Bountiful Harvest of Lots of Different Fresh, Green Vegetables
Summer has arrived and with it the bountiful harvest of lots of different fresh, green vegetables including rhubarb, spinach, chard, kale and dandelion greens.
I have often been asked why we are being cautioned to limit our intake of some of these vegetables even though they are packed with anti-oxidants, boost the immune system, support the digestive system and much more.
The answer is that these vegetables contain oxalates; oxalates bind to calcium and interfere with the absorption of calcium.
However, unless you eat on overabundance of any of the vegetables containing high amounts of oxalates, have a history of osteoporosis or kidney stones, I personally do not see any reason for concern. Make sure you drink plenty of good water (NOT chlorinated and fluoridated city water) and enjoy a great variety of vegetables.
Green blessings,
Gudrun
CRAVINGS FOR CHOCOLATE?
Healthy Chocolate Treat – WARNING: ADDICTIVE!
Here is your answer for the times when the cravings for chocolate are overpowering but you do not want to eat junk.
Thank you Crystal for introducing me to the basic recipe! It is so fast and easy to make and absolutely delicious. Be creative, the recipe allows for many variations.
Combine the following ingredients, slowly heat and stir until well mixed:
1/4 cup peanut butter (organic; I like chunky)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp. honey
Add the following and simmer mixture for about 5 minutes and take off heat:
1/4 cup organic raw cacao powder
1/4 cup maple syrup, high quality coconut or agave syrup or a combination
1-2 tsp. vanilla extract
Options:
1. Fast and easy (my favorite): pour mixture into a dish lined with parchment paper, or,
2. Pour/spoon into small candy moulds or cup cake paper cups. Place in fridge or freezer.
ENJOY!
Variations:
Add hemp hearts, dried cranberries or cherries, shredded coconut…
Seasonal allergies are lurking just around the corner
NOW is the time to implement a treatment protocol to minimize reactions. Call me to set up a custom tailored approach depending on presenting symptoms.
ALLERGY SCENARIOS
– Chronic seasonal allergies with sinus pain
– Person with seasonal allergies causing acute asthma
– Allergic rhinitis with sinus pain causing eye discharge
– Nasal congestion, headache, sore throat with history of allergic rhinitis
– Allergy conjunctivitis (pink eye)
In addition, a wholesome diet (eliminate food allergens), regular exercise, stress reduction and a positive outlook on life are key to our well-being all helping to reduce allergic/sensitivity reactions.
Allergies, including those stemming from food, fungus, animals, dust, ragweed and pollens, are often a major source of misery. With the rapidly increasing incidence of environmental allergies, asthma, and sinusitis the demand for allergy solutions is at an all time high. Any person affected by allergies understands the importance of finding ways to minimize the effects of allergens in order to regain optimal daily function.
Allergic reactions vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, and, in some cases, potentially deadly anaphylactic reactions. In the case of seasonal allergies, the majority of symptoms are concentrated in the respiratory system, but can extend to the skin and digestive tract. There is a genetic component; children with allergy suffering parents are more likely to be afflicted. Another source is the severe, repeated exposure at a young age. Though genetic vulnerability and exposure to allergens are highly difficult to combat, patients can be helped through the supporting of the immune system, which decreases the severity of the reactions in question. This may include the use of immune tonics, antihistamines, and the very important concept of drainage, to reduce the toxic load on the body and support the rapid elimination of inflammatory toxins.
PLAGUED BY A PERSISTENT COUGH?
Here are some tips and simple home remedies to support the body in overcoming this affliction regardless of what causes the cough.
1. Cut out all mucous forming foods, especially dairy and wheat as well as all foods you know you are sensitive to.
2. Change your diet to at least 70% raw and drink lots of carrot juice and green smoothies.
3. Drink lots of good water – city water is typically full of chemicals and not recommended for consumption on a regular basis.
4. Keep the chest warm with appropriate clothing.
5. Apply poultices to the chest, i.e. onion poultice or castor oil pack (see DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone”, Disc 2 for instructions)
6. Cough Syrup – homemade, simple yet effective:
Cut up an onion, place in glass jar and cover with honey (honey can be hard; the juice of the onion will liquefy the honey).
