#plant medicine healing

[kratompowderincanada]

Natural Energy Boosters: A Guide to Using Kratom and Herbal Remedies

In today’s fast-paced world, feeling energized and motivated is essential to tackling our daily responsibilities and pursuing our passions. Unfortunately, energy levels can fluctuate due to poor sleep, stress, or unhealthy diets. Many people turn to energy drinks or synthetic stimulants, but these often come with undesirable side effects, such as jitters, crashes, and even dependency. Plant medicines, on the other hand, offer a natural and balanced way to boost energy. By harnessing the power of lab tested kratom in Canada and other natural herbs, we can feel invigorated and ready to face whatever the day throws at us.

1. Kratom: A Popular Plant Medicine for Energy

Kratom works by interacting with the body’s opioid receptors, although it is not an opioid itself. The unique alkaloid profile of kratom, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, creates stimulating effects when taken in lower doses, making it a favoured natural supplement for boosting energy and focus.

White Vein Kratom for Energy and Focus: White vein kratom strains are well-known for their stimulating effects. Users often describe an enhanced ability to concentrate, increased motivation, and improved stamina. For instance, White Maeng Da and White Bali are popular choices for those looking for a sustained energy boost without the crash associated with caffeine.

Green Vein Kratom for Balanced Energy: Green vein strains provide a moderate level of energy that feels balanced and sustained. Green Maeng Da or Green Malay are excellent options if you want to feel uplifted and alert yet calm and collected. These strains are often favoured by people who need a long-lasting energy boost for work or exercise.

It is important to note that kratom dosage is crucial in determining the desired effect. Low to moderate doses are ideal for energy and focus, while higher doses may lead to sedative effects. As with any supplement, starting with a small dose and observing how your body reacts is the safest approach.

2. Ginseng: A Classic Energy Booster

Ginseng is one of the most well-researched and commonly used herbs in traditional medicine, known for its adaptogenic properties that help combat fatigue and increase physical and mental energy. There are two main types of ginseng used for energy: Asian (Panax) ginseng and American ginseng.

Panax Ginseng for Physical and Mental Stamina: Panax ginseng is commonly used in Asia to enhance physical endurance and mental alertness. The ginsenosides, which are active compounds in ginseng, are believed to improve cellular energy production and reduce inflammation, allowing the body to perform at its peak. Athletes often use ginseng as a natural pre-workout to boost energy levels, and professionals find it helpful for improving concentration and productivity.

American Ginseng for Balanced Energy: While Panax ginseng is more stimulating, American ginseng provides a milder energy boost. It is known for promoting a sense of calm focus, making it an ideal choice for those who want energy without feeling overstimulated. This herb is also highly regarded for its immune-boosting properties, which can be especially beneficial during cold and flu season.

Both types of ginseng have been studied extensively, and their benefits are well-documented. As a bonus, ginseng also supports overall well-being and helps the body manage stress more effectively, making it a comprehensive natural solution for sustained energy.

3. Rhodiola Rosea: Fighting Fatigue and Enhancing Endurance

Rhodiola rosea is another powerful adaptogen that has gained popularity for its fatigue-fighting and endurance-enhancing properties. Found in the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, Rhodiola has been used for centuries to help the body adapt to stress and improve physical performance. The active compounds in Rhodiola, rosavin and salidroside, are believed to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels cellular energy.

Mental Clarity and Focus: One of the key benefits of Rhodiola is its ability to improve mental clarity and focus. People who experience brain fog or struggle with concentration often find that Rhodiola helps them think more clearly and stay on task. This makes it a valuable herb for those in demanding professions or students preparing for exams.

Physical Stamina and Recovery: Rhodiola is also commonly used by athletes to improve endurance and reduce recovery time after strenuous exercise. By reducing the effects of physical and mental stress, Rhodiola helps the body maintain higher energy levels for longer periods.

Like ginseng, Rhodiola has been shown to have a cumulative effect, meaning that consistent use can yield better results over time. It is also relatively safe and well-tolerated by most people, with minimal side effects.

