Spring Equinox – March 20th – the day when day and night are of equal length, light and dark; nature in perfect balance. A day to celebrate the return of longer days of sunshine and warmth.

Spring can also be so much more if we observe how nature changes with the seasons. Spring is a time of new beginnings, new growth, planting seeds, purification, and for clearing out the old. Following the rhythms of nature and developing harmony with the ways in which nature cares for itself, we can also create balance within our own lives.

Trees, plants, grasses and seeds that have laid still throughout the winter slowly emerge from their dormancy. Buds develop and grow into new leaves and flowers, plants and grasses emerge through the ground from their resting roots, and seeds sprout; all from the extended sunlight, warmth, rains, and fall’s nourishment. Birds and animals are more active, returning to their daily routines. Try to take some time on the next spring-like day to notice all the new growth that nature provides us. Smell the freshness in the air. Listen to the song birds that have returned. Nature provides us with the hope and promise of new beginnings and growth after winter.

Winter was a time of rest, a time to replenish energy for the start of the “growing” season – Spring. Now that spring is just about upon us, it is time to listen to nature and utilize this energy, this potential for new growth. Seize this energy and blossom!

Spring cleaning is actually an old ritual that was performed to remove any negativity from the previous year and to prepare the home to allow for the new to come in. Spring cleaning can be thought of on many levels, from physically cleaning your home to purifying your body, mind and spirit. We all hold onto “stuff” – useless, outdated or worn-out items we’ve collected over the years, maybe a couple extra pounds, and chances are; old emotions, hurts and pains. Spring is a great time to release ourselves from the past. Change allows us to grow. We all need to grow and develop, to explore possibilities. Living with the past keeps us in the past, missing the present – missing what we are now, what we can be. Breaking free from the past allows us room for the present – be it closet, attic or emotional space. Once we release ourselves from the past, the present is free to enter into our lives. We are free to continue on with our journey, to experience life fully as it is meant to be. Open the windows, let the fresh air in. Try not to look upon the cleaning as a chore but as a chance to let “the new” into your life.

Spring is also a good time to cleanse our bodies after the sluggish winter. Our energy levels are high, and fresh foods and herbs are more available. A rest from the heavier, warming foods of winter will work wonders to rejuvenate and remove toxins from the body. Eating only fresh fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, lots of water and steamed or raw vegetables for several days will start you on your way to better health and nutrition. There are many methods of cleansing diets and two books that provide a wealth of information are “Staying Healthy with the Seasons” by Elson Haas and “The Seasonal Detox Diet: Remedies from the Ancient Cookfire” by Carrie L’Esperance. Several useful and abundant herbs for spring cleansing include: dandelion root and leaves, stinging nettle, chicory, parsley and peppermint. A brief overview of these spring herbs will get you started. Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A and can be used in salads or as a tea. Dandelion roots can be made into a bitter tea (don’t sweeten it, the bitterness is how it works – you’ll get use to it) as an excellent tonic for the liver and blood purifier. Dandelion roots are very high in vitamins and minerals. [Read a complete article on dandelion] Nettle is high in chlorophyll to provide energy and acts as a very good blood builder. Chicory and parsley have some of the same properties as the dandelion greens. A strong peppermint tea freshens the breath and body odors as well as relieves headaches. During a cleansing diet, the toxins you have stored in your body are released back into your blood stream to be released. It is vital to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal, and get fresh air to flush these toxins out of your system.

Plant your “seeds”. What are your goals, dreams, aspirations? What do you want to harvest?

Start your groundwork now, the lazy days of summer will be here before you know!

Health Benefits of Seaweeds

Seaweeds or sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient-rich foods. This is because they are constantly bathed in the mineral-rich waters of the sea. They contain high amounts of iodine, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and some are very high in protein. Seaweeds contain 10 to 20 times more minerals than land-grown plants do. Seaweeds are classified by colors: reds, browns, greens, blue-greens and yellow-greens. Because of variations in pigmentation, light exposure, water depth and temperature, and environment, the nutritive values vary.

