FEBRUARY FULL MOON DRUMMING CIRCLE

SECOND MOON CYCLE OF TRUTH  “REST AND CLEANSING MOON”

In this Moon Cycle teaching we learn that we develop our self esteem when we Honor our own Truths.  This is the Medicine of being totally present.  Each person’s dreams or visions help aid the Whole Planetary Family; as each person reflects an individual view of the Web of Life as it is dreamed each life form in creation is a part of the Whole, but individually each one sees from their sacred point of view. 

FULL MOON FIRESIDE DRUMMING CIRCLE ON THE MEDICINE WHEEL

FEBRUARY 7TH AT THE WITCHES’ BREW 7:00-8:00pm

JOIN US AS WE CREATE A VORTEX OF CHANGE WITHIN OUR SELVES AND MOTHER EARTH

TOGETHER CO-CREATING THE NEW EARTH WHERE WE LIVE IN PEACE

HARMONY, UNITY, COMPASSION AND LOVE FOR ALL BEINGS

Rev. Whitefawn Star fac.    *Gratitude offering welcomed.

YOGI TEA

Yogi Tea

These days I regularly have a pot of Yogi Tea boiling on the stove to be stored and taken out when needed. While this herbal formula is called a “tea”, it is more properly considered a decoction. The herbs are boiled up to three hours and the liquid is then strained and the herbs thrown away.

Yogi Tea is a famous recipe that was introduced to this country by Yogi Bhajan. Apparently in Northern India, it is a widespread remedy given especially to children in the flu season. It is often served in yoga studios to replenish the body and maintain its metabolic heat after a vigorous workout. This prevents the body from cooling down too fast which can lead to toxic states of indigestion (Sans. ama, Tib. ma zhu ba) which would be stored in the body’s tissues.

The first two of these herbs, Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum: bitter/hot; warming) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum: hot, warming) are materia medica from the division of so called “essence medicines” (rtsi sman), medicines so named, according to Tenzin Phuntsok (the famed author of the definitive 18th century Tibetan pharmacopeia, Dri Med Shel Phreng or Mālā of Stainless Crystal) because they “...destroy illness and restore the physical constituents.”

The twenty-fourth chapter of the explanatory tantra states:

Cardamom removes all cold kidney diseases.

In the winter season, the heat of the kidneys is especially vulnerable to the cold. Since the kidneys are an important site of water and kapha (Tib. bad kan) in the body, adding cardamom to one’s diet protects the heat of the kidneys and supports their function of eliminating wastes from the body. It also supports the metabolic heat of the stomach, aiding digestion overall.

The next on the list is cloves, about which it is said:

Clove removes diseases of the aorta and cold wind.

The action of clove focuses specifically on the arterial system of the body, especially the aorta. Its warming action balances the prāṇavāyu (srog ‘dzin rlung) which rests in the aorta and serves to calm and balance one’s vāta throughout the whole body after heavy effort. It also acts to support the function of the metabolic heat of the stomach. Further, clove balances the action of the udāna vāyu (gyen rgyu rlung), the upward-moving wind, thus aiding in relieving congestion of the lungs in colds and old flus.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum: sweet/hot; warming), the stuff we find in stores, which is not true Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), but rather Cassia, is up next. It is listed as a tree medicine, about which it is said:

Cassia removes cold in the stomach and the liver.

The main function of Cassia is to support digestion and stimulate the appetite (which it does through its enticing aroma). Not only does it have this function but Cassia supports the digestive heat in the liver, aiding the transformation of rasa (dwangs ma), the nutritional extract of food, into blood. It also controls vāta, which is the most important of the three humors to be on guard against, especially in cold seasons. Together with the clove, it controls vāta that can be a problem in the late fall and winter season when the cold temperatures outside aggravate the cold, rough and hard qualities of vāta and the reduced hours of sunlight often lead people to experience symptoms of cabin fever or SAD. Its expectorating functions are also excellent in combination with clove.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale:Hot; warming) is used in nearly every culture, about which it is said:

Ginger removes phlegm combined with wind, and breaks up and dissolves [unhealthy] blood.

