Quarantine Journal : Emily Rose Shaw, Plant-Based Holistic Health Coach

Emily Rose Shaw is a Plant-Based Holistic Health Coach based in Los Angeles.

She shares with us her daily flow and reflections during this time of personal space in quarantine that we all are experiencing together.

Self-Care Flow

These extended periods of time at home can be the perfect opportunity to establish some new health-promoting habits - not just during a pandemic - but for the long term. Health and a robust immune system are really the reflection of all the consistent little habits we practice daily.

At the top of my immune-boosting list is sleep, as it's directly linked to the strength of the immune system. According to Ayurveda, the oldest complete holistic health system originating from India, getting to bed by 10pm allows you to maximize the natural detoxification processes the body goes through. I've been rising early most days, about 6am to sit and read with my tea (yerba mate) before meditating. The foods I've been favoring are hot, freshly cooked meals, a lot of soups and kitchari, the traditional Ayurvedic stew of lentils and rice which is so easy to digest and absolutely delicious! I'm cooking with a lot of spices; curry powder, turmeric, mustard seeds, cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seed, coriander, fennel seed and fresh ginger root. Breakfast has been some version of a stewed fruit bowl, lots of cooked apples and pears with spices that make it taste like pie filling - and then I'll layer in superfoods, quinoa flakes or oats, coconut butter, almond milk, protein powder and cardamom. I've been buying my veggies at the Hollywood Farmers Market or purchasing a CSA box through Flamingo Estate to support our local farmers and load up on immune-boosting fresh produce.

The Spring time is also an ideal time to cleanse the body of toxins that accumulate in the fatty tissue over the winter months. The extra time at home is perfect for a deeper cleanse experience. I just started a 14 day cleanse by world renowned Ayurvedic expert Dr. John Douillard of LifeSpa called the Colorado Cleanse, which is designed to eliminate even the harder to purge fat soluble toxins, detox the lymphatic system and reset digestion. It is largely a non-fat kitchari diet which provides nourishment and protein while extremely healing to the digestive tract. In addition, drinking melted ghee upon rising pulls the fat-soluble toxins down and helps to repair the intestinal walls. Ayurvedic cleansing is truly amazing, the most complete I know of.

Another wonderful self-care practice is expressing your creativity! Whatever that means for you. Recently I’ve reconnected with my background in art and have been having a lot of fun tying digital collage into my health coaching practice. I’m a big believer in finding ways to unite all your passions into purely unique expressions of yourself and the lens through which you see the world. 

Movement

I’ve been walking or practicing yoga daily. I was hiking every other day, but with the trails closed I go for walks up the canyon roads that have an incline, it's really beautiful. Getting out into nature everyday is a must. At the end, sometimes I'll take my shoes off and stand barefoot in the grass to ground. I'm also practicing yoga at home with Bryan Kest's Poweryoga.com that I've enjoyed for over a decade. I like the options to filter for the perfect class, whatever your mood.

Favorite Products

I like Organic Tulsi Tea, Traditional Medicinals Echinacea Plus Tea, in addition to my regular Eco Teas Yerba Mate or matcha I'll drink daily. I've really been taking this opportunity to practice food as medicine, and have been making a daily decoction of mint, black peppercorns, cloves, tulsi leaves, chopped ginger root and cinnamon stick which helps my lungs breathe deeper. I also love Flora Ex Machina’s Royal Ghee - both the Original Flavor which is chock full of greens perfect for Springtime, and the Gold Flavor which is specifically formulated to help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Every ingredient is meticulously sourced and is pure medicine while also tasting like delicious frosting. 

Mental and spiritual practice

The spiritual practice I've adored my entire life, since my mother taught me at age 10 is Transcendental Meditation. I practice it twice daily and it helps to relieve stress at a very deep level. Another practice so effective for the nervous system, lymphatic system, ridding the body of toxins, skin health, mental clarity, healthy muscles and joints and a deep sleep aid is abhyanga, self-oil massage. I have been practicing it daily at the end of the day. It makes such a difference! You can create a little spa environment at home to deeply rejuvenate. Warm the sesame or coconut oil gently in a pan and sit on an old towel in the bedroom or bathroom. Give yourself a massage (see link above for instructions), light some incense, a candle or aromatherapy, play some relaxing music or listen to a podcast. It’s heaven. 

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Emily Rose Shaw is a plant-based Holistic Health Coach based in Los Angeles.

Connect with Emily: emilyroseshaw.com | @emilyroseshaw_

Top 6 Anti-Virals

By: Sima Morrison

With many things going on in our world these days, it is important that we keep our bodies strong. We wanted to focus on some natural anti-virals that are worth having in your holistic medicine cabinet right now. These supplements can support boosting your immune system from colds and viruses. Taking care of yourself during these stressful times is the most important thing you can do. Practicing mediation, salt baths, grounding nature walks, a nutrient balanced diet, and being kind to yourself are essential for a happy balanced you.

Olive Leaf Extract

For thousands of years, Mediterranean cultures have been using parts of the olive tree to treat many health challenges. The leaf is extremely powerful. Studies have shown that the leaf has been effective in treating infections, inflammation and high blood pressure. The polyphenol compound oleuropein has immune boosting, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. We always have this in the house and use it during flu season and it really helps strengthen the immune system.

Oregano Oil

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb that is a member of the mint family (Labiatae). This carvacrol oil helps assist fighting bacteria. This is used to treat the common cold, strep throat and supports the immune system. This potent herb contains properties that are antiviral and anti-fungal. Oil of oregano contains two powerful compounds called carvacrol and thymol, both of which have been shown in studies to have strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Oregano oil is considered a natural alternative to prescription antibiotics.

Zinc

Zinc is a type of metal and an essential trace element. Present within all bodily tissue and needed for healthy cell division, it acts like an antioxidant within the body, fighting free-radical damage and slowing the aging process. Zinc plays an important role keeping your body healthy from cold and flus. You can also get zinc from your diet as well. Zinc plays a large role in supporting the liver and warding off unfriendly microorganisms, bugs and viruses.

Black Elderberry

Strengthens the immune system and its health benefits include naturally improving sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, and histamine issues. When used in the early stages of showing signs of a cold it can help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu.  The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immuno-stimulant effects.

Cat’s Claw

There are many uses for the bark and root of cat’s claw. This powerful herb is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It’s also used to protect the digestive tract. Cat’s Claw is a great way to boost up the immune system during cold and flu season. If you're around people who are sick or you feel something coming on you can make cat’s claw into an herbal tea. The best way to consume cat’s claw regularly is by making an herbal tea with a tablespoon of the herb in eight ounces of water.

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most powerful natural antivirals against human viruses. It contains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This helps decrease the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. Echinacea is best when used before you feel a cold coming on or when you are in a situation where the body is stressed.

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist and herbalism student, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body, embracing the liberty and power of mindful living. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Science in Public Health Education from California State University Northridge and studied Holistic Nutrition at The Natural Healing Institute.

The Mt. Shasta Reset

This is not your average retreat. It is a rare opportunity to have the full attention of health experts of this caliber for 5 days, 4 nights offering you the complete mind-body reset. The setting is in Mt. Shasta, one of the highest frequency vortexes in the United States, well known for significant healings and transformations. The retreat is led by Sima Morrison, chief editor of House of Citrine, known for her ability to shift others into a higher vibrational consciousness. Dr. Christine Surrago, top Naturopathic Doctor in Los Angeles will be providing her full presence and knowledge, hands on healing, German Biological Medicines, Bioresonance and Injections. She is known for medical intuition, being able to see subtle energy layers in the body with accuracy, getting to the bottom of illness and disease in the body and subsequently guiding you into balancing and healing from within. To sign up, please visit Conscious City Guide.

We will be staying at Guru Shasta, a brand new eco retreat center. It is set in a light, airy, modern forest retreat minutes away from Stewart Mineral Hot Springs (see below). Private and shared rooms are available within the home and there will also be glamping available for those who love to be closer to nature in the comforts of a plush decorated Lotus Bell Tent. Being in this forest retreat is extremely grounding and nourishing and you will sleep like you never have before.

GuruShasta.com

Our food menu has been inspired and expertly crafted by Sima Morrison and Dr. Surrago. Their expertise in designing healing menus is unparalleled. Every morning enjoy tonics, celery juice and fresh spring water to wake up your cells and cleanse your lymphatics and blood from all the cellular repair from resting so deeply the night before. Lunches will be fresh herbs, organic salads, vegetables, fruits and summer rolls. Dinners will be warm and grounding. Before you attend, we would also like to know your food intolerances and some of your favorite dishes so that we can take good care of you.

We will be visiting Mt. Shasta.  Mt. Shasta has a way of calling people to her.  If you are reading this, this may be your calling.  Sima and Dr. Surrago will be guiding you in meditations throughout the meadows and forests.  Mt. Shasta is known for its ability to heighten your consciousness and open different portals within your consciousness.  We will be providing notebooks and will be checking in with you as you have the profound experience of Mt. Shasta.  

In the late afternoon we soak in the potent Stewart Mineral Hot Springs.  Stewart is located on sacred Native American grounds.  The minerals in the water relax your muscles and mind, clear your skin and can help with elevating your mood.  Dr. Surrago advises each attendee on how to perform hydrotherapy for their unique needs for complete blood, lymph and cellular cleansing.  She often recommends cold plunges to invigorate the body. 

Dr. Surrago will be offering multiple health appointments to attendees throughout the retreat.  Her appointments include a thorough intake, assessment and information from the CyberScan.  From here, Dr. Surrago will advise you on what you need to do to balance your body.  She uses several healing modalities including craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, homeopathy, bioresonance, neural therapy.  These therapies are all designed to bring your body into greater balance and strength so that the healing comes from within.

Sima Morrison is known as an educator of the conscious holistic lifestyle.  She beautifully sets the tone for the retreat through intention.  Intention is a moment of bringing the mind and spirit back into alignment.  She has been leading intention for years with profound results the continue on far beyond her intention circle.  With her powerful words and botanicals used to open your body, you will gently shed layers of trauma and limiting beliefs, so that your true divine power can shine through. She looks forward to seeing your life unfold just as you intended. 

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Accommodations 

Forest Room

• Shared Bedroom

• Shared Bathroom

• 2 Queen Size Beds

• Organic Cotton Sheets

• $3200 per ticket

Alpaca Room

• Private Room

• Shared Bathroom

• 1 Queen Sized Bed

• Organic Cotton Sheets

• $4200

Large Lotus Bell Tent

• Glamping!

• Private Room

• Queen Sized Bed

• Organic Cotton Sheets

• Beautiful, modern outdoor shared bathroom

Cedar Lotus Tent, Shared Room

• Glamping for two!

• $3200 per ticket ($1000 savings)

• Two twin beds

• Organic Cotton Sheets

• Beautiful, modern outdoor shared bathroom

Pine Lotus Tent

• Glamping for two!

• $3200 per ticket ($1000 savings)

• Two twin beds

• Organic Cotton Sheets

• Beautiful, modern outdoor shared bathroom

Sproutcraft Creamery: Artisanal Nut-Based Cheeses

Interview with Chris Rayman, Founder of Sproutcraft

Photos by: Emily J. Hara / @grassmaven

How did Sprout Craft Creamery get inspired?

Sproutcraft was inspired mostly by my dedication in striving for using the highest quality products that one can get and in this case - not get. Most vegan cheese you can buy in a store are generally made with low quality ingredients and cheap fillers. Also, they tend to lack true aged flavor that you automatically associate with good quality cheese, vegan or not. Naturally working in plant-based kitchens for a number of years as a chef, I experimented and eventually found methods that worked well. This enabled me to use the cheeses I make on menus I develop, or for private events I'm hired to do not having to rely on unsatisfactory or inferior cheese product.

What makes your plant-based cheese different than other vegan cheese on the market?

The cheeses I make differ in regards to the specific type or style of cheese. For instance, the hard aged wheels are aged a minimum of 10-12 weeks for flavor and texture and are firm enough to be grated over foods. Vegan cheeses sold in stores are usually aged a maximum of 4-6 weeks to move product quickly and keep sales higher. The brie and blue bloomy rind wheels I produce are a speciality on their own because this style is not something even available in stores currently except in Europe. The same with the ashed "chèvre" style I make as well, it's not a style you can find in stores currently. Also, I process and dehydrate my own things like tomato powder, turmeric powder, nettles, as flavoring and or coloring in the cheeses. Organic and local ingredients are used exclusively or whenever possible. Also, the packaging or cheese paper is biodegradable made from cellophane and no plastics are used in selling of the product.

How does the fermenting process work? How does the bacteria from your cheese benefit our gut?

