Facts About Fluoride

What you may want to know about fluoride, but hadn't heard before!

1. 97% of western Europe has chosen fluoride-free water



2. Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication (to prevent tooth decay



3. Contrary to previous belief, fluoride has minimal benefit when swallowed



4. Fluoridated water is no longer recommended for babies



5. There are better ways of delivering fluoride than adding it to water



6. Ingestion of fluoride has little benefit, but many risks



7. The industrial chemicals used to fluoridate water may present unique health risks not found with naturally-occurring fluoride complexes



8. Water fluoridation’s benefits to teeth have been exaggerated



9. Fluoridation poses added burden and risk to low-income communities



10. Due to other sources, many people are being over-exposed to fluoride

For more information about each of these items listed see Facts About Fluoride article.

. And here is the rest of it.

Read more!

What Color Is Your Diet?

COLOR GUIDE FOR YOUR FOOD BENEFITS

Dr. David Heber, of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition recommends a diet with fruits and vegetables across the spectrum of color. Heber, author of "What Color is Your Diet?" says Americans do not receive enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. He believes a category system he created would make it easier to consume the proper amount and types of vitamins needed in diets.

RED GROUP: (tomatoes, can of V8 juice, pink grapefruit, watermelon) These contain the carotenoid lycopene, which helps rid the body of free radicals that damage genes. Lycopene seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease. Processed juices contain a lot of the beneficial ingredients. One glass of tomato juice gives you 50 percent of the recommended lycopene.

Yellow/Green Group (spinach greens, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, yellow corn, green peas, avocado, honeydew melon) These are sources of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are believed to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is a yellow-green substance that concentrates in the back of your eye. It may also reduce atherosclerosis.

Orange Group (carrots, mangos, apricots, cantaloupes, pumpkin, acorn squash, winter squash, sweet potatoes) These contain alpha carotene, which protects against cancer. They also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

It protects the skin against free-radical damage and helps repair damaged DNA. Beta-carotene is also good for night vision. It's important to note that these beneficial nutrients can be received from other foods, too. For instance vitamin is found in dairy products and meat. But it's not as beneficial because you get high calories and fat along with it.

Orange/Yellow Group (pineapple, orange juice, oranges, tangerines, peaches, papayas, nectarines) These contain beta cryptothanxin, which helps cells in the body communicate and may help prevent heart disease. Also, an orange contains 170 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C. It's interesting to note that the skin of an orange is high in a protective fat that has been found to kill cancer cells in humans and animals, which highlights the fact that two-thirds of all drugs come from the plant world.

Red/Purple Group (beets, eggplant, purple grapes, red wine, grape juice, prunes, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, red apples) These are loaded with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots. They may also delay the aging of cells in the body. There is some evidence they may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Green Group (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage or bok choi, kale)
These contain the chemicals sulforaphane and isocyanate and they also contain indoles, all of which help ward off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens. It's a fact that ten percent of the population - doesn't like broccoli. But it is important in diets because of the beneficial chemicals it contains.

White/Green Group (leeks, scallions, garlic, onions, celery, pears, white wine, endive, chives) The onion family contains allicin, which has antitumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.

Source

>
.
Read more!

Aspartame Resources

ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW AND PROBABLY MORE:

Here is a short and sweet resource list on the topic of Aspartame.

• Sweet Misery Video Link
  Time: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
  Here is a great video on this topic, which details much of the history of this infamous sweetner and the damage it is causing. It is quit long, but if you have not viewed it, make sure you find the time to do so. It could help you avoid some major health challenges down the line.
  


• Dr. Janet Starr Hull
  Her website has a lot of information and it a great resource on this topic. In 1991, Dr. Hull had an unexpected change in career after she was diagnosed with “incurable” Grave’s Disease. Through diligent research and her thorough understanding of toxicity, she later discovered her “Grave’s Disease” was actually aspartame poisoning. She has since worked to inform consumers about the health dangers of artificial sweeteners.
  


• Mission Possible/DORway
  Mission Possible is an Atlanta, Georgia-based organization founded and run by Mrs. Betty Martini. Since 1993 Martini has worked ceaselessly to spread the word that aspartame is a toxic poison unfit for human consumption … a slow neurotoxin that is especially bad for diabetics. Many of the letters, news releases, and messages she has initiated and assembled can be found here at DORway, to be downloaded and disseminated as you see fit.
  
  And here is the rest of it.

Read more!

Three Numbers You Need to Know for Your Health

WHAT IS YOUR FRUIT TELLING YOU?

I have posted this information before in a longer post that may easily get overlooked. I feel this is so important, I'm am putting it in again, but just this one piece.

