Holistic health focuses on of all aspects of well being, to promote well-rounded health care.
If you’re low on cash this season and feeling creative, there are many healthy, thoughtful and low-budget gift ideas.
The following gifts aim to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, nutrition, exercise and creativity.
Give a creative and thoughtful gift of health this season!
Sauerkraut:
One of the most healthy and beautiful food gifts. Although sauerkraut is usually accompanied by a hot dog, it is surprisingly nutritious and fun to make! In addition to the nutritional benefits offered by cabbage like vitamin C, iron, and fiber, this fermented food also offers probiotic qualities as well as antioxidants.
Livestrong also claims anti-cancer benefits and diarrhea prevention. There's no doubt that sauerkraut is a super-food.
To make sauerkraut, all you need is cabbage, salt, a little physical strength, and a jar.
For more detailed instruction, visit Mother Earth News.
You’ll be surprised how tasty home-made sauerkraut is!
Bath salts:
A simple jar gift to give your friends a relaxing and rejuvenating bath. All you need is:
~ Salt- Epsom salt, sea salt, or a combination of both.
~ Essential oils- Lavender, peppermint, rose, and jasmine are a few good ones. Use just one or a combination
~ Jar- Ball or Mason jars work well
~ Baking Soda
~ Optional: Food coloring, dried flower petals
A more in-depth recipe with instructions for bath salts can be found at about.com.
Granola:
Granola is a tasty snack, cereal, or dessert topping. Because it’s so easy to make, you can customize it to different food allergies, tastes or preferences.
All you need to make granola is an oven, different kinds of oats, nuts or seeds, and a dressing. Fruit and other yummy treats are optional.
For classic, sweet, or savory mix, check out these recipe suggestions.
You can get endlessly creative with the contents and the decoration of jar gifts. Use patterned cloth or fun string for decoration, and some construction paper to share the ingredients or health benefits. The more thoughtful and personal, the better!
Massage oils:
Another easy gift of relaxation! One relaxing recipe:
~ 4 tablespoons of carrier oil of choice (grape seed, safflower or sweet almond oil. Olive oil can work but often has too much of an olive smell)
~10 drops each of lavender, rosemary, and bergamot essential oil
There are so many different essential oils and combinations of massage oils that can be made. For more suggestions, visit Glenbrookfarm.
Hula hoop:
In a previous article I talked about the health benefits of hula hooping. In addition to being a great exercise, hula hooping is a fun activity for the whole family.
Fortunately, they’re also easy to make! All you need is:
~ HDPE pipe (black pipes with a blue line that can usually be found at hardware stores)
~ Connectors (ask the hardware store worker)
~ A blow-dryer
~ Colorful tape (optional)
An in-depth guide to hula hoop making can be found here.
Happy crafting and happy healthy holidays!
Sources:
Fisher, D. (n.d.). How to Make Basic Bath Salts - Recipes for Homemade Spa Bath Salts. How to Make Candles - How to Make Soap - Soap Making - Candle Making - Handmade Candles - Homemade Soap. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/bathbody/ss/basicbathsalts.htm
Ipatenco, S. (2011, February 6). What Are The Health Benefits Of Sauerkraut? | LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/374784-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sauerkraut
Jenkins, L. (n.d.). Make your own massage oils. Welcome to Glenbrook Farms . Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://glenbrookfarm.com/herbs/massage.html
Mitarai, K. (2010, July 26). How to Make Granola | Serious Eats. Serious Eats: A Food Blog and Community. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/07/how-to-make-granola-recipes-oats-nuts-honey.html
Phelps, M. (n.d.). Got Cabbage? Make Sauerkraut!. Organic Gardening, Modern Homesteading, Renewable Energy, Green Homes, DIY Projects – MOTHER EARTH NEWS. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2006-08-01/Got-Cabbage-Make-Sauerkraut.aspx
Strauss, J. (n.d.). JasonUnbound: How to Make a Hula Hoop. JasonUnbound: Use As Directed . Retrieved December 3, 2011, from http://www.jasonunbound.com/hoops.html
Reviewed December 7, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith