Time to Spare?

Here's something noteworthy to share... A piece which Li Yen has written in her article for the Mind & Spirit column in NST. 

Compassion On The Streets

Mind & Spirit: NST Life & Times 16/11/2010

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MIND_SPIRIT_Compassiononthestreets/Article

BY CHIM LI YEN

BEING of service to others is an integral part of the journey in achieving fulfilment in life. It is about being there for someone with no expectations of anything in return. No underlying motive of recognition or compensation. Even doing service in exchange for good merits or for a ticket to heaven is an ego trip — expectations in disguise.

Service is simply about being there with your heart wide open to support a cause or another person. When was the last time you participated in making someone’s life better? In a world where everyone seems obsessed with material possessions, job promotions, good food, fame and money, the volunteers at Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) truly demonstrate what it means to be of service to others. While the rest of us are painting the town red on a Saturday night, the volunteers wander around the streets in the Klang Valley to distribute food and comfort to the forgotten members of society. “Our goal is to get our clients off the streets permanently by assisting them to reintegrate into society and be self-sufficient.

The food distribution programme is a tool for us to get to know our clients better. By giving them food and basic necessities, they open up to us easily and tell us why they ended up on the streets. Then, we can assist them in other ways like finding jobs for them, placing them in shelter homes for the elderly, replacing their identity cards and registering with the Welfare Department if they are eligible,” says Justin Cheah, Project Director of KSK.

KSK started out in 2006 as a group of friends giving out food, drinks and basic first aid to those in need. It grew quickly via word-of-mouth and today, the group is formed by volunteers of all ages from different faiths, cultures and background. “Our direct contact with those who live a ’street existence’ has been invaluable in gaining their trust and gathering information on their needs. As a result of these observations, we have established a plan to address not just the symptoms (hunger) but also the cause of the problem (urban poverty and a disconnection with society).

“Those stricken by poverty are not in that situation by choice. Nobody wants to sleep on the streets. They do not want charity, they need inspiration. We discovered that most of them are willing to re-enter society if given the opportunity — they just need to be shown the way.

“To effectively accomplish this, we have recently acquired a building just off Jalan Imbi as a permanent soup kitchen where we will continue to provide food, as well as medical aid, laundry facilities and counselling. It provides them with a fixed address, thus granting them easier access to employment opportunities. Besides the Saturday night rounds, we provide meals for about 150 people during lunch time every weekday from this premises,” says Cheah.

Since 2009, KSK has successfully obtained job placements for more than 60 people, found places in shelter homes for 20 elderly clients and assisted three to reconcile with their families.

If what they do at KSK touches your heart or inspires you, you can do your part by contributing in the following ways:

- Funds in the form of cash donations or pledges.

- Employment opportunities or training 

- Donations of food such as cooking oil, rice, fruits, canned food, biscuits, etc

- Medication for fever, diarrhoea, cough, cold, vomiting, asthma and multivitamins

- Medical items for external use: First aid kit, plasters, bandages, crutches, antiseptic wash, gauze, acriflavine lotion, cotton wool, medicated oil, anti-fungal cream, etc

- Toiletries: Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo

- New or used apparel, socks, slippers, raincoats, blankets, bags

- Your time.

Join the food distribution rounds at 8pm every Saturday by attending a compulsory orientation programme at KSK before heading out to the streets at 10pm. Address: No. 17 Jalan Barat (off Jalan Imbi), Kuala Lumpur. l If you are a medical doctor or qualified nurse, join them on the food distribution rounds to provide advice on medical treatment when the need arises.

Kechara Soup Kitchen’s long- term goal is to establish a nurture centre to provide training to enable the homeless to return to society as skilled citizens.

Join us this Sunday from 10am to 5pm at The Violet Flame in Bangsar for a fundraiser “Feed The Hungry Day”. There will be mini sessions of tarot card reading, aura chakra reading, Dorn therapy (for back problems and spinal misalignments) and other interesting activities. Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase food for KSK.

Visit www.thevioletflame.com.my for more info.

Biles of the Earth!

Now that sounds yucky and awfully bitter, doesn't it? I can tell you it is darn bitter! 

A common name of this hardy and easily found herb in Malaysia, is the "Hempedu Bumi" (translated as Biles of the Earth). I remembered well how my mum and the mums in my neighbourhood would pick the leaves of this herbs that can be found growing wild all over, even in garden pots! They would sun-dry the darkgreen leaves and subsequently pound/pulverised them, before putting the dried pounded leaves into empty vegetable capsules, as first aid at home against sore throat, laryngitis, mouth ulcers, high fever, skin diseases from rashes to pimple breakouts and many more! The Chinese community here has been calling this as "Seh York" (literal translation of the Cantonese name - Snake Medicine). Snake Medicine? Don't ask me why! I have not found a logical reason for this name yet. It's more proper Chinese name being Chuan Xin Lian (穿心蓮). I have also heard that the Malay community uses this herb for diabetic related illnesses. It is also a popular herbs in the ayurvedic practice and tradition.

