Chocolate as “Health Food”

People sometimes forget that chocolate, like wine and tea, starts out as a natural product. Chocolate comes from the cacao bean (the seed of the fruit of the cacao tree) which is a particularly potent source of antioxidants. The antioxidants are part of a large class of compounds called polyphenols. Dark chocolate and cocoa are particularly high in a sub-class of these compounds called flavanols, which are also found in red wine and tea. These flavanols are key to heart health, and their promotion of heart health has really grabbed researchers’ attention. If you eat raw cacao, you are also getting a concentrated source of anti-oxidants, magnesium, chromium and vitamin C.

“Chocolate nourishes and preserves health entire, yet causes a pleasant and natural sleep and rest,” wrote Dr. William Hughes, an English physician in 1672. “Drunk twice a day, a man may very well subsist therewith, not taking anything else at all.”

Chocolate contains very little caffeine. A 1.5 ounce milk chocolate bar has 11 mg of caffeine, while a similar-sized dark chocolate bar has 27 mg of caffeine. In contrast, a 12-ounce mug of coffee has 200 mg. It does however contain a caffeine-like chemical called “theobromine”. Theobromine may be responsible for some of the pleasurable feelings you get after eating chocolate because it releases natural feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain. The same chemicals which are released by the brain when people are falling in love. Perhaps this explains why chocolate and Valentines Day are so closely linked. Chocolate is one of nature’s most concentrated sources of theobromine, a mild, natural stimulant and molecular “cousin” of caffeine. However, unlike its cousin, theobromine does not strongly stimulate the central nervous system, nor does it have the same “eye-opening” power. While safe for humans, other species, such as dogs, lack the specific enzyme that metabolizes theobromine so eating chocolate can cause them to become overstimulated. It is strongly recommended that pet owners prevent dogs from eating chocolate.

Theobroma Cacao, was so named in 1753 by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. Theobroma is Greek for “food of the gods,” and cacao is the Spanish adaptation of the Mayan name for the tree: kakaw.

Kakaw Trees around the world

Cocoa pods from Ambanja, Madagascar

Raw cocoa bean pod from South America

Cacao beans are “steeped” in rich history and culinary uses.

Cacao powder with cinnamon

By 900 A.D., The Toltecs moved in and took control of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Cacao rich lands. The Toltecs also revered cacao, believing “Quetzalcoat” the god of air, had stolen cacao from paradise and travelled from heaven on a star beam to give the bean to men and teach them how to cultivate it. Quetzalcoatl was banished by the other gods for offering this divinely delicious food to mortals, but he swore to return. This legend continued centuries later into the age of the Aztecs, and when Cortes, the Spanish conquistador, showed up in the 16th century, the great Aztec King Montezuma believed it was Quetzalcoatl returning. Montezuma himself is rumoured to drink over 50 cups a day.

“Chocolate, well known, is an invention so noble, that it should be the nourishment of the gods, rather than nectar or ambrosia.” – Joseph Bachot

It was during this time period that the beans became the natives’ “coins.” A list of Aztec trading prices may have had such values as:
1 small rabbit = 30 cacao beans
1 turkey egg = 3 cacao beans
1 large tomato = 1 cacao bean

Carved wooden Mexican cocoa stirring stick (molinillo)

It would appear that the earliest culinary use of chocolate can be attributed to the food loving Italians. An 18th century cookbook includes dishes such as fried liver that had first been dipped in chocolate; a polenta made with almonds, butter and chocolate breadcrumbs; and a chocolate “soup” composed of milk, sugar, chocolate, cinnamon and egg yolk, served warm and poured over toast.

Chocolate is Sinful and Sexy

In 1690, An austere group of Protestant Pilgrims were so offended by the joy and merry making of a chocolate house in Amsterdam where they had taken up residence that they dubbed chocolate as the “Devil’s Food”. When they later immigrated to North america, they outlawed it completely from their colony. It was some years later in Amsterdam that “Devil’s Food Cake” was named in honor of the stern Pilgrims.

Chocolate tea can warm more than just your heart.

