Wild Harvesting - Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale)

Northern Bedstraw also commonly known as Clevers (it flowers eventually - little white flowers that grow in little forked clusters - if you search the net you can find lots of photos:)

Northern Bedstraw is related to coffee, the seeds can be dried, roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. The leaves and roots are often used to make tea. It is considered the fantastic lymphatic tonic, and is both alternative and diuretic. It has a long tradition of using in reducing tumors. A cautionary note continual use of this plant can irritate your mouth. It is suggested that people with poor circulation and diabetes avoid it!

Traditional Uses:

• Bladder Health Maintenance
• Bronchitis
• Cellular Regeneration
• Cleansing
• Detoxification
• Fever
• Immune System
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Respiratory Health Maintenance
• Skin Infections
• Swollen Glands
• Ulcers
• Urinary Tract Gravel
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Water Retention

More interesting Points:

• Bedstraw plants were used to make sweet-smelling hot compresses to stop bleeding and soothe sore muscles.
• Bedstraw tea has been used as a weight loss aid. It is said to speed up the metabolism of stored fat and to reduce weight in about 6 weeks.
• In the past decoctions of it were often used as a contraceptive.
• Diaphoretic and Diuretic
• A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
• The fresh juice of bedstraw has been used for treating scurvy.
• The herb tea was used internally and externally as a folk remedy against abnormal growths and the juice contains citric acid, which is reported to have activity against abnormal growths.

Dosage

• Juice: Blend the fresh herb in a food processor and strain. Drink half a glass a day.
• Infusion: Pour boiling water over 3-4g of cut Cleaver and allow to steep for 10 minutes before straining. Drink two to three cups per day. The cooled infusion can also be used as a wash or poultice for inflamed skin.
• Tincture: Take 20 to 30 drops in water, as required.

Sources:
http://montana.plant-life.org/species/galium_boreale.htm
http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encyclopedias/Bedstraw.htm
http://www.health24.com/natural/Herbs/17-666-676,33341.asp

Wild Harvesting - Fireweed

Fireweed leaves and roots are low in Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. They are also a good source of Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium and Manganese! Excellent for men to take for a healthy prostate gland. The flowers are nice in salads, jellies and vinegars.

Fireweed

• Anti-inflammatory, laxative, antispasmodic (whole plant) is usable
• Shoots and young stems are peeled and can be eaten raw or steamed as a substitute for asparagus.
• Young leaves are edible in salads or in soups or steeped for use as a tonic tea for upset stomach.
• The leaves should only be used when they are young, and with moderation. Infusions of leaves have been known to cause nausea.
• Contains agents that cause tissue to contract, and that soften and soothe the skin when applied locally.

Root and Flowers Tincture - for prostate gland
Before flowering turn leaves into tincture after flowering harvest roots also tincture combine root and flower tinctures before use.
to make a tincture.... (one part plant to one part good quality vodka keep in a jar with a plastic lid)
10 drops 3 times a day for men is very good (harvest and tincture separately then combine) - let your tinctures sit for one full cycle of the moon to be ready before using.

Sources:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/3048/2
http://montana.plant-life.org/species/epilob_angus.htm

Wild Harvesting - Wormwood

'While Wormwood hath seed get a handful or twaine

To save against March, to make flea to refraine:

Where chamber is sweeped and Wormwood is strowne,

What saver is better (if physick be true)

For places infected than Wormwood and Rue?

It is a comfort for hart and the braine

And therefore to have it it is not in vaine.'

So it keeps away bugs :) But wormwood is also good for a number of other things...
With the exception of Rue, Wormwood is the bitterest herb known, but it is very wholesome and used to be in much request by brewers for use instead of hops. On our walk we were told that it is also great for digestion and that tea made it helps to dry out breast milk in women. Topically it has many antiseptic qualities and is also good for smoothing the skin. A good way to identify wormwood is to give it a sniff - it smells a lot like sage - in fact many people here refer to it as Wild Sage. When I'm done posting the next few things I'll start posting more recipes - along with photos...

In some religious practices such as Wicca, both Wormwood and Mugwort are believed to have multiple effects on the psychic abilities of the practitioner. Because of the power believed to be inherent in certain herbs of the genus Artemisia, many believers cultivate the plants in a "moon garden". The beliefs surrounding this genus are founded upon the strong association between the herbs of the genus Artemisia and the moon goddess Artemis, who is believed to hold these powers.

Uses and some interesting facts...

• Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
  
• Mosquito repellent (decanted into water and sprayed onto the skin or used as a smudge or rub it directly on)
  
• Leaves in a tea kills pinworms
• Burn to clean the air in your home
• Good in skin tonics antiseptic qualities
• Some have allergies use carefully if ingesting!
• Good for digestion – a bitter
• Topically smoothes skin
• Good in a bath on the full moon mid winter for women
• Some have taken dried Wormwood, placed it inside a coffee filter to form a sort of "pod" and then placed them under furniture and such as a natural way of repelling fleas from their home.
• The aperitif vermouth (derived from the German word Wermut, "wormwood") is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood.
  
• The highly potent spirit absinthe, also contains wormwood.
  
• Wormwood has been used medicinally as a tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic.
• A sachet made of wormwood leaves will keep moths at bay.
• Putting dried sprigs of wormwood in the garden along side carrots
  and onions will mask their scent, confusing insects in particular the
  carrot rust fly.
  
