T cups

I think the best food is simple and natural.  It is better for your body and somehow it always tastes better when you know what it is.

Tomato cups are a favorite in our house because they are quick and easy.  You can fill them with anything your little heart desires and they will still taste great.  They are also really pretty and that is just as important to me.

I came up with a new recipe this week when looking at what was in my bountiful basket and it was worth sharing.

Ingredients:
6 medium tomatoes
1 small cucumber, chopped
2 celery sticks, minced
3 green onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
1 t. fresh mint, minced
1/2 cup pinenuts
1 T. lemon juice
1T. olive oil
tamari to taste (optional)

With a sharp knife, cut the tops off the tomatoes and save them for a garnish if you want.  scoop out the middle of the tomatoes and add the pulp to the other ingredients and mix well.  fill the tomatoes and place to tops back on. 

 Other ideas we love are to fill the T cup with all the ingredients for a taco, seafood salad or  Tabbouleh.

Try this one!  You will love it if  you let your imagination go.

All day curls with no heat!

I do hair for a living so I am always interested in new products or techniques that will make my life easier or my hair healthier.  Here is one that will do both!  It gives you bouncy curls and beautiful waves with almost no work and no heat.  Amazing!

I have tried this 3 times now and gotten amazing results.  I found that if I put a tiny bit of spray gel in to the hair before I roll it up and don't brush it out, like she does on the video,  It will stay perfect all day and still looks nice the next day!

Sadly, I can't take credit for the idea but it is awesome and worth sharing.  Everyone who has long hair and is a little short on time take a look at this!  (I just think this girl is the cutest.)

Natural Antibiotics- part 2

I am finally getting around to posting the rest of my list of natural antibiotics.  Sorry it took so long.   The first part of the list is Here.



Echinacea

Immune stimulant, anti inflammatory, antibacterial, cell normalizer.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp, mycobacterium (tuberculosis), abnormal   cells (with direct application)

Echinacea is exceptionally useful for:
Abnormal Pap test.  whenever echinacea is placed directly on the cells they return to normal rather quickly as long as the treatment is assertive and consistant.

Strep throat.  Direct contact with the back of the throat with a tincture of ecinacea is a great remedy for strep throat.  It actively stimulates the saliva and numbs the tissue it comes in contact with, making it perfect for this condition or any sore throat.

Onset of cold and flu.  It should be used at the very earliest onset when you very first feel the symptoms.   When taken after the full onset of the flue echinacea is not effective.

External wounds.  because of its capacity to correct tissue abnormality echinacea is perfect for this application.

Venomous stings. Echinacea has a long history of being effective against all kind of venomous stings and bites, from bees to scorpions.

Blood infection.  Echinacea is good for this because of its proven ability to stimulate the white blood cell count.

For internal use.  take 30 drops of tincture as often as desired  but not less than once an hour until symptoms stop.

External use.  
For Bites- mix equil parts tincture and water. Apply every 30 minutes.
Wash-    Boil 2 oz. ground herb with 8 oz. water for 1 minutes.  Let steep for one hour, strain and then wash wounds.
Powder- powder dried seed heads or root as fine as possible and sprinkle over wounds.  best herb combination is with goldenseal, usnea, oak or worm wood.

Side effects-   do not take if you have autoimmune disease or are allergic to any of the daisy family.




Eucalyptus
Generally the essential oil is used but the whole plant is effective.  the bark and leaves can be harvested any time of year.  Use the younger, less sickle-shaped leaves and young branches.

Actions  Antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, antipyretic, antiseptic, stimulates the mucous secretions, diaphoetic.

Active against:  Malaria, staphylococcus, shigella dysenteriae, haemophilus influenzae, enterobacteria, E coli, psudomonas aeruginosa, candida albicans, klebsiella pneumoniae, samonella spp, helicobacter pylori.  The essential oil is effective against just about every microbe.

Eucalyptus is excreted from the body through the lungs and urine.  It is therefore especially useful for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.   One major advantage of using it is that it has a pleasing smell that lifts the spirit and comforts the sick.

The leaf can be prepared as a tea, powder, tincture, gargle, nasal spray, steam, smoke or douche.  The essential oil is used as an inhalant for aroma therapy.

Tea- Use externally as a wash for infected wounds.  Use internally for colds, sore throat, bronchial congestion, fevers and chills.

Powder- Dust on infected skin, wounds, and ulcerations as needed.

Tincture- fresh herb 1:2 with 95% alcohol, dried herb 1:5 in 65% alcohol ; 10 to 30 drops in water for the same conditions as tea.

Gargle- 30 drops tincture (or 5 drops essential oil) in one oz water.   Mix up nasal spray the same way.

Steam-  Boil 3 to 4 oz herb in one gallon of water. remove from heat and inhale steam.

