Wildfire Healing: At-Home Trauma Care for my West Coast people
The year has brought nothing short of a greatly deep need for healing, patience and trauma repair. Between quarantine, uprising and the wildfires along the west coast, we have a lot of work to do. My heart is heavy for the people and animals that have been so heavily effected. Although in here in the Minnesota midwest, my mind is across the country.
I’ve had friends and clients from California to Washington state reach out with curiosities on what can be done to repair and find grounding by way of healing options. Establishing healing practices and routines provides a scaffolding to hold us while we navigate the times. I’ve put together a little guide below to assist, I do hope that these ideas are helpful for anyone experiencing the imbalances of 2020… which, you know, is everyone.
The Main Idea:
1) Grounding + Routine = full wellbeing support to provide a container for the plant and elemental energies you’re working to balance.
2) Nutrients + Body Care = Elemental balance for a calming and soothing effect
Here are some options for support, as always, take what your intuition highlights and leave the rest for another time (or not at all), it’s your experience… tap on in.
Foods for Anti-Inflammation + Recipe Ideas
An increase in the fire element - in both our external and internal environments - causes inflammation in the body which can lead to discomfort among other health related issues. These foods may assist in decreasing inflammation and bring the body into greater balance.
Water (drink about as much as possible at room temp)
Chamomile or green tea
Salmon (also has omegas to assist with hydration and brain function, avoid smoked salmon or lox)
Turmeric (I’d suggest a seasonal Ayurvedic kitchari)
Cruciferous veggies (like cauliflower and broccoli)
Leafy greens (steamed kale and slow-cooked collard greens are a lovely option)
Lentils (a healing broth soup is where I’d take this one, toss in the veggies)
Ginger (another one for the Kitchari)
Garlic (soups, sautéed veggies and the Kitchari… garlic is an easy add-on to almost any savory dish)
Apples (tis the season)
Blueberries (high anti-oxidants)
Walnuts (crush and top over a baked apple + blueberry smash with a little maple syrup or agave depending on your location to align with the seasons)
Fennel seed (toss into that Kitchari or make the amazing savory tea, CCF of Cumin, Coriander and Fennel, at any time)
More water…
Deeper into the Herbals + Usage
Peppermint (heat water and place into a bowl with a few drops of peppermint essential oil, place a towel over the head and breath in the cooling remedy)
Tulsi / Holy Basil (either as a tea or place 5-7 drops into 4 oz. of sunflower or coconut oil and self-massage into the entire body slowly. For a deeper practice, this article has details that will guide you into body bliss)
Lung Support Herbs (fennel seed, ginger, marshmallow root, mullein, plantain, peppermint)
Tonic Herbs
Reishi (healing mushroom for stress relief, mental clarity and immune support)
Astragalus (a healing root for energy levels, immune support and whole-body function)
Pearl Powder (soft and gentle support for nervous system, beauty potion and spirit)
Lion’s Mane (healing mushroom for brain and nervous system support to improve memory, concentration and balance mood)
For these tonics, I prefer to use ground versions and make into tea tonics with hot water. Allow the water to cool slightly to not burn the plant materials. Stir powders/tonics with a small amount of water to make a paste consistency and then add the rest of the water to enjoy.
Body Care + Routine
Find times throughout the day to plan to incorporate these foods, herbs and body care with water and oil. The idea here is to cleanse and then nourish. Clearing and then replenishing provides the body with greater IMMUNITY.
Get in the water as much as possible (shower, bath soak with epsom salt for magnesium/relaxation boost or even just a foot bath)
Self-Oiling (although list above under Tulsi there is a recipe for an herbal body oil, you truly can use any calming essential oil or just plain oil for this luxurious and much needed self-care time)
Meditation (even if for just one moment, close your eyes and breath. Feel your body. Feel where the air meets you physical being. Allow the earth to hold you below and the power of the stars to hold you with deep wisdom from above)
Breath (slow and equal inhales to exhales. Over the steam with herbals, in your car.. anywhere and anytime. We don’t need the perfect set-up to find a moment of wellbeing)
As we continue to connect and guide each other through, these are just some ideas to hold us. Allow the season and your geographic location to also serve as guides, aligning with nature will be paramount to feeling more yourself and lowering effects of stresses or anxiety about what is or what the future holds. Autumn is the perfect time to draw these practices in as we move even deeper into our cozy clothes and need for nourishment.
You are loved.
If you’d like to do a private 1:1 session to pair down what rituals, herbs or foods may be best for you. Please reach out - we can work virtually. Stay strong and enjoy these practices, especially the meals, herbs and tonics… my personal favorite for Autumn.
Xx
Rachel Lyn
Important note: Of course, if anyone is experiencing extreme discomfort, please seek out a medical professional for a deeper look.