January-Chilli Start?

By Marianne Thatcher

Januarytends to have lots of cloud and rain, wind and storm, making indoors moreattractivethan outdoors.On occasion one hears the words‘Comfort Food”. Looking online reveals different definitions,but formeitmeans food that makes me feel warm and good.Inthis season comfortfood can mean hearty and warming; stews, soups,lentil dishes, lasagne,and spicyfoods forthose thatcan take it.Spices,including herbs can warm or cool.We’re all familiar with popular ones like Rosemary(reputed to clear the head), Thyme and Sage (for the chest). Mint, with its cooling properties,can, like fennel, be used to help digestion afteraheavy meal.Not much beats hot chocolate,for warming up though!

Adding gratedfresh ginger in the cooking makes adish warming,adding some turmeric (alwayswith black pepper to activateit) is said to boost immunity, as is garlic.Apparently if youcut the green bit out of the centre of the garlic the smell doesn’t linger...

ATanzanian friend introduced me to her delicious version of wintertea; she boils a tablespoon-full of thinly sliced fresh ginger root,black teaand water forten to fifteen minutes,and offers honey if youlike it sweet.Wonderful,when you’ve just come in from ablusterycold wind!

Afriend suffering from cold feet puts a pinch of chilli powder in her socks and claims it helps her staywarm.

Many people sit alot in winter, which puts pressureonveins in the back of the legs and can contributetovaricose veins and back pain. Aphysiotherapist Iknowrecommends sitting on an air cushion which encourages frequentsmall movements and relieves the pressure. Foot rollers help keep agood circulation in your feet while sitting,ifused afew minutes several times aday,but nothing beats going out forfresh air and awalk.

Do youtend to keep the windows firmly closed when it is cold out? A5minute airing of the home twicedaily clears stagnantair and energy,and doesn’t cost much energy loss,although perhaps not advisable during strong winds.

If you’re looking howtoappreciate January, youmightwanttoput on your favouritemusic,dancethrough your house,paint, knit,draw, write, play games,orwhatevergives youreal joy, and gratitude forwhatyou have in life!