Food Sadhana

Nothing is more annoying then being sick.

When we feel well our relationships, our work, our whole life flows with ease. On the flip side, when our bodies are not working properly we can feel run down, stressed out or overwhelmed. As we come out of summer and into the fall and winter our external environment shifts and our bodies, our internal environment must cope with the changes. This process can stir things up making us susceptible to imbalances which can lead to colds, flus and lots of phelgm. Alas! there is hope. HERBAL TEA!!! Sing it with me brothers and sisters! I find it to the best most gentle and most effective remedy for the seasonal blues. Now, I am no herbalist but I do know some tips for supporting the system through the the cold and rainy season.  When my friend Mishi started to feel under the weather last week I made her this concocton using herbs from The Dragon's Den in Makawao:

1 part Marshmallow root (soothing for mucus membranes)

1 part Liquorice root (supports the body in removing mucus from repiratory system)

1 Part Echinacea (immune system booster)

1 part Nettles (high in vitamin C, Iron, chlorophyll naturally restoring the body increasing health and vitality)

Now, When making a medicinal tea (decoction) you always want to boil your roots for about 10-15 minutes to break down the cell wall and fully extract the benificial compounds. and use either glass, earthenwear or ceramic pot.
NEVER USE ALUMINIUM.

THE PREPARATION: I combined the marshmallow, Liquorice, and echinacea together in boiling water and covered it to keep the volatile oils contained. When that process was complete I added the nettles, recovered the concoction and let it sit together for another 10 minutes.  I then strained and served.  

This combination has a lovely sweetness to it so it may not be necessary to add anything to it, but if you need some local Maui honey would 'bee' best :) Also, don't underestimate the effect a good yoga class can have on restoring your vitality and circulating your prana to keep things moving along.

Aloha and enjoy, Erin