RICA Well | Questing
Kristina Ivy
With one foot in the summer, and one foot in autumn, September is a month of squeezing out the last drops of sunshine from each shortening day, while also keeping an eye ahead for what we seek next. It marks that last adventures of, while simultaneously indicating the beginning. There’s a yearning that befalls us as leaves start to fall during hazy warm days. Yearning for and chasing the last light of sunset and finding peace in the dusk just after.
Almost like trotting along at a lumbering pony pace, then being told to jump onto the galloping mustang that is running up alongside us. This transition can be made more intentional with reflection upon our own personal quest. The stirring focus on the importance of searching for, and pursuing, something that really, truly, to-the-core, matters.
In this post we will discuss the benefits of lavender and supplementing with ashwagandha, share an ayurvedic oatmeal recipe, DIY for an acne scar eraser, plus give you a playlist to blast from the car while scheming up your next great adventure.
BEAUTY:
The trek between the shop and back home along the narrow stretch of rich farmlands out in The North Fork of Long Island always has us tracking the seasons by harvest. On our latest visit to the local lavender farm we couldn’t help but take note of the amazing calming nature. People usually associate lavender with two specific traits: its fragrance and its color. But you may not know that the lavender flower and the oil derived from it have long histories in herbal medicine.
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT: Lavender
The word lavender comes from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.” During later times, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including ancient Persia, Greece, and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
From insomnia to anxiety, hair loss, headaches, acne, burns, wound healing and many other irritating skin conditions, some part of the lavender plant can be used to promote good health and well-being. Dried flowers in sachets, essential oil, topical oil, capsules, teas, lotions, calming soaks and other skincare products are just a handful of the many ways to enjoy the transformative ingredient.
FOOD + NUTRITION:
As seasons change, so do our cravings. We put together a nourishing bowl of oats + grains with a seasonal ayurvedic ingredient that is readily available this time of the year, no questing needed. Apples! Toasted Coconut Oatmeal w/ Sliced Apples – a wholesome and cozy breakfast recipe with oats, coconut milk, and surprise, quinoa!
TOASTED COCONUT OATMEAL w/ APPLES
Ingredients:
1 14oz. can coconut milk
1/2 cup quinoa
a pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 coconut water
cinnamon to taste
Toppings:
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Apple slices
1 Teaspoon peanut butter (heaping)
1 Teaspoon honey
1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds
Directions:
1. Bring the coconut milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa and salt and cook covered for 15 minutes or so, until the quinoa is fluffy.
2. Add the coconut water, oats, cinnamon, and salt – cook for another few minutes to soften the oats.
3. In a small nonstick skillet over medium high heat, add the coconut flakes + pumpkin seeds, shaking in the pan until lightly toasted.
4. Wash and slice apples thinly leaving skins on, as that is where much of the nutrients can be found in fruits and veggies.
5. Serve up the oatmeal with a dollop of peanut butter, honey and topped with toasted coconut pumpkin seeds and fresh apple slices.
SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHT: Ashwagandha
September - the month of sniffles, stress and that ‘back to school’ feeling. You cannot prevent all colds and flu - and to be honest, it would not be healthy if you could or did. Fighting off an infection is like going to the gym for your immune system - it helps to train it and make it stronger and more effective. What we do want however, is a strong and healthy immune system that can fight off all invaders quickly and efficiently, so we are not left with lingering colds, coughs and sinus infections.
Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. Since ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is used for many conditions related to stress. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.
SHOP: Ashwagandha Supplement
D.I.Y.:
As we switch gears, goals and seasons, our skin can sometimes struggle to keep up. The only thing more stressful than beginning a new chapter is facing that challenge with a big ol’ spot! Get even with acne and scarring with this super simple acne scar eraser. Both honey and nutmeg are anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, thus healing scars faster than ever.
ACNE SCAR ERASER MASK
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
Combine ingredients and apply to affected area, whether that be face, back or, dare we say, the dreaded bottom. Allow to sit for at least 30 minute. Rinse clean with water.
SEPTEMBER PLAYLIST | Questing
Windows down, sound up! These tunes are best to bring out the inner traveler in us all. Searching, questing, finding the last slice of summer and that which comes next.
Before giving any of our RICA Wellness tips a try, discuss it with your healthcare or skin care professional. They may have some concerns or suggestions for your skin condition, medications you may be taking, and current health status.
SHIFT FOCUS THIS SEPTEMBER
Drift Away
The Scent of September
Minimal Everyday Mugs