Seaweeds offer many health benefits including increased metabolism, purification of the blood, help to break down fats, and improved joint flexibility. They also strengthen the kidneys and are beneficial for healthy hair and skin. Seaweeds are antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and alkalinizing. Seaweeds remove radiation residue from the body, cleanse the lymphatic system, alleviate liver stagnancy, are beneficial to the thyroid and rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. They lower cholesterol and reduce fat in the blood.

“According to ancient Chinese texts, “there is no swelling that is not relieved by seaweed.”" So, they can be used to treat swellings, lumps, goiter, swollen lymph glands, edema, chronic cough, skin diseases and tumors.

Proper thyroid functioning

Seaweeds are very high in iodine. We all require iodine in our diets to promote healthy thyroid functioning. The thyroid is responsible for the body’s metabolism. Inadequate dietary iodine can result in the symptoms of chronic hypothyroidism. According to Endocineweb.com, symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can’t tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

Other Benefits of Seaweeds

Seaweeds contain alginic acid, a compound that binds in the body with heavy metals, environmental toxins and other chemicals within the digestive tract and carries them out of the body through elimination.

Types of Common Seaweeds

Agar

Agar is rich in calcium, iron and phosphorus. Typically it is used in powder form as a substitute for gelatin in vegan recipes.

Arame

Arame is rich in iodine, iron and calcium. It is beneficial to the spleen, stomach and pancreas. It is excellent for relieving high blood pressure.

Dulse

Dulse contains high amounts of iodine and is rich in manganese, iron, beta-carotene and vitamin E. The heart and spleen benefit from ingesting dulse.

Hijiki

Hijiki contains high amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. It strengthens the intestines and enhances digestion and intake of nutrients.

Kelp

Kelp is typically used more as a seasoning. Kelp powder or granules is an excellent source of a high-mineral replacement for salt and is relatively lower in sodium over regular salt. Kelp is very rich in iodine, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B2 and C. Brown kelp (Laminaria) has the highest concentration of iodine out of all all the plants. Kelp acts as an anti-coagulant, fungicide, antibacterial, antibiotic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, diuretic, emollient, nutritive and expectorant. It can be used to help treat enlarged lymph nodes or tumors. Kelp increases metabolism and can be used in weight loss. Kelp can be used to treat high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, heart pain, blood clots and anemia. It increases depth of breath and relieves coughing and asthma. Kelp is also effective in treating fungal and candida yeast overgrowths.

Kombu

Kombu can grow up to 1,500 feet long. It is high in calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and glutamic acid. The kidneys and reproductive system benefits for kombu. Cooking beans with a strip of kombu makes them more digestible and reduces their production of digestive gas. Kombu has the same healing properties as kelp.

Nori

Nori is sold in thin sheets and is the seaweed that sushi is made from. Nori is very high in protein (up to 48% dry weight), beta-carotene and minerals. It stimulates circulation, decreases cholesterol, aids digestion and provides energy.

Wakame

Wakame is high in calcium, protein, niacin and thiamine. It helps support the liver, nervous system and mental clarity.

Mountain Rose Herbs is a great supplier of organic seaweeds.

Elderberry, typically European or black elder (Sambucus nigra) has been receiving widespread publicity for its role in reducing flu symptoms, soothing sore throats and coughs as well as boosting the immune system. Numerous scientific studies on the effectiveness of elderberry have been conducted.

Following is an overview of studies on elderberry from Blackelderberry.info

• 2009 – (Catchpole) During an in-vitro study carried out in London by Retroscreen Virology in October 2009, black elderberry extract was found to be at least 68.37% effective against the H1N1 strain otherwise known as Swine Flu Pandemic strain.
• Black Elderberry has a more potent antiviral effect than Echinacea
• Black elderberry extract has been found to be effective against the H5N1 strain of Avian Flu  (Zakay-Rones et al 1995)
• Black elderberry extract contains a unique compound called Antivirin® that can help protect healthy cells and inactivate  infectious viruses
• When given to patients, scientists have found the black elderberry extract, has the ability to ward off flu infections quickly  (Zakay-Rones 2004)
• Black Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins which are a type of flavonoid –  anthocyanins are antioxidants that may protect cells from free radicals and support your body’s immune system.
• Black Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as Blueberries and twice the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries

Making your own elderberry syrup is an easy and inexpensive way to create your own cough remedy. One thing to keep in mind when making herbal medicines is to use the best quality herbs possible. The quality of your medicine will be determined by what goes into the making of it. Mountain Rose Herbs offers the highest quality organic, fair-trade elderberries.

