START YOUR DAY OR WEEK WITH A CUP OF...

 

"Saffron Tea"

 

 

 

  

Saffron Mint Tea



 



 

      What a way to kick off the beginning of the week with a nice cup of Saffron Tea.  Right?  We all know what this little thread can do to the body.  (see posting on Saffron)   Shall I refresh your memory?

 

• Mental clarity
• Fends off depression
• Blood circulation
• Fends off fatigue
• Boost Memory loss
• Body purifier
• Cancer prevention
• Enhances the immune system to fight diseases
• Helps eyesight
• Intestinal antiseptic

 

     Simple to make ...

   

 

Add a few threads of Saffron in boiling water



 

 

Did you know...

     Saffron or Turmeric was used to dye the Buddhist monks robes - it gave the robe cloth a yellow-orange color.  Besides the spices, barks, leaves, and flowers were used as well.  "Saffron Robe"

 

  

                                                                                      Ready for your cup?

 

 

 

                                                                                                                        Namaste

 



SHINGLES

"Herpes Zoster"

     Have you heard of it?  Had it?  Saw an outbreak of someone going through it?  Yesterday, I got a request from someone if I knew any natural remedies to help treat the painful virus infection.  Everyone knows I'm a natural remedy person at heart where I don't like taking drugs.  I always try my best to look at alternative routes to help heal the body naturally.  As a reminder if seeking natural remedies and taking supplements as always let your doctor know what you are doing and keep a journal of how the remedies are working for you.  Please be aware not all doctors like alternative methods.  Natural remedies can work quick or it can take time to work.  Do not be discourage.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes rashes, blisters, and pain on one side of the body.  It is an acute central nervous system infection caused by Herpes Zoster Virus - like the chicken pox. 

Who is affected?

Shingles normally attacks ages 50+ but it can attack younger people with a weakened immune system caused by stress, diseases, who had the chicken pox, or certain drugs.  Symptoms can last for months or even years.  Pain ranges from moderate to severe.  You can experience stabbing, shooting, burning, and throbbing of pain.  As you get older an increase risk for long term nerve pain may increase. 

Building up the immune system is the key to prevention.

How do we begin in treating it the natural way?

• Cayenne Pepper:  Can help relieve itchiness, pain, and discomfort.  Creating it as an ointment - mix a little pepper in a no chemical fragrance free lotion.   Apply 4-6 hrs.
• Oatmeal:  It soothes burning and itching irritations.  Creating a paste and apply it to the blisters or red spot areas.  Mix uncooked (raw) oatmeal with water to make a paste (do not use a lot of water when mixing it).  You can soak in a oatmeal bath - adding oatmeal to your bath water.  Helps you to relax and alleviate the irritation.
• Apple Cider Vinegar:  With a 100% cotton ball dab it in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area.  Relieves the irritation and itching.
• Vitamin B complex supplements:  Relieves stress and maintains a healthy immune and nervous system.
• Acidophilus Probiotics:  Take daily.  Look for a non-dairy.  Keep it in the fridge to preserve freshness.
• Vitamin C:  1000mg Take daily.  Builds up the immune system.
• Vitamin E:  Apply the oil on the affected areas.  Heals the skin and scars.  Make sure it is 100%   vitamin E - no added ingredients.
• Mediation & Yoga:  Reduces stress, helps circulation, and breathing.
• Acupuncture:  Insertion of needles to various key points of the body to bring circulation throughout the body and strengthen the organs to balance the yin and yang.  When seeking for an Acupuncturist - make sure the person is Certified Licensed, does not reuse the same needles, and make sure he or she wipes the body down with alcohol before starting inserting the needles.  Look for an Acupuncturist who is well experienced in the area.
• Daily Teas:  Drinking several cups of tea daily can help soothe, heal, and prevent shingles.

1. Licorice
2. Echinacea
3. Ginseng
4. Nettle
5. Red clover
6. St. John's Wort
7. Lemon Balm
8. Green Tea 
9. Turmeric (see posting on Pain Killer Tea)
10. Clove
11. Cinnamon

•  Aloe Vera:  "Miracle Plant", "Silent Healer", "Plant Immortality" Applying the gel of the aloe vera to the affected areas will heal the shingles.  Can be mix with herbs to create an ointment or a tea wash.

