Buttery Wild Mushroom Pilaf with Asparagus – Wild gourmet healing dinner for $.35 per serving!

 

Tonight’s dinner is a lovely sprouted brown rice risotto with bits of peas and carrots, cooked with some chopped wild wood nettle, which can be used just as spinach or kale would but is much more nutritious. I sauteed the morels (can use any edible wild mushroom) until golden in a bit of butter and Himalayan salt.  Simply sub the butter for something like olive oil to make this vegetarian dish vegan. The pilaf is sprinkled with chives from my garden & flowers from the creeping charlie “weed” in my yard. A garnish of another delicious “weed” in my yard- goldenrod shoots.

Not only is this the type of gourmet meal you’d only find at an upscale restaurant, it’s more nutritious than just about anything you’ll find at a grocery store, and nearly free of cost. Every ingredient has healing properties! What is your experience with foraging- have you picked berries, morels, or asparagus? Let us know! If you’d like to learn more about wild food foraging, check out Wild Food Wisconsin & Aayus Holistic Health Services on facebook.  And helping people live healthier & happier and tackle even the trickiest health issues is my specialty as a naturopathic practitioner- don’t hesitate to contact me at megan@aayushealth.com for your free consult!

– – Goldenrod is good for colds, flu, inflammation, allergies (it’s an antihistamine, not an allergen), & UTIs.
– – Nettles are food for high blood pressure, kidney stones, allergies (also antihistamine), anemia, hay fever, are restorative, antihemorrhagic, nutritive, & promotes lactation & circulation
– – Morels are a great source of vitamin D, are anti-cancer & have been found to reduce the side effects of chemo/radiation
– – Asparagus is a diuretic, supports kidney function, prostate health, helps to prevent cataracts, supports the liver, supports sexual function & helps with muscle recovery
– – Brown rice is great for digestion and helps to normalize bowel function after diarrhea. It helps lower cholesterol, reduce risk of bowel cancer, lower diabetes risk
– – Chives are good for digestion, anemia, relieving gas, help prevent heart disease and stroke, and help your body to digest good fats.
– – Creeping Charlie is anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and has been used traditionally for ulcers, asthma, and clearing up skin. It can be used as a hopping agent to make beer.

Thanks for visiting!

Megan Normansell (Kerkhoff), CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Get the answers you’ve been searching for, and heal your body for good… naturally and holistically.  We have successfully helped thousands of people across the country live a healthier life than they ever could have imagined, and specialize in dozens of different health concerns. Curious? Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today! Read the incredible reviews we’ve received over the years here!

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221

Copyright Megan Normansell 2019 All rights reserved. 

 

My first morel of the year, used in my dinner! (it’s giant!!)

The wild wood nettles

Creamy Wild Watercress & Nettle Soup

Wild watercress and nettles are sprouting in Wisconsin, and they are quite the culinary treat!

High in calcium, iron, vitamin c, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, vitamin K, lutein, b vitamins, and many more, watercress is rich in potent antioxidants that help to fight cancer. It’s been found to help smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke excrete the toxins found in cigarettes via urine more rapidly.

Stinging nettles are my go-to safe alternative to allergy drugs. They help hayfever and any type of allergies, supporting the immune system and anti-inflammatory response naturally, instead of just covering up symptoms like drugs. This plant has been used for prostate problems, PMS, asthma, bronchitis, sciatica, tendonitis, multiple sclerosis, gout, hives, kidney stones, sciatica, high blood pressure, & eczema. Just about one cup of this veggie will give you half the calcium you need for the day, with good amounts of magnesium, manganese, iron, b vitamins, vitamin k, beta carotene, and potassium.

Both greens are great for anemia, helping support detoxification and liver health, and for arthritis.   Note: Be careful not to touch the nettles without gloves- they bite!

Ingredients:

2 cups MSG-free vegetable broth

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or organic butter

1 small onion, roughly chopped

1 bunch of watercress

1 bunch of nettles

2 medium potatoes, peeled & chopped

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

¼ cup organic whole plain yogurt, extra to garnish (eliminate to make vegan)

Sprinkle of chives to garnish

Himalayan salt & black pepper to taste

 

Directions:

Bring the broth to a boil, and add the potatoes. Meanwhile in a large saucepan, heat the butter/oil over medium heat. Add the nettles, watercress, and onions. Turn heat down a bit and cook until the onions are translucent. Once your potatoes are tender, add the cooked greens mixture to the pot and boil for a couple minutes. Place in your food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add the yogurt, then season to taste with the salt & pepper. Ladle into bowls immediately and enjoy!