“Life is too short for bad chocolate!”
Roxanne Browning -chocolate sommalier

With all this information we may go away feeling an incredible urge to indulge in a generous serving of fudge or grab our favorite bar at the grocery check out. It is important to remember that what we discuss is the Cacao bean, not the derivatives or terribly mutated and ingredient compromised descendant of this sacred bean. Most fudge is three quarters butter and sugar; and most chocolate bars in the grocery store have less than 2 grams of actual cacao. If you don’t believe me, READ YOUR LABELS (this is my mantra). They use a lot of wax, sugar and chocolate “flavouring” which could really mean anything. Unless the bar says 70% or 90% cocoa you are not getting pure chocolate. You are getting a sugar rush, a carbohydrate boost and/or the comfort of some fat….not to mention lecithin and whatever else they decide to add and label in the category of “flavourings and colourings” without telling us. The most highly recommended and nutritionally beneficial way to enjoy the richness of Chocolate and the health benefits is, as anything, to consume it as close to the way it originated in nature as possible. On the market we find the most pure chocolate in the form of raw Cocoa nibs. That is the beans which have been shelled and broken up into small pieces which could then be eaten as a snack, added to trail mix, smoothies, granola or other recipes. They are not roasted because this compromises their wonderful nutrition, kills the enzymes and changes the molecular structure of the natural oils. The flavour is milder and less sweet but when you get used to it, you can appreciate and develop a taste for the true unadulterated bean treat, and it’s positive effects on the body. Like anything, once you have had “the best” you start to really understand and recognize the inferiority of the cheap variations and substitutions. Try raw chocolate, as a snack, a sprinkle, or in tea.

“Chocolate is a divine, celestial drink, the sweat of the stars, the vital seed, divine nectar, the drink of the gods, panacea and universal medicine.” -
— Geronimo Piperni, quoted by Antonio Lavedán, Spanish army surgeon,1796

Carp Farmers Market is one of the oldest running markets in the Ottawa area and certainly one of the nicest. This year’s Easter Market is on April 7…it’s always on the Saturday of Easter weekend. Come out and sample some of the local fare and sweet Easter treats. Handmade chocolate has a quality that can’t be found in the over packaged factory made stuff you get on sale.

The Market will be held for one day:
Saturday Apr 7th 8 am to 2 pm
We’ll have two buildings full of vendors and five vendors outside – scroll down to find the market layout showing where each vendor is located.

Once again we will offer a free draw for an Easter basket of gift items donated by our vendors, and a 50-50 draw for The West Carleton Food Bank. Please be sure to visit the hostess booth in the Rotunda for your free draw and 50-50 tickets. You are also encouraged to bring along non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.

50 VENDORS
FREE PARKING
FREE ADMISSION

LIST OF VENDORS:

EXHIBIT HALL – ROTUNDA

1-2 Woodline Creations
hand-turned wooden items
3 Simply Fresh Roastery
coffee beans and ground coffee
4 Opeongo Mountain Meadow Soap
goat’s milk and rainwater soaps
6 Pine Ridge Studio
stoneware & earthenware pottery
7 Farm Experience School Crafts
pillowcases, quilts, barley bags
8 Wildrose Country Homestead
body care products
9 Take Charge Tea
organic herbal tea blends
10 Kym’s Old Fashion Bakery
breads, buns, fruit bread, fruitcake
11 Mains de Mariposa
organic body lotion, hand cream, scrubs
12-13 Senior Farms
eggs, chicken lamb; bread, buns, fruit pies
11 Willow Ridge Crafts
photo greeting cards
16-17 Micki Renehan Photography
nature and landscape photographs
18 Russell’s Honey
organic honey, and honey baking

OUTSIDE

21 The Elk Ranch
frozen elk meat, sausages, pepperettes
22 Bacon-on-a-Bun
back or side bacon on-a-bun, drinks
23 Hall’s Apple Market
apples and apple products
24 Upper Canada Cranberries
frozen, dried cranberries, juices, sauces

AGRICULTURAL HALL

26 Acorn Creek Garden Farm
fall vegetables, preserves, chocolates
27 Forest Creek Clothing
hand-made children’s and adult clothing
28 Hobb’s Baking
pies, tarts, biscuits, buns, cookies
29 Pork of Yore
frozen cuts of pork meat
30 Dobson’s Grass-fed Beef
frozen cuts of grass-fed beef, chicken
31 Triple A Farm
emu meat, oil & craft products
32 Savoury Pursuits
bread, muffins, cookies; meat & veg pies
33 English Pie Shop
meat & fruit pies, sausage rolls, fruit tarts
34 Pretty Fours
petit-fours, macaroons, pates de fruit
35 Mali’s Eggrolls
eggrolls, springrolls, Thai dishes, drinks
37 Glengyle Garlic
garlic bulbs & braids, garlic spreads
38 Pat’s Sweet Temptations
cakes, cookies, squares, buns, biscuits
39 Heather Sherratt Handweaving
hand-woven clothing
40 Berch Design & Display
cushions, pillow cases, aprons, runners
41 Girl With the Most Cake
scratch-cakes, elaborately decorated
42 Nonna’s Dressings and Marinades
salad dressings, sauces, dips
43 Bitten Cookie Company
cookies-on-a-stick, brownies & mixes
44 Fork n’ Things
jewellery from silver-plated cutlery
45 Back Forty Artisan Cheese
artisan cheeses
46 Servi Pro Mushroom Farms
fresh/dried mushrooms & kits, jellies
47 Wood & Stuff
bird houses, puzzles
48 Willow Rodge Crafts
photocards
49 Maple Holme Sugar Bush
maple syrup and products
50 Lacelle’s Apiary
liquid & creamed honey, various flavours
51 Chamomile Desjardins
hot sauces of various spiciness
52 Bearbrook Farm
game meats, sausages, salami

www.carpfarmersmarket.ca

A while back we did a facebook contest asking people to share what they know about the benefits of nettle. WOW! we got some pretty indepth responses; and each of these participants received a free bag of Take Charge Tea’s nettle blend.

Teresa Bowden:

Nettle tea is quite rich in a large number of vitamins, apart from calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, carotene, and zinc. Along with that, it also comprises of protein in high quantities.

Health Benefits Of Nettle Tea

• For women suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, drinking nettle tea might prove beneficial. It is also used to reduce water retention and treat anemia.
• The tea has been found to be rich in sterols, an ingredient that seems to help decrease the action of DHT, a testosterone that is regarded as the culprit behind prostate enlargement.
• If you suffer from springtime allergies, drinking nettle tea three times a day can prove to be beneficial. Apart from that, the tea can help treat tuberculosis, coughs, urinary tract infections, and a variety of intestinal disorders.
• In Europe, the tea was once used in the treatment of scurvy. On the other hand, Russians still consider it to be a treasured antiseptic and astringent. It is used to stop nose bleeding, apart from being used to improve heart action and cure headaches.
• The tea has been found to be rich in natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory substances. This is the reason why it is used to open blocked nasal and bronchial passages and regarded as a beneficial herbal remedy for treating hay fever.
• Nettle tea has proved effective in ousting gravel from the bladder and dissolving kidney stones. It also stimulates the kidneys to excrete more water, thus helping the body get rid of toxins and metabolic wastes and serving as a valuable blood purifier.
• The tea can help clean out the entire intestinal tract, while killing and expelling intestinal worms as well. It also sets in motion the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
• Nettle tea is being used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and inflammation of the kidneys. Since it helps get rid of phlegm from the lungs, it is being considered for asthma treatment as well.
• It is believed that the tea serves as an excellent tonic for women. Native American women used to drink it during pregnancy. It was also used to stop excessive bleeding that followed child birth.
• It is said that after giving birth to a child, a woman should consume nettle tea, as it has the ability to restore a woman’s energy and can also stimulate milk production.

Dale Dalessio: ‎

1. Put an infusion on your scalp to promote hair growth.
2. Tonic for the blood
3. Good for bacterial infections
4. Helps with allergies
5. Urinary tract issues

Christine Kovacs: ‎

1. It is used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, joint and muscle pain.
2. It is used as diuretic, which helps with urinary issues.
3. It is used to treat anemia since nettle leaves contain high amount of iron content.
4. It decreases the risk of eczema and other skin disorders.
5. It is used in the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis, and may help with hay fever by acting as a natural antihistamine.

