Springtime Tea

By: Molly Helfend

As we pull back the white veil and mop up the clouds’ tears of winter, we inch closer to the new beginning of the spring equinox. Spring brings fresh awakening to not only the earth, but our souls as well. This spirit-lifting energy pulls those hazy shades of winter out over our eyes and brings forth the reception for spring cleaning. With creative energy and scenic wonder blossoming across the land, we free ourselves from the heaviness and lethargy of the cold season. With the offering from tonic spring herbs, we allow luminescent energy to flourish and guide circulation and lymphatic movement into our bodies.

Springtime herbs speak directly to tonic teas. These herbs support liver function, urinary tract health and gentle detoxifying, as bring forth vitamins and minerals to course through the body. During winter, most of us have an inaccessibility to a constant fresh supply of greens, especially since we tend to eat heavier more root-based plants to sustain energy and warmth. Verdant herb teas are extremely beneficial for springtime, as are including other yin (aerial parts of plants, including leaves and flowers) herbs to our teas to kindly detox the body after such winter illnesses as upper respiratory infections and sluggish digestion. 

One of the primary base herbs used in this tea recipe is nettle. Represented with the fire elements, nettle is rich in vitamin A, C and K. It also has very high mineral contents as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, protein, formic acid, beta-carotene and chlorophyll. It is tonic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic. The other primary base herb used is chickweed. Represented with the water elements, chickweed has a very cooling nature and is excellent for healing conditions of heat, sluggishness, inflammation, itching, and rebuilding vitality, while also helping to shed extra winter pounds. It is also a storehouse of vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, protein, sodium, copper, carotenes, and vitamins B and C. Its herbal actions include emollient, astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and vulnerary. Chickweed also can be found almost anywhere, growing with moist, cultivated soil. I personally prefer it fresh, as not only does it have such a lively viridescent flavor, but it also is richer in medicinal components. However, you can dry them yourself or if it does not grow around you, buying bulk dried chickweed is great as well. 

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. Calendula, represented with the fire elements, is a bright burst of color in your spring tea! Gently cleansing and enriching almost every system, it helps with sluggish digestion, painful menstruation, skin irritation, and lymphatic congestion. Its herbal actions include vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, emmenagogue, and lymphatic. Red clover, represented with the air elements, is a sweet-tempered vitamin-rich herb. A graceful flower, it is alterative, lymphatic, expectorant, demulcent and anti-catarrhal, while promoting nourishing re-growth within various systems in the body. Mullein, represented with the fire elements, is the quintessential herb for healing respiratory conditions. Expectorant, demulcent, antiseptic, and antispasmodic, it clears chest congestion and inflammation in the lungs. Linden, represented with the air elements, has a lovely flavor with pacific properties. It is a cardio-tonic and nervine relaxant that supports blood vessel integrity, normalizes heart muscle conditions, soothes the respiratory system, and eases anxiety and nervous tension.  

The herbs used in this tea were blessed by one of my herbal mentor’s Barbara Raab, and by her mentor Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, to create a hot-infused spring tea recipe, that was carefully crafted with mindful energy and solicitude. A hot infusion was chosen because it draws out vitamins, enzymes and aromatic volatile oils from the plants that work synergistically to heal and cherish. Please listen to your body, mind, soul and spirit when alchemizing and ingesting this tea blend and try to chose sustainable companies and businesses such as Mountain Rose Herbs or your local coop to purchase your bulk dried herbs from. 

Awakening Spring Tea (yields about 8 cups) 

• 1/2 tablespoon of dried nettle leaves
• 1/2 tablespoon of dried chickweed leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried calendula flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried red clover flowers
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried mullein flowers 
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried linden leaves

        Additional Herb Options

• 1 teaspoon of goldenrod flowers (If you are especially prone to severe allergies with the blooming of spring)*
• 1/2 teaspoon of parsley leaves (If you are looking for more earth-based foliole nourishment)*

If possible, wildcrafted is even better than cultivated

Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (or 3 teaspoons of fresh 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 5-10 minutes. Make sure to cover the teapot to keep the heat from dissipating. Then strain, serve and enjoy!

