GLOW

One of the most frustrating things for me about having seizures is the feeling that I am very limited in my holistic treatment options. For the first time in a long while, I have gladly surrendered to the medications prescribed to me by my neurologist, and though I haven't worked up to a dosage yet that can stop my seizures, I am already noticing a difference in my energy level, and feel optimistic. It is difficult, though, to deal with the fear of possibly losing health insurance in the future and losing my medication, or the possibility that eventually the effects of the medication will plateau, and I will have to begin the frightening process of accumulating more prescriptions to ensure a certain quality of life. It is not an option for me to continue to have seizures every day, multiple times a day, and to be so limited in my activities and mobility. But with all of the potential side-effects and concerns, I want to be sure that I do what I can to complement the treatments I receive from my doctors.

I find YouTube to be an excellent source for introductions into the various experiences of others with trying health problems, and introductions into the treatments that have worked for them. They are only this: introductions, and as with all information distributed on the internet, should be watched with a critical mind. But I find that they give me some sense of optimism. As far as natural treatments I have currently incorporated into my life, I try to drink a tea blend of skullcap and passionflower every day, and have begun energy work with a psychic medium per the recommendation from another person with epilepsy whose seizures stopped completely after energy work. I am planning on visiting a chiropractor as well, and hope that this will help.

Here are some of the videos that I've watched that I've found compelling and informative. Perhaps they will help you, as well.

This is an excellent overview of natural treatment options. I was pleasantly surprised to find that their knowledge of research into more rare forms of epilepsy is quite impressive, and even more thorough than many neurologists. I had to be referred to a highly specialized neurologist, in fact, to be able to work with someone who was actually aware of the hormonal-related forms.

The two other ladies that I know with epilepsy also do their best to avoid gluten. I have been on a gluten-free diet for at least two years now. I wonder how much worse the seizures would be if I was still eating it?

This is where I learned about skullcap and passionflower's beneficial impact on epilepsy, although this video is specifically about a form of epilepsy that I am not familiar with.

If you look up "epilepsy chiropractor" on YouTube, a ton of results come up with testimonials like this. I'm very curious to see if I have any results from it.

And the ever controversial issue of epilepsy and medical marijuana. There are so many stories out there like this young man's. I, unfortunately, do not respond well to smoking any sort of substance, as it really fires of my nervous system regardless of the substance, but if I am able to get my hands on a tincture, I will eagerly try it. From what I've read, it is important to have the Indica (sp?) strain rather than the Sativa when it comes to treating epilepsy.

As noted in the first video, neither these people, nor I, am advocating weening off of meds. Epilepsy is a serious disorder, and should be treated appropriately. What is important, though, is to find the highest quality of life possible, and if any of these options aid that, then they are worth a go in my mind. 

Have you had any experiences with these treatments, or any others?

It has been a long while since my thoughts have turned to this space, and for the most part I am grateful for that. 2009 & 2010 required me to spend most of my days researching what I could eat, planning what to eat, shopping for that food, cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, and finally, eating. My health was such, and my food sensitivities so plenty, that this was necessary for a long while. In order to maintain some sense of sanity, I looked upon it as a creative task, and often a spiritual task. I would work slowly, thoughtfully, often listening to Alan Watts or some sort of meditative music, and trying to focus my whole being on healing. This, naturally, gave me little time and energy for my true creative loves, and that, naturally, left me feeling unsatisfied. Come 2011, for the most part, my gut has healed enough, and my knowledge base is steady enough that my diet has become more low-maintenance. This is all relative, of course, and I still have to bring food with me to dinner parties and on trips, but it is all down to more or less of a manageable routine. Even more than this, however, is the fact that this year I have sadly discovered that diet & herbalism can not heal everything. I have gotten to a point where I have learned to control everything I can, and the rest is out of my hands. So that, dear friends, has been the reason why you have not found me here.

I find a great deal of spiritual guidance from the symbols in the Tarot. In a workbook of mine, it has a numerological formula for finding which card represents the year you are in now. At the end of 2010, when I added up the numbers and found that the Hanging Man was the card for 2011, I was crestfallen. I felt momentum, I felt anticipation, I felt, more than anything else, a feeling that there was absolutely no way in hell I could handle another year without answers, with chronic pain and illness, and all of the crap that comes with it. The Hanging Man traditionally represents many things that I was ready to welcome, the consequences of your actions coming to fruition (both positive and negative) for example, but it also represents surrender, sacrifice, a period of inactivity, a recognition of the negative things that we might be hung up on. (See more here.) I thought that I already lived that. And I also thought that when I was diagnosed with Lupus in May, after almost a decade without answers and 4 months of the most extreme fatigue I'd had in years, that the card had been proved irrelevant. I would get on a raw diet, I would try Plaquenil, and I would start regaining my life back.

