A Greek astronomer and mathematician named Hipparchus (ca. 190-ca.120 BCE) was attributed by various sources to have discovered the precession of the equinoxes, the slow movement among the stars of the two opposite places where the sun crosses the celestial equator. Hipparchus made observations of the equinox and solstice. The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. In modern times this word is used to refer not only to the positions on the ecliptic but also the times of the year when the sun has reached them. The September equinox has been used as a reference point in many calendars in the past, including the French Revolutionary Calendar. Although very little is known about the ancient Macedonian calendar, some believe that the first month began after the autumnal equinox.

Fall is on the horizon which means its harvest time. Along with the yummy apples, pumpkins, and figs; Fall can bring on a not so pleasant cold. Today is the first official day of fall and although the leaves aren’t changing quite yet, they will along with the weather. Remember to keep your immune system protected and drink lots of fluids with the changing weather. Here’s a delicious recipe for soup which can help keep your immune system strong and fend off infection:

To Good Health Veggie Soup

Directions:
Saute vegetables in olive oil, add kidney beans broth to cover veggies and spices, simmer for 4 to 6 hours.

Ingredients:
1) 1 Yellow or Red Onion
Antibacterial, anti-fungal, therapeutic, vitamin A and C, helps with high blood pressure, helps with diabetes, diuretic, can help prevent heart disease
2) 2 large Leeks
Anti-cancer fighting qualities, antimicrobial, antibacterial, good for colds, coughs, asthma, acne (sulfur compound), Suppresses the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. Good for proper blood flow
3) 10 Cloves of Garlic
Twice the fighting power as onions, anti-inflammatory, immune booster, antioxidant, fights free radicals
4) 1 bunch of Asparagus
High in vitamin K and Folate, full of folic acid, good for the heart, helps with menstrual cramps, detoxifying, can help treat depression, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antioxidant, helps fight chronic fatigue syndrome
5) 1 bunch of Spinach
High in vitamin K, Folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C and B2, potassium, antioxidant, helps the heart and digestion, anti-inflammatory
6) 1 bunch of Kale
High in vitamin K (fat-soluble, protein needed for coagulation) produced by bacteria in large intestines. Helps bind calcium for transport and absorption through the intestines, combats chronic fatigue, anti-fungal
7) 1 large bunch of Broccoli
High in vitamin C, aids in iron absorption, good source of folic acid, good for those with calcium deficiency, balance, lung, spleen, stomach and blood filters
8) ½ a head of Red Cabbage
Cabbage provides high levels of iron and sulfur, minerals that work in part as clean sugars for the digestive system, energy, and fuel. Red Cabbage is an antioxidant that helps protect brain cells, boosts metabolism, inhibits infection, boosts the immune system to produce more antibodies
9) 10 Pureed Tomatoes
High in vitamin C, produces lycopene, which guards against cervical cancer, protects the inner lining of the uterus and helps protect against lung cancer. Boosts levels of procollagen in the skin, potential reversal of the skins again process, said to neutralize free radicals
10) ½ cup of Olive Oil
Good fat, antioxidant, hydrating, soothing, anti-inflammatory
11) 8 cups of Kidney Beans
Fiber, cholesterol lowering fiber, prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, good for diabetes, insulin resistant, hypoglycemia, gives energy, produces Thiamin for good memory
12) 2 pinches of Lemon Pepper
Vitamin C, antioxidant, antibacterial
13) 2 pinches of Garlic Salt
Fights infection, can prevent common cold and flu, antioxidant, helps heart
14) 1 pinch of Smoke Paprika
High in vitamin C, purifies the blood, antioxidant, can speed up metabolism, helps aide congestion
15) 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
Antioxidant, vitamin C, gives a rosy complexion, helps with acne

Along with the changing seasons, Willow expanded her office into an even more roomy environment. Its another hard-working step taken to benefit her business. She is readily organizing her new space and finding her zen with a dash of incense and some greenery, she’s able to complete work in the comfort of her own home.

