This celery soup recipe, adapted from Bon Appetit's version, offers a quick and delicious meal that serves two. The preparation is minimal and straightforward since the soup will be pureed, requiring only about 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook. For a vibrant result, it's recommended to use a clear broth, enhancing the soup's pale yellow-green color and beautifully complementing the speckled emerald of fresh dill.
The soup incorporates ingredients such as ghee, cinnamon, shallots, and celery, with the addition of a roughly chopped potato for texture. These are sautéed and then simmered with a low-sodium vegetable broth until the potato is tender. After puréeing the mixture with fresh dill, creamy cashew cream is stirred in to achieve a rich consistency, ready to be garnished with celery leaves, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
For an optional topping, consider adding homemade gomasio, composed of toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped dulse, and a hint of pink salt. Additionally, the recipe includes instructions for making cashew cream, which requires soaking cashews and blending them with simple ingredients like a date and vanilla extract. This flavorful addition enhances both the texture and taste of the soup, making it a delightful and nourishing dish.
Ashwagandha in Ayurveda means “smelling like a horse”. When it was discovered in ancient times this is how they identified this herb. The English name is ‘Winter Cherry’. It has beautiful leafy greens and small red berries. It is part of the nightshade family so if you have allergies to night shades please choose a different adaptogen to work with.
Ashwagandha is known for being a tonic, rejuvenative, nervine, aphrodisiac, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. A superb remedy for nervous exhaustion. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body adapt to various stressors—e.g., heat, cold, exertion, trauma, sleep deprivation, toxic exposure, radiation, infection, psychological stress. Ginseng is regarded by some as the prototypic adaptogen. Ashwagandha can be considered a ‘junior’ ginseng, making it the least over stimulating of the ginseng family.
In Ayurveda, adaptogens are known as ‘rasayanas’ which are herbs believed to promote youthfulness and increase resistance to illness. Ashwagandha as an adaptogen, appears to enhance endocrine function, and can help support an under-active thyroid and support balanced functioning for the testes and adrenal glands. It is often used in Ayurvedic formulas to support fertility and vitality in men. For women, it can be supportive during heavy periods because it is rich in iron and has been used as a uterine tonic. For the immune system, ashwagandha has a balancing action and can be used in the presence of either hyper- or hypo-immune function.
General uses include:
Nerve exhaustion
Loss of memory
Loss of muscle energy
Insomnia
Paralysis
MS
Weakened Eyes
Rheumatism
Anemia
Fatigue
Infertility
Loss of memory
Loss of muscle energy
Insomnia
Paralysis
MS
Weakened Eyes
Rheumatism
Anemia
Fatigue
Infertility
Contraindications:
Severe congestion, high ama (toxins), lymph congestion, cold and flu.
Severe congestion, high ama (toxins), lymph congestion, cold and flu.
Ayurvedic herbalism uses ashwagandha for general debility and exhaustion, emaciation, memory loss, nerve diseases, cough, anemia, anxiety, and insomnia. Study after study confirms the stress tolerance, performance and endurance enhancing benefits of this herb. It has been shown to increase physical working capacity, increase the size of the heart and the content of blood sugar fuel in the heart and liver.
In another double - blind clinical study, ashwagandha was taken 3 g per day for 1 year, was tested on the process of aging in 101 healthy male adults (50-59 years of age). Significant improvements in hemoglobin, red blood cells, hair pigment and seated stature were observed. Serum cholesterol decreased, nail calcium was preserved and 71.4% of those who received the herb reported improvement in sexual performance.
Ayurveda considers it a ‘grounding’ herb. One that nourishes and regulates metabolic processes and stabilizes mood. As well as being a slow-acting tonic herb, this remedy seems to regulate sleep cycles over time. It also has anti-oxidant activity in the brain, which support anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. Ashwagandha promotes sound sleep and supports Yoga and meditation.
A typical dose is about a gram per day, taken over long periods up to several years, as a rejuvenator. Ashwagandha is typically given with pungent, heating herbs (ginger, pepper, etc.) to increase its tonic effects.