4. Yerba Mate: A Natural Stimulant from South America

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is highly valued for its stimulating effects, which are similar to those of caffeine, but without the jitteriness and crashes that often accompany coffee consumption. Yerba mate contains a unique combination of caffeine, theobromine, and other beneficial compounds that provide a well-rounded energy boost.

Physical and Mental Energy: Yerba mate is a favourite among athletes and professionals who need sustained physical and mental energy. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nourishing and energizing beverage. Drinking yerba mate can improve mental alertness, reaction time, and mood while reducing fatigue.

Metabolism and Weight Management: Another benefit of yerba mate is its potential to boost metabolism and support weight management. The caffeine and saponins in yerba mate may increase fat oxidation, which can help the body burn calories more efficiently during exercise.

Yerba mate is versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold. It has a slightly bitter, earthy taste, and traditional preparation involves sipping the drink through a metal straw from a gourd. For those new to yerba mate, starting with a smaller amount and gradually increasing intake is a good strategy to avoid overstimulation.

Conclusion

Incorporating plant medicines into your daily routine can provide a natural and effective way to boost energy levels. Unlike synthetic stimulants, which often have side effects, herbs like kratom, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and yerba mate offer holistic benefits that support both physical and mental well-being. These plant-based solutions not only improve energy but also help the body manage stress, enhance focus, and promote overall vitality.

When considering which plant medicine to use, it’s essential to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. With mindful use and the right approach, natural energy boosters can help you feel more energized, focused, and ready to take on life’s challenges.

[ehyehyhwhh]

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A MONTH. TRUST GOD.

[theambitiouswoman]

Herbs to help you regulate cortisol and stress 🌿🍵🧚

🍃 Chamomile when you have an anxious stomach

🍃 Valerian when your thoughts don’t let you sleep

🍃 Skullcap when you feel muscle tension from stress

🍃 Holy basil when you’ve been high stress for days

🍃 Rhodiola when you feel burnt out from stress

🍃 Gotu kola when stress is causing you brain fog

🍃 Passion flower when you feel irritable and snappy

[southernmermaidsgrotto]

Herbalism book reccomendations 📚🌿

General herbalism:

The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook by Green J. (2011)

20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs by Zak V. (1999)

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guid by Easly T. (2016)

A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions by Gaby A.R.

American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook (2013) 

Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine by Hoffman D. (2003)

Herbal Medicine for Beginners: Your Guide to Healing Common Ailments with 35 Medicinal Herbs by Swift K & Midura R (2018)

Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide by Tenney L. (1983)

Today's Herbal Health for Women: The Modern Woman's Natural Health Guide by Tenney L (1996)

Today's Herbal Health for Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Nutrition and Herbal Medicine for Children by Tenney L. (1996)

For my black folks!!!

African Medicine: A Complete Guide to Yoruba Healing Science and African Herbal Remedies by Sawandi T.M. (2017)

Handbook of African Medicinal Plants by Iwu M.M. (1993)

Working The Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing by Lee M.E. (2017)

Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies by Mitchell F. (2011)

African American Slave Medicine: Herbal and non-Herbal Treatments by Covey H.C. (2008)

The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: Transform, Heal, and Remember with the Power of Plants and Ancestral Medicine by Rose K.M. (2022)

Indigenous authors & perspectives!!

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Kimmerer R.W. (2015)

Gathering moss by Kimmerer R.W. (2003)

The Plants Have So Much To Give All We Have To Do Is Ask by Siisip Geniusz M. (2005)

Our Knowledge Is Not Primitive: Decolonizing Botanical Anishinaabe Teachings by Djinn Geniusz W. (2009)

Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: ethnobotany and ecological wisdom of indigenous peoples of northwestern North America by Turner N. (2014)

A Taste of Heritage: Crow Indian Recipes and Herbal Medicines by Hogan Snell A. (2006)

Medicines to Help Us by Belcourt C. (2007)

After the First Full Moon in April: A Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine from a California Indian Elder by Grant Peters J. (2010)

Latin american herbalism works!!

