MiMi's Place

Chia Seeds

2013-07-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. You may have seen chia sprouts growing on the novelty planters called Chia Pets, but historically, the seeds have been the most important part of the plant. In pre-Columbian times they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. I've read that one tablespoon was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.

Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. And it has another advantage over flax: chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And, unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.
Another advantage: when added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.
Chia has a nutlike flavor. You can mix seeds in water and add lime or lemon juice and sugar to make a drink known in Mexico and Central America as "chia fresca." As with ground flax seeds, you can sprinkle ground or whole chia seeds on cereal, in yogurt or salads, eat them as a snack, or grind them and mix them with flour when making muffins or other baked goods. I find them tasty and an interesting addition to my diet.
Chia is undergoing something of a renaissance after centuries of neglect. It was a major crop in central Mexico between 1500 and 900 B.C. and was still cultivated well into the 16th century, AD, but after the Spanish conquest, authorities banned it because of its close association with Aztec religion (Indians used the seeds as offerings in rituals). Until recently, chia was produced by only a few small growers, but commercial production has resumed in Latin America, and you can now buy the seeds online and in health food stores.
Because of its nutritional value and stability, chia is already being added to a range of foods. Research has shown that adding it to chicken feed makes for eggs rich in omega-3s. Feeding chia to chickens enriches their meat with omega-3s; fed to cattle chia enriches milk with omega-3s. Chia can also be added to commercially prepared infant formulas, baby foods, baked goods, nutrition bars, yogurt, and other foods. Another bonus: insects don't like the chia plant so it is easier to find organically grown varieties. I expect we'll soon be hearing much more about chia and its health benefits.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA365093/Chia-for-Health.html

Ginger Uses and Benefits

2012-11-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

1.Ginger for Treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps

About a teaspoon of fresh ginger grated is amazing at easing painful menstrual cramps. Just take it with a big glass of water after, and you'll be surprised by how effective it can be.

2. Ginger for Treating Morning Sickness and Nausea

Look at this fascinating study, featured in the magazine Obstetrics and Gynecology: "Researchers from the University of South Australia in Adelaide gave nearly 300 women either 350mg of ginger or 25mg of vitamin B6 three times per day for 3 weeks. The researchers found that both ginger and vitamin B6, which is sometimes taken to counteract morning sickness, worked equally well at alleviating nausea symptoms."

3. Ginger for a Healthy Heart

Ginger has been shown to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets, so it may help reduce risk of atherosclerosis. It may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels - a problem more and more people are dealing with. Of course, as with any of the ideas in this article - talk to your doctor about using ginger for cholesterol problems, don't just do it on your own.

4. Ginger to Treat Arthritis Pain

BBC News reported in 2001 that ginger is a natural alternative to treating arthritis pain. "A pill containing extracts of the root spice has proved to be as effective as conventional painkillers in a clinical trial. Rheumatologist Professor Ray Altman, who led the study, believes the highly-concentrated supplement could help to reduce the pain suffered by two out of three people with arthritis. He tested the supplement on 250 people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition. Each was suffering from moderate to severe pain. Over a six week period, some were given a 255 milligram dose of the dietary supplement twice a day. The rest were given a placebo. Two-thirds of those given the ginger pills reported relief from pain - significantly more than those taking the placebo.

5. Treats Colds and Flus

In Chinese medicine, natural root ginger has been used for centuries to clean the body of viruses such as colds and flus. If you have a cold or flu, a cup of real ginger tea using fresh ginger will be very soothing - and may help you get over your sickness more quickly!

What Kind of Ginger Should You Use?

Ginger ale - which our Moms always gave us when our tummies were upset - contains very little actual ginger, unless you go to the natural food store and get a more natural variety of the soda. Instead, use FRESH GINGER whenever possible - it's just got more of all the good stuff in it. You can also try a high quality powdered ginger pill.

Selecting Good Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger should have relatively smooth skin, should feel heavy for the size of the piece of ginger, and should have a nice fragrant smell. If the ginger looks dried out or has no smell - choose a different piece. For the most health benefits, you'll want to choose the freshest ginger.

Storing Ginger and Keeping it Fresh

Store ginger in the fridge - it should keep nice and fresh for 2-3 weeks. Or, you can peel it and store it in whole chunks in the freezer for a couple of months. Just take out the pieces of ginger as you need it and grate.

Using Fresh Ginger

The easiest way to PEEL fresh ginger is with a regular teaspoon! It works well at removing the outer skin, while leaving all the fragrant fresh ginger flesh behind.

Grating ginger is often the easiest way to use it for medicinal purposes - just use a regular grater, or a Microplane grater which creates a finer grate.

Shared from a great site:

http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/ginger.html

Grow your own ginger, it takes a while but is fun and so worth the wait.

The best instructions I have seen are here:

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Ginger-Plant

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses

2012-11-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

The aromatic oil contained in eucalyptus leaves is an essential ingredient in Vicks Vapo-Rub. This over-the-counter preparation has been a popular remedy with millions of people for many years for treating respiratory ailments, especially asthma and bronchitis. A little of the ointment is applied locally to the chest area and slowly rubbed into the skin in a circular motion using the forefingers. Sometimes a piece of flannel cloth will be laid over the chest to retain its penetrating warmth for a longer period of time.
Infections - Eucalyptus is a traditional Aboriginal remedy for infections and fevers. Eucalyptus is now used throughout the world for these ailments.
Antiseptic - Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and is very helpful for colds, flu, and sore throats.
Expectorant - Eucalyptus is a strong expectorant, suitable for chest infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Warming - The diluted essential oil, applied to the skin as a chest or sinus rub, has a warming and slightly anesthetic effect, helping to relieve respiratory infections. The same effect takes place when the infusion or tincture is used as a gargle.
Pain relief - Diluted essential oil applied to the affected area can help to relieve rheumatic joints characterized by aching pains and stiffness, as well as neuralgia, and some bacterial skin infections.
Other medical uses - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Herpes, Tension headache, Viral infection.

Shared from : http://www.healthalternativesonline.com

Rose Geranium Essential Oil Uses

2012-03-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

Repel Fleas and Ticks
Find some rose geranium essential oil at a local aromatherapy shop, or online. Place a few drops of it into about 1/4 cup of a "carrier" oil in a bottle. Even vegetable oil will work as a carrier. Mix it well, then shake a few drops into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and then lightly touch around your dog's fur on her feet, near her neck, the top of her head, her haunches, and a bit on the belly. Do this before heading out on your walk. Don't forget to rub some on yourself, too. (I run my fingers through my hair because ticks love the human scalp.)

Warning, your dog probably won't like the smell! You'll probably like it, though. Be sure to use just a very little, because it's an essential oil and is very strong. BIG WARNING: Never apply an essential oil full-strength directly to skin (or fur). Only tea tree oil can be used full strength, on humans. Or you can also soak a fabric collar in a mixture of this and let your furry child wear this to repel fleas and ticks.

I have read where some people have used this formula for 2 years and although it doesn't get rid of all the ticks (which I hate, hate, hate those ticks), it does seem to keep most of them away from my dog. But nothing is 100 percent and still as safe as this.

Aromatherapy
No doubt one of the most effective oils for aromatherapy, geranium is used to relieve stress and anxiety, ease tension, balance emotions, and treat menstrual cramps. Along with the aromatherapy benefits, many people also use this oil for meditation purposes.

Skin Care
One popular usage of geranium oil involves treating acne since geranium acts as a balancing agent for oily skin. Interestingly enough, these balancing properties also help people battle dry skin as well. Another thing worth mentioning about geranium essential oil is that it makes scars fade away.

Decongestant
Anybody who is struggling with the cold or flu should keep geranium aromatherapy in mind because the oil acts as a decongestant. So if your regular cold and flu products aren’t working, consider trying out geranium essential oil.

Deodorant
While most people will probably stick to store-bought deodorants, take note that geranium essential oil can be used to eliminate body odor, and keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It’s also popular as a perfume because of the sweet scent.

Healing Cuts/Wounds
Geranium is very effective at healing wounds and cuts faster. This essential oil also has anti-bacterial properties, which helps keep the cuts and wounds clean while they’re healing.

Meditation
Those who enjoy meditating should consider using some geranium essential oil during their next session. Geranium has a very relaxing, calming effect on people, which certainly helps one get into the right mind frame for meditating.

