November 2018 - Journey With Healthy Me

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Tea bags are readily available to purchase. And packages of fresh or dried herbs and flowers are available as well. It’s easy and fun to create tea blends that soothe or heal a number of ailments.

Today’s Try This Tuesday post includes some of my favorite DIY tea blends.

What You Will Need

Enjoying freshly brewed tea at home requires a few simple items.

• a mesh tea ball or mesh basket and mug set, to hold loose tea

• glass containers to store loose herbs in

• teaspoons – I enjoy using wooden ones

• a teapot with a lid, to steep larger servings of tea

• an assortment of fun tea cups or mugs

Thyroid Healing Tea

by Anthony William

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Clear Skin Tea

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Immune Support Tea

1 teaspoon dried peppermint

1 teaspoon dried echinacea

1 teaspoon dried lemongrass

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Digestion Support Tea

1 teaspoon dried chamomile

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Liver Strengthening Tea

by Anthony William

1 teaspoon dried burdock root

1 teaspoon dried red clover

1 teaspoon dried dandelion

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Sore Throat Tea

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1 teaspoon dried rose hips

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Hot Flashes Tea

1 teaspoon dried hibiscus

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1 teaspoon dried raspberry leaf

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Colds, Allergies, Flu Tea

I make this one by the teapot and sip on it all day. I’ve warded off colds and general feelings of “coming down with something”, by drinking a pot of this tea.

In a large mesh tea ball, combine:

2 teaspoons dried nettle leaf

2 teaspoons dried peppermint

2 teaspoons dried elderflowers

2 teaspoons dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Add mesh ball full of herbs to large tea pot. Fill with boiling water, cover, and steep for 15-20 minutes. Add honey if desired. I place a tea cozy over the pot and keep the tea warm.

Create Your Own Tea Blends

Become familiar with the healing properties of different herbs and you can create your own custom tea blends. I recommend Anthony’s books, Life Changing Foods and Liver Rescue, for info about powerful herbs. Or Google “herbs for headaches” or whatever ailment is troubling you to find suggestions.

The mesh tea balls can be purchased at health food stores or kitchenware shops. They come in different sizes.

Dried herbs are available in health food stores and health conscious grocery stories, or online. Often they can be purchased by the ounce. Another great option is to begin growing them in containers or a small herb garden. The practice of gardening increases the health benefits!

If you have favorite tea blends, share in the comments. And watch the blog for more DIY blends.

Order Anthony’s books and a mug infuser set below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of these products, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

Mullein: The Common Weed that Heals

Mullein is an herb has been used medicinally since ancient times. The leaves, flowers and roots of the mullein plant are all used. I’m most familiar with this plant as a common weed that grows in my area. How wonderful to discover its healing benefits.

What is Mullein?

There are three hundred species of this biennial or perennial herb in the Verbascum family. Common mullein grows up to seven feet tall and has a single stem with large, thick, velvety leaves and pale yellow flowers.

Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, proteins and oils. It also contains mucilage, a substance thought to be responsible for the soothing actions the herb has on mucous membranes. Mullein’s saponins contribute to the plant’s expectorant properties.

Mullein’s Healing Benefits

This herb has amazing healing properties.

• Treats ear infections due to astringent properties. Tinctures containing mullein or a combination of mullein and other herbs can be found in health stores and online. They are a natural remedy for ear aches and infections.

Mullein tincture or oil can also be used as a natural way to treat ear infections in dogs.

• Reduces inflammation in the liver, calming spasms and soothing toxic liver heat. It decreases mucus formation within the liver’s blood vessels and cells and expels it.

• Powerful disinfectant, treating internal infections in the urinary tract, kidney and colon, and external infections on the skin.

• Eases bursitis, a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed. The most common locations are the shoulders, elbows and hip joints. A clean cloth can be soaked in mullein tea and then applied to the inflamed area, to ease pain.

