Sage: A Natural Ally for Menopausal Symptoms
Discover the Power of Sage: A Natural Ally for Menopausal Symptoms
Blog & Recipes
Pineapple and Kale Lemonade
So refreshing and delicious, this Pineapple and Kale Lemonade will work wonders!
Herbal Compresses for Tired Eyes
Find out How to Rejuvenate Your Tired Eyes with Soothing Herbal Compresses
In our digital world, our eyes are constantly exposed to images, screens and artificial lights.
This constant exposure often leads to blood-shot eyes, fatigue, headaches and migraines.
Detoxifying and resting our eyes has never been more crucial!
Fortunately, a simple, natural, ancient healing practice offers a rejuvenating and soothing solution: the herbal compress.
History of Herbal Compresses
Herbal compresses have been used across the world for centuries as a natural remedy to soothe and heal various ailments.
Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, harnessed the power of herbs to create compresses for their therapeutic benefits.
These practices were passed down through generations, standing the test of time due to their effectiveness and simplicity.
Soaking cloths in herbal infusions and applying them to the eyes is a practice rooted in deep wisdom and so relevant today.
The Modern Eye Strain Epidemic
Today, our eyes are under more stress than ever.
Hours spent glued to screens, exposure to artificial lights, and the prolonged wearing of contact lenses contribute to eye strain.
This strain manifests as redness, dryness, and eye fatigue that can lead to headaches and migraines, and even interfere with our sleep.
The Need for Eye Detox
Detoxifying our eyes involves more than just resting them. It’s about breaking the cycle of constant visual stimulation and allowing our eyes and mind to relax and heal.
It’s time to give our eyes a break!
Herbal compresses offer a simple way to cleanse and rest our eyes. They are a powerful, yet gentle, method to calm both the eyes and the mind.
This ancient practice rejuvenates tired eyes in just 10 minutes. And it is so easy to do it at home!
The 10-Minute Miracle
Creating a soothing herbal compress is simple:
Prepare Herbal Tea
Choose your herbs (see examples below) and make a tea.
Bring some water to the boil, remove from heat and add your favourite herb.
Let steep for 10-15 minutes before using.
You can use this herbal infusion either warm or cold.
Soak a Cloth
Dip a soft clean cloth in the herbal tea and gently wring out excess liquid.
Apply the Herbal Compress
Remove contact lenses if wearing, lie down, and place the cloth over your closed eyes and forehead.
Relax
Rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the herbs to work their magic.
You can enjoy the herbal compresses how often you like.
Being a contact lenses wearer and also spending long hours on my laptop, I use herbal compresses for my eyes almost every other evening.
I notice remarkable improvements in eye comfort and I find that I wake up the next day feeling more restored and with an emptier mind!
Ideal Herbs for Eye Compresses
Lavender – Known for its calming properties, lavender eases tension, promotes relaxation, and helps reduce inflammation, soothing tired eyes
Chamomile – A gentle anti-inflammatory, chamomile soothes irritation, reduces redness, and helps with dry, itchy eyes.
Peppermint – Peppermint has a cooling effect that refreshes tired eyes, relieving fatigue and reducing discomfort from prolonged screen time.
Rose Petals – Rose is naturally astringent, helping to rejuvenate and tighten delicate eye tissues. Its calming fragrance also promotes relaxation.
Calendula – This cheerful flower has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated and sensitive eyes.
Fennel – Fennel seeds are traditionally used to reduce inflammation and eye puffiness.
Green Tea – Packed with antioxidants, green tea reduces inflammation and can help alleviate dark circles and puffiness.
Embrace This Ancient Healing Practice
Herbal compresses offer a natural, affordable, and effective way to combat the stress and strain our eyes face daily.
This rejuvenating practice not only calms and soothes tired eyes but also offers a moment of relaxation to our mind, improving our overall well-being. Try it today!
Chickpeas Sticks with Rosemary and Chilli
These chickpeas sticks with rosemary and chilli are perfect for those savoury cravings moments.
Much tastier than a bag of franken-crisps, so delicious, light and healthy!
Watermelon & Coconut Juice
A refreshing and nutritious watermelon & coconut juice perfect for your summer days
The Ancient Art of Herbal Foot Baths: A Natural Remedy for Tired Feet and a Busy Mind
Discover the ancient art of herbal foot baths, a natural remedy for tired feet and a busy mind
Our feet are carrying us around every day, through our life’s adventures, we are on our feet since the moment we learned how to walk!
Standing for long hours, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and constantly being on the move can take a toll on our feet and legs.
Did you know that a simple, ancient practice can provide much-needed relief and rejuvenation?
Herbal foot baths are most probably the one remedy I advice all my clients to introduce in their self-care routines.
A herbal foot bath is a healing ritual that not only soothes tired feet but also calms the mind and nurtures the body.
Herbal Foot Baths, an Ancient Healing Practice
Foot baths have been used for centuries across various cultures as a therapeutic practice. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans all recognized the healing power of soaking feet in warm water infused with herbs.
This simple yet effective remedy was believed to draw out toxins, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being.
Today, we can still benefit from this ancient wisdom, incorporating foot baths into our self-care routines.
Stress on Our Feet and Legs
Prolonged standing and walking, especially in uncomfortable shoes, can lead to sore muscles, swollen feet, and even chronic pain.
