Eat Alive and Thrive

Making my own Multivitamin with dried grass feed beef liver. Yes you heard that right LIVER. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Liver is full of bio-available: Vitamin A, B12, B9, B2, K2, Copper, Iron, Choline, Zinc, Phosphorus, and Chromium. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... In TCM it is also a healing ‘Jing’ food. Jing is your ‘inner power!’ See more

Activate the Immune System! If we can enable the healing mechanisms of the body to function properly, most illnesses will be stopped before they start. And, when we do get ill, which can happen to even the most dedicated practitioners, our body can respond quickly and minimize the suffering from an illness. A healthy immune system will produce red and white blood cells and the T lymph cells that recognize, attack, and eliminate the invading substances of disease. To increase ...the production of the healthy cells of the immune system, we can activate bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Gentle hitting of the bones activates the marrow. Taoist yoga, chi kung, and tai chi open and close the hips to rhythmically move the fluids around the body for processing and elimination. The Inner Smile meditation floods the body with awareness and awakens the healing power of each organ, of the bone marrow, and in the glands which drive a healthy immune response. Tapping the sacrum, spiraling the hips, and squatting open up the thoroughfare of energy and fluid channels that pass between the upper and lower parts of our bodies. The marrow tissue inside the bones, when healthy, creates a conducive environment for producing and transporting blood cells. Smiling and tapping the thymus gland is another important aspect of the lymphatic system. The thymus gland is perhaps the most important player in the immune system. The thymus transforms lymphocyte cells into helper cells to find and eliminate sick and diseased cells. ~The Alchemist’s Tao Te Ching

Green Tea + A fresh squeezed Orange = Real whole food Vitamin C and Antioxidants! Also it is so Divine

Defending you Health during Autumn Food up for fall. The presence of comfort foods regain momentum in the fall as temps drop and warmer foods become more favourable. Think ginger, cinnamon, bone broths, stews, soups and as always herbal teas. This is the time to say no to cold foods, raw veggies, ice creams and cold water. It is time to incorporate longer cooking times and heartier ingredients help to nourish the body and support the immune system through the colder month...s. And, because the autumn season is associated with wind and dryness, adding more moisturizing foods to your diet is decently imperative. The season of autumn is also associated with wind, which is considered a cause behind hundreds of illnesses, many of which enter at the neck. This makes something as simple as wearing a scarf an easy way to stay warm and stylish while protecting your lungs. Keeping your feet warm as well as your kidneys are equally important. Time for nice thick socks, slippers and undershirts. Autumn, Nature slows down and prepares to rest; so it benefits us to do the same. Get some extra rest, eat warm, nourishing foods, and shift your focus inward. FYI pictured is my current favourite Matcha for fall with fresh ginger, true cinnamon, raw cacao, unsweetened oat milk and some marine collagen.

Nutrition.....vitamins and minerals should come from food first always first! I have made the shift this year to incorporate more protein, as in grass feed beef, oysters, farm fresh eggs and I am no longer eating any seed or nut butters and I can tell you as crazy as it sounds my stomach has been so happy. My energy is better. You may ask why no more seed or nuts in any form and this is because they are super hard to digest, high in Omega 6’s, usually rancid and high in phy...tic acid. I have also stopped taking supplements and am just focusing on chinese herbs as herbal teas. I am not one to ever promote a one diet fits all. But one thing for sure I want to eat things where my body can absorb all the nutrition and have it be the best bio-available form of vitamins and minerals. As a nutritionist I focus on foods first, lifestyle second, then herbs and then if needed supplements/adaptogens. See more

Healing skin bath! Bathing can be such a healing ritual from soothing frazzled nerves, to easing muscle pain to even soothing the skin. This herbal bath elixir was all for eczema soothing. Contains: zinc oxide powder, oat powder, neem powder, dash of epsom salts and fresh calendula flowers from the garden. Enjoyed of course with herbal tea!

INGREDIENTS IN GHEE: CLARIFIED BUTTER! VS INGREDIENTS IN A EARTH BALANCE: PALM FRUIT OIL, CANOLA OIL, SAFFLOWER OIL, FLAX OIL, OLIVE OIL, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, PEA PROTEIN, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, LACTIC ACID, ANNATTO COLOR.... Hmmmm I know what I choose. Ghee all the way or Butter please! We need to eat real food. Our bodies recognize real ingredients. Not manufactured oils. These cause major inflammation in our bodies and health issues.

Oysters! Are a powerhouse nutritional food. They contain: Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, Protein, Vitamin A(in the most bioavailable form) and are very high in B12. From a Chinese Medicine perspective they enrich the blood, clear heat, remove dampness, and nourish the yin. ... Eat your vitamins is all I can say. A tin of oysters once a week is amazing for the body.

Rose & Hawthorn Tincture Making. Rose: helps gladden the heart when it is overburden with stress, overwork, grief and unpleasant emotions. Hawthorn: helps calm the nerves, puts you in a better mood, gives your strength emotionally and energetically. ... Thinking of making some for fall time....we could all use support for our ‘shen’ spirit. This year has been rough for many. Double tab or comment if this is something you would love.

