PLANT MEDICINE RECIPES FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

Here are some some recipes of what I’ve been doing at home with the family to build IMMUNITY. I discuss the two different types of immunity HERE.

“DEFENSIVE” IMMUNITY INFUSION
In a saucepan over a stove of 2 L of water, simmer roughly 1/3 cup of Turkeytail mushroom. It helps to break it up first to increase the surface area of the funghi so more of the medicine comes out. Simmer for 2 hours. Sometimes, I also add a bit of Ginseng for some heating elements and Reishi to cool and nourish to offset the Yang qualities of Ginseng. Strain after the 2 hours. I consume about 250-500 mL of it a day and leave the rest in the fridge to keep it from spoiling. When refrigerated, it’s good for 2-3 days. I reheat when I am ready to consume more. Sometimes I add a bit to a sauce or another food I am cooking. Turkeytail can be consumed daily, but if you add Ginseng and/or Reishi, consume it only 3-4x a week. Omit the Ginseng and Reishi if there are viral symptoms present.


“OFFENSIVE” IMMUNITY INFUSION
In a 1L mason jar, place generous handful each of fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Yarrow. If I feel like I am coming down with a sore throat, I add a tablespoon of Peppermint, too. If you cannot source fresh, then 1 tbsp each in dried form. Add boiling water to the top of the jar, and close the jar. Let rest for 6 hours, then strain. It will be strong. I consume 1L a day, in sips as gulps is harder for your system to absorb it all. I also drink water in addition to the infusions throughout the day.


“OFFENSIVE” IMMUNITY SOUP
I wrote a recipe a while back for Taiwanese Chicken Soup with Chinese herbal adaptogens that has been part of my family for generations that is not only incredible for gut health, but also radiant skin. I still get so much happy feedback about this recipe to this day. The recipe for SKIN FOOD: CHICKEN SOUP WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBS can be found HERE.


A NOTE ABOUT WATER
I filter my tap water in large glass jars of Binchotan bamboo charcoal for 8 hours before drinking and cooking with. The charcoal filters, alkalizes, and re-mineralizes the water and the taste is FRESH and CLEAN. If you’re in Vancouver, come visit me at my next In-Person event where I often have Binchotan bamboo charcoal for sale!

“OFFENSIVE” ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSION
Add the following to your essential oil diffuser, along with filtered water:

  • 3 drops Hinoki (this wood has one of the highest concentrations of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties – there is a reason why this wood was used to build temples and public baths in Asia)

  • 3 drops Pine (any varietal. I enjoy using Scots Pine)

  • 2 drops Thyme (any varietal)

  • 2 drop common Sage

Diffuse for 15 minutes at a time. It’s important to not exceed this for three reasons:

  • because you want to ensure that the oils do not get overheated via the diffusion,

  • because there is such a thing as too much of a good thing which can overwhelm your respiratory system,

  • and because after 15 minutes, there is no longer any true benefit being added to the air

MEDICINAL HERBAL SMOKE
In a research paper titled “Medicinal Smoke: Journal of Ethnopharmacology”, trials done in over 50 countries concluded that burning certain herbs can reduce airborne pathogens as much as 94%.

Among these are the following plant medicines: White Sage, Desert Sagebrush, Common Sage (make sure the Sage varietals are sustainably harvested), Rosemary, Thyme, Mugwort, Lavender, Pine, Cedar, Eucalyptus.

These same plants also offer energetic purifying and boundary setting, making this practise ideal in sacred spaces that offer safety and containment.

In a heatproof dish filled with uncooked rice or sand, light a charcoal disk. Allow the disk to heat up. Scatter some dried herbs (listed above) onto the charcoal, allowing the smoke to billow in the space. If you’re energetically purifying, fan the smoke around doors, windows, mirrors. Offer a prayer to these allies if it feels right for you. Make sure the herbs and charcoal are completely out when you are finished. Alternatively, if you’re sensitive to any form of smoke, consider using a smokeless variety, such as Ceremonie’s Sacred Plants Cleansing Mist.

With so much love,
Mimi

Mimi Young
founder, shamanic intuitive + neurofeedback practitioner

If you enjoyed this post, and would like more, please feel free to share with your friends. I also welcome you to follow Ceremonie on Instagram or the email list! My neurofeedback work can be found via Open Minds Performance, also on IG.

Please keep in mind that I am not a medical doctor; what I provide above is for educational purposes.

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