A Precious Heritage at Stake
The Philippines' title as a biodiversity hotspot is both a point of pride and a call to action. The astonishing variety of plant and animal life that call these islands home is unique and irreplaceable. However, the alarming rate of deforestation and urban expansion has cast a shadow over this natural treasure trove. We cannot ignore the critical state of our primary forests, which are not only homes to countless species but also integral to the survival of our planet and our people.
A Ray of Hope: Capiz Ecology and Conservation Center
Herbalaria is thrilled to be in partnership with Capiz State University/Capiz Ecology and Conservation Center in the establishment of the CapSU Arboretum of Philippine Native Trees, that is bound to change the course of conservation on the island of Panay. The collaboration represents a beacon of light in the midst of environmental darkness. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to the preservation of endangered and Indigenous trees of Capiz, serving as a symbol of our commitment to repairing the bond between humankind and Mother Nature.
A Call to Action
The arboretum is more than just a collection of trees – it is a call to action for everyone who shares this planet. The decline of our forests has far-reaching consequences, including soil erosion, habitat loss, and the extinction of plant and animal species. Moreover, this ecological decline directly affects the Indigenous communities that rely on these forests for sustenance and livelihood. As we unveil this ambitious project, we invite Pamilya Herbalaria (you), and everyone who cares about our planet's future, to join hands in supporting the creation of this arboreal haven.
Uniting for a Common Cause
Herbalaria's partnership with Capiz State University/Capiz Ecology and Conservation Center is a testament to the power of collaboration. Dr. Harold Ortiz Buenvenida's leadership and dedication to this project have paved the way for a brighter future. This arboretum is not just a place for trees – it's a place for connection, learning, celebration, and cultural preservation.
A Grateful Heart
As we embark on this journey to restore and revive our environment, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Capiz State University and Dr. Harold Ortiz Buenvenida for their unwavering support and commitment. And to you, our beloved Pamilya Herbalaria, we urge you to stand with us, to champion the cause of conservation, and to become stewards of this invaluable project.
In the Spirit of Unity
In the spirit of community and in reverence for the natural wonders that grace our land, let us come together as one. The CapSU Arboretum of Indigenous Trees is a testament to our shared commitment to healing, revitalizing, and celebrating our rich environmental heritage. Together, we can forge a path toward a brighter, greener future – a future that we all deserve.*
Madamo gid nga salamat sa inyong lahat, mga palangga, Pamilya Herbalaria!
Copyright © 2023 by Herbalaria. All rights reserved.
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Skin whitening products have been around for centuries, but their popularity has increased exponentially in recent years. In many parts of the world, lighter skin is seen as a symbol of beauty, success, and status. Unfortunately, this obsession with fair skin has damaging effects on the mental health of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, perpetuating identity and colorism issues.
One of the main reasons why skin whitening products are so harmful is because they reinforce a colonial mentality that values whiteness over other skin tones. During the colonial era, European colonizers used their power to subjugate and exploit non-white populations. As a result, lighter skin became associated with wealth, privilege, and power. This colonial mentality is still present in many societies today, with light skin being associated with beauty and success.
According to Grandviewresearch.com: "The global skin lightening products market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD 16.14 billion by 2030."
This mentality is especially prevalent in the Filipino community, where skin whitening products are incredibly popular. In fact, the Philippines has been called the "skin whitening capital of the world," with skin whitening products making up a significant portion of the country's beauty industry. This is due in part to the Philippines' history of colonization by Spain and the United States, both of which emphasized the importance of light skin.
In Filipino markets, skin whitening products are marketed heavily to women, with advertisements suggesting that light skin is necessary for moving up the career ladder, attracting love, and generally living a prosperous life. While walking through malls such as SM and Ayala, I noticed numerous kiosks selling skincare products. Unfortunately, many of these products are produced in the Philippines, but Korean skincare companies dominate the market due to their superior manufacturing and ingredient sourcing. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and causes women to feel inadequate because of their natural skin tone, creating division within communities where lighter skin is viewed as more desirable or superior. As a matter of fact, my other aunt who has dark brown skin was unhappy with her own skin color. She began applying glutathione skin creams and IV treatments to lighten her skin, only for it to turn a sickly gray color. I told her that she was beautiful as she was. In return, she expressed disbelief. Experiencing the direct effect of all this negative messaging about who we are as a naturally brown-toned people, is disheartening and stomach-churning.
The impact of skin whitening products on mental health cannot be overstated. People who use these products often experience low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety. This is especially true for BIPOC individuals who already face discrimination and microaggressions based on their skin color. By continuously cultivating the idea that lighter skin is more desirable, skin whitening products and the companies that make them only serve to reinforce these harmful stereotypes and further marginalize BIPOC communities.
It's important to recognize that the obsession with skin whitening is not just a cosmetic issue, but a deeply ingrained social issue that perpetuates harmful power dynamics. Rather than bolstering this harmful mentality, we should work towards embracing diversity and celebrating all skin tones. We must demand from companies that produce skin whitening products to transition to healthier skincare option that do not mentally and physically damage us. We need to challenge the idea that lighter skin is inherently better or more desirable and work towards creating a society where everyone feels valued and appreciated regardless of their skin color. Only then can we hope to eradicate the harmful effects of colorism and identity issues in BIPOC communities and especially in our own Filipino communities.
What are your thoughts on skin whitening products? Share your perspective with us in the comment section! We'd love to here from you!
Copyright © 2023 by Herbalaria. All rights reserved.
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The Agathis Philippinensis, also known as the Philippine kauri, is a species of evergreen tree native to the Philippines. It grows to be quite tall, with some specimens reaching over 60 meters in height. The resin of this tree has been used for centuries in the Philippines to create incense, which is burned for its pleasant aroma and spiritual significance.
To make Kamangyan, the resin from the Agathis Philippinensis tree is harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree. The resin then oozes out and is collected in small containers. It is then cleaned and sorted to remove impurities, such as dirt and bark, though some may remain.
Once the resin has been cleaned and sorted, it is then dried in the sun. The drying process can take several days, during which time the resin hardens and becomes more fragrant. The resulting incense is a beautiful golden to black color and has a sweet, slightly earthy scent.
Kamangyan is used in Filipino ancestral & religious ceremonies, often utilized by albularyos and other folk practitioners. Similar to black copal, it has many medicinal and spiritual uses. Kamangyan is applied in energy clearings, banishing negative entities, postpartum suob rituals, and as offering smoke to the ancestors.
