This is the best tea to give your immune system a pick me up. The immune boosting, anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric are endless, I’m a little bit obsessed with this root. All the research done on turmeric and its main medicinal polyphenol curcumin makes me want to shout from a mountain top the amazing benefits of this substance. Plus the brilliant bright yellow of the turmeric root brings on a cheery mentality, which helps us get well even faster.
Can you imagine if antibiotics could differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria? Or if chemotherapy drugs differentiated between cancer cells and healthy cells?
Well, turmeric may be able to do just that, an example of plant intelligence at its finest (1). Inflammation is linked to every known health ailment, including immune health (2). I just wrote an in depth article on all the amazing benefits of turmeric and curcumin over at root and sprouts. The research really blew me away, over 5000 studies have been done on turmeric. Mainly it’s power resides in curcumins potent anti inflammatory properties.
It’s interesting to note that India has the highest national consumption of turmeric worldwide and also the lowest rates of alzheimers (3).
Alzheimer’s patients symptoms were found to improve after just one dose of curcumin, and taken long term it can protect against a myriad of inflammatory diseases. Another great way to consume turmeric is in golden milk, this is a more chai like and creamy drink, but still a great way to indulge in this medicinal root.
Now be warned my friends, this is a potent concoction, only to be consumed by those who really want to get better. There’s no half-assing it with this elixir. If your feeling extra hardcore about getting rid of a cold or flu, you’ll add raw garlic. Surprisingly it tastes absolutely delicious, and does wonders to alleviate sore throats.
Turmeric stains everything, so it’s best to store your tea in glass or stainless steal, it’ll even dye plastic a bright yellow hue.
Bold statement…I know, but you guys I think my version is better. It’s like how you always think your baby is the cutest and your incredibly shocked when you don’t win the Gerber contest…ahem. So what’s so good about my whizzed up cacao spike jar of goodness (yes I drink my coffee out of jars, it’s better that way) ? Well I like butter, I really do but I like coconut oil better, and creamy thick coconut milk and chocolatey goodness or maybe some cinnamon instead raw honey, because, lets face it if I’m going to the trouble of blending my coffee I want it to be sweet (unless I’m doing a whole 3o reset or something..). I get the hardcore bulletproofers, but I’m taking the idea and running with it, not to mention I can’t even get grassed butter…boo. Who knew fat in coffee could be so damn satisfying?
When do I choose to drink these energy bombs? Usually when I’m writing, working, bouncing a babe on one leg and jotting down ideas in my notebook. Those days where I feel like being productive and efficient, which trust me, are few and far between. But on the bright side I’ve got a new herbal concoction to help modulate my new mama sleep dep. so happy about that.
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about Immune health. All this talk of the next pandemic gives me the heeby jeebies and I hate to think of the suffering occurring in West Africa right now. It’s hard not to think of the possibility of Ebola spreading, and what our action plan will be. For now, my focus is keeping a super strong immune system with the help of herbs, probiotics, and an all around healthy lifestyle. The most important aspect of health is to not let fear pervade. The fear paradigm that rules this planet is serving no one. Switch it around, watch those thoughts of fear and disregard them, we weren’t put on this planet to live in perpetual worry. Not to say we shouldn’t prepare for certain possibilities, that’s where taking your health into your own hands comes into play. Having full responsibility for your temple is empowering, only you can heal and strengthen yourself.
“The process of self-healing is the privilege of every being. Self-healing is not a miracle, nor is self-healing a dramatization of the personality as though you could do something superior. Self-healing is a genuine process of the relationship between the physical and the infinite power of the soul.” -Yogi Bhajan
There are so many amazingly powerful natural substances which can initiate deep healing from within. Turmeric is one of the most researched healing plants out there. With over 7000 scientific studies backing up turmerics medicinal qualities, this is a medicine you want to have on hand. Comparable to 14 common prescription drugs in it’s effectiveness in treating everything from depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and general inflammation just to name a few. Lucky for us organic Turmeric is super affordable, doesn’t really taste like anything and there are a multitude of ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
5 Ways to Use Turmeric Everyday
1. Cook with it- Turmeric is a traditional ingredient used in Indian curries and rice dishes, but you don’t have to limit it’s uses to just Indian food. Try adding Turmeric to bone broth, soups, teas, and eggs.
