thank the plant, its spirit will not follow you home to help. Once harvested, this spiritual connection continues throughout the processing of the herb. Every step is taken with consciousness and appreciation for each plant tht has given its life so that a human being may benefit from its properties and actions.
Another important spiritual aspect of wildcrafting comes from simply being familiar with the wild plants. Familiarity: knowing the names, recognizing and knowing properties of plants in one’s local invironment, provides a certain security and comfort. If the economy crashes or one becomes “lost in the woods,” the wild plants can provide nourishment, survival, and healing at many levels. There is little doubt among gardeners, plant lovers and “tree huggers,” that plants and people create an affinity with one another. Plants can “speak” to you, guide you and help you in times of ill health. They provide beauty, uplifting vibrations and some can even remove toxins from the air. There is something unique and special about the teaching of the plant kingdom….all we need to do is be in nature mindfully, be silent and listen… listening…. so that we may hear their voices……this alone can be a healing experience, just being in the beauty of Nature….Thanks for checking in with this “dirt worshiping tree hugger”….I am off to the woods to learn and enjoy the energies of the “Plant Kingdom”..so until next time, many, many Green Blessings
Hi Beautiful Beings….I just spent a wonderful afternoon at the Sonora Regional Hospital, giving Reiki to a friend. It never ceases to amaze me what an affect Reiki has on people, (places, animanls, plants, etc.) not only the people we are giving Reiki to, but all who we come in contact with in the hospital…from the Volunteers, Nurses, Doctors, Staff, Etc. There is so much interest in the hospitals these days regarding Reiki.( Did you know that in 2008 there were over 800 Hospitals that offered Reiki, in the United States… Wow!) Reiki sessions employ various hand positions either in gentle contact with, or slightly removed from the body; Clients remain fully clothed; typically, sessions last several minutes up to one hour. Reiki is a relaxing stress reducing technique that allows the body, mind and spirit to heal and is compatible with all Allopathic medicine— Surgeries, cancer, accident injuries, aids, strokes,diabetis, etc. Reiki can do no harm……..And as I was driving home I had this wild, wonderful idea….What a great gift to give to your loved ones, friends, family or any one you know who is in the Hospital, Nursing Home or Hospice…Wouldn’t it be a very special gift to give for the Holidays or anytime, letting them know that you love and care for them, even if you can’t be there…..So, this is what I came up with..I will be offering in Hospital, Nursing Homes or Hospice, Reiki Sessions……At Sonora Regional Hospital and the Mark Twain Hospital in San Andreas and other hospitals, nursing homes, etc in and around this area. All you need to do is contact me…I would be doing 15, 20, 30 minutes sessions or longer if needed and Gift Certificates will be available. If you are interested and want more information about Reiki, you can E-mail me at: dndixiereiki@gmail.com…Reiki is one o the greatest gifts that you cqan give yourself and share with others. Why do I say this? Because Reiki is all about love, balance and empowerment. Gotta go…time for another Reiki Session…Love to all and Many, many Reiki Blessings. Dixie
Pets and the Rainbow Bridge
What a wonderful day, just got back from visiting “The Mighty Zues” (my grandson)…many of you may know Zues, he is a most wonderful little Pug dog you have ever seen and he not only runs my daughter and son-in-laws life, he can be found 5 days a week at A THYME FOR HERBS(you see, he runs that place, too)……..Then just as I drove into my driveway…I was greeted by 2 more wonderful little Pugs(belonging to one of my neighbors….And I was reminded that this is the first time in my life that I have not had pets….All my life, from childhood I have always been blessed with dogs, cats, horses, sheep, goats, you name it I had one………One of my friends once told me that if she was re-incarnated, she wanted to come back as one of my pets…..And I started remembering all the wonderful animals in my life….I remember the joy and love we shared…but, I also remember the pain and sorrow when they had to leave this earthly plain. It is very hard to explain to someone who is not a “pet person” what it feels like when you have lost a pet, the grief you feel can be as strong as for any human member of your family. I still greive for my little corgi, Cappy(she passed in 2005) and my wonderful big Bear dog(Irish worlf hound, lab and german shepard mix)…..you may have heard the phrase “Angel Healing Dogs”, well that was my Bear…..I miss them both and they are with me daily.
