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It is wet, fluid; it takes the shape of whatever contains it, it flows, it is essential to life. Water
is the essence of life. The human body is almost 80% water. Winter is the time of the water element. This is when essence returns to its source.
The descriptions of water in nature is reflective of how water is within us. Water should always be flowing through the kidneys and bladder for cleansing and rejuvenation. When it is not moving we experience imbalances such as dryness or thirst, frequency or infrequency of urination, and excess or deficiency of perspiration. A lack of flow of water emotionally will impede thinking and brings feelings of fear of inundation; like drowning. If we have water imbalances they will show up mainly during the winter months. Possibly damming up water's movement."Stagnant" water in our bodies is a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. This is why we are more susceptible to colds and flu at this time.
During the winter, much of the energy of the plants and herbs is in the roots. Eating root vegetables are very strengthening. Many herbs are also strengthening and cleansing. For example, burdock root is good for the lungs, blood and skin. It can be eaten fresh like a vegetable or the dried roots can be made into tea. Comfrey root helps the lungs and mucous membranes and has a tonic effect in the intestines to increase assimilation of nutrients.
Marshmallow root is particularly helpful for soothing irritations or inflammation in the kidneys and bladder. The root is made into a tea by simmering for ten minutes. This can be drunk to move water. Therefore it can be used as a diuretic and as a demulcent to soothe and soften body tissues.
Spicy digestive herbs can be helpful at this time of year, especially if one has a colder constitution and tends to have a lot of phlegm. Ginger is a stimulating tonic for the stomach. It dries excess water and breaks down fats and oils that can lead to excess mucous.The spices found in chai tea, such as cardamom,star anise and cinnamon also have a similar effect.
During the winter, emotionally calming and quieting herbs help us to move into a deeper simpler space, the same that nature is doing on the outside These herbs help us to return to the source, which in traditional medicine we say is the energy deep in the kidneys. Chamomile tea, kava kava and valerian root can be used for their relaxing effect.
Enjoy this quieter and darker time of year in preparation for the spring of the new millennium.
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