All Natural Cleaning Solutions January 17, 2008

I’ve got some great, all natural suggestions for giving dirt & grease their walking papers.  These ingredients can all be found in your abode, and they don’t compromise your family’s health by exposing them to toxic, harmful chemicals.

1.  Baking Soda – All-purpose cleaner.  Effective on glassware and carpets.  When mixed with vegetable-based liquid soap, it can clean countertops, toilets & tubs.
2. Coarse Salt – Cleans copper pans, scours cookware and stove tops.  When mixed with lime or lemon, removes rust stains.
3. Grapefruit-seed extract – Mixed with water, it kills mold and mildew.
4. Lemon Juice – Functions as a bleaching agent on clothing and removes grease from your stove top.
5. Potatoes – Halved potatoes remove rust from cookware
6. White Vinegar – Mixed with water and vegetable based liquid soap, cleans linoleum floors and glass; removes soap scum and cleans toilets 

Try any of these and see how well they work.  You  may find that you no longer need to purchase the expensive, toxic cleaners you may currently be using.

 

Toodles. 

C-Section – The Birthing Alternative January 17, 2008

Any woman who’s ever given birth can appreciate the quick and relatively painless process of a Caesarean birth.  The advances in medicine and the changing norms for parenthood have catapulted C-Sections into one of the top spots for most common surgeries performed in America.  Of the over 7 million surgical procedures performed each year in the United States, 1 million of these are C-Sections.  More C-Sections are performed on American women than women in the U.K., Canada and most European countries.  So why the sudden surge of C-Sections?  That’s a hotly debated subject.  Some say convenience, while others cite risks, for some, it’s a combination of both.Jane* was in labor for a painful 10 hours before delivering her first child by C-section.  After consulting with her doctor, she opted out of vaginal delivery with her second child, in part because it would just be easier to have another C-section and avoid all the unnecessary pain.  In Jane’s case, the matter of convenience was also compounded by the risk factor.  For women who have already had C-sections, there is an increased risk to delivering another baby vaginally.  Most women who’ve had a prior C-section choose the same method with subsequent births. In Mandy’s* case, her due date hovered around the same time as a cross-country move she and her husband needed to make for his job.  Although this was Mandy’s first child and though no risks existed, for her, it was a no-brainer.  She spoke with her doctor, and scheduled a C-section just in time to make the move. Because of stories like these, many doctors are beginning to worry that women and, more importantly, the doctors that serve them, have become too cavalier about C-sections. “You can come in and have your baby an hour after you have arrived and I can sew you up neat and tidy and you’re all done,” says one critic of the high rate of C-sections.  “Nowadays, women are so busy, and have so much going on, they don’t want to wait another few days or weeks to allow their bodies to go into labor by itself.  Then, in addition to that, they don’t want to have to deal with the pain. I think we’re engaged in huge uncontrolled experiment with regard to cesarean sections.” On the other side of the debate, there are doctors who maintain that vaginal deliveries are just as risky as C-sections, and ultimately, each mother needs to make her own informed decision in consultation with her doctor.  “If we’re achieving the goal of having healthy mothers and babies, why should we have to apologize for our C-section rate?” says one proponent of the procedure. It has now come down to dueling deliveries.  Natural deliveries are universally accepted as the safest and least invasive method of childbirth.  While C-Sections are usually up for debate depending on who you speak to.  All agree, however, that if a woman is considering a C-section, she should know the pros and cons associated with the procedure.  This article is written to do just that.  For mothers-to-be with their hearts set on a natural delivery, a C-section can thrust her and her partner into an abyss of disappointment, fear, and stress.  For mothers-to-be who have long decided upon a C-section as the birthing method of choice, the procedure can still be quite daunting and filled with uncertainties.  However, with emotional and mental preparation, and a good working knowledge of what’s about to go on “down there”, you’ll be ready when that big day finally arrives.When is a C-Section the best optionWhile some C-sections are performed due to pregnancy complications, previous C-sections or convenience, most first-time C-sections occur unexpectedly.  Sometimes a C-section is safer for mother or baby than is a vaginal delivery.   A C-section may be recommended if: 

Your labor isn’t progressing

Your baby’s heartbeat suggests reduced oxygen supply 

Your baby is in an abnormal position 

Your baby’s head is in the wrong position 

You’re carrying twins, triplets or other multiples

There’s a problem with your placenta 

There’s a problem with the umbilical cord

Your baby is very large

You have a health problem 

Your baby has a health problem 

You’ve had a previous C-section complications associated with a C-section 

The recovery from a vaginal birth is much quicker than from a C-section.  A Caesarean delivery also carries a higher risk of complications, just as with other types of major surgeries. 

