Posts in category: Uncategorized

Imagine waking up excited to make breakfast – it is possible! You can fuel your body ready for the day by creating a delicious, healthy bowl of goodness. Chinese herbs are a fantastic ingredient to make an array of unique breakfast dishes, as they contain health boosting properties. Here are our top 5 healthy breakfast recipes which are quick and easy to make:

1) PORRIDGE WITH DRIED ORANGE PEEL (CHEN PI) & DRIED BLACK CARDAMON (YI ZHI REN)

Considered the ‘Marmite’ of breakfasts by some, porridge is usually brandished as a ‘Plain Jane’ dish, but here’s how you can transform something bland into a vibrant and colourful breakfast bowl:

 

Ingredients                                                                                                            

Dried orange peel – 20g

Dried black cardamon – 5g

2 cups of porridge oats

3-4 cups of milk/water (your preference)

Pinch of salt

 

Quick Prep Instructions (Prep time: 4-5 mins – using microwave)

• Put 2 cups of porridge oats into a ceramic bowl
• Pour 3-4 cups of milk/water and sprinkle in a pinch of salt
• Add the dried orange peel and black cardamon on top of the porridge
• Place the porridge in the microwave for 3 minutes on the appropriate setting
• Once this has finished, remove carefully (very hot)
• For a slightly sweeter palette, add 1 tablespoon of honey
• Enjoy!

 

On the Hob Instructions (Prep time: 7-8 mins – using saucepan)

• Put 2 cups of porridge oats in a saucepan
• Pour 3-4 cups of milk/water and sprinkle in a pinch salt
• Boil together for roughly 4-5 minutes, stir throughout so it doesn’t stick to the saucepan
• Once the porridge has thickened, add the dried orange peel and black cardamon into the pan
• Mix the ingredients together and then remove the saucepan from the heat
• Place the porridge into a bowl
• For a slightly sweeter palette, add 1 tablespoon of honey
• Enjoy!

 

What’s special about Orange Peel and Cardamon?

Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi) is a fantastic herb with some great benefits to aid health & wellbeing. Oranges are renowned for its high vitamin C content, but the peel/skin contains great amounts of provitamin A, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium and vitamin B6.

This herb may also help prevent and manage chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Legend has it, the more aged the peel, the more potent its therapeutic energy.

Dried Black Cardamon (Yi Zhi Ren) is a herb design to assist various digestive disorders. If you’ve ever experienced a painful stomach ulcer, this herb is a great way to suppress the discomfort. Whilst maintaining good heart health and aiding bloating/unwanted gas, Black Cardamon is a great differential ingredient to your morning munch.

 

2) GRANOLA WITH DRIED APRICOT SEEDS (XING REN), DRIED DOGWOOD FRUIT (SHAN YU ROU) & DRIED HAWTHORN BERRIES (SHAN ZHA)

Known as an energy-boosting powerhouse, Granola can be an excellent source of fibre to get your day underway in style! Here’s how to create a delicious granola, packed with flavour for a healthy kick:

 

Ingredients       

Dried apricot seeds – 10g

Dried dogwood fruit – 10g

Dried hawthorn berries – 10g

Plain rolled oats – 300g

3-4 cups of milk (your preference)

Coconut oil – 1 tsp

Plain honey – 2 tbsp

Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Pinch of salt

 

Instructions (Prep time: 5-10 mins)

• Mix the plain rolled oats and milk together
• Add the coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then stir
• Add the dried apricot seeds, dogwood fruit and hawthorn berries into the mixture
• Place in the microwave for 2 minutes on the appropriate setting
• Once completed, allow 1 minute to rest
• Enjoy!

 

What’s special about Apricot Seeds, Dogwood Fruit and Hawthorn Berries?

Dried Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) is a great addition to many breakfast dishes, not just granola. They possess a high content of essential fatty acids (omega 6s &3s, vitamin B17), and can assist in fighting heart disease and improving mental health. They are a versatile ingredient as you can eat them in both raw and prepared versions.

Used predominantly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a natural anti-inflammatory, Dried Dogwood Fruit (Shan Yu Rou) is prized for its ability to cleanse the liver and improve energy levels. Taste-wise, they have been considered as a cross between a pumpkin and mango (very vibrant flavours). This herb is commonly used as a base for creating ketchups, frozen yoghurts and other fruity snacks.

Useful in a heart-warming tea in the winter months (there’s another recipe idea), Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha) have been quoted as an ‘very-ripe apple’ or a ‘cranberry alternative’. Known for their ability to suppress high blood pressure and control cholesterol levels, this medicinal herb has been previously used in raw form to treat boils and sores directly on the skin. Regularly available across Asia, North America and Europe, this berry is a crucial component for a health-boosting breakfast.

