Pagan Winter Solstice Cuisine The winter solstice is a time of celebration and feasting in many pagan traditions. This ancient holiday marks the shortest day of the year and the return of the sun, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. In various pagan cultures, the celebration of the winter solstice includes rituals, bonfires, and of course, a delectable feast. One of the central themes of pagan winter solstice cuisine is the use of seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes often incorporate foods that are harvested in the late fall and early winter, such as root vegetables, hearty greens, fruits, and nuts. These ingredients not only provide sustenance during the cold months but also symbolize the abundance and resilience of nature.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of red and silver thick and scaley patches of skin. In addition to the soles of your feet, those patches may appear on the following body areas:
Her writing has appeared in print and on websites for Allrecipes, Livestrong, Well Good, Women s Health, Men s Health, Self, PopSugar, Cooking Light, Health, EatingWell, Shape, Prevention and more. One or more of these conditions can cause unbearable itch and manifest in different ways, like only itchy bottoms of feet, only itchy tops of feet, itchy soles of feet, red itchy feet, tingling itchy feet, or swollen itchy feet and ankles.
These ingredients not only provide sustenance during the cold months but also symbolize the abundance and resilience of nature. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are commonly featured in solstice dishes. These versatile vegetables can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, adding warmth and depth of flavor to the meal.
Causes and treatments for itchy feet
Many different conditions can cause itchy feet. These include psoriasis, eczema, and athlete’s foot. The correct treatment option will depend on the cause.
While occasional itchiness can be nothing to worry about, extremely itchy feet or an itch that does not get better over time may require treatment.
Underlying causes of itchy feet can include:
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system, which extends throughout the body.
Nerve damage can cause sensations, such as itchiness, numbness, and pain, in several parts of the body, including the feet.
Share on Pinterest Creams and lotions can relieve itchy, dry skin.
Dry skin can sometimes cause itching. Risk factors for dry skin include:
- age
- living in a dry climate
- regular exposure to water, for example, due to the frequent hand-washing required in health and service industries
- swimming in chlorinated water
If a person has dry skin on their feet, they may itch. Applying creams, lotions, or oils can help.
If regular moisturizers do not work, a pharmacist can recommend effective over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that results in sore, scaly red skin. It can affect almost any part of the body, including the feet. Psoriasis can be extremely itchy and painful.
It occurs when a person’s immune system starts attacking healthy skin cells. This speeds up the production of these cells, producing a rash.
Treatments usually include creams and lotions that may contain tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, or a combination.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition usually characterized by very dry, itchy skin. It can appear on many areas of the body, including the feet.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , it is not clear what causes eczema, although a combination of environmental and genetic factors seem to be involved.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type that often appears on the sides and soles of the feet. It causes small, deep, extremely itchy blisters. Females are twice as likely to develop this form of eczema.
People can treat itchiness that results from mild dyshidrotic eczema by soaking their feet in cold water or applying cold, damp compresses to the area.
If the eczema is more severe, a doctor can prescribe creams or recommend OTC solutions.
Share on Pinterest Fungi can grow inside sports shoes, causing athlete’s foot.Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin disease that usually develops between the toes, although it can also affect other parts of the feet.
Athlete’s foot can cause an itching and burning sensation on the infected area.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist, and dark conditions, such as inside sports shoes. An overgrowth of these fungi can cause athlete’s foot.
Antifungal medication, which comes as pills or lotions, is usually very effective at treating athlete’s foot.
Skin allergies can cause itchiness. They may result from particular skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis or from contact with a substance such as latex or pollen.
Taking antihistamines can help manage the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These medications come as pills or creams.
A hookworm is a type of parasite that lives in human intestines. People can get hookworms by walking barefoot in areas where the larvae are present. Hookworm infections are relatively rare in places with sufficient hygienic practices.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , a person may experience itchiness in the spot where the hookworm larvae entered their body.
Doctors can treat hookworm infections with drugs that target the parasites.
Scabies occurs when very small mites burrow into a person’s skin and lay eggs, causing a very itchy rash.
The condition is contagious and travels through skin-to-skin contact. It can occur anywhere on the body, including on the feet.
Applying a prescription medication directly to the skin can usually treat scabies.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects insulin resistance and how the body changes food into energy. It can mean that a person’s blood sugar levels are too high, which can have serious health consequences.
Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to tingling, itchiness, and numbness, especially in the feet.
Poor circulation due to diabetes can also cause itchiness. Also, having diabetes may increase a person’s risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
Even after they have healed, severe burns can cause lasting damage and itching.
