#let food be thy medicine
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reginaldstroudus · 4 years ago
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Should food be our medicine?
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isaacsapphire · 2 years ago
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It is chemically rewarding to eat. This is a fact, and it's perfectly fine. That's how living beings know that they should eat.
Any rewarding behavior can become an addiction, especially when an industry of scientists trying to make the whatever addictive. (Please note that micro transactions really got video games to try to be addictive, complete with scientists.)
Food in general is not inherently addictive. Hyperstimulous foods are created by scientists to be as "cravable" as possible without triggering satiaty. That's not the same as a carrot, you know?
Yes, almost everything addictive can be used by some people without getting addicted. Assuming that the difference between who has their name on that bullet and who doesn't is an issue of "how you use it" and existing problems ignores that people are different, and some people are inherently more prone to certain types of addictions than others (for an easy and obvious example, addictions are not distributed evenly by gender).
The Chinese opium crisis was, first and foremost, caused by the social problem of British companies selling an addictive substance to make money while not caring about the harm done to their customers or their communities.
Is the "people feel bad" part of the "feel bad, buy processed hyperpalatable food product to feel better" related to other social issues? IDK, maybe? Did you know that some food products have an affect on mood or how your body feels and it's not always good?
Like, I'm not averse to the whole, "there's something wrong With Society Today that's making people more vulnerable to addictions" as a theory, but it's such an immediate go-to error across the board to think that social ills are getting worse even when they objectively aren't, and it's all related to the pool table in River City whatever's new. Also like, magacorps and governments have a long long history of engineering addiction crisis for their own gain, see the aforementioned casus belli of the Opium Wars for an example.
What do you think is "going on" w/r/t obesity discourse? (answer private or not at all, if you want.) This of course is a topic which makes me go full militarist, "I would like to not fall out on a 12 mile ruck" mentality.
The distribution of BMIs within a population is the outcome of like, literally the entire society's food system, labor, recreation, And erotic imagination/status competition, and also affects all those things.
And yes, it is absolutely downstream And upstream of military stuff too.
The big glaring thing that is ignored by most people who pontificate on the topic is that since the 1950s or so, increasingly the food corps explicitly designed new products to Not trigger satiaty and to be "cravable" which is a nice way to say "addictive".
They did this to increase demand for the food product inputs like corn and dairy, which are in oversupply because of combinations of American government policies/subsidies and improvements in farming technologies (including but not limited to the use of petrochemicals as fertilizer).
Staying the fuck away from "processed foods" is the real secret of most diets. Yes, it is possible to lose weight eating a small amount of McDonald's food, but it's hard to do that, because 2000 calories of McDonald's doesn't make you feel full, so you'll eat 5000, or 10000 over a day.
And let's talk about that "cravablity" and reward pathways a minute. Say you're standing on a street corner, feeling kinda shitty. What is the fastest, easiest, cheapest way for you to chemically, biologically make yourself feel better? You duck into a convenience store or fast food joint and get a snack for 1-10 USD and feel better. Cheaper, easier, more accessible than even booze and cigarettes, and there's no social or legal stigma against it.
The more you eat, the fatter you get and the more cells you have crying out chemically for more food. In some people this appears to create a runaway cycle. Some people have this issue more than others, but appetite and satiaty are biological, chemical things and they don't work the same on everyone.
For added bonus fun, food is super important socially and many people absolutely flip their fuck if the people around them don't eat what they think they should, be it for religious, moral, or physical reasons; the internet is littered with stories of coworkers, inlaws, and even significant others trying to force or trick people to eat stuff they don't want to.
Even innocently, food and social occasions as minor as a weekly work meeting are synonymous, so the temptation and social license/pressure to eat is almost constant for many people.
Reducing the average activity level is probably an input, but the variability of exercise is almost irrelevant in personal weight ("you can't outrun a bad diet") and the human body adapts to increased exercise very smoothly in every study on the topic I've seen.
It's definitely possible that various chemicals floating around are relevant, but it's reaching to go there first as a hypothetical mechanism before addressing the elephant in the room of Doritos and Mountain Dew.
Like, studies about "hyperpalatable" food generally use Ensure. You know, the stuff that is so unappealing that it's used as a diet?
But ultimately, it's all downstream from government policies around food production, which are hauled around by the nose by industry interests.
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ch0ppedstarlightc0mputer · 7 years ago
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A physician without knowledge of Astrology has no right to call himself a physician.
-Hippocrates
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colitishealingnat · 7 years ago
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I am very excited to start incorporating these medicinal mushrooms into my daily teas. Going to be brewing them with my chicory root and matcha lattes made with almond/coconut milk.
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flavoursandfavours · 7 years ago
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Banana Split Smoothie
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This morning I felt like I needed something to comfort and ground me, so it seemed that the chocolate-banana combo would be a great way to go.
If you would like some sweet healthy energy to get you going and comfort you, this recipe is for you. However, keep in mind that you will have to soak the almonds in a big glass of water overnight and also soak the chia seeds with double the amount of water overnight or 20 mins before making.
