Tonic Herb of the Month

Greens & Chlorophyll

Ionic ChlorophyllSpring is the season of the liver/wood element, and green is the color that nourishes the liver. If you’re looking for a gentle way to support detoxification, this is a great time to add more greens to your day.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants that helps to convert sunlight to usable energy. Chlorophyll’s main action is a chelator, meaning that it binds to things such as heavy metals and carcinogens and facilitates their excretion. Chlorophyll also supports phase II detoxification in the liver, reducing oxidative stress on the liver and supporting the metabolism of harmful toxins, drugs and excess hormones.

Chlorophyll closely resembles the structure of our red blood cells, with just one atom difference (red blood cells have iron at the center while chlorophyll has magnesium at the center).

HEMOGLOBIN AND CHLOROPHYLL AS DYE LASERS?

Just like our red blood cells, chlorophyll can bind with oxygen, facilitating the transportation of oxygen to our cells and increasing the production and recycling of red blood cells in our bodies. And even though we don’t transform sunlight into energy as much as plants do, a diet rich in chlorophyll does help us to have more energy (especially when we eat chlorophyll rich roods before soaking up some sunlight). Chlorophyll is also known to protect the skin from sun damage.

Just like the plants, this time of year our blood (sap) begins to flow outward and upward. We crave movement and growth and expansion. We need to rid ourselves of excess to allow our blood to flow optimally. And just like plants, we can use flavonoids and pigments to help protect our skin as we soak up the sun’s rays. So as we approach the yang-half of the year (beginning at spring equinox) we will want to add more greens to our diet to support the elimination of all that we have accumulated during the sedentary winter months of heavy foods and lack of sunshine.

Nettle, Stinging – Snake River Seed CooperativeChlorophyll-rich plants include nettle, spinach, alfalfa, cilantro, parsley, spirulina and chlorella, all of which are amazing detoxifiers and can be helpful for preventing seasonal allergies (especially nettle!). For additional support for your liver and for general detoxification, be sure to also read our previous posts about beets, dandelion, chickweed, schisandra, yellow dock, and violet . Many of these herbs are ready to harvest right now and can easily be foraged or cultivated in your yard!

If you don’t have the capacity to harvest your own greens, or have a hard time drinking dandelion leaf tea, you can still have amazing benefits from taking liquid chlorophyll drops. We carry Trace Minerals ionic chlorophyll drops (pictured above) that can easily be added to your tea, water, smoothies, dressings or sauces for a burst of green power.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.*

UPCOMING EVENTS

Solid Perfume-Making

with Lakeja Baylor

* New Date *

Saturday, September 27th, 4-5 pm

In this workshop you will be learning how to make your our own solid perfumes. Combining beeswax, botanically infused oils, and essential oils you will make & take home 2 differently scented solid perfumes.

Register Here

+++++++++++++

Fall Ayurveda Gathering & Ghee-making

with Kimber Hyatt

12-1:30pm, Saturday October 11th

Let’s have tea & discuss this most beautiful season of transition, the ups & downs that come with it.

Kimber will share Ayurveda’s perspective & some beautiful ways to stay grounded, nourished, healthy & feeling like your best self as the season brings about its changes.

Register Here

+++++++++++++

Community Medicine Making Circles

withJen Halima  

FDCAF5FC-6A9C-4E8C-89CC-CC9332861DE5.heic

Next one: October 25th

 Roots & Broth Blends

Meet the autumn root harvest and the many ways it can be incorporated into healing and immune supporting remedies through infusions into tinctures, cough syrups, teas and food.   We will learn how to make a cough syrup and prepare an herbal broth bags for you to take home.

Register Here

+++++++++++++

Plant Allies for Stress, Depression, and Fatigue

with Kat Maier

Saturday January 31st, 2026, 10am – 5pm

In Chinese medicine, the season of winter is a time of hibernation and restoration. This applies not just for the previous year but, in our culture, for the stress of holidays and all that is happening in our world now. This class will share ancient as well as new medicines for restoring our balance and providing deep resilience for the body, mind, and soul. The day will also acknowledge February 1, known as Candlemas, a Celtic celebration honoring the return of light. We will learn practical and easy-to-follow teas and recipes to strengthen our immunity for the times that lie ahead.
+++++++++++++

Sunday Morning Tea Ceremonies

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Come for quiet reflection as you sip on several cups of tea following Japanese tradition. Ceremony begins at 9:30 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required.

Suggested Donation: $25

Register Here