Best Natural Healing Hacks

What are the best natural healing hacks everyone should know about??

First thing in after you wake up - drink 500 ml of water.

• Your body spent all night cleansing, Now give it a way to flush everything out.
• Rehydrate your body
• Easy it into a new routine - breaking your fast (breakfast) shouldn't be harsh on your body so break it with water, then go for your usual breakfast

During showers - end with cold water

• This forces your body to create white blood cells
• This shock improves your immunity.
• The cold water even helps with muscle aches and strains and inflammation (inflammation is what usually kills us slowly)

Rid yourself of sugar

• It is a poison, almost all types of sugar are
• We don't need sugar in sugar form because we get enough from fruits or even from breaking down of carbohydrates like bread and rice.
• Sugar lowers pH of body, making a better environment for bacteria to live in.

Vitamin C - the real deal

• This has been known to cure so many things
• First discovered when man was trying to find a cure for his migraine. He gave it to other subjects with migraines and while jotting down their experiences with the vitamin, he found out that many noticed other ailments disappearing (arthritis, carpel tunnel, memory loss, forgetfulness, lack of energy, decreases libidos, colds, flu,) all of these ailments and more either finished or disappeared.
• You cannot overdose on vitamin c
• It has been used in very high doses to cure cancer.
• Ascorbic acid is the pure form of vitamin c (it may be better than vitamin c tablets as the tablets may have ingredients to mask the flavour etc.

Hot water

• Although I am a big advocate of herbs, spices etc. The best part of a tea to your health is the hot water
• Hot water relaxes your system
• It helps cleanse your system
• Improves digestion
• May even improve metabolism

Breathe!!!!

• Not the we usually breathe. I mean deep breaths.
• Deeply inhale and deeply exhale, make sure you reach the end of your lungs
• Get more oxygen in - helps to heal body
• Balances blood pressure,
• Calms the mind, and body - eases stress
• Adds oxygen to the brain

Spices. Flavour your world!!!

• This is something as an extra.
• Not many know of spices except the usually black pepper, and chili powder and maybe now turmeric.
• But there are endless amounts of spices (and by spices I am also including roots, berries, herbs, bark, resin, fruit, seeds, etc)
• Spices add flavour to food - this means you can avoid eating unhealthy food because you can spice up the healthy food and make it taste amazing
• Spices add health benefits. Some spices aid with digestion, some with flatulence and gas, some help cholesterol, some with diabetes, blood pressure, some with stomach ailments, nausea, some act like Advil as they are anti-inflammatory. And so many more.
• Don't be surprised or worry about which spice to use, because all of them almost always are antioxidants and a lot share many of the benefits.
• My advice is to always have a spice cabinet, and experiment until you find your favourite combination.
• Spices don't have to be added during the cooking phase
• Spices can be added after cooking (sprinkled like a salt)
• Spices aren't only for cooked foods - add them in salads, dips, drinks, smoothies, tea

Spicy in the Bedroom – 9 ways to make your Valentine wanting more

It’s just around the corner, that day where you express your undying love to the most special person in your life.  Roses and chocolates are the staple, but how about this Valentines Day you spice things up. What better way than with spices!!

Time for some Libido Talk… Aphrodisiac spices should be the next staple for special passion filled day.

Ginseng – not only known as a perfect energy booster, this root can help increase arousal for both men and woman. Drop the Viagra, because even the worst male erectile dysfunction can be fixed with Ginseng. Your body will love you, and so will your partners’ body!

Nutmeg – It has been shown that compounds in nutmeg may stimulate the nervous system. More sensations of pleasure, means more sexual activity. Great ways to spice up your night. Let the nutmeg begin the stimulation, and leave the rest to your partner!

Fenugreek seeds – for all you men out there, this spice is for you. Fenugreek contains saponins that play a major role in increasing the production of testosterone, a male hormone that causes a raise in male libido. Time to please your loved one, first stop Kitchen, next stop… bedroom!!

Cardamom – almost every couple who complain about lack of sexual interactions blame it on their energy levels. “I’m too tired baby, I need sleep”. Leave the exhaustion out of the bedroom with Cardamom seeds. This spice increases energy and relieves fatigue. Let the love making process go on!

Cloves – Passion, love, hotness… they all exude a form of heat. Get your body going by helping to heat it up. Cloves is a warming spice with an exceptional aroma, that will improve sexual behavior and raise the hotness quotient in your body.. and in the bedroom!!

Fennel seed – woman, don’t fret, men may have the fenugreek seed on their side for libido, but you’re in luck too. Fennel seeds contain estrogen-like substances that turn on that libido. Follow your man into the kitchen and raid that spice cabinet, before you rush into the bedroom.

