Laurel (Bay) Leaf; Laurus nobilis

From William Woodville, Medical Botany

When I tell people the ingredients of my body cream, I often get the response, "Hmm, bay leaf, I thought that was for cooking..." 

While it definitely is a common kitchen spice, it does also have vast medicinal and folk use. (So good news for you bay leaf-in-my-stew folks!)

Laurel Leaf is a heating carminative, stimulant, and expectorant. It has pungent taste. Its action aids in stoking agni, the digestive fire, and burning away heavy mucus that blocks tissue channels; specifically in assimilating nervous conditions, as vata (nerves, anxiety, movement) reigns over the small intestine, stomach, and colon. 

Laurel leaf is commonly used in combination with cardamon and cinnamon, creating a trio of aromatics, The Three Aromatics, using strengthened digestion to enhance the body's ability and sensitivity to react positively, with grace, to other subtle medicines.

In folklore, Laurel Leaf has been used to promote positivity and purification, especially regarding self-worth and self-appreciation.  

In short, laurel leaf is has a strong personality for helping people find peace of mind and peace within the body. It rallies for the self to heal, to get rid of its excesses, and to be ok with the result, and then, as with the baccaLAUReates, are commended for that high achievement.

Not to mention, laurel has a remarkable aroma! A true gift from the natural world. 

Resource: The Yoga of Herbs; Dr. Vasant Lad, and Dr. David Frawley

in the belly of the whale

after the long walk in the rain, she took out her umbrella. 

How Refreshing

to sit beneath a thousand hummingbirds.

                                                                   Mural by Kayla Olson

Split Pea Nettle Soup

Wild tide

boat's not swimmin

take me down

to march mallow town.

This soup is a yummy and nourishing soother. 

+One cup jasmine white rice

+two cups green split peas

+two celery stalks

+four garlic cloves

+1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

+1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

+one tablespoon dried nettle or bunch fresh nettle

+1/4 cup organic half and half 

+salt and pepper

Prep:

Make jasmine white rice; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook split peas in salted water (I use kosher salt).

When split peas are close to soft, add about 3 more cups of water. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer. Add celery, garlic, cardamom, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cooked rice, nettle, half and half, and salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving. 

True Spring

 

Tequila Raja

For low-down nights spent with the best of friends (including the furry ones) and toasting to the space in- between. 

Gather:

small mason jar of tequila

 1/4 orange peel

two vanilla beans

two cinnamon sticks

Cut open vanilla beans and scrape inside. Put into tequila. Infuse all other spices and orange peel in tequila overnight. 

The next night, Gather:

one can coconut milk (get the milk beneath the cream. The cream tends to lump up.)

maple syrup, to taste

carbonated mineral water

ice cubes

Strain spices out of tequilla. place ice cubes in each glass. Pour 1/2 of glass full of coconut milk. Add about a tablespoon of maple syrup into each glass. Pour a shot of infused tequila into each glass. Stir well. Top with mineral water. 

Wintery Spring

Cinnamon; Cinnamomum zeylanicum

"... I can be happy the rest of my life with my cinnamon girl..."  neil young

From Scientific Illustration

“When sattva predominates, the light of wisdom shines through every gate of the body” (Bhagavad Gita 14: 11)

Who doesn't love cinnamon? And who knew cinnamon was so beneficial?! According to Ayurvedic tradition, cinnamon is 'sattvic' in nature, meaning it supports the highest good of the mind. Sattvic herbs   stir and harness subtle essences that maintain a focused mind on physical and spiritual levels. This is important because it works to remove obstacles of the mind that inhibit meditation. With a clear mind, one's dharma, purpose or necessary action, is sure. By preparing our mind, we are more equipped to conquer swirling and doubting.

I don't really know if this has anything to do with it's sattvic nature, but cinnamon is also known to lower blood sugar levels- see how excess sugar influences hormones; and in result, all levels of tissue-- In ayurveda, quality of mind is a result of the health of the tissues. Cinnamon works on the plasma, blood. muscles, marrow, and nerve tissues to strengthen circulation. It's warming energy reduces inertia (heavyness, lethargy) while pacifying too intense of movement that causes anxiety. It helps to open up channels in order to absorb other medicines, as well.

Check out Tranquil Sounds  listing to learn more of cinnamon.


Resource:
         The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

REFRIGERATOR CHAI TEA RECIPE:

Put 3 cups of water in a pot and start to bring to a boil. Measure out 2.5 inches fresh ginger, cut thinly (no need to peel); 3 cinnamon sticks, broken up; 2.5 T black peppercorns; 1.5 T whole cardamom seeds; 2.5 t anise seeds, 2.5 t whole coriander seeds; and 1 t whole cloves. Add ingredients to water at any time. When water reaches a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Turn off heat. At this point you can add Black Tea if you wish and steep for 5 minutes. After steeping, or right after the 25 minutes if you do not use tea, strain into a gallon sized pitcher. You can add Honey to taste while still hot, if you please. Make sure to stir well. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with cold water. Store in fridge. Heat as needed for use. Serve with milk or almond milk to taste.

Source for Bulk Herbs