The 2ND House

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Salt

2023-02-27T09:01:00.000-06:00

In the 1900’s the industrial age caused a shift that depreciated the tremendous value of naturally occuring salt.

Refining salt cheapened the national and global supply. Salt a dirty word to be avoided for the sake of health.

Today, perceptions of salt, influenced by refined salt, is a far cry from this ancestral and cosmic gift. Salt making was an art and craft of local artisans. It was used to preserve food by brining and curing. The possession of salt was so highly prized, economies were based on it and whoever controlled salt-making had the upper hand. It was a symbol of power and a means to achieve it.

With our nutrient-deficient soil and foods - salt, unrefined, can fulfill those missing minerals and trace elements we can’t get by eating whole, organic foods. We can maximize our nutritional standpoint, by fermenting with wholesome salt. It is only now we see the wisdom of the use of salt by our ancestors.

1. Table Salt and Unrefined (raw) Salt are not the same.

Comparing table salt and unrefined salt is comparing apples and oranges. Think of it as comparing a multivitamin supplement (table salt) to whole foods (raw salt). Raw salt is minimally processed and contains their full mineral profile. Often times both qualities of salt get lumped into the same definition. They should be considered separate and unequal.

2. Raw Salt is a health food.

Salt contains sodium chloride and trace elements to balance it out, in raw form (full mineral profile). Our bodies use the sodium and minerals in salt for many essential functions in the body, such as fluid regulation, nerve/muscle function, and digestion.

3. Salt is the only mineral we eat.

In comparison, we consume vegetation, animals and various forms of sea life.

4. Salt is the only universal ingredient.

While it is the only universal ingredient, it is the most varied. Nature-made salts come from all regions and reflect the uniqueness of a specific area.

5. Salt taxation funded the Great Wall of China.¹

6. Refined salt contains up to 99% of pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl). ²

7. Out of a million ton of refined salt that is manufactured, only 6% is used in food.

The rest is used in chemical manufacturing processes from plastics to medicine.²

8. Our blood is .9 salt.

Our blood, plasma, extracellular fluid and lymphatic fluid are salted.¹

Seawater contains every element in the earth’s crust.¹

9. Nine of the top eleven elements in our bodies are among the top eleven elements of the sea.

Eight elements make up 99% of the ocean. Water: Oxygen (85.700%), Hydrogen (10.800%) Trace Elements: Chlorine (1.900%), Sodium (1.050%), Magnesium (.135%), Sulfur (0.089%), Calcium (0.040%), Potassium (0.038%), Bromine, Carbon (74+).¹ I’m convinced there are more elements that science has not accounted for.

10. Salt and water are a harmonic duo that balances each other out.

We use sodium in salt to regulate how the water operates and we use water to balance the concentration of salt in the body.¹

11. Our thoughts are salt.

The 100 billion neurons in your brain contain approximately a million chemical pumps, each capable of transporting hundreds of positively charged sodium and potassium ions. The influx and efflux of sodium and potassium ions make up the electrical activity of your brain and nervous system.¹

12. We cannot live without salt.

You can become a vegetarian and live without meat. You can omit grains and dairy in your diet and be just fine, but salt is an essential mineral our body cannot exist without.

Tips for Choosing the Right Salt

Choosing the right salt can be confusing! Words like "sea salt" and "natural" do not necessarily mean that the salt is raw. Technically, all salt comes from the sea. The exception being Himalayan Pink salt which is mined from caves that originally was a salt bed of the sea. The word "natural" is not regulated by the FDA so any company selling salt can define "natural" to their own standards which may not agree with yours. Look for salts that explain common sense, natural manufacturing processes on the label.

Unrefined or raw salts usually are:

⧫An off-white color. They come in varying hues, such as gray, pink, red etc.

⧫They usually retain moisture.

⧫Their granules are not consistent shapes.

⧫Softer salty taste.

Table salt, on the other hand, is pristine white (minerals have been stripped).

⧫Their granules are consistent and fine.

⧫They usually will not have any moisture.

⧫They are extremely salty due to their high sodium chloride content.

I highly recommend the book “Salted”, the inspiration behind this article. It is well written and a captivating read that includes recipes and just about every aspect of salt that boggles the mind. Speaking spiritually and personally, if salt doesn’t prove that each and every one of us is connected to the earth in a way that is humbling and honorable, I truly don’t know what will. Here’s a quote that I feel aptly reflects the dilemma of today’s refined salt – a “savor” that has been lost.

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?” - Luke 14:34

Sources:

1. Bitterman, Mark, Salted: A Manifesto of the World’s Most Essential Mineral With Recipes, Ten Speed Press, New York, 2010

2. Wikipedia – Salt

Disclaimer/Disclosure Policy

***The article was originally published 8/14/15 and has been updated***

Re-Branding and Re-Dedicating the Olive Parent to African Holistic Health

2021-07-21T11:03:00.001-05:00

It’s been quite a while since my last post. Lots have been happening in my life personally, professionally and globally.

I started TOP with the intent and passion of spreading awareness of natural childbirth and pregnancies. I’ve gained so much knowledge, resources and connections through my 14 years of managing TOP. What a journey it’s been! Through this blog, I had the opportunity to work in public relations, manage blog campaigns and meet so many interesting bloggers and companies who had a passion for natural holistic living and products. I was able to connect with a wonderful magazine, Holistic Parenting Magazine, no longer in production and publish a few articles on my own childbirth story, breastfeeding and protein and water birthing.

Along the way, I became self-proficient in herbal knowledge, built an apothecary that I use to support my family’s health. I also became proficient in DIYs. Learning and building my own database of formulated products that I have used for years with success.

Needless to say I, as well as my children, have grown. As a mom of eight children most of whom I have homebirthed, 3 adult children and five minor, I’m a bit different now.

Last year was quite and interesting year and was the year of my awakening.

This blog will now reflect that.

My passion for holistic living has never and never will wane, but instead it has increased a hundredfold as I am studying African Holistic Health.

I have not made this blog political, religious or racial because my mind frame at the time was to reach as many people as possible regardless of political, religious and racial affiliation.

However, in 2020, a veil was removed. It is clear, as so-called African-Americans that our historical spirituality and identity needs to be recovered.

I strongly believe that living holistically is the path to that. I will be researching, writing articles, formulating products recipes to share for and to the African-American community who desire to heal together as a unique people. I’ll be sharing from my own experiences as a mom, herbalist and new relevant information as it comes my way. I will also highlight current events as it affects the black community.

And because holism encompasses BODY, MIND & SPIRIT I will be reflecting on spirituality and what that means to us historically.

To my long time readers - I realize that these topics delve a bit deeper than what you’re accustomed to. I also understand that my audience has been typically Eurocentric by nature and these topics may be uncomfortable for you or even anger you.

Let me clear, I will first and foremost be “Black”. My blackness made this site what it was and will continue to do so - in essence it is who I am. My desire to home birth was sparked by this very issue…racism in the healthcare system. I never spoke of it publicly until now as a form of self-protection from the gaslighting the African American community typically receives when it speaks of the injustices it experiences. Last year, everything was exposed. Including the vast number of Black moms and babies that die in the American health care system. A topic I have been trying to highlight for 14 years.

If this site no longer vibes with you, you are very welcome to disengage. You NOT welcome to verbally engage in any negativity to and about the AA community. Why? Simply put, It’s not about you. Find a tribe that fits your vibe.

I see a need - just like the “Breast Cancer Awareness” movement, as an example, sees a need. It doesn’t incorporate or cater to ALL cancers needs, just breast cancer. In the same way, I will cater to the Black American community and the Diaspora of Africa.

This site will continue to evolve as it needs. It is my goal to create a safe space, eventually private, away from the toxicity of the “fast food” of social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter etc.). It will be a place to engage in real conversation. Posts will be long - be warned - as I do my best to provide through info. I will use these platforms to announce new conversational threads here, but will limit my interaction on those platforms.

WHAT IS AFRICAN HOLISTIC HEALTH?

Let’s begin with the definition of HOLISTIC. Holism is the concept that the MIND, BODY and SPIRIT function as one unit. One dysfunctional part affects the whole. How does this happen? As an ovum all parts of the body were connected to each other. Upon fertilization, the separation of nerves to form organs etc. never lost their connection to one another. It is this way that the mind, body and spirit make up the biochemical, electrical and nutritional unit called the body.

African holistic nutrition is centuries old and based on the concept of Ma’at.

TRUTH
JUSTICE
HARMONY
BALANCE
ORDER
PROPRIETY
COMPASSION
RECIPROCITY

There are many missing elements in America’s healthcare system - reflected in the list above ⬆️ - but the main element is the failure to recognize the biochemical differences between melanin-dominant persons and Eurocentric people that have caused the greatest harm to the Black community.

I will be posting more as I evolve TOP towards the way I envision it to be. So stick around. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter (I am currently no longer on Facebook) for new posts for inspiring conversation.

Shalom.

Hannah

Just The Recipe: DIY AntiBacterial Pink Salt Disinfectant Spray

2020-03-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

Article Read Time: 5 Minutes

Just the recipe, cuz sometimes you just don’t want to read the fluff and filler of someone’s life! But if you want to know the meat and potatoes of this special DIY salt disinfectant - Read on!

Instructions:

Add the pink sole to the bottle and then add the essential oils and sweet almond oil. Shake. If using straight pink salt, add the salt to the bottle and a little bit of filtered water and dissolve and then add the oils and shake. Fill the bottle with water and shake before use. You can make your own sole. The recipe can be found here.

How to Use

Carry with you to disinfect hard surfaces, hands, shopping carts, air or more.

Antibacterial Properties

I chose salt, oregano, and cinnamon specifically when I decide to make a disinfectant spray. I wanted something potent and effective. This formula is strong. Oregano and Cinnamon Bark are "hot" oils which mean they can cause skin irritation if applied neat to the skin (directly). Do NOT apply Cinnamon, Oregano, and Clove (also hot) directly to the skin. Handle with care when formulating this recipe. Wash your hands after handling the bottles.

Salt can deter most bacteria through a process called osmosis. It can cause bacteria to lose their water and/or cell structure causing cell death.1 Oregano has been widely researched and well known for its antibacterial role. It is antimicrobial and can be effective against drug-resistant strains of bacteria.2 Bacterial biofilms are showing increased resistance to pharmaceutical antibiotics making it difficult to eradicate. Many biofilms are present in microbial infections. They act as protectors against external aggression. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon bark has shown to be effective in disrupting bacterial cell membrane.3

Twelve Things You Probably Didn't Know About Salt

Choosing Your Essential Oils
Choose oils from companies that provide chromatography reports and other certifications online freely (without hassle or delay). Chromatography reports of each oil sold will show the chemical constituents of the oil which should show that the oil is authentic.

I love the Florihana brand* and have been using them for years. They are very open with their harvesting and distilling process, making their certifications freely available online for each oil that they sell. They also sell their oils with safety caps and I love this as a mom with
a toddler who gets into stuff. When it comes to hot oils like cinnamon, clove, and oregano, I really appreciate this feature!

Sources:
1 - https://sciencing.com/kill-bacteria-salt-12029250.html
2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182053/
3 - https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2018/7405736/

*Affiliate link - Thank you for your support! Please read the disclaimer and disclosure policy at the bottom of this site.

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A Basic Starter Guide to DIY Personal Care Products–Bonus Recipe: Natural Nail Polish Remover

2020-02-13T00:05:00.000-06:00

Article Read Time: 10 Minutes

If you want something done right, do it yourself. That’s my M.O. I’ve lived by the creed for decades and do not regret it one bit. From making toothpaste to giving birth – in DIY, the power in self-confidence and self-awareness is life-altering.

If you’re thinking of becoming a DIYer – you absolutely can. Here’s a guideline based on my personal experience of making personal care products for my very large family of ten people.

Knowledge is Passion's Fuel

Why do you want to DIY? Avoiding chemicals? Lower costs? Friends are doing it? If your motives are aligned with a pure cause your DIY journey will be filled with fun, joy, and success. Be sure you are willing to invest the time and money into DIY projects for the right reason. That said, everything starts with understanding what you’re doing! Once you’ve identified which product you want to make, become intimate with the ingredients you’ve chosen to use and why you are using them – the purpose you are using them for.