When I make this tea, I use the fresh form of ginger, which is cooling rather than warming, according to the principle found in Indo-Tibetan medicine that in medicines, substance takes precedence over taste. In its fresh form, ginger is used as a kind of inner lubricant, aiding the overall digestion but acting as a balance against the heat of the other four herbs. It helps cleanse the channels from the small intestine to the liver that take up the rasa, and generally speaking, aids the other herbs in their metabolism-enhancing function. However, in the commercial form of Yogi Tea, the ginger present in it is dried and so adds more heat to the formula. From my point of view, this makes it more imperative to add milk or something else to balance the heat of the whole decoction.

The final herb in the list is Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum: hot; warming and hot), about which it is said:

Black pepper removes cold phlegm.

Black pepper, which is a fruit from a shrub (ldum bu), stimulates the appetite and improves one’s metabolic heat. But Acharya Vagbhata states that black pepper increases bile and is sharp, and if overused continuously can cause vāta imbalance because of its rough nature. In this formula however, the addition of clove and cinnamon balance the roughness of black pepper, along with the raw milk (if it can be gotten) and one’s sweetener of choice. Pepper prevents the accumulation of kapha, especially in the winter season.

Boiled raw cow’s milk is sweet, light and warming, reduces frequent urination, sharpens the mind, increases ojas [mdangs], removes bile and enhances potency. It cures persistent flus and colds. Raw milk is also excellent for those with so-called lactose intolerance, and seems to reduce allergies in those people who switch to its use. Otherwise, one can use Soymilk, Almond milk and so on.

Black Tea is added in a very small portion. The effect of adding tea balances the decoction with its cooling bitterness. It also offsets and balances the richness and sweetness of the milk.

Sweeteners: Maple syrup for those with excess vāta. Rock candy or sugar for those with excess pitta. Honey for those with excess kapha. If these “spoonfuls of sugar” are used, one can increase the beneficial effect of this decoction.

The recipe is as follows:

Eight cups of water
20 whole cloves
20 green cardamom pods, crushed
20 pepper corns,
eight slices of ginger
three or four sticks of Cinnamon
Milk and sweeteners to taste

Boil the cloves until one can smell their fragrance (about a minute). Add the other four ingredients, boil for half an hour. Simmer on low for another two or three hours. Strain, add milk and sweetener, store the rest for later.

The nice thing about this recipe is that it combines diet and behavior (in other words, get out there and do some yoga) and medicine in one preparation.

So cook up a pot of Yogi Tea on your stove and enjoy -- I guarantee that you will like it more than the poor substitute you will find in a teabag.

Yogi Tea Update

Hi Folks:

Just a quick update: I happened to come across a local source of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), also known as Ceylonese Cinnamon, and used to this to make Yogi Tea instead of cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum).

A qualitative difference exists between these two kinds of Cinnamon. Tea made from the latter is more warming, as well as possessing an oilier, more pungent and more aromatic quality -- its aroma fills the whole room. Tea made with the former is more delicate, lighter, not as warming, not as aromatic and less pungent.

While either can be used, I find that I tend to favor cassia as an ingredient for this tea over true cinnamon because of cassia's more robust flavor and aroma.

An advantage of true cinnamon however is that it is soft and crumbly, and has an undeniably more delicate and sweeter flavor, so perhaps I will reserve my small supply of true cinnamon for my various culinary adventures, and keep the cassia for the tea.

2012 YEAR OF THE DRAGON

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012

YEAR OF THE BLACK WATER DRAGON

Dragons are the embodiment of primordial power - the ultimate ruler of all  elements. The Dragon is the master of: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. As a totem, the Dragon serves as a powerful guardian and guide. Dragons are also messengers of balance, and magic - encouraging us to tap into our psychic nature and see the world through the eyes of mystery and wonder. A Dragon can be a powerful ally in our daily effort to live our lives.

The early Chinese believed in four magical, spiritual, and benevolent animals; the Dragon, the Tortoise, the Unicorn and the Phoenix. The Dragon was the most revered of all. In its claws, it holds an enormous magical pearl-like egg, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches. The ancients believed the "egg" symbolized the most precious treasure, which was Wisdom. Dragon eggs are said to share their magical energies with their owners. Invariably accompanied by thunder and rain, dragons move like lightning and whirlwinds - - all powerful yet totally unpredictable.