Earth Medicines: Ancestral Wisdom, Healing Recipes, and Wellness Rituals from a Curandera by Cocotzin Ruiz F. (2021)

Hierbas y plantas curativas by Chiti J.F. (2015)

Del cuerpo a las raíces by San Martín P.P., Cheuquelaf I. & Cerpa C. (2011)

Manual introductorio a la Ginecología Natural by San Martín P.P.

🌿This is what I have for now but I’ll update the post as I find and read new works, so keep coming if you wanna check for updates. Thank you for reading 🌿

[wandoffire]

[ayahuascadiaries]

[samwisethewitch]

Herbalism in Times of Turmoil

I've recently returned to my roots (pun intended) in folk herbalism to supplement the work I'm doing with my therapist. It wasn't an intentional thing -- in our current round of EMDR, we've uncovered some deeply buried trauma, and bringing that trauma to the surface has shaken the foundations of how I see myself and the world around me. I feel very raw and vulnerable. I feel disoriented and fragile.

I find myself drawn to plant medicine as I navigate this trauma with the help of my therapist. I think a part of me longs for the sympathetic magic of plants -- by taking them into my body, maybe I, too, can become firmly rooted, supported by the earth and nourished by the sun. Maybe I can relearn the magics of stillness and connection. Maybe I can reintegrate into the earth's cycles of death and rebirth.

Some of the plants I'm partnering with in this work are old friends. Others are new allies, recommended by professional herbalists for the type of trauma I'm processing. All of them are supportive in different ways, and all of them have important lessons.

Obviously, I am working with herbs as a compliment to the work I'm doing with a professional mental health counselor, not as a replacement for medical/psychological care. I recommend you do the same, especially if dealing with complex trauma. Even if money is tight, you may be able to get free or low-cost counseling through local social services, nonprofits, university hospitals, etc.

How I Work with Herbs

As an animist, I see working with herbs both as physical medicine and as a working relationship with the spirit of the plant. I don't like to say that I "use" herbs, because that implies that they are just tools. When I say I "work with" an herb, what I mean is that I am partnering with that plant as a living, thinking being that has kindly chosen to support my healing process. I try to honor that relationship in every part of my herbalist craft.

One way I do this is by verbally thanking the plants that I consume as medicine. If I'm drinking a cup of linden tea, I'll say something like, "Thank you, linden, for aiding in my healing today."

I try to use herbal preparations that allow for a sensory experience to help me connect with the plant spirit(s). I don't like taking capsules full of powdered herbs, because that doesn't allow me to see, touch, smell, or taste the plant. I like teas because they allow for a much more intimate connection with the plant's spirit, and I use tinctures when I feel like I need more concentrated medicinal compounds.

I'm a witch who loves plants, but when I'm working with herbs internally, I do not choose them based on their magical or spiritual correspondences. When choosing herbs, I look for quality scientific studies that prove their medicinal benefits, but honestly a lot of plant medicine hasn't been sufficiently studied yet. Because of this, I also look at the way plants are viewed in traditional healing modalities like Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.

While I don't pick them based on their magical properties, I do think studying how these plants are used in magical practices can add an extra layer to my work with them. This helps me to have a more nuanced, deep, and complex relationship with the plant's spirit.

And of course, I always research contraindications and drug interactions before using an herb. For example, I don't recommend Saint John's Wort to anyone taking any kind of pharmaceutical medication because it really messes with the way your body processes your meds. It's also important to research how herbs might interact with other herbs and supplements you're already taking -- that's also a type of drug interaction!

I also try to remember that when we're moving through grief or processing trauma, this changes the way herbs (and drugs, for that matter) affect our bodies. I highly recommend the book The Trauma-Informed Herbalist by Elizabeth Guthrie to learn more about this.