Summer passed, my fatigue became worse, I became extremely sensitive to sun and light, I would have bouts of numbness and inability to speak or move, and I had started to get these "ticks" as I called them, which were mild shakes and movements of my head that embarrassed me quite a bit, and so I told no one of them. 

But in August, when meeting with my new rheumatologist, during an appointment which was the most thorough and lengthy I had thus far with any doctor, I was told that I in fact did not have Lupus, that my auto-immune issues, while present in Sjogren's and Raynaud's, were mild according to my blood work, and that instead, he thought it very likely that I had a mild form of Epilepsy. I was shocked. So happy was I to have a doctor who finally cared and listened, but so helpless did I feel to know that I was starting from scratch again, with a suggested diagnosis that seemed so far from anything I had conceived. I thought of the year so far. I had only regressed. I was weak and without answers. The Hanging Man seemed relevant again. I tried to pay attention to the lessons I could learn from it.

The next day, while having ten vials of blood drawn for tests ordered by my rheumatologist, I blacked out momentarily, and fell into a violent and extended seizure for the first time in my life. I was absolutely terrified. I could not make this stop with a cup of tea. I could not prevent this from happening by avoiding carrots or capsaicin. This was happening in my brain, and I had no control.

Four months later, the seizures have become a regular part of my life. These "ticks" as I once called them come in varied forms, are usually fleeting, but almost always near the surface, just begging for a trigger to send it over the edge. Complications with insurance have delayed tests and doctors visits, and made for a very frightening autumn with some more severe episodes, but this month I will finally have the EEGs and appointments I've needed, and I am feeling like change may finally be at my doorstep. 

One of the most challenging lessons that I've had to learn, and continue to learn, is the necessity of asking for help, and for properly articulating my needs to those around me. This is a daily challenge, and you'd think that with something like a seizure that it would be pretty straight-forward and obvious that help is required, but this has not been easy for me. I am sharing all of these details of my life with you now for two main reasons: to tell those that are friends and family members to me that I need you, and that I am so grateful to you for how you have taken care of me and taught me that it is okay to be helpless sometimes, and to tell those of you that I don't know that it is absolutely okay for you to advocate for yourself. Are your doctors not listening to you? Do research, work with your insurance company, and get a new one. That one doesn't work, either? Get a new one. Make phone calls, get letters written so that you can see those specialists that aren't in your insurance network. Call your friends and family, and be honest with them about what is going on, and be patient and accept their honesty when it is not easy for them either. Sometimes we can make the mistake of assuming that our needs are obvious, but everyone handles trials differently, so communication is key. Most of all, know that it isn't your fault when you can't make it go away. By changing my diet and learning about herbalism, I rid myself of chronic migraines, decades of IBS troubles, seasonal allergies, and a number of other pains and difficulties. I am so grateful for those improvements. But we have to accept sometimes the humbling power of disease. It is a teacher, it is the alchemist's flame, it is, at times, completely out of our control. 

I hope that this year, which for me is represented by the Death card of the Tarot (which is the bringer of rebirth, the (sometimes painful) shedding of those things that no longer serve us), will bring healing and positive, cathartic change for those of us in need of it. My love to all those who are similarly struggling, have so in the past, or may in the future.

RAW ZUCCHINI & SUMMER SQUASH "NOODLES"* WITH AN HERBED LEMON & COCONUT BUTTER "CHEESE", LIGHTLY SPLASHED WITH RAW COCONUT AMINOS

 I've been spending a great deal of time (perhaps too much) researching Lupus since my diagnosis. I've wanted to be informed when attending my follow-up appointment with the rheumatologist (as he sadly didn't offer me with many resources), and have wanted to expose myself to alternative treatment options that an allopathic doctor would not typically suggest to me. The most commonly advocated alternative treatment for autoimmune diseases is an appropriate diet that eliminates food sensitivities and common toxins. Guess what? I have a head start. My intuition has clearly served me well in that department. Besides eliminating gluten, however, a diet largely made up of raw foods seems to be the most commonly talked about diet, which according to various anecdotal stories shared via the web and to me personally, can alleviate many of the symptoms and even lead some to remission. This gives me great hope, although I am keeping that hope in check with the understanding that every body is different; what works for one may not work for another. Let me be clear that Lupus is potentially a very serious disease, and therefore alternative treatments for it are highly controversial. I have the advantage of only having mild Lupus at this time (in my mind thanks to the dietary changes I've made, though I will elaborate on that more at a different time), and consequently have some leeway to experiment. Summer is an excellent time to eat raw food, as well; I am more than happy to rarely turn on the stove. I'm a little bit more skeptical about how this will work out in a cold New England winter, given that I also have Raynaud's. Anyone with experience in that department, please share your thoughts in the comments!

