Nettle (Urtica dioica)

By: Molly Helfend

When in doubt, use nettle. This phrase is what you could call the manual for herbalists, as we all bless the earth for allowing this tonic green goddess to thrive. Perennial and represented with the element of Fire, and known as one of the Chinese “long life” herbs, nettle is a member of its own family, the Urticaceae. Its infamous sting is the juxtaposition of medicinal healing and unfriendly irritation. Nettle is a favorite for all around remedies and is an excellent safe tonic herb that is effective and reliable for almost anyone. It's also highly nutritious and can also be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild unique tang (similar to spinach) to almost any meal. Nettles grow throughout the United States and Canada, preferring temperate climate and semi-shaded, moist environments such as around stream and river banks. They also flourish around distressed land with high nitrogen levels left in the soil, such as along rail road tracks, at the edge of woods, or in abandoned farm fields. If you wish to grow them yourself, try to mimic these conditions in the garden. Nettles are hardy growers that should be glorified for their apt abilities to adapt to landscapes and provide salubrious nutrition to us. 

Phytochemistry: Organic acids, vitamin A, C and K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, protein, formic acid, beta-carotene, chlorophyll

Herbal Actions: Anti-inflammatory, tonic, diuretic, astringent

How to Prepare: Tea, tincture, poultice/compress, capsule, urtication*, eaten fresh, dried or infused in vinegar, olive oil and honey, brewed in beer, fabric (finer than cotton or linen)

What to Use For: anemia, debility, arthritis, allergies, eczema/psoriasis, chemical sensitivities, hair and scalp, growing pains, depleted constitutions, kidney and liver function, metabolism, reproduction 

Growing Conditions: Semi-shaded with fertile moist and rich soil. Easily propagates in Spring or Autumn.

Harvesting Methods: Leaves are best harvested in Spring - if harvesting for medicine, it is preferred to harvest before the flowers open. Flowers are best harvested in early July (depending on growing conditions). Be cautious when harvesting, as the sting can be painful if you are not used to it. Chose to wear gloves or approach the plant with strength and affirm your purpose. Find mutual respect and it should leave you be. However, the sting will disappear once it is cooked, chopped or after a few hours of drying. 

Parts of Plant Used: Leaves, seeds, roots

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.

 

Recipes featuring Nettle

 

Nutritious Herbal Seasoning 

• 1/2 cup of dulse flakes or powder
• 1/2 cup of dried nettle leaves
• 1/4 cup of dried oregano 
• 1/8 cup of garlic granules
• 3 tablespoons of Himalayan salt 
• 2 tablespoon of lemon peel 

Toss all ingredients into a bowl and mix well together. Once finished, grind in a food processor or mortar until it resembles a fine salt blend. Use in place of table salt to season any dish such as popcorn, rice, salad, vegetables or on my favorite, homemade soup! Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors or nutritive combinations with the base of dried nettle leaf and ground seaweed.

Wild Greens Spring Pesto

• 1 handful of nettle
• 1 handful of lambs quarter
• 1 handful of chickweed or miners lettuce
• 1 handful of arugula or spinach 
• 1/2 handful of basil 
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic 
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 whole lemon 
• 1/2 cup of sprouted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• about 6 sprigs of sage

Throw all of these ingredients in a food processor or blender. My absolute favorite over zucchini noodles or smashed and served over a baked sweet potato.

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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.  

Healing Chaga Latte

This tonic elixir is the quintessential drink for someone who is weaning off caffeine. Not only is it completely delicious, but it also has immune boosting and hormone balancing properties. It can even be made hot or cold. We use Tieman's Medium Ground Fusion Coffee because it is exceptionally gentle on the stomach and is ideal for people who have digestive issues with normal coffee. Tieman's is special because it has low acid and also boasts special ingredients like rooibos, goji berry and matcha. Interestingly, you cannot taste these individual treasures in the coffee, but you can feel their medicinal benefits in the form of zero jitters. However, coffee is still dehydrating, so drink enough water to supplement your body. 

We also brew Raw Revelations Chaga Tea and add this earthy delectable to our elixir, as it pairs great with raw cacao and coffee. Chaga mushroom, known as the king of medicinal mushrooms, is a nutrient and antioxidant dense powerhouse of the mycelium species. It possesses almost shamanistic properties such as promoting a strong immune system, inhibiting tumor growth, lowering inflammation, preserving youth, and balancing “Chi.” It contains numerous antioxidant constituents such as melanin, betulinic acid, beta gluons, sterols, polyphenols and polysaccharides. It also contains essential vitamins B and D, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, to name a few. We choose to brew a large pot of Chaga tea by using two spoonfuls to every liter of filtered water. Then, boil on medium heat and simmer for 8 hours. 

