That transition can be expected with June Gloom, but also a crucial time for inner transformation. We lose our appeal for roots and dense vegetables and notice a shift in flourishing harvests of vibrant berries, leafy greens and colorful plants. The trees sway with viridescent leaves, the bees flit from flower to flower and the frogs and cicadas play their joyful sounds. The earth is full of energy, but with this transition, we need to be aware of how to keep our bodies and minds healthy.
Mānuka for Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common ailments during spring. They are still especially prevalent as the seasons change and more plants begin to bloom. Seasonal allergies can cause nasal inflammation and lower your immune system, which makes it hard to defend yourself against pathogens. And, even if you don’t have allergies, big seasonal changes in barometric pressure, temperature and wind can irritate your airways and nasal passages. This is one of the reasons why we use Mānuka. When having symptoms, it can improve sore throats, help soothe coughs and help with acute sinus problems and allergies. We sometimes take a spoonful of raw Mānuka in the mornings when our hay fever begins to act up and gargle it with lightly warm salt water when our family has a sore throat.
Herbs
Even though we are transitioning to a new season, it is important to continue to cleanse your body from the residual stagnation of winter. This can be done by making infusions or incorporating spring herbs into your diet. Think about herbs like cleavers, chickweed, nettle, dandelion, yellow dock, milk thistle, and linden. These herbs support liver function, lymphatic health and gentle detoxification, as they bring forth vitamins and minerals to course through the body. You can add them to pestos, teas, salads, vegetable stir fries - get creative, it’s the time!
Slow Acclimation
It is important to not just burst into life with gusto, especially in your exercise routine. It is not good for your body to go from heart-opening yoga to sudden high intensity interval training. Follow the earth’s rhythms. As it blooms slowly to allow all life to transition with grace and patience, take this approach with your life and exercise routines. Start with going for long walks where you stay present and notice the blooming earth around you, do yoga where you focus on your breath, choose a gentle longboard break over a powerful short board set day. Give it some time and gradually start boosting your exercise routine. Try not to overexert right away or your body can burnout with adrenal fatigue.
