Hi pals!
Well we’ve settled into the rhythm of Boston life and are thoroughly enjoying this excellent town. Jon is busy at the university, I’m busy wrangling the baby + a couple of writing contracts, and Molly’s busy growing at a rate of knots. Look at how CUTE she is!*
I’m really enjoying having a home base once more, and my own kitchen to play in again is particularly nice. I do love eating out, and enjoyed plenty of awesome meals while we were on the road, but I really love eating food made at home.
I also like having a kitchen so that, if Jon, Molly or I are feeling under the weather, I can find or make a remedy at home. This is something most people can do when they know how, and certainly isn’t limited to us natural health folks. And yeah, for sure, I sometimes reach for a herbal extract and / or nutritional compound that won’t be sitting in everyone’s pantry. But just as often I will make a remedy from pretty standard kitchen staples.
A few of my favourite kitchen go-tos include:
Garlic oxymel – a sort of home brew cough and cold mix that’s dead easy to make, keeps for months, and doubles as a tasty salad dressing!
Slippery elm lozenges – excellent for heartburn and soothing sore throats, these can be made in large batches and kept in an airtight container in the pantry.
Ginger, Turmeric and Chilli – these warming spices can be added to soups and stews, stir-fries and salads, smoothies and juices, or made into teas. If you can use them fresh, great, but dry is also fine and in many cases easier. These are antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories that promote circulation, so they’re good for coughs and sniffles, aches and pains. Ginger is also a warming digestive that’s great for upset stomachs, bloating and nausea.
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The other, and really most important, ‘ingredient’ for wellbeing that can (or should) be found in most people’s kitchens is healthy food. Derp. I know right, it’s obvious… but still rates a mention. You know the stuff: fresh veggies, fruits, good quality oils, and (if you eat them) whole dairy, unprocessed grains and ethically sourced meat / fish / poultry. The regular practice of eating well is one of the biggest factors in overall health. Remedies and fixes for specific problems are good, but preventing problems developing is better.
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Are you a fan of healing at home? What are your go-to kitchen remedies?
* bias acknowledged