Empowering Resolutions: Weight Loss Nutrition

 

Good Morning!

This month we will be keeping tabs on your New Years Resolutions, in
order to empower you, help you to stay on track and give you some
great tips for keeping your promise to yourself.

Empowering Resolutions: Weight Loss Nutrition

1. Grapefruit: In a 2004 study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California,
researchers investigated the effect of grapefruit on weight loss and found that
eating half a grapefruit before a meal can help us lose weight. The researchers
studied the effect of grapefruit capsules, grapefruit juice and real grapefruit.
All three seemed to help, but eating the real grapefruit got the best results.
Grapefruits also contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene,
and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Half a grapefruit
has only 39 calories. This makes it a great breakfast food, a super snack
between meals or make it a dessert!

2 Sardines: Sardines are high in protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar,
making you feel full and helps stimulate metabolism. They're a great source of
omega-3s, which not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also are
helpful in boosting mood. Sardines are also free of contaminants, such as
mercury and heavy metals.

3. Pumpkin: is considered one of the greatest weight-loss foods ever. Canned
pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber and has only 40 calories. Dozens of
studies show that high fiber intake is associated with a many health benefits,
including weight management. Pumpkin is also among the easiest food in the world
to prepare. You can sweeten it with your favorite low or 0-calorie sweetener,
sprinkle it with blood-sugar-lowering cinnamon and nutmeg for good measure,
throw in some healthy almonds and make it one of the best tasting weight-loss
treats around. It's filling and delicious. Makes a great dessert, snack or side
dish.

4. High-protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons:
Protein stimulates metabolism, helps you feel full longer and helps decrease the
desire to overeat. Protein is important because it allows the brain to synthesis
the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which help keep your mind
attentive and alert. Excessive protein levels make the organs of digestion work
much harder to process this food and robs your energy stores. Find the balance
for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what
does not. Especially in the long term. Consider these great protein foods such
as lean beef, lean pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and sardines.

5. Carbohydrates provide glucose for energy. Excessive carbohydrates can
increase blood sugar levels to dangerous levels, which then makes your body shut
down to protect itself. Again, find the balance that is right for YOU. Listen to
your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what does not.

6. If you have issues with excess heat, (sweating, red face, red skin,
inflammation) look at eating foods that have a cooling nature. If you have
excess cold (cold fingers, toes, hands, feet, cold abdomen, especially below the
navel), look at eating foods that have a warming nature. Neutral foods help to
regulate our system.

7. Green Tea is a natural weight-loss stimulant and is a great slimming solution
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, assists digestion and
regulates blood sugar and body temperature. It raises the metabolic rate and
speeds up fat oxidation, and therefore helps people lose weight. Drink it daily
to boost your metabolism. Some research has shown that five cups a day is the
magic number for fat loss. As an added benefit, the theanine in green tea is
also a great natural de-stressor.

8. Apples and Pears are both great foods for boosting metabolism and weight
loss. Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as
phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been proven to
have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the activity of free
radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be a factor in certain
cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. The major antioxidant
components in apples are polyphenols contained mainly in the skin known as
quercetin glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin.
Water rich fresh fruits such as pears, will dilute the calories in your foods,
so you can eat more and not overdue the calories. This high fiber fruits is
nutritious and keeps the digestive system on track as well as helps to steady
the insulin levels, which is going to prevent fat storage. Overweight women who
ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a
low-calorie diet than women who didn't add fruit to their diet, according to
researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate
fewer calories overall.

9. Soups are super! According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super
appetite suppressant because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of
liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks
before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average
of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice
casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

10. Low-Fat Yogurt has shown to boost weight loss efforts, according to a study
in the April 2006 issue of Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet
who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more
weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of
calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium,
providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women
ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein. It includes
calcium, protein and a ton of other nutrients as well as good bacteria for you
digestive tract.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. 6-
8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and hydrating of
the system. It is also filling and a good substitute for soda or
sugar-laden drinks. Although it may seem counterintuitive, drinking
water helps you burn fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water
intake, will cause fat deposits to increase. Without water, the
kidneys cannot effectively filter out the waste products and other
chemicals which build up in the bloodstream and interfere with the
liver's ability to metabolize fat. As a result, you become more
likely to store fat and less likely to burn it.
Ironically, drinking more water is the BEST remedy for water
retention. When your body is low in water, you retain pockets of salt
and water under the skin, as a defense mechanism. For your body does
not know when it will get its next drink. This stored water and salt
under the skin will create a puffiness and looks like fat. Drink
plenty of distilled water or low sodium water and avoid high- sodium
foods.