Side effects-  drinking too much tea can cause intestinal cramps.  The essential oil can be toxic if taken more than 5 drops at a time.  The oil can irritate the skin if used with out a carrier oil.




Goldenseal
 The roots should be harvested only after  the seeds have ripened and only from plants that are 3 years or older.

Note!  Use alternatives when ever possible because goldenseal is an endangered plant.

Actions-  Antiseptic, antibacterial, antihemorrhagic,  antifungal, antiamebic, astringent, expectorant, diaphoretic, mucosal anti-inflammatoryand stimulant.

Active against- Staphylococcus, vibrio cholerae, streptococcus, pyogenes, shigella spp, candida, E coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, samonella,  corynebacterium diphtheriae, tuberculosis, giardia lamblia, trichomonas vaginalis and many others.

With this herb more than any other, it is possible to find conflicting information and perspectives.  some consider it to be an amazing immune stimulant and some do not.  For now I won't go into it. I will just say that  I am a believer when it comes to my own husbands sinus infections.

Golden seal seems best used for these purposes:  active infection, inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, active infectionof the sinuses, vaginal infection, as a general tonic for the mucous membrain.

Powder- apply to cuts scrapes,and wounds.

Tincture-  1:2 in 90% alcohol.  15 to 30 drops 4 times a day.

Tea- use for a wash for viral or bacterial eye infection.

Snuff-  3 times a day for up to 7 days.

Side effects-  never use during pregnancy.




Grapefruit seed Extract

Actions- Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiparisitic.  Of all the herbs, it is perhaps the only True "antibiotic", the literal meaning of which is "antilife".  this is the only thing that has helped my daughter with her candida overgrowth that was caused by pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Most of the the studies on GSE have been done in a lab and not on human beings so I am not going to list everything it is active against (that is everything... EVERYTHING)

Grapefruit seed extract and garlic are the two most powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics available for use.  In descending degrees of potancy, they are followed by eucalyptus, juniper, usnea, cryptolepsis, and wormwood.  GSE also is better at healing yeast, fungi, and organisims than garlic because only small doses are needed.  

Dosage- 3 to 15 drops in a glass of water.  2 to 3 times a day. 

Side effects-  GSE will  kill off intestinal bacteria so you must take care to replace it with fermented foods and probiotics.



Juniper
Gather the berries and needles any time of year. 

Actions- antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, carminative, anticatarrhal.
Active against- staphylococcus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella dysenteriae, streptococcus spp, E coli, candida, samonella.

These evergreens have been used in every culture on Earth for purifying and cleansing: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It represents "Incorruptibility" and has been used for preventing decay for millennia. It has been used in saunas and sweat lodges by nearly every culture to help prevent or cure illness.

The berries are used to treat Urinary tract infections.  The berries and needles are used for upper respiratory infections.

Tincture- 5 to 30 drops up to 3 times a day.

Tea-  can be used as a general tonic, for food poisoning, or for upper respiratory infection.  Also use as a wash for wounds.

Berries-  1 to 5 berries per day for two weeks for gastric problems.  2 berries before and after administering to a person who has an air-born illness.

Powder- used as an incense and to cure infection of the skin.

Food- crumble berries or dice needles and cook into food.

Steam- 4 oz. of herb in 1 gallon of boiling water.  remove from heat and inhale the steam.

Essential oil- 8 to 10 drops in 8 oz of water.

Side Effects- High doses can irritate the kidneys.





Licorice
Not available in the wild in north america.  (buy it commercially)
Active against- malaria, tuberculosis, bacillus subtilis, staphylococcus, streptococcus sobrinus, S. mutans, samonella, E coli, candida, vibrio cholera, trichophyton mentagrophytesm T. rubrum, toxocara canis.

Don't confuse this herb with the candy of the same name.  The candy contains no herb in it any more because there were some overdose problems. 

Generally licorice is a immune stimulant with antibiotic properties.  the distinct advantage of licorice is its sweetness. Fifty times sweeter than sugar, licorice, when added to herbal concoctions helps to brighten the bitterness of some herbs.  Licorice helps to strengthen the adrenals and bring the body back to a state of vitality.  There is also quite a bit of evidence that it strengthens the thymus gland, one of the most important organs in the immune system.   It is best taken with other herbs to enhance their effect on the body.

Drink in a tea up to 3 cups a day.


Wormwood
grows through out the world.  Collect the above ground plant at any time of year.
Actions- antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antihepatoxic, euphoriant, antiamoebic, antipyretic, gastric stimulant, coleretic, bitter tonic, smooth muscle relaxant.
Active against- malaria, staphlycoccus, naegleria, candida, klebsiella pneumoniae, intestinal worms, any amebic organisms, most microbes.

