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Are you ready for that holiday feast? Those decadent foods, rowdy conversations, and luxurious desserts- it all sounds great in theory, but what about that mid-meal heartburn or grumbles that have you running for the bathroom? We have all been there before, that uncomfortable urgency, when our digestion is just out of whack. This very normal occurrence can be attributed to so many things from the physical food we are consuming, to the emotions we are experiencing as we eat our meal. Each of these details plays a key role in our body's overall ability to metabolize nutrients and utilize them for our general well-being.
Myself, I live with chronic digestive ailments, so this blog post is near to my heart. A practice that has resonated with me personally is before I begin eating, I take a solid, one-minute moment to close my eyes and be grateful- it can be for the food on my plate, my health, my loved ones, and so on. I find that this practice not only allows me to tap into a more uplifted emotional state, but also provides me with a moment to check in with entire body on an anatomic level- how hungry am I, what will support me most on my plate, what am I craving? All of these observations provide keen insight into how we are each uniquely wired, how we require completely different approaches to our diets and cultural practices around food. There is another, very researched reasoning behind my mealtime ritual, and that is the basis of the gut-brain connection. The intimate relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system is providing much insight and explanation into the occurrence of digestive upsets while eating when stressed or depressed, or the more long term effects of recurrent negative eating experiences. The research provided by Harvard Medical School delves deeper into this fascinating connection, and possible ways to identify stress before it affects your overall health. There are many other ways to support the digestive system, and of course a favorite of ours is with the power of herbs. There are so many bioregional offerings that can support both our digestion and our stress response, supporting a healthy digestive process. Botanicals such as Dandelion leaves and root and Burdock root are both nourishing and stimulating to the digestive system, providing both intestinal and liver support. Saint John's Wort and Lemon Balm both provide thymoleptic and adaptogenic effects, meaning they help to increase the mood and decrease feelings of nervous tension, and also help us to adjust to changing situations by stabilizing nervous system. Here at Breeze Botanicals we carry products compounded with these, and other supportive herbs, that are specifically formulated to help you break stressful eating patterns, cultivate a more peaceful space during mealtimes, and overall nourish our systems to allow them to work at their full potential. Please stop by either store location to speak with one of our trained staff members, or for more complex inquiries, we provide one-on-one consultations with our clinical herbalist- reserve your appointment today!
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What a joyful time of the year! The holidays are an important time to express gratitude for our family and friends and to take the time to relax and recharge our bodies. We also recognize that the holidays can be a major source of stress and anxiety for so many individuals.
Unfortunately, stress can play a major role in the overall health of our bodies- higher states of stress have been shown to cause increased chances for general illness, fatigue, distorted appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns. There are many ways to mitigate the nervous tension and overload during this holiday season by including practices into your daily routine leading up to these gatherings or events such as meditation and yoga, herbal teas and aromatherapy, taking a steam or sauna, self-message, journaling, finding your creative outlet, and most importantly- setting boundaries before guests arrive or before heading to an event. Setting boundaries is an easy way to protect your sanity while participating in the comradery that accompanies these seasonal gatherings. This could look like setting start and end times for your party if your hosting, or by letting family know topics you wish not to discuss before you arrive. These simple expressions may help relieve unwanted pressure and allow you to focus on what is most important to you this holiday season. At Breeze Botanicals stores we carry products handcrafted by Sun God Medicinals that are specifically formulated to support the nervous system, and more precisely those feelings of worry, fear, and nervous tension. By using neuroprotective herbs such as Milky Oat Tops and Skullcap, and relaxing thymoleptic herbs such as Lemon Balm and Passionflower, these pre-compounded tinctures provide a variety of adrenal system support and promote a general sense of peace. These and other supportive herbs, such as Cannabis, can be found compounded into the Heka line of tinctures, elixirs, and teas- which are specifically formulated to support the nervous system and to nourish the brain tissue. We also have a trained staff of professionals available at both Breeze Botanical store locations for any further questions about any specific herbs or products that we may carry. We also offer one-on-one herbal consultations with our clinical Herbalist on staff as both Breeze Botanical locations. Click here to learn more and book your appointment today. The winter weather has begun to set in- the bone-chilling winds accompanied by the frosty blanket of frozen dew each morning are a harsh reminder of the extra self-care needed to ensure we can tolerate these seasonal extremes. It is important to focus on nourishing and strengthening our skin, as to protect us from the cold and to help insulate us during these intense temperature shifts. One way to increase elasticity and integrity of the skin is by integrated collagen rich foods into your diet, such as bone broth- which is high in protein and healthy fats, berries and citrus- which are packed with Vitamin C which is absolutely needed in the conversion of collagen in the body, and eggs- which carry the essential amino acids needed to synthesize collagen.