Your immune system should be at the top of your list of health priorities. Not only does it keep the sniffles away-it also is the best defense the body has against potentially deadly diseases, such as seasonal flu, and well-known killers, such as cancer. One’s daily routine including the foods consumed, exercise and sleep routines, have a significant effect on the immune function. Lifestyle choices are a major factor as well, environmental toxins, emotional stress, and the wear and tear of aging all conspire to weaken immunity.

How to Protect Your Immune System

The immune system never rests-24 hours a day, every day of your life, your immune system is searching for cells that may be infected or even show cancerous changes. To support and help it as best you can try to follow these lifestyle suggestions:
1) Choose immune-boosting foods
Fresh vegetables and fruits (antioxidants and nutrients), proteins and healthful fats (extra virgin olive oil), daily serving of yogurt (strengthens immune function), reduce intake of all types of sugars
2) Exercise
Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes most days of the week) increases immune function
3) Reduce stress
Exercise, meditation, deep relaxation exercises and massage as well as writing in a journal
4) Sleep more
A lack of sleep slows the body’s production of disease-fighting white blood cells and also impairs the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages. A restful sleep release powerful immune-enhancing compounds such as interferon
5) Treat infections promptly
Using immune-boosting herbs such as echinacea and garlic. If possible avoid using antibiotics because they ultimately weaken immune function, save using them for infections that cannot be treated with herbs
6) Avoid Toxins
Although toxins are everywhere in our environment, you can avoid some by choosing organically grown foods as well as meats and dairy products that are produced without antibiotics or other chemicals, avoid radiation

Immune-Boosting Herbs

1) American Ginseng
Helps prevent upper respiratory infections when taken for several months, can strengthen immunity
2) Andrographis
Reduces the duration and severity of cold symptoms, can help prevent upper respiratory infections, stimulates immune function and halts viral growth
3) Echinacea
Prevents and treats colds, flus and other infections, stimulates infection-fighting immune cells and increases the production of other immune compounds, such as interferon
4) Eleuthero
Improves immune function, take for at least 3 months to strengthen immune system
5) Elderberry
Can disarm viruses and prevent them from taking over healthy cells, protect against respiratory viral infections
6) Green Tea
Strengthens immunity, contains potent antioxidant compounds, stimulates the liver and helps to fight infection

Found in The Herb Companion Magazine

We are pleased to share that Spa Willamina made the cut.  We have been voted one of the best full service spas in Portland!  Thank you to all our amazing guests.  Here is the link to the Portland Mercury Readers Top 2011.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1tc32/PDXApproved2011Portl/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=

Well it is another Monday, another, “I don’t want to go to school”.  Why I can’t figure out, Isabel has so much fun at school.  It’s two days a week, the kids at school are much more interesting than boring mom.  Monday’s are always a little slower to get going.  I have spent some time doing some meditation this morning, I used a blend of: Peppermint E/O= mental clarity, releases tension, attracts prosperity, Ginger E/O= warming, uplifting, stimulates circulation; Cedarwood E/O=healing, grounding; Cinnamon E/O=stimulates the senses, spicy; Doug Fir E/O=calming anxiousness, breaks up stuck energy.  Using a few drops of each oil blending with a carrier oil of Sweet Almond, I use this oil to help me dig deeper inside myself to awaken my spirit and to help make me a better listener.  Light a few candles, quiet your mind, deep breaths, and then listen to what your mind, heart, body is trying to tell you.  This helps me tune in to what is going on around me, what I would like to change, what feels good and how can I be better.  This is how I feel today, so… I must be a good listener, give care and love to others and open my heart and mind to new and exciting possibilities.  Try it, you just might like it.  Peace and love, Willow Light