Just recently, I discovered the “Rainbow Bridge Poem” and for those of you that have felt the pain and loss of your dear pets…I believe this will give you comfort, it did it for me….
“Rainbow Bridge Poem” author unknown
Just this side of heaven is a place called “Rainbow Bridge.” When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to ‘Rainbow Bridge”. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain uon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross “Rainbow Bridge” together.
May this bring you peace and comfort……..Namaste
The Magic of Herbal Cookies
Good Morning….I want to thank everyone again for attending our Open House at Elements, last Saturday and I promised to share my recipes for all the Herbal goodies we had…so here they are…(only 2, the rest will follow)…..I do need to add a little note, these cookies must be Magical…I shared them, later that night at a party and got a marriage proposal….Whoopeee….amazing what a good herbal cookie can do…..Love to all…
DARK CHOCOLATEMINT, PEPPERMINT CRACKLE COOKIES
Note: all ingredients are ORGANIC
1-1/2 c flour; 1/2 c raw sugar;1/4 c unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. sea salt; 1/2 cup loosley packed chocolate mint leaves and 1/2 c pepermint leaves ( you can use dried herbs, just use 1/2 amount as fresh); 1 c Semi-sweet choc. chips; 3eggs, lightly beaten; 6 tbls. unsalted butter; 1 tsp Vanilla extract(organic); 1/2 c raw sugar and 1/2 c powdered sugar( for rolling the cookie dough.
Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, set aside; in food processer blend mint and sugar until it looks like wet sand; on lowest setting melt the chocolate and butter in a sauce pan, stir often to avoid scorching, remove, stir until completely melted, then pour into large bowl and add the mint sugar and stir. When chocolate is cooled a little, add the eggs, vanilla and stir; add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and mix then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or longer ( I actually left them in for about 3 hours, worked ok, I think you could even leave it in the refer. overnight); Preheat the oven to 350 degrees; then roll into small balls, using teaspoon or scoop, roll cookies in raw sugar/granulated sugar first then into the powdered sugar, place on greased/sprayed cookie sheet, about an inch apart…bake for 10 -12 Minutes (depending on your oven)…Remove and let cool for 5 minutes then place on cooling rack…this should make about 3 dozen…..Have fun and enyoy…
LEMON VERBENA-LEMON BALM COOKIES WITH LEMON BUTTERCREAM
FROSTING
1/2 c butter; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp lemon rind; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp lemon extract; 1 1/2 tbls dried lemon verbena or 3 tbls. fresh; 1/2 tbls dried lemon balm or 1tbls fresh; 1 c sugar; 1tsp vanilla; 11/2 c flour, sifted; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder. Cream butter and sugar ( I use my food processor, much easier); Mix in vanilla lemon rind, lemon extract and lemon verbena and lemon balm; add sifted flour, baking powder. Roll the dough and form a log about 2″-3″ in diameter, roll in wax paper and refrigerate for 1 or more hours, then slice into 1/4 pieces and bake on a greased cooked sheet, Bake at 400 for 8-10 min (depening on your oven). Cool on cooling rack. Then prepare the Lemon Buttercream Icing: 1 /2 cup butter; 1 c powdered sugar; 1 tblsp. lemon juice ; and 1/2 tsp. lemon peel…then frost and enjoy…..Many, many Green Blessings….Love & Hugs
REIKI and BEYOND…Everything You Always Wated to Know About REIKI…But Were Afraid To Ask…..
REIKI & BEYOND..Everything You Always Wanted to Know About REIKI…But Were Afraid To Ask…..
As Humanity evolves, so does REIKI…There are a variety of Reiki systems out there and if you are Reiki you may find this class helpful. If you just want to “brush up” on your skills or maybe you would like to learn more of the ways that we can incorporate Reiki in our lives to be of service or just interact and share with others who practice Reiki….This could be the class for you…Some of the topics that we will address in the class are:
How to heal with Sekhem-Seichim Reiki
Review of hand positions, symbols, etc.
Reiki for animals, plants, etc.
Healing the Chakras with Crystals & Reiki
Teaching Reiki and giving Attunements
Teaching Reiki to caregivers
Teaching Reiki to children with special needs
Heart clearing, power center clearing
Reiki during pregnancy & conscious conception
Reiki Healing attunements
Chakras & the corresponding organs & systems in Reiki and more……
Whatever level of Reiki, you are welcome…this class will meet on the Third Monday of every month from 6:30pm until 8:00pm. Pre-registration is required. If you pre-register Cost is $10 …..at the door, cost is $15.
