Make your own energy remedy

Welcome to this month’s  guidance from the Creation Fertility Toolkit

Both important cards but today I am showing you how to make your own energy remedy connecting with card 29 – Pacha Mamma.  to support your hormonal balance.

This is so simple!

*Include some of these seasonal foods into your diet over the next moon cycle – of course I can’t tell you all of the plants in season right now as there is an abundance so please look around your locality and see what’s fresh right now (not in the supermarket but in nature!).  Where I live there is chard, sunflowers, summer greens, plums, apples, blackberries, raspberries and much much more.

* Remember to always ensure that any plant material you use is SAFE to eat before eating and before making your own energy remedy from. Some plants are contra-indicated or you cannot use some parts when making a remedy.

Make your own energy remedy with seasonal foods

	Food		Why		Source of
	Artichoke		liver decongestion digestive aid helps build healthy blood. Useful leading up to your period; helps reduce pre-menstrual headaches, bloating, fullness, changes in stool & pre-menstrual water retention. It can also be used during menses to calm heavy menstrual flow and is a great blood tonic		Vitamin C: growth, development, and repair of body tissues; collagen; helps iron absorption, boosts the immune system; encourages wound healing; lessens scar tissue and essential for healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth Fibre:  essential for everyone! If you suffer with menstrual bowel changes; are taking progesterone, are a PCOS or endo sufferer add artichokes to your fertility superfood list because they soften the stool but bulk it up too. Vitamin K:  help blood clotting Folate: supports DNA production and other genetic material. It is also needed for healthy cell division Magnesium:  Oh boy we all need magnesium for  hormone balance, adrenal  support, heart health, bones (aids calcium absorption); sleep regulation and much more!
	Apricots		Anti inflammatory Supports detoxification and reduces fluid retention Supports iron absorption Good for eye sight, skin and mucous membranes Regulates bowel movements		Vitamins C and A Quercetin manganese, iron Fibre Potassium Lycopene B complex calcium Proanthocyanidins Catechins Epicatechins Hydroxycinnamics Gallic acid Caffeic acid Coumaric acid Ferulic acid
	Basil		May reduce painful menstruation or bring on menstruation. It is also great to help reduce hormonal stress. Cortisol is the main stress hormone and if it’s out of balance (too high or low), then it can have a huge impact on all your other hormones. So you can either drink Basil tea or add some leaves to your vagisteam or make your own energy remedy from! By rubbing a few drops of basil oil against your forearms or against the adrenal gland in your ear, it can act as a relaxant, aiming to reduce anxiety and stress		antioxidant vitamins and phenolics, is a rich source of vitamin K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibre.
	beetroot		Helps detoxify the liver and clears phase 1 and 2 liver pathways, helps fight Alzheimer’s disease, strengthen bones;  wards off osteoporosis, contributes to a healthy nervous system,  helps synthesis of red blood cells, DNA and RNA. Both the greens and roots of beets are highly recommended for when you are TTC  and during pregnancy.		Folate, antioxidants, fibre, magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, and Iron. The beetroot also contains significant amounts of boron, which relates to the production of human sex hormones. Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. In fact, beet greens have more iron than spinach (a leafy green in the same botanical family)! Beet greens also contain  leutein which contributes to eye health.
	Broccoli and broccoli sprouts		This wonderful cruciferous veggie is fantastic for  many  hormone health conditions because it supports liver phase 1 and 2 Antioxidant activity Detoxification – especially helpful for hoormones Anti-cancer Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Positive effect on bone and cartilage health		Contains many phytochemicals including sulforaphane and glucosinate (SGS) High in fibre; iron, potassium, calcium, selenium; magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.
	Broad beans		Broad beans contain phytoestrogens, which can be called analogues of female sex hormones. increase sexual sensation in women with low hormone levels Aids development of natural lubrication		B vitamins, calcium and selenium. Excellent source of soluble fibre, protein, folate, manganese, copper
	Bitter salad leaves – including all forms of lettuce, endive, dandelion, romaine, kale, beet leaves, arugula, chicory radicchio		highly effective for menstrual bloating, PMT, skin conditions such as eczema; breast tenderness and  water retention.  Their gentle but effective diuretic qualities encourage kidneys to help release excess water held in the body during hormonal changes. Fantastic for the liver, gallbladder, urinary and digestive systems and help produce and regulate the production of hormones.		High in minerals especially Potassium, vitamins A,C,D and iron
	Calendula aka marigold		Not only  beautiful flower full of happiness and cheer this herb is great for the lymphatic system so fabulous post surgery or illness. It’s also very healing for scars or irritated skin, making it ideal for those who are postpartum.  Calendula is thought to lower c-reactive protein and cytokine levels and protect cells from being damaged by free radicals — one of the primary causes of aging and cell deterioration. A tea or flower essence can be made with marigold flowers to lower symptoms caused by inflammatory bowel diseases/colitis/gastritis/acid reflux/ulcers/reducing stomach or menstrual cramps or emotionally to bring calmness and a sunny disposition.		Overall contains many potent antioxidants, plant sterols and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight infections, decrease swelling, improve blood flow, reduce muscle spasms,  slow down effects of free radical damage/aging and more. These include flavonoids, polysaccharides, linoleic acid, carotenoids and triterpenes.
	Mint  including spearmint and peppermint		Perhaps most well-known for its powerful stomach-soothing properties, mint can support hormone imbalances – in particular spearmint and peppermint. So if you suffer with PCOS then  opt for spearmint herbal tea  make your own plant remedy or include with your vagi-steam ingredients to help reduce oestrogen or testosterone imbalances and mood swings. Opt for peppermint if you suffer with headaches;head pain or a foggy brain which often accompany hormonal shifts and imbalances		manganese, copper and vitamin C. Mint also contains vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B-6, C, E, and K, beta carotene, folate and riboflavin and the minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese
	Nasturtium		Traditionally used to support hair loss this beautiful plant and flower has the ability to improve the immune system, tackling sore throats, coughs, and colds, as well as bacterial and fungal infections.		Both the leaves and petals of the nasturtium plant are packed with nutrition, containing high levels of vitamin C. manganese, iron, flavonoids, and beta carotene.
	Nettles		Use new growth leaves and stems. Pick with gloves on!. Drink as a tea up to 3 times daily to nourish the immune system, support the kidneys, encourage a balanced digestive system, promote healthy skin and hair and emotionally encourage healthy boundaries. Safe in pregnancy and also promotes breast milk.		Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins. Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid.
	Oregano		Helps improve metabolic profile and reduce elevated fats helps reduce oxidative stress Antibacterial and anti-fungal so helps get rid of parasites, candida, giardia and staphylococcus. Recent data  also shows that oil of oregano has an anti-cancer function. This is a super strong herb but when TTC go carefully!		Antioxidants and range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin K (blood and bone health), manganese (collagen formation and blood sugar balance), iron (maintains blood oxygen) and calcium (bone health, muscle & nerve function).
	Peas		Some people seem to think that peas shouldn’t be eaten when they are TTC but that  science research is not conclusive in my opinion.  Everything is about balance and peas are loaded with nutrients and super easy to eat!		High in folate
	Parsley		The impressive health benefits of parsley make it an all-natural and safe plant to include in your diet. It’s a free radical scavenger, hormone balancer, heart protector, brain protector, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even a digestion soother plus it helps regulate bowel movements and decreases bloating. Excellent for PMS, fertility and urinary tract disorders		phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, and various nutrients like vitamins K, C and A
	Radishes		Radishes contain significant levels of vitamin C. Cruciferous plants, which include radish, broccoli and cabbage, are linked with anti-cancer properties.		radishes are packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K. Plus it’s high on antioxidants, fibre, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and manganese
	Rocket leaves		helps promote digestive regularity, supports liver clearance ie. Helps maintain nutrient storage, and reduce hormone imbalances, lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar plus great for the heart		high in fibre, chlorophyll, folate, vitamin K, indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates. Both of these bioactive compounds have been shown to  suppress the production of inflammatory mediators, and high in antioxidants,  and glucosinolates which studies show  may reduce risk of developing cancer.
	Rosemary		Great for liver clearance and helps increase circulation to the pelvis and can assist in clearing out old blood and fluids that have built up along the uterine wall.  However, high doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage; therefore it is not advisable for pregnant women to take any supplemental rosemary. Make a remedy with it, add some sprigs to your bath or add to your vagi-steam. You can also have a sprig of it nearby and just smell during day – excellent to keep your concentration high!		Iron, calcium, vitamin B 6, carnosic acid,
	Samphire		Tiredness and fatigue: Hair loss: Dry, flaky skin: heart health, Coldness: Memory: samphire supports Menstruation issues including heavy or irregular periods. Fertility: Women with moderate to severe iodine deficiency may have a more difficult time conceiving and it also links with other hormonal imbalances including hypo thyroidism. Pregnancy and breast feeding   Iodine is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women because they have higher needs. An iodine deficiency during pregnancy may cause foetal stunted growth and brain development. Weight gain Low iodine levels may slow your metabolism and encourage food to be stored as fat, rather than be burned as energy. This can lead to weight gain. Hormonal disturbances including hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce the thyroid hormones, thyroxine, T4, and triiodothyronine, T3,. Menopause – Iodine is also believed to act as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, antiviral, and antibacterial agent.		IODINE, vitamin C, A, B Complex, omega 3, calcium and iron .
	Sage		Another great traditional herb for oestrogen imbalances. Don’t use if you are pregnant unless it’s time for birth but otherwise you can add a handful of sage leaves to your vagisteam or drink as a tea to support menopausal flushes, menstrual cramps, and encourage a healthy endometrium lining.		·        Magnesium; phosphorus; potassium; folate;  beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin K ·
	Sorrel		Helps maintain regular bowel movements, lowers cholesterol levels and supports blood sugar balance. Great for the skin and reproductive well being		Vitamins A and C and fibre
	Spinach		The leafy salad green is a fertility superfood. Spinach is packed with iron, folate, and zinc, three minerals that are essential to any woman trying to get pregnant. A lack of iron may result in poor egg health or lack of ovulation		Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, folate … copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium … and vitamin C
tarragon		has been used in various traditional medicines for stimulating the appetite and as a remedy for anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, and hiccups. The essential oil has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as a local antiseptic for toothache complaints. Drinking it as a tea may help cure insomnia.		rich source of vitamin-C, vitamin-A; B-complex including folates, pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin high antioxidant and helps enzymes in the metabolism. source of calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc. Manganese is utilized by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for cellular respiration (co-factors for cytochrome-oxidase enzyme) and blood cell production
	Thyme		Has an adaptogenic effect on oestrogen and progesterone helping to increase progesterone. Since infertility is correlated with low progesterone levels, PCOS and depression this herb is well worth considering!		Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Magnesium, Zinc and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Calcium, Iron and Manganese.
	Watercress		A long-established  purifying veggie  and a tonic for the body this veggie is used to support  and protect the liver and cleanse the skin.		high antioxidant status, it is also a good source of calcium,  folate, zinc and iron.