I have seen the a few fresh green leaves being steeped in hot boiling water and taken as tea. Sometimes the leaves are boiled and the water taken as tea for those heaty days and to battle internal heat. I have also witnessed brave folks chew its bitter leaves, neat! This is a big deal as it is really bitter! Trust me this can be easily a stunt included in one of those live reality TV shows testing a person's bravery and such! 

This is a common herb in the region, including Thailand and India. It grows to about 60 to 70 cm in height and spreads abundantly through seeds that matures in pods, upon flowering. The seeds appears much like mustard seeds - I know cause I have them in my pots now too! Hahaha!

Scientifically it is Andrographis paniculata in Latin, this King of Bitters has been found to contain the active compound Diterpene andrographolide, which has been found to "to induce significant stimulation of antibody production," as quoted from Institute for Medical Research's website http://www.imr.gov.my/org/hmrc_r1.htm. Do have a read of the website. 

Generally it is known as rich source of anti-oxidant which has positive effects on the liver and the digestive system. Research seems to suggest that its active compounds aids in breaking up fats and cholestrol in the blood. It is now being sold over the counter in powder form, in capsules as herbal tonics by several local companies dealing with natural/herbal health products.

It is claimed that the active ingredient in this Bile of the Earth is even greater than that of Milk Thistles in its liver protecting and bile promoting properties. An interesting read is this link by one such company, http://www.rainforestherbs.com/img/Hempedu%20Bumi%20Plus%20infosheet.pdf.

Other interesting claims of the plant's positive effects are in areas of weight loss, chronic fatigue, bad breath, expelling worms and parasites in the intestinal tracts and high blood pressure. Its effect on terminating cancer cells, especially of the gastro-intestinal tracts has been positive as reported by some research in this area.

Because of the herbs' multiple uses, it has apparently gained popularity in Northern America and Europe. It is also used to treat coughs and flu in Scandinavian countries. Now how did this plant make its way to such cold places! :)

Some other interesting links (some maybe written in Malay) are:

- http://www.frim.gov.my/cms/fin/file/20090529_N_UM_SUP_pg11_Manfaat%20hempedu%20bumi.pdf

- http://www.melur.com/myherba.asp?plant_id=4

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrographis_paniculata

- http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natural-remedies/herbs/andrographis-paniculata-00054.html

As usual, do take precaution in the use of traditional herbs, I always advice liberal usage and do get to know more about what you put into the body first....

Breath Vs Bad Cells

Have we become so removed and unaware of our body these days? I was tickled by the fact that there is actually a book, "Breathing for Dummies" - for those of us who do not breathe right! Laughed I did but I also suspect that majority of us have been breathing wrongly for a long, long time. It is a fact that babies breathe rightly, but how and when did we forget to take in air the right way? Stumped, right?!  Breathing is a critical process of not merely supplying the lungs and body with air - oxygen, to be precise - it is more than that....

My friend, KarLai, shared a booklet with my friends and I sometime ago. It was entitled Cancer Care with Chi Dynamics by Master Anthony Wee. It is basically a concise and to the point instructions and sharing on how to use breath-work to maintain good health or even fight off cancer cells, basing on the theories that:

1- the breathing exercise will balance the Yin and Yang aspects within our body, and maintain the body's right pH balance within.

As further shared in an article in Natural Healing for You (http://www.naturalhealingforyou.com/journal.php?J_Id=28&V_Name=Volume%203&SE_Name=Review%20Article), a combination of gentle movements and breathing (as practiced in Qigong), also bring about positive healing through,

2 - Improved Oxygen Supply to cells

3 - Improved balance of the Autonomic Nervous System

4 - Improved Lymphatic function

Of course, in the path to healing, especially in battling cancer cells and diseases, there are many other aspects of our lives to look into, i.e. lifestyle, diet, rest, mental health, environment and many more. A whole and natural approach  has often times been proven to be the most effective way to put ourselves back on the road to regain our optimum health.

There is nothing to lose to take some moments, stop ourselves in our hurtle head-on and take stock of ourselves from time to time. Is our lifestyle destructive? Am I eating myself to an early grave? Are we pushing our body to beyond its limits? Am I getting proper rests? Are we thinking right? Am I emotionally healthy?

Or, just simply, am I breathing right?

