Calming Crohns

Elixir 

1. a magical or medicinal potion.

We hear a lot about morning rituals and how the morning is the most magical time of the day. I do firmly believe that it sets a rhythm and map for our day, from silence, meditation and exercise to what we eat and drink. This belief has ancient roots – ayurvedic philosophy suggests that the first thing you ingest in the morning sets you up for the day.

For years, I have started my day with a mug of warm lemon, ginger and turmeric water. Like chicken broth, this is a recipe from my darling grandma who shunned tea and coffee for citrus fruit and warm water her whole life and in her 80s she still had glossy brown hair – no greys to be found.

Easy peasy lemon squeeze morning elixir

Ingredients:

• Warm water
• Juice of half a lemon (a slug of Apple cider vinegar – the Mother brand is a good substitute)
• Root ginger (half a thumb sized piece)
• 1/4 teaspoon of Turmeric powder (organic) – from any Health food shop

Why is this combo so good for your gut?

Well, for starters, this drink is naturally anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric is being badged as a miracle spice, with multiple health healing properties (please do google to check there aren’t any contra-indications, for example, if you are pregnant / have stomach ulcers / on diabetic meds you may want to leave turmeric out).

Warm water stimulates the intestinal tract and the movement of the bowel. In fact if I have indigestion or pain that might be associated with wind (in the lower or upper tract), my go to remedy is a cup of warm water.

Lemons are high in vitamins and minerals that help to rid the body of toxins. They are also naturally high in vitamin C. If you are worried about acidity, don’t – once lemon juice has been fully metabolized it turns alkaline.

Ginger, amongst other wonderful effects, can help to calm a windy gut, ease acid and soothe the intestines. It’s also a great anti-nausea chew.

If you want more inspiration for how to set the intention for your day every morning, beyond this elixir, I would thoroughly recommend you take a look at The Miracle Morning: The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8AM by Hal Elrod. Hal had an NDE that changed his life and made him grasp each day with every molecule of his body. It is both an inspiring story and a book that makes you want to set your alarm clock for 5am – even if you hate mornings. He is a great role model for those of us who have to deal with what is at times a debilitating and rather depressing illness. He made me realise that you can actually fit an entire day into a morning if you set the intention and introduce habits that will serve you, your body and mind.

You can get it >HERE< on Amazon.