Alchemy for the Mind, Body & Being

Sweet Violet~Viola odorata

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A Rich Source of Vitamin C

Sweet Violet (Viola Odorata) unearths herself in the early spring with the dewdrops, the forget-me-nots, and the johnny-jump-up pansies. The heart-shaped leaves unfurl to brighten the garden’s edge and to bring nourishment to your table. The leaves and the blossoms of Sweet Violet contain a rich source of Vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid and with approx. 264 g per 100 g of plant. Do get out your salad bowl and enjoy the sweet violets around you while they last.

Susan Weed speaks of violet here as a skillful companion to support our endocrine and nervous system, the immune system and the reproductive organs, noting that sweet violet is particularly effective for the breasts and is her favorite ally for fibrocystic breasts, breast cancer and mastitis.

Due to sweet violet’s complementary chemical compounds of alkaloids, salicylates, flavonoids and saponins, it can help those with aggressive cancers, offering support to the liver, gallbladder, digestive and urinary systems.

According to Susan, medical literature of the early 20th century, included at least five studies where sweet violet's healing constituents demonstrated potent dissolvent and anti-cancer properties. Maude Grieves recorded in 1931 that during a nine week stretch a man suffering with cancer in the colon was cured by being given violet leaves daily. "A bed of violets covering six rods of ground was almost entirely stripped of its foliage."

In contemporary times, the flowers of sweet violet are mainly used in the form of cooling agents, in the manufacturing of perfumes as well as for cough syrups. Violet leaves in the herbal pharmacopoeia are a respiratory ally, cooling the effects of the mind, brain, lungs and nervous system, shares Susan. Aunt Violet’s cool infusions in the midst of an overheated congestion will come to the rescue when there is blocked grief, traumatic memories and feverish colds.

To make a long infusion Pour one liter of filtered and boiled water over 30 g of dried leaves and blossoms of sweet violet. Let this stand for a minimum of 4 hours. Strain to make your infusion. Drink the violet infusion either warm or cool for a deeply beneficial source of nourishment and wisdom, to guide you on this journey - and to potentially save your life. OM.

12 Super Foods to keep you Warm & Well this Winter

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:45:00 GMT

In the Wise Traditions

Here are 12 Super foods to keep you warm and well this winter. Consume them as your body guides you to, beginning with one, and only including one in your regime, for at least a week before introducing a second super food. Notice how the super food benefits you. Does your body wish more? Develop a relationship with your body to listen for what is needed, and to enrich and enliven your sense of self-knowing and well-being.

Personally, I eat a portion of at least one if not three of these super foods daily. Bee pollen may be taken up to 3 tablespoons a day, for a superlative source of quality protein. (There’s approximately 3 g. of pure protein per tbsp.) Please be mindful when taking these super foods. Treat them with respect: they are powerful supportive nutrients and critical to good health, only taking what is needed to live a balanced and vibrant life.

1. Adaptogens: Astragalus, Ginseng, Licorice and Rhodiola are plants that are categorized as adaptogens, which means they possess an ability to improve your overall adaptive response to stress of all kinds. Adaptogens are best used as preventive remedies, taken when, on the whole, you feel pretty good. And adaptogens offer support to the endocrine, nervous or immune systems. Once you come down with a bug, go to plants that are better suited to address the specific infection.

2. Bee Pollen is the food of the young bees and is approximately 40% protein.

“Bee Pollen is considered to be one of nature's most completely nourishing foods, as it contains nearly all the nutrients required by humans to thrive. About half of its protein is in the form of free amino acids, ready to be used directly by the body. Bee pollen is a potent aid to digestion, it increases energy, makes your skin beautiful, and through the ages has been considered a longevity elixir.” ~Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods

3. Citrus : An “antioxidant punch” would include blueberries, pomegranates and lemons, the richest sources of antioxidant A, C, E. These fight health-impairing free radicals, and assist you in living a longer, happier life. Eat at least 2-three fruits a day to pack a real “antioxidant punch.”

4. Kefir , a fermented food. All fermented foods contribute to a healthy gut lining, one key to feeling good. Kefir boasts an excellent source of beneficial bacteria for the gut, containing important minerals and essential amino acids. The complete proteins in kefir are partially digested and therefore more easily utilized by the body. Kefir’s ample supply of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus helps to utilize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for cell growth, maintenance and energy. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Kefir is rich in Vitamin B1, B12, and Vitamin K1. It is an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin which aids the body’s assimilation of other B Vitamins, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, and, importantly, B12.

5. Goat Whey Protein : One of the best ways to nourish and remove toxins from the body is by consuming a high quality goat or cow whey protein concentrate. Goat’s whey contains many of the amino acids and has about 98% bio-availability. In addition, it is a particularly rich source of the important antioxidant glutathione which supports lymphocyte function and helps to regulate other amino acids and antioxidants. It also acts as a detoxifying agent at the cellular level. Check out divinehealth.com for more information.

6. Maca Root : Rich in vitamins B, C, and E, it also provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Maca nourishes your skin. It improves sexual function for both men and women, balancing your hormones, and it increases a woman’s fertility. Moods improve. Energy increases.

7. Seeds : All seeds, but particularly pumpkin seeds, are nutritional powerhouses with a wide variety of nutrients. They’re a rich source magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc as well as a good source of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.

8. Mushrooms : Chaga, Shitake, and Reishi contain some of the most powerful natural medicines on the planet. About 100 species are currently being studied for their health-promoting benefits, and about a half dozen already stand out for their ability to deliver a tremendous boost to your immune system. Nine recently presented studies on mushrooms detail a wide variety of health benefits, including the following: improved weight management, improved nutrition, increased vitamin D levels, and improved immune system function. More recent studies suggest they also have potent anti-inflammatory characteristics that may be helpful for those suffering from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, and stroke damage. It's important to eat ONLY organically grown mushrooms because they absorb and concentrate whatever they grow in. Since mushrooms are known to concentrate heavy metals, as well as air and water pollutants, healthy growing conditions are a critical factor.

9. Micro and Macro algae Seaweeds : Chlorella, Spirulina, and Blue-green Algae are single-celled micro-algae that are very high in protein, up to 60% per gram weight. Micro-algae are a rich source of B vitamins, iodine, iron, and essential fatty acids. Chlorella is said to have the highest levels of chlorophyll of any of the algae, indeed, in any food. Macro-algae also act as important metal chelators for the elimination of heavy metals.

10. Aromatic Spices : Cardamom, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon all enhance and support healthy immune and digestive systems. Ginger itself has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness, and general pain. Cardamom drunk in a traditional Chai throughout India is known to help expel mucus from the system, and cooking with turmeric has long been known to alleviate pain; prepared properly, its anti- inflammatory properties are enhanced.

11. Sedative Herbs: These are a necessity today, as we practice being at home in our body to better handle the stressors in our lives. See which of the following plants speaks to you. Try 1-2 cup a day, in combination or alone, of Lemon Balm, Bergamot, Scullcap, Passion Flower, Lavender, or Chamomile. These medicinal plants support you in keeping things in perspective when the going gets tough.

12. Herbal Infusions : I could not complete this list of Super Foods without including herbal infusions of which i have drunk regularly for the past 15 years. Red Clover, Nettles, Oatstraw, Linden or Violet infusions are easy to make and cost effective to keep you healthy and nourished throughout the year.

Oneness

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:40:27 GMT

Into the realm of the heart-mind.

Immersing yourself in a silent retreat at the home front comes with its challenges. How can a mother say no to a daughter who needs a lending ear, or to a neighbor who wishes to chat. Keep going. Keep focusing. Stay with it. The benefits are many, as you will feel calmer, more grounded and more peaceful in your body, mind and spirit. There is a clairvoyance, a gentle nudge, an awareness that arises, that carries a sense of focus and purpose on your journey forward into 2024.

Three days and fifteen hours of seated meditation as well as walking meditation are structured intermittently throughout the days. This gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the practice. Choose a body movement practice like Yoga, Tai chi, or Chi Gong to break up the day. Breath work enhances your practice and steadies and grounds the heart and mind. Be mindful of simple nourishing meals that are already prepared and hydrate yourself with life giving water and teas to support your mind and body.

With 25 years of meditation practice it still takes one full day for the monkey mind to settle and for the meditation periods of 45 minutes to arise naturally and spontaneously without effort as though in a dream. It is good to have a schedule. Follow it. Let it be reasonable. Turn off the internet.

On the eve of the first full day of sitting I peaked online at Facebook to find a wonderful post by Eric . He is an avid Buddhist teacher and scholar and here he has found a gem of a quote by Father Thomas Keating that says,

“If one completes the journey to one’s own heart, -one will find oneself in the heart of everyone else.”

I am still unpacking the essence of these words today. What does this mean? What does this mean for you? I am interested to hear other people’s understanding of this simple and yet thought provoking quotation by Father Thomas Keating. There is more than one approach to your practice of meditation. You can sit, or practice by walking or by contemplating a phrase or a question to discipline the mind. In this instance I chose to contemplate this quotation, and did so over the next two sittings.

As I continued to sit, I understood when one is truly quiet in the heart, the mind becomes free of the bondage of past conditioning, beliefs and thoughts that no longer serve you. Eventually comes the peace of mind and love. The Buddhist speak of this aspect of heart, mind coherence as “chitta,” where these two qualities are synonymous with one another, they merge at one point into a timeless awareness.

Sit and focus on your breath or experiences in the moment, or sustain a mantra to settle your thoughts. Sit upright, as the more still your body is, the quieter your mind will become. When this timeless- spacious- awareness- activates; ( this takes some concerted effort, years sometimes-) this sense you-me, them and us, the EGO or anything else, dissolves into merely cause and conditions and dissolves into one harmonious hologram where the frequency is oneness. The frequency is love! It is here where all the paths meet at 0 Zero point if you choose too, and where the pure land of Sukhavati is born, and where the purity of heart and every given moment gives rise to, and lands you in the heart of everyone else.

Let us practice together. Happy New Year 2024!

May all sentient beings be happy and healthy and free. May all beings recognize their true nature.

Photo compliments of a sister’s good wish on New Year’s Day. OM~

A Spring Salmon Chowder

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 15:59:21 GMT

A Spring take on a classic recipe

A Salmon Chowder is just what the cool Spring weather of Eastern Ontario calls for this year. With this tasty and nourishing recipe one surely feels the warmth and energy of the organic salmon. This recipe is easy to make and worth the effort.

Salmon Chowder

Serves 2 to 4

Takes 30- 40 minutes to prepare

Ingredients:

1-2 1/2 pound fresh filet of organic salmon peeled from the skin and sliced into bite size pieces

Set aside

2-3 tbsp. of Organic Olive Oil

1 Organic White Onion peeled and sliced finely

1 1/2 inch or more of fresh Organic Ginger peeled and chopped finely

1 fresh Ontario Leek washed thoroughly and sliced finely

1-2 stalks fresh Organic Celery chopped finely

1 tsp. ground Ga ram Marsala or other Curry powder (optional)

1 tsp. ground Cumin seed

1 tsp. Turmeric powder

2-3 small Organic Red Potatoes washed and chopped into quarters

1 to 3 slices of Organic Butternut Squash peeled and cubed the same size as the potatoes. (optional)

1/2 cup of organic Mushrooms, wiped and sliced finely (optional)

1-2 strips of Kelp Seaweed chopped into strips

1 liter of Organic Vegetable Broth

1 bunch of a Green Vegetable of your choice

IE : handful of fresh Organic Spinach or Snow Peas or Broccoli washed and chopped the same size as the Potatoes

200 ml Organic Coconut milk

1 Bunch of Dill weed washed and chopped, some larger sprigs as well as more finely chopped for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Quarters of Lemon to taste

In a large soup pot add the olive oil and warm the oil. Careful not to let the olive oil get too hot. Saute the onions, leeks, celery, ginger and spices together. This requires leaving the top on the pot on medium low until the ingredients are soft and fragrant. This is called sweating the onions. Add the potatoes and squash. Add the kelp strips. Add the shiitake mushrooms. Let this simmer until the ingredients have been turned in the flavors for about 2 to 5 minutes on medium. Add the vegetable broth and bring all of the ingredients to a gentle boil. Turn to simmer and let this soup base imbue with flavor for 20 to 30 minutes or until the root vegetables are just done. Add the green vegetable until they are lively with the jewel green color. Careful not to overcook them. Add a few sprigs of dill weed to taste. Add the salmon pieces and pour the coconut milk into the broth and simmer lightly until the fish is just done.

Fill your bowl with this abundance of goodness. Chop a little more fresh dill weed to garnish with a slice of lemon to taste.

The Salmon Chowder is brimming with nutrition and plentiful on its own. Feel Free to serve this delight, with a piece of fresh bread of your choice with a spread of a dried tomato pesto? Your choose. Enjoy.

The Many Wonders of Rose hips

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 17:05:26 GMT

A superb source of nourishment

Rose hips belong to the Rose genus of Rosaceae family which includes over 100 species. The two most commonly cultivated rose hips are for their medicinal benefits, the Rosa Canina also known as Common rose, Dog Rose or the Briar Rose and the Rosa Rugosa or the Japanese Rose.

The Rosa Canina is cultivated for the fruit of the hip. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and climbs other hedgerow shrubs and trees. They bloom between April and July bearing pale pink fragrant flowers. Once the flower has dropped the rose hips develop and these are picked in the autumn.

Rose hips grow wild quite readily in nutrient rich soil along paths and forest sides. The Rosa Canina have taken to my gardens and continue to thrive each year. I cut back the bush in the Autumn after the Rose hips have been harvested. The fruits are ripe when they can be picked easily and the fruit is bright and soft to the touch. There are many ways to process Rose hips.

Rich in lore, rose hips have been prepared as food and medicine since ancient times. Hildegard Von Bingen writes of numerous ways to prepare and utilize the rose hips. You can make teas, jams, purees, vinegar, soup, and even liquor. Rose hip tea continues to be popular in Europe today. The Swedes make a classic rose hip soup and the jams are most often made from the fruit in the Middle East.

Rose hips in any form are good for protection from infections, said Hildegard and were used extensively in the new year to combat fatigue and to strengthen the immune system. Hips are considered anti-inflammatory and have pain relieving properties. They help to regulate digestion through its rich source of pectin, may relieve cramps and nausea and act as a mild diuretic, which may alleviate bladder problems. Hildegard also recommended rose hips in a purification formula for the Springtime.

Historically rose hips have been prepared without the seeds. Research today shows that the Vitamin C levels are highest in the seeds, the pesky hard and numerous seeds that have tiny hairs that cluster within the fruit. Hildegard speaks of taking the effort to dry the peel of the hip for bladder and kidney problems due to their high content of plant acids. She would cook the fruit whole in a little water for a few minutes until soft and then pass the ingredients through a sieve to make a puree. Through experience I have found that you can dry the hips easily on screens where there is plenty of air to circulate and they are turned ever so often to avoid becoming moldy. Once they are dry, which takes about six weeks, they are stored in paper bags and ground for tea throughout the winter.

If you choose to dry them in an oven assure that the temperature is no greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the Vitamin C. They are in both the Dharani Healthy Digestion and the Spring Tonic tea. This year I explored making vinegar with fresh rose hips and the sprigs of fresh rosemary which is rather delicious.

HIldegard mentions that rose hips may have as much as twenty times the Vitamin C as that of a lemon. Depending on the soil and the growing conditions and processing techniques the amount of Vitamin C per batch can vary greatly. It is estimated that 2 tbsp. of dried wild Rose Hips can provide up to 76% of your daily Vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of collagen synthesis and your immune health.

There is also Vitamin A, 4%, B5, 3% and Vitamin E 6% respectively. In addition the rose hips contain trace minerals, zinc and copper. Rose hips get their color from carotenoid pigments known as lycopenes and beta carotene. These pigments have been shown to promote skin and eye health. They are also rich in antioxidants such as catechins, quercetin and ellagic acid. A diet rich in these compounds can help to lower inflammation and reduce free radical damage in your body.

Other research according to healthline.com suggests that rose hips may boost heart health by lowering blood pressure. In a 6 week study where 31 people drank a rose hip beverage containing 40 g of rose hip powder per cup per day led to significant reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol, compared with the control group.

Another study suggests that supplementing with rose hips on a daily basis may reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a gradual decline in cartilage of your joints, although it did not appear to improve the range of motion.

Finally, rose hips prepared in oil have traditionally been an anti-aging substance in the beauty industry.

Due to the rich source of polyunsaturated fats, rose hips support healthy skin membranes and protect your skin from inflammatory compounds such as ultraviolet rays, pollution and smoke. In one small study according to Healthline.com 3 mg of rose hip powder taken daily led to a significant decrease in skin wrinkles and an increase in your skin moisture and elasticity. I can confirm this, as for years, I have been applying a Rose face cream prepared with a rose hip oil, as one of the ingredients. The research found that these results are due to rose hips' robust antioxidant levels, pectin levels and fatty acid profile. In addition, rose hip oil has been shown to increase collagen synthesis, the rate at which your skin cells replenish. This may also be the reason rose hips benefit wound healing as well, showing the use of rose hip oil can expedite a wound to heal and therefore, you may find there is less scarring.

Rose Hips are easy to grow. Why don't you begin this year to benefit with the wonder of the simple rose hip. Rosa Canina may support your health in numerous ways; to supply you with abundant Vitamin C throughout the winter, to help your digestion, to protect your heart health, to sustain your skin and eye health as well as ease your bones. Book an appointment with Dharani Healing Arts today, your local and global Holistic Health Practitioner here to guide you and to support you on your journey to whole health. Rosa Canina is the people’s medicine nourishing divine health.

www.healthyhildegard.com/rose-hip-benefits/

www.healthline.com/nutrition/rose-hips

dharanihealingarts.com

Finding your Stride

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:45:09 GMT

Dealing with chronic pain effectively

Change the way you move in your body to change the way you feel in your life. As a manual Craniosacral Osteopath I continue to work with clients with chronic pain. I have observed through practice the most common structural patterns of people who struggle with lower back pain and or chronic pain in general. When your pelvis is aligned, your movement improves and you will indeed find your stride.

For example, most people are right handed. Due to this right sided dominance the pattern shows up as an exhausted right side and the opposite left shoulder is usually, though not always tight and out of balance or position which may cause upper body discomfort. This imbalance may create a rotation of the spine at the hips which will then impact the thoracic spine further up, and the position of the neck may be impinged. If you are a left handed person the pattern will look similar on the opposite side. This can vary depending on how you utilize your body on a daily basis.

The number of people who experience chronic pain in general is high for the working adults and the elderly alike. Dr. Pourgal the director of NAO where I studied, shared that statistically, a person complains of chronic pain every six seconds. This is due to the excessive ways in which we function, work and utilize our sacred bodies; it also has to do with stress, poor digestion, poor nutrition and poor posture.

Correct the lumbar spinal rotation to alleviate lower back and pain elsewhere in the body. The muscles and fascia surrounding the imbalance will need to be addressed overtime. Visceral work, to massage the viscera of the organs of digestion and elimination, also greatly helps to reduce triggers, tension and overall discomforts of chronic daily lower back pain.

The good news is, all of these chronic pains can be alleviated with simple daily movements to address your structure, and is a fundamental criteria to remain upright and mobile in your body, to live a freer and happier and more joyous life.

Here are a few simple proven movements to practice on a daily basis to reduce chronic body aches and pains. Do this for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes 1-2x a day. This can be done from your bed, the floor, or from a seated position at work.

From the bed or floor:

1.Lay down on your bed with a flat back and bend your knees, draw your knees to your chest and breathe deeply for a few minutes, then drop your feet to the bed to stabilize your hips and rotate your hips to the right while extending your opposite arm to gaze in the other direction. Hold this position for 5 deep breaths. Do both sides. If you are flexible, explore straightening your legs to increase the stretch. Be mindful to not overstretch. This is one of the most useful stretches to practice on a regular basis to relieve lower back pain and to improve your hip mobility.

2.Place a pillow under the chest with an additional pillow under the nape of the neck to support the spine. Extend your arms out beside you and gaze back slightly to release a forward head tilt. Open your heart and breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling mindfully for 5 minutes.

From a Seated position: Try this set of movements during a work day from an armless sturdy chair.

1.Begin by Rolling up and down letting your spine extend downwards as you let your head drop and let go. Slowly roll up. Do this 3 to 5x. Breathe deeply.

2. Warrior or Goddess pose Extend your arms above your head with your hands facing one another. Let your gaze rest steadily and forward. Take gentle mindful breaths. Hold this for a few minutes while your system revives itself. This simple movement helps to alleviate low and tired energy according to ancient Yogic practices,

3. Side Bends Seated firmly, take one arm and extend it over your head to the opposite side of your body to side bend comfortably. Keep your spine long and parallel to your hips. Hold. Take 5 breaths. Be sure to do the opposite side.

4. Hip Rotations to relieve tight lumbar spines. With feet flat on the floor, gently utilize your hands or the arm of the chair if you have one, to rotate your hips to look behind you. Chest upright. Mind present. Take 5 breaths with each rotation. If you find your hips rotate to one side I would recommend you rotate your hips to the opposite side twice. So, for example if your health practitioner mentions that your lumbar spine rotates to the Right, I suggest that you rotate your hips twice to the left side. This is super easy and super effective to relieve tightness of the lower back.

5. Finally with both finger tips, tap your upper chest bone above your sternum for a few minutes. This is an ancient Chinese technique to reduce stress and clear chronic pain quickly. Breath and come fully into the moment to complete your movement for this set.

As a seasoned meditation practitioner and yoga practitioner of many years, I can guarantee you that these five simple movement practices will begin to help you with any lower back problems if continued in a consistent and gentle way on a daily basis. Consider visiting Dharani Healing Arts for your Initial Craniosacral Osteopathic consultation for an assessment and to assure you that you are doing the movements correctly. Live a vibrant life!

Hidden Treasures of White Pine and Recipes

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:45:32 GMT

While preparing for purple belt level with the Toronto Academy of Karate some years ago, I practiced Matsukazi continuously until it became one finite movement. I became both strong and flexible. Matsukazi, is a Japanese word, meaning wind in the pines, and points directly at the strength and flexibility of the pine tree. What better time to become familiar with the healing prowess of the pine than now.

Wander in the forests near you to find the white pine groves of Pinus Strobus, the eastern white pines of Ontario to gather the fresh needles, the cones, cambium, the pollen, and to collect the resin. Ultimately stop and rest to revive on the floor of the pine needles. Pine trees emit numerous compounds that have healing benefits for the mind, body and soul. These compounds are beneficial to man, animals, fungus and insects alike.

There are approximately 115 different species of pine worldwide - 36 of which grow in North America. These evergreen and resinous coniferous trees (in the family Pinus , and the genus Pinaceae ), native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. There are actually two groups of pines, softwood pines and hardwood pines. There is one sure way to identify the white pine by the number of needles it has, with clusters of five needles per leaf up to 18 inches long. The hard pines are bristly and have three needles per cluster.

