Creating Meals to Heal?

Let's take a journey together down a side path that not many Americans travel.  I lived in Asia for many years and find their cultures fascinating and so much more advanced (or should I say steeped in history) when it comes to food than ours. 

MOST Americans eat for pleasure.  There is no other way to put it.  We don't eat for nutrients, we don't eat for health, we don't eat for healing.  If we have a craving - we fulfill it.  Managing how we eat, and what we eat is quite important for that second pillar of health - diet. 

I guess part of the reason I love Asian food so much is that they don't use a lot of fillers, sugars, or straight salt in their foods.  No substitutions.  Lots of herbs, fish, and fresh vegetables.  They eat very little in the way of "bread" and instead eat quite a bit of rice - rice is their base in almost every meal.  Their deserts are based around fruits and enhancing their flavors. 

Asians shop daily for the freshest foods - both meat, freshly slaughtered; and fruits and vegetables, pulled in fresh from the fields.  They have small refrigerators, because they have no need to store things for long periods of time.  Everything is eaten fresh.

We have known for a LONG time that Asians live longer than Americans.  They have far less heart disease, obesity, strokes, cancer, ADD / ADHD, and high cholesterol.  Part of it can be contributed to the fact that most Asians live a much less hectic lifestyle than Americans, but that is only a small contribution.  Their diet plays a much larger part.

Vegetables should be the core to all our meals.  If you are like my nieces that only eat "certain color" vegetables - and none of them are green, you are weakening your system.  It is important to remember that we have one body - and however we feed it will be returned to us when we get into our 60s - 70s - 80s - and hopefully beyond.  If you feed your body processed foods, processed sugar, processed pre-prepared foods - you are not giving your body anything to help it heal itself - grow new cells - help your existing cells live longer... we all would love to look 10 years younger - but if you feed your body trash - it has no way of rejuvenating itself to create a longer life for your body.  Not only do these vegetables help your physical body - they help your mental well being too.  They make you happier, calmer, energized, relaxed... all the things you need to live a long healthy, happy life!

Try your vegetables in different preparations.  Try them raw - all of them.  Even the ones you aren't used to eating raw - you may like them better this way.  There are certain vegetables I won't eat cooked, but I will raw.  Try both baby vegetables and fully grown to see if you like the sweetness of the young vegetables better than their robust flavor when fully grown.  Try them stir-fried or sauteed - again all of them.  I love stir frying my vegetables.  I prepare in the morning - julienning my carrots, chopping my vegetables, and setting them aside in three separate bowls - foods that take 2 - 3 minutes (cauliflower / broccoli / carrots / asparagus), foods that take 1 - 2 minutes to cook (mushrooms, pea pods, red cabbage), and then foods that just need to get a kiss of heat (bok choy, Chinese cabbage, spinach, bean sprouts).  Add some fresh cilantro, basil, garlic, onion, or any other herbs that you might like to try.  Experiment!  You will know that you have cooked them long enough as soon as they change color.

Try vegetables that you didn't like as a child.  Our taste buds change constantly.  And as you remove the processed foods, artificial colors and flavors, you may find that certain foods you didn't like five years ago, you now crave!  Asparagus and Avocados are two of them for me.  I can't get enough of them now - but I use them very differently than I did many years ago too. 

Herbs are just as important for your diet.  The more herbs you use the less salt and flavorings you will need.  I am quite heavy handed when it comes to herbs in my foods.  I also like lots of heat - cayenne is a standard in almost all my meals. 

Dr Hyman also has some good reasons to try the Asian diet style.  In this article he provides detailed benefits of certain Asian vegetables, herbs, roots.  http://drhyman.com/eat-your-medicine-food-as-pharmacology-7716/?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=drhyman%20newsletter%20issue%20#37&utm_content=Get+the+story

Blessings... E

Making My Own Soap - Importance of Scents?

The next step of my soap making journey revolves around choosing the proper fragrance.  Smells do many things - bring back cherished memories from childhood - help aid in pain relief - energize us - relax us - I think you get my point ... so it is important that you consider what you want your soap to do for you.  This is the great thing about soaps - you can use one for morning showers to get you energized for the day - and a different one when you need a stress relief / a relaxing moment away from the craziness of the day. 
Always try to find organic supplies for soap making.  Remember that your skin is the largest organ you have and is the entry point for everything.  Be very careful what you choose to include in your soap.