Complications that may affect the baby include: 


Breathing problems for babies
Fetal injury

 Complications that may affect the mother include: 

Inflammation and infection of the membrane lining the uterus
Increased bleeding 
Urinary tract infection 
Decreased bowel function 
Reactions to anesthesia 
Blood clots 
Wound infection 
Additional surgeries

   What to expect during a C-section Whether your C-section happens unexpectedly or you’ve planned it well in advance, you may be anxious about the experience.  Here is what you can expect during the 30-45 minute procedure. 

Preparation – cleansing of the abdomen, catheter placed in the bladder, and intravenous lines providing fluid and medication will be placed in a vein in your arm
Anesthesia – Regional (epidural) anesthesia numbs only the lower part of your body. General anesthesia may be needed in case of an emergency.  With this type of anesthesia, you will more than likely be unconscious. 
Abdominal incision – the doctor will make a horizontal or vertical incision through your abdominal wall near the pubic hairline. 
Uterine incision – the uterine incision is usually made horizontally across the lower portion of the uterus. 
Delivery – if you have regional anesthesia, you will likely feel some movement as the baby is pulled from your uterus, but you won’t feel pain.  The doctor will clear your baby’s mouth and nose of fluids, and clamp the umbilical cord.

Recovery in the hospital Usually after a C-section, mothers and babies stay in the hospital for around three days.  As the anesthesia wears off, you may adjust the doses of intravenous pain medication as needed.  Later, you may utilize oral pain relievers. You will be encouraged to walk with assistance soon after the C-section.  This speeds your recovery and helps prevent constipation and potentially dangerous blood clots.  The catheter and IVs will more than likely be removed within 12-24 hours after the C-section. Your healthcare team will monitor your incision for signs of infection while in the hospital.  They will also monitor your appetite, fluid intake, and bladder and bowel function.  At Home and Breast-feeding: 

Relax – get a lot of rest and until your six-week checkup, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby
Maintain abdomen support – use good posture, and hold your abdomen near the incision during sudden movements, use pillows or the like for extra support during breast-feeding sessions
Limit visitors – too many visitors in the first few weeks will reduce your rest time 
Drink lots of fluids – additional fluids will replenish those lost during delivery and breast-feeding and will prevent constipation 
No sex – wait six weeks before resuming sexual activity 
No driving – until you can handle sudden movements don’t drive 
Take the necessary medications – take medications as recommended by your doctor 
Contact your doctor when needed – promptly report any signs of infection or flu-like symptoms accompanied by pain in one breast

 Although the debate continues in the medical community regarding the best method of delivery, all agree that the intended result is the same – healthy, happy mothers and babies.  With this in mind, if you are planning on having a baby, it is imperative that you discuss the possibility of a C-section with your healthcare provider well before your due date.  Ask questions, share your concerns and make yourself aware of the circumstances that might make a C-section the best option.  Conversely, if you do not wish to have a C-section, educate yourself on techniques you may employ, that significantly reduce the possibility of needing a C-section. 

* names have been changed

 

Sources: Mayo Clinic, World Health Organization, New York University

 This information is intended as reference and information and not as medical advice.  All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.

 

Nutrition Nuggets January 17, 2008

Some foods naturally contain health-promoting, disease-fighting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals.  Here are some helpful food facts to empower you to make the best decision for your body.

Asparagus

• High in glutathione – an important anti-carcinogen
• Contains rutin – protects small blood vessels from rupturing
• Good source of vitamins A, C and E, B-complex vitamins, potassium and zinc

Avocado

• Rich in monounsaturated fat – easily burned for energy
• Has more than twice as much potassium as a banana

Banana

• High in potassium (actually potassium is the predominant nutrient in most fruits & vegetables)
• Green-tipped bananas are better for you than over-ripe bananas

Beet Greens/Root

• Contains notable amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus
• Contains vitamins A, B-complex and C
• High in carbohydrate levels

Broccoli

• Contains twice the vitamin C of an orange
• Has almost as much calcium as whole milk – calcium in broccoli is better absorbed than with milk
• Contains selenium, which has anti-cancer and anti-viral properties
• Modest source of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E
• Has antioxidant properties

Celery

• Best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium
• High in potassium
• High in water content

