Especially in drier climes, it’s not unusual to experience dry, irritated sinuses and nasal passages. Unfortunately, this condition is not only uncomfortable, it also compromises one’s pranic absorption. Blocked sinuses can contribute to depression, fatigue, and brain fog. An easy solution is performing neti every day and following up with a few drops of medicated herbal oil in each nostril. For neti make sure to use distilled water and get the water to body temperature. Use 1/4-1/2 tsp fine ground salt. If you get the temperature and salinity right, it should feel very pleasant–like hardly anything at all. I made a nice nasya oil with a sesame oil base, gotu kola, slippery elm, and fresh basil. If you are trained in making medicated oils, have at it! If not, you can buy pre-made nasya oils from Ayurvedic suppliers like Banyan Botanicals–or talk to our local Ayurvedic practitioner about it. Performing daily neti and following up with nasya oil has made a huge difference in my ability to breathe freely!
The Power of Probiotics
This is definitely worth a listen. More reasons to eat plenty of probiotics. Not only do they assist in proper food digestion, they may also be linked to a boost in serotonin and mood. In my personal experience, I have felt generally calmer and more clear-headed when I am getting a healthy supply of probiotics in conjunction with a good veggie-heavy diet and other wellness promoting practices. This episode was really cool! Give it a listen! Further affirmation of the Ayurvedic theory that all good health begins with great digestion.
Also, in terms of probiotic sources, there are many to choose from. I like Bubbies pickles and sauerkraut, homemade sauerkraut, kefir, umeboshi paste, and cultured cottage cheese or cream cheese. Diversity is a good thing, so eating from a variety of probiotic sources will give you more diverse strands.
Hemp Milk
After successfully making my own hemp milk today, I shall never buy milk again! Super easy and it came out creamy and delicious. I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner!
1/2 cup raw shelled hemp seeds
2 cups water
1 tablespoon maple syrup
a few drops of vanilla extract
Blend all ingredients, strain with a cheese cloth or nut milk bag if desired. Store in fridge in a glass jar. Makes 16 oz.
Thirteen Gems: a small collection of original and unusual vegetarian recipes
Thirteen Gems: a small collection of original and unusual veg. recipes
I just completed my first recipe book! Purchase a copy directly at blurb.com. From now until December 26, for every book you buy $3 will be donated to my family’s nonprofit Karimu International Help Foundation. That $3 will be matched by a generous donor. The money will provide for one school child to eat lunch for a whole month! Makes a great holiday gift. Get a copy today. Soft and hard cover available.