Mushroom Love and Finding Our Courage in April
As we climb the ladder of our current experience, collectively and individually, each step brings us a new chance for something different and unique, a perspective perhaps, deeper meaning, information that makes our brains light up with concern or curiosity. It could simply be acknowledgment that a lot of the things in the system need fixing and that the struggles we are going through right now aren’t fair. Changes have always started from the ground up, like a seed planted in the dirt, growing more roots every day as the message gets passed on. Where might we be able to start making shifts in our own internal systems and our communities to start impacting the larger whole?
April is for Aries Season and this season invites small baby steps. When we think about the fiery ram, qualities such as bravery, courage, vitality, spontaneity, and energy to achieve goals may come to mind. When out of balance, Aries may tend towards excess, become consumed with anger and emotionally rash. When in balance, this energy helps one to initiate new beginnings, find creative ways to build new pathways, and stay strong in their resolve. Ginger is a helpful herb ally to Aries, bringing forth movement within the body and stimulating our internal fires.
Mushroom Appreciation
Keeping our immune systems nourished and protected seems more important now than ever. Adding our powerful mushroom allies to your health routine can be a fantastic way to support not only the immune system, but the body as a whole. Common allies you may of heard of that we carry in the shop are Chaga, Maitake, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail. Each ally has their own unique properties but overall the general idea of the power of mushrooms comes in the form of boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and supporting general well-being. Try in tincture, capsule, or simmer the dried mushroom in a crock-pot.
Herb(s) of the Month: Reishi, Chaga, and Ginger
This month our dear herb allies come in a trio - Ginger, Reishi, and Chaga Mushrooms aiding in immune support and creative fires.
Ginger is useful for digestive disturbances, slow digestion, sluggish circulation, motion sickness, and nausea. The fresh juice can be used to treat first and second degree burns. Its profile is warming and drying, and it is gentle enough for children and elderly. Often used in magical workings for its fiery qualities, to strengthen a spell, aid in protection, love and passion spells, success workings, and so much more.
Note: Large doses contraindicated in pregnancy.
Reishi Mushrooms grow on dying or dead eastern hemlock trees. They are known for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, adaptogenic, calming, and ground properties. When ingested Reishi mushrooms act as an antioxidant in the body helping to find and dispose of free radicals. Reishi is said to open a person up to their own unique channel of creativity, inspiration, and spiritual connection to the self and other.
Note: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Chaga Mushrooms grow on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. They are high nutrient dense mushroom contains vitamins such as vitamin D, potassium, B-complex vitamins, copper, selenium, fiber, zinc, iron and many more. Chaga mushrooms also have adaptogenic and immune supportive qualities to the body and is the highest source of melanin in the world, supporting Pineal Gland activation. This support creates a Third Eye awakening so a person may more readily access increased consciousness, clairvoyance, and their own intuition, spiritual awareness, and connection to Spirit.
Enjoy one our in-house tea blends, Herbal Chaga Chai, made of up chaga and reishi mushrooms, ginger, cinnamon, dandelion root, cardamom, clove, orange peel, and licorice to experience our herbs of the month mixed with some other delicious allies!
Tincture Blend: Solid Foundation (2oz ~ 60mL)
Reishi - 20mL
Chaga - 15mL
Tulsi - 10 mL
Burdock - 10mL
Ginger - 5mL
Directions: Take 1-3 droppers two times a day for immune, nervous, and grounding support.
5 Ways to Use Ginger Everyday
Make homemade ginger ale (Recipe below!)
Top your oatmeal with some powdered ginger
Throw powered or fresh ginger into strews, soups, stir fry
Add fresh or dried root into tea ~ great in hot water with lemon, for stomach ache, or a dreary day * (use less if dried)
Spice up a hot chocolate by adding ginger powder or a fresh slice
Homemade Ginger Ale: (one our favorite & easy recipes courtesy of Spruce Eats)
You will need:
4 cups water
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 quarts club soda (preferrably chilled)
2 cups ginger (fresh, peeled, and chopped)
3-4 strips lemon peel about 4 inches long each
Directions:
1) In a 4-quart saucepan, place ginger, lemon peel, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer at a low boil, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
2) Add sugar, stirring constantly, and continue to boil until reduced to about 3 cups (takes generally about 15 minutes).
3) Place a wire strainer over a large bowl. Pour in the ginger syrup to separate the solids from liquids. Discard the lemon peel.
4) Allow the ginger simple syrup to cool before pouring into a glass container. Seal it tightly and chill for at least 1 hour until cold. (May also store it for up to 1 week in the fridge).
5) When ready to serve, for each 16-ounce serving, mix 1/4 cup ginger simple syrup with 1 cup cold club soda, and pour over ice. (Additional ginger syrup or sugar may be added to sweeten).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our community, those quarantined in unwelcome situations, and those struggling to stay safe. Although our storefront will be closed for walk-in’s till April 10th, we will continue to offer curbside service, delivery, and shipping.
