Jacqui Wilkins + Naturopathic Doctor, Plant Medicine & Herbal Wisdom

09/04/2021

Day 1 Moontime Vibe ✨ Do you track your menstrual/moontime cycles, Kin?
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There is so much wisdom held in our cycles, our Blood♥️ It’s not something I speak of often lately, tho I started as a birth worker about 8 years ago. This Winter after my own miscarriage I began a deepening into my Womb healing even more {& wow, didn’t think was possible lol. It’s been painful & beautiful}
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So much to say. I wanted to create a resource, but again, day 1 lol. Instead I’d like to invite you to join me in noticing your cycles this month🌀
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You can pick day 1 of your moontime or start anywhere (day 1 = first day of bleeding) & just journal or draw/paint how you feel, sensations, dreams, current Moon cycle, Planets that are coming through, Plant medicines that feel supportive, relationship themes, Ancestral memories etc. Anything you feel called💧 Daily or weekly.
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You can pair this w abdominal/womb massage, to deepen your connection, transmission of wisdom, ancestral knowing, teachings. Working w infused oils like Mugwort, Angelica, Motherwort, Calendula, Rose ~ simple oil also works🌿
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Tracking our own rhythms & cycles informs SO much. Yes, fertility, conception, as well as avoiding pregnancies. Knowing our energy, mood shifts, our bodies shifting needs, foods, etc.
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For ex, I book off the first 2-3 days of bleeding {a privilege; I live w endo & history of ovarian cysts, the pain used to be debilitating. If I push during day 1-3, it comes back}. Whereas during days 16-29 I book more workshops/social connections/etc.
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Each of us have unique rhythms. They also may shift & change overtime. There are so so many things we can do to support ourselves/one another during our cycles, preconception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, miscarriage, etc.
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When we are able to attune our cycles w those of the Land, Moon, Waters ~ we empower ourselves w potent knowledge & wisdom ♥️ We remember.
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Would you like to hear more of this here? I have a pregnancy loss/miscarriage resource coming out soon✨This is the first month I haven’t cried on day 1 of bleeding, which means, the resource is ready to be shared ♥️ Sending you all so much Love, xo

Day 1 Moontime Vibe ✨ Do you track your menstrual/moontime cycles, Kin?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There is so much wisdom held in our cycles, our Blood♥️ It’s not something I speak of often lately, tho I started as a birth worker about 8 years ago. This Winter after my own miscarriage I began a deepening into my Womb healing even more {& wow, didn’t think was possible lol. It’s been painful & beautiful}
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So much to say. I wanted to create a resource, but again, day 1 lol. Instead I’d like to invite you to join me in noticing your cycles this month🌀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You can pick day 1 of your moontime or start anywhere (day 1 = first day of bleeding) & just journal or draw/paint how you feel, sensations, dreams, current Moon cycle, Planets that are coming through, Plant medicines that feel supportive, relationship themes, Ancestral memories etc. Anything you feel called💧 Daily or weekly.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You can pair this w abdominal/womb massage, to deepen your connection, transmission of wisdom, ancestral knowing, teachings. Working w infused oils like Mugwort, Angelica, Motherwort, Calendula, Rose ~ simple oil also works🌿
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Tracking our own rhythms & cycles informs SO much. Yes, fertility, conception, as well as avoiding pregnancies. Knowing our energy, mood shifts, our bodies shifting needs, foods, etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For ex, I book off the first 2-3 days of bleeding {a privilege; I live w endo & history of ovarian cysts, the pain used to be debilitating. If I push during day 1-3, it comes back}. Whereas during days 16-29 I book more workshops/social connections/etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Each of us have unique rhythms. They also may shift & change overtime. There are so so many things we can do to support ourselves/one another during our cycles, preconception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, miscarriage, etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When we are able to attune our cycles w those of the Land, Moon, Waters ~ we empower ourselves w potent knowledge & wisdom ♥️ We remember.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Would you like to hear more of this here? I have a pregnancy loss/miscarriage resource coming out soon✨This is the first month I haven’t cried on day 1 of bleeding, which means, the resource is ready to be shared ♥️ Sending you all so much Love, xo