Saffron – this has got to be the most expensive spice for a reason. It could be because of its fiery orange-red passionate color, or perhaps because it’s great at improving sexual function, arousal and even lubrication. No need to visit the Adult shop this valentines day, just raid your spice cabinet.              

Ginger – This G spice does wonders to the G-spot. It inceases sex drive and stimulates sexual performance.

Garlic – maybe not entirely recommended due to the aroma it leaves behind, but this spice eaten with green chilies is an old tried & tested way of enjoying sex for long periods. Crushed and fried in butter, this mix can leave you wanting more. May your night be long, pleasant, and full of passionate love.

This Valentine's Day, start your day in the kitchen by attacking the spice cabinet 

Then you can end the day with lustful spicy passion in the bedroom.  

A Fooled Hash Brown & Roasted Pepper Avocado Salsa

Hashed Browns with Broad Beans (Fool) & Red Split Lentils

topped with a Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato & Avocado Salsa

I decided to do this recipe, since I had soaked lentils & cooked (boiled) broad beans from the night before. It was a simple recipe, but considering these two items were already for me, it took away from prep time.

 

Broad Bean Hashed Browns

1 Potato grated

1 cup Broad Beans chopped

½ cup Soaked Split Red Lentils (not cooked)

½ Onion chopped

2 cloves Garlic finely chopped

1 Tbsp Roasted Red Pepper chopped

4 Cherry Tomatoes diced

½ cup Boiled Rice

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Cumin ground

½ tsp Cayenne powder

½ tsp Black pepper 

1 Egg

½ cup Flour + additional flour for consistency

• Preheat oven at 350°
• Prepare all ingredients & Mix together
• I quickly pan friend the mix which helped in molding the mixture
• Made mini patties & placed on an oiled tray 
• Cooked until lightly browned

Then Begins the Salsa Preparation


Roasted Red Pepper, Cherry Tomato & Avocado Salsa
½ Onion finely diced
1 cup Cherry Tomato quartered
½ to 1 Avocado diced
½ Roasted Red Pepper diced
pinch of black pepper
1 tsp salsa mix (optional)



Top the hash browns with the Salsa & Enjoy!!

All the Curried Nuts a Chicken Can Get

 

Raisin and Nut Crumble with Coconut Curried Chicken, Radicchio & Red Peppers

All within a few days of each other, I ended up with the same ingredients. But I wanted to do a different recipe. So SPICES to the rescue!

Curry it was! 

which means more Turmeric 

I prepared the Nut & Raisin Crumble the same way as I prepared it in the Nuts, Fig & Raisin Crust Chicken Pizza minus the eggs and the zaatar. The dough didn't hold too well due to the lack of a binder (the egg) - so I crumbled it. I also added a tsp of curry powder to the mix.

On the side I had marinated the chicken in the curry powder & cooked it with garlic & onions. Unlike the Pizza recipe, I decided to slightly cook the available vegetables by adding them to the cooked chicken right before I took it off the stove. 

Red Bell Peppers

Radicchio

Lettuce

Raisins

1 tsp shredded Coconut

Lastly I needed a sauce, so went with a Coconut Curry sauce. 

¼ cup light coconut milk

1 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp shredded Coconut

½ tsp curry powder

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp Sriracha hot chili sauce

1 tsp cornstarch

Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

With pretty much the same ingredients, I was able to make 2 different recipes with different tastes. The options are endless!

Turmeric Infused Olive Oil & Kalunji Oil

My mini jar of Turmeric and Kalunji oil, that I happened to find in Dubai, is running out on me. Luckily, I came across Fresh Turmeric Root today at an Indian Market. You should have seen the excitement on my face. Without hesitation, I bought a pound or two of it. Just as I do with ginger, I put the roots in the freezer, so as to prevent them from molding.








HOW TO:
Prior to putting them in the freezer, I grated a couple of roots into a jar (grated about 2 tablespoons of the turmeric.) Filled the jar with Olive oil, and added a couple teaspoons of Kalunji (Black seed/Nigella) Oil. 

I Finally have my own Homemade Turmeric Infused Oil with Kalunji - Time to Heal!!

Now I use this oil instead of plain old Olive oil. It has the benefits of all three plants.

- Olive - Turmeric - Kalunji - 

Turmeric: A whole body cleanser, Anti-inflammatory, Liver enhancing, Aid in detoxification, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Immune Boosting, and rich in antioxidants that aid in the body’s fight against cancer, heart failure, cataracts, dementia and ulcers. (to name a few)

Root

I've attempted to eat the root raw, and i can handle the taste - will attempt to use it for flavouring just as I use raw ginger.