Classes will be held:TBA
For Pre=registration Call: (209)573-0553 or e-mail: dndixiereiki@gmail.com
Classes are limited..so please call early…. Dixie
Plant Wisdom Herbal Intensive/Apprenticeship
Hi & many, many green Blessings…the Journey is beginning….We are embarking on an Herbal journey…for a nine month period, two days a month,we will be spending time in the classroom, wildcrafting, herb walking, in herb gardens, creating herbal medicines, etc. This is a hands-on herbal intensive that will give you an understanding of the herbal world that you will benefit you, your family, pets and friends. This is a journey that will take you within to your Heart, connecting you with our Mother Earth/PachaMana.
What this course covers: Plant identification; Creating herbal medicines, formulas, teas, tinctures, etc.; Creating your Herbal first-aid kit; How to cook with medicinal herbs; Herbs to nourish and facilitate healing in the systems of our bodies; Wildcrafting with integrity and honor; Herbs for family, women, men, children, pregnancy & conception; and your pets; Plant energies & actions; Plant Spirit medicine; History & Herbal folk lore; and much, much more….
This class will be held the second week-end of every month, beginning on: TBA TIME: 10 am to 5 pm PLACE: TBA
If you feel the Plant Kingdom calling to you….come join us, for an exciting, expanding fun filled journey into the world of Herbs and much, much more. Contact me: Dixie at dndixiereiki@gmail.com for more information and an application…I feel it would be an honor and a privilege to share this journey with you….many green Blessings ….. Namaste
Exploring the Plant Kingdom thru the eyes of Children..
Just came in from the garden…..watching my three little kittens playing in and around all the plants brought to mind the joy of discovery and how our children see the beauty, the magic and the wonder of a Garden. Now that school is out, what a wonderful time to introduce our children to the Plant Kingdom and the sacredness of all living Beings, reawakening their connection to Mother Earth(they are so in touch with Nature). Of course as we share with them, we are renewed ….as we see all the beauty and love through their eyes, perhaps once again seeing the wonder that we experienced as a child. I know I spent most of my life out with Nature, such a blessing, I am so thankful to my parents, and grateful to them for instilling in me my deep connection to our love Mother Earth.
There are so many great herbal projects for children to help them learn in a fun way… make a natural toothbrush; there are many games, Become A Plant;..and wonderful books to identify what is a weed, what is an herb, their uses, safety, etc,; they can learn that” plants have feelings too”; how they should walk in the forest; learn Wildcrafting; honoring the Plant Kingdom, while connecting with the magic. If you are blessed to have an herb garden, they can learn the honorable way to harvest and make their own Teas, etc. Through song, dance, story and experience children will love learning about how Mother Earth sustains all life, all her gifts and the joy of being outside…..and you will undoubtedly connect with that little girl/boy inside of you….most of all enjoy your children, have fun….
Here is a Children’s Happy Potion
Do you feel sad or blue? Well, cheer up with the Children’s Happy Potion! Lemon balm and chamomile tea is a perfect combination for many children’s complaints; restlessness, insomnia, whining, crying, colic, teething, sadness and depression.
To Make: Infuse 1 teaspoon lemon balm and 1/2 teaspoon chamomile in 1 cup of water. Strain and sweeten to taste.~~~Leslie Tierra
Thank you for spending so time with me in the garden…Many Green Blessings,
Dixie
My Love Affair with “Tumeric”
As you can tell I LOVE TURMERIC(Curcuma longa)…..having just shared some wonderful information on FB…I have been presented, from time to time in my practice in many instances with my Clients where Tumeric has been of great medicinal benefit. Including, myself….I have just been experimenting with a Tumeric Tea (I will add the recipe). I have used Tumeric in my cooking, forever….I think one of the most exciting and wonderful advantages of being an herbalist is the deep connection and reverence that we develop with the plant kingdom as we connect with the plants, using the many gifts they offer.. and not being afraid to experiment and use the herbs in our everyday cooking. After all…. plants were our first medicine…….