The FDA recommends limiting your intake of fat to 65 grams per day.
By safely and carefully selecting your foods so that your fat
consumption is about 30 grams per day, you can see a significant
amount of weight loss, depending on your body mass index.

Your body expends a certain amount of calories upon digestion.
Proteins are burned at the highest rate-20-25%, Carbohydrates 8-10%,
and Fats only about 2%. This is known as the Thermic Effect of Food.

This fact cannot be stressed enough: EAT five or six small meals a
day will prevent hunger pangs, provide constant energy, increase your
metabolic efficiency, improving your fat losing abilities and
decrease your risk of heart attack.

Consume lean sources of protein such as skinless white meat poultry
or fish, with fibrous water rich vegetables such as string beans,
tomatoes, cucumbers. Protein shakes or meal replacement bars work
well as one of your small meals. Be aware of the carbohydrates in
most bars and shakes for they can be extremely high. Medium to low
amounts of carbs 2-14 grams a bar is sufficient.

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of weight loss.
Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat should be
eliminated or limited in the diet; these include red meat, poultry
skins, dark poultry meat, fried foods, butter, margarine, cheese,
milk (except skim milk), junk foods, and most processed foods.
Vegetable oils should also be restricted, as should nuts, seeds, and
avocados (although these foods are healthful for people who have no
weight problem). Instead, the diet should be based on fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products (and low-fat
fish for non-vegetarians).

Hydrogenated oils are very bad, for two reasons. First reason is that
hydrogenated fats are saturated fats, and saturated fats raise total
cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Second reason is that hydrogenation
also produces what are called "trans" fatty acids. Although these are
unsaturated, with one double bond, they act the same as saturated
fats. Some margarines are now available without trans fatty acids,
these are better. a lot of convenience foods are made with
hydrogenated fat, like cookies, crackers, etc. This increases the
shelf life of the product but is bad for human life. Good question.
We need labels that show amounts of trans fat as well as amount of
hydrogenated fat.

A reduction of 25% of total calories will usually promote slow,
steady weight loss. For some, weight loss is easier by changing the
dietary content. By this, I mean reducing carbohydrates by 25%-30%.
In my opinion, for the long-term, it is important not to increase fat
when decreasing carbs. Most people who restrict carbohydrates tend to
maintain the same total daily calories by increasing dietary fat.
Avoid all breads and pastas (flour-containing carbs) and unprocessed
sugars.

Avoid artificial sweeteners and synthetic fat substitutes and the
foods made with them. They are unhealthy and not conducive to the
kind of good eating habits you need to form in order to slim down and
stay that way. Stevia is a natural sweetener that is 300 times
sweeter than sugar but contain NO calories. It is also safe for
people with diabetes and hypoglycemics.

Eating adequate amounts of fiber is believed to be important for
individuals wishing to lose weight. Fiber contains bulk and tends to
produce a sense of fullness, which allows people to consume fewer
calories. However, research on the effect of fiber intake on weight
loss is conflicting. Some studies have shown that supplementation
with a source of fiber accelerated weight loss in individuals who
were following a low-calorie diet. In another study, supplementation
with a bulking agent called glucomannan (1.5 grams before breakfast
and dinner) promoted weight loss in overweight individuals who were
not following a special diet. However, other researchers found that
increasing fiber intake had no effect on body weight, even though it
resulted in a reduction in food intake. Different types of dietary
fiber are available from a variety of sources, and the amount
recommended depends on the kind being used. Individuals wishing to
use a fiber supplement should consult with a nutritionist.

Juice Therapy is an excellent way to get your fruits and vegetable
fresh and in their natural form. Blending fruits and/or vegetables
into a great juice creation or smoothie can be an excellent snack or
meal replacement.

