When I had my herbal and natural products business, Mystic Naturals, the herbal heating pads were one of my biggest sellers. They are easy and inexpensive to make and also a much appreciated gift.

Not only are herbal heating pads great smelling; they provide warm moist heat to soothe sore muscles & aches. Moist heat therapy works wonders for sore neck and shoulder muscles, back aches, and menstrual cramps.

Only a few ingredients and just basic sewing machine skills are necessary.

• Select a soft fabric such as lightweight corduroy or a fleece without too much stretch. Flannels and cottons are a little thin and don’t hold up as well.
• Cut 2 pieces of fabric 8″ x 12″. Place right sides together and stitch along 3 sides leaving one of the 8″ sides open. Restitch over stitches for extra strength at the seams. Turn right sides out (so seams are on the inside and you have a bag/pouch).
• Fill with 2 cups of dried corn kernels (available at animal feed stores and doesn’t “pop” in the microwave). Add 1 cup of mixed dried herbs such as  eucalyptus, clove, lavender, rosemary, spearmint and cinnamon. Turn in raw edges of fabric and top-stitch closed. Again, stitch over this seam.

These herbal heating packs release a warm moist heat for about 30 minutes when warmed in the microwave for 2 – 3 minutes. The herbal scent is soothing and relaxing. These can also be used as a flexible cold pack by placing in freezer.

This is a guest post by Heather Von St. James. As a Reiki Master, I feel this is a wonderful description of Reiki and its benefits.

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by Heather Von St. James

As a cancer survivor, I can attest to how beneficial complementary therapies can be while undergoing harsh traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Reiki is one of many alternative healing practices being used to reduce stress and promote healing. Derived from the Japanese words for “Higher Power” and “life force energy”, the ancient healing art is performed by trained practitioners who place their hands near or lightly on the body to channel energy. It may also be administered to oneself with little training, including within the treatment programs of cancers like mesothelioma.

Used both to maintain good health and to create conditions for the body to repair itself, Reiki has recently been endorsed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, one of the nation’s leading cardiologists and talk show hosts. As its benefits become increasingly more well known, the practice is also gaining favor as an adjunct to traditional medical treatments. It is now being used in many hospitals to decrease the discomfort of treatments for cancer and to relieve symptoms of chronic diseases, potentially increasing mesothelioma life expectancy.

Because Reiki is “transferred” by a master teacher to a student in a process called an “attunement”, it is easily learned and practiced – thus allowing the recipient to tap into an unlimited source of universal energy for healing both oneself and others. The energy that supports life flows throughout the body and nourishes its organs and tissues. When negative thoughts or trauma disrupt its natural flow, energy is blocked or weakened. It is important to realize that Reiki does not heal illnesses; it helps to repair the energy field so that the body can resume its normal processes.

Although spiritual, the practice is not a part of any religion and requires no personal beliefs or dogma. Reiki does, however, promote a harmonious, ethical, and peaceful lifestyle that is compatible with the teachings of all cultures. Because Reiki’s energy comes from God, it may have positive spiritual and emotional components, as well as physical ones.

While all energy healers channel energy, Reiki is different from other styles because it can only be accessed by being passed from a Reiki Master to a student. Energy healers who use other methods may also be attuned to Reiki, and many report an increase in energetic ability as a result. The use of symbols is one of the ways Reiki energy is channeled, and some masters stress the importance of intention. Regardless, the energy is said to have an intelligence of its own that directs it to the area of the body where it is needed.

The American Cancer Society has endorsed Reiki as a form or complementary medicine for mesothelioma and other kinds of debilitating malignancies, and many hospitals now hire Reiki practitioners. Although more studies are needed to prove the benefits of Reiki in cancer care, it appears to help patients feel better without creating side effects.

Living in Harmony with the Seasons

Observing and living in rhythm with nature can be beneficial to our health and well-being. Living in harmony with nature is not a new idea, it is one of the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) and was also the basis for health before society became too busy and stressed to feel the rhythms of their bodies. Fighting or not listening to our rhythms throws us out of balance into a state of dis-ease.

By observing the changes that take place during the winter season, maybe we can attune ourselves to a healthier winter. Leaves have fallen off the trees providing nutrients for the soil, plants pull their sap and nutrients back into their roots, days are shorter, life slows down, some animals hibernate, nature withdraws into itself, the earth rests. Winter is a time of regeneration.