Lets chat a little on beauty products! The beauty industry is a huge money making business which makes us believe we need a face serum for this and that and that there is always something wrong with our skin. How many of you have a ton of bottles in your cabinet for you face? We are over exfoliating, over slathering, over gooping our face with stuff be it natural or not. Our face does not need all this. Our skin naturally knows how to heal if we just actually let it!... The more stuff we use on our skin the less you are letting your skin heal on its on and then you become some what dependant on so many products. We have a natural ph and oil balance that shouldn’t be messed around with. Keep it simple Lovelies. In fact it is wise to give your skin a break from all products. I mean it nada.... Use a basic honey wash and if needed some jojoba oil. The less I use on my skin the better it is. So ask yourself do I need all these products? I must say for someone who is heading into her 50’s I love my natural glow and sure I have scars, sun spots, wrinkles, etc. But am honing in on my skin’s natural mantle and will always keep my skin regime simple and clean. This is me no filter post yard work messy all natural hair. See more

Kidneys Governs Water and Water Passageways. * Kidneys belong to Water element * They govern the transformation and transportation of body fluids in many different ways. Control inspiration and the grasping of Qi... While the Lungs govern respiration, the Kidneys play an important role in normal breathing. The Kidneys assist the Lungs during inhalation by "Grasping the Qi". In this relationship, the Lungs are called the "Foundation of Qi", and the Kidneys are called the "Root of Qi". When the Kidneys fail to Grasp the Qi, respiratory illnesses can occur, such as chronic asthma. Opens into the Ears Ears related to Kidneys: Kidney Jing nourishes ears and enables proper functioning. Weak Jing, weak hearing or tinnitus. Manifest in the head hair. Abundant Kidney Jing nourishes hair: hair then grows well and is healthy and shiny. Weak Kidney Jing: thin brittle, dull, or falling hair, premature graying. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang are the foundation of the Yin and Yang of the whole body. *Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang rely on each other for their existence. Kidney Yin provides material basis for Kidney Yang. Kidney Yang provides necessary Heat for all Kidney functions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If Kidney qi is weak, which is also known as adrenal fatigue, it can result in feeling of fear, paranoia and depression. It can also result in anaemia and immune deficiency, poor memory, inability to think clearly, ringing in the ears and hearing problems, soreness and weakness of the lumber region and knees, sweating or an aversion to cold, incontinence, constipation, impotence or female sterility. The Kidneys are the water element, colour blue/black, time of day 5-7 pm. The Kidneys are the seat of our courage and willpower and the health of the Kidneys is reflected by the condition of the hair. The Kidneys also hold our most fundamental Yin & Yang and when this becomes unbalanced it can have a detrimental effect on every system of the bodymental, physical and energetic. Will do another post on ways to help Kidney qi soon. In the meantime seek water, calm and the colour blue. See more

Decided to amp my oat milk up this week with fresh strawberries from the garden, rose petal powder and vanilla. My Matcha Latte’s will be so divine in the mornings!

Herbal teas everyday! Iced tea making with jasmine, lemon grass, chrysanthemum and calendula in LibreLife Glass thermos. So easy no tea bags needed. Add herbs hot water let cool and store in fridge. I have been using these to go thermos for 12 years and they are so amazing to use from anything to herbal teas, fruit water infusions to matcha lattes. Plus seeing your herbs or fruit somehow makes it more magical to drink. ... . . . . . #herbalmedicine #herbaltea #naturalhealing #naturalmedicine #holistichealth #holistichealing #wellness #herbs #plantsheal #elixir #glowingskin #holisticskincare #herbalist #nutritionist #skincoach #womenshealth #tcm #chinesemedicine #wholebeauty #brewathome #naturalskincare #holisticnutrition #holisticliving See more

In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine Carrot is known for its ability to tonify qi. It also helpes to clear heat, resolve dampness, and eliminate toxins. In general the ancient Chinese medical texts cite that it enters the lung, spleen, and liver. Furthermore Carrot are considered to be neutral in temperature. The flavor is sweet. Special Properties: ... circulates qi, clears heat, clears damp, eliminates toxins. See more

It has been over 2 years since I have painted my nails and let me tell you I absolutely love it. I used to be addicted to painting my toenails, literally would change my polish every 2 weeks and finally was so done. Done with the smells, chemicals(even the so called natural stuff still has chemicals in them) and feeling like my nails couldn’t breathe. Just like your skin can absorb the chemicals in what you put on it so do your nails... So now they breathe, they can feel th...e air, sun, water, dirt, sand, grass and more. They now absorb the healing beauty oils I apply to them, soaking all the magic in.