The recipe is for two people (large portion) of around 2,5 dl each.
+
You will need:
+ 4 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
+ 1 avocado
+ 1 banana
+ 2 dates
+ 1 handful of almonds (soaked beforehand overnight)
+ 1 cup of soaked chia seeds
+ 1 teaspoon of peanut or cashew butter
+ 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
+ 2 tablespoons of coconut cream (you can buy it in most supermarkets)
+ Water, almond or coconut mylk (non-dairy alternative) to cover
+ Tiny pinch of sea salt
Whisk it all up in your blender or like I had to do with a hand blender (yes, it actually works quite well)
Enjoy!
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thehairiestfeminist · 7 years ago
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sagga369 · 3 years ago
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Let food be thy medicine 🌱
Immune System:
Vitamin C - Immune boosting, detox.
Vitamin B12 - Immune System building, Cognition, Brain health.
Vitamin B Complex - Immune System building, Cognition, Brain health.
Full Spectrum Minerals - Immune System Health
Elderberry Syrup - Immune System Booster
Echinacea - Immune System booster.
Goldenseal - Immune System booster.
Garlic - Immune System booster.
Ginger - Immune System booster, digestive aide.
Beta Glucan - Immune System booster.
Oil of Oregano - Immune System booster.
Ashwaganda, immune tonic safe for everyday use. Good for stress relief.
Chinese Goldenthread - Purify blood, detox, & immune system repair
Turkey tail mushrooms - The natural anti-viral and anti-fungal qualities of this mushroom support the body in fighting off viruses infections. This includes a range of health problems, from the common cold and pneumonia to E. coli, Herpes, and HIV. They also are said to have anti-cancer properties.
Anti-Inflamatory:
Turmeric - Anti-inflammatory, digestive.
Molecularly distilled fish oil/Krill oil/Cod Liver Oil - Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, brain, mood/depression, and heart health.
Wobenzym - Anti-inflammatory, joint health, environmental toxins, blood clots, and heart health.
Zinc - Anti-inflammatory, immune system booster, free radical fighter, hormonal imbalance, and cancer help.
CBD Oil - Anti-inflammatory, cell regeneration, cancer help.
Resveratrol - Protects cells from free radical damage, Inhibits spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer, Lowers blood pressure, Keeps heart healthy and improves elasticity in blood vessels, Normalizes anti-inflammatory response, Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Stress relief:
Passionflower - It's a sedative; the German government has approved it for nervous restlessness. Some studies find that it can reduce symptoms of anxiety as effectively as prescription drugs. It's often used for insomnia.
Hair, Skin, & Nails:
Silica - Hair, skin, nails.
Biotin - Hair, skin, nails.
Magnesium Oil - Skin.
Emu Oil - Skin, sunburn.
Lavender Oil - Scars, stress, skin irritation.
Coconut Oil - Skin, hair, digestion, and immunity.
Tea Tree Oil - Skin blemishes
MSM - Skin
Joints/Bones/Body:
Glucosamine Chondroitin - Joints health.
MSM - Anti-inflammatory, connective tissues, scar tissue, Skin, muscles, and newly discovered help for getting over the flu faster.
L-Glutamine - Amino Acid that improves protein metabolization.
Calcium - Bone strength and development.
L-Theanine - Relaxation, and healthy vascular function.
Boron - Bone density.
Feverfew - Prevention of migraines & headaches, arthritis, reduce fevers, muscle tension and pain, helps lower blood pressure, lessen stomach irritation, stimulate the appetite and to improve digestion and kidney function. It has been indicated for colitis, dizziness, tinnitus and menstrual problems.
Kratom - lower blood pressure, relieve pain, boost metabolism, increase sexual energy, improve the immune system, prevent diabetes, ease anxiety, help with addiction, eliminate stress, and induce healthy sleep.
Ceylon cinnamon - Lowers blood sugar levels, reduces heart disease risk factors, high source of antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart health, fights diabetes, helps defend against cognitive decline & protects brain function, may help lower cancer risk, fights infections & viruses, protects dental health & freshens breath naturally.
Potassium -Relief from stroke, blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders, anxiety and stress, as well as enhanced muscle strength, metabolism, water balance, electrolytic functions, and nervous system.
Muscles:
Chamomile - Muscle pain and soreness.
Tart Cherries - muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, & anti-oxidant.
Peppermint - Muscles relaxer, backaches, leg pain, & tension headaches.
Cayenne Pepper - Reduce muscle pain, stiffness, & inflammation.
Epsom Salt - Relaxes the nervous system, removes toxins, & helps with pain and inflammation.
Valerian - Muscle spasms
Arnica - Anti-inflammatory & improves blood circulation.
Lavender - Reduces pain, swelling & inflammation.
Passion Flower - Muscle spasms & joint soreness.
Raspberry Leaf Tea - Muscle pain & cramps
Magnesium oil - Topical for muscle pain & cramps.
