ER Health News March 2015

ER HEALTH NEW S MARCH 26, 2015 | I SSUE no 2

A FRESH ST ART Detox and learn how to kickstart your body's innate healing system with food. Do it effortlessly. with pointers and recipes from a Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Ambassador.

JAMU Explore the intricacies of this ancient I ndonesia art of herbal medicine.

Welcom e!

Declutter your body, mind & soul

We are already one- quarter of the way into the year. I am sure many of you out there have made a list of New Year Resolutions.

I t's a perfect time to take stock as we approach the Spring Equinox; traditionally a time for reflection and renewal - how close are you to achieving them?

Often, we feel stuck in a never- ending rut and we find that it gets harder and harder to reach our goals. T his leads to expectations and in turn, this creates stress, anger, frustration and self- deprecation.

But it does not have to be this way.

My philosophy is simple - go with the flow. Have a picture and vision in mind; but ensure you focus on inner work - get to know yourself; your strengths and flaws and just simply accept them. L ove who you are unconditionally and things will happen naturally.

T rust me, this really works!

NEW BEGINNINGS T alking about making fresh starts, we have a rich and exciting issue for you, packed with tips, tricks and techniques to help you feel fit, beautiful, balanced and healthy from the inside out.

I n our featured story, meet Shamsiah Samsuddin, an inspiring nutrition coach who has developed a quick and easy way to jumpstart your body's natural detoxification capabilities. T hen, take a trip to Geylang Serai market with Mandy L eong, a self- taught Jamu practitioner who let us in on the secrets of this ancient art of herbal healing.

Feel in need of some serious pampering? T reat yourself to a soothing massage at the gorgeous and ultra- luxurious ESPA on Sentosa I sland. L ucky me! I recently received an invitation to explore its extensive grounds and facilities, and to try one of their signature treatments. W hat was my verdict? Read on to find out!

L inda Haden Director & Founder, Esoteric Remedies

W HY DETOX?

DETOXING MADE EASY: THE BLISS + BLESS WAY

- Remove toxins

So many of us have been killing our digestive system with processed food laced with toxic

- L ose weight

chemicals, which many scientists and doctors now believe holds the key to our overall

- Slow premature aging

health and wellbeing.

- I ncrease energy levels - Enhance skin quality - I mprove mental and emotional clarity

Gut health is extremely vital. Did you know that 65% or more of your immunity cells are stored in your gut? So if you are putting nutrient- poor food into your stomach, you

are making yourself prone to sickness and disease. A healthy immune system cannot be achieved if you live on a diet of sugary, highly processed foods. So if you are suffering from any of the signs of an imbalanced gut flora - acid reflux, skin infections, allergies, frequent colds or flus and high cholesterol - you might want to consider carrying out a detox to flush out all the contaminants poisoning your body, and give your gut a well deserved rest to regenerate itself.

Shamsiah Samsudin, a nutrition coach from Bliss + Bless and an ambassador for Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, believes that the key to a successful detox lies in making small, consistent changes.

"T weak your diet gradually by introducing more freshly pressed juices, vegetable- based soups and superfoods such as chia seeds to get your gut into shape again," she said.

She also emphasised that it is often the initial stages of establishing new, good eating habits that is often the hardest. "But the trick is to just simply get going.

Don't be afraid to do recipe hacks - they will make it so much easier and you will be

"Pl an a sim pl e m en u u sin g ar ou n d eigh t to ten in gr edien ts th at can be m ixed an d m atch ed, an d can be al ter n ated du r in g th e week . In cor por ate l eftover s. Tr y eatin g vegetabl e sou ps an d gr een sm ooth ies an d ju ices for a week to cl ean you r gu t ou t."

more likely to stick with your new healthy eating regime."

VEGETABLE STOCK

BERRY SOUP

Shamsiah recommends injecting more

Start your day on the right footing

nutrients quickly into your diet by

with this yummy berry soup. Packed

creating vegetable stocks, to which

with vitamins and minerals, this

you can add other ingredients such as

luscious treat can be frozen to make

wild salmon, hormone- free chicken or

smoothie pops. Use fresh or frozen

organic tofu.

berries.

I NGREDI ENT S

I NGREDI ENT S

2 litres purified water

300g blueberries

2 portions of each - onions, carrots,

300g strawberries

garlic, celery

60g kefir

100g sliced Shitake mushrooms 300g artichoke hearts

1 lime, zest and juice 1 tsp chilli powder

800g chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

300g of broccoli

Gently simmer berries until their soft

Put all ingredients into the pot except

for approximately 10- 15 minutes.

the broccoli and simmer for one hour.

T ransfer to a high- speed blender and

Add the broccoli and turn off heat

add remaining ingredients. Served

after five minutes. Makes around 4 to

topped with sliced strawberries,

5 portions.

blueberries and nuts or seeds if you like.

