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Rawkos! A Fun and Healthy Travel Food.

Rawkos! A Fun and Healthy Travel Food.

Here’s a healthy, tasty recipe that will bring into you in the summer mode. This is a popular favorite from our Seasonal Cleanse. It’s great food to travel with and requires NO COOKING. Rejoice the Rawko!  It’s like a taco but it’s raw – not raw meat – raw foods (means no cooking, more enzymes, more energy, packed with flavor). We’ll admit, it can be a bit of an odd concept at first but once you try them, you may just be pleasantly surprised.

 

 

Make the Wraps

  • 1 Bunch of collard greens* There is a misunderstanding that collards are bitter, not so! Pair them with a protein and a fat and eat them raw and your will be forever changed.
  • Rinse and de-stem – leaving 2 halves (depends on how many people are eating– figure 2-3 wraps per person)
  • Pat those dry

Sweet Cucumber Salsa

  • 1 apple – peeled, cored, diced
  • 1 cucumber – peeled, seeded, diced
  • 1 medium sweet yellow onion – diced
  • Parsley and/or cilantro – washed and diced
  • A few pinches of Himalayan or Celtic sea salt (these are quality high mineral salts)
  • Fresh squeezed lemon
  • Add all ingredients together, then add in salt and lemon – make sure it really gets on that onion! Toss, let sit.

Rawko “meat”

Why the non-meat tacos – er- rawkos? Because they are delicious. Because raw foods pack an amazing amount of energy and vitality, and because everyone loves new and exciting foods that make them feel good with no negative repercussions.  So here you go:

  • 1 -2 cups of raw organic walnuts (again, depending on how many people you are feeding)
  • 2-6 TBS of gluten free tamari (go easy on this — it can get real salty quick)
  • Add to a high speed blender or food processor and blend it up

Making Rawkos

  • Lay your collard wrap on a flat surface
  • Spread 1-2 tsp of the rawko “meat” onto the wrap length-wise
  • Add some salsa (this offsets the heavy flavor of the walnuts nicely)
  • Here, I added some sunflower sprouts for some more green and texture
  • Roll up and enjoy.

You can pre-roll these and eat them on a car ride — or pack the ingredients separately and take to go and assemble on site. Enjoy!

Nourish Yourself with Golden Milk

Nourish Yourself with Golden Milk

Golden Milk is a delicious and nourishing drink that packs incredible health benefits into one warm mug at a time.

It’s very

Some of the wonderful benefits of Golden Milk:

  • Anti-inflammatory – easing joint pain
  • Soothing to the spirit and aids in digestion and sleep
  • Supports healthy liver function
  • Supports the spleen and stomach
  • Supports healthy blood sugar levels
  • Supports the heart and brain
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • Supports the nervous system

The key Ingredient in Golden Milk  is tumeric – which is a powerhouse. Curcumin is the most active ingredient in turmeric – It’s a strong antioxidant is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial  anti-fungal. However, curcumin is not well-absorbed into the body — UNLESS it is blended with black pepper. Black pepper contains piperine which has it’s own anti-inflammatory properties. The black pepper enhances the curcumin ability to work synergistically with the body.  Golden milk is blended with other herbs and spices for flavor and health benefits. Once you begin to get the hang of it you can add your own favorites in.

You can drink Golden Milk 2- 3 times per day. I prefer it before bed. You can make a homemade version with our recipe below or purchase a  mix. We have used Gaia Herbs brand and it is wonderful – with the added benefit of Ashwaganda. Ashwaganda is an adaptogen which helps the body deal with stress. That said, you can certainly add that into your recipe.

Delicious Golden Milk at Home

  • 1 cup Milk or  Dairy Free coconut milk (regular, full-fat, canned)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (can use MCT coconut oil)
  • 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional – to taste –  I love cardamom and addition to almost everything)
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • if sugar sensitive sweeten with 10 drops liquid pure stevia extract, or to taste
  • OR Sweeten with raw honey to taste after removing from heat
Directions:
  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the coconut milk,  water, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper. Warm slowly until hot but not simmering, about 7 minutes
  2. Remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the stevia or honey (not both!)
  3. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days

 

 

Homemade Bone Broth

Homemade Bone Broth

 

Homemade Bone Broth is deeply nourishing to the body.

