Going Away Check List

Going away to visit another ecology can be challenging for us.

I have often seen people suffering from unexplained ills that have a pivot point of travel to another climate/overseas. We may have the benefit of a resistant immune system at home.

Travel to exotic destinations are a whole different kettle of fish.

So what can we do?
The obvious would be to be cautious of water supply for drinking. This applies to ice cubes and frozen fruit treats. Wash fruits and vegetables in a mild peroxide solution. I like a product called 'Oxygen Solution. It is effective  and a basin of water only needs 10 drops or so.  Grapeseed extract is another really potent anti-bacterial solution. This can be used by the drop internally so it is safe for foods. 

So here is a basic run down on prevention

Acidophilus

It is important to fill the intestines with bacteria that produce low toxins.  This increases resistance by ‘filling the space’ and reduces the change of opportunistic organisms to proliferate in the intestines unchecked. If you can’t provide some degree of refrigeration, look for an entero coated product that will stay stable even in the heat.

Udo Super 5 from Flora is an oral version that inoculates the mouth, throat and stomach.  This needs to be kept cool.

Melatonin/ Insomnia Pellets

I prefer Melatonin Time Released by Innovite.  Take 4 or 5 at once, and then reduce the amount by one the next night and so on, if you are sleeping better.  Insomnia Pellets by Homeocan, are also helpful to keep sleeping patterns back on track, especially when jet lagged.  Our bodies have a Circadian rhythm that can become interrupted by travel through different time zones.  Also if you are a person who is always waking up at 3 in the morning like clockwork, this is a ‘blip’ in the Circadian rhythm.

Another essential is Emergen-C, an mineral ascorbate powder that goes fizzy when you put it in water. Comes in great flavours. My fav is Lemon/lime. When you feel wonky, head achy, queasy or your digestion feels wonky, cut back on food for a short time and try this. Use 1/2 packet at a time every hour, up to 4 doses.  

Unda # 710 Homeopathic Complex

As a preventative, take 5 drops morning and 5 drops at bedtime.  This remedy tends to be more for ears, nose, throat, and sinuses.  For people who have ear trouble when traveling by airplane this would be started a week or more before the flight. For general resistant to airborne pathogens, take 5 drops at bedtime only.

Unda # 37 Homeopathic Complex

Is to support and fight pathogens such as virus and bacteria.  5 Drops at bedtime is suggested for prevention, but when fighting something, take 5 drops morning and night.

Unda # 39 Homeopathic Complex

This complex discourages parasites from gaining a toe-hold.  Take 5 drops at bedtime throughout the vacation.  No matter what, be really careful of water supply while away.  Remember that ice cubes are local water.

Vitamin C/Vitamin A

This is generally great to take to increase protection and immunity and cell integrity (resistance).  Also Vitamin D3 400 IU daily can help resist flu and colds.

Multi Vitamin/Mineral

If you are going to the trouble of hauling a multi vitamin/mineral around and commit to taking a multi with every darn meal, make sure it is a really good quality and is absorbed well.  I prefer Progressive Nutrition formulas.  They are in capsules rather than tablet form.

Oil of Oregano/Echinacea/Goldenseal

Oil of Oregano is an antiseptic whereas Echinacea is an immune simulator.  Echinacea is good to have handy, in case of infection or onset of illness, but oil of oregano is safe to use every day preventatively.  Goldenseal herb is a great infection fighter, especially in a viral overgrowth, but again is used if and when needed.

Here is an interesting way to use Oil of Oregano. It is my airport special.

Eye Drops

The trouble with eye drops is that they are usually preserved with something nasty.  Ephrasia Stilidoses is homeopathic Eyebright herb, in single application ampules.  This is great to use to flush the eyes after swimming in chlorine treated pools or in lakes and oceans. Sisu also makes a good natural eye drop formula that will soothe and clean the sensitive eye tissue.  Just a note, that Katherine Hepburn had trouble with her eyes after the making of the movie, ‘African Queen’.  This ongoing problem was contributed to the river water where they were filming.

Fiber/Water

It is a good idea to keep up fiber intake in you diet while away, especially for those who tend to be toilet-shy when away from home.  Take it easy on fruit if your system is not used to it.  Fruit all of a sudden in the bowel can lead to a bout of constipation. Keep hydrated throughout the day. 

Calendula Cream or Mother Tincture

Calendula Tincture, diluted is great to have on hand for scrapes and minor burns, including sunburn.  This also helps to protect the skin from infection as well as speed heal.  Calendula MT is also good for taking out the itch and reducing inflammation.   Not the best choice if the skin is broken.

Hypericum Mother Tincture

Hypericum Tincture, diluted is great to use in place of alcohol or peroxide for an open wound or when the skin is broken.  This can be used in the form of a spray.  Hypericum MT is as well as being an antiseptic, an aid to speed the healing process.  Hypericum MT helps the body to heal from the inside out rather than healing over the surface, and perhaps locking debris within.

Sunscreen/mineral makeup

Sunscreen is essential when traveling to hot climates.  Mineral make up applied by brush is the best protection from sun.  It will not easily sweat or wash off.  Men with extra forehead will do well with mineral makeup.  It is like a thick layer of zinc cream without the cream.  Sensitive skin will do well with this approach.

