Great Natural Remedies.

Love this article on natural remedies from Mother Earth Living. This article focuses on several great natural remedies including: saw palmetto, aloe, chamomile and many other: Check It Out...            

Aloe for Burns and Cuts

Aloe (Aloe vera) is the herb for minor burns and cuts. In one study published in the Journal of Dermatological Surgery and Oncology, 27 people had burns treated with aloe or standard medical care. In the standard-care group, healing took 18 days, but in the aloe group, it took only 12 days. “Aloe is my first choice for burns,” says botanist James Duke, Ph.D., former chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Medicinal Plant Research Laboratory and author of The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 2000). “Keep a potted aloe on your kitchen windowsill. For minor burns, snip off a thick leaf. Slit it open. Scoop out the inner leaf gel and apply it to the burn once or twice a day.” Aloe requires no care beyond weekly watering.
Dosage: If you use a commercial aloe gel, follow label directions.
Red Flags: Aloe helps heal superficial wounds but not deep wounds, such as surgical incisions.

Black Cohosh for Hot Flashes

American Indians first introduced colonists to black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), which they used to treat many conditions, including menstrual problems and recovery from childbirth. For 40 years, Europeans have used black cohosh to treat menopausal discomforts. During the past decade, the herb has become popular in the United States. Occasionally, a study questions its benefit, but the clear majority shows black cohosh effective for hot flashes. How the herb works is still a mystery, but it does not act like estrogen, so it’s safe for women who can’t take the female sex hormone—for example, those with a history of breast cancer. “Black cohosh is definitely worth a try,” says Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the Austin, Texas-based American Botanical Council (ABC), the nation’s leading herb-education organization, “especially now that hormone replacement therapy has been shown to do more harm than good.”
Dosage: Follow label directions.
Red Flags: Side effects are rare but possible: A few users have reported stomach distress, dizziness, headache and allergic reactions. Commission E, the German equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, says black cohosh should not be taken for longer than six months. After that, consult your doctor or herbalist.

Chamomile for Indigestion and Relaxation

Remember The Tale of Peter Rabbit? After the young bunny’s “hare”-raising adventures, his mother soothes his jangled nerves and upset stomach with chamomile tea. Peter’s mother was right. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) soothes both the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.
Dosage: 1 tea bag or 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep a few minutes and drink as much as you’d like.
Red Flags: Allergic reactions are possible, especially if you’re allergic to pollens.

Cranberry to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice—and the dried berries and extract—prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall long enough to cause infection, according to a 2004 article published in Clinical Infectious Disease. Many studies confirm the value of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In a 2002 study, Canadian researchers gave 150 women one of three treatments: cranberry juice (three cups a day), cranberry tablets (3 daily) or a placebo. One year later, compared with the placebo group, the women who took cranberry experienced significantly fewer UTIs. Cranberry juice cocktail and dried cranberries are available at health-food stores and supermarkets. Capsules containing cranberry extract are available at health-food stores and many pharmacies. “I recommend cranberry for UTI,” Duke says. “But if you drink the juice, you have to drink a lot of it. It’s usually easier to munch on the dried berries or take capsules.”
Dosage: If you use cranberry juice cocktail, drink at least three cups a day. Try to select one with less sugar and a higher content of cranberry juice, or drink 100-percent cranberry juice diluted in apple juice. If you use dried cranberries, munch on a handful or two a day. If you use commercial cranberry extract, you should follow label directions.
Red Flags: None.

Echinacea for Colds

For reasons that remain unclear, the root of daisy-like echinacea (Echinacea spp.) bolsters the immune system and helps the body fight colds. An occasional study shows no treatment benefit, but most show that echinacea minimizes symptoms and speeds recovery by at least a day or two. The most comprehensive investigation of echinacea’s cold-fighting power was a University of Wisconsin analysis of nine studies. Eight showed significant treatment benefit—milder symptoms and briefer colds. Most recently, Canadian researchers gave echinacea or a placebo to 128 people coming down with colds. They took 10 doses the first day and four doses for the next seven days. The echinacea group had 23 percent milder symptoms. However, echinacea does not prevent colds. “I don’t recommend it for cold prevention,” Duke says. “But as soon as my wife or I feel a cold coming on, we take echinacea. Our colds are mild and brief.”
Dosage: Echinacea is available in teas, juice, tinctures and capsules. Follow label directions. Typical directions are to take it several times a day at first, and then taper off as you begin to feel better.
Red Flags: Liquid echinacea products can cause temporary, harmless numbing or tingling of the tongue. Some people don’t like echinacea’s sharp taste. Minor stomach upset is possible with tincture. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, see a doctor.

Flaxseed for Menopausal Discomforts and Prevention of Osteoporosis and Heart Disease

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is rich in plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). At Laval University, Quebec, researchers gave 25 menopausal women hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily mixed into food). Six months later, flaxseed relieved hot flashes as well as HRT. Flaxseed also mimics HRT’s bone-preserving ability. Oklahoma State researchers gave a placebo or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily) to 38 postmenopausal women for 14 weeks, and measured calcium excretion in their urine, an index of calcium loss from bone. The flaxseed group showed decreased calcium excretion, meaning reduced bone loss. Recent research published in Drug News and Perspectives also suggests that flaxseed lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Dosage: 1.5 ounces per day, mixed into food.
Red Flags: Women who cannot take estrogen should consult their doctors before using flaxseed.

