Naturopath, Herbalist, Metatherapist, organic Earth cake extraordinaire, intuitive gardener and loving mother, Jana Brunclikova, takes us on a journey of inspiration beneath the pages of her award winning book, The Secret Kitchen. Jana’s combination of expertise and passion calmly reminds us how the simple recipe of flowing with nature's cycles can be abundantly beneficial for our well-being. We loved sharing moments with Jana and learning how cake can be both delicious and healthy!
What are the seeds that planted The Secret Kitchen and how have they bloomed?
As a child, growing up in fields of the mountains of Czech Republic, which were abundant with herbs and wildflowers, folk remedies and nature, I discovered the power of plant medicine and its healing properties. It has never left me since. Also, my love for the kitchen and creating healing food not only for people, but also for the planet, is rooted in my childhood. I will always remember being in the kitchen with my mom, helping her with her weekend bakes. Oh, that memory of smells from fresh baked goods from our own produce or surrounding produce! And the endless amount of preserves we used to do for Winter. This wasn’t my favourite part though.
The Secret Kitchen is therefore a combination of my passion for Naturopathy, healing herbs and plant based cooking which is good for your soul. I like to modestly educate people how to use simple herbs, follow the cycles of nature and create a tale from their cooking instead of following any restricted diets.
I studied Naturopathy and herbal medicine after I left my home of Czech Republic and travelled the world. I now guide people on their unique healing journeys via my Naturopathic and herbal clinics which is also a big part of my work in The Secret Kitchen.
Tell us about The Secret Kitchen cookbook ~ Intuitive Eating:
The Secret Kitchen Book is a passion art project designed to inspire us to shift from rule-based eating to intuitive eating, following the senses of sight, touch, smell and feel. Ancient wisdom, folk remedies and naturopathic insights are weaved into a collection of predominantly plant based recipes, teaching people how to use edible weeds and medicinal herbs in their cooking.
My aim with this book is to allow you a golden moment, where you set aside all technology, which numbs our inner cycles, and instead give yourself the gift of authentic mindful natural health, through my recipes.
I self publish as I don’t want to compromise on the Eco principles of the book. I like the book to be aligned with what I do and what The Secret Kitchen stands for.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Nature and people who try and have the need to protect it.
What is growing in your spring/summer time garden?
Greens as always. Kale, silverbeet, mustard leaves and spinach. Lots of herbs, oh I love them! Basil, rosemary, wild thyme, saltbush and parsley. Edible flowers for my cakes: violets, marigolds and medicinal calendula, chamomile and Mexican heather.
As a practitioner, what are some self love practices or suggestions you recommend for women?
Rest when you need and when the Universe signs tells you. This being one of the top practices for women I recommend for anyone needing Self love; I also need to remind myself of this often.
“Self-love is all about being good to yourself, learning to be comfortable in your skin; to love, honour, appreciate and accept all of yourself… The “good parts” and the “not-so-good parts.” The power of a rested woman, a woman on a journey of self-love, peace and wholeness for herself and world unity, is a powerful woman” - Ntathu Allen
Jana’s second self published book The Secret Kitchen Cake Book is due to be released later this year. You can discover more offerings from Jana on her instagram @thesecret_kitchen and website www.thesecretkitchen.net
(Words by Ella Josephine Archer)
