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