Healthy Favorites – Journaling and Ginger-Bitters blend (#Kindasquare Days 25-26)

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Hello Readers,

The squares for days #25 & 26 relate to things that I love for health.

First, journaling is such a balancing and centering activity for me. 

Journaling in the open air – I sometimes write every day for months – then might pause for weeks – and once in a while, I can fill a 100-page notebook in a weekend. Really depends on need and mode. 
Enjoying nature can also balance and ground us..

Also, for physical wellness – I highly recommend every household keep some “bitters” on hand. Or try this “bitters and ginger” formula. I keep a small amount in my purse at all times. It has come in handy 

Did you know that in our culture we do not have enough bitter items in our diet? We tend to have way too much “sweet” in our culture – and usually plenty of salty (but sadly the processed kind)-  we likely could use more sour, and need more umami, and definitely need more bitter. 

Did you know that bitters under the tongue can calm the body and maybe even stop a seizure? Well I invite you to check out some of this info on your own, but I can testify that digestive bitters are absolutely amazing – they can help jet lag, heat stress, fatigue, and more 

 

This bitters and ginger formula is wonderful for “bio-balancing” 

Thanks for reading –

If you want to read more – do your own search about this topic – and here is some info that I found (here) about general bitters: 

10 BENEFITS OF BITTERS

  1. Improves protein digestion and mineral absorption
  2. Improves breakdown of fats and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
  3. Reduce gas and bloating
  4. Relieve occasional heartburn
  5. Promote regular bowel movements
  6. Reduce food sensitivities
  7. Breakdown microbes and prevent SIBO & yeast overgrowth
  8. In Ayurvedic tradition, bitters are known to reduce sweet cravings and regulate blood sugar
  9. In Chinese medicine, bitters are cooling and remove “heat” from the body (aka inflammation)
  10. Eclectics promote digestive bitters for improved detoxification, healthy skin, improved joint pain and healthy mood.

From here, I found a few more benefits of “swedish bitters”

  • Increase digestive enzymes, bile & HCL production
  • Calm upset stomach and nausea
  • Promote absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
  • Help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
  • Balance appetite
  • Ease constipation and regulate bowel movements
  • Support liver function and healthy skin
  • Improve biliary, pancreatic and gastric secretion

Bitters can  help a hangover — or if you are feeling run down and recovering from anything – this liquid gold is an elixir. I suggest keeping a bottle on hand – all that is needed is a few drops at a time so a bottle lasts a while. 

So…. Do you like bitters? 

 

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Care to join in with the #kindasquare this month?
The theme is KIND and you can find out more at Becky’s blog (here).

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58 thoughts on “Healthy Favorites – Journaling and Ginger-Bitters blend (#Kindasquare Days 25-26)”

    1. It could – but it might depend on what you actually need…
      I can brainstorm with you later if you want – but in my experience 1 the bitters helps calm a stressed body – and I don’t know you enough to really say – but the BB I see seems not physically stressed – but likely could use support in specific areas – almost everyone over 50 could benefit from reestablishing their mineral levels (check out concentrace) and enzymes – esp coq10, and then “b complex” daily – along with “ascorbic acid” taken with a good fish oil –
      —
      And very crucial – a liver support formula –
      Just something to think about –
      Lastly – I think I will try and make a tips health post soon – I have been meaning to –
      And even if none of it applies or helps – just keep searching for ideas because the detective work will pay off !

      Liked by 1 person

  2. They sound too good to miss out on! From the title I thought it was a kind of herbal tea, so I’ll do read your link a bit later. Thanks, Yvette! Have a good week 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I remember my Mum used to keep a little bottle of angostura bitters, a couple of drops helped her make a pink gin. I never realised that her claim that it was medicinal was actually true!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Clive – and I heard the quinine in tonic water can be medicinal for cramps .
      And I am so glad you mentioned “angostura bitters” because a few years ago that was what I was going to order online – but then I found this ginger bitters blend and just started my third or fourth bottle (they last a while)
      Anyhow – when I bartended on and off – we always had club soda with angostura bitters and then a piece of lemon or lime for hangovers or if someone was not feeling well
      And your mom’s drink sounds like it was delicious and had that health snap to it – in contrast to a lot of sugary cocktails

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Yvette. I’ve heard that about quinine too. I used to believe it was the magic ingredient in gripe water to calm babies but apparently it isn’t. Probably just as well!

