Power Packed Parsley

Author: Susan Anderson

Parsley is such a commonly used culinary herb, that it is easily overlooked for its therapeutic and healing benefits. Along with turmeric, chili peppers, sage, cinnamon, oregano and ginger, it is one of top seven powerhouse herbs and spices that are frontline helping individuals to prevent illness and maintain good health. Don't let the easy availability and common use of this herb go unappreciated. Check out the list below of some of the benefits of using parsley on a regular basis.

BENEFITS OF PARSLEY:
1. Builds blood
2. Aids in digestion
3. Boosts energy
4. Combats fatigue
5. Helps the heart
6. Dissolves cholesterol in the veins
7. Supports the adrenals
8. Strengthens teeth
9 Builds bones
10. Prevents birth defects
11. Enhances nutrient absorption
12. Eliminates bloating
13. Reduces inflammation
14. Provides hormonal support
15. Helps with kidney problems
16. Provides general immune support

SOME NUTRIENTS FOUND IN PARSLEY:
1. Beta carotene
2. Chlorophyll
3. Alpha-Linolenic Acid
4. Fluorine
5. Folic Acid
6. Iron
7. Protein
8. B-12
9. Vit K
10. Vit C

WAYS TO USE PARLEY:
1. Add to sandwiches
2. Add to salads
3. Juice it
4. Just chew on it raw
5. Make a parsley tea
6. Purchase a bottle of parsley tincture

So the next time you look at parsley sitting on the side of your plate, remember that its usefulness goes beyond a decorative dish feature, so why not start adding it to your daily routine. It is just another simple, inexpensive, readily available remedy that is a long distance runner!

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Got Ants?

BY: Susan Anderson

Remember the lyrics to a song from childhood that went, "The ants come marching one by one, hoorah! hoorah!"? Well that is exactly what is playing out on our kitchen counter right now. And to say the least, I would rather have them marching to their catchy little tune outside, instead of tramping through our house.

Each summer it seems these tiny little creatures make their pilgrimage into our house. Sometimes they come by route of the front door, at other times they come from the kitchen window sill, but regardless of their point of entry, they remain uninvited. My first attempt is always to ask them politely to remain outside, but my communication skills with these insects isn't honed enough yet that they respond to my requests.

So the second try is to use non-toxic remedies. Let me clarify, the non-toxic methods are for humans and pets, but are a deterrent to the ants to keep them out. So if you have GOT ANTS too, here is a list of suggestions. Depending on your conditions and the type of ants entering the premises, different suggestions work better than others. So read on to find out what can be done to keep them marching four by four out the door.

It is always a good idea to find the point of entry and work from that direction onward:

1. White Vinegar: place in a spray bottle and squirt the area where you see the ants, let is dry. Reapply as needed

2. Sprinkle plain old cinnamon where you see the ants coming into the house.

3. Black Pepper: can also be sprinkled at the point of entry to keep the ants from marching on in.

4. Mix a 50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water and sray as needed.

5. Mix equal parts of Windex and Ivory Soap, then spray the problem area.

6. Keeping Bay Leaves out in the areas that are affected by the ants.

7. Mixing a bit of borax with sugar then spreading out on the counter where the ants will come for a taste.

8. Drawing a line with white chalk where the ants are entering is supposed to keep the ants from crossing over.

9. Mint: not a favorite of ants and they will stay away.

10. Diatomaceous Earth: sprinkled where the ants will be walking.

There are plenty more solutions-- this being just the short list of possibilities. This year we had the teeny tiny little black ants coming through by the kitchen window so I used a combination approach. First, I wiped down around the affected window and counter area with straight white vinegar. After that dried I then mixed cinnamon with some crushed mint leaves and spread a line of the blend right below the window on the kitchen counter, and so far so good- I no longer GOT ANTS at this point in time.

Good luck to you. Send it your suggestions or approaches that have worked for you, I would love to hear them

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The Many Uses For Your Basil Bounty

By: Susan Anderson

If you are a gardener growing basil, this time of year is when the plant begins to really fill out and provide you with a lot of aromatic abundance. So what are some of the ways to use this garden delight?. Let's see... how can I count the ways?

1) Make Basil Infused Oil. Here is a link to an easy recipe.

2) After you make the infused oil, why not a companion basil vinegar? Go here to see how to make it.