Garlic for Cholesterol Control and Cancer Prevention

Researchers at Penn State University gave men with high cholesterol either garlic (Allium sativum) or a placebo. The herb lowered their total cholesterol 7 percent. For every 1 percent decrease in total cholesterol, risk of heart attack drops 2 percent. So according to this study, garlic can reduce heart attack risk by 14 percent. Occasionally, a study shows no benefit, but the vast majority shows that garlic reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. However, garlic does not reduce cholesterol as much as the statin drugs. If your cholesterol is really high, you may need medication.
Garlic also helps prevent several cancers. In the Iowa Women’s Health Study, researchers followed 41,387 middle-aged women for five years. Those who ate the most garlic had the lowest risk of colon cancer. Fruit and vegetable consumption in general helps prevent cancer, but in this study, of all plant foods analyzed, garlic yielded the greatest preventive benefit. Other studies show that garlic also helps prevent prostate, esophageal, stomach and bladder cancer.
Dosage: Most studies have used approximately the equivalent of one clove a day. Garlic works best when it’s raw or only slightly cooked. Or take garlic supplements, including deodorized brands, which have a similar cholesterol-lowering effect. Garlic supplements with proven benefit include Kwai and Kyolic. Follow label directions.
Red Flags: Garlic impairs blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder, don’t take it. If you notice increased bruising, stop taking it, and consult your physician. Stop taking garlic at least two weeks before scheduled surgery, and make sure to inform your physician/surgeon of garlic supplementation.

Ginger for Nausea

Perhaps your grandmother gave you ginger ale for an upset stomach. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an indigestion soother that also relieves nausea. Australian researchers gave 120 pregnant women either a placebo or capsules containing 1.5 grams of ginger powder (about a teaspoon). Almost immediately, the ginger group experienced significantly less nausea.
Several studies also show that the herb prevents motion sickness. Danish researchers tested it on 80 naval cadets in heavy seas. Compared with those who took a placebo, the ginger group experienced 72 percent less seasickness. To prevent motion sickness, take a capsule containing 1,000 mg of powdered gingerroot about an hour before you embark, and every two hours during your journey. “I use ginger to prevent seasickness,” Duke says. “It works for me.”
Dosage: Start with 1,000 to 1,500 mg. If necessary, take more. Ginger is safe. Or brew a tea using 2 teaspoons of fresh grated root per cup of boiling water. Or drink ginger ale—just make sure it contains real ginger. The label should say ginger extract, not artificial flavor.
Red Flags: Heartburn is possible. Read More...

 

28 Beautiful Christmas Wreaths Ideas.

 
Love these 28 beautiful wreath ideas from Sunset Magazine. Check It Out Here...

Foraged

We first met this rising star when he was working at Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco; since then, Hank Jenkins has evolved into a “plant architect” (his words) , designing outdoor spaces in the Bay Area through his firm, Lushland. To get this wreath project kickstarted, he simply took a walk. “What’s here is what grabbed my attention in my own garden and on hikes.” Despite the fresh take on materials, he keeps the color palette traditional with green eucalyptus pods and red pincushions (leucospermum). lushlanddesign.com

Materials: Eucalyptus pods and leaves, lotus pods, leucospermum, floral foam, floral pins.

Tip: To prolong the freshness of a live wreath, keep the foam moist.

9 Healthy Gluten Free Flours, Right In Your Kitchen.

I love this article on www.care2.com, written by Diana Herrington.

Baking with gluten-free flours can be tricky, but it is worth it. Imagine eating sinfully delicious desserts that are also healthy for you!

When you are just eating gluten-free whole grains, it is relatively simple. You can just throw some rice or millet in a pot, and with a little variation on the amount of water, you can get a pretty good meal.

Once you get into baking though, it’s a whole new level of complexity and precision to get that perfect cookie or cake. You can’t just substitute your favorite regular wheat recipe with rice flour for example. It just won’t work out. I often feel like a chemist in the kitchen fine tuning gluten-free recipes.

The first step is to have the proper flours. To keep it simple I have limited this list to a small handful of my favorites. I was extremely sensitive to gluten so I have been cooking and baking gluten-free for almost 20 years.

All my recipes are also 100% white sugar free and 100% unhealthy starch free. Many of the common gluten-free recipes and products are loaded with sugar and starch and that is definitely not healthy.
The healthy ones I like and use for specific reasons include: Read More...


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-healthy-gluten-free-flours.html#ixzz2Da8i8obP

Which Companies Support GMO Labeling?

I think it noteworthy which companies supported Prop:37 in California and which companies did not, afterall $45,000,000 were spent by companies to defeat the proposition.

Even though Prop. 37 (the California Right to know Genetically Engineered Food Act) did not pass in the 2012 election, the mission for GMO awareness is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning.
The initiative lost 53% to 47%. Considering that Monsanto, Dupont, Pepsi-Cola, and other food and pesticide companies spent $45 million dollars in deceptive advertising tactics to mislead voters, the ballot didn’t do so bad. Since these large food and pesticide corporations spent so much money fabricating a fake quote from the FDA on behalf of GMOs, sending out mailers that used a fake FDA seal, creating commercials with fake professors, and ceaselessly advertising lies about how it will increase the cost of food for American families by $400 a year, you’d think they’d actually have tricked more people into voting for the opposition. This gives hope to the future of the GMO labeling initiative.
The initiative is planning to shift its attention to other states. Signatures in Washington are being gathered in hopes that the GMO labeling initiative can make it on the November 2013 ballot. Oregon put efforts to getting the initiative on the ballot for 2012, but hadn’t been able to face the challenges in the process early enough. They are aiming to file for 2014. In Vermont and Connecticut, bills are being prepared to be put in the hands of legislatures.
A victory has been won for spreading GMO awareness nationwide. Before the ballot, many Americans were unaware of genetically modified organisms, and that they were eating them. Now consumers are asking themselves “What are GMOs? Are they safe for me and my family to eat? Why are they labeled in 50 other countries but not here? Why, in America, is there such a fuss on whether or not they’re labeled?” The 2012 food labeling bill has planted a seed in the consciousness of our nation, and as more Americans become more educated of what GMOs are, and the potential dangers; that seed will sprout, and eventually lead to the bill being passed in other states, until all states have GMO labeling laws just like in Europe, China, and those 48 other countries.
In the meantime, there are things that we as individuals can do to show our support. We can thank the many pro-labeling heroes that donated large sums of money to the cause by buying their products. Here is a list created by Natural News, followed by an infographic from Cornucopia, that gives us the names of the companies that supported Prop. 37: Read More....


