Hormones and Your Mood

   
     I don't know if it's due to the influence of social media, or just a general change in awareness, but it seems that certain disorders are starting to have a lot more light shinning on them these days. Mostly I'm talking about mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc. However, even with all this new attention, we're still not seeing much about how other conditions in the body can affect our moods, and trust me, they can. The most well known example is PMS, but why does PMS have such an effect on our moods? One simple word, Hormones.

     Hormones can have a HUGE impact on our mental and emotional health. In the most basic sense, hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout our bodies, influencing every system and coordinating complex processes (such as birth, metabolism, fertility, and growth). Without hormones, our bodies would not change during puberty, process food, or respond efficiently during times of crisis. Hormones, and our entire endocrine system, play a major part in health for both men and women during all stages of life. Unfortunately, this important system is often overlooked by medical practitioners who are focused on a specific problem. Quite too often, the hormones are neglected and looked at only as a last resort.

     Some of the most well known hormones are estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline, and serotonin. While all of these have an impact on our moods, there are some, less well known, hormones that can have an even bigger impact. For women, one of these is progesterone. Progesterone is a major fertility hormone, but it's also a major restorative and anti-anxiety hormone. Low progesterone levels can be linked to severe PMS-related problems, such as mood swings, irritability, and depression. Men have similar issues when their testosterone is low. Low testosterone can cause severe mood swings and depression in men, along with all the other problems we are more familiar with.

     Now I know that I harp on stress quite often, but it does have that much of an impact. Both low testosterone in men, and low progesterone in women, can be linked to excessive stress. One major reason for this is simply a lack of supplies. Cortisol is a major stress hormone that our body releases when it perceives stress. Even something as routine as a deadline, financial concerns, or traffic can cause the body to create and release cortisol. However, the raw materials our bodies use to do this are the same raw materials that our bodies use to make other hormones such as testosterone and progesterone. If we are constantly in stressful situations, our body won't have enough of the raw materials left over to make those, all important, hormones because it will be too busy making cortisol.

     If you are struggling with mood disorders and you think your hormones may be, at least in part, to blame. Talk to your doctor about having your endocrine levels checked and to see what you may be able to do to help balance them out. You can also try to keep your stress levels lower, eat a balanced diet, exercise, go out in nature, and supplement with vitamins and herbs to help balance out your hormones.

Resources:

5 Signs Hormones are Sabotaging Your Body: Oprah: http://www.oprah.com/health_wellness/how-hormones-affect-mood-weight-sex-drive-and-more

Chemical Messengers- How Hormones Affect Our Mood: The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/chemical-messengers-how-hormones-affect-our-mood-42422

The Connection Between Hormones and Mood: BePure: https://www.bepure.co.nz/blogs/news/connection-between-hormones-mood

Hormones and Mood- From Menarche to Menopause and Beyond: Pub Med: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12646300

Menopause Mood Swings: Hormon Health: https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings

Ovulation Hormones- Here's How The Menstrual Cycle Phases Affect Your Mood: https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/womens-health/a1605/a-month-in-the-life-of-your-hormones-107587/

Why Do Hormones Affect Your Mood: Thrive Global: https://medium.com/thrive-global/why-do-your-hormones-affect-your-mood-ca076d3478a

Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

     School is back in session, and whether or not you have children or are a teacher, you might be having to change you schedule. Those schedule changes can be tough at times, leaving you tired and sometimes scrambling for easy food ideas. So I figured that I'd share with you some of my favorite, prepare-ahead crock pot recipes. As always, these are vegetarian/vegan friendly and all gluten free. Feel free to throw in some chicken, beef, or pork though if you would like.

1. Lasagna is always a hit in any household. This one is especially awesome because it uses zucchini and eggplant in place of noodles, so you can prepare it the night before and put it on high as soon as you come home, you'll have a healthy, home cooked meal in just a few hours. Using the veggies means that the noodles won't be overcooked and mushy, no matter how long they soak before being cooked. Bonus, the veggies add a bit more nutrition for those picky eaters that don't like to eat their veggies. There is a bit of an issue with the veggies making this lasagna a bit soggy if you don't bake or grill them before hand, however the lasagna is still tasty if you just discard the excess liquid before eating.

Veggie Lasagna

Ingredients

2 medium Zucchini

1 medium Eggplant

1 medium Red Onion, diced

1 medium Green Bell Pepper, diced

16 oz Ricotta Cheese or Silken Tofu

`2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or Substitute (my favorite is Rice cheese)

For the sauce:

¼ medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into chunks

½ stalk of celery, cut into large chunks

½ medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

3 cloves Garlic, peeled and smashed

1 16 oz can Crushed Tomatoes

3 tbsp fresh Parsley leaves, chopped

3 tbsp fresh Basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon dried Oregano

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

     For the sauce, combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until you reach the desired consistency, you should have it a bit thick because it'll thin out a little in the cooking process.

     Slice the zucchini and eggplant lengthwise, about ¼ inch thick or thinner, to resemble lasagna noodles. *optional Grill or Bake these veggies to reduce the liquid. Grill- preheat a grill or grill pan and grill the “noodles” for about 2-3 minutes, flip and repeat. Bake- preheat your oven to 500 degrees and place the “noodles” on a cookie sheet (don't use wax or parchment paper as it will burn) and bake for about 5-8 minutes. Work in small batches, do not stack your “noodles.”

     If you are using the tofu option, make sure you drain the tofu well and mix it up before you start layering.

     Start with a spoonful of sauce, or a few, to just cover the bottom of your crock pot. The lay out the first layer of zucchini, covering as much of the bottom as possible. Spoon out some ricotta/tofu and sprinkle your onions and bell peppers over it. Next layer the eggplant over that. Spoon out some ricotta/tofu over that. Sprinkle on your onions and bell peppers, then spoon a little more sauce and sprinkle some mozzarella. Then do a layer of zucchini, and repeat alternating zucchini and eggplant until you reach the last layer. For this, simply spoon out more sauce and use the remaining bit of mozzarella.

     Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours. Uncover and reduce to “keep warm” (or your lowest setting) for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help reduce the liquid left in the bottom of the pot. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Who doesn't love tacos? This recipe is a great one to stick in the crock pot for a few hours and forget about it. It does have a lot of prep involved, cutting up veggies and whatnot. Just get everything ready the night before and you're good to go!

Quinoa and Cauliflower Tacos

Ingredients

1 cup Quinoa, uncooked and rinsed very well and drained

1 cup Vegetable Broth

1 15oz can Black Beans, rinsed and drained

1 15oz can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained

¼ cup Chunky Salsa

1 lb Cauliflower, riced

1 medium Red Onion, diced

¼ cup fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped

4 teaspoons Chili Powder

1 teaspoon ground Cumin

1-3 teaspoons Cayenne or Chipotle Seasoning (put as much as you'd like, it can get spicy)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Your Choice of Toppings

my family likes Green Onion, Tomatoes, Avocado, Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, and Sour Cream

Instructions:

     Rinse your quinoa very well. You can also toast it to enhance the flavor, but this step is optional.

     In a crock pot, combine all ingredients, stir them up well, cover and cook on high 2 ½-3 hours.      Quinoa tends to get mushy when cooked for long periods of time, so I don't recommend cooking on low with this recipe. If you crock pot runs low, you can cook it for an additional hour without the quinoa being too mushy, but keep an eye on it.

     When the quinoa is cooked through, it's time to pile on your toppings and enjoy!