According to research from 2013, more than 90 percent of participants reported itching in the aftermath of a burn. For over 40 percent of participants, itching persisted in the long term.
Share on Pinterest A person who experiences chronic itchiness should speak to a doctor.The medical term for itchiness is pruritus. The causes can be put into four categories:
- cutaneous, which is an itch that results from a problem in or on the skin
- systemic, which is itchiness due to a generalized issue throughout the body
- neuropathic, which is an itch that comes from the nerves or nervous system
- psychogenic, which means that the itching results from a psychological issue
However, an article in the journal Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology notes that there is rarely a singular cause of a person’s itching. Itchiness can result from a complex mix of factors.
Tips for treating itchy skin at home include:
- applying cold, wet cloths or ice packs to the itchy area
- making an oatmeal bath by grinding 1 cup of oatmeal into a powder and adding it to warm bath water
- regularly using moisturizers
- trying topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine
- applying menthol or calamine to the affected area, which can provide a cooling sensation
A person should try to avoid scratching, which can often make an itch worse, rather than better. Scratching also increases the likelihood of infection.
Occasionally itchy feet are a common occurrence. However, if a person has chronically itchy feet, or if the itch comes with other symptoms, they should see a doctor for a thorough checkup.
Many OTC and home remedies can help relieve itchiness in the feet. If the itch continues or gets worse, speak to a doctor.
Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2019
- Allergy
- Dermatology
- Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
- Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
How we reviewed this article:
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https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html - Carrougher, G. J., et al. (2013). Pruritus in adult burn survivors: Postburn prevalence and risk factors associated with increased intensity.
https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/34/1/94/4565987 - Diabetes: 12 warning signs that appear on your skin. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/other-conditions/diabetes-warning-signs - Dry skin. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/dry-skin - Dyshidrotic eczema. (n.d.).
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https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/hookworm/gen_info/faqs.html - How to relieve itchy skin. (n.d.).
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https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/managing-itch - Mollanazar, N. K., et al. (2016). Mediators of chronic pruritus in atopic dermatitis: Getting the itch out? [Abstract].
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12016-015-8488-5 - Oaklander, A. L. (2011). Neuropathic itch.
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https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=978
Sometimes, poor circulation can create changes in the skin, particularly in the extremities. So, what causes poor circulation in your feet? You might be surprised to learn that diabetes can be one cause.
Additionally, mushrooms are often used to create savory dishes, as they are readily available during the winter months. To add freshness and vibrancy to the feast, pagan winter solstice cuisine also includes hearty greens like kale, chard, and cabbage. These greens can be braised, sautéed, or used as a base for salads, providing essential nutrients and a burst of color to the table. Fruits play a significant role in solstice dishes as well. Dried fruits like figs, dates, and raisins are often used in desserts, symbolizing the preservation of the harvest through the winter. Apples and pears can be baked into pies or used in savory dishes, adding sweetness and complexity. Nuts, such as walnuts and chestnuts, are a staple in pagan solstice cuisine. These protein-rich ingredients were an important source of sustenance during the winter months in ancient times. Nowadays, they are used in a variety of dishes, including stuffings, desserts, and even nut roasts. Finally, the traditional pagan feast is often accompanied by spiced beverages. These warm drinks, like mulled wine and spiced cider, provide comfort and a sense of celebration on a cold winter night. They are often infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, adding depth and warmth to the festivities. In conclusion, pagan winter solstice cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that celebrates the abundance of the season. It utilizes seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, hearty greens, fruits, and nuts to create hearty, flavorful dishes. The inclusion of these ingredients not only nourishes the body but also symbolizes the resilience of nature and the return of light after the longest night of the year..
Reviews for "Vegan and vegetarian options for Pagan winter solstice meals"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Pagan winter solstice cuisine at this restaurant. The food was tasteless and lacked any kind of creativity. The menu advertised unique and exotic dishes, but everything seemed bland and uninspired. The service was also slow and inattentive. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for an enjoyable dining experience.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Pagan winter solstice cuisine, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The dishes were overly complicated and didn't come together well. The flavors didn't complement each other, and some combinations were just downright strange. The restaurant also lacked atmosphere and the service was average at best. I won't be returning to this place anytime soon.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I tried the Pagan winter solstice cuisine at this restaurant and it did not impress me. The food was overpriced for what it was, and the portion sizes were small. The flavors were also underwhelming and lacked depth. I expected a more unique and memorable experience, but unfortunately, I left feeling unsatisfied. The service was decent, but it couldn't make up for the mediocrity of the food. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to others looking for a true culinary experience.