Have a read through this webpage of Chi Dynamics, http://www.chidynamics.org.sg/sg_cancercare.htm.

Good Health to All, & Happy Deepavali to All Hindu Friends!

A Papaya Leaf A Day Keeps the Cancer Cells Away...?

Hello dear friends, this was shared by my friend Simon in his recent email. The use of very natural and easy to find ingredients such as papaya stems, lemon grass and apricot seeds to fight cancer. I have heard about the use of papaya stems before but the other two ingredients are not surprising too. Here goes...

This is an extract of the email of which the original sender's name is not available... nonetheless, thank you whoever you are for sharing your experience...

Quote:

This is for your personal health education - it is important to know and do, if ever you need it. Remember, Chemotherapy and Radiation kills the patient before the Cancer kills him. This is a true fact - you can ask your friends who are doctors. Doctors recommend Chemo and Radiation to others but will NEVER take this road if they are a victim of Cancer!

Remember, long time ago, I was helping my good friend who had Nose Cancer. I travelled with him all the way to Penang to search for cure. Well, today he is still alive, has been free of Cancer for 6 years and is now helping others who are in the same straits, through a NPC(not sure of the initial) organisation.

I met him last week and he said again - No need for Chemo and Radiation. Got to believe a person who went to hell and came back alive and well! And is now a helping others to survive Cancer.  He said you need three things to survive Cancer attack:

1. Juice fresh Papaya leaves and stalk to drink
2. Boil Lemon grass and drink as water
3. Eat Apricot seeds to kill the Cancer cells.

Unquote

The email also shared a link about the apricot seeds. Do have a read of it at http://www.naturalnews.com/027088_cancer_laetrile_health.html. 

It says, "(NaturalNews) Are apricot seeds a source for a natural substance that kills cancer cells without destroying the cancer victim's health and wealth? The essential ingredient has been called laetrile or vitamin B 17. If there is any merit to it, why is this information being suppressed? Why are people who have been cured or have cured others being censured and imprisoned? Could be there is something to the claims." Click on the link above to read on....

An interesting summary about the goodness of papaya is available on this link, http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_170_2005-01-11.html, from the National Library of Singapore. 

A link about the lemongrass and how it prompt cancer cells to 'commit suicide' is an interesting read too. Please go to http://my.88db.com/my/Knowledge/Knowledge_Detail.page/Health-Medical/?kid=11068

You decide if you think these are good to fight cancer with. As far as I know these plants have been used in many ways to fight diseases in many ways in various cultures, way before drugs were available with modern medicine. 

Something to think about too... watch this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54VbiKw2LdM&feature=related.

May all of us be blessed with good health and joyful lives! Good night!

Migranes Be Gone!

I am proned to migrane headaches which will leave me having to sleep off the pain while waiting for the body to slowly heal the cause of the headaches/migrane. I know for a fact, I can't have the airconditioning on for a full night. The dry and cold air will dry up my sinus cavity which causes a chain reaction from the lining and blood vessels in my sinus cavity contracting due to the dry condition. This will guarantee me a migrane headache.

I used to massage the sinus points on my hands and feet as a form of relief. That done, I will still need a long day's rest before the migrane or headache goes off. As I have been actively using essential oils recently, I asked for a friend's help to massage the sinus points on my feet using Young Living's Eucalyptus radiata followed by YL's Peppermint oil. What I have experienced (and I have tried this a few times with the same result) is that my migrane headache goes off almost within minutes of application of the oils on the reflex points in my feet! I dare say this is wonderful discovery that is saving me from having agonising and unproductive day of having to sleep it off!

Do give this a try, massage the tips of the toes of the feet as that is where the reflex points are located for the sinus. Add on the essential oils, and voila! What a relief! Migrane sufferers would know what I am talking about - the nasty pain that makes one nauseous and even unable to withstand bright/day lights! I use Young Living's oils as they are of very high quality and of therapeutic grade. Do be careful as to using oils that are labeled 'pure' - there are many reasons why the oils are not really pure as claimed. I, now, would personally trust only therapeutic graded ones.

If you like to find out more about how effective therapeutic graded oils are have a look at www.howtouseessentialoils.com or www.youngliving.com.my.

I have so many positive and amazing experiences from these oils since I began to use them. I hope more people will benefit from it! :)

More about Ginger ...

I must apologise for the long hiatus. Anyway, I am back! :)

Casts of Gilligan's Island - Ginger is the redhead in white dress...

Long before 'Lost' there was Gilligan's Island...Rang any bells? Remember Ginger, the red-headed starlet? Hmm... I had much fun in my childhood days watching and laughing at the silly adventures. That, of course, is a dead give-away of the era I came from! Perhaps I can claim having watched this from DVDs, which I did see on the shelves at the shops... hehehee!