Tieman's Tonic Elixir

• Tieman's Medium Ground Fusion Coffee

• Raw Revelations Chaga Tea

• Macadamia Nut Milk

• Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt

• Heaping tsp of Sun Potion Cacao Powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Sun Potion TOCOS

• Local Raw Honey or Stevia

• 1 scoop of Vital Proteins collagen

Enjoy!

Photo credit: Julia Corbet

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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.

Bone Broth

By: Molly Helfend

Last year, as I was graduating college, stress began to transform my life. The realization that I was entering the unknown beyond the comfortable cushion of a classroom is what usually makes almost every college graduate anxious and uneasy. Like many others, my stress manifested in my gut, as the nervous and digestive systems are linked. It was then, that I began battling many digestive issues. What started with food intolerances, transformed into leaky gut, candida overgrowth, SIBO and all the horrible side effects that came along with them. Since then, I have tried almost every diet, herb and recommendation under the sun to help heal my gut issues. While many have improved my symptoms and I have seen tremendous results, I still have fought food intolerances and weak digestive fire that causes bloating, gas, and inflammation. But, it wasn't until I started introducing bone broth into my diet that I truly started seeing the anti-inflammatory results I wanted. This was hard to accept, as I was an avid vegan and raw food eater, but with a strong Vata composition, I realized I needed to put my health first in order to properly heal. So, I began to make my own bone broth to save money and modify and balance my recipe with the medicinal herbs I needed. Just one cup every morning warmed over a light flame on the stove and taken with my Ojai Energetics CBD Oil, and my stomach feels nourished and ready to awaken to the earth. 

To make my recipe, I chose to use Buffalo bones, as they are a healthy and sustainable alternative to beef (and happen to taste delicious), but you may use whatever animal bones you have access to. I use Sun Potion Reishi Mushroom Powder for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immune enhancing properties, and buy the rest of my herbs from community apothecaries and Mountain Rose Herbs. I use Ashwagandha root, as I feel it extracts the potent medicinal properties better than powder, to reduce my overall mind, body and spiritual stress. Horsetail is rich in silica and minerals, making it fantastic for strengthening bones, hair and fingernails. The key ingredient, Marshmallow root, best prepared as a cold infusion, is demulcent, which is essential for soothing the digestive system and reducing inflammation. Hawthorn berry is astringent and increases circulation throughout the body, promoting gentle equilibrium. Shiitake and Kombu are extra nuggets of digestive gold, as they contain digestive enzymes that help reduce bloating and gas, while significantly toning the intestinal wall. 

Molly’s Medicinal Bone Broth

• 3-4 lbs of Buffalo bones
• 1 red onion
• 5 large cloves of garlic
• 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbs Reishi
• 1/4 cup Ashwagandha root
• 1/8 cup Astragalus
• 1/8 cup Horsetail
• 1/4 cup Marshmallow root
• 2 tbs Hawthorn berry
• 10 Shiitake mushrooms
• 3 Kombu seaweed
• 2 Bay leaves
• Handful of cilantro

*If you have a very weak stomach, feel free to add one or two packets of your choice of Vital Proteins Collagen Powder for an extra digestive coating

To make:

Combine ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker, adding enough water to cover bones. Cover and bring to full rolling boil over medium heat, then reduce to low or simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface within the first 30 minutes. Simmer for 18 to 24 hours, until bones are soft or broth appears milky, adding more water as needed to keep bones covered during cooking. To add more nutrients to broth, mash the bones with potato masher after about 7 hours. Once ready, drain the broth through a strainer and discard the bones, herbs and other remnants. Seal in mason or glass jars and refrigerate. Broth will become thick and gelatinous as it cools. Before using, skim off and discard fat on top. Use refrigerated broth within two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Read more about how Bone Broth heals your gut

Check out Sahara Rose to find out what Ayurvedic composition your body and mind are and get recommendations for healing living.

Photo Credits: Julia Corbett

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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.  

Top 10 Products We Love for April

 

1. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

This 100% active oil boasts some of the highest quality raw ingredients, including nutrient dense essential oils, to restore vitality and balance to the skin. Vintner’s Daughter founder draws from her fine winemaking experience to create super-powered formulas that leave the skin flawless, without looking oily or greasy. The smooth and glossy primer is the perfect finishing touch to add to anyone’s post makeup or nighttime skincare regime. If that doesn't leave you intrigued, keep in mind that this altruistic company shares 2% of every purchase with charities dedicated to protecting, educating and empowering woman and children around the world.

2. Virgin Raw Foods Bee Panacea

A western alternative to chyawanprash, Bee Panacea combines superfoods like spirulina, chlorella and maca with herbs like shilajit and reishi and complex honey flavors like raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis. Together, this formula creates a sweet blend of salubrious goodness that tastes delicious in almost any smoothie, drink or scooped right out of the jar. Side effects include increased antioxidant intake and equilibrium throughout the body! 

