Align With Grace Yoga: Now ALL of my classes are available via ZOOM!
HERB CORNER
known for their antiviral properties making it useful to have around for treating Herpes simplex (cold sores). Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) While not a native plant to the US, milk thistle has become a very valuable plant to have. Numerous scientific studies have shown its seeds have the power to reverse liver damage — they are the only known substance that can regenerate damaged liver tissue — and they are one of the few effective agents for treating hepatitis C and jaun - dice. Milk thistle is another important source for many of our pollina - tors and butterflies! Vervain (Verbena) (Verbena officinalis / Verbena hastata) Despite being a rather inconspicuous herb with its tiny blue flow - ers set on squarish spikes, verbena, or vervain, for some reason has attracted a phenomenal amount of attention throughout the ages. For many centuries it was used by every priest, magician and witch as a purported cure for everything! In the modern era, panacea herbs like vervain have often been dismissed, simply because they seem too good to be true; thus vervain is rarely used in herbal medicine today. Verbena can be summed up as an herb that supports the clearing of obstructions, e.g., in the kidneys, liver, gallbladder and spleen. It is said to be helpful for liver congestion and jaundice, and is even reputed to break up a kidney stone. It is also a nervine that calms and relaxes tense nerves, and can help alleviate a host of stress related symptoms such as mental exhaustion, migraines, depression and headaches. Ex- ternally verbena has been used to cleanse wounds and putrid ulcers. It is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for infections of the gum and throat. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Last, but not certainly least, is a tree — our Native Walnut, more commonly known as Black Walnut. The leaves of the black walnut are an astringent and are most often used to treat hemorrhoids, as well as to treat liver and gallbladder problems. In folk medicine, black walnut leaf was also given to relieve headache, hepatitis, and skin conditions. Black walnut is an anti-fungal and has been used to treat fungal infec- tions such as athlete’s foot, and Candida. It has also been used as an antiseptic and anti-parasitic. The hulls of the black walnut are used to help with many conditions owing to a chemical within them known as juglone. They are known to be a gentle and effective laxative as well as an effective anti-viral. Last - ly, the hulls were used as a source of brown dye for hair until the early part of the 1900’s. The meat (nut) is a good source of natural calories while being low in Saturated Fats. How To Use the Herbs Most of the herbs described here can be used as a Decoction or Ti - sane. Saw Palmetto is the exception. It is best used as a tincture, pre - pared by using a high proof alcohol like Everclear then diluted with purified water at a 1 part tincture to 2 parts water ratio. Alternatively, you can ground it into a powder and take it in capsule form as some of the constituent properties (mainly the fatty acids) are not water solu- ble. What‘s the Difference Between Decoction and Tisane? While both refer to a form of herbal tea, the difference is in how long the parts of the plant are allowed to steep (brew). For most flowers and leaves, a simple Tisane (Tea) works well. Simply put 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb into a mug, pour over it with hot (not boiling) water, and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes (longer if you like a stronger tea).
Align with Grace Yoga o ers classes, retreats, specialty classes, trainings and workshops, suitable for all. Announcing: THE PATHWAYS YOGA & WELLNESS RETREAT November 4–7, 2022 SERENITY, STRENGTH and RESILIENCE Enjoy a long weekend with like-minded souls on the beautiful mountain top of the PATHWAYS RETREAT CENTER. This retreat is suitable for all levels of yogi, even if you have never done yoga before, there is plenty in this retreat to revive and heal you. We will have asana sessions, meditation instruction, Yoga Nidra (The Yoga of Sleep), and special practices to harness the power of the subconscious mind. Also o ered: Massage, hiking, gourmet vegan meals, hot tub and togetherness. Visit: www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/ expos-and-events/retreats Visit: www.alignwithgrace.com
Claudia Neuman, MSW, ERYT-500, YACEP Certified Parayoga® Instructor Certified Parayoga® Nidra Instructor Creator of Align with Grace Yoga
All my classes are Online and In Person! Visit: www.graceyps.com/classes for information on my public group classes held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m., and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Yin Yoga, Sundays at 12 noon. Join me for my Bliss-Filled Signature Enlightened Rest Para® Yoga Nidra session
at The Natural Living Expo, July 10, 2022 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, McLean, VA, 7920 Jones Bridge Drive, McLean, VA, 22102 www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/ summer-expo/
Claudia Neuman MSW, ERYT-500, YACEP
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PATHWAYS—Summer 22—35
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