Cilantro

• May be useful in treating urinary tract infections
• Both the leaves and seeds aid digestion, relieve intestinal gas, pain and distention
• Useful in treating nausea, soothes inflammation, rheumatic pain, headaches, coughs and mental stress
• Member of the carrot family

Chicory

• Contains insulin, which helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels
• May be useful in cleansing the liver and gallbladder
• Beneficial for digestion, the circulatory system and the blood
• Good source of calcium, vitamin A and potassium

Chinese Cabbage

• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Excellent source of folic acid
• Low in calories and low in sodium
• High in vitamin A and potassium

Fennel

• Contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin
• Anti-carcinogenic and can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
• Useful for indigestion and spasms of the digestive tract
• Assists in expelling phlegm from the lungs

Green Beans

• Fresh beans contain vitamin A, B-complex, calcium and potassium
• Are diuretic and may be used to treat diabetes

Jicama

• Low in sodium and high in potassium
• High carbohydrate content

Kale

• Eases lung congestion and is beneficial to the stomach, liver and immune system
• Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from macular degeneration
• Contains indole-3-carbinol, which may protect against colon cancer
• Excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and chlorophyll

Mustard Greens

• Excellent anti-cancer vegetable
• Beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression

Onions

• Excellent antioxidant, anti-allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties
• Contains sulfur compounds which help to detoxify the body
• Aid in cellular repair
• Rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant

Parsley

• Useful as a digestive aid
• Helps to purify the blood and stimulate the bowels
• Is an anti-carcinogen
• Contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach
• Contains vitamin A and is a good source of copper and manganese
• Natural breath freshener

Peanuts

• Contains beneficial proteins
• Low starchy carbohydrates

Pumpkin Seeds

• High in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system
• Contain fatty acids that kill parasites

Radishes

• Have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
• Contain vitamin C, potassium and other trace minerals

Sweet Potato

• Excellent source of carotenoid antioxidants
• Contain calcium, high in vitamins A and C and contain thiamine
• High in sugar

Tomatoes

• Rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anti-carcinogenic properties
• Excellent source of vitamin C, A and B-complex, potassium and phosphorus

Zucchini

• Contains vitamin A and C
• Contains potassium and calcium

 Toodles. 

All Natural Remedies January 17, 2008

        Abrasion – Basil, Blueberry/bilberry, Brassicas, Carrot, Lavender, Leek, Lemon balm,
        Potato, Sage 
        Acid indigestion – Peach, Pear, Potato

        Acne – Artichoke, Sorrel, Strawberry, Turnip

        Alcoholism – Brassicas

        Allergies – Borage, Coriander, Lemon balm, Sweet pepper

        Anemia – Apricot, Arugula, Green beans, Blackberry, Brassicas, Carrot, Cherry, Chives,
        Onion, Parsley, Plum, Raspberry, Sorrel, Spinach, Tomato

        Anxiety/tension – Apricot, Basil, Borage, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lettuce,
        Marjoram, Parsley, Peach, Raspberry, Rosemary, Thyme

        Appetite, poor – Apricot, Artichoke, Blackberry, Black currant, Caraway, Chervil, Coriander,
        Cranberry, Dandelion, Dill, Fennel, Horseradish, Lavender, Lemon balm, Radish, Red currant,
        Rosemary, Spinach

        Arteriosclerosis – Artichoke, Potatoe

        Arthritis – Apple, Artichoke, Asparagus, Green beans, Black currant, Borage, Brassicas,
        Carrot, Celery, Chamomile, Cherry, Chervil, Chicory, Coriander, Cucumber, Fennel,
        Horseradish, Lavender, Onion, Parsley, Pear, Plum, Potato, Red currant, Rosemary,
        Sweet bay, Thyme, Turnip

        Asthma – Borage, Dill, Garlic, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme

        Atherosclerosis – Artichoke, Blackberry, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Chives, Leek,
        Red currant

        Babies’ colic – Chamomile

        Babies’ sleeping problems – Dill

        Back pain – Mint

        Bladder infections – Cucumber, Parsley, Thyme, Turnip

        Bleeding gums – Blackberry, Blueberry/bilberry, Raspberry

        Boils & abscesses – Brassicas, Carrot, Dandelion, Horseradish, Leek, Sorrel, Turnip, Zucchini

        Bowel disorder/infections - Apricots, Blackberry, Blueberry/bilberry, Calendula, Chamomile,
        Chives, Gooseberry, Leek, Marjoram, Marrow, Peach, Plum, Pumpkin, Squash, Thyme, Turnip,
        Zucchini