• The dried wormwood will not have the growth inhibiting
  effects of the fresh herb.

A Wormwood "Tea" to keep the bugs at bay!

• 8 ounces wormwood leaves
• 4 pints of water
• 1 teaspoon castile soap

Effective against: Aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles, mosquitos and moths.
1.Simmer wormwood leaves in the water for 30 minutes. Stir, strain, and leave to cool.
2.Add the castille soap to wormwood mixture and use to spray.

OR try this...

Insect repellent
Mix thoroughly crushed fresh wormwood leaves with apple cider vinegar one to one ratio.
This mixture is put into a small piece of gauze or cheesecloth. The ends are folded up and tied to make a little bag, and the bag is rubbed over the skin of humans or pets to repel mosquitoes, gnats, and horseflies.

Harvesting:
To harvest for future use in insect teas, dried arrangements or sachets
you will pick the upper portions of the stalks when they are in full flower and
there is no moisture on the plant. Generally flowering occurs after July. Be
sure to pick any damaged leaves off your stalks. Tie the stem ends together
in bundles. Hang them upside down in a shady spot. Let them air dry like
this for a few days. We then put them into glass containers with tightly screwed
down lids. Store in a dark place.

Sources:
http://www.ghorganics.com/Wormwood.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0007/ai_2603000742/pg_2/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormwood
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wormwo37.html

Wild Harvesting - Horsetail

Horsetail (equisetum arvense, scouring rush, shavegrass)

Okay ignore the dandelions that are in the middle of the nice horsetail stand I found in this photo :) - you get the idea.... Most people use horsetail as a tea (how to at the end of this posting also a shampoo recipe...)

Horsetail contains high concentrations of silicic acid and other silicates. Horsetail also contains potassium, aluminum, and manganese, along with variety of flavonoids. These flavonoids, as well as other substances found in horsetail, are what appear to provide this herb with strong diuretic effects that promote the loss of water from the body. A few herbal specialists believe that the organic silicon concentrations found in horsetail may also promote bone and cartilage formation and are useful for treating brittle nails and related conditions.

Interesting point...
Because horsetail can absorb minerals better than most other plants, it is used by agronomists to check for mercury and other pollutants in the soil. One of the benefits of horsetail is its ability to detoxify heavy metals from the body. The minerals from horsetail act as a kind of chelator, passing the waste out through the kidneys. Horsetail can restore vitality to the kidneys by helping relieve these most precious organs of acid buildup.

Suggested Uses
Taken internally, horsetail is may be useful in connection with the following conditions and symptoms:

• Inflammation or mild infections of the genitourinary tract
• Kidney stones
• Urinary Tract Infection

Horsetail also can be applied externally to treat the following:

• Wounds (especially poorly healing ones)
• Burns
• Rheumatic conditions
• Fractures
• Sprains

Precautions:

• Horsetail remedies prepared from Equisetum arvense are generally considered safe. Another species of horsetail, however, called Equisetum palustre is poisonous to horses.
  
• Prolonged use of even the safe form of horsetail (E. arvense) is also not advised only take for two weeks at a time internally (can be hard on your kidneys).
  
• Taking horsetail by mouth may cause levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) in the body to drop. If you take horsetail on a regular basis, you should also take a quality multivitamin or at least a B complex supplement daily.
• People with heart or kidney disorders, diabetes, or gout should not use horsetail.
• Do not drink alcohol regularly while taking horsetail, because horsetail may cause levels of thiamin to drop.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take horsetail.

• Nicotine patches or gum -- Horsetail contains some nicotine, and should not be used if you are also using nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin) -- Horsetail may cause low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) in the body. People with heart arrhythmias and those taking digoxin should not use horsetail.
• Diuretics (water pills) -- Horsetail may have weak diuretic properties, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid. People who take diuretics should not take horsetail due to the risk of dehydration or low potassium (hypokalemia).

A few more points

• Horsetail has a variety of anti-fungal uses. As a garden spray, a small handful of dried herb simmered in a quart of water for 10 minutes will eliminate molds. Biodynamic farmers provide their animals with horsetail tea when they get hoof rot. They make it by the barrel and splay it on their fields with a whiskbroom.
• some people believe Brandy not Vodka works best to make a horsetail tonic with.
  
• Horsetail tincture is effective against sweaty feet. Just massage the clean feet with horsetail every night. It is also a good treatment for athlete's foot. Just boil the plant in water and when cold enough soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• Horsetail has not been commonly used in modern American mainstream herbal medicine for asthma. Tea and juice are used for asthma in German herbal medicine. The tea is used as a remedy for pediatric asthma in Japan.

To make tea:
Pour eight ounces of boiling water over 4 level tsp. of dried herb or fresh. Cover and steep for 3 minutes." A delicate person should drink no more than 1-1/2 cups a day, after meals, in divided doses. Sometimes a horsetail bath helps. For this, use 7 ounces of dried herbs or 6 quarts of fresh herb. Soak the horsetail overnight in enough cold water to cover the plants. In the morning, heat and strain off the liquid. Enjoy a 20-minute soak. "

Fresh Juice:
Difficult unless you have a good quality juicer or blend with a little water in a vitamix. Juicing horsetail shortens their life. . Preserve each four parts of horsetail juice with one part of 95% grain alcohol. Dose: 1-3 tablespoons, practically, take a large mouth full.

