DIY: Healthy Flavored Water Recipes

Do you get enough water each day? Probably not, I know some of you say I don't like my water
well learn to like it, boil it, and filter it yourself through a coffee filter or through a water pitcher that has a filter. Flavor it up with these recipes, which are all good for you.
Did you know drinking bottled water all the time really isn't that good for you? So try some of these easy to do, inexpensive water recipes and Drink Drink DRINK!!!!
Your body needs way more water than you can imagine.

I’ve always liked drinking my water with a slice or two of lemon–that extra little touch of flavor just makes water more appealing to me. There are a lot of other ways you can flavor water naturally. You can get really creative with it! Here are some ideas…

**Add a slice of your favorite citrus to a tall glass of ice water…try lemon, lime, or orange slices. Or combine them…slices of lemon and lime…orange and lime…or try all three together!
**Fresh mint is always a great addition to a glass of ice water.
**Combine lemon slices with fresh herbs in your water…try lemon with mint, rosemary, thyme, or sliced ginger root.
**Cucumbers are great in water, too! Slice up a large cucumber and add it to a pitcher of water…it’s really refreshing. You can also try cucumber with some fresh thyme added in. Or cucumber slices with lemon or orange slices.
**If you want a more intense flavor to your glass of water, squeeze the citrus and/or twist the herbs you are using before you add them to your glass.
**Besides lemons, oranges, and limes, you can try adding other kinds of fruit to your glass or pitcher of water…a small handful of your favorite berries (or mixed berries) is a nice addition to a glass of ice water. Other fruits you can try alone or in combination are: watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, grapes, and kiwi.
**Jenny from An Oregon Cottage mentioned in a comment on this post that she likes to use orange and mint or strawberry and cucumber combinations to flavor her water–great ideas!
NOTE: I usually drink my flavored water the same day I make it…I think it tastes best that way. Depending on what you add to your water, it may get cloudy or bitter-tasting if stored in the refrigerator too long.

If you’re wanting to make a pitcher of flavored water, you basically just slice or chop up some fresh fruit, cucumbers, or herbs and place in a pitcher, add cold water and chill several hours. The result is water infused with a light, natural flavor. It’s ready to serve over ice, garnished with a slice of fruit or clipping of an herb of your choice. Here are some other recipes for flavored water you may want to try:

CITRUS CUCUMBER WATER

¦1 large lemon, sliced
¦1 large lime, sliced
¦1 large orange, sliced
¦1 large cucumber, sliced
¦1 half-gallon of water
Place all the sliced fruits and the cucumber in a glass pitcher and add water. Refrigerate for two hours to allow flavors to infuse, then serve in glasses over ice.

CUCUMBER–HERBAL WATER

¦5 cups water
¦10 thin slices of cucumber
¦2 lemon slices
¦2 sprigs of fresh mint
¦3 sprigs of rosemary
Put water in pitcher and add lemon slices and cucumber slices. Crush mint and rosemary to release flavor, then add to other ingredients. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

CUCUMBER–MELON WATER

¦1 large cucumber, sliced
¦1/4 honeydew melon, cubed
¦1/4 cantaloupe, cubed
¦1 half-gallon water
Place cucumber and melons in a glass pitcher and add water. Refrigerate for 2 hours, then serve over ice. Garnish with melon balls skewered on a swizzle stick.

HONEYDEW–LIME WATER

¦2–3 slices of ripe honeydew melon
¦1 lime, sliced
¦4 sprigs of mint
¦1 half-gallon of water
Add melon slices, lime slices and mint sprigs to a large pitcher; fill with the half-gallon of water and refrigerate 2–4 hours. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Makes about 8 servings.

HERB AND BERRY–FLAVORED WATER

¦1 cup fresh blueberries, lightly crushed
¦2  4–inch sprigs of fresh rosemary. lightly bruised  (to release more flavor)
¦1 half-gallon of water
Add blueberries and rosemary sprigs to a large pitcher; fill with the half-gallon of water and refrigerate 2–4 hours. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Makes about 8 servings.

LEMON–LAVENDER WATER

¦3 large lemons, sliced
¦1/4 cup fresh lavender
¦1 half-gallon of water
Add lemon slices and lavender to pitcher; pour water over both and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of lavender.

LEMON–MINT or LEMON-BASIL WATER

¦4 lemons, sliced
¦1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh mint or basil leaves
¦6–8 cups water
¦6–8 cups ice cubes
¦Fresh mint or basil sprigs
Place lemon slices in a large pitcher. Rub the mint or basil leaves between the palms of your hands to bruise the leaves slightly. Add to the pitcher with lemon and pour in the water. Cover and chill 1–8 hours.

