Your Gut, Happiness & Fire Cider
The term “wellness” is constantly evolving and I’ll admit, there are times even as a wellness professional when I read the word and my eyes glaze over. That said, there’s a shift from its use as a buzzword alongside the latest trends in fitness and health, to a term that shows how an individual can achieve an optimal state of functioning and being in everyday life.
And while its prevalence in the media and usage across social media typically revolves around workout routines and diet fads, the state of being well is much more than physical health, exercise routines, food choices and being free of disease and illness. So what exactly is wellness and why should you care? Great question.
I believe wellness speaks to how we live everyday from our physical activity, our sleep habits, what we put into our bodies, the people we surround ourselves with, the level of compassion and empathy in which we relate to ourselves and others, and many more.
These behaviors and conscious decisions impact our ability to live well and be well emotionally, mentally and physically. In short, the goal of actively pursuing a balanced way of living by nourishing our body, mind and spirit to lead a happy, healthy and long life is wellness.
I’m thrilled to share this first blog post with you all and I’m committed to offering you thought-provoking, relevant and applicable methods and suggestions as you explore what habits and lifestyle choices support your wellness journey. I sincerely hope these inspire you in whatever capacity to keep exploring what makes you feel balanced and at home within your own body and mind, to not only live but to thrive.
Now let’s start with the gut and happiness.
Research suggests roughly 90% of serotonin, the happy hormone, is produced in our digestive tract and in the digestive lining often referred to as “our second brain.” Hence, what we eat actually does impact our mood, digestion, overall health, and even the way we think. I have included the recipe below for one of my favorite digestive aids and potions, Fire Cider, a vinegar-based concoction to help stimulate and boost your gut health.
FIRE CIDER TONIC FOR TUMMY HEALTH & MAINTENANCE & IMMUNE BOOSTER
Fire cider is a zesty health tonic and traditional remedy with roots in folk medicine. This tasty combination of apple cider vinegar infused with powerful anti-microbial, decongestant, and spicy circulatory goodies can help boost natural immune system processes, stimulate your gut for healthy digestion and keep you toasty warm on cold days or when you need an energizing lift.
This immune system booster can be taken each morning by the spoonful, splashed in your favorites foods and dressings, or added to your tea with a hint of honey.
I like to take 1 tbsp each morning to fire up the immune system during cold and flu season, or a shot when i’m feeling a tickle in my throat or sluggish in my body. I also love making big batches and keeping on hand for thoughtful and healthy gifts!
RECIPE
+ 1 large ginger root diced
+ 1 large horseradish root diced
+ 1 medium organic onion, chopped
+ 10 - 15 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
+ 2 - 4 organic jalepeno or habenero peppers, chopped (remove seeds for less spice and handle with care!)
+ 1 organic lemon sliced with peel intact
+ 1 organic large orange sliced with peel intact
+ several sprigs of fresh organic rosemary or 2 tbsp of dried rosemary
+ 1 tbsp organic turmeric powder
+ 1/4 tsp organic cayenne powder
+ organic apple cider vinegar
+ raw local honey to taste
EXTRAS
+ 2-4 thinly sliced sweet peppers
+ grapefruit, lime juice with peels
+ anything aromatic or spicy that you have growing or currently in your kitchen!
HOW TO MAKE THIS FIERY CONCOCTION:
Dice or chop veggies as directed above
Combine all ingredients except for vinegar into a 16oz mason jar. pour the raw apple cider vinegar in over the contents, allowing it to settle in through the crevices and adding more so that the contents are submerged. Lay a piece of parchment paper over the rim of the jar, then screw the lid tightly in place. Let the mixture sit in a dark, cool place, allowing it to marry and infuse for 4 weeks, shaking once daily
Cover top with piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching any metal, or a plastic lid if you have one
Shake it up!
Store in a dark, cool place to infuse for one lunar cycle or roughly 4 weeks *bury in the earth to ‘ground’ your medicine for a more traditional approach
After digging it up (or taking out of the pantry), use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. squeeze as much of the liquid goodness as you can from the pulp while straining. discard the pulp or blend to add to dressing/salad
Add 1/4 cup of raw honey or desired amount to strained mixture, stir
Enjoy!
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