It is simple. It is basic. It is empowering. Yet it is not advertised. It is not placed in areas of prominence. Very few people I know are aware of this. Even alternative health practitioner's who I would think have come across this information.

Here are the THREE IMPORTANT NUMBERS you should know when going to the grocery store:

FRUIT LABELS:
The numbers on a fruit label actually have a meaning, and one that you want to know about.

If the first number is a 4 then it is an conventionally grown product
EX: Banana 4011
Note: All combinations of the four-digit code beginning with the numeral "4" have been used up, so new labels beginning with the numeral "3" will also be used to designate conventionally raised produce

If the first number is an 8, then it is genetically engineered
EX: Banana 84011
Produce described a "Genetically Modified" or "Genetically Engineered" means that scientists have manipulated Mother Nature’s original design of that food item. For example: scientists moved DNA from a tomato plant that doesn’t bruise easily into another tomato plant species that produces fruit that is juicy and ripens quickly. The result is a tomato species that produces juicy fruit quickly and ships well.

If the first number is an 9, then it is an organic product
EX: Banana 94011

So next time you go grocery shopping, take a good look at the PCU lables on the fruits and veggies, you will have a better idea about what you are purchasing.


.

Read more!

Ten Steps to Simplify Your Day

DON'T LET YOUR STRINGS GET PULLED...
PREPARE FOR YOUR DAY!

1. Be prepared, arrive to your destination on time
2. Limit your mult-tasking to 3 things, so you don't get too scattered
3. Put space into your day to exercise your Emotional Side..tackling to many things at once will frustrate you and those around you
4. Be "present" to those you speak with, look them in the eye when talkng
5. Know what your are having for dinner, what you need, and when you will get started
6. Time slot your day, working to accomplish what you want to get done, but know that not everything on your list will get completed, and that is just fine!
7. Be realist about today's expectations based on yesterday's accomplishments
8. Start things that need to be started...procrastion can create alot more headaches
9. Set aside some time every day just for you
10. Keep working on a problem until your come to a solution, knowing frustrations in your day are not a permanent visitor.

. And here is the rest of it.

Read more!

How to Make No Melt Suet

The birds could use a bit of help right now in finding some food. Suet is always a good choice. Here is an easy recipe for suet. Although it is a no-melt recipe, good for summer time use, it is still applicable now. It is easy, fun and it is a good activity to do with the kids.


HERE'S HOW:

1. In a large pan, melt 1 cup suet or lard and 1 cup crunchy peanut butter.


2. Take it off the stove.


3. Stir in: 2 cups "quick cook" oats, 2 cups cornmeal, and 1 cup white flour.


4. If it seems runny, add more flour.


5. Fill small plastic margarine containers about 1/2 full, cover, then freeze.


6. Remove from the suet from the containers; wrap, keep in freezer until needed.


7. Place in a suet basket or on a platform feeder and watch your birds eat it up!

TIPS:

• Buy the most inexpensive peanut butter available.


• You can add raisins, craisins, nuts, and defrosted frozen vegetables also to the batter.
  
  
  
  
  
  And here is the rest of it.

Read more!

Preparing for Spring: Plant a Tree

HOW TO CHOOSE, PLANT AND CARE FOR TREES

Well it won't be too long before we will be crawling out of hibernation from the winter months and be bursting with the energy of spring. Ahh! the sights and smells just bring me to a happy place!.

Plan Ahead..Plant a Tree

Choose a Tree That is Right for Your Needs! Do you want more shade? Are you trying to create a barrier between you and another property or street? Are you looking for a decorative punch to add to the landscape? Do you want a fruit bearing tree? Ask your local nursery for advice on what grows best in your area.

Give Your Tree Plenty of Room! We have all seen those trees planted to closely together, making it look like you are living in a jungle. Remember your tree needs plenty of room to grow and send out its roots.

Dig the Right Size Hole! The hole you dig for your tree should be at least twice the size of the root ball. Lossen the soil an additional six to eight inches in the bottom of the hole to give the roots a better surface to dig into.

Remove Wrapping Around the Roots! Also spread those roots out as well. Place the tree in the hole, and spread the roots out again. Set the tree in the ground one or two inches deeper than it was planted in the nursery. Fill the hole with crumbed dirt mixed with good compost if you have it. Tamp the dirt firmly around the roots.

Place a Two-Inch Layer of Compost! Or peat moss on top of the planting. Water throughly.Do not fertilize the first year.

Each year as I stand in my gardens around the end of May or beginning of June, I say to myself, "Next Year, I am starting my planning early, in February, so come March, I have an idea about what I am doing." Finally, I think I am managing to follow this train of thought. Instead of flying by the seat of my pants, I am doing some garden planning this year.

What do you do? Do you have a garden? Are you into landscaping your property? Do you have any suggestions of things you have done well that work great?
.