I LOVE learning. I just love it. I’ll go on an informational hunt on a single ingredient and store link after link in my notebook on just that one thing. It gives such confidence when I use that ingredient in my products and share those products with family. I’m always spouting off random facts about my products. Contrary to what everyone says, Google CAN be your friend. The key is to use the right keywords when searching AND check the sources on credible sites ONLY.
The library is still a wonderful place to check out books. If your local town has a good library, take a gander and see if you can find out the science behind your ingredient usage. You may find some good recipes too.
Do you know someone who DIYs successfully (Not unlike yours truly)? Pick their brain. If you have a science question about an ingredient asking a relevant professional is a good idea as well.

Proper Preparation
Once you’re armed with knowledge and a recipe. You will want to find a method of recording it. ‘Cuz you’re gonna want to tweak it. And then you’re gonna want to repeat it. You can’t do that if you’ve forgotten what you’ve done. Trust me on this. I went through a few years DIYing without a proper method of recording…what can I say I’m a bit hard-headed. The reality is not every recipe you find will work for you. And if you have a large family like I do, this will be more apparent.
Currently, I use a database app that I’ve customized from scratch. I have a bit of knowledge of databases. If you’re unlike me, you can start by using a basic notes app or software. You can also use a basic spreadsheet. You can go old fashion and do it paper and pen style. I suspect it would be a nightmare to update if you need to tweak a recipe. Make sure you choose your method carefully – suitable for you only. Because if you want to move your information, it can be a pain. Also – backup your file frequently!

These are the columns I use in my database

NAME – Name of the recipe

PHOTO – photographs of the recipe

INGREDIENTS – List of ingredients in the recipe

INSTRUCTIONS – self-explanatory

DATE ADDED

RATING

TAGS – To help categorize your recipes so that they are searchable. Example: oral care, facial care, body care etc.

NOTES – This is my most important category. Use to record feedback, updates, tweaks etc.

RELATED INFORMATION/RESEARCH – I add links to any relevant research info here.

Containers & Jars
I LOVE containers and jars! I will buy a product just for the jar. Reusing your jars – specifically, the glass will save you a lot of money. You’ll want to start stocking up on containers and their lids. Depending on your product, glass jars with plastic lids work best for long-lasting use. Metal lids can become corroded over time (salt, alcohol, vinegar). Plastic containers can be just as useful. I prefer plastic containers for dryer products. Start collecting jars containers for the purpose of storing your creations. Of course, if you don’t mind spending a bit of money, you can order containers and jars from any relevant online site. Your local health store may sell them as well.

Labeling
Needless to say, labeling is important! Cutesy labels like the ones with the old-timey chalk writing provide nice aesthetics, but impractical for products that will be handled daily. They are better for pantry items. A practical investment into a labeling machine will do wonders as a DIYer. They come in a variety of prices and sizes. You’ll want a labeler that creates labels that will stay on through oil and water spills. Those that stay on through a washing are even better.

Vegetable, Nuts and Fruit Oils
Most DIY personal care product requires oil of sort. Having these on hand - as a staple on your shopping list makes the jump into the DIY world a bit easier. Because you are creating products that you and your family will be using personally, buying the best quality you can afford is absolutely essential. Additionally, quality ingredients make your concoctions effective.
Use organic whenever possible to minimize the number of chemicals in your products. Use unrefined, cold-pressed, or virgin oils. In other words, avoid oils that are processed. When reading the labels avoid oils that imply they are “cold-pressed” at first. This ultimately means that they are pressed for their oil and then refined via chemical extraction. Oils that are generally unrefined usually taste, smell and look like the food they came from.
Oils to have on hand…

Unrefined Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Side note – I do not use or MCT coconut (liquid) oil because they are fractionated, and the fatty acids that give it its benefits are removed. In other words, MCT coconut oil is processed and not true coconut oil. If the recipe calls for oil that stays liquid at room temperature– then use oil that stays liquid at room temperature.

Butters and Waxes
Depending on the thickness you are trying to achieve in products – having butter and waxes come in very handy. They are also good at preserving products and making them last longer as products are thicker requiring a minimal amount.
Here are some to have on hand.

Beeswax
Shea Butter

Vegan alternatives can be Cacao Butter, Carnauba Wax. I am not vegan and don’t purposefully make vegan products, so I can’t speak intelligently on how these alternatives work. I have worked with Cacao butter and have found they solidify verrry slowly! It took days for my cacao lip balm to solidify. If you find a vegan DIY recipe make sure the creator of the recipe is experienced in making vegan DIYs.

Dry Ingredients
There are three dry ingredients that are a continual staple in my DIY resources. Baking Soda, Arrowroot and Bentonite Clay.
Baking soda acts as an abrasive as well as a deodorant. It works well in toothpaste DIYs and deodorant recipes. Arrowroot acts as a stabilizer, bulking agent and provides texture and “movability”. Bentonite Clay is a potent detoxifier. If you have sensitivities to baking soda as a deodorant, bentonite clay can be a replacement.

Essential Oils
Essential oils are a complicated, controversial topic. I avoided essential oils like the plague until a few years ago. I took brand-free a masterclass in order to feel confident in my handling of them. There was SO much competing information out there from brands and representatives, I just couldn’t trust what I was being told. Essential oils are safe to use in reasonable, commonsense situations. Some key things to understand when using essential oils…

They ARE plant chemicals in concentrated form. Yes, they are natural, but they are concentrated so, therefore….
Dilute. Dilute. Dilute. NEVER apply an unfamiliar essential oil to your skin neat until you’ve had a chance to do an organoleptic evaluation. (Smell, taste, touch, instinct)
Essential oils do not have vitamins and minerals. While essential oils originate from plants, roots, bark, etc. they are not food and therefore do not contain vitamins and minerals. Do not expect them to provide vitamins and minerals in your DIY. Because they contain the chemical composition of their parts, some essential oils may affect hormones. Research your choice thoroughly.
Only purchase essential oils that you can verify with certifications. Certifications should be available and accessible for viewing online or upon request. Organic, Chromatography, Aromatogram, IFRA, Technical data sheets, etc.

A brief word about Therapeutic Grade - Be aware that the term is not an internationally recognized, third-party process. It is a marketing term trademarked for an internal certification process. Personally speaking, I do not prefer a self-validating certification. It simply does not inspire my trust.
To kick start your DIY journey – start with well-known oils. My personal recommendations…

Lavender Vera
Orange (Expressed – Fairer skinned folks should avoid the sun after topical application) or Steam-distilled (not phototoxic)
Peppermint
Tea Tree

Quick Dilution Guide for Essential Oils
To repeat my earlier point - dilute, dilute, dilute! Essential oils are concentrated plant chemicals! Generally, It takes hundreds of pounds of plant material to create a small bottle of essential oil. By diluting, you are not only being safe, but you are also being sustainable! Use these precious earthly energies wisely with reverence and respect to the wisdom of nature! Purchase only from companies that support sustainability as well.

6 Drops of EO in 1 ounce = 1% (For Children)
12 Drops of EO in 1 ounce = 2%
18 Drops of EO in 1 ounce = 3%
30 Drops of EO in 1 ounce = 5%
60 Drops of EO in 1 ounce = 10%
Tip: There are approximately 2 tablespoons in an ounce.

There are many recipes online that contain high dilution percentages of essential oils. Use this guide to adjust those recipes as needed. Generally, the 2% dilution rate applies to skincare, body care, etc. Stick to the 2% dilution rule when putting together your personal care DIYs.

Tools
The basic tools every DIYer should have on hand…

Funnels of different sizes
Wooden/plastic utensils & measuring equipment (some ingredients react to metal or stainless steel)
Cleaning Brushes of various sizes to wash jars, bottles
Glue Remover ( to remove labels – a recipe for natural glue remover is below!)
Double boiler for melting waxes and butters. (any heat resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water acts as a double boiler)

Remember mistakes are what perfect a recipe. There are some recipes that I have not changed after many alterations. They’ve evolved into perfection through trial and error. Others I’m continually changing and experimenting with. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Always take notes and write down your perceptions.

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started on your way!

Nail Strengthener, Polish & Glue Remover

This recipe was created just for nail care, but I quickly found a use for it in removing glue from labels!

15 drops of Lemon essential oil (expressed, not distilled)
Melted Virgin Coconut Oil
10ml. Roller bottle

Add the lemon essential oil to an empty clean roller bottle. Fill the bottle with melted coconut oil. Shake.
To use as a nail strengthener and polish remover. Add just a dab to the nail. Use a cuticle pusher to scrape off nail polish. You may need to buff and/file the rest of the polish away. I’ve had great success with this as a polish remover.

To remove glue from jars and containers. Roll the bottle in the palm of your hand and rub the hand over affected areas until the glue dissolves/weakens and then scrub the container with soap and water.

Tip: Fill the container with hot water and let it sit prior to removing labels and follow through with the glue removal instructions.
Because the lemon essential oil acts as a solvent, it keeps the virgin coconut oil in a liquid state for the most part.

Where to Buy? (Affiliate Links – Thank you for your support!)

Tropical Traditions for coconut oil and essential oils.
Mountain Rose Herbs for herbs, containers and more.

Why I choose to use Florihana essential oils.

Tropical Traditions is the only authorized distributor of Florihana products in the US.

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Natural Food Preservation is Possible With This Simple Method

2019-07-31T16:00:00.001-05:00

Despite the importance and popularity of buying and eating locally grown foods, most of what we eat travels a long distance before it reaches our dinner plate. Preserving foods to maintain the integrity of freshness is a ritualistic necessity of industrialized foods. If you need to purchase food that’s traveling from miles away, what is the best preservation option to ensure the freshest foods that still adhere their nutrient profiles? Here’s a short history lesson before we delve into this question...

History of Food Preservation

Food preservation in centuries past was a necessity for survival during non-growing seasons. Ancestors across cultures had different ways of preserving food. Most of their preservation methods came from natural resources and processes that developed over time. Drying was a method often used by cultures in warmer climates. Cultures in the Orient and the Middle East dried their fish, wild game, fruits, and veggies in the hot sun. Freezing was also used in applicable geographical areas. Fermentation was accidentally discovered when microorganisms fermented the sugar and starches on food. To this day, the fermentation process remains the most valuable method of preservation. Not only does it preserve, it produces a more nutritious food. Additional methods of ancient preservation include pickling, curing, canning, and jams. (1)

Modern Preservation Methods

In many first world countries, we are no longer preserving our own personal harvest and game for survival during cold seasons. There are homesteading farms that do keep to the old ways of growing and preserving harvests, and homesteading is continually growing in popularity, but it is still only a small comeback so far. In the modern cultural climate, our food is mostly industrialized, manufactured, and increasingly globalized. The typical dinner plate can contain up to five foods that are indigenous to various countries and continents. So it must be preserved to primarily keep it fresh for storage, shipping, and distribution. Additional preservatives are usually added to maintain or create texture, color, and flavor. The preservatives used today are very different than the methods and processes of the past. Chemical food preservatives are the preferred choice to prevent the growth of microorganisms and keep them fresh until opened. Categories of Preservatives Preservatives are divided into two classes that include both natural and chemical preservatives.

Class I – Natural preservatives
Class II – Man-made/Synthetic chemical preservatives

Preservatives are further broken down in three separate categories. These categories can include a mix of both classes.

Antioxidants – Prevents oxidation. Examples are BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic chemical), Ascorbic Acid (Partial vitamin C, often lab-manufactured) and Rosemary Essential Oil (Natural).
Antimicrobial – Prevents the growth of microorganisms. Examples are Rosemary essential oil (natural), Sodium Benzoate and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), both synthetic chemical preservatives
Anti-enzymatic preservatives – Blocks the enzymatic processes that ripen fruit. For example, citric acid is used to prevent the browning of cut apples or potatoes. (2)

Synthetic chemical preservatives may prove to be more effective when it comes to shelf life; however, studies often link them to carcinogenic contamination and other harmful side effects.

Natural Preservation Agents

Undoubtedly, natural preservatives are the best bet when it comes to avoiding the potential health concerns of synthetic chemical preservatives. Salt, vinegar, sugar, alcohol are all natural agents and methods that can be utilized. However, manufacturers of mainstream products typically choose synthetic preservatives for their reliability and inexpensive cost. When it comes to preserving perishables naturally, freeze-drying offers a wholesome option that respects the integrity of nourishing foods.

Honey can be used as a natural option!

What is Freeze-Drying?

Freeze-drying, also called lyophilization, creates suspended animation in foods. It is a dehydration process that freezes perishable material and then reduces the surrounding pressure in a vacuum chamber to sublimate the frozen water directly to the gas phase.(3) Freeze-drying occurs in two stages. The first stage is the sublimation stage where the frozen water essentially skips the liquid phase and goes directly to the gas phase. The second stage is the evaporation stage or the desorption (drying) point.

