Inspiration Behind the Creation

So why do a blog about the idea of holistic healing?

Being a formal animation/film student, I still have a passion for puppetry, stop-motion animation, and of course, cinema. I enjoy documentaries from time to time, and eventually, I stumbled upon “The Beautiful Truth.”

I found the film to be well done, however, very bias – as most documentaries are. However, that didn’t stop me from being any less curious.

The Botany of Desire is a history and an explanation of Apples, Tulips, Marijuana and Potatoes. Anyone who is a fan of film, food or botany, will adore this documentary.

There are even more films that caught my eye and made me think:

And of course,

Food for thought, indeed.

Code Green – Marijuana

There is no doubt that there is much controversy behind using marijuana for medicinal purposes.

There are plenty of pros and cons, but they won’t be listed here.

The purpose of this blog is not to persuade, but to inform.

Marijuana has a long history of medicinal use, with evidence dating back to 2,737 BC.

Marijuana has been used as a pain reliever and controller, so people have used it to ease symptoms related to cancer, HIV and AIDS.

Preliminary findings indicate that cannabis-based drugs could prove useful in treating inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other related conditions.

How does this relate to food?

Marijuana can be infused into oils, or made into butter. These can then be used for virtually any application, and you will still feel its effects.

 

Here’s how:

Marijuana Butter

• Using a double boiler or two pots, melt the butter on low head. When using two pots, fill the larger (bottom) pot with water and the top pot with butter.
• Once the butter has melted, add the marijuana. The amount of marijuana will determine the potency. For example, a “light” batch may used 3/4 of an ounce of weed to 5 sticks of butter.
• Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
• Rest for five minutes, then strain the butter (using several layers of cheesecloth) into a small bowl.
• Once cool enough to handle, squeeze all excess liquid out of the cheesecloth.
• Cover and refrigerate.

 

-Doctor’s Note-

The doctor does not condone any use of illegal substances. Please don’t arrest me or ban my blog, kthnxbai!

Perscription – The Gerson Therapy

Dr. Max Gerson was a German physician who came up with an alternative dietary therapy to help heal people of ailements by detoxifying.

He claimed that this therapy could cure cancer and other chronic, degenerative diseases.

Be that as it may, the purpose of this blog is not to pursuade anyone, as there is evidence on both side that are for and against this type of therapy.

This blog is here to deliver facts.

As found on www.gerson.org:

The following is a typical daily diet for a Gerson patient on the full therapy regimen:

• Thirteen glasses of fresh, raw carrot/apple and green-leaf juices prepared hourly from fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
• Three full vegetarian meals, freshly prepared from organically grown fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A typical meal will include salad, cooked vegetables, baked potatoes, vegetable soup and juice.
• Fresh fruit and fresh fruit dessert available at all hours for snacking, in addition to the regular diet.”

All medications used in connection with the Gerson Therapy are classed as biologicals, materials of organic origin that are supplied in therapeutic amounts.

• Potassium compound
• Lugol’s solution
• Vitamin B-12
• Thyroid hormone
• Injectable Crude Liver Extract
• Pancreatic Enzymes
• Enemas of coffee and/or chamomile



 

-Doctor’s Note-

If you haven’t seen the documentary “A Beautiful Truth,” I highly recommend it, if you are interested in learning more about this type of dietary “cure.”

I personally think that the idea behind the therapy is interesting, and I’m all about fresh juices. Also, to be truthful, if I ended up with cancer, I would rather eat vegetarian meals and enemas than put myself through chemotherapy. Just my opinion, however.

Charlotte Gerson – who is Max Gerson’s daughter - has been known to speak out against pharmicutical companies. She claims that they are making people worse and ill on purpose for the sake of making more money. It should also be noted that Charlotte is now in charge of the Gerson Institute.

Symptoms Include Headache

We all have known the feeling.

