Wellness

Plant Medicine | Trees of the Pacific Northwest

Plant Medicine | Trees of the Pacific Northwest

Here at Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen, in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of Canada, we are blessed with an abundance of different flora and fauna, each lending its unique properties to our environments. Guests staying with us through our Nectar Experience Packages or attending our day / evening events or overnight spiritual retreats often share how the presence of trees during their Bowen Island getaway makes a lasting impression on their wellness within.

As part of the living yoga practice and our commitment to being stewards of the land, part of our practice of Svadhyaya, the Yama translating to self-study, is learning the wisdom of the trees. 

Exploring Turkey Tail Mushroom: Benefits, Identification, and Uses from Bowen Island's Premier Wellness Retreat

Exploring Turkey Tail Mushroom: Benefits, Identification, and Uses from Bowen Island's Premier Wellness Retreat

Read below to learn more about Turkey Tail mushroom, including:

  • Turkey tail mushroom benefits

  • Turkey tail mushroom identification and look alikes

  • Turkey tail mushroom benefits for skin

  • Where to buy Turkey tail mushroom

  • Turkey tail’s spiritual significance

  • Nectar’s own adaptogenic chai recipe with Turkey tail mushroom

Pitta Dosha is Associated with Fire and Water in Ayurveda

Pitta Dosha is Associated with Fire and Water in Ayurveda

If you are familiar with general Ayurvedic practices and the three doshas (where you may also hear of vata body type, kapha body type, and pitta body type), you already know that the summer corresponds to the Pitta season.

If you want to learn some of the fundamentals of the doshas, we cover that in “The Three Doshas Defined.”

As we retune our inner rhythm to the energies surrounding our own and the seasonal Pitta dosha this season, we explore the principles surrounding the Yama, Satya.

Are you curious about the Raja yoga system and more details about the Yamas and Niyamas? We outline everything in our blog post, “Overview of the Raja Yoga System.”

Nectar Yoga Explores Burdock Benefits, Recipes, and the Spirituality of the Plant

Read below to learn more about Burdock, including:

  • What Burdock looks like

  • How to forage for Burdock

  • The versatility of Burdock and why it's often recommended by herbalists

  • A profile of what burdock root tastes like

  • Various methods for preparing Burdock at home, including five nourishing (and delicious) recipes, including a Burdock Root tea recipe and how to make kinpira gobo (braised Burdock Root).

  • and more

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Nectar Yoga Explores Isvara Pranidhana: Surrendering to the Sacred

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Nectar Yoga Explores Isvara Pranidhana: Surrendering to the Sacred

At its core, Isvara Pranidhana calls upon us to release our grip on the illusion of control. The practice urges us to let go of the ceaseless pursuit of ego-driven ambitions and the false belief in our hyper-individuality-based abilities. Here at Nectar Yoga Retreat, sitting with humility as a teacher is a lifelong journey.

Picking Dandelions: When to Harvest and How to Make Dandelion Root Coffee and Dandelion Tea

Picking Dandelions: When to Harvest and How to Make Dandelion Root Coffee and Dandelion Tea

While all parts of the plant are edible, each should be harvested at specific times for optimal flavor. Here’s how to get the best leaves, roots, and flowers from your dandelions.

Drinking a coffee substitute made from dandelion root benefits you by providing a nutritious hot drink without caffeine.

What is Aparigraha in Yoga? Nectar Yoga Discusses and Shares Rituals For Your Summer Practices

What is Aparigraha in Yoga? Nectar Yoga Discusses and Shares Rituals For Your Summer Practices

Aparigraha is one of the five Yamas, or ethical guidelines, found in the 8 Limbs of Yoga by Patanjali. It is often translated as "non-possessiveness" or "non-grasping", Aparigraha encourages us to cultivate a sense of detachment from material possessions and desires. By embracing the principles of Aparigraha, we can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and live a more fulfilling life.

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Things to Do On Bowen Island: Breathtaking Views of Foxglove Flowers in June

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Things to Do On Bowen Island: Breathtaking Views of Foxglove Flowers in June

Here on Bowen Island, Foxgloves are typically in bloom starting in late May lasting to late June or early July, displaying their showy, tubular blooms in vibrant hues of purple, pink, white, and yellow that stand out in woodlands and other grassy or forested habitats. 

The Latin name Digitalis purpurea, from which the 'digitalis' chemical derives its name, is utilized in medicine for managing blood pressure and heart conditions. Nonetheless, it's crucial to note that all parts of the Foxglove are toxic if consumed. Despite this, the appeal of the Digitalis genus, which boasts 20 diverse species of Foxgloves, remains undiminished. Perhaps it's their enchanting beauty juxtaposed with their toxic nature that captivates. Since 'digitalis' originates from 'digitus', meaning finger, this could symbolize the plant's allure, as if its delicate blooms (or fingers) are beckoning humans to engage with it spiritually.

Looking for a sign to visit Bowen Island and treat yourself to Nectar's tranquil space? This is it! Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, personal growth, or simply a chance to connect with nature and community, we have upcoming events and retrea
This winter, let us care for you with a 4-night restful stay at Nectar. Begin your mornings with yoga and somatic movement in the warmth of our geodesic dome, the soft crackle of the wood-burning fire setting a cozy tone for the day. Evenings invite
A pinch us moment! Ten years into our journey, we are deeply grateful to see our little corner of Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island) mentioned in the @nytimes travel highlights! Located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Squamish Nation,
Meet Suhki, our incredible retreat chef and a valued member of our housekeeping team. At Nectar, Suhki wears many hats, bringing her culinary expertise and meticulous care to every aspect of our guests' experience. 🌿 In the kitchen, Suhki crafts de
After our morning practices during the signature 2-night Nectar experience, you’ll meet in the Onyx Lodge and gather around our long harvest table to enjoy breakfast. Every vegetarian breakfast is prepared with love and intention and is made wi