Heart & Soul Apothecary Blog

Finally, I did it! What's That You Ask? 0

Finally, I did it! What's That You Ask?

I finally created my Youtube Channel for Live and Pre-recorded Intuitive Tarot Readings! Yay!

I am currently creating a schedule so that each month, every horoscope sign will receiving their own reading, which you can then catch at your leisure.

I am currently recording readings for March and will also share an announcement on Facebook for when I go live too. 

Subscribe Today to my Youtube Channel to get your horoscope intuitive tarot reading for March 2021.

See what's in the cards for your sign! And check out what I have scooped up for messages for your partner too. 

5 Quick Tips In Tackling Your ‘To Do List’ That Really Work. Don’t stress, finesse it. 0

Ever get so stressed with that long ‘to do list’ that you are completely overwhelmed? So much so, you might even frozen up a bit? Perhaps it’s too ‘peoply’ out there for some of you that it brings a certain anxiety in doing certain things on your list. Perhaps you got stunned by a blowfish. 

You get the idea. What is it about tackling our things to do lists that gets us up in a state of frenzy or overwhelm? Are we trying too hard? Not enough? Is it ok if you don’t finish everything on that list? So on and so on goes the list of questions to ask why. 

What worlds have we created that we get so anxious to the point of becoming almost frozen to not take action in attacking that preverbal ever-lasting & never ending ‘to do list’? 

5 Quick Tips In Tackling Your ‘To Do List’ That Really Work.

While we may not always have the answer - like it’s one’s health, or you’re really thinking about other things that are seriously worrying you. We often allow our minds to become too busy-body, that as soon as we wake up, it turns into a state of frenzy with thoughts whirling in our minds. 

These thoughts start to rattle, and the lists begin in your head. You’ve barely turned on the light to the bathroom door, you’ve but just shuffled your feet from your bed only a few feet. And so the anxiety starts. You can stop instant thinking like this.  

I so get it. I’ve been there. Countless times. But lately in some of the Facebook groups, the theme of how to tackle your ‘things to do list’ has come back into play as we head into the busy holiday season. And many are seeking solutions. 

So let’s get to why we are here today reading this post. 

It seems unreal at times but I will tell you a little secret. It’s all just about the time.

Time is the secret. It’s how we segment and intend each of our days and in allowing how these segments play out is the key to having less stress and anxiety in your day, on any given day of the week in doing all the things we wish to accomplish.

But most importantly, it’s really, really looking at what’s most necessary for you. It’s keeping it simple and doable. It’s about having your life back. It’s about recognizing what you truly need in any given day. It’s about bringing it back to the basics and what can bring joy to you today.

We often ask so much of ourselves because we truly want to do good in this world. We want to serve humanity. We want to improve our lives. And we should serve others, it is our truest calling as beings having a human experience, in as much as we should strive to do better the next day.. 

We feel by doing so much we are in fact serving others in the best way. And this is not necessarily always true. 

So in helping yourself and others, tackling that things to do list is more approachable  - here are my five quick tips.

Why Even Have A Things To Do List?

1) Ditch the ‘things to do list’ entirely - and instead, grab a page from your notebook and start writing down the things you did accomplish...no matter how small. 1) made bed, 2) took shower 3) collected garbage for trash , etc. It starts to become a game. On some days you may realize you were doing a lot more than you even imagined. 

Don’t Stress. Finesse That List.

2) Create a huge major list of all your things to do - as some are projects, some or short simple tasks, etc. and prioritize them and try to schedule them for the week(s) & months ahead even. As days/weeks progress, you can go back and check off items accomplished and done - I like a major list because I can see everything in its entirety that needs to be done and don’t have to be overwhelmed by it all on a daily basis. Plus having it written down reduces any stress. You can update it at anytime.  

3) Try to choose only three things and concentrate on those for the day. No more no less. Just do the three. One small, one medium & one big. You can refer to your master list to choose those tasks or go with what’s important for today to be a success for you.

4) Set the timer for 15 minutes, and tackle one thing on your list. Usually we worry more than we need to - and waste more time in anxiety, but once we start doing the work, putting music on always helps, and choose to feel joy - these are easy tasks especially when broken down to manageable parts.
The 15 minute timer is a great one when you seem frozen with anxiety... and see if you can do three 15 minute segments throughout the day to tackle the chores.

5) Try segmenting time with intentions. Once we segment and intend with positive foresight, tasks are usually easier to manage. You can share with yourself, something along the lines of, with this moment of (insert 30 min, 1 hr, etc.) time, I will be easily handing this ‘task’ or say, ‘I easily have the time to handle this next step for x amount of time (30 minutes, 1 hour). 

