scripture:

the vital essence of all things: it is this that brings them to life. it generates the five grains below and becomes the constellated stars above. when flowing amid the heavens and the earth we call it ghostly and numinous. when stored within the chests of humans beings, we call them sages. — verse 1 of the Nei-Yeh

energetic signature:

search, investigation

elements:

water + air

uses:

warm energy for the organism; tonic for the blood and chi; regulate fluid metabolism; aid synthesis of information through the body and mind; protect the organs; nourish the yin; activate the kidney function; alleviate pain and strengthen reproductive system after childbirth; relieve sexual fatigue; restore sensitivity to sexual organs; brighten the mind; strengthen the nervous system; more…

the story:

And so, it began. The journey. The search inspired by a pain, an ache, the asé, the light emerging from the wound within. At a young age, I had learned about the power that certain pain activates. This was a lesson taught to me, again, by my firstborn whose journey earth side came through a long labor of 6 days. On the 7th day, the day of her birth, I rested. This birthing experience also came as the beginning of an important journey inward. It felt ironic how, in giving a part of me to the world, putting something so precious to me out there, I was being prompted to go within, to dig deeper. The questions longed for answers, and a good few of my ancestors felt I would be the only one to really listen. The plants started to hold me through conversation as they did their work to heal me, reminding me of other virtues and potentials within and around. My aunt, who had helped me come up with my daughter’s first name and whose birthday my daughter ended up being born on, prepared for me a bucket half filled with steaming water and herbs, what I later heard referred to as “yoni steams” but which I initially knew as “baths to heal the matriz and cicatriz”. I would also eat a plate of seeded grapes and a decoction of slippery elm bark every day for the first 14 days as a part of my healing protocol. My milk came quickly with the help of oatstraw. My mother would prepare me avena mixed with an oatstraw infusion, as recommended by one of my other aunts. My daughter and I both slept peacefully during the nights, save for a few colicky moments we stayed up through. In this eternal postpartum period, I began to learn more about my dream abilities. And so, deeper became the inquiry. In a dream, years later, months after my firstborn’s 10th birthday and her first bleeding cycle, I dreamt of birthing her again. The next rising, I prepared myself an infusion/decoction with all of the ingredients, minus the rehmannia, in this particular recipe. Yin toning and activating, it felt perfect for the work of digging deeper so that I may know. Slowly sipping, I scribed questions, concerns, and gratitude. Mothering and exalting the feminine is work of the Ancients. Filling and receiving into spaces fertile and open is an honor to accept graciously. Each sip felt more of that. Each whiff of the mix sparked the surfacing of deeper memories, knowing. It is this formula, a treasure of traditional Chinese medicines, combined with two allies that softened me into motherhood at a very young age, that contains keys of recognition. This is a formula of remembrance crafted with herbals that sharpen and refine heart, body, and mind. With accomplices like Lycium berries, aka wolfberry or goji berries, which are known for enhancing night vision, for instance, I experienced visions of the parallel timespirals through which my firstborn and I are connected. Skullcap leaves are particularly relaxing to the nervous system, making them ideal for any work necessitating greater receptivity such as that of inquiring and asking the questions whose answers bring about greater self knowledge. Skullcap is spiritually significant as an initiatory ally for many who practice divination or other occult arts of investigation. As one with great affinity for the 3rd eye and crown chakras, they can even help to eliminate headaches or mental fog which could contribute to the obstruction of sight on both a physical and spiritual level. Such a medicine fairs well in combination with others like Schizandra berries and Astragalus root — both being specifically enlivening to the pineal and pituitary glands, thus enhancing communications not only in those upper regions, but more specifically between the womb and pituitary axis. This is something that can really enable us to tap into the energy of ancestral forces such as grandmothers and great grandmothers. Through our womb portal, we can access matrilineal wisdom, while also connecting to that of our fathers’ mothers. Schizandra berries are furthermore healing to the reproductive organs by restoring moisture and lubrication — this comes in handy when one experiences chronic dryness and/or during the menopausal period. Jujube (red) dates are also a supportive fruit in the quest of inquiry. Used since ancient times as a nutritive, cleanser, and complementary tonic, Jujube dates are known for clearing the “nine openings” including the eyes, ears, sinuses, nose, throat, bowels, and urinary tract — this quality alone suffices to remove any obstructions making it difficult for the body to receive and properly interpret and synthesize incoming information. A yin herb, this one helps to extend our powers of conservation and concentration, allowing us to, as we eliminate unnecessary energies, gather our forces so that they can be used more adequately in moments of processing and divination, of reading the signs and interpreting the messages. Astragalus, slippery elm, and oatstraw also contribute to the moistening/water qualities of this formula. Astragalus, sweet and mothering in their disposition, has the strong property of regulating fluid metabolism, so it ensures that all of that moisture doesn’t pool up and become stagnant. This makes for a balancing act in a medicine bound to make us more aware of our own water element within. With astragalus in this formula, one experiencing bloating or water retention soon meets relief. Slippery elm is also ideal for such conditions while also being useful for relieving and treating irritations and infections. Nourishing and soothing, Slippery elm pairs well with accomplices like Oatstraw who are rich in magnesium and calcium, and are known for calming nervous tensions — furthermore driving out any false fire which may be drying up and impeding the flow. 000, the Portal is an ancestral formula charged with the power to open us up and lead us in. It is a potion designed to clear the mind and quicken perceptions. A formula conceived between dreams, this is one for building energy while relaxing the nerves, for inviting presence and the supernatural, for easing and settling into the resolution that intuition and discernment bring, for remembering that which aids us in birthing the parts which make us the whole of who we are today.

ingredients:

oatstraw, schizandra berries, jujube (red) dates, astragalus root, lycium berries, rehmannia, skullcap leaves, slippery elm bark, spring water, bit of gluten-free alcohol, honey

invitations for use:

20-30 drops up to 3 times a day, as needed. Shake well before use. Store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life varies.

(Each purchase comes with herbal information cards, detailing stories and facts regarding your medicine.)

• Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people in a quarter of the dosage. Pregnant people use after first trimester.

• Not safe for children under 3 years.

• All herbs used are certified organic + 45% are sustainably wild-harvested and/or cultivated by Gold Water Alchemy.

• REQUIRED DISCLAIMER: This product is for bringing balance; it is not intended to diagnose or cure disease. If you require medical treatment, please seek a qualified medical professional. These statements have not been approved by the FDA.