We covered the root chakra, which is considered the base chakra. That is the foundation upon which all of one’s energy is based. Next is the second chakra called Svadhishthana. It is said to be located two inches below the navel. It is represented by the color orange and it’s symbol includes a crescent moon.

 

This chakra is the energy center of sweetness. It is said to sit in the pelvic area and corresponds to pleasure and enjoyment. This is a step above the concerns of survival attached to the root chakra. It is thought to be associated with feelings and sensations, most notably the feelings and sensations of pleasure, sensuality, intimacy and connection. These are feelings associated with “living in the moment.” How many people so you know who are always thinking about the past and dealing with depression; or those people who are experiencing anxiety about the future? A counselor I once saw told me, “when you have one foot in yesterday and the other in tomorrow, all you do is piss all over today.” This is so very true.

Svadhishthana is also the energy center associated with creativity. I like to remember this as the pelvis being the “cradle of creation.” Really – it is! The uterus is there. It is where the egg and sperm unite to create life. It is also the energy used to “birth” new ideas, works of art, inventions, and so forth. So really, this energy center has to do with connecting to the creative power and power to create change within ourselves.

Obviously there are physical issues that are associated with this energy center. Dysfunctions of the sex organs and urinary system are tied to Svadhishthana. Emotionally, it is tied to feelings of disconnectedness. So while the root is all about feeling like you will survive, the next one up is all about feelings of being connected to those around you (family, friends, significant other, etc). Enjoying the emotions associated with this center are often misunderstood and we are taught at an early age they should bring feelings of guilt. Guilt is a huge challenge associated with Svadhishthana.

I am a huge fan of affirmations. Self-talk, as many refer to the thoughts we run through our minds, can leave lasting results. Negative self-talk results in negative feelings toward our selves; defeatist attitudes can arise; depression and anxiety can then follow. It only then stands to reason that affirmations can result in some positive self-talk. And this positive self-talk can illicite responses that are more positive in nature. This then just snowballs and results in well-being.

Some affirmations that may help:

  • I love and enjoy my body.
  • I have healthy boundaries.
  • I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses.
  • I am passionate.
  • I feel pleasure and abundance with every breath I take.
  • I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water.
  • I know how to take care of my needs.
  • I value and respect my body.
  • I am open to touch and closeness.
  • I allow myself to experience pleasure.
  • My sexuality is sacred.
  • Emotions are the language of my soul.
  • I take good care of my physical body.
  • I am at peace.

 

Essential oils that might be of assistance:

  • geranium
  • ylang ylang
  • rose
  • lavender
  • blood orange
  • pink grapefuit
  • red mandarin
Ylang ylang is one of the essential oils associated with the second chakra.

 

Herbs that may help to feed Svadhishthana:

  • cinnamon
  • hibiscus (tea)
  • licorice
  • ginger
  • black cohosh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now YOU can be added to a digital STUDY GROUP led by Lori, The Herbchick. Currently, the group is using the Facebook group format to teach a monthly “live” class. Also included is discussion threads and posts relating to the “topic of the month.”

 

The first month of membership to the group is FREE. After that, the subscription rate is $17.79/month. If you’d like to join the group and learn some traditional and folk wisdom with added scientific research, like The Herbchick LLC on Facebook and contact us (either through this website’s contact me options OR by messaging on the Facebook business page).

Hawthorn for your heart

Hawthorn berries* have long been used as a tonic herb for the heart and circulatory system. Hawthorn contains antioxidant flavonoids, including OPCs, may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect blood vessels from damage. Not only has the berries been used medicinally but also the leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn plant have been used, too.

Hawthorn is sometimes mixed in combination* with other heart friendly herbs, like Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo also helps to work with the blood vessels to increase circulation. It has been shown of benefit in some studies to improve situations of hardening of the blood vessels and/or fat deposits in the blood vessels. It is only natural to pair this great herb with Hawthorn.

February is heart health month.

You may want to consider using Hawthorn alone or in a combination to help your heart.

*The items linked to this blog post are not necessarily those used in the studies referenced. They are linked in order to provide an example of products containing the herbs mentioned. If you do decide to purchase from my shop, I thank you now for supporting my business.

Energy centers are not a new concept in alternative healing. For thousands of years traditional modalities like Ayurveda (Indian in origin) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have acknowledged these energy centers. In the west, they are becoming increasingly popular. The New Age popularity of chakras (energy centers) has almost trivialized the existence of them. Many now consider the idea of various energy centers in the body as “hippy nonsense” or “psuedo-guru goobledy gook.”