What brought on Ginger was an email I have just received from a friend, Selena, listing out quite extensively the many use of ginger. I have written about this handy and popular kitchen ingredient before but as they say, a good thing is worth repeating! So here goes an extract from the email received:

Ginger is one of the world's seven most potent disease-fighting spices. 

Ginger has been used for its health benefits for over 5000 years and is a favorite medicinal as well as culinary herb. 

Unlike most spices, the part that has the most medicinal value grows under ground. Often mistakenly called “ginger root” this is actually the rhizome of the plant which is more of a subterranean stem than a root. Although you can use dried ginger and powdered ginger for health benefits, fresh ginger is preferred.

The intake of ginger helps stimulate the secretion of mucus, quieting your cough and soothing any scratchiness in your throat.

Ginger has been proven (in multiple studies) to treat feelings of nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and as a side effect of chemotherapy.

In pregnancy is to be extra careful!! Never use any herb, including ginger, without first discussing it with your doctor!! As for those suffering from ulcer, or other very serious gastric problems, they should also consult their doctor.


Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic, and anti fungal properties, and is used for the prevention of and treatment against the common cold.

Ginger acts as an antihistamine and aids in the treatment of allergies.

Ginger displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and various other muscular disorders.

The chemical components of the root are instrumental in inhibiting the biosynthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation.


Thus the root has proven to be a highly effective form of treatment, in some cases, even more so than the NSAID's that are traditionally prescribed.


So eating ginger may help to prevent cancer and aging disorders.


Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of cramps.

Good for those with constipation!

The ancient Greeks used to eat ginger after a large meal,
in order to ease the digestion process.

Ginger has proven to help lower your cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots.


As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help contribute to stress relief.


Also used for migraine headache.


Ginger can also be used for reducing toothache and the discomfort which arises due to the infection in the upper respiratory tract due to its antibacterial and antifungal nature.




Chewing on fresh ginger, can help freshen the breath.


Being a warming herb, ginger can help knock out a fever. This property also makes it effective in stimulating circulation of the blood.


It can also help relax muscles around the blood vessels and is said to help prevent blood clots from forming. The warming effects make it a natural decongestant as well as an antihistamine, making it the perfect remedy for colds.

Some studies show that it can even help inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus.


Recent studies show that ginger might also have a role in lowering LDL cholesterol because the spice can help reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed.


It has also been shown in animal trials to help slow
or even prevent cancerous tumor growth.


To discover the health benefits of ginger for yourself, simply make a tea by steeping about 5 slices of ginger in hot water.

If you prefer it in your food, ginger is excellent in many dishes and is perfect when combined with garlic.


Ginger doesn't only spice up your food it can also help to put some extra spice in your intimate life too. It improves blood flow to your sexual organs, and contains Vitamin C, zinc and magnesium.

There was no quote on the source of the information above. But anyhow, read and discern for yourself what works for you. :)

Dinner Talk 2 & Radishes

Dear friends,

I am honoured that my fellow blogger, Lion Girl, was inspired to go looking for a Hakka LuiCha Stall after my entry about it, in my last Dinner Talk. She has found one at Taman Cheras. But, alas, I am not very sure of my directions in Cheras and shall attempt to seek it out one fine day when traffic is bearable. Do have a read of her blog at  http://theliongirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Makan Junction to find out where it is...

On with more Dinner Talks. We were treated to delicious radish soup by mum today. Mum has always been telling us that (white) radish (also known as daikon in Japanese) soup is good for us, especially if we are caught in traffic day in and day out. Apparently, radish, which is a regulating food for the body sputum and blood circulation, has the ability to counteract toxic effects in our body. We inhale a large amount of carbon dioxide and fumes in traffic. It is also good for those of us who uses gas cookers too. We would have inadvertently inhaled the cooking gases at some point.

According to The Chinese Food for Longevity by Henry C. Lu, this root vegetable has the ability to also reduce internal heat, promote urination, heal inflamation, expel phlegm and helps with cough. Consumption of raw radishes in large amount can also improve symptoms of silicosis, a lung disease associated to inhalation of dust especially for miners and those who works in blasting sites and dusty construction environment. Silicosis is inflamation and scarring leading to nodular lesions in the lungs.

How to dish up radish soup? You will need a radish of medium size (roughly about a foot in length and of 2 to 3 inches thickness). Cube the radish and boil in a soup pot with chicken or pork (according to your liking) with some dried longans, lightly crushed black pepper seeds, some cubed carrots.

