A Pain in the Neck is a Pain in the Ass

I have procrastinated this blog and realized, I better start now because this is just the beginning of a new road/journey.  Actually, if it was a 'road' it would be more like a dirt road, bumpy with pro's and con's.  Remember how we learned everything we know in kindergarten such as If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all.  Well, I've been honoring that golden rule. It wasn't just that I didn't have anything nice to say, it was more like I didn't have as many happy things to say, like a typically do.


Holiday Cheer
This isn't your typical holiday update revamping this past year because honestly this has been one of the most challenging years of my life.  But, I will share what you can expect from me this upcoming year and maybe you or someone you know can relate.  On Oct. 18th, my husband's birthday, I was rear ended in the car.


Gettin' it in the Ass
It was a day that one decision led me to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I could see it coming. The man behind me was not paying attention and hit me as I was rolling to a stop  and I hit the stopped car in front of me.  I braced my core (not the neck and shoulders) and  my head jerked forward and back 3 times.  I had no idea this little incident would be so big.  I was confident I was going to shake this off quickly.


First Few Weeks after Gettin' It
I didn't feel much discomfort until 2 days after being rear ended.  I went to a chiropractor who took XRays and began treating me.  Over the next week or two, more symptoms surfaced such as headaches and nausea.  I went through alot of emotions mentally and, of course, physically.   I have never experience whiplash before so it's a totally different concept of discomfort and pain. I have had my share of injuries such as hip, knee, ankle and sciatic.  I have not had cervical spine issues.  One reading of the MRI states I have multiple herniations in my cervical spine and a slap tear in my left shoulder.  I am praying that a second opinion will read it different.  As an athlete, Pilates instructor and Personal Trainer, you can imagine how impaired I feel.


The first few weeks, my head felt like a bobblehead. Literally, all the muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels were traumatized, stretched, and injured.  At the end of the day my head would feel heavy from all these body parts working so hard to hold up the head.  I would try to rest however.... you're lying ON the part of the body that needs rest. Now that sucks.  If you've ever experinece an injury, you know typically it is uncomfortable to be in one position for an extended period of time.  With whiplash, herniated discs and head pain, it was very difficult to get comfortable. I have since seen progress!  The past two months, I've avoided putting my hair 'up' and now wear it down more or in a long braid and wear less earrings and necklaces, apparantly the less pulling on my ears and neck, the better. When I choose an accessory,  I wear healing stones and minerals.  I didn't talk or smile as much (now, that was hard!!).  Think of all the head muscles we use in a smile. I can now smile for a longer period!  Sleeping is an obstacle. I used to love sleeping without a pillow, on my belly with my head turned to either side.  Clearly, that ain't happenin'.  


Therapies
After the MRI, I continued getting adjustments at the chiropractor few for another week or two taking it day by day going through a roller-coaster of emotions and physical pain.  I  discontinued the chiropractic care (my gut tells me certain ways of his treatment was not appropriate for my body at that time.)  I have been to Lifeforce Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Reiki from http://www.robinshealingmassage.com/ and physical therapy with Impact Health and Performance.  My Naturopathic Doctor, Patrick Purdue,  has safe and effective ways to balance the body. I use my B Me Therapeutic Salve and lotion and apply daily behind my ears and around my scalp and have also been fortunate to have a husband who will gently massage too! I am scheduled at the Florida Spine Institute next week for a second opinion.  I want to have another perspective on some of the pain and discomfort I've been experiencing.  This is my way of building my 'team' as I continue to heal.  

Herbs As Medicine

I am smarter than the average bear when it comes to healing knowing my body needs rest although sometimes I am rest-less.  I am doing things in small doses and really giving my body time to de-stress in many ways.  Our body responds when we go above and beyond for ourselves to heal.  Here are a few of my remedies. * Herbal tea - a rosemary, chamomile, catnip and st. john's wort blend.  I always make multiple cups and drink one or two that evening.  I add kava to the additional tea in the teapot and let it sit for another hour or two before straining it for the following day.    

