http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/light_from_willow/ en willow@spawillamina.com Copyright 2011 2011-12-08T21:49:06+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/to_good_health_veggie_soup/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/to_good_health_veggie_soup/#When:21:49:06Z I’ll be sharing this one at the Shining Star Waldorf School Community Event this Saturday, December 10th. It’s going to be a fun event, with activities for the whole family! This delicious soup is packed full of body-loving veggies, and all of the wonderful nutrients they bring with them! It is rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and wonderful immune boosters. Ingredients: 1 yellow or red onion 2 large leeks 10 cloves of garlic 1 bunch of asparagus 1 bunch of spinach 1 bunch of kale 1 large bunch of broccoli ½ a head of red cabbage 10 pureed tomatoes ½ cup of olive oil 8 cups of kidney beans 2 pinches of lemon pepper 2 pinches of garlic salt 1 pinch of smoked paprika 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar Directions: Saute vegetables in olive oil, add kidney bean broth to cover veggies and spices, simmer for 4 to 6 hours. Enjoy and be healthy! Recipes 2011-12-08T21:49:06+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/basil_cooler/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/basil_cooler/#When:02:02:42Z Helps cleanse the gallbladder, stomach (digestion), spleen, and kidneys. 1 bunch Basil (leaves only, remove the stems) 4 tablespoons chopped fresh Ginger 2 tablespoons Honey 1/4 cup Lime Juice 1 quart Water Using a blender or food processor, puree Basil, Ginger, Honey, and Lime Juice.  Put mixture in cheese cloth, pour water a little at a time.  Squeeze cheese cloth and refrigerate.  Drink 8 ounces a day. 2011-12-02T02:02:42+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/rosehip_syrup/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/rosehip_syrup/#When:23:47:08Z ‘Tis the season to wild craft for rose-hips. Rosehip Syrup *Mince hips in a course mincer (food processor), pour immediately into boiling water *Bring to boil and place aside for 15 minutes *Pour into a thin dish towel or Muslin and allow to drip until the bulk of the liquid has come through *Return the residue to the saucepan, add one and a half pints (852ml) of boiling water, stir and allow to stand for 10 minutes. *Strain again *Put the mixed juice into a clean saucepan and boil down until the juice measures about one and a half pints (852ml), then add one and a quarter pounds (560gm) of sugar and boil for a further 5 minutes. *Add local organic honey for an even sweeter taste *Pour into hot sterile jars and seal 2011-10-21T23:47:08+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/immune_system_protection_recipes/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/immune_system_protection_recipes/#When:17:21:17Z You can never have too much knowledge or recipes when it comes to protecting and building your immune system. Here a few more that can help stave off cold and flu including a yummy tea and cider! IMMUNE SYSTEM RECIPES FOR HOME Hyssop Leaf:  Tea You can steep leaves in hot or room temperature water. Let steep for 20 minutes before drinking. It is an expectorant, promotes healing in throat and sinus areas. Relieves inflammation. Good for groups that are working on healing, opens heart chakra and solar plexus chakra. Great for opening up to loving communication/lifts judgment. Sock Therapy: Get ready to take a warm bath.  Epson salts are great for pulling out impurities. ½ cup will do. Soak for 20 minutes or more. Hop out of tub, dry off and then… Cotton Socks: Soak in cold water, ring out, place over feet Wool Socks: Place dry wool socks over wet, cold, cotton socks. Hop into bed. Sleep. Pulls out fever, hydrotherapy is wonderful for proper blood circulation and moving chi. Apple Cider Vinegar/Fire Cider: This remedy is one of my favorites. It is tried and true, it will kill what is ailing you. Put on salads, in drinking water or take a full shot glass of this stuff, you will swear my name and then call me and thank me.  2 Quart jar with Lid/Glass is best 20 cloves of garlic Peeled and chopped ginger root/ hand size Peeled and chopped horseradish root/12 inches Peeled and chopped burdock root/ 12 inches Fresh cayenne peppers/ 6-10 (dry is fine too) Apple cider vinegar/ 2 quarts Place all ingredients in jar then fill with apple cider vinegar, 2 inches above plant material.  Keep in cool, dry place for 4 weeks. Herbs for Well-being: Garlic: Expectorant for lung and sinus imbalance, (bronchitis) antiseptic, anti bacterial. Great for the immune system, fights free-radicals/anti-aging: Make a garlic tea:  4 cloves of Garlic, 1 Lemon (peel, cut into four parts) 4 cups of water. Add garlic and lemon to water, boil for 10 minutes. Drain and add honey for sweetness, honey is a great anti-septic too.  