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Hi there yogis,

I hope you didn’t miss our herbal workshop last evening.  I took a slight detour to discuss three herbs – Damiana, and Brahmi (Gotu-kola Brahmi, and Bacopa monnieri “Brahmi”).  It is rather confusing unless you go to a Ayurvedic site – they are not at all confused.  They are certainly not described in Mrs Grieves, because in England and probably the rest of Europe they are not common.  I have both varieties growing in my yard and doing rather well.  I have obviously got them in the right soil, and the right side of the garden.


Brahmi Gotu Kola is tri-doshic  rasavana (a rejuvenating herb) which works with each of the dosas to slow ageing and it is said that it is Gotu kola which gives elephants their great capacity for memory and longevity.  Are you heading out to your nursery today – don’t bother to try and find it, you probably won’t, unless you have an extraordinary nursery.  I have some which I can pot up if you would like to order a plant or two and come and collect it, or try on-line.

There have been medical and scientific reports coming out about the after-effects of Covid, and centred on changes to the brain.  I need every bit of brain power I can muster, and guess what,  Brahmi protects the brain.  I make BRAHMI PESTO that needs no heat to make so every bit of nutrition is available to me.  I am sorry that yogis are not interested – perhaps after covid, experiencing  “covid brain” fog they will be.

We also discussed DAMIANA, the herb that is said to rival Marijuana.  I have a lovely recipe for “Lovers Truffles”.

 

DEHYDRATOR DAYS.
Just a reminder to get the dehydrator out from under the stairs.  I have lots of dehydrated food.  I am going to try dehydrated meat for the cat – it will save time and space if it works, plus if we get another lock down or if I get exposed to covid, I may need to hide away with the cat.  This makes it TOTALLY possible.   Mother Earth News Archives has information about DIY solar dehydrators.   You can use your oven, or like me, buy an electrical dehydrator (mine is about 25 years old and still humming along).  It is one of the hardest working appliances in the kitchen.  I could do a video, but goodness, how hard is it? Slice food, put it in the dehydrator, switch it on, wait.  I did have to explain to people how to rip up a sheet to make toilet wipes in the beginning of covid – maybe you don’t know how to slice a plum.  My advice? Practice.

THIS IS THE SEASON OF THE OAK TREE.
It is the last to drop its leaves, but not before she has delivered barrow loads of acorns.  I was interested to learn that popular Eyck names,  Eyck and Van Eyck, mean “oak” and “of the oak“, respectively. Oak trees were venerated in Druidic religion and mythology.

Around my garden and in this corner of the world because the oak makes sure that it will be replicated, and baby oak trees are always growing it is interesting to learn that at the birth of every oak tree a gnome is assigned to care for it – so when I take out a small oak, I have to ask pardon from the gnome, and hope they will find another oak…

To the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Slavs and Teutonic tribes the oak was foremost amongst venerated trees. In each case associated with the supreme god in their pantheon, oak being sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Dagda, Perun and Thor, respectively. Each of these gods also had dominion over rain, thunder and lightning. It is no coincidence that oak trees are more prone to lightning strikes than many other trees. I understand that this is because of the tree’s high water content and the fact that they are frequently the tallest living things in the landscape.  I have had one of my biggest oaks hit by lightning, and it feels like the end of the world – a real sound and light show.  The oak cannot be used afterwards as the lightning bakes the wood.

CURRENT SCHEDULE:

WEKLY STUDIO/ZOOM SCHEDULE  (PLEASE BOOK AHEAD – NO DROP-INS, sorry)

ZOOM: Mon. 6.30 Gita, Tues. Herb workshop 7.30, Friday 6.45 Tarot on holidays until 29th April.
STUDIO: Mon. 1pm (full), Wed. 1pm Restorative (full), Friday 1pm Hatha,  SATURDAY 1PM RESTORATIVE YOGA.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON:  Thursday 28TH APRIL at 12noon at “The Vic” in Woodend (If you are running a bit late, relax, it’s OK – drop in for dessert).

CONSULTATIONS: Tarot/Bach/Bowen or a combo – by appointment only.  $85 including remedy (including postage if zooming)  Past-Life (QHHT taught by Dolores Cannon) $250 via email or in the studio.  The reading includes Time, date, place of the prior life. To discuss,  email  yogafirst2@bigpond.com

(TANTRIC) HERBS – HERB BAGS.  $53.50 for 7.  Each bag will last at least 2 days steeping.  This includes a Bach Flower Essence given to complement the tea.  This is not a usual tea, it is a Herbal remedy taken as tea in a tea bag – I cannot emphasise enough how essential I believe these are for your well being.  I take them myself EVERY DAY, and feel fabulous.  I think over time we will all get some form of covid, but I believe my herbs will help me through.  If I send them to you add $6 for postage.

Please make a zoom consult ($85 for the zoom including your tea).  I would prefer to see you so we can be sure the teas will suit you and help you on your road to wellness. You can email if you don’t like zoom… and  YOU CAN ALWAYS DROP IN FOR HERBS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION – DRIED, FRESH OR TO GROW…. A studio consult may include PPT MASSAGE or BOWEN, the herbs, tarot counselling… whatever is needed.  Email me for your next step yogafirst2@bigpond.com.

I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE MAT, OR IN THE STUDIO, EMAIL ME!

NAMASTE – JAHNE

 

Dear Yogis,

In Europe there is news coming out of strange cluster outbreaks of disease of “unknown origin”.  Hepatitis in young children, and brain disease in adults after a bout of covid.  We don’t have a crystal ball, but we know that taking herb teas (even more than pills and potions) can boost the health of the liver and the brain, increase immunity and head off infections.  Don’t wait until you have symptoms, start now.  I still use my hawthorn tea, and my morning coffee is loaded with goodies (apart from coffee) – I put in a scoop of turkey tail, two squirts of shilajit, and a tea bag of hawthorn herbal tea.  It is a magnificent energy/immune booster.

I am especially loving learning more about the herbs in my BRAIN TEA, and was especially grateful to discover that  seeds of Brahmi (Bacopa Monieri) are coming up in my garden – they are not ready to pick yet but look luscious.    I have such success with herbs in pots! I wish I had success with labels, as the snails denied access to the new herbs eat the names off the labels… they can completely destroy a label overnight which is very confusing when you are waiting the arrival of seedling you have never seen before.

Yesterdays NETTLE PANCAKES.  They are not photogenic although I could fool you with filters….they are not tidy although I could make them so – the flip side is more uniform, but I showed this side so you could see the green of the nettles.  They smell wonderful, and taste great.  Nettles are extraordinarily high in iron, and when popped in a lovely pancake,  it is so easy to get even healthier.  A small change can have big results.  Eat them with cheese and fruit, or drizzled with honey and a dollop of yoghurt.

The recipe was laid out for you in yesterday’s newsletter, check it.  It takes longer to type than to make.

 

NEW SCHEDULE:

WEKLY STUDIO/ZOOM SCHEDULE  (PLEASE BOOK AHEAD – NO DROP-INS, sorry)
EASTER MONDAY –   Yoga/zoom as Usual.


ZOOM: Mon. 6.30 Gita, Tues. Herb workshop 7.30, Friday 6.45 Tarot on holidays until 29th April.
STUDIO: Mon. 1pm (full), Wed. 1pm Restorative (full), Friday 1pm Hatha,  SATURDAY 1PM RESTORATIVE YOGA.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON:  Thursday 28TH APRIL at 12noon at “The Vic” in Woodend (If you are running a bit late, relax, it’s OK – drop in for dessert).

CONSULTATIONS: Tarot/Bach/Bowen or a combo – by appointment only.  $85 including remedy (including postage if zooming)
Past-Life (QHHT taught by Dolores Cannon) $250 via email or in the studio.  The reading includes Time, date, place of the prior life. To discuss,  email  yogafirst2@bigpond.com

(TANTRIC) HERBS – HERB BAGS.  $53.50 for 7.  Each bag will last at least 2 days steeping.  This includes a Bach Flower Essence given to complement the tea.  This is not a usual tea, it is a Herbal remedy taken as tea in a tea bag – I cannot emphasise enough how essential I believe these are for your well being.  I take them myself EVERY DAY, and feel fabulous.  I think over time we will all get some form of covid, but I believe my herbs will help me through.  If I send them to you add $6 for postage.

Please make a zoom consult ($85 for the zoom including your tea).  I would prefer to see you so we can be sure the teas will suit you and help you on your road to wellness. You can email if you don’t like zoom… and  YOU CAN ALWAYS DROP IN FOR HERBS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION – DRIED, FRESH OR TO GROW…. Email me for your next step yogafirst2@bigpond.com.

”Every minute someone leaves this world behind. We are all in “the line” without knowing it.
We never know how many people are before us.

We can not move to the back of the line.
We can not step out of the line.
We can not avoid the line.
So while we wait in line –
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make love.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready.”

Source: Bill Whited

 

SEE YOU ON THE MAT OR IN THE GARDEN

NAMASTE – JAHNE

DEAR YOGIS,

FOR ALL YOU WHO HANG BACK WITH REGISTRATION, in the belief it is too expensive or not needed(!).  One of our graduate yoga teachers who regularly upgrades her registration with us,  uses the little identity card in her pack far better than most of you and saves hundreds of dollars in the process (and she is not alone in this habit).   She SAVES $120 with every pack of 10 classes that she attends in both pilates and yoga, in Melbourne City Studios where yoga and pilates without a card is $30 a class.  PLUS, she saves 5% on Dymocks Books, 5% in Evelyn Faye, and even bigger savings with LuLuLemon clothing and more.  She trots out the card whenever she spends money…  So she saves $300 every term at least just on the basics..  Have you been paying attention?  Update your registration and start saving.  Would you spend on a registration to save $1,200 like our student does? You can!