Chakras are not made up

Chakras, as they are laid out in Traditional Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, do have certain placements which correspond to what we now know are major endocrine organs. Given the time of the development of the ideas of a chakra system, it is entirely plausible that the healers of the time knew there was something in this area, but not exactly what. The endocrine system function and mechanisms are still being studied and new things are discovered all the time. It is not unusual that people gave their best understanding of something when attempting to understand. Let’s face it! It hasn’t been that too long ago since doctors suggested the root cause of disease was bad blood and utilized leeches.

It can be a difficult task to visualize energy. Throughout the ages, chakras have been assigned locations and colors and so forth. In order to better understand the chakra system and why it could possibly be important to you in our modern times, I figure the best place to start would be the root.  The root chakra is located at the base of the spine. It is though to  encompass the very bottom of the pelvic area and the first three vertebrae (from bottom to top). It’s energy is associated with the color red because of the frequency associated with its energy. For now, I’m not going to go just too deep in to the frequencies, etc. In Sanskrit the name for this chakra is Muladhara. It is thought to govern a person’s relationship with physical needs (i.e. food, water, shelter); the feelings of trust, acceptance, mental health…..those mental health aspects that make a person “well grounded.”

The root chakra is called Muladhara. It encompasses the pelvic area and the base of the spine.

 

Disfunction in the Muladhara (root chakra) may manifest as one of the following:

-Kidney function, bladder irritation

-Foot & knee pain

-Anxiety and extreme fears

-Addictive behaviors and/or a lack of self esteem

-Lower back pain

-Reproductive issues

-Gynaecological issues, accompanied with bleeding or circulatory issues

Food and herbs to feed Muladhara

Red foods are thought to support this chakra. Red beets, acai berries*, and so forth can be delicious additions to your diet. Some red anti-oxidant packed juices* may be of assistance. Warm, nurturing foods that provide sustenance are excellent supporters of this chakra (think along the lines of steel cut oats or quinoa porridge). Red Raspberry* has often been used as a toning herbs for the uterine muscles and is highly encouraged by herbalists (including me) throughout pregnancy. It is high in iron, too. Red Clover* is used as a blood purifier. (See the color hint there?)

Supplements high in iron can feed the body’s need for iron. Low iron is considered to be one issue that could be effected by a week root chakra. Liquid drinks high in copper chlorophyllins* can be sued as they supply easily bio-accessible iron.

The kidneys filter waste from the blood. They are thought to be closely associated with the emotion of anger or extreme fear. Increasing one’s water intake can aid in kidney function. It would, in a way, be supplying your body with its basic needs instead of denying them. Lemon added to the water can act as a light diuretic. Astringent herbs like Uva Ursi* (a.k.a bearberry) and Juniper Berries* can help to pull more fluids through the kidneys.

Mental and emotional practices

Meditation and similar techniques (like guided imagery) have been used to try to work on the mental aspects associated with this chakra. It is common in some practices to focus upon a symbol for this chakra while meditating. While this is not my strong area of expertise, I find it interesting that the symbol corresponding to Muladhara is square, much liek the sturdy foundation of a house that makes conenction to the earth and supplies the support for the rest of the structure. It is not a far stretch to think of the functions associated wiht this chakra as being foundations of life. This is the chakra upon which all others are built.

“Rooting” is sometimes suggested. This is where a person works on imagining the root chakra connecting with the earth. Some people refer to this as “grounding” or “earthing.” It is making a physical connection with the earth. Many do this by walking barefoot upon soil. Some find benefit through imagining a root anchoring him/her to the ground. Whichever method(s) you choose, it is clear why this energy center is important.

To truly gain a solid foundation in your own health and wellbeing, addressing the care of the root chakra is important. Whether you think of this energy center as a literal or a figurative thing is not where the emphasis should lie – but instead think of the wonderful ways you can work to build a better foundation for your body, your mind and your spirit.

 

*This asterisk identifies hyperlinks which lead you to products in The Herbchick’s Shop. While my blog reflects no one brand in particular, I have included these links to make purchasing or trying these products easier for you, my reader. I do make a commission from my sales. It is one way I make a living. You are under no obligation to use the products I sell, but if you do, I sincerely appreciate your business and know that you are supporting one more small business in America. Thank you

 

A ton of households in the world have a healing powerhouse plant on the window sill. It is the oldest medicinal plant on record and is sometimes referred to as “Lily of the Dessert.” Originating in Northern Africa, probably Sudan, Aloe Vera can grow 60 to 100 centimeters. This gives the succulent the potential to be taller than me! That is huge. ,

It is widely known to be of benefit to the skin (it makes an exceptional masque), especially when sunburn occurs, but aloe supplies other benefits some people may not know about.