Winter should be a time of personal growth, a time to go within, a restful break, a time to replenish energy for the start of the “growing” season – Spring. The cold and dampness, a hint to stay home where it is warm and comfortable.
The shorter days that winter provide should be used as an opportunity to get more rest, sleep and dreams. Personal growth requires a lot of quiet time and solitude. Solitude is always an interesting period in our lives. It can be a time of independence, loneliness or a time of reflection and growth – the choice is ours. Winter is the time to go within. Time spent alone has the ability to open creativity. It allows us to become our real selves, true to ourselves. A time to explore who we really are; our strengths and weaknesses. We are all complete as we are but we don’t usually realize it. No one can provide true happiness for another person; that is dependency. True joy and happiness comes from within when we take the time to be ourselves, to discover who we are.

If we use this quiet time to reflect on the past, but not cling to it, we are able to see where we were and where we may be heading. We realize how we’ve changed, what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown by past experiences. The biggest steps in our development are created by the hardest lessons of the past. Recognizing difficult times as just that allows us to release and forgive, to move on. Obstacles along our path provide a stopping point, a time to slow down and reflect. We are all give the strength to remove or move around the obstacle. The past should shape our future, our present, not take away our potential.

Winter is a time to maintain our exercise routines but maybe switch them into a gentler direction, more in tune with the body, such as stretching, yoga, dance, walking, or some of the martial arts. Bodywork such as Reiki or massage is beneficial to release stored tensions and relax.

Another not so gentle hint that nature provides for our wellness is food. Learning to change our diet to match what is available according to nature is a giant step towards maintaining health. Foods that provide more energy and heat are necessary during the cold months of winter. Isn’t it amazing that our freshest vegetables during this season are the root crops that provide more carbohydrates, fiber and proteins; creating warmth to the body and regulating digestion when we don’t have the same activity levels? So, listen to nature, add potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, beets, squash and garlic to your meals. Grains, beans and nuts are also fresh during this season, a good source of fiber, protein and essential fats. Have you noticed that squirrels collect nuts for the winter?

Herbs and spices should also be added to the diet. Warming herbs include ginger, garlic, cinnamon, clove, coriander, fennel, fenugreek, turmeric, cayenne, and cardamom seed. Enjoy them added to soups or other recipes – you’ll be surprised how they can change the ordinary into something soothing and satisfying. If you don’t feel too daring, add a little cinnamon to your chicken breasts next time. Garlic is great for the immune system. Feeling cold and can’t get warm? Try a ginger tea or add some of the other warming spices, they increase circulation and most improve digestion after a meal.

Listen to nature, listen to yourself, feel your rhythm.

A couple books I recommend:

The Seasonal Detox Diet: Remedies From the Ancient Cookfire

Staying Healthy with the Seasons

Photo by Horia Varlan

Do you know that cauliflower reduces the risk of cancer, moves blockages within the body, is rich in nutrients and a healthy food overall?

I’ll admit it, until I was aware of just how beneficial cauliflower is to our health, my consumption was limited to nibbling flowerets off an hors d’oeuvres plate or occasionally steamed. I was naive. There are also delicious ways to prepare cauliflower such as roasted, mashed, curried or made into a healthy soup (recipes are at the end of this blog post).

Cauliflower Reduces the Risk of Cancer

There are numerous studies that have been conducted linking cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) and cancer prevention.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute states, “In conclusion, these findings indicate that intakes of cruciferous and dark green vegetables, especially broccoli and cauliflower, are associated with a decreased risk of aggressive, particularly extraprostatic, prostate cancer.”

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have published in the journal Carcinogenesis, “Breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, can be protected against by eating cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and near relatives of cabbage such as broccoli and cauliflower.”

Cauliflower contains anticancer compounds, including indoles and sulforaphane.  According to Brigitte Mars in Rawsome!, “because its anticancer compounds enhance enzyme activity that neutralizes carcinogens so they are unable to attack and transform cells, cauliflower is believed to reduce the risk of colon and stomach cancer in particular. It also aids in the body’s metabolism of excess estrogen, helping to curb breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease.”

Consuming cauliflower is also a great preventative measure for reducing the risk of cancer because of its detoxification, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cauliflower Moves Blockages Within the Body

Cauliflower aids in detoxification of the body. It cleanses the bodily systems, aiding in bringing them to optimal health. Metabolism will increase and stuck chi (energy) will move. A healthy flow of energy will reduce lumps, fibroids and constipation. The boost in metabolism will also burn off fat.