For me, I have some favorite scents that I will be using in my first trial run of soap making... but for you, let's give you some more ideas for what scents will offer you...my post from a couple days ago will give you some more good information on other scents...

Rosemary - Rosemary is a very ancient herb of the evergreen family.  In ancient times it was known as sacred.  There are many medicinal benefits of rosemary.  It is known to activate the brain and clear away cobwebs.  It helps with headaches, migraines, pain, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion.  It is also effective for bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma.  It also encourages hair growth and helps fight any skin maladies. 

Benefits: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/rosemary.htm

Sage - Sage boosts short term memory, balances hormones - reducing hot flashes, decreasing excessive menstruation, and lactation.  In a recent study, sage was found to protect your genetic DNA from damage. Sage also has a relaxing affect.  There is a difference between Clary Sage, and Sage.  Clary sage has been used for centuries medicinally for labor.  Many women say that they do not need additional pain killers with the addition of Clary Sage.  It can be put under the pillow or directly into the skin.  Caution though is needed when using it directly on the skin as it is very strong.

Benefits: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail52.php

Basil - Basil has many of the same benefits as Rosemary.  Do not use during pregnancy.

Benefits: http://www.livestrong.com/article/198886-basil-in-aromatherapy/

Orange - Sweet orange helps calm and relax one.  It is a sedative, and is also know for its ability to lower high blood pressure.  It can aid in bronchitis, asthma, muscle cramps, anxiety attacks, congestion, and insomnia. 

Benefits: http://www.essential-oil-recipes.com/orange.html

Lemongrass - Ivory soap has a lemongrass base.  It is an astringent, antiperspirant, and an antiseptic.  Caution - it is quite strong - a little goes a long way and can be an irritant to skin.  It has been used for respiratory infections.  Lemongrass is great for slightly oily skin and is a great boost for mental well being.

Benefits: http://aromatherapy.savvy-cafe.com/the-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil-properties-2007-10-01/

Jasmine - There are many nuances to jasmine that I love.  My favorite is a night blooming jasmine... just thinking of the smell relaxes me.  Jasmine is well known for its relaxing capabilities as well as it's ability to take the edge off migraines.  It also is known to relieve muscle cramps, depression, and anxiety.  It has been used to relieve impotency and frigidity in both men and women. 

Benefits: http://www.essential-oil-recipes.com/jasmine.html

Rose - Rose water has many benefits - not only the scent but the oil itself.  It is an anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, astringent among others.  It also helps lower fevers, reduces scarring, purifies the blood, aids in regulating menses.  The list goes on and on. 

Benefits: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-rose-essential-oil.html

Vanilla - Vanilla is a comforting aroma for both men and women.  It is one of the scents that will aid you in falling and staying asleep faster / longer.  It is an antidepressant - with tranquilizing and sedating properties.  It is known to be an aphrodisiac for men. 

Benefits: http://theresaann.hubpages.com/hub/the-benefits-of-using-vanilla-essential-oil-in-aromatherapy

Of course, I could have missed many, many of your favorites, as I know I haven't touched on a couple of mine... start paying attention to how scents affect you and make a list of the ones you may want to incorporate into your own soaps one day!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Spinach

Spinach, Kale, Asparagus, and Broccoli are your green super vegetables.  Spinach is high in fiber, which means it is great for digestion.  It is high in favonoids, which are your cancer fighters.  Flavonoids flush toxins and free radicals from the body.  Spinach is high in a wide range of antioxidants - vitamin C, Selenium, beta carotene, vitamin E, manganese, and zinc among them.  It is an anti-inflammatory and fights high blood pressure.  Spinach is extremely high in vitamin K.  Vitamin K helps keep your bones strong by preventing the excessive activation of osteoplasts - which break down bone cells.  Vitamin K also helps support a healthy nervous system. 

Recommended reading: http://www.livestrong.com/article/2700-facts-health-benefits-spinach/
More recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=43

When eating your green vegetables you should either eat them fresh - as in a salad.  Or eat them lightly steamed or stir fried.  You can tell when you have cooked them a proper amount as their color will "brighten."  You will find me many times telling you to cook something until it turns bright - and this is what I mean.  I was not a spinach fan as a child.  I had only had it cooked - and I am not a fan of slimy food.  I love it in a spinach and artichoke dip and quiche but that is about it for cooked spinach.  I LOVE it in my salads - and mix it in with all my herbs when I build one.  I also love a feta cheese, cilantro, avocado, and spinach quesadilla... mmmm...