** Unlike the dry tea, the fresh juice of horsetail can break down riboflavin, and should not be used long term, or short term by pregnant or nursing women.

Horsetail Soapwort Shampoo:
7 T. snipped fresh horsetail stems * 7 T. grated dried soapwort root * 1 gallon water
Soak grated soapwort root in water overnight, then drain. Boil water, add the horsetails and grated soapwort root that sat in it overnight, and boil for 15 minutes. Take off of heat, and let sit for one hour. Strain, bottle and refrigerate. Use 1 cup of shampoo to wash hair.

Tincture

Creating a Tincture

Once harvested, the vegetative stalks of horsetail can be dried and used to make a tea, but it is preferable to make a tincture from the fresh herb as it loses much of its potency when dried. Within one to two hours of harvesting, chop the herb very fine and fill some bottles to the top. Then fill them up with a mixture of 30-40% alcohol with water. This will make approximately a 1:5 fresh horsetail tincture. The bottles should be stored in the dark and shaken once or twice per day for about a month. Then they can be left to sit for at least another two months. This three month period is the minimum amount of time to produce a good quality tincture. However, as long as the bottles are well sealed and stored in the dark they will keep almost indefinitely.

When you are ready to use it, shake the bottles a few times a day for a couple of days then press and filter their contents and you have a fresh horsetail tincture. Once the tincture is pressed it begins to degrade and should be used within six months to a year. You can extend the shelf life by storing it in several smaller bottles filled to the top and only using one bottle at a time until finished.

The dosage is three to five millilitres, three to four times per day for chronic conditions, six to eight times per day for acute conditions. Always take it on an empty stomach. The best time is 10-15 min. before meals and 30-60 min. before bed.

Sources:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-horsetail.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/horsetail-000257.htm
http://www.pshm.org/clinical_tidbits.shtml
http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Summer2003/Horsetails/tabid/1483/Default.aspx
http://www.botanical-online.com/medicinalsequisetoangles.htm

Wild Harvesting - Dandelions

I went on a fantastic wild herb walk yesterday with a local Herbalist. I'm feeling so inspired! I've decided to dedicate my next few posts to a few wild edible/medicinal plants that can be found in the Canadian Boreal forest - The first one something that is common almost everywhere. Dandelions which according to the USDA rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value.

Nutrients: Dandelions are a great source of beta-carotene, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver. They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein. Dandelion heads are also rich in micronutrients such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron, and molybdenum, as well as Vitamin D. The sodium in dandelion roots is believed important in reducing inflammations of the liver.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) -
acts as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health also great for the liver and skin.

Flower Heads

• Very high in vitamin D when eaten (tea, tincture or pull apart and sprinkle over salads)
  
• Good dried in the winter months as a source of vitamin D (teas)
• Excellent for the skin in washes or skin creams - cleanses your skin and eliminate acne
• One of the only plants in the Boreal that carries vitamin D

Root

• A good liver cleanser
• Best gathered in late summer or in the fall.
  
• Wash well and chop do not peel! - most of the nutrients are in the outer layer
  
• Dry and store in jars for tea

To harvest the roots... Avoid breaking the roots, use a long trowel or a fork, lifting steadily and carefully. Shake off as much of the earth as possible and then cleanse the roots, the easiest way being to leave them in a basket in a running stream so that the water covers them, for about an hour, or shake them, bunched, in a tank of clean water. Cut off the crowns of leaves, but be careful in so doing not to leave any scales on the top. Do not cut or slice the roots or the valuable milky juice on which their medicinal value depends will be wasted by bleeding.

Leaves
Bitter - you can toss them into a salad or dry them and use in teas or to remove some of the bitterness soak the in water for an hour or two - also great steamed with other greens oil, garlic and salt. Best leaves are the young ones (less bitter)

• Good for digestion
• Excellent for gas
• improve your bowel function, works equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea
• lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half.

A few more points:

• Dandelions contain Inulin, which converts to fructose in the presence of cold or hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Fructose forms glycogen in the liver without requiring insulin, resulting in a slower blood sugar rise, which makes it good for diabetics and hypoglycemics.
• Taking Dandelions extract (tinctures) have been proven to doubling of bile output with leaf extracts, and a quadrupling of bile output with root extract.
  
• In studies from 1941 to 1952, the French scientist Henri Leclerc demonstrated the effectiveness of dandelion on chronic liver problems related to bile stones. He found that roots gathered in late summer to fall are most effective, when they are rich in bitter, white milky latex.
• Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused due to microbial and fungal infection, as this sap is highly alkaline and have germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Care should be taken while using this sap as to avoid its contact with eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema etc. without risk.
• The fresh juice of Dandelion is applied externally to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns and warts.

As Food

• In Wales, they grate or chop up Dandelion roots, two years old, and mix them with the leaves in salad.
• The young leaves may also be boiled as a vegetable, spinach fashion, thoroughly drained, sprinkled with pepper and salt, moistened with soup or butter and served very hot. If considered a little too bitter, use half spinach, but the Dandelion must be partly cooked first in this case, as it takes longer than spinach. As a variation, some grated nutmeg or garlic, a teaspoonful of chopped onion or grated lemon peel can be added to the greens when they are cooked.
• Dandelion can be fermented and made into a nice stout beer or wine.
• The roasted roots can be used to make Dandelion Coffee, (clean well first!), dry, and slightly roast till they are the tint of coffee, then grind in a coffee mill.