Extremely effective against hot , sore infections of the throat and lungs.  It numbs the pain of the infection and is very cooling.

Tea- steep overnight and drink for up to 7 days.

Side effects- some herbalists feel that wormwood is too dangerous to use because of the thujone that is present.  It has been used in folk medicine for many years with no sign of adverse reactions.  I say that it is a strong herb that should be treated with respect.

Pore "strip" Mask

As promised here is a Milky beauty potion.

Have you ever tried those Biore' Pore strips?  They are a little sticker you put on your face and then rip off after about 15 minutes and everything that was hiding in your pores goes with it.  Gross right?  and also really wonderful if you happen to have problem prone skin.

The only down side is they come in ((little)) pre-shaped  strips and a box is going to cost $12 to $15 each time.

The good news is you can make your own mask that will work the exact same way that can cover as much or as little of your skin as you want.  It is quick, easy and costs almost nothing.


You have to apply this VERY quickly so wash and dry your face before you start to mix this up.

Ingredients:

1T. unflavored gelatine
1 or 2 T.  milk or cream

In a disposable container measure out the gelatine.  Mix in the milk till you get a chunky/grainy texture.  Add more milk if you are uncomfortable with the chunks.

Put it in the the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.  It should be a bit creamier when you take it out.  Give it a quick mix.   Use a Popsicle stick or a disposable spoon to Immediately spread it on your face. (or any other place you want)


It sets up quick so go super fast!

Let it set for 15 to 25 minutes depending on how thick you applied it  You will know when it is ready because you won't be able to move your face at all with out the feeling that you are going to break something. 

Start at the edge and peel it of quickly.  You should feel almost hairless and squeeky clean when you are done.  I always follow up with a dab of coconut oil on my skin because I have 30somthing skin and I need the extra moisture.  A toner afterwards would be nice too.

*** Warning- Do NOT put this mask on your  lips, eyelids or the delicate skin around your eyes.

Happy New Year!

It is 2012!  I'm sure if I take a deep breath and blink twice it will be 2013.  As I get older the days and years seem to be flying by.

This time of year we make new year resolutions and set goals for our self.   It is a really great feeling not to have "loose weight" at the top of my list this year.   With out that old stand by I am having a hard time knowing what to put.  

I have decided that my big picture goal is to be more balanced and organized.  I plan for making that happen is small little steps so it is doable and becomes integrated in my life in such a way that I don't even notice.

The following are the little steps.  I do not promise to do all of them every day but I do promise to do at least one each day.  Join me if you want!

1. De-clutter one thing each day.  Example:  magazines, DVDs, bathroom, closet...
2. Put things back where they go... every time.  Make sure everything has a place.  If I don't have a place for it then I don't need it.  (donate those things to wabi sabi)
3. Fix all the little annoying things like light bulbs that are burned out and color shelf that needs painted.
4. Keep a journal and write down 5 to 10 things I am grateful for or that made me happy each day.
5. Make a list of 20 things that make me happy and try to do one each day.
6. Laugh out loud as much as I can.
7. Always have a book to read.
8. Learn one new thing each day.
9. Stop complaining.
10. Feed my mind with thoughts, words and actions that are more consistent with who I want to be.
11. Create a spending plan.
12. Don't buy things I don't need.
13. For really big purchases sleep on it for a few days first.
14. Turn off the TV.
15. Turn off the computer.
16. Go outside and play.
17. Make a list of all the social things I have on the schedule and cross out anything that does not give me joy.
18. Eat more Greens.
19 Drink more water.
20. Make a list of 20 easy to make meals and keep the ingredients on hand.
21. Make a list of 10 Primal snacks that can go with me if they have to.
22. Move my body everyday for fun as well as exercise.
23.  Do more reps with the weights than I think I can.
24.  Master chin ups and pull ups.
25. Ware the pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps.
26. Meditate and pray every day... remember to be grateful.
27. Think of something positive about my husband and daughter every day and write it down.
28. Make a scrap book of the things we did and the positive things that happened this year and then give it to Jim.
29. Tell people that I love them.
30. Give more hugs.
31. Really listen to people with out thinking about what I am going to say or add.
32. Go for a walk with my family each night.
33. Talk to strangers.  Put myself out there to meet new people.
34. Take a class on something I don't know anything about.
35. When some one upsets me... say so and reset the boundary  instead of cutting them out of my life.
36. No judging until I hear both sides of the story.
37. Do a kind dead every day.
38. Make a point to give praise and approval to those who deserve it.
39. Allow others to have a different point of view and don't take it personally.
40. No comparing anyone to anyone else.  (myself included)
41. Place the best possible interpretation on the actions of others.
42.  Remember everyone is doing the very best they can with the tools they have.

