Natures Secrets

The Golden Ice Cream

Turmeric, Coconut Milk, Ginger, Black Pepper and Honey combined together make for a delicious Golden Ice Cream:

Blend Turmeric Powder into half a liter of Coconut milk, add 6 to 7 slices of Ginger, a pinch of Black Pepper, 2 soup spoons of Honey, pour into a glass container and freeze for 3 to 4 hours. You have just created a golden, anti- inflammatory ice cream that supports heart health, helps sooth inflammation naturally, supports circulation and promotes joint comfort. Guilt free!

Cumin Seeds

Five Infused Teas

Fennel Seeds

Coriander Seeds

Cardamom Seeds

Carom Seeds


Here are five Infused Teas to incorporate in your daily lifestyle to improve your gut health, reduce inflammation, boost your immunity and reduce any kind of spasmodic symptoms.

Alone or combined together, these are magical concoctions to prevent indigestion, bloating, boost your bile production, preventing UTI infection.

Take one liter of water and add 1 teaspoon of Cumin Seeds.

  • Cumin Seeds boost digestive enzyme and bile production, thus improving absorption and the assimilation of nutrients.

  • To this, you can also add 1 teaspoon of Fennel Seeds. Funnel Seeds have anti-inflammatory benefits and anti-spasmodic.

  • You can add to this 1 teaspoon of Coriander seeds. Coriander Seeds are fantastic because they have diuretic properties; they help release any kind of water retention stored in the body and also great for UTI infection. Coriander Seeds are also great for the thyroid gland.

  • You can also add 1 Cardamom pod, just peel it and add the pot of boiling water.

Cardamom has multiple health benefits, it helps with bad breath, halitosis; it stimulates your metabolic fire, your digestive fire and thus aids with weight loss.

  • You can incorporate these infused teas every single day; remember your body is 75% water, your brain is 85% water, and if you make this water medicinal, it gives you better health in every single sip of the day. 

  • The Carom Seeds is also excellent in deworming the body and releasing trapped gases. It is a good remedy also for new born children. Boil a pinch of Carom seeds in some water and give it to them, releasing tommy ache, cramps and even colitis symptom.

Stay Healthy and Blissful!

Don’t let the Fig leaves go to waste. Use them to make a delicious syrup that tastes like coconut and vanilla

After harvesting your figs during summer, extend the pleasure with the leaves. 

Take 4 to 5 leaves. Wash and brush them under water.

In a sauce pan, place equal parts of sugar and water. Stir well and slightly boil. 

Remove from heat, break the leaves into pieces and place them to infuse in the syrup during one hour. Cover the sauce pan.

Strain everything in a sterilized bottle. Add some ice cubes, a little syrup, over sparkling water and enjoy this unique taste.

Enjoy some dried fig leaves for infusions this coming winter.

Chamomile Flower Magic

Enjoy a gentle soothing tea made of traditional herbs used for centuries to support calmness and balance. 

  • Chamomile Flowers are used to support relaxation, promote calmness and resolve restful sleep. Contains natural compound like epigenin that supports soothing effect.

  • Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to help the body manage stress. 

  • 1 stick of cinnamon, a handful of basil leaves, a few drops of honey, optional.

May support emotional balance and resilience. Using Ayurveda can become a part of your wellness ritual. 

Note: this tea is for general wellness support only. Always consult your health care provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

  • Chamomile Flowers, 1 TBS

  • Ashwagandha, 1 Tsp

  • Cinnamon: 1 stick

  • Basil Leaves: a handful

  • Honey: Optional

  • Hot Water: 1 1/2 cup

Steep 8 Minutes. 

~Breathe consciously, enjoy, be here now!

Watermelon Rind Salad

What to do with the rind of your Watermelon? It can be transformed into a refreshing Korea-style side dish. It is very easy, with just a little preparation and time for marinating.

1. Prepare the rind: Peel away the green outer skin of the watermelon.

Slice the white rind into very thin strips.

2. Blanch: Place the strips into a heatproof bowl.

Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for a few minutes to soften. Drain well.

3. Make a marinade: Combine honey, soy sauce, mild vinegar, aromatic oil, like sesame oil, and a pinch of hot pepper flakes.

4. Marinate: Toss the blanched rind strips  in the marinade.

Let sit for at least 30 minutes or longer for a deeper flavor.

5. Serve: Enjoy as a crisp, sweet-sour-spicy side dish alongside rice or noodles.

Elderberry Balsamic Glaze

Wash a cup of ripe, black Elderberries with no stems. * 1 Quarter cup of good Apple cider vinegar. * 1 Quarter cup of Brown sugar, * 1 Quarter cup of Water to pan and gently simmer for 20 minutes.

Crush the Berries down with the back of a fork, so they release their juices; it should be fairy wet at this stage, so if it reduces down too much before 20 minutes, add more water.

