Spring Wellness at Home

Self Lymphatic Massage. This simple technique can help to relieve allergies, headaches, tension and help increase immunity. If you have any congestion you will almost immediately feel it starting to move. 
https://youtu.be/QA-wi0d7-Ro

Move gently. Try this quick daily Qigong routine or skip to 6 min 30 sec for my favorite part, the yin massage! https://youtu.be/nmmNWj9YtAw 

Body oiling. Before taking a shower use some oil and gently massage towards your heart starting at your feet and working up towards your torso, arms and then neck and face. You can use whatever oil you have in the kitchen: olive, sesame, coconut, sunflower and avocado oil all work great. Afterwards, the hot shower will help open your pores and allow the oil to penetrate your skin. Use a mild soap or skip soap on most of your body to allow the oil to soak in longer. Body oiling is a way to show self love, increase circulation and lymph flow, moisturize your skin and release tension. 

Eat more greens! Spring brings an abundance of fresh greens. Add kale, spinach and arugula to almost any dish or eat some as a small salad before meals. The bitter taste of arugula is especially beneficial in the spring to help stimulate digestion after the slower movement of winter. Order local greens for pickup in Bel Air at https://flyingplowfarm.grazecart.com. 

Probiotic rich foods. To help increase immunity and stimulate digestive health try adding more probiotic foods into your diet. Sauerkraut & Kimchi (refrigerated not canned), Kombucha, yogurt and kefir are all great sources. Eat small amounts daily. If you have taken an antibiotic in the last 6 months it is imperative that you consume probiotics to help restore your gut biome. Recipe for easy DIY Sauerkraut https://therealfoodrds.com/how-to-make-sauerkraut

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Nourishing herbs for Springtime vitality:

Stinging Nettles - Nettles are one of the most nourishing herbs and come up with abundance in the spring. Their anti-histamine properties make them useful for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Nettles are rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, amino acids, silica, micronutrients and protein. They are often used to treat urinary discomfort. They make an excellent daily drink for overall vitality. Best made as a long infusion. I let mine steep overnight and then drink all day! You can also cook with fresh nettles like greens. You can find dried nettles at David’s Natural Market. 

Dandelion - The leaves, flowers and roots are all used as a cleansing and cooling spring tonic. Dandelion is useful for digestion and for liver and gallbladder function making them an excellent detoxifying herb. Great to move out some winter stagnation. I like to go out in my front yard and dig up the whole plant. You can dry it and then use it as a tea or make an alcohol tincture with it by pouring alcohol over the chopped up fresh plant and shaking daily for several weeks before straining. 

Herbal CSA
Interested in using more herbs for overall wellness and vitality? Join my Herbal CSA! I grow the herbs and make all the products. Receive 2-3 products a month for 6 months.
  http://www.hazeldorehomestead.com/csa.html
Click the link to learn more.