Happy Spring Equinox....9 days ago! Okay I'm a little late. But so is the weather. Last weekend Maren and I (as Kindred Spirits Collective) hosted our second workshop at Acorn Yoga in Brighton. We're starting to really get in the groove of this space and are loving seeing so many familiar AND new faces show up to our events. I'm very eager to share the herbal teas and photos from our event with you all. You should also know that Kindred Spirits has committed to at least 2 more workshops in this space so keep an eye out for updates and leave a comment below if you have future workshop ideas! We want to cater to you and your interests so don't be shy.
Here are 10 herbs we got to play with and taste at our workshop. Mix and match to make your perfect blend! Our resident herbalist Maren did a kickass job explaining the tea blending process and explaining which herbs are most beneficial to us as we enter into Spring.
Detoxifying Herbs for Spring
Calendula: Best herb for nourishing and cleansing the lymphatic system. Delicious and beautiful in salads! Provides heart health; relieves congestion in lymphatic system and reduces swollen lymph glands; digestive distress and soothing inflammatory conditions in stomach lining and bowels; improves circulation and detoxifies body; eases menstrual and menopausal difficulties; antibacterial properties (heals wounds); antifungal properties (especially for pelvic and bowel infections); antiviral.
Dandelion leaf: Think twice before spraying this beauty with weed killer. Dandelion can be used for medicine and food. It flushes the system, good for kidneys; iron (good for anemia), vitamin C; mild laxative (relieves constipation and bloating); bitter (good for optimal digestion); safe, healthy diuretic (contains potassium - most diuretics deplete potassium); great for cleansing after winter!
Hibiscus Flower: Contains high levels of antioxidants. Great for flavoring teas! Contains vitamin C and is calming. Good for high cholesterol and high blood sugar, heart health, coughing; has antibacterial and antifungal properties; helps with digestion. Good for depression.
Hyssop: Great for respiratory system; treats colds, cough, heavy congestions, indigestion; reduces inflammation in mucous membranes (good for asthma and allergies; antiviral; remedy for rheumatism and other aches and pains in muscles and joints.
Lavender Flower: An essential herb to have on hand. Good for relieving anxiety, depression, tension; headaches; mood swings; dizziness, fainting; reduces fevers; detoxifies; induces sweating; antiseptic; eases vomiting and diarrhea.
Lemon Balm: The “official” herb of apothecaries. Good for allergies and asthma (“nature’s antihistamine”); antiviral, antibacterial; antidepressant/anxiety; cleansing kidneys and urinary tract; good for digestive distress. Remedy for heart disease (and heartache). Lemon Balm is said to promote a long life
Nettle: Nettle can be used to remedy gout, rheumatism, anemia, exhaustion, menstrual difficulties, skin problems, and hay fever, to mention just a few. Nettle can be cooked, eaten, brewed into beer, infused as a tea, tincture, and more. Useful for “growing pains” in young children and for older folks with creaky joints. Excellent tonic for reproductive system of both men and women. Blood tonic, circulatory stimulant; aches and pains; energy (high in chlorophyll; vitamins A, C, D, K; minerals); great for liver, gallbladder, and kidneys; PMS, fertility issues, prostate issues; antiseptic; respiratory health.
Oatstraw: This plant is highly valued for its ability to restore balance and a sense of calm in weak and stressed out individuals. Full body tonic (strengthens immunity, builds energy); regulates blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, stabilizes thyroid function; great for nervous system health; antibiotic; antidepressant; fatigue; anxiety/depression; insomnia; skin health
Red Clover: Considered nature’s best vitamin supplement. Rich bounty of nutrients that support entire body. High in beta-carotene, calcium, Vitamin B, C, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium. Respiratory health; menopause; blood and lymphatic cleanser; eczema and psoriasis; bone density. Blossoms taste like honey cups! Add them to salads, blender drinks, garden-fresh soups, and tea.
Spearmint: The eldest of the mint family. Cooling, refreshing, and uplifting. Soothes and strengthens nervous system; clear sinuses; digestion; urinary tract; stimulating blood flow it cleanses and tones spleen; mild stimulant; . Lovely as an apertif or digestif (make a strong tea and mix it with sparkling water, maybe adding a handful of fresh berries) and great for flavoring other, less tasty herbs. Combine with ginger to cure a restless stomach. Chew on fresh leaves instead of gum!
This workshop was part 2 of our 2-part series leading up to our May 19th-21st Spring Awakening Retreat in the lake region of Maine. This all-inclusive retreat is based at a lovely lakeside cottage and includes yoga, meditation, pranayama, Journey Dance, Qi Gong, holistic/cooking workshops, nature hikes, kayaking/lakeside activities, campfires, and more! And guys, it's SO affordable. For $350 you get a bed (or tent, if you'd like!), Organic home cooked food by your retreat chefs, and all the aforementioned activities. This would be the perfect Mother's Day gift by the way! Grab your mom, daughter, sister, friend, whoever! and awaken your heart through movement, nourishment, and laughter. I can promise you laughter, for sure. We have limited space so click that Register button and commit yourself to TREATING YO'SELF. I'll see you lakeside!
Thanks again to all who attended! We had so much fun with you. For more information on Kindred Spirits Collective you can follow us on Facebook.