Canada boasts nine of these species of the pine tree; including the eastern white pine, P. Strobus, western white pine P. monoticola, limber pine, P. flexilis, white bark pine P. albicaulis, ponderosa pine, P. ponderosa, pitch pine, P. rigida, red pine, P. resinosa, jack pine P. banksiana, and the lodgepine, P. contorta. The scotch pine which many will recognise, P. sylvestris with its bristly attire, is the pine my family chose to grace our home at Christmas in the west; a nonnative pine and incidentally the most planted and most studied pine in the world.

The trees of N. America were cherished by the Native Americans. The Pine was considered first and foremost for healing and medicine, says Diana Beresford Kroeger in her book The Arboretum America. The pine was as important to the ancient Turks as it was to the Balkans, to the Chinese or to the ancient Scots peoples. One can find references for the use and medicines for pine since the beginning of time.

Pines will survive in extreme heat, drought and elevation therefore the reason pines have a superior medicine. Historically pines are the source of many essential oils and substances made with them, such as pine oil, pine tar, and turpentine. Pine is also the source of pinene, which is used in the manufacture of camphor, insecticides, solvents, plasticizers, the base of perfumes and synthetic pine oil. Pine is also a source of an antibiotic and fungicide called pinosylvin.

The Oneida peoples would smolder white pine needles in a bucket to fumigate their homes in the Spring and Fall to reduce the chances of illness through the season. The pine knots have been known for thousands of years on both sides of the Atlantic. The Romans used these pine knots as night lights which also provided an antiseptic and antibiotic action while burning. The pine knot says Kroeger contains the highest content of the antibiotic pinosylvin. When exposed to pine they exert a dilatory or opening action on the bronchi of the lungs hence why the pine has always been considered an important treatment for respiratory infections.

In the winter the Onondaga peoples used the pine bark and needles to make a steam that was inhaled to reduce respiratory infections. A pine resin was also prepared using tallow and beeswax to which honey was added. This was made into a lollypop and the rest was saved for the treatment of cuts and wounds.

White pine, P. strobus was also used to purify, and was burned and left to filter through a home to aid those who have lost loved ones and when a household member had returned after a long time.

Did you know the pine is also associated with at least 53 different fungi many of which are edible making pine woods a feast in the fall. This means that underground the pine associates in a special way with an extraordinary diversity of fungal life. The fabulous fungi not only help trees to mount a defense against invading insects, shares Peter Wohlleben, the fungi network greatly increases a tree’s functional root surface so that it can absorb a great deal more water and nutrients.

The needles and the inner bark are available year round, while the cones of some pine are laden with edible nuts. These are gathered in the late summer, and the pine pollen is collected in the spring. The sap is collected in the fall and early winter. Along with viable traces of vitamins A, E, and a host of B vitamins, the cherished needles have been studied extensively. According to numerous articles the amount of vitamin C found in the fresh pine needles could be up to five times the amount found in citrus fruits. This means that a cup of pine needles may yield as much as 400 mg of Vitamin C per cup of brew. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, a vital factor of the immune system. It also improves cardiovascular function, improves skin and eye health and is involved in collagen formation.

In the warm weather, pine groves release terpenes and other volatile oils such as limonene as well as a variety of hydrophobic compounds which have been found to be most useful with respiratory infections, being expectorant, antitussive, anti inflammatory, ant ulcerative and muscle relaxant. Why not plant a grove of white pine in your neighborhood for all to enjoy. Diana believes that hospital settings and healing centers would benefit with a grove of pines on the grounds to aid all those with mental health and respiratory conditions.

The cambium of the pine (between the bark and the wood) can be boiled or roasted as a famine food, and made into a flour. Everyone has had a pine nut or two. Animals like the pine nuts as well, including squirrels, turkey, quail, and brown-headed nuthatches. Some 20 species of pines have nuts big enough to harvest for human food. Female pine cones can weigh up to 10 pounds and be two feet long which carry the nuts. Collect the female cones and place them near a source of heat to make them open and release the seeds. The pinyon pine Pinus edulis, the only pine with one needle per twig. produces the large, oily and sweet and nutritious pine nut that we most commonly see in the grocery stores and often used in making a pesto.

Like the cambium, says Green Deane, the young male pine cones can be boiled and eaten. What is a male pine cone? They are small, soft and papery, whereas the female cones are big, woody and tough. Male cones are really not cones. Technically they are the pine pollen, “ microsporangia strobili'' which has over 200 identifiable elements from vitamins to hormones. They contain natural testosterone. It has about 27 nanograms per 0.1 grams of dry weight, not suitable for bulking up weightlifters, but available nonetheless. Putting the pollen under the tongue keeps it from being destroyed by the digestive system. Androstenedione is an adrenal hormone produced in humans. Reduce androstenedione by one molecule and you have testosterone, which both men and women have in different amounts. Androstenedione can raise testosterone levels. The effect lasts about a day. The Native Americans used it for extra energy when they needed it. So when on the run, grab a little pine pollen. Collect the pine pollen and sift it out with a fine mesh into a bowl to store away as needed.

Another key compound found in pine is the Shikimic acid. The drug Tamiflu is made from the seed pods of the Chinese star anise tree which is found to have approx: 7% shikimic acid. Researchers have found that white pine needles contain about 3% shikimic acid and therefore a viable remedy when treating the flu.

Did you know the pine resin is a component of Propolis, a mixture of tree saps and nectar from the flowers collected by the bees. You can watch the bees tearing the resin of a pine tree which can take up to an hour to load. They mix this with wax to create a wallpaper that they coat the walls of the beehive with, for protection and prevention of diseases.

Susun Weed's favorite way to utilize the white pine is by making an herbal vinegar with the needles of the pine tree. I have read the Vitamin C is richest in the needles closest to the trunk. She prefers to make her vinegar with the west coast pine, Pinus edulis when she can, as it makes a lighter and sweeter vinegar. In making pine vinegar with the eastern white pine for years, it can be tart, however superb on a stir fry or prepared with honey as a hot drink to prevent a flu. She states that a preparation of the pine vinegar which she calls a balsamic white pine vinegar will preserve its vitamins.

Find out which types of pine grow near you, assure they are white pines, with experimentation and without signs of an allergic reaction, go ahead and make a remedy . The Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, the Norfolk Island pine, and Australian pine are all considered - not suitable for human consumption.

Here are a few white pine recipes to explore, to sustain your health and wellbeing over the winter. Please contact Dharani Healing Arts, a certified holistic health practitioner and therapeutic herbalist, to book an appointment or to purchase a white pine vinegar, pine needles for tea or a salve.

White Pine Balsamic Vinegar

Gather enough white pine needles to fill a mason jar so that it is full without being stuffed. Pour apple cider vinegar over the needles and cap it with a plastic lid or a protective barrier between the metal cap and menstruum. Leave this to sit over six weeks before decanting this wonderful tart and tasty herbal vinegear to keep you fine throughout the winter.

Sacred Pine Needle Tea

Ingredients:

½ cup young pine needles

3 cup spring water

1 slice of lemon (optional)

Bring water to a boil.

Remove the brown papery sheaths at the base of the needles.

Chop needles into ½-inch pieces, to help release its essence.

Place 1 tbsp. of chopped needles into a mug and pour boiling water over top, allowing to steep for 5-10 minutes. Add honey to taste.

Use the pitch/resin/sap to make a salve. The sticky delicious-smelling sap has powerful antibacterial antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Pine Resin Healing Salve

Ingredients:

¼ cup pine resin

½ cup almond or olive oil

1 oz. grated beeswax

Heat oil in a double-boiler. As oil begins to simmer, add pine resin, and continue heating until the resin melts. Stir occasionally.

Option: Strain mixture through a cheesecloth. Return mixture to double-boiler over low heat, and slowly stir in beeswax until melted. Pour mixture into jars or tins, and store in a cool place. You can use this salve on aching joints and sore muscles, shallow scrapes, and wounds, or on the chest for an aroma therapeutic agent.

Finally, consider the essential oil of Pine that may alleviate headaches, relieve pain, boost energy and mood, treat acne and other skin conditions, act as a decongestant, and to freshen a room. Consider diffusing the oil at home, or adding a few drops to a bath in a carrier oil for a rejuvenating and restorative soak.

References

Books

Arboretum America A philosophy of the Forest Diana Beresford Kroeger

The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben

Links

https://www.thesacredscience.com/healing-power-of-pine-medicine

https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3126

https://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/shikimic-acid/

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/April08/healingwise.htm

The Ground of Sleep

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:22:32 GMT

Begins With a Peaceful Mind.

The "ground for sleep" commences when the mind is at peace. At the Zen Buddhist retreat, the great venerable monk stooped over and said, "you cannot have a good night's sleep when you have worries." Develop a simple daily practice to cultivate peace of mind, so you have fewer worries and sleep better at night. The expert spiritual therapist says to take the time to be present with your daily thoughts, witness your words, and observe your actions. What worries you, my friend? It is where you begin to settle the mind and get a better night's sleep.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that the heart, the liver, or the lung organs are out of balance or a combination of the three. You may find difficulty in either falling or staying asleep. I use this as a guiding principle when meeting clients who have difficulty getting a good night's sleep. For example, when you have trouble going to sleep - according to a TCM approach and spiritual therapist; if you are not at peace your heart cannot relax. When you have difficulty dropping into the ground of sleep - the “Yin,” the quiet, the feminine, that place where the activity of Yang, the active element subdues into the deep of the Yin energy that is needed to calm and quiet the mind so that there is the grounded and receptive energy that allows for you to settle down and to go and stay asleep. What are your worries my friend? Try journaling before you go to bed to lighten your thoughts of the day and focus on what happened that was great! Feeling gratitude is the way to a deep sleep.

The hours between 11 pm and 3 am constitute when the GB LI (Gallbladder and the Liver ) are most active. Hence, if either of these two organs are out of sync, you may be disturbed between 11 pm, and 3 am and wake up unable to sleep. This is when the liver and Gallbladder are most active hence your body is overworking to break down the fats and sugar from the day's consumption.

Consider herbs for the heart and the digestive systems for these times, like Skullcap to relax and steady the mind and heart and help to induce sleep or Passion FLower, to reduce heat and mental activity. Dandelion and Milk thistle specifically serve the liver. Dandelion The ones who like Chamomile will calm you and help your digestion which will help you to go back to sleep. Try the Healthy Digestion by Dharani Healing Arts Organic Herbal TEAS and as per a therapeutic health care expert, many herbs may serve you to help with sleep.

I will not speak too much of the consequences of consuming too much sugar and its effect on a good night's sleep. However, in simplistic terms, sugar stimulates cortisol which keeps the mind in an activity that does not allow for the production of melatonin, cortisol's reciprocal hormone.

Five hormones are involved in sleep. Whose job is it primarily to process the hormones but the liver. No wonder hormones and the liver are involved when addressing healthy sleep hygiene. These five hormones are melatonin, serotonin, cortisol, estrogen, and prolactin.

This article will discuss melatonin, serotonin, the precursor to melatonin, and cortisol in regulating a good night's sleep.

As the light of dusk approaches, your body begins to produce melatonin, which will bring on the onset of sleep. When you continue working on a screen after dusk, the light from your computer screen prevents your body from producing sufficient melatonin to sleep. This is why it is suggested to refrain from computer use up to three hours before bedtime to allow for adequate levels of melatonin to build up sufficiently so that you will find it easier to drop into sleep.

Foods rich in melatonin include goji berries, walnuts, almonds, pineapple, bananas, and oranges. Which ones suit you best? Eat a handful before dinner or for a small snack within three hours of bedtime.

Serotonin, the second key player in getting a good night's sleep, is the good feeling hormone produced in your healthy gut and acts as a neurotransmitter of information throughout your entire body. It also acts as a hormone synthesized in the pineal gland to make melatonin. This primary hormone regulates the circadian rhythm and synchronizes your sleep-wake cycles and the cycle of day and night.

As per the therapeutic health care expert, to complicate this, however, tryptophan is an amino acid that is the precursor of serotonin. Tryptophan-rich foods include turkey, salmon, fatty fish, eggs, spinach, seeds, milk, soy, and nuts are a few good examples. Consider also eating “one” tryptophan-rich food a day to produce adequate levels of serotonin and sufficient levels of melatonin to help you sleep.

Serotonin deficiency shows symptoms such as *anxiety, *depressed mood, impulsive behavior, insomnia, aggression, *irritability, low self-worth, and *poor appetite. Caffeine has the capacity to reduce serotonin levels, according to a recent study inhibiting tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin as well. No wonder? There are sleep issues with all the coffee we consume as a society.

Serotonin's relationship with estrogen adds to this complexity. Estrogen is the building block of female hormones found in female reproductive hormones, in fatty tissues and the gut, as well as in most cells of your body to some degree. Men also produce estrogen in smaller amounts.

I will write more about estrogen, the foundation of all of these hormones listed above, its key relationship with serotonin production - and prolactin, the fifth hormone that contributes less so to sleep hygiene however involved. When these hormones are in balance you will surely get a better night’s sleep.

The third key hormone that impacts sleep is cortisol, your main stress hormone. Cortisol is produced in the morning's wee hours to help you wake and respond to the energy for the day. Cortisol is also the hormone involved in the fight or flight response and regulating blood sugar, among other important functions. The proper functioning of the (HPA axis) the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenals allows you to respond to danger appropriately, i.e., to fight off a tiger should you need to, for example.

The problem begins when ongoing chronic stressors trigger ongoing food habits at bedtime, especially sugary foods that continue the production of cortisol prevent and stall or inhibit the production of melatonin. Melatonin is cortisol's feedback hormone. It is a huge problem for people addicted to sugar. Chronic inflammation ensues with belly weight, low moods, and poor digestion. Ever wonder why you can't sleep at night? It may be the cortisol that is keeping you awake.

Five points to Cultivate a Better Night's Sleep:

1: Reduce the screen time you spend daily, especially for at least three hours before bedtime.

2. Avoid eating or drinking alcohol or eating sweets at least three hours before bedtime. Follow the rule: Drink before food and not afterwards.

3. Spend 10 minutes an evening journaling before bedtime to reduce your worries and to help you find that sweet spot to drop into a good night’s sleep. Ask yourself, How can I bring a moment of reflective peace and gratitude to this moment, no matter how simple.

4. Practice five minutes a day being still or do a grounding meditation daily -to stay connected to source or whoever helps you to remember your oneness with all, and who you are and what you love. How do you serve? I personally spend 30 minutes in stillness and 30 minutes in movement practice depending on what my body and mind need to align with the day.

5. Consider what foods and herbs above that may contribute to you getting a good night's sleep as well.

In conclusion, many factors contribute to achieving a good night's sleep. People who sleep well function better, enjoy better health and looks, and live longer. It is a proven fact. What is the root cause that may impact your sleep happiness quotient? Who is willing to take responsibility to investigate and unravel with me what lies beneath why you cannot either go, or stay asleep? I invite you to book an appointment with Dharani Healing Arts, the center for holistic healthcare , to find a solution for your insomnia. How may I serve you best? Cranial Osteopathy is an effective adjunct to help you sleep with all of the conditions above.

Live a vibrant life!

Sweet Annie

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 13:15:51 GMT

Artemisia Sweet Annie annua L.

Artemisia’s ~Sweet Annie Annua L.

Artemisias are growing out my front door (on more levels than one) . My daughter's name is Artemisia, and it was not until after she was born that I began my journey as an herbalist. I read later that when you find an Artemisia at one’s door you will find an herbalist. Peter Holmes in his book Eastern Energetics and Western Herbs dedicates the book to Artemis, the lady of wild things. I notice Artemisia absinthium, another plant in the Artemisia family, gives way to the newly seeded Artemisia Annua this year, as the grand dam absinthium gracefully cascades over to make room for her sister.

Among the many genera in the Asteraceae family Artemisias are unique in that they have a rich source of aromatic oils including camphor and thujone. This keeps them bug free. Most of the artemisia’s are perennials that are tolerant of drought, sustain poor soil, and can handle changes of extreme temperature making them good choices for the novice gardener. Artemisia grow best from cuttings, or transplants, with the exception of Sweet Annie Artemisia Annua which is an annual and prefers to be grown from seed. Sweet Annie leaves have a tantalizing fragrance and may be one of the most useful medicinal plants you could have in your garden at this time. Do you need a holistic health center to assist you in treating yourself naturally with traditional methods?

Dried artemisias retain their oils and so are frequently utilized in bouquets and wreaths or swags made to last, or the Artemisia mugwort is made for dream pillows, aromatic sachets and charms. Artemisia wormwood (absinthium) is the most effective in targeting parasites and is taken in small doses for up to 100 days for wo/man or beast alike.

Sweet Annie has been known and utilized for 2500 years in China and known as Qing hao, and said to improve energy, prevent aging and curb poisoning. It is also used to treat high fever and to combat fatigue. It is known as a formidable treatment for dysentery, tuberculosis, the common cold, as well as for jaundice, yellow fever, psoriasis and autoimmune conditions. Sweet Annie readily treats external bacterial or fungal skin infections, and can potentially reduce scar tissue as well as reduce neurological peripheral tremors.

Traditionally in Africa, Sweet Annie has been grown and drunk as a tea to both prevent and cure malaria. Recently more in depth studies have been completed to explore the multiple health benefits of Sweet Annie. Western medicine has developed a drug Artesunate to combat malaria and other studies have been carried out to investigate Sweet Annie’s many other merits.

Sweet Annie is found to be highly antibacterial, antifungal, anti parasitic, antiviral and highly anti-inflammatory like many of the plants in the Asteraceae family, and contains many secondary metabolites; terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins(common in asteraceae) as well as steroids, purines lipids and phenolic compounds. All parts of the plant contain vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and fiber. It is also rich in minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium manganese and zinc.

The main active ingredient of Artemisia Annua however, is artemisinin. It is a sesquiterpene lactone and is shown to be the most effective compound of the plant and is responsible for Sweet Annie’s potent antimicrobial properties on the whole. In studies related to anticancer activity Artemisia Anna has shown promising prospects; linked to the inhibition of angiogenesis, the activity of tumor growth. Dr. Hewylai demonstrated that the compounds in Sweet Annie act as a natural form of chemotherapy according to his study by deleting cancerous cells and leaving the healthy ones. This is a hopeful note in the treatment and healing from cancer.

Rosmarinic acid contained in the plant is found to inhibit the expression of inflammatory compounds in the body. This anti-inflammatory action results in an improvement of all arthritic symptoms in people with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sweet Annie has also been found to decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well as improve blood insulin and glucose levels, and may help with renal and hepatic function like its cohort, Barberry, Berberis vulgaris of which I have been taking most of this past year.

The best way to take Sweet Annie’s plant medicine is in a powder form / 3 capsules a day or in a mother tincture with 10-15 drops 2x a day between meals and away from medication. Not to be taken with young or pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers or with severe gastrointestinal disorders.

Please contact Dharani Healing Arts to see a qualified Holistic health practitioner for non pharmacological pain management for your health, and for all of your herbal healing tea wishes. Custom orders available. Visit the holistic health center or online store to make your selections

Please note: Artemisia Annua is also known as Sweet Annie Annual or Sweet Sagewort.

Artemisia Annua is not Mugwort. Mugwort is correctly known as Artemisia Vulgaris.

References:

Herbal Adventures with Susun Weed

The Artemisia Genus

Artemisia Annua - Benefits and properties

https://doctonat.com/armoise-annuelle-artemisia-anna/

EarthSmoke Sweet Annie

www.facebook.com 110801488290407/posts

Picture compliment of EarthSmoke

ChulaLumpha / Artemisia annua L. Asian Temple

www.facebook.com

Cranio Osteopathy for Migraine Headaches

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:34:10 GMT

Heal yourself From Migraine Headaches

As a Craniosacral osteopath, I am of service to those of you who suffer from migraine headaches.

Over the years since beginning my career as a Holistic health practitioner , As an intuitive healer , I have met a wide range of people who suffer from chronic headaches. Many women who suffer from migraine headaches have hormonal imbalances, which inevitably are liver problems, food sensitivities, and allergies. Psycho-spiritually, one may have difficulty accepting their reality. Is this you? Those who suffer from migraines can also be due to an accident with trauma to the head. I have been helping those who suffer from headaches with herbal remedies and nutrition for the past 20 years.

With my osteopathic tools as a craniosacral osteopath for migraine headaches, several clients have shared that their migraines are fewer and less intense. Many have shared that they no longer experience headaches after having had one to three visits with Dharani Healing Arts for Craniosacral Osteopathy. It is encouraging.

While practicing cranial-osteopathy, a client lies on a treatment table. I begin with a light touch at your ankles at what I call my listening station to observe and assess what may be the cause of your migraine headaches. As an intuitive healer, I feel the circulation rhythms, blood flow, respiration, and lymphatics. Most importantly, I listen for the Craniosacral rhythm.

The Craniosacral system was discovered in the 1970s by Dr. John Upledger, a D.O. (doctor of osteopathy), and his team. They eventually went on to identify this system as an integral part of the human body's systems.

The Craniosacral system involves the proper cadence and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid contained within the dura tube surrounding the spinal column. The dura tube is attached to the spinal column in three locations. The cerebrospinal fluid flows from the sacrum to the brain at approximately eight cycles per second. It is not unlike the feel and flow of a wave washing up against the shoreline. This system provides nutrients to the brain and buoyancy and protection. The craniosacral system influences many critical functions of the mind and body, including cognitive function, blood circulation, endocrine and respiratory health, and much more. Our mind body being therapy impacts the immune system, helps you with blood pressure issues, and supports overall physical plus mental health.

There can be a severe impact on the Cranio system when there has been a trauma to the head. Therefore, it is an osteopath's job to assess what tissues have been impacted, what bones have been misaligned, and how to rebalance and reestablish a more functional Craniosacral system. The portion of the Cranio sacral system in the brain is called the sphenoid. It is in the shape of a butterfly or a bat in flight. The pituitary, the master gland, sits in the center of this fascinating delicate structure. It is there in the eyes in the house of our 3rd eye and our intuitive brain.

Caroline Myss speaks of the 3rd eye as the gateway to God's source or creation. When the structure of this area of the skull is misaligned, or the frontal lobe of the head itself has been traumatized, it is often the case that migraine headaches may develop. By releasing the frontal lobe, a migraine will usually subside.

It may take a few visits for migraine headaches to subside, or it can happen in just one session, as it has with a few of my clients. If the migraine headache is caused for other reasons, we will identify the causes through a thorough investigation. As an intuitive healer , my job is to assess and work with you in the most compassionate way possible. I do my job by touching and listening or mobilizing and releasing constrained or misaligned tissues, bone, or cartilage with my hands, head, and heart to help you feel much better in your mind, body, and soul.

Book an appointment with Dharani Healing Arts today! Our intuitive healing treatments are here to address your specific pain related to migraine headaches or any other chronic pain you may have. Om.

Learn Everything About The Interesting Benefits Of The Black Seed Oil

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 20:03:28 GMT

Black seed oil is a herbal component taken from the plant Nigella sativa, a flowering plant from the Ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae) that grows in Southwest Asia, the Mediterranean, and Africa is known for its colorful bloom, its aromatic flavors, and the seeds. As per many reports, the blessed seed oil might help cure a few health issues due to its therapeutic properties and could assist in therapeutic health care . If you want to use black seed oil, you can know everything about it, including its benefits and culinary uses. Keep on reading to find out more about this oil.