Organ/Body Function:
Milk Thistle - Liver function in humans and dogs (great for hangovers)
Chromium Picolinate - Insulin, uptake of glucose into cells.
Dandelion - Kidney Health.
Cayenne - blood pressure, metabolism boost, lowers cholesterol.
Bilberry - Diarrhea, eye problems, varicose veins, poor circulation and even cancer .
Apple Vinegar Cider - Diabetes, cancer, heart health, high cholesterol, and weight loss.
Resveratrol - Protects cells from free radical damage, Inhibits spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer, Lowers blood pressure, Keeps heart healthy and improves elasticity in blood vessels, Normalizes anti-inflammatory response, Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Digestive:
Digestive enzymes - Digestive health and also inflammation.
DGL - Licorice Root Extract that aids digestion and treats stomach complaints, including heartburn and indigestion.
Probiotics - Gut health, Immune system booster.
Marshmallow root tea - Acid reflux and heartburn.
Slippery Elm – against diarrhea, also as an intestinal and rectal coating to eliminate viral and bacterial infestions.
Allergies:
Quercetin - Natural Antihistamine (seasonal allergies an allergic reactions)
Nettle, Stinging Leaf (tea) - Allergies.
Detox/Antioxidate/Radiation:
Vitamin C - Detox, and Immune system booster and repair
DMG (N-Dimethylglycine) - improves oxygen utilization, detoxification, cell protection, immune system modulation, and physical performance.
Glutathione - Super Antioxident, stress, and injuries.
King Chlorella - Cleaning out environmental toxins/heavy metals.
Iodine (liquid kelp) - Protection against radiation.
Beet Root - Body detox.
CoQ10 - Antioxidant, heart health, anti-aging.
Green Tea - Antioxidant.
Activated Charcoal - Detox.
Bentonite Clay - Heavy Metal Detox.
Diatomaceous Earth - Heavy Metal Detox.
Cilantro - Heavy Metal Detox.
Organic Citrus peels - Heavy Metal Detox.
Spirulina - Heavy Metal Detox.
Garlic - Heavy Metal Detox.
Oil of oregano - Purify blood, detox, & immune system repair.
Echinacea - Purify blood, detox, & immune system repair.
Goldenseal - Purify blood, detox, & immune system repair.
Chinese Goldenthread - Purify blood, detox, & immune system repair.
Milk Thistle - Liver Detox
Depression/Brain/Migraines:
Vitamin D - Mental health, Immune Boosting, scar healing, Bones.
Lithium Orotate - Mood Stabilizer.
Vitamin B-6 - Neurological Health.
Magnesium - Migraines.
Glutathione - Migraines.
Molecularly distilled fish oil - Depression
St. John Wort - Depression
B2 - Migraines.
Energy:
Pantothenic Acid - (Vitamin B-5) generation of energy from fat, carbohydrates and proteins.
Eleuthero root - Stimulant.
Sleep:
Melatonin - Sleep aide.
Valerian - Sleep aide.
Chamomile - Relaxation, sleep aide.
Tart Cherry Juice - Sleep, gout, and illness prevention.
Essential Oils:
Tea Tree: Good for fungus, acne blemishes, and skin fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Also serves as a numbing agent for toothaches and eliminates infection.
Lavender: Works on bruises, cuts, and skin irritation too. Good stress reliever too (Sleep/Depression).
Calendula: Used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. You can also put a drop in your bath water to soothe psoriasis.
Chamomile: Used as a tea or oil for relaxation.
Peppermint: “Peppermint purifies and stimulates the mind. It also can increase mental alertness,” Also good for indigestion.
Frankincense: Relaxation, heal bug bites, scars, depression, inflammation, immunity, and awareness.
Oregano: This oil has naturally antibacterial qualities, which help to fight colds and other sicknesses.
Lemon: “Lemon oil can be used not only to detox the body but it can also help with acne." Also good for increasing focus and concentration. As a bonus, it can help keep fleas away when used on your pets.
Grapefruit: It’s a natural antiseptic, good for fatigue, and you can add it to your homemade household cleansers to keep your home safe and clean.
Eucalyptus: It has many antibacterial properties and has been known to stimulate the immune system, helps with colds, allergies, and nasal congestion.
Lemongrass: Used as aromatherapy to relieve muscle pain, externally to kill bacteria, ward off insects, and reduce body aches, and internally to help your digestive system.
Thieves: Supports Healthy Immune System and great as deodorant.
Olive leaf extract: Natural antiviral and immune booster.
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Food poisoning remedies:
Basil (Purple Basil or Holy Basil):
Basil leaf is a fantastic herb that is widely acclaimed for its refreshing flavor and for its innumerable medicinal properties.
Basil leaves can cure a variety of health conditions ranging from ear infection to food poisoning. The potent anti-bacterial properties of basil leaves can heal acute stomach infection caused by eating tainted foods and / or drinking contaminated water. Basil leaves also provide immediate relief from diarrhea and vomiting which are the main symptoms of food poisoning.
