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.

Soups are a great option to sooth the chill and are a perfect mood-boosting food during the colder months.  So, it’s always nice to have a delicious and quick soup recipe on hand to whizz up in your blender for dinner and take to work!

This Healthy Broccoli Soup is creamy, yummy and has an added bonus of being loaded with green nutrients. Broccoli is one of nature’s most nutrient-dense vegetables, packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system during flu season.

Give this a go and let me know what you think…

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp coconut oil (30gm)1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes (option)

1/4 tsp chilli flakes

2 heads of broccoli (400-600gms)

800 litres water

1 x 400ml can coconut milkSalt n Pepper to taste

Method

Finely chop the onion and garlic.

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot and sauté the onions for 5 minutes until golden.

Add the garlic and chilli flakes and sautée for 2 minutes.

While this is cooking, chop up the broccoli  as small florets and slice the stalk. Then place it in with the onion mix. Stir for 30 seconds.

Then pour in the water and simmer for  20 minutes.

Discard 3/4 of the water.

Add coconut milk and use a blender until smooth. If the soup is too think add a little of the discarded cooking water.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Thermomix Method

Blend the onion and garlic 5 seconds/5 speed.

Add the chilli flakes and cook 100′C, 4 mins/2 speed.

Add broccoli as small florets and slice the stalk.

Add 800 Litre of water and cook 100′C, 15mins/1 speed.

Discard 3/4 of the water.

Add coconut milk and blender 20 seconds/8 speed.

If the soup is too think add a little of the discarded cooking water.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

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.

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

Oil pulling is as simple as someone taking a small amount of a neutral, unrefined oil, preferably virgin unprocessed coconut oil, and swishing it back and forth in the mouth for 20 minutes and then rinsing well and drinking several glasses of water. It is important not to swallow any of the oil because it will be very toxic and these toxins can be seen and assessed if the waste is placed under a microscope. Its claimed that as the oil is swished in the mouth, it removes toxins from the veins and gums, turning white and foamy.

If performed on a regular basis, oil pulling will promote oral health as well as general physical health.

How to do Oil Pulling:

Step 1: First thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids (including water), pour exactly one tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth.

Step 2: Swish the oil around in your mouth without swallowing it. Move it around in your mouth and through your teeth, as if it was mouthwash (don’t tilt your head back to gargle though). You’ll find that the oil will start to get watery as your saliva mixes with it. Relax your jaw muscles and use your tongue to help move the liquid around the inside of your mouth. Also rest the oil just inside your mouth in front of your teeth and lips and around the gums.

Step 3: Towards the end of the oil pulling session, you may notice the oil/saliva mixture in your mouth has become thicker. This is quite normal, since it is pulling out toxins from your body. When 10 – 20 minutes is up, spit out the oil. Don’t be alarmed if it has changed colour–this is also normal.

Step 4: Rinse out your mouth a couple of times with warm water and spit.

You can always add a super detox to your oil pulling by adding in a therapeutic grade essential oil. I suggest Doterra Essential Oils and either Lemon or Peppermint are both great detoxing and cleansing oils to help aid your oral and general health and wellbeing.

Have you tried Oil Pulling before? Whats your favourite way?   . . .

JUICING….. ARE YOU DOING IT?

Juicing is a great way to provide our systems with amazing nutrients, enzymes and vitamins to the highest levels that are important to fantastic health. There are endless benefits to juicing. Starting your day with a fresh juice gives energy boosts, radiant skin and a powerful, clear mind.

Precious enzymes in the fruits and vegetables are digested in your body when you juice. By using high quality products you flood your system with amazing nutrients. Incorporating fresh fruit and vegetable juices into our busy daily routines is a great way to ensure your body absorbs these important nourishments.

Our favourite and most popular juice recipes:

MEAN GREEN – a blend of invigorating leafy greens, but you will be surprised how sweet and delicious it is!

Makes 500mls of Juice

Handful of kale, 2 sticks celery, 4cm piece of cucumber, 1 green apple, 1 small pear, ½ lemon, 2 cm piece of ginger

THE REFRESHER – a filling juice loaded with vitamins and nutrients

Makes 500mls of Juice

½ beetroot, 1 orange, 1 pear, 1 apple, 3 carrots, ½ lemon, 2 cm piece of ginger

THE RANGA – the thirst quenching immune booster

Makes 500mls of Juice

2 oranges, 4-5 carrots, ½ lemon, 2 cm piece of ginger

Who are RAW LIFE

We are a mobile fresh fruit and vegetable juice bar called RAW LIFE. We create fresh juices full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and we are committed to providing healthy, fresh and delicious juices. Raw Life juices are made using locally sourced fruit and vegetables and organic products where possible. Juicing has a very positive effect on our bodies and if you’re not doing it already you should be! Raw Life is at events where you normally cannot find a healthy outlet, follow us on Facebook to find our whereabouts! Or check out our website.

oWe are real health made juicy!

oWe are unique

oOur juices contain no preservatives or additives, we are 100% raw

oWe are a great healthy alternative for all ages! Kids love us!

oOur cups and lids are 100% compostable

oOur juices have a positive effect on your life!

oRaw Life strives to focus on the good health of all our customers

HAPPY JUICING!!