by SJ Cavé Doi of The Postpartum Partner

I like to think of the luteal, post-ovulatory phase as the “drama-queen phase” of the menstrual cycle. The uterus is upset because its precious egg wasn’t fertilized, that its nutrient-rich endometrium (which it worked all cycle long to prepare) isn’t going to be used. And so it throws a fit. Hormones drop as suddenly as the leaves on October trees – bloating, mood swings, PMS symptoms hit us at full swing.

Fortunately for us, there are many plant allies which offer support through this fall season of the menstrual cycle. Some of these include: 

Raspberry Leaf – A toning, mineral-rich, and astringent herb with a strong affinity for uterine muscles. Helps to decrease PMS symptoms and ease cramping

Chamomile – A simple but powerful herb to support the nervous and digestive systems, helpful for luteal phase bloating, indigestion and mood support. Chamomile tea during menstruation can also help soothe cramps.

Nettle – A nourishing uterine tonic, diuretic, and nutritive herb full of vitamins and minerals, some of which include magnesium, calcium, and iron. Nettles are helpful in preparing the body for blood loss and restoring nutrients during menstruation. 

Oatstraw – A soothing nutritive, nervine to ease tension and anxiety, especially helpful when dealing with PMS mood instability.

Spearmint –A refreshing carminative and nervine to aid with digestion and mild pain relief.

Hibiscus – Rich in Vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants, formulated in Luteal Moon tea to increase iron absorption 

Combine these herbs together at home for your own 'Luteal Moon Tea', mix together (by weight):

• 3 parts Raspberry Leaf (30g)
• 3 parts Chamomile Flower (30g)
• 3 parts Nettle leaf (30g)
• 2 parts Oatstraw (20g)
• 1 part Spearmint (10g)
• 1 part Hibiscus  (5-10g)

Steep according to our Infusion Guidelines

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This post is a contribution to our Community Apothecary Zine 'Green Currents' and is offered by full-spectrum doula SJ Cavé Doi, MPH. Learn more about her work at her website and instagram.

by Kat Simonovic

Love/hate relationships abound with the substances that often infuse our social circles. In the city, we find just as much of an appetite for stimulation as we do for dissociation. Uppers or downers, which one are you?

After a buzzing summer, many of us are probably looking in the mirror with some ambivalence around our habits or perhaps just exhaustion from the high levels of social engagement that probably feels like a complete 180 from our first and highly isolated summer of quarantine. The nights out, Sunday fundays, street fests, and everything in between have brought me to resent every known flavor of alcoholic seltzer the market’s thrown at us over the past few years.

Let’s get real for a second... did anyone else look back at quarantine like a fond memory after an entire three months of non-stop, back-to-back events? * I asked that question with a hand on my lower back and a heavy exhale * My body sure misses it... The slowness, letting my nervous system breathe, and the lack of social pressure to imbibe.

Alcohol & substance use can be quite damaging for your body and mind – from the cellular level, to the whole ecological picture – but I probably don’t need to tell you that. What I’m here to share is that after diving into herbalism, I’ve found other (and far better) ways to evoke the sense of energy, inhibition, and liberation the more harmful substances often provide.

Replacing alcohol and other substances with well selected herbal preparations may sound farfetched, but I bet you’d reconsider after experiencing how in tune you can feel with your body through these herbs and the experience they foster.

Need I also add, zero hangovers or comedowns.

Stimulating Concotions (aka the 'Upper' replacement):

Ginseng Ginger Tea

Across Asia, but especially in Korea and China, ginseng root is highly regarded remedy for a variety of ailments. Despite it being caffeine free, it is still quite stimulating. It can be rather hard to find the specific root, so for this recipe, I shared a simple loose-leaf tea to make with additives.

The ginseng common to Asia (Panax ginseng) is a lot more stimulating than the native American species (Panax quinquefolius) and can be challenging to find a quality sustainable source. Check out the United Plant Savers website for good sources on forest cultivated varieties. Please do not purchase wild-foraged or wildcrafted as this plant is highly at-risk and wild stands need to be nurtured and protected.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oz water
• 2-3 tsp ginseng root and/or leaf
• Ginger rhizome
• Honey

Directions:

• Bring water to a boil and let cool down for 60-90 seconds
• Put 2-3 tsp of Ginseng root/leaf into tea bag or
• Let steep 5-10 min, the longer the more bitter
• Grate a pinch of ginger into the tea with a fine grater
• Add honey to liking – ginseng can be quite bitter for some
• Note: If you would like to add caffeine, you can add green or black tea to the brew 3-5 minutes before straining to reduce astringency.