It supports gut health, skin hair and nails and nourishes our deepest organs- the kidneys.  This is food as medicine. Bone broth is a fantastic source of many gut-healing, anti-inflammatory agents. Healthy, pasture-raised and grass-fed animal bones and joints are rich in amino acids, gelatin, collagen.  These components support the health of your bones, joints, and skin.

Collagen is an essential building block for a healthy gut lining. With homemade bone broth you can help repair damage by ingesting collagen-rich foods and supplements such as bone broth and hydrolyzed collagen powder.

It is important to source healthy and humanely raised pastured and grass-fed animals – so that you getting the healthy benefits of this traditional food.

Here is the simple recipe for chicken bone broth we make at home. There are other bone broth recipes you can find with a simple search (lamb, beef  and fish).

Simple Homemade Bone Broth (Chicken)

  • 1 chicken back
  • 6 -12 or more chicken feet (this is an important ingredient as this is where much of the dense gelatin resides)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 14 Cups of clean spring water (chlorine and fluoride free)
  • 3 TBS of Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea salt
  • 1 TBS of raw Apple cider Vinegar

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot or crock pot
  2. Add in apple Cider Vinegar – let sit for 1 hr – this helps leach all the nutrients and minerals out of the bones
  • Instant Pot: Set on High Soup 120 mins
  • Crock pot: Cook low and slow for 18-24 hours
  • Stock Pot – stove top: Turn to a simmer and put lid on pot and let it simmer for 18-24 hours

When done pour through a tea strainer over the mug or bowl. Add other ingredients as desired. We like the broth just this way. But you can add other ingredients before or after cooking.

  • Garlic (crush and let sit for 15 min before adding in or cooking with it as it activates the healing benefits)
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon
  • Celery, onion, carrot, etc.
  • We will also use it to make soup. We like to sauté the holy trinity of onions, garlic and celery – add diced carrots, beets and broth.

With the instant pot  – we keep the broth going on warm for a few days and serve hot from there straining as we serve. 

Process from the stove top or out of the Instant Pot or Crock pot:

  1. Turn off and let cool for 30 min to hour, then lift out all the bones/veggies and set aside
  2. Pour the broth through strainer to filter out all the grit into another bowl
  3. Cover and refrigerate.  The fat will separate and rise to the top.
  4. Remove from fridge and  you may now skim off the fat with a large metal spoon (some leave the fat on). The broth should be jelly-like which is WHAT YOU WANT – it means it is loaded with collagen and gelatin.
  5. You can now put a wide mouth funnel over a few mason jars.
  6. Put up to 3 days worth in the fridge and freeze the rest. It only stays fresh for about 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to one year. PLEASE NOTE: Only fill mason jars for the freezer 75% when frozen  the broth will expand and the jar will crack.

 

Benefits of Homemade Bone Broth

  • Gut Health: The dense gelatin in bone broth is a vital nutrient for healing the gut
  • Aids Digestion
  • Improves joint health.
  • Strengthens your immune system
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-aging
  • Makes your hair, nails, and skin glow
  • Can improve sleep

 

Simple Homemade Bone Broth (Chicken)

Keyword Adrenal Fatigue, Gut health, Health, immune, Kidneys, Stress

Ingredients

  • 1 Vhicken back
  • 6 -12 Or more chicken feet (this is an important ingredient as this is where much of the dense gelatin resides)
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 14 Cups Clean spring water (chlorine and fluoride free)
  • 3 TBS or less of Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea salt
  • 1 TBS Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot, crock pot, or stop top

  2. Add in apple Cider Vinegar - let sit for 1 hr - this helps leach all the nutrients and minerals out of the bones

Cooking Method

  1. Instant Pot: Set on high/ seal - Soup for 120 mins

    Crock pot: Cook low and slow for 18-24 hours 

    Stock Pot - stove top: Turn to a simmer and put lid on pot and let it simmer for 18-24 hours 

Recipe Notes

When done pour through a tea strainer over the mug or bowl. Add other ingredients as desired. We like the broth just this way. But you can add other ingredients before or after cooking. 

  • Garlic (crush and let sit for 15 min before adding in or cooking with it as it activates the healing benefits)
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon
  • Celery, onion, carrot, etc. 
  • We will also use it to make soup. We like to sauté the holy trinity of onions, garlic and celery - add diced carrots, beets and broth.

With the instant pot  - we keep the broth going on warm for a few days and serve hot from there straining as we serve. 