Overall, time is a precious thing. The 15 minute timer trick is a great way to get unfrozen about your to do list. Most cleaning tasks take but just that. And even one area of your home less frazzled will make you in turn less frazzled. 

So don’t sweat the big stuff or small stuff. Enjoy each hour you are here. Intend your time is spent well and with joy in you heart. Your to do list is just that. A suggested list of things to occupy your time here on earth. Spend your time wisely. 

( 💋 Leah ) 

Be Brave, Be Bold - Be You! 0

Today's inspiring words are about you being brave, being bold and in you being simply you. This is not about you being brave all the time, that would be most exhausting. But even trying new things indeed is a very brave act in its self.

As when we try new things, it is in that moment when we grow the very most. Stepping out of that normalcy and into the unknown without attachment to outcomes in regards to your wanting to grow your art and creative career is when the creative magic happens.

Does Your Garden Grow Wild - The Eastern Daisy Fleabane 0

If you have been anywhere this spring in the Hudson Valley, you will have noticed we have had lots and lots of rain, much to the happiness of the reservoirs! Summer heat will surely be upon us sooner than we can yell out Uncle, but until the meantime, many of us are experiencing an abundance of growth in our yards and gardens. 

Personally my gardens are so overgrown, I am almost not sure what to do. I definitely need assistance, it's too big of a job just for me at this point. I even imagined while trying to walk through it this morning, that perhaps I should rent a rototiller and simply till the entire yard! 

Happy to say though, while walking around the raised vegetable garden, that the garlic, onions and rhubarb all held out from last years weed pulling from a young fellow who attempted to assist me despite being told which plants were weeds and to pull.

Even my organic Adirondack Blue Potato Plants are doing fabulous!

This leads to today's subject on identifying what's in your yard. What plants can be used for teas and salves that are right under your nose and feet?

For the next few months, I aim to share a few common plants that live right underneath our feet that can be used for your medicinal and magical uses.

Let's start with Eastern Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus). It's a member of the Asteraceae (Aster) family of flowers. These flowers have fringed white (sometimes lightly pink) petals and are roughly less than an inch across with a lovely yellow center. With the exception of the shape of the leaf, it's easily understandable someone might think these look like wild chamomile or even feverfew.

Most people would simply pull these as weeds, but do note to definitely use gloves since some people can get contact dermatitis from handling the plants from their stems which are a bit hairy.

Native Americans have long used this plant, mostly it's leaves and flowers as they have most active medicinal components, but the entire plant can be used.

Collect the flowers and leaves when it's in bloom for best results in making a water or alcohol tincture. 

"An alcohol and water tincture extracts the medicinal phytochemical compounds better than a tea, which loses the oil soluble compounds that are the most active." (*See below)

Several studies find very promising uses for this simple 'weed' in your garden. 

In Folk Medicine and Native American Medicine: Fleabane has been used for urinary problems such as painful urination, and inflammation of the urethritis with scalding urine. Fleabane has also been used for renal or vesical pain; urinary stones, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea with back pain and blood clots. Fleabane is used as an astringent, diuretic, spasmolytic and emmenagogue. It also has a history of relieving gout symptoms.

For tea, only the flowers and leaves are used. - Collect (while wearing gloves) then let dry on a baking sheet - or bake for 2 hours in an oven at 175 F degrees. Then store in a container with tight lid.  

Magical Uses: "Fleabane has been used since the Ancient times to protect people from evil spells and to exorcise demons. Use Fleabane in sachets and hang it around the house to prevent evil of all forms from entering. Also use it to strengthen any healing or exorcism rituals/spells." (*Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Well that's good to note, I'd recommend adding a little sea salt to your sachets though and place them in the corners of your homes for extra protection too.

Insect Repellent: Contrary to it's name, it does not keep away the fleas per se, but does discourage other pests such as mites, mosquitos, and ticks. Plus are a delight to our humming birds, butterflies and bees and can be hosts for butterflies to lay their eggs.

Warnings: Pregnancy: - Do not use any form of eastern daisy fleabane while pregnant.

Here are additional resources to learn more about this most interesting yet useful 'weed' in your garden:

1) * http://thenatpath.com/williamson/herb-of-the-day-eastern-daisy-fleabane/

2) http://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/annualfleabane.html

3) For more information on magical uses this is an interesting article I found: http://www.alchemy-works.com/erigeron.html

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to heal or cure any disease. 

