Preparations for the beginning of a healthy living

• ARTEMISIA


This plant, available from herbalists, dispels cold, relieves pain, stops bleeding and is an excellent tonic for the brain.
Use for : period pains, vaginal bleeding, labour pains, stomach cramps (colic), itching.
Drink 2 decoctions of artemisia a day, one in the morning before breakfast and the other at night before going to bed.
Place a teaspoon (3 to 6 grammes) of dried artemisia leaves in a bowl of boiling water; cover and leave to infuse for 15 minutes, then strain. The bitter taste can be sweetened with a little honey.
Although this treatment is particularly appropriate for women suffering from period pains and nervous spasms, it is also suitable for men, especially if they are nervous or walk in their sleep.


• YOGIC TEA


Very effective for eliminating minor energy blocks in the area of the spine. If taken at the onset of a cold, it prevents chills developing. It constitutes an excellent tonic for the nerves and also has aphrodisiac properties; it gives a feeling of euphoria similar to that experienced after drinking a few glasses of good wine.


Preparation: boil a bowlful of water for 5 minutes with 3 cloves, 3 black peppercorns, 4 cardamom seeds, a pinch of powdered ginger and half a cinnamon stick.


Then add a little tea, if possible a quality tea such as Darjeeling or black Chinese tea. Leave to simmer for two minutes, then add a little milk. Remove from the heat and add a teaspoon of honey.