Category: Seasonal Wisdom

Finding Solace in Difficult Times

7/10/2020

It's been a while since I've written a blog post. I've missed connecting with you, dear reader.

I've wanted to share something comforting for living through these surreal and challenging times. I've needed a lot of time to find my footing, and I still struggle with uncertainty and fear. Thankfully, I've rediscovered healing plant allies that I want to share with you.

Neroli essential oil has been a precious friend. I anoint my third eye area with a tiny bit of neroli before bed and it brings me a deep peace. I've also come back to such a "simple" oil - lavender. I like to blend it into an aloe vera gel and apply it to my neck, shoulders, back, and chest. This relieves muscular pain and tension while also bringing relaxation and a lovely cooling effect. Lavender is so perfect for the summertime. In addition to the magic of essential oils, I've also been deeply studying the plants themselves.

I've been fortunate to continue studying herbalism through a wonderful online program during these COVID-19 affected months. I'm happy to share my favorite calming evening tea. I look forward to it every night.

It's a hot infusion of linden, ginger, and chamomile. My herbal teachers refer to linden as a "hug in a mug." Linden leaves and flowers are soothing for the nervous system, including nerve pain, and help alleviate insomnia and stress related ailments. In addition, the green, honeyed, hay-like aroma of linden is gently comforting. Linden plays beautifully with ginger and chamomile; this herbal blend is truly heavenly.

I add about an inch of dried plant material (linden, ginger, and chamomile) to the bottom of a quart size mason jar. Then I boil water, pour it over the herbs, and close the jar. I let this steep for at least 20 minutes, and then strain. You can add honey if you like. My favorite is orange blossom raw honey.
I hope this blend will bring beauty and relief to your evenings.

What is bringing you solace in these challenging times? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Please hang in there. You are not alone.

With love,

Miriam

I am still providing custom aromatherapy blends, so do reach out if you'd like some assistance.
You can email me at: kindredearthbotanicals@gmail.com

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Seasonal Self Care: Winter Edition

1/30/2019

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Seasonal Self Care Ideas for Winter:

Add hydrosols to your skincare routine: My current favorite for winter is Sandalwood hydrosol which hydrates, softens, and calms redness and irritation. It has a beautiful, light scent (very different than the essential oil). Mist hydrosol on damp face and neck after cleansing and gently pat onto face with clean hands. Follow with serum/moisturizer/facial oil of your choice to lock in moisture. You can mist hydrosol on your skin throughout the day to nourish your complexion and also receive the emotionally therapeutic benefits. Sandalwood hydrosol calms the nervous system.

Stretching: Find a few stretches that make you feel good and try to get into the habit of doing them every day. Stretching tends to get overlooked, but it improves posture, reduces pain, helps relieve tension headaches, and is great for stress relief.

Feel better eating less sugar: According to the American Heart Organization, the maximum amount of sugar you should eat in a day is 25 grams (6 teaspoons) or less. However, most Americans eat over 70 grams a day. As you pay more attention to sugar on food labels, keeping that 25 grams in mind, you'll see that it adds up quickly and insidiously. It's shocking how much sugar is added to yogurt, salad dressing, sauces, and any packaged foods. I definitely have a sweet tooth, but I'm aiming to be more mindful of sugar so I can live a longer, healthier, happier life.

Diffuse citrus essential oils: They really bring in the sunshine and help lift low winter moods. Pink grapefruit, blood orange, and lemon are my current favorites. Here are some of my favorite essential oil diffusor blends for winter.

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"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you...in spring, summer, and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."

- Ruth Stout

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Seasonal Self Care: Autumn Edition

10/24/2018

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Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I love the opulent array of rich colors in nature, as well as the spicy scents, comforting food, and the overall introspective feeling of Autumn. Here are a few of my favorite ways to nourish mind, body, and spirit during these cooler months.

Seasonal Self Care Ideas for Autumn:

Cook healing foods: Warming soups, stews, and bone broths keep you warm and nourished for the cooler weather.
Nature walk: Bundle up and take a five minute nature walk. I was recently surprised to see how many strikingly beautiful birds are out in autumn, including red headed woodpeckers, bluejays, and cardinals.

Herbal Teas: Rooibos tea, ginger chamomile, and chai blends are a few of my fall favorites.

Painting: Bring out your favorite painting supplies or treat yourself to some new ones. Painting is deeply absorbing and a wonderful distraction from the harder aspects of life.
Update your skincare routine: Swap out your lighter products for richer, more moisturizing ones. Oil based facial cleansers are recommended. Apply lip balm frequently as the lips tend to get very dry in fall. Apply organic sesame oil for strong, healthy nails. Additionally, you may want to try a humidifier if your skin is prone to dryness and irritation in the colder months.