Precautions: (information from the University of Maryland Medical Center)
www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some individuals, however, may develop an allergic reaction from touching dandelion, and others may develop mouth sores. If you have an allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion. In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin if applied topically.

People with gallbladder problems and gallstones should consult a health care provider before eating dandelion.

Possible Interactions:

Dandelion leaf is a diuretic and may increase the excretion of drugs from the body. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care provider before taking dandelion leaf. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use dandelion preparations without first talking to your health care provider:

• Lithium -- Animal studies suggest that dandelion may worsen the side effects associated with lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
• Antibiotics, quinolone -- One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may decrease the absorption of quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin) from the digestive tract. It is not known whether Taraxacum officinale, also known as common dandelion, would interact with these antibiotics in the same way. As a precaution, dandelion should not be taken at the same time as these antibiotics.
• Antacids -- Avoid antacids and other medicines that lower stomach acid, such as Pepcid, Taganet, Zantac, and others.

posting sources (besides our local herbalist :)

• http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm
• http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
• http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
• http://vitaminlady.com/Articles/Dandelion.asp

Recipes to follow in a day or two!

Juice Cleanse Day 6

I wrote last week about how my allergies have come back this year after a wheat and dairy binge last month. There has also been a lot more pollen in the air this summer than usual so I'm sure that isn't helping either. This week I decided to go on a short juice fast to strengthen my immune system. After the first day I was feeling better - and each morning as I go along I'm feeling more and more like myself. I'm convinced all over again that for me juicing and a mainly raw - vegan diet is the way to go. It is hard to stick with at times but, it does seem to be the diet my body prefers.

Wishing Day - New Moon

Today - a bit about the new moon just for fun.

Did you know that many astrologers call new moons "wishing" days - and believe that if you direct your energies in the right way your wish has a greater chance of coming true.

Generally speaking, the moon represents the subconscious mind and reflects our needs, and the sun our conscious mind and our wants. Lots of times our needs and wants are in conflict and when this happens need almost always wins out over want. Ever heard someone say to you "you are sabotaging yourself"? - that is most likely your moon at work - some subconscious need that is getting in the way of your conscious want (ie wanting to lose weight but, subconsciously associating weight with feeling safe).

The magic of the new moon is that for one day each month the moon is more open to listening to the wants of the sun. So today think about taking 15 minutes to take stock of your desires - let your sun speak - tell yourself what you want - the moon is listening.

Confession...

For the past few months I've been eating more cooked food and for the past month some gluten and dairy - the consequences - my allergies (gone for over a year) are back and for the past 2 weeks with a vengance - yuck. What a great reminder - juicing and eating well makes me healthy - wheat/dairy make me sick. Time for a short juice fast - it will be interesting to see how quickly I can clean up my system and get rid of my allergies - again - sigh.

Yogi "Iced" Tea

A good friend showed me how to make this a few months ago - it has quickly become my favourite drink. Spicy, energizing and cleansing it is a great general tonic for your system. Traditionally you drink it hot with milk (50/50 nut/rice/soy or regular if you do cow - some believe the milk aids in digestion of the tea) - I like mine plain. We tried it cold a few weeks ago and found it was a really nice iced tea - I'm not sure if the health benefits are the same drinking it cold but, on a hot summer day it is a nice refreshing drink.

Yogi Iced Tea

• 1 largish knot of ginger cut into chunks
  
• 2 pieces of cinnamon bark
• 4 or 5 black pepper corns
  
• Seeds from 1/2 a green cardamom pod
  3 cloves

(all ingredients to taste - play with amounts)
Place all in a large pot of water and bring to a boil - simmer for about a 1/2 hr then refrigerate for iced tea. OR can be made like a sun tea - place all into a large jar and place in a sunny spot for a day or two.

A little about Yogi Tea & Cleansing... (taken from www.sahej.com)
"In the yoga tradition, Monday is a good day to increase the cleansing fluids in your body. Many people will use Monday as a liquid fast day. Then yogi tea or juices are used exclusively for a good systemic flush. People interested in a more powerful cleansing with the tonic use it periodically for a three day fast. Each day they will consume 8 to 24 cups. Because of its immediate energizing effect it is often used as a substitute to ease someone off of caffeine, coffee, cigarettes and even drug habits. It has tremendous effectiveness in warding off colds, lowering respiratory infections and fighting off the effects of flu."

Full Moon In Sagittarius

Intuition vs Faith.

Full Moon on Thursday, May 27th, 2010, at 7:07 PM EDT.

This Full Moon is about communication, attitude, and our sense of adventure. Whatever has been building inside of us since the new moon is ready to come out. Over the next two weeks, we will clarify what this means for us. It's time to express ourselves carefully, and to speak your truth to those who matter to you.

Uranus will enter Aries the day of the Full Moon (a sign he has not occupied since the mid-1930s) which makes this an impulsive time. But remember to ask yourself before you speak Where is my focus? What are my goals?

If you take the time to stay grounded, this will be a powerful lunar event that can help to bring your closer to your dreams. "Be brave and mighty forces will come to your aid" and all that :)

For more check out

http://www.astrogrrl.com/2010/05/full-moon-in-sagittarius-may-27-2010.html

Simply Salsa

A very simple salsa recipe great with dehydrated corn chips.