        Bronchial congestion – Arugula, Carrot, Fennel, Horseradish, Radish, Rosemary

        Bronchitis – Onion

        Bruises & Sprains – Arugula, Chamomile, Parsley

        Burns & scalds, minor – Blackberry, Brassicas, Carrot, Chamomile, Lavender, Leek, Marrow,
        Potato, Pumpkin, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Zucchini

        Candidiasis – Calendula

        Cardiovascular problems – Sweet pepper

        Cataracts – Asparagus

        Chest infections - Black currant, Coriander, Garlic, Leek, Marjoram, Mint, Red currant, Thyme

        Chilblains – Brassicas, Calendula, Garlic, Horseradish, Marjoram, Hot peppers, Potato,
        Rosemary, Sweet bay, Turnip

        Childhood infections – Borage, Lemon balm

        Circulatory disease – Garlic

        Colds – Apple, Arugula, Basil, Blackberry, Black currant, Borage, rassicas, Calendula, Caraway,
        Coriander, Garlic, Horseradish, Leek, Lettuce, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Hot pepper,  Radish,
        Raspberry, Red currant, Rosemary, Sweet bay, Thyme, Turnip

        Cold sores – Mint, Strawberry

        Colic – Basil, Caraway,Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Leek, Marjoram, Parsley, Sage, Sweet bay

        Colitis – Brassicas, Calendula, Chamomile, Marrow, Pear, Potato, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Color & night vision problems – Carrot, Cranberry

        Congestion – Apple, Arugula, Basil, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Borage, Caraway, Cherry,
        Coriander, Garlic, Horseradish, Leek, Lettuce, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Hot pepper, Radish,
        Raspberry, Red currant, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet bay, Thyme, Turnip

        Conjunctivitis – Chamomile

        Constipation – Apple, Apricot, Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Dried beans, Green beans, Blackberry,
        Black currant, Brassicas, Caraway, Carrot, Celery, Cherry, Chicory, Cranberry, Dandelion, Dill,
        Gooseberry, Horseradish, Lettuce, Onion, Parsnip, Pea, Pear, Plum, Potato, Raspberry,
        Red currant, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberry, Tomato, Turnip

        Coughs – Apple, Arugula, Basil, Blackberry, Black currant, Borage, Brassicas, Caraway, Cherry,
        Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Horseradish, Leek, Lettuce, Marjoram, Mint, Onion, Peach, Pear,
        Hot pepper, Radish, Raspberry, Red currant, Rosemary, Strawberry, Sweet bay, Thyme, Turnip

        Cramp – Coriander, Marjoram, Sage

        Croup – Thyme

        Cuts – Apple, Basil, Blueberry/bilberry, Brassicas, Calendula, Carrot, Chamomile, Lavender,
        Leek, Lemon balm, Potato,  Sage

        Cystitis – Borage, Carrot, Chamomile, Cranberry, Onion, Peach, Pear, Thyme

        Depression, mild – Celery

        Diarrhea – Apple, Basil, Blackberry, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Caraway, Carrot,
        Cherry, Dill, Leek, Mint, Pear, Raspberry, Red currant, Rhubarb, Sweet bay, Thyme,

        Digestive problems – Chamomile, Coriander, Dill, Peach, Pear, Rhubarb

        Diverticulitis – Dried beans, Potato

        Dysentery – Blackberry

        Earache – Chamomile

        Eczema – Artichoke, Chamomile, Cucumber, Lemon balm, Radish, Sorrel, Turnip

        Fevers – Blackberry, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Borage, Calendula, Coriander,
        Cucumber, Horseradish, Marjoram, Mint, Hot pepper, Raspberry, Red currant, Rosemary,
        Strawberry, Sweet bay, Thyme

        Flatulence – Basil, Caraway, Carrot, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Lavender, Leek, Onion, Parsley,
        Plum, Sage, Sweet bay

        Flu – Blackberry, Black currant, Borage, Calendula, Horseradish, Majoram, Onion, Raspberry,
        Red currant, Rosemary, Sweet bay, Thyme

        Fluid retention – Apple, Artichoke, Asparagus, Green beans, Black currant, Borage, Calendula,
        Carrot, Cherry, Chervil, Chicory, Cucumber, Dandelion, Fennel, Horseradish, Onion, Parsley,
        Peach, Pear, Plum, Radish, Raspberry, Red currant, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel, Spinach,
        Strawberry, Sweet bay, Tomato, Turnip

