The door is THAT way, Mr. Allergy...

Itchy eyes? Scratchy throats? Sneezing?

Here are several great ways to help relieve those allergies & actually enjoy a little more spring time!

Chamomile - anti-inflammatory - relieves dry, itchy eyes. Place wet refrigerated chamomile tea bags over your eyes (closed) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Stinging nettle - antihistamine - targets the immune system’s response to allergens.  300 - 500 mg of stinging nettle capsules daily or try an herbal tea made from dry stinging nettle leaves.

Peppermint: - Menthol oils and tannins make a powerful decongestant. Steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in boiling water to create a sinus-clearing tea.

Thyme: - Antimicrobial and expectorant - treats coughs, clears congestion, and sooths sore throats. Sip on fresh thyme herbal tea (homemade or pre-made bags)

Honey -Very healing.  Eases cough & sore throat.  Mix raw (unfiltered) honey - local if possible... into a cup of very warm water, mixed with a bit of thyme herb or a drop of thyme essential oil.  Can add lemon also.  *Another great way to use honey for allergies is to just simply lick a tablespoon of raw local honey right off a spoon 3 times/day.  Local pollen in local honey helps to build immunity to the allergen/pollen in your area.  Cool huh! :)

Ginger: - Natural pain killer -soothes sore throat, especially when combined with honey. Honey-Ginger Tea = Simmer 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger (or dried ginger powder) in water for 5-10 mins & add raw honey.

Cayenne pepper - high in quercetin which prevents release of histamines & other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. (Try adding a pinch of cayenne to your honey drink above) Cayenne pepper also helps ease pain from a sore throat.  Here's a great gargle recipe:

• pinch cayenne pepper
• pinch sea salt
• small cup boiling water (7-8oz.)
• 2 Tb. raw honey
• 2 Tb. raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (I like Braggs brand)
• 2 tsp. dried sage leaves, if desired

1. Place the sage & cayenne over boiling water.
2. Cover & leave to infuse for 10–15 minutes.  Add pinch of sea salt.
3. Add the cider vinegar & honey - stir well.
Gargle small amounts several times / day or use as a throat spray.

Note:
RAW unfiltered apple cider vinegar is both antiviral and antibacterial.

Read more: http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/green-living/health/natural-cold-remedies-ze0z1201zwar.aspx?page=3#ixzz1rtAcOZuN

Raw Milk / Raw Dairy

One of the best articles I've read yet on raw milk/dairy.  And I've read A... LOT!!!  I couldn't have said it better myself.

All of these years, & I had no idea .  Then I started hearing.  Then I started reading.  Then I started researching.  Then I started taking classes.  Now I humbly know...  I WAS WRONG.  Our grand parents, our great grand parents, and all of their grandparents all the way back... were right. 

Chances are, you drink pasteurized/homogenized milk from the grocery store - OR if you don't drink milk or eat dairy products because of milk allergy / lactose intolerance...  Just take a look at this milk conversion article below.  (And there's a lot more where that came from, if you need it)

IF you don't drink milk or consume dairy because you don't believe in it, then I guess all we can do is agree to disagree.  Right?   I personally believe that we've been blessed with these beautiful animals to provide us with added nutrients through milk, cheese, yogurt, kefir, etc...  And our family is grateful for those generous animals.  But if you don't believe in the nourishing foods that come from cows/animals, then there's probably no hope of convincing you otherwise.  However, I do hope you'll read this with an open mind anyway, even if the articles don't change your views at all. :)

Read what Elder Widtsoe had to say about milk in his Word of Wisdom book!!! - - -

"Since the inspired Word of Wisdom says: Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I the Lord have ordained for the use of man, with thanksgiving...  It would follow that the product of the beasts and fowls, milk, and eggs, would be acceptable foods also.  Naturally & emphatically they MUST be produced by healthy animals & cared for in a strictly sanitary way.  That must be understood - for ALL food eaten by man, as well as for milk & eggs. - - - One must remember that not only does milk show a high co-efficient of digestibility, but it is a protein food particularly well adapted for storage within the body.  This is because of its content of necessary amino acids which complement so perfectly those found in whole grains. 

Yet one hears the occasional statement that milk makes mucous & the saying is passed around from one uninformed person to another.  It may do so for a poorly nourished person, or it may seem to do so.  There are people who can't eat wheat in any form - or strawberries make their eyes swell, or produces hives, etc.  Should it therefore be said that strawberries make the eyes swell or wheat gives one hives & therefore no one should eat them?  IF ONE IS COMPLETELY NOURISHED, NO NATURAL FOOD WILL CAUSE THESE ILL EFFECTS."  One of the distinct advantages of milk is that it tends to cleanse the lower bowel or colon...  Milk  should be certified clean and un-pasteurized if possible, & from cows which produce a soft curd & are healthy above all."  


