The Shakti School

Feminine Form Sacred Technology

Herbs

Ep. 221 I’m Married to Algae: Katie Talks To Algae Expert and ENERGYbits® Founder, Catharine Arnston

This graphic includes a picture of Katie Silcox and Catharine Arnston. The text reads, "Spirit Sessions: Find Your True Spiritual Home." It links to an episode of the Spirit Sessions podcast called, Ep. 221 I'm Married to Algae: Katie Talks To World Class Algae Expert and ENERGYbits CEO, Catharine Arnston

In this inspiring conversation, Katie sits down with Catharine Arnston, founder of ENERGYbits®, wellness thought leader, and the “voice of algae,” to explore the profound science and spirituality behind one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods.

From the ancient wisdom of the Rishis to scientific evidence of algae’s unmatched nutrition, Catharine shares how she followed her inner voice from corporate life to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn the health benefits of spirulina and chlorella, how to spot high-quality algae, and why these superfoods are not just powerful medicine for the body, but nourishment for the soul.

Ready to experience all of the benefits of algae for yourself? Use the discount code THESHAKTISCHOOL at checkout to get 20% off your order at energybits.com!

In this episode about algae and Catharine’s incredible life, you’ll hear:

~ An invitation to deepen your spiritual journey in Ayurveda School

~ How Catharine followed her intuition to become the voice of algae

~ How the ancient Rishis communicated with plants

~ The spirituality of spirulina

~ Health benefits of algae

~ Going back to college in your 60s

~ How miracles happen when you listen to your inner voice

~ Overcoming impostor syndrome and fear

~ What it feels like to be on the right path

~ Dr. Jack Krust

~ Exactly how Catharine incorporates algae into her daily diet

~ Using chlorella and spirulina for optimal health

~ The importance of a satvic diet as we age

~ Mitochondrial health

~ Free radicals and antioxidants

~ How to identify good quality spirulina

~ Why most algae supplements are a waste of money

~ Scientific evidence of the effects of algae on dementia, diabetes, cancer and heart disease

~ The Ayurvedic perspective of algae

~ Why Spirulina is Mother Nature's breast milk

~ Catharine wants you to Google phycocyanin

~ Root cause medicine

~ How and when to take spirulina and chlorella 

~ Sign up for our free Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda mini-course!

Learn more about algae and connect with ENERGYbits®:

~ Learn more about ENERGYbits® on their website, energybits.com

~ Use the discount code THESHAKTISCHOOL at checkout to get 20% off your order

~ Follow @energybits on Instagram

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Other resources related to this episode:

~ Learn more about Ayurveda School

~ 2025 Chakra Yoga Nidra Workshop: Study with Katie and other luminary teachers this fall in the Bahamas!

~ 2026 Chakra Yoga Nidra Retreat: Deep dive into the chakras with Katie as your guide in the beautiful Bahamas in spring 2026!

~ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

~ Katie’s latest book, Glow-Worthy

If you liked today’s episode about algae, you might also like:

~ Ep. 193 Triphala: The #1 Ayurvedic Herb I Keep Coming Back To

~ Ep. 168 Ayurveda & Tantric Herbalism with Brooke Sullivan

 

Help Us Spread Our Pod Wings!

I hope you loved this fun and inspiring conversation all about algae! This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you love the show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to yours,

Katie

Continue Reading

How to Make the Perfect Summer Salad

Blog Featured Image (1200 × 628 px) (1)

Summertime is the time for salad—the possibilities are endless. 🌺🌱🍅 In the Virginia summers, greens grow in abundance, fruit starts popping off and there are edible flowers galore! It’s one of my favorite times of the year. ⁠

Of course Ayurveda suggests not over consuming raw food, but there are plenty of ways around this. Salads are appropriate in the hot summer months and if your digestive system is a little sluggish, you can always pair your greens with a cooked element or additional spices to support your specific needs. ⁠
⁠
I love going to the farmer’s market in the summer and seeing what creations I can make with the various colors and shapes of the vegetables. Making food should feel like an art (of course it’s not always going to feel easy), but it is an act of creativity that can really serve you well. ⁠
⁠
When it comes to making salads you can get really creative. Just simply think of what flavors and textures you love most and create a salad from that. For me, I love crunch, I love FAT and I love citrus. I usually end up making a big bowl of greens, some sort of seed sautéed in ghee, avocado, radishes and all of it topped with a lemon vinaigrette. I often will always add some sort of protein source. Grilled chicken, fried tempeh and hard boiled (farm fresh eggs) are all my favorite go-to forms of protein.

Here's How to Make my Perfect Summer Salad:

Salad Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 ½ cups summer greens (mix of your choice-diced)
  • 1 tbsp lightly toasted pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup summer cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 handful of summer sprouts
  • Optional protein add ons: ¼ cup cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp vegan mayo
  • ¼ cup fresh mint & parsley mix (diced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Assemble all of your salad ingredients into a bowl (except the sprouts) organizing however you would like. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl using a fork (adding more or less apple cider vinegar depending on preference). Generously pour dressing over the salad. Garnish with fresh edible flowers and sprouts!