Indulge your senses with aromatherapy: Try my handcrafted Warm Comforts Spritzer. It's a decadent chocolate fix laced with warm spices and earthy patchouli.

Journaling: Autumn is an excellent time to contemplate the year so far. Getting your thoughts down on paper has a centering effect that relieves stress. There are no rules to journaling; I encourage you to journal without judgment!
Reading: Try a novel or poetry if it's been a while. Visit your local library and see what inspires you.

Social media pause: Whether it's for a day, a week, or a month, you will find yourself feeling calmer and far less distracted. You'll also free up so much time to do the other activities mentioned above. This may be the hardest one to implement, but it's possibly the most rewarding!

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Dear Reader,

What are your favorite self care ideas for Autumn?

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Coming Soon! 2018 Summer Aromatherapy

6/2/2018

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Summer Aromatherapy is coming soon!

Savor new recipes, feel vibrant and inspired, and experience living in harmony with the seasons.

Summer Aromatherapy is based on healing traditions around the world, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbalism, and Aromatic Medicine.

You will receive:

Cooling Summer Gel for refreshing, deep relaxation & glowing skin
Seasonal tips and wisdom for feeling your best in Summer
Healthy, delicious, seasonally inspired recipes*

*Recipes for meals, snacks, and drinks such as Maca Berry Bliss Smoothie,
Corsican Omelette, Maple Dark Chocolate Cherries, and more!

Sign up by June 15th to receive the early bird pricing.

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“It was June, and the world smelled of roses.
The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

― Maud Hart Lovelace

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Spring Cleaning: Clearing Out the Garden and My Mind

4/22/2018

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It's been an exceptionally slow Spring here in the Midwest. Based on the weather, it seems like Spring is running several weeks behind schedule. But the plants are resilient; they know how to adapt. They are patient.

Now that the temperatures are in the 40's and 50's, I'm getting back outside. It's time for general garden clean up, bit by bit. Pulling up dead plants, removing leaves, and surveying the landscape. There is some otherwordly weed growing; something tall and tenacious in this garden that I cannot identify, and I am not capable of yanking out. Note to self: Get help with that. It's time to lug out my old shovel and break up the earth a bit. Make it light and airy. After that, I'll add compost and incorporate it into the earth. Then it's time for good topsoil. I say hello to the faithful chives that come up every year in my garden. They're always there first. In an ever changing world, I can rely on my chives.

It's cathartic to clear out the garden...to survey the remains of your past, discard as necessary, and reassess. I think about what worked well last year and what didn't work well. What endeavors flourished and brought joy, and which ones were plucked away by the birds. And while it helps to reflect, I also know: there are no birds in last year's nest. It's a new year. Time to say farewell to the last one. Thank you for the lessons and the memories. What kind of garden do I want this year? What beauty do I want to bring into the world? What you contemplate can actualize.

As a gardener, you receive a lot of advice. Other gardeners make suggestions or insist on what you need to grow or do. This is fine. I just remember that it is my garden. It must be fulfilling to me. I am grateful for this sanctuary and a chance to begin anew. I won't look back too long; I'll go towards the good. And I can't wait to see what gets growing this year.

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Dear Reader,

I would love to hear from you! What are you growing in your garden this year?

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Coming Soon! 2018 Winter Aromatherapy

12/29/2017

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Sweet smells wafting from the kitchen
spiced hot cocoa & warm fireplaces
mittens, hats, and boots . . .

Winter Aromatherapy is coming soon!

Savor new recipes, feel uplifted and inspired, and experience living in harmony with the seasons.
This program is nourishing, informative, and fun with a few surprises thrown in too!

Winter Aromatherapy is based on healing traditions around the world, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbalism, and Aromatic Medicine.

You will receive:

Warm Comforts Spritzer for joy, optimism & deep relaxation
Seasonal tips and wisdom for feeling your best in Winter
Healthy, comforting, seasonally inspired recipes

All promptly delivered right to your doorstep!

Sign up by Jan 15th to receive the early bird pricing.

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“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

Edith Sitwell

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A Day in Autumn

10/24/2017

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A Day in Autumn
by R.S. Thomas

It will not always be like this,
The air windless, a few last
Leaves adding their decoration
To the tree's shoulders, braiding the cuffs
Of the boughs with gold;
Let the mind take its photograph
Of the bright scene, something to wear
Against the heart in the long cold.