Adrenal Support

If you need to recoup and restore your energy while away, consider maximizing your build by adding an adrenal supplement to your daily plan.  If you plan to hike all day and dance all night, an adrenal supplement will help carry you through so you don’t arrive back home exhausted.

Liver/Kidney Detox

When vacationing we can often eat more than we usually would at home, and often drink more alcohol than we should.  Look after your filter systems by doing a mild detox daily.  This can be in the form of fresh lemon/lime in pure drinking water, or chlorophyll concentrate in your drinking water.  Take lighter meals the day after overindulging, and drink lots of water.  Homeopathic Nux Vomica 30k can really help the liver to de-tox.

Choline/Nux Vomica 200k

Food poisoning can happen anywhere.  Sometimes the liver and gall bladder have just had enough of our overindulgence.  For nausea, take 1 Choline every 15 minutes until the nausea stops.  Nux Vomica can also be taken at 15-230 minute intervals.  Ginger can be helpful as well, fresh in a tea or in capsules.

Ginger caps/tea/Nux Vomica/Coculus Indicus 200k

Motion sickness can be helped by a natural approach.  You may want to have what you usually use on hand just in case the above doesn't work as well as you would like.

Digestive enzymes

It is wonderful to have fun times where we share great food and great friends.  However, feasts can lead to a burdening of the digestive system.  For example when corn on the cob is added to the rest of the menu, nothing gets digested.  Corn is a considered to be a carbohydrate rather than a vegetable; therefore it can easily be digested when combined with other carbohydrates as well as vegetable.

Food combining has been championed by such food gurus as Harvey and Marilyn Diamond and Suzanne Somers.  Basically you don’t eat proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal.  Fruits (as well as deserts) are eaten alone. 

Digestive enzymes are genuine relief when eating a variety of foods together.  Some products are more carbohydrate specific, others are more protein specific.  If you are burpy and gassy, enzymes will change your world.  Pay attention to what you eat that causes your system to be hurting or in an uproar.

So What If?

If you tend to notice trouble with after eating bread or sugar, this may be a yeast or Candida issue.  Increasing acidophilus may help.

If you develop skin issues, heads up; something is going on in the blood. Get checked out as soon as you can. To be sure, plan a check up for when you get back home. Nipping things in the bud as always a better plan.

 

Scalp Issues

Scalp issues like skin issues are far more than skin deep.

I started out my professional life as a hair stylist, and I worked in the cosmetic industry for over fourteen years. Clients would often ask me for my personal recommendations for products to use to treat extreme scalp and skin issues.

I found myself looking at my clients skin, scalp and hair, thinking to myself that the issues were deeper than what could be cured by a bottle of stuff.



In almost all cases, what I was seeing was some sort of imbalance from deeper in the body.  This could be signs of irritation from the products there were using, but for the most part, what I was seeing was signs of allergies, nutritional starvation or signs of systemic (whole blood/body) infections that were building high levels toxin in the blood and the toxins were in turn draining out through the skin.

More than just skin deep
The most common infections are bacteria, yeast/fungus, viral and parasitical.  Micro-organisms don't play nice.  Mixed infections 'dysbiosis' are a mixed bag of infection acting together like a street gang (dysbiosis is like symbiosis but with a bad attitude). Bacteria can either show as large yellow oily flakes, often with an inflamed looking scalp with sores underneath.  Another type of disturbance is small white dry flakes with an overall red irritated scalp underneath, sometimes in localized patchy raised red areas. The dry version is often accompanied by an intense itch.

Psoriasis is a blood toxin issue that has an infection (usually a combination bacterial/fungal) root.  This condition really amps up when there is more personal, dietary or life stress.  Psoriasis will also get worse in the presence of sugar, simple carbohydrates, beer, yeast, wine, mushrooms and junk food.  Antibiotics or hormone imbalances can make it worse to the point where the skin cracks and 'weeps'.  Eczema looks similar, and can worsen with outside factors, but has more of a deeper genetic or inherited root than other skin conditions.  Cradle cap (it doesn't just affect babies) is a sign of a systemic yeast overgrowth.

Cleaning up the diet can really help.  Drinking warm water and lemon first thing in the morning can be a good habit to cultivate.  Cleansing herbs, cleansing teas and green foods can really help to clean up the blood. Just be aware that chronic digestive issues may also be showing all sorts of symptoms and issues, including skin irritation. This may require a deeper and longer look to focus on restoring the health of this primary system.

Single homeopathic remedies may also really help the body to overcome the problem.  Also recognizing that when overgrowths are the root of the problem, a protocol for clearing the infection may be the most sensible first step for lasting change.  Remember that what you see on the skin is the symptom not the cause.

All that being said, I have some advice concerning treatment and balancing of the scalp.  I love LUSH products which are handmade small batches of body care products using only natural ingredients.  I like owner Mark Constantine's philosophy.   His advice is to treat the scalp and hair separately.