How To Stay Focused When You're A Creative 0

How to regroup and stay focused…when you’re a creative. 

I don’t know about all of you, but as a creative I can easily be distracted.

We by nature are visualizers, we interpret all that we see with our art in its many mediums and styles. Being a creative also means we come up with ideas, loads of them in fact. But how do we deal with the input our brain sometimes gives us to handle from swirling in our heads on repeat mode?

Now add in those ‘asking for attention’ and interruptive notifications you receive about your FB post being liked or someone commenting on your IG post while you’re trying to work on your computer.

What about when family members request your attention or life’s mundane tasks that must always be done? How do we not unravel at some point?

Then add other factors, like your mind swirling with those ideas of things you need to do and in trying to make many decisions at any one point. It can get rather busy inside our heads, and when creating art - it can get extra busy.

It’s because we are in that zone, that creative zone, that allows our minds to wonder about things - all things.

Here are some ways I stay focused:

I use Peppermint and Rosemary Essential Oils in my diffusers. I also used an essential blend I created called Intelligence. Yes - a funny name (I do like to have fun when naming my products) - but it's for when you need to really get focused and concentrating on school work per se or anything else that requires memory tasks.

I am a big believer in lists. I have lists for everything, hence my love of journals. I have lists for my ongoing inventory of things to make, lists of products for my shop, lists of projects and their action steps to get from point a to point z, etc. 

Each list is always dated, has handwritten squares to check off once the task has been completed. I use certain characters and notations with my lists to keep them organized from one another. It’s job within itself.

Then of course what about those other kind of lists - those lists that are forgotten about, left on the kitchen counter, so that when you arrive at the grocery store, you buy everything but that one thing that was most important, say the toilet paper or toothpaste. We’ve all been there at some point or time.

Personally I always look and read other people’s left lists in their now empty grocery carts - I find them so fascinating, but I am going off on a tangent here…

Sometimes, I have laughed literally out loud at myself when reviewing the list of things to do from the day before (or even perhaps a few days before). I have uttered these very words to myself, “Ummm Leah? - Why don’t you just change the date on the top of this page!? You silly!”

It’s because I didn’t even reach one goal that was on that list. It can be bewildering to wonder what did you actually do the day before, that you couldn’t even notch off even one of the items on your to do list. In fact in can be outright frustrating making you think you are not getting anywhere closer to your goals. Stop fretting over your things to do list. Really!

I have some solutions in how to handle your lists, and projects and in keeping your energy up & focused besides copies amounts of caffeine created in your favorite format.

You wan’t to know what it is?

One of my solutions is to just stop…. stop everything for just one moment.

In fact take two moments.

Turn off the electronic sounds, and simply see if you can sit outside for a few minutes to hear the wind coming through the trees, or the sounds of the cars bustling down the streets. Grab a sweater if you have to. You don’t need permission to do this.

Don’t concentrate on anything but the sounds and sights you are experiencing.

My mother Gertrude who raised me since I was five, used to have me count how many things I could identify by hearing them. I would sit and listen. Not speak, but tilt my head to hear best…. and say things like I hear a bluejay squawking, the buzzing of a bee, the wind rushing through those trees over there, the cat purring, oh and the neighbor’s dog barking. I can hear the sound of the tall grass bustling in the breeze and the chimes in my backyard.

Sometimes to get grounded and refocused is to take that respite. It’s a necessary thing to take a break.

I say this, since I haven’t been on a vacation in 8 years. But what I do everyday is my love and life. Some day’s I’ll be very productive while other’s not as much. But I don’t let it weigh me down. (Ok well, I try and not let it get me down -let’s be honest here).

One way I stay focused, is that I pay attention to nature. I watch for signs when I should ‘move’’ or take action. It’s the inner Native American shaman in me per se, but I am very aware of when the Canadian geese arrive in the field behind me, it’s my sign to start ‘real’ work for the day, and when I see them fly home for the night, it’s my sign to stop what I am doing and to switch gears.

Another trick and this is a good one! When you are feeling overwhelmed by your things to do list, don’t write a list of things to do, but write a list of things you have done for the day - and number them. That’s right, I’m telling you to stop writing down a things to do list.

Instead, write down and number for each and anything you did for the day onto your piece of paper.

List them no mater how trite they may appear, such as emptying the dishwasher (which by the way was finally done yesterday after the dishes had been cleaned 5 days ago) - yup!

Add things such as you changed the sheets, you walked the dog, you picked up your child at soccer, you threw in a load of laundry, you scanned in art, you worked even a little on a piece you’re in the middle of. You cleaned the dishes in the sink, or even just picked up the clothes off the floor.

