Even if you're not starting school yourself or hustling kids out the door with their backpacks, September still tends to bring out that freshly- sharpened-pencil feeling of new beginnings.
If you need support getting back into a new routine, or just want to improve your focus as we transition from the more Yang energy of the summer months to the Yin energy of Winter, Vervain has you covered! In addition to our new in-house herbal blend "Fog Lifter" which features herbs traditionally used to enhance blood circulation as well as nootropic herbs, which help boost focus and memory, we also carry a number of adaptogenic and cognitive supportive products to complement your efforts. Come on in and talk to any of our shop stewards 7 days a week, or make an appointment with one of our practitioners to find the best fit for you! As ADD/ADHD diagnoses continue to rise and with school being back in session, it's imperative children (and adults) get the nutrients they need to help combat symptoms and support them throughout their day. Food and herbal medicine are wonderful resources in supporting a person with ADD/ADHD and can be used in conjunction with medication. **Check with your doctor for any medical advice as certain herbs and meds can counteract one another.** Foods & Nutrients for ADD/ADHD support:
Omega-3s (higher in EPA than DHA)
Vitamin D
Pre and probiotics, so you can ensure nutrients are being absorbed!
Lots of healthy fats! Avocado, coconut, nuts, seeds, olives, high-quality oils, fish, etc.
Good quality protein: grass-fed meat, beans, nuts, legumes
Amino acids
Minerals
Eliminating food intolerances/allergens!
Herbs & Adaptogens for ADD/ADHD support:
Rhodiola
Green coffee bean
Mucuna
Schisandra
Ginseng
Ashwagandha
*And many more!
We have a plethora of high-quality supplements, tonics, and of course, herbs, in the shop to support those with ADD/ADHD. If you'd like more support, please reach out to our Shop Steward and Mental Health Coach, Lindsay Kolpitcke at hello@lindsaykolpitcke.com. . . . .
Classes and Events: Come Join Us!
We've got loads of fun classes and events coming up that you won't want to miss! Check out our calendar and register online. If you're interested in leading a conversation or teaching a class, you can find our application form on the same page.
Up next:
Stop by on your way from one fabulous Garden City locale to another during the Live/Work/Create District's First Friday Art and Studio Stroll Friday, Sept 3, 5:30-8:30. Enjoy a glass of Vervain's herbal iced tea, cold kombucha (@idahokombucha), or herbal soda (@erthbevco)!
The very next day you can continue to discover the wonders of Garden City at the Experience Garden City Event from 11-7, and from 2:00-4:00 stop by and join us for:
Show and Tell with the Fungal Forager!
We've had lots of requests for foraging classes, so come kick it off with local expert Krista Willmorth, aka The FunGal Forager! Krista will be laden with her latest hauls: freshly harvested wild mushrooms (weather permitting), fermented fireweed leaf tea, foraging and cookbooks, creations, knowledge, and more! Krista is excited to share what she's gathered, and to gather ideas for future classes from you, so don't miss this melding of the minds.
Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 5:30-6:30: Food & Mood with Dr. Karen Benton, NMD
Do you know how what you eat has a direct correlation with how you feel? Come join a local licensed Naturopathic Physician and learn how to enhance your brain balance and mood with food!
Saturday, Sept. 18 from 11:00-3:00 (third Saturday of every month): Rosemary Gladstar's The Science & Art of Herbalism
Ask about our 10-month series or drop-in classes! (The next series starts Feb 2022).
Thursday, Oct. 14 from 5:00-7:00: Caring for the Wild Feminine with Tracey Parker Kindall
A 10-month series for women supporting their connection to Earth, Story & Spirit, for the purpose of reconnecting to their wild, authentic, and creative centers.
Second Thursday of every month from 5:00-7:00, October through July.
Herb of the Month: YELLOW DOCK!
What is Yellow dock? Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius, R. occidentalis, and other species Yellow dock Uses & BenefitsPlant Properties: alterative, laxative, blood-building used for skin conditions, constipation, anemia. Yellow dock is a bitter alterative that can be used to gently stimulate the liver and help the body remove wastes. As a result, it is commonly used like many of our alterative bitters, to promote healthy digestion and to help clear hot inflamed skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Identification & Harvesting The distinct flower head of the plant that remains after the blooms have dried and turned brown is helpful for the identification of Yellow Dock. By July or August, the stalks are abundant and covered in rust-colored seeds. These are easily recognized in fields and growing alongside the roads. Harvest the roots once the plant has gone to seed and the seeds have fully matured.
Recipes:To make a Yellow Dock root syrup, simmer 1/2 cup of the chopped root in two cups of water. Simmer until reduced by half. Strain off the roots, measure the remaining liquid, and add an equal portion of blackstrap molasses. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 months. Adults can take 1-3 tablespoons per day. To make a Yellow Dock root vinegar, add 1 cup dried root to a pint jar and cover with apple cider vinegar. Strain after a few weeks and enjoy to encourage the absorption of iron from fresh salads and cooked greens.
Thank you to Rosalee de la Forêt for the Yellow dock monograph and recipes! Check out her new podcast for regular botanical adventures!
The Vervain Collective apothecary is open Monday 9-7, Tues-Sat 11-7, and Sun 11-5! Our online store is open 24/7, and delivery, shipping, and curbside pickup are available! We can’t wait to see you!