March, 2014     Issue #33         

Rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com    

 

http://RadiantLifeAyurveda.com 

269-345-2991

 

Radiant Life Ayurveda
Digesting Nature's Intelligence!

 

Greetings!


You know the expression "You are what you eat."  A casual interpretation of that bit of wisdom usually reminds us to eat in healthy ways and avoid junk food (and thoughts) to be rewarded with good health.  In Ayurveda, the wisdom of "You are what you eat" is more subtle and also more powerful. 

Fresh, organic food prepared with love directly influences our consciousness and feelings and can fortify each and every cell within us with natural intelligence. In this state of heightened cellular intelligence our energy is abundant, our health is radiant, our being is joyful. Herbs and spices are powerhouse messengers of nature's wisdom. 

tiger black

In this Issue
Digesting Nature's Intelligence
Top 7 Super Hero Herbs
Upcoming Classes
Vitamins in Herbs
Personal Ayurveda Assessment
The Doshas
Spring Cleanse
Detoxifying Spice Mix
Free Spring Cleanse eBook
Consciousness
Positive Attitude
Fresh (preferred) or dried Herbsgreen grass are rich in  therapeutic ingredients that aid in preventing disease and producing healing.  They contain minerals, vitamins, enzymes and proteins. Herbs support healthy circulation, digestion, respiration, elimination, and physical/emotional balance.  They do this by strengthening and balancing the mind/body in specific and holistic ways from within, not by treating symptoms.

Spices, often used in seed form, contain concentrated forms of nature's intelligence rising up from the underlying field of consciousness, also known as the quantum field. Think about it.  Most foods begin to deteriorate as soon as they are picked.   Seeds hold their potency and productive blueprint for more than a year to enable planting and new growth. 

In this issue focuses on the value of these high impact, curiously intelligent food sources on  well-being. Add intelligent herbs spices to your daily diet and sound a healthier tuning fork in your physiological and emotional body.  Feel the resonance of intelligence and life force.  Enjoy the bliss of fine tuning through the easy practice of adding herbs and spices to your diet.

I am offering an Herb Training  course mid-March if you want to delve deeper into intelligent herbs and spices.  We will make various formulas for serving the mind-body-spirit trinity.

Live with radiant intention and be well. Rhonda
Add to Your Shopping List:  Top 7 Super Hero Spices

A little sprinkling will upgrade your meal with flavor and intelligence. 

 

In addition to their delicious taste, spices increase the intelligence of nature in your meals. They also help with digestion and assimilation so that you are eating for nourishment rather than quick calorie energy that does not deeply nourish.   Add spices to your diet for a cumulative effect over time.  

  1. Cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants, has anti- inflammatory properties, eases digestion, and may even reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon stimulates blood flow and is a herbal remedy for poor circulation. Cinnamon is considered helpful for weight loss.
  2. Cloves are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. Cloves have been studied for use in aiding detoxification from environmental pollutants.
  3. Coriander seeds (from the cilantro plant) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Coriander soothes the stomach and relieves bloating. Coriander oil is a natural remedy for arthritis relief.
  4. Cumin is a traditional herbal diuretic (helps the body shed water), relieves diarrhea and bowel spasms, relieves morning sickness, and eases carpal tunnel syndrome.
  5. Fennel Seed is not only loaded with powerful antioxidants but also contains fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin C. It is believed to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and aid in detoxification. Fennel is also a mild appetite suppressant.
  6. Ginger has many proven uses such as naturally treating nausea from morning or motion sickness.  Ginger also has anti- inflammatory properties for muscle and joint pain. It  has a diaphoretic property (causes sweating) and  is good to cleanse and detoxify the body, stimulate circulation, and ease bronchitis and congestion.    
  7. Turmeric is the queen of medicinal herbs.  It promotes healthy cell replication. Turmeric contains the flavanoid curcumin which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This great all-around spice may relieve the effects of chemotherapy, improve cognitive function, detoxify the liver, boost immunity.

To activate the dormant intelligence of spices, lightly sauté them in  ghee (clarified butter) or extra virgin olive oil and then add them to your recipes. Some spices are fat soluble and some water soluble--using both ghee and water in your dishes takes care of both.   

 

Ayurveda spices offer rich and varied aroma and flavor that stimulate digestive juices to enhance metabolism and help to balance the doshas. They can transform simple dishes into feasts for all your senses, providing fulfillment and contentment from meals.   

Classes in Kalamazoo, MI
at Radiant Life Center  
Rhonda Egidio, Ph.D. is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner with great passion for sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda and the simple yet effective practices that can make important upgrades to our digestion and overall radiant health.
 

Ayurveda Home Herbalism Training for Radiant Health:
Herbs for Daily Essentials, Digestion, Healing, Vitality, Sex/Romance, Mind, and Consciousness
March 12 and 19, 2014;  6:00-8:00pm
flier/registration 


Ayurveda Radiant Skin and Natural Dental Care:
Clearing Skin Issues, Nourishing Skin care, Successful
Self-Dentistry
April 30 and May 7, 2014 6:00-8:00pm
flier/registration 
Wondering if you should take vitamin supplements?: Vitamins in Herbs

 

Herbs can be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Ingesting herbs is a way to get vitamins in their natural home of real food.  Many people take vitamin and mineral supplements daily as a commitment to their health--to fortify their well-being, and yet, are these good intentions well founded?    