3) Still have more basil coming in- give it away to family and friend,no one says no! Then they will come back asking for more.

4) Want to save some basil for the winter? Freeze the leaves- Here is a trick I learned a few years ago. Clean and dry the basil leaves, then place in a small jar with good quality olive oil, just enough to keep the leaves wet. Place in the freezer. When you pull out your basil in the dead of the winter, it will be fresh and green. If you just freeze your leaves they will not retain their color.

5) Now who can resist basil pesto? Easy to make! Use right away or freeze. Rather than share my recipe which uses no measurements and is completely done by eyeballing it, here is one that is easy to follow.

6) Crush a few fresh basil leaves to use as a herbal rub and topical treatment for insect bites to reduce the itching and inflammation.

7) Make a herbal tincture with basil leaves to help with relieve nervous conditions and induce relaxation. Click here to learn how to make a herbal tincture.

8) Make a herbal tea with fresh basil leaves and a few of the seeds. Basil is known as a herbal aid in digestive issues. Studies show that basil contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

9)For a relaxing bath, add some fresh basil leaves to the warm bath water.

10) Use a cooled basil tea made with the leaves as a hair conditioner.

There are many more ways to use this wonderful herb, but instead of overloading you with ideas, let's just say this is a springboard into the infinite possibilities. Have fun! And by the way, why not share your experiences and ...Tell us about your favorite use.

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Potassium Rich Foods

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure last week, so I have really started to pay more attention to what I am doing, especially in my eating patterns. What foods am I eating? What foods trigger higher BP, which ones assist in controlling it? Therefore this list is more for my needs but hopefully will be helpful to others out there that may need it as well.

Why Is Potassium Important?
Low levels of potassium can mean elevated sodium levels in the cells. To protect against cardiovascular disease we need to maintain the correct potassium-sodium ratio, which is 5-1,meaning we should ingest 5 times the amount of potassium vs sodium in our diets. The best place to get that potassium is from natural means, particularly in our fruits and veggies.

Another important function to remember about potassium is: it helps to stimulate the kidneys to remove toxic bodily waste. But potassium should be considered as only part of our total dietary pattern. We need to be aware of factors such as salt intake, amount and type of dietary fat, cholesterol, protein and fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium may affect blood pressure. Researchers attribute changes in blood pressure to certain patterns of food consumption.

Top Foods Rich in Potassium
When trying to regulate the potassium levels I feel it is always best to incorporate it naturally through the foods we eat. Of course, the quality of the food also plays a significant role- organic being the best route to take. Pull out your notepad, scrap of paper or matchbook cover, what ever it is you use to write yourself a note, and jot down the following information if you are looking to add more potassium to your meals.

Since all the sources I have looked at have varying ranges of mg per size listed, I am just listing those foods that are good to have on your list. You should be able to find a few from this grouping that will appeal to your taste buds while they work on balancing out your ratios.

Beet Greens

White Beans
White Potato Mostly in Skin

Cooked Spinach

Winter Squash

Fresh Apricots

Lima Beans

Avocado

Orange Juice

Black Beans

Brussel Sprouts

Legumes

Raw Carrots

Bananas

Dates

Prunes

Raisins

So there is a less then a complete list, but it offers enough variety to get you off to a good start. Remember working in small steps daily is the way to make big leaps in lifestyle changes!

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Herbal Tea Remedies: Good For What Ails You

Author: Susan Anderson

"If a man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty." - Japansese Proverb


Some days we can wake up just not feeling quite right. Unable to put our finger on it, we know we are energetically out of balance. At other times, we may be able to identify precisely the moment when something inside us triggers the arrival into the Not Well Zone. It may feel like we just hit the bullseye and concentric circles of awareness ripple outward, warning all systems. It is during these times, that a good hot cup of herbal tea may be just what is needed to help get things back on track and moving in the right direction.

What is a Herbal Tea?
A herbal tea is made from either a single plant or a combination of plants. Different teas can be made using various parts of the plant which include the leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, roots, bark or stems of the plant. The type of plant often dictates which part will be used. For example to make a chamomile tea, the flowers are used, to make peppermint tea, the leaves are used, and to make ginger tea, the roots are used. The herbs can be fresh or dried. They are then seeped in a cup of hot water, to create an infusion which allowed the therapeutic properties to be released.