Drink and go to bed. Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, stomach tonic (soothing), cooling, great for morning sickness, menstrual cramps. Peel and chop fresh ginger, infuse in cool or hot drinking water. Burdock: Balances and purifies the blood.  Good for swelling, acne, urinary tract and bladder pain/flushes impurities. Cayenne Pepper: Good for the heart, great for circulation, balancing blood and lymph.  Moves chi, rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals, stimulates the regeneration process. Apple Cider Vinegar: High in Vitamin C. Good for weak bones, weight loss, sore throat, sinus problems, leg cramps, aids digestion, rids body of toxins, and slows aging process. Hyssop Tea: Promotes healing in lungs, nose and throat.  Relieves inflammation. Very healing plant, brings balance to second chakra (under belly button, reproductive, creating new ideas, life force) and third chakra, (solar plexus, gut, manifest ideas, gut feeling, dreaming for the future) Activated Charcoal: Absorbs and flushes. Attracts impurities, (organic materials) like stomach acid, stomach bugs. Great for someone who is experiencing diarrhea and throwing up. It attaches to impurities by chemical attraction. 2011-10-21T17:21:17+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/burnt_out_recharge_your_battery/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/burnt_out_recharge_your_battery/#When:18:53:11Z In today’s Oregonian, the You Docs (Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen) share that “nearly half of all employers in a disturbing new survey said their workers are emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. Being unemployed may be worse”. It also states that “thanks to the economy’s gyrations, burnout is spreading faster than disgust with Congress”. Try these personal battery-boosters: 1) Visit your happy place daily. Take a break every day with a 20-minute relaxation break. They’ll boost well-being and flood your brain with positive thoughts. 2) Give yourself a walk for an instant ahhhh. It’s not just that walking (biking, swimming, rocking a fast, fun exercise video) reduces stress and increases feel-good brain chemicals It also counteracts anxiety-fueled threats such as jumps in your blood pressure, blood sugar and LDL cholesterol. 3) Restore your sleep. Some sleep-friendly strategies: after lunch, sip herb tea, not caffeine. Relax with a good book and some deep breathing before bed, not a couple of beers and hours of TV - alcohol and electronic lights disrupt sleep. 4) Reconnect with what you love. Spend time with family, fun with friends, worship or whatever it is that brings you happiness. Using these various techniques can help to DE-stress your busy and hectic schedules. At Spa Willamina there are great specials on massages and facials which also help to recharge one’s personal battery. Massage helps with insomnia, boosts immunity, prevents PMS and helps fight depression. Below are some of Willow’s own ways to DE-stress giving you even more ideas to recharge. Ways to DE-Stress 1. Take 5.  In through the nose out through the mouth slowly.  Repeat 5 times. You will soon feel more at ease and refreshed too. 2. Turn your favorite music on and dance, dance, dance.  Exercise releases endorphins and increases circulation. Helps release toxins. 3. Pressure points on tips of ears when held for a few seconds will relax the senses.  These are acupressure points. 4. Walk around the block.  Exercise and fresh air can change any mood.  Changing your surroundings for a few minutes really makes a difference. 5. Stop and smell the roses .  Aromatherapy is very healing for the body.  6. Stay busy and get things done. Getting things done helps ease anxiety.  Staying busy keeps your mind on the task at hand rather than worrying about your stress. 7. Remind yourself about the wonderful things in your life.  Remember the positive things happening rather than focusing on the things that aren’t good 8. Be proactive.  Rather than wait for things to get better or done.  Get up and get going. Make steps to accomplish your goals and dreams 9. Have a plan.  Make a list and check it off.  Make a list of all the things that you want to achieve and one by one as you accomplish them reward yourself for completing your goals. Taking positive action and control of your life gives you the sense of well being. 10. Take a hot bath.  Put some essential oils in, turn off the lights, light a candle, take deep breaths, focus on the calm around you. 11. Laughter is one of the best medicines.  