Jazz-The Soundtrack to My Disability Life
It was a calm and temperate Phoenix night. Clear skies. Mid-May, so it wasn’t unbearably hot yet. I was walking back to my car after leaving an event at the Phoenix Science Center, cosplaying as Poison Ivy as it was a “science of superheroes”-themed event. I pushed the button to cross the street. I had the right of way. As I entered the second half of the road from the pedestrian crosswalk, suddenly, BOOM! CRASH! I was struck by a car traveling 48mph. I was thrown 15’ up and 100’ forward from where the driver hit me. I sustained multiple injuries, some of which have resulted in long-term disabilities and conditions to include a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage and vestibular and vision issues, just to name a few. The driver never got out of his car and left me alone, broken and bleeding on the street until a Good Samaritan who witnessed the incident came to help me.
Jazz has become the soundtrack of my disabilities. There’s a song or artist for every mood, every experience, every setback and every triumph that I’ve been forced to contend with in the almost eight years since the traumatic accident occurred. I’ve always loved the motto, “life is a movie, starring you,” and if I were to choose the genre that best encapsulates and expresses my experiences since becoming disabled, it would be jazz.
Jazz is a difficult genre to clearly define because it encompasses a wide range of music spanning time, culture and region. According to Wikipedia, “Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues, ragtime, European harmony and African rhythmic rituals.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz)
Artists such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and John Coltrane are familiar favorites of the musical style. Although often a male-dominated genre, the contributions of female jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn should not be overlooked; their influence on modern-day artists such as Diana Krall and Melody Gardot is apparent.
Jazz is a style of music that is rooted in improvisation. Performers may change melodies, harmonies or compositions depending on mood, audience participation and the general vibe in the room. Notes and melodies may change at a moment's notice, you never know what to expect and may never get the same live musical experience twice.
As a disabled person, I am no stranger to improvisation. The contemplative mood of Blue Mitchell’s song, “It Could Happen to You”, aptly named, melodically expresses the way that I constantly have to think of ways to adjust. The symptoms of my disabilities affect every aspect of my daily life, from self care to parenting and everything in between. Prior to the accident, I was an independent wellness instructor and single mom with a vibrant social life. Becoming disabled changed all of that, and I had to learn how to improvise to accommodate the effects of my disabilities. I constantly have to think on my feet and play it by ear just to make it through the day, a direct parallel to the way that jazz music encompasses improvisation.
I would be lying if I said that the question, “why me?” did not come to mind at times, especially in the early days of recovering from the accident. Every time I went to the doctor, it was more bad news: another diagnosis, another medical professional informing me of the negative long-term effects that I would be experiencing as a result of my disabilities and conditions. Interaction and collaboration are two key elements of jazz music.
Artists have an almost supernatural connection to both the music, and each other that creates beautiful pieces of instrumental art. Songs such as, “Have a Talk with God” by Henrik Gunde, Nicolas Kock and Karsten Bagge are excellent examples of several artists coming together to create something greater than what could be accomplished alone. Throughout my journey with disability, I have had to learn to lean on others for help. As a highly independent person, this was extremely difficult for me. But like the collaborations and interactions found in jazz music, once I learned to collaborate and interact with others for my well-being (primarily my immediate family), it created this beautiful mosaic of my current existence that’s greater than what I would have been able to accomplish on my own.
Because I finally learned to collaborate with others for assistance, I have been able to become a speaker and advocate, championing the issues that affect disabled persons, particularly those in the brain injury community. I collaborate with other survivor-advocates as a member of The Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council. This would not have been possible unless I had taken a lesson from jazz music and learned to interact and collaborate, to lean on even, the people who are close to me in order to help me not only survive, but thrive despite my conditions.
And on that note (pun intended), It’s not all bad. Becoming disabled has shown me that I possess a strength and resilience that I didn’t know I had. The smooth, persistent melodies of “The Feeling of Jazz” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane remind me of the fact that no matter what I’m facing-having to advocate for myself with doctors, dealing with the ableist misconceptions of others, debilitating pain, an uncertain future, I just keep on trucking. But unlike “The Little Engine That Could”, repeating “I think I can, I think I can,” my mantra has become, “I know I can, I know I can.” This song’s lilting cadence conjures up visions of me continuing to walk forward on this unchosen and unexpected path that I am now on with my disabilities and conditions.
