WINTER...it's that time again...post holidays, moving into late January...yes, sunlight increasing each day, but still dark at 5 pm. We are dreamily planning gardens for spring, and wishing we were on a plane going to someplace warm. Indeed, the mid winter blahs have begun to creep into our psyches.
About this time every year the same subject appears...and every year I choose to address it because
we all need a boost!
So while the plow guy still needs to get paid for the last two passes of the driveway, and I take an extra dose of Vitamin D, here are some winter survival tips.....
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects roughly 20% of the population. Basically, low light levels trigger changes in hormones, increasing levels of melatonin (our sleepy hormone) and decreasing
serotonin (our happy hormone). Because of this, we can tend toward feeling lethargic, depressed, want to sleep more and crave comfort carbs (resulting in weight gain).
How do we rebalance? Get out into the sunshine. 20 minutes a day (providing weather cooperates). Daylight, directly in contact with some exposed skin, will help feed a natural Vitamin D. No sunshine? Supplement with Vitamin D. It's always a good idea to get your Vit D levels checked through routine blood work. Knowing your levels will help determine what a good supplementation level is going to be.
Omega 3 fatty acids - This is a subject unto itself! High quality fatty acids are important for many things, but for our purposes here, they feed the brain and improve symptoms of depression.
Herbally, support the adrenals with adaptogens. Adaptogens are important for helping the body to adapt to a variety of stressors. Indirectly, they also support the health the immune system. Personal favorites in this category are Holy basil, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha.
The other day I whipped up some new recipes that I am happy to share with you. Here is one to get started, but if you click on this link you can see, and try, all of them.
LIFT ME UP TEA
Holy Basil 1 part*
Lemon Balm 1 part
Oat straw (or seed) 1/2 part
Mix all together, put in tea ball, or strain if using loose, 1 tbsp per cup
*a part can be any measurement of your choosing
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2017 HERBAL ALLIES INTENSIVE PROGRAM
with
Susan Clements
April-October, one Sunday per month, 10-4:30
For more detailed information,
program emphasis, and other
particulars, please click here.
The Earth & Ocean website
also has a page devoted to this program where you will find pictures and
testimonials from former students. This year's program will dedicate a portion of every weekend to the wild plants growing in our area which are at peak for the month. Sustainable wildcrafting, medicine making, wild food (if appropriate for the plant), and energetics will be embraced as a major part of our studies.
This is a program suitable for beginners, or those wanting to approach learning from another perspective. A certificate of completion is awarded if program requirements are met.
There is still room available for April. Because the program is kept at a limited number of students, early registration is encouraged.
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HERBAL/WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS
Start out 2017 with a focus on wellness. A personal consultation is an opportunity to co-create a protocol especially focused on you. An hour long session is educational and designed to help you achieve optimum healthy balance through the use of herbs, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.
CALL 401-369-4297 FOR AN APPOINTMENT
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Upcoming Programs and Classes
FEBRUARY
SHEDDING YOUR WINTER SKIN
FEBRUARY 4
12:00-1:00
IT'S MY HEALTH
1099 MENDON RD
CUMBERLAND, RI
401-305-3588
THIS IS A FREE TALK
THESE FREE TALKS WILL BE OFFERED EACH MONTH IN THIS LOCATION
MARCH
SKIN INTENSIVE
WITH
SUSAN CLEMENTS
TWO PARTS
MARCH 8, 7-9 PM
MARCH 11, 10-4:30
PLEASE GO TO WEBSITE FOR ALL INFORMATION
THIS PROGRAM WILL FOCUS ON FACIAL AND BODY SKIN, PHYSIOLOGY, INGREDIENTS TO USE, NUTRITION, FORMULATING FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES, RECIPES AND LOTS OF HANDS ON
SPRING'S COMING...GET READY TO DETOX!
MARCH 10
6 PM
GENESIS FITNESS FOR WOMEN
1882 FALL RIVER AVE.
SEEKONK, MA
508-557-0077
ALSO COMING IN SPRING
FORAGING INTENSIVES
(BEGINNING MAY)
BRIDGING HERBS AND SPIRIT
(BEGINNING JUNE)
CHECK FB
FOR UPDATES AND ADDITIONS
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