Food Matters

A free documentary on health and food. It is an hour long so go grab a snack and settle in before hitting play - well worth a watch. My brain is still buzzing...


A "New" Approach to Health from Jamie Simko on Vimeo.

Wild Foods - Spruce Salt

My friend Molly J. made Spruce Salt a few weeks ago. Her photo (left) shows how pretty the salt looks - it smells great too. The recipe can be found in The Boreal Gourmet by Michele Genest.

Spruce salt is tart/tasty and a great way to use something local and wild harvested.

You can find out more about the book here if you are interested.


* Spruce tips are super rich in Vit C, calcium, potassium, and iron. 

Making your own Deodorant

A friend has inspired me to try to wean myself off using aluminum based deodorant. I know it is terrible for you but, I've tried using the crystal type a few times in the past and it just hasn't worked for me... or so I thought. I've been doing a little reading and have decided to try it again for at least 28 days. Several people say it takes at least this long for the lymphs under your arms to "detox" and get rid off all the stored up smelly yucky stuff I've been blocking with the aluminum and propylene glycol based commercial sticks. Others say that odor is caused my hormone fluctuations and the type of clothes you are wearing (also makes sense). The plan is to make some deodorant myself (because that is how I roll - why buy it when I can make it?) and try it for the next month. * Update - It works! It works!

Bug Off! - Natural Insect Repellants - Four Thieves Vinegar

Do you use a commercially bought insect spray? Most of us know that the most commonly used ingredient in these sprays is DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide). Although DEET is approved by government protection agencies as safe for use it is a known eye irritant and can cause rashes, soreness, or blistering when applied to the skin. DEET has also been linked to neurological problems and has been shown to have a negative impact on wildlife and water sources. It is toxic to birds and aquatic life. So with this in mind a few kinder ways to keep the bugs at bay...

 Four Thieves Vinegar (Vinaigre des Quatre Voleurs)

This works really well but, beware it is stinky when you first put it on. The story behind the famous recipe goes that a group of thieves were robbing the dead in France who were infected with the Black Plague. When the thieves were caught they were offered a deal (hang instead of burn to death) in exchange for the secret to what kept them healthy after being exposed to the disease. There are many recipes for "Four Thieves Vinegar" I've given a couple of variations to the most common one below.

• 1 Large Bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Drops each of  Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint essential oil along with 1 clove of crushed garlic (or try 2 tablespoons of each herb - add in wormwood or rue if you have it stewed in the vinegar for at least 30 days)
  
• Put all into a large jar with lid

If you use fresh herbs turn over jar every two to three days and strain out herbs before using.

Things to take to make your skin not smell so tempting to bugs

• B1, 2T apple cider vinegar daily, eat lots of fresh garlic and oranges.
• Lay off the bananas (skeeters love the smell of bananas)
• Wash with a naturally scented lavender or peppermint soap in the summer.
• Rub lavender flowers or lavender oil on your skin, especially on hot parts of body (neck, underarms, behind ears, etc) to repel insects.
• Rub fresh or dried leaves of anything in the mint family all over skin to repel insects (peppermint, spearmint, catnip, pennyroyal, etc or citronella, lemongrass, etc) Basil is also said to repel mosquitoes.

Other Ideas...

Different bugs are repelled by different smells. If you are making large amounts of insect repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use:

• 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils
• 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol

The essential oils that work well against insects are:

• Mosquitoes: (Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemongrass).
• Moths: (Patchouli, Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint)
• Horse-flies: (Tansy)
• Aphids: (Mix 10 drops Spearmint and 15 drops Orange essential oil in 2 quarts salt water, shake well and spray on plants).
• Cockroaches: (Peppermint)
• Silverfish: (Eucalyptus)
• Ants: (Put down a line of Peppermint or Spearmint essential oil across your kitchen counter or floor and the ants won't cross it. If you already have a line of ants invading your house, just draw a line of oil across them and they will turn back!)
• Beetles: (Peppermint, Thyme)
• Caterpillars: (Spearmint, Peppermint)
• Chiggars: (Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint)
• Cutworms: (Sage, Thyme)
• Fleas: (Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint)
• Gnats: (Patchouli, Spearmint)
• Spiders: (Peppermint, Spearmint)
• Ticks: (Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme)
• Weevils: (Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood)
• Lice (rose geranium)

Good carrier oils and alcohols include:

• olive oil
• sunflower oil
• any other cooking oil
• witch hazel
• vodka 

You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. If you wish, you may combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency of the product.

