tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33426973021450719682024-03-14T00:24:59.281-06:00Pantry HealingHerbal Remedies, Healing FoodsMilenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-58180535360028877102020-04-16T16:30:00.000-06:002020-04-16T16:32:16.837-06:00Benefits of Fermented Foods<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R06D4FueFg/Xpc7Vr7PIvI/AAAAAAAALKU/BNvQEr5SCGMTKxjWcBduXOcLlzUmHlF3gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/monika-grabkowska-_sOjQAx0bzI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R06D4FueFg/Xpc7Vr7PIvI/AAAAAAAALKU/BNvQEr5SCGMTKxjWcBduXOcLlzUmHlF3gCPcBGAYYCw/s640/monika-grabkowska-_sOjQAx0bzI-unsplash.jpg" title="Fermented Foods - Benefits" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@moniqa" target="_blank">Monika Grabkowska</a> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the 21st century, with the refocusing on health and superfoods, ferments have transitioned from an artisanal oddity to a somewhat mainstream product. It's more common to see raw sauerkraut, kombucha , beet kvass and raw cheeses even in big box stores like Costco, Walmart, and Kroger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grew up in Eastern Europe in the eighties and nineties, and fermentation was still one of the popular ways to preserve food, along with canning and curing (mostly meat). I grew up helping my parents make sauerkraut and wine. My grandparents and great grandparents also made fermented vegetables, pickles, and sourdough bread. Unfortunately, with the convenience of modern foods and the popularity of refrigeration, the art of preparing these foods has been lost to our generation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is fermentation?As defined by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160358286X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=160358286X&linkId=93312281f5d0d7f41959ea9933c49a70" target="_blank">Sandor Ellix Katz</a> in his wonderful book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160358286X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=160358286X&linkId=93312281f5d0d7f41959ea9933c49a70" target="_blank">"The Art of Fermentation"</a> : </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">...</span><span style="font-size: medium;">fermentation is the transformation of food by various bacteria,fungi, and the enzymes they produce. People harness this transformative power in order to produce alcohol, to preserve food, and to make it more digestible, less toxic, and/or more delicious. ....</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sounds amazing already. It seems like the benefits of fermented foods are predetermined by it's definition. But let's take a closer look.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DSzlCj__LQ/Xpc7QXadacI/AAAAAAAALKM/FXpnoF1upvE_t2cE07cRstQi7_A1Ysj1gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/alexander-maasch-KaK2jp8ie8s-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DSzlCj__LQ/Xpc7QXadacI/AAAAAAAALKM/FXpnoF1upvE_t2cE07cRstQi7_A1Ysj1gCPcBGAYYCw/s400/alexander-maasch-KaK2jp8ie8s-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@tiefenscharf" target="_blank">Alexander Maasch</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fermentation is a very safe way to preserve food. By-products of fermentation - such as alcohol, lactic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide - help maintain an environment which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and supports food preservation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fermentation increases bioavailability of nutrients. Bacteria pre-digests food , thus releasing additional nutrients and/or removing anti-nutrients and toxins.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160358286X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=160358286X&linkId=93312281f5d0d7f41959ea9933c49a70" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">...</span>In the process of pre-digestion, many ferments accumulate increased levels of B vitamins, including thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin ( B3), as compared with raw ingredient prior to fermentation....</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">People who have food sensitivities often respond well to fermented versions of the same foods they are sensitive to. For example, I am never able to drink plain milk or even put cream in my coffee, but i do well with aged raw cheeses and homemade plain yogurt. The process of fermentation makes these foods low in lactose and starts an enzymatic process which further helps with digestion when they are consumed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Fermented foods are live foods. They play an important role in gut health and our overall immunity. There was some debate recently about the fact that taking probiotics or eating probiotic rich foods (like ferments) might not permanently populate our guts with beneficial bacteria, as previously thought. Even if this is true, the benefits of eating live, fermented foods are still recognized. Live bacteria present in these foods not only helps us digest better, but also produce compounds in our intestines, which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and allow "good" bacteria to proliferate, thus increasing our gut microbial ecology .</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@curryandlove" target="_blank">Klara Avsenik</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fermented foods can have an alkalizing effect on our bodies. This is mostly true for plant food ferments like sauerkraut, cultured veggies, raw apple cider vinegar, kombucha, kvass, kimchi, etc. The process of fermentation releases minerals (which are alkalizing for the body) and makes them more bioavailable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Research shows that fermented, live foods can be beneficial for multiple gut related diseases, such as IBS, diarrhea, IBD, and others. A well established gut flora is shown to help with many autoimmune and mental health problems, as well as in lessening the severity and duration of the common cold and flu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fermented food have shown to have a positive effect in detoxing our bodies, especially from substances like pesticides, toxins naturally occurring in the raw foods, and even mercury . In traditional societies, foods like fatty fish and certain roots ( like taro,which is toxic) were often fermented before consuming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fermented foods are a staple in our house and I believe that consuming them is one of the easiest ways to help our immune systems and our whole bodies thrive. A healthy bacterial environment in our guts can translate to proper digestion and food assimilation, good oral health, good vaginal health and a positive mental attitude.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, fermentation is not panacea and it is only one (very important) factor of self care. If you are new to fermented foods, you might want to take it slow and add one type, and a few tablespoons at a time. This way you can figure out what you like best, and what might not work for your body( especially if you have any severe food allergies).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you wonder, where to start, here is a few examples of the staple ferments in our household:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)</b> - use it in salad dressing, to make mineral rich broths, and as a condiment ( I make infused vinegar, which we add to soups).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sauerkraut </b>- We loooove sauerkraut!My husband adds it to almost every meal he eats and we often use the juice on our salads instead of dressing. It is great to add as a condiment to heavier dishes, as it helps with digestion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kombucha </b> - I make kombucha with green tea, rather than black , and I like to double ferment it with some fruit juice to produce different flavors. We enjoy it with meals, instead of soda or plain juice. I also like to drink ginger kombucha when I feel like I have a stomach bug or any indigestion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sourdough Bread - </b>I love freshly baked,fragrant,crusty bread! Sourdough bread is low in gluten and it is very easily digestible. People with gluten intolerance can often consume sourdough bread made with ancient grains like spelt or einkorn. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yogurt - </b>I think yogurt should be homemade. I have not found many brands of yogurt which don't have thickeners or sugar added to their products. I like to make my own yogurt and I try to purchase raw milk or the closest to it (which is non-homogenized, low temperature,pressure pasteurized milk) available. We eat yogurt for breakfast, snack, or as a base for cold summer soups and sauces.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you will be inspired to experiment in the kitchen and enjoy the enormous benefits these traditional foods can bring. Share your experience with us. I am always happy to learn 😃😃😃</span><br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-75357358465971270822020-04-09T14:36:00.001-06:002020-04-15T12:43:01.027-06:005 Tips To Keep Your Immune System Healthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9X4h8qYsiuE/XnO4Oxw0hII/AAAAAAAALIk/5J4qwNO4Em4Zpe4hR3M5AS-1Q-3EzQhFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/immunesystem3_19_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9X4h8qYsiuE/XnO4Oxw0hII/AAAAAAAALIk/5J4qwNO4Em4Zpe4hR3M5AS-1Q-3EzQhFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/immunesystem3_19_20.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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"<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Food is medicine."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You are what you eat."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Pay the farmer now, or the doctor later."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you heard any of those? And many more, I bet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These sayings ring true even more today, when we are in the midst of a world pandemic, and the concern for ourselves and our loved ones has grown way beyond the ordinary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, today</span>, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have decided to share five practices my family has to keep our immune systems healthy year round. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember, prevention is key. The steps outlined here work for us and are something we have accepted as part of everyday life. Keeping a strong immune system is necessary not only during cold/flu season, or in times of nationwide health crisis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Eat More Greens</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always say that you should eat the rainbow. And NO, I don't mean a bag of Skittles. Every different color fruit and vegetable you eat , gives your body a variety of antioxidant and phytonutrients which help keep you healthy and happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greens seems to be a nutrient powerhouse with an incredible ability to heal our bodies on cellular level. The chlorophyll, which gives greens their distinctive color, seems to be the perfect match for the human body. Hemoglobin in our blood has the same structure as chlorophyll (plant "blood") . The difference is that hemoglobin is built around Iron and chlorophyll is built around Magnesium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am going to get all scientific on you for a moment and show you a chart:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find this fascinating and a reminder that we are evolved as part of this world. That is why food is your best medicine. Greens are a powerful antioxidant and are full of vitamins and minerals, easily absorbed by our own cells. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you get enough greens in your day? I'm afraid , a side salad is not enough. Nevertheless, don't fret. There are many ways to get your daily greens in and not have to eat a salad at every meal and snack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have two favorite ways of getting my share of dark leafy greens in my body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love green smoothies and that is my first favorite method of supplying my body with all the healing plants it needs. I like to follow Dr. Brooke Goldner's method of preparing a hyper- nourishing smoothies. ( Check out a great video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsCeq-s14Ew" target="_blank">HERE</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My second favorite method is using green powders which you just dissolve in water and drink as part of your Vitamin/Mineral regiment. I've been using the brand <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038B3AAK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0038B3AAK&linkId=a211ac76e242ad4c0aa3660261473177" target="_blank">Amazing Grass</a> for years and I love that they have a variety of blends and flavors, tailored to my needs (even to-go packets and tablets). Green powders provide a concentrated source of greens with all their benefits and I like to use them when I am on the go and can't get to my blender at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Healthy Gut , Healthy Body</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Research in recent years has proved the importance of a healthy microbiome for our overall health. Our microbiome is comprised of bacteria and</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> other microorganisms which are responsible for digesting our food, producing hormones, transforming</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the "raw" material of our food into vitamins and minerals, and a great variety of other functions. They are part of our immune system and a good balance of beneficial bacteria is the first step in healing the body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The easiest way to supply your body with a variety of beneficial bacteria is through your food. Traditionally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, fermented vegetables,nato,plain whole milk yogurt, etc. are the best source for live probiotics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fermented foods are very easy to make at home and are now available in some health food stores. The process of fermentation pre-digests the food and increases the amount of bio-available vitamin C. For example, sauerkraut has ten times the amount of vitamin C that cabbage contains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure your diet includes high fiber foods like beans and green leafy vegetables, in order to be able to feed the beneficial bacteria that is already in your gut and to allow them to proliferate ( it's a good thing).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you do not have access to fermented foods , you can use a good quality <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG8FS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000GWG8FS&linkId=143baf30deef4b98f505b647687f6d71" target="_blank">probiotic</a> supplement. Make sure you purchase it at the refrigerated section of your health food store ( or grocery store) and keep it in the fridge at home. I like brands, which contain not only probiotics but a variety of soil organisms, which we used to acquire through foods grown in healthy soil and which are unfortunately missing even from the organic produce grown today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Play Outside</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spending time outside is very important during this time of social isolation and during any illness that you might experience. Go for a walk, play with your kids, bike, hike, run around the block, or simply sit on your patio. Do anything your body and your location allows you, as long as you spend at least 30 minutes a day outside in the fresh air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being out in nature (including parks, back yards, and even the tiniest patch of green you can find) has long been proven to increase mood, relieve stress and improve mental health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, being outside is the best way to make sure your body gets a sufficient amount of Vitamin D.Vitamin D is essential for proper immune function. Once absorbed by your skin and processed by your liver and kidneys, vitamin D acts as a hormone that regulates calcium metabolism. It also plays and essential role in heart and lung function. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I live in a state that has over 300 days of sunshine a year. If you are worried that you might not get enough sunshine where you live, don't fret. You don't need to be exposed to direct sunlight for your body to produce vitamin D. You need to be exposed to UVB rays, not UVA rays, in order to trigger the process in your body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Take immune boosting supplements</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am usually not one to recommend taking a lot of supplements, herbal or not, but there is a few things I consider necessary during cold/flu season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My family and I use supplements which are safe for long term daily use and are often viewed by our bodies as food rather than a chemical component. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every fall I make a batch of <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/Elderberry-Echinacea-Rose-Hips-Tincture-for-Cold-Flu-Immune-Support/254557948270?hash=item3b44d6096e:g:lUEAAOSw7mhegQEL" target="_blank">Elderberry, Echinacea and Rose Hip Tincture </a> which we take on a daily basis and a batch of <a href="http://www.pantryhealing.com/2013/12/fire-cider.html" target="_blank">Fire Cider</a>, which you can take on it's own , or add to soups, broths and salad dressings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like taking <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LZYPS0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pantryheali09-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002LZYPS0&linkId=67107b8bc2a1ee648da35de9711cd936" target="_blank">Fermented Cod Liver Oil </a>daily, just to make sure I get enough vitamin A . I know there was some controversy regarding brands of FCLO and it's freshness, but I've been taking it for awhile with positive results. Listen to your body. Supplements , even when prescribed by a doctor or another practitioner, might not be right for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the safest way to reduce inflammation in your body and strengthen your immune system is not really a supplement, but I like to consider it a very important part of our health regiment. I am talking about the use of herbal teas. My son and my husband like to start the day with a mix of green and herbal teas, and I like to have a cup of Ginger/Turmeric tea at night , before going to bed. Add some local raw honey and some lemon. You will be surprised how much better your body responds to this , rather than an extraction in pill form. </span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=pantryheali09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002LZYPS0&asins=B002LZYPS0&linkId=777dfcc810a2c6404da123c5bb39ddc2&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Less screen time, more sleep</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As modern humans, we have come to depend on technology and electricity in our homes and it's hard to deny how amazing progress can be.. But, is it really good for our health? The answer to that question seems to have as many answers as the number of people you ask but science and research seem to prove over and over again that disturbance of the natural circadian rhythm of our bodies has a harmful effect on our ability to heal and prevent disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lack of sleep impairs the function of our brains as much as drinking alcohol does. It also lowers the immune response of our bodies by affecting the function of T-cells, which are essential for destroying pathogens in our bodies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(If you feel like geeking out on the subject, check out <a href="https://rupress.org/jem/article/216/3/517/120367/G%CE%B1scoupled-receptor-signaling-and-sleep-regulate" target="_blank">this article</a> in the Journal of Experimental Medicine 😊)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Please, know that this information is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing any acute symptoms, like fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, or have an active autoimmune disease, you must consult with a health care practitioner before taking any supplements. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Affiliate links in text help support this blog. Thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-32621449039884786102019-01-01T11:59:00.002-07:002020-01-30T19:48:59.843-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">🎇🎈🎉</span> <span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!🎉🎈🎇</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to <i>be</i> who you are."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Brene Brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is to a year of true belonging!!!🙌</span></div>
