Blessed Wellness

19/11/2024

Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through.
Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximising scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight; but that’s where the transformation occurs.
Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible. Once we stop wishing it were summer, winter can be a glorious season in which the world takes on a sparse beauty and even the pavements sparkle.
It’s a time for reflection and recuperation, for slow replenishment, for putting your house in order.
Doing those deeply unfashionable things; slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting ...

Katherine May ✨

Artist Credit: Lisa Aisato

17/11/2024

17/11/2024

Mild and earthy beet greens wilt under the rustic, burnt-sugar crisp of ghee-roasted sweet potatoes. The creamy white goat cheese is richly tart and balanced by a snap of black pepper and aromatic thyme. This recipe is farm-to-table reminiscent, feeling hearty, healthy, and of the earth.

The vitamin C rich beet greens, antioxidant loaded sweet potatoes, and antimicrobial thyme will fortify your immunity as flu season begins to take hold. This immune-boosting meal is so good, a spoonful of sugar isn't needed for this medicine to go down!

Give this dish a try, and see for yourself just how good health can taste!

Get the recipe here: https://buff.ly/4eqZ9l7

To learn more about topics like this, enroll in the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition online certification course. Become an expert in Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition as you study more than 30 major digestive tract pathologies in this 500 hour online course.

Learn more here: https://buff.ly/2SIRuux

14/11/2024

National Pickle Day is celebrated on November 14 each year in the United States. It’s a fun day dedicated to appreciating pickles of all kinds—from classic dill and sweet bread-and-butter to spicy and sour varieties.

On National Pickle Day, people often enjoy pickles as a snack, add them to sandwiches and burgers, or even try unusual pickle-themed recipes and products. Some restaurants and businesses offer special pickle-inspired menu items or discounts to celebrate the day.

Pickles have a long history and are thought to have originated over 4,000 years ago when cucumbers were first preserved in brine. Today, pickles remain popular worldwide and are enjoyed in many different forms and flavors.

12/11/2024

Fennel is a flavorful herb with a variety of health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile. Here are some key benefits:
1. Aids Digestion: Fennel has been used traditionally to relieve bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Its compounds may help relax digestive muscles and improve gut motility.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Fennel contains antioxidants, like vitamin C, quercetin, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
3. Supports Heart Health: High in fiber, fennel may help lower cholesterol levels. It also provides potassium, which can support healthy blood pressure levels.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants and essential oils in fennel, such as anethole, have anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce inflammation and discomfort.
5. Bone Health: Fennel contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone density and health.
6. Hormonal Balance: Fennel has phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic estrogen. These may help manage symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, particularly in women.
7. Supports Respiratory Health: Fennel’s expectorant properties make it useful for easing coughs and other respiratory issues by helping to break up mucus.
8. Boosts Immune Function: The high vitamin C content supports immune health and helps the body fight off infections.
9. Aids Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, fennel can promote a feeling of fullness, helping with weight management.
10. Improves Skin Health: The antioxidants and vitamin C in fennel contribute to skin health by helping reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

Adding fennel to your diet—whether as seeds, bulb, or tea—can be a simple way to enjoy these health benefits.

11/11/2024

Licorice root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is known for several potential health benefits. Here are some key ones:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Immune Support: Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help the body respond to infections, viruses, and bacteria.
2. Digestive Health: It may soothe the digestive tract, alleviating symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux, and ulcers. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), a form of licorice root without glycyrrhizin, is often used to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Respiratory Relief: Licorice root is sometimes used to help with respiratory issues like sore throat, cough, and bronchitis, as it can soothe mucous membranes and thin mucus.
4. Hormonal Balance: Licorice root has phytoestrogens that may help with symptoms of menopause and PMS by influencing estrogen levels. However, it should be used with caution, as it can impact other hormone levels.
5. Skin Health: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can benefit skin health, and it’s sometimes included in topical treatments for conditions like eczema or acne.
6. Stress Reduction: Licorice root may help support adrenal gland function, potentially improving the body’s stress response.

Precautions: While licorice root has many benefits, overuse or long-term use (especially with glycyrrhizin) can lead to side effects like high blood pressure, potassium depletion, and hormonal imbalances. People with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney issues should be especially cautious and consult with a healthcare provider.