Be careful with styling products and conditioners on the scalp
A while back I got into trouble by using a styling product directly onto my scalp.  I was trying to amp up the curl by getting a lot of product at the base of the hair.  Wrong!  It irritated my scalp to the point where I was crazy with the itch.  It took months to get the balance back.  Now prevention is the key so I still follow the system I outline below at least twice a month.

Healing and preventative program
Here are some ideas for a scalp and hair healing program.  Superbalm is a treatment for the scalp.  I use the flat surface of a toothpick to scrape up a little of the product and then warm it between my fingers.  Then I massage it into my scalp being careful to avoid getting it in my hair.  This is a exercise in patience.  If you do this at bedtime, cover your pillow case to protect it and leave the treatment in overnight.  Shampoo it out in the morning as usual.

Exfoliate your scalp
Roots is another great healing product for the scalp, especially if the scalp is dry and itchy. It is minty and soothing. To exfoliate the scalp, you can add sea salt to the Roots product to create a salt scrub to clear away some of the dry skin on your scalp, or use Ocean Salt  as your creamy scalp exfoliant.  If you have open skin, it is going to sting so be wise here.

Using a gentle touch is key.  Going tooth and nail is just going to make things worse. Gently massage for a bit; rinse out and then shampoo as usual. The salt treatment will also make your hair extra shiny.  Ocean Salt scrub gets full bonus points with me.

If you have the oily large flake variety of dandruff, you may need to soften the scales off with oil first (castor oil, or olive oil is good, but if you go slap happy here, you are doing to have a bugger of a time getting all the oil out of your hair after).  You can add antiseptic essential oils to the carrier oil. Lavender, rosemary, oregano are great choices.  Again, you can leave this on overnight and shampoo out the treatment in the morning.  Don't be a 'flash in the pan'.  You will have to keep up using the treatments until the scalp is 'fixed'.

Treat the scalp and hair differently
I have long curly hair that tends to be scary big hair unless I take serious measures. If you have short hair that doesn't need conditioning, ignore this.  For a full treatment I would use the Superbalm on the scalp first and then put a moisturizing conditioning treatment on the hair.  Either leave on for twenty minutes or overnight before shampooing off. After shampooing I use a leave-in anti frizz boost of moisture, called R & B.  If I do all this, I don't need a styling product, or at least very little of it.

I want to point out here that I am not affiliated with, or paid to endorse Lush products.  Lush hair products just happen to have worked better than anything else I have tried so far.  I personally will not use chemical laden treatments.  The Lush product line is also affordable.  You can order on line or visit store locations. The staff are really helpful and they are very generous with giving out samples to try.

Home made 'Snake Oil'
Lush produced a bar scalp treatment that I liked called 'Snake Oil' that is now discontinued.  I now make my own version of it. I start with a jar of cocoa butter (with 5% jojoba oil) by a company called 'Now'.  I melt it using a bain marie method.  When it is evenly melted I add about 20 drops each of essential oils of: lavender, rosemary, cade (juniper), tea tree and balsam of peru.  Pour the mixture into molds (nothing fancy, I just use the plastic form that rice crackers came in).  When the bars are firm wrap the bars individually in waxed paper. I keep one bar handy and store the rest in the fridge.

To use, as with the Superbalm; the heat from your fingers will warm the oils and you can massage it into the scalp.  If you have extra dry or frizzy hair, leave this treatment on overnight.  It will work its way down the hair shaft a bit and work miracles to tame unruly locks.

Experiment until you find what works.  Consistency is the key.  If you stick with the program, I trust this will help.  If the topical approach is not working, you most likely have a very tenacious underlying infection or your core digestion is whacky.  In a way it is a blessing that your body will not hide the problem.  Such is the body's wisdom.

Keep well_ Nelda

Why Autumn is the Season for the Lungs and Large Intestine

According to Oriental tradition, the metal element encompasses the autumn season and highlights the lungs and large intestine.  The fall is the perfect time to address the needs of these two important organs.

Specialized Kinesiology is the energy system I use for assessments.  This gives one the opportunity to look at the body relationally; organs, glands and muscles.  Muscle testing can give a profound up to the moment insight into the body’s strengths as well as its stresses.

In regard to the lungs, the muscles sharing this same meridian are:  the anterior serratus (think the 'red cap' salute), the deltoids (rotator cuff), coracobrachialis (think ‘the Fonz’ salute), and the diaphragm.  If the energy circuit to the muscles is weak, logic would say that this same lack of energy supply would also affect the organs and glands on the same river of energy.

The lungs often get used by the body’s detox system as an overflow system.  This once a year clean out can be really helpful, especially before the additional stresses of extreme cold and dry heat.  There are many herbal formulas this help to clean the lungs and respiratory system.  Lung Flush by Omega Alpha and the Inula formulas by Genestra are excellent. 

Hydration is essential here as well.  This means 1 to 2 ounces every ½ hour.  Foods rich in Vitamin C and eating lung and spleen can be helpful to strengthen the lungs.  This can be obtained in pill form for the squeamish.