Ashwagandha was named “Herb of the Year” in 2019 and I have included it in my Ayurvedic products such as Veda Roast coffee alternative, Bulletproof Coffee Booster, and Golden Sleep.
Authors note:
*I have brought you this article through research conducted by the writings and wisdom of my teacher and mentor for Ayurvedic Herbs, KP Khalsa. He was the chief formulator for Yogi Teas, and highly credentialed in East West clinical herbal and dietary nutrition. Through him I have taken courses on Ayurvedic Herbs for Women & Integrated Herbology of Ayurvedic, Chinese, & Western Herbs.
I also recommend:
*The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs by Michael Terra & KP Khalsa
With a rich history in herbal medicine, essential oils once stood as humanity’s strongest medicinal resource until the early 1900s. Today, scientific studies underscore the efficacy of Aromatherapy, leading to its integration into mainstream medical practices and daily routines. Essential oils, derived from plant essences rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, embody a reservoir of healing, with purity often reflected in price and potency, where even a few drops can yield significant therapeutic effects.
Aromatherapy can be seamlessly woven into daily life through various applications such as diffusers, steam inhalation, and massage. By harnessing the power of the Olfactory system, essential oils stimulate both nerve receptors and brain functions, rapidly influencing mood and physiological processes. This practice not only promotes immediate relief and balance but also aligns with Ayurvedic principles, encouraging harmony between one's constitution and environment through personalized scent profiles.
Whether it’s stabilizing Vata, pacifying Pitta, or invigorating Kapha, various essential oils cater to specific doshic needs, assisting in emotional and physical equilibrium. The thoughtful use of these plant-based remedies can provide substantial benefits, particularly during life transitions such as menopause. Incorporating essential oils into routine self-care fosters an enriched, holistic lifestyle marked by well-being and self-love, available to anyone seeking to enhance their personal health journey.
Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that profoundly impacts the nervous system by calming and cleansing the mind, providing relief from anxiety, stress, fatigue, and hypertension. By pouring a stream of warm liquid over the head, this treatment also addresses insomnia, jet lag, and mood regulation while promoting relaxation and cognitive clarity. Additionally, Shirodhara nourishes the hair and scalp, enhances spiritual progress, and boosts overall immunity by balancing the body’s doshas.
This therapeutic practice is recommended for a wide range of conditions including PTSD and hormonal imbalances, yet it is not suitable for everyone; contraindications include obesity, recent neck injuries, and various acute illnesses. Typically administered over 30 to 45 minutes for 7 to 14 days, the treatment’s duration is tailored based on individual dosha imbalances or practitioner recommendations. Those considering Shirodhara should prepare for a tranquil post-treatment environment, refrain from heavy meals, and allow the therapeutic oils to remain in the hair to maximize its effects.
Participants should come prepared by wearing old, comfortable clothing and bringing head coverings if needed for post-appointment exposure to cooler climates. While the therapy is open to many, it is important to consult with a professional to ensure suitability given personal health conditions. Embracing Shirodhara can lead to profound physical, energetic, and spiritual rejuvenation, offering a natural approach to achieving balance and well-being.
Abhyanga, also known as Ayurvedic Massage, is a therapeutic practice that involves the application of warm, herbalized oil to the body. This traditional technique is designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit by providing comfort, relaxation, and nourishment. The process engenders a sense of being enveloped in love and warmth, contributing to a feeling of contentment and relief from anxiety through its grounding properties.
The abundant use of oil in Abhyanga not only provides surface-level nourishment but also facilitates deep tissue detoxification and joint lubrication. By penetrating tissue layers, the oil aids in the elimination of toxins and can even function as a fat burner, adding value to wellness and weight loss programs. The massage sequence encourages proper blood and lymph flow, which helps in the removal of metabolic wastes, enhancing the body's ability to flush out toxins.
Moreover, Abhyanga revitalizes internal organs and strengthens the skin, enhancing its hydration and natural beauty. As a unique feature, the massage often involves two therapists working in harmony on both sides of the body, creating a highly recommended Ayurvedic experience. However, it is important to note that Ayurvedic massage is not advisable under certain conditions, such as fever or dehydration, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended when in doubt.