That what I have for now.  I may add to it later.

Jim says I need to put not swear in front of out daughter but I am not going to promise anything on that one.

How to make Beautiful Butter

My friend Charlotte has the best job.  She makes fudge and candy all day at the Moab Fudge Factory.  The other day she came by with some Christmas goodies and a big box full of cream and butter.  I ask her why she was giving me the cream and she said that if she even so much as thought about making more fudge right now she would be sick. This Cream was just going to set around till it goes bad unless I wanted to use it for a potion to remove warts or wrinkles or something.....  (see what a good friend she is?)

Yes, part of it will make a nice Beauty potion and the rest will make beautiful butter.

Butter is the easiest thing to make and it tastes way better when you add Love to it yourself.


Ingredients:

Heavy Cream
Sea salt  (about 1/2 t. for every pint)






Turn on the mixer on high and walk away.  You have plenty of time to do some house work or put your feet up.  Make sure the cream is not going to splash all over.  Toss a towel over the top if the splash gaurd isn't enough protection. 

Yes, this is the exact way that you make whipped cream.  We are just going to take it a bit further so the liquid and the fat separate.

At some point it is going to look like scrambled eggs.  Your butter is just about done.  Keep mixing till you see that the liquid has separated.  That is the butter milk.  Pour it out and save it for cooking or a Potion.


Run cold water over the butter and massage it with your hands till the water runs clear.    You want to get all the buttermilk out so that your butter will stay fresh longer.

Make sure to rinse in cold water or all your work will go down the drain.   Place in parchment paper and store in the fridge or serve immediately.

See how Pretty it is!

You can garnish it with a sprinkle of sea salt or some chopped herbs  or just use it as is.

Oil Infusions

As I was looking through my journals to find a lotion recipe I realized that most of my instructions start out with  "Grab an oil infusion of -X-  and add it to -Y- until -Z- happens.

So What is an oil  infusion anyway?  An infusion is when you mix medicinal or culinary herbs with a fixed oil for the purpose of extracting certain properties.

Medicinal oils are the base for most salves and used as a protective covering for the skin that holds the therapeutic agents to the skin for absorption of the remedy.

Cosmetic oils are used to enhance the appearance of the skin.  They moisturize, soften and brighten the skin.  I also use mine instead of perfume.  Use them to condition hair, as bath oil, or healing massage oil. 

Culinary Oils carry the nutrients, flavor, and aroma of the herbs to the food and greatly enhance the whole food experience.


There are two main methods of producing infused oil.  a Cold method and a Hot method.  The cold method takes a bit longer and is used for more delicate herbs and petals.  The hot method is more suitable for barks, seeds and tough herbs.

Cold Infusion method:
Place your chosen herbs/ petals into a clean glass jar and fill up with suitable carrier.  Olive oil, grape seed and almond oil are all good choices.  the oil level needs to be higher than the herbs to prevent them from going moldy.  Place in a jar i the sun and sake it gently every day for about a month.  If you would like a stronger oil strain the herbs out and add a fresh batch to the same oil. Leave it for another month shaking daily.  Strain and pour into a clean glass bottle and store in a cool dark place.



Hot Infusion method:

1/2 pint Olive oil 

3 to 4 oz dried herbs

In a double boiler place the olive oil and the herbs on medium heat. Gently heat for 2 to 3 hours.  Never allow it to get too hot because a burned oil mix is useless. The oil will take on the fragrance of the herbs as they infuse and will change color.  If after a few hours it is not strong enough strain out the herbs and start the process over with a new batch of herbs in the same oil.  Most of the time with hot infusions one time is enough.  Strain and place in a clean glass jar in a cool dark place.

 For a quick and easy herbal ointment Warm up the oil and  add coco butter or shea butter to it.  mix till it is all melted and incorporated.  Place in small containers to cool.

* the first photo shows calendula petals.  The infusion I use most for skin care.  The second photo shows garlic, rosemary, thyme.  the one I use most for cooking.

Natural Antibiotics- part 1

It is that time of year again!  As the days grow short and cold more and more of my clients come in with coughs, fevers all kinds of "flu season" symptoms.  It would be nice if they would stay home but no one wants to miss their color appointment so, Lucky me, I Get to stand really really close to them for hours.   Yay!!!

There are a couple of things you can do to stay healthy.  First, make sure you have enough vitamin D3.  Get it from the sun if it is warm enough and take a supplement if you need to.  Somewhere between 1000 and 5000 IU is about right depending on your skin color and what size of a person you are.  If you only do one thing for your health do this.  Second, keep your body alkalized.  Easy ways to do this are drink lemon water in the morning and eat your leafy greens.  (stay away from those holiday sweets)  With a little prevention on your side you may not even need the following information.