RAW SHAVED* ACORN SQUASH WITH MINT, SHAVED MACADAMIA NUTS, COCONUT BUTTER, LEMON, OLIVE OIL, LAVENDER BUDS & FLEUR DE SEL

So, have I noticed any improvements since making the shift? Hell yes. My cravings for starch and sweets have decreased significantly. My portion control (typically something I really struggle with) is leaps and bounds beyond what it has been. Also, when I've made exceptions to my diet by indulging in typically forbidden foods, my reactions are far less severe, and I recover much more quickly. Want an example? I'm eating fruit. Let me put that into perspective for you: with the exception of lemon & avocado, I haven't eaten fruit for almost 2 years. I've been following the recommendations of the Body Ecology Diet and eating it only in the morning and always by itself, but I've made some exceptions to that, as well. Papaya, pear & banana have been recent trials. Want another example? Today, my husband and I went to Kickass Cupcakes, where I indulged in not one, but two gluten-free cupcakes. (Sugar, eggs, flours, oh my!) So far, I'm suffering from some mild brain fog, but otherwise I'm okay. I followed the trip up with some raw celery to help move it along, and some stevia-sweetened sparkling mineral water with added peppermint oil to soothe any possible inflammation.

RAW SHAVED* DAIKON & EASTER EGG RADISHES WITH PARSLEY, LEMON, CHOPPED RAW HAZELNUTS, SEA SALT & OLIVE OIL

I would love it if you would share your thoughts on this approach. I am still holding off on fulfilling my prescription for Plaquenil at the pharmacy, but beginning to warm up to the idea. How do you treat your illness? Have you improved from an autoimmune disease through diet? Have you tried the raw food diet and improved your health? Have you recovered? Or are you one of the many who feels it to be a naive and mislead approach? Please weigh in.

In the meantime, here are two resources I have taken advantage of:

Shares her experience of putting her severe Lupus into remission on a raw food diet.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how I should begin this post. It has been so many years, at times I could say my entire life, that I have been dealing with inexplicable and troubling symptoms without a diagnosis from the many doctors and specialists that I've seen. It has now been a little over a week since I visited a rheumatologist for the first time and was quickly diagnosed with Lupus, an auto-immune disease in which your body's immune system becomes over-active and attacks its own tissues and/or nerves, precipitating a great deal of symptoms from mild to life-threatening. My diagnosis happens to coincide with Lupus Awareness Month, so though I have been tempted to retreat into the solace of my proclaimed "break" from my blog, I thought it more appropriate for me to step out into the light for a bit and share the news. There is much that I could and would like to say on the subject, but given that the discomfort with typing much remains, I will be brief. I have experienced a myriad of emotions as a result of the diagnosis: from relief and joy over finally having a name and an understanding of what my body has been going through to, well frankly, fear over what my body is going through. My deepest gratitude goes to those who have supported, loved and encouraged me over the past decade of struggle; much love and light to you all. 

Understanding Lupus from the Lupus Foundation of America

Dear readers, I feel as though I must at this time be kind to myself and take a bit of a break from posting here. It may only be for a week, it may be longer, but given that this is also slated as a blog about health, I thought it appropriate to let you know, and offer somewhat of an explanation. As I've mentioned before, I have (and have had for coming on 10 years) chronic health problems, and my symptoms wax and wane from time to time. I have recently had some significant flare-ups, and along with a gamut of other lovely symptoms, my nerve inflammation has been more severe over the past week, partially because of a new physical therapy regiment that is aimed at decreasing muscle tension that pinches the main nerves in both of my arms. It is very uncomfortable for me to type at this time, so although I have much I'd like to share with you right now, food and health-wise, I must be realistic and give my body the rest that it clearly needs. To my dear friends and family members, thank you as always for your support, and hopefully I will return shortly.

My attention was recently brought to this article from Natural News, which raises many concerns about the future of alternative medicine, not only in North Carolina, but throughout the United States. Given the recent legislative trends in our country, it seems plausible that the idea could spread. Let's see what we can do to stop it, lest our health and the welfare of our healers suffer as a result!