Sleep Aid
Since geranium is quite effective at calming people, it’s no wonder why this essential oil is good at helping us sleep better too. Using geranium through aromatherapy eases a person’s mind, and allows them to fall asleep quicker.

Aloe Vera Benefits

2012-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Aloe is excellent treatment for skin conditions such as burns and eczema. It is often reported that burns can be healed remarkably quickly and the pain reduced very quickly with topical application of Aloe Vera to the burn area. As well as applying topically, Aloe can also be taken internally so it is just as useful for internal epithelial tissue as it is for the skin. For example, mouth and stomach ulcers, nasal and sinuses, bowels, lungs and genital tracts. Aloe works on membranes and surfaces.
Aloe also seems to be excellent at regulating the immune system (an immunomodulator). This means it can both stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune systems either from exisiting conditions or post-illness fatigue. It can also calm the immune response, such as for Hayfever where less immune reaction is beneficial.
Although Aloe is about 99% water, the remaining 1% is extremely powerful and it is thought this is because the close to 100 ingredients work extremely well together (synergistically). The ingredients in Aloe can be grouped into the following categories: Vitamins, Minerals, Sugars, Enzymes, Lignins, Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Fatty Acids, Salicylic Acid.
Each of these categories could be discussed at length in their own right regarding individual molecules and ongoing studies into their remarkable effects. Combined together it's easy to see why Aloe Vera is such an effective healing plant.
Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's systems. Numerous studies worldwide indicate that it is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds. Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of the components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes.
Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of the plant. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It's ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62). In one study, oral use for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in the plant.
In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aloe vera for the treatment of HIV. On-going studies worldwide show that taken in highly concentrated doses can stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses and also tumours.
Aloe vera contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:
Vitamin C which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.
Amino acids which are chains of atoms constructing protein in our body.

Enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
Germanium which is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.
The juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers. People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis, it is said to be an excellent vaginal douche. An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.

It is also used to ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using the juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in the herb reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.
Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking the juice or taking it as a tablet or capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking the juice may also help those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on cortico-steroids.
In 1997, University of San Antonio researcher Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking it daily. Rather than exhibiting negative effects, however, test animals receiving daily Aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, "We found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels." In fact, the Aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group (IASC Conference, Texas, 1997).
There is no single ingredient that makes it very potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. This means that Aloe vera's effects cannot be synthesized easily in a laboratory. On the upside, this makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various elements that make it effective are nutrients rather than drugs, the juice may complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer patients state that Aloe vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.
Aloe vera may help adults, children, and even pets receive more value from daily foods and supplements.

"Zapped" by Ann Louise Gittleman

2012-01-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

I finished the book and couldn't wait to share this with everyone. You really
need to know this stuff. I got it on I Tunes for 1.99, I don't know how long it will be that. It is $10.19 on Amazon.
This will really be an eye-opening guide for Anyone Who’s Plugged In
Are we going to give up our cell phones, laptops, and other electronics? Absolutely not. But emerging scientific evidence reveals that the very innovations that have changed our lives are also exposing us to an unprecedented number of electromagnetic fields—and that it’s crucial we make important changes to our home and work environments. Now, Ann Louise Gittleman has created the first step-by-step manual for fortifying your body, detoxifying your home, and protecting yourself and your family from electronic pollution (and her powerful fixes are easier than you might think!). Zapped is an empowering guide to living safely with the gadgets we can’t live without.

Vitamin B 12 Benefits

2012-01-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of several critical body processes.

It is possible for the body to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is usually reported with symptoms of fatigue.

Strict vegetarians, heavy drinkers and smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and the elderly usually require vitamin B12 supplements. Sometimes our body, mainly our digestive system, is not able to absorb this vitamin well. This can happen when a person has pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite. People suffering from these conditions may need vitamin B12 supplements as well.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in a host of illnesses like anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, poor memory, soreness of the mouth, asthma, vision problems, and a low sperm count. However, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare as the liver stores enough reserves to last a couple of years.

The top 5 health benefits of vitamin B 12 are:

It is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body.

It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage.

It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamin B12 also protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure.

It is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin.

Vitamin B 12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostrate cancer.

Make sure that your body is getting enough vitamin B12 by incorporating these foods in your diet: liver, meat, eggs, milk, cheese and some varieties of fish.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Top 5 Benefits of Vitamin B12

Pomegranates are a super food !!

2011-11-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Pomegranate juice has become popular in the past few years, but does it really live up to the hype? It looks like it. Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice.

Here are eleven:
Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.
Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.
Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.
Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.
Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.
Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better.
Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).
Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.
Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Here is one way to enjoy my favorite Pomegranate juice.

Oprah's Favorite Pomegranate Martini recipe

1 oz vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
3 oz pomegranate juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker 1/4 filled with chopped ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Chase those flies away!

2011-05-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

1. Basil

There are about a million kinds of basil and new varieties being introduced all the time. Basil is a beautiful fragrant plant that grows easily in most climates. It even tolerates the dry, Texas heat pretty well.

Most people know fresh basil is delicious in pesto, tomato based dishes, and salads but did you also know that it is one of the best ways to keep flies out of your house? Just plant basil next to the doors, use as a foundation planting mixed in with your flowers, or plant in containers. The flies will stay far away.

You can grow basil in containers by your picnic table or on your patio and cut a nice size bunch of it to decorate the blanket with when you go to a remote picnic spot. As an added bonus, mosquitoes don't like it either. Choose your favorite, all the basil that I have tried works equally as well.

2. Bay Leaf

You can grow bay outside in the summer but you will need to bring it indoors during the winter months. You can buy dried bay leaf at the store if you find you are unable to grow it; the dried variety that you put in stews and soups works as well as the fresh for keeping pests away.

You can put one bay leaf in fifty pounds of wheat berries or organic white flour and it will keep the weevils out of it. If you don't happen to buy flour in those quantities you can add a bay leaf to a smaller sized container with similar results. Other items that it will protect are:

Barley
Cornmeal
Oatmeal
Quinoa
Rice

Most cereal products will be just fine for months with the bay leaves to protect them. Scatter a few leaves on the pantry shelves to repel moths, roaches, earwigs, and mice. Flies seem to hate the smell of bay leaves, too. Who knew they had such sensitive olfactory nerves?

3. Lavender

Lavender smells wonderful and if you have never used lavender buds in cooking you should give it a try. In small amounts it adds a wonderful floral and citrus flavor to baked goods, meats, and even vegetables.

Lavender also repels moths, mosquitoes, and fleas.:

Hang a bundle of it in your closet or lay a few sprigs of it in with the out of season clothes you are storing.
Grind it to a powder and sprinkle it on your pet's bedding.
Grow it in containers on your patio to repel mosquitoes.
Grow it in your kitchen garden to keep rabbits out of your lettuce and spinach.

4. Mint

Mint, catnip, and pennyroyal planted around the foundation of your house can keep both ants and mice out of your home. Neither of these pests seem to like the smell and all but the most determined will head to a better smelling yard. You can also place shallow bowls of the dried mint leaves in your pantry to discourage mice.

Pennyroyal is also repugnant to fleas, ants, flies, and mosquitoes. Just be careful of it because large amounts of pennyroyal can be toxic to pets and children. You can place dried pennyroyal on your pantry shelves and it will keep ants away.

Just a quick warning about mice. They love anise. Keep anise in jars or it will draw mice to your pantry no matter how much mint you have out! You can use anise to bait live traps with excellent results.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs, not only for cooking and grilling but because it has a number of uses medicinally and as a household herb. As it grows it repels mosquitoes. Try planting it around your patio or any area that you use in the evenings to keep the air smelling fresh and the mosquitoes on someone else's property.

Rosemary also repels cats, so planting it around the kids sandbox is a good idea. You can use rosemary springs under the cushions to keep the cats off the furniture but beware - the oils in the rosemary can stain the cushions. Be sure they are the one sided type.

6. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff has long been used to deter carpet beetles and moths. Just lay it beneath wool carpets (or other types). It may also deter ants. An added benefit is that it releases a sweet scent when you walk across your rugs.

7. Tansy

Tansy is another little known herb that repels flies, ants,fleas, moths, and mice. Its flowers resemble marigolds or yellow Bachelor's Buttons and it makes a great foundation planting. Tansy was traditionally used by churches as a strewing herb in the Middle Ages.

Original, Green, and Frugal

Herbs were the original household cleaners, disinfectants, and bug repellents. They had been used for thousands of years with good results before humankind came up with toxic chemicals in a can. These herbs are not only better for the environment; they actually improve the environment. Herbs continue to work for you when you have finished with them and discarded them to the compost heap. They enrich the soil, add nutrients, and some (like Valerian) attract beneficial earthworms.