It is interesting to note, respected ethnobotanist James A. Duke, Phd..did comprehensive studies of Tumeric…Reviewing some 700 studies, he concluded that turmeric appears to outperform many pharmaceuticals in its effect against several chronic, debilitating diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Arthritis, & Cancer) with virtually no adverse side effects. Adding tumeric to you diet is one of the best moves toward optimal health that you can make….check out those curry dishes….Have fun and explore your options….
Tumeric Tea
4 cups boiling water, add
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. milk thistle
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
I added lemon to taste, you could also add honey or stevia if you choose
It is not only really good as a hot tea, try it iced…Yummmmmm
Enjoy….many, many green Blessings,
Dixie
TRANSPLANTING “MISS LEMON BALM”
Good Morning all you Magnificant Beings…..I have just had the most wonderful time this morning…first, I harvested more Honeysuckle (a daily task for me, this time of year) and while processing Miss Honeysuckle, I did some Mindful Meditation…a great way to start the day…gifts from my garden….Then, back out to my garden to transplant some Lemon Balm….I got the plants from my Daughter’s garden in Arnold…Not only does Traci(my darling Daughter) have a wonderful Herb Shop called A Thyme For Herbs, she also has a beautiful herb garden…and of course she shares with Mom (I taught her well, Ha Ha).
Transplanting Lemon Balm(Melissa Officinalis) is easy and fun, she is in the mint family and we all know how well mint grows….but, in my opinion, One can never have enough Lemon Balm…While chatting with Miss Lemon Balm(who likes to be called “Melissa”, just a heads up, if you find yourself talking to her) informed me that she grows up to 3 feet tall and has opposite oval leaves that are hairy and slightly serrated. She says, “My flowers grow in cluster os pale yellow, rose, or light blue and show up at the height of summer. You can tell that I am related to the mint family, because my stems are square…and also you can find me in gardens or sometimes in wild places, like fields, roadsides and near creeks……..I have so many gifts for you, says “Melissa”, not only am I an incredible medicinal healing herb, I am great in the kitchen, you can add my leaves to salads, stuffings, fish, lamb, and much, much more…I am especially fond of Children ….they love me because I have a lemony smell and I help with their colds, cough and fevers, I taste good and I am a fun plant for children to grow.”
Well, gotta go for now…I really feel the need for a nice cup of Lemon Balm Tea….
From My Heart to Your Heart…Many Green Blessings….Dixie
Namaste
The Magic of Trees
Ahhhh…the Majic of Trees…lately, it seems that the trees have been calling to me…so I have been spending lots of time out there hugging every tree in sight….On Earth Day I went to Sequoia National Park (for the first time) …and was absolutely in awe of their majesty, sacredness and beauty. I have always known the healing qualities of the different trees and their medicinal qualities, but…never realized the Magic one feels in their presence. I found one of my books, just recently written by Scott Cunningham, called Earth Power…and he talks about the Magical Power of Trees that I found interesting…here are a few with their magical qualities: APPLE: healing, prosperity, love, perpetual youth ~ CEDAR: prosperity, longevity ~ CYPPRESS: past-life workings, protection ~ ELM: protection ~ EUCALYPTUS: healing ~ LEMON: divination, healing, chastity, neutrality ~ OAK: healing, strength, money, longevity ~ OLIVE: peace, fruitfulness, security, money, marriage, fidelity ~ PINE: purification, health, fortune, prosperity, fertility ~ WILLOW: healing, protection, enchantments, easy delivery of babies, wishing . …and of course there are many, many more.
It is said that the trees with which you cultivate magical relationships are things to be treasured; visit them often. When you can arrive at the point when you accept the trees as friends, you have achieved a powerful bond between yourself, the earth, and even beyond. I know….from personal experience the healing qualities of just spending an hour out under a tree, with your back pressed against it, or just holding a branch or the leaves or hugging it, honoring it in anyway that feels appropriate to you…. that magic, peace, joy, balance and healing can be found. And its FREE…not too much out there in the Medical world that is healing… that is FREE…Just one of the many gifts that the Plant Kingdom has for us….
Many, Many Green Blessings
Namaste
We must add to this list HONEYSUCKLE TEA…I have just spent a most wonderful morning out in my garden harvesting the beautiful Little Miss Honeysuckle… She is such an amazing little lady and has so many gifts to share with us.
