The Health Benefits of Black Strap Molasses + My Review

I bought this bottle of Molasses at my natural health store late last summer mostly for my deep conditioners. Recently however molasses has become part of my diet as well.

I’ve known about molasses and it’s many health benefits since a child. My grandmother would always mention and recommend taking molasses especially to those who were prone to anemia. Recently my aunt had to have surgery done but was not able to undergo because her blood and iron levels were extremely low and not to mention anemic. Of course grandma came to the rescue (and molasses) and treated her for an entire month with blackstrap. Lone and behold she was good as new and ready to go have her surgery done.

This left me curious about the health benefits of molasses and did not want to just use molasses for my hair (review coming soon) knowing it has so much health potential. So I decided to take a tablespoon every other day to see what it can do for me health wise as well as a little research.

What is Blackstrap Molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is just one type of molasses, the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is therefore the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized. -Source

Google Images

What is it used for?

Organic Blackstrap molasses has a rich, full bodied flavour that adds natural colour to food. It is the end product, or by-product, of the production of sugar and contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements naturally found in the sugar cane plant and is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium and magnesium.-source

Molasses, which is what’s left after all that refining during sugar production, retains many of the vitamins and minerals extracted from the raw sugar cane which can be extremely beneficial. One of the most familiar nutrients molasses is rich in is Iron.

Iron is essential for blood production which carries oxygen to the rest of our organs, such as the skin and brain as well as a very important nutrient for menstruating women and of course those who deal with anemia.

Anemia can be a bothersome disease considering the symptoms can interfere with your daily life. Lack of energy, constant fatigue, headaches, cloudy thinking, moodiness and an array of symptoms all ties in with anemia and the lack of vital vitamins and minerals like iron existing in our diets. Since most of the vitamins and minerals we need on a daily basis can not be produced by the body on it’s own it’s important we get the following from our foods and/or supplements.

Here are some of the nutrients molasses is rich in:

The Nutrients

Copper

Helps with bone formation, nervous system, Works with other vitamins to form elastin essential for tissue and muscle fibers as well as collagen production essential for healthy glowing skin. Copper also helps with hemoglobin the protein responsible to healthy red blood cells.

Foods rich in copper: Kiwi, lychees, Avocados, Lima beans, Taro root (malanga), Spirulina, Salmon, oats, walnuts

Potassium

Aids with cholesterol plaque buildup

Aids the kidneys to help eliminate wastes

Reduces high Blood pressure

Sends oxygen to the brain which helps with headaches and clearer thinking

Foods rich in Potassium: Bannanas, Guava, cherries, Kiwi, potatoes, coconut, almonds, oats, salmon, yogurt, catfish, avocados

Iron

Important in the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying factor in red blood cells; nourishes every cell in the body with oxygen; without it your body could not make ATP (the body’s primary energy source), produce DNA, or carry out many other critical functions; has shown to improve restless legs syndrome; is necessary for the proper metabolism of 8-Vitamins; prevents anemia and fatigue; promotes good skin tone, and stimulates the immune system; decreases the craving for alcohol.

Foods rich in Iron: Raisins, avocado, strawberries, potatoes, beans, cashews, oats, pumpkin seeds, turkey

Other nutrients

Calcium- not only for healthy bones and teeth but also plays a major role in the transmission between nerve impulses essential for a healthy nervous system

-B-vitamins

-Selenium

-Magnesium

-Manganese

My experience with Blackstrap these past couple of months has been rather interesting. Before taking molasses I was relying on Spirulina as my daily supplement but had to lay off of it for a while since I had way too much energy and was having trouble sleeping. Molasses on the other hand provides me with adequate amounts of energy. Instead of huge bursts of energy I notice that my energy levels are gradually making it’s way up. Since I’m a menstruating woman and don’t indulge in too much meat, I find that I can use all the energy and Iron I can get from molasses and not to mention the other nutrients it’s rich in.

I don’t mix molasses with anything. I just take this tablespoon every other morning and chase it down with iced tea. The first thought that came to mind when I first took molasses was “dam this tastes like burnt coffee”, I’ve never had burnt coffee but that’s what came to mind. Once you get used to it you don’t really taste anything after a couple of tries. So far I notice I’m not beat by 8pm when I get home from a 12 hour shift. So that’s definitely a huge plus. I first started off with a tablespoon every morning. Then after about 2 weeks I cut down a bit and now take it every 3-4 days or when I’m feeling low on energy.

I bought unsulphured molasses, which is a chemical used (sulphur) during the refining process and some may be allergic to it. There are organic/unsulphured molasses. I did not see the organic version at my store so I just picked this one up

You can take molasses straight up like I do, add it to your warm tea, milk, or add it on to your smoothies.