Leslee Russett:

Nettle tea fights coughs, tuberculosis and asthma; counters arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis and other disorders of the muscles and joints; combats eczema; is a rich source of calcium, a mineral vital to the maintenance and development of bones in the body; has high levels of beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of good vision and protection from eye diseases such as night blindness and cataracts.

This is what Culpepper writes about Nettle, in Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, 1814:
NETTLES

Nettles are so well known, that they need no description; they may be found by feeling, in the darkest night.

Government and virtues. This is also an herb Mars claims dominion over. You know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that winter is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason why nettle-tops eaten in the spring consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of winter hath left behind. The roots or leaves boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an electuary with honey and sugar, is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs, which is the cause of wheezing and shortness of breath, and helps to expectorate tough phlegm, as also to raise the imposthumed pleurisy; and spend it by spitting; the same helps the swelling of the almonds of the throat, the mouth and throat being gargled therewith. The juice is also effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The decoction of the leaves in wine, being drank, is singularly good to provoke women’s courses, and settle the suffocation, strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof; it is also applied outwardly with a little myrrh. The same also, or the seed provokes urine, and expels the gravel and stone in the reins or bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same kills the worms in children, eases pains in the sides, and dissolves the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, although others think it only powerful to provoke venery. The juice of the leaves taken two or three days together, stays bleeding at the mouth. The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonous qualities of hemlock, henbane, n nightshade, mandrake, or other such like herbs that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethargy, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temples in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt. The distilled water of the herb is also effectual (though not so powerful) for the diseases aforesaid; as for outward wounds and sores to wash them, and to cleanse the skin from morphew, leprosy, and other discolourings thereof. The seed or leaves bruised, and put into the nostrils, stays the bleeding of them, and takes away the flesh growing in them called polypus. The juice of the leaves, or the decoction of them, or of the root, is singularly good to wash either old, rotten, or stinking sores or fistulous, and gangrenes, and such as fretting, eating, or corroding scabs, manginess, and itch, in any part of the body, as also green wounds, by washing them therewith, or applying the green herb bruised thereunto, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones; the same applied to our wearied members, refresh them, or to place those that have been out of joint, being first set up again, strengthens, dries, and comforts them, as also those places troubled with aches and gouts, and the defluxion of humours upon the joints or sinews; it eases the pains, and dries or dissolves the defluctions. An ointment made of the juice, oil, and a little wax, is singularly good to rub cold and benumbed members. An handful of the leaves of green nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Deanwort, bruised and applied simply themselves to the gout, sciatica, or joint aches in any part, hath been found to be an admirable help thereunto.

According to Rosemary Gladstar in her book Family Herbal—A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality,

Nettles are rich in calcium, iron, zinc, chromium, silicon, manganese, magnesium as well as other trace vitamins and minerals. The minerals present in nettle leaves are easily extracted in water and this also makes them useful as a food source, to cook with steamed vegetables or in stir fry’s.

We at Take Charge Tea believe that nettle is the most nutritious thing you can put in your body and that it is the most useful and versatile native herbs for us. It is our best selling tea blend not for this reason, but because of the taste. People sample this tea at the market or a trade show and invariably it is the favourite for most. We are happy about that because it’s a pleasure to be sending so much goodness out for people to fortify, clarify and heal their bodily systems.

This last quote sums it up:

“Nettle is one of the most widely applicable plants in the materia medica. The herb strengthens and supports the whole body.” David Hoffman, 2003.

Chinese tea fields

It is said that black teas have the most caffeine and green teas have less, and white teas have even less caffeine. While this is a loosely true guideline, it is impossible to predict the exact amount of caffeine which a tea will contain as there are too many variables. Season (what was the weather like when it was growing?), harvesting time, soil conditions, how long that product was on the shelf before you purchased it, exact ratio of tea to water, water temp and steeping time. Don’t get caught up in numbers or measurement of caffeine. Use your judgement, be moderate and listen to your body. If caffeine is an issue, keep in mind that the second and third infusion contains a dramatic drop in caffeine levels. Tests have shown that the levels of caffeine become barely negligible by the third infusion actually. Most of the caffeine then is highly soluble and the best jumpstart comes from your first steeping. I have heard from some worldly TCT customers who have encountered asian green tea drinkers who “pour off” the first infusion anyways; so this is an option if you love green tea but find that caffeine causes your body stress. Because this is a plant, there are so many healthful constituents to it and so many advantages of choosing to drink tea instead of coffees, colas, or sugary juices.

