Al-Hadeeqah Holistic Awareness

  Fill a tub or basin with very warm water  Add: 1/2 cup of Epsom salt  6Tbsp of pure organic olive oil  Few drops of rose water  Soak your feet for 15-30 minutes  Gently exfoliate using an exfoliator glove Rinse, pat dry,  and apply your favorite body oil Disclaimers All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product. All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding. These statements-unless otherwise noted- have not been evaluated by the FDA

The average human takes about 17,280-23,040 breaths per day. That is a substantial amount of air traveling through our lungs. Unfortunately, oxygen is not the only thing being transported throughout our bodies. Aside from the established non-toxic elements floating in our air, there are a large number of harmful pollutants that pose as a threat to our health. We interact with many of these pollutants and toxins daily, oblivious of the silent consequences they could have on our health. Some examples of controllable sources  (what we choose to purchase or bring into our home) are:  perfumes  household cleaners non-stick cookware air fresheners  Other concerning sources include:  Chemicals found in building materials (including formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead) Emissions from factories (these can be carried into the home via clothes, opened windows etc..) House paint and furnishings Mold  Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants The effects of indoor air pollutants

The "star" of the infamous five-spice, a mixture popular in Chinese cuisine; star anise is an aromatic dried fruit of an evergreen Magnolia tree. You can find it growing in warm subtropical climates of its native land of southern China and northeast Vietnam. Today, it is cultivated in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. It is described as sweet and often equated to the taste of licorice. It is said to be slightly more bitter than this commonly-confused herb known as common anise (or anise seed). Both share a similar flavor profile due to an organic compound called anethole, which is responsible for the licorice-like taste. [ 1 ,2] Health Benefits Star anise has wonderful benefits surrounding immunity health and fighting off viral infections. It can also help prevent cellular damage in the body by providing it with antioxidants like vitamin C (which also assists with immunity). It can help prevent the flu, not only with the mentioned antioxidant qualities but

Photo Credit:Al-Hadeeqah HA They can be made into a relish, consumed as a refreshing beverage,  or even enjoyed raw.  The tart cranberry is one of the many products included in the autumn harvest.  On the East coast,  they are in season from September to December. Because it lacks sweetness, many people don't experience the health benefits of cranberries as they were once revered for. Cranberries are native to North America and were used by the Native Americans as food, medicine, and dye. The top three states that currently grow cranberries are New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. The cranberries grow in bogs on an evergreen vine that is neither a tree nor bush. These perennial plants take 16 months to grow. Water is essential for the success of the cranberries. The bogs are flooded twice a year; once in the winter to insulate the vines and protect them from the winter frost and a second time in the Autumn season (the following year) for harvesting. [ 1 , 2 ]

Prickly pear  There are many varieties of prickly pear but the most commercialized variety is the Opuntia Ficus-Indica . This antioxidant-rich fruit is native to the southwestern part of the US, South America, and Mexico, but has popularity in other areas of the world including the Middle East and North Africa. You may find it most abundant in local farmers markets when it reaches its riping peak in the summertime, however, its general season does range from spring until fall.  You can find this fruit in different shades of greens, yellows and, purples. It's a more common sight to see these ranges of colors abroad whereas, in America, the purple variety is more widely available.  [ 1 ] Prickly pear is chock full of immune-boosting vitamin C. Roughly 1 cup (about 146g) of this fruit contains 35% of the recommended daily value. The runner-ups in the vitamin category are the vitamin B complexes, such as folate, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B6. Generally, these vitam

For the past few years, we have seen a booming interest in dairy-free options; many due to sensitivities or ethical reasoning. In either case, there are so many wonderful benefits of dairy-free options that can provide a variety of benefits that can support many functions of the body. Jenna Bell, a registered dietitian, made this statement about milk alternatives which was posted on U.S News Health: "[Cow's] Milk used to have no competition because alternatives were nutritionally inferior. But as research and the quality of milk alternatives has improved with new types and fortifications, other 'milks' have entered the health scene and are making their way into the American diet."   1 Most milk alternatives are made by blending the previously soaked ingredient in a blender along with water. Almond Milk Native to Southeast and Central Asia, the almond was introduced in California in the 1840's. Some of the earliest documentation of the usage of almon