Healing Remedies with Sea Salt

 

Good Morning!

Healing Remedies with Sea Salt

Salt is one of the easiest most affective remedies on the planet! Sea salt, a salt obtained by evaporating seawater, is used in cooking and cosmetics. Its mineral content gives it a different taste from table salt, which is usually sodium chloride refined from mined rock salt (halite), or refined from sea salt. Table salt may contain anti- caking agents and additives such as the dietary supplement iodides. Areas that produce specialized sea salt include the Cayman Islands, France, Ireland, Sicily and Apulia in Italy, and Maine and Cape Cod in the United States.

Salt is essential for life and you cannot live without it. There are enormous differences between the standard, refined table and cooking salt and healthy natural salt. The differences can have a major impact on your health.

Halite crystal (sodium chloride) occurs in seawater, along with other salts of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other light metals. When seawater evaporates in a closed lagoon, halite and other minerals precipitate out and sink to the bottom as crystals. In this way, great beds of rock salt have been formed. Pure halite is colorless, though it is often colored by impurities. It is soft and breaks (cleaves) into cubes. Halite crystallizes in the isometric (also called cubic) crystal system and when it forms crystals, it generally forms cubes. Its most noticeable and important physical feature is that halite is readily soluble in water. This allows halite to be useful in such varied applications as cooking, food preservation, and chemical production.

Salt can be mined from rock salt either by traditional mining practices using heavy equipment underground, or by pumping hot water in pipes into the salt deposit, where the hot water dissolves the halite. The resulting salt water is then pumped to surface and evaporated to yield salt. This is called "solution mining". In some modern dry salt lakes, a crust of halite can be recovered by simply scraping the salt crust off the lake bottom with bulldozers or scrapers. Ancient rock salt is mined in Michigan, New York, Kansas, and other states. Solution mining is used to recover salt from underground "salt domes" in Louisiana and Texas. Recovery of salt from dry lakes takes place in the deserts of California, Nevada, and Utah.

Table Salt

Table salt is actually 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals such as moisture absorbents, and iodine. Dried at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, the excessive heat alters the natural chemical structure of the salt causing the potential for many health problems in your body. Table salt is not recommended in your healing arsenal.

Dead Sea Salt

The mineral content of the Dead Sea is significantly different from that of ocean water, consisting of approximately 53% magnesium chloride, 37% potassium chloride and 8% sodium chloride (common salt) with the remainder comprised of various trace elements. The concentration of sulfate, SO42-, ions is very low, and the bromide ion concentration is the highest of all waters on Earth. Chlorides neutralize most of the calcium ions in the Dead Sea and its surroundings. While in other seas sodium chloride is 97% of the salts, in the Dead Sea the quantity of NaCl is only 12-18%. Comparison between the chemical composition of the Dead Sea to other lakes and oceans show that the salt concentration in the Dead Sea is 31.5% (the salinity fluctuates somewhat). Because of its unusually high concentration of salt, anyone can easily float in the Dead Sea because of natural buoyancy as a result of the higher density of the water.

Celtic Sea Salt

This salt is unparalleled in the world. Less than 1% of the world's salt harvest has the quality of Celtic Sea Salt. Pure, moist, biologically active, and free from any chemicals or additives, this is considered "living sea salt". Celts discovered a way to harvest salt from the ocean using the sun, the wind, and shallow clay ponds. Pristine ocean channels spiral water into the concentrating ponds. The live flowing mixture is carefully stirred by the salt farmer, and dazzling crystals form and are gathered by hand. The ionizing action of the clay, combined with the artisan's skillful method, passed down through generations, enlivens the unique, bioavailable array of trace elements that exist in a perfectly balanced matrix.

Epsom Salts

This salt is a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Sulfates serve a wide variety of functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salts. This is good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body. When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. Soak for 15-20 minutes.

Himalayan Crystal Salt

Himalayan Crystal Salt is salt in its native form, with all its vibrational energy intact and it helps your body return to a state of balance. Not having balanced electrolytes shifts your body out of homeostasis - the balance of chemicals that is conducive to the body's function. The renowned Frezenius Institute in Europe analyzed the Himalayan Crystal Salt and proved that it has an amazing array of important trace minerals and elements including potassium, calcium and magnesium that help your body achieve balance by restoring fluids and replenishing your supply of electrolytes whenever you sweat heavily.

