GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLNESS!
Scrambling for last minute stocking stuffers? Here are some suggestions from 5Spirit Oils. I created 5Spirit as a way for my patients to treat themselves -- all the oils are therapeutic grade so each oil or product is like an acupuncture treatment in a bottle. They treat the mind body and soul -- Who doesn’t need that? And there is something for EVERYONE on your list….
Winter Goddess Gift Set. Queendom Flower Essence is an elixir specially created for women stepping into positions of leadership and influence. It helps us to trust our intuition and move through the world confidently connected to our Feminine Power.
Combined with Witchy Woman Essential Oil blend - dark, and mysterious. Supports Yang rising from the depths of Yin. Evokes the powerful dark feminine. A delicious blend of essential oils to evoke the Winter Goddess: Frankincense, Ravensara, Palo Santo and Dark Patchouli. $50
For the Sexy Bearded Man in Your Life
Winter Beard Oil. With Vetivert and Rosemary in a sweet almond and jojoba base. Softens, conditions the beard and smells like a man should….seriously the Vetivert will drive you crazy, in a good way. $35
Precious Metal Scalp Oil. With Saro and Holy Basil. Conditions the scalp, promotes healthy hair growth AND opens your crown chakra to the upper realms! It smells divine because it is -- holy basil oil is used by meditating monks to reach enlightenment! $30
For the Constantly Sniffling
Immune Plus Herbal formula and Immunity Essential Oil Blend. Give the gift of a healthy immune system! The herbal blend strengthens Wei Qi, which is like a hidden force field keeping out illness. Immunity is a natural antibacterial and antiviral and can be used in baths and diffusers. Together they will keep you well all winter! $50
For the Stressed Out and Freaked Out
Winter Greens Bath Salts. These are intense times. What better gift than a “time out”? Epsom and pink himalayan salt. Juniper, Atlas Cedarwood, Black Spruce and Birch. The perfect winter soak. Soothes sore muscles, and calms the spirit. Supports the Kidneys, adrenals, and nervous system. Strengthens the constitution. $20
For the Wellness Practitioner
5 Element Practitioner Set. Winter Greens, Spring Fling, Heartbreaker, Earth Mamma and Immunity. One oil for each season and each element. An easy way to incorporate EO's into your practice, and into our life! Mix with massage oil or use on acupuncture points to treat physical imbalances. Point suggestions included. Can also be used in baths or diffusers. $100
CALL OR EMAIL FOR LAST MINUTE ORDERS!
LOULOU@LOULOULAC.COM
917-686-6602
IMMUNE BOOSTERS FOR METAL SEASON
The air is colder and the days are shorter, we are finally entering autumn. In Chinese Medicine, autumn is associated with the Metal Element. Metal rules the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is involved with taking in and letting go, preparing for winter, and developing healthy boundaries (among other things!) In addition, Metal rules the Immune System. Now is the perfect time to give your immune system a little love! Here are some of my immune boosting suggestions:
1. STRESS LESS.
I know this is easier said than done but stress is the number one enemy of your immune system. When your nervous system is in “fight of flight” your immune system is literally switched off. Try and spend some time in “rest and digest’ every day, weather that is meditating in the morning, walking through the park at lunch, yoga after work, or turning your phone off on the weekends. Be disciplined about your downtime!
2. WEAR A SCARF.
In chinese medicine, wind is considered an EPF (external pernicious factor) It can access your system through a point at the back of your neck and bring on a cold. This may sound a little far fetched, but when you get sick your neck gets achy. And your glands get swollen! So I think it is an area we should keep protected. In autumn, especially in recent years, the temperature can drop dramatically from moment to moment. Protect your neck!
3. ESSENTIAL OILS.
Kitchen herb essential oils -- like thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, clove -- are all great for immune support. So effective in fact that in the middle ages, thieves used to douse their handkerchiefs in oils, to steal from plague victims without getting ill. My Immunity Blend is
an updated “thieves” oil, with all of the above plus Eucalyptus which specifically supports the
lungs. It is best when inhaled -- so use with a diffuser, or in a steam room or a hot bath.
4.STOP...USING...HAND SANITIZER.
I know that sounds contradictory but every time you use something with Antibacterial, or Antimicrobial on the label, you are actually damaging your immune system. Recent research has proven that our immune system is directly connected to our microbiome -- a network of good bacteria that is created in the gut. Our healthy bacteria keep the unhealthy bacteria in check. When you use hand sanitizer, it kills the good bacteria...damaging your body’s ability to fight its own battles. Wash your hands with soap and water instead.
5. GARDEN HERBS.
Astragalus, Echinacea, goldenrod and rose hips can all be grown in your garden! And all are great for immune support. I like to make a tea, but you can also make your own tincture, or buy in supplement form.
