Deni’s Health Diaries

30/03/2021

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant originally native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia but now found worldwide. It has been a part of ancient medieval medicine for treating and curing a range of diseases. Nettle "stings" you via hairs on the leaves and stems. These hairs act like miniature hypodermic needles, injecting you with histamine, folic acid, and other substances that cause localized redness and pain.
The plant is a source of a wide variety of nutrients, including Vitamins A, C and K, beta carotene, and other carotenoids, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Nettles also contain the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol.
Benefits of Stinging Nettle are:

🌱Soothes allergies
🌱Treats muscle and joint pain
🌱Strengthens bones
🌱Boosts heart health
🌱Soothes skin irritations
🌱Boosts kidney, urinary, and prostate health
🌱Strengthens immune function
🌱Regulates digestion
Stinging nettle grows from early spring through the summer. The best time to harvest is in the spring when the plants are no taller than a foot and are not yet blossoming. Older plants tend to be tougher and have a bitter taste.
To avoid stings, always bring along a pair of gloves. Avoid picking nettle near roadways or places where pesticides are used.
It is important to blanch or steam the nettles for a few minutes to leach some of the stinging agent (folic acid) from the plant. You can then prepare nettles as would you any other hearty greens. Nettle has a spinach-like and slightly minty flavour that many find appealing, particularly when added to vegetable or puréed soups. You can finely chop the herb to make a refreshing medicinal tea.
Wrap fresh uncooked nettles in moist paper towels and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. Frozen nettles can keep for up to eight months.
I love nettle soup, and you, how do you like nettle? Share with me in the comments below.

12/03/2021

Do you know the benefits of maintaining a balanced body pH? ⚖ Learning the methods of keeping a normal body pH level can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. A solution can show one of the three following characteristics: it can be acidic, neutral or basic. PH stands for “potential hydrogen” and is defined as the decimal logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.
The pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. A solution with a pH of 0 is the most acidic solution that can be found. A solution with a pH of 14 is the most alkaline solution that can be found. A solution with a pH of 7 is a neutral solution. Our ideal pH is 7.4 and it must stay within a tight range in order for us to maintain optimal health.

Foods have their pH and they also have an acid-base residue. This means that they leave in the body an acidic or basic residue, which has a marked effect on the functioning of the body. Foods that promote acidity in the body are not all necessarily bad, those foods must be balanced with alkaline foods.
🍗Generally speaking, meats, poultry, fish and sea food leave an acidic residue in the body. This is also true of grains, flours, certain types of legumes, cheeses and eggs.
🍏Fruits, vegetables, some nuts (coconut, almonds, chestnuts) and some legumes leave an alkaline residue.
As for fats (butter, vegetable oils, etc.) and for sugars and syrups, they leave a relatively neutral residue. (See the pH chart above)
Unfortunately in today’s society of eating on the run there is greater exposure to toxins, less sleep, and high stress. This leads to most people functioning in an unhealthy acidic internal state. When the human body pH level is too acidic, it will attempt to equilibrate this environment by using present alkaline (basic) reserves. However, if your diet does not have adequate amounts of alkaline materials, it will either construct an even more acidic state or take nutrients from other vital places.

02/03/2021

LAVENDER FACE CREAM 💜
It is now available in a small handmade batch.

It heals, moisturizes skin and soothes irritation, can help heal acne, lighten skin and reduce wrinkles.

💜 Scientific studies show that lavender has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. The soothing yet cheerful aroma of lavender is both calming and uplifting. Lavender oil has the ability to lessen acne, help lighten skin, reduce wrinkles and restores the natural complexion of your skin.

💜Unrefined coconut oil is basically magic for your skin, hair, and nails. When applied to your skin, it promotes the production of collagen, which expedites the healing process of skin irritations. Coconut oil is rich in protein, antioxidants, and minerals, which help repair your skin and give it a healthy glow.

💜Shea butter is highly moisturizing and rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.

💜Vitamin E oil helps slow the signs of aging by blocking free radicals from entering your skin. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps fade skin irregularities like dark spots and scars.

💜Essential oils provide a pleasant aroma, which may offer therapeutic benefits as well.