        Gall bladder problems – Apple, Chicory, Dandelion, Radish

        Gasritis – Apple, Blackberry, Brassicas, Calendula, Chamomile, Coriander, Cucumber, Lettuce,
        Marrow, Peach, Pear, Potato, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Gastroenteritis – Hot pepper, Thyme

        Gingivitis – Mint, Sage, Thyme

        Gout - Artichoke, Green beans, Black currant, Brassicas, Carrot, Celery, Cherry, Chervil,
        Chicory, Cucumber, Horseradish, Onion, Parsley, Pear, Plum, Radish, Red currant, Sage, Sweet bay, Turnip

        Hangovers – Rosemary

        Hay fever – Horseradish, Lemon balm

        Headaches – Apple, Basil, Chicory, Lavender, Marjoram, Marrow, Mint, Parsley, Pumpkin,
        Rosemary, Squash, Sweet bay, Zucchini

        Heart & arterial disease – Carrot, Tomato

        Heartburn – Artichoke, Brassicas, Chicory, Fennel, Peach, Pear

        Heat rash – Cucumber, Strawberry

        Heavy periods – Blackberry

        Hemorrhoids – Dried beans, Blackberry, Blueberry/bilberry, Calendula, Chevil

        Hiccups – Caraways

        High blood pressure – Dried beans, Celery, Garlic, Onion, Potato

        High Cholesterol – Blackberry, Celery, Garlic, Onion, Pea, Raspberry, Spinach

        Hormonal problems – Borage

        Hot flashes - Calendula, Sage

        Hyperacidity – Apple

        Hyperactivity – Chamomile

        Indigestion – Apple, Artichoke, Basil, Brassicas, Caraway, Chicory, Coriander, Dill, Fennel,
        Horseradish, Lavender, Lemon balm, Marrow, Peach, Pumpkin, Raspberry, Rosemary, Sage,
        Squash, Sweet bay, Zucchini

        Infections – Black currant, Chives, Red currant, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Strawberry

        Inflammatory eye problems – Cucumber, Lemon balm, Strawberry

        Inflammatory problems – Blueberry/bilberry

        Insect bites & stings – Basil, Black currant, Cucumber, Lavender, Leek, Lemon balm,
        Parsley, Red currant, Tomato

        Insomia – Chamomile, Lavender, Lettuce, Marjoram

        Intestinal infections – Carrot

        Irritable bowel syndrome – Apple, Lettuce, Pear

        Joint pain – Mint

        Kidney stones – Cranberry, Danelion

        Lethargy – Apricot, Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Cherry, Chervil, Chicory,
        Coriander, Dandelion, Garlic,
        Horseradish, Mint, Parsley, Pea, Peach, Pear, Plum, Rosemary, Spinach, Sweet bay

        Liver problem – Apple, Brassicas, Carrot, Chicory, Dandelion, Radish

        Low immunity – Borage, Brassicas, Calendula, Chives, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Spinach,
        Thyme, Turnip

        Mastitis – Dandelion, Red currant

        Measles – Black currant, Red currant

        Menopausal problem – Fennel

        Migraines – Basil, Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Rosemary

        Morning sickness – Raspberry

        Mouth ulcers – Blackberry, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Mint, Raspberry, Red currant,
        Sage, Thyme

        Muscle tension – Basil, Dill, Marjoram

        Muscular aches & pains – Lavender, Lemon balm, Sweet bay

        Nausea – Artichoke, Chamomile, Dill, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon balm, Mint, Raspberry, Sage,
        Sweet bay

        Nerve pain – Basil

        Nervous indigestion – Apricot, Lettuce

        Nervous palpitations – Lavender

        Neuralgia – Chamomile, Mint, Hot pepper

        Night sweats – Sage

        Overheating – Cucumber, Marrow, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Pain in childbirth – Raspberry

        Peptic ulcers – Apple, Calendula, Coriander, Lettuce, Marrow, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Period pains – Calendula, Fennel, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Hot pepper, Sage,
        Sweet bay

        Pharyngitis – Onion

        PMS – Chamomile, Lemon balm

        Poor circulation – Arugula, Caraway, Chervil, Chives, Garlic, Horseradish, Leek, Marjoram,
        Parsley, Hot pepper, Rosemary, Sweet bay, Thyme

        Poor concentration – Sage, Ginseng

        Poor vision – Carrot

        Poor lactation – Borage, Brassicas, Fennel

        Prostate problems – Danelion, Marrow, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Respiratory infections – Carrot, Sweet pepper, Radish, Sage