The fermentation process works by soaking cashews 6-8 hours then blending into raw cream and adding bacterial cultures and incubating for a period of time to change or lower the ph to be slightly more acidic. This provides an ideal environment for the cultures to produce lactic acid. This lactic acidification makes nut milk a safer food by affecting the flavor and texture as pathogenic and contamination bacteria do not grow in a ph of 4.6 or lower. The bacteria present in the cheeses therefore have a dual purpose: first to protect from unwanted bacteria from growing and as a natural gut aid in consuming them. They help feed our microbiome bringing us to better gastrointestinal health.

What is your self-care ritual before you create your recipes?

I don't really have a self care ritual before I make recipes but in general I like to surf, play guitar, hike, bike, daily meditation and a somewhat consistent yoga practice.

What is your favorite quote?

A favorite quote by Friedrich Nietzsche from Thus Spoke Zarathustra, "God is Dead"

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from listening and playing music; living in beautiful Santa Barbara with the ocean and the mountains; and having the opportunity daily to help people transition form the standard American diets to more plant-based, cleaner eating.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on getting Sproutcraft to market and scaling to do commercial production. I am looking to partner with Y’Not Organic juice bar in Pismo beach, which I consulted to open in fall 2017, to launch Sproutcraft commercially. Also, I organize and run pop up dinners with @terraadcaelum locally in Santa Barbara and I have a class coming up on nut-based cheese making @Samasamakitchen on 3/25.

What are 3 things in your holistic medicine cabinet that you cant live without?

1. cannabis oil balm

2. palo santo essential oil

3. sun potion pine pollen.

Where can we buy your cheese?

Currently the only way to buy Sproutcraft cheeses is directly through me personally as I do not yet sell it in stores or online. I do frequent the Santa Barbara farmers market and sell cheeses during.

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Chef Christopher Rayman began his career learning classic french culinary in upscale gourmet kitchens. Deciding not to attend culinary school, he was primarily self-taught and gained invaluable experience in the restaurants that began his career. It was his time working alongside other highly-skilled chefs that shaped his experience learning their techniques and methods to develop his foundation of cooking. After years of working in the industry, Rayman made the decision to invest in his own health by introducing an all plant-based diet. 

His classic culinary training juxtaposed with the adoption of the avant-garde, modern food movement, forged his own style and philosophy toward food. With the personal change to a plant-based diet, his progression and love of artisanal cheesemaking led him to experiment with non-dairy options. Using nuts as his base, his favorites being cashew and macadamia, Rayman borrows from traditional methods of cheesemaking to create authentic dairy-style cheeses. 

Years of testing countless recipes and preparations led Rayman to become a leader in the process of fermentation and non-dairy cheesemaking in the Santa Barbara area. His presentations, along with his remarkable cheeses, have led to the beginning of Sproutcraft; a highly sought after delicacy in Southern California. What began as a personal interest in 2010 has developed into a highly anticipated small scale operation. Small batch, organic, and handcrafted, the cheeses are a stand alone in a market of alternative-dairy options.

Visit Sproutcraft to learn more.

Top 10 Products We Love For March

1. Jack’s Paleo Coconut Raisin Cookies

These cookies are off the hook! They are completely paleo and made with grass-fed collagen. This family-run company practices high standards in everything they make including keeping all their cookies grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free, and non-gmo. You no longer have to crunch on cardboard imitations of these nostalgic little treats. We can safely say they are better than REAL oatmeal raisin cookies.

2. Smartwool Base Layer

Layer these bad boys under your clothes to keep you warm and cozy as we wait out the last few weeks of winter. This base layer is 100% Marino wool which is so comfortable and beautifully soft to touch. It also offers a slim fit which is perfect as a single layer for chilly morning exercise without dealing with bulky outerwear. 

3. The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection by Michael A. Singer

If you were captivated by The Untethered Soul, you will absolutely love this follow-up memoir by Michael Singer of an inspiring true-life story about what happens when you just let go. When you surrender to what is, and live your life with authenticity, it has the potential to radically transform your life. This book will open you up to the power of saying yes to the universe.

4. Vimergy’s B-12

When Anthony Williams likes a product, he will shout it from the rooftops. And Vimergy’s product line is no different. Williams speaks so highly of this family-run business because of their ethical sourcing, clean processing, and intentional production to give us the highest-quality product possible. Vimergy’s B-12 is a powerful blend of methylcobalamin and adenosycobalamin potentially offering the most highly-absorbable product in the market today.

5. Mystic Art Medicine Deck

The artwork alone is a powerful moving force of divine energy. Cher Lyn created this 64-card deck to assist and inspire your healing journey. The Mystic Art Medicine deck is a self-empowering tool with the potential to awaken and assist you in accessing higher choices, truths for yourself and open you more into an authentic way of being. We love pulling a card in the morning to set the tone for an aligned and inspired day.

6. Brad’s Cheddar Veggie Chips

Sometimes a girl just needs a savory crunchy snack to get through that afternoon slump. But the fried, over-salted chips just aren’t supporting our beautiful mind and body. Enter: Brad’s Veggie Chips. Unlike other vegetable chips you see on the market, these chips are air-dried, never fried. And the ingredient list is basically everything you’d add to your salad bowl. Every ingredient is uber intentional and thought-out. They even added turmeric to aid digestion. These guys think of everything!

7. Schmidt's Wondermint with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

We brush our teeth to wipe away all the accumulated toxins in our mouth so why would use a toothpaste full of chemical compounds to wash them away? Using Schmidt’s Wondermint Activated Charcoal toothpaste allows us to get the sparkling clean teeth we want without the added toxins. The toothpaste is dye-free, paraben-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and fluoride-free and the activated charcoal provides just the right scrubbing power to keep your pearly whites shining bright. It even leaves a light minty taste in your mouth.

8. Vybes Ambiance 09 Candle

The perfect candle to bask in the aroma, cozying up to a good book or relaxing in a hot bath at the end of a day. Hand-poured in Los Angeles, this candle has rich citrus & herb notes blended with spices and leading to a finish of sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, amber & musk. Melt away in its luxury. 

9. Sudio Regent Headphones

The cutest and sleekest headphones to help you jam-out to your next destination. These wireless, bluetooth enabled headphones use the latest sound technology for impeccable clarity and top-notch quality. They even offer personalization with custom designed interchangeable caps for each ear. Super cute for on-the-go and the perfect gift for your bestie.

 10. Lulu’s CBD Chocolate

Want a decadent treat with a side of serious relaxation? Lulu’s CBD Chocolate is one of my favorite go-to treats that just happens to have the cleanest ingredients as a raw, vegan, and organic blissful indulgence. Lulu’s incorporates specific CBD compounds called Terpenes that have shown to work synergistically with other compounds of the plant, like cannabinoids, known as the “bliss chemical.” Simply put, when you ingest chocolate with the cannabis plant, the effects of both substances are made stronger and last longer. Not a bad way to end the day. 

Top 10 Products We Love For January

1. Culina Strawberry Rose Probiotic Coconut Yogurt 

Purely made with coconut cream, organic strawberries, maple syrup, rose water, agar and probiotic cultures, this is one of our new favorite non-dairy yogurts. Such delicate and sweet flavors from the strawberries, maple syrup and rose, it gives our morning chia seed puddings a splash of color and healthy goodness.

2. Kroeger Herb Wormwood Combination

This is our all time favorite combination blend for the gut. We take it traveling and whenever we have stomach issues. It is made in vegetarian capsules with black walnut, wormwood, quassia, cloves, and male fern root. And we recently found out it does wonders for our skin, clearing blemishes and acne.

3. Ophora Whole Home Water Systems

These custom designed water systems restore municipal tap water to its purest natural state, delivering safe and nourishing water throughout your home. Unlike other water purification systems, only Ophora water systems offer the option of adding health-enhancing oxygen throughout your home. It also adds health-enriching oxygen through oxygen therapy and purification. Closest we get to spring water.

4. Four Sigmatic Superfood Serum

“Beautify from the outside in with a serum you should eat.” Made with Avocado Oil, Organic Olive Fruit Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopheryl, Reishi spore oil, Tsubaki oil, Grapefruit Peel oil, Frankincense oil, and Honeysuckle, our favorite fun-guys have created a serum that is not only amazing for the skin, but amazing for your whole body systems. The topical serum fights fine lines, maintains skin elasticity and hydrates.

5. Oregon Brineworks Ginger Roots

Organic, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, GMO-free, no vinegar – all the buzz words we love to hear. This probiotic brine made with gold beets, carrots, filtered water, ginger and Himalayan salt is peppery, zesty and god dang delicious. It keeps out guts healthy during this winter season, while spicing up our rice and salad dishes. 

6. Beekeepers Naturals B-LXR Brain Fuel

This brain boosting formula is our new energizing kick for our mid-day slumps. The weather makes us want to stay in bed, but with B-LXR we can fight brain fog, hack productivity, increase energy and support natural memory. Great alternative to caffeine. 

7. Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon

An oldie but goodie, it reminds us that although we love our Anthony William protocols, it’s important to incorporate all healthy foods into our diet, not just one. Eat what is right for you. This book focus on the benefits of healthy fats in your diet and how they affect our body systems. They cover the benefits of traditional fats and oils, problems with our modern food systems and soy, proper preparation of foods and so much more. Find the diet that fits for you

8. Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set

We are having trouble getting out of bed lately thanks to our beyond soft Bamboo sheets. Made with luxurious fabric of 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell, these sheets are also extremely breathable, thermoregulating and hypoallergenic. So silky and available in coffee, grey, navy, aubergine, white, light blue, Includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, two standard size pillowcases.

9. Bon Certified Organic Tampons

Made with premium certified organic cotton, we trust and feel safe using Bon tampons. They come in a variety of sizes and we especially love supporting Bon as with each purchase, they donate a Travel pack of tampons on your behalf to New Zealand Womens Refuge. BON's packaging has been designed to handle the harshest handbag environments, as well as being stylish and designed not to be hidden. 

 10. Tahi Ngaruru Oil

We love finding unique companies that utilize plants grown around them. That is why we are grateful to have found Tahi. Tahi skincare is handcrafted in New Zealand using reusable bottles and utilizing local plants grown. Ngaruru oil is a gentle, calming anti-inflammatory oil, made with Kawakawa-infused organic sweet almond oil, koromiko extract, harakeke extract and organic lavender essential oil, used to soothe and heal eczema, acne, reduce inflammation, stretch marks, nappy rash and more. Feel free to ask our herbalist Molly more about these New Zealand herbs and how they are used!

Liver Detox Tea

By: Molly Helfend

We all are guilty of misusing our bodies. With daily stressors and environmental pollutants, living perfectly is sadly impractical and our liver is what truly gets the brunt of these lifestyle choices. The liver is one of the largest and most vital organs of the body, which acts as a filter, eliminating environmental toxins, synthesizing hormones, aiding in the absorption of vitamins, creating bile to digest fats and carbohydrates, cleansing impurities from blood and modulating inflammation. Quite a mouthful. Simply put, it is the ultimate detoxifying machine!

When we add impurities to the body such as a poor diet of processed and fatty foods, alcohol and drug consumption and a cocktail of toxins already present in our environment, we adversely affect the liver’s ability to properly modulate and optimize its functions. The liver is one of the hardest working organs. “The tremendous amount of blood that floods into the liver not only contains oxygen and nutrients, but also has toxins that the liver must filter out…[and] once the liver cleanses and processes the blood, it then sends that blood to various areas of the body” (Anthony William, 2018). So, when the liver is burdened and sluggish, we see symptoms in the form of allergies, headaches, autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, constipation, muscle tension, fatigue and much more. In women alone, PMS, fibroid tumors, and endometriosis can be signs of an unhealthy liver. Surprisingly, not many people are aware that even skin issues such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis are actually due to an overburdened liver.

It’s important to remember that “the more toxic your liver is, the more likely you are to develop wrinkles and other skin problems that are typically associated with aging…[and] cleaning out the toxins from your toxin-saturated liver is an essential part of addressing” not only skin issues, but overall physical and mental wellness (Anthony William, 2018). A great way to reboot your liver and provide a healthy detox is through the use of herbs. Bitter herbs are wonderful for stimulating and re-grounding the digestion, acting as an aid for digestive enzyme production.

This tea recipe is evenly distributed between each liver decongesting herb. Honeysuckle, represented with the earth element, cools the heart with remnants of pastel hues and elegant fragrances. It has a subtle vanilla flavor and is known for cooling inflamed conditions by clearing heat and removing toxicity from the body. Honeysuckle contains inositol, luteolin, tannins, volatile oils, and salicylic acid. It is also special for its renowned spiritual remedies, which have been useful for inducing dreams of passion and helping those who suffer from nostalgic dwelling. Honeysuckle is astringent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Artichokes are more than a delicious vegetable treat to be dipped in butter. The entire plant happens to be medicinal. Used in this tea recipe and represented with the water elements, artichoke leaves are very high in antioxidants, which aid and protect the liver and gallbladder. They are rich in inulin, lutolin and cynarin, making them great for sluggish digestion and poor absorption. In addition, the bitter leaves alleviate mild indigestion and detoxify and protect the digestive tract. Its herbal actions include chalagogue, depurative, hepatic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, choleretic, and antiemetic. Dandelion, represented with the air elements, is a wild, free and abundant herb, rich in vitamin A, C and D, as well as, iron, potassium, calcium, and inulin. This bitter herb is a diuretic, alterative, urinary tonic and liver and kidney decongestant. 

