Category: Roots - The Cowrie Shell Center

We Are The Hands Of The Goddess.

4/17/2013

We are the hands of the Goddess
And to Her we offer healing...
Touch made sacred
by the spirit in our hearts

We are people of the Goddess
in Her honor we celebrate...
Joining together in community
Spirit peoples of the Earth

We are the hands of the Goddess
And to Her we offer our prayers...
Our thoughts made sacred
by the spirit in our hearts

We honor Her in Asia,
We honor Her in Africa,
We honor Her in Europe,
We honor Her in Australia,
We honor Her in Scandinavia.
We honor Her in South America
We honor Her in North America,

We are the Children
of the Goddess.
Growing in numbers
Every day

We are the hands of the Goddess
And to Her we offer Love...
Hearts and minds made sacred
by the spirit in our hearts...

A sneak peek inside: The NEW Cowrie Shell Natural Hair Care & Wellness Center

4/12/2013

THE COWRIE SHELL CENTER'S EXPANSION PROJECT...

3/27/2013

Moved in on 3/24/13...Today is March 26th, 2013... 1st day working in the NEW space. Stay tuned in for the transformation process of this new space. I'm humbled and most grateful...

THE COWRIE SHELL CENTER HAS OFFICIALLY MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING 2013!!!

"you are all invited to come to our Chai Tea Mixer! Help us celebrate our big move! The Date??? TBA..."

We are happy to announce that due to our need for more space to better serve you, we have moved to a new location as of March 24th, 2013. We will continue to offer the same natural hair care service and much more at our new address; as well as an even larger selection of products and healing services. We're now right around the corner from the Rockaway avenue subway station on the C- line, off of Fulton Street.

(Please ride in the first car of the C-train) Oh yes, and our phone number is still the same: 718-221-2051

We are now located in the Bedstuy/Ocean Hill section of Brooklyn, just 5 minutes from our old location. We have enjoyed doing business with you and appreciate your support and we hope you will call soon to schedule your appointment in our new location!!!

PLEASE CALL 718-221-2051 FOR DETAILED NEW ADDRESS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION...

Learn About Foraging With Naturalist "Wildman"Steve Brill

3/7/2013

The 4-hour walking tour in Prospect Park begins at 11:45 AM, Saturday, March 16, at Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza entrance. Call (914) 835-2153 at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a place.
For more insight visit: http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/

Prospect Park is a great place for foragers to celebrate the approach of spring. Like Central Park, this Olmstead-designed park features a variety of habitats filled with native and exotic plants. Cold-weather greens abound throughout the park. We'll find goutweed, which tastes like parsley, celery, and carrots; andchickweed, which tastes like corn-on-the-cob. Both sweet-sharpdaylily shoots, and chive-like field garlic, will be producing bumper crops in partially sunny areas throughout the park.

Field Garlic (In the photo)
Field garlic leaves are best from September through April, before they get tough and coarse. The bulbs are mild in the winter and early spring, and especially most spicy from mid-spring through summer

We'll also be finding garlic mustard galore. This foreign invasive species produces garlic-flavored leaves and horseradish-flavored taproots. It also contains nutrients that reduce the risk of both heart disease and cancer.

The first tiny leaves of wild parsnips, growing alongside the skating rink, will clue us in to the location of the large, sweet roots. The same species as commercial parsnips, the wild version of this European biennial adds way more flavor to soups and stews than its domestic forerunner.

And the abundant, green, fragrant twigs of sassafras saplings will let us locate roots you can use to make your own wild root beer, or a sweet seasoning.

The first shoots of Japanese knotweed will also be up. This invasive plant tastes sour, like its relative, rhubarb, so it's great to make bland ingredients more exciting, or to contrast sweet fruit.

On the first tour of Prospect Park in 1982, I got lucky and discovered a huge stand of curly (yellow) dock growing along the lake. The same plants are still alive and well in the same location 3 decades later! The sour leaves, full of vitamin A and iron, are delicious raw or cooked, and the root is a major liver detoxifier and tonic. Its relative, bitter dock, grows throughout the park. It's as delicious cooked as it's awful raw!

In an area of loose, recently overturned soil dwells a wonderful stand of burdock, with roots that taste like a combination of potatoes and artichokes. Usually very difficult to weed, the deep taproots grow in unusually soft, rock-free soil here.

HOW TO USE MY ANCIENT BLENDS HERBAL HAIR TEA

3/2/2013

Herbal infusions have been used for centuries to naturally soften hair, increase manageability, and restore luster, body and bounce. This recipe is designed with specific herbs that have been found helpful in achieving a particular result. Herbal hair rinses can provide a deep cleansing, lighten, darken or enrich your natural hair color, soothe irritation, prevent dandruff or stimulate the scalp to increase growth.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/59875485/herbal-deep-treatment-hair-rinse-3ozs

If you have no desire to strain herbs, make your own “tea bag.” Bundle the herbs into a piece of cheesecloth or cotton muslin and secure with natural cotton string. I include a muslin bag with each of my hair teas.