The Advantages of Freeze-Drying

The advantages of freeze-dried foods are many. 98% of the water is removed making shipping inexpensive because of the low weight. Only the liquid is removed keeping all the enzymes in the food intact, in a suspended state. The enzymes are activated when water is returned to the food. Lyophilization also concentrates the material. You’re able to meet daily requirements of fruits and vegetables this way. Because the material is freeze-dried, no synthetic preservatives are needed as yeast and undesirable bacteria cannot survive in this state. Freeze-dried foods can last for years. Depending on the final packaging of freeze-dried material, food can last anywhere from a year to 25 years! The structure, taste, and color of lyophilized foods are essentially unchanged, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to chemically preserved products. It is a wonderful method to preserve high-quality foods that are organically grown in nutrient-rich soil, thus providing a wholesome end product.

The Disadvantages of Freeze-Drying

There are just a few disadvantages to freeze-drying foods. Not all foods can be processed this way. Fruits, veggies, coffee, and juices are some of the better choices. Freeze-drying is also an expensive and time-consuming process. The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to delivering a naturally preserved high-quality end-product. What do you think about lyophilization? Which foods do you prefer to consume freeze-dried?

Sources:

1 - NCHFP - Historical Origins for Food Preservation
2 – Innovate Us – What Are Food Preservatives?
3 - Wikipedia - Freeze-Drying

Where to find high quality freeze-dried fruit? I highly recommend Healthy Traditions (formerly known as Tropical Traditions) as a long-time customer. Buy raw, freeze-dried fruits here.

Your purchases through these links help support this site. Thank you. :)

Plantain Broadleaf, An Unassuming Weed for Healthy Skin

2019-01-26T17:00:00.000-06:00

Photo by Jrtayloriv

It has been said that any unwanted plant growing free and wild voluntarily is a weed. But what if some of these weeds carry highly desirous benefits for beautiful skin? Is it still a weed? Plantago Major - Broadleaf Plantain is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a rosette of leaves that are considered a common weed. Plantain hails from Europe and Asia.(1) In the Americas, it was dubbed “the white man’s footprint” or “the Englishman’s foot” in Australia, by the natives of each respective continent who noted that Plantain sprung up with their arrival.

Good for the Environment

It thrives well in compacted, damaged and disturbed soils and grows in conspicuous places like cracks in concretes, sidewalks and driveways, which often makes them undesirable and targets for pesticides. Truth be told, the Plantain species is important for soil rehabilitation. The roots break up hardpan surfaces and hold the soil together to prevent soil erosion. (2)

“Your Plantain leaf is excellent for that.”

“For what, I pray thee?”

“For your broken shin.”

- Romeo & Benvolio in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet

Dermatologic Benefits

Not only are they a friend to the soil, but their medicinal benefits have been studied and hailed. The Plantago Major perennial plant is a very healing agent to the skin. Poultices of leaves have been used for wounds, stings, sores, and bites. Plantain is rich in allantoin, a chemical compound found naturally in plants such as Comfrey. Allantoin is a cellular renewing compound that deposits protein on the skin and softens the skin, a process called the keratolytic effect. Other active components in P. Major are Aucubin and Baicalein who play microbial and bacterial defense. Both are anti-inflammatory, shown to have antioxidants and anticancer properties.(4) Additional notable skin supporting compounds includes:

Chlorogenic-acid
Salicylic-acid
Citric Acid
Benzoic Acid
Ferulic-acid
Ursolic-acid
Oleanolic-acid(5)

There are multiple products on the marketplace that synthesize anti-aging compounds such as Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is well known for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells and its antioxidant activity. Salicylic acid products are usually synthesized by the process of biosynthesis of the amino acid phenylalanine. With Plantain, you get the natural activity of salicylic acid in holistic synergy with accompanying compounds and constituents!

Brief Nutrient Profile
There are multiple species of Plantago. Here’s a basic, generalized summary of their nutrient profile: Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus, and Zinc. It also has a good amount of Vitamin C along with fatty acids and nitrate.(6)

Skin Uses and Conditions
Plantain extract is good for oily and problem skin. It can help tone and contract the skin. It can also be used on cuts, scrapes, and wounds. There are multiple testimonies on the quick and efficient work of plantain on bee stings. With over 400 Plantago species, plantain is rampant and easily found growing in disturbed and heavy traffic areas.

Identifying the Plantago Species
Plantain is fairly easy to identify. Generally, it is a low-growing, stemless plant that grows in a rosette. Its leaves are broad and oval-shaped with approximately five veins running through them. The veins are stringy and fibrous. When you harvest the leaves, you will see the strong fibers protruding from the base of the leaves/stem. You may see a purplish or reddish tinge at the base of the stem - this is a specific species called Plantago Rugelii - just as medicinally valuable as P. Major which has a green stem base. A narrower leaf version of the Plantago species has similar characteristics, except that the leaf will be a narrower oval shape. These species are called P. Lanceolata - also known as Narrowleaf Plantain or Ribwort.

Plantain Facial Toner Recipe

If you can find Plantain growing wild in your yard or elsewhere (preferably in a pesticide-free, feces-free area), collect a handful for an impromptu facial toner.

Set a pot of water to boil.
Tear the plantain into large pieces and place in a mortar & pestle. If you don’t have one, a ceramic or glass heat-resistant bowl will do.
Mash the plantain in the bowl or mortar with the pestle or a fork to release compounds.
When the pot reaches a boil, add ¼ to ½ cup of boiling water to the bowl or mortar.
Mash some more.
Let the mixture cool and strain.
Optional - Spray a few pumps of Rose Monsoon Hydrating Mist to the toner for a lovely rose scent!
Add to a storage container.
Keep in the fridge and use within three days.

Once the mixture cools, dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently cleanse your face and neck with the cotton ball. Do this after gently cleansing your face and before conditioning. Can you find any plantains growing wild and free near you? Do you still view the Plantago species as a weed?

Label-Reading Tip: Allantoin can also be synthesized by the oxidation of uric acid(3) in a laboratory. When reading for natural sources of “allantoin” on ingredient labels, look of for Plantain and Comfrey extracts rather than “allantoin”.

Sources:
1 - Invasive Species Compendium - Plantago Major L. - http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/41814
2 - Wikipedia - Plantago Major - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago_major
3 - Herbs 2000 - Allantoin - http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/allantoin.htm
4 - Pub Med - The Effects of P. Major on the Activation of Neutrophil Respiratory Burst - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24716188
5 - The Medicine Tree - Plant Profile of the Month Plantago Major - http://medicinetreeherbs.com/2015/07/06/plant-profile-of-the-month-plantago-major-plantain/
6 - Ecology of Food & Nutrition - Nutritional Composition of Plantago Species - http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03670244.2001.9991663

Disclaimer:
This article is written and presented in an informative manner and has not been reviewed or evaluated by the FDA and should be not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases.

How to Choose a Safe DIY Recipe & Holistic All-Purpose Toothpaste Recipe

2019-01-18T13:50:00.002-06:00

Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash

Essential oils have been the all rage for past ten years and I've avoided the craze because of the misinformation that enshrouds the industry. Last summer I decided to delve into my research skills and prepared to wade through the muck. Unfortunately, even hours of searching, I got nowhere. Credible, brand-free information was extremely difficult to find. So I took a class. A brand-free class backed with evidence-based information and my holistic world just got that much bigger!

How to Choose a Safe Internet Recipe

Safety when using essential oils IS important and should not be casually dismissed, don't let anyone selling essential oils tell you otherwise. The keyword here is "selling". Selling essential oils automatically disqualifies the salesperson as an independent source of reference. Do your due diligence when researching essential oil. The risk of using essential oil increases when they are applied undiluted. Common adverse reactions are:

Irritated skin Contact Dermatitis (irritation)

Allergic reactions

General Contact Dermatitis

Anaphylactic shock(7)

Using essential oils shouldn't be paralyzing either! A common-sense, evidence-based, BRAND-FREE approach should wisely lead you to right sources and information. However, when the internet is inundated with how-to recipes. How do you choose the safest DIY recipes?

The first clue that you may want to avoid using an internet recipe is the amount of recommended essential oil usage.

Essential oils are volatile. In other words, they release and evaporate readily. Essential oils are present in minuscule amounts in various plants, barks, resins, peels, and flowers. When you peel a lemon, the scent that fills the air is the essential oil. Steam-distilled (and expressed fruit peels) essential oil products are SUPER concentrated, natural chemicals. It takes 45 rinds of lemon to fill a 15 ml bottle. Just one drop can contain up to 300 chemically related molecules(1) and because our bodies were not designed to process essential oils in a concentrated format, it is important to be sure they are diluted in a balanced way.

As a personal safety guideline - a recipe should not have more than 24 - 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil and other emulsifying ingredients. Avoid recipes that suggest 30 or more drops of EACH suggested essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil or emulsifying ingredients in the recipe.

For example: if a recipe suggests a formula of ten different essential oils, then the guideline should be three drops of each essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil.

Avoid personal care recipes that recommend an undiluted blend. In other words, a straight blend of essential oils without the benefit of a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba oil.

With that said, I've formulated an all-purpose toothpaste that covers a wide range of oral concerns.

Holistic All-PurposeToothpaste

What you'll need:

Clean, empty 6 or 8-ounce container - glass is preferable, but not required.

4 Tablespoons of melted, Organic, Raw Virgin Coconut Oil

4 Tablespoons of Baking Soda

1 Tsp. of Pink Himalayan Salt

2 Tsp. of powdered Stevia Leaf (whole herb)

4 drops of Orange essential oil (expressed, not steam-distilled)

4 drops of Cinnamon bark essential oil

4 drops of Clove

2 drops of Anise Star essential oil

2 drops of Lemon (expressed)

2 drops of Copaiba

Directions

Combine dry ingredients in the container. Add melted coconut oil. If the coconut oil is solid, melt prior to preparing by keeping in a warm spot or placing the jar of coconut oil in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Add the essential oils and stir thoroughly with a wooden or plastic utensil. Stainless steel can react with the essential oils.

All Purpose Whole Use Essential Oils and Ingredients

Every ingredient in the recipe provides a purpose; Gums, Cavities, Halitosis, brightening, plaque and antibacterial. The baking soda acts as gentle abrasive (plaque), while coconut oil(6) can be healing and antibacterial. The pink salt mineralizes teeth. Copaiba(2) and Stevia(3) have been found to be helpful in cavity prevention. The orange and Lemon essential oil can contribute to a bright smile, and everyone knows that cinnamon can freshen your breath. Anise star is my absolute favorite oral support oil for gums. Anise carries an allergen warning if you're allergic to carrots and celery, simply omit the oils. (4, 5)

Suggested Recipe Adjustments for Suitability

Its extremely important to understand that essential oils react differently in different bodies, in other words, they are bio-individual. What works for me may not work for you. Here are some adjustments you can make to the recipe to suit your needs better.

Cinnamon bark is a hot oil, if 4 drops are too much, you can reduce it to just two or one. Peppermint is another good breath freshening agent you can replace cinnamon with. Otherwise, Cypress oil is well-known for their deodorant action. If you are allergic to carrots and celery,(5) simply drop anise oil form the recipe or increase other non-hot oils (Cinnamon, Peppermint, and Clove are hot) by two drops.

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Disclaimer:

This article is written and presented in an informative manner and has not been reviewed or evaluated by the FDA and should be not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases. Please talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Sources:

1 - The Healing Power of Essential Oils; Dr. Eric Zielinski

2- https://naturallivingfamily.com/copaiba-essential-oil-uses/#learn1

3- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26192983

4- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/anise

5 - https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/anise-oil.aspx

6 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844018308983

7 - https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety/adverse-reaction-database/

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Three Whole Body Uses of Rosa Damascena

2019-01-11T14:29:00.002-06:00

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”

The sweet, intoxicating scent of a true rose continues its popular lure after 35 million years of its existence, according to fossil evidence.(1) Roses are hailed for many reasons...beauty, its variant beneficial properties, flavor, and the glorious scent. It is globally known as the symbol of love! Though some may not embrace the scent of rose quite as heartily as others, there are three whole-body ways you can use this exquisite plant, but first a little history lesson!

