Immunity-boosting Chocolate Pudding

Hold on to your hats, pumpkin lovers! With pumpkin spice season on full blast, we are so very thrilled to share this recipe. Our friend Karolina Gnat reveals the secret to being your own barista and crafting delicious immunity-boosting PSLs all season long: making your own pumpkin butter! Infused with our vitamin-rich Superfood C+ blend, this pumpkin butter can serve as a base for baking recipes, be used as a spread, or to add that cozy fall feel to any warm drinks.

Immunity: noun 1 : having a high degree of resistance to an illness or disease. 2 : of, relating to, or involving the body's immune system and immune response. 3 : not influenced or affected by something. As human beings - especially Indigenous people - we have a history of survival within us. Our bodies are literally always fighting for our survival, no matter what food we eat, what we drink or what we do the night before. Our bodies will continue to fight for our survival. Indigenous people have been fighting off diseases for centuries. We have an inherent thread of resilience, adaptability and wisdom - and after going through this pandemic, so do each and every one of us. That is what makes 2020 such a catalyst of a year. It has now become apparent more than ever that we need one another for our survival AND for our thriving. Our actions have a direct effect on one another. We are advised to wear a mask to keep each other, especially our elders safe, and to stand six feet apart. We are all connected - and yet the virus has us thinking we are not. We may be apart physically - however, it is vital that we stay connected emotionally, mentally and spiritually. What Ancient Knowledge Can Teach Us In times like this, I return to teachings that remind me how to walk this earth in balance and in harmony. There is an Indigenous teaching of the Medicine Wheel - each nation/tribe has their own version of it and the teachings may slightly differ, but the foundation stays the same. The Medicine Wheel is a circle that represents the interconnectedness of everyone and everything. It is divided into four sections - four to represent the four races, the four seasons, the four directions and the four aspects to our wellbeing. In order to be balanced within life - you need to be balanced within your Medicine Wheel. When I studied yoga, I realized that yoga cultivates the same thing through balance and harmony of the mind, body and spirit connection. The Way Forward It is a reclamation and a revival of ancient wisdom and teachings that will lead us forward. We must become immune to the virus within humanity, and that is separation. Separation from each other, but also within ourselves. We must come into balance and harmony through a set of rituals, and ask for continued guidance from forces we may not be able to see, but are guiding us every day. How can you seek to understand our past, the wisdom that pours through the present and the knowledge that has the ability to shape and transform our future? Intentions are one thing - however, it is the impact and action that we take individually that will mold a sustainable future for all. Finding Balance Through Rituals A set of rituals that I have been using throughout this pandemic are... Meditation and Sound Therapy Offerings to the Creator/Nature Talking to and asking my ancestors for guidance through my dreams and visions Finding gratitude for my health - emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being Amplifying the use of herbs and supplements. Some of my go-to's are: Sweetgrass Oregano oil Immune support mushrooms Organika Bee Propolis, Vitamin C and Collagen on the go when travelling! What are some of the rituals you have begun to introduce in your life or would like to?

Your immune system is an amazing army of cells that act like superheroes, fighting off bacteria and viruses. These incredible cells protect you around the clock, and work hard to keep you in good health. When it comes to fueling our immune system, we need to provide it with the proper nutrition. Your immune system needs proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to be able to function optimally. What your immune system does NOT need is processed foods and refined sugars. Too much sugar can actually weaken your immune defenses for several hours after eating it. So, what can you eat for ideal immune function? Eating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, power-foods like shiitake mushrooms, and drinking protein-filled drinks like bone broth, will ensure adequate nutrition for your immune army. Why bone broth for the immune system? Bone broth packs a big punch, as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that fuel the immune system. It is also incredibly soluble, meaning that it takes very little effort for us to absorb and utilize it all around the body. Bone broth may also aid in repairing damage in the gut, that can result from poor diets, food-borne illnesses, chronic stress and disease. Because it is full of essential amino acids, bone broth provides food to the cells in our intestines, which play a big role in our immune system. Keeping our intestinal cells strong and healthy is vital in supporting immune function. What else can bone broth do? Besides supporting the immune system, bone broth can contribute to a number of functions all around the body, such as building and repairing. The proteins found in bone broth come from a rich source of collagen, which is used structurally in the body. Collagen helps the integrity of our skin stay strong and smooth. Protein from collagen is also used in the building and repair of our joints, muscle and tendons. When there is any type of injury, there is a need for quality protein to help repair it, and bone broth is a great source of this. Bone broth can easily be added to your health regime, daily or weekly. Check out our blog for some recipe ideas! This nutrient-rich food has been a dietary staple in many different cultures for centuries for good reason. There is no doubt that individuals are noticing the many benefits of bone broth and are keeping this awesome product in the market! Be sure to include bone broth in your next shop. "Stay healthy, eat well and be happy" Amy Wilson XO