Spring awakening with Ayurveda

Dear audience,

It is springtime again. The weather is warming up, the first buds very shyly and carefully are peeking out of the cold winter soil, the first green tips are becoming visible on the trees, the migrating birds are returning – everything is in transition, renewal, regeneration.

 Also our bodies claim to be prepared for the warmer time of the year after during winter he has been kept warm and armed against the cold with heavier, nourishing food. He wants to be detoxified and regenerated. Spring is the ideal time for a Panchakarma cure (for example at www.lankaprincess.com). Get rid of winters’ waste products and toxins, relieve the metabolism, stimulate digestion and cell renewal.  If you don’t recognize this natural pattern or worse try to resist it by loading up on heavy foods, it will lead to internal clogging – spring allergies, sluggishness, water retention, heaviness in the limbs, and seasonal affective disorder.

If you do not have the opportunity to do a 12 day Panchakarma cure, there is a lot you can do at home. Maybe you have the chance to book some purifying massages, to perform a cleansing of the intestine?

At home we can get prepared for spring. The heavier, fatty crèmes, with which we have nourished our skin during winter, go into the fridge until the next winter or – according to their expiry date – can be finished on dryer body parts.  Face and body can be revived with cleansing and invigorating peelings. Use the sauna! It is very healthy and cleansing, as well as cardio exercise, which makes you sweat a lot.  Exercise and a lot of movement in general will put your winter tired body back on track, book a new class at your gym, start to do Yoga, this is the time to implement something new into your life in order to make this a very successful year.

How do I detox from the inside? To imagine that you have to starve yourself is not exactly uplifting. And there are much better ways. It is very important to give your body a lot of liquids in form of drinking water of excellent quality, herbal teas and green tea. In order to stimulate the excretion of toxins, hot water with a dash of cayenne, ¼ lemon, 1 tsp honey and a few drops of apple cider vinegar are a fantastic tonic. Fat digestion is being stimulated.

In order to help your liver to detox, bitter greens, herbs and spices are very helpful. Remember that lunch should be your biggest meal, whereas in the evening it is rather indicated to eat light vegetarian dishes or soups.

A wonderful, Ayurvedic detoxifying juice (www.thechalkboardmag.com):

- ½ bunch parsley

-4 big leaves swiss chard

- ½ pink grapefruit

- ½ cucumber

- 1 cm ginger

- 2 green fennel stalks

- 1 dash cinnamon

Juice and sip slowly!

Light meals, which support your body with its spring cleansing work and do not burden the body. Avoid too much meat, 1 x / is enough during this period. Prefer white fish with light, steamed vegetables. Ghee instead of butter contributes to the detoxification of the body.

A wonderful dish – at any time of the year, but especially in spring time – is the classic Kithchari. Usually a mix of two grains, prepared with a special mix of spices and herbs, is extremely nourishing without straining the metabolism and supports the cleansing process. A recipe: https://www.doctorblossom.com/index.php/nutrition-a-recipes/63

Have a wonderful spring! Enjoy it with lightness and vitality!

Liver health

Dear audience,

and here I am writing to you again, today a special article related to an essentially important organ in our body.
The heart, you might think with Valentine's Day approaching. Yes, the heart is very important, but today let me draw your attention to an approx 1,5kg heavy soft meaty thing right under your right rib arch.....exactly: your liver!

Do you worry "How is my liver?" from time to time? Only after intensive alcohol nights? Hm, in that case you should include it into your thoughts more often. It must not come to increased liver values or poor liver function tests to begin with liver care.

What tasks does my liver have?
The liver in an adult is the largest organ of metabolism , i.e. digestive gland . Good news is that it is extremely capable of regeneration . But this self-healing power has its limits.