Enjoy! 🥬🌱🍅🌼

Continue Reading

Ayurvedic Tips For Allergy Season

Blog Featured Image (1200 × 628 px) (1)

Two more of my fave supports for allergy season are quercetin (studies have shown that quercetin can prevent immune cells from releasing histamines which means runny nose, hives and swelling = bye bye 👋🏼) and Green Tea (‘cause it’s high in quercetin 😉). ⁠
⁠
Ayurveda understands that allergies are the result of an outer allergen aggravating a specific dosha. ⁣⁠Seasonal allergies related to spring (and sometimes fall) are usually more kapha-related.⁣⁠
⁣⁠
In order to aid our kapha allergies, we have to heat things up, boost circulation, clear out the channels of the body and support our system’s natural cleansing pathways (think lymph flow, circulation, digestion and elimination!).⁣⁠

Here are some more of my favorite tips for allergy season:

  • Get a Neti Pot and use it daily! Add ¼ tsp salt to warm water and pour through both nostrils.
  • Follow your Neti Pot with Nasya Oil to lubricate your nostrils with herbal oil.
  • Scrape your tongue. Scraping your tongue helps to remove the ama that your body is cleansing through the night.
  • Dry Brush. Dry brushing boosts the lymphatic system–this helps the channels of the body circulate and eliminate toxins.
  • Drink your nettles. Nettles promote healthy circulation and activate the liver and kidneys. 

And if you really want to get ahead of things, start doing some of these practices before allergy season hits to improve your overall immunity. 🌸⁠

P.S. Here’s how I make my nettles infusion: Brew a tea by combining 4 large tablespoons of dried nettles in a mason jar with boiling water - let steep for 1 hour and then strain! Enjoy! 🌿

Continue Reading

Rose + Mint Sun Tea

Blog Featured Image (1200 × 628 px) (1)

For this recipe, just let the sun do the steeping. 🌞 Steep dried rose petals and fresh mint in a glass jar under direct sunlight for a few hours. (No need to measure perfectly - just add what you’ve got on hand!) Sip room temperature or slightly chilled throughout the day to stay hydrated and soothe Pitta. What do you get? A cooling, heart-opening, Pitta-pacifying potion that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing.⁠
⁠
Here’s a little bit about how these plant allies help support us during the warmer months of the year…⁠
⁠
🌹 Rose - The ultimate flower of the Divine Feminine:⁠
⁠
• Cools the heat of both the body and our emotions (hi, Pitta spiciness 😅)⁠
• Soothes the heart and uplifts mood with its subtle, floral sweetness⁠
• Some studies have demonstrated that rose also has the potential to support the reproductive and nervous systems, and even impact dopamine levels⁠
⁠
🌿 Mint - The crisp, clarifying herb we all need in summer:⁠
⁠
• Helps to clear excess heat and inflammation from the gut and skin⁠
• Stimulates digestion without aggravating Pitta (exactly what we want!)⁠
• Awakens the mind while calming overactive fire in the head + heart 🔥⁠

Sip this floral elixir all day long to stay hydrated, radiant and keep your Pitta chilled out. Your inner fire goddess will thank you. 🧘🏼‍♀️

Continue Reading

Chocolate Truffles

Blog Featured Image (1200 × 628 px) (1)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cup peanut or almond butter
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream (cream only) 
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ashwagandha (optional)

Directions:

In a saute pan, melt the ghee, coconut cream, and nut butter over low heat. Pour into a bowl with the remaining ingredients. Transfer to the refrigerator and let cool for about an hour. After the chocolate has cooled, roll into balls and place on a plate with parchment paper. You can get creative here: roll the balls into coconut flakes, rose powder, or whatever you feel called to! 🍫

Continue Reading

Ep. 193 Triphala: The #1 Ayurvedic Herb I Keep Coming Back To

This is a picture of Katie Silcox. The text reads, "Spirit Sessions: Find your true spiritual home with Katie Silcox."

In many regions of India, the herb triphala is considered a cure-all! Scientific studies have shown that triphala can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, support liver heath and much more. It’s no surprise that triphala is Katie’s favorite Ayurvedic herb!

Tune in to learn about the benefits of triphala and how to incorporate this powerful herb into your life!

Wondering where to get your triphala? Our girlfriends over at PAAVANI Ayurveda have everything you need to help integrate Ayurvedic wisdom seamlessly into your day! From a wonderful Triphala churna, to dosha-specific spice blends, to abhyanga oils, PAAVANI has something for everyone this fall.

Use the discount code SpiritSessions for 10% off your order at paavaniayurveda.com!