• Improves respiratory disorders including bronchitis, dry coughs, sore throats, hoarseness, asthma and tonsillitis. Mullein leaves contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that rid the body of mucus and soothe raw, inflamed areas such as the throat.

How to Use Mullein

Mullein may be purchased as a powder, tincture, oil, capsule or in dried form to make tea. It’s also available in tea bags, alone or combined with other herbs.

Add 1 -2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves or flowers to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Slightly warmed mullein oil or tincture can be dropped in an aching ear to treat infections.

I currently use an alcohol free mullein tincture, ingesting one dropperful twice a day. I’ll be adding mullein tea to my hot tea rotation or combining it with other herbs for a powerful healing blend.

In the summertime, mullein can be found growing as a weed in areas where the ground has been disturbed. This plant grows in my backyard garden, and I’ve pulling it up and tossing it! No longer.

The plant is easily recognizable by its tall spire of small yellow flowers. Check out this video about identifying and foraging for mullein. Or order online by clicking links below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of these products, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

Health Boosting Acorn Squash

I’ve eaten a lot of summer squash…the yellow kind and zucchini. However a less than successful attempt, years ago, to prepare a big spaghetti squash left me leery of the many other varieties available.

My desires to try new things, to eat nutrient dense foods and to come up with something fresh for holiday meals all coalesced when a cashier at Natural Grocers handed me a recipe card featuring stuffed acorn squash. Not only did the recipe turn out great, I also discovered that acorn squash is full of health boosting properties.

What is an Acorn Squash?

Named for its acorn shape, this winter squash is part of the Cucurbita family of vegetables. It was a staple in the diet of many Native American tribes. Acorn squash, like the butternut squash, is packed with essential nutrients that include: vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium, manganese, thiamine, magnesium, iron, niacin, folate, calcium, phosphorus and copper. It’s also high in protein and fiber.

Most acorn squashes are dark green with a hint of orange near the top, but they can also be golden yellow or white.

There is a difference in the nutritional value of raw acorn squash versus cooked. In baked acorn squash, the quality increases significantly for almost every vitamin and mineral. However, three important antioxidants found in raw acorn squash…beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin…drops to zero when cooked. For that reason, it’s good to eat acorn squash both raw and cooked.

Health Benefits of Acorn Squash

Winter squash is known for its disease fighting, immunity boosting properties. Include more acorn squash for these benefits:

• Fights free radical damage. Acorn squash is high in antioxidants, which helps to maintain a healthy body. Free radicals cause inflammation, increasing the risks for diseases such as cancer. The carotenoids in acorn squash help prevent and fight various types of cancer, including skin, breast, lung and prostate cancer.

• Boosts the immune system due to its high vitamin C content and antibacterial and antiviral properties. Not only can extra vitamin C help fight off the common cold and flu, it also keeps the body from becoming even more ill due to complications from common illnesses such as pneumonia. Vitamin C lowers inflammation in the body, fighting infection and disease.

• Reduces high blood pressure, due to its potassium content.

• Protects against neurotoxicity, a toxicity from natural or chemical substances that can lead to permanent nervous system damage. One cause of this condition is exposure to conventional treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Eating acorn squash helps protect against lasting injury as a result of these treatments.

• Improves skin for a healthier, more youthful glow. Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, which helps skin stay clear and wrinkle free. The potassium found in acorn squash reduces the appearance of cellulite in the skin by eliminating the fluid retention common in high-sodium diets.

• Supports prostate health by increasing urinary tract flow and decreasing the swelling of the prostate gland. Another related benefit of acorn squash is its ability to improve prostate health in patients with diabetes. Diabetes is linked to other types of damage caused by oxidative stress. High amounts of vitamin C regulate the function of antioxidants within the prostate and improve the body’s defense against damage to the prostate.