Her actions are many, she is antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflamitory, her many beneficial constituents are calcium, linollic acid, magnesium, potassium and zinc…WOW! besides that when you suck on the flowers they taste just like hone( I used to do that as a child and guess what, this morning I found myself doing it again)…I am so glad that child is still around…
Now let me share with you what gifts Little Miss Honeysuckle has in store for us….In ancient time they burned honeysuckle for incense and she has been used medicinally for thousands of years. She is said to be a mental stimulant that has not only medicinal …BUT…magical prperties.
Huneysuckle Tea can be used for respiratory problems, sore throat, flu, pneumonia and may help alleviate sores and swelling of the eyes, throat and breast; alleviate headaches; help fight bladder infections; alleviates fevers; helps treat nausea and vomiting caused by Hepatitis-C and is said to inhibit the bacteria that causes salmonella, strep, staph and T.B. infections.
Can you believe that some people consider Little Miss Honeysuckle a weed and try to remove her from the garden…but, sometimes she has a mind of her own and sticks around…I love this plant..right now as I am writing this and looking out my window at Miss Honeysuckle I am smelling her wonderful fragrance…Oh, the many gifts the Plant Kingdom has for us…if we just become aware..Love to all and Many Green Blessings….Dixie
Wildcrafting and Herb walks with Dixie
Hi Beautiful Ones….Yesterday, there was a break in the weather and I really felt the need to get out and connect with the Nature Spirits. It seems for days the area around the Lake has been calling me…so I took off to experience the Plant Kingdom and the wonderous gifts that Mother Earth had for me on this beautiful spring day…there were many, as always……..It is always so exciting to me, to see which Plant Allie will speak to me at any given time….but it seems the one speaking to me yesterday was Oatstraw(Avena sativa) she is still young right now, but as the seasons change, she will grow and mature. In the meantime, she has a message for us…Oatstraw Speaks….”My name is Oats. I am priestess of Ceres, great mother of grain. I am the archetype of fertility. I am Corn Mother. I am the mother’s gift of nourishment. I am the mother’s gift of love. Love. Love. I am Love”..as spoken to Susan Weed….if only we all could hear her message….She is a wonderful Green Plant Allie that we so often overlook and she is here to say..” I bring you many, many gifts. I am a strength-giving food, a nerve tonic, love potion, and a rejuvenator and much, much more”…..try this recipe Festival Oatcakes 1/4 cup butter Melt butter and honey carefully. Stir in oats, wine and 1teaspoon honey pinch of salt. Add more honey slowly to suit your taste. 1 tbls. wine* Form little cakes, put on an oiled baking sheet & bake more honey at 350 for 15 – 20 minutes or until brown. optional: 1/8cup rasins 1/8 cup walnuts *elderberry or dandelion Preparation time: 30 minutes unless you taste the wine too frequently! Until next time…….. Enjoy!!!! Many Many Green Blessings, Dixie
Wildcrafting/Herb walks with Dixie
Greetings and Green Blessings to all….I had such great intentions yesterday of finding Miss Nettles and Little Star Lady (Chickweed) but alas…as in life things change and in the process the most wonderful things happen….I thought I had my day all planned out…(silly me…) I feel that searching and connecting with our Green Allies is a great metaphor for life…we are looking for something specific (we think)…then guess what we are sent in another direction …which was where we were headed in the first place…Love how that works.
Right behind my home is a wonderful wooded area and I felt sure I would find Little Star Lady in my sacred wooded area…but..Nooooo….nor did I find Miss Nettles…So off I went to this wonderful trail off Highway one that connects to the beach( I had no idea it was such a long trail) …but being the dedicated(or crazy herbalist that I am) I felt I was up to the challenge..It was wonderful …as I started out the first Allie(however, sometimes she is not such a good Allie) Miss Poison Hemlock(Conium maculatum)!!!!….as I passed her with just a “how do you do” and touched her, not….I came upon many other green Allies who were ever so much more friendly…Miss Yarrow(Achillea millefolium), California Sagebrush(Artemisia californica0, Miss Wild Oats(Avena spp.), Miss California Buckwheat(Eriogonum fasciculatum),Miss Arroyo Willow(Salix lasiolepis),Soap Plant(Chlorogalum pomeridianum), and Miss California Poppy(Eschscholzia californica)…these are just a few that I encountered on my journey…I never ceased to be amazed at how many healing plant Allies are in our own yards, meadows, woods, etc…just waiting for us Humans to acknowledge them in an honorable way, so they can be of service to us…Well that was yesterday…today I will go again(its supposed to rain,..not a problem).