As with anything remember to not over do it. Molasses is a sweetener so those with diabetes should be careful and consult their physician. Men should also take precaution since they don’t lose as much iron as women and may end up storing more iron than needed. Excess iron in the body can cause complications from heart attacks, organ failure along with other symptoms.

Sources:

Minerals Chart

Hemoglobin and Iron

Eco Bites

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All the Glee in a Cup of Tea

 Now that fall is officially here and the dead of winter is soon approaching the nights are going to get much longer and colder from here on end. I used to be a hot chocolate kind of girl during these unforgiving times (with whip cream and a hint of cinnamon of course) but since my sinuses tend to flare up when it comes to most things dairy (on top of trying to curb my sweet tooth) I’ve had to find a decent substitute. So why not substitute with a nice cup of tea?

Image Source

I never used to be a tea person, not even iced tea during the summer. The after taste would be a huge turn off. I guess now that I’m getting older and less picky about food, I’ve come to embrace tea. When most think of tea they think herbs…all kinds of herbs. However, tea is in a league of it’s own. Most “teas” out on the market are not really teas per se. Here’s why…..

*****Herbal Infusions (tisanes) Vs. Tea (Camellia sinensis)*****

In order for a tea to be considered an official tea it should come from the plant Camellia sinensis aka Tea. Unless it contains this plant it’s technically not a tea. The leaves and several other parts of this plant are used to provide what we know to be official tea. 

Herbal teas (really herbal infusions or Tisane) on the other hand comes from a variety of seeds, herbs and spices such as chamomile, cinnamon, ginger, lavender etc. The slight difference is that tea is a plant of it’s own kind and tea tends to have more caffeine than most herbal infusions. Not that herbal teas (tisane) are not as good, just that tea has it’s own chemical structure unique to itself just like any other plant.

 Chamomile Herb

Check out my Chamomile herbal infusion post

All tea comes from Camellia Sinensis (tea plant) which has been cultivated for thousands of years all throughout the world especially Asia, with China being the most popular country to cultivate tea. Tea has an extensive history throughout not only China but around the world as well. The many varieties of teas we are familiar with all depends on the different techniques and fermentation processes the tea plant has gone through.

The color of most teas can vary from white, green to black. Depending on the level of fermentation, processing, climate, mountain, picking method and season the aroma, taste and color of tea can vary significantly.

*****Types of Teas*****

White Tea (unfermented) sweet in taste

Green Tea (unfermented) bitter-sweet in taste

Black Tea (fermented) Bitter sweet

Oolong Tea (semi fermented) Bitter sweet

Image Source

As I mentioned, tea is in a league of it’s own especially when it comes to it’s medicinal properties.

The history of tea began as a medicinal one and with no wonder considering the many health benefits a cup of tea every now and then can provide. In China especially, tea has been consumed for thousands of years for it’s incredible medicinal properties.

Cancer

Tea has been related to reducing the risk of many types of cancers. Ovarian, breast, colon, esophageal and even skin cancer to name a few.

Heart Disease/Weight loss
Tea has also been been attributed with boosting metabolism levels which helps encourage healthy weight loss. Tea is also diuretic helping reduce water retention making it an ideal slimming beverage. Tea also reduces the risk of arterial disease, high blood pressure and helps keep bad cholesterol levels at bay.

Anti aging and Immune Boosting Qualities
Tea contains high levels of antioxidants (polyphenols) which is what sets tea apart. Essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, Tea helps detoxify the body eliminating excess waste and toxins. It’s antioxidant level slows down the process of aging as well.

One of the reasons why I was not too keen to tea was because of it’s almost grassy bitter after taste. Trying not to give up such great benefits I decided to give tea another try. With white tea as far as bitterness that is not the case. I went out to my natural health store last weekend and picked up this White Tea for 4.50, a pack of 16 by Choice Organic Teas. Since white tea goes through less processing the taste is not as strong. This tea is very sweet and smooth and it’s just right for me in terms of after taste.

Unlike green and black tea, white tea contains little to no caffeine, which is great especially for the evenings. White tea is great for gynecological problems, headaches, arthritis and helps detoxify the blood as well.

White tea contains a load of antioxidants, it’s also antibacterial and antiviral while it enhances the immune system. It’s also rich in fluoride helping make your bones and teeth healthier.

I will keep exploring the many varieties of teas out there and see which one works best for me. I have a cup of white tea every morning with a little brown sugar, even though this white tea is naturally sweet. Although I have never had issues with constipation, I find that I “go” to the bathroom more often than usual. A sign perhaps that the white tea is helping me cleanse. One of the reasons why I purchased it in the first place.

In the mean time I will be indulging in tea and herbal infusions most of this winter as well as try other varieties of tea to see what else works best for me. Until then indulge in a cup of tea it cleanses, warms you up and provides your immune system with many benefits as well.