* A delicious bath of dead sea salts, epsom salts, bath bag of eucalyptus, arnica, horsetail, rosemary.  One time I even added dead sea mud.  I add a squirt of B Me Body Oil with shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and infused oil.

With any major change in your body or mind, one of the first things you should address is your food and drink consumption.  * Eat as healthy as possible and hydrate well.  Food can have a major impact on your mind which is your control switch throughout your entire body.  Aside from my appetite changing,  I also naturally ate soft foods such as  smoothies with hemp, chia, greens etc. as my source of food and was satiated (less to chew, less on the cranium).  *I also take Planetary Herbals and traumeel.com (homeopathic).  

Mental Challenges

Most days I have a strong mind although it's experiences like this that challenge me especially when it's my job to motive people (at The Pilates Loft or other classes).  Not only do I want to be able to do everything I did prior to Oct. 18th, it challenges me as an instructor to verbalize an exercise, explicitly, without physically performing it myself.  I see people all around me running and playing like I yearn to do!

Knowing what To Do Next
I am smarter then the average bear when it comes to taking better care and listening to my body (sometimes it is screaming!).  I am aware of my head position although not stretching or strengthening yet.  I understand when taking a walk is exactly what my body needs.  Not too far or intense but enough to get some fresh air, move the body energetically and get those endorphins going.  However, at this point in the healing process, if I take a long walk one day, I need to rest the following day because even a simple walk may be constant pressure on the head.  About 4-5 weeks after the incident, it was time to re-introduce new things back into my daily life such as carrying things like grocery bags.  I could begin to strengthen my core and legs a little at a time such as adding in 10 walking lunges 2 times through my walk.  I noticed my 'arm circle routine'  created headaches.  I will wait and try again in another few weeks and do only a few circles instead of ' multiple repetitions'. After a few successful weeks of massage and physical therapy, I will add additional treatments to compliment such as Cranial Sacral, sound and Acutonics or other modalities.  Too many things at one time may cause you to be unable identify what is working or working best together.  It is emotionally challenging to have time for all these appointments.  I allow myself to get sad and frustrated just not daily or too regularly.  The first month I was in a little shell not wanting to discuss it much.  Prior to Oct. 18th, I would feel good everyday so it's unlike me to have more not so good days than good days.


Determination
I have accepted the fact that this will be a longer recovery than expected. I need to honor my body and recognize that the next few months are crucial in healing and recovery. I know we learn from our experiences in life.  However, it doesn't mean I am happy experiencing it!!  I am determined to feel better and get past this acute phase.  Patience, rest, proper food and nutrition for the body and mind are key.  Easier said then done!  I will feel better and plan to do the all the activities I once did, it is just a bumpy road right now.  Eventually, it'll be a smooth, picturesque ride with only an occasional bump.  What doesn't knock you down will make you stronger, right?




Happy and Safe Holidays 2011. Cheers to ringing in a new year!  Your life may change in a second. Live every day!








Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products



Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Play with Yourself

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

The doctor tells you to do it.  Touch and feel your breast.  All around the breast.  Other tests encourage you to squeeze your nipple to check hormones.  Squeeze the ends of your toes to open up sinuses or rub your temples to relieve a headache. One of the best ways to learn about your very own body is to feel it.   A few ways to stimulate the body include exploring, brushing, and exfoliating.  Play with yourself to stimulate as well as monitor any changes in and on your body.

Personally, I love when my pampering sessions serendipitously happen.  It may be weekly, monthly, and some weeks more then others.  Recently, a friend graciously gave me homegrown avocados!  I made guacamole, flax crackers with avocado, dressing, salad with avocado and many other creative recipes.  Then I decided to apply it on my body instead of just in my body!