Let sit for several hours to several days and strain. Take 1 tsp. as needed.
7. Herbs to use are the ones with anti-microbial properties such as Garlic and Thyme and expectorants for example Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum).
You can find good combination teas for the support of the respiratory system at the health food stores.
Spring cleansing made easy!
Time to think about SPRING CLEANSING – even though it may not feel like it while winter wonderland is still with us.
WHY SPRING CLEANSING?
• When toxins accumulate in the body, they can cause tissue damage, disrupt cell metabolism, and bring about localized or systemic disease. Thus, “diseases” are what happens when the organism fights against toxins as it attempts to counteract and expel them.
• Toxins can either come from outside the body (exotoxins) or within the body (endotoxins).
• Homeopathic drainage provides strong stimulation of the elimination processes of the organs, tissues, and cells. It also has beneficial effects on emotions.
LIVER SUPPORT
Breaking down most of the body’s dietary and metabolic waste and preparing it for elimination via the bowels or kidneys, the liver is the primary organ of elimination. When structural or functional liver disturbances occur, digestive sluggishness, headaches, bloating, constipation, and skin irritations can result. Furthermore, due to toxic burden, bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal bloating, heavy head, overall tiredness and fatigue, flatulence, and constipation can be indicative of structural and functional dysfunctions in the liver and gallbladder. These dysfunctions can lead to chronic issues and may result in cholecystitis, biliary calculi, hepatitis, and hypochondria. Many consider the liver to be the centre of all therapies for chronic degenerative disease as well as for allergies, digestive disorders, skin problems, chemotherapy-associated ailments, and the side effects of pharmaceutical medications. Several remedies can assist in stimulating the liver’s detox pathways, facilitating the speedy removal and drainage of accumulated metabolic toxins. Some remedies can even regenerate the liver through their stimulation of hepatocytes.
KIDNEY SUPPORT
The kidneys are the primary filter of minerals, electrolytes, and protein metabolites, such as nitrogenous wastes. It also maintains acid-base balance. Improper kidney function can lead to inflammatory and congestive conditions within the urinary system. Stubborn organic wastes, such as uric acid and other inflammatory toxins, accumulate in the kidneys and can sometimes refuse to exit the body. Successful kidney and bladder drainage can be achieved using remedies with potent diuretic properties. Furthermore, particular attention should be given to ionic balance to help the kidney maintain a proper alkaline environment. Structural and functional dysfunctions of the kidneys or urinary bladder can lead to symptoms such as sharp, stinging pains in the kidneys (renal area), pains in the sacral region, burning sensations upon urination, piercing pains in the bladder, and chronic inflammatory conditions of the kidneys, and renal calculi.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM SUPPORT
The lymphatic system is one of the most important and yet least talked about drainage pathways. It runs alongside the vascular system and drains the entire extracellular matrix. It is designed to pick up and remove all left-over metabolic waste around individual cells. Any improper functioning of the lymph system can lead to edema, glandular swelling, abnormal fat metabolism, and a weakened immune system. Supporting the lymphatics supports all other organ systems (liver, skin, kidneys, etc.) and helps purify both blood and body. Proper lymphatic function boosts innate immunity, neutralizes pathogenic infiltration, and facilitates the elimination of inflammatory toxins.
Spring cleansing made easy! I have a homeopathic drainage kit available to support the LIVER, KIDNEYS & LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. For more information call me at 780.532.246.
Rosehips High in Vitamin C
Rosehips are from the Wild Rose (Rosa canina). They are especially high in vitamin C but also contain vitamin A, B1 and B2 in the pulp. Vitamin C was first discovered in Rosehips. Long before the discovery of vitamin C Rosehip tea was used for the common cold and locally for inflamed and bleeding gums.
Most animals are able to manufacture their own vitamin C but because of a lack of a major enzyme in the human liver, the human body is unable to manufacture its own vitamin C. This is why we need to ensure adequate vitamin C intake through our diet or supplements. Rosehips also help to maintain healthy collagen, the substance that holds trillions of cells together in our body.