Next time you are tempted to reach for the fly spray, reach for the basil instead.

How to Make Lip Balm from scratch and Recipe | Natural Soaps and Natural Lotions by SoapCrafters

2011-05-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

Click this link to go to Soap Crafters direct

How to Make Lip Balm from scratch and Recipe | Natural Soaps and Natural Lotions by SoapCrafters

I have made some of their recipes and it was very successful, after the investment of some

basic ingredients you will certainly have better lip balm at a better price.

Lip Balm Recipe Makes enough lip balm to fill approximately 6 x 15ml jars

You will need:

20g White Beeswax
25g Soft Oil/Butter such as Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Coconut Oil
15g Cocoa Butter
40g Liquid Oil for example Sweet almond, Calendula, Avocado, Jojoba
Half a teaspoon of Natural Vitamin E Oil 3-4ml of Flavour Oil

Directions:

Cut the soft oil/butter into small pieces and place in a pyrex jug together with the beeswax.

Sit the jug in a pan of water over a low heat. The water needs to come about half way up the side of the jug. Never heat oils over a direct heat.

Warm the ingredients until melted then remove the jug from the pan. Take great care as oils can get very hot.

Add the liquid oil and stir gently until blended.

Add the vitamin E and flavour oil and stir well.

Pour the mixture into some lip balm pots.

Allow to cool completely before putting the lids on.

That's all there is to it!

Pure and Simple: Clean Naturally with Plant Essential Oils

2011-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit, I am obsessed with using any essential oil for any purpose. I love reading about them and letting my readers know what I found. I am so sensitive to many chemicals that it was a necessity for me to find alternatives for cleaning and for personal uses. I got started with making my own lip balm and it took off from there discovering the wonders of essential oils. Tea Tree Oil is my favorite and you can find a whole post on this great oil elsewhere in my blog.

We put a lot of work into creating clean, healthy homes for ourselves and our families. And for most of us, our idea of a healthy home doesn’t include toxic chemicals. Yet many of us spray on and breathe in potentially toxic ingredients every time we use common household cleaning products.

Fortunately, nature has provided us with a bevy of alternatives to synthetic chemicals: Plant essential oils clean, disinfect and smell great. Studies have found many to have antimicrobial properties. Use the blends below for a house that’s clean and nontoxic. (As with any new product you introduce into your home, be sure to read the instructions for each ingredient to ensure safe and effective use.)

Surface cleaner: Add 7 drops lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, clove, thyme, pine, grapefruit or oregano oil to 2 cups of water. Spray on surfaces.

Kitchen cleaner: Mix the following essential oils: 8 drops lavender, 10 drops lemon, 5 drops eucalyptus, 8 drops rosewood and 3 drops palma rosa. Combine 2 cups of water with 8 drops of the mixture and spray on surfaces.

Dishwashing boost: To add fragrance or to improve the antiseptic action of your liquid soap, add 10 drops of essential oils such as lavender, orange, bergamot or lime to 3 ounces of natural liquid dishwashing soap and shake well.

Floor cleaner: Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 10 drops lemon oil and 4 drops oregano oil. Add to a bucket of water. For extra cleaning power, add several drops of dish soap, but follow with a clean-water mop so floors aren’t slippery.

Window cleaner: In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 10 to 15 drops lemon oil and 1 cup water. Shake well before each use. In summer, repel flies by wiping windows with a cloth dampened with 2 ounces water and 10 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oils.

Air freshener: To keep indoor air smelling fresh, mix 8 drops of essential oil with 21/2 cups warm water. (Use a single scent or 8 drops of this combination: 5 drops bergamot, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops cinnamon, 10 drops lemon, 10 drops citronella.) Store in a spray bottle and shake well before use.

Flea killer: Mix 2 cups borax with 10 to 15 drops of essential oils. Try pine or balsam fir in fall and winter; and lemongrass, lavender or any citrus oils in spring and summer. Sprinkle on carpets, then wait a few minutes before vacuuming.

Hot tub cleaner: To disinfect and fragrance the water in a hot tub, add 3 drops of lavender, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, thyme or grapefruit essential oil per person that uses the tub.

Buying Tips

Choosing high-quality oils is essential.

Know your terms: “Fragrance oil,” “nature-identical oil” or “perfume oil” aren’t the same as 100 percent pure essential oil. They may be combinations of essential oils and chemicals, or just plain chemicals.

Check the container: Avoid oils in plastic bottles or with rubber eyedropper bulbs in the top. These can degrade and contaminate the oil. Look for small (4-ounce or less) dark or opaque glass bottles.

Read the label: Look for the correct botanical (Latin) name to ensure you’re buying the right oil.

Benefits of Raw Honey

2011-04-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

"Honey is cheap, making it potentially useful for treating wounds in earthquake-stricken and war-torn areas where running water is scarce and aften contanimated. It is being used in Iraq to treat burn wounds in children."

Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate.

It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it. Approximately one half of the human diet is derived directly or indirectly from crops pollinated by bees. Today honeybees are an essential part of a healthy agriculture economy.

If you have allergies, honey can be beneficial. If you eat honey that is local to your area, it may help prevent your seasonal allergies. Bees use the pollen from local plants and eventually it ends up in your honey.

Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin. You can use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix the honey with olive oil. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly before you go outside.

If you have a sore throat, take some honey.[ Honey has powerful antimicrobial properties, which can soothe your raw tissues. Pour a teaspoon of honey into a large serving spoon and then top off the spoon with lemon juice. Swallow the concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Some people add a pinch of black or red pepper to increase blood circulation to the throat.] Due to its natural anti-inflammatory effect, it will help to heal the wounds more quickly.It also has different phytochemicals--chemicals found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus making it a good substitute for wound dressings. The taste may also take your mind off the pain. There is evidence that honey diluted in water will help with your stomach aches and dehydration.

Do you have a cut? Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds.By applying honey to your wounds, you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution test the heat before you place it on the wound).Many types of bacteria can’t survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow back.

A Banana A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2011-03-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bananas Contain three natural sugars - sucrose , fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan , a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin , known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel better.

PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia :
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex England ) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B-6 and B-12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!
Footnote :
If your roses are covered with Aphids, drape banana skins over the branches, it's amazing, but in a day or less, they are GONE! I've tried it, and I couldn't believe it, no more aphids, as long as I save my banana skins for the rose bushes!

Healthy Carrot Muffins

2011-02-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

MiMi's Muffins

1 Cup all-purpose flour

1 1/4 Cup Oatmeal (uncooked)

1 Cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons wheat germ

2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
grated rind of 1 fresh orange

1 Teaspoon baking powder

2 Teaspoon baking soda

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¼ Cup Milk or buttermilk

2 large eggs

3/4 Cup vegetable oil or melted COCO Nut Oil ( my preference)

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 medium carrots, grated (about 2 cups)

1/2 Cup canned crushed pineapple, drained

½ Cup Raisins (or 1/2 cup dried cranberries)

1 Cup shredded Apple

1 Cup Coco Nut or Pecans (I am allergic so I use Coco Nut)

Instructions : 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line twelve-Sixteen 1/2-cup muffin cups with paper muffin liners.

2. Whisk the flours with the brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl lightly whisk the egg, then whisk in the melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

3. Quickly and lightly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir in

the carrots and pineapple, apple, coconut, raisins just until evenly moist; the batter will be very thick. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Turn muffins out of the tins and cool on a rack. Serve warm. Top with a cream cheese frosting if desired. These freeze well.

Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits

2011-02-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?

The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Ultra Epsom® Salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include:

Eases stress and relaxes the body

Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They lower blood pressure, create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.

Relieves pain and muscle cramps

An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of our Ultra Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.

Helps muscles and nerves function properly

Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.

Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Makes insulin more effective

Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.

Relieves constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician.

Eliminates toxins from the body

The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.

What are some uses of Epsom salt?

Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily routine can add a whole lot of goodness to your way of life. To experience the numerous heath benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups Ultra Epsom Salt to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterwards. If you have arthritic joints move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.
As a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

Epsom salt uses: HEALTH

Athlete’s Foot - Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Remove splinters - Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus - Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises - Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease discomfort of Gout - Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.

Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY

Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Epsom salt uses: HOUSEHOLD

Clean bathroom tiles - Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.
Prevent slugs - Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash - Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.