• The high fiber in acorn squash supports healthy digestion and the efficient absorption of nutrients from food. This results in a significant reduction of high blood pressure and improves the levels of fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream, lowering the risks for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

How to Prepare Acorn Squash

Select firm acorn squash, without soft spots. Slice in two, length wise, and remove seeds, which are similar in appearance to pumpkin seeds. And like pumpkin seeds, acorn squash seeds are edible.

It’s easy to bake the squash halves. Rub the flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and nutmeg or cinnamon. Bake on parchment covered baking sheet, cut side down, for 30 – 40 minutes. The squash can be eaten plain or stuffed with rice and veggies. Try this Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

Acorn squash can be peeled, cubed and steamed. Or cut into bite sized pieces and added raw to salads. I’m excited to try an acorn squash soup recipe next!

Two New Holiday Recipes

As we near Thanksgiving, I tested a couple of plant based recipes that are suitable for the holidays. Both were a success!

The main question I get this time of year, about living the plant based lifestyle, is this one: “What about the holidays? Do you stay plant based then?”

The answer is simple. Yes I do. If I ate meat and foods heavy with butter, milk, sugar and eggs…I’d feel sick. Immediately. I’m not tempted at all by such foods.

My family prepares a traditional holiday meal, for Thanksgiving, and I bring plant based foods to eat and to share. It works out fine.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

This dish came together easily and was savory and satisfying. I adapted this recipe from one that I picked up at Natural Grocers.

Ingredients

2 acorn squash

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Sea salt & pepper to taste

1 cup brown rice

1 1/2 – 2 cups vegetable broth

3 tablespoons apple juice sweetened dried cranberries

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 celery ribs, chopped

2 pears, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons dried sage or 4 tablespoons fresh, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut each squash in half, length wise. Scoop out and discard seeds. Rub squash flesh with olive oil. Sprinkle each half with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Place on parchment covered baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until flesh is tender.

In a pressure pot combine rice, vegetable broth and salt, bring to pressure and allow to cook for 25 minutes. Allow natural release. OR combine rice with 2 cups of broth and salt in small sauce pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 40-45 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.

Soak cranberries in bowl of water. Set aside. In skillet sauté onions, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft, 3-5 minutes. Add pears, sage, thyme and salt and cook 2 more minutes. Drain cranberries and add to veggies, along with walnuts and cooked rice.

Transfer cooked squash halves to baking pan, cut side up. Mound stuffing mixture into squash halves. Add any leftover stuffing to pan, piling around squash halves. Cover pan with foil or oven proof lid. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes.

The stuffed squash was wonderful! Greg and I each ate half an acorn squash and saved the other two to accompany us to the family Thanksgiving dinner. I’ll add a chopped salad and fresh cranberry relish and that will be my healthy and delicious holiday meal!

Apples could be substituted for the pears and mushrooms could be added as well. I loved the sweetness of the pears and the crunch of the walnuts. This was my first experience cooking acorn squash. I’ll certainly make these again.

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

This one bowl recipe, that I found on Pinterest, comes from Beaming Baker.

Wet Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar

1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, whisked together, allowed to set for 5 minutes)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups gluten free oat flour

1/2 cup almond meal

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8.5×4.5 or 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Add the wet ingredients to a large bowl: pumpkin, coconut oil, maple syrup, sugar, flax egg, and vanilla. Whisk together.

In the same bowl, add the dry ingredients: oat flour, almond meal, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Stir together until just combined, making sure no flour patches remain. Batter will be stiff.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Using a butter knife, cut a slit down the top of the loaf, making it slightly off center. This will create a beautiful split down the top of the loaf as it bakes. Bake for 50-65 minutes. Test for doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center of the loaf. The toothpick will come out clean when the loaf is done.

Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 2-3 hours, or until completely cool. Lift out, slice and enjoy!

This pumpkin bread is perfect! It looks a bit dry, out of the oven, however it’s not when sliced. The texture is light. The flavor is just right…not too sweet and subtly spiced. I just had a couple of slices with hot tea. Bliss!

