Herbal Whirled

The Beneficial Healing Effects of Sea Salt Soaks and Baths

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:33:00 +0000

Containing over 80 minerals, sea salt soaks are very nourishing and soothing to both the skin and the elimination system. Sea salt soaks help remove lactic acid from the muscles, which is one of the reasons that sea salt baths are so relaxing. Lactic acid can cause stiff, weak and tired muscles.

Salt soaks can be taken as an entire body soak, using about a cup of sea salt to a hot bath (as hot as your body can take it comfortably), or use a localized salt soak - using a cotton ball and two tablespoons of sea salt to a cup of hot water, wet the cotton with the hot water and soak the affected area. Localized sea salt soaks are used to disinfect small cuts and bruises, as well as to keep piercings from becoming infected.

Herbal ingredients added to the sea salt bath can promote the soothing effects, or the invigorating effects, depending on your needs - or mood. For example, adding lavender will add relaxation and promote healing. Sea salts are often pre-packaged with floral, citrus, or herbs for added benefits.

Sea salt soaks increase blood circulation and stimulate the natural release of toxins through the body's largest organ - the skin. The salts kill bacteria and germs from the surface of the skin, leaving it soft and clean.

Combat Viruses Hommade Natural Disinfectant with Essential Herbal Oils

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:09:00 +0000

As a listener of a national talk radio show, I recently picked up a tip from a caller named Richard, from Bozeman Montana. Richard shared a simple recipe for a natural disinfectant, using essential oils, or even pure extracts from your local grocery store. He stated that he has had his recipe biologically and scientifically tested, and that it has been confirmed to offer protection against "biologics" and viruses, including the corona virus.

What You Will Need

Essential oils (or pure extracts if that is all you can get)

Peppermint (base of the recipe)
Lemon, orange, and eucalyptus (or any combination of the three would work)
Face mask (you can purchase them at any drug store, and most grocery stores)

Use the peppermint essential oil (or pure peppermint extract) as the base. Add several drops of each of the other three essential oils (or pure extracts) to the peppermint. Using a medicine dropper, place a few drops of the anti-viral oils on the face mask. This will protect you from inhaling viruses, as they cannot live in the presence of these oils.

Anti-viral Spray

In a spray bottle, add enough water to fill the bottle nearly to the top. Add two teaspoonfuls of the essential oil formula, replace the spray attachment, and shake well. Use this spray wherever you would use a chemical disinfectant. It can also be sprayed directly onto your hands in place of alcohol based anti-bacterial gels. Richard also suggests spraying it directly onto the soles of your shoes after being in public, in order to protect your family from germs you may bring home!

The "Cure" for Heartburn and Heart Attacks

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Heartburn is probably one of the most common dietary ailments that Americans suffer today, and it is incredibly irritating, annoying, and painful. Of course this is true for anyone who experiences heartburn, but for some - the symptoms can occur so frequently and so severely that medical help and prescription medications seem to be the only solution. If you're pregnant, over-the-counter medications, as well as prescription drugs, can be risky.

During my first pregnancy, I had daily bouts of heartburn, sometimes very severe. I learned that there is a small flap between the stomach and the esophagus that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. However, it is quite common for this flap to become "loose fitting" during pregnancy, which allows stomach acid to seep into the esophagus - especially while laying down.

But you might be surprised to find out that one of the most soothing substances to the stomach lining actually comes from the pepper family - Cayenne. Doesn't sound possible? I wouldn't have believed myself if I hadn't personally tried it - and with great success!

While cayenne pepper is known for the soothing effect on the lining of the stomach, it is also considered a miracle herb by many in the herbal community. It has been claimed as the single life-saving substance for many heart attack sufferers, who say that without cayenne pepper - they would have surely died. Their doctors would probably agree. For an incredibly thorough look into how the red pepper can save a heart attack victim, be sure to visit Shirley's Wellness Cafe.

To take cayenne:
One teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper steeped in one cup of hot (not boiling) water is quite soothing to the stomach. While it may be your "cup-of-tea", you can purchase gel capsules and ground cayenne at most health food or herbal stores, and make the capsules yourself. The quickest and easiest way to take cayenne by buying a bottle of cayenne capsules!

Sleep Better, Feel Better - Tips on Getting a Better Night's Rest

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Sleep is more important than most people realize, and without it - we are much more susceptible to illness, not to mention - cranky, irritable, drowsy at all the wrong times, more prone to accidents, lack of brain power, mental stress, and overworking of the internal organs, which leads to an even greater vulnerability to illness. Over a long period of time, the result could be an overstressed heart, liver, kidneys, and immune system - resulting in disease.

Getting enough sleep (or rather - NOT getting enough sleep) is an ongoing problem nearly all Americans suffer. While most of know we need more, and our bodies are telling us in subtle ways. For others, their bodies are screaming out with loud symptoms, and even then - people tend to ignore the problem. But with proper rest, the body becomes more productive, and the well-rested mind is much more alert. The well-rested body has more energy, and is less tired after work or play.

Tips on Getting Better Rest - And a Good Night's Sleep

Listen to relaxing music. Avoid television, or other visual stimulants - which could keep the eyes open!
Avoid oversleeping, which will "reset" the internal clock, pushing back your next night's sleep.
Drink a glass of relaxing tea - such as chamomile, valerian, catnip, or hops.
Take a hot shower or relaxing bath. If you opt for a shower, be sure to allow the temperature to remain steady for more than 10 minutes, which should help induce sleep. (Temperature changes of less than 4 minutes are likely to produce stimulation.)
Develop a regular sleeping routine, and practice it every night. This will help your body prepare for sleep, and help you enter the right frame of mind.