Grind a handful of fresh basil leaves in a mortar and pestle. To the freshly ground basil leaves, add a pinch of black salt, a pinch of black pepper and three to four tablespoons of plain yoghurt. Mix the ingredients well. Have the basil leaves and yoghurt blend a couple of times a day (at least three to four times) to overcome food poisoning.
Purple basil tea is also an excellent option.
Garlic:
Garlic is an indispensable flavoring agent in cooking. But for over five thousand years, this humble herb has been used as a potent ingredient, in numerous traditional medicines to heal a variety of illnesses. Medical research has revealed the fact that the diallyl sulphide present in garlic, is one hundred time more effective than conventional antibiotics when it comes to curing food poisoning. The antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties of garlic ,can annihilate the microbes which are responsible for causing food poisoning.
Grind one to two whole garlic cloves in a stone mortar and pestle. Dilute the garlic paste in a glass of warm water. Drink this concoction to get relief from the symptoms associated with food poisoning.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon known as the ‘spice of life’ can effectively fight the bugs which causes food poisoning. Cinnamon contains numerous potent components which can kill several types of bacteria including E.Coli. To cure food poisoning, drink plenty of freshly brewed cinnamon tea. To prepare cinnamon tea, add one or two cinnamon quills (about 3 inches long) to one and a half cups of water. Allow the water to slow boil in a saucepan for twenty to twenty five minutes. When the water starts to boil remove the saucepan from the heat source. Allow the cinnamon sticks to steep in the water for five minutes. Strain the tea through a very fine sieve into a clean cup. Sip this tea slowly to get lasting relief from the symptoms associated with food poisoning.
Honey (Manuka Honey):
Honey is not only nature’s energy booster, but it is also a wonderful natural remedy for numerous ailments. Honey which is touted for its innumerable beneficial properties is also an effective home remedy for food poisoning. Honey, especially organic honey like ‘Manuka honey’ has potent antibacterial properties that can thwart the growth of bacterial strains which are responsible for food poisoning. Organic honey also helps to reduce inflammation of the intestinal tract, due to food poisoning.
Dilute one teaspoon of organic honey in a glass of luke warm water. Drink this sweet concoction two or three times a day to get relief from food poisoning.
Ginger:
This rhizome is famed for its anti-septic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Eating raw ginger will increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Increasing the natural acidity levels of the stomach can thwart the growth of harmful bacterial including E.Coli. Furthermore, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can provide instant relief from the numerous symptoms which are generally associated with food poisoning.
To prepare this particular home remedy for food poisoning, mash half an inch piece of whole ginger (after removing its outer skin) using a stone mortar and pestle. Add half a teaspoon of organic honey to the ginger paste. Mix the ingredients well. Have this mix once or twice a day to cure mild to moderate food poisoning.
Lemon Juice:
The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immunity boosting properties of Vitamin C rich lemon juice makes it one of the top natural remedies for food poisoning. Drinking pure lemon juice (not diluted lemon juice) can increase the natural acidity levels of the stomach. This in turn can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E.coli and Staphylococcus. Lemon juice can also help to relieve the pain associated with food poisoning by reducing the inflammation of the intestinal tract. Individuals who are suffering from the ill effects of food poisoning are advised to take one to two tablespoons of pure lemon juice four to five times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is a traditional remedy for food poisoning. The numerous amino acids, vitamins and minerals which are present in organic apple cider vinegar can fight off innumerable ailments including food poisoning. Apple cider vinegar can kill off the bacteria which are responsible for food poisoning. Additionally, drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water can also help to rehydrate the body. To cure food poisoning, drink two teaspoons of neat apple cider vinegar twice a day.
Bananas:
People who are suffering from food poisoning should eat soft, bland foods like bananas. Bananas contain high amounts of potassium. Eating potassium rich foods like bananas can help to reduce the negative effects of food poisoning. Furthermore, bananas can also help to restore flagging energy levels. You can prepare a low fat banana shake by blending one whole banana with a glass of low fat milk. Drink the energizing banana shake two times a day to recover quickly from food poisoning.
Cumin Seeds:
The unassuming looking cumin seeds are known to cure a variety of health conditions including food poisoning. The aromatic cumin seeds can help to improve digestion. Cumin seeds also help to reduce inflammation of the intestinal tract due to food poisoning. To get relief from the abdominal pain due to food poisoning, crush one teaspoon of whole cumin seeds. Add the cumin seeds to a cup of warm water. Drink this concoction once or even twice a day to get instantaneous relief from food poisoning.
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Broad Spectrum Natural Antibiotics:
Garlic - Antibacterial, anti-fungal, and even antiviral qualities, promotes the growth of healthy intestinal microflora by acting as a prebiotic (food for probiotics), protects against radiation & sunlight damage, & fights worms and parasites.
Onion - Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, helps prevent Colon cancer and heart disease, antimicrobial properties that effectively battle numerous bacteria, including subtilis, salmonella, and E. coli.
