Turmeric absorption greatly increases if it is consumed together with pepper. Study shows that adding black pepper to turmeic increases its power by 2000%. That’s why this turmeric recipe for inflammation and pain contains both cayenne and black pepper.

This bright orange spread can be consumed straight from the jar (for a total of 1 tablespoon daily) for maximum effects. It is also yummy spread on toast, at the first sign of a cold, and having it with a cup of hot tea!

Note: Since turmeric has been shown to increase production and flow of bile, those with common bile duct blockage or gallstones should avoid this herb

INGREDIENTS -:

9 teaspoons turmeric powder

1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder (optional)

2 teaspoons ginger powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Approx ¼ cup of coconut oil (or it can be ghee, or both)

Approx ¼ cup of raw honey

METHOD -:

Put all the spices in a small glass jar.

Melt coconut oil (for easy mixing) and add to the jar to mix.

Add honey and mix.

Store this natural remedy on the counter, for easy spreading and away from heat.

Cautions about Turmeric use – Turmeric is generally considered safe for use in medicinal amounts, but it is important to talk to a doctor before using this or any substance medicinally as it can interact with several medications.

But what is ‘free sugar’? Where is it found? And, how can you work to reduce your intake? This article helps you start that journey.

What is ‘free sugar’?

Basically, there two types of sugars: simple (or natural) sugars, and free sugars. Simple sugars occur naturally in things such as fruits, vegetables and these are all ok. Then there are the double sugars that are removed from their original source, processed chemically and then added back into our foods. These are the ones to worry about, and they are called ‘free sugars’.

Which foods have which sugars?

Starting with the good natural or ‘simple sugars’, they come from carbohydrates in natural foods. There are three names of simple sugars: glucose, fructose and galactose.

Free sugars are found in a lot of packaged foods, from lollies, to bread, to tomato sauce. Some of the different names you’ll hear these free sugars called include: sucrose (glucose + fructose) lactose (glucose + galactose) and maltose (glucose + glucose). They’re also in your morning coffee or cup of tea, if you choose to add a little sweetness the traditional way, or even just milk. Here’s a list of different fancy names you’ll find for free sugars out there…

Reducing Your Intake

Start by choosing alternative natural sugars and low sugar foods. Slowly, but surely, work towards getting your intake to 25 grams (or 6 teaspoons) of natural sugars a day. Depending on what level of sugar you have daily at present this will depend on what journey you are on.

By Australian law, all packaged foods are required to disclose values for energy and nutrients like fats, protein, carbs and sodium, as well as a list of ingredients. So, knowing that, here are 5 steps toward figuring out how much sugar is in what, and working to make the shift to healthier options.

1. Understanding the total sugar amount in a product

• Sugar is a simple carbohydrate; the amount of sugar has to be identified on a nutrition panel.
• The sugar value is the total amount of natural and added sugars.
• The amount of sugar in a serve, and per 100 grams of food or 100 ml of liquid must be declared.
• Under 5g of sugar per 100g is considered low in sugar.
• A general tip is to stay away from any items with over 10g of sugar per 100g.

2. Be aware if sugar has been added to the product.

• Be aware of the ingredients listed as ‘sugar’.
• While there are over 60 names as per the list above, here is a list of the most common ones to look out for:

- Words ending in “-ose” (like fructose, dextrose, sucrose)
- Syrups
- Agave
- Nectar

• Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. So ingredients that are first on the list make up more of the product.
• Stay away of products where sugar appears in the first half of the ingredients list.

3. Remember, it is ok to have natural sugars 

• Natural sugars are found in nutritious whole foods such as fruit and vegetables. Therefore a lot of products will contain some natural sugars.
• Check the ingredients list to see where these items sit, hopefully, they make up the majority of the product.
• Lactose is the natural sugar in dairy and accounts for roughly 5g of the sugar per 100g of dairy product. Therefore, we must determine if and how much sugar may have been added.
• Stay away from products where added sugars are higher on the list than fruit, vegetarian and dairy.

4. Be mindful of suggested serving sizes

• The manufacturer must declare what they consider a reasonable serving size, but this can vary greatly between manufacturers.
• If the suggested serving size is smaller than what is generally considered a serve, the amount of sugar per serve will be deceptively less. For example a cereal with a suggested serving size of 45g (½ cup) contains 12g sugar, however, most people will serve ¾ cup, and 6g more sugar.
• When comparing sugar content between similar products, always look at the amount per 100g.