Relax your body and create your own space to feel "at home" and relaxed. You'll find that if you take the time to enjoy your own space, your own time, and ignore the problems of the world while you drift into sleep, your body will become more relaxed and less stressed over time. While you're lying in bed is not the time to go over your life's problems - that will surely keep you awake. Try to remember, you'll be in better shape to focus on solutions after a good night's rest. There is a reason they call it "taking a load off" - you know!

The Flu and the Common Cold - What the Difference is and How to Deal with Them Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Each year, as the weather changes and the kids are back in school - we are all suddenly exposed to people getting sick all around us, including the workplace. Weather has a lot to do with it, as well as the viruses you are exposed to, but how well you are able to fend off the bug is up to you, and your body.

The key to minimizing your chances of contracting either a cold or the flu is prevention. Not just in the form of avoiding sick people, but preventing your body from being susceptible to the viruses that you are being exposed to. Your immune system depends largely on your digestive system. Keeping your body free of toxins, harmful foods, and clear of mucus is essential, and cleaning out the digestive tract can be extremely beneficial.

The Common Cold

The Flu (Influenza)

Symptoms:

Runny nose, sneezing, scratchy or sore throat and nasal passages, stuffy nose, fever, mucus buildup in the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes

A cold can be treated successfully in just one day with the right care and treatment. Eliminate all toxins in the body, and thoroughly cleanse the digestive tract, and rid the body of phlegm.

Symptoms:

Chilly feeling, backache, headache, ringing in ears, dizziness, cough, stuffiness, sore throat, cough, “all over sick feeling”, muscle aches and pains, pain in joints

Complications such as pneumonia are most common among heart and lung disease patients, as well as women during pregnancy.

Herbs for Colds:

Garlic, elderflower tea, organic acacia honey, lemon, echinacea, sage, thyme, rosemary, basil, red sage, hyssop, yarrow, black cohosh, peppermint, chamomile, bayberry bark, catnip, wood betony, angelica, blue violet, butternut bark, ginseng, lungwort, nettles, white pine, pleurisy root, prickly ash, rosemary, saffron summer savory, sweet balm, tansy, valerian, vervain, water pepper, wood sage, masterwort, pennyroyal (not during pregnancy or breast feeding!), wild cherry bark, horehound, spikenard, sarsaparilla, ginger, gentian, goldenseal, saw palmetto berries

Foods for Colds:

Protein (Such as chicken, fish, or vegetable – not dairy), fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh juices

Herbs for the Flu

Sage, horehound, marshmallow, echinacea, yarrow, pleurisy, cayenne, peppermint, white pine, poplar, butternut bark, lungwort, nettles, saffron, sweet balm, tansy, ginger, goldenseal, cinnamon, bay leaves, wild cherry bark, skullcap, lady’s slipper, valerian, vervain, feverfew, boneset, Culver’s root, saw palmetto berries, wood betony, angelica, hyssop

Foods for the Flu:

Fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh juices, Hot vegetable or chicken broth.

Fresh orange juice will provide strength. Lemon juice will reduce fever.

Avoid all sugar and sugar substitutes, other than what naturally occurs in fruits.

Diet and Exercise to Relieve and Control Restless Legs

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:26:00 +0000

Eat a whole foods diet, including plenty of foods high in B vitamins, such as sunflower seeds, cashews, brewers yeast, and whole wheat flour, as well as meat products such as beef kidneys and liver. High iron foods such as: red meat, black strap molasses, nuts, legumes are extremely important, and provide a wide variety of other naturally occurring nutrients necessary to maintain proper health.

Antioxidants, such as green tea, cranberries, cherries, and deep colored greens such as broccoli and collard greens should become an important part of the daily diet, as well as foods high in bioflavonoids with naturally occurring vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin E.

Avoid constipation and greatly reduce the intake of refined sugars, drinking coffee, caffeine, cola and soda. Eat and drink foods that are rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, along with naturally occurring vitamin C and bioflavonoids, such as carrot, parsley, and celery juices, rhubarb, plum and prune juice can be especially helpful.

Along with proper diet, you may find it helpful to wear supportive leggings or stockings, which will help to increase circulation. Propping up the legs at night or adding a small board under the foot of the bed can reduce the buildup of excess fluids in the legs, which can also cause varicose veins.

Developing a daily exercise routine is essential to maintaining proper circulation in the legs, as well as throughout the body. Yoga, ballet, pilates, and tai chi are all excellent forms of exercise for the toning and strengthening of the leg muscles, followed by massage before you relax for the evening. If you don’t have access to a personal masseuse, you can opt for the store bought version!

Calming Heart Palpitations with Herbs, Foods, and Herbal Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:11:00 +0000

Heart palpitations can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. They can be uncomfortable and even scary, but are not always an indication of an unhealthy heart condition. Some common triggers can be menopause, anxiety or stress, an overactive thyroid gland, or a reaction to the consumption of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine.

One of the most important things to do if you are having palpitations is to relax, and reduce stress. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques can help to reduce the amount of stress experienced on a daily basis, and breathing techniques can help you deal with stressful situations.