        I’ve not seen bitters in use since my Mum’s drinks. She gave me a sip once – it almost blew my head off, but I could see why she liked the taste.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Hi – I smiled when you wrote “almost blew your head off”
          Because I think we all might have felt that way when we were younger – haha
          Funny how are taste buds do change
          And I am trying to find tonic water without sugar added – hard to find
          – and one of my top products for calf cramps or any muscle cramps is a product called “hylands leg cranps” and not that you were asking – but want to mention it in case anyone needs it.
          A pharmacist suggested it one day and it helped me so ouch (but now my mineral levels are more balanced and I hardly ever need it) but Clive – I have referred hykands leg cramps product to so many folks who still thank me – it is effective and I think the quinine is pry of it

          Liked by 2 people

        2. Our taste buds mature with age – would that we did the same 😉

          Good luck with that search. We have diet tonic here but I guess that isn’t completely sugar free. I hope I never need that product tip for leg cramps, but thank you!

          Liked by 1 person

  9. I absolutely hated bitter taste of vegetables when I was young. I think it is the taste that can grow on you if you let it. Now, I like bitter taste in many vegetable (e.g. brussels sprouts). It is even good to know it has some health benefits too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Cheers to Brussels sprouts! And Your comment reminded me that our taste buds change and that we change the threshold with how much we need of sweet and other seasoning or spice

      Liked by 1 person

  11. The purple flowers are lovely.
    Food with bitter taste have special place in indian cooking. Neem leaves and Moringa (Drumstick) leaves are eaten specially during change of seasons to help digestion. Fenugreek leaves and bitter gourd are used quite often.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi! Years ago I had an Indian student who brought in some bitter items for everyone to try when we did a tastebuds lesson for neuroscience and senses discussion- and Rupali- I love Indian food so much Ali could it every day for 30 days and nkt get tired of it! Ha – and it has been tooong since I enjoyed some India cuisine

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I haven’t tried anything like what your photos shows, but I fairly regularly have a morning drink of lemon in warm water or a ginger-lemon drink I got from “Tea-Vitalize: Cold-Brew Teas and Herbal Infusions to Refresh and Rejuvenate”, by Mimi Kirk. Lots of good drinks in there.

    I love your top two photos and you already know nature is what relaxes me. I do some journaling and have done more in the past, but have been absent from it for a bit now. Have to get back into it. My blog started out to be writing but has grown into mostly photos. Maybe I’ll work on adding a bit more writing.

    That’s all from me. 🙂

    janet

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Janet – regarding the blogging – I think I have mostly followed you when you did what I call the photos and then occasional inspired writing post. And when those would come up – I always enjoyed it – and cheers to our blogs evolving with us ….
      —
      And that mini Kirk drink sounds good with an amazing name for the drink – although I shy away from almost all bought cold drinks except GTs kombucha – – but I bet it is good
      —
      And the bitters have literally rescued me a couple times. Special calming effect on my body – like last summer I had something in my eye (on a road trip) and I finally got it managed at the hotel by using activated charcoal (thanks to Dave Asprey @bulletproof I always carry activated charcoal) – anyhow – I put the charcoal on my eye and while yes it did work – for a few minutes it jilted my body and I was just so worn down – I used the bitters and it grounded me – and moisture came back to my eye and all was well. Just wanted to share the study more in case another reader needs one more reason to get some bitters in the house – this stuff is a too item for me – even if I do nkt take it often – I travel with a little and keep my big bottle in the fridge

      Like

  16. I have not heard anything about “bitters” for awhile now. I do keep ginger around especially to tame my stomach. And, travelling is always challenging for my body. Fascinating information about digestive bitters. As you say, “liquid gold.” I will investigate more, especially a reliable manufacturer. Do you take it daily, or as needed? Thanks for your “kind” sharing, Yvette.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Erica:Erika
      A few years ago I took bitters first thing in the morning –
      But now – it is random
      I got away from it and only used it when I was out and about and either saw the bitters in my purse – or if I needed it. I was feeling kind of sick one day and was shaky – took bitters iunder the tongue and ahhhhh – so good!
      I noticed that the new bottle I bought had a more potent effect – so the old “almost empty” one in my purse likely had enough qualities left to help me – but the newer one defiantly was more potent – so I am trying to figure out a way to keep a little with me in my purse without having to carry A one or two ounce bottle –
      And the brands i have used for bitters are Nature’s Answer and Gaia (please let me know if you find a good brand) and thank for the nice comment