My Herbal Allies

These are the herbs I'm taking focusing my practice on right now:

Ashwagandha and Tulsi are two plant friends that I love pairing together. They're both adaptogens, meaning they can help manage the body's stress response, and come to Western herbalism by way of Ayurveda. I've been working with both of these plants for years, and although they do have different uses, I think they work really well together.

Ashwagandha is really helpful as a pick-me-up for the endocrine system (the system that produces hormones) and nervous system. I find that it has a very grounding effect and is especially helpful for when I feel overwhelmed or burned out. It's a great ally for building resilience when you feel like there's just way too much going on and have no idea how you're going to handle it all. It has a very bitter taste, so I usually add it to coffee or another very bitter beverage.

Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is a lot more gentle and laid-back than ashwagandha, at least in my experience. It's one of my go-to herbs when I need emotional support. According to herbalists Katja Swift and Ryn Midura, "Tulsi has traditionally been the herb of choice for 'stuck emotions,' whether that's depression or PTSD or just a case of the grumpies." It has a delicious taste somewhere between basil and mint, and I love preparing it as a hot tea. This is one of my favorite herbs right now.

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is classified as a Rasayana, which means it rejuvenates the body and can promote long life. It is also a Bhalya, meaning it promotes strength, and a Vajikara, which means it promotes healthy sexuality. Tulsi is one of the most valued herbs in Ayurveda and is even called the most sacred plant on earth in the Vedic Puranas. It increases sattva (light, clarity), uplifts the spirit, promotes joy and harmony, and increases prana (vital energy; similar to the concept of chi in China). They're sometimes used together because they're believed to support each other and enhance each other's effects.

I add ashwagandha and tulsi tinctures to my morning coffee and to other hot beverages throughout the day. I also really like tulsi as a tea, and tulsi tea is one of my go-to tools for replenishing my energy after a long day of tarot readings. That being said, I'm considering changing the way I consume these herbs to be more in line with traditional Ayurvedic practices, but I need to do more research first.

Cannabis is, honestly, one of my personal miracle workers, which is a little bit ironic because I also think it's waaaaay overhyped in the wellness industry right now. Cannabis is not a cure-all, and it is not recommended for everyone. There are several different types of cannabis, and each type has its own medicinal uses. For example, the cannabis I use in my personal practice is hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis with little to no THC, meaning it does not produce a high. Marijuana, the type of cannabis with THC, is powerful medicine for some people, but because of how my body and brain work, I personally don't use it. While marijuana use may be illegal depending on where you live, hemp is legal in most places.

I started working with cannabis several years ago to help manage anxiety and insomnia, but nowadays I mostly work with it to help with inflammation and chronic pain.

I find that my body really holds on to trauma in the form of tension, inflammation, and chronic pain. When my trauma response is triggered, I usually feel it as tension or pain, especially in my hips, pelvis, and lower back. I find cannabis really helpful for that stored trauma. It doesn't make the pain go away, but it helps me feel into it and navigate through it. I also find cannabis is really good at relaxing my body and helping me let go of that stored up trauma, almost like unclenching a fist.

Cannabis was historically used throughout the ancient world for divination and religious ritual. It's associated with connection to the spirit world, and may have been used in magical practices like the Norse practice of seidr. Scott Cunningham says hemp is associated with love spells and with Midsummer.

My favorite way to work with cannabis is with a cannibidiol (CBD) isolates. Since I live in a place where THC is illegal and have some health conditions that don't play well with THC, I like CBD isolates because I'm able to make sure I'm getting a THC-free product. I add CBD to my coffee along with tulsi and ashwagandha, and I feel like it helps me process the caffeine better. I also notice rapid relief for joint and nerve pain, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts after drinking this brew.

Meadowsweet is a new plant friend for me. I actually first came across meadowsweet when I was researching handfasting herbs -- it's a traditional inclusion in British handfasting and wedding ceremonies, and was historically used as a "strewing herb," which means it was sprinkled on the ground. It's also a traditional flavor in mead, and in fact the name "meadowsweet" comes from its traditional use in mead-making. (I actually have a batch of meadowsweet mead fermenting right now!)

