West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

The Home with Health Problems, continued

Each culture for thousands of generations has had their own method of extracting medicinal properties from plants growing close to their villages. These powerful gifts of nature were the best “healers,” as they followed the energies of those living nearby. Nature in her wisdom provided the best medicines within a few steps of where people lived. From ancient times to today’s modern medicine, those same roots, weeds, bushes and trees continue to provide science with an abundance of cures. During Feng Shui consultations, I find the perfect herb growing happily at the doorstep, trying to get the attention of those who live inside the house. An example of why this little guy lingers is to help a cluttered home. A house too full of excess leads to confusion, frustration and anger. What herb is best to help the owner? The common dandelion! It cleanses the liver and gives you a new outlook on life. Sluggish houses have dandelions growing obediently, within eyesight of the owner, waiting patiently to be used. The root, leaf and flower give help to the liver, which is related to the Wood Element. Wood people are great survivors, but need to be flexible, and the medicinal properties of dand-e-lion will improve this trait.

Modern civilization has all but destroyed nature’s vast supply of natural medicine. We have blasted every “weed” from our beautiful lawns, and in doing so have created allergies and sicknesses with the very chemicals it took to destroy our backyard herbal gifts. Some chemicals have been banned, but many haven’t. When the roots of the goldenseal plant became popular as a healer in the 1970’s, it was bulldozed out of its earthen home into extinction by greedy companies. Years are needed for this little plant to take root. It is currently $18 an ounce! (I purchased some this week for my next herb class.) Many of us tried to re-grow this treasure without much luck. It will take hundreds of years to bring it back to life. What type of knowledge do we pass down to our children and grandchildren? I ponder the problem but try to do my share in educating my grandchildren about those little plants. Young minds grasp outdoor knowledge with speed and responsibility and shame their parents and grandparents, whose old habits are hard to break.

Educate your family early on ways to save us from global warming. Introduce these ancient plants by putting them in contained pots and top the aerial part before the seeds and pods blow in the summer wind. Cone flower or Echinacea is unique and can be grown in your flower garden. The seeds are potent and can be used to make a tincture. Other plants to consider are butterbur, nettles and mullein for a stuffy nose. Add cod liver oil and you will give your whole body a boost. Here in the Northwest cod liver oil is a must. Football, soccer and other outdoor activities continue though rain, snow, sleet and wind. This hard-to-swallow oil now comes in capsules flavored in orange and lemon. Our whole family reluctantly joined the ranks of consuming the age-old cure, and has been rewarded with better health the last few years. It strengthens all mucus membranes and organs.

Your body, mind and house have a connection. Just as proper natural plants and foods nurture the body and clear the way to good health, blocking hallways, staircases, impossible garages, litter boxes and feeding dishes in inconvenient places disrupts the physical body. Hallways are considered airways of the house, arteries and blood vessels and a woman’s birth canal. Staircases lift energy from one level to another and represent circulation of the mind and body. Litter boxes in open spaces pose health hazards, while side stepping over and around feeding dishes forces the body into distorted motions while trying to avoid falling into the pet’s dish. Why are you doing this? Blockages affect the whole body and spirit.

The home is where you live and restore your “batteries.” If you or someone you know is having health issues, look first at how you are living, where you are living and whether the Feng Shui is good. For more on the home and health connection, please give me a call at (360) 424-1501 and set up a phone consultation.

Please visit www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on www.moongateschool.com for current local and out-of-state class schedules in Feng Shui, Art and Medicine making with Herbs. Caroline is available for teaching and speaking engagements.

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State. She is a Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art, private mentoring for serious students, lectures and writes for newspapers. She combines teaching and traveling to other locations, here and abroad. Her 2007 schedule includes workshop and classes in the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Alaska. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com