A few years ago, I created my holistic advent, 24 days of posts to help you through the Christmas Season (I actually created this in 2020 to support those feeling alone during lockdowns). The posts are all still here on my blog, I will create a summary blog post for you use use next week, ready for the coming festive season.

But may be you are bored with the advent, you have seen it for a few years, or maybe you want to make something festive and fun unique to you and yours.... this post has you covered.

This year, why not make a reverse advent. Instead of taking something out of the box each day, why not pop something in the jar (or box, or lunch box, or tine, or whatever you have to hand).

I have found a cute red and gold tin I found in a cupboard. I have had it for years, and it will be fun to put it to use. Then, each day, pop in a slip of folded paper with a note of something that you are grateful for. It could be something from the year, a person who brings you joy, a memory from your childhood. Absolutely anything, you are making the rules here. As an alternative you could create a could do list for the year ahead. If you want to be adventurous, have different coloured paper for different activities, perhaps blue paper(or blue felt pen writing) for cold day activities, and red pen or paper for hot/ sunny day activities (again, you are making the rules).

If you feel really adventurous, you could have two tins / jars / containers. One for activities, one for gratitude / memories. Then each week in 2026, you can pull a piece of paper from one of the tins, and give yourself a smile or fun activity.

It is the advent that will give back to you all year round.

I would love to hear your thoughts, please do pop your comments below.
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Get ready for Autumn and Winter Health - time to top up on your immunity

The weather has changed, the temperatures have dropped, and evenings are noticeably drawing in. With the warmth of the sun being just in the middle of the day now, it is time to consider keeping yourself healthy through the chillier months ahead. Planning now, will help you to make a different to your immunity.

If you look at the hedge rows right now, you will notice they are bountiful with berries. In this article we explore the healing power of elderberries (do make sure you are certain of what you are foraging, as not all berries are edible).
 
Elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for boosting immunity and fighting off colds and flu. These small, dark purple berries are packed with nutrients and powerful antioxidants that can support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. But before you reach to eat one, please don't, they are really potent and best used in a tincture or syrup as a medicine. There is a recipe at the end of this article.

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells. This antioxidant property helps reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases and aging. Flavonoids in elderberry also support cardiovascular health and may help protect against certain forms of cancer by reducing inflammation.

Elderberry is widely known for its ability to boost the immune system, particularly in fighting off viral infections. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, that has been shown to have antiviral properties. Studies have found that elderberry can shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms when taken at the onset of the illness.

Elderberry works by inhibiting the ability of viruses to infect cells, making it harder for viruses like the flu to spread within the body. It also increases the production of cytokines, proteins that help regulate the immune response, ensuring a quicker recovery.

In addition to supporting immunity, elderberries also have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and contribute to various health issues, including heart disease and autoimmune conditions. Elderberries help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Elderberries are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6, and potassium  all of which are essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C, in particular, is known to help prevent infections and enhance the function of immune cells. 

Elderberry Tincture Recipe
A great way to incorporate elderberry into your daily routine is by making an elderberry tincture. This concentrated form of elderberry can be stored for extended periods and taken daily to support immunity.

Ingredients

• 1 cup elderberries (fresh or dried)
• 2 cups vodka or brandy (at least 80 proof)
• A clean glass jar with a lid
• If you want to make this alcohol free (for alcohol free adults and for children) replace the alcohol with 1 cup water and 1 cup vegetable glycerine.
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the elderberries: If using fresh elderberries, make sure to remove the stems and rinse them thoroughly. If using dried elderberries, they are ready to use as is.
2. Fill the jar: Place the elderberries in the glass jar, filling it about halfway.
3. Add the alcohol: Pour vodka or brandy over the elderberries until the jar is almost full, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
4. Seal and store: Secure the lid tightly, then shake the jar to mix the berries and alcohol. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it every few days. You will observe the alcohol take on the pigment of the berries.
5. Strain and bottle: After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the berries. Pour the tincture into a clean bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
6. LABEL CLEARLY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE MADE AND THE DATE MADE
   

To Use (for adults):
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the elderberry tincture daily for immune support, or up to 3 times daily at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.

This article does not replace medical advice, always seek professional support.

This little herb grows as a weed, appearing very early spring. It has several common names, including clivers, cleavers, goosegrass, sticky weed, and sticky willy to name a few.

The Velcro like hook hairs on the leaves and squarish stem mean this weed will happily stick to your clothes and other plants. It is a straggly weed, that grows to around 3 feet or longer. It either grows along the ground, or upwards with support of other plants. The leaves are narrow in whorls of 6 or 8.
As the plant matures, it has tiny star shaped flowers (generally of 4 white and greenish petals) in clusters or 2 or 3. These shoot from the leaf axils.

As the plant ages, little seeds, or burrs, are produced, in clusters of 1 to 3 seeds. They are covered with little hook hairs that attach to animals to aid seed dispersal.
Gallium Aparine can appear similar to Gallium Odoratum (sweet woodruff). One of the key differences is that sweet woodruff does not have fine hairs.

This herb, grows abundantly in gardens if left untended. It supports lymphatic drainage and supports detoxification of the body.

It supports weight loss, and helps heal dry skin. If you suffer with irritable bladder or painful urination, this is a herb to try. Make it as a tea, or use it as a herbal water (see YouTube video), Also see my recipes here.

Gallium Aparine can also be eaten as a vegetable.

To use, harvest when young. If eating in a mixed leaf salad, use the very young leaves only, as the leaves are very soft. Alternatively, try adding the leaves to soups or spinach dishes. You can also use them to make pesto (the crushing of the leaves makes them soft, so the very fines hairs are not noticeable).
I find the young leaves have a mild cucumber like flavour, so very subtle and quite pleasant.

Other uses of Gallium Aparine include using it as a poultice for sunburn, nettle rash, blisters, open sores, psoriasis, hot inflamed skin and burns. To make a poultice, pop some fresh (washed) cleavers in a pestle and mortar and grind well, then apply to the affected area.
 
Have you used Gallium Aparine before? What have you made with it, and how have you found it. I would love to hear from you.

If you would like to attend one or more of my sessions, there are both on line and in person options available, With both on line and in person seasonal meditation classes, and also womens meditation and craft sessions at my farm in Brightlingsea, Essex. Sessions are currently held in line with the seasons, so look at March, June, September and December events on the above booking link.

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a private event for your group, please do get in touch using the contact form.