Epsom salt uses: GARDENING

Fertilize your houseplants - Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.
Keep your lawn green - Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray - Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests. For more information click here for the link to saltworks.

CoConut Oil is the healthiest oil on earth!!

2011-01-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Recently on the Dr. OZ show the benefits of Coconut oil were touted, with much of the same info below as borrowed from the Coconut Research Center

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Olive Oil, 26 Uses for other than cooking!!

2011-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Olive oil can be used for literally scores of things besides cooking. Here are some different ways to use olive oil that we hope you might find useful around the household and for personal care. You don't need to use premium Extra Virgin olive oil, just grab a bottle of inexpensive, domestic olive oil for around-the-house use. You can cut down on excess oil by investing in a refillable spray can, such as the Misto® olive oil sprayer.

General Household Uses
1. Easy clean up of garden tools. Spray some olive oil on your tools. There will be less dirt build up and it will rinse off much more easily. Repeat as necessary during use. Then rub a little on the tools before storage to prevent corrosion.
2. Wood furniture polish. Put about a teaspoon of oil on a soft rag and wipe. You may wish to try 2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice to increase cleaning power and add a nice fresh smell and shine.
3. Fix a squeaky door. Use a little oil on a rag or cotton swab or a small squirt of oil and apply to the top and sides of a squeaky hinge to help quiet a car or home door. Wipe up excess oil with a paper towel.
4. Free a sticky zipper. Put a little oil on the teeth of a sticky zipper with a cotton swab (be careful not to get it on the fabric), then gently ease the tab down.
5. Shine stainless steel and brass. Rub metal objects with a little olive oil on a clean rag to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish on stainless or brass.
6. Remove paint from skin. Rub olive oil onto messy hands, arms or faces and allow the oil to soak in for five minutes, and then rinse with soap and water.
7. Remove paint from hair. Use a cotton ball moistened with olive oil, gently rub it into your hair and work the paint free.
7. Condition leather. Rub olive oil into worn leather, such as shoes, slippers, belts or even an old baseball glove, and let set for 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess and buff to a shine.
8. Footwear conditioner and polish. Rub down your shoes or boots with just a spray of olive oil to maintain their suppleness and shine.
9. Clean greasy hands. Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt or sugar into palms and massage briskly into hands and between fingers for several minutes. Rinse with soap and water.
10. Prevent wax from sticking to a candle holder. Rub a thin coat on the base of the holder before inserting a candle. Dripped wax should peel away easily.
11. Lubricate measuring cups and spoons. Rub or spray olive oil on your measuring tools for easy clean-up of sticky substances like honey, grain mustards, and sugar syrups.

General Personal Uses
12. Stop a throat tickle. Take a sip of olive oil to stop the itchy flicker that is making you cough.
13. Cure an earache. Very carefully, use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the outside ear cavity to help with earaches and excess wax.
14. Help reduce snoring. Take a sip of olive oil before heading to bed. It might lubricate your throat muscles and stop you from snoring.
15. Shave. Olive oil can provide a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave. Rub in an extra teaspoon once finished.
17. Bathe. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your running bath water to help moisturize and soften your skin.
18. Remove makeup. Dab a bit under your eyes, on your cheeks and forehead, then wipe with a damp cloth.
19. DIY lip balm. Mix olive oil and melted beeswax in a 1:1 ratio with an essential oil for fragrance, and help reduce dry and chapped lips.
20. Control hair frizz. Comb a bit of olive oil through dry hair to tame frizz and flyaway on humid days or in the winter.
21. Fingernails. Use a bit of olive oil to moisturize cuticles, or mix oil and water and soak your hands before a manicure.
22. Exfoliate your face and hands. Rub your skin with olive oil, and then scrub with sugar or coarse salt, and rinse.
23. Soften your skin. Rub olive oil daily on notoriously dry areas, such as your feet or elbows, especially after a shower, shaving, or waxing.
24. Cure diaper rash. Gently apply olive oil to your baby’s bottom to help with the irritation of diaper rash.
25. Release chewing gum from hair. Pour some oil on the gum and surrounding hair. Then, use your fingers to pull on the gum; you may need to rub the oil around to loosen the gum up.

Pet Use
26. Benefit your dogs and cats. Mixing a little olive oil in your pets' food will help lessen your cat's chances of producing fur balls. It will also help your dog shed less fur. Mix an eighth of a teaspoon once a week into your cat's food. For your dog, add one teaspoon of olive oil into his/her food on a weekly basis.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

2011-01-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have mostly used Tea Tree Oil for skin irriations and it works beautifully. After some research I am also adding Grapefruit Seed Extract to my "natural and organic" medicine chest.

1. Broad Spectrum

Grapefruit seed extracts main advantage is it's extraordinary ability to perform both (internally and externally) against a wide variety of known or unknown infections caused by viruses, bacteria, funguses and parasites.

2. Grapefruit seed extract is alkalizing.

Grapefruit seed extract helps alkalize the body. It is considered one of the most alkaline forming foods and of all fruits it is the most alkalizing. Alkalizing the body (raising pH) is one of the single most important health regeneration benefits available.

Disease cannot live in an alkaline environment within the body. It is claimed that cancer dies in a pH of 8.0. Countless other conditions are caused by an acid environment within the body. These same conditions are effectively treated by restoring the proper pH.

Grapefruit seed extracts pH is a low 2.0. Don't let this fool you as acid foods have alkaline effects on the body. The problem comes when you eat food that is acid forming such as meat, sugar and most grains. This food creates and acid environment within the body.

Most degenerative diseases are associated with your body pH. Your body pH is one of the most important aspects to consider when trying to overcome a serious illness and to maintain good health. The list of diseases caused from improper pH is a mile long. Cancer and most other diseases cannot exist in an alkaline environment. The pH of the non-deficient and healthy person is in the 7.5.

3. Beneficial Bacteria

Grapefruit seed extract stimulates the immune system. (According to Doctors and Veterinarians) grapefruit seed extract (at normal doses) is gentle yet preserves the integrity of your intestinal bacteria. Without these beneficial bacteria life could not be sustained.

4. Drug Resistant Bacteria

To date there is no evidence that any type of pathogenic microorganism has ever built up a resistance to grapefruit seed extracts active ingredient. Due to the mode of its activity it is believed that this resistance is impossible as grapefruit seed extract disrupts the organisms cytoplasmic membrane.

5. It can be taken for long periods of time without toxic side effects.

There are reports that people have taken grapefruit seed extract every day for several years (as a preventive) without side effects of any kind. However we do not recommend grapefruit seed extract for long term use!

6. GSE is hypoallergenic (non-allergenic).

Dr. Allen Sachs points out that about 3 to 5 per cent of all people are allergic to citrus fruit and could therefore also display a sensitive reaction to grapefruit seed extract. These people should start with a low dosage and perform a patch test to be sure.

7. It can be used for humans and animals including pets (fish, reptiles, birds etc).

All living creatures great and small have benefited from the use of grapefruit extract.

8. Grapefruit seed extract is a multipurpose product used for countless applications.

Pet Health - Internal and external conditions and infections, skin conditions, mange, fleas, etc.

Household Uses - Vegetable wash, counter tops, cutting boards, laundry cleaner, etc.

Travel Uses - Grapefruit extract is used against water and food borne illnesses, diarrhea, dysentery, etc.

Gardening Uses - Tool cleaner to remove fungus, mold. As a bug spray, plant spray and more!

9. Wound Healing

Grapefruit seed extract is extremely good for fast healing of scar tissue associated with many types of wounds (even big ugly scars).

10. It is Very Economical to Use!

Grapefruit seed extract is very effective at low concentrations therefore a little goes a long way as most applications only require a few drops per dose. Our 1.5 oz bottle contains 900 drops of potent Triple Strength grapefruit seed extract. Triple Strength averages around 3-5 drops per dose.

Skin fungi or bacterial diseases of the skin: Mix 30 to 50 drops of GSE liquid extract in a quart of water, and spray on the infected area at least 2 times a day.

This same dilution can be used as a general antiseptic for cages, stalls, or any other contact areas where a commercial antiseptic or disinfectant would be applied. There is no need to rinse or try to remove any residue left by GSE. It can also be mixed into virtually any topical preparation,
like shampoo, flea-dip, cat litter, bedding, etc.

You can make your own organic Kitchen & Bath Spray by adding one or two drops per ounce of distilled water.

