|
|
email: tewhare@walthamcottage.com |
|
|
email: tewhare@walthamcottage.com |
| Choice
Living has been up and running for some years now and has proved
popular with a regular following of young women, mums, and grandmothers.
To date we have been exploring natural ways of maintaining optimum health
through the choices we make in our every day eating. It is our general
intention that this group provides community members with relevant information
that empowers members to take control of their own well being and their
families, thus creating healthy communities.
We have looked at how attitudes, fad dieting, proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats affect our weight, energy and general well being,. We have shared healthy recipes and lunch. Our group shares great ways of economically being able to implement some of the ideas discussed within the group. We are currently exploring how food affects us hormonally and triggers weight gain or loss, sugar and carbohydrate cravings, depression as well as cause many of our modern day dis-ease such as diabetes, heart disease etc. Healthy Happening Tuesdays for some of us, we are lucky to be able to link up Choice Living with Tai Chi Gong in the morning and finish with a wonderful Choice Kai cooking lesson in the afternoon where we can sit down to a healthy lunch. Some topics coming up for Choice Living are Syndrome X, Super foods, anti oxidants, anti-aging foods, relaxation, menopause, PMT combined with visits from a dietician and alternative health practitioner, GP, diabetic health worker and personal trainer to name but a few. To begin with the group members thought this group would address weighty issues of dieting and being overweight. However as we have become more knowledgeable with the topics we are exploring the focus is more about holistic health and using suitable foods to bring about the changes required to make healthy lifestyle choices. This is an ongoing group free for anyone to attend every Tuesday 10am – 12noon. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to hearing any ideas you may have for discussion or seeking further information that may help you sustain Choice Living. |
NOTES FROM KARL’S TALK ABOUT WEEDS
Karl began by showing us his Nettle Infusion and telling us how it could be made. He said it is like land seaweed with most of the trace minerals that are needed. It is great for people recovering from illness and breastfeeding mothers.To make it, use 1/4 dry weight of nettle (dried) available from the garden or from herbal dispensaries. Put it in a jar, cover with ¾ of the amount of boiling water. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for four hours before straining and drinking. It will keep for 3 days in the fridge or 2 days out of the fridge. Karl said that a 2 week course of nettle infusion is most beneficial.
He frequently referred to a book called Weeds Heal by Isla Burgess.
(Viridatas Publishing, 1998, Gisborne, New Zealand) ISBN 0-473-0535-1
Author’s email address is isla@herbcollege.com
The Author even has a website with a monthly info section called Keeping the Plants Alive, which has more info about herbs and weeds.
Weeds that were discussed:
Karl pointed out that when the weeds come up it is the right time of the year to eat them. Ie weeds that come up in winter are beneficial for winter ailments. Another interesting thing is that generally weeds like dock grow near to nettle, and dock leaves rubbed on skin that has been stung by nettle provides relief. Also, plants with lots of hair are usually great for the mucus membranes.Cleaver for water retention and good for veins. Eat all of it. Slightly bruise the plant, cover with pure water overnight and try using as your only liquid for 6 weeks at a time.
Clover Red flowers are good for women, white flowers for men. Good for your nervous system.
Dandelion The root is good for liver and the leaves for digestion. It is good to eat before a meal to break down fat and oil. It releases bile from the gall bladder.
Fat hen has a great taste. Pluck off the tips so that the shoots can get bigger.
Shepherds purse tastes like hot broccoli. It is good for the heart and uterus.
Plantain is good for healing wounds. Read more.
Puha is good for bile flow, constipation, digestion.
Oxalis is delicious. It looks like clover only has no vein.
Read the delicious weed recipe that was made in Choice Kai.