Benefits:
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest with diasporic Filipinos in what is traditionally appropriate to use. Herbalaria offers Kamangyan as an option that is culturally aligned and powerful for ceremonial uses.
In summary, Kamangyan is an important part of Filipino culture, history, magic and healing rituals. Whether used for its spiritual significance or its pleasant aroma, it is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any home or spiritual practice.
What are your favorite incenses or resins to use? Let us know in the comments!
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The calamansi tree is a small, bushy evergreen that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers that bloom year-round. The fruit is small, about the size of a golf ball, and is usually picked when it is still green and slightly unripe.
Calamansi are highly valued in Philippine cuisine for their complementary flavor and aroma to so many Filipino dishes. They are commonly used in marinades, dressings, and sauces (sawsawan, a dipping sauce) for meat, fish, and poultry dishes. They are also used in jams, jellies, and marmalades, as well as in drinks such as lemonade and iced tea.
Apart from their culinary uses, calamansi are also used in traditional medicine. They are believed to have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and aiding in digestion. The juice of the fruit is also used as a natural remedy for coughs and colds, oily scalp, and dandruff.
For more on body care, the calamansi is combined with different herbs, including guava leaves, to create an intimate wash. It is used in deodorants, hair care products, and is great for healing acne. It revitalizes the skin to have a healthy radiance and glow with its high vitamin C content.
Growing calamondin oranges is relatively easy, as they can be cultivated in containers or planted in the ground. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, and can be grown indoors in colder climates. The fruit usually ripens in the winter, although it can be harvested throughout the year.
In addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, calamondin oranges are also valued for their ornamental qualities. The trees are highly decorative, with their glossy leaves and fragrant flowers, and the fruit adds a pop of color to gardens and landscapes.
All-in-all, calamansi is a versatile and valuable fruit that is widely used in Philippine cuisine and traditional medicine. They are easy to grow and care for, and their unique aroma & distinct flavors make them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Whether you are looking to add a new skincare regimen with calamansi or simply want to add a splash of color to your garden, calamansi is a worthy addition to your citrus repertoire.
What is your experience with calamansi? We'd love to hear from you and what you do with it. Leave a comment!
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Luz's remarkable journey as a creator of herbal wonders commenced in 2010, having survived cancer through the use of herbs– armed with nothing but a modest sum of a hundred pesos, a determined spirit, and the steadfast companionship of a mortar and pestle. These humble beginnings marked the genesis of her venture into the realm of crafting herbal products, a path she would later traverse with unwavering dedication and a profound connection to the Earth.
The remarkable transformation that followed led to the birth of Manna’s Alternatives Herbal Products, an enterprise that she nurtured from a fledgling concept to a thriving reality. Luz's unwavering commitment to her vision has flourished into a business that stands tall today, harmonizing sustainable growth with the ethos of fair-trade cooperation. Together with a collective of devoted farmers cultivating certified organic crops, Luz has woven a tapestry of success and resilience that resonates far beyond her local community.
Luz Neri's luminous journey received a resplendent accolade in 2014 when she was bestowed with the prestigious TOFA (The Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines) National Gold Award. This was just one among the constellation of honors that have recognized her as a vanguard of farmer entrepreneurship and a luminous inspiration to all.
Among the myriad treasures nurtured by Luz's nurturing hands, Herbalaria is particularly blessed to be graced by her creative touch. She crafts a symphony of nature's finest offerings, from the robust essence of Sambong to the richness of Guyabano, the soothing notes of Lagundi, the mystique of Mangosteen, the vitality of Moringa, and the golden warmth of Turmeric. These botanical treasures are not just ingredients; they carry the ancient energy of the land from which they emerged, a sacred connection that infuses Herbalaria's products with unparalleled resonance.
Luz Neri's indomitable spirit blazes a trail of pioneering brilliance, illuminating the path for aspiring agripreneurs and entrepreneurs alike. She stands as an emblem of strength, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with the Earth that fuels her every endeavor. As we celebrate Luz's journey, we also acknowledge her role as a beacon for women of color in the entrepreneurial farming landscape.
As we revel in the legacy of Luz Neri, we invite you to share your thoughts and insights. What other healing botanicals would you like to see adorning the canvas of our products? Your voice guides us as we continue to honor the spirit of the Earth and those who work in harmony with it.
Copyright © 2018 by Herbalaria. All rights reserved.
]]>With the Covid pandemic, there is a rise in interest for natural remedies to help boost the immune system and stave off viruses. Well, look no further than to one of the most accessible, powerful and effective herbs out there-- the ginger.
It's origins are traced back to southeast Asia, but you can find this plant ally in just about every kind of market and in many cultural traditions.
Ginger is called the following names in each dialect:
Tagalog- Luya
Ilocano- Laya
Bisaya- Luy-a
Pampango: Agat
Ginger is widely used in Filipino culture. It is in our foods and healing medicine.
It is in our soups like tinolang manok (chicken soup), and main dishes like paksiw na isda (fish cooked with ginger, vinegar, veggies, and garlic). In healing traditions, ginger can be used with coconut oil to massage and help ease pain. Chewing raw ginger pieces and swallowing the juice helps get rid of a sore throat. Salabat, a well-known remedy that is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and lot of other beneftis, is one that should be part of your culinary and medicinal kits.
Salabat is made by boiling sliced ginger in water. After it has reached a desired strength in color and spiciness, which is also dependent on how much ginger you use, you may drink as-is or add sweetener.
My recipe is a variation of salabat because it includes calamansi and guava leaves to enhance its healing properties. The concoction of citrus, guava, with the heat of ginger is balanced and perfect for any time of day.
Calamansi is a great source of vitamin C and is used to alleviate coughs. Adding calamansi to the salabat gives it an uplifting and refreshing energy. Bayabas leaves are naturally astringent and help tonify the body of any imbalances, and is especially effective in the digestive system dealing with diarrhea or vomiting. Consequently, guava leaves coupled with ginger add a drying and heating effect to any cold wet energies.
What you will need:
4 cups Water
1 oz. Ginger (By weight)
1-2 Calamansi
1 Guava Leaf
Honey (Optional, though I recommend adding honey to because of its soothing properties.)
1) Bring 4 cups of water and ginger to a boil.
2) Once boiling, add guava leaf and lower fire to a simmer.
3) Continue simmering for 20-25 minutes.
4) Remove from heat. Strain into a cup.