The large intestine is the other organ on the metal meridian.  The muscles in this group include the Fascia lata which runs down the outside of the thigh from hip to knee, the Hamstrings, and the Quadratus lumborum. We don’t tend to see back issues or knee issues, or chronically tight hamstrings as having at their root, an elimination problem.  As with the lungs, Vitamin C and optimum hydration are essential for bowel health.

There are many good bowel cleanse products available.  I do have a caution here.  If you have or suspect you have some problems or impacted areas, bulking up all of a sudden is not a wise plan.  Something simple like increasing vegetables in your diet will increase natural fibre.

Flax seed tea (a heaping teaspoon of seeds cracked open in a coffee grinder, put into a mug and fill mug with very hot water.  Let it sit for a few minutes until the contents get a little thick and drink it down).  Food grade aloe vera juice can be helpful as well.  This is a very gentle healing approach especially if there is discomfort or inflammation present.  Marshmallow herb and Slippery Elm are helpful to lubricate and soothe.  These herbs do not interfere with absorption in the GI tract.

To improve hydration in the bowel, cook barley grain in lots of water. To decrease excess water in the bowel pan-toast barley until it is fragrant and then add water and tender-cook.

How fortunate we are to have a 2,000 year old health system at our fingertips; the best of the east and west and the old and the new.  Integrated health is the blessing of this day and age.  

  

Metal Element Nutrition

The following are Metal Element foods:

 Fennel seed, Fenugreek, Flax seed, Parsnips, 

Horse radish, Daikon radish, Chai tea in milk, Ginger, Barley, White potatoes, Cauliflower, 

Cabbage, Tofu

Wilted Kale Salad with Mushrooms and Red Onion

• Curly Green Kale sliced fine, enough to fill a large heat proof salad bowl, taking out the large stems and veins
• Slice ¼ medium red onion in thin slices
• Slice 2 Cups of firm white button mushrooms 
• Heat 1/3 Cup of light oil in sauté pan on medium heat

Add the sliced mushrooms sauté and stir frequently until you see the mushroom exuding juice

Quickly add ¼ Cup of Balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 minutes

Take off heat and add 1 heaping tsp of Dijon Mustard into the centre of the pan stirring well to mix

Quickly pour hot dressing over the kale and mix well

The Kale will turn a bright green.

Taste add more Balsamic dressing if needed

Add onions and toss lightly

To serve, grind Gomasio coarsely and sprinkle on top

In this way Gomasio tastes like bacon

Japanese Gomasio

Rinse 1 cup of brown sesame seeds in sieve under tepid running water

Let drain

Use dry cast iron skillet –medium heat 

Cut dulse into very small bits using scissors

Toast dulse in pan until the dulse is crisp

Add 1 tsp Celtic salt –ground fine

Up end the sieve and dump in sesame seeds all at once

Spread the seeds over bottom of skillet and leave it to dry for several minutes until the seeds no longer stick to the bottom of the pan.  Be patient.  This is the 'screw up' point.

Stir gently and fairly constantly (you may need to reduce heat)

This is ready when seeds are fragrant, slightly golden and hollow (crush one to see)

Cool and store in an airtight jar.

To release the calcium and minerals inside the seed, coarsely grind the seeds with a mortar and pestle or by using a small coffee grinder.  Do this just before serving. 

For an interesting and calcium rich salad dressing, grind about ¼ cup with mortar and pestle, or small coffee grinder and add to a basic vinaigrette.  

2 parts oil to one part vinegar - If you find dressings have too much bite, add 1 tablespoon of water.  

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinegar is strong tasting – so add a little less than the full part

Crush 1 garlic clove and add to oil

Add 1Tbs of Dijon mustard (emulsifier)

Herbamere to taste

Kids in the Car! - Natural First Aid Travel Essentials

Attempting to travel or camp with children can be a daunting task.  You want to imagine the worst things that could befall your family and be prepared; yet you don’t want to end up with a bulky package of what –in-cases that take up precious cargo room.  Here are some tried and true summer first aid basics.

The over-all best resource book to have with you is:  ‘Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child’, Zand, Walton and Roundtree.  This resource will cover all the medical, herbal and homeopathic basics.

Most of these resources are available at Health Food Stores.

 Health Care Basics

Hypericum Lotion also called Mother Tincture.  This is used in place of alcohol or peroxide for open wounds, broken skin, inflamed tissues and to prevent infection.  Alcohol or peroxide although it sterilizes, does eat away at the freshly healed tissue somewhat. 

The great thing about Hypericum MT is that it sterilizes, feeds the wound and heals the wound from the inside out.  This is especially beneficial when you suspect particles that may still be in the tissues.  You don’t want the skin to seal on the surface when you’re not sure if there is hair or debris still trapped in the wound

Method:  Dilute 1 part MT to 4 parts water.  Apply with Q-tip or cotton pad or it can be mixed in a sterile spray bottle.  Attempting to spray it on is more successful that trying to come close to an ‘owie’.  Use often to cleanse the wound and speed its healing.  This is a wonderful remedy for post-scratched infected or inflamed bug bites.