List every single thing - make it be like a game. See what else you can add to your list of things you have done for the day. And make sure to number them!

By the end of the day, you will be surprised that you actually did more than you thought you did. You will no longer feel that you didn’t get anything accomplished that day - and will no longer see your lists as unsurmountable goals, but as guiding steps to move you forward with your goals.

I bring this trick and ‘alternative’ way of creating your things to do list for when you may be feeling overwhelmed.

It’s so very easy for us to be over-consumed by all the things we need to do on any given day - and by changing our focus for even one day and in listing those things we have accomplished, will in turn, give you a natural self pat on the back and vote of confidence wth a refocused mindset.

So Lets Let The Creativity Begin!

xo Leah

So how do you handle the stress of your life and art and family time? How do you stay focused and reground yourself? Please share with us in the comments below. Creative Artists Want To Know.

All images and article copyright 2017 Leah Quinn. 

Top Ten Herbs To Help Perimenopause Symptoms 0

Top Ten List of Herbs For Perimenopause Support

Perimenopause - Herbs May Help Ease The Symptoms and Effects of Going Through the Changes.
Yes, the Times, They Are A’Changing.

It seems as if no one really tells us women what to expect when you start ‘going through the changes’. In fact, it’s different for each woman. Many factors can contribute to how much you feel at any one month to the next, in terms of how severe your ‘symptoms’ of perimenopause can be. But you needn’t be frightened, be enlightened instead.

First of all, what exactly is perimenopause and how long does it last? Perimenopause can start as early as when you are in your 30’s, but usually starts when women are in their 40’s. How long does it last? Four years is the average length of perimenopause, but some women can experience it for only a few months while others experience the perimenopause phase for up to 10 years.

You begin your Menopause phase, when you have gone 12 months without having your period, which is a signal that your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.

Not all women experience perimenopause the same way, in fact it’s very individualistic. For some women, the types of period you get, can change - and they can become more severe. You may notice different sensations such as increased tenderness in your breasts, and a sense of overall fatigue. You may experience urinary urgency or anxiety.

Well that’s just great sounding isn’t it?! But there can be relief using a natural approach with the use of herbs and essential oils along with a few eating tips.

Before I suggest some herbs and essentials oils that may help with relieving these symptoms, let me share with you a list what are the more common symptoms of perimenopause:

Here is a list of just a few symptoms of perimenopause:

• Hot Flashes - We’ve all heard of these. Usually felt as a rush of heat, spreading over your body. They can be strong or weak, happen during the day or at night and can last for just a few seconds, to more than a few minutes.
  
  
• Night Sweats - known as Sleep Hyperhidrosis, which is caused by hormonal imbalances in conjunction with environmental factors. At it’s worse, night sweats can be a sign of underlying medical issues, so it’s important to share and tell your doctor if your night sweats are severe.
  
  
• Irritability - And you thought you were irritable now and before the onset of your period - ha! You haven’t seen anything yet. These can be more severe, making you feel ‘on edge’, and quick to snap per se. I refers to these as having the ‘Meows’ - like when a cat whines… Underlining causes: fluctuations in hormonal balances that affect the neurotransmitters which are responsible for your moods.
  
  
• Digestive Issues - studies have shown there’s an increase in lactose-intolerance as a women nears perimenopause. Also due to the aging process, less production of lactase (the digestive hormone responsible for digesting milk and milk byproducts) is yet another reason for the increased lactose intolerance experienced by perimenopausal women. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances can be disruptive to the transit of food, to the gut; and the added stress that one experiences can also add to the overall issue of experiencing more digestive problems.
  
• Vaginal Dryness - caused by drops in estrogen levels, vaginal tissue becomes thinner, drier and less elastic.
  
  
• Thinning Hair as a result of hormonal imbalances in the body.
  
  
• Loss of Sexual Drive/ Libido - Well, now you don’t even need that old excuse that you have a headache, now a days, you actually do have more headaches. Still, due to changes in your hormones, one’s libido and drive can feel diminished.
  
  
• Bloating - Do we ever get rid of this feeling?! Lower levels of bile can contribute to bloating with is caused by your new estrogen deficiency. Be aware though of bloating lasting more than a few days, as persistent or unexplained bloating or stomach pain lasting for more than three days should be checked out by your doctor promptly.
  
  
• Irregular Periods: Caused again by changes in hormonal balances. Your period could become more heavy or lighter than usual. Spotting and skipping periods is also common. Definitely still use protection while having sex! Especially since you may not be noticing your periods of ovulations as easily due to your vaginal dryness. You still can get pregnant!
  