It makes a wonderful rinse for fruits and vegetables as well, or for a more thorough treatment, soak them for fifteen minutes and then rinse thoroughly under cold water.

Adding GSE to your carpet or floor cleaning machine will help to remove odors caused by bacteria left from pet, food , mold or mildew. It is reported that ten to fifteen drops per gallon in the reservoir is effective in killing staph, strep, aspergillus, salmonella and many other pathogenic organisms that are present in some carpets.

Gargling with GSE and water will most times handle even the most resistant Strep germs. Naturopathic doctors recommend gargling with two or three drops in five ounces of water three or four times daily, you can't do it too often.

Grapefruit seed extract can be used to clean fungus and mildew off of shower stalls, tile, swimming pools, hummingbird feeders and birdbaths. It is user-friendly, and environmentally safe.

GSE can be used in the garden to control aphids, snails, fungus, mildew, and algae.

Use it in hot-tubs or Jacuzzis (one to two ounces per hundred gallons) or less if you are also treating with ozone, to keep the water clean and disinfected.

Drinking Water can be made safe by ten drops for each gallon of clear water. Agitate or mix vigorously and let it rest for a few minutes. It may be used as a prophylactic agent for those who travel abroad.

A very small amount of Nutribiotic GSE will keep a covered bottle of clean distilled water safe for a very long time. You can add it to home- made products like medicinal or cosmetics, to lengthen their shelf life.

All by itself GSE is an extremely stable product and has an indefinite shelf life.

For sore throats or tonsillitis, put 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract into
a glass of lukewarm water and gargle extensively with the solution 5-6 times a day. In addition, the extract should be used internally. Those in my family find the small tablets very easy to swallow, even with a sore throat, but the drops can be mixed with a small amount of real fruit juice or warm tea.

As an antiseptic mouthwash: Gargle thoroughly three times daily with 5
drops of extract in a glass of water.

For mouth ulcers: Rinse your mouth several times daily with 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. In addition, dab the mouth ulcer with 2 drops in a Tbs. of water using a cotton swab.

(Don't use GSE straight, it is very potent stuff!)

For cracked lips, dilute a few drops of GSE with a Tbs. of light olive oil and apply several times a day.

For cold sores, apply a mixture of several drops of GSE with one tablespoon of light olive oil 2-3 times daily to the affected spots using a swab. Let the preparation remain on the sore overnight. Use again as soon as possible if there are any signs of the blisters forming again.

For sinus problems, either purchase the Nutribiotic nasal spray, or do
a nasal rinse several times a day. In addition, the extract should be used internally (as in, a few drops taken in water 1-3 times a day). To do a nasal rinse: put about 3 drops of GSE in an egg-cup of lukewarm water and mix well. Using a pipette, drip a few drops of the mixture into both nostrils while leaning your head back for a minute or two. Move your head from side to side and back and forth, sniff in several times and then gently blow your nose. (Always use in a diluted form, NEVER drip undiluted extract into the nose!!!)

For internal use, the rule of thumb for gastrointestinal disorders, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral, is to use one drop of liquid concentrate per 10 pounds of body weight. We have found it very helpful for bronchitis and sinus infections in our family.

Some other things that are benefited by the use of GSE are: bad breath, toothaches, gingivitis, runny nose, coughs, hoarseness, laryngitis, earaches, acne, shaving, head lice, rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis, shingles, eczema, insect bites and stings, warts, athlete's foot, corns, blisters, vaginitis, yeast infections, colds, gastrointestinal infections, candida albicans, parasitic diseases, and allergies.

Grapefruit Seed Extract - An Important Addition to Your Medicine Cabinet

2011-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Skin fungi or bacterial diseases of the skin: Mix 30 to 50 drops of GSE liquid extract in a quart of water, and spray on the infected area at least 2 times a day.
This same dilution can be used as a general antiseptic for cages, stalls, or any other contact areas where a commercial antiseptic or disinfectant would be applied. There is no need to rinse or try to remove any residue left by GSE. It can also be mixed into virtually any topical preparation,
like shampoo, flea-dip, cat litter, bedding, etc.
You can make your own organic Kitchen & Bath Spray by adding one or two drops per ounce of distilled water.
It makes a wonderful rinse for fruits and vegetables as well, or for a more thorough treatment, soak them for fifteen minutes and then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Adding GSE to your carpet or floor cleaning machine will help to remove odors caused by bacteria left from pet, food , mold or mildew. It is reported that ten to fifteen drops per gallon in the reservoir is effective in killing staph, strep, aspergillus, salmonella and many other pathogenic organisms that are present in some carpets.
Gargling with GSE and water will most times handle even the most resistant Strep germs. Naturopathic doctors recommend gargling with two or three drops in five ounces of water three or four times daily, you can't do it too often.
Grapefruit seed extract can be used to clean fungus and mildew off of shower stalls, tile, swimming pools, hummingbird feeders and birdbaths. It is user-friendly, and environmentally safe.
GSE can be used in the garden to control aphids, snails, fungus, mildew, and algae.
Use it in hot-tubs or Jacuzzis (one to two ounces per hundred gallons) or less if you are also treating with ozone, to keep the water clean and disinfected.
Drinking Water can be made safe by ten drops for each gallon of clear water. Agitate or mix vigorously and let it rest for a few minutes. It may be used as a prophylactic agent for those who travel abroad.
A very small amount of Nutribiotic GSE will keep a covered bottle of clean distilled water safe for a very long time. You can add it to home- made products like medicinal or cosmetics, to lengthen their shelf life.
All by itself GSE is an extremely stable product and has an indefinite shelf life.
For sore throats or tonsillitis, put 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract into
a glass of lukewarm water and gargle extensively with the solution 5-6 times a day. In addition, the extract should be used internally. Those in my family find the small tablets very easy to swallow, even with a sore throat, but the drops can be mixed with a small amount of real fruit juice or warm tea.
As an antiseptic mouthwash: Gargle thoroughly three times daily with 5
drops of extract in a glass of water.
For mouth ulcers: Rinse your mouth several times daily with 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. In addition, dab the mouth ulcer with 2 drops in a Tbs. of water using a cotton swab.
(Don't use GSE straight, it is very potent stuff!)

For cracked lips, dilute a few drops of GSE with a Tbs. of light olive oil and apply several times a day.

For cold sores, apply a mixture of several drops of GSE with one tablespoon of light olive oil 2-3 times daily to the affected spots using a swab. Let the preparation remain on the sore overnight. Use again as soon as possible if there are any signs of the blisters forming again.

For sinus problems, either purchase the Nutribiotic nasal spray, or do
a nasal rinse several times a day. In addition, the extract should be used internally (as in, a few drops taken in water 1-3 times a day). To do a nasal rinse: put about 3 drops of GSE in an egg-cup of lukewarm water and mix well. Using a pipette, drip a few drops of the mixture into both nostrils while leaning your head back for a minute or two. Move your head from side to side and back and forth, sniff in several times and then gently blow your nose. (Always use in a diluted form, NEVER drip undiluted extract into the nose!!!)

For internal use, the rule of thumb for gastrointestinal disorders, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral, is to use one drop of liquid concentrate per 10 pounds of body weight. We have found it very helpful for bronchitis and sinus infections in our family.

Some other things that are benefited by the use of GSE are: bad breath, toothaches, gingivitis, runny nose, coughs, hoarseness, laryngitis, earaches, acne, shaving, head lice, rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis, shingles, eczema, insect bites and stings, warts, athlete's foot, corns, blisters, vaginitis, yeast infections, colds, gastrointestinal infections, candida albicans, parasitic diseases, and allergies.

25 Household Uses For Borax - FROM DIY Life

2011-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes referred to as "the miracle mineral," this time-honored household ingredient is the natural solution for just about everything under your roof, from cleaning to insect control.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is an a naturally occurring substance and an eco-friendly solution for many things around the house. Most commonly used as a cleaning agent, the uses extend far beyond that.

I'm excited to share all the ways you can use this natural element to your greatest advantage. Here are 25 to get you started. Let us know about your own special uses and we'll keep updating the list.

(Safety Warning: Just because borax is natural, that doesn't mean it's harmless. You should always use gloves when handling it and keep it out of reach of children and pets. While safe in the diluted solutions, borax could be very harmful to children and pets if ingested.)