The filtering capacity of the liver is a prerequisite for a smooth process of metabolism. From the intestines, the blood passes with the nutrients drawn from your food to the liver. Here the useful substances are passed on and the toxic routed into the intestine via the bile, so that they can be excreted. 
The liver produces blood proteins, defense substances and bile and is the main detoxification organ. Almost all the nutrients that are absorbed from the intestine into the blood, first reach to the liver and are then released into the bloodstream of the ones needed or removed from the blood. Further tasks of the liver are the storage of vitamins and the synthesis of starting materials for the production of hormones. If you do not possess your bile anymore, the careful handling of the liver is all the more essential as your bile liquid will be produced only there. 

The liver plays an important roll in the control of glucose, fat and protein metabolization as well. The liver controls for example the hormone insulin and thus our blood sugar levels and the supply of sugar. Insulin activated in the liver is then responsible for the "combustion" of glucose and inhibits the breakdown of fat. Ergo the liver controls whether we increase or decrease weight. At the same time, it is in charge of the removal of toxins that we take in through our skin and respiratory system.

If the liver is overloaded constantly, which happens not only through excessive drinking, but also by a too high fat and sugar intake, it does not lay down its work anyway - this would have devastating consequences - but continues to operate. The liver reduces its work force and then our body is comparable to a residential neighborhood where the garbage guys lay down their work .

Early warning Signs
It is said that "the liver is suffering quietly". All the more reason to give it our full attention and to support it in their work through our diet and other measures.

Observe one or more of the following symptoms in yourself ?

• Continuous fatigue, weariness, lack of energy
• no appetite, weight loss for no apparent reason
• feeling of bloatedness after eating, feeling of pressure in upper abdomen, diarrhea
• Itching
• increased tendency to sweating or freezing
• drop in performance
• lack of concentration
• reduced memory
• weight gain in the abdominal area
• Alcohol is not well tolerated

Maybe that's your liver, which asks you for help !Make use of the regenerative power of your liver and give your weary body a holistic detoxifying liver cleansing. You will notice the success of liver cleansing immediately. You will feel fitter, digestion will come back into balance, your concentration and productivity will increase.

" The pain of the liver is the fatigue '

Liver care
Various experiments with liver cleansing like olive oil , grapefruit, lemon and garlic cures have become common. Garlic, for example, contains many sulfur-containing substances. These can activate those liver enzymes that are responsible particularly for the excretion of toxins from the body.

With a sincere purification of this important organ, however, one must first change his diet, which is a clever entry. A few days completely fat-free diet, a daily green smoothie and plenty of water are a good preparation for the holistic liver cleansing, which includes a colon cleanse, a surplus base diet and liver cleansing foods. A central herb in any liver cleanse and regeneration is milk thistle . In Ayurveda we use the product LIV 52, which is often prescribed during Panchakarma treatments after an appropriate doctor's consultation. 


What the liver likes
Green leafy vegetables and salads contribute to the health of the liver. The detoxification function of the liver is effectively supported. Arugula , dandelion greens, spinach, green leafy salads etc. contain a variety of cleaning ingredients, which can neutralize strong liver-damaging heavy metals. Green leafy vegetables can be consumed regularly at best in the form of green smoothies. Also, vegetable leaves, for example of the turnip plant, leaves of beetroot and many more belong to this salutary category.

Drink green tea
Green tea contains phytochemicals so-called catechins. These are special substances with antioxidant activity, they remove the fat accumulation in the liver and can promote healthy liver function. However, one should not drink more than two or three cups of green tea per day.

The good avocado
Avocados can build up a damaged liver again and protect the body against free radicals. They can preserve the liver from excessive exposure to toxins and stimulate the cleansing power .

The power of Walnuts
The amino acids contained in the Walnut L -arginine, glutathione and omega -3 fatty acids help in liver detoxification.

Yellow turmeric miracle
Turmeric is one of the most powerful foods for maintaining a healthy liver and also protects against free radicals. Turmeric can regenerate damaged liver cells and boost the natural production of bile, ease swollen hepatic ducts and improve the overall function of the gallbladder. Only used for seasoning though, the amounts are not high enough. Turmeric capsules or tea are useful ways of including this precious spice into your liver cleansing diet. 

