Winter Elixir

I have been a little lax, eating way to many chocolate chip biscuits, drinking more than usual and of course not getting the sleep I should so it's inevitable that a tickle in my throat should show me my body isn't mad about the way it's being treated! 

 

A night of no sleep with a cold taking hold I vow I would be rid of it in 3 days! eek, that's not long to nail something everyone has told me lingers for 2 weeks!

This is my morning tonic, the top 4 are a good base, the following can be added when you need ultra herb help :-)

Manuka Honey Super high potency 15+ or higher if you can
It's full of natural pollens, enzymes and antibacterial properties to help support your immune system and fight off winter viruses

Lemon rich in Vit C and flavanoids both useful when fighting the cold or flu virus. It also stimulates the liver, dissolves poisons such as Uric Acid (the nasty poison that gives people gout) and cleanses the digestive tract.

Turmeric-freshly grated
Improves digestion, strengthens immunity, decreases inflammation and adds gorgeous luster to the skin. Yes please :-)

Ginger -freshly grated
cleanses the blood, reducing toxicity and inflammation in the body. It's also great for digestions as it stokes the fire in the belly.

If you are feeling super brave and need an extra kick you can add Garlic, almost too punchy for me but amazing.

Garlic strengthens the heart, improves digestion and boosts immunity

Cinnamon is a warming spice, good for circulation and rammed full of antioxidants, it also stabilised blood sugar levels so brilliant to have in the morning to keep you balanced.

I could keep going as there are so many wonderful herbs and spices but shall make Black Pepper the last uber spice to add to your tonic.

Black Pepper is great for congestion as it liquifies mucous and helps to eliminate toxins.

With a cold or the flu we feel puffy and heavy, our hands get swollen and our eyes get droopy……Just writing it makes me frown!  This is all inflammation, in fact much of the bunged up feeling in our head is inflammation of the mucus membrane not just the snot!

But ultimately our immune issues starts in the belly which is why it's so important to get that working properly. Many of the above spices help with digestion and the metabolic fire. When our digestion is good, not "normal" as the NHS would say but you feel comfy, not bloated and are evacuating AT LEAST once a day with ease then your body has a chance to fight the battles it needs to at this time of year.

Add warm, not boiling water and enjoy in the morning and all day long. Any excuse to lick the honey spoon :-)

Your body speaks...... The food your body needs

The biggest problem is that over the next few weeks in the frantic social run up to Christmas, when we are tempted by continuous parties and indulgences, late nights and extended fun what we really need to be doing is staying healthy and resting so our bodies can build and restore. Now that I listen to my body I am craving warming, healing foods. I look at a cucumber and just "know" it's wrong, even an avocado somedays just seems too damp. Why would you want to eat a cold wet vegetable when your body is trying to keep warm and dry.

How do we still think that a salad is healthy when are bodies don't "really" want it or worse still why are our minds so programmed that they convince our bodies that we do actually want it!
It's time to begin to listen to the body, I promise you, it is speaking, even if you can't hear it!!

Here is the first of my warming recipes to lead you healthily towards the winter solstice and beyond....

Buckwheat Pancake with Buffalo Mozzarella and Spinach

Cook the tomatoes under the grill
Sauté the courgettes in a little Braggs Amino Acids (or salt and pepper) and oil if needed
Add spinach at the end just so it's wilted.

Buckwheat groats (If you like you can soak them over night which makes them a little easier to digest)
Any kind of milk you choose and a splash of water
Salt pepper maybe some rosemary or mixed herbs to season
Blend so it's a runny batter , think crepe batter more than waffle mix

Cook in a little Olive or Coconut oil.

Once you turn the pancake add.......
Buffallo Mozzarella or sub with Sheep's Feta
Spinkle with fresh herbs, I used Thai Basil
Spinach/courgette
Tomatoes on top

Can be folded as a pancake or dressed like a Pizza :-)