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/which-companies-support-gmo-labeling.html#ixzz2Da7jUUoH

Its that time of year again. Time to start to prepare our menu for the Thanksgiving Day Holidays. This year, I have decided to included root veges. I was so glad to find all these recipes from www.health.com.

Check out this recipe and many more good recipes at: For More Great Recipes... 

For More Good Recipes; check this out...

2 teaspoonscanola oil

1/2 cupchopped shallots

3 cups(1/2-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato

1 1/2 cups(1/4-inch) sliced peeled carrots

1 tablespoongrated ginger

2 teaspoonscurry powder

3 cupsfat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1/2 teaspoonsalt

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add potato, carrots, ginger, and curry; cook 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender; stir in salt.
Pour half of soup in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Repeat procedure with remaining soup.

Fabulously Edible Beet, Carrot and Radish Greens.

For years we have been cooking with beets, carrots and radishes and throwing away all those green tops. But they are not only edible, they are also very nutritious.  Recently, when I have passed by grazing fields and noted the enourmous size of cows, bulls and other grazing animals, I have marvelled at the thought that all they eat is grass and weeds. And so that led me to realize that there is more to greens than meets the eye and so... I think the next salad I make will include beet, carrot and radish tops, no more throwing away such abundant nutrition. 

I love this article written by White On Rice Couple. It has valuable information on green tops and some great recipes.

There’s a misfortune and almost tragic waste of food occurring in the vegetative world. Greens that that we tend to overlook or don’t normally deem as edible are being tossed to the side as trash or compost material. Beautiful green tops from beets are normally valued as edible, but great tops from radishes and carrots are often poorly mistaken as un-edible.

Sadly, some beet and mostly carrot and radish top greens rarely ever make it to the plate. They’re not poisonous (so long as you have no allergies) and are simply, delicious. Read More...

Yeah, How to Make Natural Dyes from Plants and other Natural Materials

Love this article from www.motherearthliving.com.

The following is an excerpt from "The Rhythm of Family" by Amanda Blake Soule with Stephen Soule.
Use Natural Dyes
Dyeing fabric and fiber with materials found in the natural world is a family favorite and a wonderful project for all ages. There are endless possibilities for color when we use the earth’s palette as our guide. We’re often surprised by what color a certain material yields when added to fabric—quite often it is so different from the original source. That’s part of the fun, so keep an open mind about your end results, and experiment with whatever you have available in your own backyard!
Natural Materials for Dyeing
Red—dandelion root, beets, rose hips, chokecherries, blackberries, hibiscus
Orange—sassafras, onion skin, carrot root, turmeric, pomegranate
Yellow—marigold, burdock, celery leaves, tea, dandelions, sunflowers
Green—spinach leaves, nettle, red onion, yarrow, foxglove, sorrel
Blue/purple—mulberries, red cabbage, hyacinth, maple tree bark
Brown—oat bark, juniper berries, tea bags, birch bark, walnut hulls

Crafting Notes
If you are dyeing yarn, open it up into a large circle while keeping it wound in its skein. Tie it loosely at several points to hold it in its skein while going through the dye process. Read More...

Grow Sprouts for Fresh Food this Winter

I love fresh food, the closer the source is from home the better. This article explains how we can grow edible sprouts in our own home.  Nutritious sprouts, yummy, low price, nutritious foods.

I love this article from www.motherearthliving.com.

As fun and satisfying as it sounds to have fresh food growing indoors in winter, the truth is that, unless you have a greenhouse or the absolute perfect window, most produce can’t grow with the limited light it would get indoors in winter. This is not the case with sprouts. Sprouts grow wonderfully indoors, and they add a burst of flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Plus, sprouts are incredibly healthy. Contained inside a single seed is everything it needs to grow into a hearty plant. And that’s exactly why these tiny guys are such great sources of nutrients. You can certainly benefit from eating raw seeds, but soaking and sprouting them helps them begin to grow, unlocking some of those powerful compounds. It’s a great—and easy—way to release all that nutrition into a tangy, tasty treat.
In culinary terms, sprouts are typically enjoyed raw or cooked as flavorful additions to other foods, rather than eaten on their own. Sprouts fall into three broad categories: salad-, grain- and bean-type sprouts. Eating a variety of sprouts is the best way to take advantage of their complete buffet of flavors and health benefits. Many types of dishes can be improved by the addition of fresh, homegrown sprouts including scrambled eggs, salads, coleslaw, dips and spreads, salads and wraps, casseroles, soups, breads and stir-fries.

