.....bring the outside in

Yogis,

When you hear the word medicine what comes to mind?  Do you imagine taking a pill or measuring out a teaspoon of liquid? In the world of earth medicine, that isn’t always the case. Earth medicine works with the qualities of plants, minerals and animals to bring holistic wellness to the body, mind and spirit. A different type of prescription.

Yes, you can use herbs in cooking or make tinctures and powders from plants for internal consumption and there are times for all of these. Herbed oils for the skin and herbal vinegars for the immune system. Other times though, we don’t even need to go that far.

Simply being with the plants and minerals can serve as our medicine. And with the cold dreary days of winter and all the indoor time the season brings, this can still be easy! 

Look outside and spot the green. Holly trees with their red berries. Evergreen bushes, bamboo and pine trees. All make beautiful cuttings to place in bud vases throughout the house, bringing in both joy and aroma. Bedside tables, kitchen islands and bathroom shelves all provide a fresh perspective when something live returns your gaze.

A pinecone sitting at the kitchen sink warms the soul. The rock that caught your eye on your walk (they do sometimes wave) placed next to the computer will be more than happy to help ground you when things become chaotic. Knobby sticks can be a piece of art in your centerpiece. Be creative. Everything in nature offers beauty when you look closely.

When Valentine's Day rolls around be sure to cut off the spent blooms from any flowers you receive. Lay them out somewhere that they can breathe while drying. Rose petals in your bath water moisten the skin and set a tone for self-love. Much needed in this cold dry air.  

And one of my very favorite prescriptions in February is to cut some twigs from the forsythia bushes and put them in a mason jar with water. In two weeks, their smiling yellow blossoms will be lighting up the room and your mood. A cure for the winter blues and a reminder that spring is not far behind. 

So when you can’t be out…….bring the outside in! She will heal you.

And did I mention she’s free?
SARAH