I've been making my way through The Body Ecology Diet book, trying to fill in the gaps in my diet and lifestyle changes in order to better facilitate my healing. If you are unfamiliar with the title, it is one of the most referenced texts on internal bacterial overgrowth, it's effects on health, and the necessary dietary changes to heal and keep it in check. Much of the information in the book I have already read in my various internet haunts over the past couple of years, but it is giving me some important information that I haven't previously considered, such as proper food combining and the importance of consuming fermented vegetables. If you have been following my blog closely, you may recall that fermented foods of any kind have been on my Absolutely Avoid list, because every time I have tried to introduce them into my diet, I immediately get a fits of brain fog, light-headedness, and often increased inflammation in my body. Sooo...I quickly abandoned said attempts and opted for playing it safe. The new year, however, has brought a persistent impatience with stasis into my life, and I feel that I've made enough headway in my healing that I can afford to take some risks. Maybe. I hope. Eh...we'll see.

So, here I am on week two of ingesting a wee bit of fermented something or other almost every day, in addition to the super probiotics that I've been taking 2-3 times a day for the past year. While I do feel a bit of the brain fog and fatigue, as well as a mild but persisting nausea, I'm hoping that this will improve in time and is simply a bit of the Herxheimer effect. Why do I feel hopeful this time around? I've made a few other exceptions in my diet in the past week that normally would throw me pretty off, but seemed to have little effect on me. Por exemplo: On Friday, I made some cashew-based custards, and included 6 wee blueberries in mine. Taken with stride. Later in the day I made a homemade butternut squash soup (recipe soon!), and ate a fair amount of the leftovers the following day. Pushing it, for sure, but I seemed to be okay. It does seem equally possible that because I feel off from the fermented veggies, the reactions my body is having from these exceptions aren't feeling as acute, but for now, I'm trying not to analyze it too much. My trial shall continue, and dear friends, you will benefit.

The two jars that I cultured this month turned out to be absolutely delicious, and I have utilized the vegetables, herbs and juices in a variety of ways that I am excited to share with you in installments.  (Wraps, marinades, dressings, and chips!) Both of them are uniquely flavored, but both have an intoxicating smoky flavor thanks to the applewood smoked sea salt that I used. (Only two more days to enter to win some here!) I will absolutely be making these again. Be sure, also, to check out Kim's selection of fermented cuisine here. I used her tutorials as guides.

2 SMALL PARSNIPS

1/2 CUP WARM WATER

1 1/2 TSP OF FENNEL SEED

2/3 TSP MEYER LEMON ZEST (or combo of orange and lemon zest)

2 LARGE STEMS OF TARRAGON

1 SMALL SPRIG OF ROSEMARY 

CLEAN THE PARSNIPS, AND USE A VEGETABLE PEELER TO SHAVE RIBBONS OF PARSNIP OFF UNTIL YOU CAN'T PEEL ANY MORE. IN A CLEAN, STERILIZED JAR, LAYER FIRST THE SEEDS, THEN ALTERNATE TARRAGON AND PARSNIPS, AND TOP WITH THE ROSEMARY. PACK ALL INGREDIENTS VERY TIGHTLY. IN A SMALL BOWL OR CUP, MIX WATER, SALT AND ZEST. MIX UNTIL SALT FAIRLY DISSOLVED AND THE ZEST IS HYDRATED (IF DRIED). POUR INTO THE JAR, AND DO YOUR BEST TO SUBMERGE ALL HERBS AND VEGETABLES. SCREW ON THE TOP OF THE JAR VERY TIGHTLY. PLACE IN A WARM AREA AND ALLOW TO SIT, 3-7 DAYS DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ROOM AND HOW STRONGLY FERMENTED YOU WANT IT TO BE. (I KEPT MINE ON A SHELF ATOP THE RADIATOR.) REFRIGERATE WHEN DONE.

