Eye Strengthening – Eyesight points for Fatigue

A portion of us rely on our eyes for navigation, communication, entertainment and other daily activities. Eye health contributes to a sense of well-being and holistic at-home eye care is a necessary resource. When we take a moment to step away from the screen and get into a darker environment, we start to feel less stimulated. Taking the eyes away from stimuli for moments of day can help to prevent eye fatigue.

Eye fatigue is common with our modern lifestyle from strain caused by screens, reading, driving and overuse. Straining can cause symptoms of blurred vision, floaters, broken blood vessels, eye pain and headaches. Combining ocular exercises and acupuncture points we can help to strengthen our eyes, prevent unwanted symptoms and changes in vision.  

In Eastern medicine, observation of the eyes is an important tool for showing the health of our internal systems and how to treat these. Often an acupuncturist will focus on the treatment of the liver channel, blood and Yin when focusing on strengthening the eyes. Also, points around the eyes can help facilitate better motor function and clarity. Taking time each day to nurture the eyes, can be a simple self-care practice that leads to a more comfortable work-life through less eye strain.

Morning Recipe for Eye Health

1.     Take 5 mins for ocular yoga: try near window if possible

a.      Rub palms together put over closed eyes and breath

b.     Keeping eyes closed & press the inner part of eyebrow (acupuncture point Bladder2)

c.      Remove palms, look up to the ceiling, then look down to the floor. Repeat 6x

d.     Rub palms and put over closed eyes again.

e.      Open eyes, to look left then right 6x

f.       Now find something close to focus on in front of you. Then look out window and pick something to focus on far away. Keep doing this. Repeat this 6x

g.      Rub palms and put over closed eyes again. Breath.

2.     Breakfast food for ocular health  

o    ½ cup your favorite hot breakfast grain: cook as directed

o    Add your favorite milk or non-dairy seed/nut milk

o    Handful of Goji Berries: helps to nourish blood and Yin

o    1-2 Dates cut and cooked together: nourishes blood and Spleen

o    Tablespoon of Pumpkin Seeds: rich in zinc, important for Vitamin A transportation- for eye health

3.     Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower) and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) tea

Steep 1 tsp each together in cup of water for 15-20 mins and strain.

Eastern medicine uses Ju Hua for irritated, red eyes that need cooling and calming.

These items can be found at most health food stores, online herbal stores and Asian markets

Acupressure Points for Anxiety and Stress by Dr. Katy Peter

During this time, fear can become a theme in our lives through the unknown and uncertainty of this pandemic. More at home self-care practices are needed right now to ensure better health and well-being. The practice of Metta translated as “loving kindness towards all” is a meditation practice that cultivates positive awareness directed towards oneself and the world around you. To practice Metta for self care and to destress, a person quiets the mind by focusing on a specific phrase about compassion, friendship and loving kindness. Jack Kornfield’s phrase below with link to his website is useful for lovingkindness meditation practice. Metta is a practice of deep self-love and empathy towards others to further our ability to both evolve inward and outward. This act of conscious goodwill breaks down any fear we have with our environment and ourselves. The outcome of this meditation practice brings more joy and ease to our body and mind.

In Eastern medicine the emotion of joy is associated with the heart and the heart meridian goes from the heart to our hands. Another practice that can be utilized at home is acupressure. Acupressure like acupuncture stimulates specific areas of the body to encourage healing. In Korean hand therapy the hand forms a microsystem of the body and by applying acupressure to specific areas of the hand we evoke healing mechanisms. The Korean hand map shows different parts of the hand relate to organs and their functions. Today, we combine acupressure points and meditation to encourage self-love and compassion for all beings.

Jack Kornfield’s Metta Phrase: Buddhist practitioner and teacher

May I be filled with loving kindness.

May I be safe from inner and outer dangers.

May I be well in body and mind.

May I be at ease and happy.

This is then repeated but with the 

May YOU be filled with loving kindness.

May YOU be safe from inner and outer dangers.

May YOU be well in body and mind.

May YOU be at ease and happy.