3. This next recipe is one that I grew up eating and is always a hit. Stuffed peppers are one of my favorite meals, and they're pretty darn easy to throw into a crock pot and forget for a few hours.

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

6 medium Bell Peppers (green is standard, but this recipe works just as well with yellow or red)

1 ½ cups Rice, cooked ahead (works best if cooked the day before, or longer)

3 cloves Garlic, minced

½ cup Mushrooms, diced

1 Celery Stalk, diced

¼ cup shredded Carrots

1 medium Red Onion, diced

1 can (14oz-16oz) Diced Tomatoes, with the liquid

2 cups cooked Lentils

3 teaspoons Parsley

1 teaspoon Oregano

½ teaspoon Basil

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 cups shredded Cheese or Substitute of your choice (I like Colby Jack for this)

Instructions:

     Cut off the tops of the peppers, clean them out and place them in the crock pot.

     In a bowl, mix together remaining ingredients (minus the cheese) and stuff each pepper with about 1 cup of the mixture. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours.

     Remove lid and sprinkle on the cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 15 min, or until the cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy!

4. Jambalaya and Gumbo are some of my favorite foods. So of course, I have a version that uses my crock pot! This one is a great one to cook on the cooler days of the year, though it's great year round I tend to crave it in the Fall. The other great thing about Jambalaya is that there are barely any rules. Some people say that it's not Jambalaya without sausage and/or shrimp, but you can make it with anything you want. As long as there's rice, Cajun seasonings, and the “Holy Trinity” (onion, celery, and bell pepper) you can really change it up in endless ways.If you'd rather make Gumbo, simply add a cup of sliced Okra and serve the cooked rice separately.

Vegan Jambalaya

Ingredients

2 Celery Stalks, diced

1 medium Yellow Onion, diced

3 Bell Peppers, diced (green is standard, but red and yellow work well, or try 1 of each)

1 Jalapeno, diced (if you like extra heat, leave the seeds in, if not seed that pepper)

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 lb Vegan Gluten Free Sausage, sliced

1 can White Navy Beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14oz-16oz) Diced Tomatoes, and the liquid

4 cups Veggie Broth

1 tablespoon Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce

½ cup fresh Parsley, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon Paprika

1 teaspoon Oregano

½ teaspoon Thyme

½-1 teaspoon Cayenne (or more if you like it super spicy)

1-2 Bay Leaves

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 cups uncooked Rice

Instructions:

     Combine all ingredients, except the rice, in your crock pot. Stir well and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

     Remove lid, add rice, give it another good stir. Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice. Continue to cook another 5 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Enjoy!

5. Stroganoff was a staple in my house when I was growing up. I still love it, even now, and it's a great dish to cook in the crock pot.

Mushroom Stroganoff

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 lbs Mushrooms of your choice (I usually use a blend of portobellos and white buttons), leave any very small ones whole, and half or quartered larger ones 

1 medium Onion(yellow or white), roughly chopped

3-4 cloves Garlic, smashed and minced

1 tablespoon Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce

2 teaspoons Paprika

3-4 teaspoons Parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

½ cup Sour Cream or Vegan Sour Cream

Cooked Gluten Free Noodles

Instructions:

     Combine all ingredients, except the sour cream and noodles, in your crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. 

     After 4 hours, stir in remaining ingredients and serve. Enjoy!

     If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Feverfew

     Some of you might have figured out by now that I am a gigantic nerd. One thing that I love to do is study history, specifically Medieval history. One of my favorite historical people to read about is Hildegard, a German Benedictine abatess who is well known for her musical compositions as well as her work as a natural scientist (two of my favorite topics, both modernly and historically). She wrote several books that describe the human body and how it interacts with the natural world, with specifics on what she believed to be the cause of disease. Her works are important for a number of reasons, but largely because the people who practiced Medieval medicine tended to be women who did not write their findings down, however Hildegard did.

     I mention Hildegard because she wrote quite a bit about an herb she called Bertram. Today we know of this herb as Feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew is originally native to Southeastern Europe, North Africa, India, and the Mediterranean. But it has also become naturalized in Australia and North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, and closely resembles Chamomile. In most areas, it blooms from July through October. Feverfew's leaves smell lightly of citrus, and the whole plant only grows to about 46 cm in height.

     Feverfew was one of Hildegard's favorite herb. She notes, in her Physica, that “...the healthy eat Bertram, because it reduces bad juices, and multiplies the good in human blood, and makes a clear mind. For a patient who is physically run down, Bertram brings back his strength. It leaves nothing in humans undigested, and it prepares the body for good digestion when eaten diligently. It reduces the mucilage in the head, and leads to purifying juices, which purify the eyes. Whether you eat it dry, or in cooked foods, Bertram is as useful to a sick person as to a healthy man. Bertram shoos illness from its host and prevents falling ill. It brings moisture and saliva back to the mouth, and returns us good health.” But these are just a few of the things that Feverfew can be used for.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Feverfew, Featherfew, Bertram, Akaraka, Spanish Chamomile, Bride’s Button, Bachelor’s Button, Febrifuge Plant, Wild Chamomile, Flirtwort, Compositae, Mutterkraut

Scientific Name-  Tanacetum parthenium previously known as Crysanthemum parthenium

Edibility- Feverfew is edible, but not considered a choice edible, or an important food source. The dried flowers are used to flavor certain pastries and wines. The plant is also used in cooking to impart an aromatic bitter taste to certain foods.

Summary of Actions- Analgesic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Aperient, Bitter Tonic, Cardio-tonic, Carminative, Circulation, COX-2 Inhibitor, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Insect Repellant, Purgative, Relaxant, Stimulant,Vermifuge

Parts Used- Ariel parts

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Xiao Bai Ju in TCM, Feverfew is active on the Lung, Liver, and Stomach Meridians. It's bitter and cool. It tonifies yin, clears heat, clears wind heat, clears liver heat, and calms shen. This makes it useful for migraines, headaches, nausea, vomiting, menstrual disorders, fevers, dizziness, arthritis, anxiety, to increase appetite, and to soothe red, itchy skin disorders.

Essential Oil and Aromatherapy- The essential oil of Feverfew helps to promote calm concentration and focus. It can also help calm vertigo, or a spinning head. Rub a little bit on your temples to help in the case of headache or migraine. It's scent is very similar to camphor, so do not use this essential oil if you are prone to seizures. It blends well with Lavender, Peppermint, Spruce, Frankincense, Rose Otto, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Tansy.

Migraines- The active ingredients in Feverfew act on blood platelets and limit the release of serotonin, which contributes to migraine headaches through its effect on blood flow in the brain. Uncontrolled serotonin distributions are one trigger for the discomfort associated with migraines.

Pain and Inflammation- Recent studies have shown that Feverfew has the ability to reduce inflammation, particularly the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other joint conditions. It helps to prevent damage to joints that comes from the degeneration associated with aging, helping to prevent further damage to the joints.

Skin Conditions and Irritation- The demulcent actions of Feverfew help to sooth inflammation in the skin, helping to treat inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Cancer- In a 2005 study, scientists discovered that parthenolide extracted from Feverfew inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in the lab. Showing that it has promise in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Fever- The herbs name, Feverfew, derives from the Latin word, febrifugia, meaning, “fever reducer.” One of it's most traditional used is just for this. It helps reduce fevers by promoting perspiration.

Women's Health and Labor- Feverfew helps to relieve cramps, relax nerves, and sooth the nervous system. All of these properties have given it a great reputation as an herb that helps relieve PMS symptoms and to help regulate labor pains to ease labor. It can also be used to induce or ease menstrual flow, which makes it dangerous to take in the early terms of pregnancy.