Sources:

Tea and tea products: chemistry and health-promoting properties

By Chi-Tang Ho, Jen-Kun Lin, Fereidoon Shahidi

The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody

Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady

Google.com/Google Images

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Meditation and Aromatherapy: How To Use an Essential Oil Burner

 Peace, courage, ideas and inspirations originates in the mind. A focused and rooted mind can achieve many things.

google images

Meditation has for ages, been known to be a very beneficial technique used to help focus the mind and balance your overall well being.

 Centering your mind, by way of meditation can not only benefit the way you think and attract things into your life, but it can also help you achieve a comfortable state of balance and self recognition. The mind is an attractive mind (not a good looking one). I mean the type that pulls things into your consciousness, daily life and daily existence. The mind is like a magnet, pulling in the energy it captures from emotions, words and attitudes from all around and within us. Some say that the world is a reflection of your mind and it’s thoughts. I tend to believe that, since everyone in their own mind, has a different perspective when it comes to how they perceive and view the world. 

Some meditate to center a scattered mind, to help them focus their thoughts, reach a level of spirituality and of course, to simply experience a few moments of peace and solitude. However, when most think of meditation (especially when I started considering meditation) most tend to  think, “oh boring, quiet sessions secluded with no interaction.” 

Despite this common way of looking at it, meditation doesn’t always have to be boring, quiet or secluded. For me however, I have to have some level of alone and quiet time. No phone calls, visits or plans just me taking time out to free myself of any influences. This is important because you have to know when your voice is talking to you as opposed to other people’s opinions and ideas about you. Especially true when it comes to life changing/making decisions.

  Mundane tendencies, negativity and  fear can at times prevent you from taking the moment to discover who you truly are and the decisions you wish to make for yourself. Meditation can help you realize these fears and face them, all the while helping you focus on the steps you will take to confront and resolve them.These are just some of the tools meditation can be useful for.

Like with most things in life, you will most often than not struggle with obstacles, same with meditation. Mindless chatter, the bills, MAC, work, shea butter and just plain mundane thoughts will cross your mind. This mindless chatter can be a good thing because it can help bring to surface what it is you are dealing with. This is why it is important to master these fleeting thoughts because at times it can take up your whole meditation session. Sometimes when meditating I can get caught up trying to tackle each thought but I always bring myself back to adjusting them

As I mentioned  some find it boring, but you don’t always have to look at it that way. There are many things you can incorporate into your meditation sessions. You don’t have to sit in a certain position as the pictures above. Any place and time that you can claim for yourself and shut your eye for a few moments with the intention of freeing and discovering your mind to more fruitful and beneficial thoughts, ideas and vibrations is the goal (at least for me).

Recently I have noticed that visualization helps. It helps me stay focused on what I’m meditating on. I simply started off with a peacock feather I had. I imagined and visualized the colors and the animal it belonged to, then an intruding thought came to mind, but the colors in my mind were so tempting that I did not get caught up on the thought and all that it entails, instead I drifted back into to my visual. Not only did I not forget my goal (the feather) I also did not let the mindless chatter take over entirely.

Right before my meditation sessions, I like to listen to music but recently I have been intrigued with aromatherapy. As you may know, I have been meaning to buy an essential oil burner when I mentioned it here.

So recently after browsing walmart’s Fragrance Oils section, I came across this oil burner on clearance for 4 bucks! As a beginner I found this to be a great deal.

 It’s very simple in terms of using it. There was a wide selection but I stuck with the white ceramic plate design which just sits on the 4 legs.

As you can see the round part on the lower level of the ceramic plate is where

you will place your votive candle to warm the top portion of the plate.

Once you have placed your votive candle…. You want to add water to the top portion of the plate. The water will act as your carrier if you will, since you don’t want to burn the essential oil directly, you want to have water to help diffuse the aroma instead.

Once that is done it all depends on your mood, time and of course oil of choice. Aromatherapy is just one of the avenues to help you become more familiar with meditation. Not only can aromatherapy help you create an ambiance it can help you naturally have your house smelling good anytime too!

I have been using about 2 drops of each oil alone because I want to familiarize myself with each scent before I start mixing. Right now, Ylang Ylang and Lavender Oil have been on heavy rotation. Soon, I have to get my hands on vanilla and some other scents as well.

So give yourself some time, find a quiet space where you can interact with the realized you.

***Please make sure to never leave candles unattended****

For more info 

on how to use an oil burner View this Clip

 –

Essential Aromatherapy: A pocket guide to essential oils and aromatherapy

 By Susan E. Wormwood, Valerie Ann Worwood

The Aromatherapy Bible: A definitive guide to using essential oils

By Gill Farrer Halls

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The Natural Health and Beauty Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile (manzanilla), like most herbs, can truly become a beautiful sight especially when growing them. However, many do not know or understand the great benefits herbs can provide. This is why chamomile is so popular. A fascinating and easily accessible herb used for thousands of years for a variety of health ailments and beauty treatments, it is of no wonder why chamomile is still widely used to this day.

