My Sacred Self Care Interview on Faith Canter's Self-Love Summit

Love is in the air...

St. Valentine's Day is round the corner. What are you doing to celebrate this day of love? Of course, we don't need to wait for a special occasion. Everyday is an opportunity to welcome more love into our lives.

Did you catch my video on Faith Canter's Self-Love Summit Series yet?

To help get you into that loving feeling, I'd love for you to check out my interview on the link below. 

I share my tantalising top tips for how to receive some tender loving care from the real love of your life... YOU! 

In this interview, you will discover:

- Why self-love is not selfish and actually serves others

- How to transform your relationship with your inner critic

- How nature and the healing power of flowers can help heal your heart

- How loving yourself more helps you to receive more love from others 

- & many more of my sacred self care top tips to help fill your self-love cup...

Thank you Faith for inviting me to share my musings on one of my favourite subjects, sacred self care!

You'll also find more inspirational words of love and wisdom from the wonderful line-up of speakers on Faith's Self-Love Summit YouTube page.

How do you show yourself love & care? When was the last time you did this? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts... 

Love & rose petals, 

www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk

Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks

Holistic Body Massage | Indian Head Massage | Tea & Tarot Readings

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Rose - a fragrant remedy to soothe upset emotions

"The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together." 

Saadi (Iranian Poet, 1184-1283)

Moroccan Roses growing in the Atlas Mountains Dades Gorge where we went 

on our honeymoon. There is an annual rose festival in this region every year. 

Lush green oases produce heavenly scents at the foot of dry red earthen slopes.

This iconic bloom is strewn throughout literature as a symbol of love, passion, romance. Given as a token of affection to lovers and mothers worldwide throughout the ages, the unmistakable soft sweet scent of rose evokes a heart-melting gentleness, compassion and sensual femininity. Rose is revered in herbal medicine where a patient might require a 'herbal hug'.

While training to become a herbalist, my dear grandmother, Oma suffered a stroke, lost her ability to speak and became paralysed down one side. My family experienced the loss of our cherished matriarch to this condition and the anticipation of her passing. This prompted me to do my herbal medicine dissertation on how herbal medicine can be supportive for the experience of grief and loss.

I surveyed all herbalists registered with the most popular professional bodies of herbal medicine in Britain. Out of the many herbs used in prescriptions for a broad range of actions to support patients experiencing the emotional and physiological effects of grief, rose was by far the most widely used. The aroma of this gentle plant can be a soothing balm even in the depths of sorrow.

Rose petals and hips have a wide range of applications in health and beauty products, cooking and crafting. The buds and petals are cooling and mildly astringent, helping to reduce inflammation. Rose water has been used traditionally as an eye wash, skin tonic, and refreshing for over-heated skin.

The rose hip seed are rich in vitamin C and healing as a cold-pressed oil to restore scar tissue and skin irritations, as a tincture or syrup to boost immunity when depleted or at the change of seasons.

I often recommend adding a few drops of rose essential oil to a base oil and using this regularly to massage into pulse points or onto the chest and throat, common areas of tension where there is emotional upset. Tincture of rose can be taken as a herbal rescue remedy, a few drops on the tongue or added to water, in times of overwhelm or distress.

Love and rose petals,

I encourage you to fall in love with yourself first for the ultimate relationship at my upcoming Nurturing Rose Remedies Workshop on Wed 22nd July 2015 6.30 - 8pm - £10. Learn to create a healing range of delicate rose concoctions with many applications, but especially to soothe emotions and gently uplift spirits. Make your own handmade remedies to take home. 

Places are limited so booking & payment in advance is vital to secure your place on 0131 226 3223 or edinburgh@nealsyardremedies.com.

Share this event with your friends on facebook

www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk

Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks

Holistic Body Massage | Indian Head Massage | Tea & Tarot Readings

Let's connect: Facebook l Twitter l Blog l Instagram l Pinterest

Click here to receive your Nourish & Flourish Love Letters

Healing with Hibiscus

This is a Hibiscus flower, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the Malvaceae or Mallow family, one of an abundance growing near my parents' home in Penang, Malaysia, where it is loved as the national flower.

Its five petals represent the five Malaysian principles, and the red colour symbolising courage. They remind me of the billowing, twirling, flamenco dancer's skirt, with the red hot colour of passion to match.

Hibiscus grows widely in tropical and warm temperate countries all over the world. So different to the wild flowers I have growing around my home in Edinburgh, these are not only gorgeously beautiful but also edible. The flower is used as a garnish and ingredient in many Pacific Islanders' salads and cocktails.

I used to pick these as a child and suck the nectar out from where the flower meets the stem, honey sweet, in the same way I show folk to do with white deadnettle flowers in Scotland, although hibiscus nectar is sweeter.

