SPROUTING YOUR OWN SEEDS – WHY & HOW
Heading into the fall and winter seasons it is good to know that, even in the north, we can still grow some of our own food, packed with vitality and nutrients, helping to fend off those pesky colds and flus that are certain to make their come back.
PART 1 – WHY SPROUT YOUR OWN SEEDS
Today’s post covers WHY to sprout. In the following posts I will provide specific instructions plus additional information.
Why Sprout?
Sprouting is a great way of adding high quality nutrition to your daily life. Sprouts are the only food source that is still alive when we eat it. The process is easy and can be done by anyone with supplies found in every home kitchen. No extra space is required, even the smallest kitchen will do. Sprouting is very economical and therefore is suitable for any budget.
Any seeds and nuts can be used for sprouting; however, it is best to use certified organic seeds and only those that are intended as food crop rather than farm planting seeds. This minimizes the risk of contamination.
To my knowledge, organic sprouting seeds have not been implicated in any outbreak of food poisoning.
Sprouts contain the highest concentration of phytonutrients per calorie of any food. Phytonutrients provide a great spectrum of health benefits.
Benefits of Eating Sprouts
➣ Great source of nutrition; sprouts are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes
➣ Support and nourishment for the entire body including immune system and cardio vascular health
➣ Very easily digested and assimilated
➣ Improvement of the efficiency of the digestive system
➣ Protection against free radical damage
➣ Very inexpensive
➣ Available year-round even when other vegetables and fruits are not available
➣ Easy to grow at home
➣ Great variety of usages
➣ Plus lots more
Commonly Used Seeds for Sprouting
Alfalfa – Beans (various) – Broccoli – Chia – Chickpeas – Fenugreek – Lentils – Mustard – Peas – Pumpkin – Radish – Red Clover – Sunflower
NOTE: Most seeds and nuts can be used for sprouting but some may require more equipment and experience than the ones mentioned above.
Avoid sprouting seeds from plants that have poisonous parts.
You can save some of your garden seeds and use them for sprouting i.e. radish, caragana seeds
CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF (Y)OUR CHILDREN?
If yes, wherever you are, please join the “1 Million March 4 Children” next week WEDNESDAY, September 20.
See official website (as shown on poster below) for additional information, including letter templates to churches, schools, medical professionals.
Dr. Trozzi: “People of all colors and faiths are coming together to end sexualization, perversion and mutilation of our children. Here is my brief exposition of the issues, and an invitation to join me and others marching September 20th across Canada and around the world.”
It’s Labour Day long weekend!
Take a break, relax & enjoy…
SAVE OUR CHILDREN!
Please consider joining this important event, September 20, 2023.
https://1millionmarch4children.com
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.
http://herbalinstructions.com/SunscreenGuide.pdf
COOLING OFF WITH HOMEMADE ICE CREAM OR POPSICLES
The heat of the summer has many people reaching for ice cream and popsicles. Unfortunately most of what is commercially available is full of chemicals and sugar. Here is a recipe that should do the trick. Be creative and adjust it according to your own taste buds.
INGREDIENTS
– 1 peach/nectarine, cut into chunks
– 1 cup frozen berries of your choice
– 1 banana, cut into chunks
– 1⁄2 tbsp ginger root, finely grated
– 13 1⁄2 oz full-fat coconut milk
– 1 – 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
– 1/4 – 1⁄2 cup real maple syrup or coconut syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all the ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. Pour into container or popsicle moulds and freeze.
ENJOY!
Homesteader Health
Don’t miss this event!
You always see that one plant, and maybe you wonder – what is it? Join Homesteader Health and Herbalist Gudrun Penselin on this fun and leisurely herb walk to learn about some local plants and so-called “weeds”.
Tickets available in store – but we’re working on a method of online purchase!
Gudrun Penselin is a Clinical Herbal Therapist, is an award-winning author, speaker, teacher, and expert in herbal medicine. She has over 30 years of experience as a complementary health practitioner. Gudrun has a strong commitment to the Earth and humankind, as well as a passion for sharing her knowledge and experience about plants and their healing spirit.
NEVER TOO OLD FOR NEW ADVENTURES – Motorbiking in Idaho and Montana
After teaching in Salmo at the Kootenay Herb Conference, we ventured out on our motorbikes into the US to explore Idaho and Montana. What an amazing experience, riding (as a novice, I got my licence last year in October) through the windy and mountainous landscape of Idaho – simply breathtaking scenery.
Green blessings,
Gudrun
Grande Prairie celebrates Canada’s 156th birthday!
Enjoy lively festivals, activities, and exciting Canada Day rooftop and barbecue parties. For an extra dose of fun, why not embark on a day trip to nearby towns and cities to join in their festive celebrations? It’s the perfect way to embrace special get-togethers and make lasting memories this Canada Day weekend.
Whatever you do, don’t let the weekend pass you by … get outside, indulge in joyful experiences, have a little fun!
Long weekend suggestions in and around Calgary https://allevents.in/grande%20prairie/canada-day#
Have a great long weekend!
THE MAGIC OF MOTHER EARTH
The abundance and beauty of the Earth at this time of the year in the Peace Country is amazing. I encourage you to bring some of the magic of Mother Earth into your home by adding the wild greens to your food, preparing a cup of tea with fresh plants or harvesting and drying herbs for later use. Goldenrod is one of those amazing herbs you can see everywhere right now.
Goldenrod is a fairly tall plant with beautiful, vibrant golden-yellow flowers. You will find it in dry woodlands, forest clearings and roadsides.
The Latin name Solidago originates from “solidus” & “ago,” Solidus, meaning “healthy and strong,” and ago meaning “to make whole.” Both of these terms refer to the plant’s ability to heal wounds.
Some common names for Goldenrod from various cultures also give an indication for its medicinal use as a wound healing herb, for example in Germany the herb is often called “Fastening Herb”. In fact in ancient German history Goldenrod was gathered as a wound herb before engaging in battle, just in case it was needed.
However, the focus today for its use has shifted from a wound healing aid, to a very reliable herb to support the kidneys. It promotes the elimination of urine and is applied for acute as well as chronic conditions of the kidneys and bladder including inflammation. In addition, it has been found to support the body during times of upper respiratory infections, especially when dealing with a chronic situation.
For medicinal purposes the leaves and flowers (early flowering stage) are being harvested and may be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves and flowers can be used for wound healing or made into a tea, which can also be used as a wound wash. The dried herb may be used in the form of a tea as well but also as a tincture. A tincture is an alcoholic extract of a plant and is more concentrated than an herbal tea. The “crafty” person might want to try to use the flowers as a natural dye.
This summer Goldenrod has been brightening up the landscape in so many places and the quality of it has been superb. Many times you will find it being “infested” with many small bugs, but this year the only insects I have watched enjoying the bright, yellow flowers are butterflies and bees!
If you are not sure how to prepare the herbs, remember that the DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone provides clear and easy to follow instructions, teaching a great variety of herbal preparations. Check my website www.herbalinstructions.com for more information.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. The use of any of the herbs and preparations is the sole responsibility of each individual and does not replace the services and advice of a medical practitioner and qualified healthcare provider. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. No responsibility is assumed should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner’s services.
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