09/03/2021

Pt. 2/2 Lung Supportive Plants~there are many amazing Plant allies that support our respiratory systems. There may be acute vs chronic, tonic Plants, etc. IG is not a great place for detailed info. I’ll share just a few faves that are more general & relatively safe {always research, seek medicine person/practitioner if needed; not a guide to harvesting}.
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Autumn relates to the Lungs {& Large Intestine, learned through TCM}. Our Lungs are life givers, Sacred Breath. Connecting us to Creation, to the Plants via inspiration(!) & exhalation. Expansion. Contraction. Reciprocity. !!Discernment!! Our Lungs also hold the emotion grief, sadness. This could be a whole post:)
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Tending to our Lungs is of course, vital. Herbal Steams are a fave, often w whomever calls: Cedar, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Pine, Aster. I also love herbal salves/oils rubbed over my Heart & Lungs; Cottonwood Bud salve is a fave. Mmm over the diaphragm to loosen any tension too. Remember the back of Lungs too, hydrotherapy or warm Mullein compresses over the back are so comforting.
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Lung Love:
~Mullein: Very common + popular; a tonic Plant ally, soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic (cough). Strain w filter to remove fine ‘hairs’. Lighting our way✨
~Astragalus: A fave, often combined w other Roots+Berries for a long decoction. Lung Tonic, Adaptogen, 1mmun3 support, Qi tonic
~Marshmallow Leaf: They are so soft, sweet & beautiful. They feel gentle + loving. Demulcent, anti-inflammatory & soothing
~Elecampane: A stimulating expectorant & tonic {to GI as well, bitter}; helps to bring mucous up + out (a good thing), clears. Moves. May help stuck + stagnant energy. May be a tad drying (amazing in honey to balance)
~Bear Root/Osha: Often included in lists, ⚠️at risk + over harvested🛑 Plz don’t harvest if not in lineage/relation.
~Wiikeh/Calamus: Bronchodialator. Clears phlegm & may bring clarity. Antimicrobial. Calming yet uplifting. {way more to this kin than fits}
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Cont in Comments {SO hard to make this list, there are MANY, very limited info on each & not exhaustive list. Also consider other actions/needs. Plz research C/I. Connect & build relationships w them} ⬇️

09/01/2021

Ishnim-áashu/Miinensagaawanzh
Hawthorn for our Hearts // For grief, rage, heartache. For boundaries & protection. For tenderness & self compassion. For remembering that Joy + Love are balms for an exhausted Spirit 🌸
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For remembering tears are a way of honouring the Love we have for one another, for Creation, and for those who’ve been taken too soon. For the ones we may not have even gotten to know on this Earth 💓
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I love you, Fam. I was making a care bundle for someone yesterday & had a droppersful of Hawthorn flower tincture made & felt my Heart completely soften + expand. It brought me to tears. I wish I could share it with you all ~ so here is some Hawthorn Medicine energy if you’d like to receive ♥️
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May Hawthorn hold us as we work towards these new ways, healed ways, just & liberated ways, together ♥️
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As we navigate world wide grief & oppression, including w our Earth + Waters + more than Human kin. Be gentle with yourselves. With one another. Rest if you need. I love you, Fam. Remembering this softness & tenderness w/in myself too, xo {Miigwetch, Kw’ałanúusha matash Hawthorn for your thornes to remind us this includes sacred boundaries + protection 🧿} *Rose wanted to say hiii too, tried a glycerine w them I had made in June, phew. Potent combo!

08/29/2021

Choosing Herbs to work w {Lung focus}Pt. 1/2::
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There are many Plants that are supportive for the Lungs. Often we see lists of ‘this herb for that.’ While I understand the helpfulness, there is more.
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First, understanding the energetics, & Spirit of the Plant. How does this being affect the tissues? Movement? Temperature? Spirit? What is their personality? How do they offer support? Where do they grow? Ancestral connections? Environmental concerns? Etc.
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Second, understanding the organ systems & body. This is no doubt complex. But to me, vital. Understanding the physiology of the body & the kinetics of the Plant really helps inform which Plant(s) may be most supportive. This may also include: which Plant do I have access to? Relationship w? Others access? Who is part of our community? Sustainability of harvest?Etc
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From there I have a better understanding of which Plant may be indicated. Intuition & relationship are the vital aspects of choosing + working w the Plants for healing as well.
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Understanding physiology + the Plants effect on the *whole* Humxn is important. This also helps us bc if we don’t have access to Marshmallow leaf for example, but we know the person has dry symptoms - we may sub other demulcents, linden, slippery elm, raw honey, etc to balance our formula. Or, if we are looking for a particular constituent, there may be other Plants who also carry that medicine that we may not have even considered. This also helps me understand Plant relationships. How they connect.
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Of course there’s also understanding the pathogen or ‘disease’/disharmony. The physiological effects & also how they shift over time. Understanding the Spirit, Nature, of what is causing imbalance. This may include wider community/environment/collective as well. This helps give clues about which Plants may be supportive.
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Interactions,both w other substances & w/in the physical being,also must be considered whenever we are working w Plant kin.
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So this is a *very* condensed thought process before choosing which Plant(s) may be most aligned, not an exhaustive list🌱Pt. 2 will be some of my fave Lung supportive Plants🌻