Cauliflower is Rich in Nutrients

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It is also rich in vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, potassium, choline, phosphorus, bioflavonoids, biotin, boron, calcium, and sulfur. To view the full nutritional analysis for cauliflower, visit the Nutrition Facts and Analysis website.

Cauliflower as a Healthy Food Source

Cauliflower contains no cholesterol. One cup of raw cauliflower contains only 25 calories, the perfect healthy snack food. Cauliflower is considered more of a winter crop and available freshest between December and March. Look for white heads without brownish discoloration and store in the refrigerator in a plastic or paper bag.

Some of cauliflower’s cancer preventative compounds are destroyed by heat so be sure to also eat some raw or only cook long enough as necessary.

Buy a head of cauliflower, wash it, break it up into flowerets and store in a container (for up to 5 days) in the refrigerator for healthy snacking and to reduce your chances of cancer.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Roasted cauliflower is a quick and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower. Roasting transforms cauliflower into a crispy, mild nutty flavored vegetable.

Wash cauliflower and cut into similar size pieces. Place in bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add juice from 1/2 lemon, minced or powdered garlic to taste and a little black pepper. Mix together. Spread in single layer on a cookie sheet or shallow baking dish and bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.

Mashed Cauliflower “Potatoes”

A delicious, healthy alternative to mashed potatoes is mashed cauliflower. This is a great recipe if you are looking to cut down on your carbohydrates and calorie intake. Although these numbers will change with what you add to the cooked vegetables, 100 grams of cooked potato has 86 calories, 20 g. of carbohydrates and 12% of the daily suggested requirement of vitamin C. 100 grams of cooked cauliflower has 23 calories, 4 g. of carbohydrates,  and 74% of the daily suggested requirement vitamin C. Potatoes are also inflammatory whereas cauliflower is anti-inflammatory. Clearly cauliflower is healthier than potatoes. They are made the same way you would make mashed potatoes. Cut the cauliflower into pieces and steam until tender. Continue as you would for mashed potatoes.

Curried Cauliflower Apple Soup Recipe

(I adapted this recipe from Feb. 1996 Gourmet)

1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 apples
4 cups cauliflower flowerets (about 1 small head)
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

Reiki (“ray key”) is a Japanese method of stress reduction and relaxation.

A Reiki session is relaxing, nurturing and non-invasive. It is effective in relieving stress and promoting preventive measures of health.

Reiki creates a harmonic flow of energy (chi, prana) within the client, releasing blocks or restrictions of energy and creating balance. Healing occurs through the return of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual balance.

Many benefits have been experienced by those who have received Reiki treatments. They include:

• Reduced stress & anxiety
• Increased sense of well-being
• Accelerated healing
• Pain relief
• Increased creativity
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Rejuvenation of body & soul
• Aid in detoxification
• Physical, emotional, spiritual and mental balancing
• Reduced sides effects of chemotherapy
• Spiritual growth
• Lowered blood pressure
• Increased ability to handle life’s challenges with calmness & clarity

Reiki is much more than an alternative healing method to relieve physical pain, stress and emotional issues and their symptoms. Reiki is holistic, it works on all levels; physical, emotion, mental, spiritual and karmic. Unlike conventional medicine which treats symptoms, Reiki energy goes to the root of the problem to allow healing. Reiki energy is spiritually guided and as such miracles are possible but typically all healing is a process, not an event.

Reiki is a tool to guide you in all areas of your life. It can help to open the flow of creativity and remove any blockages or restrictions that may prevent the receiving of abundance and love. Reiki promotes living in a state of gratitude, integrity, trust, calm, peace, love, joy and understanding the oneness of life. Difficult situations take on a new meaning; the lessons behind them become clear. Judgments are released. Forgiveness and compassion come easily. Coming back into balance is natural.

Being attuned to the Reiki energy though a class is an opening up to enjoying all the possibilities that life has to offer.

Why not integrate Reiki into your life either through healing sessions or a class?

Do you know what natural precautions to take that help prevent a cold or the flu? This article will outline 10 simple and natural steps to take to stay healthier this cold and flu season. Also, all of these suggestions work year round for maintaining a healthier body.

Both the cold and flu viruses are mainly passed to individuals through moisture droplets produced during conversation, coughing or sneezing. They can also be passed from touching something that has been contaminated. The following tips will cover both building up the immune system to be more resilient to the virus and preventative measures if you may have come in contact with the cold or flu virus.