Aloe and the gut

We know the juicy insides of the aloe leaves can be good for the skin, but it is also good for an irritated gut. Studies show it can decrease stomach acid secretions (Keshavarzi, Z., Rezapour, T. M., Vatanchian, M., Zare, M., Nabizade, H., Izanlu, M., . . . Shahveisi, K. (2014, March). The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in male rats. Retrieved November 15, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25050311)

Think of it as a cooling gel pulling inflammation for the G.I. tract walls. With this pulling of inflammation, it also does some detoxifying. People suffering from hot, swollen conditions may want to consider giving aloe a whirl. This can result in a somewhat laxative effect. So if that is an issue for you, you may want to decrease how much you are using or discontinue use.

My huge Aloe at home.

Nutrients

Aloe is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It contains the vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 and B12 (rare in plants). Twenty minerals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese are contained in the spiny-edged, stemless leaves. The enzymes in aloe (Aliiase, Alkaline phosphatase, Amylase, Bradykinase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase) help to break down sugars and fats. Bradykinase, specifically, reduces inflammation (See the section above).  These components make aloe a very nutritive plant.

Immune benefits

Anthraquinones are present in Aloe, but just in the juice. Anthraquinones have analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. They can be toxic, but they are in just the right quantities to be okay in Aloe. If I am planning on consuming aloe vera juice, I prefer to use it in a prepackaged supplement from a company with a superb, complex quality control department and standards of procedure to ensure safety. 

In one study I read, aloe was successfully used against H. pylori (a bacteria strain often implicated in gastric ulcers) in in-vitro studies.( Cellini, L., Di, S., Di, E., Genovese, S., Locatelli, M., & Di, M. (2014, July). In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against Helicobacter pylori strains. Retrieved November 15, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24597562)

The results are very promising and combine aloe’s benefit for the gut and the immune system.

 

When I was growing up, my grandma was a huge proponent of Aloe. Every time I break off a leaf of my giant alow plant at home, I can’t help but feel she is happy with my choice.

You know what? Sometimes I just want people to be happy. I want them to be giddy. I want them to shut up, drop the everyday drama B.S. and just BE HAPPY! That’s right, DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY! I understand. There’s some awful shit going on in the world. But, you are breathing. You are alive another day to try to improve things for yourself and those around you!

How does a person ditch the “hell in a hand-basket” mood?

I mean, really. How does a person even attempt to get him or herself dislodged from that emotional shitty wasteland? There’s a mix of opinions out there. Of course, I have one, too.

There are a ton of supplements touted as being mood brighteners. Certain amino acids can be of assistance. Many supplements available in the USA are considered neurotransmitters in countries like Canada. Therefore, some of those supplements are not legally allowed to be sold. Personally, I am not convinced the best way to deal with mood issues are by directly tinkering with a person’s neurotransmitters. I prefer to use as many plant substances as possible.

Enter Damiana

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an herb I have suggested people use as a mood “brightener.” I feel it is an often overlooked gem of herbal tools. This plant is a native of Mexico, southern Texas, California, New Mexico and other south western areas. It is a shrub like bush with yellow flowers. The Mayan people used this plant for various reasons. It seems to have an overall tonic effect on the body (enhances digestion, etc). Because it is close, geographically, to where I live (the Great Lake region of the USA), it is AFFORDABLE!

Damiana is in the same botanical family as Passion flower. Incidentally, like Passion flower, it has long been prized as an anxiolytic.  Anxiolytic is a fancy word meaning it helps to lessen anxiety symptoms.

“..it (Damiana) has long been prized as an anxiolytic.  Anxiolytic is a fancy word meaning it helps to lessen anxiety symptoms.”

There has been research in to Damiana being an efficient aphrodisiac. Scientists have shown it increases the potency of “tired” rats, among other sexual side effects. Some of the studies I have read indicate this is due to Damiana increasing the nitric oxide in the blood stream.

Damiana acts as an aromatase inhibitor. This means it inhibits androgen from being made into estradiol (an estrogen sometimes linked to some types of cancers).

Damiana liqueur has a long history of use in Mexico and some claim it was used in the original recipe for Margaritas.