It’s as though you’ve been plucked by God’s tweezers, both sides gripping tight to your temples, the pain pulses forward and settles, like a lump, in the middle of your forehead.

You don’t hear your pulse, you feel it. Its a sickening thump accentuated with every move, every step, every thing.

There’s no doubt in many a mind that a headache can ruin a day.

There are many recommendations to relief, such as taking ibuprofen, or simply drinking a glass of water.

However, there is some evidence of foods that can cause these triggers to come about.

Examples include:

 

Prohibited

• Vegetables – Beans (lima, Italian, pole, broad, fava, string, navy, pinto, garbanzo, lentils, snow peas), pickles, chili peppers, olives
• Fruits – Dried fruits that contain preservatives (such as raisins, dates, figs, apricots), avocados, papayas, passion fruit, red plums, banana-peel extract
• Breads and Cereals – Any fresh yeast product straight out of the oven; for example, yeast breads, crackers, pizza dough, doughnuts, soft pretzels
• Dairy Products and Eggs – Most cheeses. Sour cream, whole milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, cream
• Beverages - Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine; beverages containing chocolate or cocoa; diet beverages containing artificial sweeteners
• Soups – Most canned soups and bouillon cubes (they usually contain MSG  or preservatives)
• Desserts – Chocolate, carob, and licorice; ice cream; desserts containing other p”headache- trigger” foods, such as nuts or dried fruit, or those made with liqueurs; whipped cream
• Meat and Seafood – Bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, salami, bologna, ham; organs (liver and other organ meats) all aged, canned, cured, or processed meat products; caviar
• Miscellaneous - Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and tenderizers containing MSG; soy sauce; vinegar, except for white and cider vinegars; salad dressings containing wine or vinegar, unless it is white or cider vinegar; cooking sherry; olive oil; seeds, nuts, peanuts, and peanut butter; all artificial sweeteners; preservatives, such as nitrates and sulfites; coconuts; capers. Most mustards, ketchups, and mayonnaises

 

However, since there are two sides to every pole, and there are foods that can help prevent headaches.

 

Allowed

• Vegetables - All  fresh, frozen, dried, and canned vegetables and vegetable juices. (As long as no additional ingredients are from the prohibited list) Limit tomatoes to 1/2 cup per day; limit onions to 1/2 cup per day
• Fruits – All other fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and juices. Limit citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes) and pineapple to 1/2 cup per day. Limit bananas to 1/2 banana per day.  Organic dried fruits without preservatives
• Breads and Cereals – Store-bought and homemade breads (white, whole wheat, French, Italian, bagels, etc.) are fine as long as they are not straight out of the oven and have been allowed to cool. Be mindful that they don’t contain other prohibited ingredients (raisins, nuts, chocolate, or cheeses) Likewise, you can eat all hot and cold cereals unless they contain specifically prohibited items, such as dried fruit or artificial sweeteners
• Dairy Products and Eggs – Skim milk or 1% homogenized milk. Cheeses: American, ricotta, cream cheese, Velveeta, pot, farmer, cottage. Skim milk-based yogurt (limit it to 1/2 cup per day). Eggs
• Beverages – Fruit and vegetable juices, non-caffeinated drinks (if they don’t contain artificial sweeteners). Limit caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, or soda, to 2 cups (approximately 16 ounces) per day
• Soups – Homemade soups and stocks, unless they contain other specifically prohibited foods, such as beans, cheese, or large amounts of onion or tomato
• Desserts – Cakes, cookies, candies, and pies, unless they contain prohibited ingredients; gelatin, sherbet, and sorbet
• Meat or Seafood – All fresh beef, poultry, fish, or pork products, unless specifically prohibited; tuna and other canned seafood that is packed in water
• Miscellaneous – Anything else not specifically prohibited, all herbs and spices, white vinegar, cider vinegar, honey, jams, jellies, dry mustard

 

-Doctor’s Note-

I have always been a life long lover of breakfast food, and French Toast is nothing but comforting, as far as I am concerned. It never fails to remind me of being young, and enjoying the best part of Sunday in a Catholic household – SUNDAY BRUNCH.