Turmeric (& Kolongi) Oil

During a trip to Dubai and visiting the "Souk" flea market, I came across many vendors who carried spices & herbs. I was in Wonderland!!  that's where I came across an infused oil with turmeric and kolongi.  it's a topical application and It's a healer.  My cuts healed in half the time they usually did. Baby diaper rashes that wouldn't heal because of constant moisture from the diaper, were reduced in size and severity with this oil. I've used it on some rashes as well, with outstanding results.  This oil also contained Kolongi - a seed mentioned in the Quran as being "A healer of everything except death"

Leafy Greens & Chicken Crêpe with Beet Béchamel Sauce

So I decided to attempt the crepe. And I flipped it too!

I had some defrosted chicken and a bunch of random greens in the fridge. Beets were simmering in pot on the stove & almonds were soaking in water overnight.

Chopped the chicken into pieces and marinated them with mashed garlic, half a lemon and beet juice. Pinch of salt, pinch of  pepper and a squeeze of mustard.

As for the leafy's, I had Dandelion greens, Brussels sprouts, and Radicchio (red in colour), which i roughly chopped. As I also did with the soaked almonds.






On the side, I had the batter for the Crêpes prepared
½ cup water 
½ cup milk
1 cup flour
2 eggs
2 tbsp butter
¼ tsp salt


Beet Béchamel Sauce
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp flour
Stir flour into hot oil , slowly add
1 cup milk
Avoiding adding it quickly, so sauce may clump
Add a pinch of salt and white pepper to taste (White pepper gets disguised, whereas black pepper can be seen) as well as mashed garlic.

For added flavor, you can add herbs or cheese or even spices.

Here, I added beet juice to the sauce to give it a pinkish colour,
 
Then got a little excited and added my turmeric infused Olive-Kalunji Oil for a health kick, the colour went from pinch to peach, but still tasted good.


- I sauteed the chicken, then added the greens and the nuts and slightly sauteed. 
- Crêpes batter, was poured in pan & swirled around.

Plating time:
Placed sauteed chicken & green mix into crêpe, folded it & poured beet béchamel sauce over it.

Cough be Gone!

My need for heat has come again. I've just spent a wonderful month with my twin niece and nephew, along with my brother and sister in law. Now the fun is over, and back to work. Unfortunately, in this cold weather we all came down with a cough. So I decided to remedy all with a little bit of Apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper. The worst thing about a cough is how it lingers, especially when you're trying to sleep. Throat tickles, and once you cough once, you just can't stop.

This remedy I find, beats halls, or any cough drop remedy. And the good part is, you're doing your body good, without taking in any strong synthetic formula. Even better, it helps build your immunity, gets your blood flowing and stabilizes your pH. Not only can this be a remedy for coughs, but it could be a weight loss solution.

This recipe calls for:

½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
½ cup Water
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
4 tsp Natural Honey

HOW TO:
Take one tablespoon on the onset of a cough attack. Moreover, take one spoon before bedtime.

I used to take 2 tablespoons at one time to speed the healing process. If you can tolerate the two spoons, you can by all means do that as well. Don't feel the need to restrict your intake of this in just the times I mentioned. You can take a spoon before or after meals - This can aid in digestion.

This Mix (minus the honey) is a great remedy for acid reflux or stomach ulcers as well. Both Apple cider vinegar and cayenne are helpful in the process.

Hot Leeky Quinoa

Spicy Quinoa & Leek Salad

Immune Boosting, Digestive clearing salad. Consists of quinoa boiled in chicken broth and slightly cooled. Chopped Leeks, green onions and Cucumbers were added to the mix, and finally topped off with an Olive-Oil & Mustard dressing.

I'm a fan for heat, and I try to include it in many of my meals to increase circulation and maintain heart health. I've added cubed Cayenne peppers to this dish to give it a little kick and add some health.

Avocado Olive Dip

So last night I posted a pic of my Avocado Olive Dip, and was kindly asked to include the recipe. So here goes. Before I show you the recipe, I wanted to show you my other forms of avocado feasting.

LEMON AVOCADO 

Before I get stated, I wanted to show you my personal favorite & traditional way of eating an avocado. This method simply consists of an Avocado cut in half, pit removed and sliced in a grid like form. On the side, a good squeeze of lemon, and a mashed up garlic clove with a pinch of salt. Pour the lemon-garlic mix into the avocado, stir & eat.

AVOCADO & OLIVES

Then there's the inspiration to this recipe. A staple at the dinner table after our meal, we include the avocado and the olive. I prefer a spoon, my family members prefer a "La'meh" of pita bread (when the pita bread is used as a scoop to hold food). The lemon-garlic mix can be excluded here & it still tastes amazing


Finally off the the recipe:

AVOCADO OLIVE DIP

• 1 Avocado cubed
• ½ Lime or Lemon squeezed
• 1 clove of garlic mashed
• 1/2 tomato cubed
• 5 olives pitted & cubed
• pinch of salt

You can also add

• ½ tsp cumin ground
• ¼ tsp coriander ground
• ¼ tsp fresh hot peppers

‘Tea’ for a better Tomorrow

Some Health Benefits of Tea:

‘Tea’ for a better Tomorrow

I say tea, and you may think 1 or 2 kinds, but it’s an endless variety. Tea consists of a dried plant, herb, peel, seed, berry, fruit or fruit pits steeped and infused in boiling water. It’s the natural chemicals that leech out of the dried tea and into the water, which are responsible for all the benefits a tea could have.

