Journal
Winter Warmer Hot Toddy
This anti-inflammatory, antiviral winter warmer hot toddy is perfect for the season of winter ailments. Take as a preventative or when feeling under the weather. It truly is medicinal and evokes such a feeling of warmth and protection it is sure to be loved by the whole family. Photo by Alexandru Stavrica Ginger – contains potent properties called gingerols that inhibit and tame the inflammation process that occurs during illness. It is warming and promotes mild sweating. Star Anise – in 2005 the world was in short supply of this oriental spice due to the drug company Roche using it extensively in creating Tamiflu the drug against SARS Avian flu. It helps the body fight off illness and strengthens the immune system. Cinnamon – research shows that cinnamon fights resistant bacterial and viral infections. It also stabilizes blood sugar, has anti-clotting effects and combined with honey has been shown to relieve arthritic pain. Juniper – acts as a natural decongestant and moves excess mucus from the respiratory tract and dilates bronchial tubes. Care should be taken with juniper during pregnancy. Heather honey – has been shown to be particularly effective in combating MRSA and research shows it is more beneficial than the more popular Manuka honey. Buy heather honey MRSA and heather honey In a teapot add a thumb sized piece of grated ginger, 4 crushed juniper berries, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks and a pinch of chilli flakes. Pour over boiling water and infuse for around 10 minutes. In a cup add a freshly squeezed lemon and 1 heaped teaspoon of heather or raw honey. Pour hot toddy through a strainer into a cup. Topping cup up as needed. Sometimes I use oranges instead but the lemons provide an alkalising effect.
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Raw Power Breakfast
I first had this raw power breakfast about 15 years ago and my father has had it every day since. It has changed slightly over the years with a few additions but it provides such an array of nutrients you almost feel virtuous after it. It is also wonderful for a sluggish bowel. The night before ……. In the mini chopper add 3 tablespoons of mixed seeds and nuts eg, flax, chia, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin, sunflower. Cover the seeds with about 100ml liquid (marked on the chopper) either milk or apple juice. Stir and leave overnight. In the morning (and this is where you can go with the seasons but the following is the basic idea) -1 organic apple, 1 organic banana, a handful of sultanas, 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil and a little more liquid to loosen. Blend in the chopper. Drizzle over raw honey, coconut chips and gogi berries. In the summer months I love figs and the seasonal berries.
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Liver – Nature’s Powerhouse
5 GOOD REASONS TO EAT MORE LIVER Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. By far the best source of B12. Contains all the fat soluable vitamins, A, D, E and K. Contains iron, in its most bio-available form. Liver is the best source of copper (which many of us are deficient in) and also a good source of zinc and chromium. Contrary to the belief that the liver is a storage organ for toxins it does in fact neutralise toxins with the help of the nutrients you obtain from liver. Toxins are more likely to be stored in fat tissues. Eating liver is one of the best ways to aid good liver function. CHICKEN LIVER PATE RECIPE Ingredients – 150g butter (from grass fed cows), 250g organic chicken livers, 1 large chopped onion, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 dessertspoon of brandy, 2 tbsp creme fraiche, sprig of thyme, sea salt to taste. Method – Gently fry the chicken livers with the thyme in half of the butter for around 3 minutes on each side till cooked but slightly pink in the centre. Add the brandy and cook for a further minute. Remove the livers from the pan, discard the thyme and blend in a food processor. Add the rest of the butter and the chopped onion to the pan cooking gently till soft, add in the garlic in at the end until cooked. Put all the contents in to the food processor on top of the liver and blend till smooth. Finally add the creme fraiche and blend till smooth.
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Soothing Vitamin C Drink
THE DRINK This is one of my go to beverages to ease inflammation, soothe the nerves, help the liver do its job and keep stress hormones down. This soothing Vitamin C drink is wonderful for this time of year too. It just feels good. Oranges contain Vitamin C, Magnesium, fibre, protein, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and small amounts of other vitamins and minerals. Add to this some raw honey, collagen and a pinch of salt and you have a great anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting drink. METHOD Juice 2 or 3 oranges or use a glass of smooth orange juice from a carton. In a small bowl add 2 teaspoons of gelatin – Buy gelatin here – cover with 3 tablespoons of water and leave for 10 minutes to ‘bloom’. You can add 1 tablespoon of the ready prepared hydrolysed collagen instead, but sometimes gelatin is preferred. Add the orange juice to a small saucepan with a cup of water. Warm up and stir in the prepared gelatin or hydrolysed collagen, stirring until dissolved. Stir in 2 teaspoons of raw honey and a pinch of sea salt. Drink.
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