The human body is a complex organism and as such, to approach healing and health in a holistic manner, multiple systems must be taken into account. For example, stress plays a big factor in the health of the immune system, as does obtaining necessary sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. A holistic approach does not just alleviate the symptoms but seeks to restore balance within the whole system.

When the body’s defenses are weakened, infections (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) are able to manifest in the body. Fighting infection is best handled by building up the strength of the whole body.

Get Plenty of Rest

Our bodies need rest and of a sufficient quality and quantity. It is during sleep, when our body is at rest, that it is able to optimally rejuvenate and heal.

This sums it up: “Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, US came to the conclusion that people who sleep less than seven hours per night have a three times higher risk of catching a cold than those who shut-eye for eight hours or more.”

14 Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

Stay Hydrated

A large part of our body is comprised of water (55 – 70% by some sources). Water flushes harmful toxins out and is vital for the proper functioning of all body systems. The standard requirements state 8 glasses of filtered water daily but this will vary due to many factors; amount of exercise, body weight, climate, etc. I have found that by making sure I drink plenty of water, headaches have been non-existent. You will see differing opinions on this but water is the best way to hydrate. Caffeine (including sodas) and alcohol actually dehydrate the body. Juices can add unnecessary additional sugar to your diet. Herbal teas are also a good addition.

Dry Brush Skin

Our skin is our shield to the outside world. Keeping it healthy promotes a healthier body. Dry skin brushing is a great way to cleanse and promote a healthy lymphatic system, vital for our immune system and general well-being.

Brushing the skin before a shower or bath has numerous benefits such as helping with detoxification, removing dead skin (exfoliation) to open the pores, stimulating circulation, cleaning the lymph system and increasing cell renewal. With a dry, natural bristle brush, begin at the feet and work towards the heart stroking with gentle to moderate pressure. Be sure to cover all areas of the body up to the heart. Then begin at the hands and brush the arms. Start again at the neck and work again towards the heart until all areas of the body have been brushed. The first few times your skin may fill a little sensitive but will become accustomed to the brushing.

Use a Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation has been used used for centuries. Using a neti pot is a safe and effective way to flush excess mucus and other airborne allergens such as pollen or dust from the nasal cavity. During the drier months, a neti pot is helpful for keeping the nasal passages moist and healthy.

Complete article on the Neti Pot

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy during the cold and flu season is one important step to take. We are what we eat and eating healthier will lead to a healthier body and stronger immune system. Skip the junk foods and reduce sugar consumption. As little as 1 teaspoon of sugar (from any source) can suppress the immune system for up to 4 hours. Reduce your meat consumption, your body has to work harder to digest meats. Add in more fruits and vegetables which will increase your intake of balanced vitamins and nutrients. Limit your intake of processed foods and dairy. Spend 20 minutes outside in the sun daily to increase your levels of vitamin D. Supplement with vitamin C and add zinc into your diet. Both garlic and onion have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties which will help fight infection and strengthen the immune system.

Boost Your Immune System with Elderberry

How Herbs for the Immune System Improve Your Health

Strengthen Your Immune System, Perk Up Your Metabolism, Reduce Inflammation and More with Vitamin C

Take Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that reside in the digestive tract. Increasing the healthy bacteria will reduce the unhealthy bacteria and lessen the load on the  immune system. Yogurt and fermented foods contain the healthy bacteria or supplements are available.

Here is a great YouTube video by Dr. Joseph Mercola on the importance of probiotics, how it can help keep your digestive and immune system healthy and how to buy a good quality probiotic.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is important to keep the body and immune system healthy. Exercise helps remove toxins from the body and cleanse the lymphatic system. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress.

“A University of South Carolina study found that people who walked or did other moderate activity for 30 minutes most days averaged one cold per year, while less-active folks reported more than four colds per year.”

Relax

Stress is our reaction to any life event that upsets the body’s balance. Stress has become a major factor in all of our lives. If not handled properly, stress throws our bodies out of balance and into a state of dis-ease – not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. Stress reduces the immune system’s effectiveness.

There are many ways to reduce stress in our lives. A happy, positive attitude is one of the easiest ways. We all have the choice to live life from a positive or negative perspective. Turn off the media and reduce negative influences from your life. Stay away from the drama!

Take time for yourself, listen to relaxing music, meditate, immerse yourself in a hobby, enjoy nature, have body work such as massage or Reiki done.

Life is what you make of it. Change your thoughts, be happy!

