06. A Morning Health Tonic
As discussed in our previous article, “The Importance of How You Start Your Day”, the first things you do upon rising are powerful trend setters for how you move through the rest of your day. The first thing you ingest in the morning is no exception. This choice not only has a huge impact on your metabolism, but it also says a lot about your mental state, self-awareness and intention. Are you drinking a coffee to numb the fatigue of your previous day or for an extra boost? Are you opening a box of processed cereal because it’s convenient and no fuss? Are you eating a greasy fried breakfast to treat yourself for the week’s hard work? Or do you prefer some simple oatmeal with fruit? What signals are you sending to your mind and body with this first choice?
“Don’t seize the day … tickle its belly!” is one of our favourite Thai Proverbs.
So, to tickle your belly we have included our simple morning tonic recipe. It has a host of healthful ingredients. Let’s take a look...
Lemon benefits the enzyme functions in your body, stimulating the liver and flushing out toxins. It rejuvenates the entire body, boosts vitamin C levels, energy and mood. Despite being very acidic it has a powerful alkalizing effect on the body… something very important for the high acid producing modern diet.
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antiviral and antioxidant and helps the body relax into the parasympathetic mode. It also stimulates circulation and sweating which is good for detoxifying.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic. It is known to relieve chronic pain, support healthy brain function, reduce skin irritations and the aging process.
Black Pepper helps absorb the nutrients in the turmeric. It is also good for the stomach, weight management, skin health, respiratory relief, has antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant qualities, and supports neurological health.
Coconut oil / Olive oil helps make the turmeric more bio-available (turmeric is not water soluble but fat soluble) and both are a wonderful sources of healthy fats.
Preparation:
- 1 teaspoon of a ground turmeric and black pepper mix
- a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil when the temperature allows (coconut oil is completely solid in our
home during Winter). Mix the oil, turmeric and black pepper into a paste.
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed ginger juice (powdered ginger is also an option for those without a juicer)
- 1 generous squeeze of lemon
… but of course you can tailor these portions to your liking… it’s more important that you enjoy the drink and it becomes a habit rather than overdoing the potency and dreading the occasion. Many people enjoy the same drink but with some added honey or healthy vegan sweetener.
As with everything listen to your body. For example, ginger has a very warming effect on the body. We enjoy ginger very much during the cooler seasons but during the hot summer months we often cut back or cut it out altogether.
Lastly, and most importantly what is the intention behind the choice to have this drink? What does it say about how you’re choosing to start the day? As you drink your morning health tonic take at least five minutes to be silent, still your mind, breathe and tune in.
For more healthful ideas have a look at our free recipe book, “Food Canvas – Raw Food Recipes for Your Palette.” It is included in our free three part video course “The Three Regulators of Qi” which you can access below.
Wishing you a wonderful morning,
No Mi & Dawa.
