Reenita's Wisdom

You’ve probably been there quite a bit this year: tossing and turning from the moment you switch off your light until the wee hours of the morning…

Even though you love your job and you’re pretty good at what you do, the reality of a down economy is bringing you down too. Sure, you manage to finally fall asleep at the end of another stressful day, but the next day you wake up wondering what…where…how….

The New Year is a time to put some zing in your step! Try out one of these remedies from rejuvenating herbs and fruits that have been known for thousands of years to help you focus and clear your mind.

Acerola. Acerola is believed to have originated from the Yucatan peninsula. The fleshy red stone acerola fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C and are believed to enhance creativity and clarity. Perfect for making jams and jellies; use the last of your cranberries along with acerola to make a power fruit preserve that you will want to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or sprinkle a teaspoon of dried acerola over your soup or salad to power up your meal.

Acai. The wonder fruit of the Amazon improves mental clarity, promotes sleep and fights inflammation, a common outcome of stress. Acai juice is widely available on the market. You can make some frozen Acai ice-cubes by pouring Acai juice into an ice-cube tray and storing in your freezer. Add them into a glass of plain water, and sip your way to optimum health this New Year.

Goji Berry. Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to improve circulation, enhance sexual function and promote longevity. Their mild, tangy, sweet and sour taste makes them perfect to drink as a juice or better yet, mix with some olive oil, lemon and herbs for and energy-enhancing salad dressing.

Gotu Kola. Gotu kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia for its ability to improve mental clarity and alleviate anxiety. Steep one teaspoon of the dried herb in hot water to make a wonderful herbal tea. Add honey to sweeten it if you like.

Tulsi. India’s “Holy Basil,” has been used to allay anxiety for generations in Asia. Tulsi leaves and flowers help rid the blood of toxins that are typically built up through stress. Combined with ginger, it makes for an uplifting tea especially on a cold winter day. Alternatively, add 10-12 fresh tulsi leaves or a teaspoon of dried tulsi leaves into your salad. Read more about Tulsi here…

Mangosteen. This Asian fruit is filled with potent antioxidants called xanthones that increase energy and stamina all around. Try Mango-Xan, a liquid dietary supplement made from this exotic Queen of Fruits. For a healthy new year bubbly, mix half a portion of Mango-Xan with sparkling water. Add a mint leaf for extra oomph.

Amla. This immune system-boosting, antioxidant fruit has the richest natural source of Vitamin C. Not only will it clear your mind, it will also enhance a positive body nitrogen balance, which is essential for mental and physical performance. And, it clears your breathing passages. Open a capsule of Amla, and mix it into a cupful of warm water to sip as a tea. Or spread some Chyawanprash, an Amla based Ayurvedic jam, over nine-grain toast. Delicious!

Siberian ginseng. Siberian ginseng is prized for its ability to restore vigor and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory. It is widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity. In China it is valued for its beneficial effects on qi, the energy that flows through your mind-body. One to three grams of dried Siberian ginseng root powder steeped in hot water makes a wonderfully fragrant tea. Or add 3-5 ml of the tincture into fresh fruit juice each morning. You’ll be bounding with energy through the day.

Ashwagandha. The word Ashwagandha translates from Sanskrit as “the virility of a horse.” This potent root is used by Ayurvedic healers to relieve stress, increase mental activity and invigorate the body. Take apart 1-2 capsules of ashwagandha, and add the dried powder into soup stock or stir fry. You will have a highly fragrant meal that will send you galloping to success.

This story was originally written by Reenita Malhotra Hora for SustainLane .com