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray:

1. Fill spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
3. Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (or aloe vera jel)
4. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.

Fruit Slush

More summer drinks! This one is for a Mormon favourite called "Slush". Most Mormons don't believe in drinking colas, coffee, caffeinated teas or alchohol so they have come up with some great alternatives drinks for special occasions.  A few of my relatives on my mother's side are mormon so I can remember trying this as a kid and really enjoying it. Usually slush recipes contain a lot of sugar, concentrated fruit juices, and gingerale - I've modified a yummy one to make it more healthy below.

Fruit Slush

• 1 1/4 cups fresh squeezed OJ (mix in some of the pulp if using a juicer)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 bananas
• 2 cups pineapple juice (same mix in a little pulp --- helps keep the slushy consistancy)
• 1/2 cup tart cherry juice (I cheated and used the bottled kind)
• 1/4 c maple syrup
• 1 knot ginger that has been added to 3.5 cups of water and boiled then simmered on the stove top for 10 minutes to make ginger water (strain out ginger)
• 1 bottle of carbonated water

Mix all ingredients except for ginger water and carbonated water. Blend the banana with fruit juices. Freeze mixture. Turn fruit mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan or put into ziplock baggies. Freeze for several hours. Take mixture from freezer about an hour before ready to serve so it becomes a slush. Mash frozen fruit mixture with a potato masher to slushify then with ginger water and carbonated water and serve.Will fill a large punch bowl

Rhubarb Saft.

Saft is a Sweedish sweetened syrup drink infused with fresh seasonal fruits, flowers or berries. Lingonberry and Elderflower are two popular types. People add it to flat water, mineral water or wines usually with lots of ice. It is a great summer drink. I've been given a lot of Rhubarb and thought it would make a nice Saft.

Rhubarb Saft

• 8 cups of chopped rhubarb
• 1 large knot of ginger scrubbed and chopped
• 4 cups water
• 2C of maple syrup (or agave, honey, or sugar --- to taste)

1. Boil rhubarb, ginger, and water to a simmer in a large pot. Cook until cooked :), 15ish minutes. Let cool slightly, then strain through a lined sieve (dish towel or cheese cloth) into a large pot, (Don't press to hard or the syrup will become cloudy.) Discard fruit. Add sweeter to taste.
   
   
2. Bring juice mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often until sweetener is well mixed in. Simmer stirring often, until liquid reduces to a syrup, another 15minutes ish.Let cool. Transfer syrup to bottles or airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3 months... Delish mixed with mineral water, reg water and ice or white wine *YUM! 

I haven't tried this with raw rhubarb/ginger juice because I've read mixed things about rhubarb juice (raw) not being great for your system... not sure may give it a try and will post if so.

Watermelon Marinade

 This sauce works nicely as a marinade for mushrooms, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, fresh corn and red peppers (served as a salad) or as a dressing for marinated cauliflower and or broccoli OR as a tangy salad dressing

 Watermelon Marinade

• 1/2C fresh watermelon juice
• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 
• 1/4C fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 Tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 4 Tablespoons dry mustard powder
• 3 large garlic cloves minced
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

Preparation:

Stir all together and cover veggies. Let marinate over night

Full Moon In Capricorn - Love, security, creativity and connection

Tomorrow's full moon is the first free of an eclipse in over six weeks. The last few full moon eclipses stirred up a lot of emotional gunk for some and it is now time to figure out the best ways to clean up the muck. If your ego and emotions are not united and you may be feeling protective about things involving your career - some may be feeling judged. Fathers may find themselves challenged by their children (bosses by employees) actually anyone in a position of authority might find that people are challenging them for the next little while. This is a productive lunar phase when you can approach challenges with the energy and creativity to make changes. There may be emotional upset, and the need to deal with feelings of loss and disappointment. Old ways of thinking have crumbled and it is a good time to look at the world and how you move in it in a new light. If you want to create a fulfilling life full of love, respect and happiness, then you need to take the time to think about how you interact with people and react in situations - now is the time to make positive changes and take responsibility for your own emotional stuff. Get rid of people and situations that bring you down and don't support you in your growth. Challenging authority is the name of the game this moon - shatter your own illusions about what is real and what is not - follow your happiness and don't let anyone tell you what you can and can not do to attain it. Now is the time - jump.