Strain lemon–water mixture and discard herbs. Divide lemon slices and additional fresh mint or basil sprigs equally among 6–8 glasses. In each glass, add 1 cup of ice cubes, then fill with lemon water.

LEMON, LIME AND ORANGE WATER

¦1 large lemon, sliced
¦1 large lime, sliced
¦1 large orange, sliced
¦1/4 cup cilantro leaves (optional)
¦1 half-gallon of water
Add citrus slices (and cilantro leaves, if desired) to a large pitcher; fill with the half-gallon of water and refrigerate 2 hours. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Garnish with your favorite citrus slice (and a sprig of cilantro, if you’re using that). Makes about 8 servings.

FROZEN FRUIT WATER

¦2 cups frozen apple chunks, grapes, or berries
¦1 half-gallon of water
Add frozen fruit to a pitcher; pour water over fruit and let sit at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Stir to distribute fruit flavor and serve in glasses with some ice cubes. (Note: you can chop up the same kind of fruit, unfrozen, and follow same directions. You’ll need  to use more ice when serving the unfrozen fruit–flavored water).

ORANGE–MINT WATER

¦3 large oranges, sliced
¦10 mint leaves
¦1 half-gallon of water
Put sliced oranges and mint leaves in pitcher and add water; refrigerate for 2 hours to infuse flavors. Pour over ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and orange slice.

WATERMELON–BASIL WATER

¦2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
¦10 basil leaves
¦1 half-gallon of water
Pour water over melon and basil; refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of basil.

FRUIT WATER

¦1 each of the following fruits: apple, lemon, orange, pear
¦4 large strawberries
¦Handful of raspberries
¦Handful of mint leaves
¦1 half-gallon of water
Cut large slices or thin wedges of each fruit; place them in a large glass pitcher and add cold water. Refrigerate 2 hours and serve over ice in tall glasses.

detox water

 - helps you maintain a flat belly,
2 lemons,
1/2 cucumber, and
3qts water
fuse overnight to create a natural detox, helping to flush impurities out of your system.


Infused waters.
Here are the benefits to help with detoxification, energy, and hydration.
Put as much fruit in water as you like and let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking
(1) Green tea, mint, lime-fat burning, digestion, headaches, congestion and breath freshener.
(2) Strawberry,kiwi-cardiovascular health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation, digestion
(3) Cucumber, lime, lemon- water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration, digestion
(4) Lemon, lime, orange- digestion vitamin C, immune defense, heartburn, (drink this one at room temperature)

Do not keep longer than 48 hours - you can put more water using the same fruit, but discard after 48 hour

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LEMON MINT CUCUMBER WATER slightly adapted from The Denver Housewife

Makes 1 gallon-size pitcher

12 cups of water (3 quarts)
2 to 3 lemons, thinly sliced (you can also substitute limes or mix it up…use a lemon/lime combination–using organic lemons or limes is best)
1 small cucumber or 1/2 of a medium to large cucumber, preferably organic, thinly sliced
10 to 15 mint leaves. preferably organic
Rinse lemons and cucumbers very well before slicing; slice thinly. Add lemons, cucumber, and mint to pitcher. Cover with water and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight (the flavor will be stronger if you refrigerate overnight, but I like the lighter flavor, too). Pour in a large glass over some ice…it’s very refreshing! This water tastes best the day or day after you make it.
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Jillian Michael's Detox Water

60 ounces Purified Water
2 TBS Diet Cranberry Juice
2 TBS Lemon Water
1 Bag Dandelion Tea - Stewed ( I found my tea at Walmart in the beverage isle near the crystal light)

This is a replacement of normal water intake and not a meal replacement!!

Dandelion tea has a history and reputation for breaking down fat and removing it from your body via good old fashioned waste... So you may have increased bowel movements so be prepared for this.

Now for the part you have been waiting for... Does it work?!??  My opinion is it does! I just added the ingredients to my gallon jug of water that I drink daily and chugged away! It does have a somewhat acquired taste. The first day I had to force myself to chug it.. But after a bit I got used to the taste. I see a few others added stevia and splenda to theirs to help sweeten it up.
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Strawberry Infused Vitamin Water
This hydrating and antioxidant infused-water boasts flavor and skin enhancing nutrients, not to mention a beautiful presentation! Enjoy this refreshing and seasonal anti-inflammatory drink!

Ingredients

1 cup strawberries
2 cups watermelon, cubed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
dash of course salt
filtered water
Directions

1. Muddle the strawberries and rosemary in a bowl.
2. Add the muddled ingredients and the watermelon to a large pitcher. Pour water over the ingredients and stir.
3. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, and enjoy!
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Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink
Ingredients

1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
4 sprigs mint
2 quarts filtered water
2-6 T. apple cider vinegar (optional)
Preparation

Slice lemon and cucumber as thinly as possible. Divide into 2 separate quart sized bottles or mason jars.
Pluck mint leaves from stems and divide into jars.
Fill to the top with water, leaving room for as much apple cider vinegar as you want. I put 3 tablespoons into 32 oz of water, but love the taste of vinegar, so I suggest starting at 1 tablespoon and going up from there, tasting as you go and stopping when you feel like it is about to get too vinegary.
Refrigerate overnight.
Carry with you throughout the day. Enjoy!
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FAT FLUSH WATER
This water was featured on the "Biggest Loser". There are many variations of it all simple, all delicious.

Grapefruit has tons of vitamin C to help your body turn fat into fuel.

Tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar, and stimulates genes to burn fat.

Cucumber helps you feel full and acts as a natural diuretic, which means less bloating and water retention.

Peppermint promotes better digestion and stomach calm. Make a big pitcher (64oz) of Fat Flush Water at night, and drink the next day, throughout the day.

64 oz. purified Water
1/2 grapefruit sliced
1 tangerine
1 cucumber, sliced
4 peppermint leaves
Ice (made from purified water)

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Make sure you are using organic so you can keep the skins on. The skins have super valuable nutrients and you do NOT want pesticides soaking in your water. Scrubbing does NOT remove pesticides which infiltrate the skins. It is important to clean your organic fruits and vegetables, to remove organic matter.
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Make Your Own Detox Drink for Daily Enjoyment & Cleansing

Whether you’re just trying to steer clear of the sugary drinks, or aim to really help your body flush out any toxins lurking in your system, this refreshing blend of foods and flavors will satisfy your taste buds needs.

Why Watermelon (or cucumber): Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia. Ammonia comes in external forms, but is also a by-product of the proteins our bodies are burning up constantly for energy, and it’s quite damaging to our cells. Cucumber also contains citrulline, but not as much as watermelon. Watermelon may also just give the liver an overall boost.

Why water: H20 is just plain good for us, but it’s thought that it helps flush nasty toxins and waste through our system, giving organs like the liver and kidney an easier time doing their job.

Why lemon (or lime): Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. Bile is produced by the liver and ends up in the small intestine to break down lipids (fats) that we’ve consumed.

Why mint leaves: Mint leaves are a nice refreshing flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the gallbladder, to the small intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.

You will need…

-1-2 liters’ of water, depending on how strong you want it to taste
-Part of 1 watermelon or 1 cucumber
-1 lemon or lime
-A handful of fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-13)
-Ice cubes

detox foods

Directions

Slice up a good amount of watermelon into cubes, rind and all, and put them into a jug or pitcher. Cut 1 juicy lime into wedges and toss in with the watermelon. Add a handful of fresh, fragrant, mint leaves and pour in 2 liters of cool water, filling the jug all the way to the top. Let this sit overnight in the fridge and let all the yummy flavors steep and infuse the water. When you want to drink it, put in a generous helping of ice cubes, pour, and enjoy daily.


Flavor Tips

• Try substituting a lemon for the lime, cucumber for the watermelon, or a combination of all of them.

• Pour water in first and then add the ingredients. I feel like there’s more of a burst of flavor when the water gets poured in and everything swirls around, but there’s something to be said for letting it gently infuse itself as well (the water tends to stay a bit clearer as well.)

• Don’t add ice to the entire jug, and leave it on a cup-by-cup basis. If you plan on drinking it over time, this can help prevent it from getting diluted as the ice melts.

• Start with 2 liters’ of water steeping overnight, and then experiment with longer/shorter times and more or less water.

• Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and/or lemon and then slice up another and add that to give it a little extra citrus kick.

• This isn’t for flavor, but this drink looks mighty appealing in a glass pitcher on a hot summer day.
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Fat Flush Water

Ingredients

1/2 gallon water 6 wedges grapefruit 1 tangerine, sliced ½ cucumber, sliced 2 peppermint or mint leaves Ice
Directions

Rinse grapefruit, tangerine, cucumber and mint leaves. Slice cucumber, grapefruit, and tangerine (or peel). Combine all ingredients in a half gallon pitcher. Allow the ingredients to sit for 2 hours for maximum benefits. Drink throughout the day.

Stir & Enjoy!


CRANWATER. We all know water is a diuretic and great for the entire body, but combined with cranberry juice, it’s a fantastic fat and water flushing drink. Combine 5-6 ounces of water and 8 ounces of 100% cranberry juice. Mix together and drink throughout the day. Make sure it is 100% cranberry juice with nothing else added. The cranberry juice contains high levels of organic acids, and when consumed on a regular basis may help your body actually dissolve fatty deposits.
Looking for tips on fat loss, check out 38 Ways to Cut Fat from Your Diet and these 21 Tips to Make Weight Loss Easy

GRAPEFRUIT JUICE. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is one of the best things for your body. Grapefruits contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which helps your body to detoxify naturally. This drink helps your liver do the job it was meant to do – detoxify and metabolize your body!
WATER. Yes, we know. What a shock! Plain old water! But, truly your body needs plenty of water to facilitate the breakdown of fat in your body. Drinking water will help flush out toxins and keep you energized so that your body to perform at it’s best. Keep in mind, drinking tons of water is not the answer to losing weight. You will still need to take in a  proper diet and facilitate an appropriate exercise regime. Drinking water will keep your body clean and allow all of your organs to work properly instead of working overtime to keep your body going.

GREEN TEA. Green tea is one of the most famous fat flushing drinks. Like cranberry juice, green tea is extremely high in antioxidants. It is known for helping many dieters lose fat quicker than usual when consumed 2-3 times a day. Green tea not only flushes fat, but also is packed with other helpful benefits for your body.
These 5 drinks won’t work miracles alone, but are a great start and will help increase the benefits of a healthy diet and cardio regimen. For maximum health benefits, it is important to also implement an appropriate fitness program with a nutritious diet. Check out our Total Body Transformation Program eBook to get you started on the path to a new, healthier you.
If you have allergies to fruit or citrus fruits do not consume these Fat Flushing drinks. If you are taking any medications, do not consume Fat Flushing Drinks until you consult your physician to get approval.
Get the Fat Flushing Soup recipe filled with super foods that are packed with antioxidants and aid with flushing toxins and subsequently, fat from the body.
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DIY Detox Drink

We all have different tastes and preferences, and like to mix things up every once in a while too. Experiment by trying out various ingredients, amounts, and methods (like blending, or boiling into a tea, or infusing into water, etc.) Below is a list of foods that have been shown to help boost your built-in detox system (namely liver, G.I., and kidney function.) If possible, always buy organic to avoid chemical ingredients or pesticides.

Cruciferous vegetables & leafy greens: This group includes a lot of veggie superheroes, and is why you see so many “green” detox drinks or smoothies. Included are broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, bok choy, and spinach. Broccoli and co. increases the amount of glucosinolate (organic compounds) in our body, which in turn help create enzymes that help our body’s breakdown and digest things. Leafy greens like lettuce and bok choy have the ability to neutralize metals, chemicals, and pesticides that find their way into our systems.

Avocado: Avocados can help your body produce an antioxidant, glutathione, which our liver needs to do its job and filter properly.

Grapefruit: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, grapefruit or grapefruit juice also aids the liver in flushing carcinogens (things linked to causing cancer, like stuff in cigarettes and tobacco, as well as some pre-prepared foods) and possibly pesticides out of the body.

Beets: The systems in the body all work together, and for various reasons beets seem to be helpful to more than one major organ. However, they’ve shown themselves to be particularly helpful when it comes to aiding the liver in detoxification.

If it’s chilly, try making some detox tea to keep you warm and healthy, or mix up an icy cool drink in hot weather. Play around with what you like and keep in mind things you know are good for your body’s own detox system-not things that claim to be a miracle detox system all on their own.
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Breaking Down Detox: Is it Good, Bad, or Just a Fad?

Detox stuff has taken off in popularity recently, but what is it exactly? Does a detox drink just flush right through your system and wash your body free of toxins? Does a detox diet actually work? Wait…what are the toxins anyways? Most importantly, can trying to get rid of them be more harmful than healthful? Many people are quick to jump on the detox bandwagon, but some basic knowledge beforehand can help you determine what will be the most effective when it comes to putting together a personal purifying plan.

Before you can understand the “de” in detox you should have an idea of the “tox” (aka the toxins we’re aiming to get rid of.) They’re little compounds from various sources that, when they build up in our bodies, have nasty effects. They can cause anything ranging from headaches and nausea to death.

To help keep your body healthy and clear of toxins, make sure you’re giving yourself a healthy dose of things that are known to help out the head honchos of the detox system, like the liver and kidneys. Knowing some of these foods can really take you a long ways when it comes to whipping up a drink, smoothie, or plain old good meal.
The less bad stuff you put in, the less you have to clear out.
Various tips and recipes from Southern Living, eHow, Vegetable Gardener, About.com, Eating Well.

Safely Re-Use Disposable Water Bottles and Travel Mugs

I am picky on which bottles I reuse, I like the thicker ones so I will buy a few of the better bottles for Reusing, this not only saves me money but by refilling these with tap water you get the minerals and fluoride you need for your body,  because did you know that drinking bottled water ONLY, is not as healthy as you think.

I know they say not to reuse these but it's mostly because of the germs that grow inside, so I have always been a stickler for cleaning out my water bottles(any kind) and coffee or tea Travel Mugs 

Here is how I do mine.

~First Get out your BLEACH~

~ Put on cleaning gloves if you have any allergies to Bleach~

Fill a 16 oz bottle with warm water & add 1/8 tsp of bleach. 

Put the lid on & shake for 10 seconds. 

Pour solution in to the next bottle & repeat for the rest of your bottles.  

Hang these bottles upside-down on a bottle drying rack or your dish strainer to dry.

 Just as long as they are able to air dry is all that matters. 

Following this procedure should get you 8-10 uses out of each bottle

I also have some water bottles that I bought and I always make sure to clean these the same.

DIY: The secret to Beautiful skin is Gentle Care, Good Products and Pure Natural Ingredients!

Take care of your skin, don't use lots of chemicals on it and don't I repeat DO NOT go out and spend hundreds of dollars on products that you do not know what is in them!!!

I hardly buy a thing these days from the cosmetic section I buy natural products and make my own skin care, household cleaners and laundry soaps.

I am going to share many recipes I have tried and used and some I have made myself.

ALWAYS remember be Gentle to your skin, give it some devoted time each day and best of all find something that de-stresses you each day, take the time it will show on you.
You may not like everything you were born with but You can always improve what you were born with even if it's not just what you wanted.
I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with My Self, Mother Goddess and Father God were good to me and I did inherit good genes I must say I have beautiful Patents, Goddess and God bless them always!! I wouldn't have plastic surgery on my face, with age do come some wrinkles anyone who thinks they can outrun the wrinkle faery is just crazy, but we can ease into those wrinkles gently and fight them with magick and good skin care and these recipes so do try some of my recipes I share.

I can't complain ;) 

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5 Simple Ingredients for Homemade Beauty Products

I love it when I know exactly what's going into and onto my body. When I can name every ingredient in something, without resorting to phonetically sounding it out. When the stuff that goes on my lips (or in my mouth) is actually edible. When the oil that soaks into my skin comes from olives, rather than petroleum. When my cleanser smells nice because part of it was once real flowers. 

So now I make a lot of my own beauty products. And actually, it's so easy and really fast, too. Faster than running down to the pharmacy for another tube of whatever. Make a list, go get these things, and try some recipes out!

Here are 5 fantastic and cheap ingredients to get you started: 

Organic coconut oil 

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties (and which babies get a good dose of in mum's milk). It's a good saturated fat, but got a bad reputation from the hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated varieties found in processed foods. So stick to the extra virgin or minimally refined versions. 

*cook with it - it doesn't break down at high temperatures, it lasts ages, and it's creamy at cool temperatures

*use it for creams like deodorant or chest rub

*use it for cleansers and make up removers

*use it as a conditioner for hair or a moisturizer for skin

Um, just looking at all these cross links and you can see how much I love coconut oil! I actually have two varieties - the extra virgin (which is less processed) and the refined (which is more subtle, when you don't want a strong scent).

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Organic extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and is known as a heart-healthy fat.

*cook with it

*use it in cleansers and make up removers

*use as a natural furniture polish

*use as a moisturizer for skin or lips or hair

NOTE: store out of direct light if possible

I love when I rub olive oil into something I'm cooking - my hands get so soft!! You can also used olive oil to get rid of cradle cap when she was a baby - just rub some onto the scalp and then use a comb to remove the flaky bits.

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Organic lavender essential oil (you only use a few drops at a time!)

Lavender can provide relief from insomnia, headaches, and also has antihistamine properties.

*put a few drops in your bath for extra relaxation

*add a few drops to your laundry rinse cycle to make your clothes or linens smell amazing

*add a few drops to homemade moisturizers or cleansers

*add a few drops to 10 mL apricot kernel oil for a relaxing massage oil

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

I love the smell of lavender. Though it was one of those smells that repulsed me during pregnancy (along with coffee! what a nightmare that was!) so it took me awhile to get back into it ...

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Good raw honey-buy good honey

Raw honey hasn't been heated to high temperatures, so it retains all its natural goodness. Honey has antiseptic and anti fungal properties, and is soothing on the throat. A truly natural sugar.

*cook with it (or just use it raw!)

*use for mild cuts or burns or fungal infections

*makes a good face mask

*helps soothe sore or dry throats - try 1 Tbs lemon juice + 1 Tbs honey + 1 cup hot water

NOTE: don't give honey to babies less than 12 months old, or as your doctor recommend

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Tea tree oil (a little pricey but like any essential oil it'll last you ages)

Another great antiseptic and anti fungal essential oil. This one comes from an Australian native tree, and has quite a potent smell. So use in moderation! 

*add a few drops to your hot wash cycle as an extra disinfectant for towels and linens

*helps the skin recover from shaving or you can apply a drop or two directly to mild cuts or abrasions

*use in conjunction with white vinegar to clean the house - try 1 c vinegar + few drops oil + a bucket of hot water to mop tiled floors or without the water to clean the toilet

*is a natural insect repellent

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

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I hope this gets you started on good skin care, get some friends or family members together and have an at home spa day!!

Treat yourself this weekend!

Both avocado oil and shea butter are known for their hydrating and moisturizing properties, making it the perfect marriage of ingredients for the delicate under eye area. 

Avocado oil Benefits:

Extremely moisturizing.

It is a natural source of Vitamins A, D and E.

It is easily absorbed into the skin and can help with regenerating and softening of the dry eye area. 

Contains potassium, which can help with the growth of new cells.

Supports skin elasticity.

Shea Butter Benefits:

It is a natural fat that is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, which is very hydrating.

It is widely used in skin care to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and stretch marks. 

It melts when it comes in contact with your skin (if you buy the real stuff you will see what I mean) and it is instantly absorbed, without making you feel like a greasy mess. 

Has anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Restores the natural suppleness of your skin.

DIY Under Eye Treatment:

Avocado Oil 

%100 Pure Shea Butter *Make sure you read the back label before you purchase. You want to make sure the only ingredient listed is shea butter. 

*You can find both of these ingredients at a health food store in the beauty section. Or you can purchase them here and here. 

Directions:

Take a few drop of avocado oil and gently massage under each eye until fully absorbed. 

Finish by applying a thin layer of shea butter on top. Gently massage into your skin until absorbed. 

So easy and super cost effective!

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ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil Now for the eyes! You can definitely use a heavier (read:
oilier) combination here as the tissue around your eyes is very thin and obviously more prone to
 wrinkles.

WHY AVOCADO OIL?
Avocado oil is perfect for your eyes because its abundant fatty acids help balance skin’s moisture
levels, and the high levels of vitamins A, C and E rejuvenate dry skin and remove those pesky free
radicals that age skin.
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ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL
1 tablespoon gentle oil(found at Mountain Rose Herbs,com) check them out
1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 – 1/4 cup aloe vera
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Melt the coconut oil if needed and combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle, preferably one with
 a dropper. Shake well to combine. Put 3-5 drops onto your finger and pat into the skin around your
 eye before bed. If you add the vitamin E capsule you’ll need to shake before each use.
 Note: you can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa butter to the recipe if you prefer a more solid
 cream. Cocoa butter is another major moisturizer and can make it easier to apply (it won’t slide
 around as much).
 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil After you apply the facial serum at night, tap a tiny amount
 of eye cream around the crease of your eye. A little goes a long way – if you go overboard
 slathering it on you’ll get it in your eyes and it will sting a bit (yep, learned this the hard
 way!).
 I love this Eye Oil I made a new batch of it today!
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HYDRATING SERUM
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
2-4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile or rose
Combine ingredients in a small glass pump and shake well to combine. Apply to clean skin at night
for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if including the vitamin E capsule. Will
last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.

WHY JOJOBA OIL?
 Jojoba and avocado oil (see below) are two of my favorites for skin care recipes. Jojoba is an oil
 that’s very close to our skin’s natural oil, and you can use it for just about anything (much like
 coconut oil). It’s non comedogenic, so it won’t block pores, and, in fact, it helps oily skin
 level out oil generation. Plus it’s loaded with vitamin E, linoleic acid and antioxidants that
 regenerate skin cells.
 But if you don’t have any jojoba on hand you can totally make this recipe without it, and it will
 still be excellent for your skin.

I love this Antiwrinkle serum

****

Avocados are Nutritious

Avocados are fruits which grow on Persea Americana trees which are native to Mexico. Avocado is also known as 'Alligator Pear'. They have green tough skins which are textured and they are pear shaped.

The flesh inside the tough skin is the edible part. It is soft and creamy and very rich. There is also a large stone inside which can be easily removed.

Although avocados are high in fat they are still very healthy. They contain mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are the 'good' fats, as they contain omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for hair, skin and eyes. The good fats are unlike saturated fats which tend to be found in cakes and cheese, as they are less harmful to the arteries and high blood pressure.

Avocado is a versatile fruit, as it is filling and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Eating Avocados

I can't rave on these enough!!

Avocados are eaten raw with the flesh scooped out and the stone removed. They are enjoyable as a snack or in a salad.

They go well with prawns, fish or melon and they are the main ingredient in the Mexican dip guacamole.

Add lime, chopped coriander, onion, tomato and seasoning to avocados and mash together to make the guacamole. It can be chunky or pureed and served on french toasts or to dip chips or bread sticks.

Avocado can also be a luxury treat in a sandwich or wrap with cream cheese or ham.

Baby Food

Avocado is a soft food great for your growing baby. Mash it down or blend it in baby food as a nutritious meal rich in vitamins and good fats. It is ideal for a developing brain. Although it contains a high level of fats, it is good for baby in small amounts. Check with your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a blended drink full of your favorite fruit. You can make them yourself in a smoothie maker or in a blender with ice and fruit juice. Add avocado, banana, lime or strawberry for a healthy morning drink.

Prepare you avocado plants

Avocado Trees

When I had eaten my avocado, I wanted to know if there was anything to do with the stone (pit) in the middle. I then came across a different way of growing plants from them indoors.

By poking cocktail sticks into the middle of the stone it is then able to balance on a cup of water. As long as the bottom of the stone is immersed in the water they should be fine.

Keep them on a sunny window sill and with any luck they should begin to sprout in a matter of weeks. Once there are leaves and roots, allow them to grow about 6 inches. They can then be planted into pots.

Ensure that you use good compost and plant them shallow in the pot, with the roots downwards.

Keep them watered but do not saturate them. They need plenty of light indoors to grow. As new leaves grow pinch out the old ones to encourage good growth. You can them keep them outdoors in the summer, but bring them inside in the winter so they are safe from frost.

You may not get any fruit on the tree for the first year or two, but grow a couple of trees together to aid pollination.

Hair mask!

Avocado Hair Mask

Another use for avocados are to use them on your hair and skin! Try a nourishing hair mask every now and again for glossy locks.

Hair Mask Ingredients:

1 Mashed avocado

1 medium egg

1 tsp honey

Method:

Mash together the ingredients in a bowl.

Massage the mixture in your hair and wrap in cling film or a plastic shower cap.

Relax for 20 minutes and allow the vitamins, minerals and good fats enrich your hair and scalp. The honey is moisturising and the egg contains protein. Add olive oil if your scalp is particularly dry.

Rinse out of your hair after 20 minutes. Use a mild shampoo to remove the avocado mixture as it can get messy!

*___*

Avocado Face Mask

Avocado is great for dry skin. Add mashed up ripe avocado to a spoonful of runny honey and smear on your face avoiding the nose, mouth and eye areas. Honey has antibacterial properties which can help soothe and skin and fight pimples.

If you have a lot of spots, add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon as this is antiseptic.

For very dry skin, add plain natural yogurt or coconut oil to your mashed avocado. The natural ingredients are free of nasty chemicals which are found in shop bought face masks, and if you buy organic ingredients then all the better.

DIY Healthy Cinnamon Water

It's easy it's fast and it's so good for you

Drinking Water is one of the best things  for your body, life, your mind
Drinking Cinnamon water is even better than anything else you can drink, put down the soda, the energy drinks full of sugar and coffee and tea, and have some CINNAMON WATER

If you do not love water.... *** APPLE CINNAMON WATER ***( Amount of water we use is 2 quarts, however just any large pitcher about that size will work) Boost ...your metabolism naturally with this ZERO CALORIE Detox Drink. Put down the diet sodas and crystal light and try this out for a week. You will drop weight and have TONS ON ENERGY! Sounds yummy! Makes one big pitcher, re-fill water 3-4 times before replacing apples and cinnamon. 1 Apple thinly sliced (whatever your favorite is) 1 Cinnamon Stick Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher and then the cinnamon sticks, cover with ice about 1/2 way up then add water. Let sit for a couple of hours.

Because I am WOMAN-Menopause Helps tips and

All I want is somebody fabulous who worships me.  Is that too much too much to ask for?

Menopause: Alternative Solutions by Michelle Dinmore Just when you get done with the PMS word, now comes the "change of life" phrase. Don't women ever get a break? You know, men sure got the easy part. Right when you start getting hot flashes and miss a few periods the big, "Oh, Oh," comes to mind. Most women rush to their doctors to find the answers, but in all reality all you get is some special name for horse urine to treat the problem. No, I'm not joking. Estrogen replacement is made out of pregnant horse urine. Ask your doctor if you do not believe me.