Turmeric - Helps gastric damage caused by the infection, & ulcers.
Curry powder - Prevention of cancer, protection against heart disease, reduce Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, ease pain and inflammation, boost bone health, protect the immune system from bacterial infections, and increase the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body.
Ginger - Antibiotic effect against food borne pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and campylobacter, & calms indigestion.
Cinnamon - High Source of Antioxidants. Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties. Protects Heart Health. Fights Diabetes. Helps Defend Against Cognitive Decline & Protects Brain Function. May Help Lower Cancer Risk. Fights Infections & Viruses. Protects Dental Health & Freshens Breath Naturally.
Cardamon - Combats nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys.
Pau d’Arco tea - Strong anti-fungal properties, candida overgrowth.
Olive leaf extract - inhibits the growth of not only bacteria, but also viruses and fungi.
Colloidal silver - Not only kills bacteria, but it actually kills bacteria that are resistant to all known antibiotics with no undesirable side effects.
Cayenne pepper - Strep Throat, & Effective at resolving vulvovaginitis, a common infection in women.
Echinacea - Colds, flus, sore throats, upper respiratory ailments, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, genital herpes, bloodstream infections (septicemia), gum disease, tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, and diphtheria.
Goldenseal - Colds, flus, sore throats, and other upper respiratory ailments. Kills C-diff.
Oil of oregano - Anti-microbial - GI tract infections - Foot or nail fungus, Parasites and infections, and sinus infections.
Thyme - Treats bedwetting, diarrhea, stomach ache, arthritis, colic, sore throat, cough, including whooping cough, bronchitis, flatulence, and as a diuretic, to increase urination.
Basil - Antibacterial properties and contains DNA-protecting flavonoids, source of vitamin K and Vitamin A, contains beta-carotenes, powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels, from free radical damage, helps prevent cholesterol in blood from oxidizing, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.
Lavender - Effective against different strains of bacteria and types of fungus, antimicrobial activity of lavender oil inhibits the growth of methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA).
Grapefruit Seed Extract - Candida overgrowth, and topical antibiotic.
Resveratrol - External fungicide.
Honey - skin healing, & mucous membrane healing of the GI tract. Manuka Honey shown effective “…clinical trials have found that Manuka honey is effective against more than 250 strains of bacteria, including:
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- MSSA (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus)
- VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci)
- Helicobacter Pylori (which can cause stomach ulcers)
Reference: herbs2000.com
Credit: Erin Marie RN
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fatehbaz · 2 years ago
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On the first day of Bihu -- Assamese New Year, in April -- [...] [t]he objective is to gather 101 different wild, edible plants in celebration of the beginning of the new harvest year. The oldest woman in the group, in her early sixties, can distinguish the edible plants from the nonedible ones and knows most of them by name. [...] A large handful of garlic cloves is peeled, ginger is sliced, and then a few potatoes are mixed in. One of the women heats up some mustard oil, fries the garlic, ginger, and potatoes, and then adds the large bowl of greens. [...] Wild herbs are a central part of the cuisine of Assam, a state in northeast India. Foraged, wild herbs are eaten with garden-grown vegetables [...]. Here, herbs are more than food; they are also used as herbal medicine in the local healing tradition, bon-oukhodi. Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” In Assam, this is a literal, quotidian practice. In addition, herbs are a key ingredient in local rice beer. People drink the homemade rice beer with their meals, as nutrition, as medicine, as part of rituals, and for merriment.
In Assam, wild herbs are more than just nutritious dietary supplements or even Indigenous medicine. They are central to local traditions, identities, and Indigenous mythology.
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Plants in Places
Northeast India [...] is known for having some of the most diverse flora in the world. The state of Assam shares a border with Bangladesh to west and is separated from Bhutan, Tibet, and Myanmar by narrow strips of land [...]. Assam’s borders with Bangladesh and with Nagaland are both fraught. [...] The state is home to many different ethnic and Indigenous communities who mainly live in communal peace, but recent political unrest has targeted Bangladeshi communities -- often refugees -- as outsiders, with the purpose of othering [...]. In recent years, “mainland” Indian politics has made inroads into Assam [...].
Foraging for plants took place in small forests between fields and rivers, and near peoples homes in the villages. It was done on foot, and the plants were collected by hand with the help of a small sickle. Contrary to most agriculture and gardening, in these villages ingredients are collected from wild, uncultivated lands that are not tended in any way to support their flourishing.
The most popular foraged plants to eat are dhekia (fern), manimuni (pennywort), and kosua (taro). They are eaten lightly wilted, boiled and/or fried with mustard oil, garlic, and ginger, or added to dahl and meat dishes.
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Rice-beer brewing is common among Hindu and Indigenous communities in the region. Within these groups, rice beer is consumed by everyone, men and women alike. It is valued for its medicinal properties, as a beverage, and sometimes as part of rituals. Rice beer is not something that is ever purchased; it is only ever homemade. Making the beer requires a starter culture called pitha, which is either made at home or purchased.
