Al-Hadeeqah Holistic Awareness

  Overnight Infused Tea  Ingredients: Hibiscus leaves (one pinch) A few Mint leaves  1 Satchel of Black tea  Two lemon or orange slices  One medium sized cinnamon stick  2tsp of Honey  Add all of the ingrediants into a mason jar. Add slightly warm water and shake. Cover and set in fridge to infuse  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.

  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 effe...

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)...

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, t...

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 ...

Upon hearing the word 'mustard', the first thought that may come to mind is that bright yellow paste trailed on many comfort foods. Before it has become the popular condiment that people have come to know and love, however, it starts out as something a bit more humble: the mustard seed. Mustard seeds come from pods that are produced by a flowering plant that can grow up to 6½ feet tall. Today they are commonly grown in several countries: Canada, Hungary, U.S, India, and Britain. It is related to other great veggies such as collards, Brussel sprouts, and cabbages. These are all part of the Brassica family. Out of the 40 different species of mustard, only three types are typically used: Black, Brown, and White mustard. Each of these having different roots as mentioned by Dr. Mercola on his website: Black mustard (Brassica nigra) :  This plant produces black mustard seeds and are revered in the Middle East and Asia Minor, where they are originally fro...

Hibiscus tea is a summertime favorite in my home. It can be served hot, chilled and can be infused with various fruits, spices, and herbs. It has a slight sour almost cranberry-like taste. One of the best things about hibiscus tea, aside from some of its incredible health benefits, is that it is naturally calorie and caffeine-free. What is Hibiscus? Photo Credit: Muhammad M. Karim Hibiscus is a beautiful tropical flower whose origins are still being debated. It is grown and cultivated in many countries such as Sudan, Egypt, and Thailand. There are over 200 varieties of hibiscus; one of which is Malaysia's national flower, the Hibiscus rosa-senensis (locally known as Bunga Raya). One of the most common species used for tea is Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle). The typical part of the plant that is dried and used for making this tea is called the calyx, which is the protective layer around the actual flowers. Its Health Benefits and Properties Hibiscus contain...

Spirulina has been dubbed one of the most complete super-foods. It can be found in many health supplements, powders, and drinks. It is usually taken for its energy-boosting and detoxifying properties. Despite its popularity, many are still in the dark about its other amazing properties.   What Exactly is Spirulina?  Spirulina is a type of algae and cyanobacteria . It is grown in fresh waters like lakes and ponds where it uses sunlight to become this micronutrient power-algae. Central Africa, Mexico, and Hawaii are the top locations where spirulina is grown.    Health benefits Spirulina is excellent for gut health and this is due to its probiotic properties. It increases the life of microbion and promotes good digestive and gut health. A healthy digestive system leads to better detoxification of the body. Fortunately, spirulina helps with that as well! It has been medically proven to detox heavy metals from the body (such as arseni...

Holistic living goes beyond what we put inside our bodies or directly upon our skin. Part of holistic living is to be aware of everything that will enter your environment. Among those important factors are cleaning and our cleaning products. Cleaning can be a way of preventing the spread of certain diseases by reducing the impact of molds, bacteria, and viruses. Unfortunately, many times we look towards toxic chemical cleaners. Chemical cleaners can pose a threat to our health, especially when used incorrectly. We can become affected by chemical exposure via inhalation or direct contact. Dangers of Toxic Chemical Exposure  Effects from toxic chemical exposure are generally broken into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute effects are short-term and usually take place almost immediately after exposure. It can manifest in rashes, eye irritations, swelling of the throat, dizziness or even passing out. Chronic effects are normally caused by ...

Dates are very popular this time of year due to the Blessed Month of Ramadhan. It's highly recommended for Muslims to break their fast with three dates and water upon the setting of the sun.  I remember seeing a freshly opened box of dates as a child and an adult handing me three plump dates into my eager hands. I would hear them say that dates were healthy for you but at that time, all I knew it was the best candy-fruit in the world. Photo Credit: Stan Shebs Background Dates were cultivated about 7,000 years ago in what is now modern Iraq, Iran, and the Indus Valley area near Pakistan. Before then, however, dates were still flourishing and eaten all over North Africa and the Middle East. It was the fruit of the nomads and kings alike. It's naturally bacteria-resistant due to its high sugar content making it a perfect survival food that can practically last forever once dried.  [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Aside from eating them as a plain fruit, th...

Fasting has been used for many years to aid in mental clarity and a tool in curing diseases. In light of the month of Ramadhan, I thought it would be beneficial to cover some of the general, positive effects of fasting from a biological point of view. [I would also like to note that there are many different kinds of fasting. However, "Dry fasting" or "time-restricted fasting" is practiced during this Blessed Month of Ramadhan.] Effects on Blood and Heart Health  When we eat, our bodies produce insulin. It can become problematic when one becomes insulin-resistant due to such factors as a high carb or high sugar diet. When fasting the body produces less insulin aiding the body to become more sensitive to it and normalizing insulin levels. This can be especially helpful to those who are pre-diabetic (Type 2-diabetes).  [1   , 2] Many studies have shown positive results on heart and blood health when fasting such as reduction of cholesterol and an impro...

The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and that pollen is accumulating. Soon households throughout the states will be suffering from nasal complications, irritated eyes, and scratchy throats. Prescription and over the counter medications are available to help treat the symptoms. Many come with the occurrence of the unwanted side of effects which may include drowsiness. Even if there is success with this kind of treatment, preventative actions and proper nutrition are essential to reduce complications of allergies. What is an Allergy? By definition, an allergy is a response by the immune system to a substance that it views as harmful, thus becoming sensitive to that substance. Common allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions) are pollen, fur, smoke, and dust. The time in which many allergens become concentrated is known as "Allergy Season". This can vary from place to place as different plants pollinate at different times. Take Ragweed...

A familiar sight in savory dishes, the mushroom has trecked throughout history earning a worthy place in cuisines around the globe. It was considered a "plant of immortality" by the Ancient Egyptians, who entitled it strictly for the pharaoh's enjoyment. The medicinal properties were held into account as well as its culinary purpose. In Rome, wild-foraged mushrooms were thoroughly enjoyed in the diet. Different ways of cultivating the mushrooms were introduced early in Roman civilization, around 200 BC.[ 1 , 2 ] Mushroom farming became popular in the Western world by a French gardener by the name of Chambry. He discovered the effectiveness of growing mushrooms in caves, where the humidity was high. With the abundance of deserted caves, mushrooms were grown all throughout Paris. [ 3 ] Types of Mushrooms and Their Benefits  The most recognized and used mushrooms in the US are White Buttons, Portabella, and Criminis ( Baby Bellas- which are just immatur...