To fin d ou t m or e abou t Bl iss + Bl ess's Fr esh Star t Detox pr ogr am m e an d for m or e in for m ation abou t th eir oth er wor k sh ops an d cl asses pl ease visit: www.bl issan dbl ess.co

Nat ural Head ache Soot her s W hen we are bombarded with relentless demands and come under increasing pressure to perform well in our jobs and everyday lives, the body gradually begins to crack under the mounting strain. A headache is often once of the first symptoms that our body generates to let us know that we need to slow down.

Headaches can be mild or highly debilitating in nature. Most of us will probably reach for paracetemol, aspirin or ibuprofen first to relieve the pain. However, there are numerous drug- free methods you can adopt that have similar soothing effects.

A drop of lavender oil rubbed onto your temples, or a cold compress of peppermint or lavender on your forehead or the back of your neck can provide quick relief from a tension headache.

Blending peppermint and lavender oils together is quite effective as lavender naturally enhances the healing action of other oils.

L avender is a natural sedative, while peppermint is a stimulant.

Many commercial drugs combine a stimulant (usually caffeine) with an analgesic. Consequently, mixing lavender and peppermint will have a similar effect.

For sinus headaches or those caused by extreme mental fatigue, use rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus oils - all of which are stimulants. An inhalation of any of these oils from a tissue or vapouriser will help combat the nasal infection, and help clear the congestion causing it. T ake Dr Bach's Rescue Remedy and single Olive Remedy to boost the healing efficacy of the oils.

For everyday mild headches, eat a handful or two of almonds.

T hey contain salicin, a known painkiller found in over- the- counter drugs. However, migraine sufferers should refrain from eating nuts, as they often trigger attacks.

Alternatively, you may want to try accupressure. Place your fingers in the depression between your first and second toes, and press firmly for two to three minutes.

J am u: Her b al Healing T he exotic art of making Jamu or I ndonesian herbal remedies is spreading beyond its traditional ethnic boundaries as more and more people around the world turn to natural remedies to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Using a variety of flowers, plants and herbs native to South east Asia, practitioners of Jamu can devise tailored formulations to help prevent various ailments, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and to help ease the symptoms of diesease.

Jamu is often shrouded in mystery, given that formulas are often passed on by word of mouth, usually from mother to daugther.

However, younger members of the Malay and I ndonesian communities are becoming less resistant when it comes to sharing formulas with members outside their family, and Jamu is now gaining traction within health and wellness circles in Singapore and beyond.

Mandy L eong is just one of these new breed of Jamu practitioners, integrating traditional Jamu herbs with Western ingredients to create ultra- healthy salads and meals.

"Jamu is an easy way to kickstart our body's self- healing abilities. I t has the power to detoxify and restore health, and it has anti- aging, antioxidant properties to combat serious illnesses, and to boost energy levels," said L eong.

We recently took a trip with Mandy L oeong to explore the Geylang Serai market in the eastern part of Singapore to discover the incredible variety of plants and herbs available to make simple Jamu remedies.

JAMU INGREDIENTS: IN PICTURES During our visit, Mandy guided through the plethora of stalls, pointing out key herbs and plants used in Jamu. Here are the highlights from that Sunday morning trip.

At our first stop, we saw a rather strange looking plant. Termed as "Akavali" this Jamu ingredients is used mainly to ward off diabetes. I t is traditionally boiled, and the water that it boiled in is then drunk.

T his is a local form of passionfruit - as you can tell, it looks a little different from the ones found in Western supermarkets. Jamu

T umeric is a key component of many Jamu recipes. However, a

practitioners extract the juice to aid digestion.

lot of people mistakenly use the smaller tumeric roots found in most stores. I nstead, according to Jamu practioners, we should be using the so- called "I bu K unyit" or Mother T umeric. I t possesses much more potent antioxidant, cancer- fighting properties than the species we commonly used in coooking. I t also combats inflammation and it is used primarily to ease PMS symptoms and to help the body recover after childbirth.

For a quick and simple daily remedy, shred the turmeric root, and boil in a claypot with water and drink half a glass of the steeped water. To make the mixture more palatable, sweeten it with honey.

Pennywort, pictured above, aids in blood ciculation, combating fatigue and helps to thin the blood, and hence, is a great herb for individuals suffering from high blood pressure.

"Th er e's defin itel y a gr owin g in ter est m ovem en t in th e l ocal h er bs an d r em edies we h ave on h an d. It is ju st k n owin g wh er e to sou r ce th em ."

J am u Salad

by Mandy L eong

RAINBOW SALAD W henever I feel constipated and under the weather, I always make a refreshing anti- bacterial and high in anti oxidants salad.

Use wha t ever a m ount of i ngr edi ent s you wa nt t hi s i s a bea ut i ful cr ea t i on t ha t wi ll help you feel ener gi sed for t he r est of t he da y!