How to Sprout Seeds

First, choose a few plants to sprout and get organically grown seeds from your favorite company (try Johnny’s Selected Seeds or Sprout People). Although some types of sprouts (such as alfalfa) are more common, all the plants listed in “Seeds for Sprouting” below make good sprouts. Seeds require very little in order to sprout: mainly, to be kept moist and in contact with air. Although you can find commercial sprouting kits (including great automatic sprouters), the following simple methods fulfill the requirements. With any method, first rinse your seeds a couple of times, then soak them overnight in a clean jar of water.
Hemp bag method: Dump the soaked seeds into the bag, wet it thoroughly, then hang the bag on a hook to drain.
Jar method: Dump the soaked seeds in a glass jar. Cover the jar with fine-mesh cheesecloth or window screen, and secure it with a rubber band around the lip. Turn the jar over into a container with a wider mouth to catch dripping water.
For the freshest and best-tasting sprouts, rinse and drain the seeds (and then the sprouts) at least a few times a day. You can begin to harvest your sprouts as soon as the tails emerge, which is when they are sweetest, usually within a few days. Or let them grow an inch or two to determine when you like them best. Store in the refrigerator; they’ll stay yummy for a few days. For more growing tips and tasty recipes, read "Kitchen Counter Gardening: Try Sprouts." To learn even more, check out the useful book Sprouts: The Miracle Food by Steve Meyerowitz.

Seeds for Sprouting Read More...

Some of the great qualities of Thyme....

So glad to have found this article in the Farmers Almanac.



You already know thyme is a popular culinary spice, but did you know that this companion of parsley, sage, and rosemary also has many healing properties? Herbalists have been using thyme for centuries to cure a wide variety of ailments. Here’s a look at just a few of the ways this powerful herbal remedy can be used:
Antibacterial – A topical preparations of thyme tea natural antibacterial that can be used to gently disinfect cuts and abrasions.
Antifungal – In addition, topical preparations of thyme tea can help to combat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, yeast infections, and ringworm.
Antioxidant – Thyme contains several known antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, just like green tea, as well as thymonin, luteolin and apigenin.
Digestive Aid – Thyme eases stomach upsets, fights intestinal parasites and promotes a healthy digestive tract.
Eye Wash – Press a cloth soaked in warm thyme tea on your eyes to cure styes and help to fight aid pink eye or conjunctivitis.
Expectorant – Thyme tea can help treat chest infections by clearing away mucus and soothing air passages.
Muscle Relaxer – Thyme can help to soothe and relax muscles cramps, including menstrual cramps.
Sedative – Thyme can help to lower cortisol levels in the body, which helps. A nightcap of thyme tea can improve the quality of sleep and ward off nightmares.

Love Honey; Mabey it's time to consider raising bees...mabey???

Lately I have become really enamoured with local honey. It started when my son who is studying at Davis was complaining of allergies, we bought some local honey and viola, cured. What a tasteful treatment.

Not to mention, during my study of how to treat his allergies with honey, I realized, that much of the honey on sale is stores, is possibly not too much more than high fructose syrup, yech.

So my eyes have opened up to the beauty of local honey and guess what, more and more, now I notice small beehives all over the place.

So I have started to local into what it takes to produce your own honey.

So glad to have found this article on care2.com.

Scientists call it the mystery of the vanishing bees; here’s how to help solve the problem.
With bumblebee populations on the decline in the United States and honeybees prone to a perplexing phenomenon called colony collapse disorder, the search for answers is on. Researchers say the pollinators’ problem could be pesticides, or a virus, or the fact that because of land development, there are fewer flowers in the world. That last one is something we can help fix, in our own gardens. Here are a few ways, including flowers to plant, to start helping the bees. For more inspiration on keeping the bees healthy, visit Bee Thinking in Oregon.
Above: Bees go after anything in bloom, but are particularly drawn to white, yellow, and blue; they see a color called “bee ultraviolet” that guides them to nectar. Lavender is intoxicating to bees (to us, as well). Lavandula angustifolia ‘Violet Intrigue’ has long-lasting blooms; $15.95 at White Flower Farm. Image via Centsational.

Above: Most beekeepers in the United States and Europe raise Apis mellifera, or western honeybees. For beginners, consider a lightweight Backyard Beehive; $339.95 at Williams-Sonona. Image via Botanic Garden. For more ideas, visit Helping Bees Survive, One Colony at a Time.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/keeping-the-bees-alive.html#ixzz2CLHyPehg

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Recently, I took a class on how to make your own Mozzarella Cheese, it looks pretty easy, I think I will give it a try.

Here is a recipe from www.littlehouseliving.com that seems pretty easy to follow:

I love fresh mozzarella cheese. It's my favorite food I think. I like it heated up just plain or heated with homemade sun dried tomatoes. The problem is that it's so expensive! An 8 oz ball can cost anywhere from $4 up to $10 in the store and since my price point for normal cheese is less than $2 a pound, that doesn't really fit into my budget. I buy raw milk for $3 a gallon and I've been wanting to experiment with it for the last couple months. Something I discovered is that it's very hard to find liquid rennet! I waited for months for mine to come in. Here is a fairly simple recipe for homemade mozzarella, using only 1/2 gallon of milk. This recipe *might* work with regular store milk but I did not try it.  Read More....

How To Make Altoid Like Mints

I love this recipe for Altoid like mints. Read here on How To Make Altoid Like Mints.


 I don’t know about you, but I personally can’t get enough of these “simple handmade gift ideas”! I find that even if I don’t end up making them…if I see a really great creative idea…it gets my OWN creative juices flowing and then who KNOWS what can come of it! I have seen that time and time again on this website. I post something and all of YOU comment on it and add to it and get each other thinking and it’s like a brilliant chain reaction! It’s most amazing to watch! I love it! Read More....

Making Ginger Beer

 

Here is a great use for some of the ginger you grow.
Mother Earth Living provides a great recipe to make your own
Ginger Beer.   


Ginger Beer
Makes just over 2 quarts; keeps for 7 days in the refrigerator
Some home-brewers swear by a ginger “plant”—a concentrate made with sugar, ground ginger, and yeast, which can be divided and used again and again—but I rarely bother with the rest of the “plant” after making just one batch of beer. This quick and easy recipe, using fresh ginger, does away with all that malarkey and makes a tasty ginger brew in two or three days. A word to the wise (and parents): this is, of course, mildly alcoholic. And please note all the cautions about exploding bottles.