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Celebrating the Spring Equinox

3/20/2017

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This year, the Spring Equinox falls on Monday, March 20. The Spring Equinox is a celebration of fertility and new life. It marks the beginning of Spring and a time when day and night are balanced.

New growth is stimulated and supported in Spring; now is an excellent time for making a new start. Heightened creativity and enthusiasm naturally emerge to support you.

Here are a few ideas for welcoming the Spring Equinox:

Think of a new intention you have for the year ahead. Tie a colored ribbon around the branch of a nearby tree to remind you of this intention.

Anoint yourself with jasmine, rose, or any other natural sweet scents. Journal intentions about how you wish to feel in this new season. You can then continue to anoint yourself with these aromas throughout spring to deepen your connection to your wishes.

Plan ideas for your garden. What would you like to clear away? What will you plant anew?

Invite friends over for an equinox celebration. A potluck can feature seasonal foods like radishes, parsley, beets, avocado, artichokes, rhubarb, etc.

Have an Equinox adventure. Set out into nature on your own and be open to whatever the day brings. You may want to take a small journal with you to jot down any thoughts or inspiration that emerges.

Plan a seed swap with friends who like to garden.

Spring clean with essential oils. Clear out the old to welcome in the new. Find a recipe for an all natural cleaner here.

The equinox is a time when day and night are roughly equal. Reflect on what ways your life is in or out of balance. What could you do to bring about more balance?

Be open to change. The future may be filled with experiences, people, and places you've never seen. It may be benevolent in ways you've never imagined.

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Dear Reader,

What is your favorite way to celebrate the arrival of Spring?

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Favorite Essential Oil Diffusor Blends for Winter

12/25/2016

10 Comments

Winter scene with a blue sky and snow covered trees.

Winter can be a challenging season, but it is also a peaceful time with an opportunity for rest and inward reflection. I find that creating a feeling of coziness helps me savor winter. I love lighting beeswax candles and gazing out the window at the majestic, quiet trees.

Inhalation of essential oils reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and supports a healthy immune system. Diffusing also helps lift the winter blues.

I hope you enjoy trying out these Winter essential oil diffusor recipes!

Gingerbread Manor
5 drops of ginger
2 drops of clove bud
2 drops of cinnamon bark
1 drop of black pepper

Citrus Bliss
5 drops of red mandarin
3 drops of pink grapefruit
2 drops of tangerine

Winter Immune Support
(for healthy adults only)
4 drops of sweet orange
3 drops of ravintsara
2 drops of elemi
1 drop of clove bud

Joyful & Energizing
(for healthy adults only)
7 drops of pink grapefruit
3 drops of holy basil (tulsi)

Heart Opening
5 drops of bergamot
3 drops of rose
2 drops of patchouli

Do you have a favorite essential oil or blend for Winter?
Feel free to share in the comments below!

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Autumn Recipes: Pumpkin Lasagna with Sage

9/13/2016

8 Comments

Pumpkin Lasagna
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma

This recipe is one of the most delicious creations I've made in a long time! There are so many enticing flavors here: pumpkin, garlic, sage, and fontina cheese. When it comes to salt and pepper, I recommend using a generous amount of both for optimal flavor. This is not a quick recipe - more of a Sunday afternoon project. However, it's worth the effort!

Ingredients:

1 lb. whole milk ricotta cheese (Miriam's note: I used part-skim ricotta).
1 Tbs. julienned fresh sage
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste (Miriam's note: season generously)
2 yellow summer squash, cut into rounds 1/4 inch thick
2 zucchini, cut into rounds 1/4 inch thick
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 jar (24 oz.) pumpkin pasta sauce (Miriam's note: I bought mine at Whole Foods)
2 Tbs. parmesan cheese, optional (Miriam's note: I added this to the pumpkin sauce)
12 sheets dried ruffle-edged lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente (Miriam's note: I used gluten free, no cook lasagna noodles - they worked beautifully).
1/2 lb. Italian fontina cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, sage, 3 Tbs. of the parsley and the garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the yellow squash and zucchini with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a oiled baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and roast until tender and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in an oval Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add the yellow squash and zucchini. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.

Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce in an even layer on the bottom of the Dutch oven. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles on top, tearing them as needed to fit. Spread 1/2 cup ricotta mixture on the noodles and scatter 1 cup vegetable mixture on top. Spread 1/2 cup (4 oz./125 g) pasta sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle 1/2 cup fontina on top. Continue layering. Top with the remaining noodles, sauce and fontina.

Transfer to the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and browned, 45 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley on top. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

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