Time to clean out

I don't know about you, but this time of year makes me want to go through all my cabinets and drawers and reorganize things. Of course, this need aligns with the energies of this time of the year when we can feel the sun rising once again. And with it, our desire to become active, and to do things.

February is typically known for Valentine's Day. You can see all the merchandise - chocolates, hearts galore, jewelry etc - it's everywhere!

However, energetically, this was the time when the return of the sun was celebrated, and with it, the first stirrings of life. It was also a time to clear out the old. Including your spice cabinet or herb collection.

While herbs and spices do have a pretty long shelf-life, the potency, vibrancy and flavor diminishes over time due to oxidation. Powders like ground herbs are best used within a year, barks and roots, especially if whole or larger chunks, can last 2-3 years. Cut herbs, or even in whole form, are best used within 1-2 years. While their potency will have diminished, there are still some fun ways to use them.

Simple body scrubs are a fun way to use them. You can blend the herb of your choosing with a good quality oil - I prefer either avocado or olive oils, organic is of course preferable. You could also add some sugar or fine salt for an extra bit of grit. I typically keep them in a glass jar with a lid.

I recently saw a great idea on Mountain Rose Herbs using herbs as a quick fire starter by putting them into a muffin tin liner. You could assemble several and keep them in a small box next to your fire place.

My most favorite way of using them though is to make a prayer bundle, also called a despacho.

Here is one I made with several friends last year. You take a big piece of paper or fabric (this will be burned so don't use your favorite table cloth!). Then you get clear on your intentions of what you want to call in. Add the herbs and spices of your choosing, any other objects symbolizing your intentions, and wrap it up like present by folding in the corners and edges. We used fake paper money to symbolize abundance and financial security. We also wrote our intentions on the paper.

After you finish tying it into a package, you re-focus on your intention and burn it. It is a great way to honor and cherish our plant allies.

And of course, there is always composting them. I hope this gives you some ideas. I would love to hear how your projects turn out!

Many blessings.

Daniela