PAST LIFE readings – including TIME DATE PLACE.  I know many of you are interested in past lives.  Well I can do a report for you on your past life via email.  I can discover the time of your birth, the date, the time, the place.  Plus I can give you the significance of that birth, the challenge the resources, the lesson…  A life story and its relevance to this one,  intuited to the best of my ability using the tarot.  I am sure you understand that this is a reading that takes long research,  at least two hours of cross referencing and even more study using maps, geographical information, charts etc.  The cost is $250.   If you are interested please email me your full name and the date of your birth (I use this as a cross reference).  You can book and the pay via PAY PAL for a reading via our home page – www.yogabeautiful.com.au.

 

NEW TO “EXCITING NETTLES”.   I love nettles.  Nettle pizza, nettle scones, spanakopita, nettle cordials, gnocchi, risotto, cupcakes,  and so on.  It is endless.  Whatever you can do with any other green, you can do with nettles.  After years of trying I now have quite a crop, and this afternoon am going to make a batch of nettle pancakes which are just as good with jam and yoghurt, or cheese, apples and quince jelly.

Ingredients (you can double these ingredients if you are cooking for a party as they can be frozen for later – I have catered a pancake party for 30 people which was as easy as).

  • 300 ml milk
  • 2 eggs
  • Half tsp fine sea salt
  • 60 g plain – or spelt or a mix of flours
  • 20g butter, melted, plus extra for frying
  • 300g loosely packed stinging nettle leaves  washed and dried – no need to blanch. (You could use spinach or a mix of greens, herbs or vegetable tops)
  • Blueberry jam and yoghurt, (or apples, cheese and yoghurt) to serve

Cooking notes:  I use an electric pancake cooker, but a frying pan is just fine.  I use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. Nettles are fresh, but less in the recipe if dried..  

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Resting time 30 minutes

Place the milk, eggs and salt in a bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually add the flour, then the melted butter, whisking until the batter is smooth. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. If bits of butter rise to the surface, this is fine.

While you are doing this, bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Add the nettles and quickly cook for 10-30 seconds or until blanched. Remove the nettles and refresh under cold running water or plunge into iced water. The next step is important – drain and squeeze the blanched nettles to remove as much water as possible.

Then finely chop the nettles and stir into the pancake batter. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a knob of butter and a ladle of the batter, and tilt pan to spread; Sometimes I do thin pancakes,  and sometimes small thicker ones, depends if they are for breakfast, or to accompany an evening meal.about 2 mm thick and 10 cm in diameter. Cook for 1 minute or until set and browned. Flip over and cook for a further 1 minute or until brown. Transfer the pancake to a rack. Repeat with the remaining batter, wiping the pan with a nob of butter on a kitchen towel  in between each pancake.

Serve the pancakes warm with jam, or cheese..

Note  • Don’t be scared of stinging nettles.  Use gloves or a plastic bag over your hands to pick, and gloves or tongs to cook, until they are blanched  after which the sting is gone.  If you have them in abundance you can dry them and keep a supply for when there are no fresh nettles available.  I have a lovely big jar of dried nettles – what a great resource.

If you’re new to foraging for wild plants, stinging nettles are the perfect plant to begin with; they’re easy to identify and they grow in abundance (although such has not been the case for me, and I have had to nourish my plants). Pick the top 4-6 leaves of each plant; this way, the nettles continue to grow all summer long. Don’t forage stinging nettles near roads, compost bins, or possibly polluted areas, as the plants absorb harmful nitrogen from soil and air.

And most importantly when foraging, don’t forage or eat any plants, mushrooms, or berries that you can’t identify with 100 per cent certainty. This is not the time to experiment, as the results may be disastrous.  You can’t “un-eat” a poisonous plant.  There aren’t many, but don’t chance it.

 

NEW SCHEDULE:

WEKLY STUDIO/ZOOM SCHEDULE  (PLEASE BOOK AHEAD – NO DROP-INS)
EASTER –   Yoga as Usual.


ZOOM: Mon. 6.30 Gita, Tues. Herb workshop 7.30, Friday 6.45 Tarot on holidays until 29th April.
STUDIO: Mon. 1pm (full), Wed. 1pm Restorative (full), Friday 1pm Hatha,  SATURDAY 1PM RESTORATIVE YOGA.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON:  Thursday 28TH APRIL at 12noon at “The Vic” in Woodend (If you are running a bit late, relax, it’s OK – drop in for dessert).

CONSULTATIONS: Tarot/Bach/Bowen or a combo – by appointment only.  $85 plus remedy (and postage if zooming)
Past-Life (QHHT taught by Dolores Cannon) $250. Group Past Life readings by arrangement.  yogafirst2@bigpond.com

(TANTRIC) HERBS – HERB BAGS.  $53.50 for 7.  Each bag will last at least 2 days steeping.  Essence given to complement the tea.  This is not a usual tea, it is a Herbal remedy taken as tea in a tea bag.  If I send them to you add $6 for postage.

Please make a zoom consult so we can be sure the teas will suit you and help you on your road to wellness.  YOU CAN ALWAYS DROP IN FOR HERBS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION – DRIED, FRESH OR TO GROW…. Email me for your next step yogafirst2@bigpond.com.

 

COME SEE ME AT THE STUDIO.

NAMASTE – JAHNE