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New Moon Herbal Mix Recipe for New Beginnings

The New Moon, the time in which the moon is occluded from our earthly vision due to its position in the sky between the Sun and Earth, is commonly understood as a time for new beginnings. If the Full Moon is a time for fruition and manifestation, the New Moon is the time to light a candle of intention in the dark. It is a time for rest, reflection, and intention-setting. Just as plants have growth cycles and the tides ebb and flow, our energy levels also have a cyclic quality. This article will discuss the energy of the New Moon and how to support yourself with herbs during this internal time in the lunar cycle.

Energy of the New Moon

In order to understand how to support the energies of the New Moon, it is helpful to first flesh out the qualities of the New Moon phase. Though the New Moon is the time during the monthly lunar cycle in which the moon is not visible to our eyes, the New Moon phase can include a time frame within 3 1/2 days after the official New Moon. Also, for our purposes of discussing the energies at this time, we can also include the time just prior to the New Moon—the Balsamic Phase, which may be considered the “Depth of Dark” (George, 1992). Here are a few words to describe this potent, dark time that is ideal for turning inward:

“At the Balsamic Phase, the life impulse distills and concentrates the wisdom of the entire cycle into a capsule of seed ideas for future visions” (George, 1992, p. 67).

“At the New Phase, the flow of solar-lunar energy emerges, initiates and projects the seed impulse…that will fulfill and complete a purpose as the remaining cycle unfolds” (George, 1992, p. 66).

Read the full article and get the recipes here: New Moon Herbal Mix Recipe for New Beginnings on the Herbal Academy blog.

Top Supports for Anxiety: Herbs, Lifestyle, and Traditional Wisdom

On the rare occasion when I meet someone who reports that they never get stressed or anxious, I typically raise an eyebrow. Some level of stress, worry, and even fearfulness is a natural and normal part of life. We have evolved to have a negativity bias as a means of survival, meaning we scan our environment for potential threats. However, when fear and worry become persistent and chronic and interfere with one’s ability to sleep, eat, think clearly, and/or simply enjoy life, it is certainly worth addressing. In this article, we will explore herbal and lifestyle supports for anxiety. The intention of the information and perspectives offered in this article is not to replace important mental health care but rather to offer general, holistic tools for addressing stress, especially when it becomes persistent or heightened.

First of all, if you or someone you love experiences anxiety, it’s helpful to take a 360 degree view of your day-to-day living and also to understand how prolonged stress and worry affect you personally. Before reaching for a solution, it’s always a good idea to identify the problem.

Read the full post, Top Supports for Anxiety: Herbs, Lifestyle, and Traditional Wisdom on the Herbal Academy blog.

How Does Scent Affect Mood?

On an intuitive and experiential level, many of us are aware of the connection between scent and mood. Though some may tune into the significance of scent more consciously than others, our sense of smell is intimately related to our emotions and even cognitive function and spatial awareness (Fifth Sense, 2021). Furthermore, appealing scents enhance our lives. We can all relate to the feeling of walking into a room that smells divine. Be it fresh-baked bread, lavender, pine needles, or a simmering herbal vegetable soup, smell has the power to evoke emotion—and the loss of it can have detrimental effects. In addition to our intuitive knowledge about the relationship between scent and psychology, science and herbal traditions have quite a bit to say about this connection. Whether you are looking to ease anxiety, enhance your focus, or create a cozy atmosphere, aromatherapy is a powerful way to influence mood. Read the full article, How Does Scent Affect Mood on the Herbal Academy blog.

Homemade Crackers with Scallions and Black Mustard Seeds

Until a couple of months ago, I never thought to make homemade crackers. Crackers were one of those things that I only enjoyed when store-bought. However, making crackers in your own kitchen is surprisingly easy and fun—also, you can get creative with the ingredients and you always know exactly what goes into your savory snacks. This recipe features almond flour, scallions, and black mustard seeds, and can easily be made gluten-free.

If you enjoy Chinese scallion pancakes, you will love these homemade crackers made with scallions and black mustard seeds. Drizzle with a bit of sesame oil before popping in the oven to truly replicate the green onion pancake taste experience. Hearty and pungent, these crackers are flavorful enough to stand on their own. Or, enjoy them with a mild, creamy cheese such as brie, or alongside a hot bowl of soup. Yield: approximately 75 2-inch square crackers.

Read the full post and access the recipe on the Herbal Academy blog!

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