Releases tension, stimulates serotonin 2011-10-13T18:53:11+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/put_your_best_face_forward/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/put_your_best_face_forward/#When:17:15:37Z Using natural ingredients and botanicals on our skin is typically the best way to go. Below are some noteworthy tips that can help cleanse your face and skin of impurities as well as to repair it. Herbal Primer The following botanicals are the cornerstones of Ancient European Herbalism. These contain a class of compounds called monoterpenes, which impart powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties to the skin. Their therapeutic value has been passed down, and today researchers are still uncovering the secrets of these complex helpers. Good Balance 1) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Meaning “to wash” in Latin, lavender has traditionally been used as an antiseptic. It is also understood to be antimicrobial. 2) Rose (Rosa) There are hundreds of chemical compounds in rose that nourish mature skin and even out complexion in addition to its relaxing fragrance. 3) Nettle (Urtica dioica) Good for its internal and external health applications. The dark green leaves are chock-full of vitamins and minerals and can quiet inflamed skin. 4) Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor) Used to stop itchiness, it is also an ancient remedy for cradle cap (infantile dermatitis), popular anti-inflammatory. Herbal Healing 1) Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Repairs and calms skin, used on burns, bruises, and wounds as an antiseptic. 2) Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) The bark is useful in treating insect bites because its very high in tannins, which deactivate the proteins that cause stinging. Can be added to any lotion to turn it into a summer, cooling moisturizer. 3) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Often used as a styptic to stop minor bleeding and reduce swelling, yarrow helps close and heal wounds and contains azulene, a well-known anti-inflammatory. Stimulating Salves 1) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) A potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, eucalyptus essential oil is cooling to the skin, while its vapor works well as a decongestant. 2) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Enhances circulation, rosemary is often added to massage oils and healing ointments. Pacifies angry skin, and the scent, which is piney and uplifting is said to enhance memory. 3) Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Good source of menthol, peppermint is a counterirritant, meaning it diverts your nervous system’s attention away from painful areas. It stimulates cold-temperature sensor receptors in the skin. Soothe Sayers 1) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Contains compound apigenin, chamomile promotes anti-inflammatory responses. 2) Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) Healing, effective for treating eye conditions. Used to depuff the delicate skin around the eye. 3) Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil essential oil is antimicrobial and contains antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation Found in Whole Living Magazine 2011-10-13T17:15:37+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/halloween_treats/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/halloween_treats/#When:17:25:18Z Halloween is right around the corner. Here some fun recipes that even the kids will enjoy. Magic Zoom Balls Ingredients: 3 cups tahini, also called sesame seed butter (drain excess oil from top) 1 cup cashew butter 2 cups honey (sweeten to taste) 4-6 oz. guarana powder 2 oz kola nut powder 2 oz Rhodiola powder 1 oz Siberian Ginseng 1 oz Panax ginseng 2 Tb oz nutmeg and/or mace 2 Tb cardamom powder 2 vials royal jelly 2 vials ginseng 1/2 cup of Goji Berries 1 package bitter sweet chocolate chips 8 oz unsweetened shredded coconut 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds Unsweetened coco powder to thicken 2 lbs bitter sweet dark dipping chocolate Directions: 1) Mix tahini, nut butter and honey together until smooth 2) Mix herbal powders together and add to nut butter mix 3) Add toasted coconut, finely chopped nuts, and chocolate chips to mixture and mix in well. Usually will require mixing with your hands. 