Digestion- Feverfew is a bitter tonic, helping to improve digestion by stimulating bile flow. It's also a carminative, helping to reduce gas and indigestion.

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- This herb should not be given to children under two years of age and should not be used if you are breastfeeding. Avoid this herb during pregnancy as Feverfew might cause uterine contractions and abortion. May cause oral ulcers and tongue soreness if the leaves are chewed, fresh or dried. Because Feverfew does have an effect on the circulatory system, use caution when taking certain medications, especially blood thinners. People who have allergies to members of the Compositae (or Asteraceae) family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, Feverfew and many other herbs, should not take this herb internally. Do not use the essential oil if you are prone to seizures!




     I only included a basic introduction to Feverfew. I hope you have gained a new appreciation for this amazing little herb. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and want to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

11 Impressive Benefits of Feverfew: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/feverfew.html

Feverfew: AARM: https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/feverfew/

Feverfew: Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/feverfew

Feverfew: Oils and Plants: https://www.oilsandplants.com/feverfew.htm

Feverfew: RX List: https://www.rxlist.com/feverfew/supplements.htm

Feverfew: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/feverfew/

Feverfew Benefits: Indigo Herbs: https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/feverfew

Feverfew Essential Oil: Living Libations: https://www.livinglibations.com/us/feverfew-essential-oil

Feverfew: Indian Mirror: https://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/feverfew.html

Feverfew: Peace Health: https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2091005

Feverfew and Crysanthemum: Planet Herbs: https://planetherbs.com/blogs/lesleys-blog/feverfew-and-chrysanthemum/

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium: Annie's Remedy: https://www.anniesremedy.com/tanacetum-parthenium-feverfew.php

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium: Ayur Times: https://www.ayurtimes.com/feverfew-tanacetum-parthenium/

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium: Ayurvedia Medicare: https://ayurvedamedicare.com/herbs/feverfew-tanacetum-parthenium/

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium- A Systematic Review: US National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/

Feverfew Tanacetum partheniumUses, Health Benefits, Dosage, Medicinal Properties: Krishna Herbals: http://www.krishnaherbals.com/feverfew-herb.html

Feverfew- The Natural Headache Reliever that May Cure Cancer: Dr. Axe: https://www.oilsandplants.com/feverfew.htm

The Health Benefits of Feverfew: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-feverfew-89562

Hildegard's Feverfew Uses: Healthy Hildegard: https://healthyhildegard.com/feverfew-uses/

Tanacetum parthenium: Always Ayurveda: https://www.alwaysayurveda.com/tanacetum-parthenium/

Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium: MedicineNet: https://www.medicinenet.com/feverfew_tanacetum_parthenium-oral/article.htm

The Truth About Sunscreen

     Summer is time for fun in the sun! Being a native Floridian, this means beaches, surfing, snorkeling, springs, kayaking, and more. Also, being a naturally pale girl who likes to live on the spooky side of fashion, I tend to burn in less than 10 minutes of direct sunlight. Eek! In the past, I have been known to wear copious amounts of SPF 50+. However, in recent years, I've tried to dial back my dependence on chemicals based products. Making my own skin care products, shampoos, household cleaners, etc. This has translated to my SPF usage as well. And bonus! It's better for our environment. 

     So I started to watch my personal chemical consumption before I ever read a thing about the impact of SPF chemicals on coral and other, fragile, ecosystems. But the more I read, the more resolved I am to stick to all natural methods. Not only are there quite a few common chemicals found in sunscreen that are easily absorbed into the human body, that can potentially cause problems. But there are also a number of these chemicals that cause some serious damage to coral, fish, and other marine life. Quite often, they are the same chemicals. A number of these harmful chemicals have had minimal testing done because the FDA grandfathered them in without testing in the 1970's, because they had already been in use. Of these, Oxybenzone is one of the most concerning as it has been shown to cause problems in the endocrine system,not only in humans, but also in coral, sea urchins, fish, and several marine mammals.

     So how do you know if a sunscreen is safe? Even mineral sunscreens can contain harmful substances, and the term “reef friendly” is not regulated, so the best thing to do is to read the label. Avoid products that include the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone
• Avobenzone
• octisalate
• homosalate
• ethylhexyl salicylate
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if the label doesn't say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized)
• Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”

     It's also a good idea to stick to lotions, especially avoid sprays as some of the natural ingredients can still be harmful if inhaled. Of course, one of the better options is to make your own sunscreen so you know exactly what goes in it. Wellness Mama has a great recipe here, check it out!

     There are other measures you can take to help keep your skin from getting burnt. Wearing protective clothing and hats can do a world of good for helping to keep you safe from the harsh sun. Stay in the shade during the brightest/hottest part of the day, or avoiding being outside at that time is another strategy. But my favorite strategy is to optimize your diet. Avoid foods that cause inflammation, such as processed vegetable oils, processed grains, and excessive amounts of sugar. Focus on consuming foods that support healthy skin, such as:

• Foods High in Vitamin D3 (mushrooms, fish, egg yolks)
• Foods High in Vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, chili peppers)
• Coconut Oil
• Omega-3's (healthy seeds and nuts, brussels sprouts, fish)

     I hope I have raised your awareness about sunscreen, and given you a few strategies to help you during this summer. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them down below. If you have anything you'd like to see me write about, please let me know! Also, find my YouTube channel and check out my videos. And Become a Patron!

Resources:

Reef Safe Sunscreen, Our Guide to Ocean-Friendly Sun Protection: Oceanic Society: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/blog/2140/reef-safe-sunscreen-our-guide-to-ocean-friendly-sun-protection?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2IqgnoHJ4wIVC9bACh2jqwRYEAAYBCAAEgLKnPD_BwE

Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs: National Ocean Service: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html

Sunscreen Safety: Wellnessmama: https://wellnessmama.com/55366/sunscreen-is-harmful/

Toxic Chemicals in Sunscreen & Safer Alternatives: Made Safe: https://www.madesafe.org/toxic-chemicals-in-sunscreen-safer-alternatives/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2IqgnoHJ4wIVC9bACh2jqwRYEAAYAiAAEgJ6h_D_BwE

Why Mineral Sunscreen is Safer for Us and the Planet: Wellnessmama: https://wellnessmama.com/402998/mineral-sunscreen/

Your Guide to Reef Friendly Sunscreen: Surfrider Foundation: https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/your-guide-to-reef-friendly-sunscreens?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2IqgnoHJ4wIVC9bACh2jqwRYEAAYAyAAEgKF9PD_BwE 

Summertime Marinated Salads

     Summertime is here, there is no denying that! With record-breaking temperatures, it's become a struggle to stay cool. So I figured I'd share a few of my favorite summertime lunch/snack ideas with you. Marinated salads! They're delicious, easy, and served cold to help you keep cool.

Calling All Cukes! 

This marinated salad has been a favorite of mine for my whole life. Mom would always keep some in the fridge as I was growing up. And as an adult I can't help but love it still. There are a number of variations you can make on this, try adding some bell peppers, cauliflower, or radishes. If you don't want to make your own dressing, try using your favorite store bought Italian or Vinaigrette. Or try switching up the herbs in the home made dressing, instead of parsley and basil try dill. Have fun!