~ If you choose to use fresh herbs, use 3 times the amount of dried herbs in your tea blend. If harvesting yourself, make sure to give gratitude back to the earth and plants themselves. Please harvest with gentle love. The general rule of harvesting the aerial parts of plants is that they are best harvested during the peak sunlight hours. This will ensure all the dew has dissipated and the plants have had adequate time to soak up nourishment from the sun. However, if you are ever in doubt about the time to harvest, ask the plant yourself! ~

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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
Emollient - soothes, softens and protects the skin
Carminative - soothes and settles digestive gut wall
Demulcent - soothes and shields irritated internal tissue
Expectorant - removes excess mucus from the lungs
Laxative - stimulates the bowels to promote movements
Vulnerary - highlights healing in wounds and inflammation

Alterative - restores health and vitality; blood cleanser
Anti-fungal - used for fungal infections
Emmangogue - stimulates menstrual flow and activity
Lympathic - influences cleansing in lympathic system
Anti-catarrhal - removes excess catarrhal build-ups
Antiseptic - inhibit growth of microorganisms to tissue
Anti-spasmodic - prevents or eases spasms or cramps
Cardio-tonic - beneficial action for the heart
Nervine - beneficial effects on the nervous system

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This information is not a replacement for a trained herbalist. Please consult your medical professional before treating yourself or others with this or any other herbal remedy.

* Goldenrod

• AIR

• anti-catarrhal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, vulnerary

• upper respiratory congestion

• wounds

• blamed for seasonal allergies like hay fever (fall especially), ragweed blooms the same time

* Parsley 

• AIR 
• nutrient powerhouse
• vitamins and minerals, folic acid, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and antioxidants
• warming circulatory stimulant 
• astringent 
• BEST AVOIDED BY PREGNANT WOMEN (can decrease breast milk production)

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Molly Helfend, herbalist and environmental activist, 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.  

Pick me up Elixir

When you need an energizing way to kick off your afternoon slump, add superfoods that will keep your body activated with nourishment. Try this special House of Citrine concoction to keep your day beautiful, balanced and productive!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. of Jun or Kombucha - we use Jun - very similar to kombucha, uses green tea and honey to ferment, aids digestion, promotes good bacteria in gut.
• 2 oz. coconut water kefir - decreases sugar cravings, strengthens the immune system, aids in digestion, enhances hydration, increases energy, clears the skin, promotes a more efficient metabolism, and destroys pathogenic yeasts in the body.
• 1 oz. of rose water - skin hydrator, mood elevator, reduces bloating, aids digestion, antioxidants.
• 10 drops of Astragalus tincture -strengthens and energizes body, regulates immune system.  
• 4 drops of maca tincture - Energy, mood elevator, increases stamina, regulates hormones, fertility, sexual health, and antioxidant booster.

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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.

High Vibrational Elixir

This past weekend House of Citrine had the pleasure of hosting a high vibrational dinner with Sun Potion. We had renowned chef Greg Arnold plate the most beautiful plant-based dishes. Biodynamic wine was served from the France and Napa based Boisset Collection. We enjoyed the most beautiful raw sacred geometry cakes by Stephen McCarty, along with elevating kombucha, elixirs and Jun infused with herbs tinctures. It was definitely a night to remember. Here is one of the recipes from the event House of Citrine created….

For base you can use 5 oz. of Kombucha, Jun or Coconut Kefir.  We use Health-Ade Kombucha, Herbal Junction Jun and Tonix coconut water kefir.

photo credit: Julia Corbett

• 1 Teaspoon of Sun Potion Pine Pollen
• 10 drops of Ashwaganda tincture - adaptogenic herb, used for adrenal fatigue and improving thyroid function.
• 10 drops of Reishi tincture - boosts the immune system, liver regeneration, anti-cancer properties.
• 10 drops of Astragalus tincture - strengthens and energizes body, regulates immune system.

These herbs will get into the bloodstream quicker using a fermented beverage that has a high alcohol content. They're all used for longevity and wellness. You can enjoy this drink as a casual beverage, or a night out with friends. You will feel a buzz after you drink, due to the quick activation. Enjoy!