Chickweed the get skinny weed - recipes.

So what can you do with chickweed - besides cursing it for trying to take over your garden every year? 
Native Americans traditionally have used Chickweed for respiratory problems. Chickweed is also used for skin conditions, indigestion, insect bites, stings, psoriasis, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, gout...  It is prepared as a ointment for some skin problems and taken internally for ulcers,  indigestion and bladder problems. Chickweed can be used as a laxative - Don't over do it if you are going to add chickweed to salads or cook it like spinach it can cause nausea and diarrhea (don't use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding). Chickweed is high in vitamin C, GLA, Omega-6, saponins, niacin, B2, B1, Beta Carotene, Magnesium Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Maganese, Sodium, Selenium and silica. One of the most famous folk uses of chickweed is as a cure for obesity. Chickweed can help with weight loss because it acts as a diuretic and helps to keep people from feeling hungry and because it contains saponin which  thins cell membranes, increasing the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

To Use:
Tea: Take 1 tsp of the fresh herb to 1c boiling water 10-15 mins 3 times a day taken internally
* When cooled Chickweed in tea form is excellent for use as an acne wash
Juice: Juice fresh weed and take by tablespoon twice daily
Bath: An infusion of fresh or dried leaves added to bath water is thought to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatic pain.

Poultice: One way is to boil the plant, allow it to cool, and then cover the herb with a thin cloth or muslin, and apply directly to the skin. With chickweed, the fresh herb itself can also be used, again with a thin cloth. Apply the poultice for several minutes, or up to three hours. Chickweed itself is a cooling plant; it will become warm after it has completed its task. Remove once the poultice becomes warm and discard. Allow it to draw out any infection, dissolving and consuming bacteria and toxins. It soothes irritation and inflammation. Use a chickweed herbal poultice for bug bites, minor wounds, pimples, rashes, and eczema. Externally, it can also be effective in treating any eye inflammation or infection. Chickweed helps to heal pinkeye, conjunctivitis, sties, or even sore eyes from wearing contact lenses. Another way to make a poultice is to simply crush the fresh plant using a mortar and pestle and apply directly to the affected area.
Tincture: Clean and dry chickweed pack in glass bottle and cover with vodka turn weekly for one full moon cycle - strain out plant from vodka and put vodka in bottle, take twenty to thirty drops up to two times a day.

Warning

* Chickweed may cause contact dermatitis and people with allergies to the daisy plant family could also react to chickweed.

Note: It doesn't dry well, and will lose a lot of its therapeutic value when dried. Best taken/used fresh or made into a decoction.

Recipes...

 
Chickweed Besto Pesto

1/2C Fresh Chickweed

1/2C Fresh Basil

1/4C Pine Nuts

2 Medium Clove Garlic

2/3C Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2C Nutritional Yeast

Combine basil, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and puls until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of oil and process until smooth. Gently stir in remaining oil and nutritional yeast before using.

Chickweed Ointment (crock pot)

1 small jar of coconut oil

warm over low heat

pack in as much clean dry chickweed possible 

let simmer over night

in the am strain out chickweed - repack pot with fresh chickweed let it simmer all day restrain making sure all traces of the weed are removed from the oil - pack into small jars and keep in the fridge (excellent for diaper rash, as a lip balm or for bug bites).