Process from the stove top or out of the Instant Pot or Crock pot:

  1. Turn off and let cool for 30 min to hour, then lift out all the bones/veggies and set aside
  2. Pour the broth through strainer to filter out all the grit into another bowl
  3. Cover and refrigerate.  The fat will separate and rise to the top. 
  4. Remove from fridge and  you may now skim off the fat with a large metal spoon (some leave the fat on). The broth should be jelly-like which is WHAT YOU WANT - it means it is loaded with collagen and gelatin.
  5. You can now put a wide mouth funnel over a few mason jars.
  6. Put up to 3 days worth in the fridge and freeze the rest. It only stays fresh for about 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to one year. PLEASE NOTE: Only fill mason jars for the freezer 75% when frozen  the broth will expand and the jar will crack. 

 

Goddess Slaw

Goddess Slaw

This is one of our family’s favorite recipes. In fact, it is my go-to potluck dish. Made with seasonal ingredients,  it’s easy to whip up, tastes indulgent, and will keep you healthy and satisfied.

 

Healthy,Vibrant Goddess Slaw

1-3 Apples – shredded – Choose green apples for lower glycemic impact

1 large Beet – shredded

3-4 Carrots – shredded

Optional – can add scallions or green onions to taste if desired

Combine with avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil – 1 – 2 TBS, salt & pepper to taste

Add squeeze citrus juice of choice – I combine a squeeze of orange with lime – or whatever I have on hand 

You’ll want to coat it but not have it swimming in juice.

Let sit for a bit for flavors to combine

Enjoy!

Goddess Slaw 

Easy, tasty salad or side dish

Servings 8 people
Author Nicole Johnson, MFA, CHHC

Ingredients

  • 1-3 Apples - shredded - Choose green apples for lower glycemic impact
  • 1 large Beet - shredded
  • 3-4 Carrots - shredded
  • Optional - can add scallions or green onions to taste if desired

Instructions

  1. Combine with avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil - 1 - 2 TBS, salt & pepper to taste

  2. Add squeeze citrus juice of choice - combine a squeeze of orange with lime - or whatever you have on hand

  3. You'll want to coat it but not have it swimming in juice.
  4. Let sit for a bit for flavors to combine

 

 

Stinging Nettles for Stress Support

Stinging Nettles for Stress Support

Let Stinging Nettles Help You – In So Many Ways

The Nettles plant – Urtica Dioica (commonly known as Stinging Nettles) is an interesting herbal ally. If you look closely, the needles on the leaves will let you know that it WILL sting you, if you are not mindful when harvesting. However, once the Nettles is dried, blanched, or pulverized, the sting is ameliorated. Best harvested with gloves starting in early spring, Nettles can provide us with a treasure trove of support for many conditions. However, regular use provides the biggest benefit in the long run.

This wonderful plant is safe to use, and is high in calcium, iron potassium, phosphorus, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Nettles support the kidneys and adrenals making it a potent stress fighter when used regularly.  It is alkalizing and anti0inflammatory helping us with joint pain, osteoporosis, PMS, hot flashes and skin conditions like Psoriasis. Nettles contains more Calcium and Magnesium than the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance).

Nettles Works Synergistically with the Body

Nettles has an adaptogenic effect on the body. Nettles can simultaneously

  • Bring Healing to Dryness OR Drain Dampness
  • Gentle OR Fierce
  • Hemostatic OR Circulating
  • Nutritive OR Dispersing
  • Cooling OR Building Energy

Could Nettles be an Antidote for Coffee?

So much about coffee is alluring. The smell, taste and ritual of morning and/or afternoon coffee. Coffee and conversation with a friend. Coffee is string medicine. Because of this, it takes a toll on us when we consume it regularly.

I would not normally think of using Nettles to replace coffee. When I retreat (yes retreat! ) from my coffee habit,  I generally move to Decafe coffee, then black tea,  then green tea, and then once I’ve weaned from caffeine and I want that coffee taste, I drink either Dandy Blend or Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom elixir. There are a few to choose from – just don’t choose one with actual coffee in it.  These are both fairly good substitutes for the coffee taste.  Both are fairly nutritive, especially the mushroom elixir. Yet how can we repair the damage we’ve done with coffee.

Since going deeper into my studies of Nettles, I am convinced that Stinging Nettles power plant ally that can help heal the imbalances we create with regular coffee use. Take a look.