Burdock is the quite a strong bitter herb. Represented with the water elements, burdock’s clearing energy removes digestive congestion. It is also great for skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Its herbal actions include alterative and cholagogue. Tangy licorice root has multifaceted medicinal benefits. Represented with water elements, it is fantastic for adrenal depletion, ulcer removal, heartburn and acid reflux and chronic viral infections. The root is expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral. Milk thistle is quintessential herb for stimulating the digestion. Represented with the fire elements, it is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, stimulate liver function and rebuild cells, as well as, improve gallbladder and kidney health. After a night out of drinking alcohol, I usually recommend my friends reach for milk thistle to detoxify. Its herbal actions include cholagogic, choleretic, tonic, galactagogue, hepatoprotective, and alterative. Lastly, I would recommend reading Anthony William’s Medical Medium and order his new book Liver Rescue for more information about life changing food tips to implement into your diet to detoxify your liver.

Liver Detox Tea

(yields about 10 cups) 

• 1 tablespoon of dried honeysuckle flowers

• 1 tablespoon of dried artichoke leaf

• 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion root

• 1 teaspoon of dried burdock root

• 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root

• 1 teaspoon dried milk thistle seeds

Because this is a complex multi-part tea, it is recommended you make both a decoction with the roots and seeds and infusion with the flowers and leaves. To do this, add about 4 cups of cold water to a pot then add the licorice, burdock, dandelion and milk thistle. Gently simmer the herbs for at least 10 minutes. 

Once ready, strain the tea into a large glass jar and let them settle. Next, boil 6 cups of cold water in your pot of choice. To make the infusion of honeysuckle and artichoke, pour the boiling water over the herbs and allow the tea to steep covered for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to cover the tea to keep the heat from dissipating. Once ready, strain into the glass jar with the root and seed decocted liquid. Squeeze some fresh lemon and be sure to sweeten the mixture with raw honey. Enjoy this tea up to 3 times a day for a gentle cleansing detox. 

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• Tonic - strengthens specific organ or whole body

• Anti-inflammatory - helps combat inflammation

• Astringent - reduces flux of moisture and removes toxins

• Diuretic - increases the elimination of urine 

• Cholagogue - stimulates bile release

• Demulcent - soothes and shields irritated internal tissue

• Expectorant - removes excess mucus from lungs

• Depurative - cleanses waste toxins from body

• Hepatoprotective - provides protection for liver

• Alterative - restores health and vitality; blood cleanser

• Anti-viral - destroys viral pathogens

• Anti-bacterial - reduces and expels bacteria

• Choleretic - increases volume of secretion of bile from liver

• Galactagogue - increases breast milk production

• Hepatic - aids, tones and strengthens the liver

• Antiemetic - reduces nausea and prevents vomiting

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This information is not a replacement for a medical professional, so please consult before treating yourself or others with this or any other herbal remedy

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Molly Helfend is part of the HOC team and is a writer, ethnobotanist, herbalist and environmental activist. She graduated from University of Vermont in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Holistic Health and recently from University of Kent in 2018 in Canterbury, England with a Masters of Science Degree in Ethnobotany. She has worked for Urban Moonshine, Greenpeace and received her herbalism training with Spoonful Herbals. Her goal is to travel the world, researching plant-human interconnected relationships while continuing to educate about the transformational energy of life. Molly resides in Raglan, New Zealand, working as an herbalist at the Herbal Dispensary.

The Power of Oregano Oil

Have you ever wondered what the most POTENT way to kill a virus is? And no, its not an antibiotic, well lets just say it’s NATURE’S antibiotic. When most people think of oregano, they think of sprinkling dried goodness into Italian dishes for an aromatic punch. However, oregano is much more than a culinary herb. It is highly medicinal and has been used for centuries, containing some of the highest antioxidant properties of any other plant on the planet. Again, call it nature’s antibiotic, without the side effects. And, one of the most potent ways to extract its medicinal properties is by taking essential oil of oregano.

But, let's start from the beginning. Oregano has been used for centuries across the globe, from ancient Mediterranean civilizations to modern European households. “According to Greek mythology, oregano was created by goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. For this reason, the Greek believed using oregano in marriage ceremony would provide joy and usage of oregano in funerals would convey peace to the dead. After the Romans conquered the Greek, the Romans inherited the use of oregano and the Romans were the ones responsible for the extensive use of oregano all over Europe and abroad. After that, with time this herb found itself a journey from the Middle East to China. In China, they used oregano exclusively for medicinal purposes. As for the United States, oregano did not seem to find itself much popularity until the World War II” (Naturehacks, 2015). 

Viruses are the silent killers. They are to blame for hundreds of mystery illnesses and symptoms and worst of all, doctors are not believing they exist or can simply find them! “If doctors were to seriously look for these pathogens in their patients coming into their offices with a long list of mysterious symptoms, they would come up dry. Most tests the blood lab offers cannot detect the viruses and bacteria that are invading so many people and causing so many conditions and symptoms. Many of the pathogens causing autoimmune labeled illnesses are yet to be discovered and classified; therefore, it would be quite impossible to detect. You can’t find something when you do not know what you are looking for” (Anthony William, 2018). For example, one virus highlighted throughout Anthony William’s protocols and research is the infamous Epstein Barr Virus. It ravages people access the globe, lying dormant with low grade symptoms to taking over when one is most stressed. In short, “the Epstein-Barr virus has created a secret epidemic. Out of the roughly 320 million people in the U.S., over 225 million Americans have some form of EBV that's affecting their life. Medical communities are aware of only one version of EBV, but there are actually over 60 varieties. They have no idea how the virus operates long-term and how problematic it can be. The truth is, EBV is the source of numerous health problems that are currently considered mystery illnesses, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, lupus, Lyme disease, tinnitus, vertigo, and much more” (Anthony William, 2016).

Oregano is extremely powerful, proving such benefits as being anti-parasitic, bacterial, viral, fungal, inflammatory, and septic. Your immune system will literally eat it up, using it to fight off infection. Its also incredible for treatment of colds, flus, and respiratory, digestive and lymphatic issues, as well as balancing your metabolism. “It is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, B-complex, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium” (Williams, 2015). Oregano oil also contains carvacrol and thymol, which are compounds that fight bacteria and fungi with a potent punch. It is pretty much the magic herb that cures ailments far and wide. 

One of my favorite ways to experiment with oregano oil is by taking a pill with me when I eat out at restaurants. Taken with mystery meals, it can absorb toxins and lessen negative reactions from certain foods. Oregano oil is also the absolute strongest way to kill the strep virus. Make a strep-eliminating oil pull by mixing two to three drops of oregano oil with coconut oil and gargle this mixture for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed. Make sure to not get any on your lips, as it’s strong enough to burn them. Lastly, it will become your best friend for travel - do not forget your bottle at home!

This is one of Anthony Williams favorite supplemental healing solutions. In his research and books, he truly dives into its power on the gut, but strongly recommends not taking it everyday, as it is very powerful. Please work your immunity up and take oregano oil in increments. We truly recommend Gaia Oil of Oregano tablets. Gaia Herbs sells some of, if not the most, potent and high quality single herb and herb blends on the market. We trust them with almost all of our health needs and use them on a regular basis.

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This information is not a replacement for a medical professional, so please consult before treating yourself or others with this or any other herbal remedy

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body. She manifests her vision through her online journal, designing recipes and cultivating conversation in the sharing of health, wellness, and inspiration. Sima lives with an open heart and views being in service to others as her most important calling, practicing compassion and helping people to heal past trauma. She is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and meditation facilitator.

Beekeeper's Naturals with Founder Carly

Right now we keep reading the science about bees going extinct. What are you doing to help the bee population?   

Love this question! At BKN, saving the bees is our bottom line. Yes, we work hard to share their hive superfoods with the world, but, in our eyes, the bees always come first.          

Somebody has to look out for these little guys. Not only do they single-handedly pollinate ⅓ of our global food supply—yeah, we seriously need them—but they are fascinating, highly sophisticated little creatures.     

A lot of people think about bees as mindless drones, but that’s not at all the case. They are actually really intelligent. They use ultra-specific dances to communicate complicated messages to each other. They even have a mathematical intelligence that rivals human toddlers! And, of course, they create some of the world’s most nourishing foods. For so many reasons bees are awesome.                        

But, you’re right, bees are in trouble. Between climate change, harmful toxins, and widespread habitat loss, bees are dying in huge numbers. Pretty much all across North America, bees are having a hard time finding food that isn’t coated in harmful pesticides. Many farmlands use tons of toxic pesticides that absolutely decimate hives and indiscriminately kill pollinators. 

We try to combat this by partnering with only the cleanest small scale apiaries. We give our bees access to pesticide-free plant life and house them in remote locations to minimize exposure to the toxins that are polluting our earth. While we may not be able to control our globally shifting seasons, we can provide a clean habitat and food supply for our bees. And it pays off for us, too. Happy bees make the absolute best propolis! We also partner with some fantastic bee related charitable organizations - UC Davis Bee Research Facility and The Canadian Bee Research Fund. 

How can we donate and help save bees in our daily lives? 

A lot of people don’t realize that what they buy at the grocery store really matters. When you’re filling up your cart, it’s crucial to make sure every item aligns with an ethos you can stand behind, because you are literally putting your money where your mouth is. To support bees, that means buying organic and pesticide free as often as you can, buying raw honey products, and looking for brands that prioritize sustainability.        

Another easy way to make a real impact on your local bee population is to plant a bee garden. Bees need access to clean food, so providing our pollinators with organic, untreated plant life to feast on is one of the best ways to help. And if you make sure that something is always in bloom—whether it is spring, summer, or fall—you’re ensuring that the bees have clean food to feast on year-round! It also helps to build a bee bath, so that bees have fresh water nearby—yes, bees need water, too! Just do a little research to make sure your plant choices and bath-design are truly pollinator-friendly.         

Beyond your yard, taking action against pesticides is critically important. Write in to your local government, stop using them on your lawn asap, and check in to the many different organizations that support bees. We work closely with UC Davis Bee Research and the Canadian Bee Research Fund, but there are a number of other organizations doing great things. You can donate to our partner charities directly here and here. We also give 10% of the profits from our “Save the Bees” apparel to our charity partners, if you want to rock the cause.

Tell us more about the power of propolis…

Propolis is a health essential for me, especially during cold and flu season! I call it nature’s ultimate defender. Bees make propolis from plant and tree resins and use it to protect their hive from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. While honey is used as a bee’s food, you can think of propolis as their medicine or the foundations of the hive’s immune system.   

The bees actually line the entire hive with propolis, including the cells of newborn bees in order to create a germ-free environment. They even have a propolis mat at the front door to ensure no one drags nasty germs into the hive. For the bees, propolis keeps them healthy. And for humans, it has many of the same effects.             

One of my favorite things about propolis is its rich healing history. Aristotle is thought to have coined the term ‘propolis’, which means defender of the city. Hippocrates was a big fan. Even Cleopatra used it. The first recorded human use of propolis actually dates back to 300 BC.

For me, propolis is my favorite way to get an immune boost and speed up my recovery time if I’m feeling sick. It’s antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, loaded with antioxidants, and contains over 300 beneficial compounds. There is a ton of good research out there confirming the natural immune-boosting effects of propolis, and it really does work. As someone who grew with up constant sore throats and colds, propolis has been a game-changer for my overall health. And it is actually the single superfood that got me involved with the bees in the first place.       

Where did your love of bees begin?

I’ve always been obsessed with nature, insects, and animals, but I really developed my love for bees after falling for all the amazing products they make.        

As a college student, I struggled with recurring tonsillitis. On my semester abroad in Europe it got particularly bad. I am allergic to most antibiotics so, without a cure in sight, I was on the cusp of cutting my trip short and flying home for surgery. Desperate for a natural cure, I was given a bottle of propolis by an Italian pharmacist. I really had no idea what it was and I was skeptical, especially after years of buying in to the latest and greatest superfood fads only to wind up disappointed by a lack of results. But, desperate to solve my health problem, I gave it a shot.      

After one week of propolis, I was amazed that it actually worked! The propolis had taken down the inflammation and soothed the soreness, and I was on the path to recovery—sans side effects. I was able to fully recuperate and complete my time in Europe feeling healthier than ever. 

