From Garden to Good Health
By Dana Kington, A Natural Self Clinic
Many of you know my fondness for the garden. The opportunity to get out into the green and get my hands down and dirty is akin to heaven for me. And it's my view a good naturopath has a very good understanding of the link between the earth and the actual products she/he advises on, prescribes and even administers.
Natural Medicine and your Garden
So, do you really have to be an expert holistic practitioner to understand the treats and healthy delights of the back garden? I don't think so. All you need is a little bit of knowledge and a little bit of willingness and education and you are on your way.
There are so many special health treats to be found in the ordinary garden. And they are available for you to enjoy and gain from.
Here's a list of a few common garden plants you can brew up and use in your own kitchen.
Mint - one of the most common and delightfully fresh and enervating plants around. Plant near a tap or leaking faucet or down-pipe and it will grow beyond your wildest dreams!
Rosemary - a hardy and virile plant that can be used in all sorts of roast meals and Mediterranean dishes. Great for indigestion, headaches and an all round brilliant source of antioxidants.
Dandelion -this beautiful little plant made for wishes, is more than a pretty childhood plant! Dandelion is great for the liver.
Purslane - this funny little succulent can be found growing int he cracks between pavers or just about anywhere weeds sprout! Yes it's edible and it's jam-packed with omega 3 fatty acids.
Fennel - If you have grown up in the city and travelled by train you may well have seen fennel growing alongside railway racks. This common €weed€ is a delightful addition to salads and is renowned for its wonderful aniseed taste. Dig out the bulbs and steam them in your steamer.
Catsear - this little plant is often mistaken for dandelion. It can be steamed or pan fried with garlic and is jam-packed with green goodness.
A few other points to remember:
Red foods are often extremely rich in antioxidants which remove toxins and free-radicals from your body.
Do your research. Remember to check carefully that what you are eating is actually safe! Be sure to check and identify any plants you pick and consume yourself.
BE careful of harmful sprays!
Many edible plants may be contaminated by unsafe and highly toxic garden sprays and/or insecticides. These chemicals can bve extremely hazardous to your health and can cause allergy, skin rashes and even compromise your immune system. So make sure you are sourcing your edible plants from areas and gardens that are safe from harmful sprays.
If you believe you may have ingested contaminated plants, seek medical information as soon as possible.
Most of all, live green and healthy and enjoy life.
WHy?
Because you deserve a natural self and because you're worth it!
By Dana Kington, A Natural Self Clinic
Many of you know my fondness for the garden. The opportunity to get out into the green and get my hands down and dirty is akin to heaven for me. And it's my view a good naturopath has a very good understanding of the link between the earth and the actual products she/he advises on, prescribes and even administers.
Natural Medicine and your Garden
So, do you really have to be an expert holistic practitioner to understand the treats and healthy delights of the back garden? I don't think so. All you need is a little bit of knowledge and a little bit of willingness and education and you are on your way.
There are so many special health treats to be found in the ordinary garden. And they are available for you to enjoy and gain from.
Here's a list of a few common garden plants you can brew up and use in your own kitchen.
Mint - one of the most common and delightfully fresh and enervating plants around. Plant near a tap or leaking faucet or down-pipe and it will grow beyond your wildest dreams!
Rosemary - a hardy and virile plant that can be used in all sorts of roast meals and Mediterranean dishes. Great for indigestion, headaches and an all round brilliant source of antioxidants.
Dandelion -this beautiful little plant made for wishes, is more than a pretty childhood plant! Dandelion is great for the liver.
Purslane - this funny little succulent can be found growing int he cracks between pavers or just about anywhere weeds sprout! Yes it's edible and it's jam-packed with omega 3 fatty acids.
Fennel - If you have grown up in the city and travelled by train you may well have seen fennel growing alongside railway racks. This common €weed€ is a delightful addition to salads and is renowned for its wonderful aniseed taste. Dig out the bulbs and steam them in your steamer.
Catsear - this little plant is often mistaken for dandelion. It can be steamed or pan fried with garlic and is jam-packed with green goodness.
A few other points to remember:
Red foods are often extremely rich in antioxidants which remove toxins and free-radicals from your body.
Do your research. Remember to check carefully that what you are eating is actually safe! Be sure to check and identify any plants you pick and consume yourself.
BE careful of harmful sprays!
Many edible plants may be contaminated by unsafe and highly toxic garden sprays and/or insecticides. These chemicals can bve extremely hazardous to your health and can cause allergy, skin rashes and even compromise your immune system. So make sure you are sourcing your edible plants from areas and gardens that are safe from harmful sprays.
If you believe you may have ingested contaminated plants, seek medical information as soon as possible.
Most of all, live green and healthy and enjoy life.
WHy?
Because you deserve a natural self and because you're worth it!
Source...