CALL for TESTIMONIALS for BACH FLOWERS UNFOLDING
Hard to believe (or maybe not!) I am fully immersed in another big project. I have finally decided to go ahead with publishing the second, updated edition of the card deck BACH FLOWERS UNFOLDING. I would like to include a page of testimonials/experiences from people who have had previous experiences with working with the cards. Please email your submission to gudrun@rainbowhealing.ca and include your name, contact information and credentials. Anyone chosen for the book will receive a free deck of cards once it is being published.
Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more information on the progress of this project.
Book Review by Midwest Book Review, July 2017
Critique: Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, “Healing Spirituality: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Working with Bach Flowers” is very highly recommended for both community and academic library Alternative Medicine collections and supplemental studies lists. For the personal reading lists of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject it should be noted that “Healing Spirituality” is also available in a digital book format ($9.95).
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
HEMP HEARTS & VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians are at risk of two possible nutritional deficiencies: taurine and vitamin B 12, both found in animal protein. Taurine, an amino acid is deficient in about 84% of depressed individuals and in many with epilepsy. B 12 is ordinarily present only in animal protein.
Hemp hearts are the best source of protein. They have about 33% of quality protein, better than the best sirloin tip beef and far better than fish. They are the best source of essential fats, vitamins and enzymes on the planet. Hemp hearts are the only vegetable containing taurine.
Hemp hearts are the shelled seed of simple hemp, a non-hallucinatory relative of marijuana.
Hemp fibre is the longest and strongest of all natural fiber and requires no fertilizer of pesticides etc, to grow exuberantly. It produces 4 times as much fibre per acre as trees. Indeed, it is a superb source for making biomass alcohol,–far superior to corn!! In fact, hemp is the oldest known agricultural crop, used as a source for rope, cloth and paper.
So, vegans and vegetarians, rejoice and eat up! Add hemp hearts to all your meals including fruits, salads, baking, smoothies… the sky is the limit.
SUNSCREEN – Yes or no?
Summer is here and with it for many of us the question: sunscreen – yes or no?
What causes more harm: the sun or the reaction of the chemicals of sunscreen with our body?
If yes to sunscreen, how to pick the right one?
Following are some interesting facts and answers. Please share freely with as many people as possible.
My New “Bedroom” and Natural Insect Repellent
Inspired by my friend Lana on Vancouver Island who has been sleeping outdoors since the middle of May I decided to move my bedroom outdoors as well; however because of the current mosquito pest I opted for the tent rather than no protection.
Mosquitoes are plentiful this year and can be a real pest. Since I will NOT use commercial products full of toxins that our body absorbs through the skin I have been making my own since many years.
DEET alternative: I read that according to a study by the US army YARROW TINCTURE has been shown to be more effective in repelling ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies than DEET! So why not carry a spray bottle with Yarrow tincture with you when camping or roaming around the countryside? Yarrow tincture is not recommended for anyone with a severe allergy to plants from the Asteraceae family or during pregnancy.
There are many recipes; below is one that I created. It is not as strong as the chemical alternatives but it works, it simply requires more frequent applications. Please note an over-reaction to mosquito bites may be due to the fact that you may be eating foods that your body is sensitive to. These sensitivities may be subtle and therefore you may not be aware of them at all. I have seen in clients that as soon as they removed the aggravating food(s), their reaction to mosquito bites went from almost out of control to unnoticeable. As always: food for thought.
Insect Repellent Recipe
Many recipes use an oil base, I prefer a combination of water, vinegar and/or witch hazel and maybe a little bit of glycerine.
- 60ml water (you may add some Yarrow tincture)
- 60ml (apple cider) vinegar or a combination of vinegar and witch hazel
Note: the vinegar helps to minimize the reaction and itch in case of a bite
Essential oils (total of 5-10 drops); Geranium, Citronella, Lavender (there are many more essential oils effective as an insect repellent, I suggest you do your won research.)
Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle and apply freely; avoid contact with eyes. Be creative and experiment with your own combinations until you find a recipe that works for you and you like.
Canada Celebrates a Milestone 150 Years
In honour of Canada 150, festivities will be taking place all over Grande Prairie to get you into the celebratory spirit!