In this episode about triphala, you’ll hear:

~ There’s less than a week left to get Early Bird pricing on our year-long Divine Feminine Ayurveda School! Register here before October 31, 2024, to save $500 on tuition!

~ Join us for a FREE online Sacred Halloween Ceremony on October 31st! Sign up here!

~ What is triphala?

~ Why this herb is so important in India

~ The benefits of triphala

~ Haritaki, amalaki and bibhitaki

~ The mythology of triphala

~ Traditional uses in India

~ Triphala’s action on each dosha - vata, pitta, kapha

~ The six tastes in Ayurveda

~ Why this herb is excellent for those who love to travel

~ Where to buy high-quality triphala… from our friends at PAAVANI!

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

~ Sign up for our free mini-course about Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda!

~ Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Help Us Spread Our Pod Wings!

Did you love learning about the deeper meaning of Tantra? This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to yours,

Katie

Continue Reading

Amalaki Summer Face Mask Recipe

This is a picture of a plant called Amalaki. It links to an Amalaki summer face mask recipe.

Amalaki (aka Indian Gooseberry, aka Amla) is COOLING. It’s great for pitta tendency people who get overly heated (think menstrual-related acne or loose stool), especially this time of year.⁣⁠ Try this Amalaki summer face mask recipe to cool and cleanse your skin during the hot summer months!
⁣⁣⁠
This herb is also a potent external medicine for hair and skin. Amalaki is a well-known rejuvenate as it gently cleanses the colon, beautifies hair and skin and is an all-around tonic for the organs. In India it's known as a super-food, youth-enhancer!⁣ It's also one of the fruits in Ayurveda's digestive formula, Triphala.⁠
⁠
We recommend getting your amalaki powder through Banyan Botanicals who we know and love! Use code KATIES15 for a discount.⁣

Amalaki Summer Face Mask Recipe:

  1. Chop up finely a sprig of washed parsley (the parsley is optional!)
  2. Crush it up in a mortar and pestle until the juice is coming out (the bottom of the clean jar on a chopping board can suffice if you don’t have one).
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of Amalaki (Amla) powder and hot water to make a wet paste with the crushed parsley.
  4. Add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to the still warm mixture and blend them all together into a paste.
  5. The crushed parsley won’t spread consistently but this doesn’t matter as the hot water will have dispersed its compounds into the paste.
  6. You want your face mask to be the consistency of yogurt, easy to spread but not too watery/runny.

Application Instructions:

  • Apply the paste while it's still warm to freshly cleansed, damp skin.
  • Lie down in your room with mask on for 20-30mins.
  • Wash off with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer!

This summer face mask recipe is great for blemishes but it may dry out your skin if left on too long or if used during dry months or during dry skin cycles. Use this in humid environments, in the high summer season or if you have oily skin.

If you want to take your summer self-care routine to the next level try sipping on a cooling summer herbal tea or our Rose Water Mocktail while mixing up this summer face mask recipe!

Happy at-home Ayurveda facial-ing! 😎

Continue Reading

Herbal Teas for Plump, Hydrated Skin

This is a picture of herbs and tea in a class. It links to a blog post about Ayurvedic herbal teas for hydrated skin

Maintaining hydrated skin in the summer (and as we age) is an inside job! However, drinking a ton of water will only do so much if your tissues aren’t actually nourished and rejuvenated from within. The demulcent herbs in these herbal teas actually hold lubricants that will plump up the skin full of water (in a youthfulness-boosting way, not a water retention way!) to give you glowing, hydrated skin! 💦

See below for our favorite demulcent herbal teas for deeply hydrated skin:

❤️ Licorice is an anti-aging, nourishment-boosting, ultimate rejuvenation herb (aka a rasayana). Its sweet, cool, and moisturizing effects help rejuvenate and hydrate all 7 tissues. We use this licorice power from Banyan Botanicals. You can use code KATIES15 for a special 15% discount on all of Banyan Botanicals' awesome products!

🌹 Rose helps to balance Sadhaka Pitta (one of the Pitta subdoshas), cooling excess heat in the blood before it erupts in our skin and balancing emotions so they don’t disturb our hearts. On those extra hot days, try our cooling Rose Water Mocktail.

🌺 Hibiscus is soothing and purifying. Its sweet, astringent and cooling properties support healthy, hydrated skin and a clear complexion.

🥀 Rose hips are sour, astringent, and warming which helps reduce vata. Rose hips contain many vitamins that make them beneficial for all skin types and are associated with anti-aging. We love these rose petals from our friends at Paavani Ayurveda.

🏵️ Last but not least, marshmallow root helps store water which helps our skin remain plump and lush. It helps rebuild our body’s water element and also boosts our hair’s lustrousness and growth!

Two other great Ayurvedic practices for glowing, hydrated skin are dry brushing and Abhyanga. Both of these practices increase blood and lymph circulation through self-massage. Learn more about these skin-health-boosting practices in our blog post, Why You Should Dry Brush (or do Abhyanga).

Continue Reading