Daily Deep Nourishment - August Newsletter
We have stepped into the space between a rare occurrence of two new Virgo moons this year, accented by the upcoming next wave of the eclipse season. This is deep reorganizational energy. Bigger than drawers or cabinets. It’s a restructuring of how we manifest what is coming from within us, and how to execute that manifestation on a daily basis. In our daily habits. And the precision with which Virgo energy operates is a honing of truth. Demanding it be spoken. Demanding all be done with efficiency and integrity. What are daily habits that will nourish? How do we integrate that which repletes?
Yin deficiency is a common pattern at this time of year. Summer is full of Yang energy– lots of activity and output during the long days can deplete Yin. Common Yin deficiency signs include dryness, inability to maintain a comfortable temperature, vertigo (or easily becoming light-headed), insomnia, and irritability. Yin tonifying herbs can bring repletion by allowing the body to hold more moisture in the mucosa and other tissues of the body. Yin tonics nourish the physical essence of the organs and typically nourish the parasympathetic nervous system either directly or indirectly. Sometimes even a small energetic shift can bring profound change emotionally and physically. We have physical resilience when Yin is nourished. We are patient and level headed, emotional centers replete.
To support Yin, we look toward that which is cooling, moisturizing, calming, nutritious, and stabilizing. Here, we’ll be exploring marshmallow, licorice, and shatavari. Nodding to the current astrology, a little bit of any of these herbs in the daily rhythm can go a long way.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) flowers. Author’s collection.
Marshmallow is a wonderfully slimy demulcent (moisturizing) herb that brings moisture and support to the mucosa, which lines our digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary systems. Marshmallow is also one of my favorite systemic anti-inflammatory herbs. This herb is a must-have in the desert, and I often add some extra root into whatever tea blend I am drinking throughout the peak of summer and the depth of winter to alleviate environmental dryness. The mucosa is our first line of defense for allergens in the air and contagious respiratory infections. When the mucosa is thin, dry, or cracked, it is more likely that contaminants will penetrate that line of defense and lead to an immune response. Marshmallow helps support a proper barrier function in all those mucosa-rich places where our bodies make contact with the outside world. Other mallow family plants can be used in a similar way, including the flowers of rose mallow (aka rose of Sharon), and the roots and flowers and seed balls of Malva neglecta, the small ubiquitous weed!
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) roots, freshly harvested and chopped for drying.
Author’s collection.
Licorice has a long history of use and is quite well known as a formula synergist – many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas have a small amount of licorice in them to harmonize the actions of the other herbs through its wide-reaching physiological effects. It is a demulcent adaptogen with an affinity for the lungs and a long history of use as an expectorant for dry coughs.1 (For more detailed description of how adaptogens work with the stress response, visit my previous newsletter on tulsi.) Licorice also has systemic action, including as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, immunomodulator, and antitoxic.1,2 It has also been well-studied for its protective effects on the liver and has been used to protect the liver in autoimmune cases, hepatitis, and has been shown to protect the liver from the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.3
Licorice is known for its contraindications because it can increase blood pressure if taken long term.2 However, for Yin deficient individuals who have low blood pressure and have a hard time staying hydrated, regular licorice intake can be incredibly supportive. Short-term moderate use for coughs and respiratory ailments is generally considered safe, but individuals with high blood pressure might want to monitor it. It has a sweet and delicious flavor, so this is another herb I am frequently adding into my tea blends. A little flavor PSA – the standard black licorice candy flavor is based on fennel and anise, so if you are a person that is averse to that flavor, give licorice herb a try before you write it off.
Shatavari is the Yin sister to well-known ashwagandha. An ancient Ayurvedic adaptogen, it has a long history of use as a fertility tonic.3 It is also antispasmodic, immunomodulating and gastroprotective.1 Most fertility tonics address a deep deficiency, and shatavari does so effectively, allowing the body to uptake nutrients, modulate the stress response, and generally moisten dry tissues. With this herb, I notice a felt sense of repletion in only a few days, and as with most adaptogens and long-term tonics, the effects get deeper and more profound with time. I like to combine it with hawthorn berry and licorice to shift insomnia patterns.
Rose mallow (Hibiscus syriacus) is generous with blooms from June-October and is a favortite of hummingbirds. I love it when I find flowers that persist in finding the light! Also known as rose of Sharon. Flowers that dry on the plant can be gathered for tea. Author’s collection.
Despite the continuing summer, I received a reminder that cold and flu season is fast upon us when my kids got a stubborn cold on the first week of school. I’m going to do a deeper dive on fending off the funk in the next month or two, but I want to leave you with three of my favorite prevention strategies.
1 – Sundial’s Immune Tonic formula, or another astragalus-based formula, on the daily from now until fall.
2 - A saline nasal spray to use if you’ve been around sick people or feel vulnerable to getting sick.
3 – Any of the following formulas to have on hand if you feel like you might be starting to get sick: Get Well Remedy, Viral Rescue, or Lymph Flush. Nipping it in the bud is the most effective way to use herbs when sick.
AT THE APOTHECARY
We have capacity for new wholesale clients! If you know of a place that would be a great fit to sell Sundial products, reach out and let me know.
I also have more time availability to schedule clients – check out the updated calendar here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are getting ready for an exciting couple of days with the Moab Women’s Festival. I’ll be teaching classes on September 13th and vending at the event on the 14th. Classes include Body Care from the Kitchen Cabinet and Rest and Digest: Optimizing the Digestive System. Get tickets and find out more at https://moabwomensfestival.org/
1 Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Healing Arts Press.
2 Bensky, D., & Gamble, A. (1993). Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica. Eastland Press.
3 Khalsa, K.P., & Tierra, M. (2008). The way of Ayurvedic Herbs. Lotus Press.