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-13792561633584440802018-08-11T20:14:00.000-06:002018-09-12T21:55:00.759-06:00De-clutter Your Healing Journey<br />
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I know it is too late to set an intention for 2018 and I purposefully waited this long to commit to a goal this year. I wanted to think about it and really let my mind and my heart come together. They needed time to negotiate and set an intention for the future.<br />
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I've been on this healing journey way too long. I lost track of every commitment and every potential destination. Have you been there before? In the spot of not believing yourself, because you promised your body a change and it didn't work. Vegan, Paleo , Traditional foods, Whole 30, a handful of supplements, a gym membership, journaling.... Ideas keep pouring and it all looks amazing and oh-so-inspiring on Instagram. But then you hit a wall , because you have a real life and a real job, and real people to take care of , and nothing seems to work the way it is supposed to.<br />
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I waited this long because I needed to quiet down the clutter in my head and in my soul. All the information I cram in day after day - books, latest research, new articles, webinars, online summits- it was getting too much. It was creating chaos in my body, my home, and my relationship with the world. So I promised myself a frugal and minimalist approach to this healing journey of mine. A year of DE-cluttering. A year to bring me back to my instincts and to my roots. A year of de-cluttering my personality, my food choices, my connection with the people I care about, my time, my home , and my finances. Does it seem a little bit overwhelming? I thought so, too. Where would I start? How would I know when I reach my destination? But then I realized that I can't even see the path hidden by labels, theories and someone else's success stories. It is time to make this path my own. New discoveries. No labels. Be my own inspiration.<br />
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The biggest revelation I had was that I don't have to be perfect. Perfect seems to create a negative attitude in my mind. I can't maintain perfect and I don't believe that anyone else can. Community and sisterhood, families and work environments - they are not perfect and we can not connect with the world , if we are perfect. There is no perfect diet, perfect body, perfect daily routines. Live demands imperfections and I want to embrace mine , and live this journey to the fullest.<br />
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For these past eight months I've given myself the freedom to be tired, angry, sad, ecstatic, and child like. I promised myself to experience my own emotions and to refuse other people's emotions. I've raised my voice and sang in the car. I cried in the middle of the woods. I challenged my fear of not being the perfect mom, or the perfect wife, or even a best friend. I SPOKE MY TRUTH. And, yes, people didn't like this change and I cried again, but I'd like to think I came out stronger on the other side.<br />
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Healing our bodies is never going to take place if we don't heal our minds. I am searching for my sacred space, deep within, behind thoughts of dinners and school schedules. I am going back to my healing journey in order to find myself, so I can bring not just my body along, but my mind as well.<br />
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I learned to come back to my breath and step outside moments of stress.<br />
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Just breathe.<br />
Everything we need is inside us.<br />
Food will heal our bodies<br />
Breath will heal our minds<br />
Just spend time with yourself<br />
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I am getting to know this mind and this soul I've been carrying around for almost 39 years.<br />
And it's wonderful ! It is healing! It is like coming back home after many months away.<br />
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It is that simple.<br />
DE-CLUTTER<br />
No labels. No resolutions,. No final destinations.<br />
Just a journey of intuition<br />
Know your mind to heal your body...<br />
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Namaste<br />
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<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-88935046786660655352017-06-08T06:00:00.000-06:002017-06-11T13:33:22.325-06:005 WAYS YOU CAN TURN PICKY EATERS INTO FOODIES<br />
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Feeding our kids seems to be such a controversial topic lately. Diet fads and lifestyle choices seem to creep up even in our kids' cuisine. Parents get offended,if you share experience or give them advice. Moms are ashamed of what they pack in their kids' lunch boxes and mumble excuses , or leave their kids' food education to someone else completely. But it doesn't have to be hard, and it doesn't have to turn you, and your kids, into kitchen enemies.<br />
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My boy, who is now six years old, was a picky eater, and a slow eater, and refusing to eat at all. I've been through it all - cooking separate meals for him, and separating food, so it doesn't touch, begging and threatening. Nothing seemed to be working. But now, I look back, and I find that the little things we did , which didn't seem to be connected with dinner time, had greater impact. </div>
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I want to share my top 5 ways we turned our 6 year old into a "foodie", but before I do this I want to make something clear. Kids are different. They learn in different ways and they follow in different ways. Family dynamics are different and food culture and choices vary.<br />
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Here is what MY 6 year old thought ME:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IT IS JUST A PHASE </span></div>
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Most of the time it's as simple as that. Kids go through phases and will focus on one food at a time or will, all of a sudden, hate something that was a favorite for months. This is all normal. Some kids do have food texture issues or allergies, but this goes beyond the everyday refusal of foods. Most of the time,growing toddlers and pre-schoolers, are trying to assert their independence and to show us that they can make their own choices. Keep offering healthy choices at home and be a little more relaxed outside the house. Do not get tricked into becoming a short-order cook. Even in his picky eating stage, Max could only choose from the food I had already prepared. For example, if I made a salad and stir fry for dinner, I would simply chop the same veggies for him (raw) and give him a few pieces of meat or plain rice. He wasn't big on sauces and spices and that was ok. And remember, not all of us like all foods ,even as adults. We have our favotites and our no-no list. It is the same for our kids. Offer, but do not force them to eat what you think is delicious.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SHOP AND COOK WITH YOUR KIDS</span> </div>
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Max loves helping me in the kitchen and checking off the shopping list when we are in the store. Bring your kids with you and shop the outside parameter of the store. Show them the different fruits and veggies and let them pick something for dinner. Sometimes they will go by shape,color and size when choosing, and that is part of the fun. This is how we fell in love with romanesco, purple cabbage, fingerling potatoes, and heirloom tomatoes ( so many colors,so much fun). Always tell your children what they are eating. Hiding veggies is something I don't do. This creates the mindset that veggies are not delicious and have to be masked by other flavors.<br />
A lot of moms tell me that they don't have the time to let their kids cook with them when they have just minutes to throw something together after work. I know it's hard. I also juggle a full time job with being a mom and a wife. But I always make time to have fun in the kitchen. Food culture is created at home. Comfort food is created at home. I still remember ,when I was little , back in Bulgaria, we used to have scheduled power blackouts and my dad will cut up a huge plate of apples, and tell us stories of his childhood in the candlelight, while we munched on the delicious fruit. So, apples are a comfort food. So is watermelon with feta ,and peppers, roasted on the fire. It's all about the memories you create in your kids. The comfort is in the nostalgia. So,even if you cook one meal with them a week - making pancakes on the weekend, stirring muffins for a bake sale at school, sprinkling salt over the salad, peeling carrots for the soup - it will be the best teaching experience you can give your children.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LEAD BY EXAMPLE</span> </div>
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This seems to be common sense to me. You can't have pizza and chocolate cake for dinner and expect your kids to love grass fed beef and quinoa salad. We don't separate food in our house,or designate it to adults and kids. Max tries everything we buy and then he has the choice to eat it or not. As I said before, don't expect your kids to like everything you like. Teach your kids about food,what goes into it and how you can make it healthier at home. You can make pretty much everything you can buy in a jar. Dressings, hummus and various sauces are the things I make at home. I don't appreciate the added ingredients in most of those store bought products, so I prefer to spend my time and not my money on them. Children are much more fascinated by food and ingredients than we think. What is a chore to us ,to them is like a whole new world of discovery.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">REWARD GOOD CHOICES </span></div>
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Even though good food should be a reward on its own,kids can often see meal time as a chore,something that takes them away from the fun they were having a minute ago. This is still a struggle for us sometimes. "Just five more minutes" can turn into half an hour and the whole evening routine you've been working on so hard is gone out the window. We decided to establish the rule that eating only happens at the dining table. No couch snacking, no mommy running after a toddler with a spoon, no snacking anytime of day or night. We have established a meal schedule, which does not consist of times, but routines. We try to always have dinner together, it is our family time. Breakfast and lunch are more flexible, since one of us , the adults, is at work during the week.<br />
After we established a healthy eating routine and got Max more involved in the preparation of food it was time to figure out how to reward good behavior. Kids thrive on motivation. Little things can be a big motivation for a six year old, just don't make promises you can't keep. Max gets to choose his rewards for making good food and behavior choices. He often chooses activities like technology time, or board games, verses eating treats and unhealthy foods. But there are times that he sees a kid at school eating something we don't normally buy, and requests it as his treat. If it is an item that contains a lot of artificial colors and sweeteners, we discuss it before we buy and try to find a healthier version if we can. Our neighborhood store carries a brand called "Yummy Earth Organics" and they have a variety of items like lollipops, gummy bears, and jelly beans, made with organic ingredients. It is not healthy foods but a great substitute for a treat. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">KITCHEN CONVERSATIONS </span></div>
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This is the one thing that ties it all together. Talk to your children about food. Teach them to respect food and see it not only as calories and sustenance , but to cherish and appreciate it. Food is community. Food is culture. Food is health. Food is medicine. Food heals the body and the soul. It connects us to other living beings, It connects us to the planet and can take us places we can never go. Food is peace. Food is kindness. Food is fun. It is so basic and yet so much of what we are revolves around food. We are what we eat in a more literal way that we ever imagined.<br />
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Bon Appetite!<br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-80245770258874476212016-07-16T10:24:00.003-06:002016-07-16T10:24:55.568-06:00Backyard Medicine : NETTLES<br />
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Botanical Name : Urtica Dioica<br />
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Family: Urticaceae<br />
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Parts used: young leaves, seeds, root<br />
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Energetics : cooling, drying<br />
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The nettle plant has been an ally of mine since I was a little girl. My mom and my grandmother did not use it much in tea, or in any herbal preparation, but they made sure we got enough of it in the form of delicious food. Spring was a time for foraging in our family and I still get exited by the patches of green that grow by the road or between the trees in the woods. Young nettles and docks, fragrant young thyme , young sorrel and dandelion leaves - the Earth is generous , if we only look around.<br />
Nettles have been used for food and medicine for thousand of years. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used to cultivate it and grow it for food and for its fiber. The nettle plant has many fine hairs on its stem and leaves, which can release some irritating chemicals in the body when it touches bear skin. This brings blood to the affected area and can relieve pain and inflammation. The Romans new about this property of nettles and used to carry seeds with them when they conquered new lands, in order to be able to cultivate it. Mrs. Grieve cites the antiquary Camden in her book " A modern Herbal: Vol II" : " The soldiers (Roman) brought some of the Nettle seed with them, and sowed it there for their use to rub, and chafe , their limbs, when through extreme cold they should be stiff or benumbed, having been told that the climate of Britain was so cold that it was not to be endured."<br />
This practice is known as urtication, and is very useful for pain due to arthritis. I have personal experience with this practice thanks to my grandmother. When I was a girl , I went through a very painful growth spurt. My feet and legs were affected the worst, to the point where it was very painful to walk. My grandmother used urtication to help me ,and the relieve was very welcome. Fortunately, my body does not react strongly to the sting of nettles and I did not endure severe blistering or pain. To this day. I still pick nettles bear handed. I welcome the sting, hoping to avoid arthritic pain later in life.<br />
The nettle plant can be a delicious food, but it is also a potent medicine. I think its power hides in the fact that it is highly nutritious. If you look into any herbal book , you will find multiple uses for nettles. It is good for almost any part of the body. People often mistrust this, but we have to remember that our body is an uniquely connected system , and not one organ functions alone, independently from the rest. When you nourish your body, the whole is affected, hence the whole is improved. We just have to look beyond what western medicine has thought us, look beyond symptoms and single constituents.<br />
The nettle plant is rich in many minerals and is one of the perfect way to get much needed iron and calcium during pregnancy. I like to combine it with red raspberry leaf and peppermint for a delicious and refreshing beverage. Due to its high content of minerals, nettles can also be useful in addressing osteoporosis, menstrual cramps and leg cramps. It can also be useful for "growing pains" in children, or for aching joints in older people.<br />
One of the easiest ways to get more nettles in your body year round is to prepare a nourishing infusion. A nourishing infusion is a strong tea made by taking an ounce of dried herb and pouring a quart of hot water over it. Steep for at least four hours and drink throughout the day as a refreshing beverage.<br />
Nettle is a mild diuretic and can be used to relieve edema and other congested fluids in the body. Some people can be affected more by this property of nettles and should use the plant in moderation.<br />
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Other popular uses for nettles include:<br />
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<li>Nettle Seed Tincture - very nourishing to the kidneys. It has a very specific action on this organ and can be used in small doses to strengthen and improve function.</li>
<li>Nettle Root Tincture or Decoction - used for prostate issues. </li>
<li>Freeze Dried Nettle Leaves - used for the treatment of seasonal allergies.</li>
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The nettle plant is a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown that, taken internally, it can lower inflammatory markers in the blood. Herbalist Johnathan Treasure often uses it in a protective protocol for patients undergoing chemotherapy, in order to reduce organ damage done by the drugs.<br />