  
• Anxiety - Frequent or one-time events, caused by sudden drops in estrogen levels circulating in your body, which in turn reduces the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin & dopamine) responsible for mood regulation. - Well, that’s just great!
  
  
• Tingling Extremities - Caused by lowered levels of estrogen affecting the central nervous system.
  
  
• Tension and Muscle Pain - A increase of the stress hormone cortisol brought upon lowered levels of estrogen can be one of the leading causes for more tension being felt in the body than normal.

Well doesn’t this sound all pleasant and lovely?! Yea… no! But there is relief, there are answers to relieving some of these symptoms and in even preventing them. Here are my top ten herbs I recommend to help alleviate some of the symptoms of perimenopause.

1. Black Coolish Root. Taken in capsule form, will help to alleviate those ‘meows’ aka mood swings, anxieties and moodiness. They also help with changes in one’s sleep patterns. It also helps to relieve and even prevent (or lessen the severity) of hot flashes and night sweats.
   
   
2. Sage (Salvia Officinalis) (related to the mint family) when drank cold, it reduces sweating, when drank hot, it increases sweating, which then cools you down.
   
   
3. Elder: improves overall circulation and moves fluids along, helps to reduce bloating and flushed skin.
   
   
4. Yarrow: regulates the fluids in the body. When drank warm, it will help to open up skin pores and help to reduce heat in the body. Do avoid Yarrow if pregnant.
   
   
5. White Willow: cooling and anti-inflammatory.
   
   
6. Raspberry: It’s one of those wondrous plants that helps us women in all stages of our lives. Supports easing of menstrual cramps to helping with digestive issues.
   
   
7. Dandelion: Supports Digestive System, helps to remove toxins from your liver faster.
   
   
8. Horsetail: Phenomenal herb to drink for increasing one’s electrolytes. But this tea is great for gingivitis and loss of hair which is also associated as a symptom of perimenopause.
   
   
9. Nettle: Helps with reducing inflammation associated with muscle pain and tension, including joint paint. Helps to relieve some of the symptoms of allergies (which can be increased during the perimenopausal stage).
   
   
10. Marshmallow: Supports Urea Cycle, Urinary System, Helps to reduce joint paint and supports respiratory system for increased allergic symptoms one may experience during perimenopause.

Additional Pointers To Help Relieve Symptoms Experienced During Perimenopause:

1. Eat Cooling Foods: Certain herbs and foods help to cool down the body. Do an internet search on cooling foods whether Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda. Some of these foods that help to cool the body (thereby preventing hot flashes) are: the green part of a scallion, cucumbers, melon, coconut, leafy vegetables, bok choy, celery, swiss chard, broccoli, bananas, pears, all citrus fruits, zucchini, spinach, radish and eggplant to name just a few.
   
   
2. Take a B-complex Vitamin Daily. This will help with a slew of the symptoms associated with perimenopause including depression, increased stress and tension, those ‘Meow’s as discussed, aka the irritable moments, etc.
   
   
3. Do Yoga and Meditation to help reduce & disperse stress and tension associated with perimenopause.
   
   
4. Sleep in the Nude: Sleeping au natural will help you to regulate your body easier than if you’re all covered up in your flannel nightgown under blankets. Also having layered blankets will help so you can flip on or off the layers you need during the night as your body temperatures fluctuate.
   
   
5. Drink Teas that Support Women’s Reducing the Symptoms of Perimenopause and avoid Drinking Alcohol & Smoking Marijuana (which creates heat in the body)

My Top Heart & Soul Apothecary Products That Were Created to Help Perimenopause:

1. Yo, Easy Aunt Flo Anointment Oil: A mix of organic essential oils and jojoba oils in a roll-on bottle, that you apply to your lower abdomen and lower back area to help reduce pain associated with painful periods.
2. Tame Your Flame Mist: A Combination of Organic Hydrosols of Peppermint and Cucumber with organic essential oils that help to cool your body S.T.A.T. and help prevent the length of hot flashes when used at night before you go to bed. Great to help cool down the body at any time.
   
   
3. Tame Your Flame Tea: An organic herbal mixture specially created for reducing hot flashes. Tastes great cold or hot.
   
   
4. Great Aunt Flo Tea: A tea made specifically for the perimenopause stage. Helps to control those ‘Meow’s’ and irritable moments.
   
   
5. Wise Woman Tea: Another great calming tea for that stage going from perimenopause to menopause.