Chemical Constituents That Contribute To The Effectiveness of Black Seed

While the black seed was called the seed of the blessing by the prophet Mohammed, some key chemical phytonutrients or chemical constituents contribute to the black seed's effectiveness and assist it in treating various diseases and therapeutic health care . Read below the three main key chemical constituents.

1. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compound present in the black seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. It is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase AChE inhibitors.

2. Thymohydroquinone THQ is an AChE inhibitor used to treat apathy, Alzheimer's, autism, glaucoma, dementia, neurodegenerative conditions, tachycardia, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's.

3. Thymol is a natural monoterpene that can treat TB and various viruses. It is a disinfectant used in food, perfumes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics to reduce contamination and offer ultimate holistic health care .

Potent Benefits of Black Seed Oil

There is a lot of promising research on black seed oil, the top of which is that it is an excellent remedy to counteract multi-drug-resistant bacteria. With black seed, no one would any longer have to suffer from the strains of bacteria and viruses caused by superbugs. Many individuals use blessed black seed oil to treat various diseases, including the respiratory, kidney, cardiovascular, digestive, liver, and Immune systems.

According to many reports, the oil may help with holistic health care and assist in naturally supporting, revitalizing, or sustaining your health. Here are some intriguing perks of the black seed oil.

1. May Help in Reducing Acne

Due to the accumulation of a lot of impurities on the skin, it becomes prone to acne. The acne could affect the skin's texture, making it look dry and patchy. According to some research, besides offering therapeutic health care, applying black seed oil might help reduce the signs of acne and eliminate every type of bacteria.

2. They are Rich in Antioxidants

Black seed oil is rich in Antioxidants, particularly TQ thymoquinone. It is key to reducing inflammation and offers the cell's ultimate protection against damage caused by the unstable molecules called free radicals that impact the aging process.

3. Supports Asthmatics

Thymoquinone reduces inflammation and has been shown to support those with Asthma by opening the airways. One study found that taking 500 mg of black seed oil capsules 2x a day for 4 weeks significantly improved asthma control.

4. Reduces Multi-Resistant Bacterial Infections, Especially Staphylococcus aureus

According to a Pakistan research study, black seed oil may prevent multi-strain-resistant bacterial infections from spreading, especially from the contagious Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a prevalent problem in hospitals and nursing homes due to the staph infections that have become resistant to generic antibiotics.

5. Reduces Fungal Infections, Especially Candida Albicans

In the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, scientists tested the three main constituents of black seed oil against 30 human pathogens. They discovered that each compound showed 100 % inhibition of the 30 pathogens evaluated. Thymoquinone was the best antifungal compound to reduce yeasts, and Thymol was the best antifungal compound against molds. Thus, the black seed oil offers the ultimate holistic health care and assists in eliminating unwanted fungal infections.

6. Prevents and Treats Cancer

The black seed oil has potent phytochemicals and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can significantly reduce and treat cancer cells naturally. Croatian scientists found that the antitumoral activity of the compounds found in black seed oil resulted in a 53 % decrease in the size of tumor cells. Thymoquinone, the most active ingredient in Nigella sativa, was discovered to induce apoptosis and cancer cell death in leukemia cells and brain tumors.

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health found that not only did the black seed oil reduce the number of pancreatic cancer cells, but it also appeared to inhibit the development of the cancer cells in the first place. All very promising for the future.

7. Reduces and Treats Symptoms of Diabetes

In the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers found that black seed oil causes gradual partial regeneration of pancreatic beta cells, increases the lowered serum insulin concentration, and decreases the elevated serum glucose. It suggests that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may benefit from the holistic health care benefits of using black seed oil daily. A dose of 2 g per day of crushed whole black seeds was shown to improve blood sugar levels significantly.

8. Reduces the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The black seed oil may help reduce joint pain symptoms for those with rheumatoid arthritis due to its high anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure and Balances Cholesterol

A recent study on a group of 70 healthy adults concluded that consumption of black seed oil for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure levels. Overall, in a double-blind, randomized experiment, results showed that those who were given the black seed oil showed a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time compared to those who took a placebo.

A study with 90 people with high cholesterol levels observed consuming 2 tsp per day of black seed oil after breakfast for 6 weeks significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels.

10. Assists in Weight Loss

In addition to its potential to help with therapeutic health care, the black seed oil aids in reducing body mass in individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. In one 8-week study, 90 women aged 25-50 with obesity were given black seed oil daily per meal for 3 g per day. They found that those taking the black seed oil consistently lost more weight and waist circumference than the placebo group. It is a promising study to help those with obesity.

11. Heals and Benefits the Skin and Hair

Black seed oil is commonly used topically to help treat various skin conditions, most notably eczema or Psoriasis, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it offers ultimate therapeutic health care.

Black seed oil hydrates and boosts the hair and scalp health with nigellone, a compound shown to act as an effective antihistamine helping with hair loss and with the health of the scalp, on the whole, discouraging dryness and dandruff.

12. Improve Sperm Count and Quality of Sperm in Men

Black seed oil can positively influence sperm motility and semen volume, according to one study where the control group took 2.5 ml or 1.5 tsp. of black seed oil 2 times a day for two months.

13. Could Aid in the Treatment of the Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disorder caused by the lack of melanin in the body. According to many findings, the use of Vitiligo could aid in the treatment of Vitiligo. The cream made with the black seed oil might help improve the pigmentation of hands, face, or any other part of the body affected with Vitiligo.

14. What are the Culinary Uses of Black Seed Oil?

In addition, to the ultimate benefits black seed oil offers in therapeutic and holistic health care, one could use the oil for various culinary purposes. The oil can be used with multiple salads and added to juices and shakes. When used for cooking, make sure not to heat the oil because the heat might eliminate the valuable components from the oil.

Find More About Black Seed Oil On Dharani Healing Arts!

Black seed oil is a natural herbal ingredient that could help fix several health conditions. However, more research is required to say anything concrete. If you need more information on black seed oil, you can connect with Dharani Healing Arts. You can also contact us if you are searching for a spiritual therapist in Kingston, ON, or want to buy herbal products to recover holistically. Please communicate with us for more info.

Provencal style Indian Dahl

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 23:53:28 GMT

Provencal Style Indian Dahl

I have been making a version of a red lentil dahl since we had two Eastern Indian students come to live with us. I practiced making a dahl over and over again until one day Suvhir thought ok, I am making a good dahl.

Here I combine fresh ingredients that make this dahl feel more like a french country dish with the added sweet potatoes and or tomatoes and greens.

Keep this light and crunchy.

Serves 4 20-30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil or coconut oil

2 medium onions, sliced

1 - 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

1 inch piece of ginger peeled and minced

1 tsp. Black mustard/cumin seeds

1 tsp. curry powder

1 tsp. cumin ground cumin

1 tsp. of cinnamon powder

1 pinch of smoked paprika

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped or grated (this could be baked ahead of time for added flavor.)

¾ cup red lentil, rinsed

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1 200 ml tin of diced tomatoes or ¼ to ½ cup sundried tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped)

1 cup of chopped green vegetable or fresh chopped herb optional

1 200 ml tin of coconut milk

1 bunch of fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. In a deep frying pan sweat the onions, garlic, ginger and spices in oil with the top on until fragrant, golden and tender to collect the flavors.

2. Add the sweet potatoes and steam until just tender. Stir in the red lentils, salt and sugar.

3. Add the broth and green vegetable and the tomatoes and let this dahl simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the liquid has mostly been absorbed.

4. Add the coconut milk and swirl into the dahl for five minutes.

5. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and chopped cilantro with any additional seasoning if you wish before you serve.

This Provencal version of a traditional dahl came to me through an Indian recipe called Goan style. Here I am aiming for something more chunky, perhaps a little less cooked and fresh like the french countryside.

Enjoy this dish with traditional steamed basmati rice, a papaya chutney and a plate of steamed asparagus or fresh wild ramps .

Shiitake Mushrooms

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 22:40:00 GMT

Nature's Primordial Beauty

A Whole Earth Harvest Grow Op

Tree and mushroom medicines have called out- to cultivate, produce and provide for those in need to strengthen, to prevent or heal from chronic and life threatening conditions. I wish to create something new in a way that I am passionate about and that is needed. I have discovered that mushrooms and the “ Shiitake” mushroom especially may be of dear service for all of humanity. Shiitakes are little beauties of primordial origin.

Shiitakes have been cultivated in China since the Song Dynasty in 1100 AD when a woodcutter noticed them growing out of a log where he had chopped and thus began the process of growing them on a larger scale. Did you know we are more closely related to fungi than any other kingdom; we share the same pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. Mushrooms according to Dr. Mercola contain some of the most powerful medicines on the planet. As a defense against bacterial invasions fungi have developed strong antibiotic capabilities to grow and multiply quickly. Penicillin, Streptomycin, and tetracycline all come from fungal extracts. Out of o ne hundred species that have been studied over the past twenty years, six stand out for their ability to substan tially boost our immune system. Shiitakes are the mushroom we look at more closely here.

Shiitakes are primarily made up of long chain polysaccharides (complex sugars) that consist of both alpha and beta glucans. The most important of these glucans is the lentinan LEM, a compound found in mushrooms that is a protein bound polysaccharide made from the mycelia of the mushrooms. When compared to a plant, mycelium is the root system and the mushroom is the flower. Mycelium consists of the growing 'stem' cells of the fungus. It is interesting to note that the molecular structure of lentians forms a helix similar to our own DNA. Lem has been found to inhibit HIV infections cultured in human T cells and found to substantially increase T Cell activity when given in low doses. Another lignin rich fraction from LEM called J1S18 has been found to possess 70x the Antiviral activity of Lem itself. This monosaccharide is what derives the main active ingredient in AHCC. Mushrooms make up approx: 47% complex carbohydrates and 33% protein.

Some twenty-years ago the Japanese began culturing shiitakes in a food based and freeze dried preparation that they trademarked AHCC (active hexose correlated compound)which is the most active ingredient of the shiitake and is considered to be a highly beneficial and potent remedy for helping people to recover from a number of chronic and life threatening conditions including viral infections, chronic inflammation and cancerous tumors. The use of AHCC has become an adjunct therapy for all cancer patients in Japan and has shown to greatly reduce the effects, and even eliminate the invading organisms with the use of this gem. Shiitake extracts have also been shown to support people for weight management, nutrient uptake and absorption as well as increase levels of Vitamin D when taken on a regular basis. Available to order in the Dharani Dispensary. The question is: Is there a method for growing shiitakes at home like this, to strengthen, prevent and heal ourselves from many of the new bacteria fungus and viruses emerging? Watch for more information to come. It is my intention to create a comparable remedy that will be available with Dharani Healing Arts in the future.

References :

Dr. Hoba

Food Facts: What are shiitake mushrooms: drmercola.com

The Health Benefits of Mushroom Consumption: drmercola.com

BRI CLINIC: Medicinal Properties of Shiitake

BRI CLINIC: Shiitake Mushroom Overview

Specific and Tonic Immune Herbs: Christoper Hobbs L. Ac, A.H G.

Hindawi: Journal of Immunology Research Effects of AHCC in Infections and Malignancies https://doi/.org/10.1155/2019/3758576

Healing with Whole Foods: Dr. Paul Pitchford

The Art of Sacred Service

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:25:14 GMT

An Essential Tradition

Roger Walsh, a contemplative monk in the Vajrayana Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism offered guidance on the path to Sacred Service. This came at a time when I had been feeling aware of the need for a service such as this, in a world full of chaos and in need of healing.

This is especially true in the field of Osteopathy, where the young and elder alike are suffering with physical, mental and emotional chronic pain on a daily basis. As a new Osteopath and one who is naturally given to giving; with the nature of Osteopathy being physical - it is easy to exhaust myself. This lovely teaching came in a timely manner for self reflection. How can I bring this art of sacred service to the work in serving others to be freer of pain and to sustain my own vibrant health?

The first step is to STOP prior to beginning any project; work related, or other interactive experience. We are guided to drop down into not just an ordinary awareness, an "awakened awareness" as Roger explains it, where we consciously stop and shift into a deeper and more significant frame of presence before we begin. This means dropping into a clear, compassionate, generous, lucid and luminous state of being where we are focused and absolutely present.

Step two requires handing over our task to something greater than ourselves, to the service of Allah, Buddha, God, Source or any other higher being that we resonate with.

Next consider how we can approach our work to contributing to serving others in feeling more at ease in their body, mind and spirit, and to experience relief from discomfort. Most problems in the world today, Roger commented, are human caused, and a reflection of our collective psyches. When we approach our work from a place of openness and intention to serve, we invite a sacred service to our work and serve on multiple levels simultaneously . Here we bring a quality of "social activism" to the day contributing to others in a skillful and mindful way.

Perhaps the most important step is to let go of any attachments to the outcome. This strips away all egoic motivations; i.e.: looking good, doing good, making good. Drop all of these faces and let go for the potential of true service to emerge. This is the best way to avoid burn out Roger consoles, which so many in healthcare experience.

As we are working it is suggested we be aware of how we are reacting in the moment. How others are responding? This offers us the chance to adjust our activity when we are amidst it. This allows room for better listening and ultimately a more compassionate interaction, whether we are writing, or teaching, or preparing a meal for others. In my case, practicing Osteopathy!

When we have completed our task it is suggested, we observe what transpired. Explore the fullness of our responses. This awakened awareness is in and of itself, healing. Take a few moments to process our activity.

And finally offer the benefit of our work up for the health, well being and awakening of all of mankind.

Here then is a path to encourage a deepening of the Art of "sacred service" in our lives. May all sentient beings find peace, steadiness and happiness in all their endeavors. May all beings be free of suffering. May life become a continual and spontaneous expression of our divine virtues in one with nature, and with all that is. OM.

Life Changing Bread

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:32:54 GMT

A Morning nut and seed bread

This bread has got to be one of the most tasty breads I have ever had. A slice with sesame tahini and butter is all that is needed to provide a nourishing and substantial source of protein Omega 3s, Vitamin B and minerals. Since making the bread I have experimented and lately have been adding soaked dates and walnuts with cinnamon and nutmeg in spice. If you do not have psyllium grind your flax seeds and use your imagination to make this bread truly nourishing and a life changing bread for you.

Here is the original recipe from Epicurious, that was submitted by a "Johaggard;" in 2015, assuming this delightful loaf then originates in the Scandinavian countries.

LIFE CHANGING BREAD

Ingredients:

1 C sunflower seeds

1/2 cup flax seeds

1/2 C hazelnuts or walnuts or almonds

1 1/2 cup of rolled oats

2 T ground chia seeds

4 T ground psyllium seed husks

1 tsp. sea salt

1 T maple syrup or other sweetener

3 T melted coconut oil or other

1 1/2 cups of filtered water

In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients including your selected spices. In a small sauce pan melt your oil and maple syrup together. Blend a tablespoon of an acid base ingredient such as yogurt, kefir or lemon or vinegar to your water and combine the melted oil and sweetener. Blend this all together and spoon it into the parchment paper in your loaf pan. Cover the bread with a cloth and let it sit overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the loaf pan on the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes. Lift the parchment paper from the loaf pan and set it on the rack and continue to cook the bread for another 40 min or longer. The bread is done when the top feels hollow when you touch it. Let cool completely and store in your cloth for a week in the refrigerator. enjoy. Live a long life. OM.

Dandelion ~Taraxacum officinalis

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Dandelion makes a fine Wine

Dandelion makes a fine Wine DANDELION~Taraxucum Officinalis , Lion’s tooth, Pissenlit ily Asteraceae fam Everyone knows the Dandelion. Monsieur Dandelion comes up in the Spring, with blossoms a sheath of yellow carpet growing everywhere in our gardens and thoroughfares. Oh dandelion. Enjoy the blossoms in a dandelion wine, enjoy the leaves in salads or stir fries. And the roots: well - we dig those in the Autumn to make a superlative root medicine for the liver. Dandelion is primarily a diuretic, hence its name “Pissenlit" in French. The leaves in the spring are very high in potassium as well as other micro- and macro-minerals. They’re also rich in hydro-chloric acid, an important constituent in proper digestion. Bitter-sweet dandelion is supportive for those with edema and constipation and useful to balance stomach acidity as well as for reducing swelling and inflammation, basically joint pain of any kind. The root of dandelion is a superlative kidney and live tonic. I make a Traditional Kidney Tonic with dandelion, parsley, marshmallow & ginger roots, which is taken as a decoction (simmered on the stove) and drunk for three weeks. Our kidneys replenish, and our energy levels go up exponentially. While fasting, the powdered dandelion root makes an excellent coffee substitute. Dandelion also combines well with many other members of the Asteraceae family, particularly with burdock for difficult skin condition. Dandelion and burdock work well together, acting like a broom in the digestive system. Burdock skillfully sweeps the toxins from the joints and tissues into the blood and lymph, while dandelion ushers them out. Dandelion root is very good at reducing gallstones. Elecampane works well with dandelion for spleen imbalances and weak digestion or with barberry for liver heat, constipation and hemorrhoids. Yellow dock and dandelion together make an excellent iron tonic. In the heat of the Summer, I bring along a tincture of Dandelion root. Dandelion cools the mind and body quickly. These are a few of the many reasons to come to know Monsieur Dandelion. Dandelion is extraordinarily versatile in the medicine chest and is safe to take with pregnancy. Did you know the dandelion blossom is actually made up of thousands of tiny individual flowers, hence the reason for the number of plants that come up in one place? The flowers collected in the Spring make a wonderful aperitif to drink over the winter’s cold evenings. I have some brewing and ready to drink at the Summer Solstice. Enjoy! DANDELION WINE RECIPE 2 gal/8 liter crock 3-5 Qt./ 3-5 liters blossoms
5 Qt./ 5 liters water
2 lb. sugar 1 kg, sugar
1 organic lemon
1 organic orange
1 package/ 8 gm of active dry yeast
2 slices of whole wheat toast
Find a field of bloom on a glorious shining day. Pick the blossoms with a sweeping motion of your parted fingers, like a comb. Leave the green sepals. Discard the stock. Put blossoms in a large glass, ceramic or plastic container. Boil water; pour over flowers to cover. Cover your flowers with a cheesecloth. Stir daily for 3 days. On the fourth day, strain blossoms from liquid. Cook liquid with sugar and rind of organic citrus for 30-60 minutes. Return to crock. Add citrus juice. When liquid has cooled to room temperature, soften yeast, spread on toast and float the toast in your crock. Cover and let work for 2 more days. Strain. Return liquid to container to settle for one more day. Filter into clean bottles and cork lightly.... Drink upon the Summer Solstice. Enjoy!

Food for the Soul

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 15:09:00 GMT

A lamb stew

This is one of my favorite hearth dishes that can be made without the lamb bones.

Ingredients:

Fresh New Zealand lamb stewing bones

1-2 bone package

2 med. onions chopped

1 inch x 2 sliced ginger

2 garlic cloves minced

2 tbsp. Organic oil for cooking

2 tsp. of salt (on meat bones) and in soup

Fresh chopped mint, rosemary and thyme

1- 2 tsp. Masala Curry powder

1 tsp. Turmeric

1 tsp. Kelp flakes

Sea salt and pepper

A handful of Junipers berries to add warmth and vigor (optional)

2 large Carrots chopped

1-2 celery sticks chopped finely

1/2 Small Cabbage (red or white will do)sliced

2 med. Beets peeled and chopped (optional)

1 1/2 Liter of broth

( used a beet broth from a week ago)

1 cube of Mushroom bouillon

3/4 cup French Dupuis lentil

1 tin Farm Boy Organic Lite Coconut milk

(All root vegetables are chopped the same size)

Directions:

Sweat your onions, ginger, garlic and spices in a large soup pot with your oil. Steam it, Add the cabbage. Steam, sweat this compote until the onions and spices and cabbage are translucent and fragrant.

Add your well salted bones to the top of the mostly cooked vegetables. Steam the lamb now on top of your compote with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Once the meat is cooked on the outside, add your carrots, beets and squash to the pot. Add your lentils.

Add your broth to cover it all. And cook at first high and then low over the evening. I let the whole thing cool down in the fridge and skimmed the top of fat the next day before warming it up, to enjoy Saturday. I added a tin of coconut milk an hour before serving. Enjoy!

Creating the Energy you Seek

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:38:00 GMT

Movement equals Joy

These past weeks over the holidays have been tough . Misia and I missed Gerry,.. after having spent many, many Christmases together. This whole pandemic thing is getting to be a bit much. I walk daily and yet the call to a deeper physical practice is clearly needed to sustain my limber, mobile and pain free body. I have always had a morning movement practice of one kind or another since I was 21.

It is then that I began a life long journey with yoga. I say, "Yoga is for Life." Now the practice includes a movement based on Yoga, Karate, Chi -gong, Continuim, and Osteopathy; working on a recipe for life long health . Creating the energy you seek begins with a balanced and mobile pelvis!

Yes, it all starts in the pelvis. Yes - when the pelvis is aligned and relaxed and well and the body is in daily mindful movement, the whole spine floats, which impacts the very essence of your well being. The pelvic floor governs the engine or mobility of your magnificent structure. The Dorsal column of the spine, governs the Cerebral spinal fluid that helps to keep the structure, connective tissues and organs in their rightful place; the blood and circulation of the whole system is enhanced, as well as the function and firing of the endocrine and nervous systems, so critical to health.

Try a few exercises daily to keep the spine and pelvic floor balanced and well. One of the ways I do this, is through floor work - initially on your stomach, come into a sphinx pose which many of you know, lying on your stomach with your elbows and hands on the ground supporting your torso leading up, while keeping the pelvic floor stable on the ground. Simply notice how your two hip bones hit the ground and line up. Notice if the right or left hip feels tight or pulls on either side or up as you extend gently up. Notice how this affects the muscles of the core area that extends from the pelvic floor, down your legs, or up, into your lumbar spine, as well as through your inner core.

Continuing on your stomach, explore swaying your legs from side to side at first to loosen your hips and then simply to allow your bent knees to sustain you there, for a few minutes and then explore taking your calf or ankle with your grasp back towards you. Hold this like a Yin pose, for a few minutes. Feel the lengthening of the muscles of that leg, in the quadriceps and outer thigh. Do both, and recheck your hips. Do they feel any more level or aligned or relaxed? Continue on your stomach, knees bent, try crossing your legs at your pelvic floor, and with the support of the other leg, bring either leg towards you with some gentle resistance. Feel the stretch in the pelvic hips. Please practice these movements with care.

Try taking both your legs together and grabbing your ankles fully to eventually move into Navasana or boat pose, to lengthen the core and to stretch the entire spine. Support yourself there, feel into your pelvic floor again, and lengthen the inner Iliacus psoas muscles that extend internally deep into the core at your waistline and down into your groin. The Iliacus psoas muscles comprise of two muscles the Iliacus and the psoas muscle, although they are discussed as one; indeed a very important set of muscles to stretch or to strengthen or to balance to release your pelvic floor, and to allow through daily practice to better align the pelvis and to allow the spine to float as I mentioned possible. This iliopsoas exercise has also been noted to help reduce anxiety and to improve your physical, emotional and mental health, and particularly important for those who sit for extended periods of time during the day.