Read more!

Green Living Tips

• Buy local to support the local economy and reduce transportation impacts.


• Buy goods with less packaging and/or recycled packaging.


• Buy in bulk to save money and energy.


• Buy used clothing, books and other products.


• Exchange and share tools, clothing and toys.


• Use canvas bags for all your shopping.


• Buy fair-trade products, which support local economies.


• Use non-toxic cleaning materials and organic linens.


• Go carbon neutral - investigate and buy green tags.


• Buy less. .

These suggestions provide a way for us to Vote with our Dollars. As a consumer, I sometimes forget the power I have in the decision making process. When enough of us say through our pocketbooks,(okay, for you men out there, wallets, too) "We don't want it any more", corporate America sits up quickly, with ears perked, pens poised for action, and changes start to roll. Look at the shift from conventional food to organics that has resulted because of consumer demand.

For Me Personally, I have made a conscious effort to purchase as much as I can locally, especially in the area of food. Our family has joined the local CSA to insure we have good quality, fresh produce as well as to be able to support these great young farmers.

Also I hate things that are over packaged...besides wasting resources, they are just a plain pain to open and dispose of all the wrappings. We actually do quite a bit of things on this list, but are by no means the poster family for Green Living, we still have a lot more we can do before aspiring for that position. But we do feel good about the start we have made and actively work towards doing more all the time.

What are some of the things you do to Live Green?

Read more!

10 Reasons to Throw Out Your Microwave

From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical studies, we can no longer ignore the microwave oven sitting in our kitchens. Based on this research, we will conclude this article with the following:

1) Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term-permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue].

2) The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.

3) Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.

4) The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term,permanent] within the human body.

5). Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.

6) The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens.

7) Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths[tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in America.

8) The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood.

9) Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.

10). Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence.

On a Personal Note: I have to confess, I have not thrown my microwave out. It is a built in one, which would leave a gapping hole that would sit uncorrected for more years than I would care to look at it.


But on the other hand, my husband and I do not use it and we try to encourage our teenage daughters not to use it. This is a challenge. They want instant results, part of the culture. But I have noticed they are beginning to follow our example. Instead of cooking something in the microwave, at times I will see them pulling out a pot and doing it the old fashion way---on top of the stove. It is a work in progress!

Source: The Hidden Hazards of Microwave Cooking

Read more!

Sea Veggies from Neptune's Garden

SEAWEED AND ITS BENEFITS:
When I think of getting my veggies in, I think about my garden, our trips to the CSA, and the store to make my selections. I never really think about the vegetables from the sea---SEAWEED, but I should.

Someday I am going to really enjoy these little creatures, but for right now I am content to use seaweed in my baths and detox programs, until I work my way up to eating them. But for those of you that are interested, check out the list of seaweed and its health benefits.

BENEFITS OF A DIET CONTAINING SEAWEED
Fat free
Low in calories
Rich source of minerals (calcium and phosphorous and are extremely high in magnesium iron, iodine and sodium
Contains vitamins A, B1, C and E, as well as protein and carbohydrates
Can remove radioactive strontium and other heavy metals from our bodies

TYPES OF SEAWEED
Brown Seaweed:
"Chemists in Japan have found that brown seaweed, a flavor component used in many Asian soups and salads, contains a compound that appears in animal studies to promote weight loss by reducing the accumulation of fat. Called fucoxanthin, the compound achieved a 5 percent to 10 percent weight reduction in test animals and could be developed into a natural extract or drug to help fight obesity, the researchers say." Science Daily, 9/06

Arame - A Japanese sea vegetable, with a mild flavor, arame is dried and cut into thin strands, it can be added to soups or served as a vegetable side dish.

Hijiki - Found primarily in the Far East, contains the most calcium of any of the sea vegetables, 1400mg/100gr dry weight (compared to milk with 100mg/100gr.) In its natural state it is very tough; after harvesting it is dried, steamed and dried some more. When cooked, it rehydrates and expands about five times its dry volume.

Kelp - This sea vegetable grows mainly in the north along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. The name kelp is European in origin and originally referred to the ash derived from burning brown algae, which was used to produce soap and glass. Most often dried and sold whole, granulated or powdered. It can be sprinkled on foods as a condiment, or whole kelp adds a nice touch to salads or it can be used as a wrap for a variety of fillings.

Kombu - Kombu can be used for soup stock or added to the bottom of a pot of rice or vegetables to help them keep from sticking; added to a pot of beans, kombu helps them cook faster and renders them more digestible due to the high mineral content.