1 CUP WARM WATER

1 SKINNY BURDOCK ROOT

1 SMALL LOTUS ROOT

1 LEMONGRASS STALK

3-4 STALKS OF BASIL LEAVES

2 TBS PERILLA/SHISO SEEDS

1 1/2 TBS CORIANDER SEEDS

1/2 TBS APPLEWOOD SMOKED SEA SALT

1/2 TBS PLAIN SEA SALT

CLEAN THE ROOTS AND SHAVE THEIR SKINS OFF WITH A VEGETABLE PEELER. RINSE PEELER AND THEN PEEL THE FLESH OF THE BURDOCK ROOT WITH IT UNTIL YOU CAN'T PEEL ANY MORE. THINLY SLICE THE LOTUS ROOT INTO DISCS. SLICE THE LEMONGRASS, HOWEVER SUITS YOUR FANCY. I DID BOTH VERTICAL CUTS AND SMALL CIRCLES. IN A CLEAN, STERILIZED JAR, LAYER FIRST THE SEEDS, THEN THE BASIL, THEN BURDOCK, LEMONGRASS ACCORDING TO HOW IT WAS CUT/WILL FIT, THEN STACK THE LOTUS ROOT ABOVE. PACK CONTENTS IN TIGHTLY. IN A SMALL BOWL OR CUP, MIX THE WARM WATER AND SALT, AND THEN POUR INTO THE JAR. TAKE CARE TO KEEP CONTENTS SUBMERGED. SCREW ON JAR TOP VERY TIGHTLY. PLACE IN A WARM AREA AND ALLOW TO SIT, 3-7 DAYS DEPENDING ON THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ROOM AND HOW STRONGLY FERMENTED YOU WANT IT TO BE. (I KEPT MINE ON A SHELF ATOP THE RADIATOR.) REFRIGERATE WHEN DONE.

I was grateful to Alison for posting a link to an article in the Wall Street Journal about gluten sensitivity the other day. I am one of the many who went through blood work and an endoscopy to test for Celiac disease, and was shocked to get negative results. My system becomes nearly crippled when I eat wheat or gluten, how could I not have it? Luckily, one of the many GI doctors I met with discussed with me gluten intolerance/sensitivity vs. Celiac disease, and even suggested an online testing option if I wanted to get a somewhat definitive answer. I haven't sought out the online test, as I know now unequivocally that I don't tolerate it, simply from listening and observing my body and it's needs. Not everyone has that support, though, or the awareness that gluten sensitivity could be causing their unexplained symptoms in the first place. Hopefully awareness will continue to increase, and more people will be assured that they are not crazy.

Interesting article by Jerome Groopman on the current research about food allergies in children in February 7th issue of the New Yorker. It's good to know that the field of food allergies is finally being taken serious enough for proper research to actually be funded. 

After spending two days in the darkroom this week playing with chemistry, I found myself with a strong headache and a feeling of uncertainty as to whether or not I might remain on my feet. I meant to make this blend last night before going to bed, but didn't have the energy for it before falling into bed and passing out for 12 hours. I woke up without the headache, but still a bit light-headed, so I grabbed my bin of herbs and my herb guide, and brewed some detox tea. I've been brewing my teas in the french press lately rather than in a pot, as it requires less attention.

1 TSP SHEEP SORREL

1/2 TSP BURDOCK ROOT

1/2 TSP SKULLCAP

1/2 TSP MEADOWSWEET

1/4 TSP MUGWORT

1 ANISE STAR (OPTIONAL)

FILL FRENCH PRESS WITH WATER, AND POUR INTO KETTLE TO BOIL. POUR HERBS IN THE PITCHER, AND ONCE WATER IS BOILING, POUR WATER INTO THE PITCHER. COVER TO STEEP, BUT DO NOT PUSH DOWN STRAINER UNTIL DONE. AFTER ABOUT A 5 MINUTE STEEP, PUSH DOWN STRAINER AND SERVE.

ABOUT THESE HERBS:

SHEEP SORREL: A strong detoxifying herb, most commonly known in herbalism as part of the Essiac anti-cancer tea blend. It helps to cleanse the liver, bring oxygen to the blood, reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy nervous system. I feel a great relief from a number of my symptoms after consuming this herb.

BURDOCK ROOT: Aids in purifying the liver and kidney, neutralizing and eliminating poisons, promotes digestion, and is a diuretic. If you have fructose malabsorption, you typically should avoid burdock, but in small doses like this it may be tolerable.

SKULLCAP: Soothes the nervous system and is a diuretic.

MEADOWSWEET: Diaphoretic and diuretic, it helps to purify the kidney and liver, and also soothes the nervous system.

MUGWORT: Aids in the production and secretion of bile, mild purgative, helps to purify the kidney and liver, diuretic. Also known as the "dream herb". (The addition of Mugwort into this blend might not have been the wisest decision given my altered state, but I thought it's benefits trumped that concern.)

There are many books and online guides that further elaborate on the benefits of these herbs. I most frequently reference this book. I also find helpful information online here and here, to name only two. 

*Please remember that I am not a certified herbalist, and so I am only sharing recipes that have helped me in my own healing. Herbs are potent medicine, and can react differently with each individual. Listen to your own body, and consult a professional if you are able. 