Calming Concoctions (aka the 'Downer' replacement):

Kava Kava Tea

Kava kava is an herbal remedy that some people use to relieve stress and anxiety and boost sleep. The infusion made from this root has a calming, euphoric effect that some people compare with the feeling of inebriation you might get from alcohol. But try it yourself, and you'll see it's its own thing :)

Kava Kava is another herb that has some sustainability issues if purchasing from wildcrafters, here is another herb you want to purchase from companies using fair trade practices and cultivating rather than wildcrafting. Root of Happiness is one that herbalist Christopher Hobbs recommends as a good source.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup of Kava powder (Ground kava root)
• 2 cups Water

Directions:

1. To make a kava brew, add 1/2 kava root powder and 2 cups of warm-hot water (around 130ºF or the hottest your sink can get).
2. Blend in a blender on high for 2-3 minutes, or set the powder in a nutmilk strainer or muslin cloth and knead into the water for 5-10 minutes.
3. Pour the infusion through a strainer (if not already)
4. Enjoy as is or allow to cool off.
5. Add ice cubes, ¼ cup of coconut milk, and ¼ cup of orange juice for a pina colada twist!

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This post is a contribution to our Community Apothecary Zine 'Green Currents' and is offered by Kat Simonovic, student of First Curve's Bioregional Herbalism Course.

by Karena Anderson Rodriguez of Lady K's Apotheca

The Empress represents the archetype of the mother in tarot. Her powers and domains are related to motherhood, power, gentleness, the sacred physical, acceptance, and abundance. She is ruled by Venus, planet of pleasure and relationships.

The Empress is a strong symbol of selfsovereignty, self-possession and healing. She knows herself, inside and out. These days it is extremely easy to become disembodied, losing connection with our body and sensations, and just go through the motions. Getting in touch with the energy of the Empress card can be quite the antidote to these go-go times, burnout, and negative thoughts or self talk. The Empress energy is a comforting, motherly force; she enfolds you in her embrace softly, overflowing acceptance and affection. I’ve chosen to highlight a few herbs we can all engage with as a channel to the Empress’s blessings.

These Empress herbs can help connect us with our own bodies, uniting it with mind and spirit, and blossoming to our fullest potential. Allow them to guide you to access parts of yourself you may have lost, hold yourself dearly, and sit firmly in your own power, just as the Empress sits regally upon her throne.

Motherwort: A heart opening herb ruled by Venus, motherwort’s Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, means lion heart. This references her actions, which are both supportive of the physical heart, as well as our emotions. She provides courage in times of emotional turmoil, the strength and support needed to pull through trying times. The plant itself embodies the lioness by guarding her delicate pink flowers with spiny bracts, as a lioness would protect her cubs. This tenderness combined with fierce boundaries is a perfect embodiment of the Empress card, and can help us in refilling our own cups, while ensuring we don’t let anyone drink it dry again.

Rose: Rose is another Venusian herb, a flower we all associate with love. This can be romantic love or any other kind. She is also a flower of true beauty and gentleness. Her scent evokes a feeling of such happiness. Allow rose to letyou revel in love, joy, beauty, and creative energy; soothing body and soul. Rose opens our hearts to receiving and giving love and acceptance to ourselves and others alike.

Damiana: Damiana is an aphrodisiac herb known to get blood flowing and enhance the sense of touch. She is an herb of embodiment, and in this fast paced modern world, it can be easy to become detached from ourselves, or get down on ourselves. Damiana is not just a sensually powerful herb but also helpful in managing stress or anxiety, so that regaining your bodily sovereignty doesn’t have to be traumatic. Damiana will bring you back to center, reclaiming your first home, that of the body.

Milky Oats: Milky Oats are the immature seeds of the oats we all eat for breakfast. In this specific phase oats are incredibly soothing and nourishing. They are a great balm for fried nerves, and building the body back up from a tense state of overexertion and undernourishment. Oats and grains generally speaking are also associated with abundance, and reaping what we sow. In this way Milky Oats not only calms us from a state of tension, but shows us how to grow further in abundance. This herb nurses us back to health just like a mother, or the Empress, would.

You can engage with these herbs individually or blend them into a tea. You can also look to a few products that I love to engage with Empress energy and herbs:

• Lady K's Apotheca – Empress Oil
• First Curve Apothecary – <3 Love Potion

Whatever form they take, as you sit with the herbs, take your time and note how it all feels. Be present and intimate with yourself, thanking your body for carrying you this far in life, for all it does for you every day. Recognize the immense power and abundance inherent in having everything you need within yourself. Leave aside scarcity mindsets and thoughts of imperfections.

The Empress reminds you that you have enough and you ARE enough. Take several deep breaths and bring your mind fully into your body. Thank your body for its power, and recognize you are the ruler of this domain. Reconnect your body with your heart by imagining this power radiating out from it. A warm glow comes from your heart and suffuses from within you.

This is your empress power, and within this domain you are sovereign. Security, abundance, love and acceptance are yours. You gave them to yourself, for the power was within you all along.

~~~

This post is a contribution to our Community Apothecary Zine 'Green Currents' and is offered by Karena Anderson Rodriguez, student of First Curve's Bioregional Herbalism Course. Learn more about her work at her instagram and shop.