Marinated Cucumber Salad

2 medium Cucumbers, sliced

1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved

1 Avocado, chopped

½ medium Red Onion, diced or sliced

For the Dressing:

¾ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

2 tbsp Lemon Juice (about 1 lemon)

2 Garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp fresh Parsley, chopped

1 tsp fresh Basil, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine all dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well. Add in remaining ingredients and toss. Store in the refrigerator for 1 hour or more for best results. (I usually do this in a mason jar that I keep in the refrigerator)

Fava Forever!

     I love fava beans. They're just wonderful, even if they are a pain to process when they're fresh. For that reason, this recipe calls for canned fava beans. But it works just as well with Chickpeas or Kidney beans if you prefer them.

Marinated Fava Bean Salad

1 15-oz can Fava Beans, drained and rinsed

½ Green Bell Pepper, diced

½ Red Bell Pepper, diced

½ medium sized Cucumber, diced

¼ medium sized Red Onion, diced

2 Green onions, diced

½ tbsp Capers

¼ cup Parsley, chopped

5-6 Mint Leaves, chopped

5-6 Basil Leaves, chopped

For the Dressing:

1 clove Garlic, minced

¼ tbsp Dijon Mustard

1 tbsp Lemon Juice

½ tbsp Sugar

2 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Combine dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine. Add in other ingredients and toss. Allow to chill for at least 1 hour for best results.

Just Beet It

     Beets are an under-appreciated vegetable. They're also more than just red. My favorite beets are the golden beets. Largely because they don't bleed all over everything and stain my hands, but also because they have such a mildly sweet taste. Try this recipe with any kind of beet you want. Chiogga beets make for a great visual presentation. Classic red beets are great for a classic beet salad. You can even use a combination of beets to make things a little extra special! This salad is also great with a little Feta, Goat Cheese, or Bleu Cheese on top!

Marinated Beet Salad

5 medium Beets, trimmed and halved (save the greens for another dish!)

2 small Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

½ a medium Red Onion, halved and thinly sliced

¼ cup roasted Walnuts

2 tsp fresh Dill, chopped

1 tsp fresh Parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

The juice of 2 Oranges

1 ½ tsp Red Wine Vinegar

1 ½ tsp Olive Oil, or Walnut Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Steam the beets for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Grab them with a paper towel and peel off the skins while they are still warm (or wait until they cool and use a peeler). Thinly slice them. While they are steaming, combine the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine. Add in remaining ingredients and toss to coat. Allow to chill for 1 hour or more for best results.

It's Greek To Me

Greek salads are a staple in most American restaurants today. But my favorite version of this salad leaves out the lettuce and brings on the marinade!

Marinated Greek Salad

1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved

2 medium Cucumbers, chopped

1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped

1 small Red Onion, diced

½ cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved

2 Pepperoncini Peppers, sliced into rings

Marinated Feta or Tofu:

5-6 oz Feta or Tofu, cubed

½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper

½ cup Olive Oil

1 sprig each of fresh Rosemary, Thyme, and Oregano

1 clove Garlic, smashed

Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

¼ cup Olive Oil (drained from the Marinated Feta/Tofu)

1 tsp dried Oregano

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Marinate the Feta/Tofu 24 hours or more (up to 14 days) in advance. Combine all the ingredients in a sealed container and hold in the refrigerator until ready to use. In a mixing bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk well. Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl, including the marinated Feta/Tofu. Toss well to combine and chill for 1 hour or more before serving.

Expect the Unexpected

     You can truly use any vegetable in a marinated salad. This next recipe proves it! Who would ever think that asparagus would make for such a good salad ingredient? This salad is also super awesome when you add fresh mozzarella cheese to it. Almost like an asparagus twist on a traditional Caprese salad.

Marinated Asparagus and Tomato Salad

2 lbs Asparagus Spears, tough ends trimmed off then chopped into 2 inch segments

1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved

5-7 fresh Basil Leaves, chopped

*optional 8-16 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese

For the Dressing:

6 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

¼ cup Olive Oil

2 tsp Dijon Mustard

2 tsp Honey

1 clove Garlic, minced

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Steam the asparagus until tender, then rinse off under cold water to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing and whisk well to combine. Add in remaining ingredients and toss well. Chill for 1 hour or more before serving.

Something Sweet

     You don't have to stick to cold vegetables in the summer, fruit works well too! If you want to get wild and crazy, you can add in some mint or basil leaves. Or for those adult BBQs, instead of the Orange Blossom Water, try using white rum or vodka!

Marinated Fruit Salad

2 cups Watermelon, cubed

2 cups Cantaloupe, cubed

2 cups Strawberries, halved

1 cup Grapes, halved

1 cup Blueberries

For the Dressing:

½ cup Honey

¼ cup Orange Blossom Water

¼ cup Lemon Juice

¼ cup Pineapple Juice

1/8 tsp Salt

Instructions:
Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine. Add in remaining ingredients and toss well. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.




     In any of these recipes, feel free to change the ingredients around.  Play with different fruit, veggies, and herbs.  Switch up the vinegars and oils. Throw in some of those wild edibles you've been dying to try. Maybe even toss in some chicken or shrimp! Have fun, play around, and let me know what you think below!

Peppergrass

     There are a handful of plants that I grew up eating or using medicinally. Often these plants are plants I would not use for other purposes. So I'm always pleasantly surprised when I come across information on how to do so.

     Peppergrass, Lipidium virginicum, is one plant that I used to nibble on when I was playing in my yard as a child. It had a peppery flavor that I loved (though for some reason I hated black pepper and chili peppers) and it grew like crazy where I lived. So imagine my surprise when I, as an adult, am taking a class and the teacher mentions that it can be used medicinally. I had to find out more! So I decided to pass it on to all of you!

     There are many Lipidiums found all over the world. However, the species that's native to North America, and the one that I'm most familiar with, is the Lipidium virginicum. Most introduced species that you hear about tend to have traveled over with the settlers into America at some point. However, Lipidium virginicum did just the opposite. It's now found throughout Europe all thanks to the early traders tracking the seeds onto their boats from America. This particular Peppergrass has a history of use that goes all the way back to the ancient Inca and Maya tribes. Where it was widely used to reduce rheumatic pain, expel intestinal worms, and treat upper respiratory conditions. Today it's still used for some of these problems, but it's also used for a few more. However, I still like it as a trail side snack myself.

     Here in Central Florida, Peppergrass can be found all year. But in other climates it's mainly found in the winter. It can be tricky to identify here because of it's growing pattern. It looks like a completely different plant depending on the stage of growth it's in. It starts off as a basal rosette, and eventually grows tall and develops a racme full of little flowers and tiny seed pods. In Florida, these stages can occur in the same month and can often be found side by side. Luckily, however, there are no dangerous look a likes here, at least that I am aware of.

Medicinal Uses:

Scientific Name- Lipidium spp. Some of the more common species include L. apetalum, L. armoracia, L. campestre, L. iberis, L. ruderale, L. sativum, and L. virginicum.

Common Names- Peppergrass, Pepperwort, Peppercress, Canary Grass, Poor Man's Pepper, Garder Cress, Virginia Pepperweed, Pepperweed, Wild Pepper Grass, Menzies' Pepperweed, and Hairy Pepperweed.

Edible Parts- The entire plant is edible and medicinal. The root can be ground and used as a wasabi or horseradish substitute. The leaves are commonly eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. The seeds have a peppery taste that makes for a great spice. You can even put the whole plant into a food processor and make a great, peppery, sauce with it.