1½ tbsp fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
7 oz (1 scant cup) granulated sugar
½ tsp cream of tartar
2 quarts cold water
1 lemon
½ tsp fast-action baker’s yeast
1. Put the grated ginger, sugar, cream of tartar and 1 pint of the cold water in a large saucepan. Bring it to a boil.
2. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze the juice of both halves into the pan, then add in one-half to boil, discarding the other (the lemon flavor is too strong with both).
3. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
4. Add the remaining 1½ quarts of the cold water and let the liquid cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Sprinkle on the yeast, stir it in, then leave the mixture for several hours covered well with a clean dishcloth.
6. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer, pressing down the ginger pieces in to extract any last bit of flavor.
7. Using a funnel or thin-lipped jug, pour into two 1-quart sterilized, plastic soft-drink bottles, leaving a little room at the top for the carbon dioxide to take up room. Make sure the last, yeasty-thick drops of the liquid are divided between the 2 bottles.
8. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days, loosening and resealing the tops from time to time to release the pressure of the gas. The ginger beer should be ready after 3 days.
9. Open with extreme caution at all times: the beer will be under pressure from the fermentation process, especially in hot weather. Never point a bottle at someone’s face (including your own).
• Never use glass bottles while ginger beer is fermenting, just in case they shatter. Once fermentation has died right down (after several days), you can decant to a prettier flip-top bottle if you like, but continue to treat with caution.
• Use your ginger beer as a mixer with spirits and with elderflower cordial, or simply add some bruised mint leaves and loads of ice.
• Cold ginger beer is incredibly refreshing on a hot day, and washes down mildly spicy seafood, such as stir-fried shrimp perfectly. Try it with quiches, too.
• You can also make a hedonistic ginger liqueur by mixing grated fresh ginger with vodka. Leave the mixture to steep for 5-6 days, strain into bottles and then, for each 1½ pints of vodka, add a solution made from 1 cup of water and ½ cup of sugar, shake and serve. Delicious                                                   


A Great Use For All Your Seeds & Plants: FRAGRANCE!

Fragrances of Life: So what to do with so many plants and herbs and the harvest of all your seeds. 

How about making fragrant products. I was to glad to find this great article from Mother Earth Living.

Since ancient times, scented body products havebeen used to seduce, entice, influence and heal. The queen of Shebareportedly used aromatics to seduce King Solomon. Cleopatra usedscents to influence the Greeks and Romans. People of many differentcultures wore plant essences in an effort to prevent illness andplague. Even Napoleon enjoyed herbal scents; he reportedly used upto 60 bottles of rosemary cologne a month!

Read More...

Here are just a couple of the great recipes the article offers:

Rose Geranium Dusting Powder

Body powders are an inexpensive, yet luxurious way to wear alight fragrance. They are made up of just a few ingredients foundin most grocery or health-food stores. A 50/50 ratio of rice flourto cornstarch produces a silky powder that does not cake up. Theoptional addition of arrowroot provides an extra softness to themixture. Body powder can be stored in a shaker jar, canister or asmall box with a powder puff.
This recipe calls for fresh leaves of rose-scented geranium(Pelargonium spp.). If you do not have any scented pelargoniumleaves, you may substitute the fresh petals of two very fragrantroses. For a minty refreshing powder, try substituting leaves of apeppermint-scented pelargonium (such as P. tomentosum or‘Peppermint Lace’) and peppermint essential oil for the rosescents. Mints are cooling to wear on hot summer days. MAKES 1 1/4 CUPS
4 fresh rose-scented pelargonium leaves
• 1/2 cup white rice flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (optional)
• 15 drops rose geranium oil
• 1 shaker jar or powder puff container
Use a paper towel to pat pelargonium leaves completely dry. Tearleaves into 1-inch pieces. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar.Cover and shake well. Set aside for one week. Sift out the geraniumleaves and spoon powder into a glass shaker jar or other container.Keep container closed between uses to preserve fragrance. Keep forup to 6 months.

Body Spritz

You can duplicate fancy herbal body sprays found in boutiquesand bath shops at home for a fraction of the cost and makedifferent scented spritzes to give away as gifts. Spritzes workwell with single fragrances such as bergamot, lavender, peppermint,rose geranium or spearmint. Or you can combine two oils such aslavender and bergamot, or vanilla and rose. A peppermint spritz,kept in the refrigerator, cools and provides a refreshing lift totired skin at the end of the workday. MAKES ABOUT 8 OUNCES
• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops of your favorite essential oil
Pour ingredients into an 8-ounce glass or plastic spray bottle.Shake well; then spray on skin after a shower or any time you needto feel refreshed. Keeps for up to 6 months

What's Fab About Fennel Seeds

If I ever wondered about when is the best time to harvest my fennel seeds, and I have, then this article in www.yourorganicgardeningblog.com is just what I have been looking for. 

What’s fab about fennel seed? This versatile seed freshens your breath, soothes coughs, even slims your stomach.

Once you’ve tasted the delicate flavor of fennel seeds from the garden, you’ll never go back to that tasteless stuff at the store.

Do you love the taste of licorice? If you do, you are going to love fennel seed too! Guess what! It tastes just like licorice. Fennel seeds exude anise like sweet fruity-aroma when rubbed between fingers. Read More....

Just in case, anyone seeks more info regarding fennel, here is some more info from: www.preservingyourharvest.com .