History of Rose

Although the genus Rosa has approximately 150 species throughout the Northern Hemisphere Rosa Damascena, the Damask Rose, is one of the most popular types of roses used as an ingredient in beauty care. The Damask Rose is mainly cultivated in Iran for the purposes of perfumery and rose water, but has uses and applications beyond these. They have been studied for medicinal purposes and is consumed as food in some cultures. Because the Rose has very low oil content, an exorbitant amount of roses must be used to produce a certain amount of rose oil. It is said 60,000 roses are used to produce just an ounce of oil.(4) Coupled with the lack of natural substitutes, rose essential oil is among the most expensive essential oils in the world.(2)

Beneficial Properties of Roses

While the energetic qualities of roses are cooling and drying, they boast of multiple properties with whole body uses. They are:

Astringent
Analgesic (Pain Relieving)
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Microbial
Nervine
Anti-Aging

The petals, leaves, and fruit (rose hips) are all used in whole body applications. You can find roses in these products in your local health food store or an online co-op:

Rosewater (Rose petals steeped as tea or infused in water)
Rose Hydrosol (distillation of rose petals)
Dried and/or powdered Rose Hips
Dried petals/Flowers
Rose Essential Oil

Roses as Food

Rose hips and petals are the most common way to consume roses. Rose hips are very high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. The petals have a lower vitamin C content compared to its fruit, Rose Hips. Rose hips are located at the base of the rose, just behind the bud. Rose Hips can be added to salads, yogurt and the petals/buds steeped as teas. The hips can be jellied into a condiment to add pizzazz to your sandwiches. Other foods to make with rose hips can be pies, puddings, desserts, trail mixes and much more to the extent of your imagination! Rosewater is a popular drink in the middle east and can be drunk as a way to cool down in hot weather seasons. Rosewater can be added to ice creams, gelatos, and even yogurts. The combo of dairy and rosewater is said to be a match made in heaven!

Rose as a Medicinal Support

Roses are more than just a pretty face, they have numerous medicinal benefits found in history and cultures across the globe. Human in vivo studies of roses has shown them to have a positive effect on heart health with internal and external uses. Roses are known to “gladden” the heart.

“In one study people were given 40 grams of rose hip powder daily for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, there was a significant improvement in blood pressure and plasma cholesterol in the people taking the rose hip powder as compared with the control group.” (3)

An analgesic effect has also been found in the compound of roses. Suggesting the flavonoids in the roses are responsible for pain-relieving results.(2) The oil, absolute and hydrosol have shown a wide range of antimicrobial effects.(2) Studies on the extracts of R. Damascena have also shown a hypnotic effect (sleep-inducing) on the nervous system.(2) Additionally, it is said to have beneficial effects on neuritic atrophy (Dementia). Other medical benefits include:

Anticonvulsant activity
Anti-HIV activity
Anti-Diabetic effects
Anti-Inflammatory benefits
Ophthalmic benefits

Overall the medicinal functions of the rose are partly contributed to their abundance of phenolics compound. Phenolics are synthesized by plants and play important roles in plant development and plant defense.(5)

Roses in Skin Care

It’s astringent and antioxidant activities makes roses very popular as a skin care ingredient. Roses can be a wonderful aid in healing wounds. Anti-aging effects are said to be the result of rich antioxidant activity that combats free radicals; the cause of oxidative stress. They can tone and calm inflamed skin. Even more impressive, a study of R. Damascena Hydrosol was found to be effective inhibiting skin inflammations caused by infections of MRSA and Candida Albicans. “Rosewater inhibited mycelial growth of C. Albicans at a concentration of ca. 2.2%, and reduced viability of MRSA within 1 h.”(6)

Making Rose Tea

You can make your own cup of Rose tea to enjoy the many whole body application of this delicate, romantic flower. You’ll need… 1 cup of fresh R. Damascena Rose petals/buds or ½ cup of dried petals/buds 2.5 cups of distilled or clean water Honey to taste.

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a non-reactive pot. Once it boils, turn off the pot and remove from heat. Add the petals/rosebuds and stir gently. Place a lid on the pot and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and add honey. Here’s a tip - The lid is important to prevent water-soluble vitamins from escaping with the steam. While the lid may seem unnecessary, it is an important part of steeping! Finally, only purchase petals and buds from reputable sources. Do not use petals and buds from a flower shop, they will most certainly be sprayed with chemicals. One eco-friendly, online herbal company you can source petals from is; Mountain Rose Herbs. As you now see, roses are truly extravagant in every way! You can use them to benefit your skin, consume them as food and try them in a medicinal capacity. Which whole body use of Rosa Damascena appeals to you the most?

Did you find this article helpful? Donate to keep this site free. Your donation goes directly to a hard-working, earth-loving, holistic family. To donate, go the sidebar.

Disclaimer: This article is written and presented in an informative manner and has not been reviewed or evaluated by the FDA and should be not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases. Please talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Article Sources:

1 - University of Illinois; History of Roses - https://extension.illinois.edu/roses/history.cfm

2 - NCBI; The Pharmacological Effects of Rosa Damascena - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/

3 - Rosalee De La Foret; Alchemy of Herbs; Hay House, Inc., New York City, NY; 2017 4 - Vegetarian-Nutrition; Rose Hips. Medicine for Heart and Body - https://vegetarian-nutrition.info/rose-hips/

5 - Molecular Plant Pathology - The Roles of Plant Phenolics in Defense and Communication - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00625.x/epdf?r3_referer=wol&tracking_action=preview_click&show_checkout=1&purchase_referrer=www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov&purchase_site_license=LICENSE_DENIED

6 - Green Med Info - Rose Water Has a Potential Effect to Inhibit Skin Inflammation Caused By Microbes - http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/rose-water-has-potential-effect-inhibit-skin-inflammation-caused-microbes

Indian Gooseberry Fruit For Fasting Support

2019-01-04T15:43:00.000-06:00

Ayurvedic medicine, indigenous to India, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. Different figures have been given, but most agree it has been around for 3,000 to 5,000 years. It is an intricate system that upholds the mind and body connection with the healing use of plants, herbs, minerals and other naturally-occurring substances. Loosely translated to mean “Science of Life”, Ayurveda focuses on a person’s constitution or rather the balance of one’s constitution, called the doshas. This medical system has stood the test of time and has given us many gems.(1) One of them is Phyllanthus Emblica, otherwise known as Indian Gooseberry (Amla) fruit. Originating in India, the Gooseberry fruit can be found growing in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Malaysia. Better known as the Indian Gooseberry tree, it is also called “the Malacca tree” in English and in Hindi, it is simply known as Amla.(2) Historically, they are used as chutney, pickles and a sweet delicacy called murabba. The Gooseberry fruit is arguably one of Ayurveda's most important herb. It has a long list of beneficial properties, but here are three highlights.

A Tonic For the Liver

Officinalis (Indian Gooseberry) has been found to increase enzymes in the liver (6) and enhances liver function by playing a protective role. (5) Extracts of Phyllanthus Amarus (Indian Gooseberry) has shown to improve liver function, reduce profibrogenic events and promising potential with chronic HBV infection (Hepatitis B)(2)

Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Studies show that Amla has a significant impact on fasting blood sugar levels.(3) Their anti-diabetic properties can be contributed to their high level of phytochemicals - antioxidants and free radical scavenging properties (4) Indian Gooseberry’s high fiber content also contributes to normalizing blood sugar levels. A large amount of fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and can prevent spikes and crashes.(5) The fiber content of the berry makes up 26 percent of the daily recommended value.(7)

Unusually High Phytochemicals

As mentioned previously, Indian Gooseberry has an exorbitant amount of phytochemicals. “Many plant extracts and plant products have been shown to possess anti-diabetic activity having significant anti-oxidant activity. Since E. Officinalis contains a large number of polyphenols, it is found to possess significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the presence of polyphenols may be responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of E. Officinalis.” - Pub Med - Experimental Study on the Effect of E. Officialis Implementing Indian gooseberry fruit during a fast can be a potent tool during the fasting phase. Fresh Indian gooseberry fruit may be difficult to obtain, but the dehydrated and powdered fruit is readily available online. There are no known precautions with this beautiful fruit, however, if you’re a diabetic on medication to control blood sugar levels, do talk to your practitioner before using Amla. Tell me, what do you find most impressive about Amla?

Sources:

1 - Dr. Axe - 7 Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine - https://draxe.com/ayurvedic-medicine/
2 - Science Direct - Phyllanthus Emblica - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/phyllanthus-emblica
3 - Pub Med - Effect of Amla on Blood Glucose Levels - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21495900
4 - Pub Med - Anti-Diabetic Effects - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24577384
5 - Dr. Axe - Indian Gooseberry Benefits - https://draxe.com/indian-gooseberry/
6 - Pub Med - Experimental Study of the Effect of E. Officialis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3968711/
7 - Dr. Mercola - Food Facts Indian Gooseberry - http://foodfacts.mercola.com/gooseberries.html

Did you find this article helpful? Donate to keep this site free. Your donation goes directly to a hard-working, earth-loving, holistic family. To donate, go the side bar.

Disclaimer: This article is written and presented in an informative manner and has not been reviewed or evaluated by the FDA and should be not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases. Share the knowledge.

Bitters' Sweet Role in Health

2018-02-25T19:39:00.000-06:00

Taste serves two roles. It evaluates food for toxicity and nutrients and prepares to metabolize food when they are ingested. There isn't a solid worldwide consensus on many how many types of tastes there are, I suspect the disagreements come from the difference in cultures across the globe and the monotonous state of processed food. In essence, there are five: Salty, Sour, Sweet, Savory (Umami) and Bitter.(3)

"Exploring the ancestral context for taste is useful to understand how modern humans use taste to live and feed today. Those who live in an environment of very low food security forage using taste to identify nutritious foods to eat. While those who live in an environment of abundant, palatable foods are guided by taste to over consume calorically dense foods, which too often results in diabetes and obesity."(3)

Bitter is not a popular flavor. It is typically equated to negativity. Phrases like; "bitter truth", "bitter end", "a bitter pill" are associated with unpleasantness, something we all want to avoid, but the fact is bitter, as a flavor from wholesome plants and herbs, can be health tool. Bitters assist with:

⧫ Producing digestive enzymes
⧫ Improve liver function
⧫ Improve gallbladder function
⧫ Primes and optimizes the digestive system (4)
⧫ Aids in detoxification
⧫ Bile production

Bitters and Bile

The Bitter Reflex is a process triggered by bitter substances on the tongue. The small intestine is

stimulated by the bitter taste which prompts your liver and gallbladder to increase a healthy flow of bile in anticipation of eating. Healthy bile flow assists in ridding your body of oxidized cholesterol and hormonal metabolites.2

Bile is digestive substance created by the liver for the purpose of digesting fats and to aid in detoxification. Bile emulsifies fat and fat-soluble vitamins for absorption in the gut. Trying to digest fats without bile is similar to washing greasy dishes without soap. As a detoxification agent, bile absorbs waste products, like bilirubin, created by the body from old red blood cells. Additionally, bile absorbs excess cholesterol into the gastrointestinal tract to be passed out with other waste products.

While the liver continuously creates bile, it is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. The bile in the gallbladder is 5 to 20 times more concentrated and becomes bile salt.1

Good examples of common bitters are Dandelion, Orange Peel, Peppermint, and Argula.

When and How to Use Bitters

Try to incorporate bitters into your daily diet. Avoid sweetening them. Adding arugula and dandelion leaves in your salads is a good way to start. You can use them in a tincture form. I'll share my favorite Orange Peel bitters recipe soon, so stay and follow by email (sidebar). Put a few drops of bitters on your tongue 15 to 20 minutes before you eat.

Fasting is a good time to utilize bitters! While the autophagy state is turned on, bitters can really support this process, especially the liver. Detoxing can be hard on the liver.

The 3-day nutritionally-supported fasting program with Miessence FAST has organic bitters just for this purpose. I use FAST during fasting, take orange peel bitters daily and I LOVE it. It has been tremendously helpful in controlling gas, bloating and it has improved my digestion. The interesting thing...I no longer find my orange peel tincture "bitter". It tastes sweet to me!

If you're interested in using Miessence FAST for fasting or bitter support, purchase it here or contact me for a free consultation.

