White Tea, my immune system & flouride...

It is that time of year again - tea time. For me when it starts to get colder outside I find myself guzzling teas all day in an attempt to keep my body temperature up. I love herbal blends but, my favourite all time hot thing to drink is White Tea. A lot of people drink green but I find it to be a little bitter for my taste.

White tea is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. The tea takes its name from the silver/white fuzz that still covers the buds, which turns white when the tea is dried. Tea leaves destined to be sold as white tea undergo less processing than any other type of tea (including green). Instead of air-drying, the unwithered leaves are merely steamed. Studies have indicated that White Tea is even better for you than Green. Because it is not processed heavily White Tea's health benefits are greater than any other type. Rich in antioxidants, white tea has proven greater cancer-fighting ability than even green tea. White teas are known to boost the immunes system, helping to fight viruses and infection-causing bacteria - BUT what a lot of people don't know is that White Tea does contain fluoride - which I try to avoid because I have had problems with my thyroid gland.

"The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, naturally absorbs fluoride from the environment more effectively than other plants. And as it ages, more fluoride is absorbed by the leaves, so the younger leaves have less fluoride than the older leaves. In practical terms, this means white tea (which is only very young leaves) has less fluoride than green, black or oolong teas, which include older leaves (Herbal teas do not contain any Camellia sinensis leaves and have almost no fluoride to speak of)."

If you are concerned a few things you can do to reduce the amount of fluoride in your tea...

• Buy good quality LOOSE leaf teas (a lot of fluoride is contained in "tea dust" in the bags of cheaper teas)
• Drink more White - which has the least amount of flouride - than green/oolong/black - or choose Herbal "teas" (which technically don't contain tea leaves so aren't tea but, you get my drift) which have no fluoride.
• Buy Japanese teas - which contain less flouride (absorbed into the teas from the soil - Japanese have less!)

There have been dozens of studies done on the health benefits of White/Green teas so I feel in moderation drinking White tea is beneficial even with the fluoride. I've posted a link to a terrific website which has loads of info.

http://www.heavenoftea.com/tag/studies/

Hunter Moon - Full Moon In Aries.

Full moon in Aries which is pushing all signs to seek truth. You might be especially feeling the effects of this moon if you are a cardinal sign (Aries, Libra, Capricorn or Cancer). This full moon helps us to release the energy of something that has come to an end. With the old energy gone we are able to focus on new more positive things that are coming into our lives. In terms of relationships with others we are reminded that people come and go and not to walk in other people's shadows but, rather to forge your own paths. Watch out for people (and even animals) to be acting more aggressively over the next few days - arguments, mood swings and the like. It is a good time to reflect on what our purpose is.

Allergies I'm scent-sitive.

Sorry I've been away so long. I've been struggling with some health/life issues lately so I've been consumed by that. I have switched back eating high raw instead of all raw now that fall is underway. At first I was feeling healthier but, now I'm noticing my immune system seems to be weakened again. I had almost forgotten how much certain chemicals/scents effect me because my immune system was so strong after my Juice feast that those issues just went away (I was even cuddling my parents cats!). So the scoop I have been having to expose myself daily for the past few months to an air borne allergen that finally knocked me on my butt this Monday. I had been having headaches, sniffles, coughing (usual stuff) but, on Monday my throat started to swell - I couldn't swallow and was having problems breathing - for anyone who has had this happened you know how scary this can be. My doctor described it well. She says when you have an air borne allergy to something like say a certain scented fabric softener. The first time you are exposed it is sort of like someone who has a milk allergy and consumes a bit by mistake - you are uncomfortable for maybe an hour with some bloating or indigestion so it isn't too bad (I sneeze and maybe have a bit of a headache), but if you sit down and decide to eat several bowls of ice cream and top it off by guzzling down a jug of milk you are probably going to end up in the emergency room. Me exposing myself to this allergen daily for months finally put my body in a state of toxic overload. Luckily I have a very good employer who is doing everything in his power to help me stay healthy - our office is a scent free zone but things like this are difficult to enforce. He is trying and so am I so back to my juice and a pure/pure diet - it works - I know it does. The reason I decided to write about it is because I wanted to say I this - I know it is hard but, if you are having similar problems - say something and keep saying something. Don't do what I did and stay at your desk trying to put up with it because you don't want to cause anymore waves - if saying something isn't working walk away. It may not make you very popular with your coworkers but, you don't want to end up at the doctor's office or in the emergency room unable to breathe or swallow - not fun! Sooo the next few posts I think will be about my attempts to coax my immune system back into being strong.
j

Canadian Thanksgiving

This weekend is Canadian thanksgiving check out my posts from last year for nutloaf, pumpkin pie and a few other tasty things (in the recipe section - top of the page). I'll be posting the results of my apple cider vinegar - turned out faboo!! I have photos too.

