Let food be thy medicine
BASIC HEALING RECIPES
teas
When consumed throughout the day, cinnamon water can help control cravings, regulate blood sugar, stimulate circulation, and lend a feeling of comfort and satisfaction.
- At least 1 qt of water
- 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tbs freshly ground cinnamon
Bring water to a boil and then simmer the sticks for about 10-15 minutes. Let steep for 20 minutes more. Put into a thermos to keep warm throughout the day. Another option is to fill up a slow cooker and let it sit with the sticks all day, this yields a more potent blend.
Also known as CCF tea, this Ayurvedic recipe is great for gut health and blood purification. You can sip this every 15-20 minutes for a few days for a mini cleanse.
- 1 qt water
- 1 tbsp cumin seed
- 1 tbsp coriander seed
- 1tbsp fennel seed
Bring water to a boil, add the herbs and ismmer for 15. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain, put in a thermos and enjoy throughout the day.
Nothing like a warming chai tea. Chai tea boosts heart health, reduces blood sugar, aids digestion, and helps with weight loss.
- 5 c water
- 12 crushed cardamom pods
- 8 black peppercorns
- 9 cloves
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4″ piece of fresh sliced ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 3 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp coconut sugar
- 5 rooibos tea bags for caffeine free or black tea for caffeine
- 3tsp alcohol free vanilla extract
Boil it all (except tea) over high heat, reduce to medium low add the tea bags and simmer for 20. Strain it and refrigerate for up to two weeks in an air tight container.
Heat 1/2 cup of chai concentrate up with
1/2 c nondairy milk
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp ashwagandha and/or 1/4 tsp shatavari
dash of cinnamon , froth it and enjoy! *This recipe is from Eat, Feel Fresh
Fenugreek reduces water retention and bloating. Enjoying chewing a handful of seeds as a post meal stimulant or make it into a tea. Fenugreek also helps lactation, blood sugar, and the liver.
- 1 qt water
- 2tbs fenugreek seeds
Bring water to a boil and then simmer the seeds about 20 minutes. Turn off the water let cool and soak overnight. Warm up in the morning, pour into a thermos and sip throughout the day.
Boost your appetite with this tea.
- 1 qt water
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp rock salt
- 1 tsp honey (do not boil)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 lime juiced (do not boil)
Boil it except lime and honey for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and add the lime juice. Drink warm 30 minutes before your meal.
Drink when experiencing excess heat and showing symptoms of acid reflux or burning. Also great for lung congestion from colds and has a sweet taste that can curb sweet cravings.
- 1 qt water
- 2 tsp dried mint leaves
- 2 tsp dried licorice root
Steep herbs in a teapot of boiled water for about 5 minutes. Serve.
Clear out that mucus with this spicy drink.
- 1 qt of water
- 1 tsp fresh shredded ginger root
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- pinch of cloves
Bring water to a boil and then simmer the herbs/spices 20 minutes. Warm up in the morning, pour into a thermos and sip throughout the day. Recipe by Cate Stillman.
Sip and enjoy to cleanse the liver and reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. Great in spring.
- 2 pinch cardamom
- 3-4 dandelion leaves
Steep dandelion leaves and cardamom in boiled water for a few minutes.
Soothe the mind and nervous system with chamomile as you warm up your metabolism with honey and lemon. This combination of herbs will also help to release stagnant lymph and stiff muscles. Great in Spring.
- 1tsp chamomile
- 1 tsp honey
- slice of lemon
- 1 c of water
Pour boiled water over the chamomile and lemon in a cup and add honey to taste when done.
SLEEP ELIXIRS AND TONICS
Golden milk is a detoxifier and immune booster. It’s great for the joints too.
- 1.5 c of milk
- 1.5 tsp of ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 whole cinnamon stick or (1/4 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom or 2-3 crushed pods
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1bsp sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or jaggery)
Warm up the milk in a small saucepan. Add the herbs and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Strain and add the sweetener. Drink while warm.
Ojas means vigor, it is the element of our body that governs immunity, radiant skin, mood, sleep, digestion, strength, and even spirituality. Enjoy a cup of this tonic each evening to rebuild ojas. Can also be enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat.
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 chopped dates
- 10 almonds ground in coffee grinder
- 1 tbsp coconut flakes
- 1/2 tsp saffron
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom or 2-3 crushed pods
- 1-2 tsp ghee
- 1/4 tsp ashwagnadha (optional) or shatavari
Warm up the milk in a small saucepan with all the other ingredients and simmer them for 5-10 minutes stirring occasionally. You can leave as is or blend the dates in. If not blended, the dates are a great treat at the bottom of a mug too. Drink while warm. This recipe is by Dr. John Douillard
As you can see, warm milk can be had in a variety of ways to make it delicious and more effective.
- 1.5 c of milk (cow, almond, or coconut)
- 1-2 tsp ghee
- 1/8 tsp of a digestive spice such as nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cumin
Warm up the milk in a small saucepan. Ad the herbs and simmer for 5-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Strain and add the sweetener. Drink while warm.
This milk will help induce sleep while cooling you down. If you are challenged by heat or an irritated mind, you may have excess pitta which this will help balance.
- 1/2 tsp anantamul
- handful of organic rose petals fresh or dry
- saffron sprig to help that pitta
Warm up the milk in a small saucepan. Add the herbs and simmer for 5-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Feel free to add a sweetener. Drink while warm.