In herbalism, meadowsweet is prized because it contains salicylates, which can be used to make salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. This makes it great for pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. It's also great for your digestive system, which makes it a powerful ally if, like me, you suffer from the dreaded "anxiety tummy."

Meadowsweet is a very summer-y plant for me, and its energy reminds me of summer sunshine. It's a plant that reminds me to find joy in the little things in life, and has a very hopeful vibe. This is a plant I associate with both Midsummer and Lughnasa. It's a great friend for when you just need a little sweetness in your life.

On a more physical level, I combine meadowsweet with cannabis, ashwagandha, and tulsi to manage chronic pain rooted in trauma. And, of course, for keeping the anxiety tummy at bay.

In European magic traditions, meadowsweet is associated with love, peace, and joy. Interestingly, Scott Cunningham also talks about the use of meadowsweet for protection from thieves.

I add meadowsweet tincture to my morning coffee along with ashwagandha, tulsi, and CBD. I also really enjoy it as a hot tea, and I think the flavor blends really well with tulsi.

Linden is another new friend for me, but I am obsessed. I don't think I've ever worked with an herb that feels this gentle, supportive, and nourishing to the soul. Katja Swift and Ryn Midura of the Holistic Herbalism Podcast call linden "a hug in a mug," and I think that's a perfect description of how it feels.

In Western herbalism, linden is most often used for heart conditions and to restore the cardiovascular system. However, it also works as a nervine, which means it has a calming effect on the nervous system. It can provide gentle relief for anxiety, tension, and even everyday stress. In Herbal Medicine for Beginners, Swift and Midura even recommend linden to "mitigate the side effects of drying, stimulating medications like Adderall and Ritalin." It is also recommended for nerve pain and damaged nerves.

Linden is wonderful medicine for the heart, both the physical heart and the emotional heart. I really do feel an improvement in my mood when I work with linden. It's soothing and uplifting at the same time.

Magically, linden is strongly associated with protection. It's also associated with love, good luck, and preventing insomnia. Scott Cunningham mentions carrying linden to prevent intoxication.

My favorite way to work with linden is by drinking it as a tea. It tastes similar to chamomile, but a little less fruity. I drink several cups throughout the day, especially when I feel like I need to unwind or calm down.

Rose is one of my favorite flowers. Maybe that makes me basic, but I really do love this plant. The scent of rose has been one of my favorite scents since I was very small -- I remember going to Catholic mass with my mom and praying with my own rose-scented rosary!

We usually think of rose as a decorative flower or an ingredient in perfume, but it also has culinary and medicinal uses. It's used topically to treat skin issues by promoting the growth of new skin cells and to treat rashes and eczema. It can also help soothe gut problems. Rose is also relaxing and anti-inflammatory.

In magic rose is associated with love and romance (duh), divination, healing, fast luck, protection, and connection to the divine. Cunningham recommends it for calming "personal stress and household upheavals" and says the flowers attract fairies. This might be because I was raised Catholic, but rose feels like a very sacred plant to me. In Catholicism it's associated with the Virgin Mary and with some other saints like St. Therese of Lisieux, but I personally use rose more in ancestor work (especially when working with queer ancestors) and for attracting friendly spirits in general.

Right now, my favorite way to work with rose is in aromatherapy. The smell of fresh roses is so uplifting, and it makes me feel like I'm surrounded by gentle, loving protection. I'm sure there are probably health benefits to working with the pure essential oil, but real rose essential oil is VERY expensive, so I use a mild rose-scented perfume instead. (I'm very sensitive to scents and often get headaches from artificial fragrances, but right now I'm wearing Pacifica Beauty's Persian Rose perfume and I haven't had any issues with it.)

