
Sustainability with Aequem
Co-founder of the sustainable fashion company Aequem, Magda Daniloaia shares her views on how lockdown has impacted the fashion world and consumer behaviour.
Read MoreThe word ‘inflamed’ tends to carry a negative connotation, though what we often overlook is the necessity of this bodily response in the healing process. As such, inflammation is both a saint and a sinner, a friend as well as a foe. It is an important bodily response to help protect and heal the damaged area by immobilising it, giving it space to do its thing and get better. This is what is described as acute inflammation and is a necessary step in the journey of healing.
From a skin perspective, there are a broad range of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Skin inflammation falls neatly into two categories: acute or chronic. Acute inflammation such as sunburn or acne is typically resolved within 6 weeks. Whereas chronic inflammation such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis lasts much longer and “results from a sustained immune cell mediated inflammatory response within the skin itself. This inflammation is long lasting and can cause significant and serious tissue destruction.” These skin conditions may result in hot, irritated, itchy, sore, swollen and red skin and can cause quite a lot of discomfort both physically and psychologically.
Although the causation of chronic skin inflammation is complex there is mountable evidence proving the strong relationship between our gut's microbiome and our skin health. Carla Oates, founder of The Beauty Chef succinctly states "The skin is a great barometer of what is going on inside the body. If your skin is irritated, inflamed or congested, chances are high that there may be an imbalance in your gut."
With this in mind, here are 5 anti-inflammatory recipes by Jenya Di Pierro for you to try at home:
ORANGE AND ENDIVE ROAST
Makes 2 – Quick and Easy – Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
2 endives (about 1 per person)
½ orange, peeled and sliced
3 garlic cloves
2 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
1 tsp rosemary (dried or fresh)
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp basil (dried or fresh)
½ grated peel of orange
For The Dressing
1 tbsp date, maple or coconut syrup
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp tamari
Juice of ½ orange
FEED YOUR GUT SALAD
Makes 4 – Quick and Easy – Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
2 carrots
1 apple
2 small radishes
2 tbsp sauerkraut
1 chilli (optional)
For The Dressing
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
SUPER GREEN PESTO
Makes 8 – Quick and Easy – Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
50g blanched nettle
50g fresh sorrel
50g fresh basil
50g fresh dandelion leaves
50g chives
150g toasted pine kernels
50g walnuts
2 cloves garlic
2tbsp nutritional yeast
2tsp maple syrup
2tsp mustard
2tbsp lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
Salt, pepper to taste
Blend together in a blitzer.
SPRING BITTERS SALAD
Makes 4 – Quick and Easy – Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
5-6 leaves dandelion
2 handfuls rocket leaves
2 handfuls steamed broccoli sprouts
You can use other bitters of your choice, such as radish or artichoke leaves.
2 spears shaved asparagus
1 shaved Chioggia beetroot
2 tbsp roasted pistachios
For The Dressing
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp wholegrain mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp tamari
Combine all herbs, drizzle the dressing, decorate with garlic flowers.
SWEET POTATO SOUP
Makes 4 – Quick and Easy – Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
500g large sweet potato
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cayenne or chilli powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp freshly chopped ginger
200g coconut yogurt
Boil chopped and peeled sweet potato in 750ml of filtered water. When potato turns soft, add all spices and coconut yogurt, boil for 2 more minutes and blend with a hand blender.
Enjoy!
Jenya Di Pierro
Herbal Medicine Practitioner, BA, MA, AMH, ANP
@JENYADIPIERRO
Frederika Van Hagen
Holistic Facialist
@SAINTLYSKIN
Tags: Health | Author: Jenya Di Pierro, Herbalist & Naturopath & Frederika Van Hagen, Holistic Facialist
Co-founder of the sustainable fashion company Aequem, Magda Daniloaia shares her views on how lockdown has impacted the fashion world and consumer behaviour.
Read MoreIf you're looking for a vegan honey alternative, Dandelion with it's many health benefits is the answer!
Read MoreA warming Butternut Squash Tagine, perfect for chilly evenings.
Read More