Bad fat is a challenge, not just for the liver. Good quality butter and virgin coconut oil in moderation are excellent fats that do not harm the body.

Sour and spicy are good for the liver, e.g. a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the sharpness of ginger, horseradish and garlic.

Hot water in the morning on an empty stomach is easily digestible for the body and helps to remove pollutants.

The milk thistle is a proven remedy for our liver . This was already known to the famous Hildegard von Bingen. Without doing any harm, but only good to your body, a tea cure 1x/year or milk thistle tablets work well. Ideally, this treatment is continued over 30 days.

To support and promote sleep liver packs are well-known. In oriental medicine, the liver is also responsible for relieving stress , anger and aggression. An external sign according to the Chinese doctrine are distinct wrinkles in the area above the nose between the eyebrows. If you have one, two or even more vertical wrinkles, this should point to a disturbance in liver function.

A warm, humid liver-pack is placed on the right rib cage to relax and fall asleep. Do not be surprised if the liver pack promotes the wildest dreams! During sleep we resolve our aggressions. This might in the end also become an enjoyable and definitely interesting contribution to your nights! 

Aloe Vera - A pharmacy in a flowerpot

Dear readers,

two years ago in my beautiful garden in Italy on the sunniest spot I could find I planted my first agave. It was a small baby coming from the far South of Italy. In the meantime at least my dogs can dwell in its shadow. As this agave looked a bit lonely, I planted another one next to it plus cacti of various sizes. Something was still missing. Ah, right, I always need something nutritious! So my Mum last summer brought a small aloe vera plant, a green, cactus-like plant at first glance, which is called the "queen of herbs " and rightly so. 

It is also called "plant of immortality". Its healing powers internally and externally are exemplary. About 160 medicinal active substances have been detected to date . The plant belongs to the genus of desert lilies, similar to the American agave and probably originates from Africa. The oldest known mention of aloe can be found on more than 6000 year old pottery shards from Babylonia.

Later, in the wake of Arab traders and armies the aloe came to India and became an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine. From here she began her journey to China and through the Arabs also came to Spain and other European countries, as well as to the Native Americans.

Extraordinary with this plant, which is among the so-called succulents (special water-storing plants in the tropics and subtropics) is its protective properties against the evaporation of moisture. When a leaf is injured, the wound heals almost immediately. It was concluded that these skills had to minister even human skin.

Among more than 300 different species, it is the "true Aloe" (Aloe Barbadensis Miller), who is most digestible for human beings. 

The aloe is a complete food in addition to its skin healing properties and contains numerous life-giving nutrients such as vitamins , amino acids , mineral salts , enzymes and digestive enzymes. About 400 remedial substances can be obtained from the sap of aloe for the human organism. Amongst them the Acemannan, which is also found in ginseng and shitake mushrooms and is known for its immune-stimulating, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties and therefore plays an important role in cancer treatment. Likewise, it alkalizes, detoxifies and purifies the body from inside. Aloe has a positive effect on gut flora, on blood sugar and blood fat levels and acts immunogenic. For general alkalization a 2-month treatment is recommended.

Aloe Vera is a valuable food supplement. Used externally, aloe gel helps in wound healing, burns, sunburn and stretch marks. Similarly, in different skin diseases. The gel tightens the skin and moisturizes it deeply.

Since the aloe plant is very frugal, one can easily keep it at home on the windowsill. It is happy with enough light and sometimes a little water. Carefully, you can cut one of the outer leaves when needed and remove a little gel for external use. If you want to consume the fresh gel, you have to remove the outer leaf skin. It is recommended to purchase a ca. 4 -year-old plant. The scientific community disagrees on whether certain healing substances mature only after 3-5 years.

Like in any treatment with natural remedies also the benefits of aloe need their time. 