Making a Tea Wash

Lemon Balm, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Echinacea, Hyssop, or Golden Seal - Boil in distilled water.  Once cool down make a mixture of the herbal tea and mix in vitamin E oil and fresh Aloe Vera gel.  Apply with a cotton ball to the affected areas at least 3x a day.

• Amino Acid Lysine:  Eat foods that contain lysine, such as, watercress, legumes, carob, spinach, fish (wild), shrimp (wild), parmesan, gouda, or gruyere cheese, eggs, soybeans (NO GMOs), seaweed (spirulina, kelp etc.), tomatoes, carrots, orange juice, apples, mangos, bananas, apricots, pears, pumpkin, peas, beets, cauliflower, celery, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, figs, and sprouts.
• Flax Seed Oil:  Essential fatty acid supports a healthy nervous system and skin. Take 1 tablespoon a day
• Selenium:  100mg a day.
• Vitamin D3:  Take 1000iu or 2000iu daily.
• Tea Tree oil and Lavender Oil:  Mix equal parts of oils and apply on the affected areas.  Lavender helps the skin heal and relaxes the body (nerves).  Tea tree is antiviral -  kills bacteria, soothes the skin, and reduces inflammation. * other oils can be combined as well - Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Geranium, and Bergamot.
• Zinc:  25mg Take daily.  Builds immune system.
• Vitamin B12:  Studies have shown by getting an injection of B12 works quicker than supplement pill form.  It helps with pain relief and drying out the rash.  If you can't get to a doctor for a shot than try taking liquid form but make sure there isn't no preservatives, soy, additives, corn, or artificial colorings in it.
• Ice pack or cool cloth:  Will have numb the pain.
• Turmeric and fresh mint:  Mix turmeric powder with mint juice (juice up some mint leaves) or use aloe vera gel and apply to the affected areas.  
• Water:  Drink lots of purified water to flush out the toxins. 
• Dandelion root and Burdock root:  Helps detox the liver.

• Celery juice or Celery tea:  Can alleviate the pain and help tone up the nervous system.
• Lemon:  Can be rubbed on the affected area to relieve pain.
• Allspice paste:  Grind cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg with a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.  Add purified water.  Apply to the affected areas. (You can buy the spices ground)

 Hopefully these natural remedies can help those who are suffering with Shingles.


                                                                                                             Namaste

     



 

TAKING YOUR TASTE BUDS TO INDIA

"Juicing Tuesday"



Mango Lassi

     A refreshing drink to have on a nice day.  Finally, the weather is inching up to warmness to feel like spring!

     Mango Lassi is a popular non-alcoholic chilled yogurt base beverage in India and South Asia.  It is normally ordered as a dessert because it is a sweet drink.  But it can be made with salt and spices.

     Lassis originated in Punjab, northern region of India and gained popularity to various regions and countries.  I knew I had to try my hand at making this beverage.

     My instructional journey of a good Mango Lassi...

Shopping List

Appliances:

Blender, Mortar & Pestle, small Stainless Steel Pan, and Coffee Grinder or Spice Grinder.



Coffee Grinder



Ingredients

• 2 riped mangos
• 1-1/2 cup of coconut milk (depending on how thick or thin you would like your texture)
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (you can substitute for regular plain yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt)
• about 17-20 green cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon of raw honey (can substitute for raw agave, raw stevia, or raw coconut nectar) *depends on sweetness you like, just keep in mind mangos are sweet.
• 1 sprig of fresh organic mint (optional)

**Tip: You can add ice or use frozen mangos

*Secret Power Ingredient

  

 *The most expensive honey and has a powerful natural antibacterial that needs a UMF rating grade to be called the true legit Manuka Honey.  The major component in the honey is methylglyoxal (MG) (this compound is not found in most types of honey, but small quantities).  The higher the concentration of MG the stronger antibiotic effect it gives.  In order to be considered potent beneficial a minimum rating of 10+ UMF - at this level or above marked as UMF MANUKA HONEY or ACTIVE MANUKA HONEY.

