My husband and I both like to cook and when time permits we try to whip up new and exciting dishes. Over the years we have gradually increased the amount of seasoning we use as the taste buds of our three boys continue to mature.  Both of us are fans of spicy food and our kids are joining the ranks. Not only do the spices taste good, but it turns out they are good for us too. Here are seven spices that end up in many of our dishes.

Turmeric

This gorgeous yellow/orange spice is at the top of my healthy spice list for good reason.  Turmeric is generally found in Indian curries and other ethnic foods. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for many centuries.

Tumeric contains a nutrient called curcumin and it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The spice is thought to fight a long list of diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Other studies have shown promise for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon ends up in our pancakes, French toast and eggs.  Not only does it taste delicious, but studies have shown it has several health benefits:  Reduces LDL cholesterol levels, reduces pain associated with arthritis, regulates blood sugar, and helps with cancer, menstrual pain and infertility.

Garlic

Another one of my favorites-I add garlic to almost everything from pizza to roasted vegetables and broccoli. Garlic adds flavor to so many dishes and it also is known for being anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. It is known to be a natural antibiotic and can help manage high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Oregano

Oregano on pasta, pizza and salads tastes divine.  In addition to the yummy flavors oregano holds some healthy benefits with those who indulge. Oregano also has antioxidants in its oil and leaves. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Some people rub the oil on inflamed joints and muscles. Others take oregano oil when the first symptoms of a cold or sore throat appear.

Cumin

I make chili all the time and it wouldn’t be the same without the addition of cumin (and lots of it!). It also great mixed into a stir fry or on top of roasted veggies. Cumin is also used throughout the world as a medicinal herb. Cumin is known to help treat high blood sugar levels, insomnia, a cold, respiratory issues and cancer.

Ginger

Do you like ginger with your sushi? You’ll be getting more bang for your buck. This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also known to improve blood circulation and helps those tired, achy muscles after a good workout.  Ginger tea is great for relieving menstrual cramps.

Thyme

Thyme is delicious in soups, stews, baked or on sauteed vegetables. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and a strong antioxidant.  Recent studies show thyme can kill MRSA infections, which are resistant to other antibiotics.

What are your favorite spices to cook with? Do you and/or your kids like spicy foods?

Buy organic spices and herbs whenever you can.

Please check with a medical professional before self-administering any of these herbs.

Linked up with Green Backs Gal.

Photo © Igor Dutina #2068762, Others used under Creative Commons S.Diddy, LowJumpingFrog, Joi, Gusjer, cookbookman17, Steven Jackson /Flickr

Eight years ago, when my son was one, he was given his first peanut; a rice cake smothered in peanut butter.  That moment defined the starting point of our foray into the overwhelming world of food and seasonal allergies. He became lethargic, covered in hives and his face swelled. It was later confirmed that he had had an allergic reaction to the peanut butter.  Further testing indicated that he was allergic to all nuts and many environmental allergens; plants, trees, dust and mold.

The first few years after that diagnosis were challenging. We knew our lifestyle, filled with eating out and not reading food labels, needed an adjustment. Our first priority was to find a way to keep our little boy safe in a world filled with nuts.

Fast forward 8 years to a healthy, well-adjusted nine year old boy who has found a way to live his life without much interference from his allergies.

This week is Allergy Awareness Week. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) created Food Allergy Awareness Week as a way to educate others about food allergies, a potentially life threatening medical condition.

Over the past 8 years we have learned a lot about living with allergies, with more learning to come I’m sure. In hindsight there were things we could have done differently, but overall we are in a good place. There’s a world of options out there and sometimes it’s challenging to navigate through. We have explored different routes and remedies and have resorted to natural relief and prevention as much as possible.

Natural allergy relief and  prevention

Breast feed. Breast-feed exclusively — give your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months of life using hypoallergenic formulas to supplement breastfeeding if necessary.

Take a daily dose of acidophilus. Acidophilus is a probiotic has been touted for having many health benefits. It comes in a pill and powder form.  There have been suggestions that probiotics help prevent the development of allergies. Yogurt is probably the most well known food containing acidophilus. 

Cut back on dairy. Dairy products contain casein, a mucus-forming agent. It has a glue-like texture and histamine-creating properties, both of which cause increased mucus production and nasal congestion. Seasonal allergies cause runny noses and watery eyes. The last thing we need is another source for adding more mucus.

Reduce chemical exposure.

• Cleaning products. Make the switch to safe cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, petrochemicals, and VOC’s. Breathing in the fumes from these products is toxic and can complicate allergic reactions.
• Personal care products. Check out all of your personal care products on the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.  The world’s largest resource on personal care product safety just got a makeover and it will help you figure out which of your personal care products are toxic and which are safe.
• Lawn care. Chemical weed killers, pesticides, and other lawn care products are not only killing our weeds, they’re and making us sick and killing the earth. Many of the symptoms we attribute to seasonal allergies and asthma could be from a chemical sensitivity to the chemicals lurking in our yards. These toxins are then tracked into our homes and absorbed into our foods. Our yard is now chemical free. I can say with certainty that our yard isn’t the most beautiful yard in the hood, but I love being able to let my kids and dog run around outside knowing our yard is a safe haven for them to play.

Resources

It takes a village and without these resources I would have been ( and would be) lost.

Healthy Child Healthy World-inspiring millions of people to take action and create cleaner, greener, safer environments where children and families can flourish.

FAAN-the most trusted source of information, programs, and resources related to food allergy and anaphylaxis.

What do you do when seasonal allergies kick in?

Do you have food allergies? Any tips to share?

If this post helped you, please share it. And please grab our RSS feed or sign up for free e-mail updates to get more Groovy Green info hot off the press! Thanks!