Loose Camomile Herb found at my local market

Chamomile is great for many stomach problems. A simple tea can treat menstruation cramps, gases, constipation, nausea and indigestion. With just 5 mins of steamed inhalation, several times a day, chamomile can also help with respiratory issues such as sinusitis (sinus allergies) sore throats, and even asthma. For insomniacs, chamomile helps ease and calm the mind enabling those with trouble sleeping to relax and wind down making it an ideal tea before bed to ensure a restful night.

As a child during the dead of winter my mother would always make my sister and I chamomile tea with guava paste toast. The soothing and warm feeling a warm cup of chamomile tea can provide you with is rather simple yet amazing. Chamomile’s calming qualities allows you to release the day’s stress, tension and look forward to a rested mind and nervous system. Now that fall is here, it’s the best time to indulge in a variety of teas and chamomile can be a great start if you are not too familiar with teas.

As with every fall, this tends to be a time where most will be getting sick with the change of weather and all. Most likely you or someone around you will deal with one form of a cold or the other soon come winter. With chamomile’s immune enhancing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties chamomile can be an ideal tea for treating and preventing the cold and flu symptoms many will dread this coming winter (fever, nausea, pain). Chamomile is also known to be used as a mouth wash killing harmful bacteria existing in the mouth.

This tea however, I did not make to drink. Instead I chose to give myself a steam facial not only to benefit my skin but keep my rather bothersome sinuses at bay.

I bought a small package of loose chamomile tea at my local produce market for $1.You can also find it from many vendors online as well as most natural health stores. This facial steam can be done with regular chamomile tea bags as well. A steam facial can help open your pores and provide you with a clearer complexion. Adding chamomile to the mix can sooth irritated skin (like my nose). Chamomile is also known for dealing with eczema, skin inflammation and itchy skin conditions.

To give yourself a steam facial simply boil water and add your chamomile. Once your water has boiled let it sit for a minute or two and grab a towel. Make sure your hair is out of the way and your eyes are closed. Keep an ideal distance between you and the pot and place the towel over your head. You want to stay under the towel enjoying the steam for about five minutes. You can follow up with a face mask of your choice or simply rinse with cool water to close you pores and follow up with a moisturizer.

I made a lot of tea so I saved a little to experiment with a homemade toner I have been meaning to do. Either way chamomile has many great qualities for both your health and skin leaving you with an array of health benefits and possibilities.

Health Benefits of Camomile

Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives

 By Anne McIntyre

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Juicing: Carrots and Apples

It’s been a while since I have used my handy little juicer and my favorite book I like to use with it for reference. So this morning after browsing through my book I decided to make a juice with some handy fruits and vegetables. I had a few carrots and apples around and thought why not….

My boyfriend’s grandmother gave this juicer to me a couple of years ago and I tell you I have made so many juices with this little old juicer and not to mention all the traveling it has been through. Juicing is a great way for you to get all the vitamins and minerals fruits and veggies can provide especially if you tend to be a picky eater and don’t like to eat fruits and vegetables straight up.

Juicing is very simple just choose what kind of juice you want to make, all vegetable based, all fruit, or mix them up. You decide what you want to make and go from there. The recipes are endless and any juice can expose you to other types of vegetables you may have not liked or did not know how to use. In my case for example, beets is a vegetable I don’t really enjoy in my salads but when I make a beet, apple and pear juice the taste is not so unpleasant. Simply passing a slice of apple into your juicer can instantly give any juice a sweet and tasty kick.

My juicer has a side where it separates the fruit and vegetable’s skin and dispenses the juice on the other side. Depending on the fruit, sometimes I like to take the pulp and make a face mask out of it either adding on more nourishing ingredients to it or simply alone.

Carrots are rich in vitamin A, K, C as well as in many minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. All essential nutrients for a healthy immune system. Carrots also contain antioxidants vital for healthy glowing skin as well as maintaining healthy eyesight. Apples are also very tasty and healthy. Juicing apples is a great way to naturally sweeten  any juice you make. Like I mentioned if you are making a juice and it tastes rather bitter an apple always saves the day.

Apples are also very nutritious and it is said that raw apple juice is great for those who suffer with asthma. There are many great benefits to apples and they have been attributed with treating cancer sufferers as well as diabetics while also helping lower harmful cholesterol levels. The skin of the apple is said to be very healthy packing on more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than the inside of the apple itself. ( just beware of the wax most apples and fruits in general are covered with.)

-Nice, sweet, simple and very cooling natural juice you can enjoy anytime-

All in all any fruit and vegetable can provide you with many nutrients and you can create countless of recipes for yourself. Juicers range in many sizes and prices so make sure you shop around for the best one that suits your need and budget.