It will cost you $26.99 and higher a jar.  If you are lucky, sometimes it goes on sale at health food stores.  Manuka Honey is rarely sold at local supermarkets.  This jar was a gift from my dad.  I love getting gifts of exotic specialty spices and rare foods that are hard to find.  Manuka has the greatest healing power.

What is "Manuka Honey"?

 Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees in which they pollinate the manuka flower bush. 

Why is "Manuka Honey" super beneficial?

• Repair damaged tissue by bacteria infection.
• Anti-Inflammatory action.
• Prevent and treat cancer.
• Eye, ear, and sinus infections.
• Gastrointestinal problems - stomach and peptic ulcers, diarrhea, gastritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and acid reflux.
• Treat wounds.
• Treat burns.
• Treat acne.
• Kills bacteria.
• Boils.
• Acts as a natural moisturizer.
• Relieves pain.
• Leg ulcers.
• Fungal infections.
• Sunburns.
• Gum disease.
• Sore throat.
• Energy booster.

*We need to give credit to the bees! 





Organic Mint  (from my Mint plant)

Benefits of Mint

Promotes good digestion.

Helps headaches.

Helps avoid nausea.

Helps respiratory disorders.

Helps skin.

Cancer prevention.

 Directions:

1.  Wash mangos, peel skin, and slice it.

Sliced Mangos

        2.   On medium heat add about 17-20 green cardamom pods in a pan (do not add anything in the pan but the pods) for 2-4 minutes until you start smelling the sweet fragrance of the pods.  *The pods have a wonderful aroma.  Your kitchen will smell so good.

Dry Roast the Green Cardamom Pods 

Why?

Dry roasting the green cardamom pods or any spice seeds releases the natural oils and aroma of the spice.  It wakes up the spice.

***The third expensive spice in the world.  "Queen of Spices" - check posting on benefits.

(Keep checking in to find out soon the King of Spices)

        3.    After roasting put the pods in the mortar and crush them.  This will fully crack open the pods.

Ready for cracking

        4.     Remove the shells.

Pick through and take out the seeds

        5.      Place the seeds in the grinder. 

Ready to rock and rumble

        6.      Ready, set, and press to grind.

Look at those seeds spin and grind!

        7.       Scoop out the ground cardamom.

Freshly ground green cardamom

        8.        Measure 1 cup of plain yogurt.

Plain Greek Yogurt

        9.       Pour 1 1/2 cup of coconut milk in blender.  Add the yogurt, honey, mint, and cardamom.

                                                                                       

             1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey

I was skimpy on the honey - only had a           little amount AGH!!!

           

*You can substitute with another raw natural sweetness.

Ready to blend

          10.      Pour it in a nice glass.

Taste buds are ready!

     Did it feel like a long journey in making it?  Yes, but the prep time was worth it.  I was able to incorporate the third most expensive spice in the world with the most expensive honey in the world.  Two gifts that were given to me.  

     Thanks Dad (for the honey) and Shital good friend (the green cardamom pods).

                                                                   I enjoyed drinking it!

THE THIRD MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE IN THE WORLD

CARDAMOM

Green Cardamom

Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world.   It is expensive because it must be harvested by hand (labor intensive), just as, the saffron and vanilla.   India is the land of cardamom- Elettaria cardamomum.  Cardamom spice is most commonly used in the Arab nations, Iran, Morocco, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, South Asia, Scandinavian, and Indian cuisines.  As you can see, it is popular among varies countries but 80% of the world’s cardamom is used by the Arab nations to flavor their coffee.  The cardamom-flavored coffee is called “gahira” in Arab homes.  The Arabs know it as the “Welcome coffee”.  It’s a sign of hospitality and generosity to guests.  The crushed cardamom pods are stuffed into the spout of a coffee pot when the hot coffee flows over the spice; the brew has an aromatic refreshing flavor.  Although cardamom is native to India but it was transported by Arab traders to the Mediterranean over millennia years ago.  Cardamom is known as the “Queen of Spices”.