Recipes

Ocean

Totally random - I just enjoy listening to it so much I wanted to share :)

Full Moon In Aries - Corn Moon

Full Moon in Aries today. This full moon has a Libra Sun opposing - which means the focus is on relationships - Aries (self) Libra (other). We are encouraged to seek balance. "This Full Moon is about emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of a personal nature, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can't sit on our feelings. We need to express them." Take deep breaths and contemplate all concerns one at a time. Separate desire from practicality, jealousy from genuine disappointment, Follow your instincts at all costs and do not second guess your opinion about individuals at this time.

Mind Like Water

I stumbled across this today. I've been ugh lately - this helped.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

My parents sent me a large box of apples from Saskatchewan. The apples are very sweet but, a little mealy. I'm really interested in fermented foods lately so I've decided to to try making my own Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. I started my brew on Saturday - they started bubbling almost right away. I checked them last night again and they are starting to smell boozey already - exciting!

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

• 10 parts apple juice (I am loving my new Hurom slow juicer btw:)
• 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar (as a starter - Bragg is a great brand) OR
• 1/2 pkg champagne yeast to 10c of apple juice (if you want things to progress more quickly)

Pour into a large clean glass container cover with something breathable and stir daily. Keep sniffing and when it stops bubbling and smells like vinegar give it a taste and see if it is ready. Rack and bottle. Keep the cloudy sediment at the bottom - it is called the "mother" and is the yeasty goodness (starter) you will want to use to make more batches in the future.

Because my apples were mealy they came through the juicer a little mushy - and not as clear apple juice I'm hoping the mush will break down more and I'll strain off the liquid - I'll post some photos soonish.

More things I love

A girls road trip to rainy (beautiful :) Juneau over the long weekend. My friend Pam and I discovered a great health foods store in the heart of downtown . Rainbow Foods (224 4th Street) was a great place to spend an drizzly afternoon. If you find yourself in Juneau it is worth a visit. We also played many many scrabble games on the long ferry ride to and from Skagway (again the rain) but was really nice to play - I'm new to it - I just started playing scrabble on my trip to Europe last winter - I needed the practice.

Rainbow Foods

My New Juicer is Here!

Hurrah and Ta Da! I ordered my new Hurom slow juicer a little over a week ago and it is here.. Excited! I'm starting a Juice "Feast" after the long weekend. The ease of cleaning won me over - I'll post more after I've used it.

Insomnia? - Cherries and Sage.

I'm having a bout with insomnia this week. It usually happens when the seasons change, I'm under stress or having allergy problems. This fall (yes it is fall where I live) I'm being hit with all three. So grumpy/tired and sneezy is where I'm at. When this sort of thing happens I stock up on cherries. Yep cherries and fresh sage if I can find it. If I'm feeling restless I find a cup of sage tea with a little maple syrup does wonders and no it doesn't taste like stuffing - It is kind of wonderful and a wee bit minty - I've told my Dad about it and he is also hooked.

Sage Tea (for one cup)

• Water Boiling
• 4 Medium Sized Sage Leaves (I like the Pineapple or Broad leaf kind)
• Sweetener to taste.

Pour the Boiling water over the sage leaves turn saucer upside down over the cup so none of the goodness escapes in the steam and let steep for a minute or more.
Why it works: Sage has natural anti-depressant properties that help to calm the mind before you go to bed. It is also supposed to be great for women going through menopause.

Cherries
There have been many medical studies that have proven that consuming cherries helps with insomnia. Cherries are filled with the hormone melatonin. "Melatonin is naturally made in the body by the pineal gland. It is produced by the body during sleep and around the night hours to induce sleep. The body produces less of it as we age, though, which is thought to be directly related to age related insomnia"
A lot of people buy melatonin as a supplement (liquid or pill) to help them sleep - but I prefer to go straight to the source :) - much tastier that way and less risk of side effects. Melatonin is contained mostly in the skins of cherries so I eat them whole or juiced and added to a little soda water depending on the weather and my mood. Around 1 cup a day for a few days seems to do the trick for me. Cherries have also been proven to be good for people suffering with arthritis or gout! Give it a google lots of info out there.

