Lately I have been dealing with some pain in my right groin area where my Psoas muscle is. A few years ago I sprained my Psoas rather brutally, and it challenges me ever since. Anyway, when I get off course, do not stretch like I should and/or enjoy too much red wine, I begin to hear it talking to me. I have tried MSM, and systemic enzymes. They all seem to help and I keep it under control. But, lately, I just can't seem to remember to take the pills. In an effort to try something new, I decided to give turmeric, with the powerful curcumin nutrient in it, along with black pepper, a go. I read that black pepper enhanced the potency of curcumin by something like 2000%. Wow, I thought.
I began experimenting. First of all, fresh turmeric is all over Maui. I can find it in the stores and at the farmers markets. When I was on the mainland in California I could not find it it the best of grocery stores. Perhaps they have it now. In any event, some of the fresh turmeric powders will work as well.
There is a lot of research out there about the healing qualities of curcumin for inflammation and with anti-cancer diets. There is also a lot to be said about what to eat it with, and how to get the best absorption from it.
Some say that it should be taken with a bit of olive oil to increase absorption. Dr. Mercola says to combine a tablespoon of curcumin powder with 1-2 egg yolks and a teaspoon or two of melted coconut oil. Then he advises to use a hand blender on high speed to emulsify the powder. Does that sound yummy to you?
I remember hearing years ago that I should take the turmeric with some sort of fat, or drink some milk or something like that (cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.) with it to enhance absorption. I can't seem to find out why the olive oil is suggested.
In any event, in my rebellious thinking, I decided from all this material that I am going to get it down the best I can while enjoying it as much as possible, and it appears that combining it with a good fat source could be what it needs.
Here is what I have been doing:
1. I got a small container of both turmeric powder and pepper and have been carrying it with. Don't laugh.
2. The other day, while out, I purchased a small container of yogurt (whole milk of course) and sprinkled my little mixture on it. What is good, you ask? Well, not that good. If I would have had some honey, it would have been better.
3. I have also been making lots of Kitcheree and other soups with fresh turmeric and now pour on the pepper lavishly.
4. The onion & garlic mixture in the last blog post is also great with the fresh and/or powdered turmeric and pepper, of course. Ginger is another warming, digestive, immune building food that tastes great in this mixture.
4. Warm goat milk. Yep, it is true. I get this incredible fresh raw goat milk from some local farmers. One day when I looked a little frazzled, the farmer told me to warm it and add a teaspoon of ghee, a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon and honey. She told me it would be a good tonic to relax me. Wow, ghee in hot milk. That sounded so decadent. If you know me, then you know I love decadence. So, I gave it a try and loved it. It went down my sensitive tummy so easily and enjoyed it's journey through my body. You know a food is good for you when you are still enjoying it after you have consumed it. Then I tried having it in the morning and one day got brave and added turmeric and pepper. YUM!
5. By now I am really started getting creative. Today I made a hot cup of Mate (see pic above). I added a Chai tea bag and some powdered turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper and let it brew. When it was ready I added a teaspoon of ghee and then whipped in some fresh cream (any milk will do). OMG! Do not underestimate the power and taste of ghee in your hot drinks. Yum!
6. Making tea and adding both powdered Turmeric and pepper is another new ritual.
7. My smoothie even got a hit of the turmeric. My green smoothie tastes great with the fresh along with a a scoop of cultured veggies and a dash of pepper. And, my goat milk smoothie with vanilla flavored protein powder is quite good with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and pepper. Any nut milk will do.
The best news is that I am having fun, my Psoas does not hurt at all and I am enjoying these warm foods enormously. My skin has turned yellow though (just kidding).
So, it is probably much colder where you are, so this could be the time to enjoy some new flavors and boost your immunity while decreasing inflammation.
Do you have any ways that you are enjoying these foods. I would love to hear from you!
In case you would like to view my new course on Ayurveda foods, please go to: Ayurveda and learn to make kitcheree, onions and garlic, agni tea, and other fabulous Ayurvedic veggies recipes. Warm your soul!
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