Sources:

Herbal Medicine for Beginners by Katja Swift and Ryn Midura

Queering Herbalism, 3rd edition, compiled by Toi of the Herbal Freedom School

The Trauma-Informed Herbalist by Elizabeth Guthrie

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

All episodes from the first season of The Trauma Informed Herbalist podcast, but especially the two-part series, "How Trauma Changes Us"

"Herbs for Psychological First Aid" from The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"Herbs & the Holidays: Emotional Support" from The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"Working With Herbs For Chronic Pain" from the Holistic Herbalism Podcast

"The Centuries-Old Secrets of Gender-Affirming Herbalism" by Leah Kirts

"How To Incorporate Hemp In Your Materia Medica" by Heather Saba

"Cannabis: Potent and Versatile Medicine" by Sue Sierralupe & Candace Hunter

"An Ayurvedic perspective on Marijuana" by Shilpika Devaiah

"Who shouldn't use medicinal cannabis?" by Corinne Hodgson

[oldfarmhouse]

[cognitivejustice]

How urban farming improves our cities

(some links, curated by yours truly)

[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Herbs: Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

*Poisonous *Medical *Feminine

Folk Names: Achillea, Bad Man’s Plaything, Carpenter’s Weed, Death Flower, Devil’s Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gearwe, Hundred Leaved Grass, Knight’s Milfoil, Knyghten, Lady’s Mantle, Milfoil, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man’s Mustard, Old Man’s Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year’s Love, Snake’s Grass, Soldier’s Woundwort, Yarroway, Yerw

Planet: Venus, Sun

Element: Water, Air

Deities: Cernunnos, Hernes, Pan

Abilities: Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism, Clarity, and Healing

Why Poisonous?: Contain thujone (just like Wormwood) Thujone is a chemical compound in yarrow that excites the nervous system. Causes seizures, hallucinations and other adverse reactions.

Characteristics: Has white flowers that bloom atop straight stalks with grayish-green serrated leaves that have a feather like appearance. Is a perennial plant that can grow to 3 feet.

History: Is native to Northern and Western Europe. Is famed as the wonder healer. Was used by Achilles to heal wounds, hence it’s botanical name. It is also known as nosebleed because the leaves were used to staunch blood. It was used in tea by the Native Americans for the treatment of menorrhea, the blood flow of menstruation. In the traditional Yi Jing age, the dried stalks were thrown into water to predict the future.

Growing Yarrow:

Easy to Grow? Yes

Rating: Beginner Friendly

Are the seed accessible? No

How to Grow Yarrow

Video Reference

Where to Buy Seeds

Magical Usage:

Placing the herb on top of graves help the dead peacefully crossover

Weaved into braids creates an energy web that taps into your inner wisdom

Helps develop psychic gifts

A cup of yarrow tea with a cinnamon stick can warm your bones and release hidden truths about oneself

Can be used for divination of the future and relationships

If worn on person, can stop fear and grant courage

Can be hung as a wedding decoration to guarantee seven years of a loveable marriage

Washing hair with water infused with yarrow can prevent baldness

Carrying it around can attract love, friendships, and distant connections

Exorcises evil and negativity from a person, place or thing

Medical Usage:

Clean and heal wounds

Can reduce fever

Stop internal bleeding

Lower blood pressure

Helps with menstrual issues such as: heavy bleeding, period pain, and heavy flow

In tonic form, can help with colds, flu, hay fever, weak digestion, and improve blood circulation

Sources

[battleangel]

Walking While Carefree & Black

Fetishized & dehumanized.

Daily misogynoir.

Harrassed on my daily walks for hugging a tree, picking a flower, laying on grass and stretching out my arms, twirling, smiling, being an unrushed unbothered carefree fierce ferocious unapologetic black woman who isnt on the way to somewhere, Im not going to 7-11 five minutes from my apartment, Im not rushing to work, Im not hurrying, Im not hustling, Im not bustling, Im not harried, Im not distratcted, Im not anxious, Im not impatient, Im not speedwalking, Im not in a car, Im not on a bike, Im walking on sidewalks, under bridges, near highways, busy intersections, busy traffic lights, near school buses, near angry white stay at home moms pushing their strollers, moms with toddlers shielding their eyes from me, white police men slowing their patrol cars when I am doing nothing but take a selfie under a bridge.

