Oct./Nov. Newsletter 2019

            “The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart.” - Rumi


Stress + Digestion
 HOW HEMP CAN HELP


The holidays are synonymous with comfort and joy and, of course, all the specialty foods that are traditionally served. For many, these familial traditions can include foods that we might not choose to consume regularly. These indulgences, coupled with the classic holiday stresses, can find your digestive system in a bit of distress. That doesn’t mean that you can’t eat all the yummy holiday foods, but perhaps choosing how you want to combine them, and/or bolster yourself with generally healthy self care routines, like a CBD regimen, are a great idea during the holidays. 
During the rush of the holiday season, take some time to be mindful that stress effects digestion. We have to take care not only in our physical stomach, but also the ways that we digest our emotions. Some questions you may ask yourself when things are feeling out of balance are: How are you digesting what is going on around you, and is this transferring into your physical experience? How do you feel in your mind and body, and how is that affecting your emotions? And, importantly, how will you regain balance in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
Research shows that CBD does help with digestion as well as anxiety, and there are some great ways for you to get your daily dose and help relax your system. 
Serenity Drops- CBD offers stress relief in that the really acts to calm the mind and bring balance within the brain chemistry. It is also anti-infalmmatory and soothes digestion.
We offer two strengths:
Serenity Drops 500  with 3mg CBD per pump
Serenity Drops 1000 with 6mg CBD per pump
Visit our dosing guide to find out which is right for you! 
 * Ingredients: CBD + Hemp Essential Oil blended in fractionated coconut oil. This wellness remedy combines the health bennefits of CBD with hemp essential oil, high in terpenes which are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and can have a calming or uplifting effect on the mind.
Essential Oil of Hemp- our essential oil of hemp is an ingredient in our Serenity Drops, but it also stands alone as a remedy. It adds an anti-inflammatory boost to your body at the stomach level which can be soothing for digestion. It also helps enliven the mind and lift brain fog. (Learn more about by CLICKING HERE.)
Melanie Giffen, Owner of Bela Flor Apothecary, explains,  "You can also take the essential oil by itself with caution…. I like to take a drop in my mouth and then put water in my mouth and swish and swallow. Or, I place one drop in a glass bottle and drink it throughout the day."  The essential oil by itself is very potent. Even smelling it can help uplift your mood and reduce stress and headaches. Always be careful not to spill essential oils on your skin or use more than the recommended dose.
You can see our wide range of CBD + hemp essential oil products, including our essential oil of hemp, at Bela Flor Apothecary's online store. 


Let's Talk Self Care 

The physical act of self care can help boost your overall health routine, and there are many ways to make this happen. Things that get the body moving, and/or address the body at a physical level can vary widely. Exercise is one way we can get moving to help shift our mental and physical state, but we can also engage in more relaxed, soothing forms of self care, such as taking an herbal bath. Melanie shares her herbal body care routine: "One of my favorite ways to care for myself is to take a nice hot bath with epsom salt and essential oils (lavender and hemp essential oil is one of my favorite blends.) 
When I get out of the bath, I give myself a full body massage with one of my CBD body butters. Starting with my feet and toes, I massage my entire body all the way up to my neck, being sure to give extra attention to any area that needs it. Sometimes I also massage my hair with the CBD butter if I need some extra nourishment there as well.
 This makes my skin and body feel terrific, and it's a great for me to slow down, tune in and connect with myself."
This is a great way to care for yourself, or to tune in and offer a massage to someone you love! Here's a link to our Organic CBD Skincare line. 


Digestive Tea + CBD 
 Ginger, Black Pepper & Mint 


There is magic behind Black Pepper...it turns out black pepper and cannabis have similar qualities. Both contain CBD, as well as a terpene called beta carophyllene, both of which are anti-anxiety and digestive aides.


Ingredients:
2 inch piece sliced Ginger Root
1 tsp. Black Peppercorns
6 springs Mint
Method:
In a 2 quart pot, boil 4 cups of water with the ginger and black peppercorns for  15-20 min. The longer you cook the more warming and spicy your tea will become. Turn off the heat and add in the mint, cover and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.
In your cup, spray your daily dose of CBD Serenity Drops. Strain the tea into your cup and allow the CBD oil to blend. Sweeten with a sweetener of your choice and/or add a milk of your preference.
Note: This tea, with the hemp e.o. infused Serenity Drops almost has a savory, broth-like quality and could also be flavored with salt rather than cream and sugar and sipped sugar-free.



Stress + Preparedness 

" Many of you may know that here in Northern California we have been in the midst of power outages due to fire concerns and extreme weather warnings this time of the year. I know that many of you were in similar situations or have expereinced other extreme weather situations that have been challenging. This naturally causes an added stress to the daily routine and has been a big reminder to stay calm and get prepared. 
Locating our first aid kit, having plenty of clean water on hand, remembering how to live simply, and taking care of ourselves and our families during challenging times is important. It is also important that we not let the external circumstances effect our inner being, which preparedness helps us achieve. Plants are wonderful allies when life challenges us, so let us remember to use them to our benefit. 
Hemp has the been the comfort of Americans and people around the world for many centuries, it was used for fiber, animal feed and in the herbal apothecary.  we are lucky to have this plant available to us once again and in many different easy-to-use forms.  CBD is a part of my daily health ritual and it helps take the edge off of the challenges and remind me to have fun, relax, and make the most life. Being prepared is key, so stock up on natural medicinal plant allies, water, candles, gas, propane, organic non-perishable foods, and remember, 'self care is the new health care and always be prepared for the unexpected!'" 
- Melanie Giffen