Summary of actions- Anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, antiscorbutic, antitussive, cardiotonic, detoxifying, and diuretic

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Peppergrass seeds are acrid, bitter, and extremely cold. It most strongly effects the meridians of lung and bladder. Peppergrass is often used to purge the lung’s pathogenic fire to relieve asthma and induce diuresis to alleviate edema. Symptoms that may indicate a positive reaction to the use of Peppergrass include retention of phlegm-dampness in the lungs, a feeling of fullness and discomfort in chest, inability to lay flat, difficult urination, and heart disease associated with pulmonary edema. 

Ayurveda- Peppergrass is heavy and sticky, pungent and bitter, and has a hot potency. It increases Pitta while balancing Vata and Kapha. Peppergrass is commonly used to improve lactation, as an aphrodesiac, a diuretic, and to rejuvenate. It also induces mobility in the digestive tract, making it useful to relieve constipation. It's primarily indicated for use in urinary tract disorders, diabetes, asthma, cough, colds, acute bronchitis, chronic respiratory conditions, and to fight off fatigue and/or weakness. It does increase Pitta dosha, so people with a Pitta body type should use caution.

High Amounts of Vitamin C- Peppergrass is a traditional treatment for scurvy and other conditions that result from low amounts of Vitamin C.

Asthma and Upper Respiratory Conditions- One of the main problems that people with upper respiratory conditions tend to have in common is an excess of mucus. Peppergrass helps to clear up and expel mucus.

Improves Immunity- We are all aware that Vitamin C can help improve immunity. Peppergrass is known for it's high amounts of Vitamin C. But it also has a moving effect on the body. Helping to energize the immune system and move your white blood cells to where they are needed most.

Urinary Tract Issues- Peppergrass is a great diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess water. It's also great at detoxifying. This makes it a wonderful herb to call on in cases of urinary tract infections (UTI).

Circulatory System- Peppergrass' diuretic effects can help reduce blood pressure as well. Helping to flush out excessive water and toxins from the body. It's also a great anti-inflammatory herb, helping to reduce the buildup of inflammation that can cause circulatory issues down the road. It's also a cardio tonic, tonifying the heart and entire circulatory system.

Contraindications, Cautions, and Warnings- There have been some allergies observed. Symptoms of these allergies range from general itchiness to anaphylactic shock. If you have any reaction, go to the hospital ASAP! Peppergrass is also a hyperaccumulator of minerals. If the soil is contaminated with toxic metals, Peppergrass will suck them up.





     I only included a basic introduction to Peppergrass. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for such a common weed.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

Common Peppergrass: Illinois Wildflowers: http://illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/cm_peppergrass.htm

Lepidium Virginicum: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lepidium+virginicum

Lepidium Virginicum Uses: Herbpathy: https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Lepidium-Virginicum-Cid3781

Medicinal Abilities of Peppergrass: Health Digezt: https://www.healthdigezt.com/medicinal-abilities-peppergrass/

Peppergrass: Edible Wild Food: http://www.ediblewildfood.com/peppergrass.aspx

Peppergrass: Encyclopaedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/peppergrass

Peppergrass: Foraging Texas: https://www.foragingtexas.com/2012/01/peppergrass.html

Peppergrass: Medicinal Plants of India: http://www.medicinalplantsindia.com/peppergrass.html

Peppergrass - Potent Pipsqueak: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/peppergrass-potent-pipsqueak/

Peppergrass Seeds (Ting Li Zi): Chinese Herbs Healing: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/peppergrass-seeds/

Peppergrass - Todari Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Research: Easy Ayurveda: https://easyayurveda.com/2015/03/28/peppergrass-todari-uses-dose-side-effects-research/

Pepperweed: My Mystic Mama: http://www.mymysticmama.com/pepperweed/

Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Lepidium sativum in Airways Disorders: Hindawi: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/596524/

Wild Peppergrass: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lepidium-virginicum=wild-pepper-grass.php

Cortisol Imbalance

     Living in a modern world, in a society that demands more and more out of us, we can often find ourselves becoming overly stressed, easily exhausted, having a hard time sleeping, and finding it almost impossible to loose weight. These are all symptoms of cortisol imbalance.

     Cortisol is a stress hormone. In fact, it's often considered the primary stress hormone. It's one of the main hormones released when our bodies are kicked into “fight or flight” mode. The “fight or flight” response (also called the acute stress response) is a response that helped our ancestors evolve. When we feel terrified, mentally or physically, our bodies release certain hormones that help us deal with the situation by either running or fighting. These hormones trigger a rapid response from our bodies that results in an increase in our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. This pumps oxygen to our muscles much faster, allowing us to be stronger and faster for a short time. Afterward, it takes 20-60 minutes for our bodies to go back to normal. 

     Cortisol is a necessary hormone for life, helping us to stay motivated or keep us awake and responsive to our environment. However, being constantly exposed to tense situations, such as traffic or fast-paced work environments, can cause a buildup of Cortisol. Over time your adrenal glands will not be able to keep up the levels of production required by your constant state of stress. This will cause adrenal fatigue, and combined with high levels of Cortisol, this can cause some seriously adverse effects.

Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance

1. Chronic pain and headaches

     Excessive amounts of stress can put a major strain on your adrenal glands, which can increase your sensitivity to pain. You may start noticing an increase in backaches, headaches, and/or other body aches. If you tend to hold back your tears you should consider having a “good cry” because a number of hormones that cause this sensitivity can be released with those tears.
   

2. Weight gain, especially around the belly

     Excessive Cortisol levels tend to cause weight gain. It stimulates appetite and most of the weight gained will end up gravitating to your mid-section. You may also develop a round face, or fat neck. This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
         

3. Weakened immunity

     When your Cortisol levels are high, your immune system is not able to function as well. This leads to you catching every little germ that you are exposed to. Or so it may seem.
       

4. In ability to sleep and fatigue

     Cortisol directly helps to regulate your waking and sleeping cycles. Imbalanced Cortisol levels can cause problems sleeping and symptoms of chronic fatigue. The occasional bout insomnia is usually nothing to worry about, but if you find yourself experiencing chronic sleep problems and/or excessive fatigue, you may be experiencing a Cortisol imbalance.


5. Mood changes, panic attacks, and/or depression
         
     When your Cortisol levels are high, your feel-good hormones (such as serotonin) are low. This can leave you feeling quite depressed, anxious, and irritable. Making you prone to some crazy mood swings, and panic attacks.


6. Infertility and/or no sex drive

     Fighting or running for you life doesn’t really put most people “in the mood.” So it's no surprise that high levels of Cortisol may reduce you sex drive, and in some cases remove it all together. On top of that, it can lead to problems such as impotence and irregular menstrual cycles which can cause fertility problems.

Tips to help balance your cortisol levels

1. Whole foods diet

     Our bodies actually use Cortisol to balance out our blood sugar when it gets too low. With this in mind, we can use healthy carbohydrates as an excellent tool to help us balance our Cortisol in turn. Also, by switching to a predominantly whole foods diet, we reduce our exposure to foods that increase inflammation, and thus increase our Cortisol. Combining these two strategies in a way to fits your life may be one of the best ways to reduce and balance your Cortisol levels.


2. Stress management

     Cortisol is released in times of stress. So reducing your stress helps to reduce the amount of Cortisol your body releases, and helps provide more time to help your body fully recover from the stress. Using strategies that include meditation, deep breathing, spending time outdoors, healthy exercise, and acupuncture may be a great way to help balance out your Cortisol levels.