Recipes:
Spinach & Frisée Salad with Tangerines & Coriander-Crusted Scallops - http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/scallop_tangerine_salad.html
Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Pizza - http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/spinach_tomato_stuffed_pizza.html
Loaded Chicken Pasta Salad - http://www.favediets.com/Deli-Salads/Loaded-Chicken-Pasta-Salad#
Spinach recipe site - http://www.spinach-recipes.com/

Enjoy!!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the fruits highest in antioxidants.  High in vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, iron, zinc, and selenium - you can't get much more from such a tiny berry.  Blueberries are known as one of your super fruits with good reason.  With such a high amount of antioxidants they fight heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, cleanse the body of free radicals and toxins, fight cancer / tumors / disease in general, they boost your immune system, raise your metabolism, balance out your weight, cleanse your urinary tract / kidneys, strengthens your mind / memory, helps you sleep better, improves vision, reduces depression, aids in proper digestion... and the list goes on and on... blueberries are a benefit to almost every major organ in your body.  1/2 a cup a day will impart wonderful benefits. 


Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8
more recommended reading: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/blueberries-nutritious-things-come-in-small-packages_


I could eat blueberries until I burst, but neither of my daughters are very keen on the fruit - so I mix them in with their smoothies.  During the hot summer months, a smoothie is usually our evening experiment.  Whatever fruit is in the refrigerator is brought out and blended together - I don't peel (other than citrus) and I don't worry about things that have a "skin" to them - like grapes and blueberries... the skin of your fruits and vegetables carry the most nutritional goodness - don't ever peel things that don't need to be peeled.  We use almond milk and / or frozen yogurt along with some frozen fruit or ice cubes.  Add a little basil to your smoothies to give it a different flavor... or fresh mint... you should be daily consuming some fresh herbs along with your fruits and vegetables.

Another favorite for me are blueberry scones... mmmm... here is a good recipe:

Ingredients

Blueberry Scones:
2 cups unbleached flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons raw sugar / brown sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
1 cup almond milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon pure vanilla

Lemon Glaze:
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 lemon, zest finely grated
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift together the dry ingredients; the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with the flour. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough. Fold the blueberries into the batter. Take care not to mash or bruise the blueberries because their strong color will bleed into the dough.

Press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 3 by 1 1/4 inches. Cut the rectangle in 1/2 then cut the pieces in 1/2 again, giving you 4 (3-inch) squares. Cut the squares in 1/2 on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape. Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until beautiful and brown. Let the scones cool a bit before you apply the glaze.

Technically you should make this simple lemon glaze in a double boiler (i.e. over a pot of simmering water with a heatproof bowl set on top) but it's even simpler to zap it in the microwave. Mix the lemon juice and confectioners' sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon zest and butter. Nuke it for 30 seconds on high. Whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps, then drizzle the glaze over the top of the scones. Let it set a minute before serving.

Enjoy!!  Blessings... E

Dandelions and Weeds

Hello All,
I have had several questions about dandelions and weeds in yards now that spring has arrived most everywhere in the US.  Dandelions and weeds grow best in a low calcium high magnesium environment.  If you do not compost your yard - or it doesn't breakdown things quickly and reabsorb them - you may see an increase in weeds - specifically dandelions.  While dandelions are GREAT as an herb - they are a pain to get rid of and multiply faster than bunnies! 

A couple working suggestions - spray your dandelions with vinegar.  The acidity in vinegar will kill most weeds.  If you have loads and loads, this probably isn't the best solution.  Composting is also a good solution - compost before winter will help with the following spring's bout of weeds... but this doesn't help this year's growth, eh?  You can also use a lime calcitrate spread on your yard to reduce the number of weeds... here are a couple links to review with some really good information.