As with all good yoga practices when you bend in one way for an extended period of time it is imperative and mindful to bend in the opposite direction for at least half the amount of time. Please practice these movement suggestions at your own pace and or with the help of a guided practitioner.

A new Website is about to launch where you will have access to videos to show you in real life how to do these things, as well as to offer you guided meditation, Chi gong yoga, The Eight Piece Brocade and simple mindfulness techniques to help you to live a freer, happier and more balanced life. Watch for this. OM.

Barberry Root

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:28:00 GMT

A Traditional food and medicine

Ode to the Barberry. Working in the garden over the past 14 years, has led me to an intimate relationship with the land that I have called home. In the Zen garden Barberry sits, with a Japanese maple, yew and cedar. In the Autumn, the Barberry is a sprawling display of fire-colored leaves and berries.

I had wanted to transplant the barberry as it had grown substantially this past summer. When a client presented with a number of symptoms where Barberry root would suit, I knew it was the inspiration to finally do it and transplant the bush to make a Barberry bark and root remedy.

When the pandemic hit the country in the Spring of 2020, I spent hours researching other herbalists approach to the virus. Peter Holmes in speaking of Barberry root, mentions the Chinese Scullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis as having similar properties to the Barberry root. Under further investigation I discovered the Chinese Scullcap, was the number one plant the Chinese utilized to support and treat the virus. Chinese Scullcap is considered antibacterial, antifungal, immunostimulant, and serves to treat acute respiratory illness, intestinal, hepato-billiary, urinary and skin infections.

Richard Gold, local arborist extraordinaire, came by to offer a few tips to transplant the vulgaris species. I began by collecting all the fruits and dried them slowly. I gathered as many of the leaves as I could and prudently cut back the prickly branches sufficiently enough to get at the roots and transplanted the bush to a place where it can sprawl . What a wonder .

Berberis has long been among the medicinal plants that have been utilized for traditional medicine across all nations of the world. According to traditional medicine berberis was primarily used to treat fever, cough, spleen and liver disease, dysentery, depression as well as sugar imbalances and bleeding. The oldest findings on the use of Barberry fruits was to purify blood dating back to 650 BC.

The family Berberidaceae, and the genus Berberis is native to moderate and semi tropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America .Iran, is the largest producer of the Berberis vulgaris fruit in the world, with 11,000 hectares of land under cultivation and over 10,000 tons of dried B. vulgaris fruit produced each year. The fruit of the Berberis bush is rich in nutrients that cultures have depended on for sustenance and health for centuries; cooked with rice, prepared as a juice or processed as medicine. The fruit are tiny, red and sour in flavour, and contains an abundant source of Vitamin C and A, as well as calcium, iron and potassium. The fruit also contains abundant iron, and zinc, copper and manganese, all super relevant minerals to a properly functioning immune system .

There are a variety of reasons why berberis is a treasured species; rich in vitamins and minerals, but rich in alkaloids with Berberine and Berbamine, being the most important of them. Berberine demonstrates many beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti hypo and hyperglycemia, hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects. More recent studies indicate berberis in a root remedy causes significant decreases in glycemic indexes, can aid in weight loss, and is useful in the prevention of gastrointestinal stones. Berberis has also been found to be effective in treating bacterial infections such as Bacillus, candida albicans, subtilis, E. coli, and staphylococcus. Peter Holmes shares Berberis particularly addresses stagnant hot conditions of the liver gall bladder stomach and intestines. Berberis also, according to Peter deals with warm damp infections of the pelvic floor with blood congestion. Berberines have been additionally protective effects on the central nervous system and are slowly being introduced more readily in the treatment of this system today.

In Bio Therapeutic drainage Berberis is indicated for protection and purification; treating conditions from harmful bacteria, parasites; for gallbladder and liver health as well as for the regulation and modification of sugar and lipid balances. Berberis, I recall, came to India with me in the First aid kit. Find out more about this truly healing plant remedy in the Dharani Dispensary. The remedy is near to ready. OM.

References:

Iranian journey of Basic Medical Sciences Berberis vulgaris: specifications and traditional uses

Medical Plants Research center Shahrekord University, Iran Dept. of Chemistry Faculty of Sciences April 14, 2017

The Energetics of Western Herbs Peter Holmes A Materia Medica integrating Western and Chinese Herbal Therapeutics

Berberine- A powerful Supplement with many benefits Kris Gunnars BSc. January14, 2017

Higher Perspectives

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 18:44:00 GMT

The Path of Least Resistance

Higher perspectives requires a willingness to expand your consciousness; such that you are capable of and present to, a wider frame of reference in response to life's many challenges and opportunities on multiple levels today. J. Krishnamurti, a renowned spiritual teacher of the 20th century said to his pupils in his final days, "Do you want to know my secret? He said "I don't mind what happens." How can we, in days like these, when our world is upside down, sustain any kind of peace at all, let alone, not mind what happens? One must be mindful at all times seeking that point of reference that is either good, bad or otherwise, dropping all polarized states of mind. It is here that life emerges as one harmonious flow of events no matter what happens. From this place literally - upright in your body and neutral in your mind, coexisting with all that is, with all peoples, all races, all political, social or religious beliefs -and exist above all else as free people, and individuals, within a community, and a collective; with a spirit that is genuinely interested in the health and well being of all families, freedoms and futures.

One technique I utilize daily, to stay grounded and present in my higher perspective is to attune to and notice how I feel in my mind and body at any given moment throughout the day. Relax, Let Go, Leave be, is encrypted in Sanskrit on a turquoise bracelet, to remind me to keep things neutral, positive and realistic. As you age, your vibrant health depends upon this, and especially, in the health of your joints, where the mobility of the movement in your pelvic floor will determine how well you age on the whole. Age gracefully.

Over the past six months while working as a Manual Osteopath, I have noticed most people stand with their knees locked which tends to bring the pelvis forward to compensate, creating a sway lower back (lordosis) and eventually (kyphosis) a curve in the upper spine at the shoulders. I suggest to alleviate this practice by being present in the body more often and address this posture as you feel it.

Take a few minutes each day, over the day, to experience being in your body; slowly learning to find your natural alignment by noticing how you stand in your body. Start by sitting back a bit; people are generally caught in fight or flight . Drop this, drops years off your life. The Path of Least resistance requires a letting go of all this.

As I suggest, sit back now, relax your hips. Soften your knees and tuck your bum under gently. Look up and lengthen your spine. Relax your neck. Breath. Notice how your pelvis moves a little more easily and energetically? When it comes to looking after your health, being in your body awareness and attending to this is as you move through life is just as important as what you eat or think. Being rooted in your body and flexible in your mind, with a presence and a purpose in all of your words and actions lends well to a freer and more pain free life. OM.

Mobility and Movement

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 20:24:00 GMT

Make it a Daily Routine

Mobility and movement go hand and hand when it comes to being upright and mobile. With an aging society that is sedentary and sits far more than we have ever, as a human race, mobility and movement become a luxury and a commodity at the same time. Over the Summer while working with numerous clients I recognized the need to share the importance of daily movement in life to make for being upright and mobile a reality.

Some of the areas of the spine that become most problematic particularly as you age include the area at T12 of the spine, at the base of your ribs where it meets your lumbar spine at L1. Between L5, at the top of your sacrum and S1 is another area that becomes inhibited through poor or no movement in that area. A few simple stretches are key to assist you to become more agile as you age.

Side bending daily is a must with a simple Trikonasana ( triangle pose, side bending on both sides of your body) for a few minutes per day really helps to mobilize your lateral spine which is thought to be the first area to inhibit your movement as you age. A lunge (one knee in a forward bend while the other leg is stretched back) works well to loosen up and awaken the pelvic floor and to increase its mobility. Another essential movement through the pelvic floor is in its forward and backward movement , practice the cat and cow pose( on all four, sagging and arching the back with your breath) or try sitting on your haunches on the floor with your hips splayed out and move your pelvis back and forth to activate the lower back muscles and spinal nerves and pathways of the pelvic floor.

John Gibbons says, the body is completely dependent upon the movement and mobility of the pelvic floor. He calls it the engine - the mechanics that makes all magical movement possible. Live a vibrant life!

Borage~Borrago officinale

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 01:26:00 GMT

Maketh the Mind Merry

Borage, according to Pliny, was taken to make the mind merry. A syrup made with the flowers was taken to make the mind glad and to quiet unrest due to frenetic activity, anxiety, and the pain of grief. Borage's star lady flower is a periwinkle blue; the stalks are sturdy and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are salty to the taste and reminiscent of cucumber. Borage is rich in calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. Borage's saline, mucilaginous content is what gives this plant her “tout.” Borage's main properties are as follows: diaphoretic (aids in sweating), demulcent (slippery), tonic to the kidneys, anti-inflammatory, and galactagogue (increases mother's milk), emollient. David Hoffmann refers to borage as a restorative for people with adrenal fatigue, especially for those who have undergone steroid treatment. Peter Holmes in his book The Eastern Energetics and Western Herbs speaks of borage as a tonic for the respiratory system and for the circulation, to moisten dryness and to reduce heat, in the lungs and or the heart. This would be called lung and heart yin deficiency. Borage can also be used according to Peter for kidney health, where there are persistent bladder infections, with kidney and bladder damp heat. Borage readily grows in abundance in my garden. With a mix of sun and shade, borage thrives amongst the vegetables and keeps the bugs away from the tomatoes. Borage will reseed itself if you allow it and will come up in the same place in your garden year after year. If you do, sow seeds in the fall to come up in the Spring, and sow again in the Spring to have blooms all season long. I make an herbal vinegar with borage, one of the plants in the vinegar to enhance the taste of the mineral-rich flavour along with Nettles, Dandelion, Yarrow, Red Clover, Alfalfa & Mint. I also eat the borage flowers throughout the summer, indeed to keepeth my heart merry. I do my best. And the leaves, I dry as I harvest them all summer long for the Summer Tonic with Verbena, Raspberry, Linden and Rose Petals.

Elecampane ~ Inula Helenium

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

A perfect choice for the digestion and the respiratory system

Elecampane grows in the meadows and along the road sides of our Ontario woodlands. Look for them along the John Counter Blvd. The plant at first glance looks like a sunchoke. Elecampane has a similar daisy like flower disk that spands 3-5 inches across. With its stout and erect stem, the flowers appear in the mid of summer. The plant can reach as high as 10 feet. The leaves are large and oval shaped like a lung, with softly pointed tips up to 28 inches long, and when you look closely the leaves clutch the stalk. This is the best way to identify her. The Latin name for this plant is Inula Helenium. Common names for Elecampane include elfdock, horse-heal and scabwort.

Peter Holmes in the Energetic of Western Herbs speaks of elecampane with its' bitter pungent properties as alterative, (blood clearing) with excellent expectorant properties and strengthening for the immune and digestive system. In the West, Elecampane's medicine has always been touted for the respiratory system for bronchitis, asthmatic conditions and irritant coughs. The roots high Inulin content makes elecampane a wonderful medicine for spleen deficient, digestive imbalances where cold presides, with excess mucous causing phlegm, bloating and indigestion and tiredness. The Chinese may say even a “cluttered mind.” Elecampane’s immuno-modulating properties helps to regulate those with hypoglycemia- not unlike elecampane ‘s companion plant, great burdock. They both belong to the Asteraceae family.

Elecampane ‘s root historically was enjoyed candied or drank as a cordial and the constituent is an ingredient in Absinthe. Harvest, cut, chop the root and soak it in honey for an excellent cough and digestive remedy. We will make these when we go on our Annual Fall walk as well as gather White pines and Sumach for Vinegar & the Rosehips! i have taken to putting a stick of elecampane in my Chai this time of year to dry and sooth and warm my middle burner, what the Traditional Chinese medicine would refer to, as my gut. With Ojibwe Summer blessings,

St. John's Wort~Hypericum perforatum

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:41:00 GMT

St John's ~a superlative ally for nervous tension

St John's is a dear friend and ally which I have been taking for many years. I collect the upper stalk of leaves and flowers once they are in bloom in June or July. In the old days St. John's was celebrated on the Summer Solstice giving thanks for Summer's bounty. This is a perfect time to grow or go to wild craft St. John's Wort to make a tincture, a salve for burns and bruises or dried for tea.

St John's likes to grow in abundant sunlight in stands along the roadside, in meadows and at the edge of the forests. St John's is rich in volatile oil, flavonoids, and alkaloids (hypericin, hyperforin, two of its most important chemical compounds, which have been extensively researched, since scientists believe they act as an anti-depressant). St John's Wort actions are nervine, anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary (skin), anti-microbial, and anti-viral.

St John's is specifically an ally to restore the nerves, to lift the mind, and to relieve depression and anxiety. Peter Holmes in the The Energetics of Western Herbs notes that St John's supports the kidneys, the adrenals, and intestines that are stressed due to tension and constraint. This would explain why St John's has been such a supportive and wonderful plant remedy for me. Holmes states that in chronic conditions involving the whole nervous system, St John's restorative abilities are especially suited to women in menopause, and for people in general who struggle with nervous tension, insomnia, irritability and depression. St John's also works well for people who work out often, reducing lactic acid build-up in the tissues after a vigorous yoga class or workout. Take one dropperful before and or after practice. Take note: there is a more recent study that indicates St. John's Wort may impact birth control. The French speak of Millepertuis as a plant that brings out your good humour. You can pick up a tincture of St John's Wort in the Dharani Dispensary, or use the herb to make a tea. The colour and the aroma of St. John's Wort is truly divine. Metta.

Peony~Paeonia lactiflora

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:21:00 GMT

Tonic for the Body and Soul

Peony Paeonia lactiflora Peony graces the gardens in June. One knows when the blooms are close to opening, as the ants, with the peony’s divine and subtle fragrance draws them in. In traditional Chinese medicine the flower of this long lived perennial comes in a variety of colors and species and has been admired throughout the world, for its sheer beauty for centuries. White peony is thought to be one of the oldest herbal remedies in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Although peony’s flowers have been more recently discovered and made as a food, or used in skin care, in bath bombs and scrubs; the most important part of the plant according to the Chinese is the root - when gathered in the fall and carefully taken from its bed without disturbing the whole plant to come up again the following year. Once the root has been gently stripped of its bark and prepared as a tincture, the remedy gives way to a gentle, yet potent, purifying and rejuvenating tonic. As you begin to discover your plant allies, you will find that many of the natives plants healing properties overlap. As you deepen your relationship with plant allies, you will begin to understand how each plant, even in their similarities communicates and translates their healing powers in very different ways. Peony in Chinese Medicine is combined with other plants to enhance its vital herbal qualities. The roots of white peony have been traditionally utilized to treat a number of ailments including: Insomnia and depression, as well as an important remedy for the women’s reproductive organs skillfully addressing all concerns related to the menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms particularly, excessive sweating. Today with many chronic conditions and diseases on the increase, Peony has been studied more closely. Among its many chemical constituents the most important of them, is the glycoside, paeoniflorin, ranging from 0.5% to 5.8% in the roots, according to a study by (Tang and Eisenbrand in 1992). The concentration of this important acting glycoside was found to be highest in the November roots and 1st year plants, according to a Japanese study. (Yamamoto 1988) The way in which I have come into relationship with Peony is through the gentle way in which it graces my garden and with the soft and subtle fragrance in which it graces my home. Peony's use as a medicine in China, has consistently shown the way in which it supports women with concerns relating to the liver, with excessive heat and blood stagnation giving way to menstrual cramps, chronic headaches, tinnitus or deregulated menstrual cycles. Peony acts as a blood building and nourishing elixir according to Paul Pitchford, in his book Healing with Whole Foods, and is most often combined with other herbs like Black Cohosh, Dandelion or Licorice to harmonize and sustain the way in which it acts upon the liver specifically, and the entire system. Recently research is showing promising indications with the use of the Peony roots to support those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome. (PCOS). Not to be used during pregnancy. Available in the Dharani Dispensary.
References: University of Michigan/ Botanical Studies, The Gentle World of White Peony by Daisy Jean www.honeycolony.com Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Saute of Apples n' Winter Radishes Supreme

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT

This recipe is a delight to complement just about anything on your dinner table. OM

Saute of Apple n' Winter Radishes Supreme

1- 2" pieces of fresh ginger shredded
2-3 organic onions sliced
3-4 organic apples sliced
3-5 winter radishes quartered

1-1/1/2 tbsp. olive oil
2- tbsp. Dharani mineral rich vinegar or other
1 tbsp. french raw mustard
1 tsp. curry blend
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. Sage infused raw honey or other
1 tbsp. fresh sage, and thyme or rosemary
1 handful of organic currants and or juniper berries
Salt and pepper to taste

This recipe is supreme comfort food, with the sweet and sour to surely titillate your taste buds throughout.
Saute your onions in the olive oil until golden. Add the ginger and steam. Add the winter radishes and apples and steam saute until the winter radish is cooked through. Blend your vinegar, mustard, curry blend, cinnamon and honey together until smooth and add this to your pan. Add your fresh herbs, berries, + salt and pepper. Place a top on the pan and let this cook now, for a good half hour on low medium until fragrant and juicy. Serve with baked root vegetables and a simple green salad topped with pomegranate. i added ground seeds in this photo, which i add to practically everything, and a handful of nuts. Vegan friendly. OM.

Wise Traditions Empowerment Kits 2020

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 17:27:00 GMT

This kit will help you to stay well, during this unprecedented time in history where we must take every precaution and full responsibility.

Dharani Healing Arts

Wise Herbal Empowerment Kits 2020

Over the past weeks I have been reading what other herbalists recommend to prevent, protect and support us should we develop the Corona virus. From what I understand is true, the Chinese helped the people heal with the use of Chinese Herbs extensively.

The herbalists in China have stated the virus thrives in cold, damp and vulnerable environments far longer than where there is a dry, warm and bright environment.

The most important thing you can do right now to prevent and protect yourselves, is to focus on your health and prevention. Eat foods and herbs that will prevent the virus from entering your body in the first place. Once the virus gets into the lungs the mucous, depending on how much mucous you harbor, becomes sticky and thick thereby not allowing you to breath properly. This is a big problem.

When I approach this information practically it means, that we want to avoid cold and damp foods like raw vegetables and cold water . Rather- we want to focus on warming, moistening and nourishing foods like our mother's homemade soups and roasted vegetables. And eat foods and herbs that are circulating for the body like ginger, rosemary, and turmeric all will help to keep the lung airways open and functional. Things like s auteed apples, onions, garlic, and juniper berries with fresh radishes will benefit you a great deal. See blog post. Cook with the Astragalus root and include mushrooms and make a garlic honey.

And we ultimately want to have a number of remedies on hand should we need them, herbs that prevent and strengthen our immunity- adaptogens, and herbs that help us to sweat - diaphoretics, as well as herbs that are highly antiviral, antibacterial and supportive, herbs that help us to breath and sweat, as well foods and herbs that will help us to recover.

Here enclosed is a list of recommendations with a number of herbal remedies to prevent, protect and support you, should you catch the deadly Corona-virus.

Prevention: They call the shiitake's the king of mushrooms.

AHCC Shittake mushroom product available on https://www.healthyplanetcanada.com/aor-ahcc-60-veggie-caps.html

Vitamins:

Vitamin C, 1000 mg to 5000 mg a day taken 1000 mg at a time up to 3 x a day and not after symptoms develop. I prefer to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get at least 1-3000 mg of C a day naturally. That is a lot of fruits and vegetables. ) Try to eat at least 5 servings if not more, of fresh fruits and vegetables a day.

Vitamin D, Maximum of 3000 IU a day (not once you have developed symptoms)

Vitamin E, 400 IU a day

Vitamin B + B12, as prescribed

Alpha Lipoic Acid as prescribed for lung airways

Whole Foods:

Vitamin A Rich foods ( all the colorful roots and vegetables )

Selenium and Zinc rich foods and supplements (mushrooms, nuts, whole grains and seaweed) daily.

Superfoods, (Blue Green Algae, Chorella, Maca Root and Bee Pollen all recommended daily)

Gargle with sea salt 2 x a day with 1 tsp. of salt in a ½ glass warm water. Gargle for at least 20 seconds with each mouthful before spitting out.

Fermented Foods: Eat an abundance of fermented foods along with a

Probiotics as prescribed. Check out a Fire Cider recipe. Rosemary Gladstar's recipe is apparently the first and the best.

Take an Essential fatty acid in the form of plant or fish oil 1 tsp. a day

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of warm fluids throughout the day.

PLEASE NOTE:

Supplements can all be prescribed and ordered for you on-line and delivered to your door

with a short complementary consult by telephone or zoom, (no fee at this time) contact info, consent and email address I can do this for you.

I will help you select what you need in your Empowerment Kit together

These choices below are based on a selection of remedies that Stephen Buhner, Christopher Hobbs, Yarrow Willard and colleagues with the Herbal Guilde of Quebec have recommended. )

Herbal Tinctures Available for purchase:

Combination $25. each. taxes included - 50 ml Amber bottles with dropper.

Preventive Combination:

Astragalus, Angelica and Licorice and possibly a different combo for you

Dosage: Take 1 tsp. (five dropperfulls) 3 x a day for prevention or 1 tsp. 6 x a day for acute situation

1 tsp. 3 x a day is rather a large dose and more so, 6 x a day.

In the Wise Traditions: 1 dropperful is a normal dose 3 x a day. During this pandemic I suggest to take somewhere between 1 and 5 dropperfulls, 1 to 6 x a day, based on your age, weight, sensitivity and severity of condition.

Preventive foods would include those that I already mentioned above, that are warming, nourishing, moistening and circulating to your body and mind on the whole. Cook with Astragalus, mushrooms and the Aromatic Herbs

Single Tinctures for deeper support: Doses will vary.

$20 each. taxes included -50 ml Amber bottle with dropper

1. Astragalus root immune modulating and immune strengthening.

2. Barberry acts similarly to Chinese Scullcap * according to Peter Holmes (Chinese are using Chinese Scullcap as first line remedy) Barberry is a bitter and increases secretions to improve the movement of mucous in the system.

3. Coltsfoot for dry cough, to be used for a shorter period of time.

4. Echinacea, Elder flowers and Yarrow help us sweat it out with a big fever. Climb into bed with a hot cup and load the blankets on you. Keep drinking.

5. Japanese Knotweed or Boneset or Andrographis (h ighly antiviral and anti inflammatory)

Reduces the impact of the disease overall in case you develop it.

6. Red root or Poke root (with caution) and Violet Infusions

For a deep and potent support for the blood to the spleen and immune system

7. Rhodiola

For convalescence- cognition, depression, exhaustion and importantly hypoxia (breathlessness)

8. Panax Ginseng Supportive energetically and physically

Preventive -Low energy, tired high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances, lost fire,

9. Solomon Seal To support and strengthen the lungs and kidneys, for cold deficient, tired, and achy bones and people with poor health and lung chi.

10. Elecampane for the movement and elimination of mucus- to keep things moving especially if you have a tendency for dampness internally, signs of cold and tired and lethargic.