5. Preparation and awareness at the supermarket.

• Ensure that you are not hungry when you head into the supermarket.
• Don’t fall for marketing and advertising or specials and ‘new’ product, even in the health aisle.
• Aim to get all you need from only 20% of the store. Don’t go down the ‘sugar aisles’, like the chip and chocolate aisle, if you see it you will want it, so don’t look for it.

That’s it. Of course, it takes practice and time to get your head around looking for sugars. However, it’s worth it for you (and your family’s) health. I hope that this will increase your awareness of hidden sugar in your diet and will more empower you to check out that next product you pick up. Just take things step by step and you’ll get to being a healthier you, while still enjoying the things you eat.

According to the National Cancer Society, “Reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast.”

Since our skin is our largest organ, we need to take measures to ensure that what we put on it is as natural as possible. There are five harmful chemicals found in deodorant that can play a part in causing health problems: Aluminium Compounds, Parabens, Propylene glycol, Triclosan and Steareths. If you’re looking for a new deodorant or perfume, check the back for these ingredients and avoid that product if they are listed.

Thankfully, there are plenty natural non-toxic options out there. My husband and I have personally tried more than 10 different natural options. After checking them out, I highly suggest the below 5 products:

1 – Axilla Black Chicken Deodorant Paste

This unique blend of natural and organic ingredients target and effectively neutralise odour without harmful chemicals or sweat blockers. This means your body can continue to do what it does naturally without smelling funky.

This awesome deodorant paste:

* Contains only natural and certified organic ingredients

* Does note contain harmful Aluminium Salts or compounds

* Is completely invisible upon application

* Does not contain synthetic fragrances

* Contains pure essential oils and botanical extracts

* Does not contain alcohol, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Triclosans or other harmful chemicals

* Vegan friendly and not tested on animals

* Made with love in Australia

This is hands down the favourite of deodorant for men and women.

2 – Schmidt’s Deodorant Paste – Bergamot & Lime

This is another good deodorant paste, but is a touch harder to put on in comparison to Black Chicken. The Bergamot & Lime is a zesty, refreshing scent. The paste is neurtralised, with the natural antiseptic properties. Free from Aluminium, free from crystals, yet keeps you fresh and does not block your sweat glands.

3 – Crystal Deodorant Roller

For those that prefer a roller over a paste, the only natural roller I can find that actually works is the Crystal Roller. It is made from natural mineral salts to neutralise bacteria and prevent body odour, even after strenuous activity. There are a few options of scent. My favourite is the Chamomile and Green Tea blend.

All Crystal deodorants have:

* No harmful chemicals

* No Aluminium Chlorohydrate or Zirconium

* Hypoallergenic

* Dries instantly

3 – DoTERRA Whisper Essentail Oil 

An easier option for perfume is using essential oils. This DoTERRA oil is my favourite, with a musky, warm, spicy, soft, sweet smell and people often comment on.

As stated from DoTERRA its primary benefits are:

• Combines with each individual’s chemistry to create a beautiful, unique, and personal fragrance
• Provides a warming, musky aroma
• Entices and intrigues the senses

The ingredients are :- Fractionated Coconut Oil, Patchouli Leaf, Bergamot Peel, Hawaiian Sandalwood Wood, Rose Flower, Vanilla Bean Absolute, Jasmine Flower, Cinnamon Bark, Vetiver Root, Labdanum Leaf/Stem, Cocoa Seed, Ylang Ylang Flower

4 – DoTERRA Balance Essential Oil 

This DoTERRA essential oil is also a good option for perfume. It’s more of a fresh, sweet and woody scent and one I like to use when I am feeling out of balance

Its primary benefits are

• Promotes a whole-body sense of relaxation
• May help ease anxious feelings
• Evokes feelings of tranquility and balance

The ingredients are:- Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood Leaf, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile Flower, and Osmanthus Flower essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Do you have a Deodorant that you love and its not on this list? Please share your favourite.

1 – Current Favourite Music  - Vulfpeck ‘Wait for the Moment’

Speaking of funk, these guys have some incredible tunes to get your body moving and mind smiling. This particular track feautres the amazing voice of Antwann Stanley. He is next level – I haven’t heard this voice for a while. It gets right into my heart and bring happiness to the day – such a perfect song to start a day with a smile

If you like this song, Vulkpeck ’1612′ is also a good one!

