THYME AND THYME AGAIN

Sylvianne Latus, left, learned from her mother,
who learned from her mother, to use thyme
for herself and her family when they get colds.

Five years ago, all I knew about thyme was that it grows in Europe and here in Ottawa's gardens to spice up salad dressings and other dishes. That was until a colleague recommended it for coughs and colds. Since then, I keep finding more about its benefits. Healers of the past have counted daily on this mult-purpose herb and today’s researchers keep adding to the body of knowledge.

Thymus vulgaris

Like oregano, wild thyme is a member of the

ELEGANT QUEEN ANN'S LACE GIFTS FOR A WEDDING

My friends Rémi and Rebecca got married this past weekend. They rallied the help of their friends to create a true community event. Some prepared food for 60 people. Some sang and played music instruments, recited poems, and our teacher lead the spiritual ceremony and hosted the event in her beautiful garden. The mother of the bride, a consummate potter, made candle holders. Children--young and old--were asked to blow soap bubbles. I was asked to take charge of making bouquets for the banquet tables while another friend used her ikebana skills to make arrangements for the buffet table.

RECIPES: QUICK FIRST AID TIPS FOR PIMPLES AND ECZEMA

Cinnamon has great disinfecting properties.

Pimples can go quickly when you apply a paste of honey and cinnamon directly on it to dry it before you go to bed. A bit sticky but fragrant and efficient. Mix a good pinch of cinnamon powder in 1/4 tsp of honey. You'll likely have some left over and it can be kept for a week or more. You have pimples every month with you moon cycle? You may wish to macerate broken pieces of

TEST YOUR MEMORY AND KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA AND AROMATHERAPY

Here is a short quiz for the fun of it. Whether you have been reading my blog for a long or short while, enjoy testing your memory or sniffing out the answers through its various entries. For those who want quick answers, see below.

1. What are plants that support the female hormonal system?

• fennel
•  shatavari
• ashwanganda
• evening primrose
•  all of the above
• none of the above

NATURE'S BOUNTY FOR YOUR BEAUTY: TURMERiC, NEEM, HENNA AND HIBISCUS

Comes February, I will be back in Kerala, India, for 21 days of pancha karma treatment and to learn more about ayurvedic use of medicinal herbs for health and beauty. Already familiar with turmeric, neem and henna, I discovered the wonders of hibiscus for amazing hair during my last trip.

Turmeric

North Americans are familiar with turmeric as

TIP - FATTY ACIDS AND IODINE: TO WRITE HOME ABOUT!

You have heard a lot about the benefits of Omega-3 and -6 for brain growth and performance, and to reduce cholesterol and the risks of heart diseases and cancer. Whether you integrate Omega-3s to your meals or spread them on your body, your skin loves them because of their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to repair damaged and dry skin. Omega-6s are also great because they support anti-allergic functions and are great allies against eczema.

Next time you prepare a menu for your skin, add avocado oil and 2 or 3 drops of linseed oil (the best of the Omega-3) and rosehip or poppy seed oil (the richest in Omega-6).

For those of you with eczema, add linseed and rosehip oil to increase the value of your unguent or massage oil. Linseed and rosehip also contain iodine, which is great for the thyroid. Rashes, discoloration, acne and edema are some of the skin problems associated with thyroid malfunction.

AYURVEDIC HOME SPA GUIDE AND RECIPES

Improve your longevity by taking time to relax.

Whether you have been enjoying winter sports over the past few days or are stiff from shovelling the driveway, you may be experiencing dry hands, face, legs and hair. Or you feel you need to replenish? Or your holiday was soooo fulfilling you want to offer something luxurious to someone special? Think home spa.

Home spas are fun and much less expensive. Although they require a bit of preparation, you have total control over the textures and aromas used. Below are suggested ingredients but feel free to add or switch ingredients. For example, you could add cucumber slices over your eyes while resting.

RECIPE: Cooling your Pitta skin

Ingredients:

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 oz bees wax (or other natural wax)

1/8 cup aloe vera gel (Jason’s aloe vera gel with Spirulina is ideal for texture, but hard to find)

1/2 tsp neem oil
3 drops each of essential oils of sandalwood, mint, geranium, bergamot (add more if needed)

Method

1. Melt coconut oil and wax at low heat

2. Add 1/8 cup aloe vera gel to above while whipping with hand held mixer

3. Add neem oil and essential oils

If you find water separates from this mixture, do not worry, use it and make it penetrate.

Eczema: More than just a question of unguent

Quite a number of people I met recently complained about experiencing an increase in their eczema symptoms during summer. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this makes total sense.

The skin (and the eyes) being the seat of Pitta (fire), any excess of fire or heat regardless of the source (physical, mental or emotional) will manifest in those areas in the form of rashes, eczema, psoriasis, irritation or eye problems of all kinds, especially for those with a Pitta constitution.

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