Besides dietary additions, another great way to support healthy skin is through the topical application of nutrient-dense fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Research has shown that these fats may increase the general health of the skin and decrease darker blemishes and irritations. Breeze Botanicals also carries topical lotions and salves from Sun God Medicinals that are formulated with Cannabis and other supporting herbs that may not only decrease the symptoms suffered from unwanted ailments such as muscle tension, but also support the microbial balance and natural glow of healthy skin. Hercules Muscle Ease Hemp Salve and Aja All-Purpose Salve are both formulated to not only support their intended ailments, but are also made with organic, nutrient-rich oils our skin craves, especially in these dry, winter months. Feel free to chat further and learn more with any of our trained associates at the Breeze Botanical stores. We also offer one-on-one herbal consultations with our clinical Herbalist on staff as both Breeze Botanical locations. Click here to learn more and book your appointment today. The holidays are quickly approaching and it’s time to prepare not just a delicious feast for friends and family, but also it’s time to prep our digestive tracts for the enormous amount of festive treats coming our way. One simple way to strengthen our digestive fire, or Agni as it is known in Ayurveda, is to prepare our stomachs before a meal for the food to come. This can look like incorporating bitter foods such as dandelion greens, radishes, or cranberries about 15 minutes before eating any of your meals, or by making an Ayurvedic inspired digestive appetizer by sprinkling grated ginger and salt on a small slice of lime- click here for the recipe. The bitter taste of these foods help to stimulate bile production and to strengthen and tonify the digestive system. Breeze Botanical stores carry various products formulated to support digestion and to mitigate those unwanted stomach pains after a larger meal. We carry Sun God Medicinals tinctures, elixirs, and tea blends of these supporting herbs formulated to support a variety of digestive ailments, and as always, our trained staff is always here to help guide you on your healing journey. We also offer private one-on-one consultations with our clinical herbalist for more in depth inquires- click here to learn more! Happy Holidays from the Breeze team!
Today we are exploring the immunomodulatory effects of herbs for children and their ability to support them through a variety of ailments, and also their capacity to protect them from the seasonal illnesses that may surface. While most herbal remedies are considered gentle enough for children’s use, there are some precautions to consider before utilizing just any herb out there- here is what you should know. Things to think about may include whether the herb could cause allergic reactions, or if they contain constituents that may interact with other medications. Always keep in mind that our little one’s bodies are much more sensitive than those that are fully grown, and may react differently when given the same herbs at the same serving size. There are certainly many approachable herbal remedies that have both traditional and modern context, adding to the empowerment of our health choices and the health of our families.
Amongst the plethora of therapeutic botanicals at our disposal, choosing a reputable source for you and your families therapies is of the utmost importance, and luckily at Breeze Botanicals we feature products from quality distributors that we trust. Sun God Medicinals focuses on the abundance of bioregional offerings in the Southern Oregon area and compounds formulations targeted to specific health conditions. They have products tailored directly for your young ones use, such as Heka Child’s Tea, incorporating gentle vulanaries and soothing botanicals. Please stop by either of our Breeze Botanical locations to check out these offerings and more. Our staff is well educated and ready to walk with you on your path of healing! If you are looking for more in depth inquires, please book time with our clinical herbalist. The transition to the colder, dryer months of winter have us craving warmth and nourishment. Many herbs and small dietary changes are able to provide that bit of support we are all looking for as we crawl into our cozy spaces, and begin to embrace the season to come. Just as the seasons are cyclical, our diets should be as well. By putting emphasis on the seasonal offerings at the grocery store, we are not supporting our health, but also the health of the land. Incorporating root vegetables and winter squashes promotes both a balanced digestive and immune system, by providing a plethora of nutrients and a healthy dose of fiber. Herbs such as Licorice and Milk Oats may be indicated to support circulation and provide nourishment to many different body systems such as the brain and heart. Luckily, Breeze Botanicals carries products that are specifically formulated to support many body systems and ailments, and most importantly keep us healthy during these cooler temperatures and seasonal shifts.