Coffee Vs. Stinging Nettles

Coffee Nettles
Depletes Minerals Increases Minerals
Acid Forming Alkalizing
Stress on the Adrenals Restores the Adrenals (Especially the seeds)
Liver Toxicity – uses the same path that stress needs to clear) Liver Supportive
Pregnancy Risk Pregnancy Supportive
Dehydrating Helps Hold Hydration

Regular use of Nettles can repair and restore the acidity and depletion that occurs from regular use of coffee.

Stimulating vs. Energizing – You get to Choose

Coffee and other caffeine products don’t really “give” us energy. They stimulate our system – but this is at the high cost of our adrenal glands. While the effect may be what we want (after all, I can get a lot done after a cup of coffee) the toll on our health is too great. When we tax our body this way, we are depleting our “jing” or essence.

Nettles, on the other hand, energizes our body and it’s many systems. It does this by nourishing our system and working synergistically with it. In fact, Nettles seed is considered an adaptogen – working to support the adrenals by nourishing and strengthening the HPA-axis – this is the Hypothalmic-Pituitary-Adrenal relationship. Adoptogens are herbs that help your body deal with stress. Other wonderful herbs in this category include Ashwaganda, Hawthorn, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Ginseng, Gingko, Astragalus, Holy Basil, and more.

70% of people Suffer with compromised Adrenal function due to stress.

Nettles for Women

Nettles can support us through all phases of the moon cycle including menopause.

  • Helps relieve cramps due to stagnation.
  • They are loaded with chlorophyl which moves the blood, increasing circulation.
  • The Hemostatic action also helps regulate and balance blood flow, lightening heavy flow and nourishing light flow.
  • Nettles supports us with pain during ovulation and helps regulate excess water, relieving bloating.
  • Excellent for Menopause as they are cooling and anti-inflammatory.
  • Great for Pregnancy – it’s like a liquid multi-mineral – Best mixed to use Nettels tea on and off with Red Raspberry Leaf tea (tones the uterus).

Other Amazing properties of Nettles

  • Bone Building Nutrients: Nettles carry 15 out the 18 Bone Building Nutrients including Boron which helps maintain and stabilize calcium in the bone.
  • High in bio-flavonoids which reduces varicose veins
  • Nettles is very supportive to all of the tissues and membranes of the body
  • Replenishes energy and builds you back up

You can use the entire plant. Leaf, seed, stalk and root.

Uses of the Seed:

  • Supports the kidneys and adrenals
  • Builds stamina and lasting energy reserves
  • Thyroid support
  • Use the seed oil for Alopecia
  • Also use for Erectile Dysfunction
  • Makes a great hair oil (crush in oil)

Eat the seeds raw or if using daily – dried (as the raw can become overstimulating).

The seed and Root can be tinctured as well as the leaf.

Uses of the Root:

  • Anti Inflammatory for Prostatitis
  • Great for gout- clears uric acid

Stinging Nettles is a smart plant and it helps your membranes be smart as well. It increases the health of your blood and helps revitalize you and flush out old patterns. It is commonly advised to brew

How to Start using Nettles Daily

You can purchase a tincture at your local health food store. Another easy way to start with Nettles is using it as a tea.

Nettles Tea (Infusion Method)


Nettles tea works best as an infusion

Keyword Adrenal Fatigue, Health, Menopause, Nettles, PMS, Stress

Ingredients

  • 2-6 TBS Dried Nettle Leaf You can purchase online or directly through us at the office
  • 1 Quart Filtered or Spring water - NO fluoride or Chlorine Feel free to make more - adjusting the nettle measurement
  • Organic Milk or Non-dairy Alternative
  • A few drops of liquid Stevia

Instructions

  1.  Add the nettles in the jar

  2.  Fill the jar with hot water just off the boil for tea


  3. Tightly close the lid and allow to steep for at least 8 hrs up to 24 hrs. - I make this at might and let sit over night. I also make more in the morning for the evening.


  4. Strain the plant material out squeezing well


  5. Enjoy warm or over ice. We enjoy it With organic milk or non-dairy milk of choice and a few drops of liquid stevia.

  6. Refrigerate and drink/use within 24 hours

Other Ways to Take in Nettles

The following are best for fresh spring nettles.  Be sure not to eat fresh nettles after it has gone to seed – this can be too taxing on the kidneys.

  • Nettles Soup
  • Nettles Pesto
  • Juicing the Nettles – You can drink the juice or use it directly on the skin
  • Add it into Smoothies
  • Nettle Chips (make like Kale chips)
The Master Tonic for Immune Support

The Master Tonic for Immune Support

The Master Tonic: Your Homemade Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse.