 

How do I use Damiana?

Damiana is very popular as a tea. It has a mild flavor. I do not add sweeteners to my teas, so it is nice this herb is not super bitter in flavor.

Encapsulated herbs is a simple and effective way to incorporate Damiana into one’s daily regimen. Be sure to find your Damiana from a company reputable for strict quality control and an excellent safety record.

*Note: excessive quantities of Damiana may cause loose stools (diarrhea). 

You can find Damiana in the Herbchick’s Shop*.

*The studies mentioned  and cited do not directly mention Nature’s Sunshine Products. Any Nature’s Sunshine Products purchased via the Herbchick’s Shop provide commissions for Lori the Herbchick….and she thanks you 😉

 

References

Damiana Benefits & Information (Turnera Diffusa). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-damiana.html

MIND-BLOWING BENEFITS OF DAMIANA HERB. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://globalfoodbook.com/benefits-of-damiana-aphrodisiac

Szewczyk, K., & Zidorn, C. (2014). Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of the genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a focus on damiana—Turnera diffusa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology152(3), 424-443. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.019

Turnera diffusa – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnera_diffusa

If you read the previous couple posts, you notice a common theme: enzymes are essential. It is true, though, that some experts worry you could become dependent upon enzyme supplementation. They are concerned your body may decrease, or even stop, production of it’s own magic chemical catalysts. It is not my intention to guide anyone to that kind of state! So it should be mentioned that I use enzymes after heavy protein meals and during times of uncomfortable bloat. Holiday meals are one of these times. Hell…I’m just human. I have no more self control around the goodies than anyone else. This also means I am no stranger to the discomfort from the bloating and digestive pain which may accompany this type of event. That is when I break out the slam dunk of enzymes.

 

But what if you have a general feeling of digestive distress?

A general feeling a gastric distress is pretty common, from I have noticed from working with clients for over 22 years now. What are you supposed to do if you are one of these people experiencing the general feelings of light indigestion? You definitely do not want to discourage your body from making these essential chemical movers and shakers. They are the secret sauce that makes the chemical bonds dissolve and free the nutrients for your body to take in.

 

Enter bitters

“Bitters” is a term identifying herbs containing certain components known as tannins and other constituents which give a bitter taste to the plant. Coffee is a common bitter, tannin possessing, beverage which falls in this category. Dark chocolate, dandelion greens (one of my favorites), green tea, and more are also members of this group. As I kid, I watched a lot of old movies (hey! I had no choice! We didn’t have cable on the farm). Remember how the sophisticates in the movies of the 1950’s would have a martini before big a dinner? Vermouth serves as a spirit AND as a bitter.

Coffee contains bitter tannins

The bitter flavor serves a very important purpose. When the taste receptors in your mouth recognize the bitter flavors, they send a message to your brain as an advanced warning that food is going to be coming. This gets the juices flowing. The salivary glands start putting out the waterworks, the mucous membranes in the throat get ready to coat and swallow, the stomach starts churning. The intestines pick up peristaltic action. It’s kind of like pre-heating the oven before putting the bread in. It creates favorable conditions, like the secretion of bile for fats digestion, to allow for the best possible environment to achieve maximum conversion of the food you eat.

 

Now, think of the grocery store you go to every day. Just how much bitter stuff do you see? Even if you stick to the outside aisles, where the least processed foods normally reside, the shelves are filled with sweet tasting treats, creamy icings, bright colored fruits and veggies. There are very few true bitters sold in these areas any more. Arugula is an example of a bitter herb/salad fixing which works to stimulate digestive functions. So next time you get a before-dinner salad, don’t pick it out and set it off to the side, eat it. Trade in that sweet dressing and use a balsamic and olive oil blend instead, perhaps.

 

An easy aperitif

An aperitif is an alcoholic beverage containing bitter herbs used as a pre-meal sipper. Sales is a very popular liqueur in France flavored by one of the most popular, and efficient bitters, gentian. Hops in beer is also a very efficient bitter herb. This might explain why those people of German decent drink so much of it. Just imagine how it may help the digestive tract get prepared for the sausage dishes my ancestors loved! Dark, hop-sy beers are still bitter and I do like them, a lot.   However, alcoholic beverages are not always an acceptable practice, especially in the workplace. Could you imagine the backlash on that? Holy Crimeny!!