I got this juicing book full of recipes for 25 cents at some random yard sale.

You can find it HERE if interested.

There are many suggested recipes for all types of ailments. Here are a few of my favorite I have tried:

Cellulite

2 apples seeded

1 pear

Body Cleanser

1/2 Cucumber

1 beet

1/2 apple

4 carrots, greens removed

Migraine

1/4 inch slice of ginger

1/2 cantaloupe

Anemia

3  Beet tops

4-5 carrots

1/2 green pepper

1/2 apple, seeded

Diarrhea

1/4 head cabbage

2 tomatoes

Hair Growth

2 dark green lettuce leaves

handful of alfalfa sprouts

4-5 carrots

Skin

2 slices of pineapple with skin

1/2 cucumber

1/2 apple seeded

Menopausal symptoms

1 Kale leaf

1 collard leaf

handful parsley

1 stalk of celery

1 carrot

1/2 red pepper

1 tomato

1 broccoli floweret

Celery stalk for garnish

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The Magical and Health uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been around for ages and used for many purposes throughout the world. Through the process of distillation essential oils are derived from any particular plant providing you with an array of scents and uses. Like colors, each scent has its unique vibration and it is said that the vibration each scent carries is determined by the kind of plant it is, the environment the plant was exposed to and other factors giving the essential oil its many unique qualities.

The part of the brain associated with scent is the limbic system. The oldest system of the brain and a very intricate, precise system that governs your moods and emotions. Ever smelled something that instantly takes your feelings back in time? Well, that’s the limbic system at work. Sex, anger, fear and many emotions are governed by the limbic system and that’s where aromatherapy plays it’s role. Aromatherapy is a form of therapeutic medicine using essential oils to help deal with not only emotional but health issues as well.

Essential oils can be used for many things concerning beauty. You can use essential oils in facials, as a perfume, and in many of your hair treatments. If you have a stubborn pimple, dabbing a little bit of tea tree oil will help minimize it’s size as well as kill the bacteria that formed it in the first place. Tea tree oil is also great for those who deal with dandruff, while garlic oil not only kills bacteria, but also helps with hair growth as well. Basically there are many types of oils great for your hair and skin needs.

Essential oils can also be used to enhance your spiritual power by way of your desired intent. Essential oils are used in spiritual baths, candles and can be worn as a scent to enhance you intent and the oils magical qualities.

However before you head out and get all oil crazy it is important that you understand that essential oils are pure and highly concentrated so contact with direct skin can be very irritating. This is where a carrier oil comes in.

A carrier oil is safe enough to use directly on the skin and it’s role is to help dilute the essential oil since it’s so concentrated. There are many types of carrier oils and most are vegetable based although there are known animal oils such as emu oil. Carrier oils are generally odorless and many have countless uses with an array of benefits for the skin and hair. Some carrier oils you can use are sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, rose hip oil and many more. Essential oils can be a great way for you to create your own signature scent while at the same time benefiting from it’s therapeutic qualities. In terms of blending your oils, you want to take into consideration how potent you want your scent to be as well as some basic understanding of notes.

The Notes

-Top Notes-

ex. Cinnamon, Orange, Eucalyptus

The majority of essential oils are classified as top notes. Top notes evaporate fast. They are fresh and uplifting in nature.

-Middle Notes-

ex.Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender

Middle notes normally give that extra punch to the blend and have a balancing effect.

They are very soft in nature.

-Base Notes-
ex. Clove, Jasmine, Myrrh

Base notes are very heavy, the scent is very solid, and will linger for a long time. These fragrances are very intense, rich and relaxing in nature.

So here are a few oils I have been collecting along the way and some of the things I have learned about them:

Patchouli

I can not tolerate not even one drop of this oil. It just drives me insane and simply can not work with it no matter how much I try. Despite the smell I can’t stand, Patchouli has many great medicinal qualities especially for the skin. Patchouli is very popular with treating depression and emotional problems. It helps lift your mood while at the same time serving it’s purpose as an aphrodisiac. So if you are dealing with impotency and/or depression patchouli is the way to go.  Patchouli is also a fungicide helping eliminate fungus such as athletes foot, jock itch or any fungus in general. Patchouli also helps regenerate the skin cells and promotes healing and fading of scars. Eczema as well as psoriasis, sores and the like can be treated with patchouli.

Patchouli is a great grounding oil helping your mind to calm and ground itself. It is also known as an attraction oil  used to attract prosperity, money, love etc as well as help calm an argumentative person.