Choosing Herbs to work w {Lung focus}Pt. 1/2::
⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are many Plants that are supportive for the Lungs. Often we see lists of ‘this herb for that.’ While I understand the helpfulness, there is more.
⠀⠀⠀⠀
First, understanding the energetics, & Spirit of the Plant. How does this being affect the tissues? Movement? Temperature? Spirit? What is their personality? How do they offer support? Where do they grow? Ancestral connections? Environmental concerns? Etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀
Second, understanding the organ systems & body. This is no doubt complex. But to me, vital. Understanding the physiology of the body & the kinetics of the Plant really helps inform which Plant(s) may be most supportive. This may also include: which Plant do I have access to? Relationship w? Others access? Who is part of our community? Sustainability of harvest?Etc
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
From there I have a better understanding of which Plant may be indicated. Intuition & relationship are the vital aspects of choosing + working w the Plants for healing as well.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Understanding physiology + the Plants effect on the *whole* Humxn is important. This also helps us bc if we don’t have access to Marshmallow leaf for example, but we know the person has dry symptoms - we may sub other demulcents, linden, slippery elm, raw honey, etc to balance our formula. Or, if we are looking for a particular constituent, there may be other Plants who also carry that medicine that we may not have even considered. This also helps me understand Plant relationships. How they connect.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Of course there’s also understanding the pathogen or ‘disease’/disharmony. The physiological effects & also how they shift over time. Understanding the Spirit, Nature, of what is causing imbalance. This may include wider community/environment/collective as well. This helps give clues about which Plants may be supportive.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Interactions,both w other substances & w/in the physical being,also must be considered whenever we are working w Plant kin.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So this is a *very* condensed thought process before choosing which Plant(s) may be most aligned, not an exhaustive list🌱Pt. 2 will be some of my fave Lung supportive Plants🌻

08/27/2021

During these intense times I hope we can remember a sense of empowerment in our healing, our choices, our beings 🌿🦅
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Regardless of our decisions, it is still important to take care of our Bodies, our 1mmun3 systems {which includes your *entire* wellbeing bc we are WHOLE}. It is still our responsibility to care for ourselves & nourish ourselves. ✨ Which may be hard when we are exhausted.
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It seems like many are looking to this jab as a ‘saviour’ & thinking it is all that’s needed. We know there are many ways we also may support our 1mmun3 systems & protect. In addition to, or independent of.
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Yes, it may help, AND these other things are still important bc it isn’t 100% & viri mutate {it isn’t just in the ‘un,’ there are animal resivoirs & the vx doesn’t eradicate so it may still mutate}. This pathogen will probably be w us for awhile ♥️ Let’s focus on how we can support ourselves, bodies & one another to navigate this.
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We must be tending to ourselves regardless of other choices. We can harmonize our overall terrain; imagine trying to grow a lush garden in malnourished, deficient, chemical laden soil.
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We also know that w comorbidities, including widespread chronic inflammation, blood glucose dysregulation, etc. cases of c vid may be more severe. More reason to care for our bodies, spirits, mental health if we can & in ways we are able {immune compromised & vulnerable may have different needs} ✨
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I am not here to debate; I do want to point out that Pharm companies have always made it seem like their way was the *only* way. When we know this isn’t true!
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Look at Type 2 diabetes, ♥️ Disease, Thyroid dysfunction, etc. I’m not against pharmaceuticals at all. They are not always the *only* way. We deserve fully informed advice. Remembering our Ancestral ways of alignment + healing, which includes looking at systemic issues & environment.
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We know Traditional Medicine works & is valid. Indigenous ways of knowing & working w the bodies {vx tech is Indigenous, has been changed drastically & there were risks}. Returning to the Plants, Food choices, living attuned to Creation, all may support our overall well-being.