Warmly,

Megan Normansell (Kerkhoff), CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Get the answers you’ve been searching for, and heal your body for good… naturally and holistically.  We have successfully helped thousands of people across the country live a healthier life than they ever could have imagined, and specialize in dozens of different health concerns. Curious? Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today! Read the incredible reviews we’ve received over the years here!

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221

 

 

Copyright Megan Normansell 2019.

The Most Intriguing Watermelon…

This week at my favorite farm stand- yellow watermelon! Apparently they are an heirloom variety, and twice as sweet as red watermelon. And the taste test confirmed! It does have a bit of a honey flavor.

Did you know that pink watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes? (that’s one of the heart-healthy photochemicals).  And all watermelon is good for libido, fighting inflammation, and lowering blood pressure?

Read more about the benefits of watermelon here:  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/21/watermelon-nutrition.aspx

Warmly,

Megan Normansell, CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Herbalist/Holistic Nutrition/Wild Edibles & Medicinal Plants Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Are you curious about how easy-to-make changes with professional support & guidance can make a huge difference in your health, happiness, stress levels, and overall wellness? Let’s talk!  Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today, and see how your life can change. 

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221

 

Copyright Megan Normansell 2019 All rights reserved. 

Natural & Safe Pain Relief for Expecting Mamas

Aches and pains are inevitable during pregnancy, as your body adjusts to a completely new shape. While gentle exercise, yoga, or pilates is important to stay limber and reduce pain, there are various herbs and food items that can be a great alternative to questionable pain drugs.

Nettle: (pictured above) Reduces pain and inflammation, and is a rich source of iron.
Side effects: promotes lactation, eases hemorrhoids, reduces fatigue, supports kidney function, reduces mucous in the lungs, and relieves allergies. Did you know this grows wild in Wisconsin?

Olive leaf: Reduces pain and inflammation. This is also the best herb to use during pregnancy to prevent colds & flu. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal.
Side effects: reduces fatigue, antiviral, promotes circulation, and improves digestion

Borage oil: 2-3 grams per day was found to reduce pain. Use 37 weeks and later only.
Side effects: improves heart function, softens the cervix, increases flexibility of ligaments, and prepares the body for labor.

Bromelain: Found in pineapple cores. Reduces pain, inflammation & swelling, and eases pain from varicose veins. It also helps reduce breast pain during and after breastfeeding. It has not been thoroughly tested during pregnancy in large amounts, but whole food amounts are safe and beneficial during pregnancy, such as juicing 1 whole pineapple. One study found that consuming 9 whole pineapples at a time could cause uterine contractions. (not exactly easy to do)
Side effects: improves arthritis, increases blood flow, reduces risk of blood clots, eases asthma and allergies.

Get the recipe for this delicious pain-reducing juice here: https://megankerkhoff.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/tropical-tendonitis-treatment/

Omega 3’s: Vital for anti inflammatory response.
Side effects: Healthier joints, less “pregnancy brain,” supports heart health, and may increase baby’s IQ. (Yes, there are studies that have concluded this!) 2-4 grams per day is recommended during pregnancy even if you are pain-free, as DHA is vital for baby’s brain to develop.

Thanks for visiting!

Megan Normansell (Kerkhoff), CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Get the answers you’ve been searching for, and heal your body for good… naturally and holistically.  We have successfully helped thousands of people across the country live a healthier life than they ever could have imagined, and specialize in dozens of different health concerns. Curious? Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today! Read the incredible reviews we’ve received over the years here!

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221

Heal your Heart with Hemp

Hemp seeds (aka hemp hearts) may be one of the most underappreciated super food on earth. Compared to flax seeds, hemp contains more omega 3’s and double the protein. Not only that, but hemp is a COMPLETE protein, which is rare in the plant world (all amino acids are present). When you factor in the incredible amounts of iron, vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium, fiber, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, hemp seeds become a far superior protein source than meat. Hemp seeds are more digestible than meat, dairy, or eggs.

