Clove Essential Oil and Oil Pulling

Clove Essential Oil

and 

Oil Pulling

Clove has a very strong aroma and has many uses in both health and food preparation.

The warm spicy smell of it in Chai tea or during the holidays with the cloves stuck in the peel of an orange for a great festive aroma. For over two thousand years, clove has been used for fragrance and spice.  Clove's first form is the handpicked flower buds of the "Eugenia caryophyllata" tree found in the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.  Each bud is dried until the pink blossoms have turned brown. From there the dried cloves are ground and used in cooking or distilled for their essential oil content.

Nutritionally, they are a good source of vitamin k, fiber, iron, magnesium and calcium.  But where they shine is in manganese.  2 teaspoons of clove boast over 120% of our RDA!  Manganese helps in prevention of osteoporosis, anemia and PMS.  Cloves are one of the highest valued antioxidant available to us, with no other coming close to its measure of greatness.  This means that clove is a key ingredient for anyone who wants to detox and rid their body of harmful toxins.  As a concentrated essential oil, there is no comparison!  But with great power comes great responsibility!  High doses of  (Eugenol ) clove is not good for the health of our liver. This should only be an issue for those with inflammation of the liver, hepatitis or cirrhosis, etc.  Clove Essential Oil is a powerful substance!

With its anti-inflammatory capability it is very beneficial for disease prevention and especially for oral health.  It is antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and very antiseptic.  Which is why CEO is a longtime dental remedy dating back to 1640 where the French and Eastern medicine was a go-to for dental needs.  The Journal of Dentistry published a comparison between CEO and Benzocaine for its numbing effect.  There was no difference recorded, indicating the same numbing effect.  CEO's benefits extend to slow decay and helping in remineralization of teeth.  It's interesting that fluoride is so heavily used and recommended when there are clear, natural alternatives.  It seems that we have to go back to ancient wisdom to move forward in natural health solutions.

An estimated 80% of disease symptoms are caused by problems in the mouth.  Experts claim that it is possible to reverse cancer by eliminating oral infections and 90% of all heart attacks are caused by oral pathogens.  Autoimmune disorders can be resolved by getting rid of toxic dental materials.  Reversing gum disease can help with digestive problems and root canal procedures can increase your risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling has gained some popularity in the U.S., and it happens to be one of the lost keys in abundant life health.  Oil pulling is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (organic coconut is my favorite and very pleasant in taste) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.  Do not swallow the "toxic swish", but just spit into a garbage can not your sink as it will solidify.  Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth normally.  It prevents bad breath, bleeding gums, throat dryness and tooth decay.   But more importantly, it is a way to remove the deadly toxins from your body and mouth very easily in addition to strengthening your gums, jaws and teeth.  It creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment needed to prevent cavities and disease.

By adding a drop of clove with orange, lemon or peppermint essential oil to the coconut oil (which is a carrier oil) you have just supercharged the process! 

Just remember never use clove oil by its self as it will burn you!

If you have an sore or infection in your mouth, mix clove with oregano or tea tree oil, as both of these are very good for combating viruses.

Make this a daily ritual or at least 3-5 times per week to see what differences you notice.

I am excited to say that next week our daughter will be doing a guest post for us. Here is a link to her own blog: Young Sophisticate

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Be yourself as there is no one else like you.

Judd

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass is a perennial grass native to tropical areas such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia etc.  It grows in large dense clumps and has bright-green sharp edged leaves.  It commonly used  as a flavoring in Asian food and drinks.  But its essential oils are one of the most versatile used oils today.

It is used in many skin care, deodorants, shampoos and lotions because of its calming aroma.  Because of its refreshing scent it helps to relieve stress, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.  It soothes sore muscles, period cramps and headaches.  It can also be used to kill fleas and lice on your dog!

Like most essential oils, lemongrass is highly anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, fungicidal and antiseptic.  Which makes it great for both internal and external infections including ringworm and athletes foot fungus.  It reduces inflammation and helps in digestive issues and even hair loss and scalp issues.  Remember most oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, jojoba etc. when using them topically.

It makes a great and inexpensive cleaning product that is free from nasty chemicals.  But also gives your home, bathrooms and kitchen a clean fresh smell!  You can use it on all your counter tops, glass, toilets and showers. 

