A warming brew

Hello, I hope that 2017 has started off well for everyone.  In Paris these days the temperatures are much lower than the average for this time of year, so my southern California self has to find ways to stay warm, inside and out!

My favorite drink for Wintertime is a turmeric and ginger tea, using the fresh roots as well as the powdered version of the spices. Not only will this tea bring warmth from the inside, the health benefits that these spices offer are a tremendous bonus.  

Turmeric has so many medicinal properties that they are too numerous to list, so here is a shortened version: chock-full of antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory properties; aids in preventing cancer and the side-effects of cancer treatments notably for chemotherapy; also helps with intestinal, digestive, cholesterol and cardiovascular issues; boosts the immune system; helps calm and prevent arthritic flare-ups and diabetic issues…  

Ginger root is an intense and tasty spice that blends well with turmeric. This root has an invigorating effect and its own beneficial medicinal properties. It is ideal for stomach disorders, ulcers, nausea, and to combat pain in general. Ginger helps absorb nutrients from food; fights against bacterial and fungal infections (important this season); promotes cardiovascular health; boosts the immune and lymphatic systems offering non negligible benefits in situations of cancer and diabetes. 

Warming curcuma and ginger tea

INGREDIENTS

  • 2-2.5 cups of water (serves two or allows for a refill)
  • A 1 inch piece of ginger root, peeled and chopped (or grated)
  • A 1 inch piece of turmeric root, peeled and chopped (or grated) - please note that turmeric will stain your hands
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
  • Optional:  lemon juice (from a few drops to a half lemon), some honey to taste, a cinnamon stick, an orange slice, some nut milk (I like to use coconut milk)

DIRECTIONS

Allow these ingredients to come to a boil in a pot, and let simmer for 10 min.  Strain and pour in one or 2 mugs, if you are sharing.  Enjoy the aroma, the amber color and the warming effect on your body.

Don’t hesitate to use these spices when you are cooking as well, they make great seasonings for vegetables, legumes, sauces and while cooking meats or other proteins.  They are strong, so you want to use them in moderation, they definitely add color and pizzazz to any dish!

As always, I welcome any comments or experiences you might have to share about this recipe, a past recipe, or any of your own!

Cheers to your health!

Getting ready for Winter continued - Dry skin is a thing of the past

Try this easy tip that will enable you to go hand and body lotion-free, while bringing on an energizing sense of well-being!  

Dry scrubbing before the shower

Use a gentle loofah style or terry cloth mitt.  Start at your feet then work your way up.  Accentuate the areas that are excessively dry such as ankles, knees, and elbows.  You can go a little firmer on the lower half of the body and softer as you make your way to the upper half.  

Scrub all your bits except for the breasts and face, which means not to forget:

  • the sections between your toes, top of the foot
  • under your knees
  • on the inside of your elbows
  • the crease of your groin
  • the butt cheeks
  • between the fingers and the tops of the hands
  • the section between the breasts
  • and even the armpits (I use a mitt just for that zone, give a rather gentle scrub with a soft mitt)
  • Think of massaging the shoulder and neck area with the mitt, and other areas you might instinctively feel the desire to do so

Certain parts of the body will become pink after scrubbing. this is absolutely fine, no need to insist further.

"Your health gives you more true pleasures than pleasures themselves."  - François Fénelon

Recommendations:
Start once a week at first, enabling the body to slough off dead skin, stimulate the circulatory system and feel greatly invigorated.   After your first few scrubbings, you will notice that your skin is very soft and smooth, and no longer needs moisturizer!! This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use moisturizer, just that you won’t need it like you have in the past, especially in these drier months ahead.

Me time:
It is also a me-time self-care ritual that I like to perform regularly.  A mini massage session, that feels like a treat to myself.   We can always use more of those.  So before you head to the shower, give it a try and let me know how you feel!

Purchase and care:
Hemp/linen and cotton mixture mitt (or any terry cloth mitt): found in your natural food store or online. Wash your mitts regularly, like you do your towels.  Here is a similar glove to the one I get in France: 

http://www.amazon.com/Body-Shop-Hemp-Mitt/dp/B0030DKHLQ/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1445540477&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=hemp+mitts

 

Cheers to your health!

Sophie DeVore

For consultations or for any questions please contact me via my website’s contact form by clicking on this link: 

http://www.philosophie.paris/contact-en/