I had been at the beach and needed to moisturize my sunkissed skin.  I love the feeling of salt water and the natural exfoliating properties. Typically afterwards, I apply a little oil on my body including the hair as a deep conditioner.  This time, I grabbed a glass of wine, music and a towel and got messy.  I took some dead sea salts and epsom salts, a little sunflower oil plus lemon and ylang ylang essential oil mixed well in a paper cup with a chop stick.  As my body was dry, I brushed all over from the top of my feet, underneath armpits, up the arms, legs, and 'rear' with a medium bristle (body) brush.  It feels tingling as if your body is vibrating.  When putting food on your body or face, just take the plunge!  I feel like a little kid playing with my food as I smash the (very ripe) avocado in my face and hair.  Then, exfoliate.  I find exfoliating very sexy.  Take the salt/oil combo and rub in a circular motion all around your body following up from the dry brushing.  Chill out for as long as you decide -  5 minutes, 30 minutes, there is no wrong.  Allow the oils to penetrate into the skin and enjoy the aromatherapy.  After about 10-15 min. I added a little of the oil to my avocado hair and some avocado to the oily skin. When I felt the time was right, I took a warm shower to rinse everything off thoroughly and finished with a cold splash.  In the shower, I combed through my conditioned hair (no soap, shampoo, or conditioner).  My body felt perfectly soft with little beads from the oil.  Lightly pat dry.

The avacodo is very nourishing, hydrating and good for mature and sun damaged skin.  Visualize the consistency and texture.  Dry brushing brushes off dead skin which allows the skin to breath also increasing lymphatic circulation.  Other benefits include reducing cellulite, stimulating circulation and more!  http://naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniquesdry_brushing_technique.htm provides a great explanation about dry brushing.  Exfoliating is similar to dry brushing and includes the benefits of the oils, essential oils and aromatherapy.  

I hope you enjoy messing around!
     


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Urban Gardening

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

In Ground Gardening
I have officially begun my fall garden.  I started feeling the itch late August. This is my first season in a townhouse.  The last 5 years, I've had a large garden in my backyard.  We composted, harvested, weeded, nibbled, learned and grew, in more ways than one!  I learned how important proper soil is and the root system much like our very own bodies.  The soil may represent our environment.  The root system may portray our background, upbringing, where we came from or where or how we are rooted today.  I love relating gardening to our body and mind and how we grow, blossom and flourish!  My garden gave me so much happiness and taught exponentially!

Urban Gardening
Moving to a townhouse with no gardening space was a major adjustment. Thankfully, we moved during the summer where I choose not to fight with the Florida heat.  I take the summer off from gardening and then..... start to get the itch.  This time was a different.  I began visualizing where I would put a variety of planters and researching urban gardening.  This inspired me to learn something new!  I wanted to make sure to grow my collards, mustard greens, kale, lettuce, arugula, herbs and whatever else I could squeeze in and around my little area!  Ironically,  it just so happened that I planned on doing most of my planting on the Fall Equinox.  I found planters where you water the roots and underneath as opposed to watering on top.  Makes great sense.  My 'hanging baskets' is a multi-pocketed planter made of an eco-friendly fabric.  http://growvertical.net/.  I'm so pumped up about these!!  This urban garden will be simple but prolific! I already found a frog on my 2nd floor balcony!  I still have a few planters in mind to make so I'm not finished yet. But, that's what I love about gardening.  We continue to 'grow'!

 I look forward to watching this new garden thrive and hope my neighbors and those walking around the area will enjoy it too!  Lately,  I feel drawn to wear yellow, black and white. Maybe it's my way of being a little bumble bee buzzing around my garden!  Happy Growing!



Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Outdoor Adventures

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

Summer Vacation!
This summer my husband and I went to Asheville, NC for my first time.  I loved Asheville but spent most of the time outside of the city.  We couldn't have asked for better weather!  I was so excited about seeing new places, being in the mountains and relaxing.  Cell phone reception was hit or miss which worked out for the best! (it was a reminder how we used to live without cell phones and gps's).

