Since moving to Lefkada Island three years ago, part of my lifestyle change was to avoid taking prescribed drugs, nor visit the pharmacy for any 'over the counter' regular tablets for ailments such as headache, common cold etc. We decided to ditch the medical cabinet, concentrating on a more natural approach to our well being. Prevention rather than cure.
We now treat our bodies with much more respect, eating a healthy balanced diet with no additives and preservatives. We have become involved in activities that improve our emotional wellbeing and surround ourselves with like 'minded friends' who enhance our mentally and physically balanced lifestyle.
If this is something you too are passionate about, then you may like to start with eliminating preservatives and additives. This we found was easy; cutting out processed foods, often high in sugars and 'E numbers', this includes sauces such as ketchup and brown sauce, biscuits, crisps and cakes.
Oh yes we do love our sweet treats, but home baking means you are in control of the ingredients. I also noticed that it lowered our grocery bill.
I have noticed that many Greek dishes contain an abundance of natural herbs and spices... maybe this is why the Greek elders live to such good age.
Simply incorporate as many of these these herbs and spices as you can into your favourite homecooked dishes. Eg. add chilli flakes, sesame seeds, and fresh ginger to a vegetable stir fry. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to a fresh apple pie or porridge. Use cumin, turmeric, paprika, chilli seeds for a homemade chicken curry.
Replace a daily regular coffee or tea with a herbal tea. Greek Mountain tea, Chamomile, Peppermint or Stinging Nettle tea.
Below are a list of dried herbs and spices we have in our larder.
This is not a comprehensive list of benefits, so feel free to do some of your own research.
Dried Herbs, Spices and Seeds.
Chia Seeds - an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions including heart disease. High in fibre, chia can help to lower high blood pressure.
Turmeric - (curcumin) have proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer and Cancer. A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis. Anti-allergen, Anti-fungal, Anti- viral. Immunity booster.
Black Cumin Seeds - Packed with antioxidants. May lower cholesterol. Helps kill off bacteria. Alleviates inflammation. Can aid blood sugar regulation. May prevent stomach ulcers.
Pumpkin Seeds - Rich in Vitamin K and minerals helping to heal wounds. Also contains Zinc that helps the immune system fight bacteria and viruses.
Sesame Seeds - Good source of fibre. May help lower blood pressure. Supports healthy bones. Good source of Vitamin B. May mend blood cell formations.
Echinacea Tea - Helps shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms such as sore throat, cough and fever. Boosts the immune system and helps the body fight infection.
Cinnamon - loaded with antioxidants,. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Supports gut health and helps manage blood pressure.
Fresh Ginger - I buy this from a local supermarket and keep in in a zip lock bag in the freezer. I grate from frozen keeping it fresh for longer. Used to aid digestion. Reduces nausea. Helps fight the flu and common cold. Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Allspice - Used to combat headaches, muscle cramps and toothache. Used for indigestion, abdominal pain and heavy menstrual periods. Helps combat vomiting, diarrhea, fever and colds.
Cumin - has anti cancer properties. Fights bacteria and parasites and boosts the immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar - helps manage blood sugar levels. Can help kill harmful bacteria. Boosts skin health.
Nutmeg - An ability to relieve pain. Sooth indigestion. Strengthen cognitive function. Detoxifies the body. Boosts skin health. Alleviates oral conditions. Reduces insomnia. Increases immune system function.
Paprika - A colourful spice derived from ground peppers. Has antioxidant properties. Can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Improves immunity. Alleviates gas. Aids treatment for autoimmune conditions.
Fresh Garden Herbs.
You can grow herbs in very limited space; in pots on a patio, outdoor staircase or in window boxes.
Don't forget you can forage for fresh wild herbs for free, such as sage, chamomile, marjoram, rosemary, stinging nettles, Greek mountain tea, and wild Horta. Pick herbs and hang in bunches to dry before removing from the stem.
Oregano - A natural antibiotic. Helps treat yeast infections. Anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant. Helps relieve pain.
Fresh Garlic - Improves immunity. Stabilizes blood sugar levels. Supports heart and brain health.
Rosemary - A rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. A cognitive stimulant helping to improve memory alertness, intelligence and focus.
Sage - Reduces gas and improves digestion. Relieves nausea. Eases a cold or flu. Relieves pain. Reduces inflammation. May ease menopause symptoms. Supports oral health.