The benefits and pleasure derived from imbibing this wonderful, age-old, healthy beverage makes Camellia Sinensis the number one drink in the world.

Several years ago, during Asian Heritage Month, I attended a workshop on the Vietnamese Lotus Tea Ceremony. We learned how to make Vietnamese sweets, and then Rebecca Craig from Camellia Teas presented a wonderful slide show and story about the Lotus tea ceremony from Viet Nam.

Because it was a while ago my memory for detail may be somewhat lacking, but I will never forget how entranced I was and I regret not recording it sooner. The story goes, that during the Imperial era, in the 17th century or before even, the lotus tea was only for royalty. And it was a revered ceremony for only the very important people. Only special utensils were used and they were only “bathed” in lotus water before use, as well.

What made the tea so divine, precious and enchanting was the method in which it was collected. Only the best tea leaves were used and those leaves were taken by the young girls in rafts silently gliding through the reeded waters at dusk. Those leaves were reverently, precisely and gently placed into the centre of the blooming lotus flowers to sleep there when the petals of the lotus folded themselves and closed for the night. At dawn, the flowers began to open to the sunshine and the maidens ventured again in their silent boats to recollect those tea leaves which had been infused with the scent and flavour of the lotus. These girls also were tasked with the job of collecting the dew from the petals which they were to drop in dedicated jugs and returning them to the palace. The dew was actually what was used to bathe the tea utensils. Then the lotus tea was reverently prepared according to very strict and deliberate procedure of the day for tea ceremony.

During this workshop, we had the pleasure of tasting some modern lotus tea which had been brought by someone who recently visited Viet Nam. I was positively enamoured and enchanted so from that day forward I vowed to make a lotus tea blend. Eventually I did, but a consistent source of lovely lotus petals still eludes me. Once in a while I find some, or find an importer who has some. Then, and only if they are fairly fresh, I make a batch. Very special Indeed.

Our own White Tea with Lotus is TCT’s “ever elusive” blend because it is only available when the most lovely and aromatic lotus petals are available; so if you see the Take Charge Tea white with lotus in a shop or at a sale, I recommend that you pick it up. It may be months or years before you can find it again. It’s all about quality of ingredients. We would rather have a flavour be unavailable than sell you old flower petals or something less than wonderful. Lotus petals seem to be an ingredient which is rare to find in Canada but those flowers grow everywhere in Viet Nam. I pray for a connection with someone who travels to Viet Nam or even better, has family there and can bring me lotus flowers.

When I realized that the White Tea with Lotus was not going to be added to my repertoire on a consistent basis I decided last year that it was time to make another white blend. White tea was becoming popular it seemed as my customers were asking for it more and more. So last year the inspiration hit for a comforting winter tea. Because white tea is so mild and light a flavour, it was important that the other ingredients enhance but do not overwhelm the integrity of the precious white. Also because of it’s light flavour I was thinking “uplifting”. Something that will be like summer sunshine in a cup, warming and soothing. Lemon of course. I chose lemongrass and lemon balm because they are not strong lemon flavours but they are uplifting and have properties that encourage a cozy “feel-good” effect. Besides the emotional and sensual comforting of the flavour, I am a fan of substance so I wanted a key medicinal ingredient in there too; so that the tea could also be a healer, in a real and profound way. Enter….SAGE. Sage is an amazing, native traditional ingredient that is indicated for many different physical ailments and is used extensively for spiritual purification as well. In this blend, the sage is intended to compliment; or rather provide to a catalyst for the other ingredients forming a synergistic blend of ingredients perfect for someone suffering the winter blahs. You know, that lingering cold or cough that keeps you feeling exhausted during those long dark and damp winter days that seem to last forever? Sage is drying, so any mucous in the sinus cavities or lungs will be cleared by drinking sage tea. It is also indicated for coughs extensively; although for a dry cough I recommend using the tea with honey (local unpasteurized) to lubricate and soothe the passages. So there you have sunshine in a cup. Lemon Balm has been recommended for melancholy since the dawn of herbalism. Lemongrass also has mild antidepressant properties, is said to ease muscle aches, invigorate and boost digestion and glandular activity. This blend SOUNDS and TASTES uplifting, really.