Today is Veteran’s day.  A day when we can say “Thank you” to all the wonderful people who have stood where we couldn’t to serve and protect.  That is pretty profound.  You don’t have to believe in war nor belong to a certain party, to know we have been watched, protected and at the heart of it cared for.  We can interpret this day anyway we want, but if for only one moment, even in front of the computer, say “Thank you”.  If only because it is a big deal.  I am way to afraid to ever go to war.  I wish with all my being there was a better way, do I know the answer to that “Way”  Heck no, I am trying to run, protect and love my micro family, let alone try to do that for billions of people.  I say, whichever way the wind blows for you, know that whether you think so or not someone, even just one, cares about your well being.  Give a hug, care about somebody and then know you are paying it forward.  As complex as humans are in the way we function we are as simple as someone receiving a hug to giving a hug to know this will make the day better.  Even the little things have great impact.  Try it, give some love, get some love, it works.  Valerian Root, aaahhh, nice body relaxer.  Chills the nerves, calms the soul.  Feels a little like a hug or a deep breath.  Try it in a tincture form,  prepackaged tea bags or bulk and make your own tea.  Also gel caps and homeopathic remedies.  Pick some up at The Herb Shoppe 17th ish and Hawthorne Blvd, P-Town, New Seasons and Fred Meyers. 

Thank you for listening
peace and love
willow light

Well, as I write this I realize it could be cheap therapy to just get it all out.  I got home a little later than normal yesterday.  Needing a massage to work out the kinks.  Get the blood flowing and relaxing before going home to the whirling dervish.  We decided to go out to eat instead of me making dinner, which I had questioned earlier in the day because Isabel is so ruthless right now.  We sit down, start to order and Isabel screams in the waiters face “I want a milkshake” which she doesn’t get as a rule because she is sensitive to dairy.  Yeah, one of those.  Horrified, I ask her nicely, “please say you are sorry to then nice waiter”.  Head down, “sooorrrry” barely audible.  What do you do?  I know we are good parents and good people.  We love her so much and have plenty of family time.  Then why, I will tell you why, she is trying to suck the essence from our being.  But, this too shall pass.  So you want a better Wednesday.  Start at your feet, working up to your heart.  With your hands slightly cupped, pat your feet, legs, knees, thighs, stomach and chest.  Do one side then the other.  Do the same from the head to the heart.  Head, face lightly, neck, throat and chest.  This should take about 10 minutes.  This is a great technique to get the circulation going, tap into your body and get grounded for the day.  Then a great essential oil for the day, camphor, it is great for clearing the sinus’s, uplifting, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. One to two drops on chest.  Boil a pot of water, remove from heat, add 7 drops of camphor you can inhale or let it work it’s way through the house.  Ingest a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar for it’s high Vitamin C content as well as a great way to balance digestion.  Digestion is your center of health.  Emergen-C is also wonderful for the body and helps support the immune system.  Do some deep breaths, shake it out and off you go.  BBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAATH Ahh

This morning is much better already.  A little,” I don’t want to go: but mostly pleasant. Yesterday I wore a necklace that I had made 20 years ago with garnet and moonstone beads and a silver moon.  It has been something I have wore off and on through the years, well it broke in the middle of the spa, beads everywhere.  As I stood in disbelief I also believe that with jewelry when it breaks it means it has collected all the energy it needs and it is time to let go.  So with some sadness I put most of it in an envelope and released my feelings of loss.  One door closes another opens.  As much as it seems we are in a world of doubt, financial challenges,  and many other issues many people feel confused and even trapped.  It is not true, we are lucky enough to have free will, anything is possible and if you ask for help someone, even a stranger can be the one that steps in to change your life.  Each morning you wake up, it is a new day.  Take hold of your destiny, dream big, ask for what you want, be afraid and learn that you can work through it.  Most importantly no matter who you are, you are LOVED!  Today is a good day to drink a cup of peppermint tea to awake the senses.  Peppermint essential oil on the temples for any tension in the head and also a wonderful way to lift the spirits.  Take a moment to take some deep breaths.
1.  Breath in 7 counts
2.  Hold breath for 4 counts
3.  Breath out 7 counts
4.  Hold for 4 counts
5.  Repeat 7 times
This technique helps calm the nerves, mind and balances your whole self