Black Pepper

I went out on the hunt for this oil mostly for it’s magical uses, however this oil has an array of great medicinal benefits especially for those dealing with arthritis and digestive issues. Black pepper stimulates not only the digestive system but also stimulates circulation helping rid the body of harmful toxins. Black pepper is also antibacterial and antioxidant. Helps cure infections of the mouth, sores as well as harmful bacteria living throughout the digestive tract. Black pepper also plays a role in anti aging by protecting cells from free radical damage while also repairing them at the same time, thus improving the onset of wrinkles. In magical uses black pepper is popular with increasing courage and alertness. Also it is a great oil to use for protection against negative energy like the evil eye etc.

lavender Oil

This oil is my favorite and I use it a lot too. It really helps calm me and gives me this airy feeling. I also like to use it in my hair and body scrub concoctions since the scent lingers for a very long time. Lavender oil is both antibacterial and antifungal making it ideal for preserving my homemade beauty mixes. Like patchouli, lavender oil also treats depression, minus the strong scent. It treats all types of sadness, anxiety, headaches and also helps calm and center your mind and thoughts. For insomniacs lavender oil can be a great start to help you fall asleep since it is such a calming oil. Beauty wise, lavender oil works against wrinkles, pimples, psoriasis as well as providing pain relief when used in massages of joints etc. For magical purposes Lavender oil promotes peace and tranquility in the home. Also if worn as a scent it promotes peace of mind and treats all types of emotional sadness.

Ginger Oil

I have not yet ventured into using ginger oil but I’m very familiar with the fascinating medicinal properties ginger itself has. I love ginger tea with honey especially if I feel my Sinuses are abut to act up. If I’m feeling car sick or just have a stomach ache I usually go for a Ginger tea. Also when feeling my stomach upset I reach for ginger ale soda and it usually does the trick. Basically ginger is great to help fight the flu as well as with depression, migraines anxiety. Ginger  has also been attributed to treating cancer and when used in a massage oil helps relieve arthritis pain. Ginger also promotes courage and abundance of money when sprinkled on wallet or around your business, basically anywhere you would like money to follow.

Clove Oil

My boyfriend calls this the dental oil because he says it reminds of the dental office. In fact clove oil is used in many dental products to help mask bad breath and also treat painful toothaches temporarily numbing the area. Clove oil is also antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic making it ideal for treating all types of fungus such as athletes foot, infections, cuts wounds, acne and even mosquito bites. Clove oil is antiviral making it very useful for respiratory issues (asthma, sinus), boosting the immune system as well as being a great blood purifier. Clove oil is also great with dealing with stress, migraines, headaches and also like lavender oil, calms you down and helps insomniacs with their sleep. Magically clove oil is great for driving away negative energy as well as a great scent to help promote healing and prosperity.

These are just some of the oils I have collected and worked with along the way. There are many recipes online in which you can add some of these oils into your desired concoctions. I’m going to post some great beauty, magical and medicinal recipes you can make yourself. Whether it be for health, prosperity of just plain curiosity essential oils are a great way for you to start venturing into their never ending uses.

Here you can find more info on oils and their wide range of uses:

Helping yourself with magical oils A-Z by Maria Solomon

Organic Facts List of Essential oils

Aroma Web

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Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 days

A few months back on a rainy Sunday I came across this amazing documentary, my most favorite genre when it comes to films. Simply Raw: Reversing diabetes in 30 days and is it’s truly one of the most amazing films I have ever come across.

“Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. The six are challenged to give up meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, soda, junk food, fast food, processed food, packaged food, and even cooked food for 30 days. The film follows each participant’s remarkable journey and captures the medical, physical, and emotional transformations brought on by this radical diet and lifestyle change. We witness moments of struggle, support, and hope as what is revealed, with startling “

It’s amazing to see that the way we eat is literally killing us. Pam, one of the volunteers, an elderly lady featured in the film hits very close to home. She resembles my grandmother a lot and what I really loved about her was her commitment and optimistic outlook. As a child I have always seen my grandmother use Insulin and always heard the conversations about what the doctor said she should & could not eat. Not only that, but my grandmother has a bag full of about 10-18 different medications. Growing up my most favorite thing was roast pork, fried chicken, pork chops and many great, tasty and filling dishes. Although I and the rest of the family would enjoy it I know my grandma sacrificed her health for the sake of tradition and the family’s taste buds.

This film is very fascinating and truly shows you that with proper nutrition one can prevent and even cure oneself of many debilitating diseases. A few of the subjects in this film after about a week or so did not even need insulin or any medication at all. Unfortunately when people live their entire lives with a certain disease they feel like their is nothing out there that can help them. But this film truly challenges that by simply changing your diet. We are truly ignorant of the way our ancestors and many people around the world were accustomed to eating, raw, fresh organic food. We do have that right you know…. it just takes time and dedication. This film inspired me to at the very least incorporate one raw meal a day, right now its just salads and handy fruits. Point is slowly but surely getting yourself used to eating raw, fresh foods.

You can watch the entire film below or at this link HERE.

Simply Raw – Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days
http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=52819573,t=1,mt=video
barns | MySpace Video

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Loofah & Dry brushing: A Review

Growing up my mother always had this weird thing in her shower. It was a loofah and a weird one at that. As a child you don’t really worry about exfoliating so knowing my mom would intentionally scratch her skin with that thing confused me. But little did I know what this thing actually was. The real original loofah is not that plastic mesh we are used to seeing. It’s actually natural and a vegetable in fact. The Loofah is a vegetable in the cucumber family and when it eventually dries out it becomes a sponge and exfoliant at the same time with a wide range of uses. The loofah vegetable is very popular throughout African and Asian cooking. As well as a very interesting vegetable to grow.

Not only is the loofah great for exfoliating, but can also make a great natural dish washing scrub as well. Many people grow and use their own loofahs which makes it the more interesting and useful. I wont be growing any, but I have been interested in dry brushing and what better way to put my mom’s weird bath tool to use.

 So last week I decided to buy one. It took me a couple of days to find it but I finally found it near my sister’s house at her local Indian shop. I got this big Ol’ loofah and started laughing when I saw it. The lady just looked at me but it was just a funny looking thing. It cost me $3 which was a great deal considering how many sponges and uses I could get out of it.

I was curious about using this loofah and had been contemplating on dry brushing for quite sometime as well. Which was the main reason why I purchased this type of loofah. Dry brushing is a technique used to not only help make the skin smoother and softer but also helps rid the body of toxins.

Here some of the great benefits to dry brushing:

– Helps with cellulite

-Helps boost immune system by stimulating lymphatic system

-Helps rid body of toxins

-Improves circulation

and many more important benefits

Dry brushing is just that, brushing your skin dry before you shower. To get the best results you must not wet your skin or the loofah. At first this was very weird but once I read the benefits to dry brushing I thought why not give it a try.

I of course cut the big piece of loofah with a knife and put the rest away in a bag where it would not gather dust. I cut a nice piece and there were seeds in them which you can see in the photo above. I left them in since they don’t interfere whatsoever. It is recommended you start right before a shower, start with your feet, exfoliating upwards towards your heart.

Below is the video I watched to give me an idea which is pretty simple:

I keep my loofah by a window to prevent mold. I have been dry brushing before my showers about every 2-3 days but you can dry brush everyday if you would like. When I first tried it I noticed my skin shining as if I had just polished my skin. And that was before the shower. Also my skin felt tingly which was very interesting. When dry, the loofah feels coarse but not that rough either and my skin felt very smooth afterwards. I either use shea butter to moisturize or coconut oil and so far my skin is feeling and looking great. Not only is this great for the immune system but also helps with cellulite as well as stimulates the body to naturally detox. You can also use this loofah wet which I love to use on my elbows and feet. So far I will be adding this to my skincare regimen especially with the added health benefits.

 For more information on growing your own loofah and dry brushing check these websites out:

How to make and grow a luffa

Benefits of dry brushing

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Spirulina: A review

I’ve been taking spirulina on and off for the past 2 years or so and have been pleasantly surprised how spirulina has become so popular since. Spirulina is known as a supplement but truthfully it’s considered a food and a super food at that, known to curb famine and malnutrition. Spirulina is a blue green algae or rather cyanobacteria, which has been around since the beginning of time and grows naturally along salty lakes in Africa (lake Chad), Mexico and now commercially produced around the world. Since spirulina likes to grow in hot and salty conditions no other organism is able to thrive and contaminate spirulina’s environment making it a pure source of many vitamins and minerals. The main species of cyanobacteria for spirulina, safe for both human and animal consumption, is known as Anthrospira Platensis. You can find it in tablet form as well as powder form to mix with juices.

There are so many benefits to spirulina that it is of no wonder why spirulina is considered a super food. To start Spirulina is very high in protein over 70%, more than meat, eggs or any other food. Spirulina is also high in iron, calcium, magnesium, and a wide range of B vitamins all essential for healthy cells. Spirulina is also rich in chlorophyll and beta carotene which helps prevent cancer as well as aid in eye health.

Spirulina is also attributed with treating cancer, HIV/AIDS, tumors as well as a great immune system booster and supporter. It is also great for those detoxing, helping jump start the liver’s ability to detox the body from toxins more efficiently.

I came across spirulina in my natural health store’s digestive section, needing something to keep me regular I purchased it, looked it up and experienced the great benefits of spirulina for myself. The first week I took it I noticed that my energy levels were insane. I would get home after a 9 hour work day and still have enough energy well into the night. I never felt exhausted nor was I whining about how tired I was. I would just get up, do all sorts of chores and not feel tired at all. Then I noticed my nails were growing longer and not breaking or chipping as much. My hair of course felt thicker and stronger and my skin was flawless and that was from the few months I had been taking it.