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Now you can see why nettle is a great plant ally to have . Still, my favorite way to enjoy this plant is in a delicious recipe in spring time, when my body is craving the green vitality and renewed energy of the earth. After all, Food Is Medicine, and a powerful one at that.<br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-36408905951615502542015-12-14T18:41:00.004-07:002015-12-14T18:41:36.241-07:00Eat your way to healthy this cold and flu season<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is that time of year again. Temperatures are in single digits and and noses are sniffling everywhere around us. Most of us are out of the house earning our living and our kids spend their days at school. Germs are abundant for us to bring home and share. Not a pleasant picture,is it?<br />Well,put the sanitizing wipes and the can of Lysol spray down, and read on as I share some true and tested tips on how we keep our family healthy and happy without a flu shot and over the counter medication.<br />You have heard me say it many times before: food is your best medicine. It is the only medicine that prevents you from getting sick and can help you heal faster. It is even more true for little growing bodies. We all know how sugar affects our children and we avoid giving them candy before bed or a meal. So, why then, are we blind to the fact that every food affects our kids,some in a harmful and some in a beneficial way? Food can build up our immune system, it can keep our bodies strong and healthy, it can nourish our minds, and control our behavior. The effects of food are very noticeable in children and small changes reflect tremendously on their health.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Rethink milk</b> - Are you drinking raw milk, or maybe low temperature pasteurized grass-fed milk? Good for you! Keep doing what you are doing. If those two are not an option for you, then you might have to rethink milk. Ultra-pasteurized, homogenized milk, often from cows treated with antibiotics and growth hormone,is less than ideal food for you and your kids. If your little one is suffering from chronic ear infections, milk should be the first thing to go. Store bought milk ,of the kind mentioned above, is very mucus forming,which means that you are looking at constipation, ear infections, sinus infections, chronic coughs, eczema, and behavior issues in the long run. Your best option is raw milk, but it can be hard to find, depending on where you live. That is why, in our house, we opt out for nut milks , like almond, cashew , or coconut. Make sure it is unsweetened and not flavored, so it can work in any recipe. Our son has been drinking primarily plant milk since age 2. We mix it up every once in a while by purchasing high quality whole milk from grass-fed cows that has been pasteurized at low temperature and has not been homogenized.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Add Healthy Fats</b> - Our kids need fats to develop. They need good sources of saturated fat in order to feed their constantly developing brains and nervous systems. The best choices are coconut oil, cod liver oil, flax seed oil, avocados, grass- fed butter. Cook with butter and coconut oil; put flax oil in smoothies; spread avocado on toast; and give cod liver oil by the spoonfuls. These are easy ways to get good fats into your kids. Fats have an important role in helping the body to absorb nutrients and vitamins. Calcium, vitamins A, D, and E , can not be absorbed without the help of fats. Fats keep us full longer. and help us regulate blood sugar better. Fats like coconut oil have added anti-bacterial properties. Flax seed oil contains beneficial omega 3 and 6. And, believe me, just when you think that your five year old will spit out that spoonful of cod liver oil, they surprise you by asking for seconds.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Add fermented veggies - </b>This is my favorite way to get probiotics into our bodies. Probiotics are very important for the health of our immune system. Good gut health is the surest way to good overall health. And fermented foods are the best way to supplement your gut flora and eat delicious creations in the process. The most popular fermented food in our family are saurkraut, fermented veggies ( carrots and cauliflower) , fermented garlic, fermented pickles, and kombucha. When I say fermented , I mean the process of lacto-fermentation. The Weston A Price website describes the benefits of this process: <span style="font-family: inherit;">"...<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"> the fermentation of dairy products, preservation of vegetables and fruits by the process of lacto-fermentation has numerous advantages beyond those of simple preservation. The proliferation of lactobacilli in fermented vegetables enhances their digestibility and increases vitamin levels. These beneficial organisms produce numerous helpful enzymes as well as antibiotic and anticarcinogenic substances. Their main by-product, lactic acid, not only keeps vegetables and fruits in a state of perfect preservation but also promotes the growth of healthy flora throughout the intestine. "</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><b>Use meat on the side</b> - Buy high quality grass-fed and pasture raised meat and eggs, and use them as a side dish. That's right. I said a side dish. Good quality meat is expensive and that is often an excuse for people to buy factory raised meat full of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals used in the processing of the animals. Well, it is no excuse at all. We solve the money issue by purchasing and consuming less meat and eggs. Build your main dishes around plants and add meat as a flavor, to enhance the dish. Even better, eat completely meat free a few times a week. It is good for the budget and your health. I personally had some issues with meat and animal fats , which I was able to cure with a few months of plant- based diet after which I slowly added pasture meats in small quantities. I stick to vegan and vegetarian food outside our home.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><b>Use herbs daily </b>- Drink hot tea once a day and take a spoonful of Elderberry syrup to keep your immune system strong. We drink tea in the morning and at night before bed. We often enjoy black and green teas in the morning , but our night routine includes a blend similar to this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178135375/get-well-soon-herbal-infusion?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank">Get-Well-Soon Herbal Infusion</a>. Our five year old boy loves this with a spoonful of local raw honey. In the winter months, I make a big batch of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/210784489/elderberry-rose-hips-and-ashwaganda?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">Elderberry Syrup</a>, and we each get a spoonful every day. I also make sure that we stock up on Echinacea tincture and Elderflower tincture or tea. Echinacea is great for preventing a cold , when you take it with the first symptoms . Elderflower works magic when you have a fever. It will lower a fever by one degree or more in a matter of minutes. It is a very safe herb for kids and it makes a delicious infusion. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><b>Cook at home</b> - This is maybe the best tip anyone can give you about staying healthy. Make things from scratch. Muffins, pancakes, waffles, bread, cream soups, broth, sandwich spreads, salad dressing, etc. It is a lot less complicated than it sounds and a lot more satisfying than someone who hates cooking wants you to believe it is. If you have time to put make up and do your hair in the morning, you have time to make breakfast and bag lunches. Or maybe you just need to think about your priorities. Making everything from scratch takes time , but it doesn't require "slaving in the kitchen all day". Whoever came up with that expression just needed an excuse. I work outside the home five days a week, take my little boy to sports after school four days a week, and I still have a home cooked meal on the table every night. I am not exhausted. I am simply prepared with a meal plan and a list of real food ingredients. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;"><br /></span>Food is the best medicine. It is the best prevention and the best treatment. We are what we put in our bodies. If we put neglect and disease , we will be sick, tired and depressed. Good, real, healthy food takes away the meaning of cold and flu season. Follow these few tips and you will have a season of memories and cheer.<br /> Wishing you lots of health and happiness, from my family to yours!</span><br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-58708851940619595092015-01-26T06:00:00.000-07:002015-01-26T06:00:02.535-07:00Root vegetables - the forgotten nutritional powerhouse ( recipes included)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> main picture by <a href="http://www.motherearthliving.com/">www.motherearthliving.com</a></span><br />
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We live in a society which is slowly loosing its roots. Take this literally or metaphorically, it will still be true. We forgot the foods of our ancestors, the way they prepared those foods, or how to eat foods in season. I am sure that 80 % of people don't even know which produce is actually in season at their supermarket.<br />
I grew up in a Eastern Europe in the 80s and 90s, where there was no big supermarkets loaded with leafy greens year round. Everything was produced in your own garden or someone else's<br />
garden. We canned fruit and veggies for the winter season and almost everyone had a root cellar to store onions, potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, and a variety of root vegetables. Root vegetables were a staple in our winter cuisine - potatoes, beets, turnips, a variety of radishes, onions , garlic.<br />
When we think of healthy vegetables, or are told to eat our veggies, today, we often think of leafy greens (kale anyone), or broccoli, cucumbers and tomatoes. Those are all wonderful, but they are not the full spectrum of the bounty our mother Earth offers. Root vegetables are the forgotten powerhouse of the veggie world, They were pushed aside by exotic trends and visually more appealing foods. Sometimes they were vilified, and often simply neglected.<br />
Roots are often the most potent part of a plant. They store all the nutrients that feed the plant and help it grow. They have the ability to withstand difficult conditions and reach deep into the earth in order to be nourished and share her healing power. In herbal medicine some of the most powerful remedies come from the roots of the plants - dandelion,burdock, Valerian, blackberry, goldenseal.<br />
Some roots have made their way into our kitchens as potent flavoring agents, but we often forget their benefits. Onions, garlic, ginger - those are all roots/bulbs and they carry powerful medicine in them. They have strong antibacterial properties and can be used to treat common illnesses, like ear infections, chest cold, or even to boost the immune system.Sulfur compounds in garlic also help with heart health by improving circulation and regulating blood pressure. Ginger is great for digestion and adding it to heavier foods like meats or beans/legumes can improve the way your body handles these foods.<br />
One of the most vilified root vegetable is the potato. It has gained bad reputation in the health food world and a lot of people avoid it. What most people don't know about potatoes is that they are loaded with vitamin C, potassium and healthy fiber. It is all about preparing them right and avoiding the heavy sauces and condiments we usually use.I posted a great recipe for a German Style Potato salad a while back, find it <a href="http://www.pantryhealing.com/2013/12/quick-and-easy-winter-salads.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you are not convince that potatoes are good for you, you still don't need to ban them from your table. Mix white potatoes with other varieties like purple potatoes, or with other root veggies like yams, carrots and parsnips.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture by <a href="http://www.prevention.com/">www.prevention.com</a></td></tr>
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<u>Root Vegetable Mash</u><br />
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Cut up a mix of potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips. (I like to use a ratio of about half potatoes and half other veggies). Bring them to a boil and let them cook until soft enough to puree. Depending on your dietary preferences you can mash them by adding grass fed butter, olive oil, coconut oil, or simply some of the cooking water. I like to season my mashed veggies with sea salt, black pepper and sometimes garlic powder.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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There is one root vegetable, which is gaining popularity as the health food movement becomes mainstream. It is the not so humble beet root! Beets get their distinct color from a phytochemicals called betalains ( unlike other purple/red vegetables , which contain anthocyanins).According to Dr. Weil "betalains, in addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, trigger a family of enzymes that bind toxic substances in cells, neutralizing and allowing them to be excreted from the body".<br />
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<u>Beets, Carrots and Daikon Salad:</u><br />
1 medium size red beet root<br />
daikon radish - approx. 4 in long piece<br />
2-3 large carrots<br />
a handful of parsley<br />
lemon juice<br />
sea salt<br />
extra virgin olive oil<br />
Grate all the vegetables in a bowl. Chop parsley. Mix everything with lemon juice, olive oil and salt to taste.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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Yams and carrots are full of beta-carotene. Raw carrots are often used as a healthy , gluten free snack, but remember that only 3% of the beta-carotene is released to our bodies during digestion. This can be improved by 39% during the process of cooking. .<br />
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A more scary member of the root vegetable family is celeriac, or celery root. It is a little more difficult to deal with, since it has a harder texture and a sturdier, uneven outer layer of skin. I like celeriac mixed with other vegetables in homemade chips.My parents use it to add to sauerkraut or other fermented veggies. If you like the strong celery flavor, use it as an addition to soups and stews. Celeriac is a good source of Vitamin K , which is linked to healthy bones.It is also rich in phosphorus and copper, which support cell metabolism.<br />
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There is a much greater variety of root vegetables than I can mention in this blog. These are some of the few I use in my kitchen, which are also easy to find and incorporate in your everyday cooking. I use a few medicinal roots in my cooking as well - dandelion, burdock and horseradish.I like to infuse apple cider vinegar with those roots and use it as a condiment in soups . I also use roasted dandelion root as a coffee substitute. Dandelion and burdock have wonderful benefits for the liver and they add some bitterness , which improves digestion. Horseradish is one of my favorite ways to help any sinus congestion or pressure in the sinuses. It is also a great digestion help, which is why traditionally it was added as a condiment to heavier meals, containing red meat.<br />
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Last, but not least, I would like to mention turmeric. We use this root mostly in a mix of spices , since it does not have a strong flavor on its own. When I was little , my grandfather used to add turmeric to noodle and rice dishes. It was fun for us kids, since it turned our food bright yellow. Little did we know that it is also one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. There are hundreds of studies showing the benefits turmeric,and its active compound curcumin, have for preventing disease like cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is very beneficial for treating chronic pain and swelling.<br />
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It seems as if I have touched just the tip of the iceberg. It is impossible to put all the benefits our food gives us in just a few sentences. Still, I hope you are intrigued and inspired to explore the world of root vegetables.While I was writing this blog I did some major experimenting in the kitchen and I discovered how fun and satisfying it can be. Both recipes above are husband approved. It was a little harder to convince a four year old to try grated raw beets, but let's just say he is in a "cruciferous" stage. So give it a try,have fun and bon appetite!<br />
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<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-71020548069648102942015-01-19T16:20:00.000-07:002015-01-25T17:39:47.509-07:00Backyard medicine: ELDERBERRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Botanical name: Sambucus nigra, Sambucus canadensis<br />
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Parts used: flowers, berries<br />
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I have decided to dedicate yet another blog on elderberry. I think it is only fitting this time of year and it is one of the most useful plants to have as an herbal ally.<br />
Elderberry is part of our herbal pantry year round. It is a magical plant with thousands of years of history in herbal lore and medicine. The gypsies in Europe used to call it " the most healing plant of all" and it was often connected with Faery and Goddess-centered mythology. Elderberry was considered protective against evil spirits and negative influences, The last berries were picked on Samhain ( today's Halloween) and wine was made, which was then used in ritual to provoke prophecies and divination.<br />
Elder weaves its magic in our bodies in so many ways. It is the perfect example of "food as medicine". When I was growing up in Bulgaria, my grandmother made elder flower syrup and elderberry jam for the winter. It was part of her pantry more than her medicine chest.<br />
There are over a dozen species of Sambucus native to the United States. Sambucus nigra, one of the most popular species used for medicine , was brought over from Europe . The name "elder" comes from the Anglo-saxon word "aeld", which means fire. Even though this is attributed to the practice of using hollowed out elder branches as blowing tubes to kindle fire, I think the name is also very fitting when we think of elder as medicine. Elder flowers are one of the most efficient herbal remedies for bringing down a fever. It is most often used in an infusion, it is pleasant tasting and safe enough for infants and children.<br />
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Elderberries are and excellent source of anthocyanins, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and B6. They have a wonderful antioxidant and anti-viral power.They inhibit the virus' ability to infect cells within our bodies. I like combining elderberries with echinacea, an immune stimulating herb, since they act on different levels in fighting a virus/bacteria in our bodies. Echinacea helps to boost the production of white blood cells, which leads to the destroying of the foreign cells in our bodies.<br />
We all know how difficult it is to fight a virus infection. Even modern antibiotics are helpless against it and we often leave our doctor's office with the recommendation to drink plenty of fluids, and the advise to think ahead and get the flu shot next time. Well, if you have been reading through this blog, you know well how I feel about the flu shot. So, I turn to nature, once again, for the answer to healing our bodies. Viruses can not reproduce on their on and they use our body's cells to do it. Simply put, they turn our own bodies against us. Elderberry manages to prevent them from doing this and thus they loose the ability to infect us. This is why elderberries are so effective in stopping a cold or decreasing the duration of the flu.<br />
Elderberries are also used for their antioxidant activity. They are great for lowering cholesterol and improving heart function.A daily dose of elderberry syrup is all you need to keep your body healthy. I use the berries in our <a href="http://www.pantryhealing.com/p/blog-page_1090.html" target="_blank">Get-Well-Soon</a> herbal infusion and this is what we have every day in our house. My husband and my four year old love it with raw honey in the morning or before bed, My husband in particular likes to use it as an alternative to the <a href="http://www.pantryhealing.com/p/blog-page_1090.html" target="_blank">Brave Heart</a> herbal blend I make for him, to help regulate his blood pressure.<br />
If you are not convinced about how amazing elderberry is, let me tell you this, IT TASTES GOOD. I know, it seems like the last reason you would choose a remedy, but thing about your kids, and your non- herbal fanatic spouses. You know what I am talking about! Sometimes all your herbal knowledge is powerless before the mighty tongue. Elderberry is food, so it is safe for all ages and it tastes good. You can sneak it or serve it in multitude of forms. Jams, jellies, syrups, even wine. If you have access to fresh berries, I would recommend you dabble in the art of kitchen herbalist. I like to make elderberry syrup, which preserves well and can be poured over pancakes and waffles, or mixed with sparkling water tor a refreshing drink. In time of need you can always turn to tinctures and infusions, but meanwhile, you can keep your family healthy by providing them with healing foods, like elderberry.<br />
I hope this inspires you to add another staple to your herbal pantry and to explore the wild bounty our mother Earth has to offer. Share with me your experience and maybe a delicious recipe or two! Stay happy and healthy!<br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-84465489539748739782014-12-01T18:05:00.001-07:002020-03-19T11:48:16.225-06:00Elderberry syrup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to make Elderberry syrup in the beginning of every cold and flu season. It is an easy and delicious way to keep my family healthy. I also like this recipe because it is one of the best example of food being used as medicine. Elderberries are very popular in Europe and my grandmother always made syrup in the fall, for the winter months. We never thought of it as medicine since it was something we enjoyed and had on a regular basis; We drank it diluted with sparkling water as a refreshing beverage, but you can also pour it over pancakes and waffles, or take a tablespoon full straight out of the bottle every day.<br />
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Elderberry syrup is easy to make and easy to store. I have added some rose hips and ashwaganda root to this syrup in order to increase its healing power and give it a little extra something to bring our bodies into balance. Rose hips are a vitamin C powerhouse and ashwaganda is a wonderful adaptogen herb that lowers stress , nourishes the blood and the heart, and increases our ability to deal with the daily exposure to our environment.<br />
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Here is what you need to make this amazing remedy:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8uKMBACBVE/VHz2ZDHDpFI/AAAAAAAAD00/53ytU0dEBYA/s1600/2014-11-16%2B13.43.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8uKMBACBVE/VHz2ZDHDpFI/AAAAAAAAD00/53ytU0dEBYA/s1600/2014-11-16%2B13.43.47.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