Take a look at this awesome post below:


http://mylifeinapyramid.com/2012/03/my-raw-milk-conversion-why-how-i-decided-to-embrace-fresh-local-milk/

A few more of my favorite references are these:

http://www.realmilk.com/

http://www.naturalnews.com/035130_raw_milk_infographic_pasteurized.html

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-pasteurized-milk/

http://www.westonaprice.org/press/cdc-cherry-picks-data-to-make-case-against-raw-milk

http://www.naturalnews.com/035039_raw_milk_pasteurized_CDC.html

Hand Sanitizer Dangers

Anti-bacterials (including soap/detergent, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, etc...) may kill 99+% of bacteria, BUT the 1% or less, that's left behind, creates a stronger more resistant strain of bacteria that's even more dangerous.   It gets worse...

 The following information comes from this link:

Hand Sanitizers and Antibacterial Wipes: The Dirty Truth

Triclosan is the main ingredient in most hand santizers.  It weakens your immune system making it easier for you to get sick.  A new study from the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan shows that people exposed to Triclosan actually have a higher risk of developing allergies and asthma, which mean that Triclosan is killing off your good, beneficial bacteria and allowing yeast to overgrow internally.  

Triclosan has also been shown to increase drug resistance to antibiotics and, like Bisphenol A (BPA), is an endocrine-disrupting compound because of it messes with your hormones, and even worse, mirror them. Triclosan is actually in a ton of personal care products, such as soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and lotions.  This means that hand sanitizers also put your thyroid at risk.  And to children, who’s hormones are developing, this can spell disaster.  

Additionally, if you are in the sun a lot, you need to know that when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, Triclosan converts to dioxin, which increases the risk of cancers, and reproductive problems like miscarriage, birth defects, and altering sex hormones.  Dioxin is also a major ingredient in disposable diapers, tampons and menstrual pads.

3 squirts of hand sanitizer is LETHAL to a toddler!  One child got severely sick from licking the sanitizer off her hands & after tests, they found it was as if she'd consumed 120 proof alcohol!  It's happening more & more.  Read about this specific case at the link I provided above. 

A few more links on the dangers of this stuff:

WARNING: Antibacterial Soap Linked to Major Health Threats

Hospital Warning: Antibacterial Wipes Found to Spread Super Bugs

Why Disinfectants and Antibacterials Are Overkill + 5 Health-Safe Alternatives

Do the un-lazy thing. Use a pure soap & just wash the germs away... Like it's always been done!  Or use essential oils, which are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, & more!

OR... just make your own.  All you need is a germ killing antibacterial blend of essential oils.  It's easy, it's safe, & it smells great!

(Some popular pre-made brands are: "On Guard" from doTerra, "Germ Fighter" from Plant Therapy, or "Thieves Oil" from Young Living).

I make my own "Thieves" oil & mix it with purified water & glycerine in a spray bottle.  (Just google 'Thieves oil recipe'...)  Or you can also do it 'pump' style by mixing it with aloe vera & witch hazel.  There are recipes all over the internet.

GET RID OF THAT DANGEROUS STORE JUNK!

To make it easier for you, here's one recipe from a friend of mine - similar to the one I use - that works better than any commercial sanitizer out there:

5 drops each mixed with 6 oz. water (or the water/glycerine/aloe mixtures described above):

Cinnamon
Clove bud
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Lemon or Wild Orange

For every 6 oz of water, use the spray for:

* Wipe doorknobs and other things touched by the public.
* Wipe dirty piano keys to clean and disinfect.
* Use to clean children's hands when traveling.
* Use on the steering wheel and gearshift of your vehicle.
* Use on public telephones to remove germs.
* Use on public computer keyboards and mice.
* Spray on hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.
* Spray in public restrooms on airplanes to reduce airborne bacteria.
* Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.
* Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.
* Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.
* Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.
* Use in the classroom for desks, tables and other items handled by children.
* Spray in your mouth and throat at first onset of cold or bronchitis.
* Spray on shower stalls and bathroom walls to disinfect and remove mold.
* Wash pesticides & chemicals off of fresh produce.

Hungry For Change

All I can say about this film is.... AMAZING!!! Through March 31, the world wide online premiere is FREE!  www.hungryforchange.tv

I believe every single school should REQUIRE all students to watch this, & I WISH every family in America (or the world) could see it!

If you're overweight or NOT overweight, if you're an adult, a child, on medications, have health issues of ANY kind including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, adrenal problems, fibromyalgia, migraines, skin conditions/acne, allergies, really ANYTHING... And if your kitchen is stocked with food & your meals consist of food from your grocery store...  WATCH IT!  It will change you!

The first half is SUPER informative with tons of facts that most people have no clue about, & the 2nd half REALLY hits home.  Please please please watch this film & share it with everyone you know! 

SUGAR!

This is a short entry...  VERY short.  And to the point!  We don't eat white sugar anymore.  Period.

