Kara Fischenich

Two plants that are fairly well known: Chamomile and Catnip. They are growing right next to one another in my garden this year so let's take a closer look at them because despite having some similarities, they are not interchangeable. Each of these plants has a tendency to support a certain pattern. The basic similarities of these two plants, things you may not pick up on through observation alone: Both are nervines (they support the nervous system). Both support digestion. Both support us...

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.....

As I write to you today, there’s the most perfect cool yet warm breeze coming through my window and birds of many species chirp and sing outside. If I am being honest, I am re-writing my letter to you today. The original letter felt a bit too heavy (linked if you’re curious). Instead, I wanted to share something lighter, something a bit more in rhythm with the season. It is summer after all and hopefully we are finding ourselves connecting more with Nature than we are our screens. In the true...