[Top photo used under Creative Commons from SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget/Flickr]

Spring is a time for starting fresh; spring flowers are in full bloom and the air carries that wonderful scent of new green growth.  For many spring simply means thoroughly cleaning out the dirt, dust and disorder that have crept in over the past year.  If you are really ambitious, the cleaning  doesn’t only have to happen in our homes it can happen in our bodies.

What is a cleanse?

Colon cleansing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to clean out our bodies by removing built up toxins from inside the colon. There are dozens of options available for clearing the colon of this accumulated waste and it’s important to find the solution that works for you.

My cleanse (doesn’t have to by your cleanse)

The cleanse I have done for many years is a liquid fast for 5 days (don’t let that scare you off-read on for more info).  I was introduced to a cleanse many years ago by a dear friend (and fabulous acupuncturist) Yoko Chun. We use a company called Blessed Herbs. I am tied to this cleanse only because I am familiar with the program and have had success in the past.  There are a lot of options out there and it’s important to find one that works for you, taking into consideration any health conditions you may have.

Facts about Blessed Herbs:

• The kit is about $89 -you are responsible for purchasing your own organic apple juice.
• Comes in two flavors: ginger or peppermint. I have always chosen ginger.
• The fast lasts for 9 days in total- first 4 days are a slow decrease in food intake and the last 5 days are liquid only.  The liquid is apple juice mixed with a ginger or peppermint packet that comes in the kit.  The packets are very filling-I never felt hungry  (that is always the general consensus- as hard as that may be to imagine).

Why cleanse

It feels great. I’ve been doing a cleanse  for many years and the end result is  fantastic.  Not only does the cleanse clear out your colon (and it’s not pretty!) but it helps clear your mind.

Things to consider if you are cleansing

Check in with your doctor to make sure a liquid fast is OK for you. Find support before you begin-I don’t think I could have done the cleanse alone.  Having a community of people who are doing the cleanse at the same time was crucial.  Create community through this blog or another outlet so that you have the support you need. It is mentally challenging at times( especially during the first day of fasting) but as the week goes on it becomes easier.  I have always done this cleanse with my husband, Joel, and a group of friends.  Remain open-a lot can happen, both physically and mentally.
What are the benefits?

I have always continued with my regular routine during the cleanse-work, exercise, activities are all at normal capacity for me.  That might not work for you.  Listen to your body.

• Lose weight –although I seem to gain it right back!
• Improve digestion.
• Eliminate toxins.
• Much more…..

Use this blog for support

I need a lot of support and would love to have you join in. We are shooting for a  May 16th start date-this should give you enough time to buy a kit or look into other cleansing options.

The comment section below will be open for support and questions throughout. Feel free to subscribe to the comments even if you don’t want to participate.

Have you ever done a cleanse?  Are you interested?

I am not a physician. Please check with your physician before doing a cleanse to make sure it is a good fit for you.

If you buy the cleansing kit through clicking on the Amazon links above it will put a few pennies in my pocket. I am not a representative of Blessed Herbs and everything in this article is my own opinion.

[Photo used under Creative Commons from Muhammad Ghouri/Flickr]

Acupuncture has been a part of my life for many years. I have used it for everything from plantar fasciitis to the flu. I recently went in for help with a nagging, lingering cough. I was really looking forward to this acupuncture treatment since it meant an hour of my day with no interruptions from kids, email, Facebook or Twitter and hopefully some relief from my cough.  I was ready.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,500 years ago and has been used to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health.  Through the insertion of needles into pressure points around the body, acupuncture helps the flow of energy (known as qi or chi) throughout the body.

DOES IT HURT?

Most people associate needles with getting an injection or having blood drawn, which can be painful. Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin- not much thicker than hair. They are not like the needles used for shots, which are hollow for the medicine or the withdrawal of blood. Acupuncture needles don’t hurt-honest! Sometimes I feel a slight burst of energy when the needle is inserted, but I wouldn’t call it painful.

THE TREATMENT

During the initial treatment a health form is usually filled out and there is a short consultation to discuss any issues.  I was lead into my treatment room and left to make myself comfortable lying on a massage table.  Before the needle treatment began, my practitioner checked my pulse in three places. Then needles went in without much awareness on my end.  I was left to relax in the room with the needles strategically placed all over my body and soft music playing.  After a bit the needles were removed and I was asked to flip over onto my belly.  Again, the needles were placed and I was left to relax.   Needles removed and all done.

WHY USE ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture can be  used for a wide variety of conditions.  Some of the main reasons for using it are:

• Drug-free pain relief
• Assists prevention against disease
• Treats the cause as well as the symptoms
• Holistic approach to illness, linking body, mind and emotions
• Effectively treats many common ailments

HOW TO FIND A PRACTITIONER

Most states require a license to practice acupuncture. If you live in the U.S. , you can find a practitioner by visiting the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and typing in your address.  Note: only a few practitioners came up when I typed in my address and I know there are many more.  Also, check with your health insurance provider for practitioners and to see if acupuncture is covered.

WHAT IS CUPPING?

My back after cupping

After my acupuncture treatment it was time for some cupping.   Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum that is created in a cup(s), either by heat or by suction.  The end result is a reddish purple bruising where the cups were placed.   Cupping became quite fashionable in 2004 when actress Gweneth Paltrow stepped out onto the red carpet bearing what appeared to be bruising on her back.

The cupping left  big bruises on my back as well-hopefully an indication that the cough was on its way out.

OUTCOME

Still coughing….but with the help of some western meds (I finally broke!) the acupuncture and cupping seem to be helping me bid adieu to the cough.

Have you tried acupuncture?  Are you willing to give it a try?

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*Top photo used under Creative Commons from NYCTCM