Since we are not doctors, this site is not designed to and does not provide medical claims, please consult your doctor for medical guidance.

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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.

Lotus Lindley: Balance and Harmony with Essential Oils

Changing times. Shifting paradigms. Vibration on the rise. 

As the wave of awakening grows stronger, more of us are seeking to upshift our health, our vitality, and our consciousness.  Healing collectively, whether that be physical, emotionally, and spiritually is calling us all to rise to a new vibration of love and peace.

Essential oils, when they are pure, unadulterated, undiluted, sourced and harvested from the ideal conditions for each plant, and distilled with integrity, offer us potent plant medicine.  Essential oils are just one of the gifts Mother Earth offers us for our healing and on-going vitality. They are expressions of her love and intelligence for the natural world, including us, and are received harmoniously within our being on all levels. 

Essential Oils are perhaps one of the most potent forms of plant medicine we can receive. One drop of a pure essential oil is the equivalent of 50-70 times the potency of herbs. To clarify, 1 drop of Peppermint oil is equal to 28 cups of Peppermint tea!  This one drop of essential oil can support us on the cellular level, accessing millions of cells and all of our bodily systems.  

The properties and energies of essential oils run the full range of ‘anti’ properties such as anti-fungal, -parasitical, -bacterial, -inflammatory, -tumoral, -septic, etc. They can help in the elimination of pain, swelling, and mucous. For the endocrine system, we can be assisted in the balancing of hormones and support for proper organ function. As I began with Frankincense, a daily ritual for me is massaging 1 drop of this wisest oil along the throat to support thyroid function. We can practice preventative wellness and receive assistance for more acute issues when integrating essential oils into our daily lives.

Essential oils offer support to our body/mind/emotions/spirit, inviting all aspects of ourselves to come into a natural balance, harmony, and alignment with our Highest Self.  As a healer, I feel their energetics carry a wisdom and frequency which joyfully speaks to our heart and soul.

One of the most powerful essential oils for the brain and to support the functioning of the Pineal Gland, Frankincense is also one of the most revered, so it is worth mentioning more than once! Frankincense has and is being studied for its many healing effects. The saying goes, ‘when all else fails, turn to Frankincense.’ Studies for the brain show that there are extremely few substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier, without causing subsequent harm. Two of those substances are essential oils. Frankincense and Sandalwood.  Frankincense, when applied to the roof of the mouth, goes directly toward the Pineal Gland, supporting cell growth, rejuvenation, and assists in decalcification of this ever so important gland.  A beloved oil that we’re never without. 

Photo credit: Natalia Molina

I’d love to share some of my favorite recipes and ways to invite essential oils into your life. Bringing ourselves into the present moment with the process of blending and anointing helps to build a relationship with the energies of essential oils, so I usually don’t pre-make blends. Below I’m happy to offer the option for general pre-blending as well.

1) Pressure behind the eyes, head throbbing, desperately need to lie down, a growing feeling of ‘ikyness’ in the stomach? Yep, it’s the big M headache!

Basil. Lavender. Peppermint. Dollop of Carrier Oil (Almond, Jojoba, etc)

• Dime size dollop of carrier oil
• 1 drop of each in the palm of your hand.
• Gently rub hands together a time or two.
• Inhale deeply for 2 breaths.
• With finger tips, lovingly massage temples, Third Eye and along the brow.
• Next, massage into the ear bones (behind the ears) and then massage remainder at the base of the skull.
• Inhale again.
• Rest. Breathe. Be.

2) Can’t sleep?

Vetiver. Lavender. Patchouli.

• Use 3 drops Vetiver into your palm.
• Dip fingertip into Vetiver and apply first on the big toes, low back along the spine, back of the neck, temples, Third Eye.
• With remainder on hands, begin massaging into toes and soles of feet, then massage all the areas oil was applied.
• Next, add 2 drops of Lavender & 1 drop of Patchouli into palm.
• Gently rub together a time or two, then layer this application over the areas with the Vetiver.
• Inhale. Breathe. Be. Sleep.

3) Mid-day boost?

Wild Orange. Peppermint.

