SHINING LOTUS & FREE SOUL YOGA SELL USED BOOKS

© 2009 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Dec 09/Jan 10.

Shining Lotus and Free Soul Yoga have partnered to re-sell gently used books in the beautifully designed lobby of the new Free Soul Yoga studio at 1947 South Broadway just north of Evans.

Free Soul is the “greenest” studio in the metro Denver area, built from re-cycled materials, furniture and supplies. They re-invest in the community by giving part of their profits to local area charities. Free Soul Yoga is a studio born from an idea that it is possible to provide affordable and accessible yoga to everyone in the community. Their goal, as they join the Denver Yoga Community, is to create a friendly and safe environment for you to explore your personal evolution.

Visit them at 1947 S Broadway in Denver. They are just north of Evans on Broadway, between the Allen Paint Store and Mac Outlet. Call 303-733-3400 for information on classes. Visit them online at www.freesoulyoga.com.

January 2012 update - FREE SOUL YOGA is closed.

FRESH GINGER FOR THE FIRST INKLING OF COLDS AND FLU

© 2009 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Dec 09/Jan 10.

JUST FOR HEALTH by Rachel Lord RN, Master Herbalist

GINGER RHIZOME
(Zingberis officianale Rosco)

Picture a nice warming tea on a cold day. Sweat it out. Move germs along to the exterior before they get lodged in. This is what Ginger Rhizome (Zingberis officinale Rosco) can do. Pungent, hot and dis- persing fresh Ginger is just the ticket when you‘re thinking some version of “Uh oh, my head hurts a little and my throat is thick.”

So get thee to the grocery store and pick up some Fresh Ginger Root in the produce section, so you will have it on hand when you need it. Put it in a zip lock baggy. It stores nicely in the freezer for a long time.
Chinese wisdom says that fresh ginger promotes sweating and the dried tincture or tea expels interior cold. Ginger root has a natural affinity towards the respiratory and GI systems. It‘s a no-brainer for a cold coming on, with or without a little stomach upset to boot.

Primary Actions of Ginger:

Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic: Inhibits formation of inflammatory prostaglandins leukotrine and throm- boxanes. Inhibits release of substance P (for pain) much like the capsaicin in Cayenne.

Expectorant and Anti-Bacteria/Viral: Will kill germs and get up phlegm.

Anti-emetic: Reduces nausea.

Increases Circulation: Anti-platelet.

Diaphoretic: Warms the body, creates sweating. Helps maintain body temperature and inhibits sero- tonin-induced hypothermia.

Brew Some Fresh Ginger Tea: (as the need arises) One cup of tea (8 oz) Grate one teaspoon of fresh or fresh frozen ginger. (If some peels get in, that‘s a good thing). Simmer root in a little over eight ounces of water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. If you like, add some grated fresh orange peel or a few peppermint leaves. Strain. Add honey to soothe the throat and give some bug killing action. Yum.

Daily Dose: 3 cups. Make up enough for a day. Triple above recipe. Store in glass jar in fridge and reheat as needed.

Safety: This is a very mild herb with few contraindications. Safe in pregnancy and lactation. Some- times used for ―morning sickness‖. Slight anti-platelet activity. Best used short term for immediate symptom relief.

Other tidbits: Used as a pungent spice and medicine for thousands of years. The whole fresh root is called ―Green Ginger‖. Its use is recorded in Sanskrit and Chinese texts and is documented in ancient Greek, Roman and Arabic medical literature. Was probably one of the first cultivated plants ever. Grown in India, China, Jamaica, Haiti and Nigeria.