Boil for 3 to 4 hours. Start with heat on high and turn to low heat after 45 minutes or so. We start with about 10 bowls of water. Do add check the water level from time to time, and add warm water if boiling has reduced it significantly. This should serve between 3 to 5 people.

It is even simpler with a slow cooker. I usually put in enough water to cover the ingredients and meat, plus more. For slow cooker, I always start off the boiling by adding hot water into the pot with the ingredients. I would just leave the whole thing to cook while i retire for the night. It is usually ready in the morning after about 8 hours of sleep.

Add salt and a little soya sauce to taste, at the end of the boiling.

It is also said that in case of poisoning (orally) and there being no other medical help available, pulverise some radishes for its juice. The juices from raw radishes also has the ability to counteract swallowed poison. Drink about 4 to 5 tablespoons or 1/3 glass of it.

Because of it's ability to counteract poison and medication, it is advised that we should not take radish right after taking medication or with other Chinese herbal preparations. Otherwise it would have just neutralised the good effects desired in the medication or herbs.

As we all know, radishes is critical in adding that extra oumph to traditional Chinese sour pork (trotter) dish with black vinegar. Personally, I find that it makes lamb or red meat soup or stew really great tasting with black pepper and some green herbs like parsley added.

Wikipedia writes that "Radishes are rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, and potassium. They are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium. One cup of sliced red radish bulbs provides approximately 20 calories, largely from carbohydrates."


It also said that, "the raw flesh with its crisp texture and pungent, peppery flavor, caused by glucosinolates and the enzyme myrosinase which combine when chewed to form allyl isothiocyanates, also present in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi."


The radish is a close relative to the mustard plant. It is used widely in salads too. Health Recipes dot com (http://www.healthrecipes.com/radishes.htm) shared that, "ordinary radishes are a great source of vitamin C and are rich in minerals like sulphur, iron, and iodine. Daikon is even better, a source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and folate as well as sulphur, iron, and iodine."

"Radishes can be added to vegetable juice to spice up the flavor a little. In this form, they can help clear your sinus cavities and soothe your sore throat. The vitamin C in radishes is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to have a positive effect on asthma symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Potassium can help lower your risk of kidney stones and strokes, and radishes along a diet high in other fruits and vegetables can significantly lower your risk of multiple sclerosis."

"Besides, the earthy-spicy flavor of radish, unlike any other vegetable, can bring out unexpected flavors in your meals. With no drawbacks, what’s not to like?"

Yes indeed! What is there not to like about radish! 

:) Have a great week ahead!  

Of Apples and Vinegar

I used to consume apple cider vinegar religiously, at least once a day a few years back. Somehow I think I forgot all about it at one point and never got back to it.

Strangely, a few days ago I got thinking about apples and vinegar out of the blue and started doing some reading on the net about them. That of course reminded me of the bottle of apple cider vinegar that is still in my larder! I forgot how nice it taste with some honey and lemon!

I am now back to taking Bragg's apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) with High Dessert's Clover Honey (1 to 2 tablespoon) with a drop or two of Young Living's lemon essential oil - a very potent and detoxifying concoction twice a day. It not only gives me a real pick up in energy but also helps with my immune system and digestion. I have read before that apple cider vinegar helps to return our internal system to a more alkaline state which is how a healthy body should be.

Apparently Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine, used it extensively (400BC) encouraging people to consume apple cider vinegar and honey. Vinegar was already in use in treatment as far back as the Babylonians of 5,000 BC, or more. The Samurai warriors used it for strength and health.

There are many information about its uses. I will list here some interesting websites that you might like to read further from.

A quick summary of its health benefits include:
* lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure
* keeping control of sugar level in diabetics
* eliminates fatigue
* home remedy for sorethroat
* helps to keep allergies away
* treating dermatitis
* fight fungal and bacteria infections
* guards against cancer
* protect against aging of the cells and the mind
* helps in weight control
* help to relieve joint pains
* helps cats, dogs and horses in many of their arthritic conditions, keeping fleas away, shines their coats
and many more...

This site, http://www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/umeboshi_vinegar.htm, gives a good run down of the chemical chain of reaction in simple terms to understand why vinegar is such good stuffs.

One of my favourite sites, Buzzle.com has a good write up at http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar.html. It says, "Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine." Now, with so much of goodness in apple cider vinegar, how can we ignore this "wonder vinegar"!


As the apple cider vinegar is easily available these days, consuming it is no big job. We don't need to plant an apple tree, wait for it to fruit, squash the fruit and ferment it! How easy can life gets these days?!


Do remember, though, that the best apple cider from the store would be those liquid that appears brownish tint with some cobweb-like substance floating in it.