Multi-purpose Cleaner:

     In a 32 oz spray bottle mix 1 cup distilled white vinegar with 3 cups distilled water.

20-25 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil

(Opt- 10 drops Tea Tree oil for stronger bacterial cleaner, but not necessary)

That's it!

You can spray it in your toilets and let soak while you clean the rest of bathroom.

 

You will be amazed how fresh your home feels and smells when using this chemical free cleaner.

It will also make you feel better by not breathing in nasty chemicals.

Here is a 20 minute video on the benefits of some essential oils by The Truth About Cancer.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Eucalyptus Essential oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The Australian Aboriginal people have a history dating back tens of thousands of years.   They have been using eucalyptus leaves and oils extensively for its healing properties for quite some time.   They would bind leaves around serious wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.  They also used its lung-opening aroma for clearing respiratory congestion and to help suppress coughing.   Kris and I spray eucalyptus oil into the hot steam of the shower for an invigorating clean feeling.  Eucalyptus oil, along with the oil of citronella is a excellent insect repellent with no harsh chemicals for you to absorb.  It can also be used a rub/bath for sore muscles, joint pain and even headaches.  The Aborigines would sometimes burn the leaves and inhale the smoke to relieve headache pain.

It has an anti-viral, antibacterial and antiviral properties against common pathogens such as E.coli, Streptococcus, Canida and several others.  German researchers in 2001 found that eucalyptus and tea tree oil inhibited both herpes simplex virus 1 and 2.  Nature sure is incredible!  

Some other health benefits of eucalyptus are;

*Regulates blood sugar levels.

*Anti-inflammatory.

*Pain reliever and fever reducer.

*Lowers blood pressure.

*Boosts brain functions.

Here are two ways to use eucalyptus oil;

Inhalation: providing instant relief for upper respiratory issues, place a few drops of oil in your palms, rub together and place over your nose and mouth(STAY AWAY FROM EYES). Breathe in deeply for a few minutes.

External Application: Using an organic carrier oil( coconut, almond, olive etc) dilute and massage into your skin around neck, ears and chest.  You can also add a few drops into one cup of Epsom salts, dissolving into a hot bath for sore muscles and soothing for urinary tract infections.

Essential oils have been used by many cultures for thousands of years.  Besides the Aborigines, Chinese and Indian cultures have used oils for a wide range of medical conditions.  Now Western cultures are becoming more aware of their excellent benefits.

I will go deeper into the wonderful benefits of using Essential Oils over the next few weeks.

"Walk with integrity.  Lead with love.  

Exude the change you want to see in this complicated, divided world"

Rich Roll

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Vegan Cream of Wild Rice Soup and 'Chick'n Soup

Vegan Cream of Wild Rice and 'Chick'n Soup

As I am writing this the soup is cooking.  Last week I said the recipe was coming, well here it is: 

Ingredients:

*8 cups vegetable stock ( we use 4 Knorr's vegetable bouillon cubes with 8 cups filtered water).

*2 carrots, diced.

*2 stalks of celery, diced.

* 1 white onion, diced.

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 tsp. Italian seasoning.

*1 8oz. bag of Lundberg Organic Wild Rice.

*3/4 cup raw cashews.

Your choice of vegan 'chick'n': Gardein  Chick'n Scallopini or Beyond Meat Chick'n Strips.

Add vegetable stock, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and seasonings to a slow cooker on a high setting.  Once it is hot, add wild rice and cook for a minimum of 4 hours.   Approximately 1/2 hour before serving remove 1 cup of the broth and blend with cashews in a Vitamix or high speed blender.  Add back into soup and stir all together.  The cashews will give it a creamy healthy texture.

Top off soup with homemade Maple Croutons:

Preheat oven to 325'.

Cut a french baguette into cubes and toss with olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper.

Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 25-35 minutes until crisp and lightly browned. turn with a spatula every ten minutes.

For a delicious sandwich to enjoy with the soup try "Hummus and Caramelized Red Onion" on Ciabatta Bun.

Slice a red onion and slow cook in Earth Balance 'Butter' for approximately 30 minutes until caramelized.  While onions are cooking make some quick hummus. Toast some Ciabatta Buns adding the onions and hummus.

Enjoy!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Here's a few photos of the finished meal.