Health and wellness tips for your healing!

Known as the food of the brain, maca is an adaptogen that helps the brain respond and adapt to stress to return balance to the body’s natural endocrine function. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, providing key macro and micronutrients, antioxidants and unique bioactive compounds!

Maca is commonly used as a powdered supplement and boasts many health benefits such as assisting in hormonal balance, helping with thyroid issues, assisting with inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies also show Maca can help with fertility and libido.

Maca can be taken in powder or tablet form. Yellow Maca is for everyday use and tastes amazing! It has a rich, sweet, malty flavour and you can buy it from any health food store, and even some supermarkets. My favourite way to consume Maca, is in smoothies, and I will share below my favourite Maca smoothie recipe!

What is so good about beetroot then? Well, besides from it’s incredible pinky red colour, beetroot is packed with essential nutrients and is a great source of fibre, folate, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins A, C & K. Not only that, beets are great for heart health and regulating blood pressure, digestion, enhancing stamina and for inflammation, and more! 

How to eat a beet? You can use it in: 

• Juices 

• Roasted veg

• Soups 

• Stews

• Cakes 

• And much more!

I am sharing here my favourite beetroot juice recipe, so you can easily get the beety benefits this January, and as a bonus, check out this incredible beetroot and peanut dip recipe here! 

Beetroot & Blood Orange Juice

Ingredients:

-2-3 raw beetroot, washed and cut into quarters 

-2 blood oranges, peeled and in quarters

-1 piece fresh ginger (amount depends on preference.)

Method: 

Run all ingredients through a juicer and serve fresh. If you don't have a juicer, but have a blender, blend all ingredients with ice and water, and strain before serving. 

Enjoy!

Cloves are a magical spice that comes from a type of tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. The flower buds have been used for centuries in many different types of cuisines—a popular example being the Indian curries. They are also prominent in Ayurveda for its cleansing and purifying abilities, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, for being natural pain killers. There are so many benefits to cloves, so here’s exactly why you should give them a try!

Cloves can be great for regulating hunger and blood sugar levels. They contain high amounts of fibre (to keep you full) and the mineral manganese, that can help with regulating your blood sugar levels.

The powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities of Clove oil were known way back in history. It was used in a notorious blend known as “Thieves Oil” which was used to protect people against the bubonic plague in the Middle Ages.

There are so many benefits to using Cloves, such as for dental health and hygiene, digestive health, and immune health. Some forms of clove, particularly red clove, can also be very good for removing parasites. There are some precautions to taking cloves, so if you are on medication, please consult with your doctor before taking cloves.

My favourite way to get cloves into my system is in a big mug of hearty and spicy homemade chai. Recipe is below! 

Method:

In a blender add all of your ingredients and blend until all the powders are mixed and the cloves are ground. Pour your mixture into a pan on the hob and heat up until just about boiling. Serve immediately and sprinkle with cinnamon. If you don’t have a blender, add all of your spices into a pan with your milk and mix in until heated. Enjoy!

These tiny berries are also believed to contain antiviral agents– compounds so potent they are thought to deactivate viruses. Viruses are unable to multiply on their own and need to get inside a healthy cell to do so. They are cleverly coated with something called “haemagglutinin spikes” to help them pierce the cell wall. These viral spikes are also covered with enzymes which the virus uses to break down the cell wall. Elderberries have high concentrations of bioflavonoids which appear to inhibit the action of this enzyme, thus deactivating viruses and rendering them unable to pierce the cell wall and replicate.

As well as being a powerful immune system booster, Elderberries also help in the treatment of UTIs and bladder infections, allergies, and digestive health. What more could you ask for in a berry?!

Elderberries can be taken in capsule, tincture or syrup form. Dried berries can also be used in cooking. My favourite way to get this wonder-berry into my system is to take a spoonful of elderberry syrup every morning! I really like Suffolk Elderberry Syrup, and Pukka. Have a look below for an Elderberry Mocktail Recipe that is sure to give your immune system a boost! 

Elderberry Mocktails

(serves 2)

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons Elderberry Syrup

1 Lime, juiced

1 Lemon, Juiced 

2 handfuls of fresh raspberries 

A few sprigs of fresh thyme

2 cups of water 

Ice to serve 

Method

In a blender, mix all ingredients for about a minute. Strain and serve over ice, adding a few fresh sprigs of thyme on top to garnish! If you don't have a blender, you can mash the raspberries and the rest of the ingredients in a bowl, then strain and serve. 

Mmmmm….. fresh and yummy and sooooo good for you!