 

Make your own energy remedy:

1. Choosing an essence can be as simple as selecting a flower that you feel a particular attraction to. You can choose a flower that is already growing in your garden, from the list above or through pictures.
2. If working with premade essences, there are a few ways that you can choose the right one. Try intuitive vibrational techniques such as using your hands to “feel” the energy of a particular essence; this may be felt as a sensation of warmth and tingling when passing your open palms above the essences. Other methods practitioners use in addition to intuition include the use of a pendulum, muscle testing (Kinesiology), or think about the colour associated with the specific chakra you are wanting to focus on.
3. Every flower has a fingerprint unique to its own vibration. When working with flower, tree or plant essences it’s important to recognize that individual plants address health emotionally, spiritually and physically so think carefully and take time for some  honest self-reflection. What exactly do you want some help with? What are you drawn to?

 

How to make your own energy  remedy:

You will need

A jam jar or similar – needs to be clear

A dropper bottle

Your plant/flower

Spring water or rainwater

A small amount of alcohol or vinegar

A muslin or small cloth to keep insects out!

Choose a sunny morning before the dew has dried to gather your flowers. You will be placing the bowl in the vicinity of where you have gathered them so try to choose a spot that will get at least three hours of sunlight.

So please collect you plant/flower – being particularly mindful as to choosing it and silently ask for it’s support before cutting it.  You can also set the intention as to how you would like it to help you.  Once collected place in the spring water in your jar.  The water needs to cover the flower/plant material.  Then place in a sunny position for 3 hours.  I often make my flower remedy with the moon – so I opt to leave my remedy out for a day and a night.  Anyway, once you have done this bring it in and siphon the liquid off placing it into a dropper bottle.   Depending on the amount of remedy you have I would then add between a teaspoon and a dessertspoon of vinegar or alcohol to the remedy.  From a Spagyric viewpoint we would add 10% volume of alcohol/vinegar to preserve it but I have also heard of people adding 50% volume.  I will leave this to you.  The actual flower or plant material can now be returned to the Earth.   The remedy is now ready to take.  I suggest you “cusp” them”.

Dosage: 3 drops of the essence daily – either diluted in water and drunk/placed directly under the tongue or added to a body lotion and topically rubbed into your skin daily.

Cusping:  I do this to help imprint the vibration and “wake the energy remedy up” before using it daily.  Simply  stand the energy bottle in the palm of your hand and then tap the energy bottle on the palm of your hand 3 times before taking your daily dosage.

Mookaite crystal:

Mookaite is a form of Australian Jaspar which comes in all the colours of the Earth from ochre to deep red and purple.  The stone connects with the Earth goddess herself, to the base chakra and family survival.  Psychologically, mookaite  stones are used for

*soothing and nurturing emotions

*imparts a desire for new experiences

* believed to offer insights into difficult situations and points you towards positivity and right choices.

*stimulates the imagination

* an excellent ‘worry bead’

* connects with Gaia/Pacha Mamma.

How to use Mookaite

Place the mookaite under your pillow.  This is believed to nurture you while you are asleep, offering comfort and releasing worry – Buy mookaite here 

Carry the mookaite stone with you throughout the day, touching and holding it when you are looking for comfort

Wear in jewellery

Justine Evans  ND is a registered naturopath, nutritional therapist, body worker and healer.  Integrating functional medicine with eastern philosophy Justine provides a multi dimensional approach to your fertility health. 

On line consultations  Tuesday-Friday weekly.   Twickenham  clinic available fortnightly for face to face consultations.   To arrange a consultation phone 07747 133170 or email  contact@justineevans.co.uk

Disclaimer: This article has been written for inspiration and education purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease and it does not replace  personalised evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by your  personal qualified health care professional.  This article does not recommend specific remedies and anyone making a personalised remedy or using a plant should ensure it is safe to ingest and use before making.