Simply Salsa

• 4 vine ripened tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 medium clove garlic
• 1/2 squeezed lime
• 1/4 fresh jalapeno pepper seeded
• 1/4 cup red onion

Quarter and seed tomatoes, chop cilantro add all to a food processor and lightly process until well blended. Cover and set in fridge for 2 hours to let flavours marry.

Fat Burning Foods

There are several foods that are amazing fat burners. Following are a list of fruit/veg that will kick start the fat burning/toxin flushing process taken from "Burn Fat & Flatten your Stomach" Paul Richardson (http://www.articledashboard.com)

Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes contain high concentrations of Vitamin C (this is also called ascorbic acid). This Vitamin C has a fat burning quality.
Vitamin C reduces the efficacy of fat. It reduces its content and can dissolve or dilute fat. By diluting the fat, it makes it less effective, and easier to flush out of your system. Vitamin C also works on cholesterol deposits. Vitamin C can help burn out the cholesterol, hence, making it difficult for cholesterol deposits to form in blood vessels.

Soybeans contain lecithin, this chemical will shield your cells from accumulating fat. This chemical prevents, like a shield, fat from forming on your cells. It will also break down oily deposits in your body. Snack on soybeans at least 3 times a week and you'll be boosting your bodies ability to get rid of fat. You can find soybeans in most health food stores.

Apples, Berries, Fresh Fruit containing a substance call pectin. Pectin is a great chemical found in almost all berries and fresh fruit - the pectin is contained in the cell walls of fruits and common in apples. Pectin limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb. This will put a natural limitation on the amount of fat your cells can absorb. Pectin, once in your system, has a water binding property, it absorbs watery substances, and these watery substances in turn bombards the cells and makes it release fat deposits.

Garlic oil or the juice of garlic has a considerable protective quality to cells which help to reduce fatty deposits. When taken, it brings down the levels of fat. Garlic powder, oil or various types of seasonings with garlic has huge antibacterial and antibiotic qualities which can cure many ailments. It also has the power to reduce fat in the cell walls of the intestine. considerably.

Asparagus contains the chemical asparagine. The asparagine is a type of alkaloid which stimulates the kidneys and enhances the circulatory system. These alkaloids affect the cells and break down fat. It also contains a chemical that helps to take away waste from the body by breaking up the oxalic acid, this acid tends to glue fat to cells, so by breaking the acid up, it helps to reduce fat levels.

Beets are a strong diuretic that focuses on the liver and kidneys. Beets flush out floating body fats. They have a special iron the cleanses the corpuscles, corpuscles are blood cells that can contain fat deposits. Beets amazingly also contain a chlorine that also helps to flush out fatty deposits. This chlorine stimulates the lymph which will clear out the fat deposits.

Brussel Spouts: stimulate the glands, the pancreas especially, which releases hormones the has a cleansing effect on the cells. There are also minerals the stimulate the kidneys. Waste is released quicker and it helps to clean out the cells.

Cabbage will help to cleanse your body of waste matter because it contains sulfur and iodine, which helps to cleanse the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Cabbage is a great food if you should have a tummy or a middle age spread. The diuretic in cabbage will help to break up the fat in this area.

Carrots contains carotene, a form of Vitamin A, this carotene will start a fat flushing reaction in your system. This effect will literally wash out fat and waste quickly. The carotene will be changed into vitamin A in the intestines and this process will create a speed up in your metabolism and cause a reaction in your cells to remove fat deposits.

Celery in the raw, not cooked, has a high strength of Calcium in a ready to use form, so when you eat it, the calcium is sent directly to work. This pure form of calcium will ignite your endocrine system. The hormones in your body will break down up the accumulated fat build up. Celery also has a high level of magnesium and iron which will clean out your system.

Cucumber contains a high sulfur and silicon content. These minerals work to stimulate the kidneys to clean out uric acid, which is a waste product. With this uric acid being washed out, it stimulates the removal of fat, and loosens the fat from the cells.

Horseradish (natural root form) has an amazing effect of dissolving fat in cells (no side effects) and also as a cleansing effect on the body.

Lettuce contains iron and magnesium. These minerals will enter your spleen, your spleen helps your immunity and protects the body from illness. The spleen will use these minerals make them stronger, and send them to the cells and tissues. Lettuce also helps the liver, increase your metabolism, and wash out fatty cells. The darker lettuces have more of the minerals. So add Lettuce to your diet NOW!

Onions, similar to garlic, have minerals and oils that will help to breakdown fat deposits and speed up your metabolism. Have raw onions every day, it has more power than garlic and with the milder smell, it will make an excellent addition to your diet.

Radishes scrub the mucous membrane of the body because it contains high levels of Iron and Magnesium. These minerals actually help to dissolve fat in the cells.

Tomatoes have high Vitamin C and Citrimalic oxalic acids. The acid will accelerate the metabolic process. It also helps the kidneys to release more water and helps to wash away fat. Tomatoes have a high level of natural acids with the enzyme activated minerals prompt the kidneys to filter out large quantities of fatty deposits and then you get rid of them from your system.

Apple Cider Vinegar one of the best liquid diuretics in small quantities. You can add it to your salad as a dressing. What makes this such a powerful diuretic is this: It is made from apples and the malic acid in apples will create a fat burning process.

