by Dairne McLoughlin
This is a place where we go back to our roots. To remember our kitchen medicine from those that went before us. The women that healed with their hands, food, plants and hearts. Spring is a time of growth, birth, new ideas, renewal and blossoming. Here are a few secrets from the kitchen for you.
Luscious Lemon Water
Drink one cup room temperature water with the juice of ½ lemon juice first thing when you get out of bed. This is a gentle reminder to the liver to flush all the impurities it’s taken out of the blood at night and pass them on to the large intestine for purging.
Magnificent Mint Tea
Pour boiling water over 4-7 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a tea mug and let it steep for 5 minutes. No need to strain, just drink it up. Throw a few fresh picked leaves in your water during the day to create a crisp refreshing glass of sunshine.
Magical Mint Oil
Dilute a few drops of mint oil into a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed, or even good old olive oil if that’s what you have. You can rub this on sore achy muscles to soothe and invigorate them. You can also rub this directly on the gallbladder (which is located on the right side of the abdomen just under the bottom of the rib cage). This helps when you’ve eaten a heavy, fatty meal and your gut feels yucky. You can also crush the mint leaves in your palms and breathe in to help lift you up and brighten your eyes.
Boil 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (you know those seeds that are sitting in your spice drawer gathering dust), for 5-6 minutes. This is another way to gently cleanse the liver /gallbladder and aid digestion and excess flatulence.
I encourage you to get out into your garden and get your hands dirty. Plant some mint so you have this wonderful healing herb at your fingertips. Mint is so easy to grow and it’s very forgiving for all of you who just thought,” I can’t grow anything”; well you can. Mint does well in a pot on your patio, so no excuses get it done, you’ll thank yourself as you use it every day. Get out into nature and enjoy her splendor.
Dr. Dairne McLoughlin is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who has been in practice for 33 years. She loves to walk her dog in the Bosque, bike, hike, play golf and her creative expression is cooking for her family and community of friends.