Medicine

Upcoming events:

Making Plant Medicine - Fire Cider

Sat 4/27/2024 11 am - 2 pm

Let's make, and take home a potent folk remedy. This is a do it yourself, hands on experience. Fire Cider was first created by the early settlers to help people cope with long winters and flu seasons. The recipe was made popular by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.

Fire Cider is an herbal antibiotic tonic. It creates instant relief for sore throats, stuffy heads, provides immune support and is a perky addition to any salad dressing.

This is a small group, hands on experience in a private studio in Topanga Canyon. Please bring your own quart size mason jar, cutting board, favorite knives, and raw, organic apple cider vinegar.
I will provide you with all the ingredients: fresh ginger, garlic, a variety of peppers, onion, horseradish, citrus, turmeric, rosemary, lemon balm and more.

While we communally slice and dice we’ll learn about their medicinal uses and properties. The Fire Cider needs to steep and be stored in a dark space for at least a month or moon cycle. Traditionally it was buried in the ground. Then strain, add honey as desired and enjoy. Will keep for at least a year in the refrigerator.

Fee: $60.- prepaid by 2/24 per cash, venmo or paypal.
Space is limited, first come first served.

Topanga Plant Walks

2024 Edition

Meets every Tuesday, starting on 1.23.24 10 am to noon.

Carpool leaves Pine Tree Circle at 10:10 am sharp. Involves a brief hike to a magic location.

Going and gathering there we'll learn about the plants surrounding us. Their culinary, medicinal or practical properties. Time permitting we may do a few stretches for grounding, followed by a brief plant meditation and sharing. Please dress for comfort, bring water, a snack and something to share.

Donation based.

CHAIR YOGA

Meets in the Sages room at the Topanga Community Center
1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga CA 90290
Every Thursday, 11 am to noon, $10.

Try something new and different: Yoga made easy for all who wish to counterbalance gravity with exercise. Take responsibility for your own well being by slowly, mindfully, joining movement and breath.

Breath is life. The more you breathe, the more vitality and energy you’ll have. Yoga can be adapted and accessible to any age, shape or condition. Even those with limited mobility can benefit. Expand your range of motion, mobilize those joints, and experience relief from pain & tension.

No experience necessary, dress comfortably.

Starts promptly on time, includes acupressure and a brief meditation.

Offerings

As a small town, rural herbalist I make modest batches of tonics, liniments, tinctures and teas. Currently working with Black Walnut hull, Amaretto, Fire Cider, Blue Vervain, California Poppy, Rosemary, Lavender, Wormwood and Mugwort. Along with a Lung Support Formula, also medicinal chocolates and seasonal treats.

Love sharing my gifts with the larger community, both in person and online. Looking forward to seeing you in my kitchen or garden. Nature is a wise and gentle teacher, it has graced us with abundant rains. The best thing to do in times of crisis: back to garden, to working with mother nature to help each other grow.

love & blessings

The youtube player is cued to the most recent upload.

Lola’s Kitchen Herbal

This book contains the deep lore and herbal wisdom you probably missed getting from your mother. It takes a good look at the medicinal and culinary properties of what is in your kitchen and yard. 27 common foods from apples, over citrus, onion to sage are described with tips on what to look for, and where to find the best. It’s a lively mix of ancient folk remedies, along with a wealth of simple, tasty recipes. Self-help and a DIY medicine chest at your fingertips.

Misc Self Help Tools

A few tips & tricks on how to ground & center yourself in these rapidly changing times:

Breathe
The more you breathe, the more you feel, and the longer you’ll live. Breath is life force energy. Pranayama, Wim Hof Method, Holotropic breathing all can change your life.
Stretch / Exercise
The move you move, the better you will feel. Whatever works for you, just do it. Be a good steward to your body, it’s the only one you’ve got. The stronger you are, the easier it is to handle any kind of crisis or injury.
Earthing
Going barefoot on the ground has awesome centering and anti-inflammatory effects. Check out Clint Ober’s excellent work on the topic.
Yoga
Any type, any way, shape or form. Yoga brings body. mind and spirit into alignment. Feel encouraged to explore. Some forms are more active and others deeply nourishing and relaxing.