Have you tried natural skincare products? Share with me in the comments below👇
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If you would like to try this magic lavender cream, drop me a message.
With LOVE Deni 💜

08/02/2021

Oven baked sweet potatoes and cauliflower with lentil microgreens and guacamole 🍠🥑😋

Cut the potatoes lengthwise. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbes de Province.

Slice cauliflower steak in half lengthwise through the center. Cut a 2 cm thick steak. Season with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and herbes de Province.
Bake at 180*C for 20-30mn.
🌱 🥑

05/02/2021

What are Bach Flowers? 🌿🌼

Bach Flowers are essences from wild growing plants, which are dissolved in spring water and taken as drops. Created in the early 1900s by Edward Bach, a medical doctor and homeopath. The individual flower essences are assigned to certain negative emotions. Bach believed that healing negative emotions helps the body heal itself. His system contains 38 remedies that each address a specific negative emotion. The emotions are grouped into seven broad psychological causes of illness:
• Fear
• Uncertainty
• Lack of interest in present circumstances
• Loneliness
• Oversensitivity to influences and ideas
• Sadness or despair
• Cares for others at the expense of self

For each of the 38 mood disorders described by Dr. Bach, there is a flower essence that has a positive effect on the respective imbalance. What takes place during the therapy is a positive change in precisely those emotional states which, according to Dr. Bach, manifest themselves in a change in the feelings and ways of thinking of the respective person. The Bach Flowers therefore bring about an improvement in the mental, spiritual and emotional state.
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The Bach Flower Rescue Drops contain the essences of five flowers. Each of these five flowers has a positive effect on emotions that most people experience under enormous stress or in exceptional situations.

The homeopath or the practitioner decides which Bach Flowers to use based on the feelings and moods described by the patient. Don't take Bach remedies in place of any prescribed medicine. Let your doctor know if you have any problems.
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According to Bach, illness “will never be cured by present materialistic methods, for the simple reason that disease in its origin is not material, but is the result of conflict between the Soul and the Mind and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort.”

Have you tried Bach Flowers essences? Have you been satisfied?
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With LOVE, Deni 💚
# naturopath

29/01/2021

Gratitude 💫

It’s no secret that keeping a gratitude journal is a good habit to form. Not only is it going to be beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being, but it’s also an incredibly easy habit to form that doesn’t require too much time and effort.
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Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean we ignore the negativity in our lives or dismiss real problems. But it creates a much-needed sense of balance and promotes positive thinking, which means you’ll be better equipped to cope with negativity and solve serious problems, because you’ll be thinking more clearly.
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Practicing gratitude can:
• Increase positivity
• Improve your self-esteem
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Increase happiness
• Improve your health
• You will sleep better

Are you keeping a gratitude journal? How it works for you?

With LOVE Deni 💚

27/01/2021

Vegan Coco-Choco Cake 💫

This vegan coconut-chocolate recipe is very easy to make and it's plant-based. Instead of dairy, I use coconut (coconut milk and coconut oil), and eggs are replaced with apple puree. If you are vegan, choose a vegan dark chocolate for baking as there is often milk or butter in the milk chocolate.

Ingredients:

300 g dark chocolate for baking
280 g spelt flour
80 g of coconut sugar
500 ml coconut milk
75 ml coconut oil
30g coconut flakes
100g apple puree
1 tsp vanilla powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder

How to

• In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk with the vanilla powder and coconut flakes for a few minutes over medium heat.
• In a bowl, place the chocolate into pieces, pour over the hot preparation and mix gently to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
• Add the coconut oil, apple puree and coconut sugar, mixing at each step
• Then add the salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour.
• Mix everything then pour into 22 cm diameter mold with parchment paper.
• Bake at 180 ° for 35 to 40 minutes, cool it and top it with melted chocolate and sprinkle with coconut flakes.

Enjoy it! Bon appétit! 😋

With LOVE Deni 💚

25/01/2021

Peafowls 🦚
🍃

18/01/2021

How to care for fresh cut tulips so they last longer🌷
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Vases of tulips around my home keep me going into Spring 🌱, and bring me so much joy! I love tulips and if you do too read below the tips for the longest vase life. Tulips can last a really long time when they are cared for properly. 💫💚

🌷Buy tulips with flower heads that are just starting to open. The bud should be somewhat closed, but with the color of the flower should be very evident.