Replacing sugary and soda drinks with tea and fresh fruit and vegetable drinks can be highly beneficial, especially drinks that are rich in antioxidants, such as green tea, blackberry, cranberry, and many herbal teas. Artichoke leaves boiled in water (much like a tea) are rich in beneficial antioxidants. Fresh garlic is extremely healing, and has been used for centuries as an aid in heart health, and is reported to hault heart palpitations. There is an old folk remedy that calls for apple cider vinegar over a sugar cube or mixed into a tablespoon of honey or a glass of cold water, and is said to stop palpitations.

Other helpful herbs include: green tea, licorice, St. John's wort, lime leaves, orange leaves, basil, melissa, sage, and rose petals. You can also use essence of melissa, chamomile, and rose oil for aromatherapy healing.

If you are able to determine the triggers that cause your heart palpitations, you can learn to avoid them. These triggers can include food, stress, caffeine intake, tobacco, and even spicy foods. Incorporate foods that are high in vitamin E, which helps to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Heart palpitations can be a minor symptom of stress or improper diet, but if you are experiencing them on a regular basis, or are experiencing chest pain, sweating, or fainting, there could be a more serious underlying problem or an existing medical condition, such as thyroid or heart disease, and you may need the advice of a trained medical professional.

The Many Uses of Dill

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Dill is a wonderful herb, but few people know much more about it than it being the main flavor in pickles! As far as it's culinary uses, it is a wonderful addition to salads, soups, dressings, vinegar flavoring, bread, and is great on seafood - especially as a salmon seasoning. But what you probably don't know about dill is that is has long been used as a medicinal plant and home remedies.

Herbal folklore gave way to the belief that one could cure a case of the hiccups by smelling the aroma of dill. It has also been long considered a breath freshener, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Dill is also a useful herbal remedy in modern alternative medicine as well. It is most commonly used to to stimulate the appetite, and provides relief for minor coughs, colds, and sore throats, as well as bronchitis. It is helpful in relieving intestinal gas and flatulence, and easing and preventing infections. It can be used to help reduce fever, and as an aid in problems with the liver.

While the leaves, seeds, and dried fruits are all used in herbal medicine, the seeds are especially favored among herbalists. Dill is usually taken as a tea or an infusion, generally a teaspoon per cup of boiled water. Most grocery stores carry a fresh dill package in the produce area.

Make a Healthy Hawaiian Punch Alternative that Everyone will Enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:04:00 +0000

Summer is a great time for iced drinks, but kids all too often reach for sugary drinks - usually with food dyes and artificial colors. Not to mention that the unhealthy options that are available in most stores are super expensive, and hardly worth the price of the container!

One of the most pleasing alternatives to fruit punch, tropical punch, or other fruity beverages, can be made at home for less than the cost of most of the store bought options. What is it? Well depending on where you live, the brilliant flowers may be referred to as rosella, hibiscus, jamaica, or perhaps even another name. Made as a "tea" from the dried flowers, this beverage is a s common as iced tea in many cultures, but with a vitamin-packed power punch!

Where to get it:
If you regularly shop at a health food store, dried hibiscus flowers can easily be purchased either in bulk, or prepackaged. Alternatively, you can head over to the Mexican foods section of the grocery store, which generally offers a selection of packaged dried herbs and spices (such as garlic, cumin, chili peppers, anise seeds, and various dried leaves). The dried dark red flowers should be labeled as Jamaica, which is pronounced ha-MIKE-ah. If you are lucky enough to have a Jamaican (Carribean) community in your area, you could also look for Jamaican Sorrel, or red sorrel flowers. The flavors of the different varieties of the flowers are sometimes significant, so when you find the variety you like - remember where you bought it! Each has it's own unique and powerful flavor, and all of them are loaded with vitamin C.

How to make it:
Bring a large pot of water to a full boil. Stir in about 2 ounces of the dried flowers, and continue to stir for one minute, then remove from heat. Cover, let steep for about two hours. Add honey, stevia syrup, or other sweetener to taste. If the tea is too strong or tart for your liking, try adding a small amount of water before sweetening it more, and alter your recipe for next time!

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the summer while you're sipping on a nice tall glass of good ole' fashioned red tea! Oh, and if the kids try to spoil your "vacation" time, just put theirs in a really awesome glass with a straw and one of those cool little umbrellas, drop in an orange slice - the kids will love the special drink. For an extra special "sunset" drink, fill the bottom of the glass with a small amount of orange or pineapple juice, then slowly pour in the hibiscus tea. Add a spritz of lemon-lime soda (or carbonated water and a splash of lemon.) Top with a bing cherry and a slice of orange to create a festive tropical drink!

Making Herbal Medicine a Way of Life

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:50:00 +0000

Home remedies are becoming more popular as people start to get fewer answers from their "practicing" physicians. I learned this while I was in my late teens, when I had continual problems with my tonsils that doctors could not help solve. The only suggestion was to remove them. However, a few weeks later I met someone who would change my life. She gave me a satchel of herbs that contained a combination of various barks, including wild cherry bark. While I can't quite remember the ingredients, I remember that the herbs helped to not only relieve the symptoms - I didn't have the problems ever again. (Instead my body challenges me with new problems!)

I no longer viewed healing in the same way. Herbal healing seemed so much more logical to me, as well as a natural way of allowing the body to regain strength - rather than weaken it further with chemical drugs. Soon I began to realize that everything we put into our bodies is having an effect on us, on our ability to heal, and our overall health in general.