 

3) OATMEAL WITH BIG JUJUBE DATES (DA HONG ZAO), DRIED LONGAN FRUIT (LONG YAN ROU) & DRIED GOJI BERRIES (GOU QI ZI)

Known commonly as ‘Oatmeal’ by our friends across the pond, this is a great breakfast idea for those looking to get their health benefits with little culinary expertise required. Here’s how to create our flavoursome herbal oatmeal:

 

Ingredients       

2 big jujube dates

Dried longan fruit – 10g

Dried goji berries – 10g

Plain rolled oats – 300g

3-4 cups of water/milk (your preference)

Pinch of salt

 

Instructions for cooking on the hob (Prep time: 5-10 mins)

• Add a pinch of salt to the water/milk, and bring to the boil over a medium to high heat
• Stir in the plain rolled oats, then reduce the heat to low
• Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the liquid and oat to absorb (stir gently throughout)
• Add in the big jujube dates, logan fruit and goji berries and mix
• Once completely mixed, remove from the boil and rest for 1 minute
• Serve and enjoy!

 

Instructions for microwaving (Prep time: 2-5 mins)

• Add a pinch of salt to the water/milk, and stir in the plain rolled oats in a ceramic bowl
• Mix in the big jujube dates, logan fruit and goji berries
• Once completely mixed, microwave for 2 and a half minutes
• Remove from the microwave, rest for 1 minute
• Enjoy!

 

What’s special about Jujube Dates, Longan Fruit and Goji Berries?

Big by name and big by nature, the Giant Jujube Dates (Da Hong Zao) can aid weight loss while improving mental health and brain function. Sweet in taste, these juicy dates are a powerful antioxidant which can be used in fruity teas and desserts. Like the more commonly known date, they’re a tasty snack and can be consumed on their own.

High in Vitamin C, the Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou) has been used as a general tonic to increase energy levels whilst boosting the immune system. Alternatively named as ‘Dragon Eyes’ for its appearance, this fruit can also be eaten as a sweet treat included in desserts and herbal teas.

Possibly the most well-known Chinese herb around, the Dried Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) is an excellent ingredient to support health and wellbeing goals. Prized for its versatility, this berry provides immune system support, contains anti-cancerous properties, promotes healthy skin and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. A simple and effective use for the Goji berry is to consume these in their raw form or making a delicious fruity tea.

 

4) RED BEAN CONGEE – DRIED ADZUKI BEANS (CHI XIAO DOU), DRIED LOTUS SEEDS (BAI LIAN ZI) & ROCK CANDY/SUGAR

For those who prefer the sweeter things in life, and at breakfast time, this is going to be your go-to option. Making this dish is going to require a few extra ingredients, but we promise you it’ll be well worth the work! Ideal for those looking to prepare a large batch of Red Bean Congee for a few days. Here’s how to whip it up:

 

Ingredients       

Dried adzuki beans – 10g

Dried lotus seeds – 10g

½ cup of sweet rice

½ cup of rock candy/sugar

8 cups of water

 

Instructions (Prep time: 10 mins – Simmer and Soak time: 4 hours)

• Wash and drain the red adzuki beans and lotus seeds
• Bring the 8 cups of water in a large pot to boil
• Add the red adzuki beans and lotus seeds and mix
• Simmer for between 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the beans start to separate/fall apart
• Wash the sweet rice and add to the pot, then simmer for another hour while stirring occasionally
• Once the beans have disintegrated into a soup-like texture, remove from the heat and stir in the rock sugar
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then place in the fridge until fully chilled
• Once chilled, serve and enjoy!

 

What’s special about Red Adzuki Beans and Lotus Seeds?

Being known for their rich nutrient content, Dried Adzuki Beans (Chi Xiao Dou) provide you with high levels of protein and manganese. They are beneficial for aiding weight loss, improving digestion health, plus fighting diabetes and heart disease. Easily adaptable to be used as a red paste, this ingredient can be used in several different dishes, such as soups, desserts and as a dim sum filling. In Asian countries, these beans are cooked to make a chocolate-alternative paste which is used to make cakes and desserts (sounds heavenly).

The vitamin kings of the Chinese herbal world, Dried Lotus Seeds (Bai Lian Zi) contain high levels of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins A, B, C and E. You’re able to eat these raw and cooked, they are popular in many medicinal formulas in the East. If we’ve swayed you to try these in another dish, they are a great component for an Asian style soup but remember to remove the shell beforehand!