2. Mix it in with honey for adding to teas or hot lemon water.
3. Add some Turmeric to your favourite salad dressings.
4.As an addition to smoothies, don’t worry it doesn’t taste like much.
5. Make Golden Turmeric Tea and enjoy a cup before bed for a restful sleep.
Not only is Turmeric a great overall tonic for the Immune System, it’s active component curcumin has also been shown to protect against radiation induced damage, protect against heavy metal toxicity, prevent and reduce Alzheimer’s disease, destroying drug-resistant cancer These are all peer reviewed scientific studies with irrefutable evidence supporting the previous statements, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. When we’re educated about the incredible medicinal properties of natural substances there’s no reason to fear. Taking control of your health is all about adding in good stuff. So sprinkle some of this yellow magic on your food and feel good, you deserve it.
Golden Turmeric Milk is a traditional elixir from the ancient system of Ayurveda. Yogis and Ayurvedic practitioners throughout the ages have recommended this drink to their patients for increased immunity and to help inflammation. There are many variations of Golden Milk, many use almond oil, I like using coconut oil instead and adding some additional warming spices, for flavour and the added health benefits.
Chai is a staple in India, and for good reason, hot or cold, the medicinal deliciousness of a flavour combo that’s been around longer than you can say Saraswati is always and forever off the hook. What I don’t love, is sitting around for an hour waiting for the amazing herbs, roots and seeds to infuse in order to have a satisfying cup o’ chai. Solution! Chai tea concentrate, I make a big gallon jug and every time I want a chai it’s as easy as heating it up with a bit of cream or almond milk, or splashing it over some ice cubes. Chai concentrate is also a great gift idea for the tea lovers in your life. When you make it from scratch you don’t have to worry about insane amounts of high fructose corn syrup and all that nonsense.
When I was travelling in India, almost everything seemed centered around chai, life itself seemed to unfold amidst chai stalls. I always wished that we had something like that back home. There is a sense of community and like mindedness incomparable to that of our modern melting pot of a country. Coming back to a cold city where nobody seems to stop, let alone sit together and drink a nourishing tea was a whole new culture shock. Starbucks just doesn’t compare to the feeling you get on the streets of India, where everyone drinks chai together almost ceremoniously. The chai is especially amazing when they serve it in those little clay cups, because they again meld back with the earth.
If you love authentic tasting chai but don’t feel like getting all the separate spices and grinding them, well I’ll tell you, it’s worth it! But you can also buy absolutely exquisite chai masala powder from my friend Jess’s Etsy shop, she learned the craft in India and her stuff is the real deal. You can use it to make a big jug filled with chai concentrate or you can just make a bit at a time.
Your house will smell like magic…all your neighbours and friends may just appear out of nowhere. I love to let the chai simmer on low for at least an hour to really get the whole house smelling like a chai walla.
Medicinal Benefits of Chai
The ingredients in chai have all sorts of medicinal aspects. Together they are a powerhouse of nourishment. These are just some of the benefits you get when indulging in this healing elixir.
Makes 1 Gallon (3.7L) of Chai Concentrate. You can easily halve or quarter the recipe but you will want the whole Gallon. It lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge. Shake well before using.
Ingredients
15 cardamom pods, gently crushed
20 whole black peppercorns
20 whole cloves
8-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
6-8 cinnamon sticks
12 whole allspice (optional)
6 star anise
1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle or 1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp. nutmeg (optional)
⅓ C worth of assam black tea OR roobios OR yerba mate
¾ C honey or coconut sugar (optional)
1½ Gallons (5.7L) of water
Instructions
Use a coffee/spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to grind everything together aside from the nutmeg,vanilla and tea.
Bring 1½ Gallons (5.7L) of water to a boil in a large pot.
Add ground spices and let simmer uncovered for about an hour.
Turn off the heat and add your preferred tea, nutmeg and vanilla. Cover for 5 minutes.
Strain mixture into another large vessel, preferably using a fine mesh or cheesecloth, nut milk bags work very well too.
Add sugar or honey and stir well. Allow the tea to cool before transferring to the fridge.