Turmeric root contains curcuminoids which are the phytonutrients that give turmeric its distinctive yellow colour. There is a full spectrum of curcuminoids and hundreds of other phytonutrients in turmeric. Turmeric is also a known blood purifier and helps to soothe respiratory ailments, improve liver function and support the circulatory system, amongst many other things! Turmeric significantly decreases inflammation that is attributed to arthritis and it’s antioxidant properties have beneficial anti-aging effects. It’s also antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial. This root is a miracle, so let’s see how we can incorporate it into our daily routine. There are many forms that Turmeric comes in that can be used as a supplement or in cooking:

• Tinctures 

• Capsules

• Powder

• Spice

• Fresh root 

• Tea

My favourite way to enjoy Turmeric is in a homemade tonic or a shot, the recipe for which is below. It’s a fiery one! You’ll need a juicer or a blender to enjoy this recipe but if you don't have those, you can opt for one for the many other ways to enjoy this amazing product of nature! 

Golden Fire Healing Tonic

Ingredients:

1 large handful of fresh turmeric root (can be substituted for 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder)

1 large handful of fresh ginger root (can be omitted or decreased in quantity for less of a fiery hit)

2 fresh lemons

1 large apple 

½ teaspoon of black pepper 

½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Recipe:

Wash and cut your turmeric and ginger root into small pieces. Cut the rind off the lemons and cut in half. Wash and cut your apple into quarters. Put all the ingredients through your juicer and whisk in the black and cayenne peppers. Serve in shot glasses or over ice. Take one shot every morning. If using a blender, blend all ingredients, strain through a sieve and enjoy! If you have any tonic left over, it can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and enjoyed each morning. If the recipe is too strong for you, the tonic may be added to your water bottle and drunk throughout the day.

I might recommend trying Rose Otto, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Neroli, or Rose Geranium. Any of the citrus notes might work well to blend in, such as grapefruit,  sweet orange, bergamot, lemon, or lime. You can read about essential oils to decide which essence might be the best fit for your recipient, or better yet, intuitively follow your nose. 

To incorporate essential oils into your Remote Healing work, you can, with healing intention, use an electric or candle diffuser (If you need more understanding about diffusers, this company has a good description of the different kind of diffusers:  let’s figure out how to place this link - https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/the-differences-between-essential-oil-diffusers) while the Remote Healing is being projected or, if you feel the recipient is in need of cleansing support, in a glass spray bottle, dissolve about a half teaspoon of salt in approximately 200 ml of warm water. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil and shake the bottle. Spray this high into the air as you are sending healing energy. See a time/space tunnel moving swiftly through to your recipient’s destination, and imagine the water carrying the molecules and vibrations of the oils to your recipient, clearing a path for beautiful healing to occur.

As well as those incredible health benefits, Chaga also: 

• Contains over 215 phytonutrients

• Is high in Amino Acids, Dietary Fiber, Ionized Trace Minerals (Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Manganese, Iron), Ionized Essential minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Sodium, Phosphorus), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), Vitamin D2 (Ergosterol), which is not found in vegetables.

• Is a great source of pantothenic acid which aids the adrenal glands and digestive organs

• Are a powerful antioxidant and source of superoxide dismutase (SOD) which halts oxidation, especially free radicals like singlet oxygen responsible for damaging tissues.

So how can you incorporate Chaga into your daily diet? Chaga comes in powder or tablet form. I like to use the powder, adding it to my porridge, smoothies, or even making a coffee free coffee, using a blend of chaga and cacao. Below is my recipe for Chaga Chai Porridge. 

CHAGA CHAI PORRIDGE

INGREDIENTS:

Gluten Free Oats 

Almond Milk 

Maple syrup

Chaga

Cinnamon

Dessicated coconut 

Other toppings of your choice- I chose walnuts, mulberries and cacao nibs

DIRECTIONS: 

Place the oats and milk into a saucepan over a low heat and stir well until it starts to boil. Turn down to simmer and add a teaspoon of chaga powder. Mix well into the porridge. Add cinnamon and Maple syrup to taste and stir well. When it reaches your desired heat and consistency, turn off the heat and add to a bowl. Top with coconut, maple syrup and any other toppings of your choice!

These times that we’re in have many people encountering stressors that they’ve never faced before. Stress and anxiety left unchecked over time can negatively impact our health on all levels.

Many essential oils have been clinically proven to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression and to promote feelings of calm, relaxation, and ease. Essential oils stimulate areas of the brain responsible for our emotions. Through both topically applying and inhaling pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, when used correctly and especially when combined with other practices, such as mindfulness or healing therapies (such as Bi-Aura® Therapy!), aromatherapy can do wonders for our sense of well-being. It may help with releasing trapped emotions, support mindfulness, reduce stress, and elevate one’s mood. 

Here is a list of some of my favourite essential oils for helping with stress, anxiety, and depression. I’ve placed several here because our relationship with scent is very personal. I might absolutely love a scent that you immediately detest. Find what works for you. Also, some essential oils are much more costly than others, so I’ve added options to my list to fit all budgets. Maybe you already have some of these on hand. 