Often times folks are sent home w a c - v1d test to just watch & wait. But what if we actually utilized methods that we know worked in many folks? Returning to our Traditional ways & wisdom? I just wonder how many folks could benefit & potentially not become severe cases. As well as working w the Body prior to the jab to support vitality. Or if all of us could engaged in those preventative ways too ♥️ {which takes addressing systemic barriers too!}

Again, I’m not saying either or, I’m saying why aren’t we talking more about this {at the beginning of this I kept trying to share about Vit D, they deleted my posts/swipe ups to actual PubMed studies; same w Elderberry} & taking care of our physical vessels this way🌿

I hope we can remember this. Remember that there are MANY ways we can protect ourselves, our families, one another💕

Regardless of our ‘status,’ we still need to be tending to ourselves this way if we are able to. That this gives us a sense of empowerment & remembering that our Ancestors are w us, have much wisdom to share. That while fear may be valid, we can make informed decisions that strengthen our vitality & essence in ways we are able. It isn’t one or the other ~ it’s returning to alignment + Harmony in each moment to ensure our overall well-being in every area not just hyper focusing on 1 thing {a very colonial mentality}, while neglecting everything else {the whole, our more than human kin, Earth, environment, ourselves, etc which also means ensuring we all have access to the Medicines & practioners too} 🦋🌿

08/23/2021

Full Moon Blessings, Kin 🌕🌊
There’s so much more to say than an IG post…
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Fear is a big emotion rn. Water is associated the Kidneys in TCM & the emotion Fear. Our vitality. Our ESSENCE. Fear {Worry/Anxiety/Stress} weakens the 1mmun3 & nervous system. Weakens cardio system. Weakens our Spirit. Boundaries.Protection.
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Kidneys hold our vitality, our fire, magick, genetic codes. The Root of Life. They filter our blood + waters, *discernment.* If Kidney is imbalanced you may feel tired, fear, lack courage, distrust, colds + flu, libido imbalance, fertility issues, depression, lonely,etc.
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When we REST & NOURISH our bodies we strengthen our Kidneys, our vitality. When we hold our fears like we would a child, letting them know we are safe & loved, we strengthen Kidney. I know we aren’t all safe, there are many things to fear & worry about ~ we must find ways to balance them, not to bypass, but to regulate🌸 Rippling Harmony & Balance w Creation.
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Getting out of fight or flight, eating nourishing foods, clean water, sleeping, etc all may support 1mmun3 function. One study showed being in awe or amazed balances IL-6. FAM. When we connect w the Earth, Water, a Sunset, Stars. We are amazed at Creation. This HEALS. Connection literally balances our physiology & Spirit.
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Imagine what being angry at one another does to our bodies? Anger is valid. I just wonder if we are misdirecting? Anger relates to Liver, which is flow ~ it isn’t surprising that after multiple stay at home orders we feel stuck + stagnant. How are we processing/working w the Anger? Are Honouring? Or projecting?
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In TCM Lung relates to Grief & Large Intestine of Letting Go. I believe we are being asked to let go of these current ways of being. Oppression. Colonial + Patriarchal systems.
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Asked to let go of limiting beliefs & bias that cloud our vision, reality. Asked to let go of structures that cause harm. We are collectively grieving A LOT.
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For the Lung to be healthy, Qi must be healthy. Very simply, worrying + excess stress impacts our Spleen’s ability to make Qi. Our Spleen is vital 1mmun3 function + is Earth element. {Gut too} See correlations?

We must call our Spirit into our bodies & that requires feeling/being safe. Breathing, our vital Breath, helps nourish our Lungs. I don’t think it is coincidence that alllll of this instability is happening & furthering wounding around safety. Another reason why Traditional skills, mutual aid, community, Life ways & self/community sustainability is everything.

Getting clear with ourselves, clear with our energy, boundaries, needs, Dreams! Responsibilities.

Healing our Ancestral lineages, grieving what traumas we’ve endured AND what traumas we’ve inflicted helps to strengthen our vitality, Kidney energy.