If you are looking for a good laugh to change your attitude, here is The Onion’s list of tips for cold and flu prevention.  (PLEASE these are a joke, don’t take them seriously but have a good laugh).

Wash Hands Often

This is common sense but a reminder never hurts. Germs can spread through contact with infected surfaces. Keep your hands washed often to cut down on the possibility of infecting your body with the cold or flu virus.

Don’t Touch Your Face or Eyes

Hands act as a bridge for germs. Don’t touch your face or eyes after being out and about. This can greatly increase your chance of the cold or flu virus entering your body.

For more information on maintaining a healthy body naturally and holistically, order my eBook, A Journey into Herbal and Natural Healing.

In October of 2000 I was fortunate to meet Stephen Harrod Buhner at a Sacred Plant Medicine Workshop he was teaching at Rosemary Gladstar’s Sage Mountain in Vermont. I received an autographed copy of his book “Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers”.

The author has a magical way of drawing the reader into his book through interesting facts woven with quotes, stories, and folklore. This book is rich in the history of beer and mead making, healing properties of 200 medicinal plants and trees, and 120 recipes for ancient and indigenous beers and meads from 31 countries.

The chapter with the actual details of brewing, The Ancient Magic of Making Beer starts with this opening paragraph:

“Making a fermented beverage, a beer, is fairly straightforward. Many of the newer texts of the homebrewing movement, however, make it seem more complicated and intimidating that it really is.”

And his Rule Number One of Four Heretical Rules of Brewing:

“Don’t get tense, worried, or think you don’t know enough. Remember that although you are learning an ancient human art and expression of plant medicine, it is important to have fun.”

Chapters

• The Well of Remembrance
• The Mead of Inspiration: Mead, Honey, and Heather
• Yeast: A Magical and Medicinal Plant
• Sacred Indigenous Beers
• Alcohol: Aqua Vitae, the Water of Life
• The Fermentation and Sacredness of Grains
• Psychotropic and Highly Inebriating Beers
• Beers and Ales from Sacred and Medicinal Trees
• Beers and Ales from Sacred and Medicinal Plants
• The Ancient Magic of Making Beer
• Some Meads of the Middle Ages
• Herbs Used in Meads of the Middle Ages: A Brief Compendium
• Sources of Supply and Useful Books

Stephen Buhner is the author of over a dozen books covering plant spirituality, herbalism, natural health and his newest book Ensouling Language: On the Art of Nonfiction and the Writers Life.

1  cup herb infused oil
Approx. 4 Tbsp. Beeswax
½ tsp. Vitamin E oil (or oil from gel capsules)
Essential oil – (optional)

Very gently warm infused oil on stove in a stainless or glass saucepan. Add a piece of beeswax – when it melts, turn off heat. Melt most of the beeswax in the infused oil.  Add Vitamin E oil. Test thickness with some salve on a spoon in the freezer (don’t freeze, just cool). If too soft, add more beeswax; too hard, add more oil. Cool slightly. Add essential oil to scent and/or to add an additional healing quality. Pour into sterile containers. Cover tightly when cool.

Infused oils are used to create healing salves, topically applied healing oils or as part of the base for lotions and massage oils.

1. Olive oil is the best base as it doesn’t usually turn rancid, is easily absorbed, and has numerous healing benefits.
2. Chop plant coarsely.
3. Fill a clean, very dry jar with herb.
4. Fill jar completely with oil, removing all air.
5. Cover tightly. Shake well.
6. Infuse at room temperature for approx. 3 – 6 weeks.
7. Add more oil after first day if necessary.
8. Strain oil into clean jar & squeeze oil out of plant material.
9. If using fresh plant, let sit for several days for any water to settle to the bottom, carefully pour off infused oil.  Dried plant material will not have water.
10. Refrigerate.

Getting a proper night’s sleep is vital for health and well being. Here is a list of tips for achieving better sleep:

1. Keep regular sleeping hours
2. Avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol before sleep
3. Maintain the bedroom for sleeping only
4. Keep the room dimly lit and lights off when sleeping
5. Do not exercise right before sleep
6. Do not eat a heavy meal before sleep
7. Turn the clock so it is not facing you
8. Open the window for fresh air
9. Plants in the bedroom are relaxing
10. Keep the bedroom clutter-free
11. Make the bedroom comfortable and pleasing to the eye
12. Use natural blankets
13. A bath before bed will promote sleep
14. Journal 5 things you are grateful for that happened during the day to fall asleep with a peaceful attitude