Gluten free chocolate cake with fresh berry layers topped with maple syrup sweetened vanilla orange blossom essence coconut whip and garden flowers and more fresh berries. @ Nanaimo, British Columbia

Hot days can call for smoothies. I don’t like mine ice cold so I add hot tea to mine. Ice cold smoothies can create dampness and digestive issues. Todays creation: Unsweetened oat milk... Frozen cherries and blueberries Hemp hearts Rose petal powder Blue algae powder Holy basil and Damiana tea Viola! See more

Growing your own produce is the best! These rainbow beets Beets: neutral thermal nature, sweet flavour, strengthens the heart, sedates the spirit, improves circulation, purifies the blood, benefits the liver, moistens the intestines, beneficial for mensuration, useful for hormone regulation especially during menopause, treats nervousness and congestion of the vascular system.

Why my supplement container is empty! I am taking a huge break in taking any and all supplements. We as a whole believe supplements are the holy grail. Yes they can help when your are ill as I was for January and February. But now I am giving my body a big time break. So many people believe supplements are nutrition when they so are not. ... Supplements can be hard on the body from building up toxins in the body in organs and tissues, as well as causing problems in digestive health. I am choosing real foods to get my nutrition and vitamins from. My question is for you if you take supplements. Is how do you feel on them? Are they making what you are taking them for better? I encourage you to try to go without supplements and see how you feel. Maybe reassess what you are eating. Can you improve your diet to get more nutrition in? Yes I do suggest supplements to my clients but that is for when there is underlying health issues. But I mainly suggest foods to eat. I do not want clients to solely rely on a supplement as that will never heal someone when their food and lifestyle are not healthy and in balance. Nothing replaces real wholesome healthy food!!

Sage Herbal Hair Rinse Brewing. Did you know sage can darken grey hair? It also strengthens and helps prevent hair loss. The darkening is subtle and you will need to do saje rinses often 3 times a week is ideal. ... I also like to add rosemary and black tea at times. I spray into hair post shampoo and conditioning, them comb through and leave it in. See more

Skin issues and Stress.....Go Hand in Hand! When we are under stress we release a hormones cortisol and androgens. These hormones escalate the production of sebum, a protective, oily substance naturally produced by glands near skin hair follicles inside of the pilosebaceous unit as part of the skin's immune system. High population levels of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium living in human skin that feeds of sebum, puts stress on the pilosebaceous duct ...and catalyzes an immune system response. White blood cells attracted to this bacterium secrete an enzyme that may damage the wall of the skin, leading to an inflammatory reaction. Stress also weakens are immune causing us to heal slower. Each of these factors individually and together contribute to the ecosystem that gives rise to and perpetuates acne. Practicing stress management is key......slow down, enjoy the moments with a warm cup or tea or healing elixir, walk barefoot on the grass, mediate, seek nature trails, have afternoon naps, read books.... whatever you need to do to chill! Drink shown is: @o5tea Earl Grey Blue Matcha.

Red Raspberry Leaf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Key Properties: High in Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron. Is an astringent it tightens and tones tissues improving its function especially for the uterus, digestive tract and gum tissues. ... Can counter chronic diarrhea and leaky gut. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harvest the vibrant first leaves in spring as they hold the most nutritional value. See more

‘Plants are our food, oxygen, and medicine. Some even say they are one of the most pleasurable experiences on earth! From the flowers to the trees and the seas filled with coral dreams; the earth’s natural flora has inspired and enhanced humans for as long as time can tell. That’s why the power of plants is the key to unlocking our enjoyment of life.’ ~Natasha Potter The more the world gets crazy and full of hate, anger, judgement the more I feel the pull ...to nature. Nature always grounds me from the trails to drinking herbal teas. I know right now the world is one insane place. All the negative news, social media full of chaos is making many people depressed and struggling. My suggestions are to truly take care of your mental state. Get outside, mediate, take baths, eat well, drink herbal teas, get proper sleep, watch or read happy inspiring things, turn social media off, maybe don’t watch the news every nite, chat up with a friend, colour, dance. Do whatever that helps you ground yourself from all this ‘energy’ out there. Go within to tune out See more

Hawthorn Blossoms and Nootka Rose Petals. A match made in heaven! I always go with my instincts on what herbals I chose. Somehow they call to me and change daily/weekly depending on what I need. It could also be part colour therapy too.....sometimes I crave the softness of pale pink, or the punchiness of purple, or sometimes the grounding colour of green. Either way herbs are a daily ritual!

Douglas Fir Tip Tea High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and antioxidants, and can be beneficial for colds and flus.

Some Breast Health Tips! 1) Wear a bra without any underwire or better yet go braless. 2) Massage Breasts daily. 3) Support a healthy lymphatic system. 4) Use an a natural deodorant. ... 5) Supplement with iodine. 6) Increase intake of cruciferous veggies. 7) Maintain a healthy liver. . . . #breasthealth #naturalhealing #wellness #womenshealth #healing #nanaimobc #greenbeauty #naturalbreasthealth #healingnaturally #yyj #naturalbeauty #herbalmedicine #herbalremedies #herbalist #vancouverisland #naturalproducts #braless #health See more