Year End Housecleaning

We are doing some year-end house cleaning on the blog,
 but we should be back to normal within the year end.

THANK YOU!

Judd

The Gifts of The Magi

The Gifts of The Magi

The gifts of the Magi were carried a long distance from the east (Eastern medicine) to be presented to the newborn Christ.  The gifts of  Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were highly valuable (and still are) revered herbs that were potent medicines.  The resins of Frankincense and Myrrh have been used for over 5000 years to treat everything from serious infections to spiritual practices. 

Myrrh seems to be brought as a gift for use in an antiseptic purposes for both Jesus and Mary, healing wounds, umbilical cord cleansing etc. We can only imagine the sanitary surroundings of a manger in a stable.  It has many benefits including:

*Heals wounds.

*Skin diseases (ringworm, eczema).

*Gum and mouth ulcers. 

*Stimulates uterine health, relieves contractions and cramping.

*Strengthens the immune system.

*Prevents/helps microbial infections.

*Works as a fungicide.

*Stimulates blood circulation, digestion and nerves.   

Frankincense is similar to Myrrh having some of the healing properties.  Its sweet woody scent has a soothing and calm effect on our mind and body.  Some of its health benefits include:

*Heals and protects skin from boils, acne and wounds.

* Eliminates germs (antiseptic).

*Promotes urination to purify the body of toxins.

*Relives body pain, headaches, toothaches and reduces fevers.

* Strengthens absorption of nutrients.  

*Regulates estrogen helping PMS.

As for the "gold" gift, scholars note that the word gold was often used interchangeably for the golden spice turmeric.  The gold the Magi gifted to Jesus may well have been turmeric.  All three were highly prized for their powerful medicinal properties.  Here's two great articles on turmeric benefits and Golden Milk.

These gifts can be used by us today also.

 As the year comes to an end, lets all make a choice to live a healthy and "wellthy"  life.

Have great week. 

Be kind.

Be yourself.

Judd

Wellness Gift Guide

Wellness Gift Guide

This week's post is a guest post from our daughter Bree.  With the holiday season upon us here are a few suggestions for gift ideas.   You can check out her own blog at Young Sophisticate.  We are so proud of her accomplishments and of the many more to come.

Pursoma Jute Dry Brush 

A dry-brush makes for a great, simple gift for anyone interested in wellness and beauty. The jute brush from Pursoma is high quality and beautiful to look at---a perfect combination.

Essential Oil Diffuser

For an envy-inducing gift, present a sculptural diffuser along with a set of essential oils like lavender, sweet orange, and eucalyptus.

Whole Foods Gift Card

I don't know anyone who wouldn't love this gift. You may think groceries are boring but for health-food lovers, an extra $50-$100 to spend at Whole Foods is a godsend.

French Coffee Press

Create a wonderful gift set by pairing this beautiful french press with a selection of organic teas or fair trade coffee.

Moon Juice Sachet Sampler

Moon Juice dusts are a wellness cult favorite and the best way to determine which ones you like best is with a sachet sampler box which includes 12 single-serving packages, 2 of each variation.

OXO Vegetable Spiralizer 

Since zoodles are huge right now, a great, affordable kitchen gift is a spiralizer from a brand such as OXO. The recipient can use this to make noodles from their favorite vegetables for a healthier take on pasta.

Have a great week.

Be kind. 

Be yourself.

Judd

Pepitas

Pepitas

Pumpkin seeds are nutritional power houses packed in a small package!  Just one cup of seeds gives you almost 12 grams of protein and  500 mg of potassium, which makes it a great post heavy workout treat.  The additional potassium from the seeds will re-balance your body's electrolytes faster.  This allows muscles to repair faster and function better,  Plus one cup also provides the complete RDA of magnesium, which helps control blood pressure and prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke. They are a go-everywhere snack that doesn't need refrigeration. 

They are an amazing source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and have been very effective in supporting men's prostate health, because of their high zinc content.  Most of us know that turkey has the amino acid trytophan, which has a bad rap of making you sleepy on Thanksgiving. (Most experts agree that it is the carb-heavy overeating that does that, not the trytophan.)  But pepitas  have it also, and you NEED trytophan which your body converts it to serotonin.  One of the major ingredients to a better sleep and a good mood booster.

Other benefits include;

Reduces LDL(bad) cholesterol.

Cancer prevention(beta-carotene).

Rich in Natural Phytoestrogens helping in PMS.

For the optimal benefits they should be raw, soaked and sprouted then used on salads , soups, smoothies, oatmeal and consumed alone as snacks.  You can slowly roast the seeds on low heat to preserve the healthy fats. Lightly oil with coconut oil, sprinkle with Himalayan Sea Salt and roast at 150' for about 15-30 minutes. Stir once or twice.

  

Eat more seeds!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Be yourself.

Judd

The Miracle of Moringa

The Miracle of Moringa

Not very well known, Moringa has been used in Ayurveda Medicine for thousands of years.  Native to India, Pakistan and Nepal it is said in India's ancient tradition, that Moringa can prevent over 300 diseases.   Modern research has confirmed that the whole plant is in fact a nutritional powerhouse.  It has been used in Eastern medicine to treat and prevent diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, respiratory, skin and digestive disorders.

In fact, in 2008 the National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.

NIH March 21, 2008

Sometimes called the "miracle tree" its small round leaves are packed full of  calcium, protein, beta carotene, vitamin c, and potassium.  This fast growing tree can be planted in the worst of soil and growing conditions and still be harvested many times per year.  In Third world countries these "miracle trees" can be a valuable source of nutrition.  In these dry, semi-arid  areas these "weed-like" growing plants can be life savers.  They can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas around the world.  

Reasons why Moringa is being hailed as a superfood:

*9 times the protein of yogurt.

*10 times the vitamin A of carrots. 

*15 times the potassium of bananas.

*17 times the calcium of milk.

*12 times the vitamin C of oranges.

*25 times the iron of spinach!

Moringa powder can be found online or many health food stores and can be used in smoothies, teas and green juices.  The leaves can be eaten in salads or steamed like spinach.  The seed pods are being used as water purification filters with amazing results in impoverished areas to treat unclean water sources.  Even better results then normal filters.  It seems that entire plant is a "miracle tree".

Here is a short video on its benefits:

Also a great article from Wellseek:

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Be yourself.

Judd

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