When I returned home, I couldn’t find this magical healer at the local health food store, so I began beekeeping to ensure I never had to go propolis-free again (years of strep, tonsillitis, and a weak immune system will do that to you). Once I started spending time around hives, I was hooked. I began learning about the unique benefits of the different bee products, using royal jelly for a mental boost or fresh bee pollen to get my vitamins. 

Even more, I started exploring and understanding the integral role the bees play on our planet. I was fascinated with the fact that they make up the pillars of our ecosystem and blown away by the intricate societies they form. Today that fascination has developed into a serious love affair.    

What is the most beautiful thing about bees?

I find the way the bees all work together for the collective good to be so beautiful. In the hive everyone has a job, from a nurse bee to a forager. Each of the ladies contributes to the betterment and survival of the hive. I could go into more detail about all of the specific tasks and practices that go on in the hive, but I would probably rant on for 3 pages! Bees are so amazing!

What are the benefits of raw honey that most people don’t know?

Raw honey is an amazing beauty food. It is rich in antioxidants and contains around 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes, which means it promotes beauty and wellness from the inside out. I also do raw honey face masks with our B.Powered superfood honey once a week. Beyond beauty, my favourite honey hack is using it optimize my sleep.  

Honey works on two levels to give you a killer night of shut-eye. First, a small teaspoon before bed stimulates the release of tryptophan in the brain—you know, the amino acid that promotes sleep after Thanksgiving turkey. There, it is converted into serotonin, which, in the darkness, is then converted to melatonin, a well-known sleep aid. Raw honey also helps to stock glycogen levels in the liver, which prevents your body from waking up before your alarm clock in a crisis search for fuel. 

These days, I do a teaspoon of our B.Chill hemp honey every night before bed and sleep like a baby.                     

You have a large variety of honey products. Can you tell us about the difference between them? How can we navigate the products and buy for our health? 

Bees make much more than honey! At BKN, we like to go beyond honey, working with powerful hive superfoods like propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly. Most people in North America are only familiar with honey, but cultures around the world have used these ingredients for their beneficial properties for centuries.     

• First, propolis, which is generally associated with immunity. Propolis is collected by bees from plant and tree resins. In the hive, propolis functions as the bees’ immune system. It lines the inside of the hive and is used to protect the hive from bacteria, parasites, and viruses. For example, if a mouse gets inside the hive, the bees will sting it to death, then actually mummify it with propolis to prevent any viruses or bacteria on the decaying mouse from infecting the rest of the hive (gross, but also amazing!). In our bodies, propolis has a similar effect of boosting immune function and keeping unwelcomed viruses and bacteria at bay. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is why our Propolis Throat Spray is the perfect fix for a sore throat.
• Bees also make royal jelly, which I like to think of as a brain-boosting longevity elixir. As the ultimate hive superfood, it’s used to feed all baby bees and is the exclusive food source of the queen. Royal jelly contains high amounts of protein, lipids, vitamins, enzymes, and minerals—and its nutrient density has not been replicated by science. For humans, nutrient-rich royal jelly is great for naturally supporting improved memory, concentration, and focus, which is why we use royal jelly in our natural nootropic, B.LXR.
• Bee pollen is an excellent protein source for both humans and bees. If you can believe it, bee pollen contains more protein per gram than most animal sources! And because it's full of free-forming amino acids, it’s a protein source that is really easy for your body to digest and absorb, making it great for athletes fueling up both pre- and post-workout. We blend bee pollen into our Bee Powered raw honey, along with royal jelly and propolis, so you can reap the benefits of the full spectrum of hive superfoods in one sweet spoonful!
• Another exciting product that we just launched is B.Chill hemp honey. We blended high potency hemp oil and MCT oil with our raw honey to create the ultimate formula for crushing stress and anxiety as well as supporting quality sleep. I am so excited by the health benefits of CBDs and love that they work really synergistically with our enzymatic raw honey.    

What are your top 3 beauty products?

1. Bee Powered for face masks — Our Bee Powered is a nourishing blend of all the hive superfoods: royal jelly, propolis, raw honey, and bee pollen. While I have always taken a spoonful of it daily, I’ve heard that Cleopatra used bee products topically to get her glow on. Given the incredible anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins found in these superfoods, I figured I would test it out. Lo and behold, 15 minutes with Bee Powered on my face left my skin soft, clear, and glowing! Now I do it once every week!
2. Kopari coconut oil – I cover my hair and skin in this. I also often spray in some propolis to kick up the protective moisturizing effects.
3. Mother Dirt face wash – I have super sensitive skin and need to be careful with cleansers, but also realize how important good bacteria are to skin health. Mother Dirt cleaner is super gentle, doesn’t dry or strip my skin, and leaves the skin microbiome intact.      

What does your self-care routine look like?

I work all the time and am often traveling, which makes balance a constant struggle. Because of this, I’ve tried to build self-care into my daily routine. I start every day with meditation and I love using the Muse Brain Sensing Headband. This may be the most type A approach to mindfulness, but being able to chart my progress and see the way I’m teaching my brain to be less reactive keeps me motivated to stay on track. I also start my days by jotting down 3 gratitudes and end my day with 3 things I am thankful for. I also believe that food is medicine and try to keep my diet clean and full of plant-based ingredients.        

Can you share a favorite recipe with us that uses honey?

There are two recipes that I can't get enough of these day. One of them is chocolate avocado mousse made with our Raw Cacao Honey. The other is my fav green smoothie. Here are the recipes:  

Raw Cacao Honey + Avocado Mousse

In a blender combine: 

• 1 full avocado 
• ¼ cup raw cacao 
• 3 tbsp raw cacao honey 
• 1/3 cup cashews 
• pinch Himalayan salt 
• almond milk to blend (add a small amount to keep it thick and decadent or add more if you want more of a smoothie)    

The Beegan’s Green Smoothie

Blend together:

• 1 handful of kale and/or spinach
• 1/2 a banana
• 5 sprays propolis 
• 1 tsp wildflower honey 
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds⠀ 
• 1 Tbsp spirulina⠀ 
• 1 tsp Bee Powered⠀ 
• 1 tsp pollen to top it off 

Sip and enjoy!

Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

I am so inspired by my team. As Beekeeper’s Naturals grows, we have been so fortunate to find an incredibly talented, diverse group of people who care deeply about our customers, products, and social impact. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and good vibes are what keep me excited and fueled to keep working hard and sharing our mission. Together, we really are like a hive, with all these amazing, dedicated people working together towards a collective goal. I am so grateful.

What can we look forward to in the next few months with your line of honey products?   

We just launched our new B.Chill Hemp Honey! I’m so excited about the health benefits of CBD, and combining that with enzymatic raw honey and pure MCT oil makes the ultimate calming tool! We had a ton of customers ask us to formulate something to help them fight off stress and anxiety and, after a year of hard work, testing, and going back to the drawing board, we finally created the perfect tool to take the edge off. This honey is non-psychoactive, meaning you won’t get any of those trippy feels, but you will get all the soothing effects you need to ease anxiety, fight inflammation, and combat pain naturally. We offer it in jars, but we also put it in these awesome old-school honey sticks, so you can take your zen on-the-go.         

Moving on, our game plan is to continue listening to our customers to provide sustainable natural solutions that are effective, plant-based, and hive-derived. From memory-boosting royal jelly nootropics to beautifying Bee Powered honey to our Propolis Throat Spray, we are constantly building upon our beegan pharmacy, talking with our customers, and working to deliver naturally-sourced, obsessively-tested hive superfoods! And, of course, we’ll keep working tirelessly to #SaveTheBees!            

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Learn more about Beekeeper's Naturals by visiting their site and follow them on Instagram.

Top 10 Products We Love For July

1. Soothing Essentials Hemp CBD Relief Bath Soak

Thank goodness for CBD products becoming a regular on the market. Through the use of aromatherapy, therapeutic Epsom and mineral-rich Dead Sea salts, Volcanic Bentonite clay and USA grown hemp extract, your skin will soften and muscles will relax and melt into the bathtub.Choose between Citrus, Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oil scents to soothe your mind, body and soul. 

2. Sun Potion Lions Mane

Our good friends over at Sun Potion have just released the secret to enhanced mind power. Lions Mane can help enhance your brain and nervous system health, supporting memory, mental clarity, concentration, and mood. Give your brain what it craves this summer and make sure to buy their high quality, potent blend.

3. Astara Sahara Rose Quartz Shoes

Beautiful, handcrafted slip-ons, made with natural vegetable tanned Italian Leather and ethically sourced Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstones that are Reiki Charged. Rose Quartz emits frequencies of love direct from the heart chakra, which circulates between the earth and through your feet. 

4. Sweetpotato Awesome Original Awesome

These versatile slices of organic sweet potatoes cooked to perfection, making a chip that is both savory and sweet, seasoned with organic virgin coconut oil, sea salt and organic fair trade ceylon cinnamon. We are loving these as an afternoon snack, topped with coconut yogurt and blueberries.

5. Muse Bath

Even though we are going through a heat wave, there is nothing like a warm bath at the end of the night to melt away your stress. Another bath essential, Muse Bath is a blend of organic coconut milk and dead sea salts, eucalyptus leaves, organic coconut powder, and lavender flowers. Vegan, chemical and cruelty free.

6. Good State Liquid Ionic Zinc Ultra Concentrate

Our next monthly Anthony William’s recommendation to share is the importance of taking your daily zinc. Ionic zinc is the highest quality, boosting the immune system, supporting skin, nervous system and maintain an overall healthy body. It can especially help fight and reduce streptococcus and EBV.

7. Thyroid Healing by Anthony William

Book three has finally been released! We are sitting by the pool reading and cannot get enough. This book reveals an entirely new take on the epidemic of thyroid illness. If you have inflammation, autoimmune disease, and dozens of other symptoms and conditions, then read this book to learn what you can do to take control of your life.

8. Organic Collard Leaves

Is it just us, or is exploring the local farmers market more fun during the summer? Fresh produce, late hours, smiles. We are loving making raw wraps with seasonal fruit and vegetables. Oh, and spreading date paste or homemade hummus inside, which is the cherry on top of a fantastic meal. 

9. Countertop Golden Honey

We all know the health benefits of raw honey, but this golden honey adds the benefits of turmeric, cardamom and cinnamon. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and immune boosting, cardamom has gut soothing benefits, and cinnamon is anti-bacterial and balances blood sugar. Mix it together and you get a wholesome, nutritious sweetener

10. Vibrant Health U.T. Vibrance

For all the women out there that struggle with Urinary tract issues, look no further then this powder. It supports and restores healthy UT function, as well eradicates E. Coli from the tract. Added bonus, it is easy to add to any water and does not taste bad whatsoever!

Stop Being Afraid of Fruit!

I will never forget one of my first meetings with various nutrition experts. I still remember the words “bananas are too high in sugar” or “just cut out fruit, it has too many calories.” And so, believing fruit sugar to be the cause of many health issues, I cut them out, only allowing myself low glycemic fruits like berries. Years later, I look back, and think, wow that was a huge mistake.

Health trends influence public opinion heavily. We are so easily swayed by what bloggers, celebrities and famous individuals eat or do to stay fit and healthy. While some habits work for certain individuals, this does not mean that the majority of us should follow the same routines. We should not follow what seems trendy, we should follow our intuition. We are taught to be so afraid of food, that we end up staring into our empty kitchens wondering what we can and cannot eat!

One quite ridiculous trend is that that fruits are not good for us. It has been getting a horrible rap lately for being too high in sugar, causing weight gain, influencing the growth of candida, etc. How could this be? They are the very foundation that our health depends on and have been around for as long as humans have been. If you read biblical books, fruits have always been on earth since day one. We survived because of fruits!

“Before refined sugar production, and trade became a major industry that turned products like table sugar and HFCS into dietary staples, we relied on a critical source of life. That source was fruit. since humankind began, we’ve depended on fruit, in all its varieties, for our survival. The Tree of Life was an ancient symbol of interconnection, fertility, and eternal life - precisely because of this legendary tree’s fruit. Fruit is part of our essence, a basic element of who we are. We cannot survive without fruit on this planet. It outweighs the nutrition of any other food" (291, William).

For example, a new trend says that lectins from fruit seeds cause inflammation, therefore, we should stay away from them. However, Anthony William has found that it isn’t the fruit or certain foods causing this inflammation or immune responses, but really it’s just certain foods feeding a pathogen hiding within your body, actually signaling a sign of an illness. If you are healthy, your body will absorb fruit and its amazing nutrients. When we deprive ourselves of food, especially fruit, we are not properly nourishing ourselves. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Yes, they do have sugar, but this is actually easily digestible fructose that converts into glucose.

