Heart Blossom

One can never smell enough roses,  and as we are coming upon Valentine's day, I am thinking again about their exquisite beauty and fragrance. I have been collecting rose oils from different parts of the planet and discovering and exploring the richness and character of each type of oil. 

I believe that when we have these oils in our possession that we should honor them by storing them properly and administering them with tenderness and care. 

I continue to use rose oil in my practice when my patients present with anxiety, sadness or any kind of emotional upset. I always observe a shift in their energy when I apply the oil directly to the Heart channel, Lung 9, the Pericardium or Ren channel. One of my favorites points to apply rose oil is on the chest, it is Ren 17, this point is a known as the 'Upper Sea of Qi' or 'Center of the Chest'. This point is also the front Mu point for the Pericardium, which is the protector of the Heart. The concept of placing rose oil on a point that relates to the protector of the Heart feels significant. 

 This week I have been researching the incredible and lengthy process that goes into the manufacturing these oils and absolutes. When one realizes how much time, organic matter and labour is involved in making essential oils, they feel all the more precious.

I have also been reading about how the Yin and Yang nature of the the spirit of the Heart are symbolized in the flowers and thorns of the rose. According to Dennis Willmont  "These two aspects regulate the balance between conditional and unconditional love and make the rose a universal balm to the soul." He also writes that "Rose leads us towards the mysteries of creation and inspires us to find the divine in mortal life."

I have observed that when I use rose oil on myself on a regular basis I feel a subtle shift within my chest and I notice a brief blossoming or opening deep within my own Heart. I am also reminded  of a need to be still, practice and cultivate gentleness with self.  The first solid perfume that I made and really love is called Heart Blossom, as I am revising the formula of this perfume, I am reminded again of the elegance of roses.

The pictures above were taken in the magical gardens in Aranjuez Spain. 

Orchid Magic

Mysteriously and magically the orchids continue to open and share their delicate nature. Just when it seems that they have given up on me, the gift of their delicate buds and flowers appear. 

While orchids are used in Chinese herbal medicine in traditional formulas, they can also be used in the form of vibrational remedies also known as flower essences. 

I have used the orchid  essences in my tinctures and I always feel as though very special energies are coming from these remedies. 

Orchids are symbolic of love, beauty, innocence and long term commitment. A gift of an orchid tells the recipient that you care deeply for this person. 

Each year I love to go to the International Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, N.Y. where thousands orchids of all colors, shapes and sizes grace the greenhouses. This year the show will open in March. For more information about the event,  here is the link to the Gardens.

www.nybg.org

Sweet winter orchids.

Blue Bird Medicine

The day that I left for Spain, a group of Eastern Blue Birds (scientific name Sialia sialis) magically appeared to drink water from the bird baths. I had never seen Blue Birds before so it was quite moving on many levels to see such gorgeous birds appear out of no where.
These beautiful birds have appeared several times in one month.

 Their feathers are a very deep blue, the color was almost electric in comparison to the grayness of the afternoon sky. I was stunned by their beauty.

I have since discovered that Blue Birds were on the verge of extinction in the 1960's. They are said to be making a come back in population. These gorgeous birds live on the edges of fields, pastures and grasslands. The eggs of Blue Birds are also blue!

During this third visit, the Blue Birds shared the bath with Purple Finches.

Blue Bird medicine is rich and colorful. I have learned that these birds are considered very sacred by several Native American tribes because they carry the same color in their wings as the color of the sky. I have learned that they are considered the guardians of all passages and transitions. They are also symbolic of fertility, love, beauty and happiness.

I considered the appearance of these magical and breathtaking birds to be a true blessing. 

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

My new year has begun with the fortuitous discovery of the magic of Instagram, I made this collage of recent pictures that I have taken with my iPhone. (For anyone who has an iPhone, this is a free application and fun way to share photographs.) You can find me at

followgram.me/prettymedicine

Eye Candy from the Costa del Sol, Spain

2011 came to an end with a beautiful trip to Malaga, the Botanical Gardens, and the towns of Frigiliana and Nerja, where the sun sparkles and the light is very beautiful. 

Nerja is one of the towns where my family is from is Spain, it was a treat to visit such a beautiful place where I shared a traditional paella and delicacies from the sea with a very special cousin. We sat under a pergola covered with grape leaves, on the beach, facing the water and soaking in the sun. 

The Botanical Gardens of Malaga is a sanctuary and oasis that was once a palace for royalty. It was originally created in 1855 by the Marquis of Casa Loring and his wife. In 1990 these gardens were taken over by the "Cuidad de Malaga".  There are currently 2,500 subtropical species! There were enormous Rosemary and Lavender bushes, streams, waterfalls and a portion of the Gardens where there are trees from all over the world. There is a lot of magic in these gardens.