Salt Water

The healing abilities of salt water are profound and well documented. Salt water is an astringent and speeds wound healing. Floating in sea water is an extreme release of tension and stress of the day. Allow yourself to float weightlessly in the water. You deserve it.

Sea Air

Deep breathing of ocean air helps us to relax and let go. The faint smell of salt in the air can take us to a place of pure joy. Sea air has a certain aliveness found no where else. This deep breathing can help release tension and the problems associated with it.

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in France during the 19th century. Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping services available.

Healing Salt Remedies

Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that continues for weeks, months, or even years. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can persist even after antibiotics are given. It's the most frequently reported chronic disease.

Acute sinusitis occurs when bacteria invade the sinus cavities and impair proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages or rhinitis also can lead to sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is the most common cause of chronic sinusitis and is a frequent cause of acute sinusitis.

The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically causes symptoms of nasal congestion and a thick yellow or green discharge. Other symptoms include tenderness and pain over the sinuses, frontal headaches, and sometimes chills, fever, and pressure in the area of the sinuses.

Entering bacteria gets trapped and filtered out by mucus and minute nasal hairs called cilia. This air-flow system can sometimes slow down when something impedes the cilia, if a cold clogs the sinus openings, or if an allergen swells the sinus linings. Then air gets trapped, pressure builds, the mucus stagnates, and bacteria breed. Infection sets in and you have sinusitis. When you get clogged up, you may end up with a permanent thickening of the sinus membranes and chronic congestion.

Sinus Wash

Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.

An Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Neti Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils. These can be found in most health food stores.

A cup or handful of water in your hand or neti pot is a wonderful cleansing therapy. Slowly inhale the salt water into your nose to cleanse your sinus and open up the air passages. Over the counter nasal washes (not nasal sprays) are available. The simplest form is a non iodized salt water spray.

Mouth Care

The tissues in the mouth can benefit greatly from sea salt.

For bleeding gums - make a paste of 1 tsp. baking soda to 1/2 tsp. sea salt...brush with this mixture 3 times per day instead of the toothpaste. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil.

Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat, mouth sores or canker sores.

Sea Salt Baths and Scrubs

Sea Salt Scrubs

1. Take a handful of Sea Salt 

2. Moisten it into the bath water.. and 

3. Gently scrub whole body in circular motion until all the body is scrubbed.

4. Pay extra attention to your feet 

5. Rinse with cool clear water

Sea Salt Bath

Dead Sea Salt - 1 cups 

Sea Salt - 2 1/2 cups 

2 TBSP of Ground Sea Weed

1 TBSP cup of Oatmeal

1 TBSP of Kelp

2 TBSP cup of Baking Soda

1 TBSP - Vegetable Glycerin

1-2 tsp of EO Blend of Choice 

Thoroughly Mix all dry ingredients, then drizzle Glycerin and EO's over them. Mix them well and store in an air tight container for several days prior to use. Mix well.

Add 1/4 cup or more under running water. Light a candle or incense and Enjoy.

Detox Bath

Fill the tub with water 

1/2 cup sea salt 

1/2 cup of baking soda 

1/2 cup of Epsom salt 

1/2 cup of peroxide 

1 cup of apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon of oregano oil 

Add to bath water, stir until dissolved. Bath in water for at least 20 minutes

Feng Shui Detoxification Bath

2 Cups Sea Salt 

2 Cups Baking Soda 

4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder 

Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done 2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

Sea Salt Foot Scrub

1/2 Cup Sea Salt 

1/2 Cup Epsom Salt 

1/2 Cup baking soda 

1 Cup Oil of grape seed oil 

15 drops Peppermint Oil 

Homemade Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil 

1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt 

Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Negative Energy and Sea Salt

Cleansing with sea salt is a safe and effective way to clear any space of negative energy. Sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater. Salt occurs naturally in many parts of the world as the mineral halite and as mixed evaporates in salt lakes. Underground salt deposits are found in both bedded sedimentary layers and domal deposits.