Why cant I be free?

Why cant I twirl?

Why cant I hug trees?

Why cant I treat a light pole as a stripper pole?

Is it a crime to joke around during the day when people are at school and work, jokingly twirl myself around the pole, pretend I am a pole dancer, and take a video selfie?

Will I be Sandra Bland'd?

Why cant I take pictures of a rose garden?

Why cant I take a selfie under a bridge? On a park bench?

Why cant I pick flowers near the sidewalk, smell them, place them behind my ear and skip down the sidewalk pavement?

Capitalism demands that I, a black woman, be a slave to their system but I left their system.

I left Amazon in a week with no job lined up.

I left Dow Jones with no job lined up.

I left Bank of America in 3 months with no job lined up.

I left Yale.

I quit my career coaching business after 3 years and over a hundred executive clients.

I permanently left corporate in 2019 and quit my business this year.

I am a permanent freeelancer now.

I am a podcaster now. We dont have sponsors yet so I dont currently generate income.

$55/hr at Amazon and after six months they were going to convert me with the coveted unrestricted stock aka golden handcuffs.

It was a cult. I left in a week.

I made -$7,000 last year as my business failed. I hated sales and referrals dried up.

Capitalism says I am a failure and a loser.

Capitalism says I, a nubian queen, Isis, an egyptian goddess, am only worth the revenue I generate.

I was the highest rated recruiter with the most hires at every Fortune 500 company I worked at.

I had over a hundred executive clients with my career coaching business that landed offers at Disney, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Amazon & Comcast with five figure salary increases.

I was a career advisor at Yale who coached graduate and postdoc STEM students.

Capitalism rolls its eyes and asks me, What have you done for me lately?

It demands I turn myself back into a machine to be deemed worthy.

But those days are over.

I will never work another 9 to 5 in any industry -- corporate, academic or non-profit.

I will never work a job that requires that I report into a supervisor.

I will never work another job with dictated shifts.

I will never sell anything to anyone ever again. I detest sales and I hate capitalism.

Capitalism is dehumanizing and it kills. It profits off of, relies on and thrives on energetic and psychic attacks that sends its adherents & acolytes to an early stress-induced death.

I was having GI issues and I healed myself.

No doctor, no gastroenterologist, no harmful laxatives, no chemical stimulants, no synthetic lab-made prescription medication that can all be addictive.

The smoothie takes 5 minutes and is just blending 1 cup pineapples, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 grated ginger, 1 lemon, 1 orange, 2 tbs apple cider vinegar and 4 ice cubes & 1 cup of water in a mixer. Makes 2 servings, drink 1 cup in morning and 1 cup at night.

I just started walking outside in nature for an hour a day, not power walking, no step counting, no calorie counting, just being in nature, soaking up the sun, breathing the air, barefoot in grass, hugging trees, picking and smelling flowers, doing simple yoga exercises, abdominal massages, using a heating pad on my stomach, drinking 32 to 64 oz of water a day, eliminating coffe, not drinking soda during the week (used to drink 1 to 2 cans a day), fresh fruit & vegetable smoothie in the morning, oatmeal or grape nuts cereal with peppermint herbal tea no sugar or honey, homemade vegetarian salad & homemade vegetarian dressing (store bought dressing has a ton of fat, sugar amd calories) and mixed nuts as a snack Monday through Friday then I take a break and eat what I want on the weekend.

GI issues resolved themselves in a week, I am healthier, lighter, less sluggish, more fit, more in shape and more energetic. This is now my diet 75% of the time (5 days a week).

Decolonize your mind.

You have the ability to heal yourself. Stop running to doctors and quick fixes.

Change what you eat. Move more.

Get outside in nature! You are nature!

That is what heals. We come from nature and we are nature.

Trees, grass, sunlight, air, flowers, butterflies, streams, brooks, meadows, gardens, pumpkin patches, orchard farms, parks, nature trails.

