As we head into deep winter, boosting immunity is on a lot of peoples’ minds. Global pandemic aside, the darker months are the time of year in which many of us are thinking more about nutrition and lifestyle practices that support a robust immune system. One nutrient that people commonly turn to for immune support is vitamin D. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have a vitamin D deficiency (Sahota, 2014), which leaves a lot of folks wondering whether or not they are getting enough—and the best ways to obtain the desired levels of this crucial hormone. Check out lifestyle and nutrition tips for getting your vitamin D HERE.
Herbal Desserts Featuring Pumpkin
Get ready for tasty, seasonal, and surprising combinations of herbal desserts! You may have heard of mint brownies or even lavender brownies, but read on for a unique herbal twist on a chocolatey favorite. Perfect for autumn and winter, this Pumpkin and Herbs Brownies recipe contains both fresh thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, synonym Rosmarinus officinalis)—as well as pumpkin purée for texture and seasonal flare.
Also, it may be the season to rethink pumpkin pie. This Spicy Sweet Pumpkin Pie is less sweet than a traditional pumpkin pie, has a fabulous texture, and provides a spicy and sweet flavor profile. If you are craving novel herbal desserts for cozy cool evenings, try out these unique recipes HERE!
Herbal Tea Blends for Morning, Midday, and Night
Timing is everything. This well-worn saying couldn’t be more true when it comes to herbal tea blends. The Sanskrit word kala refers to time or timing, and desa to place. According to Ayurveda, harmonious living isn’t just about what; it is also about when, how, and where. When it comes to what we put into our bodies, the timing of how and when we partake can be as significant as the foods and beverages we choose. Here I offer you four different herbal tea blends and suggestions on the best time of day to enjoy them. Check out the full post HERE! Includes my own masala chai recipe!
Practices and Herbs for Happiness
Given the drastic upheaval that has touched all of our lives in 2020, feeling a bit more stressed or run ragged than normal is to be expected. We are living in unprecedented times—a time of great hope and potential and also a time of great loss and uncertainty for many. If you wake up most mornings feeling less than wonderful, you are certainly not alone. Perhaps “OK” is the new “great.” Yet, there are ways in which we can move toward happiness and wellness—even during the most challenging times. This article will explore practices and herbs for happiness, elucidating practical ways in which you can take steps toward greater wellbeing. Read the full article HERE.
Ojas: What it is and how to build it
Literally translated as ‘vigor,’ ojas is the essential energy of the immune system. There isn’t an exact correlation for ojas in Western medicine. Truly, the meaning of ojas encompasses many things. Ayurvedic practitioner, author and chef Kate O’Donnell describes ojas as “the subtle essence of our life energy”. In some ways this vital essence can be considered the eighth dhatu (bodily tissue), but it is not exactly a tissue. It is more refined and subtle than that. However, ojas can only be built after all the seven dhatus are nourished.
Learn about ojas and how to build it in my PIOR Living post HERE.