Elderberry Syrup

½ cup dried whole  elderberries
3 cups of filtered water
1 cup of honey (local is best)

Place the berries in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Crush the berries. Strain liquid into a bowl. Stir in honey. Bottle and refrigerate. Will keep several months.

For coughs, colds and flu take 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours. This also makes a delicious syrup for pancakes, ice cream or mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Fresh elderberries are commonly made into jellies, pies and wine.

The elder plant has been used throughout history for it’s medicinal value and as such, has many folkloric uses.  In the Middle Ages it was considered a Holy Tree, capable of restoring good health, keeping good health and as an aid to longevity. All parts of the elder are useful. American Elder, Sambucus canadensis, is another common species to be used medicinally.

A hot infusion of dried elder flowers will induce sweating and drive out a fever. A cold infusion of the dried flowers is useful for sore and inflamed eyes as a compress.

Elder flowers and berries are gentler that the other parts and are safe to use in larger doses internally. In addition to the studies listed above, elder flowers and berries act as a blood purifier so they work on the entire body.

The leaves, flowers, bark and twigs can be made into a poultice to relieve soreness, inflammations, swollen glands, bruises and joint stiffness.

A salve or ointment  made from the elder is useful for burns and scalds.

All parts of the plant can be used externally for the complexion; removing spots, soothing irritation, removing freckles and preserving and softening of the skin if used faithfully both internally and externally.

The inner green bark is cathartic, purges the digestive system, so should be taken in small doses.

The leaves are typically used externally because of their strong purgative properties. They can be made into an herbal oil which can be used on the skin or the oil can be used to make a healing salve.

Elder berries are high in iron and thus good for treating anemia.

Additional historical information is available at the online version of A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve. This site also includes recipes for elderberry wine.

The printed version is available here: A Modern Herbal. This is a fun 2 -book series if you are interested in herbal history and folklore.

Apple cider vinegar has amazing health and healing properties. The best type is organic, naturally brewed, unfiltered and unpasteurized versions of apple cider. Filtered, pasteurized vinegar does not have healing properties. The most recognized brand is Bragg’s, which is available in most health food stores. Natural apple cider vinegar should be a rich, brownish color and if held to the light you might see a tiny formation of “cobweb-like” substances, called the “mother,” which are strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.

The use of apple cider vinegar for healing is not new, in fact it was used by Hippocrates (the father of medicine) in 400 B.C. and as far back as the Egyptians in 3000 BC. It contains naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic properties which fight germs and bacteria.

Natural apple cider vinegar is full of vitamins and minerals including: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, provitamin beta-carotene, and vitamin P.

So, just what does natural apple cider vinegar do?

It assists in creating a proper functioning metabolism, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune system, reduces joint stiffness, reduces muscle pain from exercise, reduces cholesterol, regulates water within the body and reduces water retention, reduces excess sodium, reduces excess mucus, helps to regulate blood pressure, assists in blood circulation, cleanses the blood, inhibits unfriendly bacteria, increases concentration and memory, regulates body temperature, and increases vitality and energy. Natural apple cider vinegar aids the liver in detoxifying the body and helps to digest rich, fatty, greasy foods (which you shouldn’t be eating anyway!), and promotes the proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals.

Add natural apple cider vinegar to your daily routine (the taste isn’t all that bad) and quickly notice all the changes in your body. It really does boost metabolism, vitality and a sense of well being within a couple of days. Being healthy on the inside shows on the outside as well.

And as an added bonus, according to Chinese medicine, “vinegar is warming, it creates a temporary warming circulation of energy (qi) in the body and removes stagnant blood. It can quickly alter emotional stagnation as well — bad moods will usually disappear a few moments after taking vinegar.” (from Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition)

Typically 2 – 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water is taken 3 times per day, before meals. A little honey can be added to sweeten the taste if needed.

For more information, Patricia Bragg has written a book which has sold over 7 million copies: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR MIRACLE HEALTH SYSTEM