As I begin my Monday November 8th, 2010 I awoke to my wonderful whirling dervish of a daughter, Isabel, “Mom are you sleeping, Mooommmm”.  She is so wonderful but full of it.  Monday’s are always hard she isn’t ready to go back to school, she goes Monday and Tuesdays and wants to stay home with Mom instead.  Well, Mom has to work; so we begin the dance of “I don’t want to” and I say “but you love school”.  Ugh, what’s a mom or anyone who has a hard time with Monday’s to do.  Here is what I do, I go to my essential oils for some relief.  Bergamot (orange blossom) was my first oil I ever bought, I was 18 years old.  I loved how it made me feel, uplifted, less anxious, more energy and more positive thinking.  This began my life long love for essential oils and how this precious essence can have such a profound impact on my day to day life.  The next step is quiet the mind.  I love to light a candle, take a few deep breaths of your favorite essential oil (put a few drops of essential oil on your palms).  And just try to see your day unfolding in a way that works for you.  Try to stay in a peaceful state for at least a few minutes.  You can skip the candle and do the breathing and essential oil inhale in your car, if time is an issue.  Next, take care of your body.  Give a hug, get a hug, smile, laugh, it is crazy how great it makes you feel.  Last but not least, take time to schedule a Mental Clarity facial with scalp massage to stimulate serotonin, those feel good receptors need a little work. Or make time for a full body Mental clarity aromatherapy massage with offerings of Bergamot, Lemon and peppermint essential oil.  Get your body, mind, and heart in balance.  Everyone needs healing touch therapy.  Touch someone, be touched.

This wonderful homemade body exfoliant will replenish the body and leave the skin feeling soft and bright;  just what you need to treat yourself.

1/4 Cup Dead Sea Salt;  removes dead skin, stimulates circulation and softens skin
1/4 Cup Raw Sugar;  helps lock in moisture, exfoliates, removes dead skin, and stimulates cellular growth
1 Cup Olive Oil;  a wonderful antioxidant.  Helps soothe and hydrate the skin with anti-itch and anti-inflammatory action
1 T Dry Mustard Powder:  warming and stimulating.  Gently flushes the system. Do not add if pregnant or nursing
1 T Dry Ginger Powder;  anti-inflammatory.  Good for arthritis and joint pain.  Great for the immune system with it’s anti-microbial properties.  Good for pregnant women
10 drops of Vanilla Extract or Essential Oil;  relaxing, anti-depressant and known for it’s aphrodisiac affects.  Protects the body from wear and tear, anti-oxidant
10 drops of Orange Essential Oil;  uplifting, brightens the day, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal.  Acts as a natural preservative.

FACIAL EXFOLIATING GRAINS

This is a quick and easy way to scrub away the winter blues.  In the winter our skin tends to be all over the place.  Dry, patchy, breaking out more; and maybe looking a little dull.  This homemade exfoliant has vitamin C grains providing lots of antioxidants and helping to brighten the complexion.  In the spring we want to spring clean the house as well as the skin.  Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and excess dirt and oil. 

Supplies you will need:

1. 1 medium mixing bowl
2. Spatula
3. Glass spice jar with shaker lid
4. Coffee Grinder

Ingredients:

1. 1 Tablespoon Vitamin C crystals or Immuni-C
Emergen-C packets.
2. 1 teaspoon of Oats (quick cooking not steel cut)

3. 1 teaspoon of Cornmeal

4. 2 Tablespoons of dried Rose Petals

5. Pre-made Rose Water

Combined all dry ingredients in coffee grinder.  Grind until well mixed, leave a little grit.  Store grains in a spice jar with a shaker top.

Rose Water:
Fill a jar with a lid with 8 ounces of clean/spring water.  Place 2 fragrant/organic/your yard/ Roses in water.  Close lid and let sit in window for 3 days. 

Essential Oils:
Lavender: Antiseptic, calming, regenerative.
Rose Absolute: cleansing and refreshing to dry, sensitive skin as well as all skin types.

When ready to use the mixture, do not exfoliate more than 3 times a week.  Shake out about a teaspoon amount in small bowl.  Add 1-2 teaspoons of rose water with a few drops of lavender and rose absolute essentials oils. Apply to clean moistened face and work in.  Rinse well and moisturize.

Willow Light   http://www.spawillamina.com
This material isn’t a substitute for a health care practitioner! Please do not reproduce without permission. Blessings!