I’ll spare you the lengthy scroll of health benefits offered by each individual oil. You can easily research that online if you’re interested. Play with them singly and in combination with one another. Inhale straight from the bottle, utilise a diffuser, dilute them in a carrier oil and apply to your body or put a few drops in your bath, or add a combination into a spray bottle with water and spray throughout the day. Experiment often and you’ll be rewarded scentsationally. 

You might gift yourself by trying any or all of the following: 

Lavender

Rose Otto or Absolute

Grapefruit

Bergamot

Chamomile Roman or German

Frankincense

Neroli

Sandalwood

Clary Sage

Ylang Ylang

Jasmine 

Sweet Orange

Vetiver

Patchouli

Geranium Rose

Melissa (Lemon Balm)

Cautions: Be safe when using essential oils. They are a highly concentrated powerful medicine, yet they are no substitute for seeing your medical doctor if you’re experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. 
The general rule of thumb is to dilute in a carrier oil before making skin contact. Use extreme caution around babies, children, the elderly,  during pregnancy, and in cases of extreme illness. If your skin becomes sensitised, dilute with a vegetable, nut, or seed oil immediately. Do not dilute with water, as that will cause the oil to penetrate more deeply.  

Along with the 92 minerals Irish Moss has been found to contain, this algae has some wondrous health benefits including: 

• Good for the immune system 

• Removes mucous from the body 

• Supports a healthy libido 

• Source of energy 

• Improves skin health (you can use Irish Moss as a face mask too!)

• Aids in healthy digestion 

• Anti inflammatory

• Rich in antioxidants

So how can you incorporate Irish Moss into your diet? The best and easiest way is to add it to juices or smoothies as part of your morning routine. Irish Moss is bought in dried form and you can find it in African and Caribbean food stores, health food stores, and online. Due to the rise in popularity, some online businesses are offering pre-made Irish Moss gels which is handy if you don’t have a blender. Have a look below for a recipe to prepare your Moss! 

Ingredients:

Irish Moss

Filtered or purified water

Method:

In a large bowl, add the dried sea moss and cover with water. Cover and leave to soak overnight, or until the moss becomes soft enough to blend. Once soaked, thoroughly rinse and clean off any sand or debris you might find. Drain and add the soaked moss to your blender. Add a few tbsp of water, enough to blend and set on high speed until the moss turns into a thick gel like consistency. Once blended, add to a jar and keep refrigerated. The moss will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. 

-To use in smoothies, add 1-2 large tbsp. 

-To use as a face mask apply a spoonful of gel to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off.

CHOCO-BANANA MORNING ENERGISER SMOOTHIE BOWL

INGREDIENTS:

2 frozen bananas

4 dates

1 heaped teaspoon of raw cacao powder

1 heaped teaspoon of organic cracked cell wall Chlorella

Coconut water or milk to blend

Cacao nibs, hemp seeds and any other toppings you wish to use 

DIRECTIONS:

To make the smoothie, blend the frozen bananas, dates, cacao and chlorella powder in a high speed blender, using the coconut water or milk to blend. Depending on what blender you use, the less liquid, the thicker the smoothie will be, so adjust according to your preference and blender power. 

Pour smoothie into a bowl, top with any toppings you like and enjoy!

Dill, Leek and Potato Soup (serves 4)

Ingredients:

4 medium to large white potatoes 

1 large leek 

1 large bunch of fresh dill 

1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or oil of choice)

Salt and pepper to taste 

Recipe:

Prepare your potatoes by peeling and dicing into small pieces. Chop the leeks finely and wash thoroughly, removing any dirt. Wash your dill and chop finely, leaving a few sprigs to garnish at the end. 

Place a large pan on medium heat and add your oil. Add the leeks and lightly fry until soft, around 10 minutes. Add your potatoes and dill and stir for a minute. Add water to cover the ingredients. (you can substitute the water for milk if you prefer, but the soup becomes super creamy just as it is). Add salt and pepper and leave on a medium heat, with a lid on, until the potatoes are soft and falling apart. 

Once the potatoes are soft, turn off the heat and leave to cool for a few minutes. With a stick blender, blend the contents of your pan until it becomes smooth and thick. Be careful not to splash yourself whilst blending as the soup will be scalding hot. At this stage, you may wish to adjust the flavours by adding more salt or pepper or other flavourings of your choice. Serve with fresh dill and enjoy! 

From smoothies, teas and juices, to cakes and delicious baked goods, raspberries are so versatile it’s easy to incorporate them as part of a balanced diet. My favourite way to eat them is in a smoothie. Recipe below! 

Raspberry & Peach Dream Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 punnet of fresh raspberries (you can use fresh or frozen)

2 bananas

2 ripe peaches 

4 medjool dates 

A dash of pure vanilla

Almond Milk

Recipe:

Add all ingredients to a blender. Add almond milk (can be substituted for any other liquid) and blend until smooth. Serve immediately!