Many of us want to keep everything as natural as possible. Since most things that we buy are manufactured, containing chemicals, pesticides and other non-environmental friendly additives, I thought I would give us all a reminder of how easy it is to make a radical improvement to health and skin with a few simple changes from natural produce.
I am by no means what you could call a gardener, however if I can plant it, leave it and let nature do the rest, then I get by with some easy home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs that can be used in cooking and also in beauty products. It really does have to be literally as easy as just planting and leaving them all. This appeals to me as I am very conscious of healthy eating, drinking and also of beauty, skin and hair care routines.
It only takes a few minutes to cut off any sprouted roots from potatoes or sweet potatoes that you never got round to cooking. I just drop the cuttings into a pot container of earth outside and let nature take its course. I don’t even water anything. When they have grown into leafy flower plants, as you pull it out, you are left with potatoes at the end of the root. That simple!
I have also planted fig, apple, pear, plum and cherry olive trees, grape vines, recurrent blackberries, all fruit of different varieties that harvest at different times of year, therefore always leaving you with seasonal fruit that can be eaten fresh, used to make compote, baked in cakes, muffins, etc without all the sugar that they add in those bought varieties. Fruit can be frozen. Even if you don’t have a big garden, like me, just do what you can within your own means and capability. Small areas with pots, some trees or pot containers work well and great for some fruit trees, vines, herbs and strawberries. Not only can you eat these but you can utilise them in your beauty regime.
As the temperatures rise in the UK, growing fruit that normally only grow in hot climates has become easier. The beautiful figs and grapes, along with the vine leaves that we use in our traditional cooking, make it worthwhile. No time to try some wine making as yet, but I am sure if I knew someone who knew how to do it easily, I would gladly give it a go! Maybe another skill to add on the list!
So you have all the fruit, veg and herbs to eat, but how about use some of the natural produce and leaves for making natural herb teas and cold infusion drinks. Fruit and herbs can even be used for your hair and beauty basics like cleansers, toners, masks and moisturisers. Plants like lavender or Aloe Vera are great for outer skin care.
To Eat Recipe – Fruit compote
Cup of berries, redcurrant or other
Cup of chopped figs
Cup of chopped apples
Cup of chopped pears
1tsp vanilla extract
1tblsp cinnamon
1tblsp fructose or other sweetener
Gently warm and simmer in a pan till fruit is soft. Serve with some oatmeal and yoghurt of choice.
To Drink Recipe – Fruit Flavoured water
1 orange
Cup of rasberries or other berries
Filtered water
In a large container put washed sliced orange and the berries. Cover with some ice and filtered water for a cool summer refreshing flavoured water. Perfect for the gym bottle.
To Drink Hot or Cold Recipe – Mint Herbal Tea
15-20 mint leaves
2 cups hot filtered water
1tsp honey or other natural sweetener per cup
Lemon or orange slices optional.
Bring the filtered water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add mint leaves. Add natural sweetener of choice. Serve hot or when cold with a slice of orange or lemon.
Get growing and get glowing!
Love and Sparkles
Samsara x
www.samsarabellydancer.co.uk