When choosing tea – try to opt for the loose leaf rather than the tea bags. Loose leaf tea contains more antioxidants. Simply put, the tea bags usually contain the remnants of the loose leaf (lower quality powdered leaf). 

 
Try to avoid Decaf tea’s – their cancer fighting properties are usually decreased in the decaffeinating process.

Don't add Milk to your tea  - Milk decreases and sometimes eliminates the positive health effects that the natural compounds in tea provide. It was found that proteins in milk (caseins) decrease catechins in tea, which boost protection against heart disease.

BENEFITS OF TEA
Aging	Allergies	Colds/Flu	Arthritis	Bone Strength
Cancer	Cholesterol	Heart Health	Weight Loss	Inflammation
Antioxidant	Diabetes	Immune system	Metabolism	Circulation

1.    Protects against cancer. Today, scientific research has shown that those people who often drink tea have significantly lower risk of cancer. Polyphenols can help prevent the growth of cancer. This particular ingredient has a power to completely kill off cancerous cells by inhibiting enzymes that cancer cells need in order to grow. Tea also has the ability to prevent healthy cells from turning malignant or cancerous after exposure to cancer causing compounds.

2.    Antioxidants & Aging. They protect the body from the negative effects of aging and the effects of pollution. Oolong tea as other teas may help in reducing the signs of aging.

3.    Increases Metabolism. Flavonoids in tea help body burn fat and speed up metabolism. It is an ideal drink for those who wish to lose weight.

4.    Reduce the risk of Heart attack and stroke. Blood clots formed from cholesterol and blood platelets cause heart attack and stroke. Drinking tea helps keep arteries clean, helps in preventing blood from clumping or forming clots.

5.   Lower ‘Bad’ Cholesterol. Tea helps drop levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or Bad Cholesterol.  

6.   Protects the Bones. Tea promotes healthier and stronger bones, protecting people from such diseases as osteoporosis. The Flavonoids act as bone builders – increasing bone mineral densities.

7.   Promotes a healthier immune system. Drinking tea may help the body's immune system fight off infection. There is higher immune system activity in the blood of the tea drinkers.

8.   Tea has less caffeine than coffee.

9.   Allergies. Green tea rich in antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer, now shows to be an allergy fighter. These antioxidants block the biochemical process involved in producing an allergic response.

10.Prevent diabetes. Oolong tea can help in the treatment of diabetes.  This tea contains components that regulate insulin levels in the body.

11. Tea helps to keep you hydrated.

12. Arthritis. Some teas help with reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Catechins in green tea are chondroprotective and are prophylactic for arthritis – benefiting the patient.

13.Inflammation. Tea helps in reducing or controlling inflammation in the body. This is not only useful for arthritis patients, but also those who experience inflammation due to injury or disease.

14.Tea also has a positive effect in fighting gum and tooth disease. Tea contains fluoride component which reduce the main bacteria involved in decay. Tea can reduce the buildup of bacteria-causing plaque and give you a brighter smile.

By drinking tea daily, eating healthy food, and doing regular exercises, people can dramatically reduce the risks of health problems. Tea is a healthy delicious beverage for everyday life.

Tea comes in a wide variety. Main Categories being :

White – Green – Black – Herbal – Flowering – Red

Below is a List of Teas… Think outside of the box, Tea is leeching natural chemicals into water so our body can absorb it. This means tea could be made with anything that leeches these chemicals out when placed in water.  Some people use the stems of cherries as a tea – this is helpful for gout.  Others use the corn hair for their tea – helps with colds and coughs.  I use spices like Turmeric powder in my Tea. 

Corn Hair	Cardamom	Chamomile	Chrysanthemum flower	Black	Green	White
Cinnamon	Cumin	Licorice	Cherry Stems	Cranberry	Oolong	Hibiscus
Matte	Assam Tea	Ceylon Tea	Lemon peel	Fruit pits	Gingko	Seaweed
Turmeric	Herbal	Red Clover	Orange Peel	Matcha	Nettle	Nutmeg
Anise	Clove	Lavender	Flower Tea	Jasmine	Rosehip	Cardamom
Mint	Fennel	Senna	Vanilla Bean	Ginger	Roobios	Lemon Balm