Finally, we bless all beings:

May all beings be filled with loving kindness

May all beings be happy

May all beings awaken and be free

May all beings be happy

Immune Support with Chinese Herbs by Brooke McClelland, LAC

In Chinese Medicine, one way that pathogens enter the body is through an invasion of wind.  Wind is thought to be “the carrier of a thousand evils”—what Western medicine would identify as microbes like viruses and bacteria—and it brings in these bugs through the wind gates or immune system—areas of the body like the low back and back of the neck that are considered entry points for invaders. 
 
This past weekend, I started feeling some of the tell-tale signs of a wind invasion—a scratchy, uncomfortable throat, chills, a low-grade fever, tight shoulders and neck, an achy body, slight headache and fatigue.  I had felt fine earlier in the day, but then I recalled my mistake!  I had taken a shower and I tied up my wet hair and gone about my day, forgetting to blow-dry or air-dry my hair.  This is a no-no in Chinese medicine as the cold and damp sitting on my head for hours made me more susceptible to a cold or damp pathogen coming into the body.  I was also dressed for warm weather in shorts and t-shirt, but it was a bit breezy and I had the doors of the house open, letting in the wind.
 
When I started feeling sick, I sprang into action with the tenets I learned in Chinese medicine school for staving off a wind invasion.  Read on to find out what I did and what you can do in the very early stages of a cold or flu to kick the pathogen out.  I’m happy to say that just two days later, I feel right as rain!

1.Take a hot shower or bath
Even though I had already taken a shower that day, I got back in the shower to warm myself up.  I wanted to warm the channels and evoke a bit of a sweat if possible. In Chinese medicine, sweating is one way to expel an invading pathogen when it has only recently come in. I made sure to blow dry my hair and even spent some time with the hair dryer aimed on my upper back and shoulders to warm the wind gates. You can do this anytime you feel like you’ve gotten a chill.
2.Bundle up
I changed out of my summery clothes into warmer layers including a wooly hat and scarf!  I was feeling chilled at that point, so this felt good.  When I drank some hot tea, it also helped to induce a light sweat which is what we want.  When your throat feels scratchy, it’s important to keep it warm with a scarf and drink lots of fluids.
3.Gargle
The throat is where many pathogens incubate and proliferate once they come into the respiratory tract. It’s a good idea to gargle with something antibacterial and antiviral (not bleach!)  I use very salty, warm water as salt is both of those things and also pulls excess fluid from tissue that may be swollen.  My favorite trick is to brew a strong cup of black tea and add plenty of salt, let it cool, and gargle with that.  It sounds gross, but you won’t taste it.  Send it down the hatch for a gargle in the back of your throat, then spit out.  The black tea is astringent and pulls out any phlegm that has accumulated there.  The bitterness of black tea also clears heat if your throat is feeling hot and painful.
4.Take herbs
It’s handy to have some go-to Chinese herbal formulas for cold or flu on hand for times like these.  Consult with your practitioner about which formulas would be right for you.  I started Chinese herbs right away when I noticed symptoms and took them frequently for 48 hours until I felt better.  If you don’t have any herbal formulas with you, one home remedy you can make in the very early stages of a cold or flu is a tea of boiled fresh ginger and scallions.
5.Get plenty of rest
After all the previous steps, I took a long nap as I was feeling weary.  I bundled myself up and slept for 1-2 hours and when I woke, I felt a bit better.  It takes energy for the body to mount an immune system response, so it’s smart to give the body extra rest and allow this process to happen.
6.Get acupuncture
Just as we have Chinese herbs that are great at expelling wind invasions, there are acupuncture points for that too!  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ask that you not come in to the clinic if you have active symptoms, but a telemedicine consult would be perfect to get you the ideal herbal formula and to direct you to some acupressure points you can use on yourself.  Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture, but with pressure from your fingers instead of needles.
 
I hope this Chinese medicine wisdom helps you when the time comes to nip a cold or flu in the bud!

A RECIPE TO SUPPORT YIN BLOOD DEFICIENCY

One of my favorite squashes is the Spaghetti Squash! What I love about it even more is that it is considered a Qi tonic and benefits the Spleen/Stomach in Chinese Medicine. This means that it can be helpful for building energy if your digestive system is struggling to function properly. Spaghetti Squash helps build Qi circulation, improves energy and promotes blood circulation.

In combination with other the following, you can create the perfect Qi and Yin Tonic to maximize digestion and increase your body's ability to absorb nutrients.