2 - Nixon Blaster

This is the portable speaker I use to bring my music with me wherever I go. It throws out a big sound for a compact unit. There are others out there, so I’d recommend to pick one that suits you, so you can have tunes on command whenever you need them.

3 - Girlfriend Collective Clothing

I was recently given an awesome pressie of some ‘Girlfriend Collective’ leggings and I haven’t taken them off much They are perfect for yoga, exercise, chilling, anything! Pretty much the comfiest all round pants you can wear.

The collection believe the best fashion is not about trends – it’s about quality. They also focusing on humane manufacturing, meticulous design, and sustainable materials, and aim to create a community of people who care about every step of the process.

Highly suggest – worth checking out!

4 – ‘Qi’ Organic Green ‘Wellness’

Qi Wellness Tea is a refreshing berry fusion, formulated to give you an uplifting boost to your day. It combines blueberry, pomegranate and hawthorn fruit for a range of antioxidants. Qi Wellness Tea is in a naturally sweet and mellow tasting green tea base so there is no need to add milk or sugar. Its rich with antioxidant blueberries and pomegranates.

Qi Teas are:- Certified organic- Certified Fairtrade- Gluten & dairy free- No artificial flavours- No GMQi. Tea Bags are free of staples and glue – Unbleached tea bags- Individually wrapped. 

You can get it at your local supermarket or online.

5  - Mummy’s Wish - Helping Mums with Cancer

This is a beautiful organisation that dedicates the provision of really practical supoort that keeps families functioning and together during Mum’s cancer treatment. They helped out during my own cancer treatment and I’m eternally grateful. For more information or to support them, click the link above.

That’s it for this time. For more posts like this, delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe up to the Wellness Tree newsletter which is located on the website.

Cover image by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

The colon is the most important organ for maintaining good health and wellness, if the colon is overburdened then our whole system is put under stress. By gently cleansing the colon we can assist the body in its natural ability to remove toxins, heal and recover health- Our natural birthright. A malfunctioning colon is the greatest obstacle to good health. Colon hydrotherapy involves the safe gentle infusion of filtered water into the colon via the rectum. There are no chemicals or drugs involved and the entire therapy is both relaxing and effective. Apana, Health and Wellness uses the closed system of Colon Hydrotherapy, where filtered water passes through a UV light chamber and is introduced at a low pressure through a single use disposable speculum. We use warm and cold water, as well as pulsating techniques to stimulate the colon. Assisted by abdominal massage, the therapist is present and in full control the the procedure at all times. With so many harmful environmental factors these days such as excess stress, poor food quality and lack of exercise, it is no wonder that more people are beginning to discover the many benefits of colonic hydrotherapy. What can Colon Hydrotherapy Aid in:

• Liver overload from alcohol or medications
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression
• Back ache
• Headaches & lack of concentration
• Skin Disorders
• Bloating and flatulence
• Digestive problems
• Yeast / Candida overgrowth

Don’t worry . . .  a second repeat session is coming up again on Monday 4th May at 7.30pm at Zen Den Collective in Dunsborough. Head along to hear what I have to say about this controversial topic and leave with some truthful knowledge.

If you are confused about the good and bad things about sugar and you want to learn about the effects of sugar on your health including the ways to substitute better options in your diet . . . then book in asap for the next session before it sells out again!

Flyer below

Look forward to seeing you there.
Tara

On Monday 30th March at 7.30pm head down to Zen Den Collective in Dunsborough, SW Western Australia for a community talk and listen to what I have to say about this controversial subject.

Flyer below. Look forward to seeing you there.
Tara

Why do cancer patients that undergo treatment lose their hair? Chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also attack other rapidly growing cells in your body — including those in your hair roots. This can lead to not only losing the hair on your scalp but sometimes also you eyelashes, armpits and public area. Fortunately, most of the time, hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Hair will regrow in 3 to 10 months after treatment has ended.

My latest project was to ‘CUT FOR CANCER’. As a cancer patient myself, I am blessed to still have all of my long hair. Being that I had very long, blonde ‘virgin’ (unprocessed or dyed) hair,  I decided to cut it all off,  and donate it to a good cause. I gave my cut off locks to the Australian Cancer Council to make a new wig for a fellow cancer fighter. With so much extra hair, that I know will grow back soon enough, I felt it was a waste just sitting on my head when I knew it would bring back a smile on someone else’s face.