🌷Add cold water to the vase and fill it 3/4 of the way up. Cut flower food is not necessary for tulips, but tulips are extremely thirsty. Change the water in the vase at least every other day. Tulip water can get a bit slimy and bacteria filled. Changing the water will keep them healthy and will extend their lives.

🌷Before putting in the vase, hold the stems to the outside of the vase to determine how tall they should be. Trim each stem at that spot at a 45 degree angle. When you change the water every other day, give your stems another trim of about 2cm. Cutting at an angle creates a straw effect and the flower can drink up the fresh water easily. Remove any leaves that is below the waterline also.

🌷Keep your tulips in a cool room. You can even drop an ice cube in the water, to help keep the temperature down. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or near heat. Tulips will grow toward sunlight and may bend a little when doing so. They are okay in indirect sunlight

🌷When choosing a vase for your tulips, select one that is tall. Go with a vase that is at least half as tall as the flower stems. As you cut the tulips down, you can go with a shorter vase over time. Be sure to wash your vase well before use to remove any bacteria before you arrange your tulips.

Do you love tulips ? What color tulips are your favorite? And if you have any other caring for tulips tips let me know in the comments below. ⬇

15/01/2021

Life with no filter !

Picture by ❤️

12/01/2021

Do you know that baked apples are good for your gut health? 🍎 Read on to discover the benefits of this simple dish, plus how to make it.

Both cooked and raw apples are healthy, but cooked apples can be particularly helpful for gut health. 🍏

By eating raw apples, you benefit from nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. You may even enjoy greater overall health, since a review of studies found that eating apples was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, asthma and type-2 diabetes.✨But cooked apples have an extra benefit: gut-healing pectin. This special form of fibre is released during the cooking process, and new evidence suggests that it may help to repair and maintain the intestinal mucosa lining. Pectin can help to:

· modulate gut bacteria
· get rid of toxins in the gut
· reduce inflammation

Even though pectin is present in raw apples too, its effect is more pronounced when the apples are cooked.

Baked apples can help to alleviate constipation because they’re full of fibre. The insoluble fibre increases bulk in the stools, while the soluble fibre increases water content. Together, these help stools to move through the digestive system at a healthy pace. Baked apples may also improve dysbiosis, which further supports good digestion. They are easy to digest because the cooking has already partially broken them down. If you’ve cooked them without the skin, they’re even more digestible.

How do you make baked apples? 🍎

Making baked apples is easy. Here’s what you need:
6 apples
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla powder

- Peel and core the apples, and chop them into small pieces or big slices.
- Mix them with the cinnamon and vanilla powder. Bake in the oven for 20 -30minutes. Baked apples can be enjoyed hot or cold, with granola or ice cream and they’ll last up to a week in the fridge.

How do you prefer apples - raw, baked or stewed? 🍎🍏

11/01/2021

What is Phytotherapy? 🌿
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Phytotherapy has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing.

Phytotherapy aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself. It combines plant extracts and natural active ingredients to create different remedies.

The body has its own self-healing mechanisms and is able to draw on these provided a patient is considered holistically, including emotions, diet and physical aspects. To activate these mechanisms and balance the body’s functioning, the naturopath combines a wide range of methods: drawing from a tool box including homeopathy, phytotherapy and aromatherapy, as well as diet, lifestyle, exercise and more.

These natural methods and treatments are attracting an increasing number of followers engaged on a constant quest for well-being 🌱.
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The passion about recognising, learning and using herbs and plants has occurred since my childhood. I have gathered a great knowledge about herbs by my grandparents. They taught me how to respect the nature and in return it will provide me with its benefits so we both will be linked together in future. The area where I have grown up was enriched with both fields and mountains. This gave me the opportunity to see many different types of herbs and plants in their natural flora. And now, when I'm a grown up human being I still have this passionate love towards nature in me❤️. This is the reason I have enrolled myself in a Herbal course with .

Do you enjoy herbal teas? Then you’re already familiar with one kind of phytotherapy! 🌸

11/01/2021