Energy in itself, is the vital source, which radiates from everything and everyone around us. When we are ill, emotionally upset, angered or imbalanced, our moods and of course, our energy is altered. Coming in contact with energy that is negative can often be sensed, even felt. The result is often a feeling of uneasiness, confusion or an opposed feeling to our current state of mind.

Cleansing with sea salt or rock salt is preferred over iodized, processed table salt.

Cleansing a room with salt can be done by placing salt in small bowls and placing them in the 4 corners for 24 hours. Take two teaspoons of sea salt and dissolve it into some warm water. Pour it into a mister or spray bottle and spray it where ever you need cleansing.

Cleansing yourself of negative vibs can be done by misting yourself for an overall clearing. Draw a bath. As the hot water is filling the tube, add two or more tablespoons of sea salt to the running water and stir it so it dissolves in the tube. Relax in your bath for 15-20 minutes.

Cleansing your crystals can be done by placing a teaspoon of sea salt into a bowl of luke warm water. Make sure the salt is dissolved, then place your crystals in the water for twenty four hours.

Adding herbs or essential oils to sea salt can give an added bonus to cleansing. Herbs such as lavender, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, rosemary are all good compliments. When using herbs, place them in the salt and shake the salt in a closed container. This bruises the herbs and allows its essential oils to incorporate into the salt matrix. When using essential oils, add a few drops to salt and then stir or shake the salt in order to mix them well. 

Anit-Biotic Tonic

 

Anti-biotic Tonic

Ingredients

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 small onion
• 1 piece of turmeric (1 inch or 1/4 tsp ground)
• 1 piece of ginger (1/2 inch or 1/4 tsp ground)
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 small jalapeño or dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 oz of apple cider vinegar
• Optional: 1 piece of horseradish (1/2 inch)
• Optional: 1 tsp raw honey

If you do not have a masticating juicer, use what you have that could juice the ingredients properly. Failing that, finely chop or grate first 4 items, or get freshly ground versions (which will not be as potent, but will have benefit).

Directions

• Peel garlic and lemon
• Feed garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger, and lemon and jalapeño (if not using cayenne pepper) through juicer one by one
• Add cayenne (if not using jalapeño, or if you can handle more heat) and apple cider vinegar
• Line up large chaser of water, if required

Consumption

• Acute Infections: Take up to 1 oz immediately when feeling symptoms related to bacterial or viral infection, and up to 3 times a day, as desired.
• Chronic Infections or Immune System Issues: Pour liquid into a dark tincture or dropper bottle and take 2-4 droppers daily, especially during times of immune suppression (stress, winter, etc).

The Kitchen Witch: Witches’ Digit Cookies

 

Good Morning!

The Kitchen Witch: Witches' Digit Cookies

(excerpt from Andrew's newest ebook: "The Kitchen Witch - A Large Portion of Eatable Spells Direct from the Hearth!") 

This e book has been created from the culmination of knowledge and historic wisdom gathered throughout time for the purpose of working with the NATURAL world. 

It covers the magic and spells that originated in the kitchen and a little about the history of how spells made it out of the kitchen and into the workings of witches everywhere.

This e book is designed around the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors and how they have shared so much through their kitchen witchery. We should always speak of them with honor. Especially when many people feel that their ancestors or personal guardian angel or spirit guides are watching over them at all times.

This e book will help you to achieve more self-awareness, self-reliance and self-motivation. It is designed to help you envision the world in a better way.  It is used to assist with the interaction of the world and the elements within it. It is a course to help with the awareness of nature and the wholeness of the world, in general. 

The recipes and spells in this e book are also from other sources, many very old and traditional and some with a very modern twist. I have been collecting many of these recipes for YEARS and was asked to turn it into this 45 page book for others to enjoy.  

The Kitchen Witch: Witches' Digits

Disturbing but Delicious Halloween Cookies 

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Red decorating gel

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.

Directions:

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. beat in the egg and extracts. Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Divide dough into fourths; cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or until easy to handle. (If dough is too warm and soft, it will be difficult to shape properly.)

Remove one piece of dough from refrigerator at a time, roll quickly into 1-inch balls (15 balls per quarter portion of dough), and then shape balls quickly into 3-inch by 1/2-inch fingers, tapering the finger tips very slightly. 