Lots of fun, food and fanfare for kids of all ages! Come on out and join in on the fun ; ) For more details visit: http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=2952
Marketing tour quickly coming to an end
Herbs and Herbal Communities are sprouting everywhere. Whatever nature provides for us cannot be taken away from us. My marketing tour is quickly coming to an end. I am happy to say that both the book “Healing Spirituality” as well as the DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone” have been very well received by many libraries along the way. The Vancouver Island Herb Conference provided a great opportunity to connect with many fantastic people. A weekend of peace and harmony among like-minded folks. Great times and a big thank you to my dear friend Lana who did a marvelous job at my vendor table!
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
There is no such thing as “HEALTH FOODS”
If what we eat does not nourish and support our bodies it should not be called food. Therefore at least 80% of what is sold as “food” in the grocery stores does not classify as food. It fails to provide the building blocks to the body required to maintain healthy cells and tissues.
It not only does not provide what is required by the body to function properly, but it also typically burdens and damages our body with chemicals such as preservatives, colouring agents, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified/engineered foods. A high percentage of so-called health issues can be remedied with a change in dietary habits. I see this happening every day in my practice.
Many people would never feed their animals the food and drinks they themselves are consuming on a daily basis. Why not? Because they know all too well that their own diet would not be good for their pets!
So, I suggest make your foods your medicines and if you do this you will be surprised how your energy increases, your skin clears up, no more phlegm, achy joints … I recommend you eat 70% raw on a regular basis.
As always, green blessings,|
Gudrun
Healthy Snack Ideas
– Seeds and nuts: Both are full of healthy fats and protein, which help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoid pre-salted nuts.
– Seed and nut butters with fruit or vegetables: The classic “ants on the log” (nut butter spread on a celery stick and decorated with raisins) – fruits such as apples dipped in nut butter.
– Veggies and dip: Any vegetable you enjoy for example carrots, celery, broccoli, tomato, cucumber and cauliflower etc. can be enjoyed with a healthy dip such as hummus or guacamole. Avoid commercial dips such as ranch. Typically they have very little nutritional value and are high in fat and therefore calories.
STINGING NETTLE – HARVESTING & RECIPES
Harvest the early spring shoots of plants four to eight inches high. You might want to wear heavy cotton gloves or even leather gloves for harvesting. Wash in cold water and remove with thongs from water. I enjoy the stinging feeling when harvesting nettles but most people will have a different feeling about this!
Stinging Nettles have a delicate flavour and pleasant texture. It is important to NOT overcook them.
I consider myself a “free flowing cook”; therefore see the following recipes as suggestions and use your own intuitive, creative senses to adjust the recipes and discover your own recipes.
(1) STINGING NETTLE – BASIC
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Water
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 cup Stinging Nettle, fresh, young leaves – washed
1 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Sour Cream
Directions
Bring water to boil, add salt and nettle leaves.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Drain right away.
Melt butter in skillet, add nettle leaves and sour cream.
Stir well for a minute or two.
Serve as you would use spinach.
(2) NETTLE FRITTATA (by Darcy Williamson)
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups cooked, chopped spinach
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp. (freshly grated) nutmeg
8 medium-sized organic eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
Beat together eggs, seasonings and cheese. Set aside.
In a cast iron skillet saute garlic and onion in olive oil until just wilted.
Add Stinging Nettle and heat through.
Pour egg mixture over ingredients in the skillet.
Place skillet in oven and bake until eggs are set, approx. 45 minutes.
Cut into slices and serve hot.
STINGING NETTLE – Great Spring Vegetable but BEWARE
“In early spring, anxious for some fresh greens, my friend Paula and her husband Dennis went to harvest some Earthy greens including Stinging Nettle. Due to circumstances lunch was missed. Paula had a variety of vegetables and grains for supper and added a helping of Stinging Nettle. Dennis on the other hand chose to only eat plates full of steamed Stinging Nettle enjoying them thoroughly. But alas during the night he was awakened by funny numbing sensations. These developed into localized paralysis that moved from one area to the next. After a scary night he was only too happy when the rising sun brought an end to his unusual experience. The moral of the story is: Don’t eat too many steamed nettles alone on an empty stomach because even with heat they’ll sting you numb.”
The above is a true testimonial; nevertheless I encourage you to enjoy the bountiful palette of wild spring greens this year. Watch for the next post with a recipe for Nettles.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
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