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Interview With an Herb: Cang Er Zi

Posted by Kat Powers on

Interview With an Herb: Cang Er Zi

Why We Use It Also known as Xanthium sibiricum or cocklebur fruit, this herb is one of the main ingredients in Bi Yan Pian.  It releases the exterior, and is great for clearing deep sinus congestion.  It also helps with nasal congestion and related headaches.   Chinese Energetics  This herb is sweet, bitter, acrid, warm, and toxic.  (Toxicity is removed with cooking in water.)  It expels exterior wind, cold, and damp.   Precautions Cang Er Zi should not be consumed raw, or used long-term, but is safe after being boiled in water, which is the typical cooking method for most Chinese herbs.  Please...

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Tips to Reduce Boarding Stress

Posted by Kat Powers on

Tips to Reduce Boarding Stress

It happens sometimes that our pets can't come with us, and a sitter isn't always the right match.  We laid out a few tips to reduce stress on you and your pets when you can't be together. Familiarity If you need to let your pet stay with friends, family, or professionals you can always leave an item with them that smells like you.  Your pet's favorite bed or blanket is also a great option.  Try to keep them in their normal diet and walk/play schedule as well.   Homeopathics We've mentioned Rescue Remedy in our blog before, and it's such a...

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Improve Your Focus

Posted by Kat Powers on

Improve Your Focus

Feng Shui This ancient concept encourages the treatment of space in such a way as to encourage the healthy movement of qi, and to welcome flow and balance into your life by starting with your space. (More here) If you're more of a low-key decorator, try making different sections in your home, and designate a certain activity, energetic state, or time of day for that area.  Then migrate as you move between work, entertainment, and meals.   Your surroundings can be a contributing factor to your ability to focus.  Routinely being in a space designated for productive time can help us gather our thoughts. ...

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Why a Healthy Lifestyle Includes Routine

Posted by Kat Powers on

Why a Healthy Lifestyle Includes Routine

In our last blog we explored some tips and tricks for setting up a new routine.  Here's a look at why it benefits the body to have a routine, from a Chinese Medicine perspective.   Western Theory Regular timing is important on a physiological level.  When we travel, or change our regular schedule drastically, we usually feel a bit off.  In a western sense this refers to circadian rhythms, or biological clocks.  This refers to a complex system of genes, proteins, and nerve cells that helps living organisms regulate their sleep and wake cycles, body temperature, eating habits, and hormone...

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Building a Healthy New Routine

Posted by Kat Powers on

Building a Healthy New Routine

This Time of Year This is the time of year where many families are adjusting or attempting to adjust to new schedules.  This often happens with kids going back to school, but can also affect many industries and the people working in them.  Even with pandemic regulations keeping many still at home, schedules are ever important.  In fact, working from home can necessitate very clear boundaries and finessed time management.   So is it a good time to try a healthy new habit?  If you're already adjusting, why not throw in something for yourself? Myth vs Fact Many self-help authors claim that...

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