Holistic Fasting Infographic

Sources:

1 - http://www.healthhype.com/what-is-bile-production-function-salts-storage-secretion.html
2 - http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/digestive-disorders/bitters-the-revival-of-a-forgotten-flavor/
3 - Science Direct; Evolution of Taste - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982213004181
4 - Healing the Body - https://healingthebody.ca/use-bitter-herbs-for-optimal-digestion-and-detoxification/#gs.7=T9xR0

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Plant-Based Skin & Food Care Up to 50% Off

2018-02-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

A variety of items are for sale in my shop - featuring Miessence and ONE brand.

Get up to 50% off in celebration of Miessence's 15th birthday! Miessence is the world's first certified organic skincare range, paving the way for the industry you see today!

The difference is, Miessence is still unique in that fact that most of the skincare is certified organic to FOOD-grade standards. If you want to know the difference between food and cosmetic grade standards, contact me!

Meanwhile, if you've been curious to try Miessence, there's no better time than now!
Sale ends February 23rd.

SHOP NOW

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Infographic: Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse

2018-02-13T22:35:00.000-06:00

Last week I wrote an article on holistic fasting for a superior cleanse. It summarizes the power of fasting for detoxing and biogenesis benefits. Here's an infographic summarizing the fine points of the article. I highly recommend you read the piece through if you have some time, but if you are in a rush, check out the infographic for the main points! If you're interested in the nutritionally-supported, plant-based, 3-day fast, visit the shop here. I'm offering 30% off of your order of Miessence FAST for a limited time only! Contact me for the code!

Holistic Fasting Series:

Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse
Before the Fast: Tips and a Fasting Plan
Fasting vs. Dieting: The Skill of Fasting

Follow on Facebook or by email (sidebar) to stay up-to-date on the latest articles on The Olive Parent.

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Fasting vs. Dieting: The Skill of Fasting

2018-02-12T11:08:00.000-06:00

Fasting is hard. And even harder when you have an emotional connection to food. I suppose this is why those who promote "fasting" advice, books and consults include the consumption of food as a way to ease the blow of fasting.

I've had to correct this seemingly new "theology" of fasting repeatedly. Fasting means no consumption of foods for an extended period of time. Period. It's misleading to indicate otherwise. The abstinence of food has been utilized for centuries - for spiritual and health purposes - it hasn't changed until now...the age of consumerism.

Any advice, messages, memes or books that encourage the eating of food and calling it a fast are not doing you service. The truth is fasting addresses the spiritual component of your relationship with food more than it does the physical. And that is really hard!

It's hard if you're not mental or spiritually ready to face the realities of your subconscious. When you assess the real nature of your relationship with food, you'll need to utilize something that everyone seems to be afraid of...accountability.

What you've been eating, knowingly, or unknowingly, good or bad can be a painful or affirming! I've always believed that accountability is a lost art. I state this fully aware of my own failings and wins, but the beautiful thing about accountability is the power it gives you. When you own your failings and wins, you are empowering yourself to lead the life you were meant to live. There is nothing more fulfilling than that!

If you want to fast, then do that! It is a blessing. If you want to diet, do that! The road to health needs to start somewhere! But for the love of all that's holy, please don't call a diet (consumption of food) a fast, it's an oxymoron at best.

Fasting induces autophagy, the body's innate cleansing system which works when the digestive system is not digesting. Nutrient deprivation creates cellular stress initiating the process. If fasting for a few days seems daunting, here are a few tips you can consider before you fast. Try intermittent fasting. You can skip a meal or two and go a few hours without eating to prep for a full fast of a few days. You can also support your fasting period with low calorie, nutritionally-supported drinks to ease the hunger pangs. This way your digestive system still gets to rest (no digesting whole foods with fiber content) and the transition to fasting is a lot smoother than a water fast.

There are really no shortcuts to the true benefits of fasting, but take it from me, it is truly worthwhile. And like with any developing skill, it gets easier with time. Make no mistake, fasting is undoubtedly a skill for life.

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Before the Fast - Tips and a Fasting Plan

2018-02-09T16:48:00.000-06:00

So you’ve decided to implement a three- day, nutritionally-supported fast as a health tool. How do you begin? The day I made the decision to fast, I nervous about “failing”. I didn’t want to be overcome with uncontrollable hunger, binge and feel horrible about it later! As the cook in my family, the temptation was worrisome, so I decided to plan my fast to minimize temptations and maximize success!

Mental Preparation: Meditation and visualization

The real battle of fasting is in your mind. It was helpful to me to pick a day and time the fasting would begin and end, sort of like setting an appointment with myself. I’d imagine how I would deal with temptation. How I would react when facing temptation. I even found myself preparing my reasons - a script if you will - for those who may not be supportive of my decision to fast.
I spent some time visualizing the experience, how I thought it would be.

Food Plan

If you’re the cook in the family, shop, plan, and cook meals in advance of your fasting date. It's a bit of work, but I promise you will be grateful you did it when you’re fasting! This gives you a real break, allowing you to focus on supporting your body’s work in cleansing. You can also assign cooking duties, or just keep things simple. Sandwiches, salads or even a healthy bowl of cereal at dinnertime for the kids, works just fine. Food is food as long as is it real, healthy, whole and filling!

Fasting Plan

Talk to your family about your appointment to fast. Let them know that you’ll be taking a break from food and explain to them why. It’s can be a teaching moment! When I explained to my children why I was fasting, they were intrigued by the body’s innate cleansing system! They wanted to try it too! Naturally, they didn’t last a more than a few hours. :) Make sure you’ve ordered and received your FAST tub in time if you’re international (Miessence FAST shakes are shipped from Australia). Order your FAST a week before your intended start date.

Brew a pot of tea to have on hand when you fast. Prepare for the possibility of detox symptoms. Have a few water-dense fruits & veggies stocked in case you experience severe detox symptoms. Hunger is NOT a detox symptom. 😉

Think about how you'd like to break your fast. You can decide to meditate or pray before you do. Journaling your thoughts and emotions are good too. If you’re fasting for weight loss, write down your total weight loss down before you eat. You should decide what foods you plan to break your fast with. Ideally, it should be very light. Soups, salads and water-dense fruits & veggies are options. Avoid heavy meals and bingeing. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and eat thoughtfully. If you decide to have a soup or salad - I highly advise that you prep and store this before the fast. This way, when you’re ready to break you fast. Simply heat, if applicable, and eat.

I started my first three-day fast on my own. My second fast was done with my sisters. I loved fasting with someone! We kept in touch, daily with our experiences and shared our thoughts. It was really supportive, encouraging and uplifting. Share this article with someone in your circle that might be interested and plan a fasting appointment together. Miessence has a fasting support group with a coach if you don’t have anyone in your immediate family to do a fast with you.

Tips

Plan to begin your fast after the last meal the day before. For example, You may plan to have your fast begin on Tuesday, but technically, the last meal would be Monday evening. Your fast would technically end Thursday evening, but Friday morning would be when you actually break your fast. However, my motto is always to do what works for you. If you want to break your fast the evening before the fourth day, you are your own boss!

Plan to fast on days where there isn’t much to do. Don’t plan a fasting period when you’ve been invited to a wedding or a party! Low-key days are best for the first fast. After you’ve done this a few times, you should be able to handle regular days.

Headaches during fasts are usually a result of the lack of salt intake. If you experience a headache, try a pinch of pink salt in your FAST shake.

Fasting Resources

Me! Contact me for a consultation and questions - I’m always happy to help!
My Healthy 3 Day Fast - Support Group on Facebook

Miessence FAST EBook

Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse

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Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse

2018-02-05T07:40:00.000-06:00

It's been a long week and soaking in a warm bath with luxurious herbs is the very essence of rejuvenation. Not only physically, but mentally. Many will agree, baths are more about a mental and emotional cleanse than a physical cleaning. There’s no doubt that a self-indulgent bath does a mind good. Herein lies the tie of the physical to the emotional. The connection between the physical and mental (intangible) relationship is undeniable and the science consistently shows this.

⬥Optimists are healthier than pessimists
⬥Optimism can prevent chronic diseases
⬥Hostility is a risk factor for heart disease
⬥Loneliness is attributable to several diseases(2)

Mental and Emotional Health Issues on the Rise

We live in unprecedented times of great advancement. Technology has never been more superior and continues to grow and astound us in new ways. We live in an age where convenience is just a click away. Access to food has never been simpler. Those of us with enough funds in a bank account can go to the store and buy a meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen as our ancestors did. However, looking at today statistics, one in six Americans are on an antidepressant or some kind of psychiatric drug.(1) This tell-tale disconnect spotlights that something is fundamentally amiss.

With so many of us on antidepressants, there seems to be an ongoing war for a peaceful consciousness. Having a peaceful consciousness is the antithesis of depression. It is a vital coping strategy.

“The separation of psychology from the premises of biology is purely artificial because the human psyche lives in indissoluble union with the body.” - Carl Jung

Stress and Environmental Toxicity

It is becoming clearer to us as a society, that the convenience of modern tech is a contributor to the number of stressors that make up our increasingly digital environment. And it is true. We are all products of our environment. Speaking of environments, no one questions the rising pollution we experience on a daily, monthly, yearly basis. Nine out of ten of the world’s population live in an area where air pollution exceeds safe limits, which amounts to 92%. It is the fourth largest threat to our health, right behind high blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking.(3)
The Lancet Commission on Pollution and health states that...

“...pollution (air, water and soil) is the largest environmental cause of disease and death in the world today, responsible for an estimated 9 million premature deaths.”

Two Types of Exposures

There are two degrees of toxic exposures. One is an immediate exposure to a single large dose of toxin. The second is a slow build of low-level toxins on a chronological basis.(2) The true relationship between health and pollution, both acute and chronic, may be hidden in healthcare costs.(5)

“Acute short-term effects of air pollution tend to strike people who are elderly or already struggling with heart disease, said Dr. Luepker, who is also an epidemiologist. For instance, someone with atherosclerosis, or build-up of fatty deposits on the inner lining of the arteries, experiences immediate trouble when pollutants play a role in causing plaque in a blood vessel to rupture, triggering a heart attack. “This kind of pushes them over the cliff,” Dr. Luepker said.” (4) - American Heart Association

Chemicals and Our Mental, Emotional State

We are whole beings. We are not a collaboration of compartmentalized systems. The mental state is intricately tied to the physical and the physical condition can adversely impact our mental wellness.This basic concept is gets lost in the shuffle of conventional medical concepts. For wellness to occur the physical, mental and spiritual conditions must be considered.

It shouldn’t be a shock that our daily polluted environment has a direct and indirect impact on emotional, mental wellness as well. For example, studies have shown that blood lead concentrations of 20 to 40μg/dL are associated with cognitive decline that may include changes in memory and mental processing speed.(6) Fluoride, commonly added to water sources in the U.S., has been linked to hyperactivity, cognitive deficits, and lower I.Q. scores.(7) Aluminum often found in foods we eat as well as common cosmetic products, has a well-known association with Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum can create “toxic, oxidative stress in the brain”. It is the most widely used and distributed metals.(8) BPA, otherwise known as Bisphenol A is synthetic compound widely used in plastic that coats the interiors of canned foods. It’s found in many plastic products. Studies link BPA to endocrine disruption. Specifically, it’s been found to mimic estrogen. Hormones are chemical messages that play a crucial role in managing moods, appetite, weight, and so much more, therefore serious considerations need to be given to the use of hormone-altering chemicals.

“Health is not an end point. It is a dynamic process involving the entire body; it enables us to fulfill our life purpose, to live fully and abundantly. It is a process that involves our bodies, our minds and our spirits.” - Dr. Elaine Ferguson, MD, Author - Superhealing: Engaging Your Mind, Body and Spirit...

Our Miraculous Bodies

We are made and geared for survival. We have natural systems that automatically work towards healing. One system is primarily geared towards clearing the body of pollutants. Our liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin are organs that actively engage in the detoxification process. And despite the fact our kidneys contain approximately one million individual filters,(2) Our bodies simply cannot keep up with the over chemicalized state of our current environment.

A Natural, Superior Cleansing System

The beauty of our intelligent bodies is this - we have a natural, superior and innate cleansing system that is triggered by food temperance (fasting). Fasting is centuries old. It is practiced universally, crossing time, cultures and religions. Fasting or food temperance is the intentional abstinence from food and drink for health or spiritual reasons.

As a tool for health, food temperance stimulates autophagy. Autophagy is induced by cellular stress by the way of nutrient deprivation. It disposes of unwanted molecules, protein aggregates, damaged mitochondria, ribosomes, and invading pathogens as a way to conserve energy.(9) Autophagy is a quality control function that selectively removes damaged and dysfunctional organelles.