Tomorrow I’ll prepare another loaf of pumpkin bread to take to the family gathering, plus the chopped salad, cranberry relish and a black bean/corn salsa with non GMO chips for an appetizer. I’m also baking a batch of vegan wacky cake cupcakes. It will be a fun day of talking, laughing, and feasting. I’m full of gratitude already.

Happy Thanksgiving! May you find much to be grateful for, including health, vitality and wellbeing.

Cardamom’s Amazing Benefits

This spice from India is often called the Queen of Spices. The seeds are aromatic and add a unique, spicy flavor to any food or drink. Cardamom is a versatile spice for culinary purposes. It has amazing health benefits as well.

What is Cardamom?

This warming spice originated in Southern Asia and India. A member of the ginger family, it is the seed pod that provides the spice. The plants were introduced to North America in 1670 by British colonial settlers. Guatemala is currently the largest producer.

Cardamom is rich in manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. It also provides protein and fiber.

Health Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamom is a natural remedy for the following conditions:

• Eliminates bad breath. Chewing on cardamom seeds is effective for cleansing the breath, plus its antiseptic properties kill bacteria that cause cavities in teeth and infections in the mouth.

• Increases bile production and rejuvenates a sluggish, stagnant, overheated liver.

• Inhibits, delays or reverses cancerous tumors.

• Antioxidant properties lower blood pressure and support heart and kidney health.

• High manganese content prevents the onset of diabetes.

• Soothes gastrointestinal disorders such as acidity, flatulence, stomach aches and stomach cramps. Studies have shown that cardamom also has gastroprotective effects that help to prevent stomach ulcers.

• Dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, increasing airflow to the lungs. Cardamom helps to make breathing easier, which benefits anyone suffering from asthma or shortness of breath.

How to Use Cardamom

This spice may be purchased as seed pods or in powdered form. Most recipes that call for cardamom specify ground cardamom, which is readily available in the spice section at the grocery store.

Cardamom seeds may be purchased in health conscious grocery stores or online. See link below.

I keep both ground cardamom and the seed pods in my kitchen. Tonight I created a cardamom tea to enjoy.

In a small saucepan add 1 cup of water, 2 teaspoons organic honey, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 6 cardamom seed pods (or 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom) and simmer for 10 minutes. While tea simmers, warm 3/4 cup non dairy milk, such as almond or coconut. Strain tea into a large mug. Add warmed milk and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

This is a wonderfully warming drink with just the right amount of spiciness, making it perfect for cold winter evenings. Enjoy the aroma and the flavor…and all the healing benefits!

Order cardamom seed pods below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of this product, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

Top 7 Dragon Fruit Benefits

I’ve heard of this tropical fruit, exotic in its strangeness. I’d read about the amazing health benefits. Until today, however, I’ve never eaten one before. I’m glad I remedied that!

What is Dragon Fruit?

Also called pitaya or cactus fruit, dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family and originated in Southeast Asia. The fruit is oval or pear shaped. The inside is white or red…more like a purplish pink…with seeds that resemble sesame seeds. Dragon fruit has a mild, sweet flavor or sometimes a sour flavor, depending on the variety.

Today it is grown primarily in south Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Dragon fruit supplies protein and fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C, iron, niacin, phosphorus and calcium.

Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

This delicious superfood delivers support and healing to the body in the following ways:

• Boosts the immune system. Dragon fruit is one of the top vitamin C foods. It also ranks high in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body.

• Improves cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. Plus the little black seeds inside the dragon fruit provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These omegas can decrease triglycerides, lowering the risk of heart disease.

• Can prevent cancer. Dragon fruit contains phytoalbumin, which when combined with its vitamin C, minerals and lycopene, makes the fruit highly valued for cancer preventing qualities. Lycopene, also found in tomatoes, creates the vivid color, and studies show that it may contain chemo-preventive effects for prostate, breast, lung, liver and skin cancer.