5) Slice your calamansi fruit in half and squeeze the juice (separating the seeds by using a strainer or your hands) into the salabat. Once you have removed the seeds and juiced it, drop the whole rind into the hot tea.
6) Add honey to taste. Stir and enjoy!
Consult your physician before use of any herbal supplement. May have contraindications.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
Copyright © 2021 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
]]>Not all guava trees are created equally. Our trees are grown with great care, fertilized with homemade compost, lending to its high quality leaves and potency. The leaves are hand-harvested at their peak season, cleaned, and processed in ceremony to create this beautiful guava leaf extract.
Coupled with the metaphysical properties of the coconut tree in connecting to one’s Higher Self, its curative components are concentrated and administered under the tongue to receive both the physical and spiritual benefits immediately.
Guava Leaves are high in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, a plant of great healing properties that include being anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and an array of other protective benefits for the body.
Our Bayabas Tincture supports a healthy digestive system, benefits the immune system, aids a healthy inflammation response, and promotes overall well-being.
The Bayabas Tincture can be used in the following ways:
Consult your physician before use of any herbal supplement. May have contraindications. Contains alcohol.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
Copyright © 2021 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
]]>I’ve been graciously connected with Lyn for some time now, and felt my intuition guiding me even closer to Herbalaria. I signed up for my first shamanic journey art class and was pretty new to the practice of shamanic journeys altogether. I came into the virtual class with an open heart and mind. Lyn is a powerful soul full of light, a compassionate healer and a wonderful teacher. Lyn taught us how to prepare for rituals, introduced us to traditions of shamanism and held a safe container for us through our journey.
As she guided us with the sound of her drum, I melted into a deep meditative state and remained open to messages from my ancestors-- these came through in feelings, emotions and vivid visualizations.
As we awoke from our meditative state, I was filled with emotion and insight and Lyn asked us to draw (or write) what we saw.
I’m no professional artist, but with my watercolor pencils in hand, I tried to capture every detail; a flowing waterfall hugged by the tropical landscape on Mount Banahaw, a place I haven’t physically been to before, but always come back to in my dreams and meditations.
Creating the artwork in class helps me remember what I experience and integrate the lessons in my daily life.
I continued to attend each class Lyn hosted and hone in the skills we were taught. Every journey is truly one-of-a-kind. Another beautiful realization is the strong collective experience with our journey mates. Although each person experiences their own unique journey, there is always so much healing happening in community as we share our stories with one another.
In between the classes, I began to see Lyn for 1:1 spiritual consultations. These sessions are fluid and full of unconditional love. Working with Lyn has strengthened my relationships with my ancestors and helped me remember my true nature. Through her mentorship, I’ve been able to rediscover insights from my past lives, while gaining clarity and building momentum for actionable steps to stay on my most aligned path. Lyn’s presence calls in so many ancestors. During one session, Lyn bridged conversations with my lola, who passed away ten years ago. When we realized it was her, my heart fluttered and tears of joy rolled down my face. It truly felt like the three of us were sitting down for coffee and pan de sal talking about creative ideas, and I was able soothe so much grief I hadn’t processed for years.
While no spiritual journey is linear, Lyn’s teachings, paired with the Herbalaria products, have equipped me with the tools to stand tall and protected in my journey with healing and decolonization. The scent of guava leaves often waft through my room as I smudge my space, and the Diwa & Kamulikasan elixirs are part of my daily evening rituals. I’ve been able to identify and reframe patterns rooted in intergenerational trauma, deeply connect with my inner knowing, strengthen my relationship with ancestors and stay true to my path. If you are feeling called to work with her, listen to your intuition. You are in the right place!
Kimiko De Pedro (she/her) is a creator and co-host of EVALOO, a podcast that creates space for real talk to learn, grow, heal and evolve together. Kimiko is a Pinay who is passionate about helping others cultivate mindfulness, and reconnect with their true nature.
Prior to her current endeavors, Kimiko was one of the co-founders of Halo Halo Collective, a Bay Area based organization that brought Filipinx creatives together to connect, collaborate and amplify local Filipinx-owned businesses.
Website: kimikomarie.com
Instagram: @kimiko.marie
Twitter: @kindlykimiko
EVALOO
Available on all platforms podcasts are available
Instagram: @evaloo.social
]]>Being human means releasing planet-warming carbon emissions into the atmosphere. It happens when we take a shower, charge our phones, or let out a yawn after a long day. Just like humans release carbon pollution, so do businesses - and Herbalaria is no exception.
Everyday in the U.S. alone, ecommerce packages travel about the same distance as going to the moon and back ...133,000 times. And it’s not just getting your order to your doorstep we have to worry about - our entire supply chain carries a hefty carbon footprint. Scouring the globe for the perfect materials and transforming them into the Herbalaria products you know and love means tons (literally) of planet-warming carbon pollution.
As Herbalaria continues to grow, we have an increasing responsibility to commit additional resources toward our values in order to maximize the positive impact of our products. At Herbalaria, we have long held the conviction that we can be both a great business and a great corporate citizen. In fact, we believe we cannot be one without the other.
Corporate social responsibility is cemented in Herbalaria’s DNA because our people believe deeply in making the world a better place.
The climate crisis is massive, complicated, and overwhelming. So, it’s often hard to know what we can do about our carbon footprint.
We’re taking a stand and doing something about it. We’re partnering with EcoCart to empower the Herbalaria community to make their orders 100% carbon neutral.
For every one of our amazing items that ships, you can now offset the specific carbon footprint with a positive environmental impact! This means the full carbon emissions from producing, manufacturing, and shipping your favorite Herbalaria products to your door would be completely neutralized.
Now you can rest easy knowing that shopping at Herbalaria means making a positive impact on the planet.
So now you’ll know when an Herbalaria package arrives at your door, you’ll get something you love and you’ll be proud of the fact that you’re taking a small step towards making a big change in the world.
What does it mean to offset emissions?
It means that for any carbon emissions released into our atmosphere as a result of manufacturing and shipping items at Herbalaria, we invest in projects that reduce carbon emissions by the same amount. It’s almost like we’re giving the planet an IOU, then immediately paying it back.
How does it work?
Now, each time someone checks the carbon neutral box at Herbalaria, we will automatically purchase verified emissions reductions, more commonly known as “offsets” through our friends at EcoCart. These purchases support environmental projects, like wind and solar farms that create clean energy, or protecting trees that would otherwise be cut down so that they can continue to absorb carbon from the air. On top of it, we make sure that these projects are doing some extra good like protecting animals or supporting underserved communities.