There was a phase I went through at one point, where I was convinced that everything natural was poisoning me, (although that is essentially true to a point), but we also have the ability to recover from exposure or ingestion of toxins, as well. It was - simply put, a very stressful and obsessive way to live. Lightening up a little was the only solution - but everything in moderation was the answer to my behavior.

While I still have so much to learn, I also realize there is a certain amount of "young wisdom" that I have gained over the years. So, why not pass it on? Take it with a grain of sea salt if you wish!

When you feel like over-eating, start with broccoli, carrots, and anything else that burns more calories than you take in by eating.
Eat as many raw foods as you can, but don't worry if you love cooked food, too.
Drink lots of herbal tea - of all different types of herbs.
Learn to allow your body to heal itself.
Heal from the inside out, don't just cover the symptoms.
Visit the doctor if you need reassurance that you are taking herbs that are safe.
Beware of doctors - they might tell you that taking herbs isn't safe.
Eat to live - Don't LIVE TO EAT. Don't believe everything you read or hear - research things, and learn the truth for yourself.
All things should be done in moderation.
Don't be overly health-conscious, but don't be overly relaxed about your health.
Do everything for a reason - if you don't do something, don't do it for a reason.
Enjoy your life. Love your life - it's the only chance you've got!

Two Very Preventable Yet Major Causes of Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:33:00 +0000

Breast cancer, among other cancers, is affecting more women today than ever before. While the medical industry is providing few answers as to how to prevent the deadly disease, there are a few things that you should know about two of the major causes of breast cancer today.

Cancer Causing Fats

There is an ever-growing assortment of cancer-causing foods that are sold in grocery stores across the nation, but even if you are shopping at a natural health food store, you could be preparing cancer causing foods for your family on a regular basis. Reading labels can help you to avoid chemically processed foods, as well as food additives and preservatives, but your decisions in the meat department may be the most dangerous stop you'll make on your trip to the local grocer.

Okay, so we all know that there are dangers associated with eating red meat, but preparation is a key factor in just how dangerous the meat you prepare for your family really is. High fat and protein contents combined with high temperatures can be a deadly combination, and the result is a cancer-causing substance known as benzopyrene.

Benzopyrene is one of the main cancer-causing substances in cigarette smoke, and yet it is produced in incredibly high concentrations in char-broiled beef. The amount of benzopyrene that is produced by flame-broiling a one-pound steak is the equivalent of smoking 300 cigarettes! Yet we are taught at a very early age (typically through television advertising) to avoid smoking and eat red meat several times a week to meet your dietary requirements of protein and iron.

Dangerous Drinking Water

Recently in the news there have been several reports of a dangerous substance leaking out of the plastic bottles and into the water that people commonly bring to work or school. Some reports claim that the toxic chemicals leak out of the plastic when the bottles are refrigerated or frozen. Other reports state that the toxins drip out when the bottles are exposed to heat as well, and points to the dangers of leaving your water bottle in the car during the heat of the day. This is not new news, as the dangerous toxins that seep out of plastics are present in nearly all plastic dishes and containers, and therefore should never be used in microwave cooking or freezing leftovers. Use a glass bottle or container whenever possible - for storage, cooking, food preparation, beverages, and reheating.

Start Your Herb Garden the Easy Way

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:40:00 +0000

While standing outside of the nearest Wild Oats store (which is like Trader Joe's in a way) I noticed some small starter plants for a low price. I wandered over, and noticed that each and every one of them were herbs - already started, and easy to care for. It dawned on me that this would be a great way to start an herb garden in the house.

You could easily fill up a window with the herbs, and use them whenever you want! For about $20 you could have an entire herbal forest growing in your kitchen window! Of course you may not have the same stores in your area, but you can check your local fresh produce sections as well, or if you have a local nursery or hardware store, you never know where you will find your herb garden! But be sure to check to see what types of soil or chemicals the herbs could have been grown with, not everything you find out there will be organically grown - or even grown with the intention of taking them internally. If you can't find out, sometimes local nurseries will grow specific plants for you.

Black Willow Bark for Inflammation and Swelling

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:06:00 +0000

White Willow Bark has made quite a name for itself over the past few centuries as a pain reliever, and is closely related to aspirin. Known also as salacin willow, white willow has several beneficial medicinal properties. But did you know that Black Willow Bark is good for pain as well as swelling?

Black willow, also known as pussy willow, has medicinal properties that have also been known for centuries as a pain relieving plant. It has properties that also work to relieve swelling and inflammation.

Both barks can be made into a decoction by soaking 1-3 teaspoonfuls in cild water for up to three hours, (up to four hours for white willow bark). After soaking, bring to a boil and then promptly remove from heat source. This can be taken internally one mouthful at a time, but no more than one cup per day.

Combined, these two willow barks could be used (in small doses) much like you would use aspirin and ibuprofen, working to relieve both pain and inflammation, as well as the reduction of joint pain.

The One Day Natural Cold Remedy Provides Relief

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:25:00 +0000

In today's busy world, one day could cost you more than a day of pay. If you're like most of us, you can't afford to be away from the office or the job for a whole work-day. But colds and coughs have a way of lingering, and sometimes could get worse and become a more debilitating illness. We have a doctor in the family who used to say to us, "If you have a cold and do nothing - it will last about a week. If you have a cold and go to the doctor, he will prescribe something for it - and it will last about a week." In other words, there is no cure for the common cold. However, there is relief.