 

5) OMELETTE WITH DRIED SHIITAKE WINTER MUSHROOM (DONG GU) / DRIED SHIITAKE FLOWER MUSHROOM (HUA GU) / DRIED SNOW FUNGUS MUSHROOM (MU ER)

Now, if you’re more of a protein-packed breakfast lover, you’re in the right place. We’ve got 3 different mushrooms which you can cook as part of this recipe, so the choice is yours. Here’s our spin on this classic ‘gym bunny’ favourite:

 

Ingredients       

3 beaten eggs

1 tsp sunflower oil

1 tsp butter

Dried mushroom of your choice – 10g

Pinch of salt

 

Instructions (Prep time: 10 mins)

• Season the 3 beaten eggs with a pinch of salt
• Heat the sunflower oil and butter in a frying pan over a medium-low heat until melted
• Pour the eggs into the pan and allow them to cover the pan surface
• Cook the mixture for roughly 30 seconds, then make a line in the middle of the mix
• Repeat once or twice more to allow the egg mixture to set
• Fill the omelette mix with your choice of dried mushroom (our fave is Snow Fungus)
• Fold in half gently once the omelette has been filled
• Remove from the heat once thoroughly cooked
• Enjoy!

 

What’s special about Shiitake Winter Mushroom/Shiitake Flower Mushroom/Snow Fungus Mushroom?

We can never get enough of Eastern mushrooms. A study conducted in 2015 found that people who ate an estimated two dried shiitake mushrooms daily for a month had a significant increase in their immune system markers. If you’re still unsure on which mushroom is best suited to create your protein-packed omelette, check out our comparison below:

Type of Mushroom – Health Benefits

Dried Shiitake Winter Mushroom (Dong Gu)

·       Contains anti-cancerous properties

·       Boosts immunity levels

·       Supports heart health

 

Dried Shiitake Flower Mushroom (Hua Gu)

·       Protects against cell damage

·       Boosts white blood cell production

·       Contains anti-inflammatory properties

 

Dried Snow Fungus Mushroom (Mu Er)

·       Rich in fibre

·       High in polysaccharides

·       Improves brain, heart and skin health

Now that you’ve got a better idea of which mushroom is best suited for your ultimate omelette, feel free to add any of your other favourite ingredients to boost those flavour combinations. We’re in the mood for food!

For a re-cap of the culinary herbs used in these recipes, click the links below for more information:

 

Porridge Recipe – Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi), Dried Black Cardamon (Yi Zhi Ren)

Granola Recipe – Dried Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), Dried Dogwood Fruit (Shan Yu Rou), Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha)

Oatmeal Recipe – Giant Jujube Dates (Da Hong Zao), Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou), Dried Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)

Red Bean Congee Recipe –  Dried Adzuki Beans (Chi Xiao Dou), Dried Lotus Seeds (Bai Lian Zi)

Omelette Recipe – Dried Shiitake Winter Mushroom (Dong Gu), Dried Shiitake Flower Mushroom (Hua Gu), Dried Snow Fungus Mushroom (Mu Er)

 

Now you’re prepared with 5 healthy recipes ideas for breakfast, you can put those herbs to good use and create stunning dishes in the coming weeks. We’d love to see your take on these traditional recipes, so please send us your food pics to info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we’ll feature them on our site!

For any additional recipe ideas using Chinese culinary herbs, click here.

At Aura, it’s our mission to make traditional Chinese herbs more accessible to everyone. They’ve got a wide variety of health benefits and are versatile ingredients in tea and cooking! 

Now, why would you choose an Aura Diet Supplement over any other brand you’ve already heard of?

Good question – we’d be asking the same in your position!

But… there is a difference… a clear difference.

Here’s why we think you could achieve your health goals with the help of a 100% natural, herbal supplement… 

Premium Quality, Premium Herbs

We believe in the best, the very best, and only the best. 

Since we launched this range back in September 2020, we have brought together years of development with our own trusted suppliers to source the highest quality Chinese herbs from source.

How do we know this?

Again, another good question!

All of our Chinese herbs are non-sulphur treated, meaning they are grown according to classical DaoDi principles at their original source. Check out an example of a sulphur vs. non-sulphur treated herb – quite the difference!

We follow traditional methods to extract herbs according to classical texts and Chinese pharmacopoeia.

Unlike traditional teapills, no cornstarch or sugar is used to bind the herbs together.

Extraction methods are used based on the herb’s chemical composition.

To ensure we extract optimal levels of the active ingredient, some herbs are extracted with water and some are extracted with alcohol.

Our supplement range has been standardised to a concentration ration of 5:1 from raw herb to finished product.

