Tropical Inner-Outer Beauty Tonic

Something amazing happens as life gets closer to the equator on Earth. Plants receive more nutrients from sunshine and are typically in flora rich areas with high humidity to encourage growth. In the more northern climates, we get to experience this as we launch into summer and increase our exposure to sunshine. Two plants that come from the more southern climates are Mangosteen and Hibiscus - together, they serve as a soothing beauty tonic perfect for the current climate of all levels of what we're exposed to on a daily basis.

The combination along with Cardamom and Pine Pollen can create clarity and joy in the mind and heart. This tonic promotes inner and outer beauty while working to make the most of the summer qualities, it's vibrant and rich burgundy color makes for a beautiful treat. I'm so excited to share this one with you - it has absolutely served as cooling support for me as summer rolls in. 

Tonic Benefits:

• Remove excess heat from the body
• Promotes clear complexion and healthy hair growth
• Nourishment of the female reproductive tissues
• Rich in phytonutrients, they are known to prevent cancer and kidney issues
• High level of Vitamin C assists to cleanse and nourish the body with an enzymatic process 

Recipe:

• Hibiscus powder (Banyan Botanicals)
  • 1 teaspoon
  • or sun brew 1 tablespoon of hibiscus petals per 32 oz. H2O 
• Mangosteen powder, raw (Sunfood Superfoods) 
  • 3/4 teaspoon
• Cardamom 
  • 1 teaspoon
• Pine Pollen (Sun Potion)
  • 1 teaspoon
• Whisk together herbal powders w/small amount of room temperature water to create a paste. Slowly add 2-3 cups of warm drinkable-tea temperature water to taste. If using dry petal method, use brewed hibiscus water (while stirring in ghee or coconut oil, if desired for addition hydration and healthy fats for the brain). Chill as desired per internal temperature and exposure to the summer elements.
• Adjust plant powder quantities as desired or as directed by health practitioner. 
  • Note: a little goes a long way...all of these plants are powerful and potent, mix as desired for sipping and enjoyment. For a crowd-pleasing sparkler, add a little seltzer water before serving.

Enjoy! Much love and more soon.
RLD

Folk Remedy Focus: Salt & Smoke Edition

The powerful plant energy that can be used for deep healing and clearing via salt and smoke is one of great intrigue to me. So mysterious yet so practical. A couple of noteworthy goods from small, hand-crafted purveyor of the folk remedy arts...

• Plant Folk Apothecary from New Mexico x Kate Clearlight = Pinon Smoked Bathing Salts
  • Product Info per Company:
    An ultra-therapeutic bathing experience, inspired by the healing waters of an outdoor wood fired cedar tub.

  • A purifying blend of mineral salts with the addition activated charcoal, black lava salt, locally wildcrafted pinyon, and alder-smoked sea salt. Smells like a woodsy wood fire! A one-of-a-kind sacred bath experience

• La Abeja Herbs x Sophia Rose = Smoke & Mirrors Cider Tonic
  • Method Info per Company:
    It stokes the fire in the belly and provides fuel for Revolution taking place -- within and without. Warming, stimulating, and deeply nourishing, Smoke + Mirrors is a simple yet effective folk remedy for maintaining vigor and vitality the year-round. Made with honey, apple cider vinegar, smokey chipotle peppers, and warming, antioxidant rich herbs, its flavor is deep and earthy, complex yet piquant.
    
    A perfect sipping vinegar, Smoke + Mirrors makes a welcome addition to any wellness regimen. For acute bouts when you feel under the weather, we recommend small frequent sips throughout the day. To encourage digestion and elimination take first thing in the morning upon rising with a bit of hot water. Food-like in nature, this kitchen staple can also be added salad dressings, tossed with your favorite steamed veggies, or simply enjoy neat by the teaspoonful.

Enjoy! Much peace, love and gratitude,
RLD

Bhakti Fest West - High Vibe Kit

It's almost here. Bhakti Fest West in Joshua Tree, California is only a week away! As I've been gathering tools and gear for the sacred music, kirtan, yoga and general high vibration gathering - there are a few items that would be an up level in self-care for the experience:

• Bronchial Support Herbal Syrup x Banyan Botanicals: smooth combination of herbs in cherry bark to soothe the throat and keep kirtan and conversation up level
• Spirit Blend Essential Oil x Floracopeia: a sacred blend of palo santo, frankincense and sandalwood from this eco-responsible company enhances meditation
• Pine Pollen x Sun Potion: a heart chakra opener and pineal gland activator perfect for connecting with the universe and feeling your innate loving vibration

Also remember...

• Mala 
• Yoga mat for asana and meditation
• Journal for session notes or self-reflection
• Wisdom or tarot cards to share with others

Even if you won't be joining us in the desert, these are amazing tools for the sacred journeys of meditation, chanting and kirtan and general support for your daily spiritual practice. If you are planning on attending, there are still limited appointments available for Ayurvedic Integrative Massage, Radiant Heart Intuitive Sessions or CranioSacral Therapy with me at the Healing Sanctuary.

Much peace, love and gratitude to you beautiful being...
Rachel

Dry Brush 101: Chalkboard Mag Love

As part of everyday self-care, Ayurveda encouraging dry brushing as part of the pre-bathing ritual during the warmer months. It is fantastic for assisting the lymphatic system in detoxification and leaves the skin tonified and smooth. Love this post on dry-brushing via Chalkboard Mag >> check it out

Infographic: Oil Pulling & Tongue Scraping

Yogananymous and Temple Trumeric partnered with HiYo Creative to make a beautiful and accessible infographic on the Ayurvedic cleansing rituals of oil pulling and tongue scraping. Pretty nifty! Here is a link to the full layout: