Live Long Naturally ©2012

I’ve recently discovered an excellent way to mildly flavor my water and cleanse and energize my body. Because I am going through “the change” (perimenopause), I’ve been adjusting my diet and heeding the advice of experts in the field. Not the advice of Western medicine, but instead the advice of Dieticians and female physicians. A male physician can only tell us so much, and yes their advice may be helpful, however I truly believe experiencing perimenopause gives us a little more credibility in treating it.

I found the following recipe in the book, Eating Wisely For Hormonal Balancing, by Sonia Gaemi. This recipe is used to help balance hormones, however, it helps cleanse the  body and liver as well, so it is safe for men and women. It is best to locate organic and/or wild crafted seeds when possible. If difficult to locate, try Middle Eastern, Chinese, or Indian food stores. See below for seed information.

SONIA’S SEEDS FORMULA

A) 1 1/4 cups khak shir seeds (also known as mugwort)

B) 1/4 cup basil seeds

C) 1/4 cup psyllium seeds

D) 1/4 cup flaxseeds

E) 1/4 cup black sesame seeds

Mix and store seeds in dry cool place – I store mine in dark glass in refrigerator.

Serving Size

4-6 tbsp in 2 cups water (or unsweetened cranberry juice or berry juice w/o artificial sweeteners) daily – seeds can be added to water bottle and sipped throughout day. Be sure to chew seeds well.

or…

eat 1 tbsp. at a time and wash down with 2 glasses of water

or…

take 2 tbsp. with every meal – can also be added to yogurt or pureed fruit and washed down with 2 glasses of water.

A). Khak shir/Mugwort – used for menstrual disorders, to cool body, cleanse liver, persistent vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety and depression. Do not use if pregnant or bleeding disorders.

B). Basil – used as an antiseptic, antiinflammatory, to treat ulcers, arthritis, renal disease, edema in joints, and temporary relief of coughs, anxiety, and flatulence.

C). Psyllium - encourages normal bowel movement, absorbs bowel toxins, soothes intestinal tract, helps normalize blood sugar, and lower food cholesterol absorption.

D). Flaxseeds – provides laxative effect, high in Omega 3′s and fiber, may help fight everything from heart disease, diabetes, to cancer.

E). Black Sesame Seeds – high in protein, rich in antioxidants, 60% more calcium than white sesame seeds, and rich in vitamins and minerals.

The author describes flax, khak shir, basil and psyllium as the crux of cleansing and energy. Fiber without the calories! The fiber in them binds with environmental toxins and the whole seed helps encourage new cell growth.

**NOTE: whole seeds are not recommended if you have diverticulitis. Ask an open-minded physician. If taken, let soak and chew thoroughly.

Most people lead lives of quiet desperation.    Emerson

The cost of desperation, like cheap food is our health on every level (body, mind, spirit). Limiting beliefs and worry make our world, hopes, and dreams smaller – we do not grow in our comfort zone.

Feeling fat or fatigued? Our thoughts create the feelings, the feelings create the action, the actions decide whether we remain fat and fatigued, stressed or depressed. The energy put into negative thinking rob us of our energy. As listed in the last post… a lack of self-love is the root cause of much “self-induced” suffering. A few ways around that include:

• Taking responsibility for where we are – we made our bed, we can remake it.
• Create our life rather than react to it.
• Respect our body, build it up through nutrition – it will respond favorably.
• Get involved with things that matter.
• Embrace our uniqueness.
• Do what makes our heart sing.
• Keep our word with our self.
• and lastly… enjoy the journey.

We do have a choice on how well (and attractively) we age. Take a step in the bright direction (and don’t look back)!