Why is this important?
Herbalaria has always been conscious of our impact and actively worked to lighten our carbon footprint. We believe that if we all work together towards positive change, we can make the world a cleaner, healthier place.
What do you mean carbon neutral?
When we say your orders will be “carbon neutral” (“net zero” is another term you’ll hear), that means that we will eliminate, capture, or otherwise mitigate all of the carbon emissions created from making Herbalaria products and shipping them to your door.
We’ll even give you information about the project your specific donation is supporting, so you know your money is going to the right place.
At Herbalaria, we are committed to slowing the effects of climate change, one order at a time.
Carbon offsets are a starting point—an immediate way to reduce our impact. Even though this is a moment to celebrate, we think that it’d be even better if we didn’t emit any carbon in the first place. To achieve this, we’re working to develop projects in our own supply chain that will reduce our emissions directly.
Our work isn’t done for another important reason. No matter how much progress we continue to make on our own footprint, Herbalaria’s footprint is actually quite small. The effects of climate change are magnified far beyond Herbalaria itself.
The only way we can truly begin to reverse the effects of climate change are if everyone does their part.
If we all do our part by changing our daily habits and making sustainable swaps, supporting companies that care about their impact on the Earth, and advocate for the future we deserve, we can effect real change in the world.
]]>Guava leaves have an extensive history in many folk medicine applications, not only in the Philippines, but around the world.
Our tree, whom we lovingly call, "Mama Guava," is a relationship built over two decades. To know and to teach her medicine is a deep privilege and honor. Being an herbalist doesn't necessarily mean knowing everything about every plant, but to also have a heart-soul connection with the very plants who are your allies. It is easy enough to look up benefits and research what a plant can do for you. Most people don't take the time to know what we can do for the plant and, in turn, how we can help heal ourselves and especially to heal our planet. So what can we do to be in right relationship with the plants we call upon to heal us, instead of being extractive and appropriative? I can only say that it begins with the first step of a journey to fully realizing what you really are, and what it will take to live a life of peace and harmony with everyone and everything around you. In that sense, you come from a place of abundance and inner peace, which is one of the teachings of Mama Guava.
It is my intention as a teacher of guava medicine to only give what Mama Guava has taught me personally, to all who are willing to learn more in-depth about her. Here, you will find the tidbits of benefits and uses of guava leaves, as well as what products you can use to experience her healing powers. Here, is the beginning of your journey to healing with guava.
I believe that even as we find Filipino cultural identity in guava, she belongs to everyone. Through her healing energy, you will learn that she is the medicine the world needs right now.
Guava (Psidium Guajava) is believed to have its origins in the Americas. The nurturing guava leaf is widely known in the Filipino culture for its highly therapeutic properties.
Guava Leaves are high in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, a plant of great healing properties that include being anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and an array of other protective benefits for the body.
Benefits:
Herbalaria's organically grown leaves were hand-picked, cleaned, dried, and shamanically blessed on our own land. They come from a very special tree with an Ancestral story that separates it from all others. It is routinely cleansed and honored in a smoking ritual with prayers and blessings.
The guava leaves can be made into a decoction used as tea, an overall healing tonic, a wound wash, an after-birth perineum care wash, or a calming bath solution for rashes and other skin ailments.
Guava leaves are used as a spiritual smudging tool. Burning guava leaves is an ancient Filipino practice that is used to cleanse negative energies from the environment, just as white sage is used by Native Americans in cleansing and sending up prayers. It is highly recommended to burn guava leaves in a heat-resistant bowl, as they burn hot and fast. Use with caution.
Blessings to you and your Ancestors.
*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
Copyright © 2020 by Herbalaria LLC. All rights reserved.
]]>The Bayabas Guava Leaf Skin Oil carries ancient wisdom ingrained in our DNA, offering a holistic approach to balance the body and mind. This ancestral knowledge and mysticism has been passed down from generation to generation, and in Filipino culture, guava, or bayabas, has been used in various remedies, including teas and tisanes. Guava has been known to soothe the digestive system, regulate blood sugar, and manage other circulatory diseases. With its oil form, it can be absorbed by the skin, making it an effective remedy for dermatitis and other skin conditions. The oil can calm scalp irritation, soothe acne, and keep skin smooth and supple.
Each beautiful creation of Bayabas Guava Leaf Skin Oil contains organically-grown, baby guava leaves that were hand-harvested only during spring, immediately after the rains. Because of its seasonality, this unique blend of plant medicine is limited in production.
*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
Copyright © 2020 by Herbalaria LLC. All rights reserved.
]]>Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana) is an exotic fruit native to Southeast Asia, and is primarily farmed in Mindanao, Philippines. Being difficult to grow makes this fruit a precious commodity when it comes into season.
Mangosteen is considered the queen of all fruits, with her crown of chartreuse green and maroon brown dappled petals.
It is sought after for its soft, delicious segments of white seeded sweetness that borders on a pleasurable sourness. Its husk (pericarp) is deep purple and burgundy red, which can stain your thumbs as you open it with your bare hands, ready to devour every piece of the fruit within it. The pericarp, rich in antioxidants, is also used to make tea.
Captured in this bottle is the essence of Spirit-- a container of Golden Light created in ritual with the intentions of restoring and elevating your energy.
Inspired by this queen of fruits, DIWA was created to capture the energy of mangosteen's regal beauty in synergy with other botanical allies to support your self-care rituals.
DIWA has fruity fragrance notes of guava, mangosteen, and grapefruit. It is a beautiful alchemy of moisturization, self care, and healing intentions.
The feel and smell of DIWA on your skin is reminiscent of lying on white soft-sand beach, enjoying the abundance the tropical island has to offer you-- a mental and spiritual getaway in these much needed times.
This luxurious face elixir uses mangosteen harvested from certified organic farms in Midsayap, Mindanao. It also contains healing and soothing oils of rosehip seed, jojoba, and vitamins C & E for skin regeneration. High in antioxidants, DIWA minimizes signs of aging, protects against environmental damage and face mask irritation, reduces skin inflammation, and is perfect for all skin types.
SUGGESTED USE: DIWA is perfect as an overnight restorative and healing face oil. Massage in soft circles with your ring finger around your face. Breathe in deeply as you gently massage your face.