Indulge me for a moment. I tend to want to remain optimistic on this site, partially out of a certain sense of professionalism and a distaste for being too candid with strangers, but mainly out of a desire to remain encouraging to anyone who is suffering from similar problems and would benefit from making significant changes to their diet. But let us be realistic for a moment; sometimes properly taking care of yourself sucks. (Flat understatement.) Over time, I have learned that feeling sorry for myself earns me little comfort (or sympathy), and for the most part if anyone offers me words along the lines of, "That must be so hard," I shrug it off. I typically return their condolences by explaining how lucky I am to live in an area of the world where I have access to a great deal of foods that I tolerate, access to the information that I needed to understand the changes I needed to make in my life, and the creativity and resourcefulness required to flourish. I punctuate those truths with the most important one of all: that it is absolutely worth it, because I feel better than I have in years, and the memory of how unbearably awful I felt every day is enough to make eating the right foods an incredibly easy choice. 

But when you have a list of food restrictions the length of a college admissions essay, and are still managing chronic health problems, life can be hard--especially around the holidays. Last year around this time, I felt quite depressed and deflated. I had gone through months of rigorous testing and doctors appointments, and received no definitive answers except for a blood test which gave me a lengthy report of my food triggers on top of the ones I had already discovered during my elimination diet. I was just beginning to experiment with new foods, and the dishes that I brought with me weren't hits with the family or with my body. This year, my circumstances have improved, but I've felt a wave of anger about it all. Despite my strict diet and lifestyle modifications, I still get flare-ups of Candida, and I'm still unable to work because of my nerve inflammation. I have to make all of my food from scratch, every day. This means that if I want to go on a trip, or even leave my home for a significant amount of time, I have to plan, cook and pack, which can exacerbate the aforementioned inflammation. If family or friends want to eat out, I often have to eat beforehand, as accommodations can't always be made for me. This makes me quite conspicuous, and often results in everyone talking about my health problems for the bulk of the night. (I'm still learning the art of redirecting conversation.) It ends up being quite difficult to not feel like my identity is completely shaped by what is missing in my life, rather than what enriches it, like my main loves, music, art and photography. 

Anger, however, can be a gift, and I hope to use that emotion to help energize my next wave of searching for answers. I'm determined to make the new year a positive one. In the meantime, let's ride this wave of catharsis. Here, in answer to that need, and in answer to my many friends and family members repeated requests, is my current list of foods, spices and ingredients that I have to avoid. (Take a deep breath...)

The following can be eaten in extreme moderation: Sweet potatoes/yams & other sugary root vegetables including squash,  peas, grains of any kind (including quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, etc.), foods high in fructans & inulin like endive, artichokes, and many of the foods I've already listed.

This seems to be a complete list. No doubt, those friends and family members who have asked will now be able to see why I haven't indulged them thus far. It is an intimidating list, and one which doesn't acknowledge those foods that I try to avoid for ethical & environmental reasons, such as veal and many fish. I am, however, fully aware of the need to pick my battles, so I can't claim to never consume farmed Atlantic Salmon or questionably sourced chicken or turkey if I am eating at a restaurant or as a guest in someone else's home without other options. 

Much gratitude and respect to anyone who has made it this far. Hopefully those of you who can relate to this will at least find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

Though the season has kept me busy enough that I haven't documented as many of my own recipes for your plates as I'd hoped, I have been bookmarking a few recipes by some of my favorite food bloggers for you to peruse, and am including them below. All of these recipes would have to be adjusted for my own diet, but they are exciting foundations to work from.

BREADS & SPREADS
Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Biscuits @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin & Feta Muffins @ 101 Cookbooks
Garlic Chive Drop Biscuits @ Affairs of Living
Yeast-Free Pumpkinseed Teff Sandwich Bread @ Affairs of Living
Pepper-Crusted Cashew "Cheese" With Herbs @ Affairs of Living
Cashew Pumpkin Seed "Cheese" With Apple-Cranberry Sauce @ Affairs of Living
Macadamia Nut Cheese @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

SAVORY SOUPS
Christmas Lima Bean Stew @ 101 Cookbooks
Creamy Spinach & Celeriac Soup @ Affairs of Living
Creamy Sunchoke, Broccoli & Leek Soup @ Affairs of Living
Turnip & Pear Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Roasted Chestnut & Parsnip Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs

SALADS & SIDES
Quinoa, Roasted Beet & Walnut Salad @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Gluten-Free Chestnuts & Brussel Sprouts @ Elana's Pantry
Cauliflower, Parsnip & Bean Mash @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
The Ravishing Rutabaga: 4 Recipes... @ Affairs of Living
Rutabaga Gratin @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Root Vegetable Lasagna @ GLOW

PROTEIN
Vegan Haggis @ Swell
Easy Breakfast “Sausage” Patties and Biscuits with Smoky Almond Gravy @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Portabello Steaks @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Wild Lentil Loaf With Parsnip Gravy (and more) @ Affairs of Living
Crockpot Beef Roast With Root Vegetables & Flourless Gravy @ Affairs of Living
Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Figs and Sweet Onions @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

DESSERT
Holiday Nog @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Orange Olive Oil Mini Cakes @ The Sensitive Pantry
Buckwheat Cinnamon Rolls @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin Custard @ Elana's Pantry
Fig & Walnut Baked Apples @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Mock Tapioca Pudding @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Chocolate Dipped Dates with Spiced Nuts @ Tasty Eats At Home
Kim's Dessert Index @ Affairs of Living (So that I don't end up listing them all here!)