      Liked by 1 person

  17. You are so right. There is too much sweet in many of our diets and eating habits. Sweet can be so addictive, just like salty. I heard the taste of umami can be hard to come by, and at times overly salty. Bitter isn’t my favourite taste but I don’t hate it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Mabel! Miss you so much and have an email coming your way this week – I am going to write about lady by the river in November and plan to feature the authors in separate posts – and wanted to check in with that!
      And you are right about the addictive nature of sweet and salty. And the whole umami topic is something I still sort of need to explore more – I get the “brothy” part and the nose connection but really want to know more – thanks for droooing by and ttys

      Like

      1. It sounds like you have many ideas for Lady By The River. It is such a timeless book. Looking forward to hearing from you.

        Yes, the umami topic is definitely worth exploring more. I heard it is often compared to MSG, and it is a hard flavour to achieve.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just FYI – I love hen you share one of your posts that really connects to a post – you do that so well and I really enjoyed your post about bitters and the cocktails

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Ooh, I never knew all the value of bitters. I’ll have to get some and only a few drops, sounds easy peasy, and so many benefits!! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My pleasure and this could help your body make the new job transition – I really notice the difference when I “need” it – if that makes sense

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Hi Yvette. It’s been forever since I’ve checked out your blog. I think this whole year I’ve struggled to stay consistent, but I do try periodically to go find my friends and remind them that I’m still thinking of them. I’m still thinking of you! ❤ This post about bitters is interesting. Why do humans "need" to experience all the flavours? I've never heard this before: that we need to balance out and experience all flavours. I think the flavour I crave the most is salty or umami, I definitely get the most of those in my diet. How do you eat the bitters? Just squirt it into your mouth?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello crystal
      So nice to hear from you and still smiling to see your name pop up.
      –
      And I am not sure we need “all” the flavors all of the time – it I do know that our western culture has too much sugar — too much sweet and it is bad news – but we never talk about it – and we went to a “sugar party” the other night – they would not call it that – but sugar was 95% of the treats and we wonder why so many folks are ill. Compound that with antibiotics – stress – low sleep -chemicals – and then rat race – oh I digress
      And now back to bitters
      – I don’t take it everyday anymore –
      But keep some in my purse at all times!
      And on a summer shirt trio – a few drops rescued me when I was feeling very sick !
      So I feel this bitters works more when someone needs it
      And good for Sri hers who might be nursing a hangover too!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I don’t know what bitters are, Yvette, but I will have to find out. Of course, I haven’t had them as I don’t know what it is – a drink of sorts based on your picture but the dropper bottle has me slightly confused? It has a lot of health benefits.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Robbie
      – I could nkt figure out how to describe bitters – I was trying to say herbal tincture that has a bite —
      And found this :
      From taste of home ((https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bitters/))
      “Bitters are made from aromatic herbs, spices, roots, bark and fruits chosen for their flavor and medicinal properties. Traditionally, a high-proof, neutral-flavored alcohol is used to make bitters, such as vodka. Bitters are generally sold in a small bottle, and a little bit will go a long way”
      —
      And when I took it and felt fine and healthy I did nkt notice much – but if i was ill or felt off – the bitters showed their bio balancing capabilities – at least for what my body needed 😉
      Please let me know if you try bitters sometime Robbie
      😉

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I often make up concoctions of different teas and then add ginger to them. Now I will add ginger to my Angostura bitters concoctions as well. I found out about the bitters from a detective novel when the PI was a recovering alcoholic and always ordered bitters, soda and lime to fit in when he was out at a bar. It is quite difficult to find in Vancouver, and I have never seen bitters and ginger – it may be the item that finally forces me to start ordering online!

    Liked by 3 people

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