Using the flat tip of a table knife, make an indentation on the finger tip for a fingernail. With the unsharp edge of a knife, make two sets of three slashes on each finger for knuckle areas (consult your own finger for accuracy!). Using knife held vertically, score bottom end of finger, to create ragged "torn off" look.

Place fingers 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. They will not spread out.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5-10 minutes, and then squeeze a small amount of red gel on nail bed, outlining edge of nail bed. 

Press a sliced almond over gel for nail, allowing gel to ooze around nail. (Choose well-shaped almonds and turn them so the whitest side is facing up.) 

For maximum gross-out effect, squeeze a bit more red gel to decorate the bloody stump end of the finger. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 60 cookies.

Make ahead: Plain cookies may be made several weeks ahead, wrapped tightly and frozen without gel and fingernail. Thaw, then decorate with gel and fingernail almonds to serve.

_,_._,___

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Subtle Signs of Cancer

 

Good Morning!

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Subtle Signs of Cancer

A British group of researchers have recently put together a list of the top warning signs of cancer that maybe overlooked or ignored.

1. Blood in the urine is a possible sign of bladder cancer.

2. Difficulty swallowing is an early sign of cancer of the esophagus.

3. Lumps on the breast among women and men could be breast cancer.

4. Blood in the stool is a top symptom of colon cancer.

5. Menstrual bleeding after menopause could suggest uterine cancer.

6. Coughing up blood is an indication of lung cancer. This is especially true in smokers.

7. Fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or persistently achy bones all could be signs of cancer nearly anywhere in the body.

But by no means do these signs mean cancer all the time.

Again, there are many clinical situations where patients can develop one of these signs or symptoms for a non-cancer related reason.

Additional research has also shown that our mind can send even stronger warning signs of cancer than the body. Don't disregard your own intuition, as an internal sign. There just maybe times when you can sense that something is not right within your body. 

Fantastic Fall: Coping with Dryness

 

Good Morning!

Fantastic Fall: Coping with Dryness

Dryness is a common problem in Autumn. Dryness can manifest as constipation, dry throat, dry skin, dry eyes, dry brittle hair, thirst, and lack of sweat. Most people do not drink enough fluids regularly, let alone in the Autumn. Spicy food can cause or worsen dryness. Be careful not to get stuck in the vicious cycle of craving the same food that makes your symptoms worse!

Below are some of the most popular and common herbal remedies for aliments of the lungs:

Coltsfoot Root, (Tussilago farfara) The mucilaginous property of the root makes it useful with lung problems, coughs, and intestinal upset. Coltsfoot is available in tincture, syrup, capsules and tea. The active ingredients are extracted from the dried leaves, root and flowers.

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) has been a staple with practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat asthma, allergies, and coughs. Studies have shown that ginkgo can inhibit allergic response and scientists have isolated an active ingredient in ginkgo that has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Horehound, (Marrubium vulgare) can be considered whenever heavy, dry, mucus must be discharged from lungs and respiratory passages. Horehound is the botanical herb of choice due to its long history as a safe, reliable, and effective herbal cough remedy.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) contains elements helpful for the adrenals and glands, inducing the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisone and aldosterone. It is thought to exhibit a mucosal protectant effect by beneficially interfering with gastric prostanoid synthesis and increasing both mucous production and regional blood flow. Very helpful in treating flu, colds, and lung congestion. It is also found in popular cough remedies. Due to the adverse reaction of licorice, many studies have been performed using the deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which is free of glycyrrhizin and has had no significant reported adverse effects.

Lobelia, (Lobelia inflata) is used smoking cessation and to treat asthma and depression. The piperidine alkaloids (lobeline) are believed to be responsible for the mechanism of action. In vitro studies show that lobeline crosses the blood-brain barrier and has similar activity to nicotine, and stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. At low doses, lobelia has stimulant effects. There are several contraindications with this herb. Lobelia is known to cross into breast milk and should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers. Adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, sweating, cough, dizziness, bradycardia, hypertension, seizures, respiratory stimulation (low doses) or depression (high doses). Toxicity includes sinus arrhythmia, bundle branch block, diaphoresis, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, coma. Herb-Drug Interactions include nicotine. Lobelia may have additive effects when combined with nicotine-containing products, resulting in toxicity.

