For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere (United States, Canada and Europe), Fall began September 22nd. This is a time of transition. It is a time to focus on our health; preparing for the winter months ahead. It is also a time to focus on balance. Our vulnerability to disease and infection increases with the changes in weather and limited sunlight.
As always, plenty of sleep and exercise does the body good. Many people feel less energetic come the Fall. Some find their sleeping is askew. Be aware of how much sunlight you are receiving each day. If it is a cloudy day, be sure to turn on the lights while at home. All the better, buy full spectrum light bulbs. You may also want to replace your desk lamp bulb (or other lamp that you sit most of your day by) with a grow light. And although you may not feel up to it, continue your regular exercise routine. If you haven't a regular exercise routine, this is a great time to start one. Sleep and exercise play a big part in how we feel. Be sure to maintain a healthy balance.
October is also the ideal month to make changes in our daily diet so as to stay balanced; so as to stay well. The way we eat and what we eat affects our over-all health. With the wide selection of produce found in our grocers today, it is not hard to meet our needs or cravings. But be sure to include seasonal foods and shy away from those fruits and veggies that are forced year round or hot housed. Better yet, if possible, purchase from your local farmer.
There are also certain tonic herbs that one should include in their daily intake; more so during the Fall. These tonic herbs help to build immunity, stay off infectious disease and help with digestion.
- Burdock Root -
A nutritive tonic, balances blood sugar levels, reduces degenerative processes and improves skin conditions. Burdock tea is sold in all natural and whole food markets.
- Dandelion Root -
Chopped or grated into a salad, this (2yr) dried herb aids in digestion, tones spleen, kidneys and gallbladder and aids with allergies by lowering histamines.
- Mushrooms -
Mushroom are immune modulators. They are an antioxidant, an anti-viral and some believe them to prevent cancer. The Shiitake, Enoki, King Oyster, Chicken in the Woods, Chanterelles, Morel, Lobster, Oyster, Porcini and Portabello mushroom are just to name a few, and all can be found in most neighborhood grocers and whole food markets. Even the common Button mushroom has healing and supportive qualities.
Have a happy, healthy October
Thanks for stopping by
and
Have a beautiful day