Recommended Reading: http://www.safelawns.org/blog/index.php/2010/11/guest-blog-to-reduce-weeds-and-improve-lawn-apply-calcium/
More Recommended Reading: http://organicgardening.about.com/od/weeds/p/dandelions.htm
More Recommended Reading: http://www.lawncare.net/attack-of-the-lawn-weeds/

As far as the BENEFITS of dandelions - yes there are quite a few.  Dandelion leaves are great in salads.  They have a slightly peppery flavor and most all parts of the dandelion are beneficial.  Dandelion has a whole host of benefits - diuretic, cleanses the digestive / urinary tracts, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, cures anemia, clears skin, reduces indigestion and acid reflux, and lowers cholesterol levels - AMONG others. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
More Recommended Reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-dandelion.html

And here is a good salad recipe for dandelion leaves - honestly, I LOVE herb salads better than any other type - there are so many different textures and flavors that each bite is a new discovery - dandelion leaves are a perfect addition to that mix.  Now, please be careful - do not use any dandelion leaves from a yard that has had pesticides / herbicides sprayed on them - as you will be ingesting those chemicals through the greens.  Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/dandelion-salad/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!  Blessings ... E

Honey & Vinegar

The more I read on both honey and vinegar the more convinced I am that everyone needs to take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in warm water three times a day before meals... EVERY DAY. 

The combination helps you maintain a healthy weight, cure allergies, cure any bronchial ailments,  absorb proper amounts of calcium for strong bones, maintain normal blood sugar levels, sleep better, prevent colds / flu, have better focus and energy, and a host of other benefits.

Honey is the purest of sugars - it has already been processed in the stomachs of bees so is absorbed easier into the bloodstream - it causes less stress to the pancreas - and helps create new blood cells.   It also helps your body absorb vital minerals from foods.

Apple Cider Vinegar has a wealth of benefits - aiding in digestion, fighting cancers, curing nausea, helps maintain normal blood pressure, maintain normal cholesterol levels, keep you heart healthy, maintain the proper acidic/alkalinity balance, fight diabetes, and improves memory.

Breathe In, Breathe Out... there is more to it than that!

We all breathe right?  It is easy right?  Breathe in.... Breathe out.  Well... it is a little more complicated than that.  Breathing techniques can help you relieve stress, reduce asthmatic attacks, heal you from allergies, live longer, reduce the chance of heart attacks, helps you center your body and release negative thoughts and energy, etc...

As a singer, we are taught HOW to breathe.. you can breathe through your nose or your mouth, from your throat, chest, diaphragm, toes, partially, deeply, aggressively, calmly, cooly... you name it there are many MANY different ways to breathe.  The PROPER way, depends on what outcome you want to have.  Here are some examples:

Strengthening Breathing - Doing strengthening breathing exercises will help expand the lung capacity you currently have - more capacity, better breathing - better brain power - more oxygen into your blood, muscles, etc... Oxygen helps you disperse toxins and grow good healthy cells.  Asthmatics and people prone to lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections) all would benefit from strengthening breathing. 

Recommended reading: http://www.funnyadult.net/breathing-exercises-%E2%80%93-improve-lungs-strengthening/

Diaphragmatic Breathing - This is concentrated breathing from your diaphragm.  People with lung cancer, COPD, emphysema all could benefit from strengthening your diaphragm and this type of breathing that helps you force air out of your lungs. 

Recommended reading: http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2409.asp?index=9445

Deep Breathing - Controlled deep breathing is most beneficial to people that are high strung, have high stress jobs, have a familial history of heart disease and / or stroke, and those that have high blood pressure.  Controlled deep breathing allows you to focus your attention on how and when you breathe - it calms your mind and soothes your body.  Ensure that when you are breathing in you think happy, beautiful, positive thoughts and as you breathe out you are releasing all negativity and tension.

Recommended reading: http://stress.about.com/od/breathingexercises/Breathing_Exercises_for_Stress_Management.htm

The list above is only a start... there are so many ways that breathing properly will help enhance your life.  Here is another list with additional links to other types of breathing.  http://healing.about.com/od/breathwork/Breathwork.htm

This is an AWESOME link on Why it is so important to breathe properly and how we are damaging our bodies with our breathing.  http://www.holisticonline.com/yoga/hol_yoga_breathing_Importance.htm

If you have allergies, or are asthmatic and are working on changing your relationships (see post on Chakras) you may look to some herbs and specific foods to help alleviate the symptoms.  Again, I caution you - PLEASE make sure that you read all you can on herbs before you start using them.  http://www.livestrong.com/article/143453-herbal-remedies-breathing-problems/

Sit up! Take a deep breath - think a happy thought - and let your cares go!  LIVE!  Blessings!  E