A cold is a virus that typically causes inflammation in the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. The inflammation causes mucus to form, which the body tries to loosen and expel through coughing and sneezing. Coughing can cause further irritation in the throat and airway, which in turn will produce more mucus. The key to reducing and easing the symptoms of colds and coughs is to eliminate the mucus and reduce the inflammation. Although there is no actual "cure" for the cold, you can greatly reduce the misery you suffer while the virus runs its course.

I must warn you, this may make some people uncomfortable - even just thinking about it, so if you are sensitive - please look away now. Okay, I realize you can't read the rest of the post while you look away, so be warned that the rest of this post describes information about cleaning mucus from the nasal passages, and should not be considered medical advice.

While there are utensils on the market that are intended for cleaning the nasal pasages, you will find that they do not cleanse as thoroughly as the following method. You can actually do a better job of cleaning your nasal passages with a teaspoon of salt and a pint of warm water. Sniff the water and blow it out, repeating until your nasal passages are free of mucus. This will not only help to cleanse the mucus you currently have, but also work to "dry out" the nasal passages. This can also work in the case of sinus congestion.

Great Holiday Sugar Substitutes and Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:22:00 +0000

Let's face it . . . sweets taste good. Holiday treats bring some of the sweetest delicacies of the year. But that doesn't mean that you have to load up with table sugar, or sacrifice flavor to stay healthy during the holiday season. There are plenty of healthy sugar substitutes and alternatives to create your holiday goodies.

For bread type deserts as well as cookies, you can use concentrated white grape juice. Since it is a liquid, as opposed to sugar, you will need to adjust the amount dry ingredients to compensate for the extra moisture. White grape juice concentrate is extremely sweet, and yet doesn't give the desert an overpowering fruity flavor. Be careful to get 100% fruit juice, and not a cocktail type juice, which has added sugar or high-fructose syrup.

Honey is a well known sugar substitute, and offers a sweet alternative to sucrose (or table sugar.) Again, be sure to adjust any recipe to compensate for the additional moisture that honey will give to your cookie doughs or cake batters. Honey is great in cream cheese frostings, especially with a touch of vanilla, lemon, or almond flavoring!

Raw agave nectar is a delicious and healthy sugar alternative, and is much like honey in texture. It is available in most health food sections of the grocery store, or your local herb or health food store. While it is much more expensive that other sugar substitutes, it is a great alternative to syrups for breakfast, sweetening tea, or recipes that don't call for very much sugar. For the price, you probably won't want to use it for all of your baking needs, but you'll definitely find use for it, and it's a great sweet substance to have on hand. Both honey and agave nectar are wonderful in holiday drinks, such as egg nog.

If you have a recipe that just won't work without that sugary sweet flavor, try using natural sugars, such as unbleached sugar or raw sugar. It is still sugar, but much healthier than the ever popular, highly processed and bleached table sugar. So go ahead - have your sweets and eat them too!

Swollen Glands and Lymph Nodes

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:56:00 +0000

After doing much research on this topic, I found that there were many people searching for answers on the internet, and with relatively no information available to help. For that reason, I have decided to share my experience with swollen glands and problems with the lymph nodes.

For nearly the past three years, the gland on the left side of my neck/throat area has been swollen and painful. It was painful, and it seemed that there was no end in sight. For quite some time, and for the most part of the first year and a half, the "infection" that was causing my gland to swell, also caused an infection in my skin that resembled acne. From that point, I was determined to find what was wrong.

A visit to the doctor proved unsuccessful, as did a second opinion. I decided to "flush" my system out. While this did help with some of the pain on some days, the swelling would return, causing more pain. It seemed that this cycle was never ending, and I almost gave up and decided that it was something I'd have to live with.

A few months later, I reconsidered. I chose another physician, and tried my luck. She gave me some Bactroban for the skin on my face, which helped clear the blemishes overnight - literally! That was amazing, but she also gave me a "sulfa" type medication to clear the infection. She said to drink a lot of water, or the medication may cause trouble by storing in the liver. Well, being a person who has taken very few pharmaceutical medications in my lifetime, I obeyed her orders. One week later, and no more medication, the swelling had not subsided.

I once again returned, and let her know that there was some improvement, but that the problem still persisted. She this time prescribed two weeks worth of medication. Well this time, I had some internal pains that I assumed was a sign that my liver was being overtaxed. There was still no drastic improvement, so I decided that the doctors were not going to be able to provide a viable solution. The bloodwork did show that there was a very low to no chance of cancer or other serious problems.

Again, I felt defeated, and gave up again for a while. A few months later, I found myself wandering the isles of Wild Oats, and natural and herbal store along the same vein as Trader Joe's. My son was looking for something fun to buy, and I was just wandering aimlessly, wishing I had some of my herbal books to look a few things up. We paid, and as we were leaving, the cashier and I got to talking, and I mentioned the problem I have had, and she said, "Don't leave yet." She went and fetched the resident herbalist, who asked me my symptoms. I told her, but was not very hopeful. She immediately pulled a small brown bottle from the shelf, and when I saw the name of it, I was surprisingly hopeful. It was called Lymphatonic. There were several other brands and types of a similar concoction, but this tincture was the least expensive. She said I would need to take it for about two to three months, due to the length of time it had been swollen.