Dragon medicine includes change and transformation, wisdom, infinity, longevity and movement through space.  Dragon's power is that of shedding its skin and coming out as a new, transformed being. The dragon provides us with fierce protection and possesses inherent magic, adding extra power to any thought we may have. Dragon represents the supernatural and infinite self. Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all that hold his egg. Dragon brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. The Dragon is the ultimate representation of the forces of Mother Nature, the greatest divine force on Earth. From the very start, Dragons were seen as guarding treasures, holding back the floods, and dispensing knowledge. Originally, it was believed that the dragons were the ones who talked directly to the Gods.

Dragon is full of life and bravery. Extremely independent and freedom-loving, Dragon needs an environment that allows personal creativity. Dragon are dreamers, love adventure, and believe that they are destined to achieve great success. Dragon wants to make a huge impact on the world. If Dragon takes action to realize dreams, there is no limit to the heights that can be achieved. .In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and  power. Today, it  is the ultimate fortunate symbol signifying success and happiness.   May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone.

TIBETAN DOCTOR VISITS DUNEDIN AND DRUMMING CIRCLE

 

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Phunstog for a medical consultation and she blessed me with her presence at our Drumming Circle.  Now is the time for powerful women to come together and share the ancient knowledge.  We are all learning the truth, that we are all ONE Family...Dr. Phunstog will be returning to Dunedin in 3-4 months if anyone is interested in a consultation.

Dr.  Phunstog Wangmo

shang shung institute of tibetan medicine

18 schoolhouse road 

conway mass 01341

413 834 0750

FULL MOON DRUMMING CIRCLE - FIRST MOON CYCLE OF TRUTH

JANUARY 9, 2012 7:00-8:00PM

THE WITCHE'S BREW
1219 FLORIDA AVE., PALM HARBOR, FL

PLEASE JOIN US IN A FIRESIDE DRUMMING CIRCLE
FOR THE FIRST FULL MOON OF THE NEW YEAR

*FIRST MOON CYCLE OF TRANSFORMATION

*DRUMMING TO RAISE THE VIBRATION OF OURSELVES AND MOTHER EARTH

USING DRUMS, TIBETAN AND CRYSTAL BOWLS, RATTLES, TAMBORINES, FLUTES, ETC.
All instruments welcome

Please bring a friend and renew your relationship with Mother earth and all our relations....

GRATITUDE OFFERING IS APPRECIATED

Rev. Whitefawn Star facilitating

TIBETAN DOCTOR COMING TO DUNEDIN JAN 4 - 10

Tibetan Doctor Coming to Dunedin!
Mixed Baby Greens

Exciting news! The first week of January the co-op is sponsoring a Tibetan Doctor in Dunedin. This is very exciting. If the trip goes well, she plans to return every 3 or 4 months to build a clientele base here. That is great news for us, as Tibetan Medicine is based on healing with food and herbs first! We are blessed to have the opportunity to bring her here.



She will be offering both a Public Talk and Private Consultations.



Learn more about Tibetan Medicine and How it Can Help You...



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Book Your Appointment Now...
Consultations will be booked for Jan. 4-10th, 2012, please call 239-0420 or email tibetandr@gmail.com

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Tibetan Medicine Talk: Healing Your Body With Food

Ancient Healing Secrets from a Tibetan Medical Doctor

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Public Talk at Lifework Yoga, 1223 Cleveland St, Clearwater FL

(next door to Nature's Food Patch)
$10 suggested donation



Talk will include introduction to Tibetan Medicine and how your health starts in Digestion. Learn how digestion affects the health of your whole body, proper foods to eat, seasonal diet and how Tibetan Medicine can help you establish a healthy you!



ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Menpa (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine in Tibet. Dr. Wangmo currently resides at the Shang Shung Institute of America, in Conway, MA where she is the director of the Institute's Traditional Tibetan Medicine Program.





Food is our medicine. GROW it, SHARE it and LOVE it...it will heal you. Visit www.DunedinHarvest.com for more information.

Peace & Love,

Bree Cheatham
Dunedin Harvest Food & Garden Co-op
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