Calendula Lotion also called Calendula Mother Tincture.  Whereas Hypericum Lotion is used anytime the skin is open, calendula is most effective for abrasions, burns, chafes, sunburn or any kind of itch.  Calendula does come in an ointment form, but I don’t like putting oil on burns or abrasions.  Calendula, a type of marigold flower, speeds healing, is an antiseptic, and reduces inflammation and pain.

Calendula cream can be used for soothing and healing an irritated scalp and works well for a dandruff prone scalp.  It is great for reducing the itch of insect bites heat rash and for sunburn.  In regard to diaper rash, calendula can be used on the skin as a healing layer, and a barrier product used on top of it.

As a quick first aid for kitchen burns, Calendula is without rival.  Calendula helps to take the heat out of a burn fast. A word of caution, Calendula is not recommended for open wounds and where the skin is broken.

Method:  Dilute 1 part MT to 4 parts water.  Apply with Q-tip or cotton pad or it can be mixed in a sterile spray bottle. Use often to speed healing and increase comfort.

Summer dehydration

It is the minerals in our bodies that keep the water balanced in the cells. In the summer we gravitate to cooling hydrating foods such as celery, peaches, watermelon, and cucumber.  Adding sea vegetables such as kelp, nori or dulse to our diets can help us to keep our cool during hot weather (much better than refined table salt).  Enduralyte or a quality unsweetend electrolyte formula can really help us to keep our blood minerals balanced in the heat.

Biochemical cell salts

When we are cremated, what is left over is cell salts.  They are the carbon components of our own tissues.  Cell salts stimulate and support proper function of cell/organ/system.  They keep water in balance and feed the body at a cellular level.

The Summer Cell Salts

To relieve stomach upset, bloating, intestinal discomfort and lassitude consider Kali Mur, Nat Phos, and Nat Sulph.  They are usually found in low potencies such as 6x or 12x.  Their value is vastly underrated especially in regard to very young children.

Homeopathics are diluted forms of plant material that cause a healing and balancing response in the body. For home use you would be using low potencies.  I will let you do your own research on this. 

Think of an aeroplane traveling down a runway, and you notice one wheel drifting off the tarmac, Homeopathics are a way of nudging the body back on track.  (Balance)

The Integrative Approach

Use herbs and vitamins and minerals as well as Homeopathics.  Not all or nothing.

Also support the body long term. What else would help?  Don’t lose sight of the cause.

Heat Exhaustion

Tissue Salts 12 in One-Melange (all of the 12), Encourage small sips of water,

Consider Homeopathic Aconite

Skin eruptions

 Kali Mur, Kali Sulph, Calc Sulph, and Silica

Rashes, itch, nettle rash, or heat rash

Urtica homeopathic

Poison ivy

Rhus Tox 6x homeopathic or Urtica

Also avoid eating cashews and mangoes which are in the same food family.

Sprains and Bruises

Arnica 30k

Can use Arnica liposome topically for swelling

Ruta 30 or 200k for deeper bone bruising

Concussion

Arnica 200k

Always seek medical care.

Burns including sunburn

Calendula Lotion topically

Utica Urens or Cantharis Homeopathic

Protect the skin from sun by using non allergenic pure mineral makeup as sunscreens.  These fine powders will not sweat off easily or get easily washed off.

Insect Bites and Stings

Hypericum Tincture topically

Golden Seal Herb poultice and internally as a tea (not when Pregnant)

Homeopathic Apis or Urtica

Motion Sickness

Cocculus homeopathic

Bone Breaks

Symphytum homeopathic

Always seek medical aid.  This remedy encourages and stimulates the natural healing of the broken bones.  I would also recommend the extra use of a good cal mag for the initial first week or so of the healing. I suggest Floradix Liquid Cal Mag.  This product is made from food, and is more body friendly.  This is especially important for optimum absorption for children.  It will, however, require refrigeration.

Muscle Cramps or growing pains

Again, Flora Liquid Cal Mag.   Give a couple of teaspoons every 10 minutes or so until the cramping stops.  This is especially important for absorption for children

Food Poisoning

Nux Vomica homeopathic and Choline 1 tablet every 15 minutes.  Cheladonium Plex is a helpful homeopathic plex that can be taken ongoing for a week or so to bring the digestive system fully back to balance.  The use of live culture probiotics is essential.

Digestive Disturbances

The summer tissue salts are helpful: Kali Mur, Nat Phos and Nat Sulph.  Probiotics and digestive enzymes are helpful to restore the gut.  The overall reducing fatty foods and processed foods can help.  Reducing mucous forming foods such as dairy and wheat can be helpful while the body is recovering.  Cheladonium Plex can be helpful when used over a longer period of time to strengthen the digrestion. 

Parasites

Black Walnut Tincture, Cina 30k, Unda # 39

Over-indulgence of food, alcohol or too much mental work

Nux Vomica 30k or 200k, Choline

Coughs and Respiratory Congestion

Drosera, Spongia, Dulcamera in 30k or 200k

Flu or Sudden illness

Unda # 37, Oscillococcinum by Boroin or Flu Buster by Homeocan are good treatments when used at the earliest onset of flu symptoms

Aconite homeopathic is good to have on hand for anything that comes on suddenly.  Even for emotional scares, like a near traffic accident, aconite is helpful to restore balance.  Keep this in mind for when there is stuttering from fear or anxiety.

