Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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...              

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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.

Friday, October 12, 2012

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!)
homemade deodorant
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!



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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...  
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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...