Get this:
1 oz beef ………………. 5 grams of complete protein
1 oz hemp seeds ……. 10 grams of complete protein

Hemp seeds increase energy, increase metabolism, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, strengthen immune system, reduce PMS symptoms, reduce inflammation, improve arthritis, improve muscle recovery after exercise, improve ADD & ADHD, treat skin conditions, & improve hair quality. Hemp has a phytochemical called calcineurin, which according to the University of Michigan, improves memory and promotes learning.

*Note: Hemp is NOT the same strain as marijuana. Hemp products are virtually THC-free.

Did you know? Hemp’s fibers are incredibly strong, and it can be used to make long-lasting rope, oil, paper, jewelry, animal bedding, clean up radiactive waste, clothing, biofuel, wax, fiberglass for automobiles, clothing, and concrete-like breathable blocks.

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Do you have this rare form of asthma? (And the top 10 ways to treat it)

What we all refer to as plain old asthma, is really a condition called “extrinsic asthma.” This is an asthma that is most commonly triggered by allergens and accounts for 90% of all asthma cases.

Then there is the little-known form of asthma called “intrinsic asthma,” of which I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with for a good chunk of my life. Just like with what I’ll refer to as “common asthma,” it produces feelings of tightness & pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. As the names would suggest, extrinsic asthma is triggered by external factors, and intrinsic by internal factors.

Common Asthma triggers:
• Allergens like dust, pet dander, pollen
• Environmental & chemical pollution like smoke, or occupational chemical exposure
• Food triggers like sulfites, food additives, and sugar
This is the form of asthma that affects both children and adults, and can be well-managed by avoiding triggers and by making dietary changes.

Intrinsic Asthma triggers:
• Exercise (aka “exercise-induced” asthma)
• Cold air (aka “cold-induced” asthma or “my gym makes a killing off me in the winter” asthma)
• Air that is too dry or too damp
Intrinsic asthma tends to develop in adulthood (although mind developed as a teen), and is more chronic and persistent than common asthma. Studies show that most sufferers of intrinsic asthma are women.

Here are my observations about this particular form of asthma:
• Unlike with my husband’s extrinsic asthma, I’ve found inhalers do not help me.
• There appears to be a genetic factor. My mother has the exact same cold-induced asthma that I have. But she also has extrinsic triggers, which is known as “mixed asthma.” I believe this is why I developed it as a teenager instead of after the age of 30 like most do.
• Mine is triggered by both cold & exercise. Once the thermometer drops below 5 degrees, the wheezing immediately kicks in with my first breath in. (Being born an Eskimo would have proved deadly for me!) When I combine the two trigger it’s pretty severe, so I have to wait until the temps hit 50’s or higher to exert myself outdoors.
• I’ve also noticed an interesting difference regarding caffeine. While the symptoms of regular asthma improve with immediate caffeine intake, my intrinsic asthma symptoms can actually be triggered by caffeine. When consuming little to no caffeine prior to a workout, my asthma is sometimes barely noticeable. Today, I went wild and consumed 250 mg of caffeine (equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee) before my workout, and the sharp chest pain was intense and immediate.

Top 10 tips for treating Intrinsic Asthma:
1. Quit smoking. Cigarettes do an incredible amount of damage to the lungs.
2. Boost your immune system. Replace unhealthy junk with whole, real foods, with a focus on cultured & fermented foods.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds put extra pressure on your lungs.
4. Use anti-inflammatory herbs daily like turmeric, ginger or boswellia.
5. Eliminate dairy. Dairy is mucous-forming and causes congestion.
6. Increase your omega 3 fatty acids. They have a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect. See “Top Ten Reasons to Eat Raw Walnuts.”
7. Minimize your exposure to cold. Cover your mouth with a buff or scarf to warm the cold air before it hits your lungs.
8. Exercise indoors in the winter.
9. Keep your workouts moderate, and be in tune with your body. If your chest begins to hurt, ease back until the pain subsides.
10. Manage stress. Both types of asthma can also be triggered by stress or anxiety, so utilize stress-relieving methods to prevent it from affecting your physical self.

Warmly,

Megan Normansell (Kerkhoff), CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Get the answers you’ve been searching for, and heal your body for good… naturally and holistically.  We have successfully helped thousands of people across the country live a healthier life than they ever could have imagined, and specialize in dozens of different health concerns. Curious? Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today! Read the incredible reviews we’ve received over the years here!

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221