Feeling Blue? How to Feel Rosy Again with this Quick Herbal Pick-me-up...

Some days things just don't go my way...

I'm late for work. I can't find my keys and realise I don't have change for the bus... A misinterpreted comment snowballs into an awful argument that takes me by surprise...

After a challenging day at work, I come home to find an unexpected bill in my letter box... I need to pay it off urgently online but my computer is in the shop having crashed last week...

I decide I'll run myself a nice hot bath and soak away my worries with the scent of aromatic essential oils, ahhhh...

But I realise the gas heater timer was not reset and there's no hot water!!!

AAARRRGGHH!!!@*%!!!

In life, days like these are guaranteed.

So when your emotions are frayed, here's a heart warming herbal recipe to help put everything back in perspective...

Honey, Rose and Fresh Mint 'Hug in a Mug'

Ingredients:

Fresh or dried rose petals
Fresh mint
Honey
Hot water


Directions:

1. Select your most comforting tea cup or mug.

2. Add a teaspoon of rose petals and a large bruised sprig of fresh mint (take a deep inhale of each before adding to the cup).

3. Pour over hot freshly boiled water. Infuse for 5-10 mins to your personal strength preference.

4. Strain off herbs and stir in honey to taste, garnishing with an extra small sprig of mint.

5. Sit in a favourite spot with your feet up, put on some relaxing tunes, and enjoy the sweet heart-opening revitalising elixir.

As Mary Poppins says, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." In this case, a touch of honey and rose can help us swallow the bitter pills of life.

The lovely delicate feminine rose aroma reminds us to be kind to ourselves and others and has an uplifting effect. Mint's cooling taste takes some 'heat' out of the situation, with a therapeutic anti-spasmodic effect to help unwind those tense muscles. Honey binds the two with its sweetness. It feels like a real treat, enhancing the self-nurturing effect.

Here are a few more floral tips to get those rose-tinted glasses on again...

• Add 2-3 drops of rose essential oil per 5ml base oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond or grapeseed oil), mix well and store in a small bottle to carry around with you apply to pulse points and rub gently into the chest area when feeling low... Also useful to have on hand to share with friends who are needing support.

• Add distilled rose water to a small spray bottle and spritz into the air to instantly lighten the environment. This is also lovely on hot skin in the summertime and to diffuse an angry atmosphere.

• Rose petals sprinkled into your bath (once the hot water has warmed up!) gives a touch of luxury and helps you feel nurtured and loved.

If rose is not to your taste, do not despair. Try these delightful alternatives... Chamomile, Orange Blossom (Neroli), and Lavender.

Hope you feel inspired by these rose remedies. Give them a go... I'd love to hear your floral experiences, or do get in touch to share your own rose based and uplifting recipes.

Wishing you flourishing wellness and rose petals,

Fiona

Fiona Morris is an Edinburgh-based Medical Herbalist promoting optimal well being and vitality at her holistic herbal health care courses, workshops, wild remedy walks and herbal wellness consultations. For more info about her practice and natural health events visit: http://www.fionamorrisherbalist.co.uk.

Elderberry Immunity Boosting

Image courtesy of Forest Wander

As well as the glorious reddish golden leaves on the trees, Autumn can also bring sniffles, coughs and colds, so now is a good time to strengthen our immune systems.

The Elder tree’s gifts are of great value at this time of year. Elderberry Syrup is a traditional preventative and support for colds and flu with its antiviral properties. It’s delicious drizzled onto a warm bowl of porridge for breakfast or simply taken off the spoon.

Image courtesy of John Seb Barber

For a warming cuppa that packs an immune punch, 
try an exquisite Elderberry Herbal Chai.

Ingredients:
3 cups of water
1 or 2 star anise 
3 or 4 cloves 
3 or 4 cardamom pods 
few slices of fresh ginger 
2-3 slices of fresh lemon
stick of cinnamon
elderberry syrup

Bring three cups of water to a boil, then add fresh & dried herbs. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain off liquid into cups, stir in a teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup into each one, and share with loved ones. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of Liam Moloney

If you do end up catching a cold or flu, you can boost your immunity by taking the syrup 3 times daily and also try the classic dried herb blend of Elderflower, Peppermint and Yarrow to help cool the body and ease congestion. 

Image courtesy of Jan Kaláb

Infuse a teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of boiled water for 5-10min. Strain and drink 3-4 cups daily, adding honey and lemon to taste if desired (not suitable for use during pregnancy).


To your flourishing health & wellness,

Fiona

P.S. For more seasonal tips and remedies, you are warmly invited to my Edinburgh based Autumn Immune Boosting Herbal Workshops, or consider coming in for a holistic health check up and personalised herbal prescription at one of my herbal clinics.