{Via}
Good Morning! It’s the middle of the week and I thought we should probably chat health. This time of year, with the changing weather and the stress of the Holidays upon us, we usually tend to feel less than desirable. I’m pretty much a freak when it comes to my own health…or as my husband would like to call it, hypochondriac. Nevertheless, I like to know that everything is in balance and harmony. And if it’s not, well then…panic! Jk, (not really) but I definitely tend to go the alternative medicine route. Unless I desperately need an antibiotic, you can find me at the acupuncturist, sipping herbal teas and juicing some pretty potent concoctions. I’m popping vitamins errday and try to eat as healthy as possible. The point is prevention, not “fixing” the problem after the fact.
When we moved into our new neighborhood and I heard about Earth’s Healing Cafe, I immediately paid them a visit. Sitting pretty in Ravenswood, this tiny storefront is busting at the seams with knowledge, herbs and some seriously delicious and healthy elixirs. Akin, aka “Tiger”, helped me pick out some herbs for chilling out- did I mention this control-freak suffers from anxiety? Hard to believe, I know. He sent me home with lavender and linden for making teas.
After such a great experience, I wanted to know more. How did they start? What made them want to eat raw, organic, kosher and halal food all day long? So I asked and I’m sharing it with you today. EHC was kind of enough to offer my readers a lovely little somethin’ somethin…so make sure to keep reading!
Tell us a bit more about EHC and how the idea came about. How did you obtain all this knowledge and know you wanted to share it with the rest of us?
Earth’s Healing Cafe started out of a desire to create a place in Chicago, where people could obtain highest-quality, plant based, organic, therapeutic fuel for their bodies, in the form of freshly made juices, superfood smoothies, entrees, desserts, medicinal elixirs, and other herbal remedies. We are not here just to sell a product but to inform and educate on the subject of holistic health, how we can take care of our body, mind, and spirit. Our knowledge comes from personal experience and deep independent research in the area of holistic lifestyle.
You mention that your entire menu is plant-based and organic. What does that exactly mean to you? Your philosophy also mentions that you avoid using ingredients such as soy lecithin, agave nectar and nutritional yeast. Can you debunk the myth that these products are healthier alternatives to ingredients such as sugar?
Our menu is based entirely on that which grows from the earth—fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and seeds. We work with whole foods in their original, unprocessed form. Soy lecithin is basically a by-product of the soy industry. We don’t see it as a “food”. Neither do we see agave nectar nor nutritional yeast as “food”. However, sweeteners such as agave are definitely less harmful to the body than white synthetic sugar a/k/a “table sugar”.
I recently came in to purchase teas for reducing stress. Can you tell us a bit about how your teas work and their healing properties?
We carry many different medicinal herbs from all over the word. They can be used to make teas, poultices, capsules, and so on. These are organic and ethically-wildcrafted herbs only. We also have a line of therapeutic herbal teas to keep various parts and body systems performing at their best. Those are potent medicinal teas that get the job done. It’s best that herbs are taken consistently for optimum benefit.
Since Fall is practically here, what fresh juices would you recommend for keeping germs at bay and staying energized throughout the cooler months?
The Blood is the River of Life would be one of my recommendations. Keeping our blood clean helps to assure that the rest of the body remains in the state of radiant health. The blood is our true River of Life. It can either keep the body in the state of ease or dis-ease. Another good choice would be the Tree of Life smoothie with Moringa Oleifera—“The Miracle Tree”. It’s the most nutrient-dense plant on earth that provides the body raw material so that it can effectively protect itself. There is also a wonderful shot/elixir that we carry. It’s called “Defense.” It greatly helps to support the immune system.
What plans do you have for the future of EHC? Any possible classes for teaching the rest of us how to lead a healthier and organic life?
Although we do have goals that we are working towards, our philosophy is to live fully in the present moment. Our main focus is on serving this beautiful community to the best our abilities on daily basis. We are, as we have always been, open to whatever life brings and take it from there. Classes will come as we obtain a larger space.
Earth’s Healthy Cafe is offering NoMad Luxuries’ readers 10% off any drink if you mention NoMad Luxuries Blog. That’s one step in the right direction of leading a happy and healtyh lifestyle. Go get your juice on!
And a big thanks to EHC for putting up with all my questions!
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Sounds fascinating..will have to visit since we are all about natural