• 1 drop of each in the palm of the hand.
• Rub hands together gently & then breathe in deep a few times.
• Apply to soles of the feet if possible, and the back of the neck up along hairline at base of the scalp. Feel the coolness!
• Wild Orange offers a sense of abundance & joy.
• Peppermint invigorates the breath & mind.

*Citrus oils are photosensitive. Some people are sensitive if area of application is exposed to sunlight within 12-24 hours. If applying topically after inhalation, cover area or massage into an area of the body which is covered if you’re going to be out in the sun. *

4) Evening Skin Nourishing Rejuvenation

Frankincense Essential Oil. Carrier Oil ~ Almond, Fractionated Coconut, or Jojoba

• Wash face, rinse with cold water, pat dry.
• Gently massage carrier oil into face and neck.
• Add 1 drop of Frankincense into palms, massage into skin, then along neck and throat in an upward motion.

5) Miso Dressing for 2 (only pure EO’s can be used)

Chickpea Miso. Olive Oil. Apple Cider Vinegar. Spring Water. Lemon. Rosemary or Fennel or Basil Essential Oils

• 1 large table sp of Miso paste.
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ cup Spring Water (or desired consistency)
• Thoroughly stir all ingredients.
• Add 1 drop Lemon. 1 drop of preferred Rosemary or Fennel or Basil Essential Oils
• Pour on Salad reaping health benefits and a tasty treat!

For pre-blending, this ratio is general. In a dark glass, 5 ml bottle, use 1% carrier oil to 2% Essential oil as a guideline.

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Lotus is certified in Yoga Nidra facilitation, as a Reiki Master, Oneness/Deeksha Giver, and AromaTouch Essential Oil Technique.  As a healer, she’s been working with private clients and in small intimate groups, since 2004. Her work includes emotional/somatic release, Shadow work, meditation, Shamanic Healing & Light Language Activations.

Lotus offers classes on Essential Oils and Healing sessions in Los Feliz, CA. Visit her website, The Art of Sacred Embodiment to learn more. Email her at lotuslindley@gmail.com.

HoC Brain Tonic

Waking up in the morning and drinking a tonic is a must for someone who wants to bring his or her wellness to another peak. Drinking adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms are a great gentle way to get nutrients in your diet. This particular tonic has a wide range of nourishing vitamins, minerals and fats. This drink can be made anytime of the day, but is best before 4 o’clock because the cacao can be a bit energizing.

We added raw cacao to the tonic, which is certainly very high in antioxidants, and it contains an abundance of magnesium and iron.

We also added mucuna puriens that contains a principle ingredient; L-Dopa, a naturally occurring amino acid that transforms into dopamine in the brain. It is also known to enhance brain function.

 Reishi mushroom is known as the "queen healer mushroom". This mushroom is a great immune supporter. Reishi helps with balance within the body and inner strength.

We also added a touch of Cordyceps. This potent yang tonic helps with oxygenating the body and is known to build strong endurance.

The fat from the oil (whichever you choose) helps with nutrient absorption and keeps you full longer and is great for brain health.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ teaspoon Reishi
•  ½ teaspoon Cordyceps
• ½ teaspoon of Mucuna Pruriens
• 1 teaspoon of Raw Cacao
• 1 teaspoon of Ghee (or Grass-fed Butter, Coconut Oil)
• a pinch of Raw Vanilla Bean Powder
• a tiny pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt
• 1 cup of tea or milk (coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon of Raw Honey or your sweetener of choice

We love using Sun Potion for our tonic ingredients. 

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 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.

This is Next Level Wellness

Want to experience a shift, a transformation, a one way ticket to “next level wellness”? Holistic Nutritionist, Kristin Dahl & Health Coach, Alexa Gray have designed a program to help you create a Vibrant Holistic life.

 K & A - Together, we created a program that will show you how to slow down, simplify your life, and find balance within. Our 21 Day Online Program incorporates all essential aspects of the mind-body-spirit connection to help you lead a harmonious, healthy, and holistic life. This Spring, answer your natural call to embrace the foods & the energetic changes that are happening all around you by aligning with the season. We focus on the abundance of new energy and the commitment to nourishing and rejuvenating practices that will realign us with our natural vitality.