The pure gel itself has no attractive taste. Therefore, it is usually mixed. Here your imagination knows no boundaries. Whether in fruit or vegetable juices or teas - go for it.

For an energy drink for example, mix Aloe gel with honey (in about equal amounts) and a little rum in a kitchen blender and store it sealed in a refrigerator. Morning, noon and evening you can take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach.

As with all foods from nature the consumption of Aloe Vera in a non-thoughtful way can lead to side effects.
The bitter substances of Aloe Vera - the Aloine - in internal application leads to disturbances in the gut and abdomen, which is why they are banned in edible aloe vera products. You should check the products that you buy accordingly. At home, the Aloine is easy to avoid: it is the yellow liquid that you find when you open the leaf. Please wash it off completely , then you will get the pure gel.

Also, in the beginning of the consumption some unpleasant , but completely harmless "Aloe Vera side effects" can occur, because the aloe does not only supply the body with over 250 nutrients and vital substances, but also with a lot of sun energy that the aloe itself stores in the years of its growth. Thus, the Aloe regulates the body, which was even demonstrated in blood tests.

So, should the side effects be uncomfortable , reduce the daily recommended intake of 60 to 100 ml aloe gel and then increase it slowly to allow your body to get used to this new pleasant energy boost.

Weight loss with healthy food

Dear readers,

are you trying to loose weight? Have you been counting calories or tried diet versions that just did not do it for you? 

I am curious! Let me know about your experiences! I will write here very soon regarding weight loss. In the meantime I appreciate to read from my readers for a change. Awaiting your comments.....

So red, so good, so healthy - the pomegranate

Dear readers,

all my best wishes for a wonderful 2014 and a big thanks to all of you for visiting my blog so frequently! It keeps me going, looking for new interesting topic to tell you about. Please don't forget to post your comments or to become my follower. 

The " apple of Aphrodite " - its botanical name derives from the Latin word " granatus " (rich of kernels) . Be grateful that this is not the „forbidden fruit“ in the end as when we talk about antioxidants, hormonal disorders and anti-aging, then we should we also talk about the pomegranate. He can do all three of them, thus is increasingly becoming the center of attention .

The red super fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, China and India. For hundreds of years in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its popularity dates back to the Early Bronze Age . The beautiful fruit, which has found quite some attention also in art, plays a role in the legends of the ancient world and in many religions .

The healing powers of the pomegranate is in its kernels, about 400 seeds per fruit , which can be used against cardiovascular disorders , menopausal problems , high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, cellular ageing and cancer. 

Amino acids, minerals , a variety of vitamins, but most of all polyphenols and phytoestrogens ( also found in soybeans) provide the tremendous healing effect. The phytoestrogens are way healthier than hormone replacement therapy pills, they act on one hand estrogen-like, on the other hand but also anti-estrogenic and thus cancer protective, especially for the very similar tissue of the breast and prostate.

Also they are said to relieve diarrhea, pneumonia , sore throat and toothache, as well as being helpful for infections of  the urinary tract . Similarly, the polyphenols are known for remedial care of stress-related diseases such as rheumatism, dyslipidemia , cardiovascular diseases and many more .

From the pomegranate seeds a valuable oil can be extracted , which can be used internally and externally . It contains many rare and valuable fatty acids. Especially helpful is the internal application of the oil in case of problems during menopause , but also for younger women it acts hormone balancing.

If you buy pomegranate juice, extracts and capsules  it is important to pay attention to a high content of polyphenols.

What else you can do with the fresh, fruity cores?

What else can I do with these fleshy succulent seeds unless just spoon them out of their shell ?

You can actually use it everywhere : in cereal, yogurt , salads , they give a gorgeous contrast when combined with meat dishes . Pomegranate juice is drunk pure or mixed with other juices or cocktails.

On this page I have found some wonderful pomegranate recipes, from sweet to hearty, cold to warm: http://www.eatingwell.com/node/16487?slide=5#leaderboardad

From breakfast to cocktails and dinner to dessert, either pomegranate arils or pomegranate juice make an amazing addition of acidity, sweetness and color.