The directions are the same, just fill the tea bag with the amount of herbs indicated on the label. Add your bundled herbs to the hot water. Do not pack the bundle with too many herbs , you want the herbs to be loose so their essences can be infuse completely. If you are making larger recipes with lots of herbs you may want to use more than one bag or just use the loose tea. If you are using the muslin bags, when finished empty and rinse the bag and allow to dry.

Simple Herbal Tea Hair Rinse
Directions: Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 3 or more tablespoons of herbs. Steep for at least 30 minutes covered. Strain herbs from the tea and make sure it’s not too hot. As you slowly pour the tea over your wet head, massage the infusion into your hair and scalp. Keep a large bowl under your head to catch the liquid and reapply several times. For extra deep conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry hair.

Far Rockaway 'Hair We Grow' EXPO

2/24/2013

family interested in holistic health

Elsiana, my beautiful assistant for the event pouring the herbal hair tea for the audience members.

Me and the lovely ladies from Far Rockaway 'Hair We Grow' Committee

Guest speaker of the evening...Practitioner of holistic hair and health...

Ancient Blends natural hair & body care system

A Sunny Afternoon In February

2/15/2013

I left the city behind me today... spent the afternoon in Prospect Park. I collected rocks, and sticks for making new wands...

hmmm...I'll know it once I see it. Looking and breathing.

I welcomed new life...tiny daffodils bulbs with their flower stems making an early apperance.

...I caught the sun playing in a stream of melting snow.

I give thanks for beautiful days and friends to share them with...heading back to work now, all charged up and feeling great!!! (Thanks for these photos Key ;-))

WILD PLANTS USED FOR MAKING SUN TEA

9/13/2012

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
High in vitamin C, Beta-carotene and amino acids. One of the most protein-rich plants, also contains calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. A spring tonic can be made from stinging nettle that cleanses the kidney and bladder and is good for strengthening hair, nails and skin. Traditionally it was used externally to treat arthritis by whipping or rubbing whole plants on affected areas

Lavender Love

9/9/2012

Of all the amazing plants in the herbal kingdom, only a few hold such a great place of reverence in our gardens as lavender. It's graceful beauty, spicy-peppery aroma, and potent healing properties have made this herb one of my favorites and quite a staple in our homes; especially in the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Lavender has to be the most widely known and most used of the essential oils. It’s flowerly, light aroma is so pleasant and uplifting. Lavender is also a cool color, not so much in popularity but in tone. The ying-yang balance of lavender points to the feminine side, being very supporting of our ability to turn inward and increase our awareness. Take a look at the spiritual qualities lavender is known for... spiritual healing, tranquility, higher consciousness, releasing energy blockages, easing tension, promoting a sense of calm and is also highly recommended for purification. Lavender essential oils are harvested from the flowers of the lavender plant. You can use lavender in a bath, diffuser, or mist.

Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair
Of course, for me lavender essential oil as well as the lavender flowers play a major role in my Ancient Blends hair and body care product line (see ancient-blends-sacred-hair-and-scalp). Lavender oil is among the most commonly used aromatherapy oils, which is extremely effective in treating hair loss. Regular usage is helpful in controlling thinning hair and improving hair growth. Alopecia areata, a condition where you lose excessive hair, especially in patches has been known to be treated with lavender essential oil. As a natural hair expert, I recommend daily scalp massaging with warmed lavender oil in olive oil, which will definitely ensure significant hair re-growth in a few months. You can use lavender oil for hair growth and get rid of problems like itchy scalp and dandruff as well. It is a powerful antiseptic and it is very useful for disinfecting the scalp, treating dry scalp, lice, lice eggs or nits. It also fights fungi, viruses and other microbes.

Also, a relaxing head massage with lavender oil is also helpful in curing insomnia and improving sleep quality. One of the lavender oil benefits is that it relaxes you and helps you get rid of anxiety and depression. The calming and soothing effect of this essential oil is beneficial for relieving stress. This in turn helps control hair loss, as insomnia, stress, depression are among the common and probable causes of this problem. Sufficient sleep and mental peace ensures that hair loss is in control. It also increases blood circulation under the roots of the hair follicles. Aside from all of this, you can regularly use one of the following hair masks for improving the texture of your hair and controlling hair loss problem.

Ways to Use Lavender Oil for Hair
You can use lavender oil in combination with other essential oils that are beneficial for hair growth to make an effective hair mask. Here are some that I for you try...

For Hair Growth...
You need to take 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of rosemary oil, 5 drops of basil oil and 4 oz. of jojoba oil. Mix all these oils well and store them in a dark bottle. Use it regularly for scalp and hair massage. This is very effective in smoothing your hair and boosting hair growth Make sure that you shake the bottle well, before each use.