During the 21 days we eliminate sugar, gluten, dairy, and for those who can handle it- caffeine. Despite this, the program isn't really about deprivation. It's about implementing sustainable diet & lifestyle shifts so that you feel fully energized and renewed. The program works to reset your internal systems, blood sugar, and hormones in order to invigorate the body. It's also a fantastic way to be part of a group, feel supported & motivated, and stick to your commitments, taking full responsibility for your day-to-day wellness. 

 It's all about coming into alignment with a rhythm that's sustainable for your life. 

 PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• The Art of Wellness E-Book
• 21 Day Transformation Guide
• 21 Day Meal Plan with Vegan, Vegetarian & Paleo Options 
• Optional 3-Day Juice Cleanse
• Private Facebook Group 
• Weekly Group Conference Call
• Weekly Newsletter 
• Holistic Gift Box 
• Discount on follow up Nutrition Consultation

Join The Program >>

 Enjoy this simple and delicious recipe from the program!

Cleansing Green Juice

INGREDIENTS //

• 4 Stalks Kale
• 2 Bunches of Spinach
• Handful Parsley
• 1 Cucumber
• 4/5 Stalks Celery
• Small Knob Of Ginger
• 1⁄2 Lemon
• Optional – Add 1 Pear, 1 Small Apple
• Other Options –Add Fennel, Mint, or Lime

METHOD //

1. Wash and cut all ingredients and place produce into juicer.

2. Sip slowly and enjoy!

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Kristin Dahl is a Holistic Nutritionist at Dahl House Nutrition. For more holistic inspiration and wellness info, find her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

HOC Longevity Elixir

In honor of Spring, we’d like to share one of our favorite drinks that’s simple and fun to make as the weather starts to warm up. This iridescent tonic quenches your thirst while giving your body the proper nutrients and minerals it craves. The natural balancing and energizing ingredients make for the perfect floral mocktail, ready to activate your body to its highest health.

Photo credit: Julia Corbett

INGREDIENTS:

• 4oz of sparkling water
• 1oz of coconut kefir
• 1oz of Rosas Raw Hibiscus concentrate
• 10 drops of Ron Teagardens Goji and Schizandra tincture drops
• 1 teaspoon of raw local honey or 3 drops of Omica stevia
• ¼ lemon wedge squeezed in or added as garnish

Health Benefits:

Goji Berries (Lycium Barbarum)

• cardiovascular health
• antioxidant rich (polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids)
• energy/libido stimulant
• vision enhancer
• sleep aid
• anxiety reliever
• high in vitamins A, C, and E.

Schizandra

• longevity
• liver cleanser
• immune booster
• mental support
• menopausal reliever
• adaptogeni

Coconut Kefir

• immune booster
• probiotic
• eliminates sugar cravings
• aids digestion
• increases energy
• skin health

Hibiscus concentrate

• antioxidant
• liver protectant
• cholesterol/blood sugar maintenance
• respiratory health
• improves circulation
• anti-inflammatory
• vitamin C
• antibacterial
• aids digestion

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 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.

Golden Milk

Golden Milk is the perfect warming drink for those cooler winter mornings.  This tonic will warm and nourish you all at once, so you can take on the day feeling great.  In Ayurveda, this drink is also enjoyed in the evening; it sets you up for the perfect dream-filled, uninterrupted slumber.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of milk of your choice (as long as it's nutrient-dense)
• 1 thumb of turmeric root
• 1/3 thumb of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla bean powder
• 1½ teaspoon of local raw honey 5 drops of Omica stevia
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon or less of black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of himalayan sea salt

While the plain Golden Milk is heavenly on its own, here are a few upgrades!

Jing Replenisher

• ½ teaspoon of He She Wu
• ½ teaspoon of Cistanche

Uplifting Golden Milk

• ½ teaspoon of Reishi
• ½ teaspoon of Pearl

Libido Enhancer

• ½ teaspoon of Pine Pollen
• ½ teaspoon of Polyrachis Ant

2 Minute 2muric

Here’s the perfect Golden Milk recipe when you’re on the go.  Not only does this taste great, but in half the time it takes you to stand in line at Erewhon, you could be sipping your own handmade nourishing tonic.  We hope that you use the best quality organic ingredients.