Wakame & Alaria - These seaweeds are similar in characteristics but differ in their habitats. Wakame is collected in the cold waters off the island of Hokaido, Japan and alaria is harvested in North America. Wakame is a good source of protein, iron, calcium, sodium & other minerals and vitamins. Alaria is high in vitamin K and the B-vitamins as well as the minerals iodine and bromine.

Red Seaweed:
Agar-Agar - This is a versatile, tasty gel that will set at room temperature. Its been used for centuries in the home as a mild laxative and as a basic ingredient in a Japanese dessert, kanten. Agar-agar is rich in iodine and trace elements.

Irish Moss - Irish Moss is most often used dried in relishes, breads, soups or fritters. Many people snack on this dried dulse straight out of the bag.

Nori - Unlike other sea vegetables that are collected wild, Japanese nori is cultivated. In Ireland, it is known as sloke and in Scotland and Wales as laver. Gaelic people have long made flat breads from flour and nori, known as laver bread. Its most prominent use is as the wrapping for sushi, although it can be cut into strips, lightly toasted and used as a garnish as well. It is exceptionally high in vitamin A and protein.

Personally, I don't like sushi because of the seaweed wraps. I will use Dulse granules to sprinkle over my food. I have tried Kombu --couldn't get it down. But on the other hand, I buy alot of seaweed, grind it into flakes or a powdery state, then blend it with epsom salts, baking soda, sea salts, and a variety of herbs. I then place this mixture into these very cool, large teabags I found online. You fill the bag, then seal it with an iron. The contents stay contained within the teabag, not creating a mess. Toss one of these into a hot tub to soak or a foot bath, and you reap wonderful benefits of detoxing. For me, that is my first step into the world of sea veggies, as I'm not sure I will ever be able to really like or even tolerate the taste in food.

Read more!

Recycling Them Darn Plastic Bags

CREATIVE USES FOR PLASTIC BAGS

Anyone else out there have tons and tons and tons of plastic bags around the house that need to be put to good use?

The best way to deal with them is not to acquire them in the first place. But alas! I have purchased the canvas bags for the grocery store to stop collecting them, but forget more times than I remember, gotta work on that one!

1. Line the kitty litter box with them to make disposal easier.
2. Use them to line trash cans, household garbage/compost bins, rather than going out and buying...Yes! MORE PLASTIC BAGS.
3. Donate your bags to the local thrift store. They will happily take them off your hands.
4. It is good to have a few of these in the car in case you have kids who play sports...after getting off a muddy field, they can put their cleats into a plastic bag to contain the mess.
5. Along the same line...if you go to a sporting event unprepared and the bleacher are wet from a recent rain, park you behind on a plastic bag to keep from getting damp.
6. My goodwill bag...have a bag in the closet for depositing things you want to get rid of becuase your are decluttering but which would be a welcome addition to someone's home. Once the bag is full, drop off your donation.
7. Also use this same idea to fill a bag with non-perishable food items that you can donate to a local charity once it fills up.
8. If you do alot of mailing out of items, instead of buying packing to protect the items, recycle your plastic bags.
9. I wish I had thought of this one a few weeks ago, my daughter was doing an art project for school. She was doing mosiac work and grabbed 2 of my best cleaning buckets...filled them with water and used them...needless to say my buckets need to be donated to my husband for oil changing of the cars...but if she had lined them with plastic bags I could still be using them.
10. I have seen some really creative weaved baskets made with plastic bags.

Now I'm sure these are not any really new ideas, but just a gentle reminder of what we can do to recycle our plastic bags. So if you have any great ideas, recycle them along to be posted.

Read more!

Geopathic Stress Affecting Sleep

Geopathic stress, is a natural phenomenon which affects certain places and can be damaging to our health, especially in areas where we spend alot of our time, like our beds. It is wise to be aware of some of the signs and symptoms that can occur when we find ourselves continually unable to get a good night's sleep. It just might be an indicator that we are bathing ourselves in a geopathically stressed area.

1. Refusal to go to bed. Opposition against going to bed.
2. Insomnia. Unable to fall asleep for hours.
3. Nightmares. Feelings of a “presence” in the bed.
4. An aversion to certain spots in the bed.
5. A feeling of “falling out” of bed.
6. Sleepwalking.
7. Night sweats. Also feeling cold or shivering in bed.
8. Waking up tired most mornings. Fatigue and apathy.
9. Nausea in the morning, even vomiting.
10. Despondency, stress, depression.
11. Frequent crying upon waking up in the morning.
12. Rapid heart beat while lying still in bed. Cramps.

For more information on Geopathic Stress, read Are You Sleeping in a Safe Space?

Read more!

