Throat Health for Immunity

 

A scarf has many health benefits and an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.

Being raised in a predominantly Bohemian and German family, "Es Zieht!" was a common exclamation uttered by grandparents and great-grandma. Suddenly I'd feel the back of my shirt collar flipped up, and a scarf or shawl being drapped over my shoulders with the words, "Be well, Liebchen." whispered as a kiss on top of my head.

German folklore's phobia of drafts aside, the neck is a vulnerable area in colder, windy times. And a scarf is a first defense against that chill. Even in the summer or in hot climates, a scarf is beneficial as you move from outdoor heat into cold air-conditioned buildings.

The change of seasons often leads to colds, aches, and pains in the neck, shoulders, and back. These conditions can wreak havoc on your immune system. Instead of looking for the latest over-the-counter remedy, consider a simple scarf.

A large scarf can provide warmth and protection for your neck and chest area. It can also be used to cover your nose and mouth which not only provides warmed air for your lungs, it's a quick face covering for honoring COVID prevention protocols.

A scarf can save you from sore throats and vocal strain by keeping muscles and blood vessels in that area warm. It can make a difference in your voice quality as well - somthing to keep in mind as people are more often regurlarly utilizing phones and video chats for work and personal communication. Wearing a scarf dilates blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the neck and shoulders. It increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, alleviating aches and pains in those areas.

Approximately 70% or your total body heat escapes through your head and upper body. Your neck becomes similar to a radiator, allowing your body heat to escape through the thin skin of your throat.

In a study by Yale researchers, cells taken from airways were exposed to the common cold virus (rhinovirus), at either the core body temperature of 98.6, or the lower temperature of 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit. They found that the higher temperature resulted in greater production of interferon, which contols the immune response to viral infections, as well as greater stimulation of other compounds important for building immune response. As a result of the relatively impaired immune response at lower temperatures, the virus was more able to replicate.

Other research supports this idea. One study shows that we have reduced ability to clear particles such as cold-causing viruses form the nasal passages and trachea upon cold exposure. Another study shows that when exposed to cold, the activity of our white blood cells (which fight infections) decreases.

Traditional Chinese Medicine warns of wind and cold exposure. It advises that when outside, we cover the back of our neck as this area is particularly susceptible to wind and cold. The heat sensors in the base of the brain (upper neck) help to regulate temperature by sending signals to conserve heat when it's too cold. As a result, blood vessels as the surface of the body contract, including vessels in the respiratiory passages. Thus, there are fewer virus and bactria fighting while blood cells aound, making infection more likely, should any be around.

Yes, there is evidence that cold exposure can make us more susceptible to catching a cold. Avoiding cold exposure is wise practice (as is mindful physical distancing) particularly when we are more likely to catch a cold - i.e. when we are subject to increased stress, insufficient sleep, poor diet, or in the midst of a global pandemic. 

Be proactive about your health. Wear a scarf.

To support your throat health, boost your immunce system, or ease the discomfort if mild soreness sets in, try making a tea from ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen; lemon, ginger (root or ground), and honey.

Here's how my Nana made it:

To 4 cups boiling water add, 1 sliced and seeded lemon, 1 piece of ginger root (2-3in/5-7cm) also sliced

Steep 4 minutes

Strain 

Add 2 teaspoons honey, stir and sip with enjoyment

I am not a medical doctor. The information and suggestions presented should not be substituted for professional health care. 

Lung Health

Trauma, loss, grief, global pandemic, fires, smoke, reduced air qualtiy; these are current and recurring experiences for many of us during 2020 and 2021 that leave us struggling to pull relief and healing into our bodies and minds. I live in the knowing that all things are connected and I believe that the alignment of these incidents is no coincidence.  

The earth is hurting - gasping. And so are we.

By taking the time to administer mindfulness and care to ourselves, we are in turn sending that energetic medicine to the people around us as well as (and importantly to) the planet.

It is my hope that the following suggestions empower you to be pro-active for your health and thereby the health of every living thing.

(I am not a medical doctor and share these tidbits based on my own experience and those of my clients, friends, and family. Please always check with your health care professional before implementing changes to your diet or supplement use.)

If you are currently dealing with smoke from wildfires, live in a city, or industrial area these natural methods can support healing and healthy lungs and sinuses.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Take precautions to stop or reduce the amount of particulates that enter your lungs.

Reduce the frequency and amount of time spent outdoors. When going outside, wear at least a N95 mask. These prevent 95% of the tiniest particulates from entering your lungs. 

