Fennel Tea

Fennel has been used for centuries not only to add flavor in cooking but also for its many health benefits.

Fennel has a mild estrogen-like activity which inhibits spasms in the intestinal tract. It is wonderful for the treatment of gastrointestinal afflictions such as indigestion and fullness. It has also been shown to possess diuretic, pain reducing, fever reducing and antimicrobial actions. In fact, fennel was formerly an official drug in the United States and was listed as being used for indigestion.

Fennel tea is available from any health food store but it’s easy enough to make yourself. Simply buy some dried fennel seeds from the herb section in the supermarket and steep a few teaspoons in a teapot or boiling water. It will aid digestion after a meal and is particularly effective for settling an upset stomach. It has a lovely aniseed flavour and makes a delicious tea which can be enjoyed at any time.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Devil

This month, I would like to introduce one of the less popular cards in the Tarot deck, the Devil card. The value of this card is fifteen and is ruled by Capricorn, the goat.

A winged horned figure sits on a pedestal with an inverted pentagram on his forehead. The black background represents what is hidden or ignorance. Two naked figures, a male and female are chained at his feet. Although the two figures are chained, if you look closely you will see that the chains around their neck are loose. This symbolises that our restrictions are always self imposed and there is always a way out if we choose.

On first glance, this seems to be a foreboding card as many people believe the horned figure to be Satan. In actual fact the figure is Pan, the half goat Nature God or Dionysius (Bacchus). As God of Nature, Pan represents the physical realm and the primal desires of man.

This is not a card to be feared, but rather one that should be embraced. It not only encourages us to face our deepest and darkest fears but also to accept our animal nature. As human beings we are part animal and part spirit. Both are equally important and should be in balance with each other. By denying our animal nature, we deny what it is to be human. The same can be said if we deny our spirituality.

The Devil Card has several meanings, but basically it symbolises bondage of some kind whether it be to a person or a situation. This card lets you know that you are caught in an unhealthy or unproductive circumstance. Most of us are aware of being caught in a negative situation, but often we push the truth away, choosing instead to bury it into the darkness of our subconscious. This card urges us to face what is hidden and to bring the truth to light.

As this card also represents base desires, it can be associated with addictions, obsessions or focusing too much on the material realm. Deceit is often associated with this card as is lust, an over indulgence of sexual pleasure or an extra marital affair.

Keywords for The Devil card – bondage, restriction, sexual desire

Pamper Yourself with Oat Milk

Not only are oats an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but they are also possess some of the best skin care properties. Because of their high silica content, they make great emollients that help restore the skin’s natural moisture.

Oats have been clinically proven to help heal dry, itchy skin. They are a soothing treatment for conditions such as eczema, chicken pox, dry itchy patches and insect bites. They are also said to be highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, soften and soothe the skin; suitable for most skin types.

A great way to help moisturise dry, irritated skin is to have an oat milk bath. Simply cut the foot off an old flesh coloured stocking and place about ½ cup of rolled oats into the toe. Tie off the end and place it into your bath. Within minutes your bath will be transformed into a luxurious milk bath, leaving you feeling re-energized and your skin soft and supple.