Enjoy!!

Detox throughout the holidays

Dear readers,

Once again, Christmas and New Year are just around the corner - a surprise as every year . We fly home or our loved ones come to visit us and we spend wonderful days together , eat out or cook at home. Eating together is not only food intake, but it is a social event , time to share and talk, and during the holidays it is normal that we eat more and tend to neglect our usual diet regime as it also does not contribute to comfort if you sit around nibbling on a raw carrot. It 's just part o fit and if we do not completely overdo it , this represents no problem.

Important and useful it is , however, to use the "split times" , that is, if we , for example, at times do not eat between breakfast and dinner also a sprawling lunch. You can use this time to give your body something light and detoxifying to clean the body in between. By doing this in the end it will not bequite as difficult to return to our usual diet mode after the holidays. Of course I always recommend a 12-day Ayurveda Panchakarma cure after these days .

But using this support, we quickly switch our body back into a friendly mode, which benefits our shape, the expulsion of waste from the body and thus our entire well-being. We really do not want to sit down at the table in the evening inwardly groaning "I really do not want anything more to eat", no, we should be able to enjoy these beautiful , rare moments.

I can recommend green tea here as a strong detoxifier , ½ - 1 liter per day. Please also pay attention to quality here . In addition, of course, the green smoothies, to which I have already referred to in a previous article . But there is also another, soothing alternative: detox soups. There are many variations of which I subsequently present only one, but at the end it always comes down to the same thing, just using different methods and veggies. I cook them in stock and freeze smaller portions. There is also the the possibility to strain the soup after cooking and consume only the broth. And my dogs love the boiled vegetables J.

The soup is very tasty through the relatively long cooking time, I personally use absolutely no salt as it absorbs liquid , but a small amount of high quality coarse sea salt (or Himalayan salt as in this recipe) can be added without hesitation if necessary. Vegetables from organic farming are to be recommended , but it should be thoroughly cleaned anyway. The soup can also be cooked without the azuki beans , thereby loses volume and is more easily digestible and less filling . I recommend dried beans, which are first soaked and boiled, canned beans are not necessarily in the sense of detoxification. Instead of azuki beans and mung beans, lentils, kidney beans or pinto beans can be used.

Detoxifying winter soup

( 8 servings )

▪ 1 tbsp olive oil , coconut oil or ghee ( may be omitted , in which case the here

     sauteed vegetables will just be boiled)

▪ 1 large onion, chopped

▪ 1 large leek , sliced ​​into rings

▪ 2 stalk celery , coarsely chopped

▪ 1 beetroot , cut into cubes

▪ 6-8 cloves of garlic , finely chopped

▪ 2 carrots , coarsely chopped

▪ 3 or 4 small turnips, cut into cubes

▪  1 small head of cabbage , cut to strips(about 2 cups quantity)

▪ 3 cups yellow squash , cut into cubes

▪ 8-10 cups of water

▪ Fresh herbs such as rosemary , oregano or whatever is at hand

▪ 3 ripe , red tomatoes with skin and seeds , diced

▪ 2 cups pre-cooked azuki beans

​​▪ 1 head kale , cut to strips

▪ 1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar

▪ Pink Himalayan salt or coarse sea salt , to taste

▪ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add onion , leek , garlic and celery and sauté for 5 minutes. Add carrots , turnip, cabbage, squash and fresh herbs . Simmer for about 5-7 minutes , stirring frequently.

Add water, tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil on medium heat slightly , then set the temperature on low setting and simmer for about 1.5 hours . The more time you give the soup, the more intense the flavor. If you only want to use the broth , you should cook the soup for at least 2 hours so that all the nutrients can completely merge into the water.

Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired . Shortly before serving add the cider vinegar , stir well , enjoy and detoxify !

MERRY CHRISTMAS!