12 Cell Salts

My friend sent me an interesting link today. The link is to an article written by Robert Wilkinson called "The 12 Cell Salts and Their Astrology Signs"
So what are Cell Salts?
Cell Salts (Biochemic Salts or Tissue salts) are also sometimes known as Schuessler Salts because the concept was developed by Dr William H. Schuessler, a German physician, in the late 1800's. He recognized that twelve of the inorganic salts found in our bodies have specific biological functions. Dr. Schuessler felt that if the body was lacking in any of these salts, a loss in health occurred and that this deficiency could be corrected with micro-doses of these salts. Schuessler Salts are inorganic minerals found in nature as a salt. They form part of the composition of the earth. Tissue salts are usually prepared as tablets made with lactose powder (lactose free versions are also available) - they can also be found in our food so I thought worth a post to examine which foods the salts are found in.

The twelve salts are:

• Calcium fluoride (calc fluor)
• Calcium phosphate (calc phos)
• Calcium sulfate (calc sulph)
• Potassium chloride (kali mur)
• Potassium phosphate (kali phos)
• Potassium sulfate (kali sulph)
• Sodium phosphate (nat phos)
• Sodium sulfate (nat sulph)
• Sodium chloride (nat mur)
• Ferric pyrophosphate (ferrum phos)
• Magnesium phosphate (mag phos)
• Silicon dioxide (silicea)

So to the article… about the astrological correspondences for the 12 Cell Salts which is interesting because many people believe their ascendant sign dictates their basic chemical makeup....

Here it is

The 12 Cell Salts and Their Astrology Signs
by Robert Wilkinson

http://www.aquariuspapers.com/astrology/2008/04/the-12-cell-sal.html

A friend thought the astrological correspondences for the 12 Cell Salts would be an article many would find useful, so welcome to today's subject for consideration. The 12 cell salts are considered to be necessary to our health, and I have found over the years that the salts corresponding to the Ascendant and sign on the 6th house are very important in our biochemical workings.

The Ascendant, of course, represents the physical vehicle and therefore the primary chemical makeup of a person. The sign on the 6th house also shows important factors concerning the physical health, since the 6th represents the health of an individual. I've also found that if a person has a stellium (3 or more planets) in a given sign, that mineral salt needs to be kept in the diet regularly, as do the substances ruled by the Moon sign, since the Moon rules our absorption and is active in our biochemical processes on a constant basis.

Apart from these few suggestions, there are other astrological factors that show our need for various salts. However, thanks to our fascist AMA, there are some strict laws governing what can and cannot be said regarding our health and what substances we might need. Therefore I cannot offer suggestions in this forum as to what you may need.

So that you may get the maximum benefit from this article, in addition to offering you the sign correspondences, I'll also offer you a few foods that are high in certain salts. Obviously there are other foods with these mineral salts in them, so don't confine yourself to what you read here. Please feel free to explore the subject to whatever degree you are called to do so, and if you find that certain salts (or foods) seem beneficial to your health, then by all means find the diet and/or supplements that work for you.

What follows are the astrological correspondences to the cell salts:

Aries - Potassium Phosphate, said to be good as a brain food helpful for nerve and brain imbalances. Foods containing this salt include Parsley, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Linseed Meal, Peanuts, Milk, Buttermilk, Cheese and Avocados.

Taurus - Sodium Sulphate,, said to be good in regulating the water supply in the body system, decreasing or increasing it as needed. Foods containing this salt include Cauliflower, Lettuce, Cabbage, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, Egg Yolks, Celery, Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi, and Milk.

Gemini - Potassium Chloride, said to be good for forming and distributing fibrin throughout the body, thereby moderating coagulation. When clogging occurs, it is associated with sinus and throat problems as well as fibrous growths. Foods containing this salt include Cheese, Egg Yolks, Radishes, Coconuts, Lentils, Carrots, Spinach, Asparagus, and Sauerkraut.

Cancer - Calcium Flouride, said to be good for muscle and ligament tonicity, (thus helping prevent muscle prolapsis) as well as healthy teeth enamel. Foods containing this salt include Turnips, Asparagus, Beets, Goat Cheese, Kelp, Garlic, and Pineapple.

Leo - Magnesium Phosphate, said to be good for healthy nerve tissue, thus assisting nerve transmission. Foods containing this salt include Cauliflower, Cabbage, Asparagus, Beechnuts, Almonds, Whole Wheat, as well as fruits such as Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Grapefruit, Figs, Gooseberries, Peaches, and Cherries.

Virgo - Potassium Sulphate, said to be good for circulation of oils through our body, which supposedly assists digestion and kidney function, as well as excretion of toxins through the skin. Foods containing this salt include Cauliflower, Lettuce, Cabbage, Onions, Celery, Brussel Sprouts, Tomatoes and Cucumbers.

Libra - Sodium Phosphate, said to be good for balancing the acid-alkaline function in our bodies, thus helping all acid conditions which affect the nervous system. Foods containing this salt include Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Buttermilk, Brown Rice, Tomato juice, Cirtus fruits and juices, Whole Wheat products, Lentils, Vegetable Greens, Asparagus, and Parsley.

Scorpio - Calcium Sulphate, said to be good for building and sustaining epithelial tissue, thus supposedly good for all skin diseases. Foods containing this salt include Cauliflower, Lettuce, Cabbage, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, Egg Yolks, Celery, Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi, and Milk.

Sagittarius - Silica, said to be good for building and maintaining skin, hair, nails, and nerve coverings, as well as removing decomposed matter from the skin. Foods containing this salt include Endive, Barley, Oats, raw Cabbage, Cucumber skins, Shredded Wheat, Rye and Whole Wheat products, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Gooseberries, and Strawberries.

