Tag: health

Astragalus: A Wintry Herbal Infusion

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By Valerie A. Cody

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What Is a Nourishing Herbal Infusion?

An herbal infusion is similar to tea, but much stronger and more mineral-rich. The primary differences lie in both the amount of plant material used and the length of time the herbs are steeped.

With tea, we typically use a small amount of plant material and steep it for about 5–10 minutes. With a nourishing herbal infusion, we use one full ounce of dried herb and allow it to steep for eight hours or longer. This extended steeping time allows water-soluble vitamins and minerals to be fully extracted from the plant.

I have been working with nourishing herbal infusions since 2019, and what continues to reveal itself through this practice is how powerful consistency can be. These herbs work behind the scenes, strengthening the body slowly and intelligently, aligning us with the natural rhythms of the seasons. Astragalus, especially in winter, has become a reminder that true vitality is built through patience, nourishment, and reverence for the body as sacred ground. When we tend to ourselves in this way, we become a vessel capable of holding inspiration, guidance, and creative life force.

Nourishing herbal infusions are one of the most effective ways to deliver bioavailable minerals into the body. Unlike capsules or isolated vitamin supplements, herbs remain in their whole, natural form. They are simply dried and prepared in a way that allows the body to recognize and assimilate their nutrients with ease.

Through herbal infusions, we receive minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium, selenium (and many more) in the exact combinations found in nature. This synergistic balance makes these nutrients easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Rather than extracting a single vitamin and compressing it into a pill, herbal infusions honor the intelligence of the plant itself.

What “Infusion” Means in Herbalism

In herbalism, the word infusion refers specifically to the method of extraction: using water and time to draw nutrients from plant material.

Other herbal preparations use different mediums:

  • A decoction uses water and prolonged simmering on the stove, often for roots and tougher plant material
  • A tincture uses alcohol to extract both water- and alcohol-soluble constituents

Herbal Infusions and the Body/Spirit Connection

When we work with organic herbs, we are working directly with what the Earth provides to strengthen and restore the body. Caring for the physical body in this way strengthens the spiritual body as well. We should never neglect the physical body as something “unspiritual” or unrelated to our soul. The two are deeply and magnificently intertwined, and to neglect one is to neglect the other. We must be vigilantly and vehemently against religious programming that deliberately turns us against our own bodies.

When the body is properly nourished, it becomes fertile soil for spiritual guidance to land, take root, and be expressed through our words, actions, and creativity. Nutrition, ritual, and herbal practice will work to support our capacity to receive and translate insight.

A Seasonal Practice: Astragalus is a Winter Herb

I want to share how you can create nourishing herbal infusions at home using herbs such as oat straw, chickweed, nettle, and astragalus. Each herb has its own rhythm and purpose. Today, our focus is on astragalus which is a deeply wintry herb.

Astragalus is a root traditionally used to strengthen vitality, immunity, and foundational energy, especially during colder months. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered a Qi tonic which is an herb that supports the body over time rather than forcing quick results. This makes it especially well-suited for the colder months, when the body naturally turns inward and benefits from conservation and nourishment rather than outward exertion.

Winter is a season of conservation, restoration, and deep nourishment. Astragalus mirrors this energy perfectly. It is warming, grounding, and best used consistently as a preventative ally rather than during acute illness. This makes it especially suited for long, slow infusions and daily winter rituals.

The Modulating Nature of Herbs

One of the great gifts of herbal infusions is their modulating effect on the body. Herbs do not force the system in one direction. Instead, they gently guide the body back toward balance.

For example, if an element within the body is lower than what is ideal, an herbal tonic will not overstimulate or push it beyond what is healthy. Herbs work intelligently, adapting to what the body needs in that moment. This is why many nourishing herbs are considered adaptogenic in nature. Because of this subtlety, consistency is essential. Herbal infusions work best when taken regularly, allowing their cumulative effects to nourish the body over time.

It is generally recommended to prepare nourishing infusions using one herb per batch, rather than mixing multiple herbs together. Each plant has its own mineral profile and energetic signature.

Use one ounce of a single herb per infusion. Density varies greatly. For example, one ounce of astragalus root looks very different from one ounce of oat straw, which is why measuring by weight is important.

Through regular use, nourishing infusions harmonize the body’s systems and support clarity, resilience, and vitality. The physical and spiritual bodies reflect one another, and neglecting the physical body on a spiritual path ultimately weakens both.