Sources and sites to read:
1. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar.html
2. http://www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/umeboshi_vinegar.htm
3. http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar.html
4. http://www.health.junkieyard.com/2009/05/22/is-the-apple-cider-vinegar-hype-backed-by-research/
(this site even gives you a link to make your own apple cider vinegar from scratch for the adventurous ones)
5. http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html
6. http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/apple-cider-vinegar-cholesterol (with info on how to use the apple cider and some articles on its uses)

Well, I wish everyone days filled with good health, joy and love! Ciao!


P/s - i just remembered, my mum used one or two tablespoon of vinegar into boiling water to scald peanuts and any nuts - apparently this was a tip she read from the newspaper sometime ago to get rid of some cholestrol contents especially in peanuts! How cool! Blanch, drain and remove from vinegar water, rinse and cook as normal. See ya!

Dinner Talk 24 April 2010

I had a good and delicious dinner of the 'Hakka Lui Cha' cooked up by my mum and sis this evening. The Hakka Lui Cha is the perfect all in one dish with greens (choi sam, sweet basil or chinese basil, chinese parsley, long beans, salad greens) - all diced up with nuts, sesame, toufu and diced meat. The star of this dish is, of course, the blend of good Chinese tea (usually Oolong or Pu Erh), sesame, peanuts and herbs/greens that is pounded in the old days, but blended these days into a paste and made into tea soup. A rice bowl piled with the mixes of diced greens, nuts, toufu and meat is then served with hot tea soup poured into the bowl. For the vegetarian, it is perfectly fine to omit the meat.

Full of goodness of vitamins and proteins - a well balanced meal in one bowl!

As usual, during dinner mum was sharing on what has gone into the dish, bla, bla, bla.... and somehow launched into a variety of topics involving, what else, but FOOD! :)

Mental notes taken tonight include how to make yummy and believable 'meat' soup that is vegetarian (mock meat soup)! This involved using carrot, radishes, chinese turnips, corn and taugeh! All very healthy and nutritious ingredients in their own rights.
For chicken 'taste-alike' soup - boil carrot, turnip and taugeh together.
For beef 'taste-alike' soup - boil carrot, radishes and turnip.
Cool right? :)

Dinner was capped with dessert of taiwanese watermelon and sun melon, courtesy of W & D. So that puts more vitamins C into an already nutritious dinner!

While packing and storing the watermelon skins (see my piece on watermelon) my mum recollected how the watermelon skin (the tough green exterior plus the white soft parts) can be boiled with corn on hobs (corn still wrapped in its green-leaves exterior and including the cornsilk within) into a healing drink for diabetics. Apparently those with mild diabetic conditions have found cure by taking this simple concoction daily for a period of time.

After that last note, I thought I should quickly blog them while they are still fresh in my mind. So here it is dear friends. Have a good night!

Err...for no particular reasons, I am thinking of chocolate and carrot cakes right now! Or perhaps time to munch on that chocolate bar in the fridge ... decisions, decisions...!

Soothes with Pears

Am in a mood for sharing tonight. So here goes my third entry for the day.

Ever found yourself preparing a nice Chinese dinner for the family or grilling that herbs marinated chicken for a candle light dinner for two, and yet you run out of ideas for a simple and yet great dessert?

Search no more. I have two suggestions! One, refer to my watermelon piece. Or, two, do something with pears.
This is a very versatile recipe, you can either double boil, slowcook it, or simmer in a pot.

Ingredients:
1. Pears. One pear serves two, split in half. Core or remove seeds. My favourite is to use Bosc Pears (the brown and slightly thick skinned pears). Or any other pears of your choice. However, Bosc  pears when cooked has  a beautiful aroma that is yummy in itself.
2. Winter melon sugar or rock sugar, or both. Sweetness to taste. I find that a medium sized piece of rock sugar (about 3" in diameter) and some 6 to 8 pieces of wintermelon sugar cooked in three bowls of water is just nice for my sweet bud.
3. a small pinch of tea leaves - you can use any good Chinese tea leaves, be it Oolong orTit Kuan Yin, and even Earl Grey.

Let's look at simmering this in a pot. Melt the rock sugar in a pot of water enough for two if you are cooking two half-pears. Stir in the winter melon sugar.  Put in a small pinch of the tea leaves of your choice. Let this cook for a while or until the rock sugar is melted.

Add the half-pears into the sugar and tea water. Add another smaller pinch of tea leaves on top of the pears. Simmer at low for at least 45 mins.

You can serve this hot or cold. For a cold serving, simply remove from the fire and let it cool, before putting it   into the fridge. But my preference is to serve warm. As with any food of medicinal/healing values, serving it warm is the best.