Capricorn - Calcium Phosphate, said to be good as a bone builder and helpful in any bone disease. Foods containing this salt include Parsley, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Linseed Meal, Peanuts, Milk, Buttermilk, Cheese and Avocados.

Aquarius - Sodium Chloride, said to be good for regulaitng the water supply throughout the body, thus affecting elimination and how "cool" or "hot" we are regardless of the temperature. Foods containing this salt include Onions, Celery, Tomatoes, Almonds, Apples, Spinach, Peaches, Pecans, Lentils, Sauerkraut, Eff Yolks, Swiss chard, and Roquefort and Goat Cheese.

Pisces - Ferrous Phosphate, said to be good for transporting oxygen throughout the body, thus aiding circulation which assists the purifying and stimulating of internal organs. Foods containing this salt include Raisins, Prunes, Plums, Grapes, Figs, Oranges, Spinach, Currants, Mushrooms, Dates, Beets, Wheat Bran, and Lima Beans.

You can find more about the 12 salts and supposed symptoms for their deficiency in your body by going to http://www. DoctorYourself.com

(This list of foods corresponding to the 12 cellular tissue salts was originally published in "Wynn's Astrology" magazine, March 1941, in the article "Zodiacal Salts and Diet" by A.J. Haworth, D.C.)

© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson

An apple juice a day...

"It is remarkable how closely the history of the Apple-tree is connected with that of man." -- Henry David Thoreau

Always juice your apples with the peel on, raw apple juice contains a substantial amount of vitamin A due to the juice from the apple peel. Vitamin A plays a particularly important role in your vision, and many other bodily functions. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that is also found in raw apple juice.

Raw apple juice contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber reduces your risk of heart disease by preventing buildup of cholesterol in your blood vessels. Insoluble fiber keeps your digestive system working properly and smoothly. Raw apple juice can reduce your risk of kidney and liver disease, if you drink it regularly. This is due to the fact that apple juice flushes out these organs.

Apple juice can be used to cleanse the body and should be included in the diet, the juice speeds up the bowel action. However, drinking a lot of apple juice will lead to the production of large amounts of gas , if the bowel action is impaired in any way. When used in an enema mixed with water, the juice or concentrate of the apples heals bowel irritation.

In the ancient world raw apples were used to counter diarrhea and related digestive disorders. Apples were thought of as being cool and moist and good for digestion. Apple based juices and herbal fruit infusions were often prescribed for the treatment of persistent fevers and all kinds of eye infections.

Though not high in iron themselves apples have a very beneficial ability in that they can aid the body efficiently absorb the iron found in all the other foods - including eggs and organ meats like liver. Apples are quite rich in their content of the essential mineral calcium. The calcium found in the apple helps the human system absorbing all the calcium found in different foods.

Interesting Tid Bits:

• To keep your apple juice from turning brown: Simply push a lemon through your juicer right before you begin juicing your apple. The apple peel carries some of its nutritional value.
• Dr. Seif O. Shaheen and colleagues from London's King's College and the University of Southampton found that all you need, is two apples a week to reduce your risk of developing asthma by 22-32 percent. The researchers hypothesize that certain flavonoids from the apple may be key in the protection against asthma since flavonoids from other fruits and vegetables did not affect asthma risk.
• Apples contain malic acid, which is capable of softening gallstones and other hardening the body.
• Compounds in apples and apple juice called phytonutrients act in the same way as red wine and herbal tea; they delay the break down of LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
• It's the only fruit that mixes well with all types of vegetable juice.
• The peels of raw apples can be saved and used to prepare a herbal and healthy tea, this tea is considered excellent for the kidneys and should be used in treating chronic kidney problems

Blue Moon - Full Moon In Libra

Key words for the next few weeks are "INTERPRETATION & BALANCE"

Speaking up and defining yourself in relationships as we move into Aries is highlighted during this cycle BUT listening and trying to overcome your own issues surrounding communication with others should also be focused on. This Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met. Symbolically, this means we have to deal with some tense feelings, then try to define/interpret their meaning for us before we arrive at a new understanding of how we tick/what we need in our relationships with others. This is especially important for this Libra Full Moon, because the upcoming new Moon in Aries is the real beginning of the astrological year.

Avoiding conflict is unavoidable right now so speak up for yourself - and learn from the experience.

You can't change anything if you don't know who you are. The next few weeks try taking a closer look at yourself and the way you behave in all your relationships.

Worth Repeating...

Life is meant to be lived. You're meant to pursue your dreams, and take risks, in this lifetime. This means giving your doubts a break and giving your soul a chance to speak its truth.

The only thing standing in your way is you.

Today, get out of your way and explore your unknown.

Reposted from: www.yehudaberg.com

Earth Hour - Reminder

Earth Hour 2010 . Saturday March 27 . 8:30-9:30 pm – Remember to turn off your lights on March 27th. Join with millions of people worldwide who are concerned about climate change. One small act but one that, if we all join in will have a profound effect. Last year hundred of millions of people around the globe turned out their lights for Earth Hour.

Sign up so you are counted at www.earthhour.org

Celery

One of my favourite things to juice because it helps the body release water retention, something I've always had a problem with.