If you are on a restricted diet for health reasons, treat yourself well during the holidays by arriving prepared to the festivities. Preparation can include both the physical, spiritual and emotional. First, either communicate with others involved in cooking regarding collaborating on dishes that you can enjoy, or bring them yourself. I like these tips from Marni Wasserman on what to consider when preparing your fare. Second, redefine the term "treat". Typically we think of this as something indulgent, not necessarily good for us, but a signal to ourselves that we deserve the best. For those of us with severe food sensitivities, though, considering the consequence of a "treat", it can end up feeling more masochistic than genuinely rewarding to indulge. Keep perspective, and remember that the most important thing is to feel well enough to enjoy your friends and family without being distracted by pain and discomfort. Third, bring your medicine. It's easy to make exceptions in our routines when we're traveling, but I've found that when I make the effort to bring my supplements and herbs with me, I have a significantly better visit. For me, the most important items to bring are my probiotics, my loose herbs and my tea ball. Pack your probiotics in ice, and select some herbs or teas that will soothe your typical symptoms. I find it especially helpful during the holidays to include blends with sweet flavors, particularly licorice root, as it is exceptionally sweet, and it helps to keep candida in check. Finally, stay grounded. It's easy when visiting with family to become a bit detached from our core; it's classic survival mode. The result of that, however, can be a lack of connection with our intuition, which tells us what our body and soul need to remain healthy and comfortable. Check in, stay aware of your needs, and take care of yourself.

Happy Holidays, dear ones.

I've tended to pretty much rely on the same herbs to help alleviate my symptoms, but this week I had to mix it up a bit. I recently introduced a new supplement to my daily regiment, and have been doing some exercises and stretches that, combined, have left me feeling a bit off. My routine has been off as well, and I haven't been very good about making my regular teas. I reached my breaking point today, though, and finally made a big pot. It never ceases to amaze me how immediate the relief can be! This blend has the lovely flavor of a mild black tea.

1/2 TSP CATNIP

1/2 TSP MEADOWSWEET

1/2 TSP ROSE HIPS

1/4 TSP GOLDENSEAL

1/4 TSP RASPBERRY LEAF

10 CUPS WATER

PUT DRIED HERBS IN A TEA BALL, AND PLACE IT IN A LARGE COVERED POT WITH THE WATER. BRING TO A RAPID BOIL, REDUCE THE HEAT, AND BOIL ON LOW FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. TURN OFF HEAT AND ALLOW TO STEEP FOR 5-10 MINUTES, DEPENDING ON HOW STRONG YOU WANT IT, OR HOW DISTRACTED YOU ARE. POUR INTO A 1 GALLON MASON JAR*, AND THE EXCESS INTO MUGS TO ENJOY. PLACE JAR IN THE REFRIGERATOR TO CHILL. DRINK COLD OR REHEAT AS DESIRED.

 

ABOUT THESE HERBS:

CATNIP (AKA catmint, catnep, catrup, catswort, field balm) is the herb that I get the most cocked eyebrows about. It is a godsend for both us and our feline friends, although it seems to have a bit of a different effect on the nerves of humans than cats. Herb books will tell you that it is helpful for upset stomachs, spasms, flatulency, acid and diarrhea. In my experience, it also helps to bring a feeling of peaceful euphoria, settling the nervous system, curbing migraines and anxiety attacks, and generally just making my body all kinds of happy. For those reasons it is my favorite in my basket of medicinal herbs.

MEADOWSWEET (AKA bridewort, dollof, meadsweet, meadow queen, meadow-wort, pride of the meadow, queen of the meadow) is most often prescribed for cold and flu symptoms, but also helps to relieve indigestion, diarrhea and gastritis. It also helps to relieve joint pain, is helpful for arthritis and rheumatism. Additionally, it contains sacylic acid, which is a natural pain reliever, also found in white willow bark (which aspirin was originally made from.) It's use was recently suggested to me by a naturopath, and I've found it to be a helpful and tasty addition to my teas.

