Summer & Fire

Summer Solstice has passed (it was June 21st) which means we are in the most “Yang” time of the year.

“Yang” is a term used in Chinese Medicine which is associated with: light, sun, heat, energy, fire, dryness… etc.

Yang is “masculine” - it is outward and active.

Peak summer, as we are currently in, is Yang in season form.

Summer is a prized season in our society:

It is the season to be living life to its fullest, filling the schedule with family/friends, vacations, outings, camps/classes.. In addition to the house projects, gardening, and the everyday tasks of tending to one’s self and home.

Summer is a time to work hard and play harder. It is a time to be full of joy and happiness. It is a time to be feeling so full of life.

… At least, that is how society makes us think summer is or how it should be for everyone.

But that is not always the case.

Summer, fueled by the Fire element, can come with its own discomforts and imbalances. Like with any element, too much of one is often not such a good thing. Fire is no different and the very description of how summer “should” be, as described above, could very well push us into having a bit too much Fire.

Too much Fire can express as:

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Feeling a lack of joy

• Fatigue / Lethargy

• Frustration

• Insomnia

• Racing Thoughts

Experiencing any of these doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.

These are signals from your body telling you that something is a little out of balance.

Oftentimes, there are simple lifestyle modifications we can take to support the rebalancing:

• Keeping hydrated with quality electrolytes (quality sea salt & minerals)

• Resting during the hottest part of the day

• Eating hydrating and naturally cooling foods (cucumber, leafy greens, watermelon, berries)

• Cooling herbs: cilantro, mints, hibiscus, marshmallow root, yarrow

• Taking a few things off of your schedule or to-do list

Sometimes, a bit more specific support might be needed through individualized care.

The goal is to support your unique person and body through the changing seasons so that you don’t struggle with the difficulties that summertime can come with.

Be aware of the imbalances the Fire element can bring and tend to yourself in this season, especially if you already know that you can find yourself out of balance this time of year. When needed, make some mindful lifestyle shifts and reach out for extra support if that would be supportive for you.

Be Well 💜, Stay Cool, and have Safe 4th of July this weekend, however you may celebrate,

~ Kara

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On Keeping Hydrated

There are a lot of powders, drinks, and other concoctions available to us for electrolyte and hydration support. I prefer to make my own so that I know what is in it, I can control the quality, and there is so much opportunity for variety.

Recently, I came across a blog post by Mountain Rose Herbs and I thought it did a really nice job of offering a few recipes while also providing the basics so that you can explore making your own recipes if you so choose.

You can read the article here: Electrolyte Drink Recipes with Herbs

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A Few Product Updates:

• Each of the bottles of Violet Oil have been claimed! I am so grateful for those of you who felt called to work with this beautiful oil. If I am able to make more later this season, I will keep you posted here first!

  
  

• Herbal First Aid Kits: I plan for these to be a regular product offering. Of course the individual remedies within the kit are also available separately. (Please note that I won’t ship salves when the temperatures are too warm as they can melt.)

  
  

• Neither the First Aid Kit or Salves are listed on my website shop just yet but do know they are available!