Turmeric is an extremely well-studied root.  It’s been widely used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory to treat stomach and liver ailments.  It’s also been used topically, too, as an anti-microbial.

To make this Golden Milk:

• Add your milk of choice to your blender.
• Grate the turmeric and ginger into the blender, and add the coconut oil and honey. 
• Blend until well-combined.  If you want your drink warm, keep blending.
• Add the spices and herbs, if you’ve chosen any. 

Blend 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 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.

Sleeping Monk

Sleeping Monk is a company based in California producing high potency herbal extracts that promote better sleep, beautiful skin, better sex, protected immunity and happiness.  The formulas are crafted in a manner akin to an ancient philosophy - Chinese Tonic Herbalism - which dates back to 2950 B.C.  

We visited the owner, Louis Lenard, at his Malibu home on a gorgeous summer day.  We lounged by the pool and discussed all things herbalism.  

What was your journey to create the Sleeping Monk line?

I grew up in Malibu, California and operate from there currently. From an early age, I was drawn to excel at whatever I put my mind and heart into. I found out later that this was the result of searching for love and approval from others, as I lacked it for myself. 

First it was surfing, then music. When the success and accolades only produced a fleeting sense of peace, I did the only logical thing I could think of – do lots of drugs. I got to experience what it felt like to destroy my body, mind and spirit and eventually the pain and demoralization reached a point where I had to change or call it quits.

So, with the familiar type passion and energy I grew up with, I completely re-focused on a healing lifestyle that helped me turn my life around and become someone that people can count on and actually respect and look up to, imagine that!  

Among other healing regimens, this path ultimately lead me to the beautiful system of Chinese Tonic Herbalism, which would become the basis for the 6 products we currently offer. 

With Sleeping Monk, we just want to help you build long-term health and happiness, from the inside-out. We strive to do this by carefully crafting formulas with Adaptogenic and Super Tonic herbs that regulate, balance and optimize our cells, organs and systems first – then tonify by nourishing and strengthening them. Then we’re left to flourish with more natural, grounded, calm and powerful energy, beauty and greater resistance to stress and both short term and degenerative disease. 

Why are tinctures so important?

I feel tinctures are important because they are the most powerful, safe and effective way to extract and deliver herbal medicine that I’m aware of. This is also a way to avoid many heavy metals that commonly contaminate powdered herbal products during processing. 

What is your ultimate vision?

My ultimate vision is to have as much fun as possible while helping others achieve meaningful change with their health and happiness, both with our products and with my daily actions and a loving attitude toward all.

I want to be a positive role model for my daughter and leave a legacy that she’s proud of, and to see her flourish with her own meaningful vision of like mind. 

What does “conscious business” mean to you?

In simplest terms, I feel conscious business equals customers’ health and happiness first, and profits are secondary. When we’re driven by passion for what we do, this often comes naturally. 

To me, it means having an awareness of, and being an example of what we stand for. I believe making meaningful change in the world requires having a conscious mindset within us first, then spreading the vision outward from there, again, with our loving attitudes and actions.  

We clearly want to make the smallest environmental footprint possible, and constantly strive to improve our mission and products to best help raise awareness that supports optimal health and the fair treatment of all involved in the process of what it takes for us to bring these precious herbal formulas to you and your loved ones.

Using the safest, highest quality, purest, most powerful and effective, organic and lab-tested materials is requisite, as are the manufacturing practices and facilities from which they come. 

Giving back is also key. We’re currently in the process of setting up an alliance with Waves 4 Water to help bring clean drinking water to those all over the world that currently don’t have access.

What inspires you?

Nature inspires me… waves in particular. My daughter’s drive, charisma and beauty inspire me. Music inspires me. Watching people light up with realizations and insights on their spiritual path inspires me. Observing others in the process of living their dreams inspires me. Being of service inspires me. Hearing feedback from customers’ testimonials and seeing smiles on their faces inspires me. Honesty and vulnerability inspire me. Courage inspires me. This question inspires me!