ROSE HIPS are unfortunately not listed in my herb guides, but while looking for some basic guides online, I stumbled upon this article, which details some benefits that I wasn't even aware of! Apparently I've been doing my body more of a favor than I realized...I've been adding rose hips to help relieve joint pain, but according to this article, it also helps to relieve dizziness and digestive problems, soothes the nerves, and helps to support healthy intestinal flora. I think that I'll be including them in my blends more often!

GOLDENSEAL (AKA eye balm, eye root, ground raspberry, Indian plant, jaundice root, orangeroot, tumeric root, yellow puccoon, yellowroot) is also often prescribed for cold or allergy symptoms, as it relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes in the throat. It also aids in fighting intestinal bacteria growth, and soothes the digestive system in general, both of which are what prompted me to add it into the rotation. Read more here.

RASPBERRY LEAF helps prevent diarrhea and nausea, but is most popularly used to help relieve menstrual cramping and general PMS symptoms. Last month, I added this to my teas for the week prior to my period, and was amazed at how mild my symptoms were. I really didn't have any cramps, which for me is monumental.

As noted in my last post, I've been introducing some ingredients into my diet lately that I've avoided for quite some time. That paired with the glorious autumn season and the sugary root vegetables that accompany it has left me with a few flare-ups of symptoms that I could do without. Besides the usual stomach upsets, the inulin I've been ingesting (burdock root! sun chokes!) has seemed to affect my serotonin levels, and has brought on a few days of ye olde depression, anxiety, excessive and confusing fits of tears. Pretty awesome. The positive side of it, is that after a year of carefully monitoring my food, I have perspective and know that it's a result of food and brain chemistry, not a result of any lasting concern for my quality of life or being. Words can not properly express how freeing that knowledge is after years of very truly being in the dark! In the meantime, though, what to do to help accelerate my recovery? Never underestimate the power of herbs. I like to make a big pot of tea that I can drink over a day or two, allowing them to work their magic and clear my body of the offending substances. If you have indulged in some forbidden dairy products, I would suggest adding rosehips to the blend, as it really helps to soothe the joint pain that often accompanies it. Here is this week's prescription:

PUT DRIED HERBS IN A TEA BALL, AND PLACE IT IN A LARGE COVERED POT WITH THE WATER. BRING TO A RAPID BOIL, REDUCE THE HEAT, AND BOIL ON LOW FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. TURN OFF HEAT AND ALLOW TO STEEP FOR 5-10 MINUTES, DEPENDING ON HOW STRONG YOU WANT IT, OR HOW DISTRACTED YOU ARE. POUR INTO A 1 GALLON MASON JAR*, AND THE EXCESS INTO MUGS TO ENJOY. PLACE JAR IN THE REFRIGERATOR TO CHILL. DRINK COLD OR REHEAT AS DESIRED.

ABOUT THESE HERBS:

LEMON BALM (AKA balm mint, bee balm, blue balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, garden balm, melissa, sweet balm) is a favorite of mine, as it takes care of a number of my symptoms. It is soothing to the nerves and digestive system, reduces inflammation, cramping, headaches, flatulence and melancholy, and on top of that has a wonderful almost milky flavor to it that compliments just about any tea blend.

LICORICE ROOT (AKA sweet licorice, sweet wood) is somewhat mucilaginous, so it helps to coat and soothe the digestive system as well as the throat. It also helps fight nerve inflammation, and soothes the nervous system in general. It is also recommended as an herb to help fight candida overgrowth; I find it particularly helpful in this regard simply because it is so sweet that drinking it can help curb my intense cravings for sugary indulgences.

SKULLCAP (AKA blue skullcap, blue pimpernel, helmet flower, hoodwort, mad-dog-weed, side-flowering skullcap) is another go-to herb for soothing the nervous system. It is also anti-spasmodic and diuretic.

CATNIP (AKA catmint, catnep, catrup, catswort, field balm) is the herb that I get the most cocked eyebrows about. It is a godsend for both us and our feline friends, although it seems to have a bit of a different effect on the nerves of humans than cats. Herb books will tell you that it is helpful for upset stomachs, spasms, flatulency, acid and diarrhea. In my experience, it also helps to bring a feeling of peaceful euphoria, settling the nervous system, curbing migraines and anxiety attacks, and generally just making my body all kinds of happy. For those reasons it is my favorite in my basket of medicinal herbs.

Herbs can be purchased in bulk online; I get mine in bulk from my local co-op in Cambridge.

There are many useful books on herbalism out there. The one I reference the most is here. There are also many online guides; I recently turned on to one here.