Indeed the white tea has the least caffeine, and in TCT’s white with lemon and sage blend there is even less because the white tea is less than half the recipe which includes the lemonbalm, lemongrass and sage. Also, for another layer of flavour, I found that a tiny bit of my favourite, a very high quality oolong, really gave the finished product a nectarlike rich smooth finish. Oolong has more caffeine than white generally, but again, in this blend there really is very little of it. However, the blend lends to give a body a definite “pick-me-up” without that buzzy stimulating kick that you would get from a more intense morning tea. It’s perfect for early afternoon at the office, or for a gentle morning lift off. Uplifting but soothing at the same time. We love this tea, and have been hearing that many of you do also!!

I was wondering if one should keep the crystal with the tea after opening the bag? Or is it OK to take it out and use it for other purposes? Please let me know. You also have permission to reprint my question with my name. Thanks! Caycee

There are no “shoulds”….of course it is completely up to you. If you leave the crystal in the tea after opening the bag, it continues to empower or send energy to the herbs you will be using. These herbs are effective without the charging but more energized with it. If you decide to take it out, you are carrying around the healing intent…the crystal is charged with reiki. Some people collect them in a special bowl or teacup on the windowsill. Some people make a piece of jewellery with it, or carry it around in their pocket. You can even “cleanse” the crystal of energy afterwards and charge it with a different intent if it so pleases you to do so. I hope this answers your question. Follow your own intuition and use it as you feel inclined to!

There is something that I don’t always talk about, but is a pervasive and identifying part of the Take Charge Tea experience. Aside from the food value, the medicinal benefits, and all the social implications of purchasing and drinking this ethically sourced product which is a labour of love there is another level of energy exchange occuring. The main reason this brand is called TAKE CHARGE TEA was the hope to educate and enable people to begin thinking about how they can TAKE CHARGE of their own health. But, being a real fan of wordplay and homonyms (you may have noticed that my main domain name is “maidenkanadah”) we have another meaning behind the name. That is to signify the quartz crystal point which is contained in every bag of Take Charge Tea.

These crystals are charged with Reiki energy and infused with the healing intention of the recipient only “for the highest good” and if the recipient allows. What this expression means is that sometimes the “highest good” is not the temporary measure we seek conciously but for the best in the long run. This of course is something only an individual’s higher self or higher power can conceive and determine. Overall, the energy of thought given to these crystals which go home with hundreds of people each week is healing. Healing is not Curing. They do not mean the same thing at all. Sometimes it is “healing” for a person to go through a particular ailment or difficult time….in the long run. Healing can also mean bringing some relief. It often leads to “curing” however it is not the ends but the means. This is why energy is so non-quantified; because healing is unique to each individual.

The common denominator seems to be gentle relief. Gentle relief is what we experience when we use herbs, and if the condition is more dramatic we need to drink several pots of “gentle relief” to feel and enjoy the effect.

The crystals are believed to store and amplify thoughts and visualizations. So, the instructions on the label encourage one to take the crystal and use it. Think about and visualize, and “feel” the state you wish to achieve. You will then have a little boost from the Reiki infusion, the amplification of the quartz crystal, and the personal will power that you have taken the time to create; thus taking some personal responsibility for the manifestation of your own state of physical or emotional health. Take Charge with tangible nutrition from the herbal teas, and with the power of thought using the crystal provided. Or just collect them for sun catchers. No harm done. If you have a belief system that is deep and true and which does not allow the use of crystals for healing, the reiki will not be activated because it has been sent out with the intention of healing only where welcomed by the user. It will just be a pretty clear rock to you. A collectable, like what used to be in the Red Rose Tea boxes in the 70’s. Does anybody remember those?

