October 24, 2024

It’s Autumn! And this year is quite unlike any PNW Autumn I remember. The season has been kind so far, with lots of sunny and dry days, and yet just enough rain. Did I hear that snow has already graced some of the slopes in the Cascades? Should be a great winter for those who like to ski and snowboard!

I’ve also been hearing a lot about illness! We are back in school and the mixing of germs is in full swing. I urge you to get your flu and covid vaccines if that’s in your game-plan to stay healthy this year. Quite an important choice to make if you have folks who are immunocompromised, under 2 or over 80, or struggle with lung illnesses. I know it’s a controversial topic and I think it’s an important discussion to have. We live in the time of miracles – we get to have traditional medicine AND modern medicine. So if you can’t afford to get sick, or can’t afford to get a loved one sick, consider getting vaccinated in addition to what traditional medicine offers.

And what DOES traditional medicine offer? I heard you thinking it! Herbs, rest, and acupuncture seems like a good place to start. See Love in the Time of Covid for supplement and lifestyle advice on staying healthy this autumn. What was good then is actually what I recommend every year.

Tea is always a good topic around here. This autumn I’m drinking a floral, spiced tea when not sipping warm water or getting that first jolt of caffeine in the early morning.

Floral-Spice Latte
Makes 2- 10oz servings

2 cinnamon sticks
4 cardamom pods
1 star anise slice
1 rosebud
4 tsps black tea
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz almond milk, steamed
4 oz water

Bring cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and the water to a boil and let simmer 5-10 minutes. Add teh rosebud and boil for 1 more minute. Add the tea and vanilla and turn off the heat. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain and add the steamed almond milk. You can sweeten if you desire. 

Star anise contains shikimic acid, the main ingredient in tamiflu. 
Cinnamon and cardamom both increase blood flow and decrease insulin levels. Cardamom and rose are both aromatic and uplift the heart, bringing joy and a sense of well-being.Why does a sense of joy and well-being matter? 

Autumn is the time of the Lung and it's associated emotion is grief. As we downturn into the winter months, we see the world around us starting to wither and die. It is inevitable that some beings and favorites things will not be joining us in the Spring, and that is okay. AND it's okay to be uneasy about it. It's heavy! To keep the lungs open and active, we must stretch open our chest and breathe in life! Take a deep breath in through the nose. Let it fill your whole chest. Exhale through pursed lips and direct that breath out!

By keeping our emotions near peaceful and joyful, we are able to weather life's storms more easily and completely. So inhale that rosebud and enjoy the sun!