*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
Copyright © 2020 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
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I think it's safe to say that my vinegars are famous in my household and with my friends who have asked for an extra batch to take home. If you go to a Filipino market and walk down the condiments aisle, you will find a variety of vinegars, some of which include peppers and spices. One of my family favorites is called "Pinakurat," made from coconut vinegar, crushed chilies, black pepper, ginger, garlic, and a bit of fish sauce. Coconut vinegar is made from coconut blossom sap and is purported to have many probiotic benefits, lowers blood sugar, and can even help you lose weight. Depending on which region of the Philippines the pinakurat is made, some people add sweeteners like honey and dried fruits.
In my family recipe, there are added medicinal ingredients. Some examples are calamondin, bittermelon, and guava leaves, adding immunity support and anti-viral properties, to name a few. In addition, I have included a blessing protocol to help enhance your relationship to the plant medicine and the lands they come from.
The Vitality Fire Tincture is essentially a type of pinakurat and fire cider hybrid, sans the fish sauce. It can be consumed in its pure form, drunk as a tonic, or used as a “sawsawan” (dipping sauce) for a variety of Filipino dishes. In my family, whenever anyone feels a tickle in the throat or is coming down with a cold, this is the go-to medicine. Ingesting one teaspoon is all it takes for me to feel much better. For my 11-year old, I have to mix it with one teaspoon of honey and half teaspoon of the tincture just to make it palatable. My eldest daughter can take it straight and loves it as it is. It's spicy, yummy, and you can sense it's getting to work on clearing any energies that make you feel unwell.
Although this tincture includes honey, it is not sweet (unless you want it to be). I used a rare honey (it has a slightly sour and smoky taste) made from the flowers of the Narra tree by stingless bees found in the Philippines. Narra honey is good for anxiety and high blood pressure. It is also believed to help with insomnia. Of course, if you don’t have access to this medicine, using local organic honey is just fine.
All ingredients are balanced to aid in strengthening the immune system, clearing toxins, reducing inflammation, and increasing heat energy to the body.
Start layering in the mason jar each ingredient in the following order:
1. Peel and coarsely chop all of the garlic.
2. Coarsely chop the onions. Lightly push down into garlic.
3. Add whole peppercorns.
4. Slice and coarsely chop turmeric. If you do not have fresh turmeric, you may add 1 tbsp. turmeric powder.
5. Slice and coarsely chop ginger. Lightly push down into the turmeric layer.
6. Slice guava leaves. Add over the ginger layer.
7. Take the bittermelon gourd and slice lengthwise down the middle. Use a spoon to core out the seeds. Cut each half of the bittermelon into smaller slices. Layer over guava leaves, pushing it down to make more room for the next ingredients.
8. Slice the calamondin oranges and squeeze the juice through a strainer to catch the seeds, and into the mason jar. Make sure there are no seeds left in the calamondin halves. Add the calamondins into the mix.
9. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon through a strainer to catch the seeds, and into the mason jar. Slice and chop up the lemon. Add it to the next layer.
10. Pour 1 tbsp. of local organic honey into the mixture, followed by 1 tbsp. of Narra honey (This may be omitted if not accessible).
11. Add the chili peppers. For added spice, you can cut off the tops to expose the seeds, but do not slice into the whole pepper.
12. Fill to about half the container with coconut vinegar.
13. Fill the rest of the jar with cane vinegar.
Close the jar tightly and shake gently to mix the vinegar with all the liquid ingredients.
Refrigerate. Allow to steep for two weeks, gently mixing every few days. This will keep for years if stored in the coolest part of the refrigerator. You may also add more vinegar and additional ingredients as it depletes. It gets stronger and more potent with time.
I hope you enjoyed making our family recipe! Let me know if you have any questions, post in the comment section below! If you love it, I would love to hear more about it. Salamat!
Yu, Christine. “Coconut Vinegar: The New Probiotic Superfood?” Daily Burn, Daily Burn Life, 22 Nov. 2016, https://dailyburn.com/life/health/coconut-vinegar-probiotic-benefits/
Copyright © 2020 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
]]>Golden Milk is an Ayurvedic beverage called Haldi Doodh, which literally means “turmeric milk” (Haldi=Turmeric Doodh=Milk).
Originating from India, this warming drink is anti-inflammatory, gut-healing, comforting, and super delicious. Each ingredient contributes to your overall well-being, including mental health. Since stress is one of the top reasons for inflammation occurring in the body, it is important to learn how to incorporate good medicines like Golden Milk into your daily routine.
This vegan version of Golden Milk calls for turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and coconut. Although other spices like cardamom, cloves, or ashwagandha may be added to the mix. Ghee is also a wonderful addition (Ghee is clarified butter). Other milks such as almond or cashew are alternatives to dairy.
But before we make anything, let’s get to what it means to connect to the plant allies that will be part of your self-care and self-healing regimen.
Connecting with plant allies is a practice where you build a relationship with the plant and learn about its qualities, whether it’s to heal or not. The plant becomes a part of your journey into discovering more about your body and spirit.
To begin opening up this relationship, let’s learn and appreciate what each plant ally means in Golden Milk.
Physical= Key active component: Curcumin
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, immunity booster, good for digestion, liver and gallbladder tonifier, antiseptic.
Magical= Purification, associated with the solar plexus chakra, increases fertility, protection, good health.
Physical= Key active components: Volatile oils and phenolic compounds
Warming and drying properties, expectorant, anti-nausea, strengthens lungs and kidneys, pain and congestion relief.
Magical= Love, increase money, success.
Physical= Key active component: Piperine. Piperine works to help the body uptake curcumin and enhance its healing properties.
Cell protectant, antioxidant, stimulates digestive enzymes, anti-cancer, lower cholesterol, and pain relief.
Magical= Protection and exorcism.
Physical= Key active components: Cinnamaldehyde
Anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, improves vision, enhances circulation, lowers blood sugar.
Magical= Money attractant, enhances psychic powers, protection.
Physical= Key active components: Fatty acids/Short and medium chain triglycerides
Strengthens immune system, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, boosts electrolytes, lends to healthy skin and hair.
Magical= Purification and protection.
Physical= Rich source of magnesium, Vit. E, and calcium. Low in calories and a good dairy-free option.
Magical= Money, wisdom, success in business ventures.
1 cinnamon stick (snap in half)
2-inch piece of sliced unpeeled organic ginger, equivalent to 9 grams (or 1 ½ teaspoon of ground ginger)
½ teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
1 14-ounce can of coconut milk
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other non-dairy milk of your choice). This is optional especially if you are allergic to nuts, please feel free to leave this ingredient out.