This physical stress not only affects our feet and legs but also has a direct impact on our mind. In fact, our feet are more than just a means of transportation, they are home to thousands of nerve endings.
This is why it’s so easy to fall asleep during a foot massage!
The connection between our feet and mind is profound; when our feet are in distress, it can contribute to overall fatigue and stress.
Herbal Foot Baths: Beyond Just Soaking
A simple herbal foot bath can be a profound act of self-care. Here’s why:
Relief from Soreness – Warm water and soothing herbs help relax sore muscles and reduce pain.
Improved Circulation – The heat from the water dilates blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the feet and legs.
Reduced Swelling – Foot baths can alleviate swelling in feet, ankles and legs, especially when combined with Epsom salts (see below).
Aromatherapy Benefits – The essential oils released from the herbs can uplift our mood and help with respiratory issues.
Stress Reduction – The ritual of soaking feet can be incredibly calming, it reduces stress and it promotes good sleep.
Mindful Relaxation -The act of soaking your feet can be a mindful moment, allowing you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your body.
The Power of Epsom Salt Foot Baths
Foot baths can be an easy way for everyone to enjoy the benefits of magnesium-rich Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate).
The soles of our feet are an excellent area for absorption, making foot baths a perfect way to absorb magnesium in our body.
This vital mineral is crucial for muscle function, it reduces inflammation and it promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Crafting Your Healing Foot Bath
This ancient practice is incredibly simple to incorporate into your self-care routine:
Prepare the Herbal Infusion:
Add 6 tablespoons of fresh or dried herbs (see suggestions below) to 6 cups of boiling water.
Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
No need to strain the herbs
Add Epsom Salts:
Mix the herbal infusion with Epsom salts in a basin large enough for your feet. Check the water temperature before soaking your feet.
Soak Your Feet:
Find a comfortable seat and immerse your feet in the warm, herbal-infused water for 20 minutes.
Sit back, relax, and let the healing work its magic.
Choosing the Herbs for Your Foot Bath
Relaxing Herbs:
Sage – Relaxing and uplifting, wonderful for tired legs muscles and feet
Lavender – Known for its calming properties, lavender helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting sleep
Chamomile – soothing for tired muscles, it promotes relaxation, and it also helps with skin irritation
Oats – Moisturizing, relieves itching, gentle for sensitive skin
Lemon Balm – Uplifting, it has a calming effect and it may help with headaches and mild pain relief
Rose Petals – Adds a touch of luxury while providing anti-inflammatory benefits
Invigorating Herbs:
Peppermint – Cooling and refreshing, it eases pain and it helps with congestion
Pine Needles – Refreshing and invigorating, antiseptic, also helping with respiratory issues
Rosemary – Stimulates blood flow and eases muscle pain, reducing fatigue
Fresh Ginger – Warming, improves circulation, relieves aches
Feel free to experiment and create your own signature herbal blend!
This could also be a wonderful gift idea. Just add the herbs and Epsom salts to a glass jar with a lid, and give to friends and family members on the next occasion.
A Simple Ritual with Profound Benefits
Taking the time for a herbal foot bath is a small but significant act of kindness towards yourself.
This simple ritual not only rejuvenates tired feet, It’s also a chance to nourish your body, calm your mind, and connect with an ancient healing tradition.
Let’s give our feet the care they deserve with the soothing benefits of a herbal foot bath today!
Beetroot & Pumpkin Goat’s Cheese Terrine
Perfect as a side dish or a main course for your vegetarian menu, this Beetroot & Pumpkin Goat’s Cheese Terrine is so delicious and easy to prepare
“The end of the pandemic will not be televised”
An interesting article published few days ago by the British Medical Journal perfectly defines the moment when we will know this pandemic is finally over
Flax & Pumpkin Turmeric Thins
Crispy, nutritious, savoury flax seeds thins that will make you come back for more!
You will be surprised to see how easy it is to make these delicious Flax & Pumpkin Turmeric thins….
And you can truly create your own flax crackers by adding any seeds, herbs or spices you like.
I have used pumpkin seeds and turmeric here, but you can also use hemp or sesame seeds, cumin, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder… the options are unlimited 🙂
Enjoy them on their own or with your favourite dip, or try them with this Pickled Red Cabbage and Onion Relish for a mouth-watering appetizer. Yum!
What you’ll need….
- 1 cup flax seeds
- 4 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp good quality sea salt (optional)
- ½ cup water
How to…
Preheat the oven to 180C, 160 fan, gas mark 4.
Grind the flax and pumpkin seeds and add them to a medium-size bowl with the turmeric, chili and salt, if using. Mix well.
Add the water and mix well.
With clean hands, form a dough and shape it into a ball.
If the dough is too sticky, add some more flax meal.
Place the ball between two pieces of parchment paper and, using a rolling pin, roll it to your desired thickness.
Cut the dough into circles with the help of a glass. Roll any extra into more thins.
Remove the piece of parchment paper on top, and slide the paper with the thins on a baking sheet. Prick each cracker with a fork.
Bake until golden. Baking time depends on the thickness of your thins, the thicker they are, the longer it will take to bake them.
I like my thins quite thin, so they are ready in 7 minutes or so. Check them frequently to prevent burning.
Warming Spiced Hot Toddy
A delicious spiced hot toddy recipe that will surely warm up these cold winter nights.