3. A matter of lighting

     This may sound ridiculous, but lighting can seriously effect your Cortisol levels. Cortisol issues aren't just from high amounts of Cortisol, it can also be an issue when Cortisol is released at the wrong time. When we are exposed to blue light (such as from a TV or computer screen) at night, our bodies release Cortisol and reduce melatonin. Reducing our ability to get a good night's sleep. Also, when we spend a lot of time indoors and don't get much natural sunlight during the day, our bodies can get confused as to the time and release these hormones at inappropriate times. Try going outside for 30 minutes within an hour of waking up, and using blue light filters on your devices at night. This can seriously help balance out the timing of your body's release of Cortisol and help balance out your Cortisol levels.

4. Essential Oils

     It's no secret that smells evoke feelings in us. You smell a certain scent and you remember a pleasant moment, maybe it's the smell of fresh baked apple pie. You smell that and remember your grandmother making one for you when you were little. Or maybe you smell coffee and feel instantly alert, just from the smell. Whatever the reason, smells can be strongly effective. Certain essential oils can actually reduce your Cortisol levels by scent alone. Try diffusing essential oils that help aid relaxation. Lavender, myrrh, frankincense, bergamont, clary sage, sandalwood, and thyme are just a few. You can also dilute essential oils into a carrier oil and make your own massage oil to use when you are feeling especially stressed.


5. Adaptogen Herbs

     Adaptogens are a classification of herbs that help you body recover from and adapt better to stress. They naturally balance hormones (including Cortisol), reduce inflammation, lower fatigue, reduce inflammation, and help control blood sugar and blood pressure levels. A number of them have been tested and proven to actually reduce Cortisol levels. Here are just a few to look into adding into your daily routine.
         Ashwagandha
         Tulsi (or Holy Basil)
         Astragalus
         Licorice Root
         Medicinal Mushrooms such as Reishi or Shiitake



     I hope this helps you be more mindful of your stress levels and gives you a good idea of what to do when the stress gets to be to much. If you have any questions of comments, please leave them below.

Resources:

6 Ways to Lower Your Cortisol Levels: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/cortisol-levels/

8 Signs You're Suffering From A Cortisol Imbalance: Atlas Drug & Nutrition: http://atlasdrugandnutrition.com/cortisol-imbalance/

Cortisol/Adrenal Fatigue (Men): Genemetics Health Institute: https://www.genemedics.com/hormone-therapy/mens-hormones/cortisoladrenal-fatigue/

Cortisol/Adrenal Fatigue (Women): Genemetics Health Institute: https://www.genemedics.com/hormone-therapy/womens-hormones/cortisoladrenal-fatigue/

Cortisol Imbalance Symptoms: Livestrong: https://www.livestrong.com/article/94310-cortisol-imbalance-symptoms/

How I Reduced My Cortisol Levels Naturally With Food & Light: Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/1570/reduce-cortisol/

Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance in Women: Tranquility Labs: https://www.tranquilitylabs.com/symptoms-of-cortisol-imbalance-in-women/

Stress Free Spice Blends

     I am a major proponent of the philosophy held by Hippocrates, “Let thy food be thy medicine.” Food is what nourishes us, provides us with the things our body needs in order to work properly. So if we don't take care to eat well, our health is sure to decline in some way. Keeping that in mind, I have a few things I do when I cook at home. One of them is that I try to “hide” herbs in all my food. Since I just introduced you to one of my favorite herbs to do this with, Ashwagandh, I figured I'd let you in one one of these secrets. I like to use adaptogenic herbs in my home made spice blends. 

1. Now if you look at the ingredients present in a number of spice blends, you'll find that most of these already are packed full of healthy herbs. So I like to add a few other herbs to enhance their effects. But first, here is my basic, every day spice blend. I use this in all the savory recipes I make.

Every Day Stress-Free

¼ cup dried Nettle leaf

3 tablespoons Garlic Powder

2 tablespoons ground Ashwagandha

1 tablespoon ground Shiitake Mushroom

1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper

1 teaspoon Salt

Use a mortar and pestle, food processor, or coffee/spice grinder to lightly grind any of the whole herbs. You want them to be coarse and not finely ground. Combine all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

2. My husband and I really enjoy ranch seasoning. So I started making my own blend to make it a bit healthier, then I added adaptogenic herbs. We use this on just about everything. One of my favorites is sprinkling this on baked potatoes. Yum! If you want to make ranch dressing, simply add 1 tablespoon of this spice blend with 1/3 cup of your favorite mayonnaise, sour cream, or dairy free yogurt.

 Relaxing Ranch

¼ cup dried Parsley leaf

1 tablespoons Dill Leaf

1 tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 tablespoon ground Ashwagandha 

1 tablespoon Onion Powder

½ tablespoon Tulsi

½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

½ teaspoon Salt

Use a mortar and pestle, food processor, or coffee/spice grinder to lightly grind any of the whole herbs. You want them to be coarse and not finely ground. Combine all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

3. This blend works well as a blackening seasoning, or just a generic Cajun blend. I love making blackened chicken or tofu with this seasoning rub. You can also add this to a bit of lemon juice and olive oil to make a great salad dressing.

Crazy Cajun

5 tablespoons Paprika

1 tablespoon Onion Powder

1 tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 tablespoon ground Eluthero

4 teaspoons Salt

4 teaspoons ground Black Pepper

1 ½ teaspoon ground Cayenne Pepper (or less if you don’t want it too spicy)

1 tablespoon Tulsi

1 teaspoon Thyme

½ teaspoon Oregano

Use a mortar and pestle, food processor, or coffee/spice grinder to lightly grind any of the whole herbs. You want them to be coarse and not finely ground. Combine all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

4. I can't like normal things, it's just not possible. So instead of just a plain Lemon Pepper blend, I have to spice it up, adding more adaptogens in the process.

Zesty Lemon and Herbs

Zest from 4-6 Organic Lemons

6 tablespoons ground Black Pepper

5 tablespoons Salt

2 tablespoons Tulsi

1 tablespoon Onion Powder

½ tablespoon Oregano

½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or Paprika *optional

½ teaspoon ground Eluthero

Zest the lemons and spread them out on a cookie sheet. Place in the oven on the lowest setting and leave until completely dry, around 70-80 minutes. 

Use a mortar and pestle, food processor, or coffee/spice grinder to lightly grind any of the whole herbs. You want them to be coarse and not finely ground. Combine all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

5. Everyone likes Everything Bagels. But not everyone knows how delicious the seasonings are on other things such as avocado toast, salads, and veggies.

Simply Everything

1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds

1 tablespoon Flax Seeds

1 tablespoon Chia Seeds

1 tablespoon dried Minced Onion

1 tablespoon dried Minced Garlic

1 tablespoon Garlic Powder

½ tablespoon ground Shiitake Mushroom

½ tablespoon ground Ashwagandha

1 teaspoon Salt

Combine all the herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

     In any of these recipes, feel free to change the ingredients around.  Try using other adaptogens such as Reishi, Licorice, or Astragalus. Have fun, play around, and let me know what you think below!

Ashwagandha

     Stress. We all experience it. Some of us deal with it much better than others. There are some herbs that have been known to help with stress in one way or another. One of my favorites is Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera. This Indian herb, used for centuries in Ayurvedic Medicine, is most well known for it's ability to help our bodies adapt to stress and to flush out the stress hormones a lot faster. However, it's also a great herb to call upon in a number of other situations.

     Native to India, and a member of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family, Ashwagandha is one of Ayurveda's most important herbs. It has become so popular that it is now cultivated in western Asia, Yemen, and China. Some farmers are also trying to establish this herb, and other important Ayurvedic herbs, in America as well.