• The red pigment in red fleshed dragon fruit rejuvenates the liver by helping it to produce cells faster. It also slows liver aging and helps to prevent liver disease.

• Creates youthful skin. The high vitamin C content keeps the skin healthy, tight and firm, while the phosphorus repairs skin cells and prevents premature aging.

• Aids digestion. The fruit’s prebiotics improve gut health and digestion while the fiber helps to eliminate constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

• Prevents diabetes. The high fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain normal blood sugar. And dragon fruit prevents sugar spikes after eating high glycemic index foods.

How to Use Dragon Fruit

Look for dragon fruit in the produce section at the grocery store. Or check the frozen food section, especially for the red dragon fruit, which can be more difficult to find. Dried or powdered dragon fruit is available as well.

It’s simple to prepare dragon fruit. Slice in two, lengthwise or across the fruit, and scoop out the soft insides using a spoon or melon baller. Eat plain, include with other fruits, or add to fruit smoothies.

This was my smoothie this morning:

2 bananas • 1 dragon fruit • 1 cup wild blueberries • 2 inch section of fresh aloe vera gel • 1 teaspoon hemp seeds • 1 teaspoon Hawaiian spirulina • 1 teaspoon Atlantic sea dulse

It was wonderful!

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

I love it when I find an excellent plant based product that I can use…and share about. Since going plant based, I make most of my own sauces and salad dressings. They add extra flavor to veggies and salads, and I know what the ingredients are.

I’ve tried several different vegan mayos that are egg and sugar free. Recently I discovered a wonderful vegan mayo that meets ALL of my dietary restrictions AND brings all the flavor and versatility of a traditional mayonnaise.

What is Fabanaise?

Sir Kensington’s vegan mayo is unique among others that I have tried. Like the other vegan mayo products, it is egg and sugar free. It’s also non-GMO and soy and gluten free.

What makes the Fabanaise different is that it’s made with aquafaba.

Aquawhat you say?

Aquafaba is the water that chickpeas have been cooked in. Due to its ability to mimic egg whites in cooking, aquafaba can be used as a replacement for them in some cases, including making meringues and marshmallows…or mayonnaise.

How to Use Fabanaise

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise taste like regular mayo, with none of the “bad stuff”. Including aquafaba doesn’t impart a chickpea or bean flavor at all. The mayo is light in taste and creamy in texture.

Use it as you would regular mayo.

Add a couple of spoonfuls to freshly chopped apples and celery and stir in a few walnuts for a wonderfully healthy Waldorf Salad. Or use as a base for homemade salad dressings and sauces.

Here are my two favorite quick sauces, using fabanaise:

Spicy Mayo

Combine 3 tablespoons of Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise with 1 teaspoon of sugar free sriracha sauce. Taste and adjust level of spiciness, as desired. Add more fabanaise for less spicy flavor or more sriracha for more snap.

I use this simple sauce on veggies, salads, for oven roasted potato wedges or black bean burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves. It’s good with everything!

Garlic Lemon Dill Aioli

For a non-spicy sauce, that’s just as versatile, combine 3 tablespoons of Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 – 2 garlic cloves, minced, and a teaspoon of fresh dill, finely chopped. Chill before serving.

This sauce is wonderful served with fresh or roasted veggies, a plain baked potato, in a nori wrap or as a dressing for salads.

When I’m feeling really wild, I use both sauces with the same meal!

Where to Purchase Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

I buy this yummy mayo at my local Natural Grocers, in the refrigerator section. Check out their website Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise for availability in your area.

This company has other products as well. So far I’ve only tried the vegan fabanaise and used it as a base.

A delicious, healthy, good-for-me mayo product made out of chickpea water? I know, it sounds crazy! It’s amazing, I promise.

Chicory Root Tea: The Coffee Substitute that Heals

I’m not a coffee drinker, although I know many people who are. There is plenty of information available, about whether this popular, and addictive, hot drink is healthy to consume, or not. I’m not going to take sides.

