Friday, January 20, 2023

Chaga Mushrooms - The fungus for Total body health


 Chaga, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, has been used by many for its incredible health benefits. The fungus grows on the bark of birch trees and is most sought-after because it has the highest source of antioxidants, therefore, being the best boot for an unstoppable immune system. Chaga can help reduce cytokines which are harmful and can cause inflammation. It can also expand blood vessels while lowering blood pressure, making Chaga great for heart health. 

Chaga supports insulin production in the pancreas, improves cell responsiveness to insulin, and has been known to boost cell-cell communication. This optimizes your immune and endocrine systems. This fungus can reduce oxidative stress so when combined with ashwagandha, you've got a great relaxing and healthy tea for winding down. 

The mushroom is also known for its richness in Betulinic Acid, giving it anti-cancer / anti-tumor properties. Chaga also improves intestinal health, fighting bacteria and viruses while supporting the digestive organs. 

Even with all this it still gets better.. 

Chaga has a large list of vitamins and minerals that are otherwise hard to get all in the same place naturally. 

* Copper   Selenium   Zinc   Manganese

Iron   Magnesium   Potassium   Calcium

Sodium   Chloride   Phosphorus   Amino Acids   Vitamin D2 

B-Complex Vitamins including Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin * 

Chaga mushroom is your all-arounder herb that has a benefit for every bodily system. Check your health food stores to see where you can source the best. Email The Herbal Doula for any questions you may have or for custom-made tea with Chaga in the blend. Discover how its benefits can work for you!

herbalistshenika.wgh@gmail.com

❤ ☺ ❤


Thursday, January 5, 2023

What to expect from your Prenatal Doula appointments.


👫 👪 👩 👫

Prenatal appointments are the moments when a connection is officially made between the mother and the doula.  Each person will ask questions to get a sense of who they are and to establish what the mother needs. There are usually 2 appointments that are 2 - 3 hours long. Some doulas like myself,  have brochures and guides with information that will be handy throughout the duration of pregnancy, leading up to birth. 


With my clients, I ask questions that allow me to peak into who they are for example, What a client desires for labor and birth, which family will be involved, if a caregiver has been chosen, and what fears they may have regarding pregnancy and birth. It's good to address the fears early on so that we can work through them before labor.

Understanding clients as much as possible is fundamental for doulas because it allows us to give the best support according to the mother's health needs and birth desires. It's important to know their expectations and goals. Whether you're a first-time mother or not, fears concerning pregnancy and birth stifle your ability to see the beauty and rawness of new life. Birth can be some of the best moments in your life if you work through those fears, plan, and prepare for the miracle of new life. 

❤ ❤ ❤

To connect with a doula email:

herbalistshenika.wgh@gmail.com

Insta: @herbaldoula



Thursday, December 22, 2022

Self-love & Discipline

Discipline births achievement.

 No matter how someone defines success, seldom is it ever accomplished without discipline. 

A variety of strong, positive, emotional, and mental states from the most sublime virtue or good habit. 

The deepest interpersonal affection to simple pleasures. 

Love is grand and overwhelming with goodness. 

 ☺ ? How are they relative ? ☺ 

The practice of doing what you don't want to do 

when you don't want to do it.

Pushing yourself further 

when no one else is going to do it for you,

when no one else is cheering you on,

and when you feel unmotivated 

Push yourself toward making your dreams a reality.

Skip the instant gratification, be patient with yourself, but most of all be kind to yourself. Do the work!

You will see just how much you love yourself

when you reflect on your self-discipline. 

❤❤❤


Thursday, December 15, 2022

Strength & Acceptance

 It takes a lot more strength than people realize to have acceptance. No matter the depth of your faith and the ability to manifest your desires, every situation will not be the way you planned prayed, or prepared for. 

Acceptance means you've stopped fighting to control aspects of life that are out of your hands. You accept by acknowledging the real reality.

Ex 1: "Damn it's raining outside, I hate the rain. I wish it wasn't raining, my day would be better if it was warm and the sun was shining. why can't it be sunny today? My day is ruined, how awful this morning has been. Every bad day I have started with the rain. It is the downfall of my life. 

Ex 2: " (Sigh) It's raining today. Well, I guess it's not so bad. Rain is part of life plus I'm sure the plants and trees need a drink. My day will be great because I want it to be and my day will only be ruined if I let it."

When you let go of the attachment connected to your preferred outcome you're able to properly handle the reality that's in front of you. Letting go of your preferred outcome does not mean you agree with, condone or even like what happened, it simply means you've decided to see the situation for what it really is. 



Acceptance is not a replacement for change, in fact, the best change happens when acceptance comes first. Without it, you focus on what should have, could have, or would have been, clouding your ability to make an appropriate decision. 


Acceptance is a choice that comes from deep within. When you accept, you make an active decision that requires inner commitment. It demands you make thoughtful choices that influence the reality that is, instead of the scenario you made up in your head. Beginning the intimate commitment to accepting yourself fully is a great way to deepen your friendship with yourself. 

In what ways do feel your inner strength? How do you deepen your relationship with yourself? Do you find it difficult to have self-acceptance?

❤☺❤ 






 

Herbs for Self-Care

 I start my day with tea. I find the warmth and fragrant aromas are a great addition to my morning routine. A cup of tea is also an easy way to boost your immune system, energize the cells, and awaken the bodily systems. Herbs such as rosemary, and chrysanthemum, and fungi such as Chaga mushroom are great additives to your morning, before or after coffee. Although, with how nourishing these herbs are you may feel like skipping the coffee 😏




Chaga Mushroom may lower blood pressure in addition to regulating the immune system, reduce inflammation, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is safe for pregnancy consumption during all stages. Chaga has an earthy taste and a dark brown color. Tea can be made from powder or dried Chaga chunks.
Be cautious of this fungi if you take diabetes medication, blood thinners, or experience kidney disease.
Diabetes Medicine: keep in mind that researchers have discovered that Chaga can lower blood pressure. Speak to your healthcare provider before tea consumption. 
Blood Thinners: Chaga tea may interact with blood thinners, talk to your healthcare provider before tea consumption.
Kidney disease: Chaga tea contains copious amounts of oxalate. Oxalates bind to calcium during digestion and get eliminated in the stool. Oxalates that do not bind to calcium pass through the kidneys, leaving through the urine. however, if there are excessive amounts of oxalate or not enough water in the urine the oxalates may form kidney stones. People experiencing kidney disease should speak to a healthcare provider before tea consumption.

Rosemary boosts the immune system and improves blood circulation. Unfortunately should not be used by pregnant women unless using to induce labor. 

Chrysanthemum is rich in potassium which may help to reduce the risk of serious health conditions. It's also a source of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. This flower is also caffeine free! However, this tea is known for its cooling effects, pregnant women should stick to 2 cups per day. 


Have you tried any of these herbs or fungi mentioned above? Did you feel its benefits? What was your experience with them like? 
leave your comments below!
☺❤☺



Thursday, December 8, 2022

What Is a Doula?

A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth. We aim to give our clients the healthiest and most satisfying experience. It is an honor to serve mothers. Thank you for allowing us to be present at the miracle of life!

May all expecting mothers have a safe and unforgettable experience. 
💜💜💜💜



Artist: Herbal Doula 
contact herbalistshenika.wgh@gmail.com for purchase.
 

Be Present With Yourself

 Journal Prompts  https://www.instagram.com/herbaldoula/