GIVE YOUR LUNGS A PEP TALK!

Outloud, tell your lungs and self that your body is made for healing. Let your lungs know that you will do what you can to support their healthy function. 

Place your hands over your chest, breath slowly and speak words of gratitude and love to your lungs. 

TRY A CUP OF NETTLE TEA

Nettle tea is a natural antihistamine that helps to calm over sensitive airways and soothe inflammed tissues. 

DRINK GREEN TEA!

The antioxidants present in green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs and may help to reduce long lasting, harmful affects of smoke inhalation. 

A study of 1,000 people living in Korea showed that individuals who drank at two cups of green tea per day had better lung function than those who drank none. 

***Bonus points for tasseomancy practice!***

EAT FOODS THAT REDUCE INFLAMMATION

(I've listed some of my favorites.)

Blueberries - Blueberries are one of the richest antioxidant (flavonoids and polyphenols) containing fruits. Adding them to your diet can help protect your lungs from damage.

Carrots - This vegetable contains beta-carotene which has anti-properties and can help heal mucous membranes.

Elderberries - Anti-inflammatory flavonoids in the berries keep airways functioning effectively. Studies have shown that ingesting elderberry tonic or syrup can help prevent respiratiory infections. 

Garlic - Easily added to salads and soups, or eaten roasted, garlic reduces phelgm and reduces inflammation.

Honey - Honey is an antioxidant and antibaterial agent. It is taken orally to treat coughs and used topically on burns and wounds to promote healing.

Pears - This tasty fall fruit supports the immune system and reduces phelgm production.

Tumeric - Acts as an expectorant helping to cleanse the lungs and reduces irritant-caused inflammation responses. 

Walnuts - This nut contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART CHAKRA

This chakra is located at the center of your chest and has influence on the heart, lungs, thymus gland, and ribs. The lungs represent your ability to exchange vital life force energy through breath. Inadequate breath causes the lungs to depress which in turn, causes feelings of sadness and repression. 

One way to address and stimulate the heart chakra is by wearing the color green. Wrap yourself in a comforting green blanket, wear a green scraf, wear or carry green colored stones and crystals. 

Another method is to recite mantras such as: I release all grief to the Divine. I forgive myself. I forgive others. I release all bitterness and resentment. I project compassion. I accept and share healing. 

I encourage you to put at least one lung/respiratory support practice into place. You will benefit personally, and the energy set into our collective experience will benefit the earth and each of its inhabitants. 

Stay well. 

Stay safe.

Think of others.

Wear a mask.

As always, I wish you peace and grace.

~ Amber 

Seasonal Support

Healers of ancient cultures were astute observers of the natural world. They noted that the seasons and environment directly affect the various organs and meridians of the body. They observed that as the year progressed through the seasons, the body became more vulnerable to external factors like heat, cold, dampness and dryness. By understanding what seasonal transitions represent and including herbs and foods in our diets, we can maintain optimal health throughout the year.

Our ancestors depended on the bounty of the seasons to fill their plates. Diets consisted of what could be grown, foraged or hunted. Every season offered valuable contributions to the larder. Now we have the luxury of visiting a grocery store to stock our pantries with just about anything we want at any time. But there is more to eating seasonally than convenience; a seasonal diet is also connected with the harmonic nature of your overall health, your body, and your internal organs.

Preparing foods seasonally is linked to the changing of our digestive strength and needs which takes place each season. For instance, winter is traditionally a time to slow down, and meals often consist of warm, hearty stews, broths and soups with root vegetables. These foods feed the kidneys and the kidney meridian. Nourishing these areas helps to reduce emotinal fear, bolster a sense of stability, increase nutrients for bone health, and improves waste elimination.

A basic tenet of Traditional Chinese Medicne (TCM) is that each season is associated with a color related to the types of food eaten (green for spring, for example), as well as specific body organs and a taste that stimulates the organs. In short, our bodies are connected to the rhythms of seasonal cycles, so eating with the seasons is a natural methods of maintaining, detoxifying, and strengthening the body and its organs. 

According to TCM, five seasons are experienced and each corresponds with an element and organ/meridian system:

spring - wood - liver - green

summer - fire - heart - red

late summer - earth - spleen

autumn - metal - lungs and large intestine - white

winter - water - kidneys - black

Winter in TCM is associated with the kidneys which hold our body's most fundamental energy. It represents the slower, inward movement of our body's and mind's functions, this makes it an optimal time to nourish and replenish our kidneys. Foods that specifically warm and noursih the kidneys include; black beans, kidney beans, chestnuts, walnuts, bone broths, lamb, chicken, parsley and dark leafy greens. Goji berry (Gou Qi Zi), astragulus (Huang Qi), Chinese date (Da Zao), and marshmallow root (Yao She Kui) are beneficial herbs to supplement your winter diet and support kidney wellness.

Spring is the season of wood and the liver. Spring is the time for growth and renewal and the climate becomes windy. As spring approaches, we should consume light foods that help trasition into this season; young plants, sprouts, leafy greens, plums, wheat, ry, and barley flavored with rosemary, dill and basil. Herbs like milk thistle (silibum marianum) and Chai Hu (radix bupleuri) are ideally suited to liver health and its associated tissues - the eyes, tendons and ligaments.

Summer is the season of fire and the heart, the season of development, joy, activity, and creativity Cooling and hydrating food suited for transition into the heat include; warermelon, apricot, cantaloupe, mung beans, bamboo, lentil and chicken. Cooling herbs like chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), and mint (Bo He) make a lovely and hydrating summer tea.

Late summer is the fifth season recognized by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its element is earth and its organ is the spleen. Its environment influence is humidity and dampness. And it is associated with digestion and nourishment. Foods that support the spleen are rice, millet, dates, ginger and beef. Herbs like poria mushroom (Fu Ling), jujube (Da Zao) and licorice root (Gan Cao) make a wonderful earth-nourishing tea.

Autumn is a season associated with wind and dryness. Therefore, it is important to cut back on raw foods and consume slow-cooked moisturizing foods such as apples, pork, pears, radish, cabbage, sweet pototoe, chilli, miso, almonds, onion, eggs, pickle, yogurt, plums, horseradish, grapes, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Ginseng root (Hu Tang), astragulus (Huang Qi), schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), and cordyceps mushroom (Dong chong Xia Cao) are the top Chinese herbs used for strengthening and protecting the lungs. 

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the Late Summer to Autumn seasonal change. And, in addition to supporting our bodies dietarily, I suggest using this slowing time to bolster your mind and spirit. Learning to honor the changing needs of your body within the cycles of the seasons is a powerful way to reduce the risk of common seasonal concerns of body, mind, and spirit.

As mentioned above, TCM associates the lung and large intestine with autumn. During this season, they are the most vulnerable.

The lungs are associated with "taking in the new" and emotionally correspond with; grief, sadness, and attachment. When the flow of (and through) the lungs is balanced one can experience enhanced; clarity of thought, positive self-image, and surrending to and allowing inner peace and joy to exist regardless of circumstances.

The large intestine "releases the old" and emotionally corresponds with; inability to let go, uptightness, stubborness, stagnation, a negative outlook or mindset, and how we choose to flow through life. When the large intestine energy is balanced, one can experience increased; sense of relaxation, releasing of what no longer serves them. flowing with life vs. resisting it, and focusing on the day-to-day.  

Since autumn is a natural time of letting go and getting organized (look at the trees dropping leaves and animals organizing food and shelter for hibernation), a lack of awareness and action in this regard can lead to feelings of stagnation and lack of harmony with life's flow. Both of which can affect the health of your lungs and large intestine.

By increasing your self-awareness and taking action, you can ease into fall and winter reassured by the reserve of health, happiness, and strength you have created. 

As always, I wish you peace and grace.

~ Amber

Ripples of Compassion

Early yesterday morning, I ventured to a local grocery store. A few people (I'm talking five tops) were also pushing their freshly sanitized cart through the aisles, mindfully working our way around the dedicated workers who were stocking ravaged shelves.

My route to the fresh produce took me passed the meat section. The butchers were placing signs, "Limited Time" and "Buy one Get One Free", on the display case of pasture raised chicken and beef. One butcher commented to another, "Well, the main crowds won't show 'til lunchtime." The other man grunted in acknowledgement.

I had thoughts of what may happen when more people heard about the sale, no less the fact that a store had fresh meat available - a stampede, grabbing, bullying - all to get what they probably don't really need out of a panicked, fear-driven mindset.

Though I didn't need all the extra meat that such a sale would grant me, I picked up chicken, ground beef, and a roast, noting the older woman tentatively looking at the butcher's offerings. Her aura was pale - the root chakra colors barely discernible. In my mind, I heard a soft feminine voice ask, "Please help". Placing the meat in my cart, I proceeded to get the produce that I had planned.

After checkout, I sought out the woman. She had moved only a few feet from the meat counter and was poking an arthritic bent finger around a well-worn change purse, looking into it, then glancing back at the meat selection.

I approached her and placed the bag of meats (and eggs and pasta which were also offered at "community aid" prices), into her cart. As she watched my gesture, her eyes welled with tears. It was then that I recognized her. The mother of a former client A client whom loved and cared for her mother. A client whom had died a year ago.

The woman, at first, did not want to accept the food, graciously saying I should give it to someone who really needs it.

"I'm an old friend of Denise. Your daughter was altruistic and compassionate as well as a dynamo business woman. Please accept the food in her name."

The woman's tears stopped and she smiled wide.

"She was.", replied the elder as she shook her head in acceptance and gratitude.

We parted ways and as I was placing my bags into the car, I saw her speaking with one of her peers. They waved and approached me. Elsa, I now know her name, introduced me to, Betty, whose husband had died last summer. (This, I've learned, is how introductions and conversations can begin among some people who are over 85.) It came to light that Elsa and Betty were friends who have not seen each other in some months. They bemoaned it not being wise to embrace during "this crazy thing", as they referred to the social distancing constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Betty was struggling since the death of Lou and when Elsa learned of her dear friend's plight, gave her half of the grocery items that I had gifted her.

Elsa's aura was brighter now. The shaky and diminished root chakra was more settled and her heart shone brilliantly. She told me that even though current events have put her in a place of nutritional need, what truly hurt her the most was that they made it nearly impossible for her to help people. Clearly, the apple that was Denise, did not fall far from the Elsa tree.

We agreed to keep doing the little things we could to help people and to meet for a vodka, "Or three!", chimed Betty, once this craziness passes.

I left them while they chatted and devised a plan to pool their resources, cook, and disperse small meals to their friends.

Spread ripples of compassion folks! And always be kind.

Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty,

If it is full, may it be again

(Ripple, The Grateful Dead)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=671AgW9xSiA

The Ash Moon

 The full moon brings revelation through dreams and creative vision. It emphasizes the balance and integration of the spiritual and practical dimension of our life experience. 

The lunar months are associated with a sacred tree, or in some cases a vine or reed. Each tree is a spiritual presence as well as a portal into a shamanic world of magic and meaning. The tree exists in the physical world, as well as the dimensions beyond, and is a bridge between them.

The concept of a Celtic Tree calendar was first seen in the works of Edward Davies in the 19th Century. Davies researched the Ogygia and the Book of Ballymote. This research was further developed by Robert Graves in his book The White Goddess, and then expanded upon by Ross Nickhols, the founder of the legendary Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. One cannot ignore the importance of trees in Celtic history. Celtic mythology reveals many trees; even more than the ones included in the calendar, to have important standing in ancient lore. Some were known for their medicinal properties, others were considered sacred domiciles for spirits, while still others had symbolic meaning for specific tribes throughout the ancient world.

Regardless of whether the Tree Calendar can be traced back to ancient Celtic ancestors, we cannot discount what it has become. Modern pagans who are of Celtic heritage or associate with Celtic beliefs have embraced the wisdom of the trees and use the calendar as a guide throughout the year to develop and enhance their connection with nature. It's grown to become a valuable spiritual tool and has become the basis for many ritual practices.

The ash trees were enormous in ancient Europe; towering high above the landscape with a thick trunk and deep roots. The Celts interpreted three distinct aspects from this tree; expansion, growth, and higher perspective. The incredibly complex root system symbolized remaining grounded despite how much growth was taking place in one's life.

This belief was perfectly aligned with the esoteric message of the ash. The Druids and the Norse peoples believed all the realms were connected via branches of a giant mystical ash tree known as Yggdrasil.

In Norse mythology the ash was considered the axis of the cosmos upon which the god Odin hung for nine days and nights in a sacrificial act to receive hidden wisdom which came in the form of runes. This connects the ash tree and its sacred month - February 18 through March 17- with the Hanged Man in the tarot. The Hanged Man implies a suspension, a time of flux, waiting for illumination, perhaps a need for sacrifice. In our materialistic, competitive culture sacrifice becomes a shadowy thing; we end up sacrificing the sacred, sometimes we sacrifice our very selves to false gods. I offer an alternate definition of the sacrifice called upon by this tarot card; that of a gift or offering of time set aside for love, kindness, self-care, and seeing a situation from a different perspective.