blood medicine

I am currently moving through the medicine of my monthly cycle. It’s a painful one this time, and while I know part of that is related to diet choices over the last few days (so hard for me to resist fried foods when this time comes around), in general I actually really like having my period. When I separate myself from the narrative of PMS-driven bitchiness, I actually find joy and peace. I like the pain, I like the weirdness, I love the excuse to be really really human, messiness and all. When I find myself complaining about it, it is a good opportunity to for me to practice and appreciate several modes of understanding:

• welcoming the pain, enjoying the presence of the moment
• bowing before the strength I have to endure these constrictions, the cramps and bloating
• to not tighten myself against the pain, but to make myself wide and receptive to it
• embracing its familiarity, grateful for its regularity 
• the dark, earthen magic of blood
• taking the time to enjoy herbal remedies and folk healing
• to learn to slow down without guilt
• to put my body first 

This morning I had a utopian vision of a world in which we all honor this sacred part of our life cycles. In which we all acknowledge that there are men who bleed, and women who cannot. A world in which those who do bleed, can let it happen freely. we would let our blood flow and stain our clothing and sheets and seats and chairs and instead of feeling shame or embarrassment in this moment, we would stop in wonder and awe, and divine our truths from the blood patterns that emerge. 

I’m a Scorpio, I can’t help myself.

I’m excited to share a recipe for a soothing and delicious tea to help with the pain and irritability that comes with blood flow, but also keeps you moving because we have jobs and lives to tend to! You might have some of these herbs sitting in your kitchen already. Many health food stores carry bulk herbs as well. If you're feeling serious pain, don't be ashamed to use medicine like ibuprofen too! It's great to use folk and pharmaceutical medicine in tandem with each other. They both provide great assistance. 

Tea for soothing menstrual symptoms:

• catnip 
• rosemary 
• fennel seed
• lavender
• holy basil (tulsi)

Combine all ingredients in tea infuser, french press, reusable tea bag, etc, whatever you have available. Pour just boiling waiter over herbs. Let steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink. Enjoy several cups throughout the day as needed.