Welcoming Spring
It is officially spring and I feel just as happy as the birds. I noticed a few weeks ago that the birds had changed their tune, and that was my cue that spring was on it's way. As we leave the quiet reflective winter, I have to say I didn't ‘hate’ it as much this year. I looked at it with a new perspective of appreciation. Winter has never been my favorite season, but I feel as though as long as I live in New England it's time to embrace each season with open arms. Life it too short to sit in misery during the cold months… so instead I played in the snow, I sat in stillness, I ate nourishing foods, I honored my feelings, and I snuggled, a lot.
Spring is the season of growth, renewal, & new beginnings. A time to move the stagnation built up from winter & take a breath of fresh new air. New light emerges, touching the landscape with a gentle glow, while new life sprouts up with wonderful possibilities waiting to be realized. Nourish your liver, kidneys, & lymphatic system. Herbs like dandelion, burdock, & milk thistle stimulate the liver supporting our natural detoxification processes. Liver cleansing herbs are also very helpful for some stubborn skin conditions like cystic acne, rosacea, eczema, & psoriasis. Due to the slowness of the winter, the lymphatic system can also slow down a bit. Some plants to turn to in the spring to help get lymph moving are, Violet, Calendula, Burdock, Red Clover, & Sage. And “When in doubt, use nettle.” That’s what Medical Herbalist David Hoffman always says. Nettle is an earthy spring tonic that’s been used for over 2,000 years to support joint health & promote whole body wellness.*
I've been sipping on a sage tea in the late afternoon with honey & frothed oat milk. It is so delicious & immediately clears my head out of that afternoon slump.
It is also a time to plant new intentions. So dream BIG! Anything is possible
Spring Rituals
Start the morning with hot water & lemon. option grate some ginger into it
Take a look at your products -maybe it's time to swap the heavier moisturizer you were using in the winter for something lighter. Our best way to keep our skin care routine sustainable is to use less. We do not need a whole 10 step routine, less is always more.
Try a face oil with ingredients like, Raspberry Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Kukui Nut Oil- these all help your skin better protect itself against harmful UV rays
Make a new mask - French Green Clay or Rhassoul Clay are my favorite clays for gently exfoliating & cleaning the pores without depleting you of your natural oils. Mix with a rose tea & you have yourself a little party
Introduce a new hydrosol - Garden Party is a nice spring time blend that includes antiviral uplifting notes of lemon balm, lemon thyme, rose, & sunflower essence.
Change your pillow case more often- our hair & faces are coming in from outside with pollen & other debris that can irritate our skin. I use Dr. Bronners unscented, or Seventh Generation non-scented for detergent.
Facial steams are my favorite this time of year because of allergies! It's important to clear out the irritants & breathe deeply
Herbs to Include : Rose, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary
Clear the sides of the ears down the neck - taking your hands or a gua sha tool cradle the sides of the ears & come down the sides of the neck to drain fluid that may build up. Keeping the lymph moving is important for keeping your skin clear.
Fire Cider for digestive fire & sinus relief
1 TBSP mixed with sparkling or still water
If you are experiencing allergies try a neti pot I find them to be really helpful
Pineapple is a good source of bromelain which helps to breakdown histamine that's already been released- so if you are feeling really lousy eat some pineapple !
Drink lots of water & tea!
Some Favorite Spring Blends
-Nettle, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Oatstraw
-Calendula & Chamomile
-Burdock Root decoction
-Sage, raw honey, & oat milk
-Ginger, lemon, & raw honey
-Goldenrod, lavender, raw honey
Don't forget your Vitamin D !
Vitamin C - Rosehips contain an ample amount of vitamin C and taste delicious. I've been putting powdered rosehips into my oatmeal & smoothies, yum !
Eat your greens ! It's time to start eating a little lighter than we did in the winter. Enjoy some fresh green salads with fresh herbs - the phytonutrients are great for keeping your skin clear & glowing!
Dry brushing is a wonderful way to assist the lymph - also alternating hot/cold water while in the shower helps to keep things moving & invigorate the senses
Sing! It helps to alleviate anxiety & stress, and it's contagious! Once my husband hears me sing, he can't help but to join in