If you find these growing plentifully near you, pick and collect them to dry or use fresh, foraging with consideration for the environment, aiming for less than 10% per plant to ensure plenty left for the plant to thrive and wildlife. To dry, hang them upside down in a dry shady place for a few days (depends on humidity) when crisp to touch, store in airtight container in cool, dark place.

It makes a lovely uplifting iced tea with honey when in hot countries or on a hot summer's day, with its tart taste and vibrant red colour. As a student, I used to work in a Sudanese cafe called The Nile Valley who serve hibiscus tea hot or cold, called Karkaday. It's a popular refreshment in North African countries.

As a healing herbal remedy, the leaf, flower and bud is used traditionally in many Asian, Ayurvedic and Chinese Traditional Medicine formulations. This flower is rich in Vitamin C with its well known benefits on boosting immunity, skin health and organ repair. 

Its astringent properties are helpful for women's health, excessive menstruation, some gynaecological issues and menopausal symptoms, such as sweats and flushing. 

Hibiscus has been shown to have high antioxidant value, benefits on reducing high cholesterol, supporting the liver and cardiovascular systems, and even anti-depressant properties in research studies. 

The leaves and flowers infused in oil, rich in hyaluronic and linoleic acids, are used as a nourishing hair and scalp tonic, particularly with coconut oil in Ayurvedic herbal practice.

When I make up herbal blends for my Herbal Medicine and AstroTarot clients, I consider not just the nutrient properties and therapeutic actions, but also the effect of the colour and taste on the mind and more subtle body. 

Red is indicated where a root chakra imbalance and related emotional issues are manifesting, such as lack of grounding or security, feeling unstable, lacking firm roots, a sense of fear and anxiety due to lack of safety.

Hibiscus flowers are offered regularly in the spiritual practices of India and Hindu communities, particularly sacred to Lord Ganesh, the elephant headed deity, remover of obstacles, as his favourite flower.

There are also surprising practical uses of Hibiscus. Nicknamed Shoe Flower, its petals have a moist texture that are used by some to shine their shoes.

To me, simply gazing at a hibiscus flower, or the instant exotic glamour of wearing one tucked behind the ear, is a magnificent to uplift the spirits. 

Do you have any hibiscus tips, stories or memories to share? I'd love to hear them in the comments below :)

Hibiscus blessings,

Fiona Morris 

Medical Herbalist, 

Massage Therapist 

& AstroTarot Reader

www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk

Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks 

Holistic Body Massage | Indian Head Massage | Tea & Tarot Readings

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Click here to receive your Nourish & Flourish Love Letters 

Welcome to share with anyone who might appreciate it!

New Moon Aquarius Herbal Tarot ~ Card no 3

New Moon in Aquarius Herbal Tarot Reading

You chose card no 3 ~ King of Cups

"Under the sea... Under the sea... everything's better, down where it's wetter, under the sea"

That little ditty from The Little Mermaid cartoon came to mind when I turned over this card and it brought a smile to my face, so I couldn't resist putting it here :)

The King of Cups rules the water element, representing the realm of emotions and feelings. He's pictured in this card upright and rising up out of billowing tangles of seaweed, with two trusty turtle companions by his side, and a seahorse reporting for duty. The King holds a majestic golden chalice, absolutely full to overflowing, naturally being held in the depths of the ocean. 

Kings represent mastery. This card depicts a master of emotions. He is skilled in the art of love and relationships, having experienced the many ups and downs through his life journey and application to growth in this area. He demonstrates an emotional and intuitive maturity rarely seen in others.

It's particularly interesting to observe a mature male figure to symbolise developed emotional awareness, as the realm of emotions is more commonly linked to the feminine. Here, the focus is on a more masculine presentation of handling emotions, such as having kind and loving boundaries in your relationship with yourself and others, giving and receiving in equal measure to honour, respect your time and energy.

This card may also appear to encourage us to seek out role models with these sorts of qualities, male or female, as guides or inspirational leaders on your own path to emotional mastery. If anyone of this description comes to mind, perhaps seek them or their work out for advice, guidance or mentoring. 

If you yourself, identify with this character, you may consider reaching out to others to share valuable lessons learned in how to relate better to others. What you have to offer is worthy and important to those on a similar path just now.

A Natural Remedy Tip

to Strengthen and Bring Balance

The first herb that came to mind was of course a seaweed. In particular, Kelp that is widely used as a natural health supplement and edible, rich in nutritious minerals promoting healthy organs and tissue repair. Kelp is rich in iodine which is nourishing to the thyroid, a gland that helps our body maintain healthy energy and metabolism. 

If our energy levels are out of balance and pushed to extremes, it may be beneficial to take Kelp and other seaweeds as a supplement or in food to ensure and adequate mineral and nutritional intake to nourish the excess demands on our body.

This is important alongside addressing and rebalancing the relevant areas in our life to deeply honour our time and energy with self and others in a balanced way. 

