SPICES AS REMEDY IN THE WINTER
Spring is coming (and I can’t wait), but we still have several weeks of winter to deal with and many of my clients and friends have been complaining of the following:
- Catching one cold/virus after another
- Travel related issues such as sleep disturbances & constipation
- Nervous or upset stomach
- Congestion & excess mucus
So I’ve put together some easy Ayurvedic remedies you can make with your kitchen spices – super easy and super simple!
Yogurt Electrolyte Drink:
This drink helps with dehydration (assists the body in absorbing water) related to strenuous physical activity, travel, sickness, or excess heat. It also provides your gut with good bacteria for better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Nutmeg also helps to calm anxiety, reducs jet lag, and induce sleep.
- ½ cup plain yogurt (homemade is preferable)
- ½ cup filtered or alkaline water
- ½ tsp raw sugar
- ½ tsp mineral salt, rock salt, or sea salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Mix all ingredients until they dissolve. Make sure that you have a watery consistency; add more water if needed.
Ginger & Clove Tea:
Helps with congestion and mucus.
- 1 inch slice of fresh, peeled ginger
- 2-3 cloves
- 2 cups of filtered water
Bring water to a boil and then add the spices; reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. You can add a little bit of raw honey once the water has cooled down for a sweeter taste.
Cardamom & Fennel Tea:
Helps to calm the nervous system down. Useful to take if you have been traveling, are experiencing constipation, or have aggravated Vata (and need to move the ‘air’ down and out). Fennel is a diuretic and helps to remove toxins. This tea is also useful for nursing mothers who have infant suffering with colic.
- 3 cardamom pods
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- 2 cups of filtered water
Bring water to a boil then add the spices; reduce heat and simmer for another 7 minutes.
** An alternative to your morning coffee routine:
Use the same ingredients as described in the cardamom tea, and add 2 tsp of your favorite loose black tea, let it simmer for 7 in the water (until you have the desired dark color and the water content has been reduced to about 1 ¾ cup). Add ¼ – ½ cup non dairy milk and let it simmer for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat, strain and enjoy!
Join me in April for my Spring Rejuvenation Detox – you’ll discover that detoxing is both delicious and satisfying. I will also teach you some fun recipes, like how to make “Moon Tea” for calming & cooling the body as the temperatures begin to rise. Details coming in March, so be sure to check back for more details!