Love to all and Many Green Blessings….Dixie
Wildcrafting-Herb Walks with Dixie
WILDCRAFTING ON THE CENTRAL COAST
What fun, I am off today in search of our Green Allies, Miss Chickweed (Stellaria media) or the little Star Lady..as she prefers to be called…She has so many wonderful qualities and uses….so today I will go in search of her so that I may sit with her, smell her, taste her, draw her and I listen to any messages she has for me…she and I will play….then with her permission…I will harvest a small portion of her for my Chickweed salad and Pesto….or maybe a Chickweed Poultice if the need arises…so many uses for such a sweet little plant…some may call her a weed…but oh what a weed…she serves us well….I send her many green blessings and thank her for her service to us…
Chickweed Pesto:
1cup fresh chickweed
1cup fresh basil
1/2 cup olive oil
Optional(but it is really good)
3/4 ounce shredded hard cheese
3/4 ounce pine nuts or walnuts..or get wild and experiment with hazelnuts, etc
I like to add garlic to the mix
put Garlic and nuts in and blend/chop first…then add the rest to your blender or food chopper, add more oil if necessary..put in containers and add a little more olive oil on the top, cover with lid..can be refrigerated or frozen…..Namaste, Dixie
WHAT IS VIBRATIONAL HEALING????
” A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.” —- William James
What is energy medicine?
How is it different from allopathic medicine?
What benefits does it offer a person that he or she cannot gain from conventional medicine?
Though these may appear to be questions that can be answered simply, they are not. They represent the fact that we have entered an energetic era in which we will redefine our understanding of ourselves. Soon we will come to know ourselves as multi-sensory, rendering obsolete the belief that we are five-sense creatures. No longer will we speculate about whether our thought and emotions have creative authority within our cell tissue; we will come to consider that form or perception as one of the central truths of life. To understand this new material, it is necessary to enter into a new Paradigm. We will view as ordinary such healing modalities as the laying on of hands; Reiki, Quantum Touch, EFT, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Flower Essences, Sound Healing, Chrystal Therapy, Herbal healing, Emotion Code, etc. The belief that repressing an illness through drugs is of use to the healing process will come to be seen as harmful rather than as beneficial.
Medical paradigms determine how we think about our bodies. Western medicine has identified evil spirits, humors, germs, and viruses as causes of disease and has designed treatments accordingly. Western Medicine and Complimentary Medicine both are needed and as technologies in medicine advance and as we learn more about our mind-body connections, our medical paradigms are shifting—–new paradigms give rise to new possibilities.
ANOTHER NEW AND EXCITING ADVENTURE……
Tomorrow is the Big Day!!!!! I begin my new journey in Cambria and tomorrow I will be starting my Healing Practice at the Amethyst Healing Center here in Cambria…I will be there on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m……then on Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. ( I will still be continuing my Practice in Arnold….I will be there the 4th week of every month)
I will be offering Sessions and Classes In:
Sekhem~Seichm~Reiki
Reiki for Animals
Emotional Code Release
HeartPath Life Skills Coaching
With a SPECIAL emphasis on HERBAL CONSULTATIONS and classes
Medicine Making; Edible Flowers; Creating Sacred
Spaces/Gardening for the Soul; Herb Walks/Wildcrafting
KEEP CHECKING for DATES….TIMES…LOCATION..AND COSTS…I will be posting ………so keep checking….Namaste Dixie
ON THE MOVE….AGAIN!!!
Hey everyone…this is my first Blog…yahoooo, but not my last…big news!!!!
Saturday I will be moving back to Cambria, CA…I will be with the Amathyst Healing Center in Cambria..check us out on the Internet
However…I will be coming back up to Arnold, CA …the 4th week of every month for clients, classes, workshops, etc…Just check in with me on Facebook or at my new website: http://heartcenteredhealing.wordpress.com …also you can always find me through ===Traci at A Thyme For Herbs …Blessings and Love to you all….Dixie Namaste
Healing with Dixie 