Benefits of Herbal Teas
Drinking herbal teas can serve two basic purposes: to support the body in a therapeutic manner and to provide a pleasing drinking experience. Depending on the herbal tea that is selected, a different therapeutic value can be derived. Having a few basic herbal teas on hand can be a good supplement to whatever approach you may be taking to bring your body back into balance if you are not feeling up to par. There are so many good choices of herbal teas available today. Below is a suggested list of 5 basic teas to have on hand if you are looking to start adding herbal teas to your regular health care program.

FIVE USEFUL HERBAL TEAS TO HAVE IN THE PANTRY

Chamomile Tea
Is an aromatic tea known for its calming, soothing properties. Made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, this tea is useful in relaxing the nerves, soothing the stomach, relieving muscle tension, as well as helping with inflammation and improving liver function. This is a herb I grow annually in our garden, so we can have our own supply of chamomile tea.

Dandelion Tea
This is on my list because dandelions were so revered by my grandmother. In the spring one could find my grandmother with her small pocket knife and basket out in the fields, gathering young tender dandelion greens..."good for the blood, you know'. So this memory stays imprinted in my mind. I wouldn't describe it as having a delightful taste or fragrance, but it is what I would consider one of the workhorse teas. Useful as a body purifier, it assists with promoting healthy liver and kidney function. When searching for a tea to include in a detoxification process, dandelion tea should be high up on the list.

Echinacea Tea
Is useful in helping to boost the immune system, especially in regard to fighting off mild to moderate infections, such as the cold or flu. The leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea plant are traditionally used in the formulation of this tea. One of my favorite teas containing Echinacea is Organic Lemon Echinacea made by Traditional Medicinals, which is very soothing when I have a sore throat. A definite must have for my tea collection.

Ginger Tea
Known for its pungant taste, ginger tea is another must have for the kitchen pantry. When experiending any type of stomach imbalance, whether we are talking about digestive difficulities, nausea, cramping or bloating, one of the first herbal teas of choice should be ginger. Using the root of this plant, it is easy enough to make your own blend. Purchase a fresh ginger root from the grocery store, wash and peel a small section of the root. Place thinly cut slices into a cup, then cover with boiling water. Cover and let the tea seep for about 5 minutes. Strain then drink.

Peppermint Tea
The fragrant aroma of fresh peppermint alone lifts the spirits, the scent coaxing one to start to feel the freshness of life. There is always a mint patch growing right outside our kitchen door. During the summer months, fresh mint is used almost daily. As the season comes to an end, the mint is collected and dried so it can continue to be enjoyed throughout the year. Peppermint is another choice when looking to promote digestive health. In addition it is useful in helping to fight stress, supporting the immune system and help with bringing the mind into focus.

So the next time you are shopping at the grocery store deciding what beverages to put into your cart, leave out the artificially sweetened drinks and opt instead for a few new herbal teas. Delicious hot or cold, they will add a new dimension to your day without incurring additional health costs.

Now if you will excuse me, the teapot is whistling, so I am off to prepare myself a nice, warm, cup of Herbal Tea! Why not join me?

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Plants that Boost Indoor Air Quality

25 Top Plants

These plants have been shown to be effective in removing common pollutants from indoor air including formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide.

Common Name.....Scientific Name
1. Anthurium..... Anthurium andraeanum
2. Areca palm..... Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
3. Benjamin Weeping Fig.... Ficus benjamina
4. Boston fern.... Nephrolepis exaltata
5. Chinese Evergreen.....Aglaonema modestum

6. Corn Plant..... Dracaena massangeana
7. Croton..... Codiaeum variegatum
8. Date palm..... Phoenix roebelenii
9. Dieffenbachia..... Dieffenbachia bowmannii
10. English Ivy..... Hedera helix

11. Fig ‘Alii’..... Ficus macleilandii ‘Alii’
12. Gerbera Daisy......Gerbera jamesonii
13. Golden pothos..... Epipremnum aureum
14. Janet Craig ....Dracaena "Janet Craig"
15. Marginata..... Dracaena marginata

16. Norfolk Island Pine..... Araucaria Hetrophylla
17. Peace Lily..... Spathiphyllum "Mauna Loa"
18. Potted Mum..... Chrysantheium morifolium
19. Ponytail palm..... Beaucarnea recurvata
20. Prayer plant (Calathea)..... Maranta leuconeura erythroneura

21. Rubber plant..... Ficus elastica
22. Snake plant ..... Sansevieria laurentii
23. Warneckii ..... Dracaena "Warneckii"
24. Zebra plant..... Aphelandra squarrosa
25. ZZ plant..... Zamioculcas.