* taken from tribe net how to make chickweed ointment

Chickweed Dressing

3/4 C Chickweed 

5T Fresh Lime Juice

2T Basalmic Vinegar

1/2 C Cashews

6T Nutritional Yeast

1/4C Olive

1T Maple Syrup

1 Garlic Clove
blend all together until smooth - great on a spinach salad with berries.

Drying Dandelion Roots

It is weed harvest time again woohoo! Yarrow, Horsetail, Wild Roses, Fireweed and Dandelions are everywhere. I found a good video on youtube about harvesting and drying dandelion roots for "coffee" . *dandelion roots should be harvested in the spring or fall when they are highest in nutrients BUT, I'm doing some now because I'm itching to make ice nocream after trying the moo version at a book launch recently  - sooo good - I'll post a recipe soonish. I'm not sure if dehydrating will produce the same roasted flavour (will try).
 

Kidney Stones - Natural Remedies

I've been searching the internet for natural cures for kidney stones. Here are a few of the remedies I've come across. (for Uric Acid stones which are the most common)

1. Mix 2 oz of olive oil and 2 oz of lemon juice, drink it straight down and follow with a large glass of water at the first sign of stone pain. People say the stone will pass w/i 24 hours of doing this (some use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice).
2. Castor Oil Packs: It is believed castor oil helps break stones down into smaller pieces so that you can pass them easily. Make a castor oil pack (soak large piece of flannel in castor oil and top with a towel and heating pad) place soaked flannel directly over the pain and sit for 2-4 hours a night until pain is gone.
3. 3 Day Cleanse: Day 1: 6 limes, 4 liters water (16 cups), alfala tablets
   Mix limes w/water drink throughout the day. Every waking hour take 2 alfalfa tablets. Days 2&3: throughout the day drink same amount of water-no limes and same amount of tablets. Simple. Avoid all caffine products including chocolate during this cleanse
4. 2 shot glasses of apple cider vinegar taken the first night you start experiencing pain.
5. 2 table spoons of ACV and 2 tbls of coconut oil in 16 oz of warm water.
6. Corn Silk - boil the silk from corn in water drink throughout the day like a tea - if you are prone to kidney stones drink this once a month to prevent them. 
7. Chanca Piedra (stone breaker) when you drink as a tea said to cure galstones and kidney stones. (David Wolfe's site sells it --- you can find by using google). 
8. Horsetail A diuretic, horsetail tea is another effective natural remedy for kidney stones. Drink up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily, or 2 grams of the herb in capsule form daily. 

Nutrients to prevent formation of calcium oxalate stones. Magnesium and B6 together. Vitamin k. potassium."  Studies show that people with recurrent kidney stones who took magnesium supplements had a 92.3 percent improvement rate in reduction of kidney stones. 300 mg of magnesium orotate is recommended daily for prevention and reduction of stones.

A few tips… "Always stay hydrated. There is a reason why Arizona is considered the kidney stone capital of the US, namely dehydration. That in combination with consuming chocolate, coffee, alcohol, soy products and other bitter substances (rhubarb, spinach, etc. ). The other danger is sugar. Sugar and artificial sweeteners. They deplete your body's ability to absorb magnesium, which helps make calcium soluble to the body. If you are not absorbing the calcium, then your body eliminates it, which means it passes through your kidneys, thereby increasing the chance of kidney stone formation. Avoid sugars and artificial sweeteners and nuts."

If anyone has any tips or home remedies let me know.

Kidney Stones Gallstones

So I have been ouchy lately and it turns out I have - Gallstones and Kidney Stones! I was concerned they were being caused by my greens - I found this video posting by Kevin of the Renegade Health show --- still researching


Does Oxalic Acid in Greens Cause Kidney Stones... by kevingianni

Strawberry Moon - Sagittarius Full Moon

This moon (June 15th) is being called the most powerful full moon of the year.  In in Tibetan Buddhism, this month is a time when the consequences of our actions are multiplied by thousands so be mindful of everything you do and say during this time. The Lunar Eclipse on the Sagittarius Moon/Gemini Sun axis highlights emotions, possibly having to do with endings of some kind for a lot of us. Emotions and concerns that you have been ignoring, will come to the forefront. This is a time to examine emotions you have been avoiding. It is also a time to figure out how you feel about certain people and situations and whether or not these people or things need to be cut from your life. The tighter we hold on to the outworn aspects of our life the less room there is to allow new empowering energy to come in. The themes with this moon are change and communication.