1 cup dried elderberries<br />
1/2 cup dried rose hips<br />
1/2 cup dried ashwaganda root <br />
3 cups filtered water<br />
2 cups raw honey<br />
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Put the dried herbs in a pot with the water and bring to a boil.( I use stainless steel or glass pots for all my herbal remedies.) Boil for a few minutes , then turn the heat down and simmer for at least 30-40 min.<br />
I like to leave the berries/roots to steep for a couple of hours after I turn off the heat. This gives them a chance to cool down .<br />
Strain the plant matter from the liquid and make sure to squeeze all the juice out of it. Now, you can add the honey. The mixture should be warm enough to melt the honey but not too warm to kill all the wonderful enzymes in it. If you need to make this vegan , or honey is not in the budget, you can definitely use maple syrup or brown sugar. Proportions will stay the same.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvkIWJMBuW0/VH0NkyzrNfI/AAAAAAAAD1E/38Nr-Cp3HRE/s1600/2014-11-16%2B13.44.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvkIWJMBuW0/VH0NkyzrNfI/AAAAAAAAD1E/38Nr-Cp3HRE/s1600/2014-11-16%2B13.44.28.jpg" width="200" /></a> You can store the syrup in the fridge for up to six months. I keep mine in a mason jar for easy access. Take a tablespoon each day as part of your supplement routine. <br />
This is just a basic recipe which you can modify to your liking. Spice it up by adding cinnamon sticks or cloves to steep with the berries.<br />
I also use the syrup to make homemade gummies for my nine year old. Make sure you use a good quality grass-fed gelatin for this purpose. It is a nutritious and delicious way to get your little ones to take their supplements. It works on husbands too! ;)<br />
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I hope that you are going to give this recipe a try! Be happy and healthy this winter season!Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-70131512926171498912014-09-26T08:26:00.001-06:002014-09-26T08:26:14.556-06:00HERBS FOR WOMEN : Relieving menstrual problems - general overview and useful herbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What comes to mind when you hear the word menstruation, or period? For most women it is a sign of inconvenience and an overall unpleasant experience.It is something we have to hide and something we've been trying to avoid . There are multiple pills and products that promise to stop this process or make it almost invisible. And still, many women are reminded monthly about their period and experience discomfort, pain, bloating, anxiety and multitude of other symptoms , before and during their menstruation. Research shows that fifty percent of women in the US experience some form of PMS symptoms every month.<br />
There are no two women alike and what is normal for some is not for others. Some women normally have heavier or lighter periods. If heavier periods are not accompanied by other symptoms like exhaustion, extreme pain, or dark clotted blood, it can be considered normal. The same goes for light periods. If a woman has always had light periods, and has no other symptoms, or fertility problems, then those light periods are considered absolutely normal. <br />
In my own research on this topic, I found that there are three definite factors which affect our monthly cycles - food, stress, and our perception of what menstruation is.<br />
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FOOD is the number one way in which we can correct any problems in our physical bodies. I am a strong believer in the "food is medicine" philosophy . Our modern Standard American Diet (SAD) is the culprit of many of the ailments that plague us today. Here is a few way that the modern diet can affect how you feel during your period:<br />
The modern American diet relies heavily on refined sugars and grains. Food is processed and stripped of nutrients. It often lacks enough fiber, phyto chemicals and important micro nutrients. This form of diet is not suitable for our organisms but is the perfect food for some type of bacteria in our bodies, like candida and H.Pylori, that thrive on sugar. Women who have problem menstruation often have gut imbalances and gut problems. How are the two connected you might wonder? Balanced gut flora plays an important role in processing excess estrogen in the body. Excess estrogen is often responsible for symptoms like cramps, pain during menstruation, heavy flow, and even conditions like endometriosis, which causes the tissue that normally lines that uterus to grow in other parts of the body. So, with unbalanced gut flora, our bodies are unable to process this excess estrogen, our liver and our endocrine organs are being overloaded with toxins and unable to do their job right.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is the food consumption in 2009 in the US according to the USDA Economic Research Service)</span></div>
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Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet also plays part in bringing some of this extra estrogen and other hormone disruptors into our bodies. Plastics, over-processed soy, pesticide residue in our produce, growth hormones and antibiotics in our meats - all this can play a significant role in the proper function of our organs. Don't forget that our bodies are an interconnected whole systems. No organ runs on its own and everything that we put in our bodies affects all of our systems.<br />
So how can we correct some of the problems, or maybe all of them, by eating the appropriate foods? I recently listened to a lecture by Dr David Katz , who did some research on the optimal diet for humans, and after looking into all of today's trends and their claims ( like vegan, paleo, Atkins, raw, vegetarian, etc), he got to the conclusion that the optimal diet for us can be defined like this: " Eat real food, not too much, mostly plants." . I love this! It is so straight forward and really can not be simpler than that. So make your sides a main meal, and your meat a side dish, if you want to consume any at all. Eat lots of colorful vegetables, dark leafy greens , vibrant with life, and add some responsibly raised meats, ideally grass fed and pasture raised. Use healthy fats like coconut oil, and foods rich in those precious fats , like avocados, raw walnuts, and seeds.<br />
Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, in her fabulous book "Herbal Healing for Women", recommends incorporating seaweed in the diet of any women that experiences problem menstruation. Seaweed can be incorporated in your food or taken as a supplement, and it plays an important role in balancing those tricky hormones.<br />
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STRESS is another factor which causes imbalance in our bodies. Even though we have more conveniences than our ancestors, the stress in our everyday life has increased dramatically. The self imposed stress to be and look a certain way, to accomplish everything in as little time as possible, the lack of sleep. It all piles up and affects are bodies. Sleep deprivation causes hormonal imbalance and catching up on sleep on the weekend will not make up for stressing our systems the rest of the time. So the best thing you can do is to find your natural rhythm. Get between 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed early and sleep in complete darkness, so your body can have the time to repair and restore itself.<br />
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and gentle yoga. Journal or use your creative force and do crafts. This is not part of herbalism, but managing our emotional stress is a wonderful medicine that helps us bring our physical bodies back in balance.<br />
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THE IMAGE OF MENSTRUATION is the third important factor I think plays a role in how we feel during this time of the month, I really love to use the term "moon time" instead of menstruation or cycle. It brings me back to a more ancient time when women were powerful and revered as mysterious in their ability to create life . We are part of nature and its cycles. Our bodies have the unique ability to cleanse and renew themselves. Moon time is time of renewal and rebirth. It should not be viewed as a burden or as unclean. Nature gives us this chance to rest and recharge. In ancient times, menstruating women will often go to a place outside of their normal lives and homes, during their time of the month. Other women will bring them food and cater to their needs, since this was a time of rest and renewal. We are so busy in our modern lives, trying to be mothers and exceptional professionals, that we often forget we are women above all. We forget about our needs and our strengths, which can also be our biggest weaknesses.<br />
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Making lifestyle changes will not remove pain and bloating overnight. It will take at least a couple of months for your body to adjust, detox and re-balance. Fortunately, this is where some useful herbs come in handy. They will support this process of re-calibration of the body and will help ease up the symptoms of PMS , or regulate menstrual flow.<br />
If you are like me , and have a regular period with moderate flow, and occasionally experience bloating or breast tenderness, or maybe you experience milder PMS symptoms every month, there are a few common herbs that can help you when this time of the month comes around. I like to make a mix of nettles, red raspberry leaf and peppermint. It is a wonderful tonic tea. It supplies the body with easily absorbed calcium, which is important for a regular menstrual flow, and it strengthens the uterus. Peppermint helps relieve any mild cramping or pain. I like to take this tea about a week before my period starts, but if you have consistent symptoms every month, you can consume it on a daily basis as a nourishing infusion. I also like to put some maca powder in my smoothies anytime I make one. It adds a wonderful caramel flavor and it is very nourishing to a woman's reproductive system.<br />
There are a couple of wonderful herbs you can add to the mix, if you experience more severe symptoms, or have irregular periods and irregular menstrual flow:<br />
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Vitex agnus ( or chaste berry) is becoming more and more popular in American herbalism. It has a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland, which helps to regulate hormone function. It helps produce hormones that enhance the progesterone cycle and thus balance out the estrogen cycle. It is a good herb for acute conditions, which means it will quickly act and help with pain and menstrual irregularities. It is also safe to take for long period of time , and herbalist Rosemary Gladstar suggests that women with endometriosis take this herb for up to a year to relieve their symptoms.<br />
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Another wonderful herb ,which is specifically used for the reproductive system, is Viburnum Opulus. Commonly known as Cramp bark, it is a very effective uterine nervine. It is the best herb to take for cramps, as it relaxes the uterine muscle and relieves the pain. It has a high tannin content , which helps with excessive bleeding.<br />
Cramp bark is a good acute herb, but it can be taken for longer periods of time , with no known side effects. It is a good herb for women , who are just starting menopause and have excessive bleeding due to unbalanced hormones.<br />
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Have you used any of the herbs mentioned above? How do you deal with any discomforts of your moon time? Share with us! And during your next moon time, if possible, take at least one day of rest, and rejoice in the wonders of being a woman!<br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-60862489575991798042014-09-15T14:03:00.001-06:002014-09-15T14:03:51.564-06:00Herbs for Kids: FEVERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a mom of a 3 year old boy. I am part of a community of moms ,as well, whose children range from newborn to 10 years old. This brought me to the realization, that no matter what the diagnosis or the illness, a child having a fever is the one thing that always calls for " the big guns". I mean emergency room, over the counter medication, doctor's visits, and often enough, antibiotics. So. I thought it was appropriate, to start this new series of blogs with the topic of fevers.<br />
I have expressed my opinion about treating fevers in other posts, but I wanted to go in detail about why we do not treat fevers most of the time, and how I approach fevers as an herbalist.<br />
The first thing I want to really emphasize and get out there is this: FEVERS CAN BE A GOOD THING!!!! A fever is the body's immune response to viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and, like coughs or runny noses, it is just a symptom. The fever is not a sickness on its own , but most of the parents treat it like one, and focus primarily on treating the fever , without realizing that it is not the actual cause of sickness.<br />
In our herbal household , we do not treat fevers. We use herbs and homeopathic remedies to help the body during the healing process, which naturally lowers the fever.<br />
Here are a few simple reasons why I don't give my son an over-the-counter medication when he has a fever:<br />
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<li>Most viruses, like the flu, can not survive in the body, if the internal temperature is over 100 F. This means that, if I give my son medication to lower his fever, I will actually be prolonging his sickness, and I will be helping the virus survive longer in his body. </li>
<li>My son deals well with having a fever. What I mean by this is that he stays alert and playful, even with 104 F. You always have to judge the seriousness of the situation by appearance, more than by the number on the thermometer. No one knows your child better than you do. If your child looks lethargic and weak, even with a low grade fever, it can be a sign of something serious going on in the body. This is the moment, when you should be hurrying to the doctor's office or emergency room. If your child is like mine, and keeps jumping all over the house, even with "high" fever, then just let the body do what it does best, and heal itself. No medications needed in this case. </li>
<li>Over-the-counter medication can be harmful. I am not talking about the artificial dyes and sweeteners that plague all kids medications, even though more and more studies link allergies and behavioral problems to those ingredients in our food. I am talking about the fact that, by lowering a fever, we are stopping the body's way of fighting viruses, and thus giving them a chance to thrive again. Consistent use of OTC medication can teach the body that certain immune responses are unnecessary, since they are always interrupted. This can lead to more frequents sickness in children, due to the lowered immune response. Our bodies learn and adapt with the environment we provide for them, so let's teach them something good!</li>
<li>There are many myths about the danger of fevers, and most of them are just that, myths. There are some good articles out there, written by doctors, that teach parents about the myths and facts about fevers. The myths I find most parents fear are that high fevers can cause brain damage and seizures. But know this, only fevers of 108 F and above can cause brain damage, and only 4% of children get seizures, when they have high fever. If fevers still seem scary to you, know that, there are multiple homeopathic and herbal remedies you can use to help the body through the healing process , which will also lower the fever response. ( Read more about the <a href="http://www.childrenshealthnetwork.org/CRS/CRS/pa_feverpho_hhg.htm" target="_blank">Myths and Facts about Fevers here</a>.)</li>
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Now let's talk about some natural ways you can treat a fever. I don't know , if "treat" is the best way to describe what herbs do, because these are actually ways to help the body through the healing process, which results in lowering the fever. So, here are a few ways we do this in our house:</div>
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<ul>
<li>The most important thing to remember when your child has a fever is to keep them hydrated. Dehydration is far more dangerous than a number on the thermometer, especially with younger children. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids- water, teas, diluted juices. I do not recommend milk here, as I consider milk a food, not a beverage. If you notice any signs of dehydration ( parched lips, dark urine,etc) or you child refuses to drink liquids , while sweating profusely for hours, you definitely need to see a doctor. Dehydration is something that I take very seriously and it is my number one priority to keep myself , and my son, hydrated all the time. Dehydration can prevent our internal organs from functioning properly and keep toxins in our bodies. Just remember this, an average adult's body is made of about 60% water. Infants' bodies are made of about 75-78% water. Water really is life!</li>
<li>Do not worry if your child is not eating! It is a natural reaction of the body. When we are sick, our bodies are trying to focus all the energy we have into the healing process. Food often takes away that focus and forces the body to use energy for other processes, like digestion. So when your child is sick ,and refuses food, do not worry. This will not make them weaker, since you can use little tricks to keep the body nourished , without overwhelming the system. Use things like nourishing infusions, homemade broths, or freshly squeezed juices to provide the body with instant nourishment and hydration at the same time. I still do not recommend milk, because most children have a cough or runny/stuffed nose , which accompany the fever. Milk can be mucus forming and can add to the problem when the body is trying to get rid of the phlegm.</li>
<li>Use herbs to support the bodies natural processes. We always give our son <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192720315/echinacea-glycerite-immune-support-for?" target="_blank">Echinacea Glycerite</a> to support his immune system and increase the immune response. Often times, this is enough to prevent a more serious illness and fever from appearing, if you catch that runny nose early enough, of course. We also use a lot of herbal infusions. I give my son <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178135375/get-well-soon-herbal-infusion?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">a variety of herbs</a>, since he is almost four now. If you have to treat an infant with a fever , the best herb is elderberry flower. It is very gentle and will quickly lower a fever. An infusion mixed into breast milk or formula will quickly get in the baby's system. I really like to give nursing mothers the same teas, their children are supposed to be drinking , since their healing power is transferred through the breast milk. Moms and older kids can also add some peppermint and yarrow to the mix.</li>
<li>Give your kid a hot bath! It is a wonderful way to lower the body's temperature. I let my little boy play in the tub , filled with hot water. I like to add some Epson salts mixed with a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil. Older kids can benefit from just soaking their feet in a hot water bath with sea salt, or again, Epson salts and essential oils. After they are done with the bath, it is best if the kids stay in bed, well covered and don't forget a warm pair of socks on their feet. Let them sleep if they want, and make sure to have a spare set of clothing nearby, as they will start sweating profusely. </li>
<li>Make Apple Cider Vinegar your friend! I use diluted apple cider vinegar for compresses when there is a stubborn fever, when the body has a dry heat, there is no sweating and I need a little something to help jump start the healing process. I soak wash cloths in a mixture of vinegar and water, and put them on my son's ( works on husbands too ) forehead and wrists. I wipe his neck with the cool cloth as well. I usually do this throughout the day and then try the hot bath method at night, if the fever is still going. </li>
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What home remedies do you have for fevers? Do you treat fevers in your house? Share with us, as I am always curious to learn from others' experience!</div>
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-66547208833449769292014-08-22T19:54:00.001-06:002014-08-22T19:54:58.270-06:00Backyard Medicine : YARROW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-oEH-Or80U/U_OoOji2g-I/AAAAAAAACPE/pp4pgEbK96g/s1600/yarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-oEH-Or80U/U_OoOji2g-I/AAAAAAAACPE/pp4pgEbK96g/s1600/yarrow.jpg" height="451" width="640" /></a></div>