3. Brown Bear Herbs Classic Sexy Smokes Herbal Cigarettes

Only in Portland could someone find a sui generis company like Brown Bear Herbs. Introducing an actually high-spirited, healing and frankly sexy way to ingest herbs - by smoking them! With organic and wildcrafted herbs such as Damiana, Blackberry Leaf, Rose, Hibiscus and Mullein, Sexy Smokes foster a slight head buzz with a feeling of herbaceous grounding that makes smoking appropriately cool. Great for users who are looking to heal respiratory infections or smokers trying to quit tobacco. 

4. PHI Kind Matcha Ginger Truffles

Who couldn’t love PHI Kind’s heavenly sugar free raw chocolate delights? Feel free to splurge on these nutritious treats because PHI Kind makes it possible to enjoy chocolate without any guilt. With the premium matcha powder, MCT oil, and hints of ginger, these idiosyncratic flavors blend together to create sophisticated and beautifully shaped truffles that are almost too good to be true. Perceptively encased with completely fair trade 70% coconut mylk chocolate, make sure to grab these off the shelf before they sell out.

5. Goldthread Replenish

From one of our new favorite companies, Goldthread Herbal Tonics combine the restorative power of plants with succulent flavor to create appetizing medicinal elixirs. Based around the Taoist philosophy of Qi, Replenish is stock full of viridescent, nutrient dense herbs that are the perfect cooling beverage to introduce to your body as warmer weather begins to blossom. Steadily refresh your depleted minerals with a combination of sweet and earthy tones. Their message of sustainable interconnectedness amongst cultures and the natural environment make us ponder about our ecological footprint with every sip. 

6. BURN Habanero Hot Sauce

Burn, baby, burn! This Santa Cruz based company makes some the best darn hot sauce we have ever tried. Fermented with probiotics and organic farm to table ingredients, you can choose your heat spectrum preference to match your taste buds from mild Cayenne to hot Habanero. Our House of Citrine team likes to drizzle the extra hot Habanero hot sauce in our Siete Cassava and Chia Tortilla creations!  

7. Coco Kind Organic Full Brow Balm

Are you one of the victims of the over-plucking eyebrow fad from the late 90s/early 2000s? Well, we have found the perfect remedy to quell that dilemma. Coco Kind’s organic brow balm will stimulate growth in hair follicles, while also creating thicker, darker and healthier brows! With only five superfood ingredients, this balm provides full touch, great coverage with an interesting twist of natural tint from raw cacao powder. 

8. Foods Alive Rockin’ Reishi Crackers

A staple in our diet, these special high fiber flaxseed crackers combine seeds, nuts, Bragg’s Aminos and freeze-dried reishi to create the ultimate plant-based snack. This family owned company only use the cleanest, highest quality ingredients, making it impossible for us to not finish an entire bag on the spot. These are perfect to add to your picnic baskets with hummus and guacamole for spring and summer. 

9. Wildcare Palo Santo Hydrosol

So beautifully elegant, this delicate hydrosol clears negative energy and purifies our intentional spaces. Made with fresh spring water and ethically sourced Palo Santo, we love misting this hydrosol for a refreshing and liberating pH boost. Be prepared to balance your aura and heighten heart-opening zest in your chakras. 

10. Moon Deli Mushroom Adaptogen

This blend of wildcrafted herbs work symbiotically to cherish your adrenal and immune systems for the optimum kickstart in your daily smoothie. With raw cacao, Himalayan pink salt, chaga and cordyceps mushroom, we love the simplicity of using a multifaceted combination blend for the best results. Energy, vitality and nourishment are all wrapped up in Moon Deli’s sustainable glass jar. 

Nootropics: A Class of Botanicals Utilized For Mental Clarity, Focus + Ascendance

By: Dr. Christine Surrago

We are in the midst of transferring from biospheric consciousness to nooospheric consciousness. The demands on our mind to quickly update and adapt while remaining focused is increasing.  Mindfulness is spreading like wildfire throughout our culture.  There is a yoga studio on every corner of Santa Monica.  Our collective energy is no longer focused on physical necessities and the building of a society.  Our foundation has been made for our next step of evolution, which is the work of living a mindful life in harmony with others in every single moment. 

It has never been easier to get on the ride of awareness.  For those of us who are pioneers leading the way, it has never been more challenging as it requires deeper awarenesses and connections with the self, the collective and the universe at large while also responding timely to the waves of energy that are coming in.  

Nootropics are a sacred class of botanicals used to enhance the overall connection, conduction and synergy of the brain, body and its surrounding environment.  These botanicals enhance neural connections to operate at higher conduction speeds with flexibility and adaptability, leading to higher levels of awareness, dexterity, focus and cognitive function. With this heightened ability you have a unique opportunity for self improvement, learning and team play with everyone around you. 