So if you’re experiencing a headache, and would rather eat a small but delicious meal rather than relying on over the counter medications,  what’s easier than something as quick and easy as French Toast?

After some digging I found a recipe that perfectly marries headache prevention and comfort together:

Major Components

Orange Blossom French Toast

3 large eggs
Rind of 1 orange, finely grated
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
6 slices of bread
2 large navel oranges
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil

First, make orange supremes. To do this, peel the oranges, being careful to remove all the white membrane around the outside. Using a sharp knife, separate the oranges into sections, cutting between the inner membranes. Discard the membranes and any accumulated juice. (Or eat them.)

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and the brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. When the mixture foams, add the orange sections and cook, stirring, just until heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove the orange sauce from the heat, cover, and keep warm.

Beat together the eggs, orange zest, juice, and orange extract in a baking dish large enough to hold 2 bread slices in a single layer. Dip both sides of each bread slice into the egg mixture.

Heat the oil in a large skillet or brush it onto a large griddle over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter foams, add the bread slices and cook until golden brown, turning once, about 5 minutes per side. Serve immediately with the orange sauce.

Mise En Place

-Doctor’s Note, Continued-

The flavour in this is just bursting. The orange sauce is quite yummy and just sweet enough without being cloying. Of course there’s nothing wrong with sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar on top for added decadence. I also had the opportunity to use Cara Cara oranges, as they were available last week at my local grocer.

I’d very much recommend it with thick breads like butter braids or challah, as it soaks up the custard wonderfully, and offers wonderful crispy textures.

Remember, when using oranges as headache relief, it is recommended not to exceed the “dosage” by a 1/2 cup.

Finished Plate - Orange Blossom French Toast

 

Referral

When this Doctor is fresh out of ideas, we’d like you to get a second opinion from these sources:

 

• http://www.gerson.org/ – A guide to Dr. Max Gerson’s therapy that has been used to treat tuberculosis, skin problems, and even cancer.
• http://www.drjohnlapuma.com/ – Dr. John LaPuma was a speaker at the IACP event in Portland, Or in 2010. He believes you can “Transform Your Life with How You Eat.”
• http://chefmd.com/ – recipes for your health provided by Dr. John LaPuma
• http://www.holistichealthpc.com/treatments.html – This is a clinic found in Portland and is managed by Dr. Eric Blake. This page is a list of all the types of treatments he offers, how they’re beneficial, and there’s even a list of foods to eat by blood type.
• http://healing.about.com/cs/conditions/a/headacherecipeb.htm – a guide of foods and recipes (a few I’m dying to try) on how to treat and prevent headaches

Perscription – Food for the Chakras

While the recipes listed in this blog so far have concentrated wholly on physical health, there haven’t been many words written here on what foods can do for you on a spiritual level.

Chakras are a concept that was born in the Hindu religion and practices. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word for “wheel.”

The Chakras are said to be “force centers” within our physical bodies, that make up seven different points:

• The Crown Chakra
• The Brow Chakra
• The Throat Chakra
• The Heart Chakra
• The Solar Plexus Chakra
• The Sacral Chakra
• The Base Chakra

The notion of chakras and chakra thereapy are present in both acupuncture and reiki treatments.

So, what does this have to do with food?

There are thoughts and theories that specific types of foods we consume could also be helpful to out chakras.