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Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium<br />
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Family: Asteraceae ( Aster )<br />
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Parts used: Flowers, Leaves, Roots<br />
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Yarrow is one of my favorite plants. It has been an ally of mine for so many years, that I can not imagine not having it around for medicine. I love the strong smell of the plant, and often, when walking through a field, I rub my hand over its flowers and leaves, just so I can take the scent with me. Yarrow has such potent medicine that you can smell it and taste it. I even love the bitter taste that most people are trying to avoid. :)<br />
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Yarrow's healing powers have been used for thousands of years. It borrows its name from the ancient hero Achilles, who is said to have treated battle wounds with yarrow. The second part of the plant's botanical name is also a guide to identifying it. Millefolium comes from Lating and means "one thousand leaves". Next time you walk by a patch of yarrow , take a look at its feathery leaves , it's like a thousand in one.<br />
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Yarrow grows everywhere, which gives me another reason to love the plant. I grew up in Bulgaria, picking yarrow for medicine, and now I am showing the plants to my little boy, here, in Colorado. It does prefer a dryer spot in the garden or field, so look for it out of the shades and into the sunny open fields.<br />
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As I am writing all this, the scent of yarrow flowers is still lingering with me , after our hike. I actually have to control myself not to pick any more yarrow, when we hike,and it is all around me. A little obsessed maybe? But here is why:<br />
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<li> Yarrow is a diaphoretic, which means it will make you sweat. This is a fever's worst enemy. So next time you come down with the flu, make yourself a strong infusion of yarrow flowers, take a hot shower and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. This will make you sweat and bring the fever down in no time. Yarrow is also a mild immune stimulant and great anti-bacterial plant, which aids the healing process even further. </li>
<li> Yarrow can be used to stop bleeding - external and internal. It is a great first aid herb. It will stop a nosebleed in seconds. I like to carry a tiny container with the powdered herb as part of my herbal first aid kit. You can also bruise the leaves of the fresh herb and apply them directly on the wound. Internally, it can be taken as an infusion, a tincture, or in capsule form. </li>
<li> I really like using yarrow for feminine problems. I think it is one of the herbs every woman should have in her medicine chest. It does wonders when you need to get rid of stubborn yeast infections, or if you have an abnormal discharge. I would recommend taking capsule of the whole herb in situations like this , so that it can affect the whole body internally, since yarrow has an affinity for the bladder as well and can help in preventing bacterial overgrowth and UTIs.</li>
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Convinced of yarrow's magical powers yet? Here is some more:<br />
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<li>Yarrow is quite bitter, which gently stimulates and cleanses the liver. I would recommend drinking the infusion, since your taste buds need to taste the bitterness to stimulate the response in your system. </li>
<li> Yarrow is a mild immune stimulant, so if you used up all your echinacea tincture, try some yarrow instead. I love putting it in my winter herbal infusions. Mixed with herbs like peppermint, elderberry and thyme, its bitter taste is barely detectable.</li>
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I can go on and on about yarrow, but I know by now you are probably eager to go out and pick some for yourself. Some of you are probably eyeing the neighbor's garden patch, full of pink and yellow blossoms of yarrow. Do not pick those. Head for the woods, or the park ( if it is not sprayed) , or an open field outside of town, and look for the white blossoms of the wild yarrow. Those hold the potent medicine that you want. Pick responsibly and have fun. I like using fresh plants ( stalks, leaves and flowers) for tincture, and I like to dry some to have on hand later. I use the flowers in my herbal teas and powder the stalks and leaves.<br />
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Do you have any other uses for yarrow? Share below!<br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-15025630866549523332014-07-17T18:31:00.002-06:002014-07-17T18:31:22.902-06:00Backyard Medicine: ROSE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewHRXijTDyo/U8XCgtF03eI/AAAAAAAACBM/uL6d7nnmKCc/s1600/WILD+ROSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewHRXijTDyo/U8XCgtF03eI/AAAAAAAACBM/uL6d7nnmKCc/s1600/WILD+ROSE.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Botanical name : Rosa spp.<br />
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Family: Rosaceae<br />
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Parts used : petals, leaves, fruit (rose hips)<br />
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It is a wonderful year for the wild roses in our little corner of the world. The long winter and the summer rains provided enough moisture for them to grow green and lush. Pink blossoms in all shades,from dark magenta to pale pink, are everywhere. They feel the air with a dreamy fragrance. The scent of roses, mixed with the smell of moist earth and pine resin, brings my senses into a sort of trance. It is a soul medicine on its own.<br />
I often use wild roses in my remedies, but I was kind of stuck in this habit of just using the fruit , the rose hips. I put them in my teas and tinctures, and I was praising their great antioxidant qualities. Rose hips are full of vitamin C and are a great part of our winter routine, for keeping our family healthy.<br />
When I was little, we used to love eating rose hip jam, smeared over butter on a thick slice of sourdough bread. I still dream of making my own jam one day, but I have not gathered the patience to go through hours of removing all the tiny seeds .<br />
This year I discovered another side of the wild rose. I wanted to connect with this plant at its most bold state. The fragrant petals and the luscious leaves in various shades of pink and green. I've been reading more and more about their uses. The wild energy that they bring, the gentleness of a blossom and the fierceness of the thorns.<br />
Roses are more often associated with fragrance than herbal healing.But it turns out that wild roses have been part of our craft for thousands of years. They are from the same plant family as hawthorn, apples, almonds, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries ( to mention a few) - Rosaceae, the Rose family. Roses carry a lot of the properties of their brothers and sisters. Like hawthorn, The wild rose will strengthen the heart and will improve blood flow and circulation. It is a great antioxidant . Like raspberry, it will help with feminine problems and will strengthen the uterus. Some herbalists recommend taking rose elixir to help ease cramps and other PMS symptoms. A tincture from the rose petals and young leaves has a very relaxing effect on the body. It will ease the mind and promote healthy sleep.<br />
I use rose petals in my Blossom Beauty facial mask and in a wonderful tincture I call Brain Tonic. I love to make creams and lotions with the essential oil and I grew up using rose water as part of my beauty routine.<br />
While I am writing all this, I am looking at the jar of Wild Rose Elixir brewing on my counter and I can't wait to try it. I feel inspired and excited, as if I have found a long lost friend, with many stories to tell and a vast knowledge to share.<br />
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I hope you too feel inspired to discover yet another plant ally with me. And I am sure that a lot of you have already experienced the healing power of the rose.<br />
The last thing I want to share with you is a very simple and easy recipe for a rose elixir. It is also beautiful and delicious. You will need a mason jar in a size of your choice. I prefer a quart wide mouth jar when I make remedies for myself, as I feel it provides me with enough to enjoy until next season and share with friends. Fill the jar of your choice with rose petals. If you prefer a more medicinal and stronger elixir, use both petals and young green leaves. When you are done playing outside, and your jar is full of fragrant roses, fill it a quarter of the way with raw local honey or vegetable glycerin, and the rest with alcohol of you choice. I used raw honey and 80 proof vodka in mine, as I did not want a high alcohol content for this elixir. Leave it on the counter and admire the color changes for a few weeks. When you are ready, strain it and keep it in a cool dark place. Enjoy it in your tea at night or as part of your moon time routine, or simply when you need to add a little beauty to your being.<br />
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Summer is the time of discovery for us herbalists. Play outside and be adventurous!<br />
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<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-46399393953616349192014-03-17T22:10:00.000-06:002014-03-18T10:35:08.327-06:00Backyard Medicine: USNEA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All my friend are posting pictures of sprouting herbs and spring landscapes, the occasional blossoming tree. But I live in Colorado and spring is long way away for us still. It is 14 degrees in the mornings and we still get some flurries in the air. I have to say that I am a little jealous of all the nettle picking herb people right now, but a walk in the woods reminds me why I love Colorado. Herbal medicine is never further than my back yard, even in the winter time. So, today I want to talk to you about a wonderful plant , which you can find even when snow is still covering the earth. Join me for some winter medicine making!<br />
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USNEA is a lichen , which means it is a symbiosis between a fungus and an algae. This alone makes it extraordinary to me. But nature didn't stop there and added some extra ordinary health benefits to the mix.<br />
Usnea can be found almost anywhere in the United States but it really thrives in the wet environment of the Pacific Northwest. I have no problem finding it where I live in Colorado at 8000ft altitude. Here it grows up to a couple of inches long and it loves the dying pine trees and junipers.<br />
Usnea can be easily identified. The outer green-grey layer is the algae and if it is usnea, when you pull that apart, it exposes an inner, slightly elastic, white layer, which is the fungus.If it does not have the inner white layer , it is not usnea.<br />
Usnea is also called Old Man's Beard , so you might be familiar with it this way. It is a cooling and drying plant , so it is very useful when there is a condition accompanied by fever or dry cough. It has an affinity for the mucus membranes in the body, and it is often used for lung congestion or urinary tract infections. <br />
According to herbalist Ryan Drum, usnea is the best plant antibiotic we have to treat any gram positive bacterial infection. It is especially effective against Staph and Strep, two of he most common bacterial infections we know. Use of usnea can often eliminate the need for pharmaceutical antibiotics, which can not only kill the bacterial infection but often disrupt our gut environment and thus disrupt the function of our immune system. Usnea's antibacterial action doesn not kill all of the bacteria living in our bodies which means there is a chance of a quicker re-population of the gut with good bacteria and re-balancing of the immune system.<br />
Herbalist Paul Bergner recommends combining usnea with echinacea or osha root, when there is a cold, flu , or throat inflammation with suspected bacterial infection. <br />
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Usnea is best used in powder, tincture or salve form. If you are treating an internal bacterial infection ,it is best to take the tincture. When you have a wound that might seem infected , you can apply a salve topically, or usnea in powdered form , in order to heal or prevent infection. A lot of people are afraid to use powdered herbs in wounds because it looks like they are contaminating the area instead of keeping it sterile. But I like using powdered herbs to stop bleeding (yarrow), to prevent infection ( usnea or bee propolis , which is not really an herb, but it does a wonderful job), and to speed healing ( comfrey or plantain). I think powdered herbs are easy to carry around and complement the use of salves and tinctures in healing topical problems like cuts, scrapes, or deeper wounds that bleed and stay open longer, increasing the chance of infection. <br />
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What do you think? Isn't usnea amazing? I think it is wonderful that as "herby" people we can keep up with our craft in any season. Usnea is easy to find in the winter time and it will give its medicine to anyone who appreciates it. Have in mind that usnea is a pretty slow growing lichen in the drier parts of the country and don't over harvest it. You can often find it on fallen branches after a storm. I do not consider usnea a parasitic plant since it does not harm the trees that it lives on. Some herbalists say it even acts as "lungs" for the dying trees and the forest.<br />
I hope you are inspired to go outside and find this wonderful lichen. Creating backyard medicine is possible even with feet of snow outside our doors. And if you live where spring is in the air and the plants are poking heir green shoots through the wet earth, then enjoy your time outside even more, and look up every once in a while to discover the wonderful ally usnea can be. Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-26530560606428958222014-02-12T14:12:00.000-07:002014-02-12T14:14:21.473-07:00Eat Your Colors We've all heard the phrase "Eat your colors!" but do most of us know what it means?<br />
A lot of people think that Mother Nature is into pretty things and that is why she makes such a variety of colors and flavors. I've come to learn that everything we see in Nature has it's purpose. It's like a huge educational jigsaw puzzle and I don't claim to have all the pieces but here is what I have gathered during my years of exploring.<br />
When it comes to healthy food, a lot of us focus on things like Protein, Fat , Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty acid, Carbohydrates, but we never talk about Purple, Orange, Green, or Yellow. We sometimes even talk about Vitamins and Minerals, and how adding them to our daily regimen will make us healthier, but again we never talk about White or Red ( well, maybe sometimes, and it's always about wine with those two). <br />
It turns out that there is a lot to learn about colors, and colors are not colors at all, they are tiny miracle workers, called phytonutrients, created by Nature to heal and protect.<br />
There are thousands of phytonutrients identified by scientists. They are only found in plants ("phyto" = plant in Greek) and work together with the vitamin, mineral and fiber content of those plants to protect them from damage or heal any damage that is already done. They have the same effect on the human body and that is why a rainbow on your plate every day will definitely keep the doctor away. <br />
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All green plants contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is one of the great detoxifiers of the body. It helps the liver produce enzymes which help the body get rid of potentially carcinogenic substances. Chlorophyll also delivers oxygen in your blood and it will help a great deal if you are anemic. It builds the blood,as we herbalists like to say. Midwives often recommend some form of chlorophyll to women who lose a lot of blood during labor in order to heal their system and build back their strength. The darker the green color of a plant, the more chlorophyll it contains. <br />
Green plants are also full of Vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, and Omega-3 fatty acid. So if you are worried about blood clots, high blood preasure, or if you want a healthy baby , eat your greens.<br />
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When it comes to reds,there are three main things to remember : resveratrol, lycopene, and capsacin. You want all those as your friends. Resveratrol is found in red grapes and red wine ( yes, I said wine, you can open that bottle for dinner). It helps inhibit inflamation in the body. Capsacin is found in hot red peppers, like cayenne or chillis. If you ask Dr. John Christopher, founder of the School of Natural Healing, cayenne is a heal-all. It will bring blood to parts of the body that need it most in order to start the healing of those parts. It will help with poor blood circulation and can save you from a heart attack,. It will also heal your sore muscles and stop a bleeding ulcer. <br />
Lycopene is a phytonutrient that has become more known in the later years. It is a carotenoid that has proven cancer preventing and heart strengthening benefits. Your best source of lycopene is cooked tomatoes. Cooking makes this phytonutrient more accessible for the body.<br />
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We've all heard that purple foods contain a lot of antioxidants and that is why we should eat blueberries in our oatmeal/yoghurt every morning. The color purple ( and some hues of red and blue) in fruits, veggies and flowers, comes from a compound called anthocyanin. It gives the plant a potent cancer fighting power, it can lower blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol, and since in Nature it is all about balance, it also increases "good" cholesterol. Purple plants and foods have been a part of almost every culture and healing system around the world. Think of Elderberry, and it's potent anti-viral and anti-microbial properties; or enjoy a bowl of Forbidden rice with it's beautiful purple/almost black color, it contains more anthocyanins per serving than blueberries. Purple foods also have the ability to heal and improve the function of the liver.<br />
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Yellow fruits and vegetables are full of carotenoids and flavonoids, as well as Vitamin C. As children we were told that eating our carrots will help keep our eyes healthy and our vision good. Guess what? Mom wasn't joking. Beta-carotene is one of the most active compounds in yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables. It gives them their distinctive sunshine color and helps keep our eyes happy and healthy. <br />
Vitamin C rich foods help boost our immune system, help our body rebuild collagen supplies, keep your artheries clean and your blood preesure where it needs to be. Think about that : there is even a disease , called scurvy, which is caused by defficiency of Vitamin C in the body. It is that important! </div>
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So, next time you are in the supermarket, or the farmers market, or even better, your own garden, try a new color. You don't even have to explore the exotic foods stand. If you like carrots, try them in purple or yellow! Purple potato salad , anyone? Or maybe, try some yellow and purple beans, instead of their green cousins, this spring! And most important, have fun with your food! Anyone can be an artist!<br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-42113609001551660282014-02-09T18:36:00.001-07:002014-02-09T18:36:10.176-07:00What is the best herbal remedy for you?<br />
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I have been busy lately and missing from this virtual space. I've been focusing my creative energy on making herbal magic. Beautiful and delicious herbal remedies that will nourish body and soul. We all need to focus on our creativity from time to time and take care of our mind as well as our bodies.<br />
I wanted to share with you the projects I've been working on and to talk about ways to get most out of your herbal remedies. I am convinced that a lot of the times when people claim herbs don't work for them , it is because they do not use the proper method of preparation. I always say, that if I managed to convince my husband in choosing an herbal regimen over traditional blood pressure medication, then anyone can successfully find plants that will work for their specific problem. We are all unique and we can not be treated in the same way. This is one of the mistakes of modern medicine. Herbal remedies are as individual as the person who takes them. I know it sounds like a lot of work , and like we all should be herbalists in order to find our way around the massive amount of information out there. Believe me , it is actually a lot simpler than this. Everybody can benefit from the same herbal infusions, or tinctures, or herbal capsules, it's just a matter of choosing the right method of preparation.<br />