More to come on Lung energies + Medicines in Sept as we near the Equinox & Lung Season, as well as nervous system + Grief Medicines 💜

For now, I really wanted to remind us all that we can be empowered in our Health & healing. We can make choices within our abilities that nurture us. Reminders that while cvid is harmful, so is our overall societal way of being. Why aren’t we, or haven’t we, been talking about that too? It’s more than just a jab, we need to look at all of the harmful systems, from food to pharm, that have created these imbalances too. As mentioned, there’s SO much more than an IG post … if there is any takeaway from this I hope it is to be kind + gentle to yourself, one another, and to come back to Creation, to the Plants, Land, Waters, Song… 🌊⛈
{You are powerful, kin, your body is intelligent & holds so much wisdom. Holds our Ancestors stories, xo}

Full Moon Blessings, Kin 🌕🌊
There’s so much more to say than an IG post…
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Fear is a big emotion rn. Water is associated the Kidneys in TCM & the emotion Fear. Our vitality. Our ESSENCE. Fear {Worry/Anxiety/Stress} weakens the 1mmun3 & nervous system. Weakens cardio system. Weakens our Spirit. Boundaries.Protection.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Kidneys hold our vitality, our fire, magick, genetic codes. The Root of Life. They filter our blood + waters, *discernment.* If Kidney is imbalanced you may feel tired, fear, lack courage, distrust, colds + flu, libido imbalance, fertility issues, depression, lonely,etc.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When we REST & NOURISH our bodies we strengthen our Kidneys, our vitality. When we hold our fears like we would a child, letting them know we are safe & loved, we strengthen Kidney. I know we aren’t all safe, there are many things to fear & worry about ~ we must find ways to balance them, not to bypass, but to regulate🌸 Rippling Harmony & Balance w Creation.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Getting out of fight or flight, eating nourishing foods, clean water, sleeping, etc all may support 1mmun3 function. One study showed being in awe or amazed balances IL-6. FAM. When we connect w the Earth, Water, a Sunset, Stars. We are amazed at Creation. This HEALS. Connection literally balances our physiology & Spirit.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Imagine what being angry at one another does to our bodies? Anger is valid. I just wonder if we are misdirecting? Anger relates to Liver, which is flow ~ it isn’t surprising that after multiple stay at home orders we feel stuck + stagnant. How are we processing/working w the Anger? Are Honouring? Or projecting?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In TCM Lung relates to Grief & Large Intestine of Letting Go. I believe we are being asked to let go of these current ways of being. Oppression. Colonial + Patriarchal systems.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Asked to let go of limiting beliefs & bias that cloud our vision, reality. Asked to let go of structures that cause harm. We are collectively grieving A LOT.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For the Lung to be healthy, Qi must be healthy. Very simply, worrying + excess stress impacts our Spleen’s ability to make Qi. Our Spleen is vital 1mmun3 function + is Earth element. {Gut too} See correlations?

We must call our Spirit into our bodies & that requires feeling/being safe. Breathing, our vital Breath, helps nourish our Lungs. I don’t think it is coincidence that alllll of this instability is happening & furthering wounding around safety. Another reason why Traditional skills, mutual aid, community, Life ways & self/community sustainability is everything.

Getting clear with ourselves, clear with our energy, boundaries, needs, Dreams! Responsibilities.

Healing our Ancestral lineages, grieving what traumas we’ve endured AND what traumas we’ve inflicted helps to strengthen our vitality, Kidney energy.

More to come on Lung energies + Medicines in Sept as we near the Equinox & Lung Season, as well as nervous system + Grief Medicines 💜

For now, I really wanted to remind us all that we can be empowered in our Health & healing. We can make choices within our abilities that nurture us. Reminders that while cvid is harmful, so is our overall societal way of being. Why aren’t we, or haven’t we, been talking about that too? It’s more than just a jab, we need to look at all of the harmful systems, from food to pharm, that have created these imbalances too. As mentioned, there’s SO much more than an IG post … if there is any takeaway from this I hope it is to be kind + gentle to yourself, one another, and to come back to Creation, to the Plants, Land, Waters, Song… 🌊⛈
{You are powerful, kin, your body is intelligent & holds so much wisdom. Holds our Ancestors stories, xo}