Lemon Water

Apparently in chinese medicine, it's advised to begin the day with lemon/lime water/juice. I spoke to a chinese medicine doctor, and she said it would energize my system.

Well, just hearing about it got me all inspired and excited, and I was compelled to write another post about its benefits. (after buying a bunch at the market)

Ok, it's anti-bacterial, anti-fatigue, anti-septic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer.

Hmm, you're likin' these lemons already, ain'tcha?

Fortified with vitaminc C and anti-oxidants, it boosts the immune system and gets rid of free radicals.

Digestion is improved, as it boosts metabolism.

It purifies the blood.

It detoxifies the body.

It stregthens liver functioning,

and helps with urinary tract infections.

There are various other benefits as well. for example:

"Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It rejuvenates the skin and gives a clear, radiant and glowing complexion. "

Beloved, readers

go forth and drink thy lemon water/juice!
(and try not to add sugar)

G-d bless!

Check it out:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-of-lemon-water.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27

aah, the Outbacks..

Having lived my whole life in the city, I never expected to find myself staying in the outskirts of Jerusalem, in Gush Ezion-countryside! And I have to say, I'm lovin' it. The air is fresh, the pace is slower than that of the city, and down the road, the donkey is braying his own tune.

Granted, it has its challenges.

A couple of weeks back, we had a seroius attack of fleas from the neighborhood strays. And, when the storm winds blew, I thought the rickety roof from my caravan had flown away. (it hadn't)

And I do miss Jerusalem. The hustle and bustle. The availability of simple items like Prigat Cranberry Juice (great for bladder infections!) The many, various get-togethers and events.

Yet, when I've reached the end of my shopping list and head back home to the Gush, my shoulders relax and I look forward to going back home. Quiet as it is. Rugged and rocky.

Aah! The outbacks.

There are certain things that should never change.

But things have to change.

Peoples develop, nations arise.

Technology advances. Stem cells. Biotech.

Facebook.

Speed.

Thank G-d, it gets a lot of stuff done.

hey, I like my laptop. And my washer!

And yet certain things should never change.

Listening to the innervoice.

Speaking to G-d.

Giving charity.

Respecting oneself.

Slowing down.

Having compassion.

Eating REAL food.

Being happy.

Love.

Holiness.


G-d bless!

Warming Teas for Winter

Winter has arrived!! After weeks of dryness, the rain is finally come. G-d had a sense of humor and decided to throw in few handfuls of strong winds. And I do mean strong. Especially when my caravan starts shaking left and right.

During these cold days, I naturally reach for a hot cup of tea to warm up. But as I am learning not all teas are made the same.

In Chinese Medicine, it's taught that each food carries a certain "temperature" that affects the body.
For example, when you eat a cucumber, it produces a cooling effect on the body. Which is great to eat during the hot summers. Well, each food can affect the temperature in your body. Hmmm...maybe even produce....wind? (I'm still learning...)

So, tea in it's most unprocessed form is actually cooling. And generally, you want to drink cooling teas in the summer and warming teas in the winter. Green tea falls in the catergory of a cooling tea, good for the summer; and black, roasted teas are best for winter.

I love concocting my own teas, and recently found lists of great warming ingredients that are fit for the cold, windy winter season.
Fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary, cardamon, anise, and sage will make for fantastic brews. Some you may want to boil or steep in hot water then strain.

I just had a brew of clove, ginger, and cinnamon tea.

Now, I'm going to pull out my heaviest blankets, scarves and socks. In this cold weather, it's very important to keep the neck and kidney area protected As they are vulnerable to the season change and store the body's immune system and life-energy. In fact, in Japan, they have a special scarf called a haramaki to protect the mid-section (kidney area).

So, welcome, high and mighty winds and rain. And please G-d, with Words of prayer and a lil' old Chinese wisdom, we can keep warm and healthy and greet G-d's winter in strength.

G-d bless!!!

Check it out:

http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/chinese-tea-and-health.html

http://rawgourmet.com/blog/winter-chills-craving-warm-food

http://www.naturalnews.com/027908_Chinese_Medicine_kidneys.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5281046.stm (Are teas dehydrating? Check it y'self)

Alexander the Great goes to Africa

From Miriam blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com I LOVE this post!!

Stories from the Talmud
Sometimes I enjoy learning stories from Jewish sources. Here is one of my favorite ones. (details are adapted my me!)

Alexander the Great was famous for his military might. When countries heard he was approaching, they would all but tremble with fright!

One day, Alexander the Great had set out to conquer a small village in Africa run by women. Word got out. The Nubian leaders gathered their skirt in their hand, and with their head scarves flaying in the wind, bolted towards the queen. A quick meeting needed to be done!

In quick hushed voice they spoke in their native African tongue. What should they do? How can they ever defeat the Great Alexander. Slowly slowly a plan was devised.

The day came. Alexander the Great and all his military might approached.

They came and towered over the entrance of the village. Lo and behold! Without weapons, the women came out. One by one, led by the queen in all her regality. It was a quiet but noble and beautiful procession. Drums played suspensfully in the background and no one spoke a word, save the the excited wind blowing around them.

Finally, the queen spoke.

"I salute you, the great and mighty Alexander. You are well known for your fierceness in battle and for your great victories."

Everyone listened intently.

"We have protected and defended our village, just us women alone. And we have been successful! Now, if you should come and attack us and win, what would it be said? The great Warrior fought with women and won?! What kind of victory would that be? Now supposing WE WON? What would be said then?"

With a faint smile, Alexander the Great, conceded, "You are wise. I will not conquer your land. Now fetch me some bread for me and my men and we will be off!"

The queen bowed graciously and returned with her whole procession back into their village. As soon as they were out of sight, again they hurried and huddled to think and talk!

He needs bread? they wondered. Surely, there is a trick to this! So they, again, devised another plan.

Once again the whole solemn procession came out bearing bread. By then everyone had dismounted from their horses and waited for the bread. The women passed bread to everyone. However, when they bit into the bread, they realized it was hard! Each bread had inside of it gold!

"What is this!" Cried Alexander.

"Great and mighty Alexander" The queen began, unperturbed, "would you really be satisfied to come all the way over here, for a morsel of bread?"

With this, Alexander nodded and left. But before he left, he wrote on the gate of their city: "I, Alexander of Macedon, was a fool before having come to this country of women in Africa and having received their advice."

Happy Chanukah!!