Hiking
I love hiking and am so thankful for my hiking boots I bought years ago (probably a decade) and bust out every now and then!  I felt I could conquer any hike with those Timberlands.  What I found interesting was how I could literally feel building muscle while hiking.  It's amazing what a little cross training will do for you!  Breathing the mountain air, being in the dappled sunshine, walking up, down, sideways and whatever you need to do to get from one step to another.  In tight spaces, I was thankful to be able to steer my hips in one direction and torso to another.  You'll see that type of training (hips forward and torso rotated) in Pilates, athletic, and functional training.  Additionally, I was extremely thankful to have strong ankles and calves.  I semi twisted or rolled my ankles multiple times but was very thankful to recovery quickly to the next step without missing a beat.  My husband and I were smart to take time in the evening to stretch in order to be ready for the next day's hike.

Herbs
In the meantime, I was breathing fresh mountain air and oooohhhing and awwwing throughout the hike taking in the beauty.  I was thrilled to see herbs that I've either grown, used, or studied actually growing in it's natural habitat.  I saw Common Joe-Pye Weed, also called feverweed, saw a different variety of yarrow, angelica, red clover, plantain, mint, jewelweed and more!!  I even got 'stung' by stinging nettles. I've heard that yellow dock typically grows nearby to help take the sting away but couldn't pinpoint which plant it was!

I loved putting my passions together such as the outdoors and exercise plus herbs and mother nature!  It also challenged my body and mind through testy terrain while navigating through, what you had hoped were, hiking trails (with minimal signage) and reminding myself I wasn't going to be a bear's lunch.

Other cross training activities
I also zip-lined for the first time.  What an exhilarating experience!  Although, you don't need to be in great condition, it was helpful to use my core while ziping along (instead of neck and shoulders or hurting your back).  www.navitat.com did a great job!  White water rafting down the Nantahala was another core and upper body workout.  Part of the ab workout is from laughing because it's so much fun!


There you have it!  My relaxing vacation!  I wouldn't have it any other way!



Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Food Allergies vs. Intolerance

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

Grain Free Diet/Lifestyle
For the last 7 years, I have been grain free from foods such as rice, quinoa and much more. I have learned to get very creative with my food and cravings! When I went to a grain free diet/lifestyle in 2004, I was on an elimination diet for 3-4 months taking out all the allergenic foods such as dairy and gluten. My symptoms from the elimination diet got a little better but it wasn't until I took all grains out (including oats, millet for example) that I felt more of a difference.


Diet along with stressors in life can wreek havoc on your body and mind, inside and out. When in physical pain, we are effected emotionally. Many times physical pain relates to something deeper.  The deeper you go, you may understand where your dis-ease is coming from and give you a better perspective on the ways to overcome it. I specifically said ways plural because in order to heal from the inside, usually it's a combination of things to make it happen.


Playing with Food
Earlier this year, I decided to re-introduce a few new things back into my diet one at a time and allowed at least 72 hours before reintroducing anything else new. This was a slow process but I've learned to be patient.  Excitedly, I didn't have any major reactions! I felt like I had a whole new menu to work with reintroducing rice, millet, corn, quinoa and buckwheat including buckwheat 'grits', millet chips and quinoa salads. Although I didn't eat these new things on a daily basis, it was nice to have the option. I still kept it slow.

Food Allergy vs. Intolerance 
Over the course of 2-3 months, totally unrelated (or so I thought) I started to feel very thick through my mid-section (not thick from having strong abs!! but thick in a different way).  I also was bloated often, felt bigger and my clothes fit different. It was more about how I felt then how I looked. Then, the hip pain. Years ago, I suffered from severe hip pain when my body was in dis-ease. This was the rude awakening.  I realized feeling bloated and suffering from this very alarming hip pain is very much connected to my new menu of foods. Although, I was not consuming them daily, over time, slowly, they (or one or two of those items) were not appropriate for me. This, my friends, is an intolerance. When my husband ingests a tree nut he'll have an anaphylactic shock and within seconds will begin to feel swelling around the face, lips, throat and more over time. Notice I put the word ingest? Although he is very aware to ask, things slip through the cracks. If he chews his food and tastes a tree nut, he'll immediately spit it out and he'll be okay. If it goes any further, we need to find the closest hospital. So, another reason, folks, to chew your food instead of bite and swallow! That is the difference between an intolerance and allergy. Both are evil.