        Rheumatism – Apple, Lavender, Radish, Sweet bay

        Rhinitis - Lemon balm, Onion

        Ringworm – Mint

        Sinusitis – Basil, Black currant, Brassicas, Coriander, Horseradish, Lavender, Mint, Onion,
        Hot pepper, Radish, Red currant, Rosemary, Thyme

        Skin problems/infections – Apple, Asparagus, Blackberry, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry,
        Brassicas, Calendula, Coriander, Dandelion, Horseradish, Mint, Peach, Plum, Red currant,
        Sorrel, Spinach, Strawberry

        Sluggish digestion – Chervil, Chives, Dill

        Sore throats – Basil, Black currant, Blueberry/bilberry, Caraway, Chamomile, Coriander,
        Lavender, Mint, Raspberry, Red currant, Sage, Thyme

        Stomach infections – Blackberry, Chamomile, Chives, Marjoram

        Stomach ulcers – Potato

        Stress/stress-related problems – Green beans, Borage, Celery, Lavender

        Stress-related digestive problems – Chamomile, Dill, Peach, Pear

        Sunburn – Cucumber, Potato, Strawberry

        Thrush – Blueberry/bilberry, Calendula, Chamomile, Thyme

        Tireness – Apricot, Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Green beans, Borage, Caraway, Cherry,
        Chevil, Chicory, Coriander, Dandelion, Garlic, Horseradish, Mint, Parsley, Pea, Peach, Pear,
        Plum, Rosemary, Spinach, Sweet bay

        Tonsillitis – Mint, Sage, Thyme

        Ulcers (open sores) – Calendula, Potato

        Urethritis – Peach

        Urinary infections – Asparagus, Blackberry, Blueberry/bilberry, Celery, Cherry, Chicory,
        Cranberry, Dandelion, Leek, Marjoram, Raspberry, Sage

        Urticaria – Artichoke, Chamomile, Cucumber, Radish

        Vaginal infections – Blackberry, Sage

        Varicose veins – Blackberry, Blueberry/bilberry, Brassicas, Calendula

        Viruses – Lemon balm

        Vitamin/mineral deficiency – Apricot, Asparagus, Green beans, Brassicas, Carrot, Celery,
        Cherry, Dandelion, Parsley, Parsnip, Peach, Pear, Plum, Sorrel, Spinach, Strawberry, Tomato,
        Turnip

        Vomiting – Sage

        Warts – Calendula, Dandelion

        Weak digestion – Apricot, Arugula, Celery, Radish, Spinach

        Worms – Asparagus, Garlic, Marrow, Onion, Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

        Wounds – Apple, Calendula

Feeding Your Feelings January 17, 2008

Using food for reasons other than satisfying your hunger is a normal part of life.  In almost every culture, food is used to show hospitality or to comfort the grieving.  It becomes a problem when food is used to control the emotions and deal with your feelings of powerlessness.  This is called Emotional Eating, the

practice of consuming large amounts of food in response to feelings instead of hunger. 

 

Stress, depression, loneliness and poor self-esteem can all result in overeating and unwanted weight gain.  At an early age, we learn that food can bring comfort and as a result, we often turn to food to heal emotional wounds.  This habit eventually becomes a hindrance to our learning of skills that can effectively resolve emotional distress.

 

One of the biggest problems that the Emotional Eater faces is the constant feeling of hunger.  Experts believe that these “feelings” of hunger directly correlate to and overlap with moments of emotional pain. “My boyfriend and I got into a huge argument and he walked out…so I ate the box of ice cream in the fridge” Linda*, a chronic emotional eater says. “What could I do? He left. There was nothing else to do.”

 

By choosing food, the Emotional Eater completely surrenders their ability to solve problems and deal with their lives in a mature and empowered way.  There is a subconscious belief that other people are constantly interfering with your attempts to fulfill your life’s purpose.  This is where the “comfort” or junk food comes in.

 

“Many people eat when what they really need is nurturing.  They’re lonely and food becomes their companion” says one expert on the subject. “It’s important that an emotional eater become self-aware of their emotions and their reactions to those emotions.”

 

Identifying the emotional or situational traits is key to gaining control.  When you start paying attention to your feelings of hunger, you may discover that much of what you labeled as hunger is actually something else.  Dr. Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. in her book Constant Craving: What Your Cravings Mean and How to Overcome Them, lists eight traits of emotional hunger.