Many herbs have historically been used to treat the infections caused by bacteria that are now antibiotic resistant.  Medical research outside the united states has been exploring plants that can treat antibiotic-resistant disease.  From before recorded history, plants have been used as the primary healing medicines for human beings.

There is a great deal of promise in addressing the problem through the use of plant medicine instead of antibiotics because plants have a much more complex chemistry than antibiotics.  Garlic, for instance,  has been found to contain at least 33 sulfur compounds, 17 amino acids, and dozens of other compounds.  Pharmaceuticals, in contrast, are usually made from One chemical constituent only.  Penicillin is penicillin, tetracycline is tetracycline.  Pharmaceutical antibiotics are, in fact, simple substances, not complex, and because of this bacteria can more easily figure out how to counteract the effects.  Herbs on the other hand are very complex.  If you take Yarrow, for instance, it contains over 120 different compounds that have been identified so far.  These compounds exist in a powerful evolutionary balance with each other.   They potentiate, enhance, and mitigate each other's effects in the human body.  Faced with this complex chemical makeup, invading bacteria find it much more difficult to develop resistance.

Today I am going to take a look at 5 different natural antibiotics.  I have chosen these because 1.  they work and  2. there is very good chance that you have one, if not all, of them in your kitchen right now.

 Aloe

Parts used: the fresh juice: in some cases, the dried plant.

Actions: antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti viral, wound healing accelerator, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer.

Active against: staphylococcus aureus,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa, herpes simplex 1 and 2.

Aloe is most well known for its ability to heal a burn but should be your go to plant for any wound on the skin. A mixture of Aloe and Raw honey is my favorite thing for any kind of cut or burn.  It is almost impossible for staph infection to get started when either substance is used on open skin.

Aloe is very simple to prepare. Just slice or break open the leaves of a fresh plant and apply liberally to any wound or burn.

 Side effects: Externally: None   Internal use:  Don't take it if you are pregnant because it can cause contractions  and in some people Hemorrhoids.

Garlic
Parts used: the bulb and cloves are used for medicine an food.  Harvest in the fall when leaves begin to wither.
Actions: Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antiprotozoan, antifungal, anthelmintic, immune-stimulating, hypotensive, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, cholagogue.
Active against: Tuberculosis, shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, candida albicans, E coli, Streptococcus spp., samonella spp., campylobacter spp., Proteus mirabilis, herpes simplex, influenza B, HIV, and many others.  both gram-positive and gram negative bacteria.


Garlic is a well known culinary herb that has been used medicinally for some five thousand years.  this is by far the Most powerful herb for the treatment of antibiotic resistant disease.  (followed  by grapefruit seed extract)  No other herb comes close to the multiple system actions of garlic, its antibiotic activitiy, and immune potentiation power.


For stimulating immune function and for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol counts, Garlic works well either raw, cooked, or encapsulated.  For treating active bacterial infection, it should be consumed either in uncooked whole form or as juice.


Use in food as much as you want.  When fighting infection take 1 clove 3 times a day or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon juice 3 times a day.


Side effects:  the most common side effect of Garlic is nausea.  Garlic is not recommended for nursing mothers because it will affect the taste of the milk.


 



Ginger
Parts used: the root is used for medicine as well as food.  Harvest in the fall when the leaves and stem have begun to dry.
Actions: Antibacterial, antiviral, circulatory stimulant, anti inflammatory, diaphoretic, antifungal, hypotensive, anti clotting agent, carminative, antiarthritic, anelgesic, antitussive.
Active against: Malaria, shigella dysenteriae, staphylococcus aureus, pseudomoniae, aeruginosa, candida albicans, E coli, Klebsiella, pneumoniae, Streptococcus spp., salmonella spp.


Ginger has traditionally been a primary herb of choice for treating colds and flu.  It is especially useful for children in that it is safe in large doses and yet tastes good.  ***Arelitively unknown fact is that Ginger's antitussive (anti cough) action rivals that of codeine, and its strong expactorant and antihistamine actions help thin bronchial mucus and move it up and out of the system. this makes it perfic for upper respiratory infections.  Ginger relieves pain, stimulates immune activity, reduces inflammation, and stimulates sweating, thus helping to lower fevers.


Take ginger in your food, in a tea or in capsules.
 



Honey
Parts used: The honey syrup itself.
Actions: antibiotic, antiviral, anti inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, expectorant, anti allergenic, laxative, antianemic, tonic, antifungal, immune stimulant, cell regenerator.
Active against: staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp., enterococcus, helicobacter pylori.