Mix with half milk, almond milk or water when serving.
Smoothies make me happy, and this one is specifically designed to ward off depression and anxiety, nourish you with mood lifting minerals and make your spirit soar with ethereal delights. To really boost your mood, try this, positive affirmations can have a huge impact on how we feel, this is one of Louise Hays suggestions for depression, I am enough just as I am. It may seem silly but say it with meaning a few times a day and you may be surprised at the peaceful feeling that grows within.
Fall has arrived, I don’t know about you guys but shorter days for me, bring on a bit of the blues. There are so many foods that can help fight depression, an illness that ails more than 121 million people worldwide. I’ve noticed huge differences in my mood when I make sure I’m taking good care of myself. Adequate omega-3, magnesium,vitamin D and probiotics are among the most important tools in your armament for fighting off the blues. Self-love and equipping ourselves with the knowledge of how to feel better on a holistic scale can drastically improve depression and anxiety (and a lot of other diseases). Smoothies are a really enjoyable way of getting those nutrients into your life and feeling happier every day.
2 handfuls of raw cashews are the therapeutic equivalent to a dose of prozac.
Coconut helps fight off candida and parasites which can inhibit good bacteria and cause brain fog.
Organic plain yogurt is packed with probiotics for healthy gut flora which is necessary for serotonin (the happy hormone which is formed in the gut) to pass the blood brain barrier and work its magic upstairs.
Berries are filled with antioxidants and help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Bananas are high in the amino acid tryptophan which coverts into serotonin.
Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a factor commonly overlooked when treating depression.
Bee pollen contains key neuro-nutrients such as GABA, tryptophan and norepinephrine which help to correct brain chemistry.
Elderflowers magical essence adds sweetness and imbibes powerful renewal of energy.
Elderflower Syrup
Honestly, it’s like nothing I’ve done lately works, and it was really bumming me out all weekend. I tried to make 3 different things for the blog and nothing was good enough (I only want to give you the best of the very best!) Frustrated and anxious to DO more and BE better I had to really step aside and pop my own bubble. Hello, this isn’t about perfection, it’s about sharing and growing and learning. I’m not perfect, I burn the roast chicken, I make butt ugly but darn delicious beetroot tarts with cauliflower crust, I dust coconut flour all over the camera and piss off J but whatever. Everybody is going through it, every person is looking at the state of the planet and looking at their children and thinking- wow, how can we change this for their sake? Well I guess my answer to that,from my humble perspective, is we need to love ourselves more, with all our hearts wide open the world can change. Every day is a new day and a chance to improve, whether it be physically, spiritually or mentally, all those realms play a huge part in our happiness. I am enough just as I am.
2 handfuls raw cashews- soaked for 6-8 hours and drained
¾ C fresh or frozen mixed berries
1 banana
½ C plain organic yogurt
3 tsp coconut oil
¼ C coconut flakes
2 Tbs elderflower syrup or honey
1 C water
1 tsp bee pollen, for sprinkling on top
1 tsp chia seeds, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
In a blender add cashews, berries,banana,yogurt,coconut oil, coconut flakes and elderflower syrup or honey. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, you can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water, start with ½ cup and work your way up from there.
Sprinkle chia seeds and bee pollen on top with a drizzle of honey or elderflower syrup
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I would love to hear your ways of fighting off the blues, drop me a line in the comments, by e-mail or on any of my social networks.
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Sometimes, I just can’t stop with the pinning of beautiful, exciting, inspiring things. Especially on days like today when my eyes feel heavy and I forget all about the tea I made, oh an hour ago now! Excuse me while I fetch that. Long days in town seeing friendly faces and running around. Admittedly I left unprepared to face the scents of deep fried delights, pad thai and indian pakora being cooked in front of my eyes, loaves of fresh sourdough just waiting to be ripped apart. My belly gurgled but I did not succumb. J had a meeting and resisted the werther candies with all his might. You always want things more when you can’t have them. (more…)
Hey I'm Chantelle, my alter ego would be a mermaid if I wasn't such a terrible swimmer. I love writing authentically and cooking in my pyjamas. My favourite pastimes include eating avocados, travelling the world and hanging out with a toddler.