Biogenesis

The induction of autophagy provides the energy and building blocks for biosynthesis or biogenesis.(9) Biogenesis is the production of new living organisms or organelles from the biosynthesis process kicked off by the autophagy process. Exciting studies show that prolonged fasting of three or four days can regenerate an entire immune system!(10)

Benefits of Food Temperance

The benefits of fasting are numerous, but there are two major benefits gained. When food temperance is applied, the digestive system is allowed to rest. When the digestive system isn't working to digest, more energy is available to you. It takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for your body to digest your food, depending on the amount, type, your gender and if there are digestive conditions present.(11) Because 65% of our body's energy is directed towards the digestive system after a large meal, fasting frees up a lot of energy!(12)

I have implemented fasting into my current health regimen. I have done supported three- day fasts several times and practice intermittent fasting daily. My 3-day fasts have been more of a spiritual than a physical experience. My energy is stable and my focus is sharp at this time. My sleep is deeply satisfying and I find myself dreaming vividly! What I’ve learned is that hunger is a symptom. The body doesn't care about the taste, texture or look of food, those are just incentives to get you to eat. The body desires real, true nutrients provided freely from the earth. When it needs are met, hunger the symptom, goes away. Many are motivated to fast in order to lose weight. Undoubtedly weight loss - for me is something I desire, but the most important thing I’ve gained from fasting was not a ten-pound weight loss (which is temporary by the way) but a re-connection to myself and being. It was a sacred time to spend time with ME and Creator of this intelligent, living art called the body.

Holistic Fasting Infographic

Fasting for Brain Health

Fasting can stimulate the production of new nerve cells and stem cells in the Hippocampus. It also increases the number of mitochondria in nerve cells. Because of the increase of mitochondria, it boosts the formation of neurons and increases the connections they maintain with each other. This ties directly into improvement in learning and memory ability. (13)

Brain Drain - The Glymphatic System

Did you know the brain has it very own unique cleansing system? And get this, it only operates when we sleep. The Glymphatic system is newly discovered! In 2012, a study was published revealing this new brain detox system previously unknown. The glymphatic system can be compared to hydraulics. It has a network of “plumbing” that piggybacks on blood vessels. It functions much like the lymphatic system does in the rest of the body - using the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to carry waste away and nutrients to brain cells. I cannot emphasize enough that this organized, amazing system is specific only the brain!(14) It is activated during the slow wave sleep phase.

However, the key is mitochondria and good quality night’s sleep. The glymphatic system uses the cell’s mitochondria to remove waste. Combined with the mitochondria and cerebrospinal fluid, the glymphatic system carries the waste to the kidneys and liver. And because fasting can boost the number mitochondria in nerve cells, it's a holistic way to support brain/mental health and function.(15)

Holistic Fasting

There are several ways to fast. Not every option will be a fit for you. Implementing fasting into your lifestyle can be challenging when food habits, behaviors, hunger and detox symptoms are faced. Once you have fasted a few days in a row, (3 or more days) a couple of times, it becomes much easier. Transitioning into this new routine can be a bit smoother with a nutritionally-supported, low-calorie fast. With a good understanding of how fasting impacts cellular cleansing and renewal, a nutrient-dense, low-calorie fast with clean, organic ingredients can turbo-boost the innate cellular clean-up.

A good raw antioxidant and chlorophyll-rich shake that supports the digestive system, three times a day, or when hunger strikes, (no pun intended) can make fasting a bit manageable. Here are some nutrient-dense ingredients that can turbo-boost a fast.

⬥Spirulina - chlorophyll-rich, nutrient-dense
⬥Matcha Green Tea - chlorophyll-rich, metabolism-booster
⬥Grass Juice (no cellulose) Powder - Blood-builder, chlorophyll-rich
⬥Olive Juice - High in antioxidants

I have tried water fasting (fasting with just water) and it isn’t for me and my busy lifestyle with a large family. Implementing a nutritionally-supported fast has been much easier and I use the Miessence FAST product to do this. Each shake is approximately 100 calories which keeps the calorie count to 300 a day while feeding your cells nutrient-rich ingredients. It is very ideal to those just starting out. Miessence FAST contains bitters such as dandelion root and orange peel. Bitters on the tongue stimulate bile, saliva, gastric juices production and helps prime digestion. You’ll find the full organic ingredient list here.

Fasting Support

If the practice of fasting is something you want to transition into, try a three-day, nutritionally-supported fast. Miessence has a support group on Facebook with Fasting Coach Sharif Jacobsen leading a monthly fast. If you’re interested, purchase your Miessence FAST here and contact me or leave a comment.

Stay tuned for more articles on how to prepare for a fast, how to deal with detox symptoms and what to do after you fast. Subscribe to this blog (sidebar) for new article notifications and subscribe to my newsletter for holistic tips, recipes, and organic product promotions.

Special Conditions

Fasting is not recommended for those who are nursing, pregnant or have an eating disorder. If you have any health conditions, please seek medical advice from your doctor before beginning this or any new changes to your health plan.

Suggested Holistic Resources While Fasting:
⬥Book - The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung
⬥DVD - Superhealing Secrets by Dr. Elaine Ferguson

Sources:
1 - https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/one-6-americans-take-antidepressants-other-psychiatric-drugs-n695141

2 - Superhealing - Engaging Your Mind, Body and Spirit to Create Optimal Health and Wellbeing; Ferguson, Elaine R., MD; HCI, Deerfield, FL; 2013

3 - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/10/air-pollution-the-true-cost-in-numbers/

4 - American Heart Association - http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Air-Pollution-and-Heart-Disease-Stroke_UCM_442923_Article.jsp#.WmDgi6hKuyJ

5 - National Public Radio - https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/10/19/558821792/report-pollution-kills-3-times-more-than-aids-tb-and-malaria-combined

6 - Pub Med (Lead) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1797860/

7 - Dr. Axe (Fluoride) - https://draxe.com/is-fluoride-bad-for-you/

8 - Global Healing Center - https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/concerned-about-aluminum-dangers/

9 - Autophagy - https://www.nature.com/articles/cr2013159

10 -Immune System Regeneration -https://news.usc.edu/63669/fasting-triggers-stem-cell-regeneration-of-damaged-old-immune-system/

11 - Digestion - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319583.php

12- Energy -12 - http://www.allaboutfasting.com/benefits-of-fasting.html

13 - Neuroscientist - http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/12/11/neuroscientist-shows-what-fasting-does-to-your-brain-why-big-pharma-wont-study-it/

14 - 2012 Discovery of Glymphatic Systemhttps://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/3584/scientists-discover-previously-unknown-cleansing-system-in-brain.aspx

15 - Glymphatic System and Sleep - http://www.familyhealthchiropractic.com/how-to-clean-detox-brain-glymphatic-system/

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Elixtacular! Raw Ginger and Honey

2018-01-02T11:39:00.000-06:00

An elixir of two potent ingredients could possibly be lurking in the corner of your pantry. If you're not common herbal remedies user, you'll be happy to know how simple ginger honey is to make!

Ginger is commonly grown and produced in India. The part typically used is the rhizome or the root. Historically, ginger's value was tremendous medicinally and economically. It's been said that a pound of ginger was worth the value of a single sheep.(1) Ginger is culturally used to "warm" the stomach by diverse cultures across the globe for centuries. Its digestive benefits have been well known for just as long. What is utterly fascinating is that ginger's aphrodisiac-qualities have been written about for thousands of years by the Chinese and Indian societies!(2)

‘Eat ginger and you will love and be loved as in your youth.’ - Medival Medical School of Salerno

Because ginger has been widely cultivated, used, and studied for centuries, its reported list of benefits could single-handily fill a book, nonetheless, here's a short list.

Colds and Flus
*Inflammation
*Cardiovascular Support
*Nausea(3)

Sweet, Sweet Honey

A good herbalist is never without raw, unfiltered honey! Honey - a sweet, golden liquid that has tantalizing tongues for centuries. Honey is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and high in antioxidants. Its sweet taste is a healthy replacement for sugar compared to artificial, chemical sweeteners, which can carry the risk of unhealthy side effects.

The combination of raw ginger and honey is truly potent during colds and flu. As raw ginger plant energetic is warming, it moves, circulates blood. Taking raw ginger honey can soothe coughs and sore throats. You can squeeze fresh lemon and mix it with the elixir for a good shot of immune support throughout your cold.

Honey Ginger Cough & Throat Syrup

Ingredients:
One medium organic fresh ginger root- peeled and sliced
Organic, raw honey
A glass jar with a wide mouth and lid.

To make ginger honey there are no exact measurements or rules. Just keep in mind that if you use more ginger than honey, your elixir will more gingery (spicy) than sweet. Choose a good, unblemished, organic ginger root and peel the skin. Slice the root and set aside. Use a medium, wide-mouth glass jar to store your elixir. Honey should organic, preferably raw, for maximum nutrient content. Raw honey is usually thick and unflowing. Some recipes suggest heating up the honey for pourability, but I prefer to avoid heat to keep the nutrients intact. There's a trick you can use to keep your honey off the heat.

Place the sliced ginger and honey alternative in the jar to the top. Top it off with honey, cap and wait. The juice from the ginger will thin the honey out enough. At this point, you can just shake the jar to mix it. Once the honey is thinned out, you can pretty much use it right away!

How to Use

Use a teaspoon for coughs and sore throats. Every one to two hours. Keep un-refrigerated (honey is a natural preservative) in a dark cupboard and use within a week. Take care not to over consume ginger if you're particularly sensitive to ginger's warm (when raw) and drying qualities.

Raw Ginger Honey and Lemon Elixir

One of my favorite ways to use ginger honey is with freshly squeezed lemon! Simply use as much lemon to your preference and mix with a tablespoon of GH. It is good for an immune support booster as well as a daily weight loss support.

Candied Ginger

Finally, when you've used up all of your luxurious liquid gold (2 to 4 days), bake the leftover ginger for a cough drop or sore throat soother. Or use when experiencing nausea.

Ingredients:
Sliced, Honeyed Ginger
Parchment Paper
Cookie Sheet

Pre-heat the oven at the lowest temp. - 170 degrees. Place the sliced ginger on the parchment paper, on the cookie sheet bake and bake until tan or brown.

Ginger will harden when it cools. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.

How do you use ginger and honey?

Sources:

1 - http://www.herballegacy.com/Whitney_History.html

2 - http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2014/02/for_better_sex_eat_these_sexy.html

3 - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php

Disclaimer:
This article is presented in an informational format and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Any information presented here should thoroughly be researched by the reader and should not be used to treat, cure or diagnose any dieseases. Please see your medical advisor prior to making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

The Play on Words

2017-12-15T12:10:00.002-06:00

Words. They are supremely powerful. They are an artists' palette. Crafted, drafted and composed to paint idea, thoughts, and feelings. They create feelings, moods, belief. Modern science shows they can even evoke physical changes.

Yet words lose their power upon repetition. When something is said repeatedly, it loses meaning.

I hesitate to use words that I feel should retain power. Words like "empowerment", "love", "beauty - have a substance that should be unparalleled. Say the word love enough times and it feels disingenuous. A quick "love you" often becomes robotic.

The same thing is happening to the word Organic. The word organic has been handled and passed around as a keyword-rich, SEO strategy. Laws are passed to define and refine and redefine. Organic, saddens me to say, has all but lost its meaning.

Outside of how its defined by law, what DOES organic mean? Let's become artists once again and take back our palette of colors. Paint a visual of ideas to express the authenticity of organic.

Original.

A natural happening.

Alive.

The beginning.

Organic is you.

Paint for me. How would you retain the power of Organic?

Updated Event - Build a Certified Green Business With Miessence

2017-03-08T22:55:00.001-06:00

If you've been considering starting your own organic business you will not want to miss a very UNIQUE opportunity to listen and meet with Alf Orpen, a trailblazer that co-founded the world's 1st certified organic skincare, Miessence.

Alf has extensive experience in Southeast Asia, Japan, UK and US and has overseen the launch of several organic enterprises.

He is traveling all the way from Australia to the Chicagoland area on March 18th and 19th to share his experience on how YOU can start your OWN certified organic business with Miessence.

Miessence is a unique, sustainable, community-centered enterprise aimed at grassroots efforts to empower health, heal the earth and embolden families to build their own sustainable income.