After 20 minutes, bring the heat up and reduce until the sauce thickens. It should quarter in volume and take on a sticky  thick texture. Then take off from the flame and allow to cool slightly.

Pour the sauce through a strainer, into a bowl and press down with the back of a spoon. Then top with extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Press and a pinch of good sea salt, like Celtic Sea Salt for example.

If you want to make more you absolutely can. If poured into a sterilized jar, it should keep in the fridge for a few weeks, or it can be frozen in ice cube trays.

Enjoy your time foraging wild Elderberry plant: it is not just a fruit, it is medicine supporting your immune system: antiviral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer anti- heart disease, anti-diabetes, and anti- Alzheimer's!

Ayurveda Miracle Tea

Combine these three spices- cumin, coriander and fennel- this ancient Ayurveda tea will aid in nutrient absorption and stimulate lymphatic system, promoting overall digestive wellness.
Benefits of Cumin:
Stimulates agni, or digestive fire,
Decreases gas and soothes digestion,
Flushes out ama or toxic waste.
Relieves congestion and smoothes inflamed mucous membranes. Contains antioxidants and iron, improving elimination and overall health.
Cumin is pacifying to vata and kapha doshas, but its heating nature is balanced by coriander and fennel, making it suitable even for pittas.
Benefits of Coriander:
Improves digestion and relieves gas,
Helps with pitta disorders, especially urinary and digestive issues,
Increases digestion and absorption, treating intestinal disorders,
Reduces inflammation, even helps with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits of Fennel:
Strengthens agni without aggravating pitta,
Stops cramping and relaxes the digestive tract,
Promotes mental alertness and aids in IBS relief,
Increases fat burning and helps move lymph.
CCF Tea Recipe:
1 Tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 cup of water:
1- Heat the water over high heat. 2- Add the seeds.
3- Allow the tea to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the strength desired.
4- Strain the seeds and enjoy!

Nettle, the plant that stings but heals even harder.

Nettles are incredible versatile, and once you know how to handle them safely, they can become a staple in your kitchen and medicine cabinet. This plant is the most nutrient- dense food on earth. It has more iron than spinach and more calcium than milk. 

It is packed with proteins, vitamins and it is an ancient medicine. It cleans your blood, strengthens your bones, it supports your kidneys, and it cools the fire of inflammation in your gut, on your skin, and joints. We just need to remember, Nettles didn’t go anywhere. We just lost the wisdom to use them. You only get stung by this once.

1) When to harvest: Spring to early summer, before the flower: after flower, they become too tough and can accumulate compounds that may irritate the kidneys.

* Use gloves and scissors to snip the top- 4-6 inches of the young Nettle plants.

* Where to pick: Wild areas away from pollution, pesticides, or pet traffic. Always forage responsibly and sustainably.

2) Neutralizing the Sting:

* Blanch: Drop fresh Nettles into boiling water for 30 seconds, then rince with cold water.

* Cook: Saute, steam, or add to soups: Cooking neutralizes the sting.

* Dry: Hang them in a dry, shaded area or use dehydrator. Once dry, you can crumble the leaves to tea or seasoning.

3) Culinary Uses:

Nettles have a mild, slightly grassy flavor- between spinach and cucumber.

* Nettle Tea: Pour hot water over dry leaves and steep 5-10 minutes. Add honey, lemon, or mint.

* Nettle Soup: Classic use in Europe. Cook with (onions), potatoes, vegetable broth, and other vegetables.

* Nettle Pesto: Blanch leaves, blend with nuts/ seeds, olive oil, and cheese (optional)

*In place of greens: Use in omelettes, stir-fries, curries, lasagna, or quiche.

* Smoothies: Use a small amount of blanched nettle or powder for a mineral-rich green boost.

4) Medicinal Properties:  Always consult your health-care professional if you have specific health conditions, but traditionally used for:

* Nettle Tea or Capsules:

* Anti-inflammatory ( arthritis, allergies, gut inflammation)

* Kidney and urinary support( mild diuretic)

* Iron-rich tonic ( especially good for fatigue or anemia)

* Tincture:

*Stronger concentration for allergy relief or chronic inflammation.

External:

* Nettle infused Oil

* Use topically for joint pain, eczema, or skin heal.

* Hair rince ( Tea or Vinegar)

* Stimulates hair growth and soothes scalp issues.

* Poultice: (Fresh or Dried)

* Traditionally used directly on skin for pain relief( ironic but real- called urtication).

PRECAUTIONS:

* Wear gloves when handling fresh Nettles.

* Don’t eat raw fresh Nettles unless juiced or blended extremely well- blanch.

* Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

* Diuretic effects may interact with medications or low blood pressure. Check with your doctor.

~ Enjoy all the Nettles benefits!