Do It Yourself

Essential Oils to Spice-up your Love Life

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Love: At SunsetWhat is an aphrodisiac? What does it do?

An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs are assumed to work one of two ways: one is by impacting the mind, and the other is through affecting specific body parts. According to the FDA however, aphrodisiacs do not have enough research to suggest that they actually work, and rather the theory of their use is based on myth. On the other hand, individuals have reported experiencing benefit from their use, both currently and traditionally, making their use of potential interest.

Aphrodisiac Essential Oils

The following is a list of essential oils that have been used traditionally as aphrodisiacs in various cultures:

  • Jasmine
  • Lavender
  • Vanilla
  • Ginger
  • Cardamon

As suggested above, some of these essential oils have had impact based on their impact on the mind (i.e. the scent causes increased “interest”), while other essential oils have their impact through their physical impact.

Ways to use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways in order to obtain their aphrodisiac quality. Before using the essential oil, they should be tested on skin, sheets, etc. in a small quantity in case there is a reaction to them. Once you have tested the essential oil, it can be used in various ways including: spraying them on sheets, spraying them in the air, using several drops in a bath, dabbing a small amount on the skin.

Caution with Essential Oils

Please use caution with essential oils. As mentioned above, you should always do a test strip on skin, material, or in the air before using it as some individuals may be sensitive to it. Essential oils should not be used in quantities more than 3-5 drops or as otherwise recommended by your health care provider. In this case, if you were using the essential oil as a spray, you should not exceed 3 – 5 drops in water, for example.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

 

 

Elimination Diet – Friendly Tarts

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Elimination Diet Friendly Tart 2This recipe is one that I created in an attempt to make a tart that was gluten – free, dairy – free, egg – free, and ultimately free of sugar (I did add some natural sugars though). These tarts are a nice little treat for you sweet-tooths out there who might need a sweet fix during an elimination diet or restricted diet.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of berries (ideally blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries)
  • 3 tablespoons of honey (may need to add more if the mixture is too “tart”)
  • 1 cup of brown rice flour
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 cups of pitted dates
  • 1 cup of brazil nuts
  • 1 cup of walnuts

Directions:

Filling

  1. Combine 2 cups of berries and 3 tablespoons of honey in a non-stick frying pan and heat until well combined.
  2. Add in flour, followed by slowly adding in the water.
  3. Heat until thick consistency is reached.

Tart Base

  1. Combine dates, brazil nuts, and walnuts in a food processor and mix until thoroughly combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into tart shapes, making sure to leave the center indented for the filling.
  3. Place the filling in the center of the tart base.
  4. Place the tarts in the freezer until approximately 30-60 minutes prior to serving.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763) today and let me help you achieve your health goals.

 

 

Fasting Essentials

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Fasting black and whiteA fast is defined as the following by the medical dictionary: “is voluntarily not eating food for varying lengths of time.” It is used as a medical therapy and/or a spiritual practice. As some of you may know, my husband and I recently completed a 40 day fast, where we only ate 1 meal per day. This fast was the first one for which we embarked on such a task, and as a result, we learned much from it. It is my hope that this blog will help provide you with some resources and information to help you if you ever choose to complete a fast (of various types) yourself.

Plan  

A fast is not something to be taken lightly. It takes not only a physical toll, but a mental one as well. As a result, it is beneficial to plan before completing a fast of any kind. For example, when we completed our fast we were deciding whether we should eat one meal per day or fast meat for the duration. Because there were various holidays involved and social gatherings that we could not control, we chose to eat the one meal per day (after considerable thought and prayer) in order to prevent other’s plans from being interrupted by ours.

Be Prepared 

In addition to planning, it is important to be prepared. Specifically, temptations will arise to have what you are fasting, e.g. chocolate cravings if you are fasting chocolate. Having strategies in place before the fast such as making snacks less accessible by removing them from your home or from plain sight can help your fast be more successful.

Seek Medical Advice

It is important that you seek medical advice before fasting, especially if you have any medical conditions such as high or low blood pressure and diabetes. These medical conditions can be impacted by the lack of food or fluid in your diet, and so, speaking with your health care provider, or a naturopathic doctor, can help you plan what the best approach to your fast will be, in order to avoid serious complications.

Stay Hydrated

With any fast, it is important to stay hydrated. Your body is going through a detoxification process spiritually and physically, and water can help your body flush out any toxins. In addition, fasting can decrease the fluid you are consuming, and so, this could cause your blood pressure to go down, leading to dizziness. By ensuring you are having adequate water intake, you will be less likely to have these symptoms. For my fast, I used coconut water to help curb any blood sugar drops, and to give variety with hydration. In addition, it is beneficial to avoid excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol as these drinks tend to dehydrate the body, and put the body into a greater hydration deficit.

Inform Those Around You

When you are fasting, temptation is not only internal, but external as well. By informing your family and friends of what you are doing, it can help your fast be more successful through their support, and help decrease the temptation from their actions. For example, if you are avoiding chocolate, and your partner does not know this, they may offer you some chocolate or eat it in front of you, causing you to feel tempted to discontinue the fast.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

Tactics to Protect Yourself and Others from Colds and Flus

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According to the FluWatch department in the Public Health Agency, influenza (flu) reports have increased this week. As a result, I wanted to provide you my viewers and readers with two videos that demonstrate how to properly wash your hands, as well as cover your mouth when you are sneezing. These videos may seem unnecessary, but many colds and flus could be prevented by taking into consideration how to effectively wash your hands and the most effective way to cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing. If you are sick and need medical care, please do go see your health care provider for more information, or book an appointment with me, Elisha Cook, and let me help you boost your immune system, fight off that cold, and prevent it!

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.