There seems to be unavoidable shifts going on in my life,

the kinds that even if I wanted to protest or put a stop to it there is no option,

time keeps moving on,

and yet standing still.

I am endlessly happy, but also have some sadness in my heart.

These are things that I grow stronger and better from.

I am learning to let go of control and just trust myself in return...

I have been living by the new Feist album.

It seems to be covering all the emotions I am feeling

and evoking all of the strength that my spirit needs.

I can't even really put it into words.

Lately I have been thankful for my knowledge of using plants as medicine,

Elderberry (syrup) has been a real comfort for this obstinate cough that seems to persist

and for the numerous herbal tea concoctions that I combine for health and for pleasure...

Have I ever mentioned how grateful I am for tea?

In my mind it is a perfect and invaluable medicine,

both for the body and the soul.

When I do consultations or educate others about herbal medicine

making tea is always the first and foremost remedy that I teach.

It is a wonderful way to be present in the process of your own healing.

It requires more than just swallowing a pill or gulping down a tincture.

You have to have patience,

to wait for the time to pass and then slowly sip...

There is a need for purpose.

The plant world has helped me find purpose.

It is a lifestyle and a passion, not just an interest, hobby or job.

It is steep in passion which creates relationships with these green spirits.

A quick Elderberry syrup recipe:

1 cup fresh (or 1/2 cup dried) elderberries (always the blue ones!)

3 cups water

1 cup honey

In a saucepan bring elderberries to a boil in the water, then reduce and simmer for 30-45 minutes.

When done, smash the berries and strain the mixture through a fine cheesecloth.

Add the cup of honey (or honey to taste, which is what I do because I never really measure anything!)

Bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Should keep for a few months.

*Optional to add while simmering:

Ginger

Echinacea

Astragalus

Happy medicine making!

...

Things that I am grateful for today:

-Tea.

-That spark in my solar plexus that makes me want to create...

and have a dance party, even if I'm all by myself.

-Knowledge... Of any kind, this directly connects us to the universe, to spirit.

-Laughter and good friends to share it with.

-Music that speaks directly to my soul.

What are you thankful today?

a few herbal receipts for you!

Ahh, thoughts of the warm and green months...

Tulips with motherwort in the backgroung.

Sun tea made with violets.

I love daffodils, they are so cheery and smell heavenly!

I love tea!

I drink tea all day long.

And not just black or green tea,

usually it is some sort of herbal tea,

many ingredients of which came from my garden.

During these long, dark and cold months

I am usually drinking tea and thinking about spring and summer.

And although I do love and need a winter hibernation,

I still long for the sunny, warm and green of spring and summer...

This is my one part of my garden, although it has some different plants from year to year.

This year it had cucumber (which we had too many of), watermelon (which didn't do much except vine out, hyssop (one of my favorites), calendula, poppies, chamomile, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, tomato, kale, broccoli, sweet peas and green beans, violets and pansies... and the list goes on!

I just made a lovely pot of chaga, maitake chai,

and I thought that I would share the receipt (as Tasha Tudor would have called it) with you!

I also am going to share my receipt for elderberry syrup which is a definite this time of year!

I am not very good at paying attention to directions

or measuring for that matter,

so please bear with me

and ask questions if does not end up to your liking!

...CHAI TEA...

(with or without chaga and maitake mushrooms,

which are great for immunity and the nervous system)

Ingredients:

2 qts. water

1 cinnamon stick

3 or so pods of cardamon

5-7 black peppercorns

5-7 whole cloves

1 star anise

or

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

1/2 to 1 inch fresh ginger roughly chopped

*optional

1-2 tbsp chaga chunks

1-2 tbsp maitake mushrooms (dried)

Add all ingredients into the water in a stainless steel or enamel pot.

Bring to a boil and then turn down and simmer for about 15 minutes.

When you are finished simmering,

strain as you pour into your most lovely of loveliest teawear.

(the spices can be reused and simmered again... and again...)

Add honey or maple syrup (I like maple syrup) to taste.

Add milk, cream, coconut milk, soymilk, or whatever you like that is creamy, to taste.

You can also add a little vanilla extract if you like!

Enjoy and feel your body be happy!!!

...Elderberry syrup...

This is a receipt from one of my herbal teachers, Rosemary Gladstar.

*a quick note:

Elderberries are a very weedy plant and grow most places in the united states and europe!

It might be a fun adventure if you can find someone who can help you identify them and harvest them yourself when they are in season!

But make sure it is the blue/black elderberries and not the red ones!

Also, don't eat the elderberries before they have been cooked.

And local, raw honey is the best for this medicinal syrup.

Since you don't boil the honey, only warm it enough to melt it,

you can still have all the healthful properties added by the honey!

So keep an eye out for a source for local and preferably raw honey!

Ingredients:

3 cups water

1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried elderberries

1 cup honey

Although they look red, these actually are the blue berries, they start to change color as they cook.

In a stainless steel or enamel pot, add water and elderberries.

Turn up heat and bring to a boil.

When boiling, turn down and simmer over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes.

Then smash up the berries and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth.

Add 1 cup honey (or to taste).

Bottle the syrup and make sure to keep it refridgerated!

This syrup will last 2 to 3 months.

Makes a wonderful gift!

***Optional herbs to add to the syrup:

Echinacea (1-2 tbsp dried)

maitake (1-2 tbsp dried)

Ginger (1-2 inches fresh and chopped up)

I hope you enjoy these receipts!

Have a great evening.

...BrittanButterfly...