10 Recipes and foods for the ultimate relaxation

LA VIE EN ROSE

In essential oil form, rose is a powerful emotional harmonizer (1 drop diluted in 1 tsp. jojoba oil, massaged onto the solar plexus). Since rose essential oil can get quite pricey, another alternative is to hydrolate the radiant fragrance to spray around, or slip a little into a in a fruit salad or herbal tea.

TEA TO SETTLE THE NERVES

Hildegard of Bingen, the medieval nun whose medicinal recipes have gotten back in fashion, swore by fennel. She said, “In whatever form one eats fennel, it makes us happy.” She also liked a plant less frequently used today – balsamite, (a cousin of the mint), which is antispasmodic. It makes a duo that can be tried out in infusion form with the “tea for the nerves”, dedicated to the saint.

ANTI-BURNOUT APRICOTS

It is impossible to relax if you are too tired. Rich in minerals, apricots, consumed fresh or dried, have excellent restorative properties, and can thus be taken during and after sports or intense mental activity.

SERENITY SALAD

A recipe proposed by Véronique Goichon, pharmacist and strict follower of the diet designed by Hildegard of Bingen – soak einkorn wheat (rich in tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of serotonin, which as a neurotransmitter mood stabilizer) overnight in cold water. Bake for half an hour in 2 portions of water with 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds. Drain and mix with finely chopped lettuce and season with olive oil, vinegar and a pinch of powdered galangal (blue ginger).

ALCOHOLIC PAINKILLERS

“Shoots are a sign of a moment of particularly high vitality in a plant,” says Christian Escriva* who advocates two plants (in the form of alcoholic brews). Hawthorne, “that opens and relaxes the heart”, can calm an anxious psyche whilst stimulating intellect. The fig tree can provide a sense of “almost regressive” zen.

*Author of “Précis de phytothérapie” (Handbook of Herbal Medicine) (Promonature).

SOOTHING OIL MASSAGES

It is not too difficult – to relax, rub, press or knead the neck, shoulders, hands or feet. Try using a mixture of 5 drops of lavender (relaxing) and ylang-ylang (euphoric) essential oils, diluted in 1 tablespoon of a slightly flavoured vegetable oil (jojoba). Or alternatively, use with extremely relaxing Florame oil, a sunny citrus mixture, to be used in evening, to avoid any risk of photosensitivity.

ANTI-STRESS PECKING

Shelling and nibbling sunflower seeds can help to occupy the hands and clear the mind…especially since they are rich in vitamin B and magnesium, essential to equilibrate our nerves.

UPLIFTING BATH

To maximise the soothing effects of a bath (preferably not too hot), prepare an infusion of lime with 100 g of inflorescences – which have anxiolytic properties – for each 1 litre of boiling water. Wait half an hour before filtering and pour into the tub.

ZEN FRAGRANCES

What with their complex olfactory chemicals, essential oils (preferably organic) can perfume our surrounding environment, while regulating our moods. Relaxing scents – lavender, citrus, cedar. Do not allow to diffuse for more than 10 minutes straight, 2 to 3 times a day, ensuring that no babies, pregnant or asthmatic women are present. A relaxing mix suggested by Florame – 20 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 7 of tangerine, 7 of lavender and 2 of neroli.

TEMPERAMENT OF THE ANGELS

The monks who cultivated them in monasteries called them “Angels’ Grass”. Angelica green perfume “is used mainly for digestive problems,” says Christian Escriva. “But it can also calm you down and help you focus”, thus helping to manage digestion…and relieve stress.
Avoid if you are frequently exposed to the sun.

Martine Azoulai