For double-boiling or slow-cooking, simple put in hot water and all the ingredients together. Cook for 1 and half to two hours if double boiling it. Whilst you can leave it longer if you choose to slow cook it. My favourite is to have it slowly cooked in a slow cooker for half a day, whilst I go about preparing the other dishes. Or take a nap.

You may alternatively add about half a dozen pieces of dried longan for the extra sweetness and taste. But i prefer it plain.

The pears cooked this way contributes yin energy, enhance complexion and regulate sputum in our body. This helps in dry and hot weather like now to move the phlegm from the lungs. Longans, if you use them, is tonic for the spleen and heart.

I have had this in a restaurant too, at a pretty expensive price per bowl. So I know this must be good stuff! Hehehe!

Well, enjoy and stay healthy.

wonder watermelon

Back to foodstuffs tonight. Don't you just wanna sink your teeth into this juciy thing?! Especially on a hot day like today!

This pink or sometimes yellow fleshed fruit is simply marvelous. It, not only, gives us the sweet juicy thirst-quencher of a fruit, but it also has many great uses.

The fruit is fully consumed in my family, not even the peel with its whitish juicy parts nor the seeds are wasted.

My mum make delicious 'leong sui' (cooling soup) by cutting out the whitish juicy parts and boiling them with wintermelon sugar. Sometimes with the green peel/skin too. Try it - it's really yummy. My old and wise neighbourhood aunty poh-poh (grandma) would dry the skin together with it's whitish flesh and pulverised them into powder that is great for relief of sore throats and mouth ulcers.

Other uses?

*To counteract summer heat, reduces fever in the body and promotes urination:
 - eat the fruit!

*Clear lungs, lubricate intestines, quench thirts and aid digestion:
- eat the seeds! Chew them instead of spitting them all over.

*Treat diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, toothaches:
- boil the roots and leaves for soup!

*Cure edema in the heart and kidney diseases:
- boil 60gm of fresh watermelon peel, or 30g of dried peel, in water and drink like tea!

*Quench thirst, and to cure cloudy urine in diabetics:
- boil 30gm of watermelon peel and wax gourd peel. Take as tea.

*Why is it so effective in combating heaty issues?
- watermelon induce heat in the pericardium (the membranous sac that covers the heart and the roots of major blood vessels) to travel to the stomach and small intestine, then to the bladder where the heat is excreted/expelled!

Oh, we forgot the seeds. Removed hygienically from the flesh with knife and spoon, rinse and dry, then toast it! It is kuachi! Without the chemical additives nor salt! Personally, I just like to chew on them with the flesh... a bit of crunch and a little nutty in flavour - yum!


* source: The Art of Long Life - Chinese Foods for Longevity by Henry C. Lu.

Tiger Trivia

• A tiger can only usually expect a one in twenty success rate when bringing down prey.
• On average a tiger can eat up to 60 pounds of meat at one time.
• After a feed, a tiger will usually bury the remaining animal carcass in an attempt to hide it from scavengers, and then exhume it for its next meal.
• All tigers have a similar marking on their forehead, which resembles the Chinese symbol Wang, (King)
• A tiger can go two to three days without eating.
• A tiger can spend up to eighteen hours sleeping.
• Tigers reach maturity and are ready for mating at the age of three. 
• Tiger cubs are blind at birth.
• A tiger cub can gain 100 grams in weight per day.
• Tiger cubs play fight with their siblings, which enables them to gain strength and speed. 
• The tail gives the tiger extra balance when running and is also used to communicate to other tigers.
• The tendons in a tiger's leg are so strong that it has been known to remain standing after it has been shot dead.

• tigers almost always attack from behind, a double sided mask had been shown to be effective in preventing attacks.
• There were 8 subspecies of Tiger at the beginning of the 20th century. 3 are now extinct, leaving 5 existing subspecies.
• tigers evolved in Asia. 
• It is estimated that they have roamed the earth for over 6 million years.
• earliest fossil of tigers date back to between 1.5 to 2 million years ago.
• Tiger are protected under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) treaty. 158 countries have signed the treaty and agreed to abide by its terms, including those in which most tigers live. 
• They have been on the Endangered Species list since 1970.
• We could lose the wild tiger in as little as five years time.
• The tiger has only one predator...MAN!

Source: 
1. http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0313003/Tigers/Tigers/Trivia.html
2. http://www.elvidge.com/users/jimbo/tigers/facts.htm
Picture:
- http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/print/2008/10/tiger_desert.jpg

HOT STATS.