For women especially, this form of nourishment is profoundly restorative. These herbs work behind the scenes, at a cellular level, filling nutritional gaps we may not even be aware of. They support beauty, creativity, and connection in a way that is gentle and deeply effective.

Where to Get Herbs

One of the easiest ways to obtain herbs is by ordering from reputable online suppliers. Always choose organic herbs. I trust and use the following brands which can be found on Amazon: Frontier Co-op, Starwest Botanicals, and U.S Wellness Naturals. This is essential because the infusion process uses boiling water to fully extract nutrients and if herbs are not organic, that same process will extract pesticides and chemical residues into your infusion. Organic only.

Astragalus Profile

Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus
Plant part used: Root
Taste: Mildly sweet, earthy
Energetics: Warming, strengthening, grounding
Seasonal affinity: Winter

Astragalus is a nourishing root traditionally used to support vitality, immunity, and long-term resilience. Rather than acting as a stimulant, it works slowly and steadily, building the body’s foundational strength over time.

Why Astragalus Is Ideal for Winter

Winter is a season of storage, restoration, and strengthening. Astragalus mirrors this rhythm. As a warming root, it offers gentle support to the immune system and helps the body adapt to seasonal stressors without forcing or overstimulating.

Astragalus is best used preventatively and consistently, rather than during acute illness. Traditionally, it is not recommended when a fever or active infection is present, as it is considered a “building” herb rather than one that helps release pathogens.

Astragalus lends itself beautifully to long infusions and decoctions. When prepared slowly, its minerals and polysaccharides are gradually released into the water, creating a grounding, subtly sweet infusion that supports the body over time. This makes astragalus an ideal companion for a winter infusion practice, when nourishment and consistency take precedence over quick results. Used regularly, astragalus supports endurance, balance, and vitality which strengthens the body in a way that is cumulative and aligned with the season.

How to Make a Nourishing Herbal Infusion

Ratio:
1 ounce dried herb : 1 quart water

Use a kitchen scale to measure the herb accurately. Once measured, place the herb into a one-quart glass jar. Fill the jar completely with purified, boiling water.

Cover with a screw-top lid and let the infusion steep overnight. Herbs require two things to release their minerals: heat and time.

The next morning, strain the liquid into another glass jar. Drink the infusion before coffee or food if possible.

Working with nourishing herbal infusions invites us into a slower relationship with our bodies and with time itself. Astragalus teaches this especially well in winter. Through regular, intentional nourishment, the body becomes resilient, receptive, and aligned with its own intelligence.

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Rosicrucian Meditation Technique

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By Valerie A. Cody

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When we venture towards new understandings of spiritual life we often find ourselves wondering “where is Spirit showing up in my life?” and looking for concrete evidence to support what we are feeling deep down.

Maybe we are so close to a situation energetically that we cannot see the big picture. Maybe we have been staring at the same project for hours or days, but cannot see where it is headed.

During these times, we may find ourselves in a mentality of lack, or possibly doubt. Thoughts begin to circulate, telling ourselves we are on the wrong track or that we should give up.

In today’s post I would like to introduce you to a tool that may be helpful in identifying how and when Spirit (God, Source) is gently guiding you throughout the day.

Rosicrucians called it the Backward Review – or “Zurückschauen” to German Rosicrucians. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian Rosicrucian Theosophist and occult philosopher, made this practice a basic requirement for students of his own initiation school.

The concept is that: While you are lying in bed before falling asleep for the night think of the very last thing you did. Maybe you brushed your teeth or stretched. Then, in reverse order, the prior activity all the way up until the last time you were asleep. Maybe it was that morning or perhaps you had a nap.

An example would be the following:

Here I am in bed.

I just put my book down after reading for 20 minutes.

I applied hand creme.

I applied lip balm.

I showered.

I ate dinner.

Etc, etc.

In regards to your entire day: What did you have planned versus what ended up happening?  This practice can allow us to observe things that happened throughout the day that we did not expect. Corollary to this, when we wake up in the morning or from a nap, we spend a moment pondering what we think will happen next. We might plan to go to work, to go the gym, etc. This is our general plan for the day.

Then, during the Backward Review at the end of the day we sometimes find that very different things happened than what we had planned. Or something totally unexpected was inserted.

