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Did you know your pantry is like a pharmacy?  Thankfully, it is far cheaper. Cumin is loaded with phyto-chemical, antioxidants, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium and contains high amounts of B-complex. Cumin helps with insomnia.  Cinnamon is truly a power spice. Just half a teaspoon daily can dramatically reduce blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes and lower cholesterol. Cayennepromotes circulation and boosts metabolism. Clove is an antifungal and abets toothaches. Nutrient-rich parsley is a detoxifying herb and acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic helping conditions from colic to indigestion. Rub it on itchy skin for instant relief! Sage is very beneficial in treating gum and throat infections. Sage tea has helped ease depression and anxiety for generations. Thyme is a cure for a hangover and doubles to alleviate colds and bronchitis. Cilantro is a good source of iron, magnesium, phytonutrients and flavonoids and is also high in dietary fiber. Cilantro has been used for thousands of years as a digestive, lowering blood sugar having hypoglycemic properties, possibly the result of stimulating insulin secretion. Ginger stimulates circulation and is an excellent digestive, aiding in absorption of food and rids bloat. Immune champion turmeric boosts production of antioxidants and reduction of inflammation. Blue Zone centenarians credit their long healthy life by drinking turmeric-root tea daily. Pack your pantry with these seasonings for optimal health and happiness.

Fire is heat and is the most visible form of energy. Fire is a powerful element, as it can transform and change the other elements. If you watch the flicker of your candle flame, the embers of your incense, or the blaze of your council fires, you will see a constant transmutation of matter. Fire has the ability to both excite and incite us, and fire is necessary to bring about change. Fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are known for their strength and vibrancy. They can maintain this by employing their personal element of fire. Candle magic is a simple, powerful, and direct way you can invoke your native element of fore. 

Light the Fire of Self-healing

The time you take to restore yourself is precious. Morning is the optimal time to perform a self blessing which will help you maintain both your physical health and provide an emotional boost. Lavender essential oil is the most popular essential oil the world today, but the benefits of lavender were actually discovered over 3000 years ago. Because of the deeply powerful calming and soothing effect as well as antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative tranquilizing  and antidepressive properties, lavender oil is simply wonderful even the scent brings joy. When King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923 in Egypt, a faint perfume of  lavender remained after 3,000 years. In the Bible, lavender was beloved as for anointing and healing. Lavender, let us count the ways we love you:

• Anxiety reduction and lessening emotional stress
• Protect against diabetes
• Improve brain function
• Headache reduction
• Healing burns and wounds
• Better sleep
• Brightens skin health and circulation
• Slows down aging with powerful antioxidants
• Pain relief

Alleviate headaches

Oftentimes, your kitchen is the heart of the home. Something about cooking and sharing food brings people together. An herbal wreath hanging on the kitchen door can be a source of love and luck. You’ll need the following for your creation: Freshly cut herbs of your choice, wire wreath frame, available from most craft stores,  either string or florist's wire, ribbon, and perhaps a hot glue gun\

Its been a rough week so do some sacred self care this weelend and tend the fire of your love life! 

We might call it kitchen witchery and our Scandinavian friends could say it is how we “get hygge,” which means to get as cozy as humanly possible. This newly trendy lifestyle tradition from the frozen north is not just for lazing about, though we greatly appreciate that aspect; it is also a very healthy way of living with sauna sessions, lots of herbal food and drink but also with your sweetheart, which is an immunity booster on its own.  Tea is a mainstay if you want to be comfy and doze and we feel sure wise women and hedge witches in Northern Europe were the first on the hygge bandwagon, For an ambrosial brew you can enjoy together, add a sliver of ginger root and a pinch each of echinacea and mint to a cup of hot black tea. Add a teaspoon of honey Now relax and enjoy!

Tinctures have also been used for millennia  and can be considered precious because they are so concentrated condensed.  Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of herbs. They are very potent and are taken by the dropperful, most often diluted in warm water or juice. Because they are so concentrated, they should be administered carefully and sparingly. (For chronic problems, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of a tincture three times daily.

Most tinctures are made with alcohol as the primary solvent. Do bear in mind that though the amount of alcohol is very small, many people choose not to use alcohol-based tinctures for a variety of sound reasons. Excellent tinctures can be made apple cider vinegar as the solvent. If you use alcohol, go be 80 to 100 proof and the best options vodka, gin or brandy. Because it will be diluted,  Half of the proof number is the percentage of alcohol in the spirits: 80-proof brandy is 40 percent alcohol; 100-proof vodka is 50 percent alcohol, as example. If dried herbs are used, a common ratio is 1 part dried plant material to 4 parts liquid) If fresh herbs are used, a common ratio is 1 part plant material to 1 part liquid. The fresh herbs have much more potency.