Check Within
Everyone responds different to stress and foreign invaders within your body. Some may get a skin reaction, abdominal pain, headaches, moodiness, fatigue, physical pain and much more. In the future, when reintroducing something new, I'll only do one at a time over the course of 4 weeks, eating it once every couple days at most. Since taking the food back out, I already feel better and less bloated. The hip discomfort is currently not as active and will subside when the inflammation within my body is down.  I hope this is a friendly reminder to 'check within' yourself. If you are eating or thinking unhealthy things for your body on a somewhat regular basis, it (may already have or) will catch up to you. Be strong and do something about it!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Summer Seasonal Skin

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

Skinsational Summer
The summer is always a time of year when I need to pay a little closer attention to my skin's needs.  Each season calls for its own protocol to care for the skin from a dry, cold winter to seasonal transitions from winter to spring and the heat of the summer.  Make sure your skin is moisturized during the summer sun.  Proper hydration comes from the inside out.  Hydrating your cells internally (for example, drinking an appropriate amount of water) will have a positive effect on your skin.

What's your Skin Type
It's so easy for your skin to dry out during this time of year.  I have an olive complexion,  my skin enjoys oils.  Be aware of drying culprits such as the sun,  ocean, chlorine pools, or skin products you may think are hydrating.  What kind of skin do you have and have you figured out what works for your body?

My System
There are many luxurious ways to care for the skin during the summer.  Personally, I put on a thick oil including shea butter, coconut oil, sesame oil (for example B Me Organic Body and Belly Oil ) to protect from the sun and also enhance my natural color.  I love going into the Gulf of Mexico and inter-coastal water and allow the salt water minerals to exfoliate.  After my time at the beach, in the sun or water, I will reapply the oil, including my hair too, for a deep conditioner.  I also may apply the gel (inside of an aloe leaf) throughout my body.  Allow everything to marinate and moisturize for at least 30 min. or hours.  When I shower, I scrub off the 'salt' minerals and comb through my hair without a shampoo or conditioner.  You decide if you need to apply a little more oil on your body after the shower.  I also use the B Me Healing Creme as another way to cool the skin. I like to keep this in the fridge and apply the creme after I'm out in the sun.  A little goes a long way.

Easy Homemade Spa Treatments
There are many spa treatments you can do for yourself (and save money).  Learn about your skin types and play with your food to create masks, facial toners, hair rinses and more!  Foods including avocado, strawberries, banana, cucumber, ground almonds, yoghurt and herbs such as rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, green tea, calendula and chamomile can be soothing and hydrating.  For example, cucumber is cooling to the skin.  Take thinly slice cucumbers and place in cool mint tea.  Allow to marinate.  Drink the tea and put the cucumbers around your eyes and face.  Another treatment is to take a ripe avacado and mix with yoghurt.  Apply on your face or body.  It will tighten and hydrate sun kissed skin.  Make yourself a strong cup of green tea.  Chill it.  Fill a 4oz bottle and leave room for 1 tbsp of witch hazel.  If you have essential oils such as lavender and/or peppermint, put a couple drops into your spritzer bottle.  Keep cool and enjoy an uplifting facial toner.  And remember, Cleopatra was known for using the gel of the aloe plant!  There's nothing better than a cold piece of real aloe to cool the skin.

Spa Time
There are so many ways to make your own spa products. The B Me Spa Time Workshop on Monday July 25th at 6pm in Clearwater, FL is a hands on workshop to create products that resonate with you!  Email Emily Wenzel for more information on upcoming events and workshops!