In this way, we can start to see where Spirit may be guiding us. What divine intervention (small or large) may be taking place in our daily lives.

This is an essential addition to the “hustle and run your day” sort of attitude that is popular at the moment. Having a plan is important, but equally important is the balancing act that leaves enough space for Spirit to guide us.

For example, after doing this nightly for a week we may realize that a number of different friends throughout the week extended an invitation to a yoga class.  Or we may find we are gravitating towards certain foods – and away from certain ones. It could be possible that we are hearing a particular song daily. These are patterns. Notice them and reflect.

By going backwards in the day’s activities, we begin to become conscious of our day’s activities. We can notice if there are blank spots or times when we were just acting from auto-pilot.

This reverse order of thinking also activates a new strength, it’s like flexing a muscle within our etheric body. The etheric body is our body of memory. The etheric body holds all of our life-forces as well.

When we begin to exercise our capacity to think backward instead of forward (the way we normally do), we are exercising the body of memory that will become a force that can be used for higher spiritual development and alchemical purposes later on.

Remember, our individual spiritual paths are divinely protected and guided. Our guides are constantly showing us messages and we only need to become aware.

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How To Connect With Divine Wisdom

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By Valerie A. Cody

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Even if we have never put words to reason, all of us can actually feel when we are consciously connected to Source Energy. If we were to reflect on life, I would guess that our favorite conversations, meetings, meals, workouts, etc., were all so amazing because we were connecting with Source Energy or we were witnessing this quality in another.

Abraham Hicks once said that trying to take action while disconnected from Source Energy was like trying to make toast without plugging in the toaster. Meaning, without that certain connectedness – the bread (our progress) would just sit there, waiting to be transformed. Link to YouTube video of this Abraham Hicks workshop recording: Here

For reference, in the context of the blog post and also metaphysics, “Source Energy” is the term used to describe what others may refer to as God.

I truly believe that our best work and most satisfying moments are a product of being connected consciously to Source, or being “plugged-in” per the Hicks analogy.

In my experience, some situations afford us an easier opportunity to connect than others. This is also common sense. Watching a beautiful sunset or engaging in an intellectually stimulating conversation – these can very easily turn into experiences of connectedness. While sitting in traffic might turn us off and cause us to subdue the inner wisdom.

Divine wisdom and guidance is always available to us. Though, there are certain patterns that may cause us to feel disconnected from this. Behaviors and compulsions such as: Overthinking, not following divine impulses, not knowing what a divine impulse is, allowing dogma to take precedence, not taking proper care of our physical body, being consumed by addictions, engaging in negative self-talk, as well as many other unique and individual ways of being.

We are divinely intuitive beings and extensions of Source Energy. We are immeasurably powerful and we can truly be, do, or have anything that our minds conceive. In metaphysical terms this means: If we have the thought or idea – then the path has already been paved. It is just the question of how well will we manage to get out of our own way and allow ourselves to follow the path?

If this concept is totally new to you, I urge you to reflect on some of your best moments. Journal about them and try to remember every detail. Is there a through-line?

How to Connect:

  1. Gratitude – This emotion is one of the highest on the vibrational scale of emotions. It is also one of the most easily accessible from some of the lower vibrating emotions such as fear. This means that it is easier to find something to be grateful for in moments of despair than it is to suddenly feel pure joy or bliss.
    Emotional Scale
  2. Mindfulness –  Find God in the moment. Take pleasure in the little things. Do daily activities with a certain care and awareness.
  3. Yoga – When we combine conscious breathing with physical movement, we create space inside our physical bodies for the divine to enter.
  4. Hobbies/Purpose – We can access our inner wisdom during moments of flow. Or, as sports has categorized this state of being “in the zone.” When we have hobbies or a purpose that make us forget that time is passing, we are dancing with the very energy that creates worlds.
  5. Meditation – I love this quote by Kelsey Grammer:

    “Prayer is when you talk to God. Meditation is when you’re listening. Playing the piano allows you to do both at the same time.”

    What better way to feel your guidance than to actually attempt to hear it? Meditation can be a practice of actively quieting the mind long enough for divine wisdom to subtly speak. The whole quote is applicable too because playing instruments can be another way of finding the flow and letting Source move through you.