ROSEHIP TEA
Following are two of my favourite ways of preparing Rosehip tea:
1. My preference is to make a cold infusion and let it sit over night or at least a few hours before straining it. Cold infusions have the advantage of preserving the mineral content provided by the herbs.
2. Make a cold infusion and then slowly bring the infusion with the rosehips to simmer to make a decoction.
For instructions of the different water extractions such as cold infusions and decoctions I suggest you refer to disc 1 of the DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone”.
CRAVING BREAD? NOT ABLE OR ALLOWED TO EAT IT?
Check this out. This is the best bread ever because it is packed with nutrition, extremely fast and easy to prepare and does NOT contain any flowers or gluten. It has become a staple in our life. Try it and spread the wealth of health.
Ancient Grain, Seed, and Nut Loaf
from The Greenhouse Cookbook
Makes one loaf, or about 10 slices.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ¾ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup raw slivered almonds
- 1/8 cup buckwheat groats
- 1/8 cup millet seeds
- 1/3 cup amaranth seeds
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
- ¾ cups gluten-free steel-cut oats
- 1/3 cup whole flax seeds
- 1/3 cup psyllium seed husks
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbs pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup virgin olive oil
- 2 ¾ cups filtered water
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine and evenly spread the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, buckwheat groats, millet seeds, and amaranth seeds on the prepared baking sheet. Toast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, steel-cut oats, flax seeds, psyllium seed husks, chia seeds, and salt.
- When the toasting seed mixture is golden, remove from the oven and add to the bowl of dry ingredients; stir until combined. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, and water to the bowl and mix well. We use our hands for this (wet them first). The mixture should feel quite soggy; the seeds will absorb more water as they rest.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 8- x 4-inch or 9- x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour the dough into the pan and shape the top into a smooth dome with wet fingers. Cover the dough with a clean tea towel or napkin and let it sit at room temperature overnight or for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Uncover the dough and place the loaf pan on a rack in the centre of the oven. Bake for an hour and 15 minutes, or until the crust is dark brown and sounds hollow when you knock on it. (It may take an hour and a half, depending on your oven.) Remove loaf from the oven and let cool completely, at least 2 hours.
- Slice and serve toasted. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
Tossing & Turning Instead of Sleeping Peacefully?
“Be happy for this Moment. This Moment is your Life.”
– Omar Khayyam
Many people are complaining about being challenged with sleep these days. Read on for a few useful hints to support restful sleep.
Sleep is complicated.
What works for one may not work for the next person. Also what has worked once may not work the next time.
Checklist
- Eliminate any stimulants such as coffee, black tea, sugar (especially at night)
- If taken at night certain supplements such as vitamin C may have enough of a stimulating effect to interfere with sleep in some individuals
- Peppermint, even though calming for the nervous system, has a stimulating effect on the metabolism and may interfere with sleep patterns in sensitive people
- Allergies/sensitivities to foods and inhalants can be the culprit
- Check your medications for potential side effects
- Treat the underlying cause. Many dis-ease processes may interfere with proper sleep (blood sugar imbalances, adrenal fatigue…)
- Getting up in the night to urinate may be a sign of kidney weakness in women and prostate issues in men
- Minimize stress levels and over-excitement at night
- Ensure adequate exercise during the day
- If you wake up once again feeling like you have been run over by a truck, relax, breathe deeply, take a hot shower and know that you are going to make it through the day okay. Accepting the situation is half the battle, pondering and being upset about it is creating more unnecessary stress
Some HERBAL ALLIES are (alone or in combination):
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – one of my favorites
- Lemon Balm (Melissa off.)
- Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – Note: Adverse reactions to Chamomile are not uncommon
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perfoliatum) – especially when (nerve) pain and/or depression are a factor
- Rescue Remedy
NOTE: Commercial herbal sleep blends frequently contain peppermint (too stimulating at night for many) and hops (not recommended for anyone with tendency to depression).
You can create a nice blend of dried herbs with any of the above herbs and enjoy a cup of tea at night or take them as a tincture.
Follow Us!