At the 1976 Grammy Awards, Mel Torme asks “The Queen of Jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald, how she would explain what jazz music is to people. She replies that she thinks they can show them, and they go into a captivating scat performance, going back and forth, improvising notes and melodies, showcasing a beautiful explanation for something that is frequently considered to be undefinable. (view that performance here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23t25p) That’s how I feel when I’m trying to explain what my life is like now that I’m disabled. There’s complications, back and forth momentum, highs and lows, joy, hidden pain even; but it all comes together beautifully to create the soundtrack of my life.
This journey began with a BOOM and a CRASH, like what we experience in the latter portion of Miles Davis’ “Nefertiti” after a mesmerizing, trance-like and consistent repetition of the melody in the first half of the song. The seeming dissonance that ensues is actually more of a controlled free-fall, which is exactly what my life as a disabled person has felt like. At times I may be “In A Sentimental Mood” (Thank you, Mr. Duke Ellington), but honestly, I wouldn’t trade this iconic symphony of a life with disabilities for the world. It’s been in this improvised, “take it as it comes and create something magical” experience that I’ve discovered a more marvelous version of myself. A version that’s allowing me to create something bigger than myself. If that’s not jazzy, then I don’t know what is.
©2025 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Chic Girl’s Autumn Bucket List
As an October Baby, Fall is for sure my favorite season. And if you’ve been here on D.I.D. with Cazoshay for a while or know me personally, then you know that is definitely true. Living in Arizona for nearly eight years has further enforced that Autumn is truly a mindset. You don’t have to have rain, crisp air & colorful leaves to appreciate the season, although they certainly help.🍂
Living with disabilities, it’s been important for me to make joy accessible for myself. I can’t do many of the things I used to enjoy doing, at least not in the same ways, so I’ve figured out how to adapt them to my current abilities. One thing I’ve noticed about this Disability Life is that a lot of the tips I’ve come up with work not only for those who are living with disabilities & chronic conditions, but also those who have busy schedules, are parents, or are otherwise sometimes (or often) looking for quicker & easier ways to do things.
Another important aspect of this Disability Life I’ve learned is that I don’t have to compromise my chic, elegant style! This list is proof of the concept that things can be accessible, without compromising being chic. The following is my Chic Girl’s Autumn Bucket List, the must-do activities for an elegant and enjoyable Fall, in no particular order.
1. Create a Fall Capsule Wardrobe
My go-to color for every season is black, but this is the time of year when many a chic girl-about-town turns to autumnal hues like browns, tans & deep burgundies-so don’t let me stop you! (I do love a good oxblood accessory…) Having a capsule wardrobe means you won’t have to search for clothes & think so hard about what you’re going to wear-which makes getting dressed quicker, easier & more enjoyable!
I suggest curating your Fall wardrobe from items you already have. If you must pick up something new, go the thrifted route. The British Fashion Council have said that we have enough clothing on the planet to dress the next six generations. Chic girlies care, & the environment & our future are no exceptions!
You can find upscale items on Vestaire Collective or my personal favorite, The RealReal. I’m actually thinking of having a Fall Clothing Swap Cocktail Party. Of course I’ll post the details here if I do. I like to do a second “spring cleaning” at the start of Fall so I can go into the winter months lighter & not bogged down by a bunch of extra belongings I’m not using anyway. A fun little cocktail party where ladies can drop in and “shop” is the perfect way to usher in Fall lighter, chicer & more sustainably.
2. Create an Autumn Playlist
One of my favorite mottos is, “life is a movie, starring you!” Every good movie has an equally good soundtrack. Spotify has some nice ones, whatever your vibe happens to be. I listen to jazz all year ‘round, but if any genre represents the season of Autumn specifically, it’s jazz. Bonus points if your soundtrack is at least partially curated on vinyl.
A few playlists to get you started:
*Cue Nat King' Cole’s “‘Tis Autumn” as your “going to get coffee” montage begins to play…
The Orpheum Theater, downtown Phoenix, AZ
3. Tour an Historic Building or Home
I’m not one for haunted houses, so touring an historic building or home is the chicer (& less scary) option. You can learn a little local history & view some lovely architecture at the same time. Here in Arizona, the elegant & picturesque Wrigley Mansion gives tours & also has a jazz series. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my Autumn Bucket List.
Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX
4. Visit an Art Gallery or Museum
The cooler weather is an opportune time to spend the day in an art gallery or museum soaking up the creativity. The chic girl is also the cultured girl, so autumn is the perfect time to put on a nice outfit & head to one of your area’s art venues. This activity is great because it can be done alone, with a friend or even as a date. Afterwards you can get yourself a little treat at your favorite coffee shop to round out the day.
5. Create an Autumn Reading List
Autumn is the perfect time to get cozy & immerse yourself in a good book (or two!) I recommend going with philosophy, the classics or self-improvement. History & memoirs aren’t bad options for the season, either. Really you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. Here are a few recommendations:
To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
When Broadway Was Black by Caseen Gaines
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Blue Butterfly by Eugene Ward
Breakfast at Tiffany’s & Three Stories by Truman Capote
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
*Accessibility Tip: Any book can become an audiobook when you use your iPhone’s Spoken Content feature. It works on iPads also. As someone living with a TBI, this has been a game changer! Many audiobooks are also available free on YouTube.
Autumn in Alaska
6. Go on a Walk
This is certainly one thing I miss about living in Alaska & Portland. The walks here in Arizona hit different, & that’s putting it lightly. I’m still not used to autumn trees being replaced by cactuses & it averaging over 100 degrees at the start of September. Whatever the weather is like where you live, you can romantacize your autumn walk no matter the environs. First, the outfit, of course. A chic autumn outfit from your sustainable capsule wardrobe makes the occasion, so start there. Whether you’re in the city or you have access to those beautiful changing colors in a more nature-filled environment, taking in the scenery is a great way to enjoy Fall, appreciate your surroundings & get active at your own level of fitness & accessibility.
7. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Festival
Most cities & towns have Fall Festivals, if not some version of a pumpkin patch also. You may have to venture a little bit outside of your immediate area, but it’s worth it to be fully immersed in the joy & excitement of the season. Fall festivals can look like a lot of things, but delicious seasonal drinks & food are almost always a given, yet another reason to don your chicest pair of boots or loafers & join the celebration.
8. Have a Fall Picnic
Fall is the perfect time for a picnic! It’s not unbearably hot, there’s not as many bugs & the snow hasn’t arrived yet to make picnicking impossible. Not a chef? No problem. Stores have plenty of ready-made items that are perfect for picnics (hello, Trader Joe’s!) A simple charcuterie board, some hot spiced cider & a nice dessert are all you really need, but of course you can make it as elaborate as you’d like.
9. Tour a Winery
Many cities & towns have local winemakers, & many of those makers give tours! This is a chic autumn activity you can do solo, with friends or as a date-whatever your current mood desires! A quick Google search will tell you what options are available where you live. And if there’s nothing close by? Another chic option of course is to take a little mini-vacay to your closest winery, naturally. Or you could sign up to attend a wine tasting at a nice restaurant in your city.
10. Watch Fall Movies
There are few things in life more enjoyable than a good Fall movie marathon. That may be an overstatement, but this is definitely one of my favorite Autumn activities. Grab your favorite snacks, a nice wine (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice), get comfy & check out one of these flick picks:
When Harry Met Sally (duh)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
You’ve Got Mail (duh)
Sleepy Hollow
Julie & Julia
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Scream (the first one)
Bonus: It’s not a movie but rather a tv show. Only Murders in the Building! It’s so good & is chock-full of chic New York style. Plus if you binge it, it’s basically like a movie, right? (Stream on Hulu)
11. Day of Pampering
Just because you’re likely under more layers doesn’t mean you should start slacking on self care. Because Self Care=Self Love. It’s a way of showing that you care about yourself, & are not just caring for others & attending to all the numerous things on your to-do list. You can schedule a service at a day spa or do it in the comfort of your own home. A few ideas? Face masks, manicures & everything showers are always great options.
12. Try a New Recipe
Autumn is the perfect time to try some new recipes, especially with seasonal ingredients (do I see a trip to the Farmer’s Market in your future???) Autumn meals are meant to be comforting while allowing you to enjoy spending time at home, sometimes while entertaining too. A simple roast chicken, a butternut squash soup…the possibilities for delicious new recipes is endless. Try Pinterest, TikTok, or visit a used bookstore & pick up a new cookbook to experiment with. Who doesn’t love a good bookstore in Autumn?