 

There have been a number of studies recently that question the capacity of synthetic, isolated forms of vitamins to offer any nutritional value that can be absorbed by the body.  Some research suggests  that synthetic vitamins may be doing harm. High doses may even increase cancer risk.    

 

Most synthetic vitamins contain 'other ingredients' such as silicon or titanium dioxide, talc, dyes,  waxes, methyl-cellulose, artificial sweeteners, animal parts, and carcinogenic chemicals.   

If you take vitamins, check out the ingredient list on the label.

 

If you need more vitamins and minerals, first look at adjusting your diet which is clearly the best source. If you still need to supplement, choose quality not quantity.  Eat more fresh vegetables and a small amount of fruits.    

 

Chyavanprash is an ancient Ayurveda jam that includes many organic fruits and herbs that are natural sources of some vitamins and minerals. Chyanaprash is known for very high vitamin C content.  Although not a complete source of daily vitamins and minerals, it is great to have an organic, whole food product that supplies some of these needs in their natural form so they can be absorbed them. You can put a teasponnor so daily on your morning hot grain cereal.  

 

Here are some high vitamin content herbs to include in your dining (they are also rich in minerals):  

  • Cilantro: Vitamin A, B6, C, K 
  • Kelp: Vitamins A, B1, B2 & B12, C, D, and E
  • Lemongrass: Vitamin A,  B-complex, C.   
  • Oregano: Vitamin A, C, K 
  • Parsley: Vitamin A, C, K 
  • Rose Hips: Very high in Vitamin C, some A and B 
  • Watercress: C, D, E 
Vitamin P-- Let's call this the vitamin benefit of pleasure.  When you eat in a settled environment and find pleasure in your food and company, you are doing wonders for your health.

 

You can visit this site for more information on both minerals and vitamins in herbs. 
 
Rhonda Egidio Ph.D., provides Ayurvedic assessments of primary health  concerns, diet, sleep and lifestyle and offers Ayurvedic recommendations. It's a good idea to get a baseline assessment to help you to apply Ayurveda knowledge in a customized way to your particular needs.   Check out assessment and session options. 

Rhonda Egidio,  269-345-2991

The Doshas

You may go to the article  "Ayurveda: Wisdom of Life for Vibrant Health and Divine Longevity" by Rhonda Egidio for an overview of Ayurveda and the 3 doshas--Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  Visit RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for a free Dosha Assessment  and other resources. 

Spring Cleanse   

 

When the maple sap starts to run, so does our internal mucus.  In the winter, we store ama (toxins) in the dry places in our body.   

 

As our moisture starts to form as mucus and move in the spring, it will pull out the dried, over- wintered toxins.   

If we consciously cleanse, these toxins will move out instead of redeposit in our vulnerable spots--glands, throat,or joints for instance.    

 

I have written about cleanses in previously.  Visit the  March 2013 issue for support on this practice.  


Upcoming Classes 

Home Herbalism Training
March 12 and 19.

Radiant Skin and Natural Dental Care
April 30 and May 7

Detoxifying Spice mix

 

Ingredients:

- 1 part turmeric

- 2 parts ground cumin

- 3 parts ground coriander

- 4 parts ground fennel

 

Mix these spices together and store. When you cook a meal, use one teaspoon per serving of vegetables.  

 

Sautee the spice mix with glee (clarified butter) on medium heat for a minute.  And add to what you are cooking.  You can also put these in a shaker and  take with you when you eat out.  Make restaurant food a little more detoxing.  

Free Spring Cleanse eBook  

Cleanse eBook

You can get a free Ayurveda Cleanse eBook from Banyan Botanicals.

This is quite a substantial support for you if you choose to cleanse this Spring. 
Want to get your head around the idea of consciousness? 

Check out Deepak's 3 minute spectacular video to explore quantum reality, waves of potential, infinite possibilities.



What is Consciousness? The Rabbit Hole with Deepak Chopra

Too Cute!!! 



This is one of the cutest videos ever.  It's a 41 second attitude adjustment for a rough day. 

OK...I know it eventually has a moment of product marketing at the end, but the message is charming and uplifting. Well worth the click I believe.

Pass It Along   


Perhaps you know someone who may find life benefit in Ayurveda knowledge? Please forward this eNews.

 You may  unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.   This mailing list will not be sold or shared with others in respect for your privacy. Rhonda 

 

For More  

RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for resources and information on classes and consultations.  
Ayurveda information shared here is for general educational purposes and is not intended to substitute for medical or psychological advice. Please consult with a qualified medical professional in these matters.
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Make an appointment for your Ayurveda Assessment (90 minute) and 1 follow up session (60 minute) for $160 for both sessions.  Receive a Radiant Life Ayurveda thermos for your daily spice water. This package is a discount from the regular price of $200 if purchased separately.

The custom knowledge for your health plan will well serve you as you continue to make informed decisions to favor good personal health.

Includes a detailed report of assessment and custom recommendations. Now taking appointments for Kalamazoo, MI and Oak Park, IL locations.
Offer Expires: March 31, 2014