11/11/2024

Monday 11/11/24 is National sundae day !
Here is an all natural recipe to make a healthy snack

Here’s a functional medicine-inspired sundae that incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients for a delicious and health-focused dessert:

Ingredients:

1. Coconut or Almond-Based Ice Cream (Dairy-Free)
• 1 pint of unsweetened coconut or almond milk ice cream with minimal additives
2. Adaptogenic Chocolate Sauce
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (high in antioxidants)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter (adds protein and healthy fats)
• 2 tbsp raw honey or monk fruit syrup (natural sweeteners with low glycemic impact)
• 1 tsp ashwagandha powder (an adaptogen to help reduce stress)
• 1/4 cup warm water (to thin as needed)
3. Probiotic-Rich Yogurt “Whipped Cream”
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt (look for probiotic strains)
• 1 tbsp coconut cream for thickness
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Stevia drops or monk fruit, to taste
4. Superfood Toppings
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries (high in antioxidants)
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (70% or higher, rich in polyphenols)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds or h**p seeds (for added fiber, protein, and omega-3s)
• 1 tbsp goji berries (a nutrient-dense superfood)
5. Optional: Greens or Mushroom Powder
• A sprinkle of greens powder (like spirulina) or mushroom powder (like reishi or chaga) for additional benefits

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Adaptogenic Chocolate Sauce:
• Whisk together the raw cacao powder, almond butter, raw honey or monk fruit syrup, ashwagandha powder, and warm water until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
2. Make the Yogurt Whipped Cream:
• Stir the coconut or almond yogurt with coconut cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit to taste.
3. Assemble the Sundae:
• Place 1-2 scoops of coconut or almond ice cream in each bowl.
• Drizzle with adaptogenic chocolate sauce.
• Top with blueberries, dark chocolate, chia or h**p seeds, and goji berries.
• Add a dollop of probiotic-rich yogurt “whipped cream” and sprinkle with greens or mushroom powder if desired.

This sundae combines delicious natural flavors with functional ingredients for a dessert that’s as beneficial as it is tasty!

10/11/2024

Homemade Oxy-clean
1c water
1/2c peroxide
1/2c baking soda

10/11/2024

Your heart beats 100,000 times a day — that's roughly 35 million beats per year and 2.5 billion beats over the course of life.

With each beat, the heart pumps blood through a vast network of veins and arteries, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to every cell while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide and waste.

In fact, in a single day, your heart pumps so much that your blood travels about 12,000 miles (19,000 km) through your body, which is twice the diameter of Earth.

And this remarkable organ functions tirelessly, acting as the engine that keeps your body running year after year on end. The sheer number of heartbeats over a lifetime is a testament to the incredible durability and resilience of this small yet powerful organ.

What's more, from infancy through old age, the heart continuously adapts to our changing needs, whether we're exercising, resting, or experiencing stress. So remember: Taking care of your heart ensures that it can keep taking care of you.

08/11/2024

Several herbs have traditionally been used to help manage anxiety. These may offer a natural approach, though they can still interact with medications, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before starting. Here are some popular options:

1. Ashwagandha

• Known as an adaptogen, which helps the body manage stress.
• Pros: May help lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Cons: May take several weeks to notice effects, and some people experience mild digestive discomfort.

2. Valerian Root

• Commonly used as a sleep aid but can also help with anxiety.
• Pros: Known for its calming effect and can help improve sleep.
• Cons: May cause drowsiness, and its odor is quite strong.

3. Passionflower

• Used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia.
• Pros: Has a calming effect and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
• Cons: Can cause drowsiness and, in large doses, may affect cognition.

4. Lavender

• Available as an essential oil, tea, or capsule.
• Pros: Studies show it may reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.
• Cons: High doses can cause nausea, and essential oils should be used carefully.

5. Chamomile

• Known for its calming effects and often used in tea form.
• Pros: Mild, safe, and also supports sleep.
• Cons: People with ragweed allergies should avoid chamomile.

6. L-Theanine

• An amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation.
• Pros: Has a mild calming effect without causing drowsiness.
• Cons: Effects may be mild for severe anxiety.

While these herbs can help, they are not substitutes for professional treatment if anxiety is severe or persistent.

08/11/2024

Several approaches can help manage inflammation, including:1. **Anti-inflammatory diet:** Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.2. **Regular exercise:** Physical activity can reduce inflammation and support overall health.3. **Stress management:** Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help lower stress-related inflammation.4. **Adequate sleep:** Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for controlling inflammation.5. **Medication:** Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribed medications can help manage inflammation in certain conditions.Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options for managing inflammation.