Mullein, (Verbascum thapsus)is an antispasmodic, which is rich in mucilage, a substance that soothes the throat. It is a good expectorant and, in the process of clearing out congestion. It also soothes irritation in the throat and bronchial passages. As an antispasmodic, mullein can relieve stomach cramps and help control diarrhea. Mullein is an age old remedy, which is specific for bronchitis with hard cough and soreness. It is also a herb for cold and congestion. The leaves and flowers are used to reduce mucous and stimulate coughing up of phlegm.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)had been known to reduce allergic reactions. Rich in iron, potassium and silicon, nettles combined with comfrey, mullein, or horehound can be used for asthma. 

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The Psychological Aspects of Cedarwood Essential Oil

 

Good Morning!

The Psychological Aspects of Cedarwood Essential Oil

I have always found the psychological aspects of herbs and oils fascinating and Cedarwood is no exception. Cedar wood (Cedrus) or cedar, is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae.

Fully grown, cedar is a large coniferous evergreen tree. Prized by the Egyptians, The Celts and Native Americans, Cedarwood has a long history as an incense and perfume. The wood was burned by the Greeks and Romans to fragrant the air.

This steam distilled oil comes from the bark, and has a woody, balsamic scent with rich dry overtones. It has been used for stress reduction, anxiety and tension. Strengthening and comforting. When diffused into the air, this strengthening oil has a soothing quality that calms nervous tension and anxiety. It also helps alleviate upper respiratory and sinus problems.

Its fragrant base note blends well with bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, rosemary and ylang ylang.  It's warm, sweet camphor- like note has a deep woody undertone. It is said that it becomes richer and softer as it evaporates.

Found in France, at the end of the 19th century, The Coligny-Calendar is a compilation of pre-Christian Celtic systems of timekeeping, including the Gaulish Coligny calendar, used by Celtic countries to define the beginning and length of the day, the week, the month, the seasons, quarter days, and festivals. On the calendar is a series of lines of glyphs, called Oghams.  The Ogham (commonly pronounced Oh-m) is an early Medieval alphabet used primarily to transcribe the early and late period, Irish language The glyphs are the only written form left by the Druids. The Ogham is sometimes called the Celtic Tree Alphabet, based on ancient medieval Br­atharogam tradition ascribing names of trees to the individual letters. Although, Cedarwood was not part of the first 13 trees, it was transcribed from later findings. These findings are the basis of Author, Robert Graves, who made reference to these trees in his book "The White Goddess" regarding the trees and their personas.

The Celts actually gave Cedar a persona and emotion, representing confidence. It is considered a rare beauty. Based on Celtic studies of the Ogham Tree Calendar, Robert Graves theorized that if the Oghams were associated with 13 sacred trees and that they followed the 13 moons of the calendar year then each moon, he thought, there must be an association with the tree of that month. Trees physically unite the heavens with the Earth, and this is probably why the Celts used so many of the trees' properties, like the bark, in herbal remedies and referred to others born during the days of the Cedar Tree (Aug 14 to Aug 23) as Cedar persons.

The "Cedar person"  is known to like luxury, the tenants of good health, is not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, is self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, has a healthy dose of optimism, is waiting for the one true love, and able to make quick decisions.

The Native Americans worshipped this tree of knowledge and used it for grounding and worship. Cedar knows how to adapt in nature, which gave the tree great reverence for American Indians. The Cherokee tribe would look upon the Cedar as their ancestor. It is traditionally believed that the wood of the cedar tree holds powerful protective spirits from the Cherokee's past. Ceremonial drums would be made from cedarwood. It is a common practice to carry a small piece of cedarwood in your medicine bag worn around the neck. It is also placed above the entrances to the home in order to protect against evil spirits. By rubbing the bark or breaking some of the bows in your hand, you release the essential oils. You would then rub your hands together, cup them over your nose and mouth and breathe naturally for several minutes. This is a remedy for stress relief, soothing tension and to help with loneliness. You can also massage into the feet. This emotional "heart tonic" could be applied over the heart center.