I have been taking the tincture for about a month and a half, and am happy to report that the swelling is nearly gone, and the pain has been substantially reduced! Although I feel that I have a good amount of time left before the problem has been completely cured, I feel like there will be a day when my gland returns to its normal size, and I will be pain free. Lymphatonic is designed to completely clean out the lymph nodes and glandular system, which is exactly what I needed.

The herbs in the particular tincture that I purchased are: Echinacea root, Red root, Ocotillo, Burdock root, Chinese Licorice root, fresh Dandelion (whole plant), Yellow Dock root, Wild Indigo roots, Blue Flag root, and Stillingia root. If you can't find the tincture, and you believe that you could benefit from these herbs, you can either make your own tincture from the herbs above, or try using them together in a tea. There are several online sources for lymph gland cleansing remedies, and they seem to have similar combinations of herbs, and would probably provide a similar benefit.

Drinking Aloe Vera Juice Aids Digestion

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:08:00 +0000

One of the most common modern uses for the aloe vera plant is as a healing agent to burns, cuts, or other wounds, and to reduce the severity of scarring. Aloes are some of the most healing plants found in nature, and are considered to be in the bitter category of herbs, and is a cathartic herb, helping to evacuate the bowels. If you're not already aware of the fact that you can take aloe internally, check for some in your local health food store. It's not particularly a tasty drink, but the benefits are simply incredible, and aloes contain a large variety of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When taking aloes, it is beneficial to either drink it either an hour or two before your first meal, or just before bedtime. Since it has such a positive effect on the digestive system, it is an excellent remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. It promotes regularity, prevents and relieves constipation, and is an excellent laxative.

Aloe is one of the best herbs to clean out the colon. It should be considered superior to over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives, which can have a much harsher result and could even disrupt your day with their unpredictable effects. Aloe is a much gentler method of relieving your symptoms. Aloe is also an excellent alternative to OTC "colon cleanse" concoctions, as aloe works naturally to gently break down impacted food residues and morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and colong, thoroughly cleansing the bowels. A toxic colon is the cause of a wide variety of illnesses. Since this process helps to reduce intestinal bloating, as the symptoms are eased the stress and discomfort subside as well.

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What Grocery Items Can You Not Live Without?

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:04:00 +0000

Everyone has different likes and dislikes, and items they just can't seem to leave the grocery store without buying. I happen to have a few things that I buy on a regular basis, and instead of buying ingredients for specific recipies, I generally try to find things I can make with my favorite ingredients. This may seem strange to some people, but if you have a favorite flavor that you try to work into your meals, you just might understand.

When I shop, the first things that end up in my cart just about every time are lemons and limes. I love to cook with garlic, so I usually have several variations of garlic available in my kitchen, as well. This includes fresh garlic, minced or chopped garlic, and powdered or granulated garlic. This, combined with a selection of fresh italian herbs, makes for a wonderful lemon-butter sauce for pasta, chicken, potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, or just about any other vegetables or grains that you may cook up. If you like things raw, you can make a garlic-lemon dressing, throw in some raisins, and create a fresh salad with all natural raw ingredients that beats the pants off of store bought dressings! What are your "must have" ingredients, found in your kitchen nearly all of the time?

Turning Watermelon into Candy

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:49:00 +0000

My kids just love watermelon. But they always leave a mess when they eat it, and making melon balls just gave me the opportunity to make my own mess. I wanted a cleaner way to let them eat it, and have a large supply of the fruit available for them to eat. So a few years ago, I decided to try out dehydrating watermelon. I wasn’t sure how well it would work, due to the large water content, but the end result was a treat for the taste buds comparable to candy. Here is how I did it:

Slice watermelon about ¼ inch thick, and place in the dehydrator. Dry the fruit for about 12 hours, then turn it over. At this point, it may be extremely sticky or soggy, but don’t fret – just continue to dehydrate another 12 hours on the other side. Once the melon is dry, pull it off, it may be stuck and similar to the consistency of a fruit roll-up.

I found that dried watermelon was passable as candy when I tested it on a few children in the neighborhood. Not only was it a hit, but the parents asked me where to buy it! They couldn’t believe that it was just dried watermelon – but they were sure impressed.

You can grow your own watermelon in the spring, summer, and fall - dehydrate anything you don't eat, and save it for winter. This is an excellent way to enjoy the flavor and healthy benefits of real watermelon all year long, without worrying about high supermarket prices or seasonal shortages!

The Sourdough Came Out Great!

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 26 May 2007 04:06:00 +0000

Okay, so I haven't posted very recently, but I was extremely distracted by the fun of making sourdough! With my first jar of sourdough starter - I didn't throw away the recommended 1/2 portion, I actually transfered it to another jar (jar #2), and fed it along with jar #1. The next day it had grown again, and I poured the hooch off the top of jar #1's contents, discarded the hooch, then stirred the remaining starter. (Hooch is the liquid that forms on the top of your starter.) With jar #2, I stirred the hooch that had separated - back into the starter. I fed both jars of starter equally, not throwing away any again. After the third day of feeding the two starters every 24 hours, I had a pretty sour smelling (in a pleasant way) starter in both jars. That's where the fun started.

I took half of each, and made the bread recipe first with one jar, and the other portion I put into jar #3. The kids loved the bread, my husband loved the bread. (He actually doesn't like sourdough, but he kept sneaking bits off of my portion, and said it was wonderful bread, but a little too sour for him.) So I fed the three starters, and planned some neat ideas to try for the next day.