1 teaspoon of coconut oil (add more if you like)
2 cups of water
Agave syrup, honey, maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice
Boil cinnamon, ginger, and black peppercorns in water.
After boiling for about 5 mins, lower heat to a simmer.
Add the turmeric powder and whisk in well.
Add coconut milk and almond milk. Mix and heat through on low for another 2 mins.
Remove from heat. You may ladle into a strainer and into your cup so that the milk can continue steeping in the herbs and spices.
Add your choice of sweetener to taste.
Top it off with a little (or a lot of) coconut oil and mix.
Drink while warm, and give thanks to each plant ally that is working to heal you and bring more magic into your life. Enjoy!
If you liked this recipe and what you've learned about the magic of Golden Milk, or made any modifications, LEAVE A COMMENT! I would love to hear about your experience in connecting with the plant medicine and how it made you feel after drinking this amazing beverage! Salamat!
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Second ed., Llewellyn Publications, 2004.
Weiss, Gaea and Shandor. Growing & Using the Healing Herbs. Wings Books,1992.
“5-Minute Vegan Golden Milk.” Minimalist Baker, 10 Apr. 2017, minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-golden-milk/.
“Ginger.” Gaia Herbs. gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/ginger
Heid, Markham. “Is Black Pepper Healthy? Here's What the Science Says.” Time, Time, 16 Jan. 2019, time.com/5503520/black-pepper-health-benefits/.
Sobel, Ashley. “What is Saigon Cinnamon? Benefits and Comparison to Other Types.” Healthline, Healthline, 26 Jul. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saigon-cinnamon
“Ceylon Cinnamon.” https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-330/ceylon-cinnamon
Copyright © 2020 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
]]>I've been asked many times, "How do you connect to ancestors?"
My response: "You need to be quiet, and listen."
Connecting with your inner ancestor means opening up the lines of communication to really understand, process, and benefit from the wisdom of ancestors already written into your DNA. You are here, present in this realm, because your ancient ones gathered knowledge of survival, success, failures, victories, and lived in times of war and peace. You are able to access their wisdom and glean from the generations of experience, across all dimensions of time, the necessary medicine you need now and the guidance to move forward on your journey.
Perform the following ritual to help you along your process of discovering, connecting, and healing your inner ancestor:
Find a quiet sacred space to create. This is best done in your home for consistency. If you prefer outdoors or elsewhere, please be sure that this is a place you can return to in the future. This is important as you continue to develop your relationship with your inner ancestor, though ancestors may be accessed from anywhere.
If you enjoyed this ritual, leave us a comment below and share your experience with us!
Tune in on our other social media platforms if you haven’t already.
Talk to you soon, Herbalaria Tribe! Until the next post...
Copyright © 2018 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
]]>In 2015, I began publicly sharing the knowledge of our long lost medicine, the guava leaves--a healing plant most elders remember using back home in the Philippines. I always use them in my rituals and healing sessions to clear energy.
Our Ancestors would boil guava leaves into tea as a postpartum wash for the new mother, as a calming drink for belly aches, a soothing tisane for irritated skin, an antiseptic after circumcision, and so much more. Albularyos would also burn the leaves as a way of smudging and spiritually cleansing the person. Smudging would get rid of attachments, negative entities, and illnesses.
The message of Ancestors is accessed at the roots of the Herbalaria guava tree. Mama Guava. They grow deep into compost-enriched soil, guarded by the elder guardian fruit tree, Grandmother Orange.
Leaves are then gathered and hand-picked in ritual, with ultimate reverence for the Ancestral medicine. Once the spirits of our land have given their blessing to package them, we make them available to the Herbalaria Tribe.
Here’s how you can smudge yourself with Herbalaria guava leaves:
Smudge bundles work to help clear unwanted, lower vibration energies. This synergistic combination of guava leaves, lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary all help to cleanse, restore, and uplift you and your environment.
All the plants were collected in ritual, homegrown, and wrapped with intention.
These must be fully dried, either by hanging upside down or waiting until it is dried out completely.
Burn at the tip, and waft where necessary. Maintain caution for any falling embers. Place on heat-resistant dish or container.
Guava Leaf ("Bayabas")- Sacred Filipino plant medicine used to cleanse the spirit of attachments, illnesses, and negativity. It promotes grounding and connection to Ancestral wisdom.
Lavender- Promotes relaxation, love, and peace.
Lemongrass ("Tanglad")- Powerful spiritual cleanser and also a part of traditional Filipino clearing rituals of negative entities and energies.
Rosemary- Traditionally burned for protection, exorcism, healing, purification. Gets rid of negativity.
Copyright © 2020 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
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“A change is comin’…it’s aluminum. We gotta get rid of these plastic water bottles…for my kids, for your kids, for the world. Clean up the oceans, clean up the land.”
Being an advocate for the use of renewable and sustainable resources, this man was speaking my love language! He just made saving our planet sexy.
Everywhere I go, I always bring a reusable, insulated stainless steel container to make sure I stay hydrated. Our family does not buy plastic water bottles. Instead, we refill five-gallon containers with purified water at our local water store. I do agree with Jason Momoa—there is a change coming, and it’s not just aluminum. A paradigm shift in humanity is taking place as more people become more conscious of Mother Earth’s health as directly correlated to our own. For example, whenever we go to the beach, Gilbert makes it a point to go around, find trash, and dispose of it properly in a receptacle. And yes, it is sexy to see him cleaning up all the refuse—it shows me that I married someone who thinks beyond himself. He understands that if the beaches are dirty, it affects ocean life. Because the ocean is responsible for most of the oxygen we breathe, we must protect it from pollution.
Pollution contributes to our oceans dying; therefore, we begin dying. We need to get the rest of humanity on board to demand the rehabilitation and preservation of our planet. It takes one person, with one choice to impact our world. But it’s up to us to find it important enough to take those little steps in cleaning up our environment and live in harmony with Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.
Since we are celebrating the Earth this week, I thought it would be appropriate to show how my family incorporates ways to save our planet.
When we first started Herbalaria, I considered certifying it as a “Green Business” by the city of Los Angeles. But at that time, home-based businesses were not certifiable. Three weeks ago, I was cleaning out my desk when I saw an old application for certification. I believe it was a sign from the Divine! I jumped onto my computer and immediately began researching the possibility. Behold! “Home Office” was a sector they offered! You can imagine how excited I was. Our family has been working towards greening our home over the years. We have always believed that taking care of the earth is crucial to having a future for our children and all the generations after. Plus, it’s being in alignment with our ancestral practices of living sustainably.