Here are some spotlights as a Miessence Business:

~ World's 1st Certified Organic Skin & Bodycare Products
~ Australia's 1st Carbon Negative Company
~ World's 1st Certified Green Network Marketing Business
~ World's 1st Certifed Organic Probiotic Range
~ Extensive Certified Organic Products

~ Learn more here.

The presentation will take place at the Westin Hotel in Lombard, IL. The event is completely FREE.

March 18th

Presentation: 2:00 PM
*Dinner: 5:00 PM
Westin Hotel,
Lombard, IL

March 19th

11:30 AM Meet & Greet
*Glen Prairie Restaurant

Space is limited to 20 people! Sign up here to reserve your spot.

*Dine at your expense. Please note: if you want to get started on your own certified green business, please refer to the representative that directed you here. If none, then I'm happy to assist.

Update:
The event will be streamed on Facebook Live! Follow www.facebook.com/theoliveparent or the Facebook page of the representative that directed you here and mark March 18th, 2:00 PM, US CST in your calendar!

How To Make Elderberry Syrup as a Natural Medicinal Remedy

2017-02-19T15:49:00.001-06:00

Elderberry syrup has been a staple in my home in terms of natural remedies to ease cold and flu symptoms. Its effectiveness in shortening the duration of colds and flu is extremely impressive. I have many successful experiences with it. The most successful experience I've had was when my son was lethargic with the flu, I made elderberry tea and gave him 1/2 a cup of it. By the day's end, he was full of energy and playful again.

There are many ways to utilize elderberries as a natural medicine. You can drink it as a tea. Make a tincture of it or make it into a syrup. My preferred way to use elderberry as cold-fighter is a syrup. I have made a tincture of it and didn't it find it quite as effective as the syrup. I'm not sure why. It could be possible that the alcohol breaks down some of the vital components in the berries. My regimen involves utilizing elderberry syrup when a cold and flu is in full force and not necessarily as a way to prevent cold symptoms from evolving. Echinacea, I've discovered, works best as a preventative measure. (Taken at the first hint of symptoms) Elderberry syrup works wonderfully if used consistently throughout a 24/48 hour period.

Related post: Build Your Natural Medicine Cabine With Herbal Tinctures

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ELDERBERRY

Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) is an immune booster, rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. Sambucus Nigra has been shown to be effective against several strains of the flu. (1) Elderberry stimulates the production of immune cytokines. Cytokines are messengers in the immune system that help regulate the immune response.

BUDGETING - HOME MADE vs. STORE BOUGHT

I've never purchased elderberry syrup. The only store-bought elderberry syrup I experienced, was given to me. The elderberry syrup brand I was given was 8-ounces and required a teaspoon every hour during colds/flu or twice daily for immune support. Eight ounces of elderberry syrup would last half a day in my home if that, so purchasing elderberry syrup isn't conducive to my budget. It makes more sense to make a batch of 32 ounces (or more) for LESS than the price of an 8 ounce, store-bought syrup. The ingredients to make elderberry syrup are ridiculously simple.

Honey.....Water.... and Elderberries!

The essential factor that motivates me to make most of my remedies/meals from scratch is quality control. Especially when you're trying to recover from being sick, keeping the ingredient list whole and clean is vital.

BASIC RECIPE WITH HONEY
What you will need...

1/4 cup of dried elderberries
6 cups of water
2 cups of Honey (more or less to taste)
A pot
Bowl (glass or mixing bowl of some sort)
Potato masher or a sturdy fork
Jar, preferably glass with a tight-fitting lid

INSTRUCTIONS
Add the berries to the water and bring to a good boil. Let the berries simmer for half an hour uncovered. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the berries in the pot. Strain the berries from the liquid into the bowl. Use caution as the liquid will be HOT. Add the honey (more or less to taste). Drain the liquid into a jar and let it cool. Lid it and refrigerate! The consistency will be thin, similar to "simple syrup". If you'd like a thicker syrup, use cane sugar instead. Keep reading for the recipe.

MY TRIALS AND ERRORS
The honey acts as a preservative, so you'll need to have enough in the mixture to keep the syrup's refrigeration life for the next two months or so. I didn't add enough honey in my first batch and it fermented within two weeks!

BASIC RECIPE WITH UNREFINED CANE SUGAR
You can use unrefined, non-GMO cane sugar (not sugar beets) in place of honey. Simply replace the same amount of sugar with honey. I've used both. Both recipes are effective. For a thicker consistency, follow the recipe above and replace the honey with cane sugar. Return the hot mixture back into the pot and allow it to simmer and reduce to half.

MINT ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Mint is a wonderful respiratory aid when dealing with congestion. Using the same equipment and directions above. Add 1/4 c. of fresh mint leaves to the last ten/fifteen minutes of cooking time. Works wonderfully with honey or cane sugar. You can reduce the syrup for thicker consistency with this recipe as well.

BOOST YOUR REMEDY!
Fulvic acids are a powerful electrochemical transporter of nutrients, chelators of metallic minerals, and they aid in the absorption of minerals and nutrients. Add two teaspoons of Fulvic Acids to your final product would boost the activity of your remedy! Learn more about fulvic acids and check out the infographic.

HOW TO TO USE
Keep your elderberry syrup refrigerated! It should keep for at least two months in this condition. Freeze for longer storage periods. You can freeze in ice cubes or mason jars. During colds, give 2 tsp every one to two hours. For immune support 2 tsp. three times a day. Double the amounts for adults.

Where In the World Are The Berries??

I purchase my certified organic elderberries in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs. I've been a happy customer with them for many, many years. I'm not an affiliate with them in any way and am happy to recommend them here. www.mountainroseherbs.com

Have you made elderberry syrup? Share your experience.

Disclaimer:

TheOliveParent site should not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases. Information is presented on an informative and testimonial basis. The reader is encouraged to research and verify all information presented in this post.

Sources: 1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11399518

Historic Organic Skincare by the Green Goddess - Get 40% Off!

2017-02-09T23:11:00.000-06:00

Narelle Chenery is the woman who created the ORGANIC skin care industry.

She formulated the world's first certified organic skin and body care range and because it was never done, she formulated her skincare products to food-grade standards...there were no cosmetic standards then.

Miessence was the start of many firsts - the world's first sustainable, certified organic MLM that now boasts a varied range of certified organic products, empowering eco-conscious persons to build their own green biz right from home with products of the highest quality.

Source: "The Real Beauty Queens" ,Australian Women's Weekly - January 2009
Known as the Green Goddess, Narelle started “detoxing” her life at age 20 after having an irregular Pap smear. Pregnant with her first child at 22 and completing a degree in applied science at university, she decided to sell a range of “natural” beauty products to supplement her income.
“When I started researching the range’s ingredients, I was shocked to discover that they weren’t natural at all.” she says.
“Ethically, I couldn’t sell the products any longer, but was inspired to find a truly natural skincare range. Yet, no matter where I searched, I was unable to find one.”
Spurred on, Narelle experimented with ingredients in her kitchen, In 1998, she was ready to launch a range of 25 products known as Intelligence Cosmetics at a natural-living fair on the Gold Coast. Everything was hand-made, down to the labels. By now, Narelle had three children, plenty of energy and big dreams. Yet she didn’t sell a single product. “That day taught me a great lesson in perseverance. I wanted to reach women with my message, so I looked at other ways, without actually being in the front line.”

Not only am I so proud be an independent representative of this earth-loving company, but I'm also honored to know Narelle as a friend.

If you've been wanting to try these literally revolutionary products, try them today for 40% off!

Offer is available for US customers only and applies to orders of 120PV or higher. This offer isn't valid with other offers and ends 2/28/17.

Go to the shop : www.miessence.com/THEOLIVEPARENT to use promo code: GIFTUSFEB

Want to learn more about this eco-friendly company? Leave a comment or contact me.

Subscribe and Win $100 Miessence Gift Certificate

2017-02-06T12:34:00.000-06:00

We are giving away $100 gift certificate bi-monthly!

Sign up and receive an automatic entry!

You'll also receive:

1. FREE toxic test resource list - a resource you can reference in your label-reading endeavors.
2. Bi-Monthly healthy recipes
3. Bi-Monthly tips to support your organic and holistic lifestyle or transitions.
4. The latest news, promotions and discounts from Miessence
5. Earn entries by referring friends, family and community groups

If you've been referred by a current subscriber, add their name to the "How you found me" field.

Drawing Deadlines

February 28th - Midnight, Eastern Time USA
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Updated! A Revolutionary #Holistic 3 Day Weight Loss Program Coming Soon!

2016-09-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

FAST is a revolutionary, holistic, certified organic weight loss program that contains carefully balanced superfoods and herbal blends. Incorporate the benefits of intermittent fasting while nourishing your body.

No hunger. 6 lbs. 3 Days.*

Low Cost - $39.95

Limited Stock - Coming Soon!

Pre-Orders are now open! Place your orders here. Hurry! Production is limited to the first 2000 products. Orders ship mid-November.

Ingredients:

*certified organic sprouted brown rice protein,
*certified organic bio-fermented pea protein,
*certified organic sprouted pea fibre,
*certified organic inulin,
*certified organic baobab fruit,
*certified organic acacia gum,
*certified organic spirulina,
*certified organic wheat grass juice powder,
*certified organic barley grass juice powder,
*certified organic burdock root,
*certified organic dandelion root,
*certified organic matcha green tea,
*certified organic aloe vera leaf,
*certified organic sweet orange peel,
*certified organic peppermint leaf,
*certified organic olive juice extract
*certified organic coffee fruit extract
*certified organic cascara bark
monk fruit concentrate.
*Certified Organic Ingredients

Learn more

#Mi3DayFAST

What is Intermittent Fasting?? Watch the Video.

*Weight Loss results may vary

Nettles for Pregnancy, Postpartum & #Breastfeeding

2016-05-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

"Stinging nettle or common nettle, Urtica dioica, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America, and is the best-known member of the nettle genus Urtica. The plant has many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on its leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles that inject histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals.^[1] The plant has a long history of use as a medicine and as a food source. – Wikipedia"

Nettles are nourishing herbs. Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs and rarely have any side effects. Nourishing herbs act in the body as food and provide nutrients.

When cooked, Stinging Nettle loses its sting. Stinging Nettle is considered a super food and is high in iron and Vitamin K. It also contains vitamins D, A and C. Along with calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur as minerals. Stinging Nettle is said to have more chlorophyll than any other herb.
Midwives and herbalists often recommend it for pregnancy, labor, and lactation.

Drinking it as a tea throughout pregnancy could be very helpful if you’re planning a home birth. Drinking infused Nettles can build up vitamin K. And if you’re low in iron, it’s a natural way to increase iron intake.

Nettles are also considered helpful with...

~ Reducing postpartum bleeding.
~ Breastmilk production.
~ Easing muscle and leg cramps
~ Reducing hemorrhoids
~ Diminishing pain during and after birth

How to Infuse Nettles

Dried Nettles

I drank infused Nettles during my pregnancies with no problems at all and it’s no more work than making a cup of tea.

2 to 3 Tablespoons of dried Nettles added to a 32 oz Mason jar or fill the jar with fresh nettles if you have some it.

Fill the jar with boiling water, about four cups. Cover. Let it steep for four hours on your kitchen counter. Steeping in a closed jar prevents water-soluble vitamins from escaping with the steam.

Once cooled, keep your infusion in the fridge and drink it within 48 hours.

The infusion should be deep and dark green in color and have a rich, herbaceous flavor.

It goes nicely with raw sugar or creamed honey. I preferred creamed honey with this infusion.

Additionally, you can also add Nettles to dishes. I usually use it in my spaghetti sauces, or in my salad dressings. It's great with homemade chicken soup! Especially during cold and flu season, it can boost the nutritional benefit of the soup. Add fresh or dried nettles during the last 10 - 15 minutes of the simmering phase. The herbs can be a just a bit fibrous, but lends a hearty flavor to meals. Be mindful of overcooking. Cook long enough until the color brightens. If the herbs are limp, it is likely over cooked. However, if nettles are cooked in a soup, the nutrients end up in the liquid.

Tip: if you purchase dried Nettles, transfer it in an airtight glass jar and store it out of direct sunlight and away from heat for a longer shelf life.

Deep Greens for Expectant and Nursing Moms

This wonderful herb is a part of the DeepGreen Superfood formula. It is married with Spirulina, Chlorella, Kale, Barley, Collard greens and more, for a potent alkalizing focus perfect for lactating and gestating women. If you're looking for a high-end whole food supplement, without fuss and work, it is super easy to take in a certified organic powdered form.