When I awoke, my three jars of starter had each doubled, and I knew I'd better get ready to bake. The starter had a layer of froth on the top, and was bubbly throughout, so I knew it was ready, and is what you would call "proofed starter". So I made an unmeasured version of a cross between the bread and soft pretzels. (Just thought I should experiment while I had multiple batches of starter ready to go!) I probably used about 1-1/2 cups of starter, about 3 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. salt, 1 tbsp. oil, and enough flour to make a flexible soft dough. I set the dough to rise in a warm place (my oven - every hour or so I would turn it on, wait a moment, then turn it off, but if you have a light bulb in the oven, leave it on and that will be warm enough.)

When the dough had about doubled, I kneaded it again, and then separated it into golf-ball sized pieces. I rolled each piece between my hands to make a rpe. and then shaped them into pretzels. Back into the oven they went, and I let them rise and nearly double again. This sime when I took them out, I dropped them into boiling water one at a time until they float, then removed them. If they floated upon dropping them in, I removed them right away. I placed them onto a lightly greased pizza pan (comparable to a cookie sheet). I then used an egg wash (1 egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) and topped with sea salt. You can also use coarse salt. I baked them at 400 degrees on the top rack for about 10 minutes, or until golden. I have also had success baking them at 350 degrees for about 10 mintes, and they were just as delicious. (As I said, I've been having fun with the starter!)

Another thing I did with the sourdough bread was add about 1/4 cup of parmesian cheese, 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning, 1 tsp. pepper, 1 tbsp. garlic, 2 cups of proofed starter, 2 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. salt and enough flour to turn the dough into a light and silky dough. I let it rise to double the size, and then shaped it into a loaf and let it rise to double again. Then I turned on the oven, with the risen loaf inside, to 350 degrees, and baked it for about 20 to 40 minutes, or when browned on top.

I am now down to just two jars in the fridge, jars #1 and #2. I made about 4 dozen pretzels, 2 loaves of bread, 10 breadsticks, and 1/2-dozen bagels. It was loads of fun, and I took a rest from it for a few days, and my starter jars now reside on the top shelf of the fridge for now. I plan to use them again in a day or so, but perhaps I'll take it a little slower next time.

Easy Sourdough Starter Recipe - No Added Yeast!

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sun, 13 May 2007 05:40:00 +0000

Years ago, I used to make sourdough bread with just the yeast the flour and the air contained. I searched the internet recently, and actually found a very similar recipe, and as it turns out - one that's centuries old!

The starter is simple to make, just one cup of flour, and one cup of water. That's all you need, and probably a jar to keep it in once you've got your starter. For more information on making and fermenting your starter, and how to keep it and store it, this site seems to have very clear-cut instructions. I've purchased my jars, and am ready to get going on my starter. Hopefully I'll have a really tasty loaf of sourdough in a few days to a week!

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The Sourdough Came Out Great

How to Make Artichokes - And Eat Them, Too!

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Fri, 04 May 2007 04:21:00 +0000

One of the local stores in my area had a special on artichokes. Now, we live in a small town, so word spread fast. I got to the store, five artichokes for $5.00. Well, I'm from California (where nearly all U.S. artichokes come from), and it just didn't seem like a bargain to me. But I bought five of them anyway, they did look delicious. I eat mine with an unhealthy dose of mayonnaise, which some Californian's consider to be the "right" way. You can also use lemon juice, eat them plain, or another unhealthy choice - butter. They can be stuffed with just about anything, such as other vegetables, meats, or fish - and then baked. The can also be boiled, grilled, or steamed using a pressure cooker.

They are cooking as I write this, and I just realized that there were people out there who may wish to buy some, but aren't sure how to cook - or eat - an artichoke. They are fun to eat, taste delicious, and one or two is great as a meal in itself. But for those who want some simple instructions, here's a few links to get your artichokes cookin' - so have at it, and enjoy!

For more step-by-step instructions, visit How to Make Artichokes Using a Pressure Cooker.
For step-by-step instructions on how to cook artichokes, bright ideas, and entertaining anecdotes about artichokes, as well as instructions on how to eat them, Simply Recipies.
For some extra, added flare, learn how to stuff them by visiting What's Cooking America.

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A Few Things You May Not Know About Parsley

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Wed, 02 May 2007 21:01:00 +0000

Parsley is quite a wonderful and nutritious herb! Most people know that it's great for the breath after eating garlic, but not too many know what a power packed veggie it really is. Parsley is loaded with vitamin A, just like it's relative, the carrot - but parsley contains nearly 30,000 I.U. per ounce! Parsley is loaded with calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and would be similar to eating the same amount of spinach. It is also quite rich in vitamin C and iron.

But what else could parsley help you with? Parsley is a diuretic, which means that it can help you shed extra water weight, or help combat water retention, especially during menstruation. But don't over do it, just drop a teaspoonful intoboiled water, and slowly simmer for 10 minutes. You can drink it like you would any other herbal tea.

If you prefer fresh parsley, try adding a small handful into your salad, or drop it into your soup as you would with fresh kale. For an extra special treat, you can eat your parsley in a wonderful dish like tabouli (which is made with lots of parsley), falafel (also contains parsley), hummus, and lettuce folded into flatbread, and either topped with tahini or yogurt mint sauce. Yum!

