DELICIOUS FLAVOURS FROM NATURE
One of my favourites is to create drinks with the delicate and subtle flavours of nature.
There really is no recipe; as always my favourite recipes are easy to create.
I add flowers to my glass of water, let the glass sit in the sun (or not) for a short while before enjoying it.
Needless to say, you only want to use nontoxic, edible flowers. I suggest, you do NOT use the flowers from plants bought at any of the stores because most of them will have been treated with chemicals.
Examples of flowers: Dandelion, Borage, Wild Rose, Fireweed, Pansies, Lilacs.
Be creative and enjoy.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – DANDELION
Finally the bright yellow flowers are brightening the landscape – a sure sign that spring is here to stay. Hard to believe that herbalists have great appreciation for this marvelous creation of nature? We use flowers, buds, leaves and roots as food and medicine. My grandkids nibble on the flowers and young leaves.
Last year I made a crown out of dandelion flowers for my then 4 year old grand daughter. She was wearing it proudly as we walked into Canadian Tire. With great joy I observed the reactions of customers especially when we were wandering around the Round-up shelf. So much fun!
Be creative and “brave” – eat flowers and young leaves, add both to salads, make a Dandelion flower cold infusion. Decorate ice creams and cakes … and most of all, have fun and be grateful for the gift of this plant that most consider to be a pesky weed.
DANDELION – Taraxacum off. – Asteraceae famly
PARTS USED: Roots, stems, leaves and flowers
HARVEST TIME
Roots: Spring before flowering or fall after first frost
Leaves: Early spring, throughout summer (leaves increase in bitter taste with age)
Flowers: When in full bloom
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, and zinc. Vitamins A, B complex, C and D.
Carotenoids, fatty acids, flavenoids and phytosterols.
NOTE: The roots are exceptionally high in vitamin A
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Leaf: Diuretic (high in potassium) – Choleretic (stimulates bile production by liver) – Aperient (mild laxative)
Root: Bitter digestive tonic; nutritive – Choleretic, cholagogue – Aperient, laxative – Anti-rheumatic, anit-inflammatory (animal studies)
Sap: Keratolytic (breaks down outer layer of skin)
INDICATIONS
Leaf: Water retention
Root: Inadequate bile production, gallstones, liver/gall bladder insufficiency, congestive jaundice, Dyspepsia, lack of appetite
Sap of stalks, roots, or leaves: Warts, cankers
FORM OF PREPARATION
Infusions (leaves; flowers) – Decoctions (root) – Tinctures – Vinegars (roots, leaves, flowers) – Infused Oils – Salves – Food (leaves, petals, young roots)
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
No reported toxicity; however some people experience sensitivity reactions
NATURE as the ARTIST
What a gift to be able to go bush whacking again, recharging spirit and soul while discovering artful creations from Mother Earth. It is a great time of the year when nature is coming alive with its vibrant colours, the sounds of birds and insects.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
“THE FLOWERS OF TOMORROW ARE IN THE SEEDS OF TODAY” Author unknown
My mind is filled with thoughts and questions about what is currently happening in the world. Our children, the plant and animal kingdom, and Mother Earth cannot make their own voices heard. We therefore owe it to them to stand up and speak up on behalf of them. Educating ourselves about the current realities and taking action, is critical if we want to be instrumental in creating positive change, securing our rights and freedoms and a planet that will continue to be able to provide in a healthy way for all – now and in the future.
ENJOY STORY OF FLOWERS https://youtu.be/vDpFyHmt0AE
Spring cleansing made easy!
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.
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 https://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.
Simple ways to STRENGTHENING your IMMUNE SYSTEM
Simple ways to STRENGTHENING your IMMUNE SYSTEM includes letting go of fear and sharing hugs freely.
HUGS
It’s wondrous what a hug can do.
A hug can cheer you when you’re blue.
A hug can say, “I love You so”
Or, “I hate to see you go.”
A hug is “Welcome back again,”
And “Great to see you! Where’ve you been?”
A hug can soothe a small child’s pain,
And bring a rainbow after rain.
The hug, there’s just no doubt about it—
We scarcely could survive without it!
A hug delights and warms and charms,
It must be why God gave us arms.
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers;
And chances are your favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them, puppies love them;
Heads of states are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make travel so much merrier.
No need to fret about your store of them;
The more you give, the more there’s more of them.
So stretch those arms without delay
And give someone a hug today!
Author Unknown
PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE
As the seas of the world are rough right now
Let’s remember to build bridges, not walls.
Let’s sow seeds of hope, peace and love.
Let’s foster kindness, trust and tolerance.
Let’s remember that each one of us can make a difference.
We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
– Mother Teresa
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
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
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“Those who fall asleep in a democracy might wake up in a dictatorship.”
Once again, I feel the need to address the importance of critical thinking. Falling prey to blindly believing and following the common narrative can be, not only detrimental but also dangerous.
The past year has been turbulent and challenging, and unfortunately many people still live in fear. Fear of what?
It is a well-known fact that we have the tendency to seek out information that confirms what we believe and want to hear. For example, if I believe that masks are effective in stopping the spread of a virus, I will find information including studies and statistics that support this view. On the other hand, if I believe the opposite, I will seek the information that suggests, that face masking is not effective. Who is right and who is wrong? You decide.
I just want to raise a few topics and questions to inspire critical thinking.
– Did you know that AHS reports ZERO cases of influenza this year in Alberta? This makes me wonder about a lot of things. You can see the statistics at the link below as well as the numbers for the previous season. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza/influenza.aspx#data
– Do you know that censorship has become a common occurrence?
– Are you aware of the slogan from the World Economic Forum (WEF): “You will own nothing, and you will be happy”? This reflects their vision of our future (whoever “they” are).
– Did you know that the WEF wants to make wristbands mandatory to be able to track a person’s activities, whereabouts etc.?
– Have you ever wondered what the decisions for lock downs are based on?
– How many infections are the result of visits to museums, libraries, swimming pools etc.?
– Have you ever thought about the fact that never in the history healthy people had to quarantine?
– The same holds true for testing of healthy people. Why are so many people being tested?
– Do you spend more time deciding on what clothes to wear or what car to buy than looking into/researching what you are putting into your body (including foods and the “jabs”)?
– Are you aware of the fact that the new wireless network will interfere with many normal functions of our body including the ability to utilize oxygen?
– …
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of educating ourselves by using our critical mind and questioning the common narrative instead of blindly trusting what we are being told by governments and people in positions of “authority”.
Green Blessings and stay warm,
Gudrun
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