The pitha is said to be made of 99 wild herbs, and those who make their own forage the herb fresh before preparing the starter.
The most highly regarded pitha makers are elderly men and women who can recognize hundreds of wild plants and know their medicinal properties. They’re able to select certain plants to give the rice beer particular flavors and medicinal properties. Different plants are also known to influence the preservative qualities of the pitha; for example, adding chili to the pitha is known to protect the beer against rice bugs. 
The forests and fields where people like to forage in Assam are shrinking due to the privatization of land for development and urbanization. This is leading to a loss of tradition and identity.
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Deforesting Identity
Wild herbs have a spiritual dimension that is connected to identity. Communities from the Boro ethnic group in Assam say that at “the beginning” (of life, of the universe), there was algae. Then a sijou (Indian spurge) tree arose. Over time, people arrived, but “they didn’t know how to live.” Gods then materialized eighteen times to teach people things, like sewing, playing the flute and the drum, and making rice beer. Rice beer, then, is also a sacrament. At celebrations, offerings of rice, fermented areca nut, herbs, and rice beer are made to the sijou, as well as to other deities and ancestors by other communities. [...]
The loss of foraging space has implications for identity. One of my interviewees explained: “If you lose your cultural connectedness to your forest, your ecology, then you lose your identity. Now the ruling party has spoken about it very openly for everyone to hear.” Plants are seen as central to identity, to “who we are.” But plant knowledge is being lost, partly because the knowledge-holders are aging; younger and urban people don’t have the time or interest to forage. Moreover, in India it is not only food culture that is being homogenized, with foraged plants no longer having a role; identity is also being homogenized. The elimination of Indigenous and minority group via intimidation, conversion, and the deportation of those without citizenship papers has led to the systematic eradication of Indigenous groups and Muslim communities.
Food is not just food. It also involves stories, intimate connections with the environment, and the politics of how we find sustenance. Questions of destructive modernization and structural violence are inseparable from the smells and textures of herbs and fermented produce.
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Image and text published by: Salla Sariola. “Wild Herbs and Rice Beer in Assam.” e-flux Notes. 26 August 2022.
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thelcsdaily · 2 years ago
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Filipino Pork Steak Adobo with 7Up
Filipino Adobo is a popular dish in the Philippines. Every region has its own version. I chose to change it up a little by cooking it with 7Up. This flavorful and delicious dish is excellent with steamed rice.
 “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates
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ladyhearthkeeper · 2 years ago
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Homemade food (from scratch)
When I talk about homemade food and its benefits, people always tell me "but nobody has the time".
It’s true... Most people are forced because of work and other circumstances to rely on ready made food or have to order in. If someone in the household has the duty to provide good nutritious food for everyone and if it’s their main priority.... I’m pretty sure we’d eat better.
And yet food is such a basic and essential part of our life. Then why do we look down upon those who cook our meals (unless they are so called ‘chefs’)?
Most of the people around me have some ailments connected to food : allergies, intolerance etc. Often times, it’s because of the additives in the food to keep it fresh or to make it taste better or look better.
It’s ok if we eat food that we didn’t make from time to time but if we only rely on this.. it’s bound to create havoc in our body and soul.
What we consume affect our body but also our mind (think of chemical imbalances) and heart & soul (think of the thoughts put in the food by the people making it consciously or subconsciously.)
I saw this quote by Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) in a restaurant (the irony...)
Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food
A hearthkeeper knows what are the ailments of her family and friends and, with proper knowledge, she can help them stay healthy.
Our society looks down on women who decide to stay home to feed their family and make it seem like it’s a lowly job. But it’s such an essential task. Why would we let food manufacturers decide what we should eat or not?
Making food also makes us connect with nature, especially if we use ingredients that are local and of season... And those are usually the best for us. For example, there are researches that say that eating raw honey from your region will lessen your hay fever.
Making your own food does take time and effort but it’s probably why it’s better for us than ready made food.
What are the steps in this process?
Finding out (with observation, help of a nutritionist or serious knowledge) what you and your family can eat and how/when. Learning about proper nutrition and locally grown produce (some regions have more than others:)
Finding recipes that you and your family will enjoy and that include nutritious ingredients.
Investing in the right cooking instruments. Some are better for your health than others. Do your research. Some tools are fancy and useless or can only be used for one thing.. It’s up to you to prepare your tools according to your needs and budget. It’s worth investing in good quality.
Learning food preserving skills like jamming, canning (need to learn this!), syrup making, drying etc. can be very useful in the long run. It can also be a great opportunity to connect with your mother, grandmother or friend if you ask them to teach you.
Buying the right ingredients (according to your budget and geographical context) Finding out which store or market caters to your needs and is easily reachable. Though, with the internet we are very fortunate! In my regions, some farmers even send you a basket of produces every week.
Processing and storing your ingredients. Some vegetables may need immediate action, some can be stored for a later used. Once more, we are fortunate to live with freezers and fridges.