PEST CONTROL

1. Keep roaches, waterbugs, and ants away by sprinkling a combination of equal parts all-natural borax and sugar.

2. Keep the mice out by sprinkling borax on the floor along the wall.

3. Get rid of bed bugs by sprinkling borax on your mattress. Let it sit and vacuum it up.

4. Kill fleas by sprinkling borax on your carpet. Leave it for an hour and vacuum it up thoroughly.

CLEANING

5. Scrub dirty pots and pans with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of borax and warm water. Because borax is non-abrasive, it will work on the grime without damaging the surface material.

6. Remove a stubborn stain by mixing 1 cup of borax with 2 cups of warm water and apply the paste directly to the stain. Let it sit, then launder as usual. Remove carpet stains by dampening the stain thoroughly and rubbing some borax on it. Vacuum it then finish it off with a vinegar and water solution. Let it dry and repeat if necessary. Use this same method on soiled mattresses. It will get rid of both the odor and stain.

7. Remove rust by mixing the above solution with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

8. Make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons borax and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle.

9. Removes oxidation from metals with borax. The ingredient is also used as a flux in welding.

10. Make your own floor and wall cleaner by mixing 1/3 cup borax, 1 tablespoons ammonia and 1 teaspoon dish detergent into 1 gallon of water.

Lou Cypher, Corbis

11. As a laundry detergent, add one cup of borax to each load and significantly boost your cleaning power.

12. Remove stains from stainless steel or porcelain sinks with this recipe: Make a paste with 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Using a sponge or cloth, rub the stain with the paste. Rinse with warm water.

13. Clean your toilet with this solution: Dissolve 1/2 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water. Scrub the toilet with a strong brush, let it sit and flush to rinse. This non-abrasive cleaner can also be used in the bathtub or on counters.

14. Clean outdoor furniture by washing it with this mildew zapping solution: In a spray bottle, mix 1 teaspoon dish detergent, 1 teaspoon borax and 1 quart warm water.

15. Make your own dishwasher detergent by mixing 1tablespoons borax and 1tablespoons baking soda.

DEODORIZING

16. Minimize odor in your cat's litter box by mixing a few tablespoons of borax in with the litter.

17. Clean your garbage disposal by putting 3 tablespoons of borax down the drain. Let it sit for an hour and flush it with warm water. This will sanitize it, taking care of any smelly bacteria.

18. Remove mildew and mustiness from linens by soak them in 2 cups of borax mixed with 2 quarts of water. Let the linens sit for a few hours, then rinse them clean.

19. Unclog drains with 1/2 cup of borax followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run your water for a few minutes to flush it out.

20. Remove urine odor from a mattress. Wet the mattress rub in borax with a damp cloth. Let dry, then vacuum up the remaining residue.

21. Deodorize and clean your fridge by washing it with a borax and water solution.

22. Deodorize your garbage pail by filling it with borax and water. Let it soak then rinse it out. Sprinkle some borax in the bottom once it's clean. This will keep the bugs away and absorb any odor causing moisture.

Corbis

OTHER USES

23. Kill weeds by sprinkling borax where you've seen weeds previously appear. This is useful for weeds that surface in concrete cracks and on walkways, but shouldn't be used in the garden because it will also kill your plants. Sprinkle some borax around the perimeter of the house too and you'll be free from ants and other intruding insects.

24. Soften your water when doing laundry by adding borax to the load.

25. Bring life back to your worn china by soaking it in a sink full of warm water and a 1/2 cup of borax. Rinse well and wash a second time as usual.

Along with these 25 household solutions, borax is used commercially as an ingredient in enamel glaze, adhesives, ink for indelible pens and is more recently being used in place of Mercury for extracting gold in smaller scale mining operations. In some countries, borax is used as a food additive, but is not approved for use as such in the United States.

Tea Tree Oil

2010-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

Tea Tree Oil - Uses and Customer Comments

Today Australian Tea Tree Oil is known to be an effective antiseptic and fungicide and promotes tissue healing. The following is some suggested therapeutic uses for this oil. This information is for educational purposes only. For serious or persistant problems consult a physician.

General Use

Externally: Tea Tree oil may be applied directly to the skin to stimulate regeneration of injuries and fight bacterial and fungal infection. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute it with a little olive oil. A Massage Oil can also be used as a carrier oil since it is formulated especially for skin absorption.
Internally: To fight infections (bacterial or fungal) take a few drops well diluted with water.

It is wise to check with your health care practitioner when using tea tree oil internally. Some people might be allergic to the cineole in tea tree oil.

Specific Uses

Acne - Dab on pure or add to warm water and rinse. You can add it to any facial wash you use.

Athlete's Feet - Being a fungal based problem, Tea Tree Oil does a great job eliminating the problem. Put 2-3 drops in your palm and add a carrier oil or lotion and apply at least once a day.

Boils - Wash the area surrounding the boil thoroughly and then apply full strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day for four days. A gauze pad saturated with the oil may also be applied directly to the boil for up to twelve hours.

Bug Buster - We keep a spray bottle mixed with 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil and a quart of water to repel insects. In the summer ants tend to come in our patio door or along the exposed wall. When we see that begin, we spray our natural Bug Buster several times a day for several days and they'll find somewhere else to go. Natural doesn't work fast like chemicals, but then it doesn't kill a little bit of you either! Another favorite bug repellant is Clove Oil.

Burns - Being a non-greasy and volatile oil, Tea Tree Oil is excellent for burns. Any of the oil which has not been absorbed within 10 minutes will evaporate, allowing the skin to breathe. Speedy treatment is essential. The burn should be put under cold running water or packed in ice for one minute. Then, alternate applications of Tea Tree Oil and cold water for ten more minutes. The oil may be poured from the bottle directly over the burn. The oil can be applied liberally twice daily for three to four days if necessary.

Cankers (Mouth Ulcers) - Apply the oil full strength directly to the canker sore several times until sore heals. One or two applications are reported to do the trick for most people.

Cold Sores - Apply the oil full strength daily for a week.

Cuts - Clean the wound and apply the Tea Tree Oil directly to the cut two to three times the first day. You can continue to apply the oil twice daily for up to seven days thereafter.

Dandruff - Add Tea Tree to your shampoo for dandruff, dry or oily scalp, and itchy scalp. Use 10 drops to an 8 ounce bottle.

Diaper Rash - Apply 2-3 drops of oil mixed in your palm with a carrier oil (not baby oil - it contains mineral oil which causes Vitamin A deficiencies).

Disinfectant - Use 15 drops to quart of water in a spray bottle. Use on countertops or for general cleaning. Tea Tree Oil along with Sunshine Concentrate will give you all the cleaning and laundry supplies you need in your home.

Ear Aches - Rub two or three drops of the oil on the outer ear or dilute three drops of the oil in one teaspoon of olive oil and put a few drops of the diluted mixture in the ear twice daily.

Fleas - Use 10 drops to 8 oz. of water and spray on animal's coat as you rub it in. It will be good for their skin also. This needs to be done daily until the problem is under control in the home. After all fleas are gone you can put it in a spritzer bottle and give your animal a spritz all over once or twice a day if fleas are in the area.

Fungus Nails - Andrew Weil, M.D. in "Natural Health, Natural Medicine", says Tea Tree Oil will clear up fungal infections of both toenails and fingernails even if they are resistant to strong systemic antibiotics.

Gums/Teeth - Add 2 drops to a little water and swish around mouth --- or add a drop to your toothbrush and apply while you brush. Does a great job for receding gums, pyorrhea, gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath from dental sources.

Infected/Sore Nails - Applied several times a day.

Insect Bites and Stings - As soon as possible, apply the oil full strength directly to the bite with a finger or cotton ball.

Laundry Disinfectant: Add one teaspoon per load to disinfect laundry such as diapers or to prevent transmission of fungal infections.

Lice - Mix five drops of Tea Tree Oil in a teaspoon of shampoo and wash the hair. Repeat this treatment twice daily until the lice are gone.

Mites - Cats and dogs get ear mites. They are not transmittable to humans, but infestations are very contagious with pets in contact with other animals. We have used TEA TREE OIL diluted. I use 10 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil (you can use another kind). Then I take a small eyedropper and squirt it in one ear at a time, instantly covering the opening with the ear flap. I spend a full minute massaging the ear to keep the animal from shaking it all out before it gets into the ear canal and begins doing its work. Massage as long as you can and rub the animal's head to make it a plesant experience so you can repeat this twice a day for a week. Consistency equals results.

Pimples - Apply full strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day for four days.

Scalp Problems - Itchy, dry, scaly or oily scalps can be helped with Tea Tree Oil. Use as shown above under "Dandruff."

Sinus & Bronchial Congestion - Rub a few drops of the oil on the nose and sinuses and/or rub the oil on the chest. The vapors may be inhaled by adding five drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming hot water or to a vaporizor.

Skin Problems - Use one teaspoon in a tub of bath water for a very invigorating bath. It is reported to help sooth and disinfect the skin in cases of psoriasis, eczema and so forth.

Splinters - First, soak the afflicted area in hot water to soften the skin. Then, apply Tea Tree Oil full strength. Remove the splinter with a sterilized needle. Clean the cut, dry the area and reapply the oil. For deep slivers, Black Ointment, pine tar or lily of the valley herb applied to the area and covered with a dressing will help to draw the sliver to the surface.

Sunburn - Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is reported to be soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

Thrush in Infants (Mouth) - Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in the child's saliva to reduce the strong taste and paint onto the afflicted areas with a swab. This can be repeated twice per day for two days. Discontinue if there is no improvement.

Ticks and Leeches - Apply Tea Tree Oil to the live tick or leech and surrounding skin. Leave for 20 minutes. The tick may fall off. If not, remove it carefully (make certain no part of the tick is left in the skin). Continue applying the oil to the bite three times per day for up to seven days.

Vaginal Yeast Infections - Use one teaspoon of the oil in a 500 ml. douche daily. You can also soak a tampon in the oil and insert.

Purchase 100% Guarantee Pure and Potent Tea Tree Oil

Customer Comments

Athlete's Foot
"My hubby, a natural skeptic about herbs, broke out with athlete's foot a few weeks ago. He allowed me to put a few drops of TEA TREE OIL on the problem. I massaged the oil into the area and overnight the athlete's foot was gone!" A.K.

Eczema and Rash
"I suffer with eczema in the winter months, especially my right thumb, which cracks open in one spot and never seems to heal until the warm weather comes in. The past few days, I've also developed a painful rash between my second and third fingers of my right hand. After reading your comments on TEA TREE OIL this morning, saying that it is good for wounds, I applied some to the rash. An hour later, I noticed that my finger was no longer bothering me. When I looked, I noticed that the rash was completely gone. I then applied it to my hard-to-heal thumb and, although the split is still there, it seems to have closed up a bit. I've also used Golden Salve on that thumb with great results. I love this stuff!" Joanne

Hard Bump on Dog
"I noticed a hard bump on the side of my dog, Tasha, and was concerned. I decided to try a natural approach and began using TEA TREE OIL four (4) times a day. I also added Black Ointment beginning the next evening. I applied that four (4) times a day also. I noticed it was shrinking in a couple of days. ONE WEEK LATER, Tasha's bump is completely gone...zappo...it is gone! No trace of it. Great news!" Margot

Lice
"It seemed the whole school had an infestation of lice and somebody told me about using TEA TREE OIL. I was feeling really horrible about putting all those chemicals on my children's scalp, knowing they were being absorbed into their bloodstreams, so I decided to give it a try. It worked so much better than the drug store stuff. Tea Tree is used for so many things that I feel like I have a first aid kit in a bottle." Mary T.

Nail Fungus
"I began putting TEA TREE OIL on my nails and the fungus around my cuticles died over night." Kellie

Planter's Wart
"I had a planter's wart on the bottom of my left foot that just would not go away. Instead of going to the dermatologist for an acid treatment, my wife wanted to try something "alternative." She put a drop of Nature's Sunshine Tea Tree Oil on the wart and then followed it up with a dab of Nature's Sunshine Black Ointment and then we put a waterproof Band-Aid on it to keep all the "alternative medicine" on it. We did it morning and night, and by the second night (after three treatments), the wart was flat and there was a "divot" in the middle where it looked as if the seed had drawn itself out." Steve

Sarcoptic Mange
I used Tea Tree Oil on my dog's sarcoptic mange because the vet couldn't fit him in for an appointment for a week. I canceled the vet appointment because the Tea Tree Oil cleared it beautifully! I cleaned the area and applied the oil with a dropper twice a day. This stuff is great! My dog thanks you! J.K.

Tea Tree Does It All
"We took our kids camping this past weekend and of course I had my handy little bottle of TEA TREE OIL (I love this stuff). We were camping and when we were taking our tent down, we found we had planted one of our spikes right into a sappy pine root. My husband had sap all over his hand. Well, anyone whoever gets that pine sap on themselves knows it's very hard to get off. I threw the bottle of TEA TREE OIL to my husband and said, "Try this it works on everything else!" Guess what? He rubbed it into his hands, rinsed with water, and it was gone! So, my advice is, "Don't leave home without it!" Pam in Atlanta

Ticks
"I had read somewhere that Tea Tree Oil was helpful when removing ticks. Stephanie, our youngest, has had three ticks so far. All three times, I've put some Tea Tree Oil on the tick and waited until the tick let go so I could flush it down the toilet. It worked everytime! It takes about 30 seconds but I like the fact that I don't have to worry about getting "all of it out". It must be very toxic to them. I love it!" Giselle

Information borrowed from The Herbs Place, thanks!! Try them for your Tea Tree Oil needs!

Baking Soda Uses in the Kitchen

2010-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Clean your produce
You can't be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Wash fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons baking soda; the baking soda will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Or put a small amount of baking soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving.

Tenderize meat
Got a tough cut of meat on your hands? Soften it up by giving it a rubdown in baking soda. Let it sit (in the refrigerator, of course) for three to five hours, then rinse it off well before cooking.

Soak out fish smells
Get rid of that fishy smell from your store-bought flounder filets and fish steaks by soaking the raw fish for about an hour (inside your refrigerator) in 1 quart (1 liter) water with 2 tablespoons baking soda. Rinse the fish well and pat dry before cooking.

Reduce acids in recipes
If you or someone in your family is sensitive to the high-acid content of tomato-based sauces or coffee, you can lower the overall acidity by sprinkling in a pinch of baking soda while cooking (or, in the case of coffee, before brewing). A bit of baking soda can also counteract the taste of vinegar if you happen to pour in a bit too much. Be careful not to overdo it with the soda, though -- if you add too much, the vinegar-baking soda combination will start foaming.

Bake better beans
Do you love baked beans but not their aftereffects? Adding a pinch of baking soda to baked beans as they're cooking will significantly reduce their gas-producing properties.

Fluff up your omelets
Want to know the secret to making fluffier omelets? For every three eggs used, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Shhhh! Don't let it get around.

Use as yeast substitute
Need a stand-in for yeast when making dough? If you have some powdered vitamin C (or citric acid) and baking soda on hand, you can use a mixture of the two instead. Just mix in equal parts to equal the quantity of yeast required. What's more, the dough you add it to won't have to rise before baking.

Rid hands of food odorsChopping garlic or cleaning a fish can leave their "essence" on your fingers long after the chore is done. Get those nasty food smells off your hands by simply wetting them and vigorously rubbing with about 2 teaspoons baking soda instead of soap. The smell should wash off with the soda.

Clean baby bottles and accessories
Here's some great advice for new parents: Keep all your baby bottles, nipples, caps, and brushes "baby fresh" by soaking them overnight in a container filled with hot water and half a box of baking soda. Be sure to give everything a good rinsing afterward, and to dry thoroughly before using. Baby bottles can also be boiled in a full pot of water and 3 tablespoons baking soda for three minutes.

Clean a cutting board
Keep your wooden or plastic cutting board clean by occasionally scrubbing it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt, and water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Clear a clogged drain
Most kitchen drains can be unclogged by pouring in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar (simply heat it up in the microwave for 1 minute). Give it several minutes to work, then add 1 quart (1 liter) boiling water. Repeat if necessary. If you know your drain is clogged with grease, use 1/2 cup each of baking soda and salt followed by 1 cup boiling water. Let the mixture work overnight; then rinse with hot tap water in the morning.

Boost potency of dishwashing liquid
Looking for a more powerful dishwashing liquid? Try adding 2 tablespoons baking soda to the usual amount of liquid you use, and watch it cut through grease like a hot knife!

Make your own dishwashing detergent
The dishwasher is fully loaded when you discover that you're out of your usual powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do? Make your own: Combine 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons borax. You may be so pleased with the results you'll switch for good.

Deodorize your dishwasher
Eliminate odors inside your automatic dishwasher by sprinkling 1/2 cup baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between loads. Or pour in half a box of baking soda and run the empty machine through its rinse cycle.