My sinusitis was not as recurrent. I would go months without a sinus “allergy” or even sneeze and my appetite seemed to slow down a bit as well. The only reason why I stopped taking Spirulina was because I was having trouble sleeping. That’s how much energy I had. This past February, after about 6 months without taking spirulina, I repurchased another bottle from Jarrow formulas and have noticed my energy levels have increased once again. However I noticed this time around that when I take it I get hot for a couple of minutes. I have read that this is a common side effect and its’ the body burning extra protein. Also this time around I got a slight cold which is rare since I hardly get sick. I was coughing up very unpleasant mucus as well as breaking out along my hair line. I noticed that it was the spirulina cleaning me out /detoxing so I had to stop taking them and drink even more water which is very important especially when you are feeling “sick”. Which is really the body trying to heal and cleanse itself.

(Raw Spirulina)

Spirulina, made by Jarrow formula is said to be organic, free of any toxins or pesticides, gluten free, wheat free, contains no eggs, dairy, fish, or nuts. The bottle recommends 4 tablets a day. Right now I take 1 tablet a day and I have so much energy that I don’t want to imagine what 4 tablets would do. I guess it all depends on the person, I will soon be taking one tablet every 3 days since I don’t want to have issues with my sleep. Right now my skin is back to normal and I feel very invigorated. Sometimes I have so much energy that I can’t find what to do with it so that is why I’ll be cutting down on it a bit. Other than the obvious energy I get I like the fact that my sinus issues are not an issue for me anymore. Cutting out milk and some dairy from my diet along with taking spirulina has really helped improve my overall quality of health.

I like spirulina and really like the way it boosts my energy levels and is great for those dealing with low iron levels and anemia, very prevalent among women. Just make sure that you know where your spirulina is coming from. Make sure it’s organic, free of pesticides and of course from a reputable vendor.

For more information on Spirulina check these websites out:

iherb.com

10 Benefits of Blue Green Algae

Your gold fish can benefit too…

Detox and your liver

Spirulina

*This is merely my review and experience with Spirulina. This review is for the purpose of information and in no way intended to substitute professional medical advice.*

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Grapefruit

About two weeks ago I decided to indulge in a rather bitter sweet moment with this beautiful grapefruit. It has been such a long time since I’ve had a grapefruit that I was delighted to smell and see how vibrant and beautiful the coral color inside was. Yes I know it can be very bitter but this grapefruit actually had a sweet underlying taste that left me with memories of fresh diluted grape juice and marmalade my grandmother used to make when I was a kid.

But of course I was in a bitter moment on my way to work and decided to indulge in this grapefruit. My neighbor actually gave it to me. That family always over shops and with the legion of kids they have no wonder, but for some reason every now and then when they come back from food shopping I happen to be around. Of course they always offer me something, but before I can decline I always end up with something in my hands Kool aid pack, apples, onions, just something. This time it was a grapefruit and I kind of was not that excited as opposed to Oreos or Polly o cheese sticks but I gracefully smiled and took it.

For me as a lover of food visual is number one then comes smell. If it looks and smells good my mouth is watering. I did not salivate for this grapefruit however but it sure did smell good. Dare I say even sweet. So like an orange I sunk my teeth in with enthusiasm and was delightfully surprised. It was kind of sour but at the end I could taste how sweet it actually tastes.

The Grapefruit as many common fruits we consume, is a hybrid between the sweet Orange and Pomelo.

(Citrus sinensis) Sweet Orange

Pomelo

So you put the sweet orange and pomelo together and you get a bitter sweet Orange red grapefruit. The pomelo is very well known and used in Asian cuisine for its bitter sweet taste. Although the grapefruit has a bad reputation for it’s taste it’s really not that bad and the health benefits you can get from a grapefruit are very beneficial. Grapefruits are great with an array of antioxidants scoping out useless cells as well as high in vitamin c, calcium, B Complexes and Vitamin K. It also helps fight cancer, lower cholesterol thanks to its high content of Naringin. Grapefruit also makes some medications useless so make sure grapefruit juice does not affect any medications you may be on.

Other than that, grapefruits are very beneficial for those seeking to boost their immune system as well as cholesterol and high blood pressure issues. I just cut up my grapefruit like an orange which is kind of boring but let me tell you over at my favorite food blog, my dear friend from Platanos Mangoes and Me dedicated a very beautiful salad to me with none other a grapefruit. That was funny because I was in the process of doing this post and coincidentlly Norma made a grapefruit salad, so that was funny.

Check out the picture and visit her blog below for the very tasty recipe.

Platanos Mangoes and Me

How beautiful is that? This splendid salad even has it’s own sauce.This is very visually appealing so now my love for grapefruits will be with me forever. Very nice and refreshing dish to make I’m sure. So go ahead and indulge in a grapefruit and make it look pretty like Norma did with berries and divine pomegranates and I’m sure your taste buds will thank you.

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