Here are a few tips on how to choose the most beneficial herbal preparation for (almost) any given situation:<br />
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<li><b>Are you trying to treat an acute or a chronic condition? - </b>This is very important since an acute condition requires immediate action , like when you have the flu, or are experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. I really like using tinctures for acute conditions since they bring the right concentrated amount of the herb's beneficial compound in a small dose. For example, when I notice my 3 year old getting sick , I often give him Echinacea Glycerite. It is much easier to give him a dropperful of liquid than to make him drink enormous amounts of tea. It is quick and simple to administer , and I can be sure that he gets the right amount of medicine to prevent the upcoming cold. A chronic condition on the other hand often requires a long term protocol of herbal medicine complemented by diet, exercise and other alternative healing methods like acupuncture, massage , etc. This may require smaller doses of herbal medicine that builds up in the system in order to nourish and balance, rather than promote an immune reaction. For example, my husband manages his high blood pressure with a combination of herbs which he takes as an infusion daily , as well as some herbal capsules, proper diet and exercise. He drinks a little over a quart of a wonderful tea , called Brave Heart, which I created for him. It helps to gently detoxify his body by supporting gut function and has some herbs that strengthen the heart muscle and manage his body's ability to handle stress. He also takes a great herbal formula with cayenne to stimulate proper blood circulation in his body. His diet is made of real food, no "low fat" or "low carb", or other labels that might make it look healthier. Just home made. We eat pastured eggs and bacon, and wonderful sourdough bread, tons of fermented veggies, and antibiotic and hormone free meats, as well as tons of veggies and fruits. This is something he can follow for a long time and it helps to bring his body to balance. Do not forget that everything in nature is created with the ability to protect and heal itself. Our bodies just need a little reminder of how to do it.</li>
<li><b>Are you taking the right dose for you? - </b>I think this is the second most important thing that we should focus on. Often, people purchase an herbal supplement and they look at the label in order to determine how much to take. It is a good general guideline but you have to know that it might not work for you. We all have different age and weight and different tolerance to the plants. Some people might need just a few drops of a tincture and some might need a whole dropperful to feel the effect. So, the general rule is to start small , maybe 5 drops of a tincture or one capsule of an herbal formula , and then build up to the amount that gives you the desired effect. Do not forget that your body might not tolerate the same herbs as my body does. But don't worry , Mother Nature has something for all of us. There are many plants which might seem similar in their function, but can be tolerated differently by different people. For example, if you need a nervine,something to calm you down, but not put you to sleep, you might want to try a cup of chamomile tea at night, or add some lemon balm, or tincture of skullcap. Just listen to your body!</li>
<li><b>Is this the latest marketing trick? - </b>I think people often ignore backyard medicine over the latest "discovery" on the news<b>.</b> My general rule is: Do your research. Take the time to get to know what grows around you, especially if you still live in the climate where you grew up. If you are an outdoors person it is good to know the plants that are available to you in the wild , so you can have medicine when you need it. A dandelion can be more healing than a plant you can not pronounce. It is a lot cheaper as well. Backyard medicine is often free and it can actually connect you to a wonderful crowd of people that cherish the Earth and its treasures. community can be therapeutic as well. :)</li>
<li><b>Are you taking a whole herb preparation? - </b>I am a strong believer in the amazing properties of plants as nature created them. I don't like to take single constituents derived from even the safest plant. Things can go very wrong. Think about the fact that many of the conventional medications come from plants and they still tag an enormous list of side effects. Isn't this what we want to avoid? On the other hand, nature has created plants with such a diverse number of constituents, that even modern science hasn't been able to catch up yet. Usually plants contain an active compound ( often more than one) and additional compounds which allow our bodies to properly utilize its main function and which protect us from harmful effects and overdosing. Taking only isolated active compounds in pill form is what gives some herbs, like comfrey and ephedra, their bad reputation. Choose herbal infusions, syrups, tinctures, or whole plant capsules for your herbal needs. I want to add that I do recommend essential oils in some cases and they can be a miracle worker when you are on the go, even though they are not whole plant product. But it will take another blog post to dive into such a vast subject like essential oils. </li>
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I hope this short list of questions might help you choose the right herbal preparation for your needs. Trying new things is the best way to figure out what works best for you. If you purchase a tincture , or a syrup, or an infusion, and it doesn't work for you, do not throw it away. Just pass it along to a friend or a family member, or save it for another time when your body might need it. <br />
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<b>What herbal preparations are your favorite? </b><br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-71818945056927979782014-01-01T06:00:00.000-07:002014-01-01T08:17:26.165-07:00Happy New Year! Happy New Year everyone! I hope it is filled with joy and dreams come true! I wish you successful journeys to health and positive thinking! In the spirit of new beginnings I wanted to share my New Year's resolution with you.<br />
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LOVE YOUR BODY IN ANY SHAPE OR SIZE! It is the only one you have! It is the only way you can enjoy every moment of every day and live life fully! Take care of your body, give it nourishing food and love every curve!<br />
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MEET PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE YOU! Do not allow anyone to put you down! Listen to people's stories and share your own. We are not alone in our journey! Thank you for the support and inspiration!<br />
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THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS! This is the first step to achieving any goal! It attracts more positive events in your life! This is the mindset of happy people. Be happy!<br />
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What is on your list in 2014?Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-52720981905506237812013-12-27T13:42:00.001-07:002013-12-27T13:42:03.421-07:00How to manage your asthma naturally<div dir="ltr">
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I've been dealing with asthma my whole life. I had my first asthma attack when I was two years old and I had a pretty rough childhood after that. My asthma attacks were almost daily and were triggered by allergies and excessive motion. So no running for me and no house plants and pretty carpets for my mom. My family had to relocate to a more suitable climate and rethink a lot of their daily choices in order to keep me healthy. I've tried every treatment possible - medicine, shots, steroids... Nothing really worked long term. The attacks kept coming back and all the various treatments left my immune system in a terrible shape. I was sick all the time. I had a tonsillectomy at age five because the doctors were convinced that it will help me avoid constant inflammation. It made things even worse and I was constantly suffering from pneumonia and even the tiniest of colds would affect my lungs, my weak spot, and trigger an attack. My poor parents! <br />
I was in high school when I started doing my own research and I was able to change things. I was able to control my asthma at that time by avoiding most allergen triggers and vigorous exercise, but I still had periods of daily attacks that left my body weak and exhausted. I found a doctor who treated chronic illness with food. It included a period of fasting and then specific food choices , that were going to help me manage my asthma. It did not include medication so I decided to give it a try. It has been life changing! I am mostly symptom free. I've had only two attacks in the last 4 year! I don't use any prescription or over the counter medication. I use food and herbs to manage my asthma. I do not follow a strict diet and can handle a lot of my triggers without provoking a full blown asthma attack. </div>
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Here are 5 ways you can manage your asthma naturally:</div>
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<li><b>Do a cleanse at least once a year</b></li>
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I find that this is the best way to let your body restore its balance. My first cleanse was very intense. It was 20 days of just juices and herbal teas. I lost about 25 pounds and I felt great at the end , but it required a lot of will power. I desperately needed this drastic change as I was having daily asthma attacks and I was suffering a lot from allergies. This was seventeen years ago and I've only done it one more time. I usually do a milder version of it every year. I still incorporate a lot of fresh juices and herbal teas, but I eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and some cooked veggies and beans as well. If you eat pretty healthy , you can probably add some wild caught fish and organic chicken. I like to do a two week long cleanse in early spring, in order to get ready for the "active" allergy season. I also go into a cleanse mode when I get sick in the winter.<br />
If your asthma is triggered by allergies, as is mine, you have to avoid eating a lot of mucus forming foods.When you do a cleanse, your body has a chance to get rid of the excess mucus that has built up throughout the year. If you think you can't handle two whole weeks , just give your body a break one day every week. I had a friend who would eat fruit only on Tuesdays and that was his way of keeping his body clean and well balanced.<br />
Remember, if you want to start a more intense cleanse, make sure you find a doctor who can advise you according to your body's needs. I had to visit my doctor every few days during my first cleanse so she could check my vitals and make sure it was healing rather than damaging to my body. If you have any fluctuations in blood pressure, blood sugar, severe headaches, or extreme weakness, you might want to take the gentler approach and do a longer cleanse, until your symptoms disappear.<br />
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<li><b>Keep mucus forming foods to a minimum</b></li>
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<b> </b>Think of mucus as sludge for your body. It captures and stores toxins and allergens.It makes your organs sluggish and prevents them from functioning normally. If your systems of elimination are not efficient enough, your body will not be able to expel all the mucus and it will bring on conditions such as excess weight, constipation, sinus problems, joint pain, headaches, and allergy and asthma symptoms. Doing a cleanse once a year will help you keep your balance, but it is good to keep mucus forming foods to a minimum throughout the whole year.<br />
As part of my initial recovery , I had to avoid wheat, dairy and meat. It was a kind of continuous cleansing of the system until my body recovered its balance. Today, I don't shy away from those foods, I just try to make healthier choices. I make my own sourdough bread or purchase from a local artisan bakery. I eat cultured dairy and raw cheeses , rather than processed milk and cheese. I incorporate a lot of probiotic foods in my diet, such as fermented veggies, sauerkraut, kombucha , yogurt and kefir. This keeps my digestive tract working well , which is one of our major channels of elimination. A healthy gut means a healthy body!<br />
There are a lot of alternatives to gluten and dairy and it is a lot easier to enjoy wholesome, delicious foods, while staying away from major allergen triggers ( asthma triggers). It wasn't easy in the early 90s when I first started. But the biggest lesson I learned throughout the years is: HOMEMADE! This is the only way to guarantee the purity and quality of your food. There are too many uncertainties and gaps in the official regulations and I never trust the claims on the box. Usually a healthy claim in big print on the front is not reflected in the ingredient list on the back! Check and you'll see what I have in mind!<br />
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<li><b>Avoid toxin exposure as much as possible</b></li>
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<b> </b>Avoiding toxins is one of the hardest thing to do. Our surroundings are harder to control and manage than our bodies, despite the fact that most people believe the opposite. There are, however, steps you can take that will help you reduce your exposure significantly. Here is what we did in our household:<br />
<ol>
<li>Switch all your Tupperware to glass - Glass is more expensive but it is worth the investment. You can start with just a few containers and expand according to your needs. I still use some BPA free plastic containers to keep cold food, but never put anything hot or heat up a plastic container. Glass is very durable and you can put it in the dishwasher without being afraid that it will start leaking toxins in your food after the first wash.</li>
<li>Use a water filter - We use a PUR filter for our drinking water and for cooking. I like to fill up a reusable bottle of water when we go out. We sometimes purchase bottled water when we are traveling but try to avoid it as much as possible. A lot of the plastics used for packaging and water bottles leak estrogen like chemicals which we ingest. This can wreak havoc on our bodies, and most importantly our children's bodies. Little boys don't need synthetic estrogens!</li>
<li>Use natural body products - Allergies and asthma are often accompanied by dry skin or eczema. It is a whole body condition and people often forget that the skin is our largest organ. It is not an impenetrable wall between you and the world . It is a living, breathing thing and it is one of our most important channels of elimination. Women often apply over 60 chemicals on their skin daily. So, choose wisely. Use products without any harsh chemicals, synthetic perfumes, dies, phtalates or parabens. There is a great variety of products out there and often you can create your own for just pennies. </li>
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It is very simple and you don't have to become obsessed with every little thing. Start small and bigger changes will inevitably follow. <br />
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<li><b>Avoid all triggers of asthma attacks until your body is well balanced</b></li>
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Even though I haven't had an asthma attack in a couple of years, I still try to avoid any triggers when possible. For example, we put in hardwood floors when we moved into our house; we don't have any down bedding or pillows.<b> </b>We use only natural, scent free laundry detergent and wool dryer balls instead of harsh smelling dryer sheets. I avoid certain flowers and plants in our house, and we don't have pets. So, there are some sacrifices you have to make but I love being able to breathe! You just have to find your strongest triggers, the things that will bring on an attack for sure , and eliminate those. You will be able to tolerate any milder triggers after you balance your body. A lot of things will even disappear as causes of an attack.<br />
If you often get asthma attacks when you try to exercise , run , climb, or when you are under stress, you might want to talk to you doctor about Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis. It is often misdiagnosed as asthma and is caused by the body's reaction to certain foods like gluten , dairy, shellfish or peanuts. You don't have to be allergic to those foods in order for them to trigger an attack. The easiest way to find out if you have Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis is to do an elimination diet/cleanse and then add the most common triggers back to your diet one at a time. Try any rigorous movement before you add them back in to see if you will have an attack. Then eat any of the triggers before you exercise and see if this will affect you. <br />
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<li><b>Use herbs to prevent asthma attacks</b></li>
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I used to carry an inhaler with me all the time. But I hated using it! It made me jittery and light headed for the rest of the day and I couldn't function properly. I had to find a natural alternative to the inhaler which was easy to use and worked quick enough to relieve an attack. Let me tell you, it does exist! During my herbals studies I discovered a common herb which changed my life - Mullein. I use a ready preparation with Mullein and other herbs by <a href="http://www.wishgardenherbs.com/herbal-remedies/Deep-Lung-Bronchials-534/?return" target="_blank">WishGarden</a> called Deep Lung. I love it ! Two dropperfuls of the tincture bring air back into my lungs in minutes and I can avoid getting a full blown attack. I take it every time I feel tightness in my chest. </div>
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I also use aromatherapy as a way to relieve any discomfort or difficulty breathing. I use eucalyptus oil when I have a cold or any sinus issue. It helps me sleep better and breathe better. I also carry some peppermint oil with me and rub it in my palms and inhale when I feel a little bit of a difficulty breathing. Drinking strong peppermint tea will do the trick as well.</div>
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I know asthma and lung issues can be very hard to deal with and be very limiting. But living a full life and enjoying every minute of it is possible. It just requires a little effort and lots of determination to get better. Remember, only you can heal your body, it is all up to you!</div>
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How do you deal with the every day challenges of asthma?</div>
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-61194415048380358492013-12-07T09:24:00.001-07:002014-02-14T15:50:19.657-07:00The Winter Herbal Pantry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cold and flu season is upon us. I know it because I've been opening that bottle of echinacea tincture more often lately and the tea pot is always full of steamy goodness. Herbal recipes are pulled out of the archives and new formulas are created. Then, today, I started thinking. Healing shouldn't require complicated formulas and herbs we've never heard of. It doesn't have to be complicated. I looked in my pantry. What does my husband and kid ask for when they have the sniffles? What is my go to item when I feel down? How do I keep my body strong? I wanted simple answers, things that I can buy in any store the minute I need them.<br />
This is what I came up with. A list of seven items that I always have at home, that are available everywhere ( I have a Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger,Safeway and a local grocery store close by) and are easy to work with.<br />
Here is what I keep in my Winter Herbal Pantry:<br />
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<b>1.THYME </b><br />
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People think of thyme as an herb used in cooking but it has some great medicinal properties as well. I remember the fragrant carpet of wild thyme in the woods by our summer house. It is one of my favorite herbs for tea and I often use it in my infusions. My husband loves it as an infusion on its own, with added honey and lemon.<br />
Thyme is wonderful for wet, hacking coughs. It helps you expel the mucus and it strengthens the lungs. Many herbalists recommend it to people that have proneness to upper respiratory infections. A cup of thyme infusion a day, taken on a regular basis, will strengthen the lungs and protect them.<br />