Cardamom belongs to the ginger family, zingiberaceae, just like turmeric, ginger, and galangal.  It has a complex flavor that can be slightly sweet, floral, and spicy.  Cardamom comes in several forms depending on how the seed pods are treated.  The best cardamom comes from the rainforests of southern India.

Green cardamom pods are the preferred form of spice.  Therefore, the pods are picked while still immature and sundried to preserve its green color.  The green cardamom are hard to find and more expensive.  

Black Cardamom

Cardamom seed has the outer pod removed.  The seeds can be crushed or ground.

Black cardamom is dried over an open fire and has a smoky aroma.

White cardamom has been bleached to achieve its color.  As we all know, when you bleach something it destroys its natural flavor.

Cinnamon is not the only spice that you have to distinguish between true and false.  Cardamom as well – true cardamom and false cardamom.

The false cardamoms are, Chinese brown cardamom, Thai green cardamom, Nepal or large cardamom, and Java cardamom.  India has a second cardamom between true and false, which is brown/black known as “bastard” cardamom.  You can find the brown cardamom at an Indian market and the cardamom pods as well.

The true cardamom is Green Cardamom.

If you cannot find the pods, then buy the seeds instead of the ground cardamom.  Why? The volatile oils in the seeds are sensitive and their aroma dissipates quickly after exposure to the air.  The seeds are better to buy due to you can grind when you need to use the spice.

So, what’s the health benefits of Green Cardamom:  the powerful phytochemical called cineole found in the spice

Ø  Anti-inflammatory (analgesic properties)

Cardamom oil treats inflamed nerves, back muscles, and swollen joints.

Ø  Digestive Aid (anti-spasmodic agents)

Helps stomach cramps, flatulence, and gas. 

Seeds are crushed and steeped in hot water.

Ø  Bad Breath (cineole)

Cardamom pods freshen and sweeten the breath.

Known as “Mother Nature’s toothbrush” – cleans teeth.

Ø  Detoxification

Ø  Stops Ulcers

Cineole can slow or stop the development of aspirin-induced and alcohol-induced ulcers.

Ø  Prevent Colon Cancer

Reduces the inflammation that fuels cancer growth, stops cancer cells from dividing, and kills cancer cells.

Ø  Lowers Blood Pressure

Cardamom works like diuretic, a type of drug used to treat hypertension.  Study available in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Ø  Prevents Blood Clots (heart attacks & strokes)

Decreases platelet aggregation.

Ø  Congestion Relief (relax the airways)

Improves blood circulation to the lungs, prevents spasms or convulsions.

Cineole reduces the need for steroids in asthma people.

Cineole offers relief to sinus infection, headaches, pain, nasal secretion, and obstruction.

Now you know green cardamom is the “Queen” hands down.  You cannot beat that.  Open your palates and try the wonderful spice- add it to your coffee, make a pleasant tea, or better yet use it as a breath mint or mouthwash.

Curious to know who is the “King of Spices”?  Dare to take a wild guess?

Keep checking in to find out…

THE SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE IN THE WORLD

VANILLA

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world because growing the seed pods are labor intensive.  It is native to Mexico and derived from the pods of the only edible Orchid plant.  The exotic spice has an aphrodisiacal reputation for enhancing romance.  Its wonderful aromatic flavor is widely used among chefs.  The Europeans first used vanilla as a culinary spice. The Aztecs wore it as a “medicinal charm”.

The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word “vainilla” or “little pod”.  The spice is sold in two forms, a dried bean and extract.  Vanilla beans are sold in cylindrical tube quantities of three.  Purchase the beans that are dark brown (almost black), moist to touch, and pliable.  If you don’t buy the beans, then buy the pure vanilla extract. The synthetic “imitation” vanilla on the market today cannot be compared to the pure vanilla. 

Vanilla is not only known for its flavor and sweet fragrance but for its medical healing benefits.