Herbal Nervines:

11. St John’s Wort for irritability, nerves and depression (some contraindications)

12. Skullcap for overwhelm and ungroundedness, anxiety

13. Motherwort for heart, PMS and acute anxiety

Among others/Please inquire

Dharani Organic Herbal and Specialty Teas

$12. (55-100 g per package)

The Spring Fall or Winter Tonic especially, will nourish or strengthen your immune system on a daily basis. Drink to your heart s content. Due to the Ginseng in the Winter tonic i do not advise drinking this after dinner unless you plan to be up. The Fall and Winter teas can be diuretic.

The Jasmine, Rhodiola, Citrus is the one of the Specialty tea I recommend for energy and clear airways.

The Chai Tea Latte will warm you up.

NEW Dharani Lung tea is available to sooth, support and heal the lungs.

Mullein, Sage, Thyme, Marshmallow, Calendula & Rosemary

Bulk Herbs for Infusions:

Oatstraw , Nettles, Red Clover, Mint or Violet

$15. 225g

Pour a liter of filtered boiling water over 30 g of herb to steep for a min of 4 hours. Strain and drink throughout the day for a deep and nutritive mineral and vitamin nourishment. Any ½ pound bag of Organic Herb is available. Blends available.

An Inhalant Package: with Cedar, Eucalyptus and Star anise

$6. Let this packet of goodness simmer on the stove to warm and protect you from airborne pathogens.

What s in your Wise Traditions Empowerment Kit

One Preventive tincture $25. ea (for one person to prevent)

Up to three single tinctures. $20.ea

One to two 1/2 lb. bags of Bulk Herb to Nourish you $15. ea

One to three tea Winter tonic, Fall Nourish or the The Spring Tonic $12. ea

One bag of Jasmine Rhodiola, Citrus, or Chai Latte $12. ea

An inhalant package $6. ea

One complimentary bag of the NEW Breath Easy lung tea.

I will help you to select remedies that meet your needs best.

Placing your Order:

Please contact me directly with a list of what you need. Pick up or drop off. dharanihealingarts@gmail.com with your list.

All taxes included including delivery in the Kingston area. Post available

NOTE: E-transfers only

#Stay home, #Stay safe, #Stay well, 2020.

Dharani Healing Arts is here to serve!

Stay home, Stay safe, Stay well.

Ten Ways to Strengthen Resiliency

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 23:00:00 GMT

Resiliency requires being able to bounce back, " to adapt," to go with the flow, and cope with challenging times or adversity, all the while sustaining calmness, being focused and grounded. What can we do to become more resilient in times like these? Here are ten researched and recognized tools to strengthen your resiliency button. Its in times like these, that we need this admirable quality most.

Building resiliency is like building a muscle that can be strengthened at every opportunity. Children and adults alike can strengthen this muscle by working with stress. Healthy stress actually builds our capacity for resiliency.

During times of stress, the body goes through a number of changes utilizing the sympathetic nervous response to make us faster, stronger and more alert. Our heart rate and blood pressure increase, our adrenaline and cortisol surge. Over a shorter period of time, this works; however, in the long run, too much stress leaves cortisol running rampant, emotions riding high, impulses unregulated, and inflammation ongoing.

When the sympathetic nervous system is left on, our immune system weakens, our energy levels plummet, and feelings of anxiety and depression rise. Science has now proven that 80% of illnesses are caused by stress. What can we do to prevent this?

Our executive functions are controlled by the pre-frontal cortex. They involve attention, problem solving, impulse control, and the regulation of emotions. Resilience is related to the capacity to activate the pre-frontal cortex and to calm the amygdala (the part of the brain that initiates the stress in the first place.) When the amygdala is calmed, through mindfulness, the physiological changes reverse, expanding the capacity to recover from and adapt to, or find a solution for, the present challenge or adversity.

Here are 10 ways to strengthen your resiliency:

1. Build loving and respectful relationships. People really just want to be loved and feel loved. People build resiliency when there are a number of strong and caring role models to encourage us, which includes mentors, teachers, coaches and friends.

2. Practice optimism. There is no better way to strengthen a sense of resiliency than to practice being positive. Cultivate a strong witness to notice negativity and exchange this attitude for something more optimistic.

3. Studies show that people who are capable of accepting their reality and who can take responsibility for their situation are far more likely to overcome their difficulties, and succeed than those who cannot. This includes a capacity to make realistic plans and carry them out.

4. Develop tools to take decisive actions during times of stress to help us through them.

5. Understand our strengths and abilities. Develop skills in communication and problem solving, and learn to manage strong feelings and impulses as they arise.

6. Reframe our perceptions to bring positive changes out of adversity. Avoid blowing things out of proportion to better ride the waves of difficulty.

7. Practice self-care, with mindfulness training, daily movement, optimal nutrition and forms of relaxation, meditation and play time.

8. Creative play. Learn to improvise. Improvisation has been shown to support strong resiliency muscles during times of adversity.

9. Studies amongst a group of military commanders show that those who demonstrate high levels of gratitude thrive.

10. Cultivating a deeper sense of resiliency requires having strongly held values, ones that confirm that our lives are meaningful, that we have a purpose in life.

Matzu-kazi is a kata (a set of self-defense techniques against an imaginary opponent) that I continuously practiced while in preparation for my black belt test. It means "wind in the pines." I also look to the support of trees when I seek resiliency. Healthy trees are both rooted and flexible, capable of bouncing back during all kinds of conditions. Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a medical botanist passionate about trees. In her film The Call of the Forest ~A Forgotten Wisdom of Trees, she tells us that trees emit chemical aerosols, like pinenes and limonene's, that trigger our relaxation response. Hug a tree today to support your deepest sense of resiliency. Hug yourself. Hug others. Hug humanity. OM.

Papaya Chutney

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:36:00 GMT

A Dharani Recipe made in a jiffy

Papaya Chutney

Dharani Healing Arts Recipe

makes 3 cups

This delicious chutney is easy to make and can be made with pears or mangoes too.

2 cups peeled and chopped papaya or pears or mango

1 onion chopped finely

1 red chilly peeled pitted and diced (special)

1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped (special)

¼ to ½ whole lime, diced fine

2 teaspoons minced fine peeled fresh ginger

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 tsp. each of cumin, curry powder or turmeric

½ cup raisins (optional)

1 cup apple cider or herbal vinegar

1 cup of soaked and chopped dates

¼-½ cup maple syrup

¾ cup water

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook gently uncovered over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring periodically until the mixture has reduced and thickened. Ladle immediately into hot canning jars to seal. Can be stored unsealed for up to six months in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

American Ginseng~ Panax quinquefolius

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:09:00 GMT

Mother Nature's Panacea

This picture is of my homemade brew of American Ginseng roots American Ginseng is one of my most beloved remedies in the fall and winter, when I have less energy. When the climate in Ontario gets damp and windy and unpredictable, Ginseng can be counted on to increase our energy levels and accelerate our clarity and improve our endurance in some of the toughest times says Susun Weed and this was surely the case while studying Osteopathy- in clinic all day long, all week long, for the past 22 weeks with 100's of videos to watch as well that were all part of the program. American Ginseng is the Queen of Adaptogens, a term the Russians coined to demonstrate plants that will help us to adapt in a way that does not push our system in one direction or another. For example Ginseng can be useful to balance and stabilize the adrenal glands and overtime- with daily use, and for a period of up to 6 weeks you will find that our entire endocrine system settles down. Overall American Ginseng is considered a Yin remedy, meaning cooling, relaxing and dispersing where there has been too much mental or physical activity and the yin (feminine) is in need of restoring. The more commonly known and utilized Asian Ginseng is more Yang in nature, more warming and stimulating and more suited to those born in the East with more Yin constitutions who generally, may require more stimulation. Asians tend to be more grounded than we Americans who can just go off the deep end sometimes with too much stimulation and who need to chill out. This new generation is likely changing all of this with the world globalization and mirroring. I do not find the American Ginseng so much cooling in physical temperature as is is more cooling- to the mind, relaxing and restoring like a good adaptogen might work, - with out pushing the endocrine system for example in one way or another like a stimulant plant might-, like coffee, for example; that only stimulates you; here the adrenal glands are restored due to Ginseng's ability to moderate through its balancing act. Ginseng has also been found to prevent the flu, any of the ginseng's have been found to be useful during the flu season. Did you know Cold-FX, the top selling natural health food product in Canada of the past ten years, is formulated with nothing other than Ginseng. Of course, it has also been found that you must take it for at least eight weeks prior to getting the flu to provide any real benefit. Ginseng has been known to help regulate blood pressure whether it is high or low, (not to be used when on medications for blood pressure) and some find it useful to lose unwanted pounds, touted to keep blood sugar levels stable. More recently studies have found that the Ginsenosides the primary chemical constituent in ginseng is highly antioxidant and may reduce the risk of developing cancer by 16%. When there is chemo or radiation involved Ginseng increases the radiation effect by a factor of seven while protecting all of the normal cells according to Susun Weed in her You Tube video on the benefits of Ginseng. It is to be taken on a daily basis, any ginseng, the dose being, 1 dropperful a day. Use for two to three months for best results. And always take a break, as too much of a good thing can become hazardous and less effective. The American Ginseng is a slow growing and long lived perennial plant that you will find primarily in the North Eastern hills of the US and some areas of Canada. The Appalachians were full of Ginseng at one time, before it was over harvested and now considered an endangered species. This is why Ginseng’s habitat is hard to spot, the plant is fragile in nature and prefers the shade, with cooler ground and cooler temperatures. Ginseng will often be found among the canopy of oaks or maple trees, and with similar plants like that of Blue cohosh, or Wild ginger. Shall we go out and find them in our native Ontario woodlands?

What is Osteopathy

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:58:00 GMT

How does it benefit me?

Osteopathy comes from the Greek root, osteon, meaning bone, and is related to the health and well being of the musculoskeletal system and all of the structures related to this. Although many people believe Osteopathy has primarily to do with bones, it is actually far more encompassing in character and includes the understanding and treatment of the bones, their alignment, their function and mobility as well as with the health and function of the muscles, fascia tissues and organs with the Visceral Osteopathic Manual therapy. Craniosacral Therapy was introduced later to Osteopathy and addresses the proper function and articulation of the cranium bones and the health and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid, an integral part of whole health. This is the main reason I felt so drawn to study Osteopathy; osteopathic therapy is multifaceted, holistic in approach and comprehensive in its capacity to be of service to the individual and to the community, to being healthy and upright, (a Chinese term for alive with energy ) and mobile. I wish to be of support to this community and to be of service to an aging society in a world, in dire need of healing.

The art and science of Osteopathy was distilled originally by Andrew Taylor Still, who was born in 1828 in Jonesburg, Virginia USA. He studied the nature of health and disease over his entire career. He believed man was equal to more than the sum of its parts and was the first American doctor to emphasize this understanding. This new found awareness of the vital inter relationship between the structure and the function of the body was a turning point in the way in which the allopathic model in the US was approached at the time.

According to Still “in order to come to an understanding of the cause for disease, man must be seen in relation to his food, his work, his home life, his emotions, his relationships with others, his inherited characteristics and his attitudes in life. Then the study must be made of the bones, muscles, fascia and organs as well as of the circulation, nervous and hormonal systems. In this way, patterns will emerge that will indicate causes and therefore remedies for disease. Health is not the mere absence of disease but is a positive state of harmony within the body and between man and his environment. The very center of osteopathic reasoning is this interdependence between structure and its function. When the body's proper alignment and tissue restrictions are corrected health is restored.” 1.

The Musculoskeletal system (MSK) comprises of more than 60% of the total body structure and enables movement to take place, houses the organs of the body and provides shock absorption-which supports the whole system to function. MSK is also intimately connected with the other body systems through the nervous system, the circulatory and the endocrine systems to sustain homeostasis and to derive good health.

In order to function normally and to respond to the demands of life said Still, the body must have an unimpeded flow of blood and nerve impulses. If the structure is in alignment, the joints will function normally and the tissues and the organs of the body will be in a correct position.

Jean-PierrBarral, an Osteopath from France believes that changes that ccur in the organs, glands or nervous system may happen first and what lead to the changes in the MSK system. He was the first to suggest that the position and vitality of our organs may indeed cause the structural misalignments and focuses his work based on this premise.

Osteopathy then is built upon three pillars, which includes the health and function of the musculoskeletal system, with structural Osteopathy, with visceral manipulation that relieves restrictions of the organs and tissues, and with Craniosacral therapy, the third pillar of Osteopathy, introduced by one of Still's direct students, Dr. Sutherland in the thirties, and who discovered that cranial bones have micro movement that allows for the unimpeded flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. This has become a specialized area of Osteopathic medicine.

"Restrictions or lesions in craniosacral therapy may be found as structural misalignments in the articulation of the cranial bones or in the flow and health of the cerebro-spinal fluid - that moves to and from the cranium and down the spine, which in turn impacts the health and vitality of the neuro-endocrine and blood circulation. Imbalances may be due to any of the 40 muscles inserting into the skull, or of the 12 cranial nerves that are intimately connected. These all depend upon a vital link between the sacral base on which the spine stands and the cranial base which rests on the spine."

The structural and tissue restriction changes that take place in the spine and the body on the whole during an osteopathic treatment may therefore correct and potentially normalize the entire system, most importantly - increase the body’s own natural ability to heal, a guiding principle in Traditional Osteopathy.

Twelve Benefits to receiving a treatment of Osteopathy

Increases joint mobility and range of motion
Decreases pressure on the dorsal nerve roots
Reduces chronic pain
Improves nerve transmission, and reduces neuro-toxicity of the brain
Increases blood and circulation of the body and the fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid
Improves organ function
Increases important endorphin levels like serotonin and dopamine that contribute to feelings of happiness and purpose
Activates spine reflexes and motor neuron activity
Inhibits somatic reflexes
Reduces blood pressure
Increases parasympathetic response to stress
Reduces debilitating mental states such as anxiety and depression

Osteopathy’s aim is to restore the body's vital calibration, normalize movement and circulation, to increase the function and firing of the endocrine and nervous systems, reduce organ restrictions, and improve the overall function of the body’s vital autonomic system which is crucial to good health. Cranial osteopathy importantly resets the parasympathetic system restoring one's sense of mental, physical and emotional equilibrium-of self and its grounded connection with the world and those around you.

Osteopathy then, is a system of preventive medicine which considers the body as a whole. Osteopathy has the capacity to bring enormous healing to the individual and to the community who seek a holistically framed and comprehensive approach to health care. I wish to be of service to a society where a sound mind and body are instrumental to good health and vibrancy.

Inspiration:

1.Osteopathy Head to Toe Health through Manipulation, Leon Chaitow

Elder Berry and Flowers

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:16:00 GMT

A perfect remedy for the Ontario Flu virus

Elderberry and flowers combined has been my absolute go to favorite Herbal remedy for the "virus" that has caused cold and flu s of the past few years in the Ontario region. The first time I came down with this flu virus i reached for a course of Echinacea and Bergamot; tried Ginseng as well as Coltsfoot and even Golden Seal. After two weeks of feeling rather ill I began dosing with Elder flower and berry tincture prepared with a 1:1 ratio, and found within just a few days i was feeling much better.

Elder has long been used in Traditional Medicine especially by the Northern Europeans who revered this medicine and shroud it in myth and rituals for protection, to nourish and to heal of many varying conditions. A panaceas for healing. Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is native to Europe, though grows all over the American Northwest in large dense stands in moist habitats. The black or common elder S. Canedensis is a smaller tree or shrub bearing large clusters of lacy white or creamy flowers followed by the dark purple berries. It blooms in June or July and the berries mature in the Fall. The flowers, berries, and bark are used as medicine.
In a warm infusion the leaves and flowers are diaphoretic and gently stimulating, while in a cold infusion they become diuretic, alterative and cooling. The berries can be made into a tincture or prepared as an Elder berry syrup. This has been a favorite among Herbalists. Here is a link for a recipe. https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe . The inner bark of Sambucus nigra is an emetic and cathartic and has been successfully used in epilepsy.

Elder is traditionally used to strengthen the immune system possessing significant antioxidant activity and boosting cytokine production. Most notably Elderberries provide a high concentration of flavanoids, including quercetin and anthocyanins, (which give the berries its color), and rich in VItamin C. The leaves and flowers are a rich source of flavonoids, anthcyanins, carotenoids, essential oil, mucilage and tannins. A unique protein found in Elderberry acts as a messenger which is due to its regulating effect of the immune system. Research has shown elderberry as being a potent viral inhibitor and has an anti influenza ability to inhibit the herpes virus and HIV in cell culture. THE H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavanoids compare favorably to the known anti influenza activities of some of the drugs used in the flu vaccination according to Donald R. Yance in Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism.

There are no adverse reactions to ripe elderberries and elder flowers. The leaves bark and unripe berries contain a toxic cyanide producing glycosides and ingestion should be avoided.

Yarrow~Achillea millefolium

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Lady Yarrow with a Thousand leaves and myriad flowers

Lady Yarrow is a valuable medicinal plant to grow in your native gardens. Yarrow has moved around in my garden, at her own pace and where she feels she can sprawl a little more over the years. She likes dry, chalky soil and heat, and is found in the meadows and rocky hillsides of our Canadian shield. I notice the yarrow is doing rather well this year despite all the rain. Her new growth in the late Spring fans out like a squirrel's tail, and later the sturdy stalks rise up to give blooms to a cluster of many-petaled flowers which lasts throughout the summer. Yellow and pink versions of yarrow are more decorative; however, the white yarrow is the most medicinal of the three. Yarrow has been found, along with chamomile, in ancient burial sites of the great Persian sages dating back to 270 AD. In China, sturdy yarrow stalks were used as divining sticks. “Yarrow Achillea” is named after the great Greek warrior Achilles, who discovered that yarrow stopped the bleeding of his soldiers wounds while at war. Chewed upon and stuffed into a fresh wound of some depth, yarrow will staunch the bleeding quickly. Yarrow was also of great service to the carpenter or woodsman of old, and a sprig of yarrow placed in their tool box was a talisman for protection and for keeping out of harm's way. Yarrow is considered a plant ruled by Venus; for that reason, myths also said that when we place yarrow at our doorstep or under our bed, love doth come. Medicinally, yarrow has a complex and diverse array of more than 40 chemical constituents that make it a rather complex and versatile plant. Yarrow works particularly well for young women who struggle with irregular menstrual cycles or for people who experience nosebleeds. Yarrow can drop the temperature of a spiked fever if taken in due time, it may end a pregnancy, and it will address a urinary tract infection readily. Yarrow is also considered a gentle, long-term remedy for the liver. One does not use yarrow as a dried herb so much as in a tincture. As a dried herb, yarrow is bitter. Combined with other herbs, as in Michael Tierra's blend for the flu, yarrow leaves and flowers, echinacea root & elder flower work well together. A yarrow tincture combined with water and oil works well to deter mosquitoes. Susun Weed specifies the use of Yarrow as a blood mover internally, and it stops blood externally. Yarrow works particularly well for people with varicose veins and circulation concerns. Do note: Yarrow does reduce blood pressure. Harvest the yarrow stalk and blooms after they have just opened to dry or to make as a tincture, or as a delicious vinegar. Yarrow is a highly effective remedy when the situation calls for it. OM

Solomon Seal~ Polygonatum biflorum

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:10:00 GMT

Early Summer's Flowering Beauty

Polygonatum is a genus with over 50 species of flowering Solomon Seal. Solomon Seal here, is the species most common to Eastern North America, known as Polygonatum biflorum and belongs to the Lily family. Blooming in May and June, Great Solomon Seal is an elegant native woodland plant that brings beauty and mystery to any dappled sun or shaded garden. Solomon Seal's gracefully arching stems, create pairs of creamy white tubular fairy-like flowers that dangle from its attractive foliage leaving little black seed pods to adorn the plant the rest of the summer.
The young shoots are edible and cooked like asparagus while the rhizomes are the main medicinal part of the plant. Native Americans used it as both food and medicine and early settlers valued the starch content of the rhizome to sustain them over the Springtime. The berries, leaves and stems should not be eaten.
The name Solomon Seal comes from the healed over scars of the rhizomes left by older leaf stems and which resembles a wax seal. The stem scars also indicate how old the plant is, with one scar for each year of growth. When the rhizome is cut, the cross section reveals a six pointed Star of David. Solomon became King during the reign of his father David. The plant was named after Solomon for his wise and discerning judgement while governing his people. When one finds a native plant growing close to you, the plant is calling you to come into relationship with it, for its healing medicine. The key actions of Solomon Seal have been traditionally associated with respiratory and lung disorders with, anti-inflammatory, with astringent and demulcent properties, as well as expectorant (for dry coughs) and is somewhat sedative. Peter Holmes in his series, The Eastern Energetics of Western Herbs speaks of Solomon Seal as a tonic for the lungs, kidneys and stomach which I have taken to with delight and curiosity to support my health of the past few years. Solomon seal with its feminine and nourishing qualities moistens dryness, improves nutrient absorption and clears heat, building back up the yin successfully where there has been debility and weakness. Jim McDonald, herbalist, recommends Solomon Seal to successfully treat the musculoskeletal system, and when taken as a tincture will strengthen the connective tissues, support and speed up the healing process of broken bones, sprains and injured tendons much like Comfrey has been known to do. Solomon Seal, Polygonatum biflorum’s rhizomes can be ethically harvested in the early fall in nature or in your garden by leaving a portion of the roots intact to come up again the following Spring. Take only what is needed. Wash and chop the rhizomes and add them to your jar. Pour 100 proof alcohol over top of the chopped roots and set the jar aside in a darkened space for a minimum of six weeks. Label. Give it a shake from time to time. Decant the remedy to smaller 50 and 100 ml bottles to preserve its medicine. Take 25 to 50 drops 1 to 2 x a day for a minimum of three weeks for best results. Please check with a qualified herbalist before combining any herbal remedy when taking prescription drugs. Available in the Dharani Dispensary. References: Peter Holmes
Thea Deer Summer

These are the rhizomes of Solomon Seal collected from the roots of the plant in the fall and made into a tincture for the present day. When one looks closely at the rhizomes you can see where the scars have formed the star of David.