Fennel was greatly prized by the Greeks, who used the herb for as many as twenty (20) different ailments, including an appetite suppressant to help loose weight.
The Romans ate the leaves, roots and seeds, using them in salads, and baking them into breads and cakes. Roman ladies used Fennel to loose weight and Roman soldiers ate it to promote good health.
The Anglo-Saxtons chewed the seeds during periods of fasting to stave off the pangs of hunger.
Our Puritan forefathers gave the seeds to their children to chew during the long sermons in early churches to ward off hunger pangs, which was known as "Meeting Seeds".
In the Middle Ages stews were made with the herb, helping the flavor of almost everything and keeping insects out of the food, since no refrigeration was available way back then!
By the 16th century, botanists and physicians alike were writing of the benefits of Fennel as an eye wash and a remedy for poisonous snake bites and to combat the ill effects of eating less than savory mushrooms.

Culinary Uses of Fennel:
Fennel has been used for centuries to flavor fatty meats such as lamb and pork and in stuffing for poultry and oily fish. The leaves are delicious chopped and sprinkled over vegetables and in salad dressings. The dried seeds are used in sauces and baked into breads and cakes.

Medicinal Uses of Fennel:
A tea made from boiling water poured over 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds allowed to seep for five minutes, then strained, makes a great digestive aid, helping to relieve heartburn and constipation. It is known to sooth the muscles of the intestine, aiding in constipation. It is thought to help with water retention, making it an aid in reducing urinary tract problems. It is used to treat cellulitis when mixed with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massaged into the effected areas.

Minor uses of Fennel include mouthwash for gum infections, often being used in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
PLEASE NOTE: Very large doses can lead to nervous system disorders and convulsions. It should never be given to children under the age of six or used by people who are epileptic.

Aromatherapy Uses of Fennel:
Fennel has been used for centuries to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the symptoms of Pre-menstrual Stress Disorder and water retention. During menopause, the tea is helpful in to reduce the unpleasant symptoms caused by fluctuating hormonal levels, stimulating the adrenal glands to produce estrogen once the ovaries have stopped producing it on their own, helping to off-set the appearance of aging.
Seeping a compress in the cooled tea and applying it over your eyes will help relieve watery, swollen eyes.

Harvesting Fennel:
Fennel is a hardy perennial that grows well in a sunny position in the garden in well drained, fertile soil.
Due to the close relationship, Fennel should not be grown next to coriander or dill, as they can cross-pollinate, corrupting all three spices.
Young Fennel sprigs can be harvested at any time during the growing season to use fresh. Care should be taken not to harvest too many sprigs from each plant in order to leave enough to help the plant produce flower heads.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Garden Shears
Collection basket of some sort

METHOD:
1. Clip the young, green leaves in the early morning after the dew has dried off of the leaves, leaving the hard woody stems to generate more growth. This will encourage branching, for a bushier, well formed plant.
2. Alternate in various locations around the crown, leaving leaves to help feed the plant. This will assure a full crop for preserving in the late Fall

How to Harvest and Use Fennel Pollen and Seeds

My fennel plants look like I should of harvested them a few weeks ago. Hope it is not too late, they certainly have turned brown. I was so glad to find this article from examiner.com.

Although it is not recommended to harvest wild fennel for eating or using on your body because so much of the plant is effected by the fumes it grows up around - you can often find safe fennel in rural fields and it is easy to grow as long as you aren't living in an extremely hot environment or an extremely cold one. Bronze fennel seeds are easy to transplant from starts. One plant will produce enough fennel seed to last a family for a year, given it is a well-fertilized plant that grows to over eight feet. Also, if you are growing fennel in a moderate region you may be able to have the bulb winter over and thus become a perennial. You can also harvest the bulb to put into a salad or braise under some fennel pollen sausages, but more on those later. Read More... 

Don't Throw Away That Pumpkin Puree from The Pumpkin

Here is a quick recipe from allrecipes.com.

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2.	Cut pumpkin into small manageable pieces and cut off pith and seeds.
3.	Place cut pumpkin skin side up in a large roasting pan. Add 1/4 inch of water and bake uncovered for 1 hour or until tender. Remove from oven and allow pumpkin to cool.
4.	When cooled, cut away skin and mash or puree. Use in any recipe that calls for canned pureed pumpkin.

More Info On the Wholesome Goodness of Pumpkin Seeds

How to enjoy the goodness of pumpkin seeds. Do not throw away those goodies.  I found this great article on ehow.com. 

Print Article

Discover the expert in you.

Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

By Athena Hessong, eHow Contributor

Save the seeds from cutting a fresh pumpkin, and make roasted pumpkin seeds. The seeds will be a cheaper, fresher and healthier snack option than packaged potato chips from the store. Perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds have a rich flavor and slight crunch.

1. Preparation

   • Roasting pumpkin seeds in an oven darkens the coloring on the seeds and improves the flavor over microwaving or drying the seeds. Remove the seeds from a fresh pumpkin, or other hard, winter squash. Rinse the seeds off to remove the strings from them. Toss the seeds with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Roast the seeds for 30 to 40 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or until lightly toasted. You can also increase the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the seeds for 12 to 15 minutes, but the higher temperature increases the chances of burning the seeds. Wait for the seeds to cool completely before eating.

   Seasonings

   • Use your imagination when flavoring your pumpkin seeds. All spices should be added when tossing the seeds with oil. Plain salt is a favorite seasoning option, but other spices can also be added. Try spice mixtures such as barbecue seasoning, crab boil seasoning, Cajun spice seasoning, Asian five-spice seasoning, or Italian dressing dry mix. Toss the pumpkin seeds with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat. Try hickory-smoked salt instead of plain table salt for a barbecued flavor. Chili powder and lime or garlic and onion powders will enhance the flavor of pumpkin seeds used as an ingredient in Latin-American recipes or as a snack for a fiesta.

