Treat-ing the Largest Organ of the Body - The Skin!

Isn't it a surprise to think of the skin as an organ? Or maybe not! Like other organs in the body it requires ongoing attention and care to run at an optimal level. Although our focus on the skin is often cosmetic, the immune power of the skin is essential for our health. But healthy looking skin is usually a sign of healthy skin, so create habits that are beneficial inside and outside!

On a daily basis, during morning oblutions, dry brush the entire body. At first this may be very uncomfortable, go slowly and build up to swifter strokes. Brush from the extremities toward the heart. Dry brushing encourages exfoliation, allowing the surface layers of old skin to let go to fresh layers of skin. Experience the tingling sensations that follow!

Hydrate the skin with oils. Sesame oil is a wonderful choice, or for those with lots of heat and anger, sunflower oil is a wonderful choice. Avoid soap as much as possible. The abrasiveness of a washcloth or shower luffah can do much of the cleansing work. Soap tends to dry out the natural oils of the body. Drier skin is more porous, and less of an immune barrier.

Namaste,

Sydney

Simple Squash Lunch

Sometimes I am hungry for a warm and filling lunch but I have not taken the time in advance to prepare it. Nibbling endlessly on little bits of food never satisfies me, and leaves me feeling bloated hours later.

Here is a quick warm idea. Take a squash, I used an acorn squash, cut it in half and remove the seeds. Lay half of the squash in a saucepan with cold water, cut side down, and bring to the boil. The water needs to be only one inch deep. Once the boil is reached turn the heat down and cover with a lid so that the water continues to simmer and the squash steams. The squash will cook while you prepare the filling.

I had some homemade applesauce on hand and a roasted nut and seed combination. Chop the nuts and seeds.

The squash is cooked when you can easily press on the skin or a knife easily goes through the skin. Do not undercook. Leave the squash in the skin. Turn it cut side up, fill the shell with a couple of tablespoons of applesauce, a couple of tablespoons of chopped nuts, and season with a little salt and pepper.

It's that easy! Using the stove top to cook the squash cuts down on time and electricity. Use what you have on hand to sweeten the squash (maple syrup), to add protein (today it will be some kidney beans) and to season the squash (add herbs). This is a meal that comes from the mothering Mother reusable bags. The apples, the nuts and seeds, even the salt and pepper all came from cotton bags.

Get down to Earth and enjoy the rewards of simple healthy eating!

Shanthi