Treat Your Face To Flower Water

Hello, lovely Readers! I am kicking myself in the butt for not taking a photo before I tried this latest experiment but I did not expect such quick and awesome results.  

My skin isn't porcelain white but I am quite fair. Lately, I started developing a lot pink and redness on my face. Perhaps the seasonal change caused the inflammation. I'm not quite sure. 

I looked through my pantry, which is full of herbs, essential oils, and other Herbalist necessities to see what type of potion I could whip up to help my irritated skin. In my search, I found a bottle of Chamomile Hydrosol. 

I know Chamomile is soothing in teas, lotions, and ointments. Why not try this on my face? Morning and night I have applied Chamomile Hydrosol to a cotton ball to cleanse my face. Then I apply a thin layer of moisturizer aka coconut oil. Three days later the inflammation on my face in 99% gone. My skin is clear and soft and feels great!

Do you use hydrosols (flower waters)?  Share your tips and suggestions in the comment below!

Superfood Dessert...Maco-Choco Delights

Hello, Beautiful Readers,  

I have an amazing recipe to share with you that includes some of my most favorite things, including maca root, cacao, raw honey, and coconut oil.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

These four simple ingredients are some of nature's most powerful superfoods, also known as 'foods of the gods.'  

Maca root comes from Peru and has been effectively used as an energy booster and hormone stabilizer because it is loaded with vitamins, fatty acids, phytohormones, and amino acids.

Cacao beans are grown in Mexico and South America.  When they are dried at a very low temperature, they can then be ground up into an easy to use powder.  This chocolaty treasure is abundant in antioxidants, which promote general health and may reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Raw Honey...oh my, I must use restraint to be brief on this decadent embodiment of sweetness.  This tasty temptress contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.  It also helps relieve allergies and aids in digestion.  The list goes on.  To make sure we always have raw honey to help keep us healthy, learn what you can do to help keep the bees healthy. (#savethebees)

Coconut Oil is extracted from the white meaty part of the coconut.  It's uses and benefits are endless!  I know you're eager to get to the recipe though so you can sink your teeth into some yummy Maco-Choco Delights!  To learn more about coconut oil, just check out the article I wrote about it for TMR. 

How to make Maco-Choco Delights

• In a small bowl, mix together 6 TBSP maca root powder & 6 TBSP cacao powder.
• In a small pan, over low heat, melt 3/4 cup coconut oil & 3/4 cup raw honey.  
• When the honey and oil become liquid, add the powders gradually, stirring continuously. 
• When all ingredients are combined, pour into chocolate molds of your choice and place in refrigerator until firm. 

If you don't love these sweet treats at first bite, send them to me because I can't seem to get enough!

Enjoy your health!

Jane Hash, CNHP

Cajun Lentil Soup Recipe

Greetings, wonderful Readers! It has been a brutally cold winter here in northeast Ohio. My urges to gorge on heavy comfort foods can get overwhelming. 

During these dark and blustery times I do my best to be gentle with myself, by finding creative compromises that fulfill what I want as well as what I need.  

Below is a recipe I concocted yesterday in my laboratory aka 'kitchen.'  It was inspired by the rich and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. Then, I incorporated one of my staple health foods...lentils.  

This recipe need not be followed EXACTLY as it is written.  I used green lentils but any lentil could work. Also, you may want to add diced tomatoes, more celery and less green pepper.  You may even want to add some type of seafood.  Make it as it is written or get creative with it.  Either way, I want to know how you like it!  Bon appetit!

Awesome Cajun Lentil Soup

Spice Mix

Equal parts

• Sea salt 
• Black pepper 
• Cayenne 
• Oregano 
• Paprika 

Put all the seasoning in a container with a tight fitting lid and shake to mix. Set aside. 

The Soup

Ingredients

• about 1 lb andouille sausage
• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 small onions or 1 large onion
• 1 stalk celery
• 2 cloves garlic
• Better Than Bouillon (vegetable or chicken)
• Small can tomato paste (about 6 oz)
• 1 lb green lentils
• 8-10 cups of water (depending on how much broth you like)

Directions 

First, slice sausage, cook thoroughly, drain grease, and transfer sausage to the soup pot. Then, dice peppers, onions, celery, and garlic and add to the pot. Add water, rinsed lentils, tomato paste, and 1 TBSP of the prepared Spice Mix…more spice can be added later if you want it hotter. Bring pot to a boil, add a heaping TBSP of bouillon, stir, and turn down to simmer. After it starts to simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.

This recipe makes a lot of soup but it tastes great and freezes well.