Fermented foods and Vibrant Health

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 17 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Bio-Diversity is the Key

Since making herbal vinegar, I have become more and more interested in making other fermented foods. And the more I eat or drink, the better I feel, so I continue making them. Fermentation is definitely one of the world’s oldest food preservation methods. It’s been used throughout history, as a preservative and a tonic for the digestion. Archaeological evidence shows that pre-homo sapiens consumed lacto-fermented foods 1.5 million years ago. Today, fermented foods have been found to play a valuable role in our digestive health as well as in building strong immunity. The fermentation process makes food more digestible, and so more nutritious, too. This is key, as so many people are mal-nourished and not absorbing nutrients due to fast foods and stressful lifestyles. Fermented foods also supply outstanding sources of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B, in the form of biotin and folic acid, important in digestion and nerve transmission, as well as Vitamin K2, whose primary role is to keep calcium in our bones and our teeth, where it belongs. K2 also removes calcium from where it should not be. Vitamin D and K2 work together to do this. New research indicates it is hazardous to our health today if K2 is not present when supplementing with Calcium, Vitamin D, or Magnesium. Whole foods are the best way to derive a fully balanced mineral source, especially calcium, as it is often accompanied with K2 naturally, in meat-based, poultry and some fermented foods. When the fermented foods are rich in K2 (such as in natto, a fermented soy product and in brie or gouda cheese), they become highly bio-available, and an extraordinary support to our health. Did you know that up to 85% of our immune cells live in our GI tract? The GI tract is open to the outside world and therefore requires a plentiful source of good bacteria to protect us from invading pathogens. Bio-diversity has become the new key word when it comes to vibrant health. The fact is that trillions of bacteria live on and in us, mainly in the gut, though also on the skin, in the lungs, the reproductive organs, and in the urinary system. For every single human cell, there are 10x that bacteria living with and on us. The micro-flora in our gut makes up both the good and the bad bacteria. The good bacteria play a key role in digesting food, producing vitamins, as well as hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin; they also aid in mineral absorption and in the important detoxification process, chelating heavy metals that predominantly target fatty tissues in the brain and nervous tissues. Poor gut flora leads to all kinds of health problems, says Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, a leading research scientist in USA, who has developed the GAPS Nutritional Protocol (The Gut and Physiology or Psychological Syndrome). This protocol assists people to heal from a variety of diseases, from depression and obsessive compulsive disorders to allergies, arthritis, skin problems and autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases have been found to be linked to intestinal permeability where the lining of our gut has deteriorated. This is the case with MS, where, due to poor gut permeability, undigested food particles end up in our bloodstream that attach to proteins that change them, and create antibodies that target and attack the myelin sheaths of the nervous tissues. Dr. McBride has numerous studies to show that many chronic degenerative disease have originated in our gut and can be ameliorated with the simple concept of heal and seal. Initially, we receive our wholesome bacteria when we are born, from our mother, through the birth canal and later with breastfeeding. These bacteria become our thumbprint for developing a healthy gut and a strong immune system. Unfortunately, today over ⅓ of the births in the West today are C-section babies. According to a New York Times article written in 2015, if a child’s gut microbe is knocked down with a broad spectrum antibiotic before the age of 2, the risk of obesity jumps by 11 percent, and there is a 20 percent higher risk of the child developing allergies, asthma or diabetes by the age of six. Farmers have long known the same to be true in livestock. Some 80 percent of the antibiotics in USA are fed to animals to fatten them up for the market. Antibiotics, poor food choices, daily stress, and an overly clean and toxic environment diminish the “biodiversity” of the microbiome. The introduction of pro-biotics in the form of fermented foods promotes and protects gut health by growing and occupying space otherwise free for harmful bacteria to colonize. As we cultivate a rich and diverse microbiome, we develop a colonization resistance to the bad guys, and our health rapidly improves. The good news: it does not take long to reverse the number of good versus bad bacteria in our gut, and consuming daily portions of fermented foods ensures that we will establish a vital microbiome. A good example of a fermented food, of course, is sauerkraut, a name coming from the German word Sauer, meaning sour and kraut meaning herb, giving us the impression that sauerkraut has its origins in Germany. In fact, cabbage was originally fermented more than 2000 years ago in China, It was a staple food for workers who built the Great Wall of China. Asians throughout history have served fermented vegetables as part of their cuisine, with fermented vegetables like kimchi; Eastern Indians have long eaten fermented chutneys and enjoyed dosas, a fermented flatbread to protect one’s gut health and improve digestion. Sailors took barrels of sauerkraut on long voyages to prevent scurvy due to Vit. C deficiency. This eventually led to sauerkraut coming to the Americas to become a traditional part of farm life, as farmers turned their cabbage crops to sauerkraut for the long winter s ahead. Fermented foods then, provide an abundant source of wholesome bacteria that we need, to cultivate a vital microbiome in order to live a balanced, healthy and vibrant life. Dr. Mercola, a US. Doctor, has long been researching the benefits of consuming fermented foods and has found in a lab study that there are up to one trillion colony forming units of undifferentiated bacteria in 1 /2 cup of fermented unpasteurized sauerkraut. Some of the most important fermented foods are fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, kimchi, chutneys & pickles. We can ferment turnips, carrots, cauliflower, beets, squash, parsnips, green beans & garlic. Aromatic herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, oregano and thyme can be added, as well as smaller amounts of ginger & different types of pepper. Fermented dairy includes yogurt, kefir, cultured butter, and cheese. Soy is a source of fermented foods with products like miso, tempeh & natto. Sourdough bread is fermented; kombucha, a fermented tea, has become a popular source of fermented goodness. To cultivate a wholesome microbiome, we also want to include pre-biotics, which are essentially the nutrients/food/for the pro-biotics. These include soluble fibres, found in such foods as apples, onions, dark chocolate, bananas, olives, artichokes, as well as dandelion, burdock, elecampane and chicory. Honey that is local and raw is both pro-biotic and pre-biotic; it contains 20 billion colony-forming units with 16 different strains of pro-biotic. It is important, however, that we begin by cultivating an abundant pro-biotic colonization before adding pre-biotics. Poor bacteria survive on carbohydrates and sugar. Pre-biotics are an excellent source of food for the pro-biotics; however, we need to nourish a vital microbiome first, to starve off the bad bacteria, before adding pre-biotics. In conclusion, making fermented foods are easy if you have the starter, whether it is a vegetable culture or with the grains for milk kefir or babies for water kefir. Sourdough bread is made with a fermented yeast starter, and Kombucha begins with scobies. Which of these speak to you most. Begin today. The million dollar question is, Do we have the guts to be healthy? Bio-diversity is the key. Live a vibrant life.
Here are some of the books related to this topic: The Eliminative Diet by Tom Malterre www.innovativehealing.com The Complete Low Foodmap Diet by Sue Sheppard www.fodmap.com The Body Ecology Diet Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Sue Gates The Gut and Psychology Syndrome GAPS Diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride Batch by Joel Maccharles & Dana Harrison Here are a few of recipes to get you going on your journey to a well-preserved kitchen: Fermented Vegetables Dr. Mercola Prepare your vegetables by chopping, grating or slicing into pleasing shapes. White Cabbage is traditionally used and the main part of any good fermented vegetable. Include an array of other root vegetables in smaller quantities to give your ferment both colour and variety. Prepare enough vegetables to fill a wide mouth 1-2 quart/liter mason jar. Set aside a few full leaves of cabbage to cover your vegetables. The cabbage leaves lessen the chances of your vegetables putrefying. Add a few sweet, hot or black peppercorns. Try juniper berries as a variation, and add a bunch of your favorite herbs. Garlic & ginger are also used. Dr. Mercola recommends making a celery juice for a brine rich in minerals to enhance the quality, taste and outcome of your fermented vegetables. You can also use filtered water to make your brine. Dr. Mercola’s culture starter speeds up the fermentation process, and is ready within a few days to a week, versus a natural fermentation process that takes four to six and up to ten weeks. If you do not have a starter culture, use non-iodized salt or seaweed to initiate the process of breaking down the sugars in the vegetables, which create the acids that produce a natural brine that ferments your vegetables. If the brine does not develop within a few days of fermentation, the vegetables will likely spoil. You can explore (by taking 1 tbsp. salt to aprox. 3 cups of water, and pour it over the vegetables to cover them again). If you have have the starter, add 1 packet of starter culture to a head of celery juice and stir to dissolve. Place your vegetables in a large bowl or crock, and pour the celery brine over the vegetables. If you are using a natural method to ferment, massage your vegetables with salt or sprinkle your vegetables with seaweed flakes and massage. Please remember to use only non-iodized salt and filtered water. Pack the vegetables in the jar and stuff them down to release air bubbles. Use a kraut pounder if you have one. Make sure there is enough brine to cover your vegetables at all times. Take your cabbage leaves and press them down on top of your vegetables. Make sure you fill your jar to the neck of the jar. Traditionally, stones were used to keep the vegetables immersed in liquid. Wrap your vegetables in a cloth and set them down in a warm dark place (away from the floor, especially in winter). The temperature is ideally 70 degrees +. Tip: Place your jar in the oven with a light on. The vegetables will be ready in three to five days or four to six weeks, depending on whether you used a starter culture or are fermenting naturally. Please inquire if you wish to purchase a starter culture or Google Dr. Mercola starter cultures. The price is approximately $50. USD for 10 packets of starter, which will last aprox. a year for your on-going fermenting magic. Experiment, and enjoy. Bio-diversity is the key.
Apple Carrot Pickles Anne Marie Fryer Wiboltt 1-2 apples 2 medium carrots 1 ½ cups filtered water or celery brine ½ tbsp. sea salt or starter Bring the water to a boil and add the sea salt or starter. Grate the carrots and the apples roughly and mix well. Place them in a wide mouth jar and pour the liquid over. Place an airtight lid on the jar and let it sit for a few days with the starter culture, or 5 to 10 days in a cool dark place with traditional fermenting. (Oven with the light on works well.) The pickles are sweet and sour and delicious and refreshing.
Barley Fermented Water Shanna Lea Take ½ cup of pearl barley to 4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil, add the zest of 1 lemon, and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the barley grain and utilize it otherwise. Add the juice of 2 lemons and honey to taste. Let this stand to cool and place in a jar and refrigerate or drink over the day. ( I made a barley salad with the remaining grain with baby tomatoes, avocado, grated red cabbage and shallots.) Barley-fermented water is packed with goodness rich in magnesium, fiber, selenium, tryptophan and copper. These nutrients all help to reduce the risk of diabetes, prevent gallstones and are good for the heart. Barley also contains lignans which are highly antioxidant, preventing cancer. Barley-fermented water is also known to reduce mucous in the system and is also good for kidney and bladder ailments. The phosphorous content becomes highly bio-available in fermented grains, which ensures that the calcium ends up in our bones.

10 Ways to Step into Spring with Vibrancy

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 15:08:00 GMT

What self care do you have in place to step into Spring with vibrancy this year? Here are ten ways to step into Spring with a spring in your step.

1. Get Outside, 80% of stress is reduced by spending 5-20 minutes outside a day.

2. Develop a few dependable routines in your daily rhythm says Dr. Thom, ND, to balance and support your nervous system. When the adrenals glands, get stuck on alert, the parasympathetic nervous system has no time to reset, which helps you to cope, and is crucial to a long life. A daily routine, or daily routines, what ever they are, and in whatever way you keep them, will help you to sustain a more peaceful and centered life.

3. Develop a five minutes meditation to practice daily, to build upon a more resilient outlook. John O'Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher once said, "One shall always keep a beautiful thing in mind." Instant resets are essential today, to sustain a buoyant, energetic and present flow in life. A five minute Instant vastness meditation will soon be available to help you achieve this.

4. Increase your plant based whole foods. Increase your leafy greens and super foods like bee pollen and blue green algae- to benefit your liver and to transition into Spring with a lighter note. Stay hydrated as the Spring progresses.

5. Start from where you are by taking care of your digestion before you begin a purification program. For one month take or eat something every day to improve your gut health. Consume pro-biotic rich foods and stay away from sweets, and slowly build up the pre-biotic foods to increase the pro-biotic action more readily. Ensure that you are eliminating well before embarking on a purification journey. Prepare your body to get deep down and dirty- by sweeping your internal system with a large broom and with the help of a good herbal remedy. Do you need a custom herbal remedy to get you started?

6. Consider following a 21 Days plant based whole foods program that you can follow with us, for one week, ten days or three weeks. Busy lifestyles necessitates a "time out" period once or twice a year to purify the mind and body. A gentle and consistent period of time where you abstain from animal, dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and all processed foods will do you your mind and body wonders. Your spirit shall soar.

7. Smile often, even when you don't feel like it. Studies show taking life a little less seriously creates an opening for more joy to come into your life.

8. Spend one moment every day being grateful for whatever you have going that actually feels good. Stay with it.

9. Hug yourself daily. Hug another daily. Hug a tree daily for best results. What is it, one present hug...is enough to change the face of your day in one moment.

10. Practice being honest with yourself and others about everything including what you can and cannot do. Even the most painful things need to rise up to resolve and be let go of. Otherwise they fester. Make choices that support your deepest values and take actions however you see fit.

May I help you unravel some of this? Live a vibrant life.

Reduce Inflammation naturally

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 17:57:00 GMT

With whole based plant foods and herbs and spices

Chronic Inflammation has become a household word. While many people reach for medications to reduce the discomforts of ongoing inflammation Dr. Mercola suggests to include a number of whole based plant foods and fresh herbs and spices into your daily menus to reduce inflammation naturally.

It is important to realize, says Dr. Mercola, that chronic inflammation is the source of many if not most, diseases, including, cancer, obesity, and heart disease; and while inflammation is a good thing to protect us from pathogens like bacteria and viruses, and to heal things,- the problem begins when the inflammation response does not turn off, and the inflammatory response ping pongs back and forth from bearable to unbearable, whether it is in your gut, your liver function, the kidneys, digestive, skin or lung corridors. Inflammation can show itself in a number of ways and has a tendency to collect wherever you are most acidic and or do not eliminate properly from that organ. A key to maintaining good health then, and to reduce inflammation is to eat a variety of plant based whole foods and to enjoy fresh herbs and dried spices on a daily basis.

Even in everyday dosage amounts says Mercola, four spices were found to be significantly effective, at quelling the inflammation response. Cloves, Ginger, Rosemary and Turmeric. Studies have also shown that the phenol compounds found in these herbs and spices inhibit glycation, (block the formation of AGE compounds-advanced glycation end products) that increase the signs of aging. Aromatic herbs like Sage, Thyme, Oregano and Marjoram with there rich volatile oils, phenols and terpenoids can reduce inflammation effectively, when used in a consistent way on a daily basis. In that light, consider making fresh herbs and spices a highlight of your upcoming summer menus and onwards.

Here are Seven Whole Foods to eat on a regular basis to reduce inflammation.

1.Essential fatty acids, found in wild Alaskan salmon and fish, or seaweed, ground flax, or pumpkin seeds are all good sources. Essential fatty acids are particularly important for brain health.

2. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens contain powerful antioxidants flavonoids, carotenoids and Vitamin C all of which protect against cellular damage. Ideally this time of year eat local organic vegetables that are in season. Eat a variety of salads, and juicing is an excellent way to get more greens into you. NOTE: Both kale and spinach are on the Dirty Dozen 2019 list, so it is best to buy organic.

3.Wild Blueberries rate very high in antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and vegetables. They are also lower in sugar than other fruits. This is the Medical Medium's preferred source of antioxidant rich foods. Blueberries are an excellent brain food and supply a rich source of nutrients for the health of your nervous system. Eat them now, while you can.
4. Matcha tea is the most nutrient rich green tea and comes in the form of a stone-ground unfermented powder. Matcha has 17 times more antioxidants than blueberries.

5. Fermented Foods optimize your gut health and an important function of the immune system. Fermented foods like milk and water kefir, natto, kimchee, kombucha, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, olives and other fermented vegetables,will all help to reseed your gut with beneficial bacteria.

6. Chaga and Shiitake Mushrooms contain strong compounds with their long chain fatty acids and numerous chemical compounds as well as rich in important minerals, inhibit the inflammatory responses effectively.

7. Garlic has been treasured for its medicinal properties throughout time, it’s also been one of the most researched foods. Garlic has been found to be beneficial and healing to more than 150 different conditions and shows anti-bacterial anti-viral anti-fungal and anti-oxidative properties

Dietary choices can either prevent or increase inflammation in your body and processed foods do the latter. The key to reducing chronic inflammation, is with your diet. Being liberal with your herbs and spices says Mercola, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your food with nutrients and to reduce chronic inflammation.

Step into Spring with Vibrancy

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 13:09:00 GMT

Get Healthy

As Spring approaches, I am gearing up to facilitate our 5th annual “21 Days to Vibrant Health.”
Who is ready to take charge of your health? How many of you want to feel well 90 % of the time? Then come along with me to embark upon a 21-day "journey" to accelerate your health and take better charge of your life. Here’s an opportunity to step into Spring with Vibrancy. In today's fast-paced society nourishment has become merely a fill-up. The trouble with this is, commercial and processed foods and tap water are laden with pesticides, chemicals and by products that makes conscious eating become a necessity, indeed a priority if we want to be one of those people who feel good 90% of the time. Over the 21 Days, through the lens of plant-based whole foods, with Western Herbal and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will discover how to observe, support and sustain your health, naturally. You will learn practical tools to prepare and to implement healthy menus into your daily life. Tibrata Gillies, red seal chef, will join us for our cook-off to commence the “21 Days to Vibrant Health,” and to share her secrets for preparing delicious, plant-based recipes. Key points: The 21 Day Regime, is laid out in three weeks, each week going a little deeper, to eliminate the toxins that we have absorbed and stored up in our tissues.The regime is designed to include flexibility- as well, so as to follow at your own pace and participate for 1 week, 10 days or complete the entire regime over three weeks. The 21 Days is set-up to suit individual needs with an initial one on one consultation, to get to know you and to select a specific herbal remedy while on this path. You will receive twice-weekly inspirational enotes- we meet once a week for an optional check in, as well as connect on a Fb group page to post your favorite recipes, and to ask questions. Most importantly, by making healthier food and lifestyle choices, we reduce the environmental footprint, and bring awareness to ethical concerns we may have, regarding cruelty towards animals which-- is good in itself- to understand our deepest values, and good for future generations and future itself.

Andrée Boisvert, who many of you know, participated in the 21 Days before she moved out West. She shared with me last week, that she continues to utilize the recipes of the 21 Days when she needs a ‘reset' and found the regime over all an affordable, practical and sustainable resource for life.

Committed to educate, inspire, and mentor you to transform the way you feel in your body and in your life, I can assure you that this experience will not only reset your health but also reinvent and enhance your relationship with yourself. I am committed to serving as many people as possible on our mutual journey to waking up our authentic selves, and to live happier, healthier and more vibrant lives.
I am offering a 25% savings if you sign up before March 15th, and a 15% savings before March 21st. And an additional 10% if you bring a friend. Please do, contact me for dates and to register. Have a wonderful Spring. dharani.

Motherwort ~Leonurus cardiaca

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The perfect remedy for relaxing the heart & mind

Motherwort (Leonurus Cardiaca, or “Lionheartedness”).Motherwort is an ally for women at all stages in life, whether a teenager with difficult menses, during labour, or for women in menopause. Motherwort's actions are nervine, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, hepatic (liver), cardio-tonic, and hypotensive.

Mothewort is bitter, rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oil. Leonurine is a powerful alkaloid that together with other companion constituents of the Mothewort plant supports those with nervous conditions related to anxiety, especially acute anxiety, PMS, hot flashes, headaches, and heart conditions. Motherwort strengthens and relaxes the heart without straining it, says David Hoffmann, and is a remedy specifically for heart palpitations (tachycardia). Motherwort is also a useful preventive remedy for hypertension and hyperthyroidism.

All plants are best identified when they are in bloom. Motherwort is hardly discernible in the Spring as the new growth is merely a sprawl of dark green, palmate leaves that grow close to the ground in a mound. She slowly unfurls and reaches towards the sky in a gracious spike with auxiliary, whorled-lobed leaves and blooms similarly to many of the flowering plants in the mint family with a tiny, delicate pink slipper.

Snip the tops during the flowering period, and place as many buds as you can put in a jar. Cut them, and fill the jar to the brim with your menstrum. Make an herbal remedy as a tincture with alcohol, vinegar or witha syrup. Label, and store the remedy away from the light for a minimum of six weeks. Shake it from time to time. Decant your remedy (removing the plant material from the menstrum) and transfer the remedy to an amber bottle. Keep what is needed in a smaller 50 ml bottle for your dispensary and use as needed, with up to 15 -25 drops 1 to 6 x a day maximum for acute anxiety. Be careful not to rely too far on Motherwort, however, as she can become a necessity. Treat her with kindness and respect and she will be your support, when experiencing hot flashes, a racing heart with acute anxiety or a painful period.

Motherwort has been my daughter's ally throughout her high school years to ease the work load of Marie Riviere and to sooth her painful menses. Although Motherwort is not my ally particularly, I do love to chew on the fresh buds in the heat of the summer months to slow an anxious heart, and to ease my mind. Motherwort has taken to grow in the planter right outside our door, which indicates how much she is needed presently.

In the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Motherwort is always taken alone, not combined with other plants, which I have found to be a good practice. Motherwort, the lion-hearted, stands on her own.
OM

Getting Healthy

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:49:00 GMT

A paradigm shift

Getting Healthy means different things to different people. For some, getting healthy means eating better, or exercising more, while for others it means thinking differently, saying things otherwise, or acting more mindfully. Whatever the case may be, getting healthy is a priority today. We as a species cannot afford not to pay attention to our health as it ebbs and flows, as we age, and as our children and grandchildren grow.
A new paradigm is needed to redefine and recreate our embodiment for nourishment and for wholesome foods and kids and structures that are set up to nurture healthy relationships, with ourselves, with food, and with good health. Let us get back to eating whole, fresh and simply cooked foods that contribute to wellness. Let this become a priority, to focus on a whole foods, plant-based diet, with super foods to support strong immunity. One with small amounts of local grass-fed meat, hormone/antibiotic-free poultry and wild fish if necessary, and with purified water, local organic grains and vegetables as much as possible. Consider eating 75% of our meals at home, ones prepared from fresh ingredients. Eat simply. A whole new dimension of attention and discipline is being called upon, a new paradigm for the generations to come, with a focus on good food supporting good health. Say NO to GMO modified foods and pesticides. Did you know that 80% of serotonin, “the happy hormone,” is produced in a healthy gut, and without it, our emotional, mental and spiritual health also suffers? Our mental and spiritual health also needs loving care and attention. Many of us are notorious for practicing denial, missing miss the signs and symptoms, the aches and pains, the anger or sadness until we are out of sync, even ill. To look after our whole being requires honesty, a capacity for tuning into our body's and mind's communication pathways, and for acting in timely ways when something is amiss.This is key to sustaining vibrant health. Over the holidays, I invite you to pay attention to what your mind and body communicates to you regarding your well-being. What smells, feels, and tastes good, and what does not? What's true for you? What is not? And most importantly, what does not serve you any longer? Let it go. The path of letting go begins with less attachment to the outcomes, letting go of fear, and learning to cultivate equanimity in all aspects of life. Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher of the 20th century, once said to his students, "Do you want to know my secret? I don't mind what happens." There is freedom waiting for you when you arrive. Here are Seven ways to grow healthy over the holidays. 1. Do something that makes you feel healthy at least once a day. This does not have to be complicated. Eat something, say something or do something that makes you feel good. Make it fun! 2. Say No to one thing you know you have trouble saying No to everyday, whether it be with what you eat, think, do, drink or say. 3. Smile often, letting others know that you are love, lovable and loving. 4. Observe a thought over the day that you know does not contribute to your well-being. Exchange it for something more positive. 5. Observe another thought that you consciously choose not to attach to now, or be bothered by, even though in the past you may have been. 6. Be thoughtful, whether it be with a smile, greeting or a gift. Give yourself away and enjoy the return of goodness. 7. Practice being grateful daily, even for just a minute. This has been shown to reduce stress by 80% and increase your well-being quota in just one thought.
In the New Year book your appointment with Dharani Healing Arts to discuss how I may help you to live a happier, healthier and more vibrant life. OM Have a blessed solstice and holiday season. Dharani

Getting Healthy means different things to people. For some folks getting healthy means eating better, or exercising more, while for others it means thinking differently, or saying things otherwise, or acting more mindfully. Whatever the case may be, getting healthy is a priority today. We as a species cannot afford not-to-pay attention to our health as it ebbs and flows, as we age, and as our children and grandchildren grow.