 The Traits of Emotional Hunger 

• Sudden onset – one minute, you’re not even thinking about food, the next minute you’re starving
• For a specific food – no substitute will do, you need that particular food
• Is above the neck – begins in the mind and mouth
• Urgency – There is a desire to instantly ease emotional pain with food
• Paired with an upsetting emotion – Your boss yelled at you or your child is in trouble at school so you must eat
• Automatic or absent-minded eating – you may not notice that you’ve just eaten a whole bag of cookies
• Does not stop eating in response to fullness – you stuff yourself to deaden the troubling emotions
• Feels guilty about eating – you eat to feel better and then end up berating yourself for eating

 

The Emotional Eater must become intimately aware of his/her emotional eating triggers as well. The best way to do this is to maintain a journal recording how you feel before, during, and after you eat.  A journal is the best way to pinpoint patterns in your emotional eating habits. 

 Identifying Emotional Eating Triggers 

• Emotional – Eating in response to depression, boredom, anxiety, etc.
• Thoughts – Eating as a result of negative self-worth or other low self-esteem issues
• Social – Eating to fit in; eating when around other people or in social circles
• Situational – Associating eating with particular activities like reading or watching TV
• Physiological – Eating excessively due to skipped meals or to cure headaches or other physical pain

 

The next step in conquering the emotional eating habit is developing alternatives. 

 Emotional Eating Alternatives 

• Listen to music or read a book
• Go for a walk
• Take a bubble bath
• Do deep breathing exercises
• Play a board game
• Talk to a friend
• Do housework, laundry or yard work
• Wash the car
• Write a letter

 

As you identify and learn to incorporate more appropriate alternatives you will begin to curb your excessive and emotional eating habits.  By starting from the surface in acknowledging the issue, moving to identifying the traits and triggers and finally by finding other ways to deal with the emotions, you will be able to prove to yourself that you can manage uncomfortable emotions without resorting to “comfort” food. No longer will you be feeding your feelings of powerlessness, you will become accountable and more in control than ever before.

  

Sources: Dr. Roger Gould, MD, Prevention; Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., Constant Craving: What Your Food Carvings Mean and How to Overcome Them; MediceNet.com

     

Smoothie Recipes January 16, 2008

Here are some really easy but extremely healthy juice & smoothie recipes.  Remember to use organic produce whenever possible.

1. C3
   Celery Stalks – 2
   Carrots -4
   Cabbage Wedge -1
2. Sweet Deal
   Carrots – 5
   Apple – 1
   Beet – 1/2
3. H-O-T Caliente
   Green Pepper – 1
   Red Pepper – 1
   Celery Stalks – 3
   Cucumber – 1/2
   Lettuce Leaves – 5
4. Apple Delight
   Orange (pealed) – 1/2
   Apples (green) – 2
   Banana (ripe) – 1
   Soy Milk (unsweetened) – 1 cup
5. Strawberry Baby
   Strawberries – 10
   Banana (medium) – 1
   Orange juice – 1 cup
6. Tropicality
   Kiwi – 2
   Banana – 1
   Orange juice – 1 cup
   Mango chunks – 1/2 cup
7. Green Thumb
   Spinach – handful
   Celery – 3 stalks
   Cabbage (small wedge)
   Broccoli – 1 floret
   Onion (green) – 1
8. Natural Flush
   Apple – 3
   Pear – 1
9. Internal Roto-Rooter
   Carrot – 3
   Cucumber – 1/2
   Beet – 1/2
   Spinach – 1/2 handful

Eight Steps To Sexyville – Post-Baby Slimdown January 16, 2008

You know, it’s a shame, but no one tells you that after you’ve endured nine months of pregnancy, 20 hours or more of labor, and 6+ months of breastfeeding…that you’re still gonna look like you’re “in the family way”!  Yes, many women suffer from the all too common “post-baby bulge”.  You know what I’m talking about.  It’s that kangaroo-like pouch protruding from your mid-section.  The one you attempt to conceal with baggy sweats (sexy) and wide-width belts (fashion forward).  Dargone it, I’ve even seen women try to hide their bulges with strollers! Now that’s some covert action going on.

Now, I’m all for embracing the beauty within.  But if you’re like me and you want your beauty within to equal your beauty without, there’s got to be some determined actions taken…i.e. employing a “trim-down” regimen.

In order to turn your gluteus maximus into a gluteus minimus, there’s got to be some lifestyle changes.  No, you cannot eat a donut and coffee for breakfast, salad for lunch, and steak for dinner!  But what you can do is replace a few things, rearrange a few others and add a little bit of exercise and you may be in business.  Check out what I’ve got in mind…this is what I call The Eight Steps to Sexyville!