However, for those coffee drinkers who would like a healthy substitute, chicory root tea is a great option. Whether coffee is your thing or not, check out the healing properties of chicory root.

What is Chicory Root?

Chicory is a perennial herb, in the dandelion family. The plant has bright blue flowers. Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, which are called endive, but the roots are ground and used for baking and, most popularly, as a coffee substitute. Chicory root is fibrous and it’s not digested in the small intestine but instead maintains its form as is travels through the large intestine.

The chicory plant originated in Egypt. It’s thought that coffee mixed with ground chicory root began in Holland, becoming popular across Europe about 1801. In France it’s been a popular addition to coffee since the 19th century. Chicory root is used traditionally as a tea or in medicinal remedies to treat jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism.

The roots are high in fiber and protein and contain vitamins B6 and C, along with manganese and potassium.

Healing Benefits of Chicory Root

Adding a cup of chicory root tea daily to the diet provides these benefits:

• Reduces stress by lowering caffeine levels. One of the main ingredients in coffee is caffeine, which aggravates symptoms of stress. Consuming less caffeine, by substituting chicory root tea for coffee, lowers epinephrine and cortisol levels during sleep and stressful life situations.

• Reduces inflammation throughout the body. Because it is the root cause of many diseases, lowering inflammation can stave off many health problems before they even have the chance to start.

• Cleanses and protects the liver and the gallbladder. Chicory root inhibits the formation of gallstones. It gently detoxifies the body without overtaxing the adrenal glands. And it contributes to many of the chemical functions that the liver is responsible for.

• Can prevent the onset of diabetes as well as improve bowel movements due to its fibrous content.

• Eases the pain and stiffness of arthritic symptoms, especially degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.

• Chicory root contains inulin, which is a prebiotic. Prebiotics promote the growth of helpful probiotics in the digestive system and enhance calcium absorption.

How to Use Chicory Root

This herbal supplement is available in capsule form, dried to use as tea, and roasted and ground as a coffee substitute.

Chicory is more water soluble than coffee, which means less is used when brewing it with coffee or in place of it. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of chicory in one cup of hot water, brew and adjust according to personal taste.

To brew basic chicory coffee, use 2/3 part ground coffee to 1/3 part chicory. Brew as normal in a drip coffee maker. Add spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or star anise to chicory root tea or chicory coffee for more flavor.

Order chicory root by clicking links below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of this product, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

Benefits from Cherries

These sweet little fruits, often associated metaphorically with a phrase that means “something special added”, are not only fun to eat, they are packed with nutrients that enrich health. The benefits from cherries range from cleansing the liver to aiding sleep to relieving pain.

What are Cherries?

Both varieties of cherries, sweet and sour, grow on trees native to the United States, Europe and Asia. They are one of the first trees to bear fruit in the spring. The fruits can be susceptible to damage from rain and hail, making cherries slightly higher in price at the market, however their delicious flavor and healing properties are well worth the cost.

Cherries are a high fiber food, rich in potassium, carotenoids and melatonin. They also contain vitamin C and the trace minerals zinc and iron. In the produce section at the store, look for cherries that are dark red in color, as they have the most healing benefits.

Healing Benefits from Cherries

Add cherries to the diet, in small daily amounts, to benefit in the following ways.

High source of antioxidants, easing inflammation and reducing pain. Sour cherries have been shown to inhibit tumor development. They are especially effective against non-Hopkin’s lymphoma, melanoma and glioblastoma.
Cleanse the digestive tract, relieving constipation, and cleanse the bladder too, alleviating spastic bladder and bladder prolapse.
Boost the endocrine system, stimulating or suppressing the appetite, making them beneficial for weight loss or weight management.
Reduce the risks for cardiovascular disease.
Treat gout, a painful arthritic condition of the big toe, and provide symptom relief for osteoarthritis.
Regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promote a better night’s sleep.
Protect the brain from Alzheimer’s, dementia and brain tumors.
Phytochemical compounds in cherries remove radiation and repair myelin nerve damage. Remove toxins from the reproductive system, reducing fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Cleanse and rejuvenate the liver, drawing out petrochemicals and toxins from deep within the organ.