We may need to grow emotionally and be kind, but firm with ourselves to do so. If we can take this level of self care to heart, the rewards for self and everyone around you will be great and nourishing on every level for body, mind and soul.

********

I hope you have enjoyed your reading and you find it supportive to you moving forward into the cycle ahead. I'd love to hear how this resonates with you and welcome you to leave a comment below or on my Nourish and Flourish FB page.

If you have friends you think might appreciate it, please do share :)

For occasional updates of upcoming new moon readings, soulful self care tips, herbal wellness blog adventures, holistic clinics and events, I invite you to click here to sign up for your free Nourish and Flourish Love Letters delivered by email directly to your inbox. 

Healing blessings,

Fiona Morris - Herbalist & AstroTarot Reader

www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk

Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks
Holistic Body Massage | Indian Head Massage | Tea & Tarot Readings

Let's connect: Facebook l Twitter l Blog l Instagram l Pinterest
Click here to receive your Nourish & Flourish Love Letters

My Loyal Herbal Walk Companion

Some of you who have read my blog posts, attended my events or visited me for holistic healthcare will have heard me speak of my loyal herb walk companion, my dog Whisky. 

I am sad to announce that my dear faithful friend of the past 11 years passed away before I left for my travels after becoming ill following a diagnosis of mouth cancer, on the night following a fantastic workshop I led on Kitchen Remedy Making. 

What a challenging day of highs and lows...

Her death came at a difficult time, during a very busy month as I was preparing for a big trip to the Far East, but perhaps because of this, it was a real invitation for spiritual growth.

Her actual passing was so beautiful. I am grateful I was able to be with her when she left, at home, peaceful and surrounded by candle lights. Her funeral on the beach was infused with sweet smelling herbs. 

Her last months were a journey for me in exploring holistic pet cancer care, truly experiencing unconditional love, letting go, and a real opportunity to empathise with all those living with cancer and their loved ones.

My dissertation for my BSc (hons) degree in Herbal Medicine was in Herbal Management for Grief in Life-Threatening Illness. So I felt incredibly fortunate to be so well supported by the feedback on supportive methods I received on this from herbalists that I had surveyed throughout the UK.

Although this was a difficult time for me, it was a real gift in helping me realise my ability to push through my supposed limits.

Good bye dear Whisky! Fare well on the next phase of your soul travels. Your love, loyalty and spirit remains forever in my heart...

This post is dedicated to all experiencing the suffering of illness & loss, past, present and future with love and healing. 

P.S. If you wish, you are welcome to view some of the photos on Facebook of my amazing adventures with Whisky and her beautiful herbal funeral.

How to Create a Heart and Money Mindset

 

Do you run or are you thinking of running your own business? 

Do you have the emotions and mindset to attract success?

Come to this fundraising webinar on How To Create a Heart and Money Mindset with Alisoun Mackenzie on Monday 12th August, 7-8pm BST.

My friend Alisoun is the creator of The Heart Centered Network and is off to Rwanda in six weeks time. She would love to raise enough cash to send one of the kids she works with to university for 4 years (approx cost of $2,000).

Alisoun's running this fundraising event next month and I wonder if you'd be kind enough to share it with your friends, in your groups, through your facebook pages, or to your list, to bring benefit to as many people as possible.

The event is being recorded so people can listen to it at any time - so for only £10 people will get a recording that could significantly change their financial future and that of a young genocide survivor.

Here's the link to the event: http://heartmoney.eventbrite.co.uk/

Or if you know anyone who'd like to donate, here is the link to Alisoun Mackenzie's fundraising page for Create Global Healing / Project LIGHT - http://bit.ly/gKcGpS

Create Global Healing / Project LIGHT is a charity helping young orphan genocide survivors from Rwanda cope with the trauma of genocide, teaching business and leadership skills to build sustainable businesses and create better futures for themselves.

Alisoun is also my own fantastic business mentor. So I can personally highly recommend her heart felt and practical trainings first hand!

Amazing value and life changing content for just £10 that also benefits others. Win win! 

I will be attending and would love to share experiences and insights afterwards with you :)

Thank you!

Wishing you love and prosperity,

P.S. You can find out more about Alisoun's work on her website: http://alisoun.com/

And, here's that link again to share with your friends and colleagues...

How to Create a Heart and Money Mindset - http://heartmoney.eventbrite.co.uk/

Feel free to cut and paste any of the text above to help get the word out. 

image courtesy of http://alisoun.com

Fiona Morris helps heart-centred creative professionals and health practitioners explore new dimensions in holistic healing, who are ready for expert support in building a firm foundation of self care and healing methods for flourishing health and wellness. 

Fiona is a Medical Herbalist promoting optimal well being through holistic health and herbal workshops and courses, wild remedy walks, wellness consultations and programmes. For more info and free report on Fiona's Top 10 Tips to Nourish and Flourish visit: http://www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk