Maca, the Peruvian super food

MACA, the Peruvian super-food:

• grows at altitudes of 3500 m and above,
• contains protein, fiber, 19 amino acids, 6 vitamins, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, several glucosinolates, 20 free fatty acids, and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides,
• is very beneficial for hormone balancing, endocrine and thyroid function enhancement and even immune system enhancement.
• when consumed regularly has several benefits including greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, the ability to handle stress and healthier sexual life.

Try this tasty Maca Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Ingredients:

6 fresh strawberries

1 banana

1 tsp maca powder

1/4 cup milk or almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 small ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Top ten of herbal teas

Dictamon

Herbal teas are pleasing and revitalizing beverages. They are prepared by immersing herbs, aromatic plants or roots in hot water (suggested temperature is 70oC) until their color and essential oils are released. Add some honey for divine taste.

My top ten of herbal teas:

1. Dictamon: antioxidant, antibacterial and soothing action.
2. Verbena: stimulative and soothing qualities. It relieves migraines, stomach conditions and digestive system diseases. In addition, it contributes to the detoxification of the human body and helps fight cellulite.
3. Melissa: great at combating stress, insomnia, nervous indigestion and melancholy.
4. Mint: refreshes the breath and relieves indigestion, inflammation of the intestinal tract, insomnia and headaches.
5. Salep: can stimulate and warm the whole body. At the same time, it soothes the nerves and combats stress and fatigue, offering a sense of well-being.
6. Dandelion: a digestive and diuretic stimulant that supports the well functioning of the liver and also helps body detoxification.
7. Tisane: known to combat kidney stones and to relieve from migraines, constipation, indigestion, fever and coughs.
8. Tettle: combats insomnia, diarrhoea and bronchitis. Moreover, it contributes to the proper functioning of the respiratory system, while it also has diuretic and anti-diabetic properties.
9. Sage: recommended for the treatment of colds. It also relieves inflamed throats and sore gums, while stimulating the body at the same time.
10. Chamomile: offers relaxation and stress relief. It helps fight insomnia, indigestion and mouth ulcers. It is also recommended for exterior use, on wounds.

Sage, the Protective Herb

Sage (faskomilo or alisfakia in Greek) belongs to the botanical genus salvia whose name is derived from the latin word salvare, which means to save/protect. The name for this herb was self evident since the therapeutic uses of sage in antiquity were so many. Pliny the Elder was the first author known to describe a plant called salvia*. 

Many plant species belong to genus salvia, approximately 500-700 according to botanists. However the species mainly used for their therapeutic properties in aromatherapy and herbal therapies are salvia officinalis or common sage, salvia fruticosa (trifolia) or Greek sage and salvia sclarea or clary sage.

Curry leaf oil

Have you ever tasted the traditional Indian dishes chicken and veal curry? Do you like spicy food and use curry powder when cooking?

Scientists are now saying that curry, except for its ability to "light fire" in our palate, can also be used to detect explosive material such as TNT. More specifically curcumin, which is a basic component of curry, belongs to a category of chemical substances which reemit light of a different color when illuminated. The researchers' idea is based on the fact that if different molecules, for example those of the explosive, attach to the fluorescent molecules of curcumin the intensity of reemitted light changes. The efforts of experts from the University of Massachussetts and a manufacturing company are now focusing on developing a high sensitivity, inexpensive, portable and user friendly explosive detection device, which is believed to give solution to the problem of eliminating the 50-70 million land mines located worldwide *.

After reading the above you might be thinking that it is amazing where a spice can be used. But are you certain that curry is indeed an Asian spice, just like cinnamon or pepper?

Revitilization in just three days

Greece is a wonderful country with ideal weather conditions and unique light! It is a place where sea and mountains mingle with harmony creating landscapes of exceptional beauty, capable of satisfying even the most demanding travelers.

Last week I had the chance to make a short yet revitalizing trip. In the heart of winter but with the sun following every step, heating hearts and mood, I have visited within only three days an enchanting island, a group of mountainous, scenic villages and a city full of night life. Greece...such a small country, yet so concise!

Wednesday: Lefkada, Kathisma beach. Temperature is 12oC. The sea is calm, inviting me to fall into her arms. Some, bolder than me, are already swimming. I prefer to walk, breathe in the fresh air and let every trace of iodine reach the alveoli of my lungs. 

I fill up with energy and feel that I have earned at least five more years of life. I promise myself to be better equipped next time I visit this beach. Yoga, meditation, walking, running, swimming or whatever you like doing, on one of the most famous beaches in Greece. If someone believes that islands are not suitable destinations for winter vacations, maybe he/she should review that opinion...

Thursday: Tzoumerka (Kalarites, Sirako). Altitude is 1200 meters, temperature 4oC. The temperature is low but the weather is mild, ideal for long walks through the narrow, stone cobbled roads of the villages. 

The view is breathtaking. 

Wooded ravines, small waterfalls, steep slopes and imposing mountains are composing a landscape that emits exceptional energy. The fresh air is revitalizing and the herbs growing at the area are miraculous: mountain tea, linden, oregano, nettle, chamomile, wild dittany, St. John's wort.

Friday: Ioannina. There are not enough words to describe the capital of Epirus. A city that literally embraces Pamvotida lake, with long history, many worth seeing attractions, vivid night life, exceptional food and friendly inhabitants.

Three invigorating days, full of traveling and resting. Three days full of positive energy and interaction with nature. The best way to start a new year.

My suggestions:

Permanent resident of Greece, the Briton writer Jim Potts manages with his new book The Ionian Islands and Epirus: A Cultural History (Landscapes of the Imagination) to present in an original way two regions of Greece that have made a huge contribution to the culture of the country. He is focusing on beautiful landscapes, legends, traditions and historical events that surround the Ionian islands and Epirus, as reported and recorded by writers, residents, artists and travelers, revealing an extraordinary cultural legacy.

The historical poem Kyra Frossini translated in English. Written by Aristotelis Valaoritis, it is based on the real story of the illegal love affair that took place in 1801 in the city of Ioannina between an astonishingly beautiful Greek woman and the Ottoman son of Ali Pasha. A lyrical story of love, passion, betrayal and tragedy worth reading!

For those who love hiking and wandering in nature, the mountains of Epirus are the perfect place. The detailed, bilingual hiking map about the mountain of Pindus Pindus: Peristeri - Kakardhitsa - Tzoumerka (Greece) 1:50,000 Hiking Map ANAVASI contains information about footpaths, huts, rest areas, spot heights, springs, landscape variations, archaeological sites, monasteries, churches and much more. A must have for every explorer!

Nature heals

Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.): "Nature heals sickness."

Paracelsus (1493-1541 A.D.): "All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature and the challenge of science is to find it."

Article in newspaper Ethnos (14/12/2010): "A pill for the prevention and cure of first stage colds and flu has been prepared as a result of the cooperation between the Medical School and the Biology department at the University of Crete, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Rethymno and a known pharmaceutical industry. The preparation is based on three aromatic herbs and olive oil. An approval by the National Organization for Medicines has been requested, a patent application has been submitted and the new pill could enter the market of the EU in year 2011."

For people who are familiar with alternative therapies, this news is no surprise at all. I am really eager to learn what herbs are used for the production of this pill.

Christmas Scent

Are you thinking of decorating the Christmas Tree or Ship and searching for cookie and gingerbread recipes? Have you already done that and your only worry is what gifts to buy for your beloved persons? Then you are the kind of person who knows how to enjoy a preparation period and you are already living the holiday spirit.

Two wonderful Christmas ingredients, that combine very well and have many beneficial properties, are cinnamon and orange.

Herbs in space!

Herbs have beneficial effects even in space! This is the conclusion of research conducted by doctors with the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.

Since 1997 China has begun research concerning the administration of special herbal remedies and soups to astronauts in order to combat health issues arising during space flights such as cardiovascular problems, immunity weakening, osteoporosis and insomnia.

Read the full article here.

Basil for clear mind

The examination period for schoolchildren and students is coming close.

Although there has been some time since I last had to study hard for an exam I do remember how difficult it is sometimes to achieve the required concentration. Even many professionals find it hard to focus on readings relative to their jobs and keep in mind useful information.

The enormously big information flow available nowadays and the everyday family or personal obligations that add extra worries and food for thinking are wearing our minds. Symptoms like memory voids, confusion, headache and mental fatigue are not rare. 

Whenever mental sharpness and clear mind are required one herb is ideal...

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is used for a long time in the cuisine of Asia, especially Thailand and India. It gives a slightly spicy, citral flavor in tea, soups, dishes with chicken or fish, sweets, etc.

Due to its strong, pleasant smell and low cost the essential oil of lemongrass is used in the production of soap, beverages, fragrances, deodorants and numerous other products. It is also used as insect repellent and pesticide.

Lemongrass has fungicidal and microbicidal properties. In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and in aromatherapy lemongrass essential oil is used against fever, depression, nervous problems, muscle pain, rheumatism, digestive problems, skin irritations and headache. It can be utilized through massage, foot bath, inhalations and compresses. Mixed with apple vinegar it produces a conditioner beneficial to oily hair.

Don’t you think it is worth planting lemongrass in your garden or balcony? 

Therapeutic herbs

In the mid 20’s the scientists started to discover how many vitamins, metals, amino-acids, lipids, enzymes, endophrines and neurotransmitters are required to maintain optimal function of the human brain which gives the orders for all biochemical body processes. However even today many people do not comprehend that mental and physical health depend greatly on the adequate concentration of basic natural components in our bodies.

Apart from the main nutritional groups, especially rich sources of such useful nutrients are herbs and spices.