The earth has many giving personalities, abundant in all we and our internal alchemy requires. We call these personalities seasons. Outside of the world of man made health and imports there is already a perfect structure tailor made to our needs within these wonderful cycles. Our bodies are just as much part of the earth as the trees and other plant life in our cycle, some of which we share around 50% of our DNA with. As nature provides different elements of nutrition via this amazing system it is vital that in order to avoid an imbalance within our vessels, we adapt a lifestyle of understanding of this structure. With the spring floats gracefully an abundance of cleansing plants and foods in order to make light of the more warming and acidic foods of the winter personality. Enters summer who now has a perfect foundation to provide a season of alkalinity, a season of preparation, an extremely hard working personality of mother earth. Summers abundance makes way for a very special expression of the earth, autumn. Lets ponder on this elegant season. Breathing vibrant colours into plant life in order to prepare for the dark months of internal growth and hibernation, mulching the ground with leaves to prepare for the spring season, kissing the earth with scared water in the form of rain. Autumn is a bridge for our imminent winter as far as what is on offer nutritionally. Balance, something our humble human existence fails to maintain. Be grateful and hold dear the nutrition of the summer and her alkaline dress, however, bid her farewell in order to allow more heat into the body.
Take advantage of Autumns grace as with her she carries many whispers of preparation and a promise to support our immunity into winter. Take not only from our farmers and markets but also from the hand of the earth herself in order to become one with the magic of creation. Never do so with out pure intention or permission. She is as conscious as you and I. Below are just a few humble offerings of Autumn.
Elderberry- Sambucas Nigra
Mother elder, a wise soul. So giving is she that we benefit not only from her flower ( in spring ) but her berry also. The berry of the elder is a powerhouse of nutrition. It comes at a perfect time in the earth cycle in order to aid with the stockpile of vital nutrition needed to ease us into the change of seasons and colder months. Elderberry has been used for centuries all over the world and was also used as a treatment in the Panama flu epidemic of 1995. The bioflavonoids present in the berry destroys the ability of the flu virus to enter the cell. Elderberry also has the ability to support and massage the cardiac system , lower cholesterol, boost immunity and control other viral and bacterial infestations. Loaded with vitamins A, B and large amount of C the fruits of mother elder must be cooked in order to receive her safe healing. Stock pilling ideas for elderberry would be Elderberry syrup which can be mastered by boiling the berries with a little raw or local honey , spring water, lemon juice and grated ginger. Strain the liquid into a glass jar or bottle and mark with the intention to use within a 6 week period. Simply mix a tablespoon of good ness into a glass of water or juice daily in order to benefit from mother elders giving nature.
Rose hip - Dog Rose
Such a beautiful plant is the Rosa Canina. With her dusky pink delicate flower and the gift to soothe a troubled mind with her aromatic healing, her fruit is something most will be familiar with, the rose hip. After the delicate flower has left until warmer seasons she fruits a magnificent orange bud which later flirts with redder tones as its fruit ripens. The rose hip is another magical offering from the autumn personality. With 50% more vitamin C than an orange this tiny fruit also contain a high amount of the skin vitamin, vitamin A. Her greatness can aid in wound healing and inflammation as well as again the support of the cardiac system and prevention of heart disease. Antioxidant packed, these little treasures of nutrition have many ways of enjoying. When the hip ripens fully, the jelly within can simply be squeezed out and enjoyed raw or mixed with water. After removing the seeds one can also mince and use as a jam. I made a once a week super smoothie with the harvest of hips I gathered from my allotment. Blackberries were also foraged and the last of the raspberries from my cane. The blueberry blessing came from a bush I am grateful to have growing in my garden. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds were also collected along with the use of Elderberry Syrup ( above ). All of the items are placed into a blender or crushed by hand with some spring water, the result is a super nutritious immune boosting drink that can be enjoyed cold or warm.
Ground Ivy - Cats foot, Hay maids
Ground ivy is another amazing offering from the earth. From spring through to early winter this weed is present in most gardens, meadows and hedge rows. Extremely high in Vitamin C, this medicinal plant is classified as a panacea ( cure all ). Simple pick and wash. From there, ground ivy can be used as a tea made from the fresh leaf and also as and addition to salads, stews and soups.
With Love..... Autumn