Thyme is part of the mint family which means it will also help you with any stomach issues, painful bloating or gas.<br />
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<b>2.PEPPERMINT/ SPEARMINT</b><br />
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I prefer spearmint in my herbal infusions and I often substitute spearmint for peppermint when I prepare my formulas. It has a sweet, milder taste and it works better for my body.<br />
Peppermint / spearmint tea is one of my go to items for digestive problems. I use it for my toddler son when he has tummy troubles. He likes the flavor of the infusion sweetened with a little bit of raw honey.<br />
I also find that spearmint tea gives me a sense of refreshed energy and clears my head when I am coming down with a cold.<br />
In Bulgaria, where I was born, we often add spearmint to our bean dishes to help with digestion and prevent bloating and gas.<br />
I also keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil on hand. It is great to add to your bath or to do an inhalation with it, if your head and sinuses feel stuffy. I use it externally as well on itchy rashes and hives. It will relieve the itchiness and the swelling from mosquito bites. Peppermint essential oil is pretty strong and it can burn the skin, so if you are planning on using it externally, you have to dilute it in another oil, like olive, coconut or almond oil. This diluted oil can be used to massage sore muscles. It will bring blood to the area and act as a warming agent to relieve tightness and pain.<br />
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<b>3.GINGER</b><br />
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Ginger is one of the oldest herbs known to man and it has wonderful culinary and medicinal properties. It will soothe an upset stomach and chase away a cold. I used to take ginger daily during my pregnancy and I had no problem with morning sickness. I also like to take a nibble of a <a href="http://gingerpeople.com/ginger-chews/original-ginger-chews.html" target="_blank">Ginger Chew</a> ( I always keep those on hand) after a heavy meal to ensure proper digestion.<br />
Ginger is great when you have one of those colds that leave you weak and miserable. I make a strong decoction of fresh ginger root by boiling a two inch piece of ginger in two cups of water until the water is reduced by half. Then, while still hot , I strain it and add the juice of 2-3 lemons and three tablespoons of honey. Drink this as hot as you can handle and wrap yourself into a warm blanket. You'll break out in sweat in no time, fever will be gone and those unpleasant body aches will be a thing of the past. I like to do this whole procedure at night , after I take a hot shower, so I can stay in bed as long as possible. Plus, the relief from fever and aches, can bring a peaceful night of rest, which is the best medicine for your body.<br />
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<b>4.CAYENNE</b><br />
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Cayenne is one of my favorite healing plants. It has such an amazing ability to heal our bodies where they need it. I combine cayenne with raw honey and mashed garlic when we get a sore throat. The honey helps to soothe the throat, the garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and cayenne warms up the area and pulls more blood to it , so the healing process can begin.<br />
Cayenne is a wonderful herb to take when you have a blood pressure problem. My husband was diagnosed as being pre - hypertension with his blood pressure consistently staying higher. The doctor gave him a couple of weeks to follow his blood pressure daily and establish a pattern so they can figure out if he needs medication. As you can imagine, medication was not in my plan for the situation. I started using cayenne in our food, and he started taking even more cayenne in capsule form , as well as a few other herbs from my stash. Two weeks later he managed to show lower blood pressure levels and the doctor agreed to leave him off of any medication. Success!<br />
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<b>5.GARLIC</b><br />
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I consider garlic a miracle plant. I love it in it's green spring form and in it's mature form, which most people are used to. It is a natural antibiotic, without the harsh side effect of the prescription drugs. It does not disrupt the good flora in your gut as synthetic antibiotics do.<br />
Eating garlic daily can ensure flu free winter. I prepare it in many forms, but the easiest way is to sneak it into your daily cooking. It is great with veggies, meat , legumes.The options are only limited by your imagination. I like to make lacto- fermented veggies and I always add a whole head of garlic. It's healing and delicious!<br />
One the most popular uses of garlic as medicine is for children's ear infections. I infuse a few crushed garlic cloves in olive oil for three days (or a few hours, if you warm up the oil) and keep it in the fridge to have on hand. I warm it up before I use it.<br />
Garlic can cause some bloating and gas in some people, so find your level of tolerance before ingesting a large amount of it.<br />
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<b>6. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR</b><br />
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It's important to purchase a good quality raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother in order to reap the benefits. If you purchase pasteurized vinegar it will be void of all beneficial organisms.<br />
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great detoxifier of the body. It brings the overall pH of the body to more alkaline levels. Viruses and all "bad" bacteria thrive better in an acidic environment. When your body is alkaline you are more likely to NOT get sick.<br />
I have two favorite preparations that include Apple Cider Vinegar. The first one is great when you have any sinus issues and has only two ingredients - the vinegar and grated fresh horseradish root. Chew on a teaspoon of this mixture and your sinuses will be cleared in no time.<br />
The second preparation is called Fire Cider and is something that I always keep on hand. It is basically vinegar, infused with garlic , onion, horseradish,and cayenne. I make a slightly different version which I plan on sharing with you soon.<br />
I always add Apple Cider Vinegar to my crockpot when I make bone broth. It helps extract the minerals from the bones and makes the broth even more nourishing.<br />
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<b>7.HONEY</b><br />
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I call honey "liquid gold". It is one of the most precious items in my pantry. It is alive and vibrant. Of course, we purchase honey from a local farmer and it is wonderful to taste the changes from season to season.<br />
Try to find raw unpasteurized honey and make sure there is no sugar or corn syrup added to your jar.<br />
Honey is an ancient food. It connects us to the healing arts of our ancestors. It is full of minerals and is antibacterial. In ancient Egypt it was used to dress wounds so they will heal faster and avoid infection. It is very soothing for the throat and I love to take a tablespoon of honey instead of the cough drops that you normally get in the store. I also like to infuse honey with different herbs like sage, lavender, and thyme. It is delicious and very healing. Sage and thyme honey do wonders for coughs, and lavender honey is very relaxing in a cup of warm milk.<br />
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<b>What staples do you keep in your Winter Herbal Pantry?</b><br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-53587259257405493782013-11-14T21:23:00.000-07:002013-11-14T21:23:29.897-07:00Woman vs FoodI am a woman. I am a mom. I am a healer.<br />
All those things inevitably bring food into my life. As a woman,I want to look good in my husbands eyes. As a mom, I want to nourish my family. As a healer, I want to keep my loved ones in their best state of health. All those things have brought me on a journey and my companion is often food . Food indulgence. Food deprivation. What is the right diet? Should I diet at all? Is this nutritious? Where do I buy quality food? Good fats vs bad fats? Low carb anyone? Paleo and Trim Healthy Mama. Gluten Free and Raw.<br />
HOW DO I CHOOSE?<br />
I've read too many books, watched too many documentaries, and had too many experiments in the kitchen. Does it seem like I've made up my mind ? Not at all.<br />
Still, as this journey continues, and the puzzle slowly comes together, I am sure of a few things and I wanted to share those lessons with you. Maybe we can help each other.<br />
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<li>GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS</li>
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I grew up with home made food. Real food. Made from scratched. We ate seasonal fruits and veggies. We ate the whole animal when we had meat available. Nothing was wasted. My mom canned, preserved, fermented. We had a root cellar full of pumpkins, apples, onions and potatoes. We even made our own wine ( and my parents still do). I never had an issue with food. Then I moved to the States and the struggle began. It seems that for the past years any food that goes in my mouth, even the healthiest version of it , would stick to my thighs. I had to go into research mode, there was no other way. I tried everything out there and it all lead back to the traditional foods of my childhood. My body craves those foods and deals with them better. So, next time, instead of buying a diet book and spending a bunch of money on supplements, just pick up the phone and talk to your mom, or grandmother,. You'll be surprised how many stories they have. Go back even further to find out where you came from and what your nutritional history has in store for you.<br />
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<li>THINK HEALTHY, NOT SKINNY</li>
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I've made my peace with skinny jeans. I am never going to own a pair and I don't want to. I want to be a healthy woman and I am definitely not 16 anymore. Every day I see beautiful young girls struggling with acne, irregular menstrual cycles, hormone issues, food intolerance, allergies. While I was pregnant , I seemed like the odd exception of the rule among other women around me , with no cravings for junk food, I was full of energy , free of pain, no blood sugar or blood pressure issues. I've decided that health is more important than size for me. Skinny doesn't equal healthy, and healthy is my priority. I have to be healthy to be here for my kids. I have to be healthy to live a full life.<br />
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<li>SPEND MORE TIME IN THE KITCHEN</li>
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It seems ironic that we constantly come up with shortcuts that save us time and then we never make good use of that time. Call me old fashioned but I would rather spend 30 minutes making a nutritional breakfast for my family and 10 minutes putting make up on, than the other way around. Many people think that making traditional food and everything from scratch is time consuming. And I will challenge those people to time themselves ordering pizza, Chinese food, or driving to ...( insert fast food here) , and then time themselves making a salad or putting a whole chicken in the oven. It seems like home cooking is a lost art that's seeing a resurgence , and I am proud to be part of the movement. Spending a few extra minutes in the kitchen saves me a lot of time that I don't want to spend at the doctor's office.<br />
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Thank you for letting me rant! The journey is never done and the learning continues. More books await and more dinnertime surprises for my husband. I wish you all health and a happy journey of your own!<br />
Care to share a learning experience? :)<br />
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<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-44374953475108335142013-11-11T22:29:00.000-07:002013-11-11T22:29:37.023-07:00Traveling with kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We just came back from vacation. It was great to spend two weeks away from work and to wake up with the smell of ocean in the air. It was our first really "big" trip since we had our son in 2011 and it was his first time on an airplane. Before we left, I was a little worried about the flight, the changes in altitude, the humidity, the heat. Florida is a great place to be if you were born there. If you are a Colorado native , Florida is a little strange and hard to get used to. So I was worried about my little man, who has never been below 5000 feet of altitude, or on an airplane. I had to be prepared for everything that could possibly come my way.<br />
My biggest concern was the flight. I have heard horror stories of kids crying in excruciating pain during take off and landing, from the pain in their ears; or of children roaming the plane and parents administering unnecessary dose after dose of children's Tylenol and Benadryl , just to keep the little beasts in their seats. <br />
Needless to say, I turned to herbs and alternative methods of handling those situations, if they should arise. <br />
Traveling can be stressful to a little body. The long hours of sitting in a tight space (car seat or an airplane seat), the change in altitude and climate, the time change, the humidity, and don't forget being around hundreds of people, who expose you to anything you can think of.<br />
So, here is what I did to make sure that my family will stay healthy and happy during our trip, and may I add, mission was accomplished.<br />
<a href="http://www.bachflower.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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<li><a href="http://www.bachflower.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Bach Rescue Remedy</u></b></span></a> - This is one of the things I would recommend to everyone as part of their well-care remedy chest. I really like it because it is not a medicine. Edward Bach,was yet another medical doctor disappointed by the medical system who, in the early 1900s, created a series of 38 plant essences that focused on the patient mental state. They are often labeled "vibrational " medicine since they focus on the energetics of the plant/ flower. The Rescue Remedy series combines flower essences with homeopathy and herbs to bring whole body balancing. There is a designated kids series but if not available, I would not hesitate to use the adult version as well. I started giving my little guy a couple of doses of the Rescue Remedy drops for kids a couple of days before our trip and on the day of the actual trip he took a dose every couple of hours. This helped his body deal with the stress and he never got cranky or overstimulated. Stress reduces the ability of our immune systems to function properly and increases our chances of getting sick when exposed to viruses or bacteria. Bach's Rescue Remedy is non drowsy and very safe. It supports the natural function of your child's body without the exposure to chemicals or unnecessary medication.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Echinacea Tincture</u></b></span> - I've talked about Echinacea Tincture many times on this blog and I am not going to repeat it all here. This is something that I carry with me everywhere. It is part of my Herbal Health Care Kit and is my go to remedy when I notice the first symptoms of a cold. It is not something that should be taken as a preventative measure since it can overstimulate the immune system. It is a great "first responder" to any signs of a cold or the flu.</li>
<li><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ginger Chews</span></b></u> - Those are real life savers in our family. We are used to home cooked meals and snacks and that's why we prefer to drive and not fly. This way we can pack a cooler with our favorite things. Flying on the other hand comes hand in hand with packaged foods and snack. Our tummies were not happy as you can imagine.I really like to use <a href="http://gingerpeople.com/" target="_blank">The Ginger People</a> brand for Ginger Chews. They alleviate any gas or stomach pain quickly and are delicious. They are a little spicy so if you give them to a child try a small piece first. </li>
<li><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Saline Spray or a Neti Pot</span></b></u> - I have allergies to dust so staying in an enclosed , air-conditioned space all day is not an ideal situation for me. I do not use allergy medication or any other nasal spray. But I love my Neti Pot. It is a great way to flush away any allergens that you might inhale. With my almost 3 year old boy I use saline spray since he is not old enough to use the Neti pot. Air conditioned air is pretty dry and the air in the airplane has been recycled multiple times. Nasal irrigation is a great practice not only if you are traveling , but if you work in an office or other enclosed space. It helps flush any debris in the nasal passages and it moisten the mucous membranes so they can function properly.. </li>
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Those are a few of the things that I always carry with me when we travel, even if it is a trip just a couple of hours away. There are also a few tricks you can learn and things you can pick up along the way that can serve the same purpose when you are in a situation with no access to these particular items. You can have your little one drink a cup of warm milk with honey. Not with syrup from the coffee shop,real honey. This is very relaxing and most kids do well with dairy while traveling. If you don't want dairy, you can rely on chamomile tea to calm you down and peppermint tea to soothe tummy trouble .<br />
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What tricks do you use when you travel with kids?<br />
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Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-29307164001201053392013-10-26T17:43:00.001-06:002013-10-26T17:43:59.991-06:00Are you ready for cold and flu season?This morning I woke up to a crisp 28F outside. There is snow on the hills. Hats,mittens and scarfs are coming out of the closet . The smell of burning wood is in the air. Our beautiful Colorado fall is turning into winter. <br />
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I think it's time to get ready for cold and flu season. For most people this means stopping by their local Walgreen and getting a flu shot. For my family this means stocking up on some essential foods and making use of the herbs we so carefully picked all summer.<br />
I wanted to share some of the thing we do to keep healthy during the long winter months. Sure , we get the occasional sniffles sometimes, but we have not seen the flu in this household for years.None of us has ever had a flu shot and we don't ever plan on getting one. And here is our little secret : prevention.<br />
It has nothing to do with expensive supplements. It has everything to do with food and spending a few extra minutes in the kitchen. <br />
Our ancestors did not have the abundance of fresh foods we have during the winter months. Ironically they were a lot healthier than we are today. The secret was that since they used natural methods of preserving their crops , that actually increased the nutritional value of their food and helped them stay healthy during months of unfavorable weather conditions and inactivity.<br />