Another product worth keeping on hand is ‘Febriplex’.  This is an especially effective for children, when coming down with cold, fever, flu and gripe. Most products that people choose tend to suppress the body’s functions.  Febriplex is a homeopathic plex that supports the body’s self-healing efforts.

Plexes (combinations) are helpful for motivating the healing process, and helping increase comfort.

Just a note of wisdom; sometimes emergency treatment is necessary.  Natural and 1^st Aid basics can be employed even while proceeding to Medical care.  According to Steig Larsson,author of 'Girl with the Dragon Tatoo', if you are absolutely desperate for something to cover a wound and there are no bandages handy; our ever handy duct tape can keep a wound clean and effectively slow bleeding until you reach a medical facility.

The Sanity Section

For Mom:  Hormone - PMS and Menopause

Sepia – hateful/spiteful/ wants to be left alone

Pulsatilla – moody/weepy/consolable wants you near

Keep Grounded

Stopping frequently is essential for adults and children alike.  Stretching your legs once an hour or two at the most, is a great way to keep alert and grounded.  Switch drivers at least once every two hours.

Keep Hydrated

We often think we are hungry when the body is really crying out for water.  Hydration makes us more electrical.  It keeps our brains alert.  Water keeps our kidneys working well and flushing properly.

Keep Nourished

Healthy snacks are another way to nourish, hydrate and entertain.  Visiting Fresh Produce stands can be a great way of getting a break as well.  Traveling is usually a time when our systems can feel sluggish.

Pay particular attention to include fibre rich foods.  Fresh fruits, vegetables are essential for keeping our bowels working.  Reduce the glue foods like sugar, pasta, chips and refined flour.

Keep Rested

Avoid being over tired.  Stop for the night rest early and settle in and do something fun.  Nothing beats the ‘grumpies’ like a refreshed and well rested crew.

Keep Entertained

Pack efficiently.  Creating a clutter free space for each traveler reduces irritation for everyone.

 

Put some brain-space into preplanning your trip. Get your hands on some really great kid’s pastimes that work well in a confined space.  Hide them away and create a new surprise to open up each day of travel.  Create travel games.  Counting horses with spots, or being the first to spy non-home-province license plates, or playing interactive word games can be a fun way of putting in travel time.  My friend Amy brought along small DVD screens that could be attached to the back of the front seats. 

One very creative Dad I know took along dice.  This way the family could leave a lot of decisions to chance.  Stop?  Not stop?  Eat here?  Stop x minutes.  Who wins a decision score?

Drivers, invent a signal that means we’re off NOW!  What ever it is, make the signal consistent and tolerate no doddling. I remember traveling across the continent.  The signal was a final rev of the engine in neutral which meant ‘all aboard’.  After the first day, we were all ‘hopping to’ just like trained dogs.

Create an intention of FUN!  Even young children can appreciate that the purpose of the travel is to spend time enjoying each other.  Take lots of fun photos. Don’t be afraid to create whacky photos.  Consider writing an ongoing group travelogue for your trip.

Do you have some great ideas?  Please share.

Have a great summer and keep well_

Nelda

Non Paying Tenants

Recently, people have been asking me about treatments to prevent parasites.  Parasites can be contracted from soil, foods, and contact with other people or pets. We have become quite accustomed to purchasing fruit and vegetables that originate from other countries. The 100 Mile Rule is a consumer movement that advocates only buying products that are from our own locality and one’s own ecology. 

My grandmother felt that parasites where a thing to be actively reckoned with.  Tonics and de-worming potions were routinely given in the spring and fall.  However, in my mother’s generation an unusual arrogance settled in.  For some reason, people began to believe that if we lived in a first world country, we were too sophisticated to have such visitors.  This was a great time to be alive if you were a parasite.

Opportunistic organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites are…well…. opportunistic.  That means if you give them an inch, they will take a mile.  Parasites don’t thrive well in a healthy body.  When our immune systems are strong and vigilant  and when our digestive systems have appropriate stomach acids and the enzymes are plentiful, we are more resistant to parasites are working well.

Many kinds of parasites but generally they fall into two groups; single celled or large body.  In children we find the very common parasites:  round worm and pin worm.  There are also single celled micro-organisms such as amoeba and protozoa that can cause misery.  In addition there is thread worm, tissue worms, tapeworm, flukes of all sorts, salmonella, neospora, just to name a few.

It isn’t just the parasites that cause us grief; it is the toxins they generate as well.  Many people with unresolved skin issues will find parasites and their toxins at the root of their problems.  Parasites may not be the first thing that occurs in a person’s body, but if the ‘digs’ are right, the parasites move right in.  Usually, parasites go hand in hand with other opportunistic overgrowths such as bacteria and Candida yeast and fungus.  This rogue ecology can really overwhelm the body’s elimination systems.

There are foods that are very effective for reducing infestations of parasites.  In the fall we have many foods available that help our bodies resist and eliminate parasites.  Raw pumpkin seeds are effective, as is garlic, cloves, apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice and pomegranates.  Calmyrna Figs are a great addition to the general diet.  If you have ever eaten a Fig Newton, you probably have noticed that when you chewed the seeds well, they felt like you were crushing glass.  These seeds damage the body of the parasites.