Get outside.

Not to get in your car. Not to go somewhere.

Stop spending all your time penned inside like an animal and a prisoner.

Not to go to the mall, shopping, a restaurant, a salon, a spa, a movie theater, work, school, a grocery store, a laundromat, dry cleaners.

Not to run an errand.

Not to sit in traffic in a machine.

Not to burn calories.

Not to power walk.

Not to lose weight.

To reconnect with nature.

To reconnect your mind, soul, body, heart and spirit.

The west purposely severs this connection in service of capitalism.

Its up to you to restore it.

Walk. Breathe. Be. Skip. Twirl. Pose. Use the sidewalk as a catwalk. Take selfies. Take pictures.

Stop and smell the flowers.

Hug a literal tree.

Lay on the grass while cars roll past you with their windows down and stare at you like youre crazy.

Its 11 am on a Tuesday.

What the hell is she doing laying on the grass with her arms outstretched?

Why isnt she at work or at school?

Confuse people with your very presence.

I have a goth alt kawaii japanese street fashion aesthetic that includes boyshorts, leather garters, torn fishnets, leather chokers, hello kitty tiaras, six inch pink platform heels, black lipstick, mini cut out crop tops, extremely thick black eyeliner and hot pink eyeshadow.

For wearing this on Friday on my daily walk at 8:30 am which I then shared on TikTok, I was accused of being indecent, inappropriate for children to see going to school, people stared, rolled their windows down, honked at me, cars followed me, two men purposefully walked right into me bumping me (there was plenty of room on the sidewalk), an HVAC repairman leered at me outside of his van and literally just stared holes through me as I walked by.

Im 41. Im 5"1. Im 92 lbs. Im black and female.

I have a quirky style and aesthetic. I look young.

I also shaved my head bald a few weeks ago and have a bald fade.

People have since then called me a dyke, asked if I am trans, am I a boy or a girl, whats the deal.

Thats when I dont have a wig on.

I love different looks so I also wear long wigs.

The reaction is completely different when I wear a wig and people tell me how good I look, that people are slowing their cars down because I am attractive.

Bald fade, bony dyke who looks like a boy and might be trans.

Long wig, attractive girl, let me slow down and get a look.

Still black no matter the hair. Still followed.

Still harrassed.

A MAGA Proud Boy harrassed me with my bald fade while I was wearing an Eagles shirt and jeans. He stared at me as I took a selfie on a bench under a tree, when I got up to walk home, he started walking towards me and blocked my path in the small walkway we were both on and wouldnt let me pass.

Doesnt matter if its boy shorts and leather garters or an Eagles shirt and jeans.

I am harrassed for being a carefree black girl in capitalist Amerikkka.

[ehyehyhwhh]

When you recognize yourself as sacred, you will move as such. Everything you do will be a reminder of your divinity and grace.

[kirkwallguy]

HOW ANDERS AND MARCUS DOING are they together, did they separate their ways, is markus sheltering an apostate bf. are they happy together and have insane gay sex because gods know they deserve it

things are uncertain and turbulent for a looong time with them just because of how difficult their situation is, but as of a few years after the events of dai they are married and live in a little cottage on the outskirts of some village <3 anders is accepted as an apostate healer after saving the life of a child in the village while marcus helps out with random farm work and everyone loves his weird autism creature ass. they have a kitty cat and grow their own herbs for poultices.

[wandoffire]

5 HERBS FOR ENERGY

Uplifting and energising ✨

Ginseng

used to boost energy levels

Maca

can increase energy and stamina

Peppermint

increases brain function and alertness

Ashwagandha

boosts energy levels

can improve focus and stress response

found to increase muscle mass/strength

Cordyceps

reduces fatigue

increases production of energy to cells

boosts immunity

Reminder - these can affect people differently, occasionally negatively, and should be used with caution.

[eshildora]

Hi i did these for college so im not super thrilled with them but i still feel the need to post them somewhere

[larimar]

unep