To be a certified green company, there are certain criteria that need to be filled. We covered most and made the necessary adjustments, even went above and beyond with our recent home paint job with energy efficient paint. From composting, reusing, switching to recycled products, and other methods of completing the loop, we achieved a milestone in our plan to becoming a certified Los Angeles Green Business.
In L.A., we have three types of waste containers—green, blue, and black. Green is for yard waste. Blue is for recyclables. Black is for all other waste that goes into the landfill. A few years back, we decided to do more than just how we separate our trash. Because I do a lot of gardening, it made sense to have a compost bin. Oh my gosh…what a difference it has made in decreasing the amount of food waste going into black container. We haven’t been able to fill it like before—always full and having to stuff it down to get everything to fit. We fill the compost brown and green yard clippings, rotten fruit and veggies, shredded paper, and other compostable materials. We make black gold—rich soil full of nutrients and worms to put back into my garden, yielding an abundance of plant medicines grown naturally and organically.
Composting reduces the need for inorganic fertilizers, enriches soil health, balances soil pH, discourages weeds, prevents erosion, lowers carbon footprint and contributes to permaculture, just to name a few. We reduced our waste by up to 75%. Since we adopted the practice of composting, all my fruit trees and plants are happier and fuller.
Over a year, I had been searching for a table that would be small enough to fit in our Herbalaria kitchen for my induction stove and have space for materials I use to create my products. I’ve tried looking at Ikea and Craigslist, but to no avail. One day, we were shopping at the Glendale Galleria and saw that the GAP store was closing and selling their fixtures. As I walked in, I saw what I had been waiting for—a small solid wood table on casters, with drawers and storage space. It was lightly used and in excellent condition, available to purchase for only $75. Score! Not only did I find what I needed, it was a sweet deal. This is just an example of reusing materials. I took it off the hands of one company, and now it is serving our company.
Blue recycle bins are in both our kitchens and offices. Every effort is made to recycle plastics, aluminum cans, and non-compostable paper like magazines.
We use rechargeable batteries and have a designated container for used batteries.
With the abundance of rains this past winter and spring, our rain barrels were filled to the brim.
Our entire home is equipped with LED lighting to help save on energy costs.
Not pictured are the low flush toilets, water-saving landscaping, energy-saving vinyl windows, weather-stripping, my favorite Pilot G-2 refillable gel pens, refillable ink toner cartridge, and so much more. Our efforts have finally paid off when we became an official Los Angeles Green Business two days after Earth Day. We are so thrilled and honored to be alongside other businesses who care for Mother Earth. We remain committed to find more ways in improving our environment, with our next goal of obtaining energy from alternate sources such as solar power.
If you could choose one way to make a difference for our land, our oceans, and future generations, what would that be? The next time you walk into a coffee shop, will you bring a reusable cup? Will you start buying 100% recycled paper towels? Or plan on doing a beach cleanup?
Leave us a comment below and share how you will or already make a difference in saving our planet!
Tune in on our other social media platforms if you haven’t already.
Talk to you soon, Herbalaria Tribe! Until the next post...
Copyright © 2019 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
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“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” - Maya Angelou
Happy Spring Equinox (or “Vernal Equinox”) for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere of the world! For those in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the start of fall. An equinox occurs when the sun’s light crosses the equator, and the hours between day and night are almost equal. Being here in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are growing longer, and warmth is returning to the land. Nature is waking up from the slumber of winter, and snow-capped mountains are slowly melting away.
A few days ago, Southern California experienced a spectacular Painted Lady butterfly migration. Clouds of these captivating winged creatures were flying all around, feeding from one location to another. They originate from Mexico and make their way north through California in order to breed. At the end of their breeding season, they die, and their offspring migrate their way back south to Mexico. With all the recent rains and an abundance of food sources, the butterflies gathered in numbers in the millions not seen since 2005.
It was such a beautiful sight to see them fluttering from blossom to blossom in our Grandmother Orange tree. One even landed on my hand! I had a moment of gratitude for the honor of being a rest stop for these amazing insects as they gather energy for their long and final trip to their destination. Los Angeles was, briefly, a place of magic found in story books. Instead of castles and fairies, we have skyscrapers and butterflies.
Butterflies represent transformation and living your purpose. They are spiritual messengers that great change is about to happen or has already happened in your life. Embrace those changes with an open heart and have full faith in the process as being for your highest good. They teach us that with the change of seasons, it is time to shed your chrysalis and emerge from your old form into your new embodiment of a higher understanding. These are just a few of the many things we can learn from butterfly spirit.
It all starts with the decision to act upon your intuition and create the world you want. In the case of butterflies, it’s not a decision—it is their life purpose. Letting go of what does not serve one’s highest good so one can live their purpose is not easy for many people. They want so much to change but can never seem to outgrow their own chrysalis because they deeply believe their current form is their true nature. They remain a pupa, not moving beyond their self-limiting beliefs of smallness, lack, disempowerment, and poor sense of self-worth.
So, what does transformation have to do with clearing and shedding these old, lower vibrational energies? To illustrate, the airport control tower tells the airplane captain that they are “clear for takeoff.” You need to fly, and in order to do that, drop all excess baggage and blockages that hinder you from getting off the ground. Hence, the runway must be free of other planes to safely become airborne. Likewise, it is imperative that your path be free of all distractions, old belief systems and energies not in alignment with your higher purpose.
The act of clearing self allows the body, mind, and spirit to begin transformation from one state of being to another. If you’ve ever heard about the Law of Attraction, clarity of intentions is integral to co-creating with the Universe. For example, inner transformation can be as simple as listening to your inner urges to make those life changing decisions towards your ultimate dream come true, whatever that may be. In another instance, anointing with intention oils and smudging with guava leaves daily are methods of telling the Universe you are working towards manifesting your intentions in the outer world, because you are clearing and organizing your inner world. All-in-all, you bring a sense of aliveness, magic, and empowerment to your everyday life when you choose to grow from all your experiences, live with purpose and fly free to be your highest self.
Some indications that you may need to do a cleanse are: 1) Irritability 2) confusion 3) mind fog 4) tiredness 5) irregular or painful menstruation 6) depression 7) anger 8) anxiety or stress 9) extreme weight gain or weight loss and many more. These are just some physical symptoms pointing to energetic blockages in the way of you living your best self. After this long cold winter, an internal spiritual spring cleaning is an order!