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Human warmth vs robots

 

Thought you might enjoy this.

DO ROBOTS HAVE COLD FINGERS? 

Every time I watch this old video it makes me laugh, it's fun to see Mom again. It's almost like being there with her. She lives in Sanfrancorp and I live in Portlandcorp with my husband, Orson —the severe travel restrictions mean we rarely get to see each other anymore. I haven't seen her for two years.
My mom used to be a journalist and she wanted to record one of the last physical exams she was given by a real person. You know, before the CARE Units took over. That was twenty years ago.
Talk about the dark ages. It's hard to even imagine all the microbes everyone carried around and passed back and forth—shaking hands, hugging, and all that stuff.
Oh! All those germs crawling all over you.
Of course, we're civilized now. We know better than to touch each other unless we absolutely must. I don't even like to mess around with Orson much anymore. Those decontam showers are no fun.
Strange how I always feel compelled to pull Mom's video out the day before my Well Exam. Mainly, it's reassuring to see how medicine has advanced and how we take better care of ourselves today.
I look at the video again and there's Mom being brought into a cubicle by someone wearing purple pajamas—they're pretty funny looking. Speaking of funny, the woman has a big, smile on her face. I think she's bored because that grin never changes—it looks pasted on her face. I'll bet what she really wants to do is roll her eyes. I mean, she doesn't, but I do when she asks my mother a bunch of stupid questions that any decent robot would already have the answers to. Before the woman leaves the room in her colorful getup, she squeezes my mother's arm and there's something in her expression that always makes me … I don't know … it makes me feel strange.
Mom has a real sense of humor and when the woman turns away, she sticks her tongue out at the camera she's placed on a table across the room.
It's nothing like that today. I don't need anyone to bring me into a sterilizing cubicle. Shoot, I can read the signs, can't I?
I stare at Mom undressing and watch her put on some kind of paper gown. Back then you could cut down trees, use them for any silly thing. That was before the already depleted rainforests started suddenly dying off. Mom wrote a lot of stories about it then, but now she works for Newscorp which runs all the information feeds globally, and my mother is a blogger for State of the Art.com, a subsidiary. She doesn't seem as happy as she used to be when I was a little girl and she was chasing after live news.
"You do what you gotta do," she always says.
Each time she says that, I think she's going to cry, instead she always bursts out into a hearty laugh. I really miss my Mom, even though she's old-fashioned and makes fun of a lot of the things we do or don't do today.
It's late so I close everything up, take the first of my bedtime pre-exam pills, crawl under the covers, and look over at Orson who's already asleep in his bed.
I think of my last robot exam and try to remember all the details. For some reason, whenever the exam is finished, my memory of it fades. My friends say the same thing. They don't remember much either.
It makes me uneasy.
I hope nothing is wrong with me. Some people seem to disappear after they've had their exam. Where do they go? Do they change jobs or what? There are rumors …
A sudden jolt of fear runs down my spine, but it's gone before I can really think about it anymore.
I try to relax. I remember the CARE Unit door enclosing me into a dark, small examination chamber.
It seems surreal standing there with only blue, purple, and green indicators blinking and a disembodied voice hanging in the air:
"Please remove all your clothes and place the second and third fingers within the outlines of the DNA sensor on the panel in front of you."
Colored lights blink faster. That's when I get really sleepy.
"Thank you. Now place your fourth finger on the adjoining indent."
It stings as a drop of blood is extracted from my fingertip.
"Please remove your hand."
Don't really remember much more. Just flashes of pictures in my head that could be real or not real.
I do remember a faint aroma of disinfectant surrounding me as the floor begins a slow rotation. Cold tentacles slide across my skin and wrap, enter, and touch every part of my body. They pinch, then squeeze and relax, squeeze and relax. Almost in the blink of an eye the chamber lights comes on.
"You may dress. We are pleased to inform you there is nothing wrong requiring treatment. Thank you for visiting CARE Unit Number Three today. Rx is deferred."
Is that what it really said? I can't remember.
As I drift into sleep I think about the woman with the purple pajamas in the examination room with Mom.
Her eyes were soft.