Spaghetti Squash with Kale, Chorizo, and Preserved Lemon

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
Spaghetti Squash 3 Cups – Qi tonic, medicinal to the spleen and stomach, improves energy and blood circulation
Chorizo 1 link – Tonifies Yin, blood and Qi
Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon - Neutral
Garlic 2 Cloves – Warming, promotes Qi circulation, removes toxins
Smoked Paprika 1/4-1/2 Teaspoon – Warming, support blood circulation
Lacinato Kale 5 Ounces – Slightly bitter, benefits the stomach and immune system
Preserved Lemon ¼ large or about 1/8 Cup – Sour, resolves stagnation and cleanses the blood
Lemon Juice 1 Tablespoon – Cooling and sour, promotes blood circulation, tonifies Qi and removes toxins
Sour Cream 1/8 Cup (optional) – Strengthens Yin, blood and Qi while nourishing deficiency
Water 2 Ounces
Sea Salt - Cooling
Black Pepper – Warming and promotes Qi circulation

Directions

Cut Spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds and place cut side down on a baking sheet and place in a 400 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and pull the squash apart with a fork so it resembles spaghetti. Remove the casing from the chorizo link and cook the chorizo over medium high heat until it is in crumbles and cooked through. Add the chopped garlic and paprika and continue cooking a couple of minutes. Remove the chorizo and garlic and set aside. Add the chopped kale to the oil and allow to cook down, season with salt and pepper to taste and add the water, continue cooking until the water is gone and kale is tender. Return the chorizo and garlic to the pan along with the preserved lemon and lemon juice, stir and remove from heat. Add the sour cream and stir to combine. Mix the kale and chorizo with the spaghetti squash and serve.

The Beauty of Functional & Eastern Medicine

I can't tell you how many times I hear this in my office. It is frustrating to me that many people and doctors have been trained to think that symptoms stop at "normal labs". Allopathic medicine looks at the body in divided systems and how to treat the disease for those individual dysfunctional parts. I'm super duper generalizing here but if you really think about it, allopathic and conventional medicine is great for Disease Management, but not great for Health Care.

Eastern Medicine has always had an approach to health care that looks at checks and balances between the systems. If one system is dysfunctioning, we look to the other systems that are functioning and use them for support. It is a system that really looks at the body as a whole and how each part works together. ☯️

Functional Medicine is a way at looking at the very small details in our blood work to see where the body is functioning and where it needs focused attention. There is SO much that we can decipher in labs about where the body needs support even when they come back "normal". 💗

What I love most is blending these two Health Care systems into a comprehensive approach to care. By combining the very important information that our pulse 💓 and tongue 👅 provide us in the Eastern medicine diagnosis and then using labs work we can to really bring it all home and get to the root cause of your symptoms. 🌟✨

Email Dr. Parker to get started on this comprehensive approach!

6 Weeks to Glow: Fall Reset!

One of the most effective ways to take charge of your health and immunity is to support your diet. A robust Spleen and Stomach is essential to one’s long term health. That's why Fall is the perfect time to start the ✨SIX WEEKS TO GLOW✨

Since this is NOT a detox, you will learn so many tools to help navigate the holiday season and end the year feeling your best rather than over stuffed!

This Fall Program combines Eastern Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition, and Functional Medicine.

This 🌱reset 🌱will empower you to take the control back around your health. We believe in an empowered model for health, and the more tools and knowledge we have to make decisions, the better.

We will address: optimizing digestion, balancing your hormones and minimizing and/or eliminating peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms (e.g. appetite fluctuations, night sweats, mood swings, etc.), improving sleep habits, improving the health and glow of your skin, and reducing inflammation.

Develop a better understanding of your body and what feels balanced for you. It can be that simple with just a little guidance to get you started. Don't fear food or your body, they are your allies to abundance, wisdom, understanding, it just takes a little listening

Early Bird ends this Saturday, November 3rd. Share this with your friends & family. ♥️ Email for more information. ⠀⠀

Pears for Lung Health!

Pears for Lung Health!

Pears are a staple in Chinese Medicine for lung health. The Fall is associated with the Metal element and the Lung organ system. It is no wonder that seasonal fruits like pears are key to supporting one of our #1 immune organ systems in the Fall.