Worldwide scientists from countries, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and New York had conducted research on this Orchid spice.  The findings are amazing in what this spice can prevent and treat.  The active compound in this spice is “vanillin”.

Wondering what are the health benefits?

Cancer

·      Kills cancer cells

·      Limit metastasis – the movement of cancer cells from their original site to the rest of the body

·      Inhibits angiogenesis

·      Antimutagenic effects

Sickle cell anemia

·      Stop the sickling of red blood cells

Pure vanilla is worth the price.   Don’t skip on the “little pod”.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE IN THE WORLD

SAFFRON

           

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world by weight.  It is 10 times more costly than vanilla.  Saffron is the dried stigma golden red thread from the blue saffron crocus flower.  This exotic spice is almost worth the price of gold and sold by the gram.  The dried stigma is hand picked and takes 80,000 crocus flowers to make 500 grams of saffron.   One gram of saffron you will need 190 flowers due to each plant produces 3 threads. Saffron is native to the Mediterranean, Asia, India, Turkey, and Iran.  But it is now primarily imported from Spain.  The alternative world considers saffron’s benefits value as the weight of gold.

Since saffron being very expensive one must be cautious in purchasing this exotic spice due to there are adulterated and bogus items that mimic this delicate spice.  To determine if your saffron is pure genuine or not you must immerse a tiny piece in milk or warm water.  If the color of the liquid changes immediately then it’s adulterated (fake).  Saffron takes 10-15 minutes of soaking in warm water or milk before it can bleed its deep color and aroma begin to develop.

Saffron is sold in threads and ground.  You are better off in buying the thread than ground because you do not know if it is the “real” thing. 

Saffron does more than just add flavor and color to foods.  It has an ancient medical history and scientific research facts to back its health boost claims.   

The compounds found in saffron are crocin and safranel.  The crocin has antioxidant carotenoids and cell-neuro-protective properties and gives the spice its golden yellow color.  Safranel a volatile oil found in the spice has antioxidant, cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant properties.

Saffron may help prevent and treat the following:

ü  Alzheimer’s disease – effective as donepezil at slowing mental decline without the side effects

ü  Anxiety

ü  Atherosclerosis – cardiovascular disease, lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, enhances oxygen diffusivity in plasma- improving pulmonary oxygenation

ü  Cancer - Inhibit cancer cells, shrink tumor cells, lung, colon, breast, liver, pancreatic, bladder, cervical, and leukemia cancer

ü  Depression – “Mother Nature’s Prozac”, effective as imipramine (Tofranil) without the side effects

ü  Macular degeneration, age related – significantly increase blood flow in the retina, slows down blindness, protects eyes from bright light

ü  Memory loss – Promotes learning, memory retention, and recall capacity

ü  Erectile dysfunction

ü  Fatigue

ü  High blood pressure (hypertension)

ü  Infertility male – protected and regenerated the sperm

ü  Insomnia – increases sleep time 

ü  Menstrual cramps

ü  Multiple Sclerosis

ü  Parkinson’s disease

ü  Premenstrual syndrome PMS

ü  As a paste to relieve skin dryness

ü  Stress

ü  Stomach aches

ü  Kidney stones

ü  Blood circulation, blood purifier

ü  Soreness and inflammation of the mouth and tongue

ü  Gastro intestinal disorders, acidity, and colic

The taste of saffron varies depending where it is grown and amount of crocin it contains.  When saffron meets water, the flavor intensifies so a pinch goes a long way.

Saffron only works in liquids and must be infused in warm water or milk before it is added to a recipe.  Never infuse it in oil.  You can break or grind the threads in a mortar and pestle before adding the spice to the liquid.  If you use too much of it, then it will give foods a bitter taste.

When using saffron in supplement form, be sure to not exceed recommended dosages.

Saffron Tea

3 threads of saffron or less

Add to hot water and steep for 20 minutes

*Add a Ceylon cinnamon stick or any other spice or herb to reduce bitterness of the saffron

** Use stevia, raw honey, or raw agave nectar to naturally sweeten tea.

Above all this exquisite spice is worth an investment.  So give the thread a try.