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of being a good father, for being clean and sober for nearly 12 years and for making a living doing what I love. 

What rituals keep you balanced and grounded?

While affirmations are more often finding their way into the mix, prayer, meditation and service have never failed to bring me back to what’s important. Surfing, yoga are laughing are rad too!

What is something you wished everyone knew about you?

I wish everyone knew how legendary I am, hah! Anyway, I wish everyone knew that I love surfing.  So, if any of you out there love to surf too, hit me up and let’s get some waves! 

If it was your last day on earth, what would you want to do today?

Last day? Surf with my daughter somewhere epic, with all my family and friends on the beach, or surfing with us. Then we’d eat some awesome food and play music by a campfire at sunset. 

Is there anything you want us to ask you, but haven’t?  And what is the answer?

Why yes! Do you have any new products available? And… Did you write guitar for the music score of the Kurt Cobain documentary, ‘Soaked in Bleach’, due out this summer? 

• Yes, we do! Goddess in Bloom, our divine female formula and Enter the Dragon, our supreme male formula. Check ‘em out at sleepingmonk.net 
• Yes, I did, thank you for asking! Keep your eyes peeled and thank you for your love and support! 

Keep up with Sleeping Monk on Instagram, Facebook, and their website!

Sun Potion

How can we articulate our love for Sun Potion?  This amazing team is dedicated to health, happiness, and well-being through the use of medicinal plants, superfoods, and tonic herbs.  Their lineup is sourced from only the most potent, healing, organic or wildcrafted plants.

We had the utmost blessing of visiting their warehouse in Santa Barbara where Nitsa, Sun Potion's creative director, and Scott, owner and founder, made us the most outrageous pine pollen tonic while we indulged in Prash.  These two radiate unconditional love. Being in their presence might just be the ultimate tonic they haven't figured out how to bottle.  

What is your favorite herb?

Nitsa:  It’s hard for me to pick a favorite…but I definitely have a current (favored) herb.  That would be Pine Pollen.  It’s amazing.  It’s a complete food with full spectrum of essential fatty and amino acids.  It has bio-available protein - it’s incredible for the brain.  It balances testosterone levels in men and women.  

I always feel really nourished when I have it.  Since I don’t eat a lot of animal protein or even very many sprouted nuts anymore — the pine pollen supplies my body with protein that’s really easy to digest.  I feel it in my brain.  Most people notice the effects right away — you’ll feel kind of groovy.  

Ashitaba is also one of my favorites.  it contains essential B-vitamins, even more so than the pine pollen.  It has a history of being a Japanese beauty food — and any food that’s related to beauty and/or JAPAN I tend to eat a lot of- ha!  Ashitaba is called  “Tomorrow’s Leaf” because the leaves of the ashitaba will replensih their growth by the next day! Very resilient plant….   

My third favorite would have to be Reishi Mushroom.  Especially since we’ve been traveling a lot — I feel like it really supports my immune system and stress-relief.  

Scott: The combination of he shou wu and astragalus is mind-blowing.

Why consume herbs?

Scott: To create new circutry in your body so that you can hold more currency and energetic frequency — so that you can be an integrated embodiment of your soul.  Tonic herbs are amazing.  The results of eating these kinds of foods are more power and support in your body.  People start feeling things that they’re not used too.  Even feeling the breeze on the skin is a reality that people are not used to — because people are too busy turning mental waves.  Mental body is super limited.  Physical, spiritual, emotional body has a whole depth of experience available that’s not always appreciated or noticed…but if you eat plants that nourish those parts of your overall system — then it’s pretty likely you’ll start noticing those pieces.  

How should people take these foods?

Scott: The best thing to remember with these foods is to have a small serving consistently over a long period of time….ideally a whole lifetime.  These plants have a history of being consumed during one’s whole life.  A 1/4tsp or 1/2tsp daily is a good place to start.  You’ll get more benefit from the foods by having a small amount consistently than randomly taking large doses.

How did the look, name, and branding all come to be?