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Copper Vessel Magic

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By Valerie A. Cody

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An interest in yoga rarely goes very far without encountering the Ayurvedic teachings. My last blog post covered the necessity of dry brushing, an ancient technique rooted in Ayurveda. Today, I want to discuss the magic that happens when we drink water from a copper vessel – another practice found in these ancient teachings.

Here is the copper water bottle I use. It is FDA-certified and leak-proof.

As we delve more into Ayurvedic teachings here on my blog, I wanted to include a look at the etymology of the word.

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In Sanskrit, which is the also known as ‘the language of yoga’ – the word Ayurveda is literally translated to ‘life science.’ So, through these teachings, we can learn how to become more attune to the needs of our bodies.  We can view healing as something the whole body does, rather than just the ‘injured’ parts. We can learn how the systems of the body connect to function as one human organism.

Copper is considered an essential mineral for our body.  Ayurveda recommends storing water overnight in a copper jug and drinking it first thing in the morning.  The water stored this way is called ‘Tamra Jal’ and drinking this will work to balance all three doshas (Kapha, Vata and Pitta.)

Copper has an electromagnetic energy which is called Prana Shakti. Drinking water that is steeped for 3-6 hours in a copper vessel is very beneficial to the body – it helps maintain the body’s pH (acid-alkaline) balance.

Like everything else in life, the key to receiving the most benefit from this practice is balance. It is important to use this technique as a way to supplement your healthy lifestyle, but do not make this copper vessel your ONLY receptacle.

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It is advised that the best way to incorporate this extremely powerful practice is in a 3 months on/1 month off fashion.  

The following is a list of benefits you can enjoy by following the recommendation of drinking water in this way four times per week. 

  1. Anti-Aging: Say farewell to worries about fine lines and wrinkles, copper is your natural remedy.  Infused with powerful anti-oxidant and cell forming properties, copper fights off free radicals which are the main cause of oxidation in the body. Copper also aids in new cell formation. Out with the old and IN with youthful skin.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory: It is said that all sickness begins as inflammation. You can also feel inflammation in the body when you have aching joints or even arthritis. Drinking water steeped in a copper vessel can help to relieve pain in the joints caused by inflammation. In this same way, this practice can help with the relief of acne, eczema, and psoriasis (all three are evidence of inflammation).
  3. Regulates the Thyroid Gland: Experts agree that people with diseases of the thyroid have one thing in common: Low levels of copper. Copper is one of the most important trace minerals the thyroid requires to function optimally. A lack in copper will cause the deterred function of the thyroid. In this way, drinking water from a copper vessel can help to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland.
  4. Melanin Production: Copper is the main component in the production of melanin – and melanin is the pigment that is found in our hair, skin and eyes. Say yes to brighter eyes and healthier hair! Melanin also helps to guard against sun damage and speeds up wound healing.

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Further reading from a blog partner: https://www.indianshelf.in/10-benefits-of-drinking-water-from-a-copper-vessel/

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My Greatest Version

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By Valerie A. Cody

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Dear Readers,

I am going to share with you the habits and lifestyle choices which I found (along my own personal journey) have led to the best version of myself.

Sleeping Regularly and Enough: Ladies and gentlemen, sleep is important. If you desire clear eyes, an agile mind, ambition, creativity, results from workouts, and ENERGY – you must rest. And you must rest at “normal” times. No, falling asleep at 1am and waking at 10am is NOT the same as being early to bed and early to rise. I did learn this the hard way and have no intentions of letting those habits creep back into my life. For my best life, I strive to be in bed by 10pm and awake before 8am.

Ben Franklin

Regular Yoga Sessions: For me, it is 5+ classes per week. This is my sweet spot. If I am doing yoga at this rate, I am likely doing everything else in life better and with more clarity. The practice of yoga can mean different things to different people. For me, that hour and a half during class represents meditation in movement; connecting with my body in a nonjudgmental way. The act of thinking of nothing beyond the asanas and my breath is truly what I strive for.

Positive Thought Patterns:  This year, I realized that the majority of my self-talk was negative. For example, while working out, my mind would race with uncertainty: Am I lifting enough weight? Doing enough reps? Is this going to give me the results I desire? I don’t look fit. This probably isn’t doing anything... Changing this mindset provided enormous relief. The point isn’t to be arrogant. The point is to soften these harmful thought patterns into a place of neutrality, and eventually our thoughts can be a voice of encouragement.