Chilli - Boasts high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. Helps prevent lifestyle diseases including some cancers and stomach ulcers.
Basil - Essential oils in basil can help fight inflammation in the body such as arthritis, heart disease and bowel issues. Basil also has antibacterial properties. The strong perfume herb stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for inducing happiness and energy. Supports liver health.
Thyme - Full of vitamin C. Boosts the immunity. Has potassium for healthy cells and manganese for bone development and blood clotting. Disinfecting, repelling pests. Can relieve coughs.
Lavender - improves melatonin levels to aid sleep. A natural remedy for pain. Reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Lessens menopausal flashes. Combats fungus growth. Lavender oil heals minor burns and bug bites.
Dill - Promotes digestion. Fortifies bone health. Prevents infections. Remedies insomnia.
Mint - May improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Helps reduce indigestion. Improves cold symptoms, Improves brain function and the immune system.
Peppermint - Improves digestion. Freshens breath. Improves concentration. Has antibacterial properties that may improve allergy symptoms, headaches and clogged airways.
Stinging Nettle (tea) - Anti-inflammatory. Used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout and anemia. Helps reduce seasonal allergies (hayfever). May treat enlarged prostrate symptoms.
Parsley - Rich in vitamins. An antioxidant rich herb that helps manage diabetes, boosts the immune system and improves bone health. Not just a garnish!!!
Chamomile (tea) - Helps with insomnia, anxiety and digestive upsets. As a mouth rinse it might relieve mouth sores. Boost immunity.
Marjoram - Aromatic. Strengthens the nervous system and helps combat anxiety and stress, sleep problems, muscle spasms , headaches and sprains.
Wild Horta - These leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, fibre and potassium. Lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of glaucoma.
Greek Mountain Tea - Contains high levels of antioxidants. As potent as green tea at promoting antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative stress. Helps prevent ulcers. Decongestant.
Store herbs and spices in airtight containers. I love these small inexpensive glass herb jars from Ikea but if you are passionate about recycling the small Douwe Egbert coffee jars are a perfect alternative.
It is also often cheaper to purchase herbs and spices in refill bags.
For the herbs and spices unable to grow or forage for, I purchase from Papas delicatessen in Lefkada.
Wow!! This store stimulates my senses. The aroma of fresh ground coffee beans invites you in. The Greek owner speaks good English, so if there is something you cannot find, do ask and he will order it for you. He welcomes product suggestions and ideas that will enhance his store.
There is a great range of herbs and spices, grains, beans, lentils, and nuts sold loose. There is also a shelf dedicated to gluten free produce.
Our Natural Immune Boosting Covid Prevention Kit.
Colloidal Silver - is a suspension of silver particles in a liquid. Its an ancient all-purpose remedy that was once used for various infections and illnesses. An alternative to antibiotics to treat bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It can be purchased through a pharmacy or online but is expensive. It can be homemade with a specialist generator at a fraction of the cost. If interested please contact me privately for details.
Citrus Fruits - Vitamin C. Helps with the functioning of the immune system. Why else would citrus fruits grow in the winter season...nature knows best!
Vitamin D - Your body produces vitamin D naturally when spending time outside, directly exposing your skin to sunlight. It keeps your energy levels up and enhances mood, effecting the function of your immune system. Eat fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon.
Black Cumin Seeds - (nigella sativa) Fennel Flower.
Use on steamed or stir fry vegetables. Sprinkle on fish with lemon, in an omelet or on top of a slaw. Great added to all types of homemade bread. Mix with honey or water added to oatmeal, Try 1tsp of seeds in a morning smoothie or yoghurt.
A potent antimicrobial with the ability to fight bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses.
These distinctive lilac flowers can be found growing wild here in Lefkada should you wish to grow them from seed or harvest your own. After flowering, harvest the pods, and hang to dry. Leave some pods on the plants to reseed.
Chia Seeds - contain QUERCETIN. Can be used as above.
Zinc - is an essential mineral which helps boost your immune system. Your body should get enough zinc from a good varied diet. Food sources include chicken, red meat, beans, cashew nuts, whole grains, dairy products, crab meat, mushrooms and kale. As soon as feeling unwell you can choose to boost your zinc intake with a supplement.
Turmeric Infused Honey - (golden honey). Make from 1/4 cup of local honey and 1tsp of turmeric. Stir into oat porridge for breakfast or add to warm milk for a bedtime drink. Both can be topped with a dusting of cinnamon.
Comments
Post a Comment