1. Get Your Mind Right
   Positive, inspirational thoughts not only effect you psychologically, but physically as well.  If you mentally embrace the change you’re about to make, your body will follow suite.
2. Catch Your Z’s
   It’s been scientifically proven, women who sleep less than 5 hours per night weigh more than women who sleep 7 hours or more.  If your baby’s not yet sleeping through the night, make a deal with hubby to help you out.
3. Get To Steppin’
   Take your baby for a nice, moderate paced walk everyday for 30-60 minutes.  This burns stored fat and increases your metabolism.
4. Juice, baby! Juice!
   Raw fruit and vegetable juice promote weight loss because they are low in fat and calories, but high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.  They also eliminate wastes quickly and keep your energy levels up while reducing your sweets cravings. Depending on your taste preferences, you can whip up all kinds of delicious but healthy concoctions. Check out my Smoothie Recipes post for some cool ideas.
5. Five Small Meals
   Think, “less is more”.  Here’s the rule, whatever can fit into the palm of your hand is a meal…unless of course, you’re talking about a danish!  Healthy, organic, non-processed food is what we’re talking here, people.  Perhaps try a small, green salad with feta cheese and chicken breast slices; an apple; bunch of grapes, etc.
6. Snack Attack
   This is in conjuction with #5.  Snack on raw nuts, fruit, yogurt, granola…whatever you know to be healthy and not filled with stuff you can’t pronounce.
7. Hydrate Thyself
   Forget 8 glasses of water! Drink 10! Daily.  You may be able to replace that 30-60 minute walk in #3 for the frequent trips to the bathroom you’ll be making if you employ this step.  Trust me, if you’re drinking enough water, you’ll see those pounds washed away.
8. Make Your Fridge Your Friend
   Now your fridge can’t be your friend if you’ve got 3 gallons of Almond Fudge Swirl ice cream setting up shop in there.  Nor can it be your friend if you’re giving the 5 racks of beef ribs free room and board in your freezer.  It’s also not your friend, with the nearest pizza joint’s magnet stuck to the door.  Empty your fridge of all temptation and replace it with food that supports your new found goal.  Sexyville!

It can be difficult to institute a dietary change, especially when the rest of the family isn’t down for the cause.  This is why I encourage women to get the whole family involved.  This isn’t just about getting you healthy, but it’s a lifestyle you’re implementing for your whole family.  If you’re healthy, more than likely, they’ll be healthy too.  If you feed yourself healthy food, more than likely, you’ll feed your family healthy food as well. If you exercise, they’ll exercise. Just start somewhere, when you see the positive changes occurring in your body, you’ll be encouraged and so will your family.  Remember, there’s nothing sexier than a healthy, happy mother, with a healthy, happy family.

Toodles.

Stay-At-Home Moms versus Work-From-Office Moms January 15, 2008

Who would have guessed?  But there’s a little bit of a rivalry going on between moms who stay at home and moms who work outside of the home.  Kind of like in high school with the totally popular cheerleader versus the beautiful bookworm (maybe not so much). But you get my drift.

Apparently, there are some mothers out there who have unwarranted, preconceived notions that it’s a day at the park on the other side of the fence.  I read an article last week, which polled stay-at-home moms and work-from-office moms about their opinions about the respective “other”.

Unequivocally, stay-at-home moms had nothing but dirt to throw at women who have chosen to work outside of the home.  It was nasty.  I read quotes like, “Any woman who would CHOOSE to pawn her child off on someone else just to earn a dollar isn’t even worth that dollar…”  Strong words sister! Then another quote, “Women who work and send their young kids to daycare, don’t work as hard as moms who stay at home…” Those lazy SOB’s!

Now the work-from-office moms weren’t much nicer. “If I were rich, I could sit at home all day with my feet up while my kids play in the backyard, but I’ve got bills to pay.” In case you missed it, she’s saying stay-at-home moms don’t do sh!#.  And yet another well thought out point of view, “I’d like to be able to stay at home with my kids, but I like keeping my brain alert, not mushy and floating in Sesame Street soup.  Besides, I want well-adjusted, socialized kids, and exposing them to other kids (in daycare) does that.” Ouch!  That’s the one-two punch.  First, she insulted the mom, then her kids. Brutal.

No matter where you are on this issue, it seems that people, especially mothers, have strong opinions about this topic.  All I wanna know is, who died and made them the friggin Mom Police?

Toodles!