a time to weave and reweave our reality.
Found some of my old notes. Still good and useful information//
Winter is a time we go inward. It's the season of making drums, try new crafts, processing skins, repairing regalia and spiritual tools, rebead, a time to weave and tell stories, sing, write, dream, reflect and allow silence. There is much we can do to prevent and treat colds and flus. First is sleep. Make sure so get a good nights sleep each night, 8 hours minimum, 9-10 preferable. Stay warm, especially keep the kidneys and head covered and avoid breathing in cold air. Wash hands often.
One of my favorite clinical herbalism teachers Gail Jullian from the California School of Herbal Studies introduced me to the Five Jewels and I have kept them simmering in my kitchen thoughout winter ever since.
5 Jewels
Codonopsis root (Dan Shen) 15 grams
Astragalus (Huang Qi) 15 grams
Dioscorea (Chinese Yam) 15 grams
Goji berries (Chinese Wolfberry) 30 grams
Poria fungus 15 grams
Add to 3 liters (about 13 cups) of water, bring to boil, simmer low for 3 hours skimming foam from time to time. When it's done you should have 6 cups of nutrients rich broth. Add it to your veggie or chicken soups in winter.
Astragalus can be decocted by itself for an hour, reserved in large jars and used instead of water to make oatmeal or rice, it's taste is very mild. Not to be used by pregnant or nursing mothers or if acute infection sets in. Please note that this herbal recipe is to be used a preventative. Do not use if acute infection sets in. The root herbs astragalus, codonopsis, and dioscorea benefit digestion, aid absorption of nutrients, improve cardiac function, and enhance energy. Poria fungus contains a large amount of polysaccharide substances which helps to regulate the functions of the immune system. It is good for the elderly and patients with a weak constitution or suffering from chronic illnesses. Goji berries nourish and tonify liver and kidney, improve jing “the basic elements that constitute the body and maintain life activities and improve eye function” - Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2005
Winter Nourishing Tea
Choose one)
Mullein
Nettle
Comfrey Leaf
Linden Flowers
Violet leaf
Red Clover
Rosehips
1 quart jar
Boil water, place one full ounce (about a cup by volume) of any herb to jar, cover, steep 4 hours (I just leave it overnight), strain and sip throughout the day in the cold season. Refrigerate what you don't drink. If making mullein teastrain through a tightly woven clothe such a large cotton bandanna or clothe cut about 12”x12”