Here are some of the staples in my great grandparents diet that I still use today to keep my family healthy and strong:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lacto- fermented vegetables</b></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lacto-fermentation is a process through which you capture naturally occurring bacteria in the air and on the vegetables themselves, and create the perfect environment for them to transform your healthy vegetables to a miracle food. A lot of people are terrified of the word "bacteria" but we are talking about the good guys here - probiotics. Pro-life. The process of fermentation produces lactic acid, which kills all putrefying bacteria.It also increases the vitamin levels of the food and its digestibility. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The proliferation of lactobacilli in fermented vegetables also produces numerous enzymes and different antibiotic and anticarcinogenic substances.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional lacto-fermented foods include sauerkraut,pickled cucumbers, fermented carrot sticks, kim chi, fermented beets, fermented vegetables like cauliflower,peppers, and celery, and fermented garlic. I like to use a mix of cabbage and carrots ( any of the beautiful colors nature creates and your heart desires) and I also make lacto-fermented carrot sticks with garlic. Yum!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">After all this praise, I really have to warn you, pickles and sauerkraut from the store will not work. First of all , they are pasteurized, which kills anything living and allows for a long shelf live without refrigeration.Second, they are not even fermented, they are pickled, a process which uses vinegar and modern canning techniques , which do not produce the same results as lacto-fermentation. So you have to roll your sleeves and maybe get the kids to help you, but the process of making lacto - fermented veggies is easy and fun. I really recommend getting a book like " Nourishing Traditions " by Sally Fallon or "Real Food Fermentation" by Alex Lewin. They are full of delicious recipes and describe the process of fermentation and its benefits. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Deliciousness aside, here are some of the benefits of eating lacto-fermented foods:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A teaspoon of sauerkraut juice gives you a dose of probiotics higher than any expensive supplement available on the market today.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sauerkraut has 4 times higher anti cancer nutrient levels than regular, non- fermented, cabbage.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you follow the Standard American Diet ( SAD) , you most probably have some kind of gut imbalances and discomforts.Fermented vegetables will help re-populate your gut with beneficial bacteria , which in turn strengthens your immune system and keeps your body healthy. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The high levels of probiotics in fermented foods will jump start the detoxification of your body which in term will improve immune function, reduce any chronic inflammation and will make you less susceptible to infection.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Eat Cultured Dairy</span></b></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Normally, if you are prone to sinus and ear infections, I would recommend you stay away from dairy. The kind of dairy that produces mucous in the body is the highly processed stuff, that has been high temperature pasteurized and homogenized. What I recommend instead is another living food, cultured dairy. Cultured dairy includes yogurt, milk kefir, raw cheeses, cultured cream, buttermilk, and cultured butter. When high quality milk, preferably from pastured cows or goats, is inoculated with different bacteria , it produces another healthy living food</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The benefits of cultured dairy are similar to those of fermented veggies. They improve gut function and can be a great way to enjoy dairy if you have any intolerance to regular milk. The process of fermentation actually produces the enzyme lactase, which is destroyed during pasteurization, and which allows our bodies to process cassein, one of the most difficult proteins to digest.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fermented dairy also contains enzymes which help the body absorb calcium and other minerals. It lowers cholesterol levels and protects against bone loss.In many traditional societies, cultured dairy is often given to the sick , the elderly , and nursing mothers, since it improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. This brings nourishment and healing to the body.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Consume healthy fats</span></b></span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Forget the low fat diets. Your body needs healthy fats in order to absorb many minerals<b> </b>and vitamins. Without healthy saturated fats like coconut oil and grass fed butter we cannot properly utilize essential fatty acids like omega-3. They are also important for brain function and support the immune system. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The healthy fats I have in mind is extra virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, grass fed butter, ghee. You can also incorporate raw nuts, seeds, nut butter and avocados in your diet.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is what Sally Fallon, author of <i>Nourishing Traditions</i> discovered about saturated fats in our diet:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturated fatty acids constitute at least 50% of all cell membranes</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Healthy saturated fats help our bodies to properly incorporate calcium into the skeletal structure</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturated fats help protect the liver from toxins</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturated fats enhance the immune system.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eating healthy fats also keeps you satisfied longer after a meal and it keeps you away from sugary snacks that can lower the immune system. It does not require a lot of effort to feed your body healthy fats. Skip the nasty artificial stuff like margarine next time you do your grocery shopping. Fry your eggs in a little bit of butter in the morning, add coconut oil to your muffins and avocado to your salads. Building a healthy body can be this easy ... and delicious!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> It is so simple! Give your taste buds a tour and discover a world of forgotten miracle foods! I wish you many inspirational moments in the kitchen and good health to you and your family! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span>Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-25802978524020551552013-08-04T09:53:00.001-06:002013-08-04T10:05:51.735-06:00Backyard medicine : Plantain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Common Name: </b>Plantain, White Man's Footprint<br />
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<b>Botanical Name : </b>Plantago spp <br />
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<b>Parts used: </b>herbalists use mainly the leaves and seeds but the whole plant is useful<br />
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<b>Energetics:</b> cool and moist<br />
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Plantain is wonderful herb to know. I look at it as nature's secret gift to us in difficult situations. It is always around us when we need it and it will grow anywhere. As a mom of a very active toddler , I always carry a small first aid kit with me, and plantain is one of the plants that I don't leave the house without. We live in Colorado and nature is our playground so sometimes is hard to keep those little knees bruise and scrape free. Plantain is the "boo-boo" plant. It will do miracles for minor scrapes and cuts. It draws the sting and the poison out of the skin when you have a bug bite .<br />
Every summer I pick a big jar full of plantain leaves and infuse it in olive oil for a few weeks until it turns bright green and absorbs all the wonderful healing power of the plant. Then I strain it and either make it into a salve or add some vitamin E to the oil in order to extend its shelf life.I use the plantain oil as a base for a wonderful Healing Salve. My little boy knows to ask for it every time he falls. Sometimes even without having any scrapes or bruises, just because it is so much fun to smear salve all over your arms and legs. ;)<br />
When we are playing outside , I always look around to see if there is any plantain growing around, just in case. And nature always gifts us with the healing power of her plants when we need them. You can find plantain almost anywhere - look in the grass by your kids playground, or by the small creek near the trail you are hiking. And when you need it , just grab a leaf and crush it between your fingers and apply to the sting or cut. It is nature's "band aid".<br />
Plantain is easy to recognize since its leaves have five parallel veins that run down the length of the leaves. It grows close to the ground and adapts well, that is why you can find it even in lawns that get mowed on a regular basis.<br />
Use plantain for any insect bite, it has the power to draw the sting of a wasp or a bee out. Use it to soothe and relieve the rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak. Plantain will heal minor cuts and scrapes in no time. It can also be used instead of a diaper cream for babies to prevent and heal diaper rash.<br />
Herbalist and Wise Woman Susun Weed recommends carrying dried plantain leaves with you if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings. Using the dried leaves in a spit poultice and applying immediately after you get stung can prevent an allergic reaction. ( A spit poultice is made by chewing on the herb - dried or fresh- until you create kind of a paste. Then you apply it topically to the skin.)<br />
You might be familiar with another use of plantain without even realizing it. Most of us know about the benefits of fiber and have heard about psyllium fiber/seeds/husks. Metamucil is a brand that uses those seeds in its products. Psyllium seeds come from a variety of plantain ( Plantago psyllium) that grows mainly in South America. It is a great source of fiber and it helps with regularity. The truth is that the seeds of any of the plantain plants can be used in the same way. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and make a wonderful addition to any baked goods or oatmeal. Instead of flax seeds you can add plantain seeds.<br />
Plantain is a great tissue healer and it will work for the internal tissues of the body. Plantain infusion or tincture will help with the mucous membranes in the body. It is a great rinse that you can use in a Netti pot, just add 1/4 tsp of salt to 8 oz of the plantain infusion and make sure that it cools down to room temperature so you don't burn yourself.<br />
Plantain infusion is also helpful for any stomach upsets that are connected to irritated tissues and can even have a positive effect on leaky gut. It heals and strengthens the gut lining.<br />
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Those are some of the basic uses of plantain. Next time you are outside, look for this wonderful plant. It is a great addition to any herbal first aid kit and great remedy to have around if you have children or you love to play in nature.<br />
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<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342697302145071968.post-15479590211564334092013-07-17T05:57:00.000-06:002013-07-17T05:57:14.952-06:00Healthy moms, healthy babies - herbs in pregnancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am planning on writing a few posts on children's health and I though the best place to start is at the beginning. Mom's health and nutrition during pregnancy is very important for the future health of the baby and a lot of women are trying to avoid any exposure to potentially toxic ingredients in their diet, including OTC or prescription medications.<br />
Every time I think of motherhood, or even womanhood, I am reminded of the beautiful words of herbalist <a href="http://www.sagemountain.com/rosemary-gladstar.html" target="_blank">Rosemary Gladstar</a> : " As a woman, I feel the answers for our inner balance come to us from our relationship to the Moon, the Earth, our relationship with the feminine and masculine energy within us, and our ancient memory as "green women", healers of the Earth....By reclaiming our heritage as healers , by loving the Earth and listening to her teachings, and by caring for ourselves with loving compassion, and with the use of gentle, natural remedies, we create the balance that brings well-being and vitality in all its fullness."<br />
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Pregnancy for me was a magical experience. I always tell other women that ask me to share experience or give them advice, that I am the worst person to ask. I enjoyed every day of my pregnancy and I felt a constant sense of fulfillment and pride ( which I find is not that common and women often thing of pregnancy as something unpleasant they need to go through). I was tired a lot during my first trimester but had an amazing amount of energy for the rest of my pregnancy . I craved only fruits and vegetables and tried to be on the go as much as possible. Yoga helped me keep my body flexible and pain free. I can't say that I did not experience any discomfort. My belly was so big by the middle of the third trimester that I thought it almost impossible for my skin to stretch any further. Max was a very active baby even in the womb and he would move from side to side , making it hard to sleep and eat . All of this I consider part of the miracle of life. It is impossible to describe the feeling of being a vessel of creation or the look in my husband's eyes every time he looks at me , even now, when our son is almost three. <br />
If you are on this magical journey , or are planning to be a parent one day, I can't emphasize how important it is to make friends with a few useful herbs.Pregnancy is a natural process and who's better at providing nourishment and all the building blocks for creation than the Earth, the ultimate Mother.<br />
There is a wonderful recipe that I've seen shared by herbalists for a nourishing tea for women. It is called Yoni Tea and has all the amazing herbs that support a woman's reproductive system before pregnancy and nourish her whole body during the time of change and growth. It also supports the transition from pregnancy to motherhood by helping the body to heal. <br />
This recipe you see below is from the book "The Roots of Healing : A Woman's Book of Herbs" by herbalist Deb Soule. I recommend this book to any woman that wants to know her body and how to use herbal medicine to be healthy and strong.<br />
And here is the recipe :<br />
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It is easy to buy herbs in bulk and make a bigger batch of the tea blend and keep in an airtight container. Drink a few cups a day. This tea is useful for women in any stage of their life , so you can benefit from it even if you are not pregnant or trying to conceive.<br />
Red Raspberry Leaf is a wonderful uterine tonic. It will strengthen the uterus and keep it healthy. It works with you body to prepare it for the birth and will strengthen the muscle in order to make contractions more productive and the birth easier.<br />
Alfalfa is an amazing herb. It is full of nutrients and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. Women often say that they are "eating for two" during pregnancy. This is partially true , since we don't need the extra calories as much as the extra nutrients. So I am sorry to say this, but put the pint of Ben and Jerry ice cream down and drink your alfalfa. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin K , calcium, and magnesium, that are essential for building strong bones. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is very important during pregnancy. If you drink this tea during and post pregnancy, alfalfa will also help you build and maintain a healthy breast milk supply.<br />
Nettles and Red Clover are wonderful blood building herbs. They will gently cleanse any toxins out which is why is good to start drinking this tea before you conceive. A lot of women become anemic during pregnancy or after birth, especially if they loose a lot of blood. Chlorophyll is the best way to prevent becoming anemic and to build the blood up after a hard delivery.Nettles is a wonderful source of chlorophyll. It will also bring more oxygen into your blood, which is important during pregnancy, in order to develop a healthy, strong baby.<br />
Peppermint will tame those weird bouts of nausea that every woman experiences during her pregnancy. It will calm down the digestion and help deal with the occasional heart burn.<br />
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In addition to this tea , I will also recommend getting a good whole foods vitamin supplement. I used Rainbow Light Prenatal during my pregnancy and my doctor very much approved of it. It has all the vitamins and minerals, that you would get from a prescription prenatal vitamin, without the artificial dyes and sweeteners, and whatever else they add. It also has whole herbs like Red Raspberry Leaf and Ginger added to it. If you experience a lot of nausea , Ginger should become your best friend. Taking it in a prenatal formula is easy and it actually helps you stomach the supplement. I know a lot of my friends , that were taking prescription prenatal vitamins, had problems with the supplement itself causing nausea. This was never an issue for me , while taking a whole foods prenatal vitamin.<br />
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Whether you decide to have the baby at the hospital, or at home;whether you decide to have anesthesia or not, it is a very personal choice. But you can still bring herbs with you and use them to assist you during delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers will respect the mother's preference to create the atmosphere she is comfortable with in the birth room. Lavender oil in an infuser or mixed in a massage oil blend is great. It will help you relax and release the tension in your body. Make a little pillow filled with lavender flowers and a grain , like rice, to use as a massage tool that will help you get through painful contractions. Stress can affect labor in many ways , even to the point of slowing it down.<br />
Another great herb to have with you during delivery is Shepherd's Purse. Tincture of the fresh herb has been used by midwives for centuries. It will stop vaginal bleeding and hemorrhaging. Modern doctors often don't wait for the placenta to naturally detach itself and try to get it out as soon as the baby is born. If the body is not ready , this can cause heavy bleeding and can lead to a surgical intervention. Shepherd's Purse tincture can help slow the bleeding and lower the risk for the mother.<br />
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A lot of women think that once they have the baby , things will be back to normal in no time. This is not exactly the case. For some women , the transition happens naturally. I didn't feel stressed at all during my delivery ( even though I was in labor for 36 hours and had a 9 lbs baby , and a pretty bad tear). I think creating an instant connection with your baby is very important and if you have the option , you have to do it. The first time I held my son, he was still connected to me with the umbilical cord. I breast fed within maybe 30-40 minutes after delivery. This first connection is important for both the mom and baby. Your body continues to change hormone levels, now that it is no longer pregnant, but the natural process of breastfeeding and the hormones produced by your body when you connect with your baby , help you to transition smoothly from one stage to the next. A lot of women miss the opportunities that i was lucky to have and their bodies need something extra to help them make the transition.<br />
Continuing the Yoni Tea after delivery is very beneficial. You can also add an adaptogenic herb like Astragalus root to the mix. Adaptogens will bring balance to the body wherever it is needed. They will regulate stress hormones and adapt your body to this transition period before things go back to normal.<br />
Some women will also benefit from taking Wild Yams as a supplement in order to help regulate any hormonal imbalances. If you are experiencing any symptoms of anxiety or depression,or if you have headaches, you might want to try Wild Yam. <br />
Remember that during pregnancy and when breastfeeding pospartum, everything you put in your body goes into the baby's body. If you think that enough rest will help you deal with any discomfort, try and rest while the baby is sleeping. also try gentle teas like Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Catnip. Those will even benefit the baby if she/he has colic or any other discomforts in the digestive tract.<br />
Another helpful postpartum tool that has somewhat been forgotten are Sitz Baths. It helps speed up the healing process, especially after delivering a heavier child and a bad tear. Sitz Baths use herbs and are very similar to using a cold and warm compresses but instead you sit in a special tub ( if you have a tub at home you can create your own makeshift Sitz Bath). Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has a great video explaining the benefits of Sitz Baths. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWjyAOtremA" target="_blank">( click here for the link)</a><br />
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As you can see, the topic about the benefits of herbs during pregnancy, can be very extensive. This was just a brief overview and I hope it will trigger your desire to do some more research and bring healthy , happy babies into this world. <br />
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What herbs do you use during this time of change and creation?<br />
<br />Milenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443461146271726768noreply@blogger.com0