Did I leave anything off the bucket list? I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! For more inspo, view 10 Dinner Party Conversation Starters & my easy 5-Minute Shower Meditation.
I’d love to connect with you! Find me on social media here:
©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
From Wreckage to Resilience: Celebrating Another Year of Overcoming and Embracing Life's Second Chance
They say that surviving a near-death experience changes you, and it couldn't be truer. Today marks the six-year anniversary since I emerged from the wreckage of a traumatic car accident, being struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017, and as I sit here, reflecting on the past year, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resilience. Join me on this journey as I share my thoughts on this significant milestone and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Gratitude: Surviving a traumatic accident has taught me the true value of life. It's easy to take our existence for granted, but when faced with the fragility of our mortality, gratitude becomes an essential part of our daily lives. Every sunrise, every laugh, and every embrace takes on a newfound significance. I am grateful for the simple joys and the chance to experience them once more.
Resilience: The journey to recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. But through the pain and the obstacles, I've discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and it's during our darkest moments that we find the courage to persevere. I've learned to face adversity head-on, embracing the challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth with the help of God, my family and friends.
Perspective: Surviving a traumatic car accident has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life. The trivial worries that once consumed my thoughts have faded away, replaced by a profound appreciation for what truly matters. Relationships, love, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world have taken center stage. I've learned to let go of the insignificant and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Healing: Physical and emotional healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. As I reflect on my healing journey, I'm proud of the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. Healing is not linear, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But with determination and the support of loved ones, I've learned to navigate through the ups and downs, celebrating each milestone as a victory.
Empathy and Connection: Having experienced the trauma of a traumatic pedestrian-car accident, I've developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. I now understand the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences has been invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone and that together, we can find strength in our shared stories. I am blessed to now be a speaker, content creator and disability advocate, sharing my experience and advocating for the disability community.
Surviving a traumatic car accident has forever changed me. Today, as I commemorate the six-year anniversary of that life-altering event, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Gratitude, resilience, perspective, healing, and empathy have become my guiding forces. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been transformative, reminding me of the incredible power of the human spirit. I look forward to the future with renewed determination and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.
©Cazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Brain Injury Awareness Month Intro
Hello Darlings!
It has been quite some time since I’ve shared with you and I’d love to give you an update, but that is gonna’ take some time! March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and I’ve been sharing some great posts all about the subject on my Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.
Check out some of my tips below (stay tuned for part 2!) and look forward for more great ideas about how to be a #TBItastic #SurTHRIVEr after brain injury!
©Cazoshay Marie, 2022. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
"Mindfulness for the Millennial Entrepreneur" for 21Ninety
“A study conducted by America’s Small Business Development Centers partnered with The Center for Generational Kinetics showed that 30 percent of millennials currently own a small business…what is the solution to managing it all effectively? In a word: mindfulness.”
The number of millennials who are small business owners or freelancers is steadily growing. In this short article for 21Ninety I discuss not only what mindfulness is, but also an easy way to look at how to apply it to your life as a business owner or freelancer. Read it by clicking the button below.
#MantraMondays May 2018
Welcome to week 1 of #MantraMondays! Here’s this week’s affirmation to use during your meditation or reflection time, or any time you need a positivity reminder. I’ll also be adding each week’s affirmation/mantra to a post on my website and will be sending them out to my email list in addition to sharing them on my Facebook page. Enjoy!
Week One:
Resolutions aka More & Less 2018
Resolutions, we've all made them. And in all honesty, we've all broken them too. According to the University of Scranton, research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals. U.S. News shares that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. (So much for cutting carbs in 2016!)
Percentage of Resolutions Made in 2017
Last year (2017) my primary resolution was to be able to take a compliment (without saying anything negative about myself in response). Honestly, this was hard for me to do, but an important practice to implement.
Below is a chart of the most popular resolutions for 2017. This year I did one of my favorite ways of setting goals for the new year, and that is making a More/Less list. It's simply a list of things I want to do more of to replace not-so-positive habits.
