Sometimes, current events, or times of the year, act as a muse for these newsletters. As  holidays can be stress provoking  for  so many, here are some herbs, coming from the family of "nervines"  which can help support.

To quote David Hoffman,"A nervine is a plant remedy with some kind of beneficial effect upon the nervous system". Simple. Right? Sometimes they can be relaxing, or tonic (which will nourish and support the nervous system), or stimulating (because sometimes we need a boost). Lately, my go to plants have been in the relaxing and tonic categories!  The great thing about nervines...they don't deaden...they encourage the nervous system to balance and heal. Here is a short article about herbs for stress.

Calling on some of my favorite nervine herbs, here is an easy  recipe I created for you to try:

CHILL OUT

1 part  chamomile and  linden

1/2 part milky oat seed and lemon balm

NOTE:  a part can be any measurement you choose, i.e. tsp, tbsp, etc. 

ALSO: Other herbs you might add at 1 part

Skullcap if you are holding tension in body as result of anxiety

Passionflower if your anxiety is at a higher level

Other options:  Anxiety Soother and Kava liquid extracts from Herb Pharm. Also remember the benefits of a walk in nature, meditation, reflexology, massage.

So relax, have a cup of tea, and take good care of yourself. 

Now on to a little fun.....

HOW ABOUT MAKING A HOLIDAY CORDIAL!

It's not too late to create a great cordial for either sharing with friends or gift giving. This is my cordial currently brewing...

Cran Orange Crush

1 qt wide mouth mason jar

2 or 3 organic oranges

organic cranberries

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp ginger

vodka

With a good peeler, remove the outer rind of orange and put in jar.  Try not to get any of the white pith (it's bitter and will affect taste). After removing rind, squeeze juice. In it goes. Press cranberries and open to let juice out (I used  a large knife). Add cranberries on top of oranges and fill to about 1/2 to 3/4 of jar. Put in cinnamon and ginger and cover all with vodka. Let sit for about four weeks, strain and add a simple syrup. 

How to make a simple syrup:  2 parts sugar (I use organic natural cane sugar) to 1 part spring water. Add to pan and bring to a simmer for five minutes. Bring to room temperature before adding to infused vodka. I like to make simple syrup  ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use. when combining with  vodka, add slowly and according to taste. 

HERBAL ALLIES LEVEL I

The beautiful faces pictured above  completed Level I of the Herbal Allies program in October. We all learned so much from each other. Love of the green beings grew deeper with each passing month. Some of this group has gone on to deeper studies with Level II. 

The 2017 offering of Herbal Allies I  is scheduled to begin April 23. Registration is now being accepted. Class size is limited to ten. Please click for additional information.  OR  check out www.earthoceanherbals.com for detailed info, pictures from previous programs, and what the former participants have shared about their experience.

NEW  SPRING PROGRAMS TO WATCH FOR...

FORAGING FOR FOOD, SKIN, LIBATIONS

MAY 2017

BRIDGING HERBS & SPIRIT

MARCH 2017

AND LASTLY...

Beginning Jan 1, I will be devoting all my time to seeing clients, teaching herbal programs, and making products. I am excited be living my passion and sharing with everyone on a full time basis. These options are available by  appointment:

HERBAL CONSULTATIONS

HOLISTIC SKIN CARE TREATMENTS

REFLEXOLOGY

PRIVATE PLANT WALKS

Please call  401-369-4297,  or email susan.e.clements@gmail.com