Wormwood is a herb that is effective in powder or capsule form.  This has been an age old remedy for parasites.  Another common herb that is a deterrent to parasites is Black Walnut.  I prefer this in a tincture form. Homeopathic Cina in low potencies can be effective to rid the body of parasites.  Also homeopathic complexes have been designed for helping to rid the body of parasite overgrowths,

It makes sense to re-build the body after a parasite cleanse.  Making a real effort to clean up the digestive tract can help the body to be more resistant to overgrowths.  Taking a supplement of bacteria with low toxin (such as acidophilus) helps to ‘fill the space’ and crowds out infectious bacteria, yeast, fungus and parasites. Having a wellness program in place that includes supplementing with digestive supports at every meal can really give our digestives systems the ‘edge’ against parasites taking hold.

As with every bit of advice, something may be generally true, but not necessarily specifically true.  If you feel that parasites may be at the root of a chronic concern, it is best to contact a health professional. 

Keep Well_
Nelda

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An Interesting Brew

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I really hate the taste of Oil of Oregano, yet it is one of the most amazing remedies when bacterial overgrowth is an issue.  Oil of Oregano is a definite ‘keep on hand’ for your home care and first aid kit.

In point of fact, many of the culinary herbs and spices that we use on a daily basis have anti-microbial benefits.  Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, cilantro, and lavender, all have infection fighting qualities.  Turmeric, often used in the making of pickles, is a great anti-inflammatory. Cloves discourage parasites, as does Cumin and Coriander seed.  Parsley cleans the blood, and black pepper aids digestion and circulation.

I usually buy a natural throat spray (Natural Factors and Organika make good ones) that usually contains bee propolis, Echinacea and other herbs.  I then add about 10 drops of my Oil of Oregano to it.   I spray this brew into the back of my throat as a defence when the masses are sniffling and sneezing around me. 

When I was on holiday in March I ran out of it, just when my throat was feeling a little scratchy.  Yikes!  What to do! My son-in-law had some vodka on hand, and my daughter had some oil of oregano.  I re-filled the spray bottle with the vodka and added the oil.  Whew, saved.

When I got back home I had used most of this concoction up.  I found a little spiced rum in the back of my cupboard and thought ‘why not’, its food grade alcohol.

This was the find of the century! The spice of the rum seems to cancel out the spice of the oil of oregano.  All that is left is kind of a vanilla under taste.

I have heard from the grapevine that Sailor Jerry’s is the best rum, but I used Capt Morgan’s.  Whichever you prefer, you may want to give this strange brew a try.  Let me know if it works.

Keep well

Nelda

Container Gardening and the Lazy Cook

 
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Container Gardening
Apartment dwellers and those with less than perfect gardening options can still enjoy the fresh food experience.  Any small space outdoors that gets good sun for some of the day is a great place to grow culinary herbs; of course, the closer to the kitchen, the better.

Get bigger pots and intense plant all the herbs together.  This allows the soil to hold the moisture better between waterings as well as looking big, abundant and beautiful.  I always add at least one plant in the group just for 'pretty'.  Mesclun mix, lettuces and spinach do really well in large pots in any sunny area.  This is a good time of year to plan for the growing season.  Pots and garden stuff will soon abound.

Squirrels can be a big problem.  Finding a fertilizer that is safe for food can be a challenge.  There is one solution for both of these concerns in the form of 'bone and blood meal'.  I put about an inch of the granules on top of the soil in each pot.  The little rascals will not dig through it, guaranteed. This layer needs to be refreshed about once a month.  Some people place chicken wire near the top of the soil.  This works too.

I always plant tomatoes and basil together in the same pot.  For parsley, if you have the space, in the fall dig a hole and put in pot and all.  Cilantro (coriander) and dill will self seed. Rosemary will have to be brought in, but will survive through the winter.  Spearmint will usually survive anywhere, and often pokes up everywhere.  However, mint is an essential addition to a summer herb garden.

When my garden was limited to a balcony, I just had to bite the bullet and buy new transplants every year.  It was still worth it to have abundant and readily available fresh food all summer and early fall. 

The Lazy Cook

It is hard to be enthusiastic about cooking when one is hot and hungry.  Pasta is easy to cook in huge batches.  Divide the cooked pasta into serving sizes and store them in airtight containers in the freezer.  When you need it, either leave it to defrost, or run cold water over into the container and then drain.