While Chinese Medicine has been talking about it for literally centuries ;) Western Medicine is finally coming to agreement in a variety of studies that show the benefits of pears on lung health. Researchers have found that the benefit comes from catechins, one of the largest group of plant compounds called flavonoids. Various flavonoids have been found to act as cell-protecting antioxidants, and guard agains lung disease.

With the smoky air this is a great time to increase your pear consumption. I know that my throat and lungs are feeling dry and sore from the air quality today. Check out this yummy sweet pear recipe for lung health.

Ingredients
2 large or 4 small pears, any variety (I particularly like Bosc pears in this recipe), peeled, cored, and each pear cut into 4 or 6 slices
1 cinnamon stick
2 thin slices of fresh ginger (each ginger piece the size of a quarter coin)
1 vanilla pod
raw local honey, to taste
a squeeze of fresh lemon, to taste
optional herbs: 10 goji berries, 5 pieces of chuan bei mu (fritillary bulb), 1 slice of dried astragalus

Bring pears, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and optional herbs to a boil in 4 cups of water (or a little more water if needed, use enough water to cover the pears). Reduce heat and simmer on medium low, covered, for about 30 minutes.

Serve dessert in individual bowls. Each serving should have slices of pear and the cooking liquid served warm or cool.  (Before serving, discard the cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. The optional herbs can be separated out as well, but some people enjoy eating them, especially the goji berries- just be careful not to burn your tongue because the goji berries can get very hot!).)

Add honey to sweeten to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to taste.

Store the liquid, fruit and spices in a glass storage container in the refrigerator. Keeps for about 3 days.

The Lost Coast!

I spent a big chunk of last week on one of the most challenging but epically beautiful hikes of my life. My friends and I took three days to hike 25 miles of the Lost Coast Trail, and it was hard 🥵! It felt so good to challenge myself like that but I can certainly say I’m still recovering . Much of that trail is on sand and treacherous rocks and it took an incredible amount of focus to get across safely. As hard and tiring as this was, it was kind of my favorite part. It was quite an experience to have to completely focus on each step for hours at a time with the waves crashing next to me. It reminded me of how much I love walking meditation and hope to re-incorporate it back into my routine. 🌈🌟

Hibiscus Rose Cider

Ooooh! Yummy! We are loving the fall color vibe of this Hibiscus Rose Cider from @mountainroseherbs. Check out this simple recipe to help get in the spirit of the beginnings of fall.

What You Will Need

Mason Jar

Strainer

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Hibiscus Flower Powder

1/4 cup of Rosehips

1/4 cup of Dried Ginger Root

2 tablespoon of Rosebuds

1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

5-6 cups of water

2-3 tablespoons of honey

OR 1/2 teaspoon of stevia

Instructions

In a big mason jar, fill up the bottom of the jars with the dry herbs.

Add in the water.

Steep for 10-15 minutes.

Add in your sweetener and apple cider vinegar to taste.

Enjoy right away or add ice if you want an iced version.

It's Time to Lose the Fear About Fat!

I cannot preach this any louder! 🗣 Please rethink your fat consumption and read these awesome fat facts. The conventional "normal" levels on a lipid test are...well...BS!

P.S. From a Functional Medicine lens, a healthy cholesterol level is anywhere between 180-220 🥰
FAT FEAR (no more)...very important repost from @realfoodology about FAT and losing your fear of consuming high quality fats in personal moderation...

Check it out:👇⁠
- The low fat movement was one of the worst fads humanity has ever participated in.⁠
- Your brain is made up of fat & runs on fat. It needs fat to function at optimal levels!⁠
- Alzheimer’s is on the rise and many experts believe this is a result of fat deprivation and higher consumption of sugar from the 80’s/ 90’s food trend.⁠
- When you take fat from food it makes food bland, so fat free foods was are pumped full of sugar to make up for the taste loss.⁠
- More fat, less sugar for a healthy brain!!

Problems Associated with Reduced Cholesterol:
- 200% increase in cerebrovascular accidents
- 300% increase in liver cancer
- 200% increase in lung disease
- 200% increase in depression and suicides
- 200% increase in addictive behavior
- Reduced cholesterol levels are associated with poor steroid hormone production (e.g. cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone)
- Studies consistently show higher levels of cholesterol (between 180-220) are very protective for hormone support.

Ok...getting off my soap box now 🤗

Photo cred @kitchenwitchbroth

Dealing with Chronic + Acute Pain through Acupuncture

One of the biggest reasons we are so adamant about offering sliding scale services, is to create greater access to chronic and acute pain relief. We believe so strongly in the power of this medicine and we know that it is key to guiding people out of unnecessary suffering. With little to no side effects, acupuncture is proven over and over again to be safe, effective and clinically relevant for pain management. A 2016 study found that 93% of 89,000 people reported successful treatment for musculoskeletal pain, Yet only 23% of patients with chronic pain found opiates effective, according to a 2006 survey by the American Pain Foundation and a recent review found that opioids at guideline recommended doses were not effective for low back pain.

With that said, come check out Brooke at our sliding scale clinic today from 3-8 at our @shopharborside location!!

It's Harvest Time! What are you making?

It's Harvest Season! Loving this shot from @meganfaletra+ @mountainroseherbs

"Many of us are currently up to our elbows (literally!) in fall food preservation, our kitchens permeated by the smells of old family recipes or new garden goods experiments. Whether you're canning, pickling, fermenting, or freezing, there's nothing more satisfying than adding your own special blends of homegrown or lovingly selected herbs and spices to the culinary creations that will see you through the winter (and maybe beyond!). What projects are commandeering your countertops right now?

Fall Squash Season is Coming!

We're loving seeing the bounty of BOTH summer and the early fall harvest coming into the markets!
Great tips from @ancientrootsnutrition :
How you cook your food (or don't cook it) is just as important to your health as eating the right flavors of grains, pulses, produce, meat, and dairy (if you eat the last two).⁠

According to the classics defining the theories of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, each season has an art of living that informs us how to cook or not cook our foods to best support our health during that season. Learning to follow the cooking versus non-cooking guidelines not only helps keep your body strong, it can also help you avoid illness. ⁠

#latesummer #squash #goodeats#healthyliving #healthylifestyle#homecooking #wholisticnutrition#chinesemedicine #cooked #wellness#nutrition #rootandstem #nutrition#eatyourvitamins #fallharvest

Community Acupuncture! R&R on Wednesdays + Fridays

Wishing you a happy and auspicious Friday the 13th from our @shopharborside Wellness Center!

Have you tried our Semi-Private Community Acupuncture?

Our new root + stem office is located inside of Harborside Wellness in Oakland.

*Acupuncture + beyond (Cupping and Guasha offered when recommended)

*Our difference : full service acupuncture at a lower rate

*No more than 3 clients at a time

*Our new location is inside of Oakland's Top Rated Harborside Wellness dispensary

>>>Walks in available + rates offered on a sliding scale <<<

Come check it out, and see the amazing Brooke McClelland on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 - 8pm.

Book @ oaklandrootandstem.com/harborside-wellness-center-on-embarcedero

Our Fav Natural Facial Rejuvenation Products!

Ooh la la! We are stocked up with all our favorite Facial Rejuvenation products from @pinklightbotanicals and @leafseedberry. Come by to check out our new tester display. Free temporary tattoo with every purchase! 🌟🤩🥰🌟

Upgrade your Breakfast!

Our mouth is already watering from this luscious looking Farmer’s market breakfast made by our lovely acupuncturist @brookie.mackie! She will be at @shopharborside today from 3-8 for community and private acupuncture!

I’ve been trying to upgrade my breakfast lately. Subbing in Japanese sweet potatoes with grass-fed butter for my gluten-free toast habit.

Menopause Miso

Chicken Broth with Yellow Miso and Lotus Root

Serving size: About 2

• 2 Cups chicken broth – benefits blood, essence or Jing, spleen, stomach and Qi. Enters the kidney channel.

• ½ Cup yellow onion julienne– warm, counteracts damp and cold, improve blood and Qi circulation

• 2 Tablespoons water

• ¾ Cup tofu – builds Yin, blood and is a Qi tonic that supports the kidney

• Small handful spinach – promote Qi and Blood and Yin

• 2-3 inch piece lotus root thinly sliced– counteracts heat and promotes Qi circulation

• 2 Scallion, green part - warm, tonifies yang, eliminates cold and supports blood circulation and digestion.

• 1 teaspoon miso – soy same as tofu benefits, naturally fermented foods are invaluable for digestion, warming, benefits the kidney,

• 1 Tablespoon goji berries – tonifies kidney Yin

• Dash white pepper – counteracts damp

• 1 Tablespoon ginger, julienne– warming stimulates digestion and boosts circulation

• ½ Teaspoon sesame oil – counteracts heat and tonifies Yin

• 2 Medium shiitake julienne – blood and Qi tonic, supports spleen stomach and liver

Directions

Lightly cook the julienne onion and shiitake mushrooms in the 2 tablespoons water, add the chicken broth, ginger, goji and lotus (do not peel lotus, allow the hot broth to slightly braise.) bring to a simmer.  Add the white pepper, tofu and miso (Thin the miso with a little stock then add back into the soup. Long cooking or boiling destroys miso’s beneficial organisms.) Add spinach and sesame oil and serve, garnish with scallions.

Options:

Seaweed is great for strengthening kidneys and building Yin so you could use dashi granules or make a broth using kombu and bonito flakes.

Add poached egg if you want more protein, should be antibiotic and hormone free if possible.  Chicken eggs supports blood and promotes blood circulation, it also supports essence and Yin.

Honoring Menopause

In many Eastern cultures, menopause is often welcomed and honored as a time of transition for women. Many studies show that few women in Asian countries experience issues and symptoms during this transition, while in the West, we suffer needlessly!

Anxiety, night sweating, hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain are among the most common issues that I see in my clinic for those going through menopause. In Chinese Medicine theory, it can be well managed with diet, herbs, and acupuncture with fewer risks and side effects than contemporary western solutions like hormone replacement therapy.

Kidney Yin deficiency (the common pattern found in Eastern Medicine for menopausal symptoms) can be managed with eliminating excessive sugar, poor quality meats, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and trying to not "burn the candle at both ends".

As we know now that food IS medicine, check out our blog for a yummy Menopause Miso recipe that supports both the Kidney Yin and Yang functions to help reduce unwanted menopause symptoms.

The Revolutionary Body Clock!

There is nothing I love more than when Modern Medicine catches up with the teachings of Ancient Medicine. Eastern Medicine relies on a system where specific organs self regulate at different times of the day. This body clock has been used to diagnose and treat for thousands of years, and is especially helpful with sleep issues. 🌚 ☯️

During a 15 year study of the impact of light on the health for more than one billion people, it seems that we now have substantial evidence of how our internal clocks transmit their timing information AND how our organs read time and do different tasks at specific times!!!!!!! 🤯🤯🤯

As you see in the image of the Eastern Medicine clock, each organ has a period of about 2 hours in which it is "on" and processing. Notice that the Liver time is between 1-3am. This is one of the most common times for anxiety insomnia. 😩

I call it anxiety insomnia because it seems to be a wakeful time where we spend an hour or two (or more!) laying in bed thinking about any possible stressful issue that we could possibly bring into our heads instead of sleeping. When that happens it is a sign that the Liver is imbalanced and unable to process and detox correctly. This is just one area where this helpful clock can be used in the treatment of so many issues. We can use this clock for so much thanks to the teachings of Ancient Medicine! 💪🏽🙏🏼👏🏿

Lavender, Holy Basil + Rose Tea at Haborside Wellness

Brooke will be serving this yummy HOLY BASIL, ROSE & LAVENDER LEMONADE at our @shopharborside location today from 3-8!! Yum!! Recipe and pic courtesy of @mountainroseherbs

Recipe: Lavender & Holy Basil Infused Lemonade

Ingredients:

6 cups water

2 cups fresh lemon juice (don’t thrown away the lemons peels! Compost them or make citrus infused cleaning vinegar)

3 tbsp dried holy basil

3 tbsp dried lavender

1 cup simple syrup (2 cups water 2 cups sugar- heat water on stove top and dissolve the sugar into it. Store in the fridge and keep on hand for iced teas, cocktails, and lemonade like this! Step it up a level with my Peach Lavender Simple Syrup.)

Method:

Heat 2 cups of the water in a small saucepan on medium.

Once the water is heated, add the lavender and holy basil.

Allow the herbs to steep in the water as it cools for 20 minutes.

In a large picture, stir together lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water.

Strain the herbal infusion into the pitcher and stir. Serve over ice.