Sun God Medicinals utilizes bioregional herbs, and locally grown, Living soil, regenerative farmed Cannabis, to craft both herbal topicals, capsules, and tinctures to nourish the body in as many ways as possible. Products such as the Aja Hemp and Herbal Massage Oil, which is compounded to support discomfort and aid in circulation, and the Heka Mental Ease tincture, which is formulated to nourish the brain tissues and combat fatigue, would make an easy and beneficial addition to your daily routine. Tinctures are effortlessly added to juice, tea, or coffee to mitigate any unwanted flavors, and topical therapies are best applied after a warm bath or shower to improve absorption. Please visit our stores and ask our trained associates any questions you may have about supporting your body as we move into the cooler months of winter. Also, if you are looking for a more in-depth consultation, please book time with our clinical herbalist through our website at: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12621529 Last week I spoke about supporting our immune systems internally by focusing on integrating colorful fruit and vegetables into our diets, as well as introducing supporting herbs such as Reishi and Echinacea root that have been shown to be nourishing to the body. This week, I would like to focus on external therapies to support your immune system that may prevent seasonal illnesses and regulate a balanced immune function. Using our other senses, such as olfactory or sense of smell, we can reduce stress and support healthy body functions such as sleep, digestion, and inflammation. Research has shown that the volatile oils in aromatic herbs, such as Lavender and Rosemary, may help lower stress levels and may support a healthy functioning immune system. Another way to support our immune systems is through self message, or lymphatic massage, which helps physically to move lymph fluid out of bodily tissues, dispelling toxins and impurities from the body. This practice is easily implemented after a warm shower or while in bed by gently rubbing the soft tissue around the body in a circular motion for a few minutes daily.
There are many ways to stay proactive and healthy this flu season, and there are a variety of herbs and practices to help us do so. Please reach out with any specific herbal questions or for more information about any products carried at Breeze Botanicals stores. We also offer one-on-one, private consultations with our clinical herbalist for more in depth inquires. Continuing with our theme of immune defense, we are discussing the importance of sleep as it pertains to immune support. Research has shown that without achieving the optimal hours of sleep each night, we are unable to perform routine body processes such as the synthesis of proteins and protective cytokines, both of which contribute to the health of our adaptive and innate immune systems. Luckily, there are herbs such as Cannabis, Chamomile, Valerian, and California Poppy that grow locally and can support us in realizing our ideal nights rest. We also carry products from the bioregional, local company Sun God Medicinals, who have formulated an entire line of tinctures and teas, appropriately named Hypnos after the Greek god of sleep, indicated to support healthy sleep patterns. Other ways to promote restful slumber is to try your hardest to refrain from using any screened technology close to bedtime, creating a nightly routine to get you into bed faster, and writing down your lingering thoughts on a list to be addressed the next day. Sleep is an integral piece to the ideal picture of health as a whole, so if you have any questions about ways to support your sleep, please reach out to any of our trained associates or book an appointment with our clinical herbalist.
Hey there Southern Oregon community! I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge who I am and the offerings I am able to bring to Breeze Botanicals stores, both Ashland and Gold Hill locations. I am an east coast native who fell in love with the Applegate Valley, which is where I began my herbal studies two years ago, and continued on for my clinical certification in Ashland this past year. I am so grateful to have had such inspirational teachers, mentors, and friends within the community and beyond that have paved the way and encouraged me to embrace the roll as a healer for the people. So, very long story short, world travels, and countless exchanges of invaluable knowledge later, I am hear to offer a safe space for you to be heard, held, and guided toward a path of healing and fulfillment. Let’s walk together, demystify herbal medicine, and find the right herbal allies and lifestyle choices that will support you most.
Click here to learn more about our consultation program and our Clinical Herbalist, Taylor Appel. You can book an hour, one-on-one appointment with her from the booking button on our website. Thank you for your consideration as a conscious consumer, and we hope to see you in stores soon for your Herbal Health and Wellness Consultation. Your Local Herbalist, Taylor Appel P.S. Flu season is upon us, so a little extra help from our Panacea Immune Line is very much indicated. Let’s all stay warm, happy, and healthy this winter season! *We are proud to offer our Herbal Wellness and Cannabis Education program in conjunction with our supporting company, Lucky Gap Staffing Inc. |
AuthorsThe Herbalist Team at Breeze Botanical's uses our collective educational experiences and on-going thirst for knowledge to normalize the conversation around herbs and to demystify the world of herbal medicine. Join us on this journey and embrace the plants around you. Archives
February 2021
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