Safe Alternatives for Cleaning Products

If you have been looking for some safer choices for cleaning products in the home, check out this list below:

Instead of ...........................Try This:

• Bleach .............................................. Borax, lemon juice, sunlight
• Window Glass Cleaner ................... Vinegar in water
• Ant Repellent ..................................Spray cayenne powder in holes ;Mint pots discourage ants from entering the house
• Fly Repellent................................... Plant several pots with basil (herb that repels different insects)
• Floor Cleaner................................... Vinegar and few drops of eucalyptus oil
  Mosquito repellent.......................... Simmer Citronella Oil
• Mildew Remover............................. Hydrogen peroxide to remove; Borax for inhibiting growth
• Shoe polish....................................... Banana peel
• Furniture Polish.............................. Few drops of olive oil plus vinegar
• Copper Cleaner............................... Lemon juice
• Oven Cleaner.................................. Baking soda and water; sprinkle inside, let sit overnight and scour
• Silver Polish.................................... Baking soda and sea salt
• Drain Opener...................................Flexible metal snake, a plunger, salt
• Stainless Steel Cleaner...................White vinegar
• Dishwashing Liquid....................... Sea salt, lemon juice, hot water, few drops of orange essential oil
• Stain Remover............................... Borax and water
• Carpet Spot Remover................... Sprinkle with cornflour and let dry, then wash with bubbling water and vacuum
• Fabric softener...............................Add baking soda during rinse
• Brass, Copper, Aluminum Clearner.........Paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar

Source
Over the years I have experimented with a variety of safe solutions for less toxic cleaning products to be used around the home. Some have been very successful, others have been marginal, and some have been placed in Susan's Disaster Dump. Here is my short list below of tried, tested and true household winners from my point of view.

General Cleanser: Equal parts of borax and baking soda...this is my favorite toilet bowl cleaner. Just mix put a blend in a plastic container to leave by the toilet. Swish around the inside of the bowl and leave sitting overnight. Flush in the morning...fresh and clean! This is also used as a general cleanser for counter tops in the kitchen and bathroom. When needed, it can also be used as a laundry detergent. Wins the versatility award in my book!

Ants Be Gone: When the ants come marching into my kitchen I try the humane approach first. I really, really try to follow the Reiki Principle: Be Kind to All Living Things....first reasoning with them, explaining that they are best suited to be living outdoors in nature, which has more hospitable conditions for them than my kitchen counter and floors. I simply ask them to leave and give a timeline. This approach works less times than more. So then I have to move into survival mode- it's them or me...I kill a few of them then place them inside of an energy ring (Slim Spurling 1/2 cubit ring). This always works. I figure it is amplifying the frequency of DEAD ANTS to the rest of the gang, so they choose to go elsewhere.

Pesky Outdoor Fliers: Whether gnats, misquotes, flies or any other form of annoying, biting, peace disturbing flying insects that invade outdoor solitude, this is the BEST approach we have found to clear an area- garlic spray. You can buy a commercial brand, such as Garlic Barrier, or you can make your own by blending fresh garlic cloves into a liquid, then filling a spray bottle with water and the liquid garlic. Spritz! Spritz! Spritz! a few sprays later, the critters have decided to go partying elsewhere.

Stainless Spot Remover: Put a few dabs of olive oil on a paper towel, then wipe up your stainless, it comes beautifully spot free.

Furniture Polish: Olive oil again with Lemon essential oil

So my suggestion is try out some of the suggestions listed above, look for others, and experiment with new approaches to non-toxic living. If you have other suggestions we can add to this list that have worked for you, send them along, I would love to hear about them.

Read more!

Make Your Own Vaccine

And here is the rest of it.

Read more!

Simple Solutions Don't Make Money: But Potenize Your Water Anyway!

One of my husband's favorite lines is "Simple Solutions Don't Make Money". I'd like throw another thought into the philosophical pot: Simple solutions are not given credit because they lack the razzle-dazzle of high-tech approaches. Now how's that for a clearly scientific statement!

Come on, stay with me, I have a good, simple, uncomplicated suggestion that is so easy, you may be tempted to throw it aside without going any further. But DON'T! This is powerful stuff. Set aside a few minutes to potenize or energize your water so it will provide you with multiple benefits.

I had heard about potenizing water about a year ago from a dowser named Raymond Grace, as well as realizing the importance from Dr. Emoto's work, "Messages from Water." So this got me inspired to start playing around with the idea. One experiment I did that has clear, tangible results was to potenize water for plants that I had rooting. I did this six months ago. I put the cuttings into a vase of filtered water, then added several drops of potenized water. That's it! The vase of water with the cuttings looks the same today that it did 6 months ago- crystal clear. No yuck, guck, or little floaties in the water. No discoloration. No film on the glass. Just a crystal clear vase with my cuttings. This is truly amazing!