“Fructose breaks down in your liver and doesn’t provoke an insulin response…[while] glucose starts to break down in the stomach and requires the release of insulin into the bloodstream to be metabolized completely” (Joy Dubost, 2013).

This steady release actually helps your body break down the sugar and absorb it properly, which will actually not lead to weight gain. They also have amazing healing properties.

"Fruit has properties that soothe your adrenal glands, strengthen your entire endocrine system, repair your vascular system, restore your liver, and revitalize your brain” (296, William). In addition, “fertility — and overall health — depends specifically on the fructose and glucose that occur naturally in fruit, as well as the phytochemical bonded to those sugars. A woman’s reproductive system also relies on the dozens of anti tumor, anticancer antioxidants (and so many more components yet to be discovered by medical science) available only in fruit, as well as fruit’s essential polyphenols, bioflavonoids, disease-stopping pectin, vitamins, and minerals. These elements help to stop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and an overextended reproductive system — examples of conditions that cause mysterious infertility” (292, William). 

Anthony Williams has also found that cancer cannot feed off the sugar in fruit, which possesses critical components such as polyphenols, including resveratrol, and other antioxidants. Fruit not only fights cancer, it also kills all types of viruses and bacteria. It is vital to gut health, which is essential to a healthy immune system. For example, the pectin in apples, and the skin, pulp, and fiber in figs and dates, are exceptionally effective at killing and/or clearing out anything that doesn’t belong in your intestinal tract, including fungi such as Candida, worms, and other parasites (298, William). Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with candida and told by her doctor to cut out fruit. She said her symptoms were actually getting worse, as she was only eating eggs and vegetables. As a holistic nutritionist, I advised her to immediately add fruit back in and cut out eggs, as they were feeding the inflammation. I explained that yeast is your body trying to kill off a pathogen, not fight excess sugar from fruit. One month later, she called me to thank me and tell me her symptoms at almost completely disappeared.

Fruit are our friends. Fruit does not make you gain weight. Fruit does not make you sick.  Fruits nourish the lymphatic system. Fruits heal and replenish at a cellular level. Give your body the proper nutrition and vitality it needs by going and eating a big, delicious bowl of mouthwatering fruit. These are the most recommended powerhouse fruits by Anthony William. Try to eat as much organic and wild fruits as possible for the greatest health benefits. 

Wild Blueberries

• highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity rating of more than 20 fresh fruits and berries

• packed with antioxidants

• boosts collagen production

• helps heal bruises and cuts faster

• clears acne

• protects against cancer

• clears UTI

• anti-inflammatory

• influences healthier veins

• improves vision

• restores liver

• monitors stress and toxicity levels

• most effective for releasing and detoxing heavy metals

• most powerful brain food

Grapes

• fantastic for kidneys

• “queen of fruits”

• rich source of vitamin A, C and B-complex

• minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, boron, manganese, iron, selenium and potassium

• bioflavonoids, resveratrol, and anthocyanins

• anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-aging, and anti-cancerous

• prevent blood clots

• protect heart and cardiovascular system

• fight tooth decay

• stop viruses

• provide better insulin regulation and overall blood sugar balance

Red Apple

• hydrate body on a cellular level

• anti-inflammatory for the thyroid

• cleanse the liver

• help you lose weight

• increase digestive strength

• reduce viral and bacterial loads

• ultimate colon cleanser

• protect the body from radiation damage

• deactivate toxic heavy metals in the system

Lemon

• cleanse liver, kidneys and spleen

• improve digestion by raising levels of hydrochloric acid in the gut

• tone the intestinal lining

• replenish calcium to prevent osteoporosis

• balance sodium levels in the blood

• contain phenomenal antibiotic, antiseptic, and anti-cancer properties

• rich in vitamins C and B-complex

• minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, silicon, copper, and potassium

• help to cleanse and detoxify the entire body

• alkalize blood, cells, lymph, organs, and tissues

• help destroy putrefactive bacteria in the mouth and intestines

• dissolve gallstones and kidney stones

• help to fight oral, lung, skin, breast, stomach, and colon cancer

• boost the immune system

• reduce inflammation in the body

• great skin remedy

Dates

• protect the adrenals and prevent fatigue

• replenish the brain and muscles with the natural energy

• high in potassium

• provide the brain and liver with essential glucose, the loss of which can actually trigger or exacerbate blood sugar issues

• support healing from conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, fungal infections, and vertigo

• help reduce constipation, heart palpitations, headaches, and exhaustion.

Watermelon

• one of the most hydrating foods on earth

• protects brain and nervous system

• “mother earth’s milk”

• predigested

• fructose leaves the stomach in less than one minute, then the rest of the fruit drops directly into the intestinal tract, immediately fortifying and replenishing the body

• like getting intravenous nutrient therapy

• balls of purified water

• binds onto poisons and toxins and flushes them out to allow the immune system to restore itself

• high electrolyte content helps protect the brain and the rest of the nervous system from stress-related strokes, aneurysms, and embolisms

• thins the blood and reduces heart attack risk, helps prevent heart disease and vascular issues

• can reduce liver and kidney disease

• sodium, potassium, and glucose are bioavailable

• helps to lower high blood pressure

• one of the most alkalizing foods

• helps detox from heavy metals

• high in restorative silica

• prevents insulin resistance and lower elevated A1C levels

• provides emotional support for those with nervousness, skittishness, anxiety, PTSD or uneasiness

Banana

• provide amino acids, calcium and potassium

• rebuild neurotransmitters after they’ve been burnt out by viral neurotoxins

• antiviral and anti-inflammatory

• help balance blood sugar.

• critical brain food

• packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other disease-fighting phytonutrients

• alleviates anxiety, PTSD and other mental illness

• helps heal Crohn's disease, colitis, or IBS

• fights and prevents HIV

Orange

• help sinus and respiratory issues

• enormous amounts of vitamin C

• helps revive the liver from EBV damage

• purges the liver of fat, toxins and EBV debris

• helps you lose weight

• relieves depression and PTSD

• helps fight viruses

• protects from thyroid damage

Papaya

• miracle worker for the skin

• heals irritated nerves in the gut

• cleanses and rebuilds the liver

• restores central nervous system from neurotoxin damage

• strengthens and rebuilds hydrochloric acid in the gut

• vitamin C content is an anti-EBV secret weapon

• drives more sunlight into the thyroid itself when someone is outside

• helps stop thyroid atrophy

Fig

• replenish good bacteria in the gut

• purge the liver of pesticides and other toxins

• lower blood pressure

• high in dietary fiber

• protect against premenopausal breast cancer

• insulin lowering properties

Mango

• bioactive magnesium that calms the nervous system

• calms nerves to aid in sleep issues caused by EBV

• contains large amount of carotene to restore the spleen and liver

• feeds the brain

• purges the lymphatic system of viral waste-matter toxins

Tangerine

• revives the liver from EBV damage

• high amount of vitamin C

• purges organs of fat, helping with weight loss

• high in vitamins C & A, calcium, magnesium & selenium, and beta-carotene & luteins

• anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties

• boosts immune system

• high fiber content

• helps to lower cholesterol

• protects the heart and cardiovascular system from illness and disease

• improves digestion and elimination

• deeply hydrate and replenish the body on a cellular level

Please refer to Anthony William’s books and websites for more life changing health knowledge on fruits and healing. 

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body. She manifests her vision through her online journal, designing recipes and cultivating conversation in the sharing of health, wellness, and inspiration. Sima lives with an open heart and views being in service to others as her most important calling, practicing compassion and helping people to heal past trauma. She is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and meditation facilitator.

The Power of Celery Juice

Everyone knows that I am a true believer in Anthony Williams and his Medical Medium protocol. Medical Medium is a true medical marvel, healing thousands of people from chronic diseases and conditions. His healing protocol stems from the power of real fruits and vegetables and their ability to cure illness. One of the first things I learned from this book was about the power of adding celery juice to the diet. It might be one of the most powerful additions that I have incorporated into my lifestyle. You might now be wondering, why would I add this bitter vegetable juice into my diet? 

Starting your day with 8 to 12 oz is one of the most powerful ways to get digestive system into track. It’s basically the ultimate healing tonic that pushes toxins out of your system. In addition, raw celery juice is extremely high in fiber and fluids and contains beneficial enzymes and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin k, c, b6 potassium, and folate. It is also high in natural sodium levels and contains antimicrobial properties that fight infection. Celery juice helps fight free radicals, prevents kidney stones, lowers bad cholesterol, fights cancer, reduces migraines, clears skin, reduces and controls blood pressure, lowers inflammation, protects liver health and cleans the blood. Celery juice is ultra hydrating - one of the most hydrating on the planet and can prevent dehydration by keeping electrolytes very balanced. Lastly, it is great for highly acidic bodies, as it will alkalize them. 

Celery juice can heal conditions such as crones, diverticulitis, colitis, IBS, indigestion, and bloating.

“Researchers have identified over a dozen different types of antioxidants that are responsible for the benefits of celery — these include such phenolic acids as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, plus flavaols like quecetin. This makes celery useful for treating a wide range of conditions that are made worse by inflammation: joint pain (such as from arthritis), gout, kidney and liver infections, skin disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and urinary tract infections, just to name a few” (Dr. Axe, 2018).

Celery juice is ideal for individuals with low levels of HCL, as it replenishes HCL to fight parasites, breaking down food better and allowing for pure digestion for the absorption. Starting your morning off with this juice will rebuild these HCL levels, which directly correlates to bile and liver health. According to Anthony Williams:

“Celery is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, because it starves unproductive bacteria, yeast, mold, fungus, and viruses that are present in the body and flushes their toxins and debris out of the intestinal tract and liver. Pathogens like these are so often the underlying cause of inflammation—in their absence, your body is much better able to handle whatever life throws your way. At the same time, celery helps good bacteria thrive. Consuming celery is the most powerful way to alkalize the gut. That’s in part because celery (which is technically an herb, not a vegetable) is high in bioactive sodium. It also contains cofactor micro trace mineral salts as yet undiscovered in research. These are varieties of sodium and other trace minerals (more than 60 of them) that are present in celery and work symbiotically and systematically with each other and with celery’s regular sodium to raise your body’s pH and rid toxic acids from every crevice of your body, including your gut. This process is ideal to cleanse and repair intestinal linings. At the same time, celery offers enzymes and coenzymes, and it raises hydrochloric acid in the stomach so that food digests with ease and doesn’t putrefy. This helps prevent a multitude of gastrointestinal disorders. Adding celery juice to your diet is the best way to resolve ammonia permeability, an unrecognized condition in which ammonia gas seeps through the intestinal lining and causes health issues such as dental rot and brain fog…in addition to the above, celery improves kidney function, helps restore the adrenals, and can even bring ease to one’s mind and thought patterns, with its mineral salts feeding electrical impulse activity and supporting neuron function, which is key if you suffer with ADHD, brain fog, or memory loss. When it comes to celery, think electrolytes. It hydrates on a deep cellular level, lessening your chances of suffering from migraines…plus it offers stress assistance and also repairs your DNA”

If you do not own a juicer, do not fret! You can easily blend a bunch of celery in the blender and strain it with a cheesecloth. It is best to drink right in the morning after a large glass of warm water with lemon, but you can can have it throughout the day. Another great time is post or pre workout. If you do not like the taste, juice celery with cucumber and a bit of red apple or lime juice. Remember, celery is extremely inexpensive, making this the ideal healing technique and routine for anyone on a budget. It’s honestly under 3 dollars for a stalk of celery, so go for it. You will feel the power of juicing celery within the first week of your daily sessions. Healing is in your own hands, as well as, sitting right in your kitchen! 

CONDITIONS:

Acne, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, eczema, psoriasis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leaky gut, infertility, Lyme disease, migraines, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), thyroid diseases and disorders, low reproductive system battery, diabetes, hypoglycemia, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, sepsis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, kidney dis- ease, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, fatty liver, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, rosacea, lipoma, bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thrush, hyperglycemia, hyper- tension, depression, apnea, thyroid cancer, bacterial vaginosis, edema, injuries, parasites, yeast infections, insomnia, mold exposure, bacterial infections, viral infections, ammonia permeability

SYMPTOMS:

Intestinal spasms; cysts; low hydrochloric acid; sluggish liver; low cortisol; high cortisol; brain fog; food allergies; acidosis; hypothyroid; hyperthyroid; blurry eyes; joint pain; headaches; bloating; gas; abdominal pressure; abdominal distension; chronic dehydration; eye dryness; frozen shoulder; acid reflux; inflamed gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, and/or colon; rashes; nausea; white film on tongue; Candida overgrowth; anxiousness; memory loss; high blood pressure; food sensitivities; swelling; inflammation; muscle spasms; leg cramps; fatigue; mineral deficiencies; brain inflammation; sleep disturbances; nervousness

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

All too often, we make life more complicated than it needs to be—or else we oversimplify what’s truly a complex issue. This push-and-pull happens in all areas of life, especially health. In one approach, people overthink health problems and throw all kinds of potential solutions at them. In the other approach, people take a health challenge that’s actually a delicate interplay of many factors and try to make it seem like it’s just a simple case of the body going haywire out of the blue. For true healing to occur, we have to embrace a balance of the simple and the complex—and celery teaches us this. Drinking celery juice is the simplest of measures, so simple that people often write it off as too easy to make a difference in how they feel. They figure that adding several other ingredients to their green juice will add that many more nutrients. While green-juice blends can be very healing, there is nothing that equals the simple power of pure celery juice. It is as healing, transformational, and life-changing as it gets—and that’s due to its complex nutritional makeup, which needs to be left undisturbed to work its magic. It’s an important reminder for other areas of life. Where else do we need to have an intricate understanding of a situation to conclude that the simplest approach is the best

To press the reset button on your body, juice celery by itself. For the full effect, drink a full 16 ounces of fresh celery juice daily—and make sure it’s on an empty stomach to raise hydrochloric acid levels most efficiently. For dramatic results, drink two 16-ounce glasses of fresh celery juice a day. 