Gentian is commonly contained in liqueurs used as aperitifs

How about an extract of herbs containing these bitter wonders, instead? One of my favorites is Digestive Bitters Tonic. It is safe for adults and children alike. It may help, just as all of the above mentioned bitters, to aid in the digestion processes. It even has a touch of stevia to take the edge off the bitterness and cardamom to relax the digestive tract just a bit to ease the expulsion of gas, etc (yes – I’m talking about burping and farting).

You can check out Digestive Bitters Tonic in the Herbchick’s Shop by clicking here.

 

Enzymes go to work the second something is placed in your mouth.

OK, so maybe enzymes aren’t exactly “magical,” but they definitely work magically wonderful. The minute you place food into your mouth, location specific enzymes are secreted to break down the simple sugars and starches. Salivary amylase (a.k.a. ptyalin), along with salivary lipase, goes to work on them to get a head start on those nutrients to break them down into smaller units for the next stages.

The stomach is where the proteins are broken down by Hydrochloric acid and pepsin (pepsinogen). The heat, acid, enzymes and churning actions of the stomach muscle go to work on the chewed (hopefully) food.

Notice, I said Hydrochloric acid digests protein. While many people have been conditioned to believe stomach acid is the cause for ills, it is actually very necessary. Pepsin even is dependent upon this acid being present to be active. Remember this when you see commercials for those very famous “purple pills” which shut off the proton pumps in the stomach. Proton pumps are where the acid is secreted. If they shut off, they decrease the stomach acid available to “turn on” the pepsin to get those proteins digested. So, yes, they decrease acid reflux….but they may increase indigestion and the feelings of bloat or nagging “rock in the gut” like complaints.

 

As the food moves out of the stomach, it enters the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. This is where the rest of the digestion initiates. Pancreatic amylase goes to work on the partially digested sugars and starches; trypsin and chymotrypsin start the end processing of the proteins; and fats are finally acted upon by lipase in bile. Other, more specialized enzymes, exist to aid in the digestion of certain things. One example is lactase breaking down milk sugar (called lactose). The pulsating waves of peristalsis move this ball of goo through the small intestines to the jejunum and the illium – each section possessing very different, specialized structures – and nutrients being taken into the blood stream by the millions of teeny blood vessels running throughout the organ. The stuff leftover (mostly fluids and fibers) are moved into the large intestine (colon) and the water absorption/regulation takes place.

Enzyme Supplementation

Those who suffer from bloating, gas, bouts of constipation, and other gastro-intestinal issues may have seen advertisements for dietary enzymes supplements. They are marketed to relieve these types of complaints. Some are marketed to assist with specialty enzymes, like lactose and those which break down beans, in order to ease the symptoms of gastric distress felt by some.

There is some disagreement over whether or not these supplementations are even necessary. Some doctors argue a lot of the enzymes are digested before they even get to the proper spot to be of any use. Others are proponents and support their use, wholeheartedly. What is a confused consumer to do? My best advice is to use your head. Have you tried them? Did it increase your feelings of gastric distress or alleviate them? Do you have a medical condition like a peptic ulcer which would be irritated by them? These are questions only you can answer.

What I will say is this: I use enzymes. They help reduce my feelings of a brick being dropped into my gut and help regulate bowel movements. However, I do not feel enzyme supplementation should be “forever thing.” Of course there’s a lot of varied debate, but a “usual” recommendation is to use them for a few months and then ease off. They can be used after or during heavier (think larger) meals or intermittently. A multi-enzyme supplement may contain the following (but certainly is not limited to these):

  •  Alpha-galactosidase
  •  Amylase
  •  Bromelain
  •  Cellulase
  •  Glucoamylase
  •  Hemicellulase
  •  Invertase [Sucrase]
  •  Lactase
  •  Lipase
  •  Maltase
  •  Papain
  •  Peptidase
  •  Protease
  •  Phytase

These are both enzymes usually found in the body, and those found in some foods. However, if there is an acid deficiency or a low level of other enzymes, those food bound enzymes may not ever be “unlocked” to work. What a catch-22, huh?

 

The body was designed to secrete these on its own. As an herbalist, it is my job to suggest natural plant based items which may help your body do what it is designed to do. That being said, check in for the next installment regarding uses for enzymes which may interest you even more.

Sources (among others) :

http://www.amymyersmd.com/2016/04/digestive-enzymes/

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/04/23/digestive-enzymes-help-or-hype

https://www.womentowomen.com/digestive-health/functions-of-digestive-enzymes/

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/boosting-your-immunity-enzymes