Image via: StatisticBrain.com
We're five months into the year, how are your resolutions going? One of my favorite quotes is "every second is a chance to turn your life around," so keep in mind, each day is an opportunity to start over again. Every day your have the opportunity to get a little closer to being the person you want to be, living the life you want to live. It's a process, so remember to be gentle with yourself and I pray that 2018 is your best year yet!
©2018 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
This material is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
Living Water & Water for Life
Today's post has a simple, but often neglected theme...water!
John 4:14 states, "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” (HCSB)
Jesus is the living water we are blessed to have springing up from within ourselves for eternal life, but we also need to remember to pursue having enough physical water as well.
While there is no universally accepted amount of water that's suggested to consume, it's safe to say that most of us probably aren't drinking enough, and the consequences can be severe. Read on below for more info about water...
Our cells and organs need water to function properly. Our joints are lubricated by it. It also regulates body temperature, and assists the passage of food through our intestines.
We do acquire some water from many of the foods we eat (about 20%), however most of the water we need has to come from actually drinking it.
During day-to-day functioning, our bodies use up water, even just by breathing! Therefore, water needs to be replaced on a consistent basis.
Water is vital to our kidneys, it helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to our bodies and help transport waste out.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly because of a lack of water, waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body leading to serious problems including kidney failure, kidney stones, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Some severe kidney infections can even lead to death.
Chronic kidney failure can include anemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure, and a compromised immune system.
Dehydration is another issue that comes with a lack of water and can also result in kidney failure.
Here's a list from Medical News Today about the other negative effects dehydration can have on your body:
Blood is more than 90 percent water, therefore, if water is in short supply, blood can become thicker and increase blood pressure.
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss, potentially making asthma and allergies worse.
The skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
The bowel needs water to function correctly. If dehydrated, digestive problems and constipation can become an issue. Dehydration can lead to an overly acidic stomach which makes heartburn more common and can encourage the development of stomach ulcers.
Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contain around 80 percent water. If dehydration is ongoing, joints can become less good at shock absorption, which leads to joint pain.
Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. If dehydration is prolonged, cognitive ability is impaired.
In summation, water is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Drinking other fluids doesn't do the trick because since they contain other things in them, they require more filtration by the body and won't function or be processed in your system the same way plain water will.
So how much water is enough? The amount of water a person needs to drink per day varies depending on several factors including how active they are and how much they sweat. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink around 13 cups (3 liters) a day and women should consume around 9 cups (2.2) liters a day. To put that into perspective, that's about 3 soda liter bottles of water a day (slightly less for the ladies.) One way to help make sure you're drinking enough is to give yourself deadlines throughout the day with the amount of water you need to drink. For instance, you could say, "I will have drunk ----- cups of water by 10:00 a.m."
Drinking water can also help with calorie control because it can make you feel fuller.
Water is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Here's a list of 107 scriptures where water is mentioned in the Bible.
Most of us are blessed to have access to clean water where even in our own country, many don't. So let's take advantage of the blessing of having clean water and make sure we're drinking enough of it!
All photos taken by Robert of Imported Pixs
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
The Science of Smudging: The Ancient Art of Burning Medicinal Herbs for Air Purification-UPDATED 3/5/20
#DIDYouKnow that burning medicinal herbs such as sage for one hour in a closed room actually kills 94% of aerial bacteria AND can be maintained for up to 24 hours?
My wellness mama (Wisteria, founder & creator of Needful Things Natural Home & Bodycare) first introduced me to the practice of “smudging.”
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a scientific paper which states that with “...using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within confined space.”
UPDATE: Another scientific paper, also published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, explores the topic of the efficacy of using smoke as a traditional healing method. It discusses that, “In traditional healing, the burning of selected indigenous medicinal plants and the inhalation of the liberated smoke are widely accepted and a practiced route of administration.” The researchers were able to conclude that, “results suggest that the combustion process produces an 'extract' with superior antimicrobial activity and provides in vitro evidence for inhalation of medicinal smoke as an efficient mode of administration in traditional healing.”
Incense is mentioned 194 times in the Bible. It’s so cool that God has given us everything we need here on Earth to care for ourselves; ancient healing wisdom frequently leads the way.
Besides burning sage, which also has medicinal properties, one of my favorite kinds of incense is Fred Soll’s Ancient Blend Frankincense and Myrrh.
Do you use incense or smudging herbs to clear the air in your home? What are your favorites to use?
©2017 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.