HAPPY THANKSGIVING !
Ever wonder why you feel so peaceful and sleepy after a
Thanksgiving turkey dinner? It could be the tryptophan. Turkey is high in tryptophan.
Tryptophan is part of the chemical chain that increases
the level of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, one of the
chemicals in your brain that helps control your moods. Another crucial part of this
chemical chain is vitamin B6, without which tryptophan cannot be formed. So the chain goes
like this ... B6-tryptophan-serotonin.
I know I may be talking to some vegetarians who will
not eat turkey this Thursday. I was a total vegan vegetarian for a number of years and I
completely understand your commitment. The vegan regimen my doctor put me on helped me
overcome a very serious illness and I am forever grateful. I still take the vegan approach
to meals about 80% of the time.
HERBS IN THE KITCHEN -- PART III
Looking over our list of herbs/foods with medicinal
value (see last week's newsletter), we find some ingredients which are part of a very
traditional Thanksgiving desert, pumpkin pie. Let's talk about the medicinal value of
these ingredients.
PUMPKIN PIE IS GOOD FOR YOU ?
Aside from the store bought premade stuff which
contains white flour and white sugar, I would have to say "Yes" pumpkin pie has
some redeeming attributes. Of course, you'd be getting more of these benefits if you make
your pumpkin desserts from scratch.
It is really very easy to get nice pure pumpkin without
opening a can. Simply pick up a whole pumpkin from the supermarket and bake it in a 350
degree oven for about 45 minutes or until the pulp is tender and use it in your recipes.
You could cut it in half, remove the seeds, and place it cut side down in a pan with a
little water before baking. When it's done, let it cool and scoop out that wonderful
orange pulp.
There are so many different ways to use pumpkin besides
the traditional pie. You might want to consider putting it in a soufflé, soup, or
risotto. Use your imagination, this gourd is "good for you."
THE INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin (Curcurbita pepo) pulp relieves intestinal
inflammation and is high in beta-carotene. The seeds are also very nutritious and are an
excellent source of zinc. When you scoop them out of the pumpkin, clean them and roast
them lightly coated with a little seasoning and oil. They make a great snack. They are
efficacious in the early stages of prostate problems, and they are an excellent tonic to
the bladder. They are also a safe deworming agent particularly useful against tapeworms in
pregnant women and children.
Cinnamon, Dalcini (Cinnamomum verum syn. C. zeylanicum
- Lauraceae) is a warming stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and
antiviral. It stimulates the circulation, especially to the fingers and toes. It is
particularly good for digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and will
strengthen weak digestions. Aside from being sprinkled in pumpkin, cinnamon can be added
to herbal teas and makes an excellent medicinal decoction on it's own. (Can be toxic if
taken in excess. Do not take as a medicine during pregnancy.)
Clove (Eugenia carophyllata syn. Syzgium aromaticum -
Myrtaceae) is antiseptic, carminative, stimulant, analgesic, antispasmodic, prevents
vomiting, and eliminates parasites. Argentinian research in 1994 showed clove's volatile
oil to be strongly antibacterial. Cloves' list of benefits is lengthy. They have been used
for viral conditions, malaria, cholera, tuberculosis, parasites, gas, colic, abdominal
bloating, coughs, muscle spasms, labor contractions, acne, skin ulcers, sores, styes,
insect repellents, mouthwashes, and local anesthetics. They are even considered an
aphrodisiac stimulating both the mind and body. We have really underrated the clove in the
West ... wouldn't you agree?
Nutmeg, Rou Dou Kou (Myristica fragrans -
Myristicaceae) is a warming stimulant, carminative, prevents vomiting, and relieves muscle
spasms. It is a good remedy for many digestive problems, especially gastroenteritis. It is
also considered an aphrodisiac believed to increase sexual stamina. However, more is not
better when consuming nutmeg. In excess, it is very toxic and hallucinogenic. Eating just
two whole nutmegs could cause death. Purchase whole nutmegs and grate a little directly
into your recipes. And, don't worry, it's perfectly safe and very beneficial in the proper
amounts.
Ginger, Sheng Jian, Singabera (Zingiber officinal -
Zingiberaceae) is a warming circulatory stimulant, antiemetic, carminative, antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, and it inhibits coughing. It is excellent for digestive problems, such
as indigestion, nausea, gas, colic, gastrointestinal infections, and food poisoning. It
also relieves motion sickness and morning sickness. It improves blood circulation
especially to the hands and feet, and helps to reduce high blood pressure. It makes a
soothing remedy for colds, flu, coughs, and respiratory problems. Use the fresh rhizomes
as much as possible. They stay nice and crisp in the 'frige for 2-3 months.
THAT GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
So your family has a traditional green been casserole,
too! Look for French beans, Haricot beans (Phaseolus vulgaris - Leguminosae) if you can
find them fresh. They are mildly diuretic, stimulating urine flow and the flushing of
toxins. If you don't have access to these beans, use fresh green beans and try to avoid
using store bought cans. In general, it is best to avoid any vegetables in cans with the
possible exception of tomatoes. Fresh is always better and frozen is considered second
best. Choose organically grown whenever possible.
Consider globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus syn. C.
cardunculus) as a side dish. It benefits the liver, protecting against toxins and
infection. It stimulates digestive secretions, especially bile, making it beneficial for
gallbladder problems, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal distention, while also lowering
blood cholesterol levels. Artichokes are a good food for the diabetic, since they
significantly lower blood sugar, too. They are very easy to prepare and won't take up any
precious oven space :-)
BRING ON THE FRUIT
Right next to those tempting desserts, or right in
front of them, present some fruit. No, I'm not talking about fruit pies! I'm talking about
fresh fruit. Do I hear a "blah... blah... blah ?"
Hey! Fruit can be the most exciting part of the dessert
table and the most colorful. Bring it on ... you might be surprised how fast it goes
compared to those "sinful" sweets.
And, need I say, adding fresh herbs to any of the
dishes you prepare will greatly enhance their nutritional value and taste. From the moment
you pull out the first pot or pan, think herbs. The more you use them, the more you will
learn to appreciate them.
FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS
We wish you good health and much love! No matter how
busy you get, keep in mind that your warmth and love are the ingredients most needed by
those around you.
Happy Thanksgiving from the staff and family at Abby's
Herb Company.
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