More info on Cherries: Medical News Today

Cherry/Sage Tea (one large mug)

• Water Boiling
• 4 medium Sized Sage Leaves
• 1 shot glass of black cherry juice
• sweetener if you like ( I like honey but, if that goes against your belief system/diet requirements - try maple syrup)

Zuvo Water Filter Giveaway!

One of my favourite bloggers Bitt over at a "Bitt of Raw" is holding a great contest until August 27th. She is giving away a Zuvo water filter. Zuvo water filters hook up easily to most standard faucets. Here is the link to Bitt's site to enter. I'm posting the You Tube Video about it below. Good Luck! Crossing my fingers I'll win it myself :)

Enter Here: http://www.bittofraw.com/2010/08/importance-of-good-water-zuvo-water.html

More things I love - Starfire and You Say Tomato.

I went to Skagway, Alaska this weekend and had a fantastic meal at a local hot spot called Starfire 4th Ave between Broadway & Spring it is a Thai restaurant that has several veggie friendly options (cooked). Another great spot is You Say Tomato a health foods store packed full of fun goodies including local produce. Inside You Say tomato is North Eden (a little hole in the wall take away - burritos and the like - again veggie friendly) You Say Tomato is at State at 21st Street.

Garden Goodness

A fresh summer salad loaded with goodies from my friend Krista's garden. Spinach, Peas, Berries, Romaine lettuce... YUM YUM YUM.

Garden Goodness Salad
1C Baby Spinach
1C Baby Romaine
1/2C Peas Chopped
1/2 Baby Tomatoes Cut in Half
1/4 Medium Red Onion
1/2 Cup Mixed Raspberries & Saskatoons

Curried Dressing
1/4C Balsamic Vinegar
4T Dark Maple Syrup
1/4C Soaked Cashews
1T Curry Powder
1 Pinch Ground Corriander
1 Pinch Ground Cumin
Pulse in high power blender or food processor until nuts are crumbled (or you can blend until smooth I like a bit of crunch)

Full Moon In Aquarius - new directions

The full moon in Aquarius is a time to tie up loose ends and take an individual stand for what you believe in. Let go of any old self defeating patterns. Start preparing yourself for new things that are coming. Let go of your preconceived notions about how things "have" to be or "should" be start looking in new directions.

"This Full Moon is also Midsummer Night, the night of mistaken identities and magical shifts between the worlds. The line between conscious and unconscious is blurred. And the trine of the Sun to Jupiter and Uranus shows that anything is possible! Miracles can happen, dreams can suddenly come true."

Sources: http://artcharts.com/blog/2010/07/full-moon-july-25/

http://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/full-moon-in-aquarius/

A fun little aside...

* In Sweden on Midsummer in the evening it a tradition for unmarried girls to go out and pick seven different types of flowers - remaining silent while picking each one. That night when they go to bed the girls put the 7 flowers under their pillows. It is believed that on this night only if a girl does this she will dream about the man she will marry.

More things I love... Crows

Summer Head Cold - Raw Garlic Soup

Ugh. Am I the only one who would like to strangle people who come to work sick and pass it around? I for one would rather handle the extra work load than catch a nasty head cold. But people do and colds are a part of life. I have fought - it is settling in and instead of being angry at my thoughtless coworker. I'm turning my mind to juice and food so I can assist my body in recovering as quickly as possible. So a list of a few natural things I do when I feel a cold coming on...

1. Oregano Oil great for the immune system and sinus - don't take the drops straight they will burn the inside of your mouth instead put 2-4 drops in tea or water with a bit of sweetener - or what I do get veggi caps from a health food store (the kind to make your own vitamin capsules with) and mix 4 drops of oregano oil with grapefruit seed extract. I take 2 or 3 of these a day - never on an empty stomach when I feel something coming on.
2. Garlic, onions and ginger all great immune system builders. If I'm feeling really lousy I'll make ginger tea (cut up ginger steeped in boiling water for 10 minutes or so - I let it cool and drink it with a little lemon juice, cinnamon and black pepper as a tea). Garlic/Onions - I make garlic soup when I'm sick - I think it works just as well or better than chicken soup (just as tasty too - recipe at the end of this post).
3. Orange Juice - fresh squeezed of course :)
   
4. Hot Bath - I'll put in a bit of dried yellow mustard and epsom salts if I feel I need to sweat it out.
5. Rest - sometimes giving up the fight and just sleeping it off is the best remedy of all.