Each tablet contains 600mg of authentic DaoDi herbs, therefore; a single bottle of 60 tablets weighs 36g and is equivalent to 180g of raw herb.

That’s a lot of herb!

Value  

One bottle of Aura lasts up to 2 weeks, and has a shelf life of 5 years.

The leading brand of teapills may weigh roughly 33g and is equivalent to just 20-30g of raw herbs, for one-week’s dosage.

Starch and sugar are often used in teapills to bind the ingredients together, which leads to lower concentration and concerns for eliciting a blood sugar response.

So – when put into perspective, the stats speak for themselves… 

The differences are clear to see, as shown by the above chart. Aura products may yield better and quicker results than other forms of herbal remedies.  

Aura Supplements are categorised by the 5 Chinese Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth)

So – the next time you’re looking for a supplement to assist with your health goals, you know where to find us! 

To explore the full range, click here.

For any further queries, please email info@auranutrition.com and we’ll be happy to help! 

Being one of the most popular health mushrooms around, Coriolus Veriscolor sounds as interesting as it looks.

Sharing it’s name with something traditionally consumed at Christmas, it is commonly known as ‘Turkey Tail’ mushroom. 

Possessing striking colours and a bright appearance, this mushroom has been used for centuries worldwide for a variety of health conditions.

1) Immune System 

If you’re prone to the common cold and sick of feeling under the weather (pardon the pun), then Turkey Tail mushroom could be the answer.

This mushroom contains powerful immune-boosting properties. Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) are protein-based polysaccharides (PSK) carbohydrates, which both activate and inhibit specific types of immune cells by reducing inflammation. 

Some studies have found that Turkey Tail mushroom is useful to also inhibit the growth and spread of unhealthy colon cells in humans. Quite a powerful little mushroom if you ask us! 

2) Gut Health

This mushroom has also been prized for its ability to enhance your gut health. 

How does it do this?

Well… tests have uncovered that Turkey Tail can help reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, while reducing numbness and pain. 

3) Cancer-Fighting 

Those key compounds we discussed earlier, PSP and PSK are also useful for colon and breast cancer, by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.

In terms of its uses for post-chemotherapy, there is a limited amount of research to suggest that Turkey Tail could be an effective treatment for this.

Though this is the case, we’re confident that this powerful mushroom has a lot more to give for anti-cancerous properties, so watch this space!

4) Obesity

Shockingly, 63% (35 million) of people in the UK are currently classified as being overweight or obese (2021 stats).  

The effects of the pandemic haven’t been kind to many’s waistline, with high fatty foods being the centre of attention. 

Luckily, Turkey Tail mushroom isn’t a fan of obesity – and contains protein-based beta-glucans (PBG) which may aid weight loss. 

A study in mice found that PBG helped prevent weight gain in those who consumed a high fat diet. 

This compound may help balance certain bacteria found in the gut, making Turkey Tail a useful addition to aid those weight loss goals. 

5) Antioxidants for Anti-Aging

Lastly, Turkey Tail mushroom contains Phenols and Flavonoids. 

These compounds can prevent damage to tissue, which typically cause chronic illness and premature aging.

So – if you’re looking for a Benjamin Button effect, Turkey Tail mushroom may just be the mushroom for you. 

How Can I Take Turkey Tail?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=76ATqNFS2C4%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26enablejsapi%3D1

There are two easy ways to consume Turkey Tail mushroom – capsuled or powdered.

Benefits of Capsules – quick, easy consumption – good for on the go

Benefits of Powdered – can be taken with food, or in a smoothie

Summary

Now you’ve got a better understanding of the powerful Turkey Tail mushroom, incorporating this into your routine is a breeze. 

Click here for our Turkey Tail products, and for more information, contact us here. 

Lockdown didn’t do us many favours, let’s be honest.

There were so many great ideas when the pandemic first hit – set up a home gym, train for a marathon, only eat unprocessed foods… 

Well… I’m sure that the majority of these wonderful ideas didn’t quite go exactly to plan.

Don’t worry – we had high hopes for ourselves as well.

Instead, we found external peace on the sofa, binge-watched our favourite shows for hours on end and went up a couple of clothes sizes. 

Fast-forward to the present day, some of you may be in the same boat. 

You’re not happy with your figure, and you want results. Fast.

Here we meet at the natural herbal tea crossroads. 

One path leads to Fei Yan™ Tea. The other leads to SlimmingT.

Both teas known for their ability to help you trim up naturally, but what are the differences between the two?