Cooking with joy, care and love. I love singing when I’m cooking. Once more, you can do batch cooking, you can prepare meals in advance and freeze them etc. It all depends on the time you have. I prefer cooking on the day we will eat the dish. But it does happen that I have to process fruits of vegetables before they go bad.
Finding creative ways of recycling leftovers into something delicious for the next day.
As always, more can be said on the subject and every homemaker has her own way of doing this. This is just an attempt to remind all of us that making food is a sacred function and should be handled with love and respect.
What are your cooking tips? What was your first favourite recipe?
Today I’m making my favourite aubergine pennes. Even if there are leftovers, they are delicious the next day. And it can be made in a big quantity!
Bon appétit!
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fractal-unfoldment · 5 years ago
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I made these three recipes tonight for my mamas birthday and they were super yummy together 
Find the recipes here 1 / 2 / 3 
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sidewalkchemistry · 2 years ago
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"The Basics of the Herbal Arts" Syllabus
~ An 8 day-long Patreon course/series open to the public for a limited time only (the posts will become patron-only on Friday, Sept 2nd) ~
~ they will be available at any time for patrons ~
~ these posts will constitute part of a future full-length herbal course ~
~ access the series here ~
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Course Objectives:
Students will be introduced into the world of herbalism, or deeper aspects of herbalism, at an approachable level for those with any level of experience with herbs.
Students will be informed of how herbs can be healing medicinal agents, catalysts for creativity, and sensual gateways into the development of somatic wisdom.
Students will be directed to ways of working mindfully and respectfully with the herbs, as to work in right relationship with the earth and local bioregions.
Students will be exposed to practical means of integrating herbalism into their lifestyles - to bolster their self-love, diet, and relationships, to name a few aspects.
Students will be encouraged to experiment with herbal recipes, while exercising the appropriate amounts of safety and curiosity.
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The Lesson Schedule:
Day 1 (Thurs Aug 25th): Principles of Herbs & Their Medicinal Brilliance
Day 2 (Fri Aug 26th): Let Food Be Thy Medicine 
Day 3 (Sat Aug 27th): The Togetherness of Herbalism & Herbal Drinks
Day 4 (Sun Aug 28th): Mindfulness, Self-Care, and the Herbal Spa Experience
Day 5 (Mon Aug 29th): A Reeducation on Hygiene with Herbs
Day 6 (Tues Aug 30th): No Place Like A Herb-Enhanced Home
Day 7 (Wednes Aug 31st): The Herbal Gateway & Hobby Work
Day 8 (Thurs Sept 1st): The Energetic & Quantum Side of Herbalism
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madamlaydebug · 3 years ago
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“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” 🥕🥦
#GETYOURHEALTHBACK 💪🏽
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Some More Benefits Include:
🥗- Improved digestion
🧠 - Reduction of foggy brain
😴 - Better sleeping
🚽 - Easier and more regular bowel movements
🏋️‍♀️ - Feeling more energetic, and
🍃- Feeling lighter and cleaner
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filigreeann · 2 years ago
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"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
-Hippocrates
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memesforwinnie · 3 years ago
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Sick Reader HC’s
Winnie’s S/O gets sick from the colder months.
Unholy hell, Winnie will be most definitely hovering over you. You have no choice about it. At all.
 Winnie may not show that she cares explicitly, but when you get sick? She's in and out of your room to bring you water, food, medicine, simply stay by your side or bring her magical workings to your room to at least watch over you.
Winnie will intermediate between deadly silent and frenzied with restlessness when your sickness leaves you particularly bed bound and sleeping most of the time.
Which leaves Mary and Sarah dealing with her temper. Mary would try to calm her the most.
She'd have Mary make you soup and if Mary wasn't available or the circumstances had her be in control of your sustenance, she would make you soup. The shock on your red puffy face when you hear from Mary that Winnie made you that dish herself.
She would personally concoct your medicine using her potion making skills to speed up your recovery. 
She assures you it's simply herbs and a tad bit of her magical touch, nothing icky or weird was been put into the medicine from her more harsh supplies.
Although, she does reprimand you because even if there was any repulsive ingredients, for your health and benefit, you should drink it.
when you are sleeping, she takes the time to sit with you and pet your forehead changing the cold compress and brushing your hair out of your face. 
She considers your pleas to keep away, so she doesn't get sick herself amusing and the red haired witch simply cackles and tells you "I assure thee, Dearie. I hast used the correct spells to protect and ward myself against thy sickness." You smile at her and mutter " you're a clever, clever witch, Winnie." 
She practically preens at your compliment, as if she is a peacock expanding it’s beautiful feathers with pride.
She takes great pride in your care and anytime the other two sisters would try and take over, so she could rest. Her snappiness would reactivate and she would chase them off.
However at one point you have had enough because Winnie is clearly over working herself again. So, with all of your courage you mustered up, you interrupted the newest spat between the sisters.
"Winifred Sanderson. Come to bed. Now." you commanded and while your slouched state didn't help much with the projection of your voice, the boldness stayed and you did not budge.