4) Add unsweetened coco powder to the mix to desired thickness 5) Roll into large balls and let cool in refrigerator for easier dipping. You can also spread them on a baking sheet, let them cool, and then cut into squares 6) Melt dipping chocolate in a double boiler, when chocolate is completely melted, dip balls one at a time in the chocolate. Use a fork to dip, tap fork against side of pan to get rid of excess and place on waxed paper to cool. Store in baking tins in a cool place, they will last several weeks if stored in an airtight container. Brain Balls: A variation on this formula is Brain Balls; substitute Guarana and Cola nut powder with powdered Gingko and Gota Kola. 2011-10-07T17:25:18+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/treat_yourself_right/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/treat_yourself_right/#When:17:08:10Z Rejoice! Its Friday! The work week is coming to an end and its time to do something for yourself. During the week our lives can be filled with chaos and stress. Under some circumstances stress can weaken our immune system making us more susceptible to cold and flu; and as Oregon is best known for drastic weather changes, this sudden temperature drop calls for a hot relaxing bath. Not only will you be soothing your soul but you’ll be protecting your immune system at the same time. Enjoy! Cold and Flu Herbal Bath: 1 cup of Milk ½ cup Epson Salts 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger 2 bags of chamomile tea Cinnamon: Helps fight infection, stimulates circulation, antiviral and antiseptic activities.  Promotes healthy circulation. Ginger: Promotes perspiration, helping gently detox the body.  Improve poor circulation.  Helps the body efficiently move out waste.  Chamomile Tea: Great for children.  It has been used treating children’s colic, nervous stress, infections and stomach disorders.  The chamomile flowers have a rich supply of essential oil which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.  It gives a calming effect, and can sooth sore and achy muscles. Milk: Hydrating, lactic acid/Milk, calming and soothing.    2011-10-07T17:08:10+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/stressed_out_try_this/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/stressed_out_try_this/#When:19:41:20Z Some of us are returning back to school and or starting new projects for Fall. Often times change and a new schedule can cause us a little unwanted stress which can manifest in our skin. Acne affects both men, women and adolescents from the ages of 18-58 years old. The irritation of acne can be painful and possibly even cause more stress. Here are a few natural ingredients to be aware of when using anti-acne products. They can help prevent and heal acne much faster than your typical face wash and or cleanser. Anti-Acne Botanical Sampler Why should Day Spa owners care about acne? Although it normally afflicts teenagers, affecting as many as 87% during the peak ages of 15 to 18, it also affects 54% of women aged 25 to 58 (your primary demographic). Unfortunately there is no magic wand to banish acne. Treatments can clear blemishes quickly but they often return just as fast. Below are a few natural ingredients that can help prevent and stop acne-prone skin. 1) Black Cohosh Extract Anti-inflammatory and combines well with other ingredients like zinc, which are found in many anti-acne lines 2) Cinnamon Extract Cinnamon oil performed well in a group of essential oils tested for antibacterial properties, research shows it kills P. acnes just as effectively as BPO (Benzoyl Peroxide), but has a much better residual effect on the skin, lasting from one to two hours 3) Iris Extract This botanical has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this combined with zinc offers a strong yet gentle acne product 4) Moss Powder Produced from tree moss, this new ingredient has a natural antibacterial effect, it shrinks, tightens and closes pores that have undergone deep cleansing 5) Tea Tree Oil A well-known antibacterial, tea tree oil has been shown to lessen inflammation with minimal side effects Found in DaySpa Magazine 2011-09-30T19:41:20+00:00 http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/one_last_summer_recipe/ http://spawillamina.com/index.php/spa/spablog/one_last_summer_recipe/#When:20:19:08Z Although it is officially Fall, this Summer skin care recipe can still be of some use with the fluctuating temperatures. It is a quick and easy Do It Yourself that helps to replenish the skin after the Summer sun has had its fun: DIY: Honeydew Skin Care The late-summer melon contains vitamin C, a vital antioxidant for skin-tissue repair. Honeydew is also known for its great aroma. Directions: Mix together the honeydew and mint, then slowly add the oats (minced in a food processor) until you reach a desired consistency. For your face, aim for a texture like wet sand, but a thicker scrub will work best for the body. Apply in gentle circles, rinse with warm water and dry. Ingredients: 1) ¼ Ripe Melon (seed and mash) 2) 3 chopped Mint leaves 3) 2 Tablespoons (or up to ½ cup) minced Oats Found in Whole Living Magazine 2011-09-29T20:19:08+00:00