The ‘no time to cook’ Basic Pasta with Fresh Herbs

1 Tablespoon cooking oil

1 Onion cut in crescents

1 clove garlic crushed

½ red pepper cut in slivers

3 mushrooms, sliced

5-6 sugar snap peas (or ¼ cup frozen peas added at the very end)

1 Morga Soy Cube softened in a little hot water, (or sake, or wine)

(1-2 Tablespoons) ½ to 1 cup of fresh herbs chopped coarsely – mint, basil, rosemary, Italian parsley, curl leaf parsley, cilantro

½ to 1 cup fresh greens

Fresh scallions - optional

Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Defrost Pasta and reserve.  Heat oil in a skillet/wok or saucepan and Sauté onions and garlic until lightly browned.  Add the peppers and mushrooms and cook until just tender, add the peas and cook until just tender-crisp.  Add the pasta and the water/soy cube and heat to serving temperature.  Serve by topping with fresh greens, herbs scallions and Parmesan.  Enjoy!
Keep well_
Nelda

Container Gardens and the Lazy Cook

CONTAINER GARDENS

Apartment dwellers and those with less than perfect gardening options can still enjoy the fresh food experience. Any small space outdoors that gets good sun for some of the day is a great place to grow culinary herbs; of course, the closer to the kitchen, the better.
Get bigger pots and intense plant all the herbs together. This allows the soil to hold the moisture better between waterings as well as looking big, abundant and beautiful. I always add at least one plant in the group just for 'pretty'. Mesclun mix, lettuces and spinach do really well in large pots in any sunny area. This is a good time of year to plan for next year. Pots and garden stuff is on sale too.

Squirrels can be a big problem. Finding a fertilizer that is safe for food can be a challenge. There is one solution for both of these concerns in the form of 'bone and blood meal'. I put about an inch of the granules on top of the soil in each pot. The little rascals will not dig through it, guaranteed. This layer needs to be refreshed about once a month. Some people place chicken wire near the top of the soil. This works too.

I always plant tomatoes and basil together in the same pot. For parsley, if you have the space, in the fall dig a hole and put in pot and all. Cilantro (coriander) and dill will self seed. Rosemary will have to be brought in, but will survive through the winter. Spearmint will usually survive anywhere, and often pokes up everywhere. However, mint is an essential addition to a summer herb garden.

When my garden was limited to a balcony, I just had to bite the bullet and buy new transplants every year. It was still worth it to have abundant and readily available fresh food all summer and early fall.

THE LAZY COOK

It is hard to be enthusiastic about cooking when one is hot and hungry. Pasta is easy to cook in huge batches. Divide the cooked pasta into serving sizes and store them in airtight containers in the freezer. When you need it, either leave it to defrost, or run cold water over into the container and then drain.

For those who need to avoid wheat or gluten, consider rice pasta. Rice pasta tends to smell strange during cooking, but are a great alternative. If you aren't happy with the results, try another brand. The golden rule is to cook pasta el-dente, especially if you are going to freeze it.

When I get a wind-fall of sweet peppers, I grill them (counter-top or preferrably over charcoal), and then freeze them in zip locks.

The ‘no time to cook’ Basic Pasta with Fresh Herbs

ü 1 Tablespoon cooking oil
ü 1 Onion cut in crescents
ü 1 clove garlic crushed
ü ½ red pepper cut in slivers
ü 3 mushrooms, sliced
ü 5-6 sugar snap peas (or ¼ cup frozen peas added at the very end)
ü 1 Morga Soy Cube softened in a little hot water, (or sake, or wine)
ü (1-2 Tablespoons) ½ to 1 cup of fresh herbs chopped coarsely – mint, basil, rosemary, Italian parsley, curl leaf parsley, cilantro
ü ½ to 1 cup fresh greens
ü Fresh scallions - optional
ü Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Defrost Pasta and reserve. Heat oil in a skillet/wok or saucepan and Sauté onions and garlic until lightly browned. Add the peppers and mushrooms and cook until just tender, add the peas and cook until just tender-crisp. Add the pasta and the water/soy cube and heat to serving temperature. Serve by topping with fresh greens, herbs scallions and parmesan.

Uncooked Pasta Sauce
This is made in a food processor, and is the easiest ever. Because the homemade pasta has such a good flavour, you can keep the sauces simple and it will be wonderful. Use diced style Fire Roasted Tomatoes for a chunky sauce or crushed style for a smoother more typical looking tomato sauce.

1 can fire roasted tomatoes- drain and reserve excess juice (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, skinned)
1 cup chopped parsley
½ cup chopped green onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 red pepper, diced. (Optional grilled)
1 Tbs virgin cold pressed olive oil
1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs basic sprinkle

1 Tbs Tamari or Braggs, or 1 soy cube dissolved
2 – 3 drops essential oil or 1 tsp of fresh herbs: basil, thyme, rosemary, bay

Pulse 2 or 3 times after each addition. Don’t over process.
Taste and add herbamere if needed.

This can be made quickly, and is wonderful and simple. If you use green pepper you will have to peel off the skin as it will be bitter. Yellow, red or orange peppers are better.

To serve, top with more parsley or thin slices of lettuce fresh ground parmesan cheese a sprinkle of dip mix and fresh ground pepper.
Sometimes I build a salad on top of the pasta and put a light dressing on it and top with grated parmesan. Any grilled meat or seafood can be put on top.

When using store bought pasta, you will need to make the sauce more flavour intense, as it will be diluted over flavourless pasta. I would definitely use 1 or 2 soy cubes that were dissolved in a little of the warmed tomato liquid or hot water. Add this back to the food processor.

Enjoy!
_Nelda