A new paradigm is needed to redefine and recreate our embodiment for nourishment and for wholesome foods and kids and structures that are set up to nurture healthy relationships with ourselves, and with food and with good health. A few generations now, have grown up with MacDonald's as a main stream, and were served primarily processed foods at the table. (not everyone) One study noted by Jamie Oliver, a notorious English chef, who spent time with the kids in schools; that most kids could not identify a broccoli from a cauliflower. They have never seen fresh ones. What are we teaching our children about food and nourishment and health?
Let us get back to eating whole, fresh and simply cooked foods, that contribute to wellness. Let this become a priority, to focus on a whole foods, plant based diet, with super foods to support strong immunity, and with small amounts of local grass fed meat and hormone/antibiotic free poultry and wild fish if necessary, and with purified water and local organic grains and vegetables as much as possible. Eat 75% of our meals at home that we have prepared from fresh ingredients. Eat Simply. A whole new dimension of attention and discipline is being called upon us, to impart a new paradigm for the generations to come, with a focus on good food and good health among us. Say NO, to GMO modified foods and pesticides. Did you know that 80% of Serotonin, the happy hormone is produced in a healthy gut, and without it, our emotional, mental and spiritual health also suffers? Our souls beings, our mental and spiritual health also needs loving care and attention, nurturing and honesty to thrive and live vibrant lives as well.

Getting healthy can also include a tool - to tune into our own unique communication pathways. Learning to sense and to listen to the signs and symbols that our finely tuned species are capable of communicating with us, and can be of great service in keeping us on track and well. As human beings, well most of us, are notorious for practicing denial- and miss the signs and symptoms -the aches and pains, the anger or sadness until we are out of sync and even possibly ill. To look after our whole being also requires honesty, and an increasing capacity for tuning into our own sensitive body's and mind's communication pathways, and for acting in timely ways when something is amiss. This is key to sustaining vibrant health.

Over the holidays i invite you to pay attention to what your mind and body communicates to you regarding your well being. What smells, feels, and tastes good, and what does not? What's true for you? What is not? And most importantly, what does,.. or does not serve you any longer? Let it go. The path of letting go begins with less attachment to the outcomes and by letting go of all fears, and by learning to cultivate an equanimity in all aspects of life. Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher of the 20th century once said to his students, "Do you want to know my secret? I don't mind what happens." There is freedom waiting for you when you arrive. Here are Seven ways to grow Healthy over the holidays. 1. Do something that makes you feel healthy at least once a day. This does not have to be complicated. Eat something, say something or do something that makes you feel good. Make it fun! 2. Say No, to one thing you know you have trouble saying No to everyday, whether it be with what you eat, think, do, drink or say. 3. Smile often, inside of yourself and with others knowing- that you are love, lovable and loving. 4. Observe a thought over the day that you know does not contribute to your well being. Change it for something more positive. 5. Observe another thought that you consciously choose not to attach too, or be bothered by even though in the past you may have been. 6. Be thoughtful, whether it be with a smile, greeting or a gift. Give yourself away and enjoy the return of goodness. 7. Practice being grateful daily, even for just a minute. This has been shown to reduce stress by 80% and increase your well being quota in just one thought.
In the New Year book your appointment with Dharani Healing Arts to discuss how i may help you to live a happier, healthier and more vibrant life. OM Have a blessed Solstice and holiday season. Dharani

Juniper Berries ~Juniperus communis

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Juniper berries are invigorating and blood nourishing, supportive for damp cold conditions with aches and pains.

Juniper Berries are a potent ally, especially this time of the year when it starts getting cold and damp out. A handful of Junipers add warmth and vigour to your soup base. Delight in a mulled spice recipe or simply stash some in your pocket when you are out for a winter’s walk. They keep you warm by stimulating your circulation and by reducing uric acid. They also relieve muscle aches and pains. Those with rheumatoid arthritis will benefit with this remedy. My first herbal teacher, Peter Laker, gave us this English remedy to promote and restore kidney health: Take 1 juniper on day 1, 2 Junipers on day 2, 3 Junipers day 4 and so on, up until day 15. Then reverse to go back to 1 juniper berry at on 30. By day 10, I am ready to return. You shall see for yourself. The juniper berry also suits those with digestive woes by stimulating and warming the middle and increasing your metabolism to reduce fullness and feelings of indigestion. Juniper berries also help to remove fluid congestion and reduce edema, says Peter Holmes in his monograph. Junipers can dissolve deposits of any kind. If you are feeling tired and cold and have a stiff lower back and joint pain, I highly recommend this easy remedy. As Junipers are high in volatile oils and quite warming, be mindful when taking them. These little gems may heat things up too much. Available in the Dharani Dispensary.

Burdock ~Arctium lappa

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Great burdock~Out our back doors

We harvest burdock in the fall just after the first frost when the leaves are crisp and the great plant sends its energy to the roots. You know burdock as the plant whose burrs stick to your clothing and are darned hard to get off.

The basal- or oval-shaped leaves are a greyish-green in colour, with broadly wavy leaves that cascade out over our paths and grow in urban sidewalk cracks! The most potent medicine is found in its first-year roots. The second year’s delicate flower stalks (see below) and roots are delicious as a vegetable or in soup in the Spring; the seeds (later nestled in the burrs) act as a kidney tonic.
Burdock has an earthy, sweet way of healing, with a deeply reaching, slow-acting and extensive effect on the whole system, most profoundly felt in the lymph, sweat, and oil glands, plus the liver, lungs and kidneys, according to Susun Weed.
Burdock is an herb that tones up the system. It’s touted as an anti-cancer plant and recognized as a preventive in epidemics. Burdock is notably high in chromium, iron, magnesium, silicon, thiamine (Vit. B). It’s also and rich in inulin, a soluble dietary fibre belonging to a group of carbohydrates known as fructans. Unlike most carbs, inulin is non-digestible. This allows it to pass through the small intestine and ferment in the colon. Through this fermentation process, the inulin becomes a healthy intestinal micro-flora, known as a prebiotic (an important food for building probiotic, a key to a healthy gut). Inulin is very high in the roots of plants in the Autumn, especially species from the Asteraceae family like burdock, dandelion and elecampane.The fresh burdock root is rich in Vitamin C.
Budock strengthens the immune system without the stimulation that many immune herbs do. The root with its mucilaginous fibers nourishes the digestive system that helps to eliminate the toxins lodged in the muscles and connective tissues. Burdock is a good choice for those with colitis, stomach ulcers and colon cancer. It treats candida and provides relief in spleen-deficient digestive discomforts, sinus congestion and headaches. Burdock soothes and eases joint pain, relieving chronic discomfort for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and can stabilize blood sugar levels in hypoglycemic, and moderate them for those with diabetes. With its deeply reaching effects, it acts on the liver and treats difficult skin conditions readily.
The fresh root is best prepared as a tincture in alcohol or glycerine, or as a decoction with fresh or dried root brewed on the stove. For an easy tincture preparation, harvest the fresh roots, wash off the dirt, and chop it vertically into slices. Fill your jar with the root and enough alcohol to cover. Fill twice and leave for 6 weeks. Decant tincture to smaller 50 and 100 ml bottles and label from what, where and when you harvested. For chronic care, take 2 dropperfuls in a little water, up to 3x a day for a minimum of 3 to 6 weeks (or until your body tells you it is complete).
The Japanese have cooked with burdock (gobu) for centuries in soups and stews. Native Cherokee women prepared burdock for both the woman and her womb before and after birthing. Burdock gives you stamina and strengthens the uterus.
How could we not benefit from this root’s goodness? Make sure to bring a fork and an extra pair of gloves when you go to harvest burdock. She is a tough one and not for the faint of heart. Burdock is for strong, fiery people. Give yourself time to let burdock works its way through for best results.
Try the Fall Nourish Tonic to strengthen you liver, lungs and kidneys, to tune up your immune system, and to prevent from colds and flus. Take a large handful each of Burdock rt, Oat straw, Hawthorn leaf and berry, Parsley, Cardamom, Ginger, Orange peel & cinnamon. Take 1 tbsp. per cup, and steep for 15 min. Enjoy up to 3 x a week.

Vervain~Verbena hastata

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A Bundle of Joy for Nervous Depression

Vervain Verbena hastata is a medicinal plant native to America, the sister plant to the European plant Vervain Verbena Officinalis. Verbena hastata is often confused with Lemon Verbena, Aloysia citrodora. These are not the same plant. The European Officinalis and the American hastata can be utilized interchangeably.

As David Hoffmann notes in Medical Herbalism , vervain is primarily a nerve tonic, a sedative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) hypotensive (lowers blood pressure) hepatic (liver health), emmenagogue (for women), and cholagogue (promotes healthy bile flow). Vervain contains iridoides, including verbenin, and verbenalin, flavanoids, volatile oils, triterpenes, mucilage, tannins and saponins.

On the whole, Vervain is considered a low-intensity, wide-spectrum medicinal, according to Peter Holmes. Its versatility is not unlike Yarrow or Meadowsweet. Vervain is perfect for the time of year when the weather is both hot and humid, since it can reduce dryness and heat from the lungs, liver, kidneys and reproductive organs, and help with bronchial asthma, fever and coughing, edema, stones, and the pain of fibromyalgia. Vervain supports those with chronic deficiency (tiredness) and conditions where there is chronic nervous tension. Vervain excels at relaxing the nerves, relieving depression. Vervain also skillfully helps to manage migraines, dizziness, and tinnitus. Vervain may be taken with oats and or St. John's Wort for nerve pain, or with Scullcap for a comprehensive nerve tonic. It’s perfect for an August reset. Please do not take this remedy without an herbalist’s or qualifed practitioner's advice. Or contact dharanihealingarts. It’s available in the Dharani Dispensary. Vervain will often be spotted in wetland areas where there is plenty of sunshine. The purple bundles of flowers enliven the landscape just as a sweeping brushstroke might. The flower bundles and the leaves are harvested in the summer when they are in full bloom. Clip the first 12" to 18" and make a tincture, chopping the plant finely to improve absorption. Pack the jar as you go. Pour your menstrum, alcohol or vinegar over the jar of Vervain plant material. Fill the jar to the top with your liquid. Label this with the name and the date that you collected the plant. Vervain is super bitter. I would not recommend that you one drink Vervain as a tea.

Vervain Verbena Hastata is growing right outside my kitchen window presently, where I can see the tall, erect purple bundle of joy moving with the wind. Legend says Vervain is the bringer of love and luck to our doors. I feel so deeply grateful for this plant medicine. OM

The Beauty of Linden~Tilia Cordata

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 19:46:00 GMT

Linden, linden heal my heart
that i may know a brand new start.
Birds a tweet and bee’s a buzz
Linden blossoms sure smell sweet.. I hear fairies at my door
sitting under the linden tree…. The Europeans drink the linden blossoms winter long to prevent colds and flues. Susun Weed and Robin Rose Bennett shared Herbs for resiliency last evening in a wonderful webinar. Susan’s first choice for an herb with resiliency was Linden- for its anti inflammatory properties. Inflammation creates rigidity said Susun and Linden blossoms when drunk as a herbal infusion create flexibility. Linden improves blood flow and supply to the brain, increases circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces arteriosclerosis, and soothes one with Acid-reflux. Folk Lore recommends Linden blossoms do indeed mend a broken heart.

Take 30 gms of linden blossoms to a liter of boiled water.
Let this sit a minimum of four hours (left overnight best) Strain and drink the linden blossom infusion day long to keep you warm & nourished & resilient. Linden can be infused twice with the second brew made with cold water. Available through the Dharani Healing Arts Herbal Dispensary. metta, dharani

In Dreamtime

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Back home

For the past week since coming home, I have cocooned. I have slept long hours and meditated to absorb, digest and process all that had transpired while being in the Motherland, India. A direct flight from Delhi to Toronto necessitate the passing of two night-times while in the air. I arrived home in the Dreamtime.

While In the Dreamtime, I have begun to unravel the many ways in which I was given - a challenge, a gift, an experience, or a transmission of some kind, that deepened my awareness for awareness itself, while traveling in India. This may sound corny.

This deepening of awareness for awareness itself, is rich in subtlety and will surely unfurl with greater depth in the days to come. When I left India 20 years ago the concept of time and space intrigued me most about India. This trip, I realized the notions of time and space are experienced very differently in India, not only due to the sheer number of people there are, to the way in which they perceive and respond to experiences are very different. One must pay extra close attention to everything. India is also full with people who devote at least some part of their day to their spiritual practice. Through this kind of attentive attention and devotion an otherworldly awareness arises, through which the magic of Mother India expresses herself.

In the South of India, there were many occasions to participate in a puja to purify. In Gokarna, Karnataka I visited a Ganesha temple- one of many temples in Gokarna, a curious, colorful and mysterious village steeped in the Arabian sea. The women at the temple sold leaves of saffron, yellow and pink fragrant flowers to offer Ganesha. I entered the stone chamber and made an offering, rung the massive bell, prostrating and chanting OM Gane Gana Paytae Namaha (to remove ignorance and harmful spirits)doing as they did. The incense wafted up into the cavern above. The ethereal s were heady.

From Gokarna i took a side trip to Hampi an ancient village that dates back to the 15th century. It was the second largest community in the world at the time. The architectural rock caverns and temples were outstanding. I had engaged King Cobra, a rickshaw driver to see the sights. He took me to eat at a local restaurant for a delicious thali dish at some point.

The city of Delhi is the gateway to the North. People say to avoid Delhi as the pollution and the noise are horrendous. I found Delhi vibrant and interesting. I stayed with a couple who i lodged with the last time i visited India. Nestled into the heart of the city and close to the airport the Master Guest House is well worth the extra cost one may spend in a big Indian city.

From this segway, I visited the regions of Tibetan Buddhism in the foothills and the Himalayas. I spent ten days in Tso Pema, the home of many Tibetan Buddhists and the main village to pay homage to the great teacher, Padmasambhava the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. I also visited the Thosamling Buddhist Nunnery in lower Dharamsala, home to a number of Western Tibetan nuns and the home of many young Tibetan girls from Ladakh, who spend the winter at the Nunnery.

Finally, after 21 years I returned to the mountain village of McLeod Ganj, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama has resided since he fled his homeland in 1959. The mountain air and the vibration of McLeod Ganj is welcoming, even after all the growth of the area, McLeod sustains its magic! I spent a few days volunteering at the Learning in Tibet center teaching English. This was a delight. There was also a beautiful day of trekking up to the mountain range you see in the photo. Bliss.

While being amongst the Tibetans I reconnected with my refuge as a Tibetan Buddhist and through daily mantra and meditation and with my friend Hans from Germany who so kindly shared so much with me, I discovered that the particular lineage I had chosen to take my refuge with originally, is indeed of the greatest interest. One of the reasons for going to India was to get back to my daily meditation practice that i had for years. I have reinstated my daily meditation practice. Phat!

And so I return renewed, albeit a bit discombobulated, to serve you all, on your path to whole health and wholeness with greater peace and equanimity. May the merits of this journey, through my devotional practices as well as with the chi-gong, yoga and meditation practices that I have sustained and the teachings that I have received while being in India, benefit all sentient beings. OM.

I invite you to visit the Dharani Healing Arts Website for more information and to read the India travel blogs or to take a course or book an appointment, for an Herbal or Nutritional Consultation, or a series of ION Foot Baths and Reflexology or a MIndBodyBeing Therapy session.

Deepening the Path

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 10:22:00 GMT

A Universal understanding

A Universal Understanding
The teachings of the Buddha offer a complete liberation from suffering and the chance for ultimate happiness, according to Lama Yeshe in 2018's Mandala Magazine. The teachings offer the method and wisdom to transform ourselves into bringers of profound benefit to the world. In these times of global distress and confusion, the Dharma teachings are grounding, and offer students safety and purpose. As Buddhists, we recognize the connection between our minds and the world around us,and how transformation, both personal and global, is possible. I had planned a week in silence at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery. The respectable Ayruvedic doctor at the foot of my abode in Tso Pema diagnosed me with anemia. I was coming down with a cold, and I was tired. This was no surprise. Sheila, a new acquaintance and a Tibetan nun, introduced me to Katti, a lovely French woman, and two Western nuns who had just arrived from the Thosamling Nunnery and who were planning to return the same day I was planning to go to Tenzin Palmo's. The decision came swiftly. Simplicity was required. I joined them, sharing a taxi to the Thosamling, where I spent a few days in silence, then participated in a teaching on the Heart Sutra with Dr. Kurt Schwalbe. Tenzin Palmo's silent retreat would have to wait. Perhaps, I was not ready. There are many reasons to be grateful for the Thosamling's Nunnery. Settled in the rice paddies of lower Dharamsala, at the foot of the Himalayas, one must walk there by foot on a small stone path. The nunnery is gated. The wild dogs can only be heard in the distance. Cars cannot be found. The rooms are spacious and simple. The Indian staff is legend. Presently, there is an Australian woman, Erica, who, with a group of volunteers, prepares the meals for us. They are divinely nourishing and balancing. The nunnery practices zero waste and uses only natural products which they make on site. My duvet is thick, the showers hot. I can hear the creek in the distance as I write this. There is tranquility to be sure. I carried a badge on my front: In Silence. Arising at 5:45 am with the nuns in daily prayers, I practiced sitting and walking meditation; with yoga and chi-gong dispersed throughout the day, my chest cold began to lift. While others were not in silence, I felt it rather challenging to maintain complete silence, particularly with my eyes, and noticed how much I utilized my eyes to communicate. I created a schedule for practice and stuck to it as best I could. It was a delightful experience to practice amongst the Tibetan Buddhist young novices and nuns. I had some important insights over the past few weeks. Without sleep in Tso Pema, I had a chance to reflect upon and process the pain body I had spoken of in my earlier blog. Whether valid or not, I felt that the aggressive and continuous barking of the dogs (which can only be heard in the deep of night) symbolized the release of strong emotions that are not always acceptable or allowed in a community like this, anywhere. With a half dozen Tibetan monasteries, there was a need to balance (through the dogs’ barking) the intensity of the devotion, mantra and meditation practiced there. This, I realized, may be the case throughout India, as there is a temple on every street corner and a pack of dogs to match. In my sleep-deprived state, then in my dream state, I processed and released some of my own unresolved emotions that merged into rage at one point. I came to this understanding by reflecting upon and directly feeling into this experience. Through the many rounds of the Kora (the circle where the Tibetans walked entranced in mantra), through the turning of the prayer wheel, through devotion and meditation, I have come to a place of greater understanding and peace of mind. I feel a deeper sense of ease, more embodied, and empowered to serve others and to share insights. As one establishes an attentive stability and vividness for the present and learns to identify the mind as mind (like a strong witness might), an awareness of awareness itself manifests, which is called Rigpa in Tibetan Buddhism. All concepts, mental constructs and judgments fade into this complete awareness. This leaves one with a feeling of spaciousness and transparency within and without; it leaves one able to engage in and express oneself with more ease, and where one speaks and is heard, and seen and understood, without limitations, and with much, much more love. This kind of presence allows one to experience an inevitable shift in one's perception of self, and self-love. The potential for healing the mind, body and spirit is manifold. Today, then, in a world driven by fear and anxiety, a Buddhist in one's midst can be of great benefit to all. His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches that it is of great importance to share this knowledge so rooted in ancient history; it can be thought of as a universal education or abiding in the laws of universality. Unhealthy minds are the root of our problems, observes the Dalai Lama in an article in Mandala, June, 2018. This is due to a lack of discernment, self-centeredness, and narrow-mindedness. Unhealthy minds, he continues, are created by disturbing emotions, mistaken preconceptions, and misconstrued beliefs. There is an extraordinary potential to transform our world views and deepen our capacity for compassion by deepening our inner values, by strengthening our ethics and by reassessing our beliefs. With self-discipline and dialogue, compromise, understanding and humility, Buddhists and lay people alike who follow this path offer the community a freer, more joyous, more peaceful and much more compassionate society to live in. May we be happy, may we be peaceful, may we be free from suffering. OM

Tso Pema

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 05:01:00 GMT

A sacred village in the Himalayas

As I travel from one destination to another on my pilgrimage to India, there is a transition period in each place to adjust and to accommodate - to the mood, the pace, the people, the climate and the food. I am now in the North in a place called Tso Pema (Rewalsar in Hindi). It’s tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. From my new room this morning, I captured this picture of the mountains in the distance. I am heading that way soon for a week-long silent retreat under the guidance of Tenzin Palmo, a British-born Tibetan nun who has opened a convent for young Tibetan girls to study and practice the dharma in preparation for their own ordination.

For this week, I have had to make some big adjustments, primarily because i have been in the South for the last month where the weather was 30 degrees; in Tso Pema, the temperature goes down to 0 degrees in the early morning. I had booked a homestay in Tso Pema prior to coming. Once I had arrived at the house, the family was not home. I’d had another challenging over-night bus from Delhi. I will not go into all the details, but if you are planning a trip to India, take a government HRTC bus North, not just some random tour bus). I was so very fortunate (indeed, I’ve been throughout this trip to India) to meet yet another wonderful human being who came to my service. This young, well-educated man D.J. had just come home for a fortnight. He had been living with his wife in China as researchers and has just secured a position at the University of Alberta in Canada (where i was raised). My, such a small world. He came to my assistance, saying it was his duty, touching my feet in respect of his elders, and taking my heavy pack to walk through the village in search of a new accommodation.

I began my week tucked into the top floor of the Lotus Lake Hotel. The windows overlooked the lake where I could watch the Tibetans make their prayer rounds day and night. The village is small and, like all destinations in India, noisy and busy. This is perhaps what I find most challenging while being in India; the noise has been completely unsettling at times, and the wild animals wander everywhere, like they own the streets. Here in Tso Pema the animals occupy the small dirt streets with verve. The monkeys are cunning, and have now grabbed my satchel and have made off with my newly bought bunch of bananas. I watched them eat the bananas greedily, without any concern for my loss, other than for what else there might be. After four evenings at the Lotus Lake Hotel, it was not only chilly facing North, I could not sleep. The dogs run the streets at night to defend their territory, and the noise became unbearable.

I consider the Kora, the circle around the lake where the Tibetans walk, not only a place for their prayers but also it is within this circle that they also leave their fears, their anger, their joy and their own inner conflicts. I cannot help but observe that underneath this heavenly village where three religions co-exist (Buddhism, albeit a philosophy), Sikhism and Hinduism, there is tension. I pay attention to this.

I have met a few Westerners since having arrived; one particular man, from Poland, shared with me that he felt more emotional while here. I can agree with this since having arrived I have begun a different kind of journey than that I experienced in the South. I have begun to unravel some of my pain body. I have begun to unravel some of the reasons that I have come to India in the first place. I am grateful for these insights. I walk the Kora daily, then with the Tibetans. I turn the prayer wheels. I share in their joy and their grief. I acknowledge and share in my own joy and grief. May we be happy, may we be free, may we be free of suffering.