Honey contains, among other things, a complex assortment of enzymes, organic acids, esters, antibiotic agents, trace minerals, proteins, hormones, and antimicrobial compounds.  One pound of average honey contains 1.4g protein, 23 mg of calcium, 73 mg of phosphorus, 4.1 mg niacin and 16 mg vitamin C and vitamin A, beta carotene,the complete complex of B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, sulfer, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, manganese, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, and formic acid.  Honey in fact contains 75 different compounds. 


For External use just apply directly at full strength and cover with a bandage.  For Internal use take 1 tablespoon either undiluted or in some tea.


Side effects: bees sometimes make honey from poisonous plants so make sure you get it from a reliable beekeeper.  Sometimes honey can contain botulism so never let a child under One year of age eat it.  Also people who have bad reactions to bee stings should not eat honey.



 Sage
Parts used: the leaves.   Harvest the leaves before flowering and dry in the shade.
Actions: antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, tonic, expactorant, diaphoretic.
Active against: streptococcus pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus, haemophilus, influenzae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, E coli, candida albicans, Klebsiella, samonella spp.

** The essential oil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Sage is especially good for dysentery,  throat and upper respiratory infections, or any infection with excess secretions; used externaly for infected wounds.  though not as strong as other herbs it is great for children because it tastes good and can be used in cooking.


Tea can be drank as well as used as a gargle.  It is good as a steam in a sauna or sweat lodge or just boil the leaves.  The powdered dry leaves can be put directly on wounds. 
  
Side effects:  Sage will decrease or even stop lactation in a nursing mother.

  

Stuffed Avocado

OK, this is another "recipe" that is more about the picture than the instructions.  This is one of my favorite things when I am in a hurry.

Take an avocado and slice it in half.  Remove the seed and fill the hole with anything you like.

This picture shows it stuffed with shredded zucchini, onion, tomato cooked in olive oil.

One of my favorite things is to stuff it with Quinioa Tabbouleh  and Jim likes to fill his with salsa and dip chips into it.  Just about Anything will work.

Easy sugar wax

I talk to a lot of women at my job and one thing we All have to figure out is hair removal.

I splurged last year and got myself a laser.  It says that it is painless..... um, no not true.  It feels like getting poked with a strait pin over and over.  I'll keep using it but it is a LONG process and only kills the hair that has enough pigment in it.  That still leaves me with all the blond fuzz.

I choose waxing over shaving this time of year just because I don't like how it feels when my flannel PJ pants stick to my leg stubble.  ((come on... you know exactly what I mean))

If you have the luxury of being able to get away and have some time to yourself make an appointment to have some one do it for you.

If you are like me, and have zero time to yourself, you may want to consider doing it at home.  The good news is it is easy, costs almost nothing and will keep you hair free for 2 - 3 months.  I won't lie to you... it hurts.

Sugaring is not a true "wax" so if you chicken out you can soak it off in the shower.

You are going to need:
white sugar
filtered water
fresh lemon juice
talcum powder
glass bowl
wooden stick or spatula
cloth strips
cooking thermometer

Body wax
2 C, white sugar
1/4 C. filtered water
1/4 C. lemon juice

Heat the mixture in a sauce pan on low heat until your cooking thermometer reads 250 degrees F.  Take off heat and allow to cool back down to room temperature.  Pour the cooled mixture in a glass bowl.

Clean and dry the area you are going to wax.  I like to dust a little powder on my legs first so the wax comes off better and it doesn't hurt quite as bad.


Apply a thin layer of the white sugar wax to a small section of your leg with a wooden spatula.  Cover the area with a waxing strip and push down on the waxing strip to grab as much hair as possible.

Pull the strip off in the opposite direction of your hair growth.  Then place your hand over the area to alleviate some of the pain you experience.

If you don't have that much hair you can sometimes use the same strip for the next section.  Move the strip and rub it really good to get it to stick.  It just depends on your hair type.

If you are worried about ingrown hairs just use a toner or an acne cleanser on your skin when you are done.

It is just that easy.  Good luck!

Whip lessons

One of my favorite quotes goes like this:

"We do not grow old.  When we stop Growing we become old."

There is no better example of this than my Great Aunt Billie.  I see her every week and she is youthful and vital at 83 years of age.

About a year ago she decided that the world was going down hill and she no longer felt that safe all alone in her house at night.  I thought that she was going to tell me she wanted a roommate or to go live with one of her daughters.....

No, as it turns out she had decided that ((we)) needed to "learn the Bullwhip"!!!  You know, so we could be safe.....and sexy like catwoman.  (ok, I added the sexy part myself)

Because I love her with all my heart and would do just about anything for her I agreed to find out what we needed and where to get them. 