Disclaimer: This post is presented on an informative basis only and should not be substituted for a qualified diagnosis. I am not a medical expert, nor a herbalist. All experiences shared here are my own. All opinions stated are my own. The reader is encouraged to conduct their own personal research.

Sources:

Wise Woman Herbal: Childbearing Year by Susun Weed

LearningHerbs.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinging_nettle

Recommended Reading:
Wise Woman Herbal: Childbearing Year by Susun Weed

Network Marketing, an Empowered Path

2016-05-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Network marketing.

That's right. I said it.

The two words that invokes instant connotations of negativity. It certainly did for me. I've had a few people try to recruit me into their chosen opportunity, pushing me to buy packages of...who-know-what. Pressure to start a business, pay money, with promises of riches beyond imagination - shrouded with the most ambiguous information possible, was not for this girl. No way.

And just about every similar approach started with the words - Network Marketing. So naturally, by the third approach in my life, I've written off the pitch before it can begin. I hate wasting time. Not interested. Next?

Because so many of us have been burned by these business opportunities, defined as network marketing, based on flakey products and questionable services, it's no wonder the network marketing industry as a whole is equated with a pyramid set up.

MLM vs. Pyramid Set-up

Let's get some clarity. What exactly is the difference between Network Marketing (MLM) and Pyramid Schemes? An MLM is a system of retailing where products are sold by independent representatives for a commission. Products and sometimes marketing resources are supplied by the company. In an MLM, independent representatives can build their own sales force by recruiting other distributors to their team.

A pyramid scheme is a business model that recruits members by a promise of payment for recruitments, rather than services or products. Also known as franchise fraud or chain referral schemes, this model is illegal in most countries because these "companies" don't have a real product to sell.

A Mix of Both

Some MLM plans have been classified as pyramid schemes and some pyramid schemes purport to sell a product or service but use this to hide their pyramid model.

Service, Service and More Service

Some of these opportunities hail products and services that are so sub par that they need a motivating recruiting angle that looks past that. That angle comes in various forms of getting rich...and getting rich quickly. Got bills? Baby mamas and children to feed? Give us $500 and get a 1000% return on your money in two weeks!!!``

Don't get me wrong. I've purchased and used a service from a multi-level marketing company before and I was a pretty happy customer. The difference was obvious - quality, real and legit service.

THAT was my personal epiphany. A network marketing company should have a legit, quality service or product. They should have a legit business built upon a product or service and should offer a legit business opportunity - in other words a compensation plan in addition to tools and resources needed to capitalize the product and services.

After being an Independent Miessence Representative for a few years - there is one major component that a defines a bona fide network marketing opportunity...service.

The company you are interested in investing your time and money, should train you for, and emphasize service as a foundation for your business.

Think about it. Everyone needs assistance with something. Nowadays everyone pays for a service. From lawn maintenance to home remodeling. You simply cannot build a business without offering a service of some sort. Even if you are just selling a product. And in that case, your offered product is a service. This is why the customer is always right. Even when they're wrong, they're right. Why? Without a customer to provide solutions to, you have no business.

This is what service is paramount to...solutions.

If you meet an "opportunity" that offers no service or solutions...plain and simple...there is no opportunity. It's best to keep looking. You cannot build a business on nothing.

If you meet an "opportunity" that offers poor or low-quality solutions - i.e. ineffective products, low-demand service - it's best to keep looking. You don't want to stake your personal reputation on poor products or build a business that is likely unstainable.

"Change your focus from making money to serving more people makes the money come in." - Robert Kiyosaki

In essence, providing service and solutions require work and problem-solving initiatives. It always takes time and effort.

Here's as simple guideline to avoid pitfalls...

1. You should be willing to provide a SERVICE = Work

2. The company has a legit PRODUCT/SERVICE = Solutions

3. The company offers a LEGIT COMPENSATION PLAN = Sustainable Pay

4. Your business, the company, and its products are of QUALITY. = Usable & Effective

All four guidelines require research. Sometimes extensive research and questions. Just like any startup requires...and here's why network marketing is a good idea...the product/service and business tools are already provided for you. When you find that service you want to provide, you are ahead of the game!

What a Pyramid Model Really Looks Like

More than likely the job you are working at is based on a pyramid model. Typically, in a company, there is a CEO. That CEO can earn millions of dollars. It's safe to say, no one in that company earns more than the CEO. We don't call this a pyramid scheme, yet it looks a lot like one!

Is it sustainable? Yes, it often offers a legitimate product or service that keeps the pyramid running smoothly for years. Is it fair? There are many debates on that! Many lower-level employees struggle because the income isn't necessarily sustainable for them. Consider this...

Nigel Travis, CEO of the Dunkin Donut brand called a $15 minimum wage hike "outrageous"(3) yet earned 5.4 million in 2015.(4)

My point is this - our traditional economic industry offers positives and negatives just as well as the network market industry does - both require self-assertive, analytical wisdom before any sleeves are rolled up.

Network marketing can be an empowered choice if you've done your homework. Here are four ways, it has been a blessing for me.

1. It has provided the business tools and products without major startup costs. On average, small startups invest $30,000.(5) Compare that to the average MLM start package of $500.
2. Provides autonomy. While there are some guidelines to follow, my personal experience has been very positive. The freedom to invent my business around a standing product has been very liberating and confident-inspiring!
3. Promotes Creativity.
3. Encourages learning which can evolve into highly sought-after skills!

So, yes, network marketing can be an empowered path for those who find that particular calling to service and are ready to work!

Stay tuned on why Miessence, the creator of the world's 1st certified organic skin and body care products, is the wave of the future for powerful, small business ownership.

Sources:
1 - http://www.bbb.org/phoenix/news-events/consumer-tips/2015/03/opportunity-or-scam-multi-level-marketing-vs.-pyramid-schemes/
2 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme
3 - http://money.cnn.com/2015/11/12/investing/fast-food-minimum-wage-popeyes/
4 - http://www1.salary.com/Nigel-Travis-Salary-Bonus-Stock-Options-for-DUNKIN-BRANDS-GROUP-INC.html
5 - https://www.sba.gov/blogs/how-estimate-cost-starting-business-scratch

Essential Oil Safety: One Guideline Fits All

2016-04-30T10:10:00.001-05:00

I stumbled across a well-written and inspiring testimony regarding a Young Living representative's discovery that the essential oils he has been selling to friends, family and recruits may have been adulterated. The tests and proof of communication make for a compelling piece. It's also a disheartening read. As an independent representative of Miessence, I would be heartbroken if I placed my family, friends and the public in jeopardy selling a product from a company that refuses to provide proof of its claims.

Miles' story inspired me to share with you. (At the end of the article) When choosing to purchase essential oils, safety is paramount. How does one choose the right product? This question is asked a lot. There is a terrible amount of confusion surrounding this.

I have one guideline for ALL essential oil purchases.

Buy CERTIFIED ORGANIC. Period. That's it. No long list of dos and don'ts, whatnots and so-forths.

Why??

It's proof.

Plants that are organic are grown in healthier soil without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Certification is provided by a third party accredited agency. The company's claim of pure oil is validated by this certification. The organic certification process does not allow inclusion of synthetic substances along with a long list of forbidden ingredients.

"In general, synthetic substances are prohibited for crop and livestock production unless specifically allowed and non-synthetic substances are allowed for crop and livestock production unless specifically prohibited."(1) - USDA.gov, Organic Regulations

Since essential oils hail from crops of all sorts, an organic certification makes perfect sense as a guideline.

What about Therapeutic-Grade Oils???

How can I put this...."therapeutic-grade", plain and simple is a marketing term and carries no third-party weight. In short, it is NOT a certification. It is a first party claim, a glorified tag line. As a matter of fact, DoTerra registered CPTG (Certified pure Therapeutic Grade) as a word mark.(2) On their CPTG Testing Methods pdf upload they state this in very fine print at the bottom of the document...

"*CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade is a registered trademark of dōTERRA Holdings, LLC representing internal standards of quality assessment and material control. The CPTG testing protocols require the use of independent laboratories for CPTG standardization and quality testing. The CPTG protocol is not administered by government or industry regulatory agencies and does not imply regulatory approval of dōTERRA products."(3)

The bottom line is this...the organic certification does not allow for synthetic substances. Until some sort of government regulation happens, going certified organic when shopping for essential oils is a good idea.

Note: Miessence does not sell essential oils at this time, however, at one point in time they sold certified organic essential oils. I'm hoping they bring this line back to meet the needs of empowered customers who demand proof. Subscribe to stay in touch.

Recommended Reads:

Miles' Story: http://holisticessentials.ca/the-day-young-living-broke-my-heart/#comment-72

Is Cruelty-Free a Marketing Hype?
Label-Reading Tips For Product Safety
Standards vs. Testing: Does Non-GMO Project Make the Grade?

Sources:

1 - https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/national-list

2 - http://wingedseed.com/blog/2009/11/19/one-more-time-there-are-no-fda-certified-pure-therapeutic-grade-essential-oils-part-i/

3 - https://www.doterratools.com/documents/CPTG_Testing_Methods.pdf

The 2ND House

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Salt

1. Table Salt and Unrefined (raw) Salt are not the same.

2. Raw Salt is a health food.

3. Salt is the only mineral we eat.

4. Salt is the only universal ingredient.

5. Salt taxation funded the Great Wall of China.1

6. Refined salt contains up to 99% of pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl). 2

7. Out of a million ton of refined salt that is manufactured, only 6% is used in food.

8. Our blood is .9 salt.

9. Nine of the top eleven elements in our bodies are among the top eleven elements of the sea.

10. Salt and water are a harmonic duo that balances each other out.

11. Our thoughts are salt.

12. We cannot live without salt.

Tips for Choosing the Right Salt

Sources:

Re-Branding and Re-Dedicating the Olive Parent to African Holistic Health

Just The Recipe: DIY AntiBacterial Pink Salt Disinfectant Spray

Instructions:

How to Use

Antibacterial Properties

A Basic Starter Guide to DIY Personal Care Products–Bonus Recipe: Natural Nail Polish Remover

Natural Food Preservation is Possible With This Simple Method

Plantain Broadleaf, An Unassuming Weed for Healthy Skin

Plantain Facial Toner Recipe

How to Choose a Safe DIY Recipe & Holistic All-Purpose Toothpaste Recipe

How to Choose a Safe Internet Recipe

Holistic All-PurposeToothpaste

All Purpose Whole Use Essential Oils and Ingredients

Suggested Recipe Adjustments for Suitability

Have a question? Leave a comment. Please consider donating to keep this site and my services free! PLEASE NOTE: NO SALES PITCHES/ADVERTS AND INFLAMMATORY COMMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED. Disclaimer:

Three Whole Body Uses of Rosa Damascena

Beneficial Properties of Roses

Roses as Food

Rose as a Medicinal Support

Roses in Skin Care

Making Rose Tea

Indian Gooseberry Fruit For Fasting Support

Bitters' Sweet Role in Health

Bitters and Bile

When and How to Use Bitters

Sources:

Plant-Based Skin & Food Care Up to 50% Off

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Infographic: Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse

Holistic Fasting Series:

Fasting vs. Dieting: The Skill of Fasting

Before the Fast - Tips and a Fasting Plan

Mental Preparation: Meditation and visualization

Food Plan

Fasting Plan

Tips

Fasting Resources

Holistic Fasting for a Superior Cleanse

Mental and Emotional Health Issues on the Rise

Stress and Environmental Toxicity

Two Types of Exposures

Chemicals and Our Mental, Emotional State

Our Miraculous Bodies

A Natural, Superior Cleansing System

Biogenesis

Benefits of Food Temperance

Fasting for Brain Health

Brain Drain - The Glymphatic System

Holistic Fasting

Fasting Support

Special Conditions

Elixtacular! Raw Ginger and Honey

Sweet, Sweet Honey

Honey Ginger Cough & Throat Syrup

How to Use

Raw Ginger Honey and Lemon Elixir

Candied Ginger

The Play on Words

Updated Event - Build a Certified Green Business With Miessence

How To Make Elderberry Syrup as a Natural Medicinal Remedy

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5. Salt taxation funded the Great Wall of China.¹

6. Refined salt contains up to 99% of pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl). ²

Have a question? Leave a comment.

Please consider donating to keep this site and my services free!

PLEASE NOTE: NO SALES PITCHES/ADVERTS AND

INFLAMMATORY COMMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED.

Disclaimer: