Most of Northern California is currently inundated with smoke from the fires. The smoke has caused air quality in the Bay Area to reach unhealthy levels as bad as Beijing. In Chinese Medicine certain foods can be eaten to balance certain internal organs.  Pear is one of the foods that can help lung function.

Eating pears now will support the lungs which are over taxed with toxins due to the smoke. This is just one tip to add into your daily routine for the next few weeks. Purchasing an N95 mask to get you through these poor air quality days is important, as is avoiding outdoors exercise. If possible, consider purchasing an HEPA or electrostatic filter. Though these filter are an investment, they are useful longterm. Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. 

We are also encouraging our patients to come in for acupuncture, to support the lungs and help with detoxification. We also have herbs available at Blue Ova to support the lungs. 

BAKED PEARS

Ingredients:

• 3 pears
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp ghee 
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
• Peel the pears with a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Cut the ends off, then cut the pears in half. With a spoon, gently scoop out the core and seeds using a circular motion.
• Place the pears face down in a 9x13 in glass dish or large baking sheet. 
• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, butter, cinnamon and vanilla. Warm the sauce over low-medium heat, stirring until the ghee is melted and ingredients are combined. Carefully spoon the sauce over the pears, reserving some of the sauce for later. 
• Bake the pears for 30-35 minutes, until slightly soft and beginning to brown. 
• Remove from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving. 
• Spoon a small amount of the leftover sauce over the pears when serving.

(Adapted from The Wheatless Kitchen) 

If you are interested in supporting the many families who have lost their homes in the Northern California fires, and helping the massive rebuilding effort of our beautiful community up north, you can do so with the Disaster Fund for Mendocino County.