Recipe: Lemon, Turmeric & Ginger Bliss Balls
Chinese medicine looks at the colour, flavour and temperature of foods when assessing how those foods might be beneficial for the body. Thanks to that gorgeous, vibrant yellow colour they have, they are the colour of the Earth element and so are absolutely fabulous for the digestive system – in particular the Stomach, Spleen and pancreas.
Here is a little snapshot into the goodness behind these little gems:
- Sunflower seeds: In Chinese medicine, sunflower seeds are sweet in flavour and a lovely, gentle tonic for the digestive system, and they help moisten the large intestine. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins B1 and B2, calcium and iron.
- Chia seeds: high in essential fatty acids, chia seeds are full of delicious antioxidants, fibre, protein and calcium.
- Hemp seeds: hemp seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, vitamin E and trace minerals.
- Fresh dates: yes, dates contain sugar, and they often get a bad rap for that. And while I agree that dates should be eaten in moderation, they contain great benefits that other sweeteners do not – like fiber, magnesium and potassium. In Chinese medicine, they are sweet (surprise!), and supplement the blood and body fluids.
- Dried figs: dried figs are warming, sweet and in small amounts help to strengthen the digestion. They contain fiber and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper and potassium.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, lemon stimulates the liver, quenches thirst, harmonises the stomach, stimulates the immune system. In Chinese Medicine, the cooling and sour nature of lemon means benefits for the Liver, Stomach and Lungs.
- Turmeric: warming and bitter, this little spice is a beautiful, anti-inflammatory powerhouse and a great balancer to the other more cooling ingredients in the recipe.
- Ginger: warming and acrid, ginger is one of Chinese medicine’s favourite spices! It settles the digestion and relieves nausea, helps to clear phlegm, has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s fantastic for menstrual pain.
Ingredients
As always, we recommend sourcing organic ingredients wherever possible.
- 140g raw sunflower seeds
- 55g raw shredded coconut
- 10 fresh medjool dates
- 3 dried figs
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp hemp seeds
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 30ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger + 1/2 tsp dried ginger powder
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh turmeric OR 1/2 tsp dried turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp dried cinnamon powder
- pinch black pepper (don’t panic, this just helps the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. You can’t taste it!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 20g melted coconut oil
Method
In a food processor or blender, process all ingredients until the mixture is combined and starts to stick together. Roll about a tablespoon at a time into little bliss balls and pop in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. They will last in the freezer for about 2 months. Enjoy!
About the Author:
Dr. Grace Jones (BHSc.Acu) is the founder at Bloom Chinese Medicine. She is a passionate and nationally qualified and registered acupuncturist, with special interests in women’s health, natural fertility, pregnancy, digestive health and emotional wellness. Learn more about Grace here.
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Bloom Chinese Medicine is an integrative Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic committed to providing the best outcomes for our patients, and empowering them along their journey to optimal fertility and wellness. Centrally located in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, we have visitors from local suburbs and all over Queensland.
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