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body. She manifests her vision through her online journal, designing recipes and cultivating conversation in the sharing of health, wellness, and inspiration. Sima lives with an open heart and views being in service to others as her most important calling, practicing compassion and helping people to heal past trauma. She is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and meditation facilitator.

Neural Therapy — An Incredible Therapy for Modern Day Conditions

By Dr. Christine Surrago, ND

In an era of modern living and technology, our nervous systems are overstimulated, overdriven and taxed on a minute to minute basis.  Due to the overdrive of the autonomic nervous system (fight or flight system), the body lacks the ability to properly rest and heal.  Proper rest is the foundation of all health and healing.  Regardless of whether you sleep well or not, if your living in modern society, you have some degree of overstimulation on your nervous system.  

There is some excellent research that shows that many cases of chronic illness and pain are associated with negative changes in the autonomic nervous system.  This includes anxiety, depression, mood disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disturbances, chronic headaches, chronic pain conditions, chronic infections (such as lyme, EBV or MRSA), endocrine conditions (diabetes, hormonal conditions) and so forth.  An unbalanced autonomic nervous system has a widespread negative effect on the body including muscle tension and pain, decreased blood and lymph perfusion throughout the tissue, decreased glandular functioning, thyroid issues, adrenal issues, hormonal issues, cardiovascular and immune system issues.  Neural therapy helps to release tension and trauma that is held in the nervous system and helps to restore the function of all of the cells and organ systems.  

Neural Therapy

Neural Therapy consists of injections of procaine either just under the skin, or deeper in some cases.  Procaine is a medicine that helps to stabilize cell membranes, decrease inflammation, restore blood and lymphatic flow to a region.  Carefully placed injections of procaine in the body over a series of treatments help to restore the autonomic nervous system.  The restoration and balancing of the “fight or flight” response leads to expedited healing.

Chronic Pain + Myofascial Tension 
Neural Therapy is used to treat cases of chronic pain.  Some causes of chronic pain are from surgeries or traumas to the body.  Surgeries will result in a scar pulling on their other organs, bones and muscles.  This injection releases the scar tissue resulting in decreased pain.  Many women with C-Sections or fibroid removal have benefited drastically from this therapy. Any pain in their body that has developed over time from the scar tissue pulling on their body is completely resolved within a few treatments.

Interference Fields
Neural Therapy is used to treat interference fields.  An interference field forms from an injury, scar, surgery or tattoo.  These fields can cause a disturbance anywhere in the body no matter where it is located and halt the healing process.  All scars, injuries and tattoos need to be injected over time to clear these interference fields.  I have also seen concussions related to various diseases including hormonal disturbances, gastrointestinal issues and autoimmune diseases. A few injections around the crown of the head, restoring the autonomics around the head has significantly helped these people.  Tattoos are another trauma to the body which I highly recommend a series of neural therapy appointments to clear any trauma in the body.  I have seen many patients with tattoos receive neural therapy and many of their conditions resolve including anxiety, depression, digestion issues, hormonal issues.

Chakras + Mental Emotional Issues
There is another use of neural therapy, which I find very beneficial on a mental/emotional/spiritual level.  It is the injection of procaine near the different chakras.  Chakras can hold patterns or programming which can limit our ability to have healthy relationships, vibrant health and progress in our lives.  With these injections, people have reported to have released different programs during their visit and have the experience of having no ego or chakra programs for the rest of the day.  This experience is priceless and most people never have the opportunity to experience this.

Who Can Benefit?
Anyone can benefit from neural therapy. If you have had any injuries, scars, tattoos, surgeries it would certainly be beneficial.  If you have any degree of stress, anxiety, depression or a sense of unwellness you can certainly benefit from this therapy.    Conditions I have seen benefit from this therapy, or completely heal include:

• Autoimmune conditions including RA, MS, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis
• Chronic immune deficiency leading to infections including Epstein Barr Virus, Lyme, Strep, Bowel infections + MRSA infections
• Hormonal issues including PMS, PCOS, amenorrhea, painful or excessive period flow, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues
• Endocrine issues including diabetes
• Cardiovascular issues
• Mental/Emotional Issues including Anxiety + Depression + Bipolar

Photo credit: Melissa Rousseau

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Dr. Christine Surrago is a Naturopathic Doctor who practices medicine in Santa Monica California.  She draws on ancient healing modalities, nutrition, homeopathy, bioresonance and modern healing modalities from all over the world to cure her patients of illness.  For any questions or to learn more check out her website drchristinesurrago.com

Top 10 Products We Love For March

1. Siren Snacks Snickerdoodle Protein Bites

We are crazy about these grain-free cookies! Vegan, non-GMO and filled with plant based protein goodness, they are just the low sugar snack to curb our cravings. Cinnamon, coconut sugar and dates combine to make the sweet snickerdoodle flavor we love.

2. Rosense Rosewater Hydrating Facial Toner

Made from the finest Isparta region damascena rose petals, Rosense rose water is the freshest mist we use on our skin. Rose water acts as a skin toner to regulate the pH balance of your skin, but also balances the heart and soul. It’s lovely to use anytime of day to reboost. 

3. Cappello’s Sheep’s Milk Cheese Pizza

On those cold gloomy days, all we want to do is wrap ourselves in a blanket, watch a documentary, drink tea and eat an entire pizza! Well, Cappello’s has answered our prayers for pizza, without the guilt. The world's cleanest frozen cheese pizza is grain and yeast free, paleo friendly, and non-GMO and covered with dollops of delicious and nutritious sheep cheese. 

4. Awaveawake Wind Green Seam Front Slip Dress

We are huge supporters of Awaveawake and love everything in their environmentally conscious collections, as each garment is created using natural materials and dyed with botanical pigments. However, while we browse and drool over pictures from their upcoming spring and summer collection, we are still obsessed with this slip dress crafted from 100% ultra rich silk charmeuse. The bright blue color is heavenly.

5. Bonterra Biodynamic, Single Vineyard ‘The McNab’ 2013 Wine

This McNab biodynamic wine is an especially special blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Old Vine Petite Sirah. We love the aromas of black currants and cedar, as well as, the flavors of raspberry and plum. We are especially passionate about serving biodynamic wines at our events, as they leave the body nourished, rather then depleted the next day.

6. Gaia Ashwagandha Root

This has been a stressful winter and new year! We could not have done it without our daily dose of Ashwagandha. This is the ultimate adaptogen, nourishing and restoring optimal nervous and immune system health by supporting normal mood, stress levels and overall immune function. Gaia is one of our most trusted and highest quality herbal companies.

7. Kaesthetics Studio Jace Facial Roller

There is nothing like stimulating our meridian points and circulating Chi in our faces in the early slow morning light. We have been using Jade stone rollers to promote lymphatic movement and reduce puffy winter skin and really noticed the cooling effects making a huge difference, We love Kaesthetics Studio quality handmade Jade rollers, and each box comes with an adorable handwritten note. One of our favorite health bloggers, Alison Wu, offers the code ALISON15 for 15% off your purchase!

8. Teeccino Dandelion Vanilla Nut Herbal Coffee Tea Bags

If you are like us, coffee leaves us anxious and jittery, which is why we stick to herbal and matcha tea. However, we cannot stop drinking Teeccino Dandelion Vanilla Tea every morning after our daily Jade rolling session! With creamy notes of vanilla and roasted almonds, as well as, sweet accents of dates and figs, this delicious coffee alternative is a natural energy boost with tons of prebiotic support and alkaline balancing properties. It gets its high levels of antioxidants from carob, dandelion roots, almonds, dates and figs.

9. Sustain Natural Ultra Thin Condoms

We cannot rave enough about this vagina friendly company! Completely alcohol, fragrance, rayon, chlorine bleach, paraben, glycerin, and formaldehyde free, these lubricated and ultra thin condoms actually provide a pleasurable, and safe, sexual experience. All the fun, without the health consequences!

10. Gaia Certified Organic Black Elderberry

Last, but not least, we couldn’t leave out another one of our favorite Gaia products. We have been relying on this bad boy to kick those nasty bugs away as we move into the wet spring season. Ask an herbalist, and they will recommend elderberry to maintain a healthy immune response and fight illness. We prefer to take ours in syrup or tincture form.

Sima & Emmalea's Biohacks

Sima Morrison (Editor-in-chief of House of Citrine) and Emmalea Russo (Plain Alchemy) are admirers of each other from across the country. We had an ongoing email conversation between LA and NYC. The chat centered around our fave biohacks (we love the word biohacks, don’t you?) and organized them for a streamlined reading experience.

 

Emmalea’s Top 10

1. SLEEP

Sounds simple but seriously the biggest biohack. I make sure to get at least 7, preferably 8 hours a night. The hours between 10pm and 2pm are the most vital. Hormone rejuvenation time!

Sima: Sleep is truly healing. Do you ever have any issues falling asleep or staying asleep? If so, what do you do to help alleviate your sleep cycle?

Emmalea: I fall asleep immediately, which is amazing. However, I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and tend to be more of a light sleeper. Lots of exercise, hydration, and less screen time before bed helps with this. And meditating!

2. MAGNESIUM

I'm always looking for nervous system relaxers. Internally, externally. Magnesium everything! It also helps biohack the above biohack -- sleep!

Sima: What difference have you noticed since taking magnesium?

Emmalea: I notice its impact on my nerves right away. Calmer, more relaxed energy and deeper sleep.

3. RAW CHOCOLATE

Magnesium-rich and super joyful.

Sima: Mmmmmh chocolate! Please share with us your current obsession chocolate.

Emmalea: Raw cacao powder always. In everything. I also really love Hu Kitchen's chocolate bars and Moondeli's Mushroom Adaptogen powder (cacao/chaga/cordyceps). When I'm in LA, my favorite thing is Moon Juice's raw chocolate dipped cookie dough. YES.

4. COLONICS

Sima: When does your body tell you need a colonic?

Emmalea: If I'm particularly stressed or noticing any skin issues or have been traveling. It's a great mood elevator, too. I go to Vitality NYC for this. At first, I was terrified -- but I'm a convert.

5. WALK

Sima: Love that you’re a New Yorker! How many miles do you approximately walk a day? What thoughts do you have while on your walk?

Emmalea: Walking is essential for my mental health. I probably walk 10 miles a day. Because I'm in NYC, I walk as a form of transportation. If I'm lucky, downloads about writing projects or art ideas will come through. I also walk my dog, Hanna, around Prospect Park everyday.

6. MyFLO APP

Sima: Tell us about the MyFLO app, we’ve never heard of it.

Emmalea: The ultimate period hack. It keeps tabs on your cycle for you and also lets you track your symptoms and energy levels in each of the cycles. It has helped me align with my cycle and body on a more subtle level.

7. SAYING NO

Conserving energy, especially in the colder months, by saying no to things and hibernating a bit.

Sima: I love that you’re using your voice and building boundaries. Tell us about what you do when you’re hibernating and taking care of yourself.

Emmalea: Most recently, I've relaunched my creative wellness site, Plain Alchemy. I've sort of hit the rebirth button on the project and began a fresh new Instagram account. I'm in the process of making new content and offerings. This involves me going through my own process of healing from neurological and mental ailments and distilling a formula for moving through what can sometimes be an isolating and confusing process -- from symptoms to diagnosis to healing and onwards. And I'm a big fan of nonlinear thinking about healing. Stay tuned!

8. EPSOM SALT BATH

Sima: Tell us your bath routine? Do you feel detox symptoms post epsom salt bath?

Emmalea: No frills. Epsom salt or magnesium flakes + hot water + eyes closed. Total muscular and nervous system release.

9. MINERALIZE

Sima: What minerals do you take? Which ones do you feel are the most effective in your body.

