2021 a New Year and a Time to Celebrate

New Year’s Eve will not be the same this year and nor should it be, as we see different parts of the country are still dealing with the ongoing pandemic. Simply put, this year has been a teaching point at every turn and New Year’s will be no different. We will come up with New Year’s Resolutions that we won’t follow, claim that this year will be different, and still try to make up for those experiences lost in the new calendar year. . Even though most of us really are done with 2020, it is important to remember that 2021 will only be better if we behave differently, aspire for more  and honestly treat our bodies better.

That being said, celebration and bringing in the new year on a positive note is essential. Celebration affirms the positive things that you have done by making you feel good, instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what we want in the future. This is something that we all forget from time to time. Think about it. When was the last time you only talked about all the positives that happened in your day without mentioning ANY of the negatives? 

New Year’s Eve should be viewed, this year especially, as a celebration of a year completed and of the year to come. Celebrate the fact we made it through a year with obstacles that no one could have imagined, and we are stronger because of it. This year should primarily be celebrated for the amount of things we achieved through a difficult season of life. Celebrations can also let us reflect on the right path moving forward, and to build confidence for the future by acknowledging what we’ve been able to achieve in the past. Even if everything wasn’t a win, we are here today and there are things that have happened in our year to celebrate. 

Now as a part of our celebration, even though in some places the bars won’t be open, many might still be drinking as it goes with the occasional celebration. We encourage everyone to practice safety and to drink responsibly. As a company who is highly invested in your well being, we want to highlight a few herbs that might help everyone celebrate the new year with some solid herbal support. The following herbs we have listed below are ones that may aid with the after effects of a hangover, and just might help everyone find the new beginning that is so sought after in 2021. 

• Peppermint 
  • Peppermint has been utilized for its stomach-soothing abilities for centuries- it was discovered in the pyramids of the Ancient Egyptians, and  was recorded to have been used in the thirteenth century by Icelandic pharmacopoeias, and its use was documented by Ancient Greek physicians as well. Peppermint is a renowned herb for digestion. Its menthol essential oils may help to relieve mild nausea and improve clarity and concentration, while sometimes boosting energy levels. There is no doubt that Peppermint has, and will continue to offer an incredible amount of medicinal support.
    
• Chamomile 
  • Chamomile is best known for its sweet and floral flavor in teas and the ability to soothe stomach aches while providing gentle, calming effects. As a hangover helper, chamomile may also be helpful with indigestion or a headache. Its uses have dated back to ancient Egyptian times, and this herb was also used throughout the European nations as a common medicine.
    
• Dandelion
  • Dandelion has a rich history of medicinal and culinary uses. This herb is well known for the ability to assist an upset stomach and also for detoxification abilities. Do not let the herbs' reputation as a common garden weed fool you- dandelion is a restorative powerhouse that is rich in iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, B complex, and C. Native Americans used dandelion a great deal, both as food and medicine. The flower was considered effective for digestive disturbances, assisting the body with constipation, heartburn, and as a blood cleanser. 
• Meadowsweet 
  • Meadowsweet has a long and well-documented history as a medicinal plant in northern Europe. This herb has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, some say for good and others leave it to question; ever since the discovery of its powerful pain-relieving constituents. Aspirin is the loosely related bi-product of Meadowsweet, and may assist with aches or discomfort. However, there is much more to this herb than we originally thought. Meadowsweet is also known for aiding the mucous membrane of the stomach, balancing gastric acid, and can be beneficial for stomach issues.
    
• Lavender
  • Lavender is an herb that is often used for its relaxing properties, and something as simple as spending time outside with lavender may help improve your mood. Lavender is often referred to as the herb of love, offering protection and purification. Its intoxicating aroma has been revered as a go to headache ally for centuries, and is thought to bring peace and tranquility to all those experiencing the floral scent.
    
• Rosemary
  • Rosemary is a natural stimulant that is great for feelings of tiredness. For a hangover related stomach upset, rosemary could be used in the bath, inhaled in oil form, or easily used in food. At the beginning of a new year, we want that “fresh start” feeling. For ages, rosemary has been burned to cleanse and purify a space, and through this ritual rosemary brings newness and clarity; allowing  us to look deeper into ourselves and our lives.
    
• Turmeric
  • Turmeric is a renowned super spice, famed for its anti-inflammatory and body relief benefits. This herb has been revered for its ability to potentially relieve mild digestive problems. However, some believe that turmeric has a direct effect on liver cells, encouraging their regeneration and repair which may be beneficial after a long night of drinking. 

As a full herbal apothecary we stock many of these herbs in dry and tincture form. We love having both options to share with you. If you are interested in any of these herbs and you want to try them ask about them during your next visit. Our staff loves to show off our amazing selection of dry herbs and tinctures.
References:
https://www.pukkaherbs.com/us/en/wellbeing-articles/9-hero-herbs-to-help-naturally-cure-your-hangover.html
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24178/beat-your-hangover-naturally-with-these-healing-herbs.html
https://andrewmerle.medium.com/throw-a-party-why-it-s-so-important-to-celebrate-5501ca4c6b74#:~:text=Celebrations%20actually%20boost%20our%20well,we%20want%20in%20the%20future.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/imperfect-spirituality/201512/why-you-should-celebrate-everything
https://earthwithin.com/5-herbs-to-incorporate-into-your-new-years-intentions/

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