Meet the experts: Gemma McGuigan
Inspired by a different approach to health and wellness, Gemma trained with the The College of Naturopathic Medicine to help people restore balance through the healing powers of food. She runs MIND.BODY.RESET retreats - a day of nourishing foods, guided meditations, sound baths and cooking demonstrations.
What’s your wellbeing tea of choice?
I absolutely love my cinnamon, cardamom and orange tea, it’s perfect for a little wellbeing boost.Why is this your go-to tea?
I often have this nurturing tea after my lunch or dinner to support blood glucose regulation, it also can be used to curb a sugar craving. Cinnamon is a delicious spice, it has been prized for it’s medicinal properties for thousands of years. Cinnamon is incredibly supportive for managing blood glucose levels, insulin regulation and energy.Cardamom is known for it’s anti-cancerous properties, scientific research has identified compounds in cardamom that may promote healthy glucose and insulin regulation. Cardamom is believed to possess anti-depressant properties. Its essential oil is one of the major oils used in anti-stress aromatherapy and has been suggested in human research to be an effective choice for handling stressful conditions.
What is your ritual for making the tea?
I like to make this tea in a beautiful glass teapot so I can see all the spices and the vibrancy of the orange. I then pour it into a lovely little glass tea-cup. I always enjoy sharing this tea with a friend, it feels like an act of self care to take a moment to enjoy the medicinal properties of these magical ingredients. I believe that our food can be our medicine… and this little moment fills me with a great sense of wellbeing.Here’s how you can make it at home…
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp of cardamom pods
- 4 thick orange slices (peel left on)
- 1 litre of boiling water
Combine all of the ingredients in a teapot and add in the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for at least 3-4 minutes and then serve.
What would be your top three tips for living well?
- Self care is so important and it starts with what you put on your plate
- Get out into nature often and enjoy it’s powerful healing effect
- Implement short daily relaxation practices to counter balance our fast paced life
What mantra do you live by?
I have two…
My food is my medicine
Our thoughts create our realit
What are your essentials for maintaining balance & wellbeing?
I enjoy looking after myself through the food that I eat and I try to make it as plentiful, colourful and varied in the vegetable department. I take time out to eat during my working day, ensuring I eat slowly and chew properly to support good digestion.I have a regular yoga practice which helps me stay strong of mind and body. My weekly dance class fills me with utter happiness, for one solid hour I am moving, sweating, laughing, smiling with people of different gender, body type, fitness level all of whom just share the passion for dance.
I get into nature as much as I can, often with my family, it truly fills me with a sense of calm and all my worries just wash away.
I have a daily meditation practice which has taken me years to properly stick to, but now I manage once a day and I really feel the benefits so I have never looked back.
Balance to me also includes having a nice glass of red wine with my husband or my good friends, listening to some music and having a laugh and last but not least I love my giant cuddles with my beautiful boys.
Favourite product from The Owl & the Apothecary?
I adore the Wellbeing Pulse Point, I have it with me all the time… not only does it smell absolutely beautiful but it has my favourite essential oil in it Boswellia serrate. Frankincense is renown for it’s powerful anti inflammatory action and in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition it is known to reduce anxiety and lower levels of stress hormones in the body. It’s a great every day product and a super considerate loving gift.
Thank your for your time, Gemma. You can find out more about Gemma's practice at gemmamcguigannutrition.com >