6. EAT YOUR CHICKEN SOUP
preferably Bone Broth! Your Grandmother was right! Chicken soup
is good for the immune system! In Chinese Medicine the Wei Qi is like an invisible force field that circulates on the surface of the body, protecting the body from pathogens. Chicken, and specifically the broth, supports the Wei Qi. Go one step further and make (or buy!) bone broth. In Chinese Medicine bone broth is used to strengthen and nourish our essence, qi, and wei qi, as well as warm the yang and build blood. The broth is said to enter and nourish our Kidneys, Liver, Lungs and Spleen. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon, phosphorus and other trace mineral, and contains collagen, proline and gelatin...is it the original superfood!
BONE BROTH RECIPE
Broth can be cooked on the stovetop on low heat, or in a slow cooker (crock pot).
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of bones (Include 2-4 chicken feet, or 1 sliced calf’s foot for added gelatin; if using fish, use non-oily only. If using beef bones, you may want to roast them first for added flavor.)
- 4 quarts of cold filtered water
- 2 Tbsp to ½ cup vinegar (to taste)
- Optionally add 1 -3 onions, 2-3 carrots, 2-3 celery stalks, Spices as desired,
- 1 bunch parsley
Directions:
Put bones, meat, vinegar, water, any spices and all vegetables (except parsley) in stainless steel pot or crock pot. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bring to boil. Skim the scum off of the surface of the water.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer. For fish, at least 2 hours; for poultry, at least 8 hours; for beef, at least 12 hours.
Add the parsley in the last 10 minutes.
Strain, let cool, and refrigerate. Observe amount of gelatin in broth, and make adjustments to cooking time, and vinegar amount, accordingly.
Remove congealed fat that rises to the top.
Freeze any broth that you won’t be using within 7 days.
MY FAVORITE THINGS
I have ALWAYS wanted to do a list of my favorite things...so what better time than my first blog post in December! I think the best gifts are the ones that are a little indulgent, the ones that make you feel good inside and out! So here are some of my favorite things. some I created myself, some are created by people I adore. Mostly created by women and all created by small business owners who care about health of humans and the planet as a whole!
1. EARTH MAMA -- Essential oil blend (in organic jojoba carrier oil). I am a firm believer in strengthening the Earth element. Without a strong center it is hard to do anything else! This blend strengthens digestion, builds Yin, and supports your center. Grounding, Warming, Nourishing. It contains German chamomile, Geranium, Coriander, and a drop of Cinnamon. Apply around your navel, add to your bath, or where on your pulse points. Available at
2. GET UP GODDESS -- Custom Flower Essence. I collaborated with the Amazing Lindsay Fauntleroy of Oceans and Rivers acupuncture on this and we are super excited about it! I see many amazing beings in my practice and it is my mission to help them realize how amazing they are! GET UP GODDESS is a proprietary blend of flower essences which work on a subconscious level. It was created to awaken your confidence, clarity and voice as you step into your own gorgeous power. Available at louloulac.com
3. MERMAID SOAK -- Bath salts from Ariele's Apothecary in Hoboken. Magnesium, Seaweed, Himalayan Pink Sea salt and Essential oils to relax your muscles, detox your cells, relieve skin conditions, soothe achey joints and improve circulation! A step beyond epsom salts...delicious! BTW she also does an all natural bug spray that has people stopping me to ask about my "perfume"! www.arielesapothecary.com
4. FUNKLESS -- Natural Deodorant. I have tried EVERY natural deodorant and this is the ONLY one that works! I absolutely promise! Magnesium and essential oils. Healthy and smells delicious! Available on Amazon.com and Etsy.com
5. NIBI MTK CLUTCH -- brightly colored, tasseled, natural materials....Nibi Mtk is my fav boutique for all things beachy boho and apres yoga! Also check out the Kimonos and tasseled necklaces and bracelets with buddhas and ganeshas! Nibi is the local native american word for water and all sales include a donation to wateraid.org. Available at Nibimtk.com
6. PALO SANTO WOOD -- the new sage. Has the same clearing affect and smells divine. Also! a great alternative to citronella as a mosquito repellent! I use it out in montauk all the time...(also great topically in oil form...) You can buy the wood on Amazon.com and the oil at Enfleurage.com
7. TULSI TEA -- we ALL need to be on adaptogens. They support our adrenal health. They adapt -- so if the adrenals are fatigued they give them a helping hand. If they are overexcited they calm them down. I like the ritual of a cup of Tulsi Tea and the end of the day to hit the "off" switch. Also known as Holy Basil, tulsi was used by spiritual seekers to aid in meditation. It is supposed to help you "see god" -- perhaps that is what happens when we finally relax! It is available as a supplement AND an essential oil, or you can grow it in your garden!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, heart-centered holiday season! I look forward to continuing the journey in the new year.