Blood Building

Iron - the foundation of blood

For many people, getting enough iron in the diet can be challenging - especially if you are vegetarian/vegan.  Women & expecting mothers can also be at risk for iron deficiency.  

Ensuring adequate iron, B12, Folic acid & B6 in the diet and proper absorption is critical in building blood.  In Ayurveda, summer is the peak of "Pitta" - the fire season.  Summer food choices should include cooling foods which naturally decreases the heat building up in the body. This time of year is also the ideal time to build blood.  Blood is the "fire" or "life" of the body and without it, oxygen and nutrients cannot nourish the organs and cells.  Those with iron-deficiency anemia or those who generally suffer from low ferritin levels, summer is the best time to help improve your blood quality, according to Ayurveda. 

Examples of foods to build your blood quality (vegetarian sources): 

• Molasses
• Curry Leaves
• Black Cumin
• Sesame seeds (black)
• Pomegranate
• Dried fruits: Figs, Prunes, Apricots, Raisins, Goji berries
• Dates
• Beets
• Lentils
• Dark chocolate...in moderation !

Honey: it is also said that a little bit of honey in warm water (good quality, unpasteurized) is beneficial for improving the red blood cell count.

Using a cast iron pan may be very beneficial to help increase the iron in your diet as iron gets released into the food as you cook.

In addition, it's important to ensure you are digesting your food and absorbing your iron-rich foods. Consider adding spices to your meals such as ginger and cumin to help assimilation.  Take your time to chew and eat properly in a relaxed environment.

BLOOD BUILDING TEA

This is a simple tea recipe I like to take which helps build blood over long term.

Nettles are a nourishing herb 

"Boil 1 cup of water and pour over 1 tsp of dried nettle herb and add a squeeze of lemon juice.  Let steep overnight. You may strain if you wish.  Add 1 tsp of molasses, stir and drink in the morning. This provides a nourishing caffeine-free tea that is rich in iron and minerals. Best to drink on an empty stomach."

Nettle is easily available in health food stores or herbal shops.  The acid in the lemon helps pull out the iron and minerals in the nettles.

Please note that you should always check your iron levels with your Doctor/Naturopath first before self-prescribing iron deficiency.  

Refresh'mint'

Some neat facts and uses of MINT - Cooling for the summer heat !

Mint is a common herb - almost anyone without any herbal background knows what mint looks like or some basic uses for it. However, many of us overlook some of the potent medicinal benefits of this herb which can be easily grown in your backyard, pot, or bought fresh from the store.

FACTS

There are over a dozen species of mint plants - most of which grow in moist environments and can grow very fast. These include peppermint, apple mint, ginger mint, gray mint, spearmint, orange mint, banana mint and even chocolate mint ! Yes, it sounds like an ice cream flavour, but chocolate mint has a brownish tint and has a delicious chocolatey mint flavour.

Mint can be grown all-year round (in warm climates) and can be harvested at any time of the year.  When collecting leaves, you can consume them fresh, freeze the leaves, or dry them and store in airtight containers.

MEDICINAL USES

Ayurveda: Most varieties of mint are cooling which helps balance 'Pitta' and generally pacifies all the doshas.  It has a sweet taste and is often used to support the digestive & respiratory systems.

Breathe freshner:  chew on some mint leaves to freshen your breathe after meals

Soothes the stomach:  mint has been known to help soothe the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and expelling gas, relieving discomfort.  Peppermint has also been helpful in people suffering from IBS. Can take as a tea or fresh leaves.

Relieves nausea: the scent of mint leaves or essential oil can relieve nausea

Headache: applying peppermint oil to the temples and inhaling the aroma can relieve pain as mint help relax tense muscles.

Reduces congestion: mint has a strong aroma which opens up the airway, and mint helps break up and release phlegm.  If you have a cold, take a bowl of steaming water with a few drops of mint oil and inhale the vapour.

Anti-inflammatory:  mint has properties which relieve inflammation - in the digestive tract, and respiratory tract.

Promotes relaxation: mint helps you wind down - drop some oil in a warm foot bath or keep a small bottle to apply on your skin to help you relax. It also helps clear stagnation not only in the organs but also on the emotional level.

HOW TO USE IT

Teas: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of dried mint leaves, or a few fresh leaves. Steep for 5-10 min and enjoy.

Summer drinks: add mint leaves to lemonade, limeade, fresh juices or a lassi.

Salads: mint adds a delicious flavour to fresh salads.  Try adding chopped mint with cucumbers, or chopped mint in yogourt to make a delicious raita.

Add to cook dishes: toss in chopped mint with oven-baked potatoes, fried rice (biryani), blend in a summer soup.

Mint Chutney Recipe:  Enjoy this 2 min video and learn how to make a simple & delicious coconut-mint chutney in minutes !

*This information is for educational purposes only.  If you have a medical condition, please check with your Doctor or Health Practitioner.