RAW Garlic Soup

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium white onion (about 1 1/2 cup)
• 1 teaspoon pink sea salt
• 1pinch of black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable juice (for this I use a blend of whatever I have on hand usually carrots, celery, and red pepper)
  
• 1c walnuts (soaked)
• 1c cashews (soaked)
• OR 2C soaked almonds OR 1C nuts and 1 small zucchini (if you use the zucchini only use 3 cups of veggie juice)
  
• 1/2 C fresh cilantro
• 1tsp of curry (or 2tsp of paprika)
  
• 1tablespoon of tahini
  
• 4 cloves of garlic
• juice of 1/2 lemon, or to taste

Blend all together until smooth in a high speed blender - I keep mine blending in my Vitamix until it is warm. Sprinkle top with Hemp hearts. (I'll find a photo and post a little later :)

Under Pressure - Green Smoothie

Feeling a bit argg! Even after popping my trusty B complex and C vitamins which usually do the trick for me. When I'm feeling stressed out I'm often temped to grab refined carbohydrates to stuff the feelings down. During my Juice Feast I learned that the best answer to stress is keeping my body clean from all the "comfort food" junk - however - yesterday I must admit the refined carbs won out 4 chocolate chip cookies later I realized okay - maybe I needed a little release but, lets go on from here and not do this again. So on that note... some great foods that help the body heal from stress overload (and not a one is a chocolate chip cookie!).

Blueberries - We all know these are one of the healthiest foods around. Blueberries are very high in vitamin C, which has been shown to give the body added reserves to help it deal with high levels of stress. Also, blueberries contain a high amount of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that fluctuate too much are a major contributor to stress for some people.

Oranges Another food that is rich in vitamin C. When you are stressed, your body releases even more free radicals than usual. Vitamin C helps to keep the free radicals in check, and repairs the body.

Green Vegetables Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are chock full of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress. Many vegetables also contain potassium which is great at calming down your nervous system.

Almonds A good source of Vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease.

Dried Apricots Rich in magnesium. Some say that magnesium helps reduce heart palpitations brought on by stress. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant as well. (also high in fiber and vitamin C) ... check out my "Moons of the Faithful Biscotti" recipe for a sweet tasty stress busting treat.

Avacado Contains healthy fat that can help battle stress.

Sweet Potatoes—Sweet potatoes can satisfy that carb/sweets when we are under great stress. Full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber they contain helps your body to process the carbohydrates slowly.

Stress Busting Green Smoothie

• 1/2C Blueberries
• 1C Fresh Orange Juice
• 1C of Mixed dark leafy greens (like Kale and Spinach)
• 1/2 cup of almond milk

Blend leaf greens and orange juice and almond milk in a high speed blender until smooth add blueberries and pulse until frothy. I like to sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of mine as well... yummy. If you haven't tried a green smoothie before you will be surprised at how unsalad like this tastes - very berry fruity!


"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."
- Buddha

Best Juices for Singers

I was looking up throat remedies for my boyfriend who sings yesterday and ran across a couple of great juicing tips for public speakers and singers who want to keep their voices in tip top shape during a show.

Pineapple Juice
A number of professional singers gargle or drink Pineapple juice during shows.
According to Isabella Snow , a long time blues singer it is very important for singers to keep their throats well lubricated - to do this she says Pineapple Juice does a great job .
"Far and away, the best choice available. Doesn’t matter if it’s room temp or a bit chilled, but nothing cold. And nothing with chunks in it, those can make you cough. Pineapple juice is slick, it will instantly moisten your throat, wet your tongue – and cause you to salivate, which is the best lubrication you can find. 1 glass per 45 minute set, a sip or two between songs, that’s all you need. Remember, you’re just lubricating, not quenching thirst. Do not go overboard with pineapple juice, you will spend the next morning in the bathroom. Crazy as pineapple juice sounds, it’s the best thing you can use, and I’ve converted every opera singer I’ve ever mentioned it to."

Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Tips-For-Singers-and-Public-Speakers-Throat-Lubrication-
Tori Amos' Lemonaid

On stage, Tori Amos drinks a lemonade like drink to rehydrate herself. She calls it "Duncanade" after her former chef Duncan Pickford, is similar to an electrolyte replenisher. (she also uses lip gloss to keep her lips moist during performances - thinking Raw Coconut Butter/Oil might do the trick just as well :).