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Ch Ch Ch Changes

Be Me Website

Be Me Facebook Page

Be Me Blog

Be Me Herbal Products

Mind Boggling
As the seasons change, so do the days of our lives. Sounds like a soap opera however, I see my life more like a comedy!  This past month as been a whirl wind of exciting changes.  Change is important to keep our body and mind stimulated. This stimulation and usage of the mind creates more neural pathways and will benefit you in a variety of ways such as increase in energy, alertness, motivation and skills. 

Moving
After living in a house for 10 years, my husband and I downsized to a townhouse and live 2 miles from Clearwater Beach.  Ok, yes, I'll admit I got a little overwhelmed after a few days of packing however, in the scope of it all, I enjoyed the cleansing feeling of give away items, complete trash and keepers.  In the unpacking process, I still enjoyed additional give aways and found new places in the house for the keepers.  But, in the big picture, we have really enjoyed finding new places to ride bicycles, the new environment and surroundings and mostly being 3 blocks from the most amazing place to watch the sunset! 

Stress and De-stress
Although I was looking forward to the move, the week before and the week after (major packing, organizing, unpacking, moving details etc.) I could literally feel my body heavier and more tired.  The stress was literally weighing on me.  Stress can be good but often times is a negative.  It's the way we handle stress which can lead to dis-ease within our body and mind.  I tried to honor the busy-ness of those weeks knowing it would slow down.  After a few weeks, I have gotten more exercise by exploring the area and feeling lighter in the mind and (thankfully) naturally the body.

The Brighter Side
One major change for me is going from a backyard with my flourishing garden to very little space to bring my whole family of potted plants.  Some family and friends were kind enough to inherit some of my special babies!  To me, gardening is very nourishing, healthy, meditative and rewarding.  Moving over the spring/summer was the best time because in Florida, with the warm weather, I don't do as much gardening. This will give me time to learn where I'll play in the dirt next.  I aspire to learn more about container gardening and get more involved in community gardening where I can learn from others and share what I know.  And in the meantime, meet new friends!  It's all how you see it.

Try it out for size
You don't necessarily have to move houses to create change in your life, but I emphasize to you the important of making some major change such as picking up a new hobby, eating a variety of new foods, or learning a new language or instrument and see how it effects your life in a positive way!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Spring Tea

Be Me Website
Be Me Facebook Page
Be Me Blog
Be Me Herbal Products

Springtime!
Happy Spring!  This is a great time to begin transition from winter warming food and drinks to cooler tastes for the body and mind!
I naturally gravitate towards certain herbs depending upon what is in my garden, less expensive at the store (which typciy means it's in season), and what my body is 'asking' for.  Certain herbs flourish at certain times of year for a purpose - it is their time to shine and share their goodness to us!!


Spring Tea
Take mint (or spearmint or peppermint), lemon bam, and lemongrass for example.  I may make a tea at the end of the day of this blend, enjoy it warm and make enough to drink it cold for the next day or two!  


Mint is considered a cooling herb which assists our body in regulating our body's temperature.  Along with relieving an upset tummy, mint may be used externally for diaper rash, sunburn, bites or stings and more.  Of course, there are so many different variations of mint including peppermint, spearmint, apple mint and more.  When planting mint, it will crawl and grow. If it's in a pot, loosen the soil from time to time and or repot when it appears it's outgrowing the pot.  You may also take some of the plant and repot.  You will see the many fingers of roots.  In Florida, mint loves spring and fall!  Mine is about to bloom now.

mint in boom

Lemon Balm is considered a cooling herb with many therapeutic properties such as an anti-viral for cold sores, uplifting spirits and relaxing nervous energy, digestive aid and more. It is in the mint family and also called Melissa Officinalis.  I have found it likes the sun but not necessarily the full blown Florida sun.  And like mint, it needs a drink of water but not saturated soil.

