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It was a sun-soaked summer day in 1997 when I first discovered the amazing taste of Thai food, which I mainly consumed at the street stalls or places where the locals went having their meal. Growing up, I had always been a picky eater, sticking to familiar dishes and flavours. Many of you guys probably ate the same dishes as I did. A meal always included (mashed) potatoes, some veggies and some meat. (This was before vegan food became popular) It was my first solo-trip to Thailand. I mainly explored the northeastern region, by the Thais known as Esarn. So, on this day, I was feeling adventurous and was willing to expand my narrow culinary mind trying something completely new.

Having a beer or spirits was so much more than just an interesting drink that altered my way of thinking, made me laugh and be more sociable, it was / is almost a ritual in its self, being in England where we have these ancient pubs, incredible history soaked into the walls and beams. Your imagination can run away with what happened in this place over the past few hundred years. Then there is the being with friends, the connection with pals all sharing a common goal... To alter ones state slightly and laugh, let your hair down, unwind, relax in the company of friends. Also mostly in the UK what is open after dark, where would you go after dinner? So you can imagine the dilemma you'd face if you let go of alcohol, or took a short or extended holiday from it, what would you have instead? Well on many occasions I decided to cut alcohol out completely, sometimes find organic red wines or a pure ale so clean and interesting but really at times just nothing, no alcohol at all for weeks or months. This is what I did and what you can do also.

There is a ton of information available on the internet about virtually every supplement known to man. Just one Google search and you’ll be overloaded with benefits, side effects and how to use it. The problem is often that it’s just literature or the same websites repeating similar information without analysing it. General information is fine. But before you begin, it is also helpful to read about some personal experiences. At least, for me that is often what the deciding factor is. It is most-likely less scientific, but if 1 person had a great experience that is important for me and often it’s enough convincing me giving it a try.

Cayenne Pepper drew my attention after having read an eye-opening book my mum had given me, "Left for Dead" by Dick Quinn. I advise reading it. Also known as the Guinea spice, aleva, cow-horn pepper, and bird pepper, Cayenne Pepper is believed having originated in Cayenne, French Guiana. This brightly-red coloured potent herb has been respected for its healing qualities since ancient times. It is rightfully nicknamed the "King of Herbs" and is considered to be more potent than any other herb.

Today, I want to talk about Pueraria Mirifica, the miracle herb from Asia. I’ve heard so many positive things about this extraordinary plant. There is so much to learn about this medicinal plant species and I discovered that recent research has discovered many more health benefits. So, I think now it is the right time for an update! Pueraria Mirifica is an ancient herbal medicine from “The Land of Smiles”. I call it the miracle herb as that is what Mirifica means. Since Ancient times, the roots of this plant have been used in traditional Thai medicine to promote youthfulness and rejuvenation in both men and women. Now, we all could need some of that!