Emmalea: I take zinc and magnesium every night. I also try to incorporate as many mineral-rich teas and herbs as possible. Sea salt! And I'm sort of fascinated by Quinton shots.

10. ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

It's like hitting the refresh button on your brain.

Sima: Can you guide us on your current nostril breath work? Does it help with energy?

Emmalea: I went to an Ayurvedic doctor and she prescribed breath work as the most important medicine. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) involves taking an inhale through one nostril while closing the other, and then switching. It balances the sides of the brain and I find that it settles my often very active mind ASAP.

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Sima’s Top 10

1. HYDRATE

I drink tons of spring water and oxygenated water to keep me balanced.

Emmalea: YES. So important. Do you collect spring water from Mount Shasta? I feel like I’ve seen this on your Instagram.

Sima: Ha! yes, I do collect spring water in the spring and summer in MOUNT SHASTA, CA, It is the most high vibrational living water that I have tasted. The water is silky and filled with earths minerals.

2. NATURE

The power of eco therapy is profound. 

Emmalea: What are your favorite spots on the west coast? East coast?

Sima: Hmmm so many to chose from. I really love Mount Shasta, Sedona and Ojai. I haven’t tapped into the East Coast yet. 

3. SALT

Emmalea: Tell me more! What kind and how much per day? 

Sima: I love celtic seat salt. It has so many minerals and really helps me stay balanced. Salt is actually very good for you, unfortunately the salt that we are exposed to in most restaurants and in food is actually toxic.

4. HERBS

All kinds especially for the fall and winter.

Emmalea: What are your faves at the moment and how do you take them?

Sima: Lemon balm to keep body clean of viruses and bacteria, especially during the next few months with the weather shift. 

Nettle: very cleansing for the body and helps release excess fluid. 

Rosemary tea mixed with ginger for boosting the immune system. 

Mushroom tonics of reishi, astragalus made with fresh macadamia milk and raw honey.

5. ORGASMS

Keeps my body in flow.

Emmalea: Love this one. An orgasm provides an immediate cortisol flush. Spontaneous or planned?

Sima: YES! Both, I’m married so this is an easy one for me. It really supports my mood and makes me feel like a woman. I feel that a big part of my confidence is being able to express my sexuality. Orgasms also support my sleep cycles, I always feel well rested.

6. BERBERINE

Emmalea: Truth: I had to google this. It sounds interesting. Can you say what benefits you experience and how/when you take it?

Sima: I take berberine to support the eco-system of my gut. I take it a for month straight a few times a year to help kill candida. It is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties. Larger doses are great for stabilizing blood sugar levels.

7. LEMON BALM AND NETTLE TEA

All day and night.

Emmalea: I am drinking nettle/red raspberry leaf/oatstraw tea as I write this! And I drink it all day.

Sima: Obsessed with these teas. I typically add huge tablespoons of honey throughout the day. Now that we are in fall these earthy tea tones really help replenish our bodies in minerals.

8. SHUNGITE

Emmalea: Love these esoteric biohacks. It's a stone, right? Please elaborate on how it helps!

Sima: I always carry Shungite in my handbag or wear it around my neck or wrist. I keep them around my laptop and bedside to clear my space. Shungite is a very powerful stone. It helps clear negative energy frequency in your field. It also helps ease the mind. 

9. BITTERS

Emmalea: I haven't explored the world of bitters yet. Can you debrief me on them?

Sima: I LOVE bitters. Made with bitter herbs such as dandelion and burdock. I take it before I eat a meal and it helps with digestion, bloating and  proper nutrient absorption.

10. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Emmalea: How often and what effects do you experience?

Sima: I take this anytime I eat out at a restaurant, drink alcohol, travel and if I feel off balanced. This pretty such sucks the toxins out of me. You can also use it to whiten teeth too!!!

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Emmalea has extended a special offer to House of Citrine readers: 20 percent off your first Alchemization session.

Valentine's Day Sex Elixir

Valentine's Day: A day of love which is celebrated solo, with the gals, or with your main squeeze. Why not enjoy a smooth beverage - with or without the alchy? This concoction will make you feel pretty relaxed and a little more sexy.  Mixed in with herbs and a tummy digestive aid. ENJOY!

Valentine's Day Sex Elixir

• 3 oz. pomegranate juice

• 1.5 oz. sparkling wine

• 1/2 oz. coconut kefir water

• 1/4 teaspoon of Damiana leaf

• 1/4 teaspoon Kava root

• 1/4 teaspoon pine polle

Mix together and enjoy!

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body. She manifests her vision through her online journal, designing recipes and cultivating conversation in the sharing of health, wellness, and inspiration. Sima lives with an open heart and views being in service to others as her most important calling, practicing compassion and helping people to heal past trauma. She is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and meditation facilitator.

Respiratory Rescue Tea: dedicated to all victims of the Southern California fires

Growing up immersed in the wild brush woodlands of the Santa Monica Mountains, the loom of fire threats is not something new to me. My childhood consisted of emergency evacuations and glowing hazy, orange borders billowing across the chaparral sierras. Whenever the words “Santa Ana winds” were mentioned, I knew the devilish red flames would rear their fuming heads again. As a young adventurous and aspiring Eliza Thornberry, one of the worst parts for a outdoor explorer, was always the smoke pollution. With air pollution already a huge problem in Southern California, acrid smoke just adds fuel to the fire. Now, imagine dry climate air, limitless smoke and car exhaust fumes filling the skies…its like residents are bathing in brown soot. Its painful to breathe in, feeling like you are filling your lungs with deep pressure rather than clean air. This smoke pollution can cause a host of health issues “[ranging] from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death” and, in addition, “exposures to high concentrations can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing” (EPA, 2016). 

And this year alone, we had a particularly gnarly fire season, with multiple fires breaking out across Southern California in a short, severe period. There was LITERALLY smoke on the water and a fire in the sky. One fire in particular, the Thomas Fire, is still currently burning through Ventura and Santa Barbara County like an angry rush of swarming bees, and has officially become the second largest wildfire in California’s history. Thousands of acres, homes and lives have been destroyed. And with climate change creating harsher drought and further desertification, this is only the beginning. There is only so much we can do right now, but helping our communities by donating, opening our homes, volunteering and pushing for stricter legislation towards climate justice issues is a step in the right direction. While I am currently living in England and watching from afar as these ravaging fires destroy so much of my homeland, it makes my heart hurt, to see the people and land that I love so much in pain. For now, how I chose to help is by creating an herbal tea recipe specifically for respiratory cleansing, assisting victims afflicted by smoke pollution. I am handing this article over to all community members of California, hoping that the those who can help, will give back. If you are a budding herbalist, tea enthusiast or just interested in getting involved and have the means, please make bulk infusions and give to those in need. I hope I can transfer some light and love to my community of California. I want to end with these poetic lyrics I symbolically feel the Grateful Dead wrote for California, helping us remember it's:

Just a box of rain,

Wind and water,

Believe it if you need it,

If you don't just pass it on

Sun and shower,

Wind and rain,

In and out the window

Like a moth before a flame

Represented with the fire elements, Mullein Leaves feel like fuzzy fluff balls. They are fantastic for chest congestion and respiratory conditions, boasting expectorant, demulcent and antiseptic actions. 

Licorice Root, represented with the water elements, does not taste like a sweet flavored black candy. In fact, this herb is quite bitter, making it excellent for heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers and other digestive conditions. It is also wonderful for adrenal depletion, chronic vital infections and lower respiratory infections for its expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, and adrenal supporting actions. 

Represented with the fire elements, Hawthorn Leaf warms the heart and promotes gentle equilibrium throughout the body. It is renowned for its astringent and circulatory properties.

Mullein Leaves

Licorice Root

Hawthorn Leaf

Marshmallow Root, represented with the water elements, is best prepared as a cold infusion. It is demulcent and mucilaginous, which breaks up mucus and coats and soothes respiratory inflammation.

Elecampane Root, represented with the air elements, with its showy yellow-rayed flowers, is a stimulating tonic herb. Its expectorant nature makes it wonderful for respiratory ailments and bronchial infections.

Represented with the fire elements, Hyssop, packs a minty fresh zeal that is wonderful for healing chronic congestion, catarrh and other conditions. It is expectorant and diaphoretic and also an excellent nervine tonic.

Marshmallow Root

Elecampane Root

Hyssop

 

Respiratory Rescue Tea (yields about 8 cups) 

• 1 tablespoon of dried mullein leaves

• 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root

• 1 teaspoon of dried hyssop

• 1 teaspoon dried marshmallow leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried hawthorn leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried elecampane root

Typically, aerial parts of plants like leaves are infused, while hardier parts like roots are decocted, however this tea allows for a potent infusion blend with longer steeping time. Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. To infuse the tea, put the herbs in a teapot or cup, using an infuser for easy removal. Pour boiling water over the herbs and allow the tea to steep covered for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to cover the teapot to keep the heat from dissipating. Strain, serve and sweeten with a teaspoon of Manuka Honey or soak a few dried mulberries for extra Vitamin C. 

Thank you to infinity and beyond to the firefighters and generous community members for fighting these fires, donating and getting involved. So much love and gratitude resonates from the House of Citrine to you. You can read more about how to get involved and help or donate to the Southern California wildfire victims here. 

This information is not a replacement for a medical professional, so please consult before treating yourself or others with this or any other herbal remedy

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Molly Helfend is part of the HOC team and is a writer, ethnobotanist, herbalist and environmental activist. She graduated from University of Vermont in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Holistic Health and recently from University of Kent in 2018 in Canterbury, England with a Masters of Science Degree in Ethnobotany. She has worked for Urban Moonshine, Greenpeace and received her herbalism training with Spoonful Herbals. Her goal is to travel the world, researching plant-human interconnected relationships while continuing to educate about the transformational energy of life. Molly resides in Raglan, New Zealand, working as an herbalist at the Herbal Dispensary.

The Plant Collective : Plant-based Holiday E-Cookbook

We are honored to have Emily Rose Shaw share one of her phenomenal plant-based recipes with us just in time for the holiday crunch. Emily is a chef, holistic health coach and instructor at PLANTLAB. She demonstrates passion and drive in all her empowering endeavors. We are pleased to be a part of her new project, THE PLANT COLLECTIVE. This project is a plant-based holiday e-cookbook featuring 50+ recipes from 32 leaders in food and wellness.

Emily's mission is to give back, and is contributing 60% of sales to EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT, founded by world-renowned chef and activist Alice Waters.  EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT teaches children about healthy food, growing fruits and vegetables in school gardens, and being hands on with creating recipes with local foods. It's no surprise Emily has been a huge supporter of this project. Emily stands for community and education and really understands the power of healing with earth's resources. We're truly inspired by this radiant beauty. 

To learn more about this project and order her book for a great cause visit plantcollective.com.

Here is a sneak peak at one of the recipes in the book. 

LEMON BRAISED LEEKS / BRAZIL NUT CREAM

By PLANTLAB Culinary

INGREDIENTS

• 3 leeks, tough outer pieces of the stalk removed, halved lengthwise (or cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp shallot, finely chopped
• ½ tsp cracked pink peppercorns
• ½ tsp coriander seeds
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup vegetable stock
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup brazil nut cream
• 1 tbsp parsley, minced
• ½ cup brazil nut cream 

BRAZIL NUT CREAM

• 1 cup brazil nuts, soaked 8 hours and rinsed
• 2 cups filtered water
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp sumac powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 °F.

Blend the brazil nuts and water on high until broken down, about one minute. Strain through a nut milk bag or chinois. Return brazil nut cream to the blender and blend in the salt (and sumac powder if used). Gradually stream in the oil on low to emulsify. Reserve for use in lemon braised leek preparation.

In a medium bowl soak and clean the leeks in cold water, for 5 minutes, cleaning away any dirt between the layers. Gently shake dry or let sit in a colander to drain away excess moisture. 

In a heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add leeks, open side face down against the skillet. Move them around periodically to keep them from sticking. Cook until the open side begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Gently remove from the skillet and place to the side, open side facing up. 

Add the shallot, peppercorn, and coriander seeds to the skillet and sauté until the shallot becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. (You may also toast the spices ahead of time if you wish). 

Next add the salt, lemon juice, vegetable stock and zest then bring to a boil. Add the brazil nut cream, return to a boil while stirring frequently, then reduce heat to a simmer and return the leeks to the skillet, open side facing up. Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid, and place in the oven to braise the leeks for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a fork.

Remove the skillet from the oven and gently remove the leeks. Place them on a cutting board and carefully cut the leek halves into 3 inch sections. Continue to simmer the liquid in the skillet until the brazil nut cream begins to thicken, stirring frequently. Once desired consistency has been achieved, remove from heat, and stir in minced parsley. 

ASSEMBLY

Spoon 1 to 2 large spoonfuls of the sauce onto a small plate. Place 3 to 5 sections of leeks over the sauce, lightly season with salt, and drizzle 1 large spoonful of sauce over the leeks before serving.

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About The Plant Collective e-cookbook: 

The Plant Collective: Holiday 2017 is an e-cookbook featuring more than 50 plant-based recipes from 32 leaders in food + wellness. 60% of all sales are donated to Alice Water’s Edible Schoolyard Project; building school gardens, teaching sustainable, healthy food practices. It makes the perfect holiday gift! Join the movement supporting healthy food for all! 

THE MISSION OF THE PLANT COLLECTIVE

WE STAND FOR THE EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT, founded by Alice Waters, who “envisions gardens and kitchens as interactive classrooms and a sustainable, delicious, and free lunch for every student.” Children are much more likely to enjoy fruits and vegetables if they are involved in the process of growing and preparing them. Today, one in three children are overweight or obese, setting them up for a lifetime of health problems. We truly believe there is a solution in food education. What if all children, regardless of race, economic status and background had a chance to eat healthy food from the beginning? Won’t that set the foundation for a better chance of a lifetime of healthy eating? 

WE STAND FOR COMMUNITY, uniting leaders in food and wellness who believe food is medicine, creatively demonstrating how delicious, pleasurable and beautiful healthy foods really are. 

WE STAND FOR DISCOVERING NEW CREATIVE WAYS TO USE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, finding healthier versions of holiday recipe favorites that are equally as tasty, and creating new holiday traditions. 

Photo Credit: Lama Riachi

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Lear more and purchase the book at plantcollective.com and follow Emily on Instagram

Emily Rose Shaw is a plant-based chef, holistic health coach and instructor at PLANTLAB Culinary. Growing up with Transcendental Meditation and Ayurveda, she weaves together ancient practices with modern technique. She is also the founder of The Plant Collective, a digital publication uniting plant-based food, conscious business and art + design to benefit food-related causes worldwide. Her background spans from working as a fashion stylist to cleanse specialist. Emily has designed recipes for Australia-based Oliver’s Real Foods, the world’s first certified organic 'fast-food' chain and Sherpa Power, an Ayurvedic tea company.

Conscious Cheese Platter

When House of Citrine hosts events and has friends over, we never skimp on the essentials. We go all out with the cleanest, most nutrient dense products and foods so the people we love can all have an elegant night with the health benefits and without the guilt. Recently, we enjoyed a night with some of our favorite people mixed with some of our favorite companies. We were blessed to share love and laughter while sipping on homemade elixirs and tonics created with Revel Kombucha and Oregon’s Wild Harvest herbal tinctures. We focused on the most nutrient dense biodynamic wines and created stunning cheese platters with grain-free crackers, fresh seasonal organic fruits and salads, vegan chocolates and cheeses, sprouted and activated nuts and lots of love. This platter is great for the holidays or any get together with loved ones!

For those of you who are not familiar with biodynamic farming, it focuses on Rudolph Steiner’s principles that “strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself” (Biodynamic Association, 17). Some of our favorite biodynamic wineries include:

• Frey Vineyards

• Benzinger Family Winery

• DeLoach Vineyards (We adore the Boisset Collection)

We also chose grain-free crackers because grains have enzyme inhibitors that impair our digestion, causing inflammation. So, we like to stay away from grains whenever possible and lean towards nutritious options that pair nicely with various flavors. Some of our favorite grain-free crackers companies include:

• Jilz Gluten Free Crackers

• Lydia’s Foods

Vegan cheese was essential to our plates, as many of our guests choose to stay away from dairy. However, if you are looking to add milk-based cheeses to your own plates, we recommend using raw sheep or goat milk. Luckily, at our soiree, even the pickiest palate could not resist our vegan cheeses drizzled with local raw honey. Here is a list of our favorite companies: 

• Leaf Cuisine

• Miyoko’s Kitchen

• Kite Hill

• Blönde Kuh

As for nuts, we choose to sprout them ourselves. We go to our local farmers market or health food stores and really focus on searching for not only organically and ethically grown nuts, but also choose nuts that actually emit love and positive energy. We scattered our plates with delicious almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, pecans, and Santa Barbara Pistachios. And of course, Phi Kind Chocolate and Hu Chocolate paired perfectly with our activated nuts of choice.  

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We were also blessed to have Erewhon Market donate a few light gorgeous seasonal salads of apple, fennel and greens. They were divine and refreshing. Our conscious cheese plates were truly next level with the fruits we added. Slicing obscure shapes and placing each fruit delicately to create palpable hues and tones of sweetness, we rounded off the night with vivid color and a middle eastern style. We used the works: figs, dates, apples, apricots, pears, red grapes, Sun Potion Mulberries, and Imlak’esh Organics Golden Berries . 

Check out Jeff Sheirik’s (Rawtographer) photos of this magical night and we would like to thank all the incredible companies that donated to our event. So much love and gratitude resonates from the House of Citrine staff to our friends, family and readers. 

Photo credit: Jeff Sheirik

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body. She manifests her vision through her online journal, designing recipes and cultivating conversation in the sharing of health, wellness, and inspiration. Sima lives with an open heart and views being in service to others as her most important calling, practicing compassion and helping people to heal past trauma. She is a certified Kundalini yoga instructor and meditation facilitator.

Broth Bar

By: Molly Helfend

During one of our adventures to Portland, we had the delight to sit down and speak with co-owner and executive chef of Broth Bar, by Salt, Fire & Time, Tressa Yellig. Her calming presence instantly nourished our souls, just as her delicious broth and summer collagen coolers did as well! We spoke about Tressa’s creative and health insights, the healing benefits of bone broth, and how Salt, Fire & Time makes some of the highest quality bone broth in the world.

Please tell our readers what the Broth Bar is and where it began.

Broth bar is the retail leg of Salt, Fire & Time. It was Portland, Oregon’s first dedicated Bone Broth Café. My sister Katie joined the Company in April of 2015 and this was our first project together. Broth Bar opened its doors in August 2015.  The intention behind Broth Bar was to take the momentum around bone broth and use it to create an accessible user-friendly social experience that would help folks turn drinking bone broth into a routine of everyday wellness.  

What makes Broth Bar unique?

Salt, Fire & Time has existed as a maker of old world artisan healing foods since 2009. We had been selling out of the kitchen for years, as well as hosting dinners, teaching classes and catering. Broth Bar by Salt, Fire & Time was a way of making all of this more mainstream that matched the public’s expectation of what an artisan food experience should be, while bringing everything under one very public roof. 

Why choose Portland as Broth Bar’s home?

Portland has been a leader in innovative restaurant culture for at least a decade, but people are just beginning to understand how much innovation in food manufacturing also happens here.  As a chef, working in California, people talked about Portland as the promised land of food – year round grow season, no sales tax and very collaborative atmosphere of creators and entrepreneurs. I was sold. I moved here, sight unseen specifically to try to build a Community Supported Kitchen that I would name Salt, Fire & Time. The project evolved so many times that, at present, it is a full line of products with two retail outlets all focused around healing foods and education. The business atmosphere here in Portland is a great place to test new ideas. 

What exactly is bone broth and why is it so good for us?

Bone Broth is a nutrient dense source of easy to absorb amino acids and minerals that normalizes stomach acid. The body doesn’t have to use any energy to digest it, so it can divert a lot of that energy to healing the intestinal lining and improving the way it breaks down and absorbs the nutrients in our food. I think of it as a thrifty food and healing decision, because it sets up the whole process beautifully for optimal efficiency.  It is also deeply soothing for the nervous system, great for muscle recovery and replenishing electrolytes and helps to improve joint mobility. Basically, it guarantees that the body is actually able to turn the food your eat into the medicine that it needs to function and heal. 

How can we consume bone broth sustainably?

The most important things to focus on when making it or eating it are to 1) make sure the bones are coming from a source where the animals were allowed to live an authentic experience, eating and living the way that nature intended and 2) allow the process to happen at a low temperature for at least 8 hours. Don’t rush and be careful not to expose it to too much heat so that you can protect those delicate amino acids. I think the most sustainable way to do that is to develop a routine around your sourcing and cooking process. Make it part of your plan to know the farms that you are getting bones from and only make as much as you are planning to consume in a week or two. The larger the supply of bones you buy, usually the better the pricing that you will be able to negotiate. Having a freezer to store your bones in helps a lot, as well as being a place to store your finished product. It will keep for about 6 months in the freezer and is great to keep on hand for any of your cooking or nutrition needs.  It’s a good habit to get in to drinking about a 6-8oz cup per day first thing in the morning to maximize digestion . The effects will continue all day.  Otherwise, a cup in the afternoon is great for that late afternoon brain fog or many people enjoy a cup before bedtime to help quiet the mind and soothe the spirit from a day in one’s life! It’s sort of like nutritional first aid. 

What is the most common question you get about consuming bone broth?

The most common question I get about bone broth is “which is the best animal to get bones from?” and interestingly the answer is whichever sounds most delicious to you. Truth be told, the nutrition panels on the broths are almost identical with nearly negligible micro variants between them. They are nutritionally the same and will have the same effect in the body. The biggest differences between them are the fat content and flavor. 

Is there a vegan option?

At present we don’t have a vegan option – I fantasize about trying to build out the nutrient equivalent of bone broth in a vegetable form but it would be very comprehensive, expensive and difficult to make. Nonetheless, it is certainly on my short list for product development. I would not trust a product on the market today that claimed to be the same as bone broth.  

How do you meld creativity, flavor and business together?

The easiest way for me to meld business, product development and flavor is with our company standard of high integrity in every department, also this is a lifestyle for me too. We will only grow this company without compromise to our ethics in sourcing and process. Being able to work with good farmers and good ingredients is inherently inspiring. Being close to our food and our customers is also inspiring. I get to see the consequences of my efforts directly influencing the lives of the people that we are serving on both ends of the business equation from the places we source ingredients to the people who’s lives are changed daily by the simple virtue of having access to quality food.  I honestly believe that this is the way that change is made, one delicious high integrity experience and decision at a time. I love this job and passion for it is easy to come by.

What are some of the other menu items and products you chose to sell?

We also sell products from other vendors that match our commitment to quality and an intention to empower people to change their lives with high quality ingredients. At the end of the day, everything we do is in defense of quality foods – it’s the best way to effect future change at a community level and we hope that translates to a larger economy scale as well.

Every item that we choose to represent is cleanly sourced in its ingredients and is further supporting our customers to create a well-rounded healthy food experience at home. Whether it is supplements, snacks, condiments, drinks, or raw materials, I know the faces of the makers and that means a lot to this company.

Where do you see the future of the Broth Bar headed?

I see the future of Broth Bar much the way that Sally Fallon, the woman who pioneered this return to traditional foods, does – a Broth Bar in every town. Creating broader access to something so foundational is contagious and infinitely relevant to every community. We are slowly perfecting a model that others can use to make use of these products and processes in their areas. 

If there was one message you would like our readers to take home from this, what would it be?

I want people to know that quality foods cannot be taken for granted and our access to food is an endangered privilege. Consumers have the most power to demand and secure access to these products in the marketplace by voting with their dollars. This not only protects producers like us, but also the farmers…and it takes so so many of them to make this work. This is one high integrity passionate response to protect the future of our food culture and the health of future generations and we need consumers to help us help them too.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by beautiful ingredients and the intention to empower people to live better quality lives because of the food choices they make. Beauty is a basic need just as important as food itself. We seek it out to surround ourselves and create joy in our lives. Traditional Foods like Bone Broth are beautiful. Health is beautiful.  Humans are beautiful manifestations of this relationship to our environments. Food has the greatest ability to influence our health in any direction. It is the simplest most effective way to take charge of one’s life. There is enough suffering in the world and this is delicious medicine. 

Health and Wellness are….

Health and Wellness are our birthright. Take advantage of reclaiming that fact, it is available to all of us, or at least we are trying to make it accessible to everyone so that they can. It begins with rebuilding the foundation of our bodies’  mechanism for changing food from our environment into healing nutrients and it can be especially pleasurable. This is a sensory environment. It informs our place on the planet and in community with one another. Food is foundational and bone broth even more so. It’s the definition of digestion. 

Photo Credit: Eden Baron

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Please visit Salt, Fire & Time’s website to learn more about visiting their bars and ordering broth online, as well as, classes and events. 

Molly Helfend is part of the HOC team and is an herbalist and environmental activist. She graduated from University of Vermont in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Holistic Health. She will be attending University of Kent in Canterbury, England to receive her Masters Degree in Ethnobotany in 2017. She has worked for Urban Moonshine, Greenpeace and received her training with Spoonful Herbals. Her goal is to receive her PHD and become a professor at University of California Santa Cruz. Molly resides in Monte Nido, California.