Duncanade:

• 2 L. water
• 2 lemons, chopped, seeded and pithed (1 whole lemon per L. of water)
• Blend lemons with 1 1/2 L. of the water
• Strain and discard pulp
• Blend that with 10-12 oz. honey that's been blended with 1/2 L. water
• Add the remaining 1 L. water
• 4 pinches of salt (1 pinch for every 1/2 L. water -- more if you sweat a lot)
• 24 drops of essential lemon oil (6 for every 1/2 L. water)
• 1/4 t. cinnamon
• Strain again

"This magical lemonade works wonders for me. The honey in it feels smooth going down your throat, and best of all, provides instant salivation. Duncanade is also extremely tasty -- not too sweet, and not too sour."

Source: http://retrogrademusic.blogspot.com/2009/03/singers-with-sore-throats-beyond-normal.html

All Praise the Cabbage

Many people overlook the health benefits of cabbage. It has been recognized for centuries for its ability to cure stomach and intestinal distress. Uncooked Cabbage is high in glutamine, an amino acid that is essential for intestinal health. It has also been proven to be both antibacterial and antiviral. Cabbage contains Vitamin K (essential in the production of blood clotting proteins); potassium (helps regulate blood pressure); and quercetin (antioxidant that is a natural antihistamine that can benefit allergy sufferers). Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a very good source of fiber, manganese, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acieds. Cabbage is also a good source of thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, and protein.

Good for what ails you… :)

• CONSTIPATION The juice of cabbages is often used to relieve constipation. Beware can make you windy if you have a lot of junk in your system it needs to break down.
  
• ENLARGED PROSTATE
  
• Anemia: High in chlorophyll - good for blood building.
• OBESITY Research has shown cabbage contains a chemical called tartaric acid, which inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat.
• JOINT PAIN Raw cabbage is one of the best vegetables you can take to ease inflammation of the joints. You can eat it however you like, just make sure it is fresh and uncooked! Herbalists suggest to eat fresh cabbage in the morning prior to any other food. I've also been reading that cabbage leaves rolled with a rolling pin until they are releasing their juice and wrapped around a sprain (held in place with a banage) or pulled muscle work wonders.
• ULCERS many people claim they feel better after drinking fresh cabbage juice for only 5 days! "1 liter of the fresh juice per day, taken in divided doses, resulted in total ulcer healing in an average of 10 days. The high content of glutamine, an amino acid that is the preferred fuel for the cells that line the stomach and small intestine, is likely the reason for cabbage juice's efficacy in healing ulcers. "
• Alzheimer's Red cabbages contain significantly more protective phytonutrients than white cabbages and are said to help alzheimer's patient. Antioxidant polyphenols can protect brain cells against the damage caused by amyloid-beta protein, suggests a study published in Food Science and Technology.

Interesting Historical Tid Bits…
The Egyptians ate cabbage with vinegar before a night of drinking to prevent hangovers. Cabbage is still today considered one of the best remedies to cure hangovers! The Romans also ate cabbage to cure every imaginable ailment under the sun! They ate it raw with vinegar before and after each meal.

Cultured Cabbage Juice (good for GI tract killing fungus and parasites)

1. Fill blender with chopped green cabbage.

2. Add distilled water until 2/3 full. Blend on hiigh for 1-2 minutes.

3. Pour out into large bowl and repeat for 2 more batches.

   Cover with cheese cloth, gauze or stocking and let stand at room temperature X 3 days.

4. Strain to separate juice & pulp. Place cultured cabbage juice in refrigerator.

   When supply gets low start new batch, but add 1/2 cup of cultured juice (Starter) and new batch will be ready in 24 hours."

When juicing cabbage you should not drink more than about 4oz of cabbage juice at a time and it is best mixed with other juices such as carrot / apple juice. The flavour combination of carrot and cabbage is well tested, as cabbage and carrot are the base ingredients of many varieties of coleslaws. Coleslaws are highly popular dishes that regularly appear in a raw food diet.

If you consume too much cabbage juice in one go then you may experience a feeling of gas and slight cramps in the intestine due to the sulphur in the cabbage juice reacting with bacteria that exist in the intestines.

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19#healthbenefits

http://www.happyjuicer.com/juicing-ingredients/Cabbage-juice.asp