So, here are a few updates...
1. I have started experimenting actually using tea bags for my teas which I think will help me to use them more often (if they are already made and on hand).
2. I am finally starting to try my Gotu Kola for morning /afternoon slump tea. I have learned that it is a mental stimulant, circulatory stimulant, an known for its properties which aid in memory, wound healing, and possibly as a treatment for anxiety. I was excited to see it was included in the Yogi brand energizing tea. I am combining it with peppermint, ginger, and ginseng (most of which I decided upon from a Gladstar recipe).
3. I looked up cystitis in that big herbal dictionary book my mom sent me. It describes it as "an inflammation of the bladder caused by bacterial infection of the urinary tract". I know Jedi Kiri already knows this but I wanted to contribute anything that might be new info. The tea recommended is: 2 parts yarrow, 1 part dandelion leaf, and 1 part chamomile flowers. Other treatments are: garlic oil capsules, goldenseal capsules or tincture, or water an echinacea every few hours when experiencing symptoms.
4. I still really like the lotion Jedi Kiri and I made while she was visiting SF. I keep it in the fridge and use it on my whole body about once a week. It's a messy endeavor which is why it only happens on weekends when I have time to let it soak in a bit, etc. I love the honeysuckle smell - glad we chose that.
5. I can't WAIT for my MA visit to see Jedi Kiri. I'm really looking forward to our tea date. I feel like I've fallen more and more in love with tea as I've gotten older and it truly is more special when you have someone who you can talk to about enjoying it.
6. I made a list of things that get my mind on a positive thinking track (song lyrics I find inspiring, mental images, meditative exercises, and just reassuring things I've learned from other people). I try to put a little squeeze of lemon in my water in the a.m. as a way of reminding myself to think about my list and start the day in a positive way. I was beginning to feel like I was complaining too often and starting out the day feeling negative about work, etc. I don't expect to change my entire outlook on grad school necessarily but I think beforehand I was definitely not doing myself any favors by stewing on negativity like that. The first week I tried my lemon, positive thinking, I felt like it really helped actually. The second week was the girls' band camp and I fell off the wagon. Going to try and keep up with it :).
Just writing these few things had reminded me how much I miss this blog. I think we started a good thing here - reflecting on our lives, bodies and minds. I will try and write more next time about my overall health etc and my visit with Jedi Kiri!!!!!!
~Liv 4 Potions