Reflecting on Maya Angelou’s quote about the butterfly, there is truth in rarely acknowledging the changes to its beauty. Today, begin recognizing the ones you have gone through in your life to be who you are now. Here are some questions to meditate on:
What changes in your life have you gone through that have made you who you are today?
What do you want to change in your life for the better?
What beliefs have kept you in a chrysalis? Are you willing to let go of some or all of them?
What small or major decision can you make today that will get you closer to the change you want to see in yourself and in your life?
Complete this meditation and note down your answers before doing the following ritual.
In the spirit of Spring Equinox on this Super Full Moon in Libra, I offer you a ceremony to be used within these next 3 days of full moon’s light. This ritual is compatible for use on both sides of the hemispheres during spring and fall equinoxes.
Drawing paper
Colored pencils or markers
Black pen, marker or pencil
Lighter or matches
Heat-resistant dish to burn guava leaves in
Yellow candle (taper, votive, or in glass)
Flowers (anything you feel is beautiful)
Glass of spring water (Prep water by placing the glass under full moon light to charge before ritual)
Music that makes your spirit soar
Notes with answers to above meditation questions
Notebook
For this ritual, you may want to be at table for ease or drawing or a place with a hard surface to draw on, indoors or outdoors. Preferably, this activity should be done under the light of the full moon, if weather permits.
Sit quietly to gather your energy and center yourself. Make sure to have all your materials in front of you.
Breathe in eight deep cleansing breaths.
Place five drops of Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil on the yellow candle. If it’s a taper/votive candle, dress it by placing five drops in your hand, and start by rubbing the candle with oil from the center all around the way to the bottom. Then go back to the center and rub oil all around the way to the top. Add more oil if there wasn’t enough to completely dress the candle.
Light the candle.
Take the guava leaf and burn the tip until it begins to smolder and waft its smoke over you. Make sure the guava leaf is placed safely onto a heat-resistant dish. Begin purifying your auric field with the smoke. Continue doing this until you feel ready to move on to the next step.
Obtain the anointing oil and place a few drops into your hand. Place your other hand over the drops of oil and intend what you reflected on that needed change. Anoint yourself in this order and be sure you have enough oil to make it around your body: Crown chakra, third eye chakra, behind both ears, nape of the neck, throat chakra, heart chakra, solar plexus chakra, sacral chakra, root chakra (lower back just above your tailbone), wrists and palms. If you feel called to anoint other parts, please do so.
I call upon Highest Source to help me connect to my Higher Self. I call upon Mother Earth and the Native Spirits of this land for support and permission to do this work. May this space be a container of safety, protected by all my ancestors before me and all the angelic beings of light to guide me on my journey to transformation and co-creation with the Universe.
Play your favorite music.
On a piece of paper, sketch or draw a butterfly. This butterfly represents you. What would you look like? What colors and shapes are your wings? Color the picture and be creative! As you manifest this image, put intentions of transformation you set out to have or become.
When you are done, place the flowers around your drawing. Take time to marvel at what you created and write down any thoughts and feelings you get from seeing your picture.
Place the yellow candle in the middle of the drawing and allow the candle to burn down to completion.
Dance around (or move in whatever way you feel comfortable) and express yourself like a butterfly under the light of the moon. Feel the magic flowing into your being with each breath and wings unfurling from your spirit. Enjoy this moment!
When you are done with movement, come back to your drawing.
Drink the full moon energy charged glass of water.
Inhale eight deep cleansing breaths.
Burn guava leaf once more to offer smoke in prayer and gratitude to the ancestors for their support.
*Do not extinguish the candle. Make sure you place your drawing and candle with the flowers in a safe space after the ritual.
I give thanks to Highest Source in helping me to connect to my higher self. I give thanks to Mother Earth, the Native Spirits of this land, all the ancestors, angelic beings and helpful spirits of light for maintaining the safety of this container of ceremony. Thank you for your guidance on my journey to transformation, for the greater good of all. I release you all and this container of sacred time and space now. And so it is.
May this gift of ritual serve you well.
If you loved this ritual or want to share anything regarding your own inner transformation, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW!
Blessings and salamat,
Lyn
Copyright © 2019 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
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Our Ancestors created oils like the Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil with different materials made from plants, herbs, crystals, things of the sea, and even parts from animals, all in a base of coconut oil or animal fats. The shaman would make this medicine with intention and create it in a simple to elaborate ceremony of song, dance, and incantations.
The Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil is made in a container of ceremony that begins on Summer Solstice and ends on the following full moon in Pisces. Each year, the intentions may change, but the core purpose remains the same—transformation and manifestation.
Moldavite is known as the “Stone of Transformation.” It is a greenish-colored glass tektite formed from a meteor crashing into the earth over 14.5 million years ago and is found prevalently in the Czech Republic. This rare celestial gift carries intense cosmic energy unmatched by any other stone or crystal. Its power can intensify all other stones and crystals with it.
In May 2018, I went to Dinagat Island, Philippines, to do a ritual where I imbued a quartz crystal with the energy of the sun as it was nestled in the soil of our Motherland. With the blessings of our ancestors, the crystal was included into the making of Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil, with the intention of Ancestral healing and assisting those who need to connect back to their roots. In addition, guava leaf was the medicine needed this year instead of the white sage as in previous years. Guava leaf holds powerful healing and clearing energy. It is used in various ways from skin wash infusion to a smudging tool in expelling negativity. That said, each bottle will contain a piece of this plant medicine to enhance the effects of the oil.
Since its creation, many people have come forward with extraordinary stories of sychronicities, epiphanies, great achievements and great clearings. Not all experiences of clearings were pleasant but were necessary to open their world up to bigger and better possibilities. As with any type of change, there is always a period of being challenged and uncomfortable. In the grand scheme of the Universe, nothing is a coincidence. You put the energy out there, it will come back to you. Therefore, co-creating and having an open mind are keys to successful manifestation work.
The Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil is not for everybody. For those who use it, and know what it does, they become witness to the unfolding of their own inner power. Deceivingly simple and beautiful, the oil is a disruptor. Miracles and wonderful surprises can pop up anywhere at any time you never dreamed would occur.
I invite you now to remember your sacredness. To create and incorporate sacred time and space into your daily ritual. It is your divine right and ancestral inheritance to obtain this medicine. Use it well.
Should you choose to get the Moldavite Solstice Manifestation Oil, I highly recommend it using in conjunction with Love Potion No. 10 to soften effects if you are experiencing too much energetic intensity.
Copyright © 2018 by Lyn Pacificar All rights reserved.
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