   Nutrition

   • Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack any time of the day. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 1-oz. serving of roasted whole pumpkin seeds (85 seeds) without salt contains only 126 calories. There are only 5.5 grams of fat in the same serving size. Pumpkin seeds are also a valuable source of protein and fiber, with 5.2 grams of each per serving. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Naturally, pumpkin seeds have a low level of sodium, but adding salt to the seasonings will change this depending on the amount of salt used.

   Serving and Storage

   • Serve the pumpkin seeds as a snack, recipe ingredient, or to top salads and soups. Eat the entire seed whole, or crack the shell with your teeth and spit it out. Seal the cooled roasted pumpkin seeds in an air-tight container. The fat in pumpkin seeds causes them to become rancid after two days at room temperature, but they can be stored for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Resources

• Chow: 10 Ways to Spice Up Pumpkin Seeds

How to Make Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Its that time of year when pumpkins are growing and pumkins are decorated for Halloween. Generally, people rush to decorate these goodies and then throw them away wasting some of the best thing in nature: pumpkin and pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin seeds are reputed to be high in zinc and also helpful to prevent prostaste cancer in men. Year after year, we run to the store for cans of pumpkin mush to make those delicious pies, all the while throwing away perfectly good pumpkins. Hahhh? Does that really make sense? Why not harvest the goodies? On this web site: Pumpkin patches and more I found some really good instructions, (easy to follow) on how to roast your own pumpkin seeds.

Here is another quick and easy recipe for roasting your own pumpkin seeds from ehow.com.

How to Bake Pumpkin Seeds

By an eHow Contributor

Very few fruits are as versatile as the pumpkin. You can make pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup or pumpkin bread; you can make a lantern out of the non eatable parts for Halloween and you can even bake the seeds and eat them as a snack. This eHow will instruct you on how to best bake pumpkin seeds.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fresh pumpkin seeds
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Kitchen knife
• Baking sheet
• Paper towel
• Spatula

Suggest Edits

1. • 1
     Separate the seeds of a freshly carved pumpkin from the stringy membrane. Rinse the seeds just until they are free of any membrane matter.
   • 2
     Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
   • 3
     Put the seeds on a paper towel and let them dry for a few minutes.
   • 4
     Spray a baking sheet with butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray or brush with a light coating of vegetable oil. Put the seeds on the baking sheet in a single layer, turning to coat lightly with the spray or the oil. Sprinkle the seeds lightly with salt, if desired.
   • 5
     Put the baking sheet in the oven. Cook the seeds for 10 to 20 minutes, or until brown and slightly crisp, turning once. Allow to cool before eating.
   • 6
     Store seeds in an airtight container.

Tips & Warnings

• Pumpkin seeds can be eaten with the outer shell on or off.
• For a saltier treat, boil the pumpkin seeds in heavily salted water for ten minutes, then bake them.
• Also try additional seasonings on your seeds: Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt are some possibilities.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish

Picking Milking Goats for the Homestead

So glad to have found this article in Mother Earth, I am looking for a couple of milking goats for my homestead.

Picking Milking Goats for the Homestead

Solomon said, "Thou shalt have goat's milk enough for thy food, for the good of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maiden" . . . a statement that — besides extolling the beverage-producing attributes of these caprine creatures — goes to show that the generous beasts have been domesticated for a long time! However, a modern goat enthusiast might wish to add to Solomon's wisdom, noting that — over and above its ability to produce healthful dairy products — the "poor man's cow" can be a pretty danged amusing and lovable animal to have around


Read More...

How to Pick and Preserve a Pumpkin

 

 

 

 

It isn't necessary that you eat your entire supply of pumpkin right away . . . since one of this               vegetable's greatest advantages is its easy preservability. The gourds don't keep quite as well in a rootcellar as do thicker-skinned winter squash . . . but if handled gently so that they don't bruise, and stored — off the ground and not touching one another — in a cool (50° to 60°F) moisture-free location, they should stay fresh for up to three months. (Do wipe the cellared fruit with a cloth from time to time, though . . . otherwise, the moisture resulting from condensation could lead to decay.)

Read More....

A BARRAGE OF GMOS: HEADING OUR WAY

Unless awareness increases and action is taken soon, the inventions of GMO will soon be inundating our lives.

Twenty Genetically Modified Foods, Coming to Your Plate.

Intro – If the need to halt GMOs were not urgent enough, this article should scare the pants off you. Here we glimpse some of the potentials for the unabated and bizarre proliferation of GMOs. Some of these developments you will already know about (hopefully), but some will come as a surprise. As I see it we are now at a crossroads where we can still dismantle this dangerous and perverted manipulation of the very fabric of life, the sacred code of nature, which will undoubtedly affect each and every one of us in profound ways now and in the future.  Read More...

Raising Chickens: 101. Yeah, I have a dream to live off the land.

Amazing, early in the 19th Century, so many were dreaming to get away from the rural lands, into the urban areas, now many of us now are feeling the strong desire to go back to the ways of nature.

As for me, currently, as far as animals are concerned; I have two dogs and a cat. And I am doing all I can to be a good steward of the pets I own, Elvis and Fox are my dogs and Pesto is my cat. So I have lectured myself, that until they are flee free, cavity free and I am feeding them properly, I can not obtain more animals. But as soon as that is accomplished, well, let me put it this way, I am getting my chicken coop ready. And I just can't wait to get my first free egg as far as I'm concerned, that's the way its meant to be.

So I was happy to see this article from The Farmers Almanac.  Raising chickens for eggs? Let's talk about how to collect, clean, store, and hatch chicken eggs in this fifth installment of our Raising Chickens 101 series .   

