I was making a recipe that called for poultry seasoning, when I realized I didn’t have any, so, I decided to make my own homemade poultry seasoning. This recipe is quick and easy, and you probably have all these herbs and spices in your pantry.   Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe Ingredients 4 teaspoons dried sage 3 teaspoons dried thyme 2 teaspoons dried marjoram 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (it seems strange to add nutmeg to

Welcome to November!  The cold, dry, windy air is with us and is characteristic of Vata dosha in Ayurveda. To counteract these qualities, we want the opposite characteristics of warm, moist, and grounded. To do so, follow some of these selfcare tips for November.   November Selfcare Tips Diet Include hearty whole grains, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. Favor sweet and earthy root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and potatoes. Be sure to eat

An herbal electuary is a thick paste, made with powdered herbs and honey.  It’s a wonderful way to take your herbs, because the honey makes it taste great. So, this is ideal for children, who may not like the taste of herbs.  However, do not  give honey to children under 12 months of age, because honey can contain bacteria that produces toxins in a baby's intestines.  Herbal Electuaries The use of herbal electuaries dates back thousands of years.  They were used in ancient Ar

Whether you have heart disease, diabetes, or digestive issues, such as constipation or diverticulosis, you probably have been told to follow a high-fiber diet. Read on to learn about fiber's benefits, how much you need and how to get more fiber. Fiber's Benefits Dietary fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.  It has amazing benefits – it regulates bowel movements, feeds gut bacteria, reduces inflammation in the gut, balances cholesterol levels

Seasonal eating benefits you as well as the environment, so read below to learn about seasonal eating for this Fall. The Benefits of Seasonal Eating Every plant has a growing cycle, and when it reaches its growth maturity it’s harvested.  It is at this point that the plant offers its best nutritional value as well as flavor. Seasonal eating is the practice of consuming produce that is at its peak in flavor and nutrition.  Prior to the modern age, this was how people ate, i.e.

These Gluten-free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are delicious and perfect for the cool Autumn weather, as well as for Halloween!   Gluten-free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe Ingredients 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup walnut oil or a good-quality vegetable oil 2 large eggs 3/4 cup pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin 1/4 cup water 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon gro

Use up your grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes) with these two delicious recipes.

Aah – September! After a long, sizzling summer, we start to get a break from the heat, especially in the mornings and evenings. Autumn is coming, and we’re in a two-week transitional period called Ritu Sandhi in Ayurveda or Seasonal Junction.   The last week of one season and the first week of the next season make up this two-week Ritu Sandhi period. It’s a sensitive time when we need to let go of the previous season’s diet and lifestyle practices and welcome the next season’

Phytates, or phytic acid, are found in most plants, and are organic acids that store phosphorus in plants, which are found in the outer bran layers of unprocessed whole grains, in edible seeds, legumes, and nuts.  Lesser amounts of phytates can be found in tubers and roots.  Phytates - Good or Bad? Phytates have gotten a bad rap, because they bind to certain minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, chromium, and zinc, and prevent the body from absorbing them.  Since the hig

Whether you grow summer squash or buy it from the Farmer's Market or the supermarket, there’s an abundance of it right now. In addition to yellow and crookneck squash, as well as zucchini, you may find other varieties, especially at your local Farmer's Market, such as pattypan, zephyr, and eight ball squash. Not sure what to do with all this summer squash? Then try these few summer squash recipes. They’re all vegetarian and gluten-free.  Summer Squash Recipes Skillet Summer S

A sun tea is a type of herbal infusion made with herbs and water. But, rather than heating water on the stove, you use the power of the sun to heat up the water to make your sun tea. Making Sun Teas You can use fresh herbs from your garden, as well as dried herbs. Some examples of herbs and flowers to include are: lavender, rose petals, calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, feverfew, yarrow, red clover, peppermint, spearmint, catnip, echinacea, tulsi (holy basil), thyme, nettles

Cleansing the skin with oil is also an ancient Ayurvedic practice, which may seem strange at first, so let’s take a look at the skin and why oil is better at cleansing than soap and water.  Cleansing Your Face with Oil About the Skin The skin contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which is an oily, waxy substance that protects your skin from environmental pollutants and infection. It also naturally hydrates the skin.  When you wash with soap and water, you can wash aw

This is my first year growing Japanese eggplants, aka, Chinese eggplants, so I’ve been eager to try them.  Compared to Italian eggplants they’re long and thin, sweeter, and less bitter, which means they don’t need to be salted ahead of time to release their bitterness.  Also, because their skin is thin, they will absorb the flavors of anything that’s cooked with them.   If you don't grow Japanese eggplants, you can find them at your local Farmer's Market or supermarket. Eith

The Mediterranean diet has been extensively researched and has some amazing benefits. Studies indicate that individuals in the Mediterranean region enjoy better health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases compared to those in other regions, largely due to their diet and lifestyle. Let's take a look at the Mediterranean diet, the benefits of this diet based on research, and how to follow it. The Amazing Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet What is the Mediterranean Diet? The

Commonly called “blue tea”, Butterfly Pea Flower has been brewed for centuries in south-east Asia.  It has also been used in cooking to color dishes, especially rice dishes. It's an herb, so it doesn't contain caffeine, which makes it kid-friendly. Butterfly Pea Flower The bright blue color of Butterfly Pea Flower tea can change color based on the pH level of the substance added to it, such as lemon or lime, where it will turn purple or pink.  In Thailand and Vietnam, the dr

Quick and easy salads are my go-to in hot weather.  Try this refreshing lemony white bean salad. White beans are a powerhouse of protein and fiber. It serves 3-4 people. Lemony White Bean Salad Recipe Ingredients 1 3/4 cups cooked white beans such as Cannellini or Great Northern, or one 15.5 oz canned white beans 1/4 cup of onion of your choice (yellow, red or scallions), finely chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves or basil, finely chopped

Do you have an abundance of basil growing in your garden?  I always have so much!  So other than making pesto (which is delicious), what else can you do with it?  Well, you can use basil in all sorts of dishes, such as on top of your pizza or pasta, blend it into sauces and soups, add to a salad, or garnish it on avocado toast.  Caprese Salad is a cool option during the summer months, and you’ll get to use some of your tomatoes as well, ( see recipe below ). When it comes to

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  Your skin is the largest organ of your body; and its functions are to protect you from heat, sunlight, injury, and infection; control your body temperature; and store water, fat, and vitamin D.  Considering all that your skin does for you, protect your skin to prevent skin cancer as much as possible. Protect Your Skin This Summer Types of Skin Cancer There are different types of skin cancer, but the most com

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease (an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland), one of the foods I needed to avoid was soy.  In moderation, soy is fine for most people with hypothyroidism.  But excessive consumption of soy may alter thyroid hormone levels, as well as the production of thyroid hormones.  It may also make it harder for the body to absorb levothyroxine (the medication prescribed to people with Hashimoto’s and/or hypothyr

Last week, the British Medical Journal  published a study regarding the consumption of ultra- processed foods and their effect on the body.  This was a 30-year correlation study that involved over nine million people.  The results are significant because most Americans get more than half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods.  Ultra-processed Foods The most common ultra-processed foods are highly refined breads, fast foods, sugary drinks, sugary cereals, prepared