For Dry Scalp...
Take ¼th cup of oatmeal and soak it in water for 20 minutes. Take 7 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of rosemary oil and mix all these ingredients properly and then apply the paste on your scalp. You can wash off this mask after an hour with warm water. This mask is good solution for getting rid of itching and dry scalp.

While using lavender oil for hair growth or other problems, you will start noticing its benefits within a few weeks or months. You need to keep using it regularly as the results will not be seen immediately. So include this essential oil in your hair care routine and take the first step towards healthy hair. Always use precautions when working with any essential oil. Avoid your eye area and other sensitive parts of your body.

You may use lavender essential oil for calming and rest, promoting peaceful sleep and a feeling of happiness. Lavender may help alleviate migraine headaches.
There are many levels of quality to be aware of when shopping for any essential oil. The trick is to preserve the delicate life of the plant, the essential oils. One of the best methods to extract the powerful healing properties of lavender is the method “steam distilled” to ensure high concentrations of the essential oils of lavender or Lavandula officinalis.

Lavender and Love
Lavender does have special magical properties... it has been used for centuries in the area of love, used to scent love letters, also used as a perfume to attract the opposite sex. Back in the Renaissance days lavender would be combined with rosemary and used to secure the chastity of a woman.

Feng Shui and Lavender
Feng Shui focuses mainly on the flow of energy, whether we are talking about the architecture or how our home is decorated. It is advised to use lavender or any purple color sparingly. In Feng Shui and health it is thought that the color purple could trigger blood disease, but it is fine as an accent. The lighter purple shades like lavender is popular for meditation rooms.

Crown Chakra and Lavender
The color purple is associated with the crown chakra, the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity. The crown chakra, also known as our 7th chakra is located at the very top of our head and the vibration of the crown is the highest vibration in our physical body. I recommend anointing your crown chakra with lavender essential oil before mediating.

Lavender Amethyst

When we look into the world of gemstones and crystals a popular crystal is Amethyst (one of my favorites), which is available in pink or lavender, and is a very powerful healing crystal.

Amethysts are recommended to those who deal with stress a lot, such as people with an excessive work ethic who are unable to enjoy relaxation. This quality is also believed useful when treating insomnia too. Amethysts also help those who are prone to depression and an overall melancholy feeling. Many also believe that amethysts are useful for those working to transcend chemical dependence. The stones may work as talismans to provide inner strength when battling dependency. Amethyst is believed to target the pituitary gland, which directs the endocrine system, the pineal gland, where altered states of consciousness and psychic skills are thought to be triggered, and the entire cerebral cortex in the brain. It is therefore felt to be a tonic for headaches, mental illness, anxiety, concussions, and depression.

Amethysts are also used for natural healing. It is a stone steeped in ancient magic and is as popular today as it was two thousand years ago. If placed under a pillow or worn to bed, it supposedly drives off insomnia and nightmares. It also produces a restful sleep with pleasant, healing, and prophetic dreams. It will also make sure that you don't oversleep. It is a spiritual stone, with no negative side effects or associations with violence, anger or passion. It is a stone of peace. It calms fears, raises hopes, lifts the spirits, and promotes thoughts of the spiritual reality behind our lives. It wards off guilt and self deception, curbs overindulgence, and bestows good judgment. It calms emotional storms and in situations of potential danger, it will come to your aid. It also lends courage and is a powerful amulet for travelers. When worn, it protects against thieves, harm, sickness, and danger.

Amethyst is cleansing, physically and psychologically. It helps to promotes internal balance and harmony and brings about stability to the individual. Amethysts are capable of raising ones spirits, promoting self assurance and confidence. They brighten the outlook on life and enhances our sense of humor. The virtues of amethyst include beauty, calm, fulfillment, humility, a loving demeanor, perfection, piety, sincerity, spiritual balance, tranquility and wisdom.

Amethyst should be worn during contemplation or placed on simple meditation altars. It is worn during psychic acts and since it is a stone of wisdom, it allows the information received through the psychic mind to be appropriately utilized. The stone also helps sharpen the conscious mind and enhances the mental powers. It is used to improve memory and keeps thoughts in line with life goals. It is a stone of pure, true, emotional love. It is often exchanged between two lovers to strengthen their commitment. It is also one of the few stones specifically prescribed for men to use for attracting women. It supposedly draws “good women” to love him. This stone is also used by those involved in lawsuits to ensure that right is done. It has been long thought to bring success to businesses.

2012 West Indian Labor Day Carnival, Bklyn, NY

9/3/2012

The West Indian Labor Day Parade 2012...A Brooklyn tradition. The first time I ever saw this parade was in 1976 after arriving in this country from Barbados in June of that same year. It has really change a lot since then. Back then, there were no police barricades and it was more family friendly...it still remains the largest, most amazingly creative, super festive party in the country... (Photo By: Mirielle Liong)