Wild Violet - Zi Hua Di Ding

Wild violets can be found easily in your backyard, on a bike path or between sidewalk cracks. Violet goes to the heart, liver and lung channel. Wild Violet is very common throughout North America. There are approximately 550 species in the Viola genus. The flowers and leaves are edible and can be added to a salad. Flowers can be collected and any number of preparations can be made, such as violet vinegar, syrup, tincture, lemonade, body butter, infused with aloe, the possibilities are endless.

In Western herbal medicine violet has been used historically for respiratory conditions, it can be used in a syrup for sore throats, dry hacking cough, dryness, yin deficiency in the upper respiratory tract and swollen lymph nodes. It has also historically been used in Western herbal medicine to soften tumors and has a long tradition as an adjunct treatment for cancer. Violet is an alternative herb, meaning it cleanses the blood. It is cooling in nature and moistening making it good for yin deficiency. The leaves are high in vitamin A, C and rutin and quercetin. Both in Chinese and Western medicine Violet has been used for skin disorders such as eczema and can be used as a poultice or compress for inflammatory skin disorders.
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Lilac - Yuan Hua

This is one of my favorite flowers in Spring! Lilac is an aromatic and bitter herb. The aroma is absolutely an antidepressant and it is used for depression and anxiety. In North America we see the Lilac flower bloom anywhere from early to late May. It is also known as Mountain Lilac. The flowers are edible. Historically in American folk medicine Lilac has been used in wound healing, for rashes or sunburns, inflammatory skin conditions and the treatment of parasites.

​Historically the flowers have been used for GI disturbances such as gas, bloating and constipation. Lilac has stringent qualities which make it very useful in tightening the skin, fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. It can be used as a toner or hydrosol. In Chinese medicine lilac is going to the lungs, kidneys and large intestine. The flowers are warm, acrid and bitter. In Chinese medicine they can be used to eliminate phlegm and relieve cough in chronic bronchitis. It is also moving qi in such conditions as accumulation of fluid such as edema and ascites. It can be used for colds and flu to clearing hot phlegm in the body by working to clear stubborn coughs, bronchitis and lung infections. One of my favorite flower honeys to make is lilac honey.  ​Use a honey local to your area. Fill the jar with fresh lilac flowers and leave a small amount of room at the top. Let sit for up to 6 weeks. You can strain the flowers out or leave them in when it is done. ​

Lavender Flowers - Xun Yi Cao

Lavender flowers have a long history of uses from depression, headache relief, sleep, insomnia, anxiety,  skin disorders, menopause and digestive upset.  Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family.  Dating back over 2,500 years lavender originally came from the middle east, the mediterranean and India.  Lavender is a cooling herb going to the Liver, Lung and Pericardium channel.  
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Traditionally lavender bundles were placed in the hands of women during labor to give them courage and strength.  In addition, the scent, contributed to easing anxiety and stress during childbirth.  Lavender flowers have a very high concentration of volatile oils which make it excellent in steam inhalations and herbal baths.  Lavender flowers can also deter  insects.  It can be bundled and added to clothing draws to deter moths as well.   
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The lavender scent is most widely known for its use as a nervine for depression, anxiety and stress.  Dried lavender bundles can be hung in the house or by the bed to aide in sleep.  It is also very good for children who have trouble sleeping or with nightmares.  Lavender tea can be taken at night to also aide with sleep, calm anxiety and depression. Lavender is also excellent for irritability or a sense of disconnection, conflict or "stuck" emotions.   

Lavender essential oil is a very safe essential oil to apply topically and is very effective for minor skin irritations such as bug bites, itchy skin and eczema.   The essential oil can also be added to a steam inhalation for headaches or to open the chest in cases of chest tightness.    This is also a very common essential oil used with children.   Diffusing it throughout the house can help with anxiety or emotions running high in kids and teens.  Recents studies have found Lavender essential oil can reduce cortisol levels, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. It has also been used for normalizing blood sugar levels in adults and children.  

Lavender is also a respiratory relaxant and bronchodilator, making it very useful for spasmodic asthma, chest tightness, cough and whooping cough.   It has also traditionally been used as a digestive herb as an anti-emetic, (vomiting), digestive conditions exasperated by stress such as Irritable bowel, colic, spasmodic digestive conditions.  

Lavender lemonade is one of my absolute favorites.  Use a handful of fresh lavender and add  to 2 cups of boiling water, let sit for 15 minutes.  Add 2 tablespoons agave.  Squeeze 1 cup fresh lemons.  Strain the lavender from mixture and combine with the lemon juice.  Add ice and serve.  

Reishi - Ling Zhi -spiritual mushroom -As far back as 221 to 207 B.C. there is evidence of the use of Reishi as a medicinal.  Reishi which is a reddish brown color and fan snapped grows on dead or dying trees and seems to prefer hemlocks. It was discussed in the the classic chinese herbal texts.   Ling Zhi is a mushroom known for its immune boosting properties, known for longevity, cell regenerative and promoting health.   
It belongs to the Gandoderma genus. It enters the lungs, heart and liver.  Reishi is known for its immune enhancing properties, by increasing macrophages, monocytes a T-lymphocytes in the body.  Research also shows Reishi as possessing anti-cancer qualities by producing cytokine, interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.   Reishi also has anti-bacterial activities against pneumonia, streptococci, E. coli, and staphylococci.
Reishi protect the body from stress, as an adaptogen, reishi assists the body in overcoming everyday exposure to environmental toxins and  immune-boosting potential.
Reishi enters the lungs and aids in stopping cough and resolving phlegm.  It is working to dispel phlegm and stop wheezing, making it useful for asthma and shortness of breadth. ​
Reishi can be taken in tincture form, powder, tea, or added to a formula in combination with other traditional formula for synergistic effect.  