Celery leaf contain a lot of vitamin A. The stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C it is high in magnesium, iron and chlorophyll, which is an excellent blood builder. Celery is one of the richest sources of organic sodium. Sodium in Table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic elements which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments Salt is necessary in the generation and functions of digestive fluids in the system. Without salt, good digestion is difficult, but the body actually needs SOLUBLE salt--which includes sodium. That's where the celery comes in. The sodium in celery is easily absorbed making it an excellent juice choice for those who enjoy vigorous workouts because it helps you to maintain valuable body fluid and electrolytes.

The nutrients in the fiber of celery stalks are released during juicing, aiding bowel movements. The natural organic sodium (salt) in celery is very safe for consumption, in fact is essential for the body. Even individuals who are salt-sensitive can safely take the sodium in celery, unlike table salt (iodized sodium) which is harmful for those with high blood pressure.

The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic: The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess fluid.

* Note: Celery produces its own "pesticide" to protect itself from fungi. This protective layer is called psoralens which although protects the celery, may not go down so well with some people. If you begin having skin problems after eating celery, it might mean that you have some sensitivity to psoralens. Also some people with low blood pressure have complained that celery makes their blood pressure even lower.

Points of Interest:

• Celery has always been associated with lowering of blood pressure.
• The important minerals in this magical juice effectively balance the body's blood pH, neutralizing acidity.
• Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals.
• Celegry juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• The organic alkaline minerals in celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.
• The diuretic effect of celery juice also aids the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones.
• Ancient Greeks used celery for headaches.
• If you live in a smoggy city Celery/apple juice can help to cleanse the body of carbon dioxide
• Do you have a problem with muscle cramps and fatigue during workouts? The potassium/sodium balance in celery juice will be a great asset.
• A tablespoonful of honey (or agave) in celery juice, sipped slowly, will very effectively reduce the appetite if taken before a meal, and makes a delightful drink. You can take the same mixture as a nightcap when it will help you to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
• Mixed with carrot juice, celery the two give you a great balance of sulphur, iron, calcium, magnesium and sodium that will help fight a whole host of diseases. Use one part celery juice to two parts or more of carrot juice.

Sweetness of Sweet Potatoes

The darker the color, the higher in vitamin content. Sweet potatoes are a great sources of beta-carotene. They are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, calcium, B6 and are a great source of fiber (when not juiced). History has shown that people can live exclusively on sweet potatoes and remain healthy and strong. Carrot and sweet potato juice is tasty and great for your complexion. SP can be added to any fruit juice, giving the juice a smooth, milkshake-like taste! Sweet Potato juice is great for athletes fresh juice with SP in to helps give people an energy spike before a race or for weight trainers who swear that drinking Sweet Potato juice on a regular basis helps make them stronger.

Look for firm, not too large yams that are tapered at both ends. Skin should be smooth without brown spots. Will store in the refrigerator for two weeks. Peel off the skin before juicing.

Points of Interest:

• Sweet potatoes, help with the nitrogen retention inside of human muscle and encourage natural muscle building. Juiced alone and consumed over a long period of time, yam juice helps to help increase your physical endurance.
  
• Sweet potato varieties with dark orange flesh have more beta carotene than those with light coloured flesh
• The B6 in Sweet Potatoes is also helpful in controlling premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Tomato Juice

Raw tomato juice is a good source of lycopene, which is known for its cancer preventing properties. It also stimulates blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure. Lycopene is fat-soluble, so adding a few drops of oil olive oil will help you to better absorb the nutrients.
Tomatoes also contain potassium, an essential mineral macronutrient & vitamin C an immune system booster, calcium and phosphorus.

Tomatoes are at their best when they are fully ripe (deep red). Avoid hot house varieties as they are generally picked before they turn red.They are essentially an alkaline. Their alkaline nature increases the alkalinity of the blood and decreases the urine and neutralises the acid compounds of the body such as phosphates urea and ammonia. Tomato juice is therefore, highly beneficial in the treatment of acidosis and other disease associated with too much acid in the system.

* A note on Diabetes: Because of its low carbohydrate contents, tomato juice is thought to be very good food for diabetic patients and for those who want to reduce their body weight. It is said to be very effective in controlling the percentage of sugar in the urine of diabetic patients.

Tomato Juice is thought to help with...
Bladder Problems, Gout, Liver complaints, Weight Loss, Gall Bladder problems, Kidneys, Skin,
Bleeding Gums, Constipation, Lack of Appetite, Blood Shot Eyes and Hypertension.


* Note: there is a big difference between raw and cooked tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes produce oxalic acid, similar to spinach, and as such can leech the body of essential minerals such as calcium.

Interesting Points:

• Traditionally, Chinese herbalists suggest tomatoes are to be eaten first thing in the morning to relieve hypertension and bloodshot eyes.
• Raw tomato juice improves the appetite and digestion. Drinking tomato juice mixed with spinach juice will activate liver and help relieve and prevent constipation.
• To decrease hangover severity, the cocktail of tomato juice (100ml), cucumber juice (100ml), spinach juice (10ml) and olive oil (1 tbsp) should be taken before going to sleep.
• If you have gallbladder diseases tomato juice is should be avoided but, it is non toxic to most and can be enjoyed in large quantities.
• A glassful of fresh tomato juice mixed with honey, a pinch of powdered cardamom seeds, taken after swallowing three peeled cloves of garlic every night before going to bed, is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of tuberculosis and other lung infections.