     The name “Ashwagandha” actually comes from Sanskrit, and it translates to “the smell of a horse.” This comes from a few places, the first is that the fresh root smells like horse urine (eeew), the second is that it has a reputation as a great herb to help one attain the “stamina of a horse” in certain bedroom activities (yep, we all know what I'm talking about here).

Medicinal Uses:

Scientific Name- Withania somnifera

Common Names- Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry

Parts Used- The roots and leaves are used traditionally, but most Western herbalists only use the roots.

Summary of Actions- Adaptogen, Alterative, Analgesic, Cardioprotective, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Slight Sedative, Nerve Tonic, Diuretic, Nutritive Tonic, Thyroid Stimulant, and Aphrodisiac.

Ayurveda- Ashwagandha is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, so much so that it is considered one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is used to help balance vata and kapha in excess. It can also unbalance pitta due to it's heating and building nature. However it's mostly used to balance vata, helping to strengthen and nourish healthy muscles and reproductive systems.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Nan Fei Zui Jia in TCM, Ashwagandha works on the Lung, Heart, and Spleen meridians. It tonifies Qi, building immunity, strength, and aiding in recovery. It tonifies Lung Qi, helping to clear coughs, recover from illness, and lightens any “heaviness” in the chest. It tonifies the Spleen, helping to increase appetite, reduce diarrhea, improve memory, and reduce mental confusion. It also tonifies Jing, increasing male fertility and preventing impotence. But it's most well known for calming Shen, which reduces anxiety and other stress disorders, and helps improve sleep.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression- Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best adaptogens by many herbalists. It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, reducing anxiety and helping to relieve some of the symptoms associated with depression. It does this, largely, by reducing the cortisol levels in your system. This helps to relieve adrenal fatigue as well, which helps to boost energy naturally, improve sleep, and improve mood.

Joint, Back, and Arthritic Pain- Ashwagandha is a great anti-inflammatory with some analgesic properties. This means that it helps reduce swelling and can also help reduce the feeling of pain in certain areas. Traditionally it has been used to treat joint and back pain, especially when associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal- Because of the amazing ability of Ashwagandha to help reduce stress, and help the body to recover from stress, it can be used to greatly reduce the impact of withdrawal from drugs and/or alcohol.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels- Ayurvedic medicine has been using Ashwagandha as a treatment for diabetes for a very long time. Recent studies have shown that it has potential in this area as it has been proven to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.

Circulatory System- Not only is Ashwagandha a great anti-inflammatory, but it also helps to strengthen the heart muscles and control cholesterol. It's also been shown to have some hematopoietic properties, helping to increase the production of new blood cells. This makes for an excellent combination to help strengthen and protect the entire circulatory system.

Thyroid Function- Ashwagandha has been known to help increase the production of the thyroid, which can increase libido, reduce joint pain, and help improve skin conditions that are a result of hypothyroidism.

Memory and Brain Function- Ashwagandha is currently being studied for it's possible use in treating cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's. It's also a traditional treatment for senility, memory loss, and seizures.

Contraindications and Warnings- Large doses can cause abdominal discomfort and/or diarrhea. Pregnant women should use caution with this herb as large doses could cause early delivery. Ashwagandha does interact with certain types of medication, so check with your doctor before adding this herb to your routine.


     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing and beautiful little herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

7 Amazing Benefits of Ashwagandha Root for Women: Global Healing Center: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/7-amazing-benefits-of-ashwagandha-root-for-women/

11 Ashwagandha Benefits for the Brain, Thyroid, and Even Muscles: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/ashwagandha-benefits/

12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits

15 Proven Benefits of Ashwagandha: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html

As Overview on Ashwagadha: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

Ashwagandha: Banyan Botanicals: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/herbs/ashwagandha/

Ashwagandha AKA Winter Cherry: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/ashwagandha-winter-cherry/

Ayurveda Medicinal Herb – Ashwagandha: Ayurveda for You: https://ayurveda-foryou.com/ayurveda_herb/ashwagandha.html

Benefits of Ashwagandha: Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318407.php

What is Ashwagandha?: The Chopra Center: https://chopra.com/articles/what-is-ashwagandha

Why You Should Take Ashwagandha With Milk?: The Ayurveda Experience: https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/ashwagandha-with-milk/

DIY Liquid Multivitamin

     I grew up in the era of Flintstones Multivitamins, and while taking your vitamins is a great daily routine. Just how good are those vitamin supplements? Some can be really good and effective, others not so much. One of my major hangups about supplements is that I'm not sure what process the herb/vitamin goes through before it becomes that little pill. So why not make it myself so I know 100% what goes in it, and can tweak it for any special needs that come up?

A Word on Ingredients:

Each of the ingredients I've chosen for these recipes has several different benefits. They're all powerhouses nutritionally, but they also add a bit more than just nutrition. Some of the following herbs are not included in specific recipes, but are really good to think about adding into yours.

      

Alfalfa Medicago sativa is most famously known as livestock feed. However, it's used in this manner because of it's high concentration of nutrients. Alfalfa contains a wide variety of minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, potassium, silicon, and trace elements. It is also a good source of vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and super important towards the end of pregnancy. It also contains essential amino acids that are not made by the body but must be obtained from food sources. Medicinally, alfalfa is often used to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Its high concentration of alkaloids make it useful in reducing blood sugar levels and it is also commonly used as a blood purifier as well as for any types of arthritis or joint problems. One major caution, however, alfalfa is not safe to use in combination with blood thinning agents or medications as it is so effective it can interfere or amplify the effects of these. 

Catnip Nepeta cataria makes most cats go a bit crazy. However it's super beneficial for cats, dogs, and even humans. In ancient times, it was believed to be a remedy for insanity. This is due to it's soothing and calming effect. In animals, catnip has a strong sedative effect, yes, even on your crazy cat (just think about what your cat does after going nuts...sleep!).  It's also used to help calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, reduce menstrual cramps, sooth the stomach, and relieve headaches.  Catnip is also a great antiviral herb that helps to reduce fever. As a member of the mint family, this herb has a whole host of nutritional value. One of it's most concentrated nutrients is Folic Acid, which is helpful for women, children, and unborn children.

Chamomile Matricaria recutita is a great herb for so many reasons. It helps sooth the stomach and nerves. It helps the body move through fevers faster. It's great for children, and as an added bonus, it tastes great! Chamomile is a bitter herb (you'll taste the bitterness if you steep it too long) and all bitter herbs help aid in digestion. So it's a great herb to add to any formula that you use prior to eating. Chamomile has been tested extensively and science has backed quite a few of the traditional uses of this herb, especially it's use as an antipeptic, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergenic. 

Dandelion Leaf Taraxacum officinale is often despised as a weed, but it's full of amazing properties. It's a traditional salad green and pot herb. Packed full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B6, C, and K, one can see why traditional cultures would search out this abundant food. It's also a very beneficial herb for liver health, helping reduce oxidative stress in the liver and suppress fat accumulation.

Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra (or G. uralensis) is one of those flavors that you either love or hate. But no one can doubt the natural sweetness that it contains. That's why it's such a good herb for children. Adding licorice to an herbal formula, quite often, makes it more palatable for kids, so that you have an easier time getting them to actually take their medicine. It does have some nutritional value, but I mainly added it to these recipes for the flavor and additional benefits. It's an amazing little adaptogen, helping one to better deal with stress and adapt to stressful situations.