(Now wait a minute... Let me make myself clear on something.  We don't have it in our home.  But if someone brings us treats, or if my kids go to a friend's house or a party/gathering with treats, I let them decide if they're going to eat it or not.  I don't 'BAN' then from eating any junk food at all.  That's what fanatics do.

I know that my kids will once in a while give in & eat junk food.  That's fine.  Ya know why?  Because it's fun.  It's a treat.  It's something out of the ordinary.  Guess what...  On rare occasion, I've been known to cheat too ;)  However,  9 times out of 10, my kids inevitably end up sick to their stomach, or they get a bad headache, or they're grumpy for several hours, or they break out in rashes!  They tell me almost every time (no joke!) that it was good for about the first 3 bites, but then it was just not worth it.  They're choosing themselves to eat less... and less... and less white/refined/packaged/artificial foods, because they now recognize the effects it has on how they feel.  Even my 7 year old son will once in a while say slugging into the room, "Mom, I think I ate too much sugar".  (Not very often, but it DOES happen).

How do we deal with not eating sugar???  Who does that!!!?  I hear people all the time say they could never ever get off sugar.  They like it too much!  It's just a part of our diet.  Give up sweets?  NO WAY. (Believe me.  I know.  We had CANS AND BUCKETS FULL of sugar in our food storage, & I rotated it regularly!!!)

First of all, if you just stop eating it, your craving for it WILL go away.  In just a few days, or a couple of weeks at most!  Second of all, it is making people sick.  It is over time... killing people.  It is poison. Did you know that there are people that are so addicted to sugar, that when they get off, they actually go through withdrawal period and feel WORSE than they did when they ate it!? Most people don't feel that.  So don't worry, it probably won't happen to you.  But if it does, it IS temporary.  I promise.  That said, here is our solution to no white sugar (or brown sugar) in our home:

If a recipe calls for "white sugar", we use all xylitol, OR 1/2 organic coconut palm sugar & 1/2 xylitol!

If a recipe calls for "brown sugar" (white sugar with molasses mixed in), we use either brown xylitol or organic coconut palm sugar, or a mixture of both.  You can't tell the difference, & it's full of nutrients!  (To make brown xylitol - mix 1 c. xylitol with 1 Tb. un-sulfured molasses & mix!)

Other sweeteners we use are Stevia, organic agave nectar (raw is healthiest, but harder to find), organic 100% maple syrup, brown rice syrup, un-sulphured molasses, & rapidura (unrefined crystallized cane syrup with nutrients still in tact :)

See the 'sweeteners & stuff' page for more info on the benefits of natural sweeteners.  (PS: White & brown sugar are not natural.  Mother Nature does not recognize them!)

Soon, I'll be posting about an awesome whole grain - nutritious substitute for white flour that you can use in cakes, cookies, & more!

Uurinary Tract Infection = YUCK

Have you ever had a urinary tract / bladder infection?  They are NOT fun.  They hurt.  They burn.  They give you a fever.  They make you feel flat out sick.

Last week, unfortunately, I found it necessary to figure out how to get rid of one.  No way no how, after all my hard work of getting off medications, was I about to go to the doctor & get on an antibiotic for this.  So I did my research.

Most of my answers came through www.earthclinic.com - (It's like the Amazon.com product reviews of the health & remedy world!  I love it!)

There were several things I knew I could try on my own also.  So I put them together, & in less than a week, I got totally rid of my UTI.....  ALL BY MYSELF!  :)

Here's how I did it:

Gel cap with 3 drops of Oil Of Oregano essential oil - 3 times/day

2 TB. Raw organic un-filtered apple cider vinegar (with the floaties!) - 2 times/day

1 Acidophilus gel cap in the morning & one at night

1-2 cups UN-sweetened cranberry juice per day organic, unfiltered, & with floaties, if possible)

2 tsp. Coloidal Silver in the morning

***The Coloidal Silver, Cranberry Juice, & Apple Cider Vinegar can be all mixed together & used as your drink to take the Acidophilus & Oil of Oregano gel cap.  Add some raw honey or stevia to sweeten it.  IT IS STRONG!  Some people can drink it straight. But I can't.  Blegh!

***Oil of Oregano is hot & burns on sensitive skin (& even not so sensitive skin).  Do not drop it in your mouth straight.  Make sure to use the gel caps.  As you're dropping it in, if you get some on the gel cap or your fingers, throw it away, wash your hands & start over.  (Seriously... If you don't listen to that tip, you will be sorry & wish you had!)

Last but CERTAINLY not least...  I drank water ,water, water, & more water.

Once I started to feel better, just like conventional antibiotics...  I didn't stop my treatment! I continued to take this stuff for at least 3 days, even when I felt like it was totally gone.  There is most likely lingering bacteria that will act up again & cause it to return, if treatment isn't done thoroughly.

This worked AMAZINGLY for me.  But feel free to do your own research as well.  There are herbs & other things you can do to get rid of it.  I just mixed the best of 5 naturally easy worlds :)