World's favourite animal

In a poll conducted by Animal Planet, the tiger was voted the world's favourite animal, narrowly beating the dog. More than 50,000 viewers from 73 countries voted in the poll.

Tigers received 21% of the vote, 
dogs 20%,
dolphins 13%,
horses 10%,
lions 9%,
snakes 8%,
followed by elephants, chimpanzees, orangutans and whales.

Animal behaviourist Candy d'Sa, who worked with Animal Planet on the list, said: "We can relate to the tiger, as it is fierce and commanding on the outside, but noble and discerning on the inside".

Callum Rankine, international species officer at the World Wildlife Federation conservation charity, said the result gave him hope. "If people are voting tigers as their favourite animal, it means they recognise their importance, and hopefully the need to ensure their survival," he said.

BUT ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO ENSURE OUR FAVOURITE WILL NOT BE JUST A MUSEUM EXHIBIT IN THE FUTURE?

Text Source: wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger
Picture Source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_73MI4VJObuo/SRVGBfzgRpI/AAAAAAAAAm4/dOWg2pVXo-Q/s400/tiger-cubs.jpg

No Tiger or any animal parts please!!!

As we all know, many wildlife are now in danger of going the way of the dinosaurs. Bears, rhinoceros, whales, sharks, tigers and many more are joining the ranks of exotic animals sought for their skin, body parts, etc. It is our duty to create and promote the awareness of being a responsible citizen of the Earth, to ensure not just the survival of the planet but everything else that is on it, be it the water, air, forest or animals.

I hope to share with you and remind us all that we need to play our part in ensuring the survival of our natural and national treasure, the Malayan Tiger, which is only numbered at 500 in the wild now. This sub-species was only officially identified as unique to the Peninsular of Malaysia in 2004. Something for us to be proud of.

As in our culture, the faulty belief of the magical medicinal effects from tiger parts, has contributed highly to the dwindling numbers of this king of the forest. Not to mention the high price paid for tiger skin for ornamental purposes. Let's play our part and choose tiger parts-free products. Go natural, go herbs, which is in abundant and is sustainable!

Some interesting sites for you to read about the tigers and their plights are as follows:
1. http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/tigers/about_tigers/malayan_tiger/
2. http://www.tigersincrisis.com/trade_tigers.htm
3. http://www.21stcenturytiger.org/index.php?pg=1183113244

My kudos to the organisers of The Tiger blogfest:
• Planet of the Monyets (www.planetofthemonyets.blogspot.com )

Also checkout WWF Malaysia TX2 (www.tx2.my) website.

Gingerly does it .....

As I was sharing with a friend recently of this ginger remedy for an upset tummy with a bit of runs, I reminded myself to put it down here too. So here it is. A simple and fast enough remedy with ginger as the main star.

On those nights or days when you find that whatever food we have eaten does not seem to agree with us, and is giving you some mild runs, as well as doubling you over in aches, try this:

1. Ginger - a generous portion of perhaps 2 inch by 2 inch or 3 by 3 of  old ginger root that has been cleansed.

2. Next pound it in a mortar.

3. Squeeze the juice out into a glass

4. mix in a table spoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Top up with a little water.

Now it is ready to be drank. From my experience, I get an almost immediate warmth of comfort radiating in my tummy. Followed by the tummy churning lesser and lesser. 

I would of course advice everyone, as usual, to go see a doctor as the safest way to ensure you have not picked up more than what your tummy can hold in. I would also remind you that one should ensure proper hygiene in the preparation of such juice. Wash and scrub ginger, peel of skin if necessary, and run it through clean distilled water or hot water. Similarly utensils such as mortar used should be cleanse too with hot water before use.

Alternatively, the ginger root, lemon juice and honey can be quickly blended in a food processor too.

Ginger has been used in Chinese cooking for many purposes. 

- It masks bad odour of meat and fish (ginger juice can be used to tenderise meat and remove meat odour too, in preparation of cooking)

- improve flavour with its aroma, and as well as 

- being an indicator of poisonous factors in food. It turns black if poison is present. A common use of ginger is in cooking mushrooms - to ensure the fresh mushroom picked from forest ground is not poisonous. Imperial cooks for in China purportedly use either ginger or a silver needles to test for poison in the food before serving them to the Emperors in ancient days.

Ginger is considered a yang food that helps to stimulate the intestinal tract and promote digestion. The chinese also use boiled ginger water to induce perspiration which is considered good to fight and elevate the symptoms of the common cold and fever. Ginger cooked with chicken and Chinese wine is a staple for mothers in confinement after giving birth.

The humble ginger contains little amount of protein, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins B1, B2, C and other trace elements needed by our body.