My Morning Coffee

Posted on by Genevieve

I get the question if I drink coffee, a lot actually. Here’s my answer…. sometimes.

I usually drink my interesting decaf coffee concoction (ground decaf, astragalus, and dandelion root) I’ll show how to make it below. I sometimes add actual coffee in, but if I grind regular coffee then I grind cardamom with it to reduce the acidity, jitters, and make it taste even better!

Coffee is bitter and helps to increase peristalsis, the bitter flavor is associated with the Heart in Chinese Medicine. Honestly after my late husband passed coffee was a big antidepressant for me. I prefer to have decaf so I don’t tax my adrenals and cause a stress response in my body, but sometimes when I have a project I don’t want to do (ie. taxes)… if I have my regular coffee suddenly the task seems so much more exciting!!!

Here’s my recipe for my standard cup of coffee in the morning (decaf). 1 part each of: decaf coffee, dandelion root, and astragalus. I have pics of how finely I grind the herbs as well. I get my coffee from Sleepy Monk since my clinic at the coast in Cannon Beach was just a few doors down and the people working there are the best ever and the coffee is always organic and amazing!!! The physical cafe is closed now, but you can still get coffee online. And then for herbs my standard is Mountain Rose Herbs. Sometimes Chinese herbs are sourced from other companies though.

I add astragalus since it is a Qi or energy tonic and supports our digestive organs: Spleen and Stomach. It is also great for the Lungs and so it boosts immunity. You would just want to avoid it if you already are sick with a cold/flu. I add dandelion root since it tastes a bit like coffee and is great to help the Liver release bile and is supportive of gentle detox in our body.

I grind each of these finely with a little coarse texture left… perfect for espresso. I actually use my espresso machine with my concoction and its been going strong for almost 2 years even with all that I throw at it.

Astragalus pre-ground

Astragalus ground

Layers of astragalus, coffee and dandelion root

The finished decaf coffee concoction…

And then for my regular coffee I grind 1-2 TBS cardamon seeds separately to add to my 16oz jar of espresso ground coffee.

Thanks for checking this out and hope you enjoy

Introducing Morgan Costley to the Clinic!!

Posted on by Genevieve

Morgan Costley, LAc LMT graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine, having previous completed massage training at East West College of Healing Arts in 2011. The past twelve years, she has spent her time honing her skills as a practitioner and expanding her knowledge of the body.

Morgan has developed a strong connection with her hands and to their ability to access sources of pain and injury. She is able to precisely locate acupuncture points at various depths that are necessary for release and relief. She is aware of the levels of sensation and her needling style is tailored to be deeper and stronger, or more superficial and gentler, based on the patient’s condition and constitution. Morgan is experienced in working with allergies, Women’s health, chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries and pain, digestive issues, stress management, and insomnia. She has studied 5 element acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture including trainings in Kiiko Matsumoto style as well as Tsuyoshi Shimamura style acupuncture. She also has extensive training in Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, guasha, shiatsu, myofascial release, reiki, and craniosacral.

Creating a safe space, helping people to find their center, and be at ease in their bodies is important to her practice. She strives to help people reclaim the parts of their bodies and systems that have struggled with illness, disharmony, and pain. Her treatments are based in acknowledging the body’s innate ability to heal itself and enabling it to do so in the most effective way.

Morgan is a native Oregonian who enjoys spending time in nature. She is often seen exploring the many trails and mountains this area has to offer. Morgan believes in taking the time to incorporate daily practices that nourish her. She has a strong meditation and Taiji practice. She also has a great love of the arts, including music, painting, dancing, and cooking.

To Schedule with Morgan contact morgan@sundialacupuncture.com (503)560-0843

Hawthorne Berry A Holiday Favorite

Posted on by Genevieve

hawthorne berries close 6 Jan 12

Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna or C. douglasii) and Chinese Crataegus (Shan Zha) is an herb that is extremely popular is both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine alike. In Chinese Medicine we use Shan Zha to alleviate food stagnation by assisting in digesting meats and greasy foods and to nourish the heart and improve circulation. In Western Medicine hawthorn berry is used to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and a great herb for overall cardiac and circulatory health. Since we just had the most gluttonous of all holidays (Thanksgiving) I thought it would be a great herb to focus on this month.

It was Thanksgiving 23 years ago that I decided to go vegetarian, and then subsequently vegan and more recently gluten free. When I was 12 I had my first pet, Buddy, a parakeet. This little bird really made me think twice about the turkey focused holiday and I decided I could not eat my beloved Buddy’s turkey friend. So I am thankful for Buddy for laying the groundwork for many positive changes that I have come to make. I am also very thankful for my amazing and supportive family. Okay now back to the topic at hand… hawthorn berries!!!

Since we tend to eat lots of high fat foods during the holidays hawthorn berries are a perfect herb to help us digest our favorite holiday foods. Hawthorn berries are available in tea, tincture, powdered and capsule form. Making tea is a great way to enjoy this herbal medicine and you can have it with your meals to help you digest your food.

Hawthorn Berry Tea

  • 1-2 teaspoons dried berries
  • 1 cup water

Bring water and berries to a boil, reduce heat to let simmer while covered for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the berries and enjoy! Can also add some sweetener and or lemon juice to taste. A sprinkle of cinnamon is good too.

Formulas for Improving Digestion

There are many great Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas for eliminating food stagnation and helping to aid digestion of our heavy holiday meals.

Bao He Wan- Contains hawthorn and other herbs like Shen Qu* (fermented massa) to digest all types of foods. *Shen Qu is a fermented product, but sometimes contains gluten.

Curing Pills (Kang Ning Wan)- is another great formula for reducing food stagnation, but again contains Shen Qu (gluten).

Mu Xiang Shen Qi Wan- aids in digestion and is even supportive for digestive issues from a stomach flu. Gluten Free!!!

Even though there are great formulas and herbs to improve digestion the best way to feel good over the holidays is to eat healthy foods, eat slowly and chew your food!!!

Here is a great site for getting Hawthorn Berries and some interesting history and folklore too… Have fun!