The Female Moon Cycle and Ancestral Wisdom: The Art of Restorative Cooking

In the hurried pace of modern life, cooking has become yet another item on the to-do list—a chore to be rushed through. But what if we reclaimed the kitchen as a sacred space? What if cooking became a form of meditation and a profound act of self-care?

Restorative cooking is a practice in simplicity. It honors the body’s need for warmth, nourishment, and ease, especially during your inner winter. These are meals that don’t demand much from you, but give so much back. Here are a few simple restorative recipes that I use.

Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

This is more than a drink; it’s a warm, calming ritual. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and the warming spices help to soothe and center you.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric

  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

  • A pinch of black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)

  • A little raw honey to sweeten

• Directions: Gently warm the milk in a small pot. Whisk in the spices until well combined. Pour into a mug, sip slowly, and feel the warmth spread through you.

Simple Lentil Soup

This is a one-pot meal that’s incredibly nourishing and forgiving. It’s packed with protein and iron to replenish your body without a lot of effort.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil or ghee

  • 1/2 an onion, chopped

  • 1 clove of garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup of brown or green lentils, rinsed

  • 2-3 cups of vegetable or bone broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Directions: In a pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the rinsed lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Season to your liking.

Roasted Root Vegetables with Herbs

Roasting is one of the most hands-off and rewarding ways to cook. It brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, providing a grounding and comforting meal.

• Ingredients:

  • 1-2 sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips, cut into chunks

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

  • A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Directions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

Bone Broth Pot Roast

By slow-cooking a tougher cut of beef in bone broth, you create a meal that is gentle on a stressed gut.

• Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs Grass-fed Beef Chuck Roast

  • 2 cups homemade bone broth

  • 4 cloves of garlic (crushed)

  • 2 sprigs of rosemary

  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (to help break down the fibers)

• Directions: Sear the meat in tallow or ghee until browned on all sides. Place in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add chopped carrots, onions, and parsnips. Pour over the broth and vinegar. Cook on low for about 8 hours. Check periodically.

The Meditation in the Meal

Restorative cooking is an invitation to be present. As you chop, stir, and season, let the focus be on your body and the ingredients in your hands. Feel the warmth of the steam, smell the spices, and trust that you are creating something that will heal and sustain you. By nourishing yourself with intention, you honor your body’s need to rest, restore, and replenish its energy.

**None of this is meant to be medical information and should not be taken as such. I am sharing our experience and what works for us.