STEPS TO POTENIZING YOUR WATER:

• Use a bottle or container of water as your mother bottle that you will start with. The better the original source, the better your results. (what I'm saying is don't start out with a contaminated water source)
• Hold the bottle close to your heart, and with your eyes closed, really connect with the water, you will remain in this position throughout the entire process
• Open your heart center and visualize the energy of unconditional love coming from your heart and filling the water.
• Express your love for the water.
• Give thanks to the water...be sure to express the reasons you are giving gratitude... for all the ways we use water throughout our lives
• Then ask the water to release all trauma and tragedy it may be holding onto that has flowed through it's being
• Ask the water to raise its vibrational rate and frequency to the highest level possible
• Ask the water to adjust to the appropriate surface tension of the person using it
• Ask the water to cleanse all waste materials from whatever it is added to
• Add your own personal healing intention into the water
• Ask the water to retain the memory of each of these requests, so that once a drop or more of this water is added to any other water source, it is equal to or exceeds the properties of the original source.
• End by once again expressing your deep gratitude and love for the water.

This becomes your mother bottle. You can now add a drop or two to whatever other water source you are using. Once the bottle begins to get low, add more water or better yet, start the process all over again. And each time you pick up your mother bottle, remember to smile and send love and gratitude to the water! Do not drink the entire bottle of water, you may have some very strong detoxing effects.

WHERE TO USE YOUR POTENIZED WATER:

• Drinking
• Preparing Food
• Bathing
• Cleaning
• Doing laundry
• Gardening
• Detoxing
• Add to local water sources: streams, creeks, rivers, etc
• Give a bottle to a friend
• Teach others how to do this

The list is endless. Let me know if you try this, what you have done and what you're results are.

Read more!

Who Owns Organics?

Years ago I would listen to this radio talk show host on my way home from work. His name was Irv Homer, a well-educated, self taught man that always impressed me with his knowledge and spirit of wanting to help the average guy. He always said, if you want to know the real truth about something, follow the money trail.

Follow these links from the Cornucopia Institute to see who owns who in the organics industry .

• Organic Industry Structure 2007
• Organic Industry Sturcture: 2002
• Organic Industry Private Label
• Organic Industry: Major Independents

Read More.

The latest update of major corporate ownership and involvement in the organic food sector is now out. The charts above graphically focuse on the organic brands with ties to the top 25 food processors in North America. .

Dr. Phil Howard, an Assistant Professor at Michigan State, is responsible for the creation and updating of the organic food business chart. He teaches in the University’s Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies program.

Source: The Cornucopia Institute

Read more!

Organic Labels: What Do They Mean?

If you are like me, you can easily become confused by all the verbage that is posted on products. It is almost as if you need a degree in Label Reading to be able to properly determine what the product is really about. Is there anyone else out there who is asking the question, Do I really know what's in my dinner?

• 100% Organic: According to USDA’s national organic standard, products labeled as “100 percent organic” can only contain organically produced ingredients. Products containing 100% organic ingredients can display the USDA Organic logo and / or the certifying agent's logo.
  
• Organic: To be labeled as "organic," 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown and the remaining 5% must come from non-organic ingredients that have been approved on the National List. These products can also display the USDA organic logo and/or the certifier’s logo.
  
• Made With Organic Ingredients: Food products labeled as "made with organic ingredients" must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, three of which must be listed on the back of the package and again, the remaining 30% of the non-organic ingredients must approved on the National List. These products may display the certifier’s logo but not the USDA organic logo.
  
• Certified Organic: Foods must be grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent states or private organizations; certified organic foods mean that periodic testing of soil and water of farms that produce organic foods must be conducted, and field and processing facilities must be inspected
  
• Transitional: these are foods produced during the three-year transition period between the conversion of conventional and organic food production
  
• Free Range: USDA regulations allow for a generous definition. These could mean the coop door is open for five minutes a day, whether or not the chickens go out. The rule for the label's use on poultry products, for example, is merely that outdoor access be available for "an undetermined period each day."
  
• Natural/ All Natural: No government agency regulates the use of this word. No standard definition for these terms exists, except when it's applied to meat and poultry products, which the USDA defines as not containing any artificial flavoring, colors or synthetic ingredients.

Did You Know?

All three organics categories prohibit the inclusion of any ingredients produced using genetic engineering, irradiation, or sewage sludge.

Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients can list the organic items only in the ingredient panel. There can be no mention of organic on the main panel.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), an expert advisory panel to the USDA’s National Organic Program, voted to exclude cloned animals, their offspring, and any food products from cloned animals from the organic sector.

Fruit Labels
The numbers on a fruit label actually have a meaning, and one that you may want to know about.

• If the first number is a 4 then it is an conventionally grown product EX: Banana 4011
• If the first number is an 8, then it is genetically engineered EX: Banana 84011
• If the first number is an 9, then it is an organic product EX: Banana 94011

Read more!