My highest intention is for you to be constantly finding your balance and alignment with yourself and the whole.  This is a reminder to focus on progress while in balance.  These should not be used as a means to “get ahead” leading to instability and imbalance in all areas of your life.

Many nootropics improve cognitive functioning, memory, decrease inflammation and improve the speed and flow of neural connections. They can prevent and alleviate decline in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and epilepsy. They often lead to lower inflammation throughout the body while reducing harmful stress hormones.  

Below I have listed my top 3 nootropics.  Each plant can be used as your medicine, in combination with other tonics, for strong enhancements in cognitive function and stress reduction. Utilize this information with care, integrity and intention. 

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Bacopa is also referred to as “Brahmi” which is in reference to the Hindu creator god Brahma which gives you an idea of your potential when taking this medicine. This plant has powerful energetics invoking intelligence, grounding and creativity.  It can connect you to the flowing streams of intelligence + creativity that are already inside of you. This botanical has been studied in cognitive decline, dementia, epilepsy with positive results. 

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Gotu Kola, also known as another “Brahmi” is a potent nootropic and nervine, calming the nervous system while enhancing focus.  It has other incredible properties as a blood and skin tonic.  It is used to treat numerous conditions like depression, brain fog, anxiety, venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, eczema and rashes. 

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

In Sanskrit, ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse.” A better translation would be “the essence of a stallion."  Ashwagandha creates a sense of focused, relaxed and rooted strength. There are countless effects that Ashwagandha has on the body and more are being discovered. It is known as a thyroid, adrenal, liver, brain, heart and blood vessel tonic. This plant is a member of the nightshade family and caution should be taken for those who react to nightshades.

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Dr. Christine Surrago, Naturopathic Doctor, is committed to the healing of the entire planet, each person at a time. She holds a strong intention for everyone to live a life of alignment with themselves and the rhythms of our earth.  She sees that each person has a unique gift, that when nourished and strengthened, will contribute to the healing of the entire planet as we know it. From the depths of her connection to human experience and her love of life, she will be sharing with you vital knowledge for your own personal healing, alignment and vibrant aliveness. 

As a doctor, she focuses her treatments to heal the subconscious of the body, at the very source of illness. This leads to radical healing from the inside out. She is in a constant state of awe as she observes the miracles of the human body.  Through honoring the intelligence of life, she treats her patients with steady guidance and discernment.

Dr. Christine practices in Santa Monica, CA and is currently taking patients of all ages and conditions. She specializes in bioenergetic healing, women’s health, fertility, autoimmune conditions and alternative cancer therapies. She thoughtfully blends ancient earth medicines with the most cutting-edge treatments out there.

She completed her medical training at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA.  She served as an adjunct clinical professor at Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego, CA teaching the holistic treatment of patients with constitutional homeopathy.

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.

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.

Kotuku Elixir Bar

We arrived at Kotuku early in the afternoon.  Olly, the owner, welcomed us with slices of raw wildflower honeycomb from the Santa Barbara mountains and the most decadent, cheesecake-like coconut yogurt.  

Olly opened Kotuku, the Santa Barbara based elixir bar, in 2013.  This is the go-to place for next level alchemy and elevating cuisine.  Whilst we chatted with Olly, he sampled us some private-reserve shilajit from Kashmir and then made us an herbal cappuccino with sprouted almond milk, gynostemma, mucuna, reishi, and molasses.  Needless to say, Olly is a sweetheart and a sage.

What inspired you to start this?

My parents had a co-op and organic farm in New Zealand, so I grew up around the health and wellness mindset.  As I got older, I got interested in Daoism, Tai Chi, meditation, Chinese mysticsm and stuff in my early twenties.  That whole ‘hermit, step out of society’ thing really appealed to me at an early age.

When I was studying Chinese medicine, I remember trying to find wolfeberries in New Zealand…and it was impossible.  No one knew what a wolfberry was.  Now, you can’t move without seeing goji berries (which are what wolfberries are).  The internet has completely changed the health food movement.  Our access to things is endless. 

When I came to California, the health food movement was so alive.  It rekindled my excitement for tonic herbs.  It all came to life for me here.

What is your favorite herb?

I love reishi.  We’re really stoked at the moment because we just started working with this really amazing reishi grower in China and are bringing over the spore powder.  It’s the highest grade, organic powder.  It’s super potent. 

If there is one herb you could recommend to people, what would it be?

We recommend Triphala to start with.  It’s one of the best digestive tonics.  It’s three sour, astringent berries that are regulating for the gall bladder and pancreas.  Our digestion is the foundation for health.  

Also, in tonic herbalism, schisandra is considered classic and standard to start with because it repairs and strengthens the entire body. 

Tel: 805-897-3382

25 East De La Guerra Street,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Keep up with Kotuku on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.

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