Enjoying Cherries

When in season, add fresh cherries to salads, smoothies and fruit bowls. They can be eaten alone as well. Easily remove the pit by slicing the cherry in two.

Cherries freeze well and can also be purchased dried, which are great to include in home made granola. Add cherries to healthy treats such as frozen banana nice dream, or drop into freshly made, sugar free lemonades and limeades. Cherry juice is also available. Look for brands without added sugar.

I enjoy adding cherries to fruit smoothies. The rich, sweet or tart taste blends perfectly with other fruits. However, my favorite way to snack on cherries is to grab a handful…and savor each delightful cherry.

Benefits from Cherries You can order Life Changing Foods and Liver Rescue, both by Anthony William, by clicking links below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering a purchase of these products, or any other items, through my Amazon links.

Thai Welcome Tea

During my visit to Oklahoma ten days ago, my niece Ashley gifted me with a package of organic dried flower petals. She explained that the flowers, when brewed, create a dark blue tea.

This afternoon, preparing for afternoon tea, I decided to open the package and try “blue tea”. As the water came to a boil, I did my research. The buds come from the Butterfly Pea Flower, and they are commonly used to create unique, and colorful, drinks including Thai Welcome Tea.

Butterfly Pea Flowers

This flowering plant is native to tropical Thailand and Malaysia, but has been introduced to Africa, Australia and America. The butterfly pea is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows as a vine or creeper in damp, neutral soil. The most striking feature about this plant is the color of its flowers, which are a deep vibrant blue with light yellow markings.

In Southeast Asia, the flower is used as a natural food colouring. In Malaysia, it’s customary to add a few buds of this flower to a pot of white rice, which tints the rice a bluish color. In Thailand, a syrupy blue drink is made called nam dok anchan. It’s sometimes consumed with a drop of lime juice to increase acidity and turn the juice purple.

Butterfly pea flower tea is made from the flowers and can include dried lemongrass. The tea changes color depending on what else is added to the liquid. Lemon or lime juice turns the liquid purple. Adding honey and lemon juice to the tea, which can be served hot or iced, is called Welcome Tea in Thailand.

Thai Welcome Tea

Reading about the Welcome Tea, I was intrigued by the reported color change when lemon or lime juice is added, and decided to try it. This is Try This Tuesday, after all!

I poured boiling water over two teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers and covered the mug so it could steep. The water immediately began to turn blue. The longer the tea steeped, the darker the color became.

From Blue to Purple

I removed the flowers from the tea after about 10 minutes. My butterfly pea flower tea was a rich cobalt blue. Before I added honey and lemon juice, I cautiously sipped the hot tea. I wasn’t sure what to expect, from a dark blue tea, however the flavor was light and subtly earthy, similar to a high quality green tea.

Now the fun part. I stirred in a tablespoon of raw organic honey to the tea, without any change in color. As soon as I squeezed half a freshly cut lemon into the dark liquid, the color shifted from deep blue to a rich purple with a pinkish cast. I smiled with delight.

Welcoming an Afternoon Break

Thai Welcome Tea was fun to create, and provided a welcomed break in my afternoon. The tea can be chilled and served over ice, or used as a base for cocktails. I chose to sip on hot tea, and savor the blend of exotic flowers, sweet honey and the citrusy tang of lemon juice.

Butterfly pea flowers infuse the tea with potent antioxidants that help protect the skin against premature aging. Studies show that the tea fights against internal inflammation and can treat pain, reduce inflammation, treat common eye issues such as conjunctivitis, combat certain types of cancers, support brain health, and increase vitality.

Thank you Ashley, for these delightful flowers! I enjoyed my Welcome Tea, and welcome more opportunities to savor its goodness.

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