Cold Pressed Castor Oil Pack Treatment

About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with rheumotoid arthritis. This is the treatment I used to heal myself. This is a treatment often suggested by the sleeping prophet, Edgar Cayce. There are many applications for its use. For a review of these applications see the article Castor Oil: A Wealth of Information.

The castor bean (Oleum ricini), also known as Palma Christi due to its shape and healing properties, is known principally as a cathartic (strong laxative). As a pack placed over the abdomen, usually with heat applied, the oil is absorbed into the lymphatic circulation to provide a soothing, cleansing and nutritive treatment.

USE:

The castor oil pack is specific for non-cancerous uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Other conditions which reportedly respond well include: headaches, liver disorders, constipation, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, conditions with poor elimination, night time urinary frequency and inflamed joints. It is not to be used with pregnancy, bleeding or during menstruation.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Organic Castor oil,


• A sheet of plastic (a garbage bag is OK),


• 36" X 18" piece cotton or flannel,


• Heating pad or hot water bottle, pillows, and


• Baking soda

PROCEDURE:

1. Fold flannel into 3 layers to fit over your entire abdomen.


2. Soak flannel with the castor oil. Fold flannel in half and strip excess oil from pack.


3. Lie on your back with your feet elevated (use of a pillow under your knees and feet works well), placing oil-soaked flannel over abdomen, cover with a small sheet of plastic and then an old towel. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top.


4. Leave pack on for 45-60 minutes. Practice relaxation breathing by placing one hand on your diaphragm and the other hand on your lower abdomen. As you breathe in, force your lower abdomen to swell like a balloon. With each breath out, practice relaxing your jaw and shoulders. As you practice more, relax all muscles in your body


5. To remove the oil, wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and water.


6. Store the Castor pack in the refrigerator in a large zip-lock bag. Add more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it begins to change color.


7. For maximum effectiveness, apply the pack as often as possible at least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4 - 6 weeks. Daily use provides the most beneficial effects.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD:
Apply the castor oil directly to your abdomen without the flannel pack. A sheet of plastic covers the oil soaked skin, with a towel on top. A heating pad or hot water bottle is applied. This is often applied for the entire night and in the morning the castor oil will be totally absorbed through the skin. Use old sheets as the castor oil permanently stains.

Read more!

Chakras 101

• Chakra is a Sanskrit word which means wheel or vortex


• It refers to the energy centers of which our consciousness is composed


• The body contains hundreds of locations where energy is focused and concentrated.


• There are 7 main chakras, or energy centers within our energy system.


• These centers function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through us.

This energy penetrates the body and our body`s aura. The energy is received by the body, transformed, and then distributed. The functioning of the chakras reflects the decisions we make concerning how we choose to react to the conditions in our life. The response of the charkas is dependent on what we are thinking, what we are feeling, and through which perceptual filter we are choosing to experience the world around us.

• The chakras are not physical.


• They are doorways for our consciousness.


• They are the doorways through which the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being flow into physical expression.


• They are openings through which our attitudes and belief systems enter into and create our mind/body structure.

The energy created from our emotional and mental attitudes runs though the chakras and is distributed to our cells, tissues and organs. Realizing this brings tremendous insight into how we ourselves affect our bodies, minds, and circumstances for better or for worse. The chakras are more dense than the auras, but not as dense as the physical body. They interact with the physical body through two major vehicles, the endocrine system and the nervous system.

Each of the seven chakras is associated with one of the seven endocrine glands, and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Thus, each chakra can be associated with particular parts of the body and particular functions within the body controlled by that plexus or that endocrine gland associated with that chakra.

• 7th Chakra: Crown....Pineal Gland....Live in the Present Momnet


• 6th Chakra: Third Eye.....Pitituary Gland......Seek the Truth


• 5th Chakra: Throat....Thyroid/Parathyroid....Surrender Your Personal Will


• 4th Chakra: Heart....Thymus....Love is Divine Power


• 3rd Chakra: Solar Plexus.....Adreanals/Pancreas....Love & Honor Thyself


• 2nd Chakra: Sacral...Ovaries/Testes...Love One Another


• 1st Chakra: Root...Spine/Glandular System...All is One

Read more!

Whole Food Signatures

Here is a bit of information I received via email...making the some interesting associations, so I figured I'd post it. I did some checking around but could not locate the original source.

The "Doctrine of Signatures" contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides the eater.

Here's a short list of examples of Whole Food Signatures.

A Siced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and science shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.



Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.


Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).


Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glyc emic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Grapefruits, Oranges , and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

Read more!

Top 10 Lists: Which Foods Should We Buy Organic?