Scott: Just prior to when I moved to Santa Barbara…I lived in Ojai for about 4-5 years.  I lived a super ambient life…barefoot hiking everyday, living outside, didn’t work at a J-O-B (journey of the broke) the entire time.  By choice, I decided to have ultra minimum overhead and step outside of the commercial system and just be in nature.  When I was spending money, it was to learn Daoist alchemy and energy cultivation practices and learning about essential oils.  Woo-woo stuff.  It’s been a linear journey.  How did Sun Potion grow out of that?  There was a crystallization of a lot of experiential pieces that came to be realized in one ultimate path.  The herbs had been a part of my life for a long time.  The symbology, the logo, even the name — is coding.  The name is representing the shift to be embodied from consuming these foods; the winged sun disk symbol is representing the transmutation of the body into light — so that you are walking around on Earth embodying higher divinity.

The body has a relationship to the wing symbology that makes us gravitate towards Sun Potion products.  It’s ancient coding that reminds us of our soul truth.  

Did you guys think that you would be altering the entire course of people’s lives?

Scott: I don’t feel like we are personally doing that, but the plants certainly change people’s lives.  I had my own experience of these plants having an enormous impact on my life.  I used to be super ungrounded — so out of my body all the time and eating these herbs have totally shifted my energy.  There is a real service component to what we are doing.  Ultimately we are in service of people that are eating the herbs — but even more directly we are in service of the herbs themselves.  They have a spirit.  I have a relationship with the energetics behind these plants.  They want to work with people and they need avenues to get to people.  

I get to have the things I’m most in love with around me all the time now.  

What are your favorite spots in Santa Barbara?

Scott: This warehouse.  I love this place.  Mesa Lane beach is an incredible place I love.  It feels like a wild beach because of the huge bluff.

Nitsa: I like to hangout in my backyard.  Mission Canyon.  The botanical garden.  My studio / office. The farmers markets here are just beautiful.  

What makes you smile?

Nitsa: Herbs.  Spending time with plants.  I laugh a little when I say this because it’s really honest - being open with people makes me smile…. it feels good. 

Scott: Optimism.  Human experience.  Being in love with Nitsa.  Great food.  Being outside in California — I love the sun.  I think it’s part of my nature to  be half smiling.

Can you expound on your collaboration with the Wildize Foundation?

Scott: They are a women’s collective in Ghana.  They started off as a ecology preservation group.  They were doing educational things to protect different species.  After a couple of years, they started getting into humanitarian pieces….digging wells, creating economy for women, educating people…things like that.  They are a really sweet group.  

Basically, we teamed with them to source our shea butter and also provide an avenue for their foundation.  I’ve been using shea butter on my body since I moved to California.  It’s pretty much the only thing I use on my skin.  Shea butter is an incredible skin food.  It’s a dry oil — the skin totally sucks it in as if it was eating it.

Depending on quantities we receive — it sometimes come in a gourd.  It’s really blood of mother of Africa.  If you think about it — in a very seasonally limited rainfall with very dry climate and here is the shea nut tree that have to be like 50 years old or more to produce.  They are really revered and treasured.  The nuts are boiled, peeled out of their shell, and then mashed up.  It’s all this fat that comes out of dry, hard soil.  It’s crystallized sunlight.​  

Keep up with Sun Potion on Instagram, Facebook, and their website!  

Lilac Lemonade

A visit to my family’s humble lilac bushes included bumblebees, butterflies, and the sacred and volatile aroma that hangs about the surrounding perimeter. 

This is a simple recipe that forms a perfect union with sunshine, relaxation, and deep breaths.

Lilac Infusion:

• 1 C Water
• 1/2 C Lilac Petals

In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.  When the water is boiling, add in the lilac petals and let boil for one minute.  After, turn off the heat and let the petals infuse for fifteen minutes.  Strain the infusion through a sieve.  

Lilac Lemonade:

• 1 Lemon, juiced
• 2 C Cold Water
• 3 TBS Lilac Infusion
• 1 TBS Fresh Aloe Vera, green skin removed
• Manuka Honey, Stevia, or Maple Syrup to taste
• 1/8-1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger Juice (Optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high for one minute.  Strain lemonade through a sieve and pour over ice.  Enjoy!