I found a wonderful man in New Zealand named Peter Jack.  Bless his heart!  He didn't even skip a beat when I told him that two girls wanted him to make whips for self defence.  When I told him Billie was in her 80s he told me that he could make hers lighter with a different handle so it wouldn't take as much muscle to use.  I found him to be friendly and professional.  I can't say enough good things about him.  (some of the advice he gave me has changed forever how I view my world)

Check out his web site The Whip Man.

So, we have spent the summer playing with our whips and having more fun than I ever could have imagined.  I have gotten into the habit of doing it in the morning and at night before my meditation.  Right now I only know how to do 17 different cracks.  I am working with both hands because at some point I want to do two whips at a time.  I am finding that it is great physical therapy for my chest and shoulders.  I will do it every day just for that reason alone.

This is Aunt Billie!  Isn't she the cutest?  I really hope to grow up an be just like her.  (can you tell she is waring her cataract glasses to protect her eyes? ... wish I had a pair)

Here is closer look at how absolutely beautiful these whips are.  They are truly works of art.

My whip is the black and red one.  Billie chose red and neutral. 



This kind of shows the differences in the plaiting.  (how many strands are used in the braid)  The top is a 4 plaited, 6 foot, cowhide bullwhip.  Second is my 16 plaited, shot loaded, 6 foot, kangaroo bullwhip.  Last is Billie's  12 plaited, 5 foot, kangaroo bullwhip that Peter made adjustments just for her height and age.   All of them different and beautiful!

These are the worst of my war wounds.   The one on the back actually blistered!  The good thing is you learn really quickly because you HAVE to.  There is no wondering if you did it right or not.  I recommend waring sunglasses and a long sleeve shirt!  Peter says that the whip will always remind  you when you do something wrong and how big of a reminder is up to you.    errrrmmm.....  I guess we know a little about my learning curve now....?

I named my whip Neeth the bringer of light and some of the things I have learned from her are:

1. stay in  your body.

2. focus on the moment (not the big bang at the end)

3. strength = beauty

4. be flexible and fluid

5. know what you are going to do and commit fully

6. keep trying

7. sometimes slowing it down is best

8. stay calm even when you are afraid.... soon all you will feel is the stillness

9. It is ok to be seen.  Some people are really attracted by what I do and others are totally repelled by it.  both of those reactions are fine.

10. It is ok to try/learn something new no matter what age you are.

11. Have fun and share the joy



Pumpkin cheesecake and Carmel sauce

I am going to have Thanksgiving at my house for the first time ever this year and I am so excited.  My major goal is to make it as Primal as possible with out making that a big deal.  I have been testing out ways to convert all the old comfort foods to grain free goodies that will make everyone happy and satisfied.

Deserts are a small problem because of the sugar.  I really love this one and I think it will be a big hit. Try it and see what you think!


Crust:
2 cups raw pecans
1 cup of dates, pitted
1/4 tsp sea salt

In your food processor blend the nuts along with the salt till mealy.  Add the dates one at a time, but quickly so you don’t over process the nuts.  Again, Be careful not to over process. You want the batter to hold together when you pinch it.

Press the crust mixture in the bottom of your pan.  I used a 9×9 square Springform pan.  You could use any size, shape or style to fit the occasion!  Set aside while you make the filling.

Cheesecake:
2 cups raw cashews, soaked for about 2 hours (to soften them)
2 cups almond milk
2 cups cubed raw pumpkin, sugar pumpkin is the best
4 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
1 cup maple syrup or raw agave nectar

**3 Tbsp lecithin (dissolved in coconut oil)
**1 cup cold pressed raw coconut oil, melted

In a high-speed blender add the almond milk, lemon juice, salt, pumpkin spice, cubed pumpkin and maple syrup until very smooth.
Add in the cashews and blend until all graininess is gone.  Rub a little batter between your fingers to make sure it is nice and creamy.   This is a good time to taste test.  You may need to add additional spice or sweetness, it all depends on the quality of the pumpkin you used.  We are dealing with fresh ingredients here and the taste can very largely due to ripeness, etc.
Add the lecithin and melted coconut oil and continue blending until creamy and the powder is well-integrated.
Pour the mixture over the prepared crust.
Gently tap your pan on the counter top to bring all the bubbles to the surface.
Place in the fridge to set up.



Carmel sauce:
1/2 cup  raw almond butter
1/4 cup  raw honey nectar
1/4 cup yucan syrup
1/2 cup date paste
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup of water (may need more or less, do you want to drizzle or use as a frosting?)
1/2 – 1 cup raw pecans, chopped

Place all ingredients in a high powered blender and process until smooth.  You may need to stop occasionally to scrape the sides down.
Hand stir in pecan or place on top after applying the caramel sauce.
Store left sauce in the fridge in a glass container for up to 2 weeks.  To soften, leave out at room temperature for a few hours or place the container in a bowl of hot water.