There are different kinds of depression and different reasons for it. Most common, and most logically is the depression which occurs after a sad event like the death of a loved one, or loss of job, or other life change. It is accepted and understood that time will heal and mourning is appropriate. It is understood that financial strain causes stress, and boredom causes sadness. So looking for and finding another job or redirecting attention towards getting occupational retraining can help solve these. These normal life occurrences give most people a taste of depression which for others becomes an inescapable state of being for months even years. Sometimes depression is hormonal and health related only and sometimes it is a hereditary or acquired chemical imbalance in the brain.

There are *experts* out there who, I assume, have the diagnostic ability to ascertain the cause and severity of a depression. At least I hope so. My concern is that the procedures used to diagnose are often anecdotal. This means that depending on the individuals tolerance levels, coping skills and communication style the actual diagnosis would be highly varied even in the exact same condition. Another concern of mine, worthy of note, is the pharmaceutical partnership with the medical community. Pharmaceuticals are necessary and valuable for health but are often overprescribed; and the habit of medicinal safety protocols being based on privately funded medical studies challenge the integrity and validity of the results. This means that more often than not, we, the population are actually being prescribed things which have been condoned by the very people who profit from them; not a neutral body concerned with only the health and safety of the user. If the day ever comes when I, or one of my family members needs medication, I will be diligent about researching it and insist upon moderation of use. In the meantime I strive to manage conditions with food and lifestyle choices.

We can accept and employ a sense of personal responsibility for our health and well being; thus beginning a distinct state of liberation. This, on a deep level, is profoundly effective in setting the stage for healing. Then we are open to see and have the strength to enact the changes we need to make it better. Part of the problem with depression is that it renders one unable to do the very things that will improve the situation. This takes dedication to oneself and practice. A person prone to depression can learn to recognise the symptoms before they are completely disabled by it and treat it before they become unable to. Its called managing depression; not allowing it to manage you.

So the first thing is to look at what we are putting into our body. The chemicals made by the brain when we feel sad or stressed are very real and damaging. They are not only temporarily appeased by the introduction of carbs, sugar, and caffeine. What relief these ingredients offer is short lived at best and the greater result is more damaging. Blood sugar imbalances, weight issues and magnified mood swings. Also, the appetite has been quelled but the body has not received any essential nourishment so that the brain then is literally starving. Changing ones diet can be a daunting task so starting with ADDING something instead of taking something pleasurable away is advised. Nevermind quitting sugar or carbs…at first. Try promising your body at least once a day the most healthy favorite food you can think of. Add a good daily multivitamin, and some oil(or eat nuts,salmon, eggs). Hemp, flax or if you don’t mind, fish oil. I swear by my fish oil multi made by Carlson. The essential fatty acids (efos) will help your brain function and manufacture chemicals that calm and relieve.

Take Charge Tea was named as such because of this desire to share the ability to *Take Charge* of your health and herbal teas are a great way to do this. One can achieve hydration, nourishment, pleasure, and relaxation all in the act of drinking or sharing a pot of tea. The particular blend of herbs most relevant to this post is the Oatstraw Lavender Lemonbalm. The most important item in my *depression toolkit* is my Oatstraw tea. As a matter of fact, it was the profound effect of the oatstraw that motivated the birth of this business. After the birth of my first child, I did not know it at the time but I experienced Post Partum Depression and it went on for about 14 months until a local herbalist recommended I drink a pot per day of Oatstraw. I did not realize how dark it was until the light came through; and I could not believe the difference. It was at that point I decided that I needed to share this. I added Lavender and Lemonbalm to enhance the effects and the flavour and the rest is history. This history includes dozens of people who come back to tell me how wonderful this tea is to help them sleep; how effective the tea was to cool the hot flashes (in this case the tea is steeped and stored in the fridge); how much the oatstraw tea helps to lessen or eradicate anxiety attacks; and I will never forget the lady who bought my oatstraw tea by the pound for over a year to help her daughter wean off her antidepressants. This was successful for her but I would not recommend this without guidance and monitoring by a herbalist or naturopath who is familiar with the meds. My hope is that this tea is going to help people avoid needing dangerous drugs in the first place.