Winnie’s brows rose and her unamused expression meant that she was about to retort with her usual spiel of how she could handle it and you were not even going to let the words leave her mouth.
"Winnie. Bed now. Mary be a dear and grab me some medicine and get Winnie some dinner, and Sarah, there's an extra blanket in the downstairs living room, could you bring it to me?"
Mary and Sarah were trying to contain their giggles. They weren't used to their sister being bossed around by anyone.
"Right away, we'll be back with roast chicken." Mary said on her way out the door with Sarah, but before Sarah could leave fully, she popped her head in one last time.
"You heard her, Winnie! Off to bed with you. Off to bed." Sarah exclaimed in a fit of guttural giggles while she fluttered her hand towards the bed mockingly before being swiftly pulled out of the room by her scolding sister.
Winnie was left in the room, staring at her partner with an unbelievable expression.
You end up patting the empty side of the bed. That looked a lot more appealing to Winnie than before. She actually indulges you in your request, taking off her robe and changing to her night wear, she slides into the comfortable covers.
You sigh swiftly and thank Winnie before you start hearing her grumbling about insolence and the audacity. 
You chuckled at your lover’s bitterness at being subdued so quickly and this time you lean over to her side and while your muscles still ached, you pressed a heartwarming kiss to her cheek and watched her turn bright red.
She didn't protest much after that.
She resorted to leaning into your side and holding you close until her sisters arrived where she pulled away and sat up.
Winnie isn’t one to be openly vulnerable even to her closest relatives.
After a few days, you recover from being bedridden and sick and Winnie’s intense behavior returns to it’s regular eccentric nature.
This resumes the regular on-goings of the household and it’s usual chaos of potion making, spells and Winnie’s typical explosiveness.
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lailoken · 3 years ago
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“The belief that a spirit inhabits this tree has survived even into relatively modern times. Specifically, a witch spirit was thought to inhabit the tree. There are numerous references to the belief that a witch lived in the elder tree and could shape shift back and forth from human to tree. An old name for this nature spirit was 'Hyldemoer,’ which means 'Elder Mother' in Danish. It was considered unlucky to cut the wood down for fire wood or building material in different parts of Europe. In England, it was said that burning elder wood would bring the devil into the house or that the person burning the wood would become bewitched. If you wanted to cut down the tree, you ask permission to escape possible ill fate. The appropriate way to ask was to say something like ‘Lady elder, give me some of thy wood, Then I will give thee some of mine, when I become a tree.' Another way to say it: 'Lady Ellhorn, give me of thy wood, and I will give thee of mine when it shall grow in the forest'. A Danish custom was to spit thrice before cutting or trimming an elder tree, to drive away evil beings. Hedge cutters would refuse to trim an elder tree for fear of being followed by bad luck. Spirits were believed to dwell in these hollow trees, specifically in the joints. This wood had a will of its own - if it was placed on a burning fire, it would cause it to go out; if it was used for furniture, it would bend and warp; if skewers were made from elder for roasting, it would turn the food bitter.
The old earth Gods of Prussia were believed to live had to under the elder tree and if offerings were made to it, little men would come, bringing grain and doing housework. If one stood under the elder tree on Midsummer's Eve, the Faerie king and his fellow faeries could be seen riding by. This mysterious tree was never touched after dark in the Fens in England. In Denmark, elder trees were believed to move around at night and could be found peering into windows of those sleeping. It was also said that faeties in the form of ancestors lived in the tree. If a cradle was made of elder wood, the baby sleeping in it would be either stolen by faeries or the Elder Mother. Or the baby would be pinched blacked and blue by the faeries. Elder was a tree associated with witchcraft from early times, from around 900 AD or before. In Ireland instead of an ash broomstick, witches rode on broomsticks made from elder wood. Country folks would sometimes refer to it as 'witch wood'. A name for the berries was 'Holda's Berries', which refers to the trees connection with Mother Holda or Hulda, an ancient winter death spirit from old Germanic culture.
There were other associations with elder and death. If an elder stick was planted over a grave and it grew, it was a sign that the deceased was happy in the afterlife. The old Jewish Cemetery in Prague was planted with elders. It was considered dangerous to sleep under an elder tree because the leaves apparently let out a fragrance that if inhaled, resulted in death. The flowers were known to attract snakes and it was reported that adder snakes slept in the dry roots of the clder tree. Polish people were known to bury their sorrows and sins under elder trees, so that chey passed into the underworld to where they belonged. Some sort of incantation was used to pass the energy into the elder tree, into the earth, then into the realms of the dead. An old saying goes: ‘Hawthorn blooms and elder flowers fill the house with evil powers.’ This is a connection to not only the white flowers of both plants, which in times past were highly unlucky to bring indoors as they were often used for funeral rites, but also to the supernatural energy associated with both trees.”
Under the Witching Tree:
A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum
‘The Black Earth Medicines of Autumn: Elder’
by Corrine Boyer
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