The term nightshade describes the alkaloid family of vegetables that contain a phytochemical solanine, within the subset called glycoalkaloids. These chemicals can be irritating and inflammatory to body tissues in certain individuals. . .
Read moreBest Gluten Free Sourdough Bread + Seed Bread | Recipes | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Wintering in the kitchen calls for seasonal nutrient dense foods and long cooking times to nourish the deep energy of our kidney system. . .
Read moreParsnip Chips | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
It is the root that has the power to stabilize a plant, anchoring it and providing it with nourishment from absorption and storage. And it is in your intestine, your root, where vegetable roots impart their energetics. . . Roots, like human intestines, function and thrive according to their external supply of nourishment. If the soil is rich and vital, the plant will thrive. . .
Read moreSquash Porridge | Grain-free, Gluten-free, paleo, vegan | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
I often recommend squash porridge for breakfast over grain porridge as grains have a tendency to be inflammatory and mucus forming for those with spleen and stomach deficiencies. Why then, does Chinese medicine often promote the consumption of grains as a central part of one’s diet?. . .
Read moreJessica's AIP Pumpkin Bars & Pumpkin Plantain Bars | Gluten free, Dairy free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
According to Chinese medicine food therapy pumpkin is warming and sweet, enters the lung, large intestine, spleen and stomach meridians, tonifies qi, and regulates blood circulation, cold, damp, and phlegm. Plantain is cold and sweet, enters the large and small intestines, liver, and spleen, and regulates heat, phlegm, and wind. . .
Read moreOrange + Cinnamon Scented Delicata Squash | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
It has a unique oblong shape, is mild-sweet in flavour, and its moisture is moderate — between that of butternut and kabocha. The insoluble-fibre rich skins of kabocha and delicata squash can be eaten. . .
Read moreHayley's Herbal Coffee | Coffee Alternative | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Coffee smells (and tastes) divine but unfortunately it doesn’t play well with my adrenal glands. My senses aren’t teased past tasting — if they are I start to get the jitters. The best way to discover whether coffee is for you is to try a good quality coffee, an americano, or cold-brewed coffee, and to observe your symptoms after consuming. . .
Read moreGolden Squash Soup | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Squash soups are creamy and sweet, nutrient dense, and perfect to refrigerate or freeze in portions for future meals ahead. Be creative with additions and toppings. . .
Read moreHerb Concentrates | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Herbs are incredibly high in antioxidants — compounds which fight free radicals and prevent oxidation. They contain anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory constituents that will keep your gut microbes happy. . .
Read moreHow to Bake Spaghetti Squash & Recipes | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Baked spaghetti squash, mild in colour and taste, makes an especially great pasta substitute for those who don’t eat grains. For those who do consume grain or bean pasta consider this as a convenient and nourishing option that promises variety to your meals. . .
Read moreHemp Protein Pudding + Seasonal Fruit | Dairy-Free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Enjoy the following hemp pudding during warmer seasons, for breakfast or as a snack. Top with your favourite seasonal fruit and extra additions such as chopped nuts, seeds, tigernut, and cacao nibs. The protein, essential fatty acid, and mineral content will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied for hours. . .
Read moreEat the Rainbow: Antioxidants + Chakra Talk | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
The colours in plant foods are produced by potent phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that benefit our body-mind in numerous ways as antioxidants alongside antioxidant-rich fat-soluble vitamins such as A, C, and E and other synergistic vitamins and minerals. Simply put, antioxidants prevent or slow cell damage by neutralizing free-radicals. They are natural skin beautifiers and are anti-inflammatory in nature. . .
Read moreTigernut Granola & Cookie Dough Balls | Gluten-free, Nut-free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Tigernut granola is a simple grain, nut, and gluten free breakfast option that can be served over chia pudding, coconut yogurt, or grass-fed yogurt. Tigernuts are small tubers that are naturally sweet, high in fibre, and a good source of vitamin E, C, phosphorus, and potassium. Therapeutically the tuber assists . . .
Read moreMy Acupuncturist Tells Me I'm Damp! + Herbal Latte Recipe | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Dampness is a common TCM syndrome pattern, with signs and symptoms such as: bloating, indigestion, water retention, heaviness, fatigue, mental fogginess, sluggish metabolism, cysts, leucorrhea, achey joints, and stool inconsistency. Related western diagnoses that contain elements of damp include hormone imbalances such as hypothyroidism and PCOS, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, CIRS, diabetes, IBS, SIBO, candida overgrowth, and weeping skin conditions. . .
2 Granola Recipes: Hemp + Chia | Gluten-free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
The omega-6 content in hemp seed includes the healthy gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SA), both of which are anti-inflammatory in nature, credited with effectively treating skin disorders, autoimmune functioning, and circulation. Chia seed is high in soluble and insoluble fibre (4.4g per tbsp.): this along with healthy fat and protein will keep blood sugar stable for hours. . .
Read moreChia Pudding + Seed Porridge Recipes | Dairy-free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Throughout warmer seasons you may favour a cooler meal alongside tea to start the day in replace of hot porridge and soups. Explore this chia porridge out for yourself (and/or loved ones!) and see how your body responds. Feel free to add or remove ingredients to your liking — be creatively inspired by the bounty of the season. . .
Read moreFull Moon Black Sesame Spheres | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Black sesame seeds are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium. They especially excel at nourishing liver and kidney yin and support blood. . .
Read moreStrawberry Rhubarb Bars | Gluten-free | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
Although the following recipe uses rhubarb, feel free to get creative by swapping it with a variety of seasonal fruits. I’ve made them with strawberry and raspberry, as well as with cherry — all were delicious! . . .
Read moreBenefits of Broccoli Sprouts & How To Make Them At Home | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
The high sulforaphane content in broccoli sprouts protect the body from environmental pollution such as air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals such as mercury. . .
Read moreSpring Scallion & Dill Salmon | Acupuncture - Victoria BC
This meal was created during a sister’s weekend in Vancouver. Originally we used baked spaghetti squash as a side which was equally delicious. I’ve made this recipe a few times since and I will most likely treasure it forever. . .
Read more