India Adventures

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 14:29:00 GMT

It is never what you think

One of the most important lessons that I am learning here in India is to appreciate each moment as it is, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Phillip Moffitt, in his book Dancing with Life, is coaching me how to do this. Last evening on my journey to Goa was just one example of this. Literally, one had to laugh, as it could only happen in India. One would think when you book a tourist bus on an overnight journey that you would pick up the bus at a chosen location and away you go. Well, no, not necessarily. As I arrived at my destination to pick up the bus for Goa, I and six other tourists, mostly young Europeans, were to be crammed into a rickshaw that comfortably holds four, and were to travel 60 kilometers to pick up the bus where we were to begin our journey. Not only did we have to wait almost an hour as the 6th person was late, we went along a roadway for more than half the distance that was under construction, and the potholes were enormous. The roadways under construction everywhere in India are a nightmare, to put it mildly. The Indians go about their way. This must be normal. I was exhausted by the time I arrived at the pick-up location. While sitting in the back of the rickshaw, holding on for dear life, one hand grabbing the side bar and the other my back pack, I chanted the Trayambakam mantra to have a safe journey. I decided I was going to arrive in Hospit safely and be assigned a comfortable sleeper compartment to make the overnight journey to Goa as bearable as possible. I was. Thank goodness. The concept that we create our realities is most true. At this point on my travels, there really are many reasons to smile: the masala chai tea is delicious and available at every corner for 50 cents or less, and you can eat well for about $4. a dish. Accommodations have ranged from $12. a day, from an ashram (with a shared room, two meals and two yoga classes a day) to $60. an evening in Goa (with a fabulous room with an attached bath on the seafront) and in Delhi where I purposefully spent more money to be wise in such a large and busy city There are dogs and cows wandering the streets everywhere. They own the streets. There must be just the one breed of dog in India, as they all look the same, with a hound-like body and a curled-up tail. They bark. The cows are humorous to observe as it is the bull that is primarily out, while the cow remains at home (although this is not always the case). Cows are held sacred in the Hindu culture, of course, and are not taken as food. Beware where you walk. There is dodo everywhere. The Indians in the South are curious, polite and even shy. I will absolutely return to the South to explore more of Kerala and the other states.

Buddhist Insights

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:43:00 GMT

for finding deeper meaning in life

I have arrived at the beach on the Western coast of India in a small enclave called Kudle beach. The Arabian Sea is refreshing after the tropics of the mountains. I have come to relax, to find an unexpected number of people and noise. Folks are from all over the world here; Germans, British, French and overall the Russians predominate. It appears Canadians are few. After spending 2 weeks in the Sivananda Yoga Ashram where we were to remain covered, and there was absolutely no tolerance for drugs or alcohol, it was rather a shock to arrive here in Kudle beach, where every other person is smoking something, whether it be cigarettes or marijuana. I met a Russian woman who introduced herself one evening while dining on the seafront. She said everyone is happy here, yet when I looked around I would venture to say, "Everyone is looking for happiness here." There is some degree of happiness to be found, as there are many couples travelling with children who gleefully play in the water; mostly, however, I see people attached to someone or something, and their telephones primarily. Searching for some kind of fulfillment other than in the pure simple quality of the present moment. Somehow, I found myself searching for that someone, too, to be with, to talk to, to fill the void, to impregnate the space that briefly feels like happiness. I took to my book again instead, Phillip Moffitt's Dancing with Life, which provided a comforting companion. Last year while attending a conference with Joseph Goldstein, Phillip Moffitt's book Dancing with Life jumped off the table to me. Dancing with Life offers a deeper investigation of the four noble truths with 12 insights that the Buddha taught to accompany the four noble truths. What a welcome surprise! I have now read this book several times, reading what drew me, as Phillip suggested. I am now reading the book from cover to cover and shall continue to do so, until I fully comprehend this meaningful teaching. If you are like myself and have studied the four noble truths and the eight-fold path, and seek to more deeply live through Buddha's path to liberation, I highly recommend Dancing with Life, or merely follow along with me as I attempt to share this jewel of a teaching in an abbreviated form. The four noble truths are as follows: there is suffering in life; we suffer due to our desires; there is freedom from suffering; and there is a path to end all suffering by following the eight-fold path, which includes panna, the wisdom practices, right view and right intention, sila, the virtue practices, with right speech, right action and right livelihood, and samadhi or concentration practices with right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration or meditation. There are three insights that are associated with each of the four noble truths, notes the author in his introduction to Dancing with Life, and they follow a similar pattern. First, reflecting upon the truth, then directly experiencing the truth, and, finally, knowing that you know the noble truth. The Buddha taught that in order to completely understand a Noble Truth, you first must reflect upon it; you must examine the truth for yourself, to not only intellectually understand it, but to feel that it makes sense to you. Not until you have done this do you move to the second insight, whereby you consciously seek to realize the truth by immersing yourself in it, through a direct experience in your body, whereby you feel both the beauty and the beast of the truth. This direct experience is what makes the Budhha's teaching a living wisdom versus a philosophy, according to Phillip. Finally, having carefully thought about the Noble Truth, and having directly experienced it, now you are ready for the third insight: the knowing. Or, as Ajahn Sumedho refers to it, the call,"to know that you know the truth," which requires mindfully absorbing the truth into your daily life and living through it. One does this with each of the Noble Truths, for a total of 12 insights: first by reflecting upon it, then directly experiencing it, and finally knowing that you know the truth. Phillip shares his understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the 12 insights with a rare depth of understanding, humour, and sensitivity. Through his own personal journey and through his clients’ journeys, Phillip skillfully supports us in our own understanding, to embody and to live through the Noble Truths as a way of life. May we be happy, may we be peaceful, may we be free of suffering. OM.

One World

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:06:00 GMT

the many faces of truth

I have arrived. After spending two weeks at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram where i completed my Yoga Teacher Training twenty-one years ago, I feel refreshed and purified. Within the first day of being in the ashram, an unusual and frightening experience transpired. Seconds after I passed a glass panel (that I remember tapping with my shoulder) where Swami Vishnu was depicted, the glass shattered into a thousand pieces right before our eyes, all over the table where the travel agent sat, aghast; picking up his computer, shaking the shards of glass from his laptop, he carried on, conducting business as usual. I could not have done this myself, though I felt was a conduit for the action somehow. All eyes were on me. I was in shock. We all were. Swami Vishnu Devananda was the founder and spiritual teacher of this ashram in Kerala where I was. As well, he is responsible for hundreds of other Sivananda ashrams throughout the world. This was Swami's sadhana, his wish to bring true world order and peace as far-reaching as he could. He was obviously not happy at that particular moment. We all felt this extraordinary power. Change was needed. The glass shattered illusions, expectations, ego, karmic actions and much more. There was a yoga teacher training in completion. With over 180 students participating from around the world, within a few days they would complete their course. This scary, very scary incident commenced not only the beginning of my transformation, but it had also opened the flood gates for all of us at the ashram to transform. The rain came down in a torrent later, out of the blue to purify our actions. That was Wednesday. By Friday, there was a puja to celebrate and to pay reverence to the divine mother (mata gi), a ceremony that took place at the Durga temple. There are a number of temples at the ashram where pujas took place depending on the day. Friday, we invoked the divine mother and honored her shakti power. We chant the one hundred thousand names of the mother. There were fragrant flowers, saffron and oil to offer our respects to bring forth the pure potential of the mother's love for us and for all of humanity. By Saturday, I was puking, and called upon Ganesha, the half-man, half-elephant deity to support me through this energy of purification. I chant the mantra OM GAN GANAPATAYE NAMAHA throughout the night. It passed quickly. The next day, I felt empty and ready to deepen my experience. I have come to India to purify, to grow and to transform, to come home to more deeply serve others on their path to whole health and wholeness. The following week, we awoke early to the sounds of bells ringing and a Hindu priest (a Brahmin) chanting, making ready for the preparations for a new puja, a fire puja to honor Ganesha once again. Ganesha removes obstacles; we chanted the Ganesha mantra all morning to remove the obstacles in our way, in any way, for ourselves and others, and specifically for a group of new students who had arrived at the ashram to begin their Ayurvedic Wellness Course. My journey here closed with a big party, and with yet another puja to honor Shiva. Shivaratri is celebrated throughout India with the first new moon in February, to purify the activities of our past year and to bring forth much good energy and new beginnings. Shiva represents the energy of destruction, so we can, indeed, transform. We danced and chanted OM NAMAH SHIVAYA the entire night. By dawn, we closed our ceremony with prasad, a sweet plate of more than fifteen items to enjoy, and to show our gratitude and thanks. I showered and prepared for the train I was to take up the western coast of India, to Gokarna in Karnataka, where I am now, close to Goa. I shall wander here and rest for 10 days, and then take an overnight trip to Hampi where there are other sacred temples to observe and mystery. There is also a Tibetan Buddhist monastery I wish to visit while in the South. In one world, there are many paths to find the truth. The yogic principles are simply yet another way. May we be free and happy. May we end all suffering. OM OM OM NAMAH SHIVAYA ~ peace peace. OM

Sage~ Salvia officinalis

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 18:33:00 GMT

Your Ally for Hot flashes

Sage Officinalis is especially splendid this year with her long tendrils of periwinkle blooms that sprawl over the rock garden after the evening's rain. Sage is native to the Mediterranean and North Africa, and hence why she prefers dry conditions; nonetheless, she will readily grow wherever she is welcomed. The leaves and flowers are cut back in the early summer just before flowering. One can harvest sage two or three times over the season, cutting the plant back by 1/3 to provide you with a bounty of goodness that will serve well over the winter season. Sage means “to save” in French: salvere. There is an old saying that sage follows the fortunes of the household. I feel so deeply grateful for the home Misia and I have been in the last ten years. And sage has been a part of that. Sage heals by deeply and simply serving us, people and animals alike. Sage is a superb hormonal support. It is a glandular tonic, rich in volatile oils of up to 30%, with thujone, cineole, linalol, camphor, salvene and pinene, with tannins, triterpenes, flavanoids and resins. Sage is anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-spasmodic, astringent, anti-catarrhal, emmenegogue, and a febrifuge. Sage is effective and soothing for young women during puberty, for fertile women in motherhood, and for the crone, in the menopausal years. Sage, being estrogenic, helps young women regulate their menses in the early years, and smooths out emotions, helps nursing mothers reduce their lactation, and skillfully addresses perspiration and salivation excess in the menopausal years. Sage is antiseptic, anti-bacterial and microbial, like all plants in the Mint Family (lamiaceae family), and readily treats the mouth and gums as a gargle. It works with colds and coughs, as well as laryngitis, and acute sinus infections. Sage has an overall gentle, yet pronounced effect on the digestion with conditions such as dyspepsia. Sage supports folks with weak spleens and unchaste liver malaise. Although sage is not the first native plant I think of, it can be used as a poultice to heal a wound. Sage would be prepared medicinally, drank as a tea, made as an infusion, poultice, or alcohol tincture. Sage is delicious and earthy made as a tea, especially for the elderly, to treat both mild anxiety and depression as well as poor digestion. Have you tasted sage honey? Available in the Dharani Dispensary. Lady Sage works her magic on the many layers of our mind, body and spirit. Invite her into your garden today and revel in her goodness. Herbal medicine is people's medicine. Sage Infusion for Hot Flashes Place one ounce or 30 gram of dried, crushed sage leaves in a liter jar. Fill to the top with filtered and boiled water. Let this sit on the counter with the lid on, for a minimum of four hours. Decant the herb, and store the sage infusion in a mason jar in the fridge. Take 1-2 tablespoon with honey in a little warm water or milk in the evening time for 3 to 6 weeks to reduce hot flashes easily. Sage Pesto Prepare your pesto as you might a basil pesto. Use the blooms of the sage plant instead of the basil leaves. The sage blossoms, walnut oil and ground flax seeds give the pesto a delicate taste that is creamy and thick to enjoy with just about any of our summer menus where pesto is called for.

A Tribute to Health

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 11:46:00 GMT

Five ways my mother taught me to live a vibrant life

i have been contemplating while reading blogs regarding women's health and sense of self, image & beauty, what it is that constitutes a vibrant sense of self. i was fortunate to have grown up with a mother who was a dietitian in her day, and who raised us with principles that i continue to follow today, naturally. i am grateful to her for these teachings. Here are five ways that i remember, my mother taught me to foster health and vibrancy. 1. Diversity- is something i practice skillfully. I eat from a wide variety of whole fresh foods, with little wheat, less dairy, and much less animal fish & poultry, with whole grains, more legumes, & vegetables, some fruit, and super foods, that provide energy & sustenance to my daily regime. The Dharani Herbal Teas and herbal infusions also greatly contribute to this. i explore diversity in all aspects of life. 2. Moderation- is key to good health and well- being in whatever area of our lives we struggle, whether it be with food, or work, or drink... Drama and overly emotional cycles are included in this.
3. Movement - My mother always encouraged our family to move our bodies. She certainly did. I spent my summers in the Rockies of Alberta where I had plenty of time to explore nature. We biked and hiked and swam and picked berries throughout the summer, which make up some of my most fond memories. As an adult, i continue to move my body with a regular yoga practice, with Chi gong and intervals, and often spend time in the great outdoors. Studies show there is no better place to relax than out in nature. 4. Routine- In a recent seminar i attended with a Dr. Thom ND, said routine is shown to be the most effective tool to include in one's day to reduce adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances, including anxiety and depression. Routine is the key ingredient to establishing greater harmony in our daily rhythms- with meals, sleep, in work, or play. My maman taught me to take this seriously. It works.

5. Ruminate less- My mom taught me to never get too stuck on whatever it is i am feeling, seeing, judging, eating, drinking or creating- drama. She taught me to refocus on whatever healthy endeavor served me to shift. And to do so, until I felt better. I struggled with this as an adolescent, as i felt she did not feel as i thought she should. i may not have appreciated this quality back then yet, today i notice, i have learned how to let things be. Krishnamurti, (1895-1986) a great spiritual teacher once said to his students. "Do you want to know my secret?" he said " I don't mind what happens." This is key. Mom was an especially active woman in her day; physically, mentally and spiritually, vibrant. Other than my father who drank too much, she loved to laugh and sought out reasons to smile whenever possible. She played bridge, she swum, she prayed, and she read a great deal. I remember she also volunteered, and gave back to the community with Meals on Wheels and with her friends who took sick. She made many batches of cookies.I can assure you. I benefit with this. She lived to be 96 years old, and died within a heart beat, without anything particularly wrong with her other than lost memory and the energy to move the way she did. God bless her. Thank you to my mother, for all that she did. OM.

Call to Love in Action

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 22:39:00 GMT

Nine Ways to Deepen our Heart's Longing

February heralds in the Chinese New Year with the Fire Rooster at its helm. The Fire Hen (in my case) calls for a time to cultivate deeper and more meaningful connections with ourselves, with one another and in the community. The fire rooster year asks that we use diligence and discipline to manifest our dreams. Batten down the hatches, take care of details, do as we say, and say what we feel. Most importantly be impeccable in our words and actions.

A call to compassion in action is a longing to show-up in a deeper way. Can we pour more loving chi into the things that nourish and sustain us, and will our deeper hearts lead the way in kindness and with tolerance? The question arises, then, "How does one nourish, love and sustain ourselves and others with a deeper heart? How does one show up to be more fully present for ourselves and others, to deepen the relationships with those that we have already, and for the potential for new and deeper ones to come in?

Here are nine ways to show up, to live our lives more fully, and to deepen our hearts call to love in action. What would you add to this?

1. Nourish our body, heart and mind with whole foods, wild native herbs and wholesome beverages.
2. Nourish with confidence. Instill a sense of self worth and respect for all sentient beings, including animals and wildlife, for all of humanity.
3 Nourish one another. Take the time for hugs, and share more loving kindness unconditionally.
4. Love with deeper hearts by accepting ourselves and others and the experiences, without judgement and utilize discernment in all our words and actions. Judge less.
5. Love is truly listening for what is being said versus responding in our mind before one has finished speaking. Being truly heard is a gift of love.
6. Love creates an environment where words no longer need be said, compassionate actions arises out of the intimate moments of genuine presence.
7. Sustain and deepen our heart's longing by following through with our commitments. Make them first. Planning ahead reduces stress and provides stability.
8. Sustain all of life by giving up ourselves and our agendas, for that of the greater good.
9. Sustain all of life with generosity, especially with our time, patience, and money.

The word metta, is a Buddhist term, and means loving kindness or friendliness while the word, compassion takes the action of loving kindness to a deeper place to respond with a capacity to feel into or lean into, what is actually taking place. Out of this fountain of presence, springs the potential for our heart's longing to deepen our call to love in action. May we embody this practice and live it. OM.

Balsam Fir~Abies balsamea

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:25:00 GMT

Ode to the Balsam Fir

Are you a tree hugger? That wouldn’t be surprising, since trees have nourished us and the earth for the last 225 million years. To give you some idea how old the trees are, the first human being walked the earth approximately 200,000 years ago. “Tree medicine” has re-emerged, and is being researched and utilized in Europe to support those of us with deeper chronic conditions. Trees have existed far longer than plant life on earth, as such trees have constituents that are complex, concentrated, and deeper acting than plants on the whole. With the health of humanity is in such crisis, tree medicine has been called upon, to serve us once again.

Hug a tree today. Walk in a grove of trees. Explore what trees resonates with you. Feel the healing energy of tree medicine. White pine, Oak, Poplar, Maple, Balsam Fir: there are so many to choose from. We are so very fortunate to have an abundance of trees right here in the Kingston corridor. Tree medicine is people's medicine.

At Christmas, we choose a fresh tree to adorn our hearth. As a child, the scotch pine adorned our home, and in the past years here in Ontario, the balsam fir has been our choice. This year, Sophie's boughs were whimsical and graceful, curling in unexpected ways, with an a wonderfully spicy scent. Perhaps, it is because I acknowledge and now recognize the beauty and the healing power of trees that I noticed how special this balsam fir felt. I simply cannot just throw her out, and will give her back to the earth through our fireplace.

Hence Balsam Fir! Balsam Fir grows up to sixty feet in height and is possibly the most popular Christmas tree today. The balsam is the most affordable of Christmas trees, known for its magnificent shapes, and delicious aroma, due to the strong retention of the needles long after the tree has been cut down.

Balsam Fir was universally used by all First Nations in North America and found its way into the U.S. pharmacopoeia in the mid-19th century as an effective tree medicine. Primarily the aromatic resin of the tree was used, since it’s highly antiseptic, analgesic, ant-scorbutic, diaphoretic and diuretic. The young shoots are rich in mucilage, Vitamin A and C, as well as loaded with minerals, calcium and iron, as is the bark. The resin was made into a salve for treating all kinds of skin conditions, for burns and wounds or bites and sores of the skin. Native American women found a salve highly effective in treating sore nipples during childbirth and nursing. The gum of the balsam was used in the treatment of toothaches, especially in the cases of abscesses in the mouth, or externally on the skin.

The early Americans were taught by the First Nations to make a tea or a decoction with the young shoots, branches or bark, for the treatment of chest pains. Balsam Fir's inner bark ameliorates all kinds of respiratory infections, and persistent coughs, as well as asthma. The bark was also noted to treat urinary tract infections like cystitis. The twigs steeped in water were used as a natural laxative. The Native Americans chewed on the root of balsam for treating oral sores and other problems relating to the mouth. An herbal decoction prepared for the bath, or with the branches smoked in the sweat lodge were used to alleviate muscular spasms and joint pain as well as alleviate pulmonary disorders.

Balsam gum had also been traditionally used in dentistry as a glue, in the making of candles, or as a cement in the production of microscopes and slides-due to its highly refractive index similar to that of glass. The balsam fir pitch was used by the Native Americans to waterproof the seams of the canoes. Nearly 8-10 oz. of resin can be obtained from one balsam fir tree. The wood of the balsam fir is light, soft and coarse, and primarily used in the pulp paper industry to manufacture crates and cardboard boxes.

The young shoots of balsam are collected in the springtime and stored for later use. The resin and the gum obtained from the inner bark is most often collected in the late summer and fall, and consists of about 70-80% pure plant resin. The volatile oil content of the Canadian Balsam fir is about 15-25%. You will be sure to find me in the forest come the springtime to collect the young shoots to make a tree medicine.

Reference: Glossary Herbs- Herbs 2000.com
Dr. Bruno Chacornac ~Phytotherapy

Here is a simple balsam fir recipe you can make yourself.

Balsam Fir Syrup
2 cups water
8 oz. balsam young shoots or bark
1 cup honey
In an enamel-covered saucepan, simmer the balsam shoots or bark for 15-20 minutes. Let stand for 1 hour. Strain. Add the honey, and cook on low for more 15 minutes. Let cool, and bottle in an amber bottle. Store in the refrigerator, and consume within 3 months at a rate of 1 tablespoon per day before each meal. It’s an excellent preventive and cough remedy for clearing congestion of the lungs and intestines. Om.

Its New! I am pleased to announce the launch of the new Dharani Healing Arts Website.

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:27:00 GMT

I am pleased to announce the launch of the New Dharani Healing Arts website. Check it out.

After spending months, working diligently with Web designer, Graydon Ursel of Kawartha Media Pros, i am pleased to announce the launch of the NEW Website, Dharani Healing Arts.

Now is the time, to book a consultation, register for a course, inquire about a service, or purchase a Dharani Healing Arts Organic Herbal tea, Organic Herbal Vinegar or Relaxation product.

For every person who visits the new Dharani website over the next three weeks, and contacts me from the site, will receive a 25% gift voucher on select products or services you so desire. Please simply contact me from the website with your impressions of the new site. i do appreciate your feedback. May I serve you on your path to whole health and holiness in the New Year. OM ~dharani

Hawthorn ~Crataegus laevigata

dharanihealingarts@gmail.com (Andrée Beauchamp) — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 02:38:00 GMT

Sweet Hawthorn has mend more souls since the days of Adam. The bush grows a mere five feet tall and is found in abandoned fields and healing places. Hawthorn has a use for every season; as food, medicine or wildlife habitat, it keeps us warm in the winter months as its hard, dense wood burns hot without being too smoky. The Latin name, Crataegus, comes from the Greek word for strong. Whilst this is thought to reflect the qualities of the wood, it may actually refer to the nature of the tree itself; resilient, hardy and above all abundant and unfailingly generous. The hawthorn bush, both leaf and berry provide a deeply healing medicine for the heart. The leaf drunk as a tea soothes the most sorrowful of hearts, from loss or grief, the hawthorn who finds her way into your heart will bring you ease. Lucinda of Whispering Earth speaks of Hawthorn as a fascinating medicinal because it’s one of the few recognized Western herbal adaptagens, loosely meaning it helps to bring the body into balance, irrespective of whether it is over or under functioning. Widely used as a heart tonic it can help stabilize both high and low blood pressure and will benefit almost any problem that affects the heart or circulatory system, from high cholesterol to chilblains. It helps to dilate coronary arteries, improving circulation and bringing relief from angina. It also increases the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively by improving the contractility of the muscle. High levels of antioxidants protect the capillaries. The hawthorn berries are also a Super food. They are “rich” in digest enzymes and overtime will improve and strengthen weak digestive chi.