In the perfect world, we all have the perfect patch of land, we enjoy gardening, and grow wonderfully organic frutis and vegetables. But since that is the perfect world, few of us live in it.

For alot of us, we live instead in the real world, where we only have so many food dollars to go around. We may be giving careful consideration to our weekly purchases....what should I buy? From whom? Where does it come from? How is it grown? Are my decisions supporting good environmental practices?

Wise decsions about the right type of food with the highest nutritional value and quality should be high on our list. When possible, organics is the route to go. Buying local, good quality organic fruits and veggies from our local farmers, who we get to know, I have found is the most desired approach. When this is not possible, the health food or organic produce stores or markets are a good alternative. But this can get very pricey, in a few short bags, depleting our cash reserves before the weekly shopping list is complete.

So what do you do? You do your homework! That way, your dollars go futher, while your health and nutrional needs are still being addressed. Some foods should just always be on your NO-NO! List of products to purchase unless they are organic. Other foods, when measuring how far to stretch your dollar and still have sound nutrition, have the least amount of pesticide residue and buying conventional would be ok.

TOP FOODS WITH HIGHEST PESTICIDE CONTENT
Here is a list of the top 10 foods containing the most pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. When purchasing these foods, it is best to buy organic, or grown them yourself organically.

1. Strawberries


2. Bell Peppers


3. Spinach


4. Cherries


5. Peaches


6. Mexican Cantelope


7. Celery


8. Apples


9. Apricots


10. Green Beans

FOODS YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY ORGANIC

1. Asparagus


2. Avocodos


3. Bananas


4. Broccoli


5. Cabbage


6. Kiwi


7. Mango


8. Onion


9. Payaya


10. Pineapples

For more information see article Ten Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organically.

Read more!

So You Think Your Avoiding Aspartame?

By now most health conscious people are aware of the dangers of aspartame, the history of how it was pushed through for approval, and the common products to avoid using.

The common product list includes your diet beverages, sugarless gums, and mints to name a few of typically used dialy product. With the diligence of a detective I check the labeling of suspected products, but then let my guard down on other items that I just would not associate with containing aspartame.

Below is a list of some of the unsuspecting products.....wonder if you will be as surprised as I was

• Dimetap Cold and Allergy Chewable Tablets
• Equate Chewable Vitamins Animal-Shaped (with Iron)
• Sugar Free Metamucil
• Centrum,Jr vitamins contain aspartame.
• Childrens TYLENOL acetaminophen Fruit Flavored Chewable Tablets
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-time Cold Medicine
• CVS Childrens Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever
• RITE AID Childrens Aceteminophen Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever
• WEGMANS Childrens Chewable Acetaminophen

Take a look at the more complete product list. Want to add to the list? Pass along your suggestions of products to ditch.

Read more!

Green Smoothie

Place the following ingredients into a blender:

• 2 oz. dates


• 2 frozen bananas


• 4 oz. dark leafy greens


• 1 apple cut up


• 16 oz. water


• ice cubes

Blend until smooth…enjoy! 2 times a day for best results. Can boost this smoothie with super greens in powered form. This is an immune system booster…it would be beneficial to incorporate this into your daily routine.

Known Side Effects:
Tends to clear the complexion, giving it a healthy glow
Will most likely lead to an increase in energy
May substantially reduce your cravings for sugars and sweets
Will affect the toxic load in the body, causing elimination from cell tissue
May cause you to lose excess weight

Warning: Check first with your physician if you are concerned about any of the known side effects, they may result in improved health.

Read more!

Fighting the Winter Blahs!

Here is one of my favorite aromatherapy formulas I use. It is so easy to do, and the scent is very uplifting. I call these Nasal Inhalers. You use a small clean glass bottle to place all your ingredients into. A dark colored bottle is prefered, but if you put a lable around the bottle, you can get away with clear glass. Fill your bottle with sea salt then add your Essential Oils (EO), shake well, then inhale deeply.

(I can't figure out how to line these pictures up across the page so they can be viewed side by side..oh well!...any suggestions?)




Do Not Use Bottles with Rubber Stopper...the essential oils will leave them a gooey mess after a while





This amber dram bottle is a good choice for a nasal inhaler. They come in green and blue as well. I prefer the Amber...the darker colors protect the product from light.





You can use a clear dram bottle, because you should always lable what you make. You think you will remember what you put into the product, but trust me...you will not! So the lable protects the product from light.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bottle ( 2 dram)
• Sea Salt
• Grapefruit EO- 6 drops
• Beragmot EO- 6 drops
• Lemon EO-6 drops
• Sandlewood EO- 2 drops
• Ginger EO -4 drops

Don't forget to shake well! Enjoy, it is so refreshing!

Read more!