There are several ways in which the oatstraw lavender lemonbalm works to help bring a body back to balance and a person back to happiness. Of course, as mentioned, the most important one is sleep. One of the greatest causes and/or symptoms of depression is the lack of or irregularity of good quality sleep. When we sleep, our brain manufactures chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine in such a way that they recalibrate. Of course this is an oversimplification but the fact of the matter is that a good night sleep biologically improves your chemical balance without the addition of synthetic alternatives. Our bodies are brilliant machines designed to heal themselves. The oatstraw also is a very good source of calcium and magnesium in the perfect quantities to allow maximum absorption. That is because it is a plant that has not been altered by man and our physical bodies are designed to function by interacting with the earths bounty, by way of acquiring our nourishment there. We are like a car built to run on gas. ethanol may work but If one were to put corn oil in the tank….the car would not. When our tank has corn oil in it, we do not function properly and our brain chemistry and other hormonal systems begin frantically trying to create balance thus resulting in numerous seemingly unrelated afflictions; often resulting in depression. Put whole food into your body.

Oatstraw is also known to help balance blood sugar levels. In the western world we have epidemic proportions of diabetes in all its forms. Anyone with or without diabetes would do well to watch their blood sugar levels and to avoid assaulting the pancreas with large amounts of sugar. Sugar free soft drinks or juices or flavored waters are not the answer to this problem because they all contain chemicals which are damaging to the liver, allergic and in my opinion should be illegal. Oatstraw is one herbal ally for this. Nettle is another. Blood sugar imbalance can cause irritation and depression can result.

The main ingredient of this tea is oatstraw but lemonbalm has been recommended for centuries as a calming mood uplifter. It has a lovely green flavor and smell. Lemonbalm is part of the mint family but does not taste minty at all. It has a lovely lemon scent when growing but this only comes through faintly in tea. That works perfectly with the mild flavour of oatstraw. Also, the Lavender is calming. Let me assure you that the tea blend is just sprinkled with lavender so that it does not taste perfumy. It is barely there, but notes of lavender heighten the taste experience. Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th century abbess, herbalist, scientist, artist and composer wrote this regarding lavender: “Whoever cooks this lavender in wine…and drinks it when it is warm, will lessen the pain in his liver and lungs, and the stuffiness in his chest. It also makes his thinking and disposition pure.”

Other things to consider for your depression tool kit are such physical activities as jogging, yoga, tai chi, dancing, lifting weights or any sport that stimulates you; even walking is greatly healing, especially beside a body of water. Taking some quiet time to sit in a garden or any place that you feel at peace; or a luxurious bathtub with aromatherapy. Think about the smells around you. Scent your room with such things as citrus, floral, or minty; again, any smell you like will make you feel happier overall if you remember to scent your home with it. My house smells of herbs because I do the Take Charge Tea business out of my home.

Sometimes exercise, diet, and relaxing is not enough. Sometimes we need to seriously think about changing something. This may mean a career change, walking away from a friendship or relationship that is not healthy or moving to a different place. These decisions are not to be taken lightly and are not a good idea while in the fog of despair, but if every measure has been taken and improvement has reached a plateau but happiness still eludes, sometimes difficult choices have to be made. Do not rush, and by all means, seek therapy if you need help organizing your thoughts.

For now, though, be patient with yourself. Love yourself, nurture yourself. For heavens sakes, make yourself a nice pot of tea. Listen to the silence (or some good music). Enjoy the solitude or share it with a friend

Herbed Red Rice Medley

A wholesome crunchy rice dish that is high in iron, B-vitamins, protein and EFAs. It can be served as a salad or as a hot side dish or as a main lunch dish:

Cook 1 cup of brown rice and 1 cup of red rice with 3 cups water and a 1/4 cup of butter and a half teaspoon of salt in a rice cooker or over stovetop.

Sauteé in butter: one diced zucchini, one red pepper, 2 tomatoes, handfull button mushrooms and one onion.

Add tablespoon of oregano, teaspoon of garlic powder and a half cup of dry Take Charge Tea (nettle/mint/stevia).

Add cooked rice to crunchy sautéed veggies and herbs and stir into a big metal bowl or serving dish with a half cup of shelled hemp seeds