Clean your refrigerator
To get rid of smells and dried-up spills inside your refrigerator, remove the contents, then sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the sides, shelves, and compartments. Rinse with a clean, wet sponge. Don't forget to place a fresh box of soda inside when you're done.

Clean your microwave
To clean those splatters off the inside of your microwave, put a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda in 1 cup water in a microwave-safe container and cook on High for 2-3 minutes. Remove the container, then wipe down the microwave's moist interior with a damp paper towel.

Remove coffee and tea stains from china
Don't let those annoying coffee and/or tea stains on your good china spoil another special occasion. Remove them by dip-ping a moist cloth in baking soda to form a stiff paste and gently rubbing your cups and saucers. Rinse clean and dry, then set your table with pride.

Clean a thermos
To remove residue on the inside of a thermos, mix 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) water. Fill the thermos with the solution -- if necessary, give it a going-over with a bottle brush to loosen things up -- and let it soak overnight. Rinse clean before using.

Freshen a sponge or towel
When a kitchen sponge or dish towel gets that distinctly sour smell, soak it overnight in 2 tablespoons baking soda and a couple of drops of antibacterial dish soap dissolved in 1 pint (450 milliliters) warm water. The following morning, squeeze out the remaining solution and rinse with cold water. It should smell as good as new.

Remove stains and scratches on countertops
Is your kitchen countertop covered with stains or small knife cuts? Use a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water to "rub out" most of them. For stubborn stains, add a drop of chlorine bleach to the paste. Immediately wash the area with hot, soapy water to pre-vent the bleach from causing fading.

Shine up stainless steel and chrome trim
To put the shine back in your stainless steel sink, sprinkle it with baking soda, then give it a rubdown -- moving in the direction of the grain -- with a moist cloth. To polish dull chrome trim on your appliances, pour a little baking soda onto a damp sponge and rub over the chrome. Let it dry for an hour or so, then wipe down with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Get rid of grease stains on stovetops
Say good-bye to cooked-on grease stains on your stovetop or backsplash. First wet them with a little water and cover them with a bit of baking soda. Then rub them off with a damp sponge or towel.

Clean an automatic coffeemaker
Properly caring for your automatic coffeemaker means never having to worry about bitter or weak coffee. Every two weeks or so, brew a pot of 1 quart (1 liter) water mixed with 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by a pot of clean water. Also, sweeten your coffeemaker's plastic basket by using an old toothbrush to give it an occasional scrubbing with a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water. Rinse thoroughly with cold water when done.

Care for your coffeepots and teapots
Remove mineral deposits in metal coffeepots and teapots by filling them with a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 4 tablespoons baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let simmer for five minutes. Or try boiling 5 cups water with 2 tablespoons soda and the juice of half a lemon. Rinse with cold water when done. To get off annoying exterior stains, wash your pots with a plastic scouring pad in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) warm water. Follow up with a cold-water rinse.

Remove stains from nonstick cookware
It may be called nonstick cookware, but a few of those stains seem to be stuck on pretty well. Blast them away by boiling 1 cup water mixed with 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar for 10 minutes. Then wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let dry, then season with a bit of salad oil.

Clean cast-iron cookware
Although it's more prone to stains and rust than the nonstick variety, many folks swear by their iron cookware. You can remove even the toughest burned-on food remnants in your iron pots by boiling 1 quart (1 liter) water with 2 tablespoons baking soda for five minutes. Pour off most of the liquid, then lightly scrub it with a plastic scrub pad. Rinse well, dry, and season with a few drops of peanut oil.

Clean burned or scorched pots and pans
It usually takes heavy-duty scrubbing to get scorched-on food off the bottom of a pot or pan. But you can make life much easier for yourself by simply boiling a few cups of water (enough to get the pan about 1/4 full) and adding 5 tablespoons baking soda. Turn off the heat, and let the soda settle in for a few hours or overnight. When you're ready, that burned-on gunk will practically slip right off.

Deodorize your garbage pail
Does something smell "off" in your kitchen? Most likely, it's emanating from your trash can. But some smells linger even after you dispose of the offending garbage bag. So, be sure to give your kitchen garbage pail an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in baking soda (you may want to wear rubber gloves for this). Rinse it out with a damp sponge, and let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off stinky surprises by sprinkling a little baking soda into the bottom of your pail before inserting the bag.

Top 10 Apple Cider Vinegar Beauty Benefits

2010-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Here Are The Beauty Benefits

Clears Acne - Miraculously, Apple Cider Vinegar can clear acne. You can dilute it with water to drink it and it detoxifies your entire body to clear acne. Some people even suggest applying it directly to the acne but it can leave your skin dry.
Diet - If you are trying to slim down then Apple Cider Vinegar can be very helpful. It detoxifies the liver and helps you to shed a few extra pounds by reducing your appetite and helps you to burn calories.
Hair Growth - Apple Cider Vinegar stimulates hair follicles and aides in better hair growth. It can treat your dandruff and an itchy scalp and leaves your hair shiny. For more benefits on using Apple Cider Vinegar for healthy hair click here.
Face Wash - Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective and cheap way to wash your face. It removes dull appearances by removing dry skin. It peels the outer layer away and helps to fade blemishes. It is ideal for oily and dry skin and leaves you skin glowing. Apple Cider Vinegar even cleans pores, removes blackheads and can be used as a toner.
Mani/Pedi - Apple Cider Vinegar can be used for your manicure and pedicure because it can be used to treat fungal infections. It leaves your feet and hands super soft and clean. Use equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar and water.
Age Spots - If you mix 2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 Tbsp of orange juice and apply it to the age spot it can fade them, however drinking it may fade them faster.
Varicose Veins - The multi-vitamins in Apple Cider Vinegar can deter and reduce varicose veins.
Sunburn - Apple Cider Vinegar provides a much needed relief from painful sunburns. Apply it directly to the burn to soothe the skin and prevent itching, peeling and blistering.
Soft Skin - Mix 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle with warm water and spray it on your body. Leave it on a few minutes and then rinse away, your skin will be silky soft.
Youthfulness - The high levels of beta carotene fight off free radicals, helping you to stay looking young longer.

Top 10 Benefits of Lemon Water

2010-11-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Many people often love the tarty flavor of lemon juice in their dishes. But have you ever wondered that you can put this lemon juice to many more good uses than this? Yes! There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life. You simply need to arm yourself with relevant knowledge and you would soon start valuing this amalgamation more than ever.

Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

Good for stomach Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
Excellent for Skin Care Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
Aids in Dental Care Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
Cures Throat Infections Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
Good for Weight Loss One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.
Controls High Blood Pressure Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders
Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.
Good for treating Rheumatism Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
Reduces Fever Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.
Acts as a blood purifier The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

How much should I drink?

In case you are in good health and weigh 150 pounds or less, it is advisable for you to have juice of one-half of the lemon squeezed into one glass of water, twice daily. However, if you weigh more than 155 pounds, juice of one whole lemon in a glass of water should be preferred. For maximum benefit, this mixture should also be taken two times a day, though you may dilute more lemon juice according to your taste if you wish.

Do not just remain oblivious to the gifts of nature such as this, for you should always try to make the most of them. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

Baking Soda, the greener way to clean!

2010-10-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

In the Kitchen
1. A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.
2. Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.
3. Grease fires can be put out by sprinkling them with baking soda.
4. To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.
5. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.
6. To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
7. To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors!
8. For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried on food will come loose much more easily.
9.To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean. 10. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.
11. To avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.
All Around the House

12. To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.
13. If there is a smoker in the house, put baking soda in the bottom of each ashtray to keep away some of the stale smoke smell.
14. Baking soda in the litterbox will help prevent odors.
15. To quickly clean pets and remove "wet dog" odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.
16. To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.
17. Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.
In the Laundry

18. Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep clothing fresh.
19. To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pretreat the stains with a baking soda paste.
20. Pretreat diapers in their pail with baking soda. This will keep odors from becoming overpowering between washings.
21. Baking soda increases the effectiveness of chlorine bleach. Add 1 / 2 cup to your laundry, along with the usual amount of bleach.
22. If you keep a laundry hamper, add some baking soda every day to keep the hamper from smelling between emptyings.
Outside the House (Yard and Garage)
23. Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.
24. To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.
25. Lawn furniture can be easily cleaned with a rinse of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water.
26. The children's pool can be cleaned and have mildew removed by washing with baking soda in warm water.
27. Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.