lemon bam

 Lemongrass is considered a warming herb that assist with digestion, gas, and also repels bugs. Lemongrass is easy to grow in pots or in the ground.  It can tolerate the Florida sun.

lemongrass

The Perfect Cup of Tea
The perfect cup of tea will vary from person to person, herb to herb, infusing time, state of mind, quality of the herbs and more.  When using the herbs, fresh or dried, play with them prior to putting them in the hot water.  Massage the herbs to release the herbal essence.  When using flowers such as chamomile, these beauties are fragile and require less steeping (or infusing) time.  Spices such as anise or cinnamon require longer steeping time. Depending upon your blend, put certain herbs or spices in before others.


Tea Utensils
Infusing utensils may include a cheese cloth, a ball of many sizes and shapes, and a bag.  I highly recommend the natural cheese cloth in the brown color. The white one has been bleached and those chemicals may end up in your tea.  I also have been known to 'bag' the utensils and just toss the herbs in the hot water and straining them out.  


Putting it Together
If you make 4 cups of water, take 3-4 long springs of lemongrass and put it in the hot water with the cover on and off the burner.  Leave the lemongrass infusing for 10-15 minutes. Then add 2 cups, loosely packed, fresh mint or 3-4 tsp dried and the same for lemon balm. (if using fresh mint - pull the leaves off the stem. Sometimes I'll use the leaves and stem when it's closer to the top of the plant, then it's not so woodsy.  You may do the same with the lemon balm).  Keep the lid on and infuse for another 10-15 minutes.  Or steep for 10 and then take the lid off for a few minutes.  Your tea should have a strong flavor.  Please feel free to adjust the servings to whatever feels right with you!  For sweetness such as (raw unfiltered) honey, add it while the tea is warm, not hot or not cold.  If it's too hot, it may burn off the fabulous qualities of the honey.  You may add it do the entire pot or just the single cup you may currently enjoy.  If adding it to one cup, I like to first put about 1/4 cup of tea, then honey, then more tea and mix.  After enjoying a few sips, I may 'top' it off with more tea.  Each sip will have a delightful taste!












Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Herbal Homemade Broth

Be Me Website
Be Me Facebook Page
Be Me Blog
Be Me Herbal Products

Just like anything in life, things can be as easy or hard as you make of it. This is easy.  I'm a big advocate of homemade broth.  From there, you can add so many ingredients to make it your own or freeze it to have in a jiffy for the future. Some staples in my house are organic carrots, org. celery, onions, mushrooms, herbs, garlic and ginger.

Homemade Broth recipe:

Begin by chopping a few cloves of garlic and saute for a minute in oil (can be olive, sesame, coconut, depends on where you're taking the flavor of the soup).  Add 1/2 chopped onion, a few (each) sliced carrots and celery for a few minutes (where you see the color brighten but still crispiness in the vegetable).  Add a few cups of water and one cup vermouth.  Typically I do about 3/1 water to wine. Heat water.  Then, the sky's the limit.  Add mushrooms (a variety), ginger if you so desire. Add a bunch of greens such as spinach, kale, bok choy, swiss chard etc. I keep the water hot/warm not boiling.  Add more water if you want it more brothy or keep thick (less liquid).  You decide! You may add chopped brocolli, lentils, tomatoes, eggplant, even butternut squash or sweet potato to make it a little thicker. Add some sea salt, herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, cayenne, and curry.  If I want it a little heartier, I'll add about a tablespoon of an oil such as sesame or coconut and maybe even a splash of tamari or fish sauce.  Cover and allow everything to brew together for a few more minutes (~15 minutes.).  This juice is super healthy and nutritious.  And it's easy for your body to break down since its in a liquid form instead of chewing it thoroughly (or not so thoroughly!).  Sometimes I puree this soup for a different texture.
As you can see, I start with a 'base' and each time comes out different!
Have fun and get creative!

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!