Fasting/Detoxing - Crown Chakra

Fasting/Detoxing are recommended for the Crown Chakra. So for the Crown a detox juice recipe

Detox Juice
1/2 Large Beet
6 Stalks of Celery
4 Medium Carrots
1 Medium Green Apple

Juice all in Juicer - drink right away. The beet juice will push your liver helping it to remove toxins, celery will help to alkalize your body, Carrot juice will assist your liver in cleaning out fat and other toxins if you drink it on a regular basis (a glass a day should do). Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system. 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. 

Follow this up with lots of pure water and fresh lemon. 

Crown Chakra Meditation

Crystals for the Crown Chakra

 
Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with the crown chakra. It is said to aid creative thinking and spiritual awareness. It is a protective stone it is said to protect against psychic attack. Placing Amethyst by the side of your bed while you sleep is thought to reduce nightmares.
It is believed to ease headaches, release tension, relieve physical and emotional pain and help combat addictions. It is also reputed to reduce swellings and bruises. In ancient times it was fashioned into a drinking vessel, as it was believed to cure drunkenness.

Selenite



Selenite is said to bring mental clarity, help one access guidance, unblock energy, and instills peace. Because of its ability to calm and clear the mind, it can be good to keep selenite with your during times of emotional stress.

Raw Berry Crisp - Third Eye Chakra

Fruits that are supposed to be good for the third eye charka are Blueberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries so I decided to make a Raw Berry Crisp.

 Third Eye Berry Crisp

• 6C of mixed Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries
• 1T of Maple Syrup
• 1T of Honey (if you don't use honey just double up on the Maple Syrup - to taste)
• 1C of pre Soaked Raw Walnuts
• 1/2T of vanilla
• 1/2C of Slivered Almonds
• 1t of cinnamon
• 1/2c dried Cranberries
• 1C of chopped dates
• 1C of Rolled Oats

In a dish mix berries and cranberries with honey maple syrup and vanilla. In a food processor pulse nuts, cinnamon, dates and oats. Serve in parfait cups layered or layer in a medium sized square cake pan (berries under nut mix on top) - best chilled in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Great with a little almond or coconut so delicious coconut mylk drizzled over the top.

Third Eye Chakra Meditation

Crystals for the Third Eye/Brow Chakra

Third eye chakra is associated with the pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system.
The brow chakra is related to the senses of sight and hearing. Balancing this chakra can help remove confusion or indecision and increase the ability to see clearly and make important distinctions.

Some signs that the Brow Chakra is out of balance are:

• Jumping to conclusions
• Confusion
• Indecision
• Inability to see the bigger picture in life situations 

The color associated with the third eye chakra is Indigo. Indigo is the symbol of spiritual attainment, self-mastery and wisdom.

Amethyst

a stone traditionally worn to guard against drunkeness and to instill a sober mind. Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy. Amethyst clusters, points or several tumbled Amethysts placed in a window that receives sun most of the day are very beneficial to use in healing and to heal negativity in the home. 

 

Lapis Lazuli

Early cultures valued lapis lazuli more highly than gold. The Egyptians buried Lapis Lazuli Scarabs with their dead because they believed the stone offered protection. Lapis is believed to bring clarity to the mind and helps the wearer clear emotional baggage. Lapis Lazuli can help to shake away distress and painful memories.

 

Kiwi Apricot - Throat Chakra Smoothie

 Today's post is for the Throat Chakra a kiwi apricot smoothie. If you didn't read the first post on this, Throat Chakra foods are watery/liquids, fruits from trees and berries making smoothies, juices and teas a great choice.

Kiwi Apricot Smoothie - (tart)

• 4 Frozen Kiwis
• 2 Pitted apricots
• 1/2C ice
• Juice of 1/2 a lime
• 2tbsp of pumpkin seeds
• 1tbsp of cacao nibs

Blend all together until smooth in a high speed blender.

* Apricots have a high mineral content, which makes them helpful in battling disorders like anemia, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, etc. High copper and iron content in apricots increases the hemoglobin in the blood. They are also high in Vitamin A and are said to help breakdown gallstones. Kiwis are full of phytonutrients, vitamin C and are a good source of vitamin E.

Sorry it is taking me so long to post lately. I've been outside enjoying summer..