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Anti-inflammatory

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberry syrup is a delicious and healthy way to support your IMMUNE SYSTEM. One of its additional great benefits is its ANTI-CATARRHAL action. This means it helps to prevent mucous formation and aids in the removal of excess mucous. This is especially useful at this time of the year, when so many of us are dealing with colds, runny noses and coughs, all of which are accompanied by an excess of mucous production.

Elderberry syrup is safe for children and can be taken straight, added to soda water, smoothies, beverages, ice cream, yogurt etc.

ACTIONS:
               Immune System Support/Stimulant – Anti-Viral – Anti-catarrhal – Anti-Inflammatory

INDICATIONS:
               Colds – Flu – Fever (reduces symptoms and duration) – Upper Respiratory Infections – Allergies – Urinary Tract Infections

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.

Did you know that CORN SILK has medicinal properties?

The “beard” of corn on the cob is called CORN SILK. If you want to use it for medicinal purposes I suggest you only use the silk from organic corn. Corn Silk is easy to dry for later use. Just spread it out on a mosquito screen, in a basket etc. and within a few days it should be well dried. Store it in a sealed glass jar away from the sun for future use in form of a tea or make a tincture.

MEDICINAL USE: As a soothing anti-inflammatory its primary focus is the urinary system. It can be applied in urinary tract infections, kidney stones and bed wetting formulas for children. Some research suggests that corn silk also promotes bile flow.

Spring Cleaning the Natural Way

Have you ever wondered about the safety of the cleaning products you use in your home?

How about tackling spring cleaning this year with some home-made products that are easy and fun to prepare while at the same time getting the job done?

Nature offers many alternatives to chemicals; alternatives that are powerful anti-microbial. For example, essential oil of Oregano kills a broad spectrum of bacteria including E.coli and spores from anthrax. It can therefore be substituted for bleach products such as Clorox.

Rosemary is another great option because of its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. In times of the plague, Rosemary was worn around the neck for its antiseptic qualities.

Below find two simple recipes – shared with permission from Theresa Mieseler, author of Beyond Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme, available from www.shadyacres.com and Amazon. The book includes 25 recipes.

Countertop Spray Cleaner

1 tablespoon liquid soap, such as Biokleen
¼ teaspoon baking soda
8 to 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 cup distilled water

Combine all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. It will fizz initially and then settle down. Shake before spraying on the surface—wipe off with a soft cloth.

Rosemary and Geranium Essential Oil All-Purpose Cleaner     

1 cup rubbing alcohol
1 cup distilled water
20-25 drops Rosemary essential oil
10 drops Geranium essential oil     

Combine all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Before use — shake well.

“NATURE’S MEDICINES”

The perks of summer: bountiful harvest of nature’s medicines! I already made my first batch of the ointment, my clients call the “miracle magic cream”.

Remember that spending time in nature has many health benefits, many of which are being proven scientifically now. More on this one another day.

REMEMBER the post on PLANTAIN and its use as a spit poultice for insect bites. Sometimes Plantain is not around but you can use another plant that is abundant at this time of the year – the leaves of FIREWEED can also be chewed and applied to insect bites including wasp and hornet stings.

Green blessings,

Gudrun

Did you know that CORN SILK has medicinal properties?

The “beard” of corn on the cob is called CORN SILK. If you want to use it for medicinal purposes I suggest you only use the silk from organic corn. Corn Silk is easy to dry for later use. Just spread it out on a mosquito screen, in a basket etc. and within a few days it should be well dried. Store it in a sealed glass jar away from the sun for future use in form of a tea or make a tincture.

MEDICINAL USE: As a soothing anti-inflammatory its primary focus is the urinary system. It can be applied in urinary tract infections, kidney stones and bed wetting formulas for children. Some research suggests that corn silk also promotes bile flow.