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Fall Equinox Rituals for Balance & Renewal

Fall Equinox Rituals for Balance & Renewal

by Ecomm Collective in Herbal Blog: Herbal Wisdom & Knowledge

Embracing the Shift

The Fall Equinox is the moment when day and night stand in perfect balance, inviting us to pause and realign. As the air cools and the light softens, it’s a natural time to slow down, release what no longer serves us, and welcome the grounding energy of autumn.

3 Simple Equinox Rituals

1. Herbal Infusion for Intention
Brew a pot of warming tea—think cinnamon, ginger, or elderberry. As you sip, set an intention for the season ahead. What do you want to nourish? What are you ready to let go of?

2. Nature Walk & Seasonal Altar
Take a slow walk outdoors. Notice the changing colors, the crispness in the air. Collect a fallen leaf, a pinecone, or a small stone to create a simple altar or windowsill display. This small practice honors the cycle of letting go.

3. Gratitude & Candlelight
At dusk, light a candle. Write down three things you’re grateful for and three you’re ready to release. When you’re finished, fold the paper and keep it near your altar or compost it as a symbol of renewal.

Herbs to Support the Transition

Autumn is the season of grounding and fortifying. Reach for adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support resilience, and immune allies like elderberry or astragalus to stay steady as temperatures drop.*

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A Heartfelt Invitation: Honoring Women’s Health in May and Beyond

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Cholesterol: Thinking Beyond “Good” vs. “Bad”

Cholesterol: Thinking Beyond “Good” vs. “Bad”

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However, it isn't always as simple as that, as foods high in saturated and trans fat can also lead to too much cholesterol since they increase the cholesterol levels in your body. Foods that can contain saturated and trans fats include things like: Meat Poultry Dairy product Coconut oil Palm oil Palm kernel oil Processed foods may also have added saturated and trans, which can produce unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your body. The Danger of Too Much Cholesterol Health research has shown cholesterol to be a significant contributor to a variety of diseases. For example, high cholesterol has been linked to cardiovascular disease diseases, such as heart disease and strokes. Cholesterol becomes a problem when it starts to slowly build up within the inner walls of the arteries. This can happen within the arteries that feed the heart and brain, creating thick and hard cholesterol deposits. 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It doesn't help that our Western culture contributes to inflammatory issues through things like processed foods, beverage choices, stress management, inadequate sleep, and a lack of exercise. Just like managing your sugar consumption to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you also need to actively support your body's ability to resolve inflammation. While it is impossible for a supplement or herb to replace the need for establishing a healthy foundation, there are resources that can be utilized to help fight inflammation. Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory powerhouse when combined with black pepper for improved absorption. Additionally, you could consider adding gentian and ginger to your daily routine for gut health and modulating inflammation. How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels Now that you know what cholesterol is and why labeling it as good or bad doesn't always work, how can you maintain healthy cholesterol? This is the question that everybody should be asking if they want to avoid the risks associated with cholesterol. For those who are in the category of being at a high risk of high cholesterol, being proactive is especially important. Exercise Having a healthy body requires healthier daily choices, with one of these choices involving activity. Research shows that even very short walks after meals and short bouts of activity to break up periods of inactivity are effective methods of reducing blood sugar spikes after eating. Even something as simple as doing a few bodyweight squats throughout the day can achieve this. Here are some examples of healthy types of exercise that you can incorporate into your daily or weekly routine: Walking or running Swimming Hiking Yoga Weightlifting If you specifically want to target your blood sugar, herbalists recommend fenugreek, garlic, and gymnema. Balanced Diet Because your body creates its own cholesterol, it really isn't necessary to get cholesterol through your diet. However, most people do get some cholesterol through their food, even if they eat a relatively healthy diet. Because of this, one way to manage your cholesterol levels is to ensure you're eating a balanced diet that isn't too high in cholesterol or saturated and trans fats.  You should also focus on consuming sources of antioxidants, which you can do by eating a variety of colorful and plant-based foods. It can also be helpful to limit tropical oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil. Herbs and Supplements Even though herbs and supplements will not completely solve cholesterol problems, they could help you better maintain a healthy balance. There are many herbs and supplements that can be used to help strengthen heart and brain health as well as target inflammation. Keep in mind that it is always advised to consult with your primary physician before taking any new herbs or supplements. Behavioral Changes Just like eating a healthy diet and exercising, there are certain behavioral changes that can help you reduce your risk of having too much cholesterol. Long-term health often comes down to daily choices and thinking about the long-term impact of certain things instead of the short-term. For example, certain unhealthy behaviors that you should consider avoiding include things like smoking, vaping, and consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol. It can also be helpful to avoid exposing yourself to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, air pollutants, and secondhand smoke. Other incredibly beneficial behavioral changes can include adding stress-reducing habits into your daily routine. Stress and anxiety play a huge part in your health and even have certain links to cholesterol.  If you want to specifically target oxidative stress in the body, Hawthorne is a traditional heart tonic that comes with antioxidant potential. The Takeaway As you can see from everything we have discussed in this article, labeling cholesterol as good or bad doesn't always work. There are healthy amounts of cholesterol and unhealthy amounts, and the balance can easily be tipped either way if you aren't careful. By committing to your health and incorporating healthier habits, such as exercising, eating whole foods, and reducing stress, you can take steps towards more balanced cholesterol. Contact us today at Wise Woman Herbals to view our range of high-quality supplements and to access additional information on health and wellness.  

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