Insomnia? - Cherries and Sage.

I'm having a bout with insomnia this week. It usually happens when the seasons change, I'm under stress or having allergy problems. This fall (yes it is fall where I live) I'm being hit with all three. So grumpy/tired and sneezy is where I'm at. When this sort of thing happens I stock up on cherries. Yep cherries and fresh sage if I can find it. If I'm feeling restless I find a cup of sage tea with a little maple syrup does wonders and no it doesn't taste like stuffing - It is kind of wonderful and a wee bit minty - I've told my Dad about it and he is also hooked.

Sage Tea (for one cup)

• Water Boiling
• 4 Medium Sized Sage Leaves (I like the Pineapple or Broad leaf kind)
• Sweetener to taste.

Pour the Boiling water over the sage leaves turn saucer upside down over the cup so none of the goodness escapes in the steam and let steep for a minute or more.
Why it works: Sage has natural anti-depressant properties that help to calm the mind before you go to bed. It is also supposed to be great for women going through menopause.

Cherries
There have been many medical studies that have proven that consuming cherries helps with insomnia. Cherries are filled with the hormone melatonin. "Melatonin is naturally made in the body by the pineal gland. It is produced by the body during sleep and around the night hours to induce sleep. The body produces less of it as we age, though, which is thought to be directly related to age related insomnia"
A lot of people buy melatonin as a supplement (liquid or pill) to help them sleep - but I prefer to go straight to the source :) - much tastier that way and less risk of side effects. Melatonin is contained mostly in the skins of cherries so I eat them whole or juiced and added to a little soda water depending on the weather and my mood. Around 1 cup a day for a few days seems to do the trick for me. Cherries have also been proven to be good for people suffering with arthritis or gout! Give it a google lots of info out there.

More info on Cherries: Medical News Today

Cherry/Sage Tea (one large mug)

• Water Boiling
• 4 medium Sized Sage Leaves
• 1 shot glass of black cherry juice
• sweetener if you like ( I like honey but, if that goes against your belief system/diet requirements - try maple syrup)

Zuvo Water Filter Giveaway!

One of my favourite bloggers Bitt over at a "Bitt of Raw" is holding a great contest until August 27th. She is giving away a Zuvo water filter. Zuvo water filters hook up easily to most standard faucets. Here is the link to Bitt's site to enter. I'm posting the You Tube Video about it below. Good Luck! Crossing my fingers I'll win it myself :)

Enter Here: http://www.bittofraw.com/2010/08/importance-of-good-water-zuvo-water.html

More things I love - Starfire and You Say Tomato.

I went to Skagway, Alaska this weekend and had a fantastic meal at a local hot spot called Starfire 4th Ave between Broadway & Spring it is a Thai restaurant that has several veggie friendly options (cooked). Another great spot is You Say Tomato a health foods store packed full of fun goodies including local produce. Inside You Say tomato is North Eden (a little hole in the wall take away - burritos and the like - again veggie friendly) You Say Tomato is at State at 21st Street.

Garden Goodness

A fresh summer salad loaded with goodies from my friend Krista's garden. Spinach, Peas, Berries, Romaine lettuce... YUM YUM YUM.

Garden Goodness Salad
1C Baby Spinach
1C Baby Romaine
1/2C Peas Chopped
1/2 Baby Tomatoes Cut in Half
1/4 Medium Red Onion
1/2 Cup Mixed Raspberries & Saskatoons

Curried Dressing
1/4C Balsamic Vinegar
4T Dark Maple Syrup
1/4C Soaked Cashews
1T Curry Powder
1 Pinch Ground Corriander
1 Pinch Ground Cumin
Pulse in high power blender or food processor until nuts are crumbled (or you can blend until smooth I like a bit of crunch)