And here is the rest of it.

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Top 5 Alkaline Diet Weight Loss Tips

Thanks to my new friend, Yulia at Great Home Remedies, I found another great website with information about alkalinizing your diet. Here are the top 5 tips they share if you are interested in moving more into this direction.

Although these are really common sense items, how often do we throw common sense out the window when we extremely hungry and ready to eat everything in sight? Just a reminder that being prepared, prepares our being able to handle these challenging moments.

Tip #1 - Drink, Drink then Drink some more!

By far the most important and yet the easiest way to accelerate your alkaline diet weight loss results is to hydrate consistently.

Avoid Coffee, tea, soda and other acidic drinks.

Tip #2 - Avoid Foods with preservatives, food coloruing and additives.

The body wasn't designed to digest these chemical substances, so it must either: eliminate them, neutralize them or park them away where they can't damage your body.

Tip #3 - Avoid artificial sweetners like the plague

If you have been trying to lose weight, chances are you have relied on artificial sweetners to cut calories. You are shooting yourself in the foot on an alkaline diet. They are toxins as in tip #2

Tip #4 - Always have cut veggies and soaked nuts ready in your fridge

How successful do you think you would be in your alkaline weight loss program if you had to fight your craving along the way, every minute of every hour of every day? I bet not too successful.

Well, if you were on an alkaline diet, this would not be an issue because your craving would disappear by themselves over time. I get into that in much more detail in my e-book "Acid Alkaline Diet Simplified"

Optionally, pick up a couple of varieties of hummus to dip the veggies in for added taste.

Tip #5 - Make a huge salad every 3 days

Ever come home so hungry you're ready to eat the first thing that you can get your hands on? Do you regret binging on the junk food, and wish you could have made something better to eat?

If you prepare a huge salad that would last you 3 straight days, you will never come home and wonder what you can eat. With a salad in your fridge - ready to eat - you can eat right away and it's great for an alkaline diet.

Did you know your body can easily return to it's natural weight balance? Click here to find out how an alkaline diet can do this simply. http://acidalkalinediet.com/

SOURCE

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What Is Your Favorite Home Remedy?

THE MODERN DAY HOME REMEDY KIT
We all have our favorites that we would not be caught without in regards to our home remedy kit. To think back, in my grandmother's day, home remedies were all there were!

One image I can still see very clearly is my Italian Grandmom in her dress and apron, going to the parks and open fields in Philadelphia, looking for dandelions and wild blackberries. The dandelions were used as a dinner veggie and to make wine, the blackberries to make pies. Of course this was way back in the day before pesticides became an issue. Imagine my surprise when I first saw dandelions sold in a food market, and they actually wanted money for those weeds! Truth be told, dandelions are still one of my favorite greens to eat.

So how about helping me out here and sharing one of your favorite home remedies to add to the list. Tell us about one of your favorites and how you have used it. I'll start and hope others will join in as well! This is tough to widdle it down to one...

COLD PRESSED CASTOR OIL
I always have several bottles of cold pressed castor oil on hand, for both myself and to share with others. I came across this about 15 years ago when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and it is what helped me create a healing. It is great for any kind of inflammation. I apply it directly to the skin. I never take it internally. It is a great skin conditioner, and helps with muscle aches and pains. For more information on how to use it, see the article Castor Oil: A Wealth of Information

Be the next person to add your home remedy to the list

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Your Body's Many Cries For Water

WATER "FACTS"

• 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.


• In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.


• Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.


• One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of dieters studied in a U-Washington study.


• Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.


• Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.


• A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.


• Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.


• Increasing your intake of water during a case of the flu or common coldcan reduce the number of sick days by 2-3 days.


• Are you drinking enough water every day?
  Remember, once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
  
  
  Source:
  From the book: "Your Body's Many Cries for Water;
  You Are not Sick, You Are You Are Thirsty
  By F. Batmanghelidj, MD
  And here is the rest of it.

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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.

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