Early Seeds of Christianity

This blog is mostly about "seeds" and therefore about Life. Because the Life of things is in the seed. Many of us are of the Judeo Christian Faith, myself included, therefore I would be remiss if I did not occasionally include the seeds of our Christian Faith. Today I remember the Early Church Fathers: as I remember today is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Antioch, who died a martyr for the Christian Faith in the year 107. Copies of some of the letters he wrote are still available, and we have reason to believe that he was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist, the beloved apostle.
Read More...  

You may read more about this admirable Saint and you will find a copy of some of his letters here: Read More...              

Banana Bread Recipe from Valley Fig Growers

Banana Bread Gets A Tasty Power Boost (NAPSI)—This classic banana bread can get a scrumptious new look and nutrition power boost with the addition of sweet, fiber-rich figs and yummy chocolate morsels. Looking for an after-school snack for the kids, a morning treat to enjoy with coffee or the perfect holiday hostess gift? Chocolate Fig Banana Bread delivers on all counts. Freeze loaves whole or cut into slices and wrap individually in plastic wrap to grab out of the freezer for everyday use. This Chocolate Fig Banana Bread recipe can also be used to transform bread pudding, French toast and layered ice cream parfaits into decadent holiday dishes to delight friends and family. For more recipes, baking tips, figs and fig products, go to the Valley Fig Growers website, www.valleyfig.com. Chocolate Fig Banana Bread 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1½ cups mashed, very ripe bananas (about 4) 2 large eggs ½ cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup stemmed, chopped (½ -inch) Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Mission or Calimyrna Figs ½ cup miniature chocolate morsels Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350º F. Oil 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. In separate bowl, whisk together bananas, eggs, oil and vanilla. Whisk liquids into dry ingredients, mixing just until blended. Stir in figs and chocolate. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake 60 to 70 minutes (cover with foil after about 30 minutes to prevent overbrowning) or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan. Run sharp knife around edge of pan and remove bread from pan to wire rack to cool. Wrap airtight and store at room temperature or freeze. Makes 1 loaf.

Two home made deodorant recipes

Its no secret that I am a naturalists, I love natural things and I believe natural completely provided for mankind. Therefore, clearly, I would choose to avoid unnatural, or synthetic, or misapplied natural ingredients. Therefore I am sooo happy to have found this recipe from www.campwander.blogspot.com, to make your own deodorant. Unfortunately, many commercial products on the market ( and expensive at that), include ingredients that are not known to be safe for the human body, this includes both aluminum and parabens.

In fact it is proudly called: Breast Cancer Awareness Deodorant , following is the recipe, but the article is really worth reading, Check it out... If the following recipe is a bit more than you are up to tackle at this time, then scroll on down to the easier spray on recipe, only 4 ingredients and it is ready to use.

 

The process is simple! Add the coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch and bees wax to a small saucepan. On very low heat, slowly melt the coconut oil and bees wax. Stir in the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.

This recipe will fill one recycled solid deodorant tube and two 4 oz mason jars. This is a family size batch!

Homemade Spray-On Deodorant

Ingredients:
1/2 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup aloe vera gel (or juice)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
10 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil (one of the most effective deodorant essential oils that has a crisp, refreshing scent!)

Directions:
Add witch hazel, aloe vera, baking soda and your favorite essential oils to a small spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray on underarms. If you don’t like the “wet” feel of it…you can stand in front of a fan for a few seconds to help it dry…or you can gently pat it with a dry towel. I didn’t do either. I just sprayed it on and went about my day.

(Important Note: Clary Sage Oil should be avoided during pregnancy.)

I also tested this deodorant out on my own armpits and loved it. When I first sprayed it on it felt cool, refreshing and almost tingly! I thought the ‘wetness’ feeling of it might bother me…but after a minute I forgot I even had it on. And after wearing it all day long, no notice of any odor or wetness. Success!!
Whether you prefer to rub-in, rub-on, or spray….now you can make your own homemade deodorant that’s safe, effective and downright enjoyable to use!

Jiaogulan Herb

 

 

Today, I purchased a new herb that I have never heard of before, I found it at a local nursery, it is called Jiaogulan.  It is reputed to be an adaptogen, (meaning it adapts to the bodies neads). According to this article, Jiaogulan has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities through its many saponins. ¹⁰ Jiaogulan also helps the body to resist depression of the immune system and other stress-related symptoms. ^{11, 12} Furthermore there are other clinical research studies, which indicate jiaogulan's ability to reduce tumor size. ^13,14 It can even lower high blood pressure. ¹⁵

In China jiaogulan is praised as the “Herb of Immortality,” due to its many health giving qualities and anti-aging effects.  READ MORE...

According to a Wikipedia article Jiaogulan is best known as an herbal medicine reputed to have powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity. Clinical research has indicated a number of therapeutic qualities of Jiaogulan, such as lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure, strengthening immunity, and inhibiting cancer growth. Read More....

Well I am not sure if I will try it, I probably don't, but it is still good info, and I value knowing about the various herbs throughout the world. In any case, here is an article on possible side effects, Read More...  
 

How to Make Organic Flea Dog Shampoo | The Daily Puppy

How to Make Organic Flea Dog Shampoo | The Daily Puppy

ACT FOR SEEDS

 

 

 

Join in on the campaign on the preservation of seeds. Who knew that our right to seeds is being endangered. Check out this video and make up your mind. Act For Seed



The Tulsi Plant; Queen of Herbs

 

 

 

The Tulsi Plant is considered the Queen of Herbs. It is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers, Tulsi has several benefits:

• Relieves stress / adaptogen
• Bolsters immunity
• Enhances stamina
• Provides support during cold season
• Promotes healthy metabolism
• A natural immuno-modulator

"Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar." Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian Dept. of Health and Welfare. Read More....


According to the web site Livestrong.com, Tulsi is known as the latin name, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and it is generally recognized as safe, although in some cases it can cause allergic reactions, Read More...