Assembly:  Pour caramel over the cheesecake and allow it to drizzle down the sides. Cut and serve!!  Keep chilled.

Mint Chocolate Lip balm

It is getting cold and that means it is time to give yourself a little pampering.  

I made up a batch of this lip balm the other day an it is amazing!  I can't think of a sweeter way to protect and moisturize winter lips.  Its so easy to make I have to share this recipe.

Ingredients:

3 T. organic coco butter
1/4 square dark chocolate or 3-4 chocolate chips
1 t. vitamin E oil
4-5 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Melt the cocoa butter in the microwave.
2. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted. (You may have to microwave the mixture again for a few seconds).
3. Add vitamin E and mint oil
4. Mix well and pour into a small container

Thats all there is to it!  The color will look pretty on anyone with olive skin tones all year round but anyone can pull it off this time of year.

I love the feel of the the tingly peppermint but if you don't you could also try substituting orange, raspberry or rose oil.

You're going to love this one!

Pumpkin Pickles

I took a walk yesterday and every ware I looked I saw jack-o-lanterns withering away on front porches, steps, and fences.  The once scary faces turning sad and droopy as the pumpkin breaks down.

It made me wonder how many die is this way and what we could do with them.  Other than pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie I really don't use it that much.

I found this recipe in my canning book and decided to give it a go.  It is a work in progress so I will keep you posted on the final verdict.

Pumpkin Pickle Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 5 pound pie pumpkin (avoid the monster pumpkins used for carving–too stringy)
kosher salt (do NOT use iodized table salt) 
1 cups sugar 

1 cup white vinegar plus 3 cups vinegar (may use a mix of white and apple cider)
1 Tbs whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon plus
4 sticks cinnamon
1 Tbs whole allspice
fresh ginger, crushed
powdered alum
canning jars, bands and lids

1. Peel and seed the pumpkin and cut into 1 inch cubes. Put in a glass bowl, pour water over to cover and add 4 tablespoons kosher salt for each quart of water. Leave the pumpkin overnight or for at least 5 hours.
2. Next day, drain the pumpkin cubes and rinse them well. Rinse the bowl well and put the pumpkin back into the bowl. In a medium pan, combine 1 quart water, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of vinegar, 1 Tbs whole cloves, 1 stick cinnamon, 1 Tbs allspice and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. This is a syrup so be careful that it doesn’t boil over or you’ll have a mess on your stove.
   Remove the pan from the heat and pour the syrup over the drained, rinsed pumpkin.
   Let stand in a cool place overnight (refrigerator is fine, but bring to room temp prior to packing into jars)
3. The next day, get your jars and lids ready: Fill your canning pot (or any large stockpot) halfway with water and bring to a boil. Put your canning jars into the pot (either using your canning rack or a pair of tongs) and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Lids and bands can be sterilized separately in another pot of simmering water.You want the jars dry when you fill them so after the ten minutes, remove the jars with tongs and place on a clean, dry towel. Lids and bands can sit in the water until you’re ready.
   Make sure you have several clean, lint-free towels on hand. A wide-mouth canning funnel is very helpful, but not necessary.
   Keep the water in the canning pot boiling while you finish the next steps.
4. Remove the pumpkin cubes from the syrup and distribute the cubes among your sterilized canning jars, filling the jars up to within 1 inch of the rim with pumpkin cubes. Break up the remaining cinnamon sticks and slide one piece down into each jar with the pumpkin.
5. Pour the syrup into a saucepan and add 3 more cups of sugar and 3 more cups of vinegar. Bring back to a boil.  (I am cutting down on my sugar so I only used 1 cup sugar...  use your own judgement)
6. Remove the syrup from the heat and ladle into the jars over the pumpkin cubes. Make sure the cloves and allspice are evenly distributed among the jars. Fill jars to within 1/2 inch of the top.Wipe the rims carefully with a damp lint-free towel and add one little pinch of powdered alum to each jar.
7. Before placing lids on jars, wipe the rubber-coated outside perimeter free of water and place them squarely on the rims. Screw on the bands, firmly, but not too tight. Place the jars back into the boiling hot water bath and process for ten minutes.
8. After processing, remove the jars and place on a  towel to cool. As they cool, the lids should snap down with an audible “pop.” This means the jar is sealed properly. If any of your lids do not pop down (or if you can still push the lid down) you can either re-process, or just put the jar in the fridge after it’s cool and use the pumpkin within 10 days.
   Leave the properly sealed jars in a cool place for at least 1 week before eating.  The longer they sit the better the flavor.

Let me know if you have any favorite pumpkin recipes.  I'm up for trying anything.

Jack O lanterns

This is too cute!  I did not think of it, but I wish I had.

I'm going to try it tonight.

Go here for the recipe!