Let’s uncover the secrets of these powerful herbal teas:

Fei Yan™ Tea

For centuries, Fei Yan™ Tea has been prized for its ability to promote natural weight loss and health-enhancement. 

The secret recipe comes from the original Fei Yan™ Diet Tea blend. 

History

This blend is named after a Chinese Empress of the Han Dynasty – Zhao Fei Yan.

Her slim and fragile figure was sought after by many, who were intrigued to find out her secret formula for slimming success. 

Fei Yan™ directly translates to ‘Flying Sparrow’, which drew the comparisons to the graceful bird. 

The legend says that Zhao Fei Yan™ was ‘as light as a swallow and could dance on another one’s palm’. 

Rumour has it that the Empress maintained her small waistline by drinking her authentic diet Tea daily. 

What Makes this Special?

Due to very high demand for this tea, the market was once saturated with counterfeit products which did not have the same desired weight loss effect.

To ensure the market gets the very best product, we have exclusively partnered with the founder of Fei Yan™ tea and re-branded this for the Western market.

So – next time you see another supposed ‘Fei Yan™ tea’ on the market, just remember where to find the 100% authentic product. 

Aura Health & Wellbeing is the only registered supplier in Europe.

Today, Fei Yan™ Tea is one of the most popular herbal weight loss teas consumed across Europe, and for good measure! 

Combining Lotus Leaf, Tangerine Peel, Rhubarb Root, Stevia Leaf and Oolong Tea makes this the ultimate formula to kickstart your weight loss journey.

Being naturally caffeine-free, you can enjoy its delicious taste without getting too much of a ‘buzz’.  

Consuming these powerful Chinese herbs in a beautiful blend of tea can get you back on track with your slimming goals, naturally.

Soon, you’ll be reminiscing to those days on the sofa and wishing you’d discovered this blend sooner!

SlimmingT

This special blend has been formulated to help improve your metabolism, which can contribute to healthy weight loss.

SlimmingT combines Lotus Leaf, Hawthorn Fruit, Luff Cylindrica, Coix Seeds, Astragalus Root, Liquorice Root and Oolong Tea. 

What Makes this Special?

While you might be itching ready to get your hands on some SlimmingT, this blend does promote bowel movements, so make sure you take care when drinking! 

This natural herbal tea possesses a range of health benefits which we could all get behind:

1) Boosts energy & metabolism – helps you discharge fat and toxins

2) Helps burn fat and calories – targets extra fat stored in your body 

3) Treats habitual constipation

4) Helps slim down abdominal area 

5) Calms bloating

6) Contains antioxidants – decreasing the risk of inflammation

7) Supports detoxification – reduces toxins in the body 

Conclusion

Click here to explore the full functional herbal tea range.

For any further queries, please contact info@auranutrition.com and we’ll be happy to help. 

As one of the most popular health mushrooms available, Reishi sounds like it has a lot to live up to – but luckily, it passes with flying colours!

It is also known by the name ‘Ling Zhi’, or for the more scientific name ‘Ganoderma Lucidum’.

Displaying a vibrant appearance, this mushroom has been used for centuries worldwide for a variety of health conditions.

1) Immune System 

If you’re keen on developing your Superman-like powers against disease, Reishi is a great assistant to kick-start those dreams. 

Scientific studies have suggested that this mushroom can positively affect the genes in white blood cells, a critical part of your immune system. 

It is thought that Reishi can potentially increase the activity of natural killer cells, mainly used to fight infections and cancer in the body. 

2) Fatigue & Depression

One study examined over 100 patients with conditions associated with aches, pains, dizziness, irritability and headaches.

Consuming Reishi was found to reduce fatigue and improve positivity and wellbeing over an 8 week period.

The study participants also experiences lower levels of anxiety and depression after taking Reishi supplements. 

3) Anti-Cancer

If you re-call what we touched on earlier, the cancer killing activity of this mushroom has had a positive influence on those with prostate cancer. 

Several scientific studies have shown Reishi to help fight colorectal cancer and tumours in the large intestine. 

4) Heart Health

This mushroom has been prized to help balance and potentially lower cholesterol levels, helping heart health. 

5) Antioxidant Levels

Reishi has also been potentially prized as a powerful antioxidant to help prevent damage to your cells. 

How Can I Take Reishi?

There are two easy ways to consume Reishi mushroom – capsuled or powdered.

Benefits of Capsules – quick, easy consumption – good for on the go

Benefits of Powdered – can be taken with food, or in a smoothie

Summary

Now you’ve got a better understanding of the powerful Reishi mushroom, incorporating this into your routine is a breeze. 

Click here for our Reishi products.

For more information, please contact us directly via info@mycologynutrition.com.