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Cancer Cell Growth and What They Feed On

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:00:00 +0000

Cancer is one of the most well known and feared diseases, affecting millions of people every year. But by gaining an understanding of what feeds a cancer cell, you can learn to create an environment within your body that makes it extremely difficult for cancer cells to live. You may be surprised at which foods feed cancer cells, and it's not just foods. Substances used in our cookware, food storage containers, and wraps, as well as how we cook our foods, and other envronmental and emotional factors can encourage the growth of cancer cells.

Cancer cells thrive in acidic environments, and feed off of substances already present in the body such as mucus, or substances you put in your body, such as sugar and milk. Your body can become more or less acidic depending on your diet, with certain foods either helping to lessen the acidity, and other foods producing the acidic environment in which cancer cells thrive. With sugar and milk being major contributors to the growth of cancer cells, it could be speculated that the morning breakfast of cereal and milk could be could be creating the perfect growth medium for cancer. Sugar is hiding in most of our store-bought foods, and should be avoided as if it were cancer itself.

Since milk encourages the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, (among other extremely harmful effects of milk,) it can also be assumed that the combination of milk and sugar together could have detrimental effects on the immune system and the ability to fight off the growth and production of cancer cells. Meat based diets are acidic, an also produce the perfect growth medium for cancer cells. Meats like beef and pork (which are known to cause other health issues as well,) are livestock animals. These animals are raised on antibiotics and growth hormones, (including rBST and BGH) which are extremely harmful to our bodies, and commonly contain parasites (especially pork). Fish helps promote a healthy system, and chicken is far less harmful than other animal meats.

Eliminating the presence of milk and sugar from the diet, as well as lowering the acidity of the body, can work to "starve" cancer cells, giving them little to nothing to feed off of. An alkaline environment is a cancer "unfriendly" place for cells to grow. This can be achieved by developing a diet high in fresh vegetables and juices, whole grains, seeds and nuts, and some fruits. Limiting the amount of cooked foods in the diet can be extremely beneficial, providing your body with enzymes that promote and build healthy cells. Cooked foods should include beans, vegetables, fish, and rice. It's a good idea to keep in mind when preparing meals that these enzymes are destroyed at tempuratures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) and above.

Other factors that can produce a cancer friendly environment include caffiene, heavy metals in tap water, acidic distilled water, undigested meats, sugar substress and anger, and lack of oxygen in the cells. Green tea is a powerful anti-oxidant, and contains substances that actually fight cancer. Dioxin chemicals also cause cancer, and can get into your food sources through plasics. Avoid microwaving in or on plastic, such as fridge-to-microwave storage containers, and plastic wrap. Dioxins can also be found in water that has been frozen in a plastic water bottle, and should not be done. Heating high-fat foods in the microwave in or on plastic can also lead to dioxins entering into the body. Use containers and plates made of tempered glass, Corning Ware, Pyrex, or ceramic containers for microwave cooking and heating. Ramen and frozen dinners should be removed from their plastic containers before microwaving. Use paper towels instead of Saran Wrap to cover foods when heating, because the toxins actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip onto the food.

Getting the Most Leafy-Green Nutrition Out of Your Salads

noreply@blogger.com (thinsurface) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:33:00 +0000

Chances are, if you don't know a whole lot about the valuable nutrition of the various types of lettuce, you're buying a bag of pre-mixed lettuce, carrots, and cabbage, dabbing some dressing on it, and calling it a salad. Don't get me wrong, eating a salad of any kind beats a burger in the vita-race hands down. But iceberg lettuce is not the most nutritious lettuce you can offer up in your salads. Iceberg lettuce is mostly water, and does not offer a great deal of nutrition or dietary fiber. However, there are plenty of options to make your salad a gourmet treat, while getting more of the vitamins and fiber your body needs.

There are a great number of colorful varieties of lettuce and leafy greens you can put in your bowl, but some of them offer more vitamins than others. If you want to get the most nutrition out of your salad, try experimenting with the more colorful varieties of lettuce. The general rule of thumb with salad nutrition, is that the more colorful the ingredients in your salad bowl, the more nutrition it will offer. Dark green leafy vegetables offer a great deal of calcium, which is a suitable replacement for the suggested intake of dairy milk.

Romaine lettuce is an emerald green variety that is perfect for a Caesar salad, as well as a great addition to any chicken salads, and tastes great with heavy flavored dressings, such as sesame. You can usually buy Romaine in packages of three oblong heads, and most grocers also offer an alternative organic brand as well. Kale is very dark green, thick, and crisp. It makes an excellent last-minute addition to soups because it holds up well under the heat, and adds a wonderful flavor - great with small pieces of Italian sausage (or vegetarian substitute). Loose-leaf varieties, such as butterleaf, green, and red lettuce, have ruffled edges, and are an excellent lettuce for making dinner salads. Mesclun mixes are available either in pre-mixed bags, or in self-serve bins in the produce section. It usually includes endive, arugula, and chicories, and creates a beautiful mixture of varied greens, reds, and mohagany in your bowl.

For a real treat, try using a combination of lemon juice, sunflower seeds, and raisins instead of salad dressing - it produces a sweet and sour flavor, is low-fat, and compliments the flavor of almost any salad blend. Adding other colorful fruits, vegetables, and natural foods can help pack in the vitamins, protiens, and minerals your body needs to function properly, such as tomatoes, yellow or white corn, kidney beans, avocados, parmesian or cubed cheese, tofu, seeds (sesame and sunflower are delicious!), nuts, sprouts, bell peppers, jalapenos, onions, and garlic are just a few flavorful additions you can add to your creations!