Echinacea agustafolia -  purple coneflower - Echinacea has been used by traditional herbalist in american folk medicine and native american medicine since the early 1800's .  It is a quintessential herb for building  immunity in the body.  There are over 9 species of Echinacea found in throughout  the United States and Canada.  The most common are Echinacea augustafolia and Echinacea purpurea. Echinacea is very common throughout North America and likes to grow in rocky disturbed soil and open fields.  Research shows echinacea increases production of white blood cell in the body, making it useful as an antibiotic herb and antiviral.  It is going to the stomach, large Intestine and lung meridian.  It treats nasal discharge accompanied by infection in the body.   It is supportive in upper respiratory illnesses, it has stimulating and regulating effect in the body.  In Chinese medicine we would say it is clearing heat and treating fever in the body as well.    
Historically it has also been known as a blood purifier and "cleanser,"  with this it is excellent at treating boils, abscesses, skin lesions, swollen lymph glands, ulcerative throat and mouth inflammation.  
The root is harvested in the fall.  This root can be made into a tincture and then used throughout the winter to stay healthy.  The dried root can also be used as tea or decoction.  

We always recommend you consult an experienced practitioner of Chinese medicine who has studied eastern herbal medicine before trying a herbal remedy, as it may not be appropriate for your constitution or  pattern for your condition.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information  is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and for  educational purposes only.

Stay Hydrated 
Staying hydrated during the winter months is essential for your health.  Often during the winter we are consuming less liquids than we do in summer months but your skin actually needs more hydration during the winter.  Although water alone will not be enough to hydrate your skin in the winter it is part of the equation. 
An excellent way to do this is with hot water and lemon.  I also love water with fresh ginger and lemon.  Ginger (ShengJiang) is a warming herb going to the lungs, spleen and Stomach. Ginger naturally stimulates digestion and reduces inflammation in the body.  ​
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Moisturizing 
Coconut oil an excellent moisturizer for your face in the winter months.  Coconut oil fights free radical damage, possibly due to its high levels of ferulic & p-coumaric acid, and its natural antioxidant properties keep your skin nourished in the winter.  Apply coconut oil after you shower to lock in moisture.  
Essential oils such as vetivere or spikinard can also be added to coconut oil to nourish dry skin.  
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Do not over exfoliate in the winter this will only further dry your skin.  

Eat omega-rich foods.  
Omega-3s are essential part of your skin’s lipid content and help boost the barrier function, this will act like a seal that keeps moisture in.
Foods such as  avocado, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, salmon and walnuts are especially high in these "good fats."

Herbal teas have historically been used during the winter months not only to maintain health but also treat winter ailments.  The warming properties of these teas make them invaluable during colder months.   Often times people feel winter is a time for hibernation!  Although winter is a good time for quiet time and self reflection it can also be an amazing time to enjoy the outdoors and all the activities we have only during these months.  With a few special herbs we should be confident in our bodies ability to adapt to colder weather and enjoy the wonders of winter.

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                                          Fall is Here! 5 Quick Tips To Keep Your Kids Healthy This Fall!

1.  HAND WASHING   
I know this sounds to simple to be true.  Washing your hands is the #1 thing your kids can do to prevent  cross contamination.  Meaning - if you wash your hands a lot, you are much less likely to get sick. It is best to wash hands with soap, lather and rinse.  If you do not have access to soap and water because you are on the run, use wipes or a hand sanitizer with Etheyl alcohol. I have my kids wash their hands upon entering the house, before eating, after getting off the subway or train, and a million times in between. We were recently at an amusement park, I handed out wipes after almost every ride! They laughed at me, but no one is sick. Its simply, fast and usually FREE. Hand washing isn't just for kids! One of my favorites is from Whole Foods and can be found here.

In Chinese medicine Spring is the time of year for detox.  A spring cleanse can be very beneficial for the body to detox from the winter.   Giving your body a fresh start for summer.  What is great about many of these herbs is that you can find them in your back yard!  Dandelion for example is a very common herb seen right outside your door!  Many of these herbs have been used for hundreds of years as traditional remedies to cleanse the liver.   The liver in Chinese medicine is known as the organ responsible to helping to detox the body.   
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A few simple things go a long way in keeping you healthy during cold & flu season! Something as simple as washing your hands frequently throughout the day will make a huge difference in preventing cold & flu. There are some key herbs and supplements that I use to keep my patients healthy during this time of year. 

​Having friends over? Throwing a summer barbecue? Or want a refreshing drink to cool you down on muggy days? This amazing Ginger Lemonade recipe will chill you out! Not to mention, it has countless health benefits.