Now is the time to make this simple but powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory remedy for the coming cold and flu season. It is known most commonly by the name “Master Tonic” and it is very easy to make.

 

This homemade medicine is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic remedy that you can make in your own kitchen. We made it  this month so that we are ready to keep our immune system strong when the season (and weather) changes.

This works as a preventative ally, keeping your immune system strong and it also works to help rally your immune system if a cold or flu strikes.

Remember: It’s best to use fresh,organic ingredients whenever possible. Especially, when making medicine.

Below are the health benefits of each ingredient. You will find the recipe at the bottom of the page.

The Health Benefits of Horseradish Root

  • Antibacterial
  • Antiviral
  • A natural Antibiotic
  • Anti-parasitic
  • Anti-anemic 
  • Helps relieve bronchitis and cough
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Stimulates the production of white blood cells
  • High levels Vitamin C

The Health Benefits of Garlic

Best used in its raw or fermented form

  • Natural Antibiotic
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-inflammatory 
  • Antioxidant
  • Rich in phytoncides-such as allicin – helping  cure infections at a faster rate.

It’s best to chop the garlic and wait 15 minutes prior to utilizing/ eating/ cooking. This allows the health-giving enzyme reaction of garlic to occur. 

The Health Benefits of Tumeric Root

Curcumin is an incredible compound found in turmeric. It works synergistically with Black pepper which increases it’s bioavailability in the blood.

  • anti-inflammatory
  • Antibiotic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiviral- helps fight influenza
  • Protects the immune system 

Curcumin has become popular and effective anti-inflammatory but even more so it has played an important supportive role in the treatment of cancer

The Health Benefits of Ginger Root

Ginger is a widely recognized medicinal root across many cultures for thousands of years.

  • Powerful Anti- inflammatiory
  • Reduces pain
  • Helps alleviate gastrointestinal distress
  • Helps eliminate intestinal gas
  • Soothes the intestinal tract
  • Recent studies have shown promising reports of Ginger’s anti-cancer properties

The Health Benefits of Onion

  • Sulfur-rich assisting the body to detoxify
  • Anti-carcenogenic
  • Heart disease prevention
  • Immune bosting
  • DNA protection

The Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

  • Rich in capsaicin which protects cells against cancer
  • Regulate blood sugar
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Stimulate blood flow – helps relieve congestion associated with cold and sinus infections.

In this recipe we’ve used Jalepeño peppers because they were growing in our garden. However, Unripe green habaneros contain more Vitamin C than a serving of citrus fruit.

The Health Benefits of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial 
  • Probiotic -rich promoting a healthy intestinal tract
  • Boosts the immune system

Master Tonic

Make this Anti-Viral, Anti-bacterial tonic for home use. 

Keyword Cold, Flu, Health, immune, Master Tonic
Prep Time 30 minutes
Author Nicole Johnson, CHHC

Ingredients

  • 1 Part Fresh Horseradish Root
  • 1 Part Fresh Garlic diced
  • 1 Part Fresh Tumeric Root (or powdered turmeric if not available)
  • 1 Part Fresh Ginger Root
  • 1 Part Onions chopped then add to food processor
  • 1 Part Hot Peppers (jalapeño or other) diced with gloves on
  • 1-2 Parts Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 9 grinds Fresh Ground Pepper (works synergistically with tumeric)

Instructions

  1. Grate, dice or add to food processor each ingredient at a time and add to jar. 

  2. Fill mason jars of your choice 3/4 of the way full. 

  3. Add in Apple Cider Vinegar to the top.

  4. Cover with lids (if using metal lids add parchment paper so the vinegar does not react with the metal lids.

  5. Store in a place out of the sun. Shaking gently once per day  for two weeks, and then filter the Master Tonic mixture through a clean piece of cheese cloth or other, bottle and label.

  6. Can be stored in the pantry indefinitely.

  7. Take 1 or 2 ounces a day during cold and flu season, You can add raw organic honey if desired. Swish and then swallow. Don’t dilute with water.

    The dosage for the Master Tonic is 1 or 2 ounces, two or more times daily. 

    For an infection, 1 or 2 ounces taken 5-6 times a day will be suffcient. It can be used during pregnancies, is safe for children (use smaller dosesand maybe a dropper full with added honey). This is a non-toxic food.