I t consists of gotu kola which rich in vitamin C, which aids in enhacning memory.

However, pregnant women should abstain from eating this.

Coriander is the next key component. I t lowers high blood pressure by thinning the blood and improving blood circulation.

T his salad also features long beans to add a bit of protein, crunch and texture; shallots to combat cold and flus; sweet potato for added vitamin B); pomegranate for digestion, and vitamin C); alfalfa sprouts for protein as well; and finally anti- bacterial turmeric leaf drizzled with a lemon water kefir dressing and organic extra virgin olive.

M an dy con du cts wor k sh ops an d cl asses on m ak in g k efir s an d h eal th y sal ads u sin g Jam u in gr edien ts an d l ocal s h er bs an d pl an ts.

For m or e in for m ation pl ease visit: h ttps:/ / www.facebook . com / gr ou ps/ Th eAr tisan al Bu n n y/

ESPA Sing ap ore RELAX

REFRESH

RENEW

I f you are looking to unwind in

As the main Hammam chamber begins

Halfway through the massage, hot

surroundings of unbridled luxury,

to warm up, you will be directed to lie

stones were rolled across my shoulder

ESPA Singapore is just the place.

on the central marble slab, where you

blades, helping to release all the pain

will be scrubbed down with a hand

and tension I had accumulated in that

mitt, as the masseuse skillfully applies

particular area. My lower back pain,

foam all over your body before you are

which had been bothering me for

enveloped in a clay body mask.

weeks, disappeared completely as well.

to offer a fatigued body, mind and soul

Next, you will be asked to make your

Howver, the end of the massage did

the chance to melt away all of life's

way to a steam room, laced with

not spell the end of my pamper day.

stresses and worries.

twinkling lights. After approximately

Shielding my eyes from the noonday

15 minutes, you will be whisked to the

sun, I walked to the relaxation zone,

main chamber again for a final rinse.

where I took a refreshing snooze in

Festooned in a low- level outbuilding bordering the five- star Equarius Hotel, the 10,000 square metre spa offers a wealth of facilities, designed

I had the privilege of trying out their signature treatment - the two- hour Ultimate Hammam ritual.

T his pampering treat will make you feel squeaky clean and blissful right from head to toe.

T he experience began with a quick slip into a traditional T urkish bath towel - the Pestemal.

I felt a little light- headed having spent

one of 10 cushioned pods.

an hour in a rather hot room, but I

I t was pleasantly quiet as I strolled

was certainly ready for the next stage

back to the changing room to try the

of the treatment.

Rock Suana and the Onsen pool, both

T he treatment room on the second floor was decked in dark wood, giving it a warm, homely atmostphere. My

of which provided a much- needed respite from all the day- to- day pressures I face.

masseuse enquired about my main

My visit ended with a scrumptous

You will then be led into the heart of

concerns, and recommended two

meal at T amarind, the spa's in- house

the Hammam and made to sit solemnly

massage oils. I chose the one perfumed

restaurant, which specialises in

as warm water is poured over your

with the sweet blooms of Jasmine and

serving whoelsome, nutrient- dense

head with an intricately inlaid copper

Neroli.

dishes.

bowl.

T he hour- long personalised massage

All in all, it was a wonderful five

T his baptism is then followed by the

was the perfect way to end what was a

hours, and it definitely helped to put a

application of an olive- based body

rather euphoric treatment.

spring back in my step, helping me to

scrub.

reclaim my composure and balance.

BACH

Young L iving's blends have always resonated with me and I truly believe that they will help heighten the healing efficacy of certain Bach Flower Remedies.

T he great thing about Bach flower essences is the fact that given it only contains the energy imprint of flowers and no plant matter, so there's little risk of contradictions. So if you ingest essential oils, you do not have to worry about any adverse reactions.

After a thorough analysis, here is my list of recommendations for pairing Young L iving's essential oil blends and Dr Bach's remarkable flower essences.: T he Bach remedy is featured first, followed by its corresponding Young L iving blend.

Agrimony (releases suppressed negative feelings): Release Centaury (builds self- esteem and inner strength): Valor Clematis (improves concentration): Clarity Gentian (dispels disappointment: Harmony Holly (fills your heart with love and joy): Joy Honeysuckle (stops unhealthy nostalgia and homesickness): Present T ime Hornbeam (tonic to spark motivation): Aroma L ife I mpatiens (tampers impatience and nervous tension): Stress Away

YOUNG LIVING

L arch (injects confidence) - Highest Potential Scleranthus (promotes decisiveness) - Common Sense Star of Bethlehem (eliminates grief and shock) - T rauma L ife and I nner Child Sweet Chestnut(reignites hope when in deep despair): Believe

ER Healt h New s www.esotericremedies.com