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Quality Over Quantity: I figured out my favorites. Favorite clothing brands and styles, favorite cosmetic brands, handbags, etc. I’ve stopped buying throw-away clothing because, in the moment, it was cute and inexpensive.  Instead, I’ve opted for pieces that may be higher priced, but will last longer and be more flexible within my wardrobe. How do you accomplish this? Try on all of the clothing you own and make three piles: Donate, Sell, and Keep. Learn what cuts/styles look best on your body. Learn what fabrics feel best against your skin. Next, become brand loyal to a handful of skincare/cosmetic lines and invest in your appearance without having an overwhelming amount of products that you never touch.

Reading: As in, actual books (not online articles). I made the promise to myself that I am going to read at least one page before bed.  If I’m tired, I can still convince myself to read only one page. Typically I end up reading about one chapter per night. It is important to me to always be learning, and making sure to read every night helps keep that goal in the forefront.

Meditation: I have two blog posts on this topic here and here. Seventeen minutes per day is what I require. Finding a quiet time of day to light incense or candles and listen to meditative music has become a regularly scheduled date with myself. Quieting our thoughts allows us to move on from momentum that is no longer serving us.

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Top 3 LUSH Products

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By Valerie A. Cody

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After becoming the favorite of many bloggers and vloggers, Lush gained what some would consider a cult following. Their natural products are hand crafted using the freshest ingredients; meaning their products have an actual expiration date. Body balms, shampoos, face masques and more; all so fresh they could literally expire.  It is becoming widely accepted that processed foods with a long shelf-life aren’t the best for our health; Lush is applying that concept to our hygiene products.

Lovely scents aside, I can also get on board with their stance on animal testing:

We’ve been fighting against animal testing for decades and believe in only buying ingredients from companies that do not commission tests on animals. We only test our products on human volunteers, and have turned our belief into a company-wide policy.

See below for a quick list of my top 3 favorite Lush products. 

  1. Bubblegum Lip Scrub This lip scrub smells amazing, tastes delicious and it’s vegan. Why would you ever want to scrub your lips with any else?screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-24-11-am
  2. Veganese Hair Conditioner This conditioner is extremely light, which means it delivers massive amounts of volume to your hair. The herbal scent is lemony with an Earthy undertone. screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-23-58-am
  3. Daddy-O Shampoo Blondes, thank me later. As flaxen-hair babes, we understand the struggle that is brassiness. If you find your blonde strands to be yellowing, get your hands on this shampoo. screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-23-36-am

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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It’s no secret that I take self-care very seriously.  I believe we have the obligation to look after ourselves properly so that we are able to present our ‘best self’ to the world.  For today’s post, I am showcasing a few of my favorite ways to make sure I look and feel my best — with an added Valentine’s Day theme!

“Animals are not ingredients.” -Barbara Thompson

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Starting with one of my favorite cruelty-free and vegan products: LUSH Lip Scrub!  LUSH carries many different flavors, but “This Kiss” is the perfect little Valentine’s pick me up.  This lip scrub is made of food-grade, delicious vegan ingredients.  You simply apply a small amount to clean lips, scrub with small circular motions and lick off the excess.

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I’ve recently discovered Valentina’s Home-Brewed Pure Body Care while exploring the beauty section of Whole Foods.  These Magickal Mineral Bath Salts are lovely.  Run a hot bath, and mix in these salts for a detoxifying and sensual experience.  With the scent of chocolate and roses – the True Love variety screams Valentine’s Day.

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Roses are a classic gift idea this time of year – why not put an unexpected twist on the idea with 1,000 Roses Body Lotion by Andalou Organics?  In their words: This ultimate skin food blends rosehips and argan oils with fair trade shea and cocoa butters to smooth and soften dry skin.

Soothing rosewater, rose stem cells, pomegranate antioxidants, and ultra-hydrating aloe vera effectively protect skin’s moisture barrier and stimulate healthy cell renewal for an all-over body treatment.

Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible results.

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You can find Andalou Organics at Whole Foods and Earthfare.  I also use the 1,000 Roses Eye Revive Contour Gel.

Lastly, you may want to consider this Love Potion elixir by Aura Cacia Essential Oils. This spicy-sweet blend of mandarin orange, lemon, cardamom, sandalwood and other fragrant essential oils are perfect for setting the mood. Place a few drops into an essential oil diffuser and let the magic happen.  Find my favorite essential oil diffuser: Here.

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