Mint Mentha spp. covers a whole host of beneficial herbs. They all have the same uses and similar nutritional profiles. They help to calm the stomach and nerves, fight diseases, and relieve upper-respiratory issues. It's also a great catalyst, helping move other herbs and nutrients throughout your system more efficiently. 

Mullein Verbascum spp. is the name for over 300 species of medicinal plants. This herb is commonly used for upper-respiratory issues and illness. It's also a common treatment for earaches. However it's also packed full of amazing nutrients including proteins, beneficial fats, and flavonoids. It's also safe for children.

Nettle Urtica dioica is an herb I call upon almost daily. It's so useful for so many reasons, not to mention it's a tasty green. In my home, we use nettle to help reduce our allergy symptoms, reduce joint stiffness and pain, to prevent anemia, lower blood pressure, tone kidneys, and break down any kidney or gall stones that may be developing. I put this herb in every one of my nutritive teas and tinctures for all of these reasons, but especially for it's nutritional value. Nettle contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, iron, sulfur, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and quite a bit of protein.

Oatstraw Avena sativa is a whole body tonic. It's super beneficial to just about every organ and system in the human body. But it's also super packed full of nutrients that we don't always get a lot of from our food. Oatstraw is an excellent source of magnesium and chromium, an important mineral for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. It’s also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, niacin, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and vitamin C. And even better, all the nutrients contained in this little herb are super easy for the body to absorb, digest, and use. 

Red Clover Trifolium pratense is full of benefits for everyone, but especially for women. It helps with hormone issues associated with menstration, early pregnancy, and menopause. However, it's also an important herb for men as it helps prevent prostate problems such as BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia) and even prostate cancer. Red clover is also a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. 

Red Raspberry Leaf Rubus spp. has been used throughout history to help aid in pregnancy and labor. This herb is one of my favorite herbs to use for women, helping balance female hormones, increase fertility, and tone the uterus. It regulates menstrual cycles, reduce cramps, PMS, and other symptoms that come with irregular menses. Raspberry leaves also help relieve respiratory infections, strengthen the intestines, and help speed the healing of minor wounds. Nutritionally, red raspberry leaves contain iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 

Pygeum Pygeum africanum is an herb from Southern and Central Africa. This plumb tree is actually used more for it's bark than it's fruit, being used for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), boosting fertility, preventing urinary tract infections (UTI), and reducing inflammation. It's also used to help treat and prevent age related issues that some men have, such as male pattern baldness. 

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens is well known as a male herb, helping to balance testosterone levels and prevent BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia). It's also super nutritious, being packed full of vitamins and minerals. 

Spirulina Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima is a blue-green algae that is being studied for quite a few of its actions recently. First off, it helps control candida, helping to prevent and treat yeast infections. It's also a great herb to use to help detox heavy metals, being shown to be especially potent against Arsenic. Spirulina is also great for the circulatory system, helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and reduce the chance of stroke. It provides a bit of an energy boost, making it a great choice to add to your morning routine. It also helps to improve memory and brain function. While all of this is amazing, the number one reason I include this in so many of my recipes is for it's nutritional value. Spriulia contains copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, phosphorous, calcium, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin A. 

Turmeric Curcuma longa is a great herb for just about everyone. It's anti-inflammatory, antiviral, helps aid digestion, and full of beneficial nutrients. Turmeric contains good amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium. It's also super rich in vitamin C.

Basic Multivitamin Tincture

2 parts Nettle Leaf

2 parts Alfalfa Leaf

1 part Oatstraw

½ part Mint

Alcohol Preparation Instructions:

Combine herbs in a 16oz mason jar, fill the jar about ½ way with the herbs. Cover, and fill the jar, with alcohol. Label and leave in a dark, cool place for 6 weeks. Make sure to shake it once a day. After 6 weeks, strain out the solids and enjoy your liquid multivitamin. 

Glycerin Preparation Instructions:

Combine herbs in a 16oz mason jar, fill the jar about ½ way with the herbs. Cover, and fill the jar, with glycerin. Put the lid on the jar. Place a wash cloth, or silicone baking mat on the bottom of a crock pot (crock pot must have a “keep warm” or “Very Low” setting), place the jar on top of the cloth/mat. Fill the crock pot up about ¾ of the way (or about ½ inch under the lid of the jar) with water. Turn the crock pot on it's lowest setting and allow to stay there for at least 1 day (up to 3), adding more water if needed. Strain and enjoy!

Overnight Infusion Option:

Instead of making a tincture, you can use the same herbs in an overnight infusion. Combine the herbs in a 16oz mason jar, fill the jar about ½ way with the herbs. Cover, and fill jar with boiling water. Seal the jar and allow to sit, in room temperature, 8-12 hours or overnight. Enjoy the next day!

This basic recipe can be altered simply by either reducing the amount of one or two of the herbs and adding in whichever other herbs you desire, or using the basic recipe as a starter and adding in the additional herbs on top of it. Here are a few alternative recipes I use as an example. All the instructions are the same so I'm only sharing the ingredients.

Women's Daily/Prenatal Vitamin

2 parts Nettle Leaf

1 part Alfalfa Leaf

1 part Red Raspberry Leaf

1 part Red Clover

½ part Oatstraw

½ part Mint

Men's Daily/Prostate Health 

2 parts Nettle Leaf

1 part Alfalfa Leaf

1 part Saw Palmetto

1 part Pygeum

½ part Oatstraw

½ part Mint

Children's Daily Vitamin

2 parts Nettle Leaf

2 parts Alfalfa Leaf

1 part Mullein

1 part Red Raspberry Leaf

½ part Oatstraw

½ part Licorice (or Chamomile if your child hates Licorice like I did)

Healthy Pets Dog/Cat Multivitamin

2 parts Nettle Leaf

1 part Catnip Leaf

1 part Dandelion Leaf

½ part Turmeric

I hope this vitamin recipe helps improve your daily routine. Feel free to do some research and add in whatever herbs you feel would help you and your family. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!

Resources:

7 Benefits of Pygeum: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/pygeum-benefits.html 

Alfalfa Benefits & Uses: Wellnessmama: https://wellnessmama.com/188/alfalfa-herb-profile/ 

Best Herbs for Prostate Health: Healthfully: https://healthfully.com/34518-herbs-prostate-health.html 

Catnip Herb: Alternative Nature Online Herbal: https://learnaboutherbs.com/gallery/catnip.htm 

Chamomile Benefits: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html 

Licorice Root Benefits: Herbs with Rosalee: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/licorice-root-benefits.html 

Mint- Medicinal Uses: Mother Earth Living: https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/herbs-for-health-medicinal-mint 

Mullein- The Medicinal Herb that Fights Infections & Inflammation: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/mullein/ 

Nutrition of Stinging Nettle: Livestrong: https://www.livestrong.com/article/350785-stinging-nettles-nutrition/

Oatstraw- Stress Reliever, Love Potion, Brain Booster, and More: GrowNetwork: https://thegrownetwork.com/oatstraw-benefits/ 

Red Clover Benefits: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-red-clover.html 

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Dr. Mercola: https://articles.mercola.com/teas/red-raspberry-leaf-tea.aspx

Saw Palmetto Benefits the Prostate & Stops Hair Loss: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/saw-palmetto-benefits/ 

Spirulina Benefits: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/spirulina-benefits/ 

Turmeric Nutrition and Benefits: Nutrition and You: https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/turmeric.html 

What Are the Benefits of Organic Dandelion Leaf?: Global Healing Center: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-benefits-of-organic-dandelion-leaf/