Turmeric

Last week I started coming down with a cold, so on top of the fact that my foot is still not better  I was feeling pretty miserable. I have never been a big medicine taker, originally because I just didn't like how it made me feel (I had to take a taxi home from work once after almost passing out after taking a prescription for a cold I once had), but lately it has been more about not wanting to put chemicals in my body, so I have been really into trying to use natural remedies. You know, "let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food".  I have been reading lots of articles about how great turmeric is for you, especially to treat inflammation in the body. Sounds great - nature's own advil! My foot was in so much pain and my sinuses were starting to get really stuffed up so I was willing to give it a try. Surprisingly I was able to find actual turmeric root at the organic store. For those of you who don't know, it looks like this (forgot to take a picture of it before I cut it up).

I prefer the fresh root to the powder, but it stains everything - I need to wear gloves if I cut it or else my fingers turn bright orange - and it completely stained my juicer and the brushes I use to clean it. Oh well, at least it's a pretty color. So once I started feeling sick I juiced it with some lemons and oranges, then added coconut water to make a turmeric tonic. I don't love the taste of turmeric but this was citrus-y and refreshing so it was easy doing down. Then I made a turmeric tea and drank it once in the morning and once at night - hot water with lemon, some Manuka honey and powdered turmeric with a dash of cayenne pepper. This one was pretty tough - it probably would have been better with fresh turmeric because I did not like the consistency of the powdery water - blech. But it was warm and soothing so I did my best to drink it all.  I really wanted it to work but unfortunately I did not notice any amazing differences in my foot pain or swelling. I did manage to kick my cold and the morning after I felt completely energized and so much better. Unfortunately the feeling wore off and by late afternoon I completely crashed and had to take a nap. My sniffles did go away after a day or two and I am back to normal now, so I am not sure if it was all the turmeric or my other natural weapons when I feel a sickness come on - I swear by these things, elderberry syrup and a Winter Wellness formula I discovered in Ireland so now I have to order it online, or make Mike run to the natural store whenever he is in London or Dublin. They have kids versions too and as soon as I hear Jack start coughing I give it to him and so far it has yet to turn into anything major (knock on wood).  Ava hates the taste of the Wellness formula so it's more of a struggle with her - but I like them too so it' a bonus. Here's to hoping this routine keeps us healthy this winter!

Turmeric tonic

Turmeric tea

Elderberry syrup and Winter Wellness Formula