For instance:

Feeding Your Root Chakra

Grounding

• Root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, beets, onions, garlic, etc.
• Protein-rich foods: eggs, meats, beans, tofu, soy products, peanut butter
• Spices: horseradish, hot paprika, chives, cayenne, pepper

Feeding Your Sacral Center

Nourishing the Sexual/Creativity Center

• Sweet fruits: melons, mangos, strawberries, passion fruit, oranges, coconut, etc.
• Honey
• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, etc.
• Spices: cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, caraway seeds

Feeding Your Solar Plexus Chakra

Boosting Self-Esteem and Encouraging Self-Love

• Granola and Grains: pastas, breads, cereal, rices, flax seed, sunflower seeds, etc.
• Dairy: milk, cheeses, yogurt
• Spices: ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, chamomile, turmeric, cumin, fennel

Feeding Your Heart Chakra

Healing Emotional Hurts

• Leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, dandelion greens, etc.
• Air vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, squash, etc.
• Liquids: green teas
• Spices: basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley

Feeding Your Throat Chakra

Speaking One’s Truth

• Liquids in general: water, fruit juices, herbal teas
• Tart or tangy fruits: lemons, limes, grapefruit, kiwi
• Other tree growing fruits: apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, etc.
• Spices: salt, lemon grass

Feeding Your Brow Chakra

Awakening Third Eye Senses

• Dark bluish colored fruits: blueberries, red grapes, black berries, raspberries, etc.
• Liquids: red wines and grape juice
• Spices: lavender, poppy seed, mugwort

Feeding Your Crown Chakra

Opening and Clearing the Spiritual Communication Center

• Air: fasting / detoxing
• Incense and Smudging Herbs: sage, copal, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper
  Incense and smudging herbs are not to be eaten but are ritually inhaled through the nostrils or can be smoked through a ceremony pipe for purification purposes.

 

-Doctor’s Note-

I really enjoyed researching this topic. I like how literal some of the mash-ups feel, like using citrus to speak one’s truth, for instance. I could be reading too far into it, but hey. I dig it.

I also found this recipe, which i found interesting:

Chakra Salad

• 2 to 3 cups – Fresh baby spinach (heart chakra)
• 1 half cup – Shredded red cabbage ( brow and heart chakra)
• 1 half cup – Shredded carrots (root chakra)
• 1 fistful – Sun-dried tomatoes ( sacral chakra)
• 1 fistful – Golden raisins ( throat chakra)
• 2-3 T. Raw sunflower seeds (solar plexus chakra)
• 1/4 cup – Feta cheese (solar plexus chakra)
• Garnish – Yellow pepper rings ( throat chakra)
• Garnish – Poppyseed grain wafer ( brow and solar plexus chakras)
• Blessing ( crown chakra)

Preparation:

Toss together spinach, cabbage, and carrots. Add sun-dried tomatoes and golden raisins. Give your salad one more gentle toss. Top the salad with crumbles of feta and sunflower seeds. Garnish salad with yellow pepper rings and poppyseed grain wafer.

Recommended dressings: sesame ginger, or balsamic vinegar and oil

After preparing the salad and before serving it offer a blessing to show gratitude for the bounty provided. Blessings are actions that nurture the spiritual center (crown chakra).

Guest Post – Dr. Chef Jessie Aron

The lovely and talented Jessie Aron has graciously offered to be a guest on this blog. We are honoured to have her and encourage everyone to read the following recipe, as it sounds delightful. (Especially the hot toddy part!)

This is an elixir passed through three generations of Jewish hippies. It’s a hot concoction effective for soothing the throat and helpful with clearing sinuses. Basically, it’s a ginger, honey, lemon brew with mint leaves and fresh blueberries (It’s similar to the master cleanse tonic with a few key differences). Bourbon can be added to make a perfect hot toddy.

Simmer a quart and a half water in a saucepan with:
1 large bulb of ginger, sliced in 1/8 in slices
2/3 cup honey
juice of 3 lemons
a pinch cayenne pepper

let simmer for 30 min to an hour; the more reduced it gets, the more intense and potent the elixir gets. If it becomes too syrup-like, add more water.

Finally, lower heat,
add and steep for 5 min:
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves

Float 1 cup fresh blueberries and/or raspberries on the top.