Anyway, I'm here to give you some alternative solutions to menopause if you prefer not to use the highly controversial HRT (Hormone Replacement Treatment), but if you are having any severe reactions to your changes, it may be wise to take it. As always, be careful with any medicine, herb, or alternative treatment and read all warnings before using them. Do not use HRT along with alternative methods unless you ask your doctor first.

One of the best and most highly recommended products on the market for Menopause today is soy. Soybeans have the natural ability to mimic estrogen. This plant estrogen is called phytoestrogen. These estrogen-like compounds are found in almost all soybean-based products like tofu, miso, and vegetarian meat substitutes. Some other foods also contain phytoestrogens like, flaxseeds, pomegranates, and dates.

Red Clover is an herb that is said to be even higher in phytoestrogens than soy. Red Clover can be used as tea, or taken in capsule form. Many people that are allergic to soybeans do well with Red Clover. Red Clover is said to be a 100% safe with no side effects, unless you are allergic to ragweed. It is also stated to help prevent certain cancers by cleansing the blood.

Wild Mexican Yam is another popular treatment for menopausal symptoms. It contains compounds similar to the hormone progesterone, which is decreased during a woman's changes. When a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries stop producing both estrogen and progesterone, so it may be a good idea when using and estrogen plant source replacement, to also use a progesterone one. Many people do okay just using the soy or Red Clover, so I'll let you decide on this one.

Certain vitamins and minerals are vital for maintaining health during this time. Calcium and magnesium are very important. With the loss of estrogen, so starts the loss of bone connective tissue. Vitamin E and lecithin are said to work together to help with hot flashes and other complaints. B-Complex helps relieve stress as well as improves circulation and cellular function.

There are a lot of good natural products out on the market today that have been proven to help many women going through their changes. You can find these items in your local health food and vitamin stores. I hope that some of the information I provided you will help you deal with this cycle that inevitably we all must one day face. Best of luck to you and your health!

***
Black Cohosh is an oestrogenic which means it has the capacity to  promote or mimic the action of female hormones.  Other herbs that fall into this category are red clover, sage, hops, licorice.  So if Black Cohosh isn't working for you, you might find that a different one of these plants works better due to your particular constitution.  Margi Flint recommends sage sprays and a lot of herbalists highly recommend sage to all elders.

Blue Vervain,  Vitex, Angelica and Licorice all work to balance the hormones in your body, also.   Something I heard in a recent webinar makes me think that one large dose in the morning when your prolactin levels are high might be better than several small doses.

Starting with perimenopause and into menopause your body starts to shift production of hormones from the ovaries to the  adrenals.  This causes a huge problem for a lot of women, because well, just think about the condition of our adrenals.

So while managing the hormone swings of menopause is important, you might find that you are better served by getting in there and really supporting your adrenals. Adaptogens are key.  Nettle seed is probably one I would investigate,  Licorice, Eleuthro, Borage, and Ashwaganda are other adaptogens that are specifically supportive of your adrenals.

As always diet is important as the hormone production changes over, you need to make sure you are getting enough healthy fats - your Omega 3's are really important to your adrenal glands.   If you are vegetarian trying to get by on Flax and EPO,  I'd like to tell I think you can get enough EPA and DHA,  but I don't believe it.

Eating a lot of phytoestrogenic plants can help, too.   Soy (fermented, non GMO sources), beans, chickpeas, nuts and seeds are good sources.

Magnesium, magnesium, magnesium.  Women in this country get too much calcium and not enough magnesium to maintain a proper ratio in their bodies.  I cannot tell you how many times adding magnesium supplements to the diet has caused menstrual cramps to just disappear.

Red meat is considered a warming food in Ayurvedic circle; probably due to its high saturated fat content.  There is also a link between eating red meat and a reduction in your body's production of oestrogen, possibly due to the estrogen fed to the cattle during production, so cutting back is probably a good idea.  I know people who have switched to grass fed beef and noticed a reduction of symptoms as well.  

***

Menopause Body Oil

  

6 drops lemon oil

5 drops geranium oil

2 drops clary sage oil

1 drop angelica oil

1 drop jasmine oil

2 ounces vegetable oil or body lotion

Combine the ingredients. Use at least once a day as a massage oil, in a

lotion, or in a bath (add 2 teaspoons to the bathwater). If this formula is

too oily for you, add the same essential oils to 2 ounces of a commercial

body lotion instead. The best type to use is an unscented, basic lotion that

contains ingredients that are as natural as possible

***

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM RELIEF

1 C. water

2 tsp. bruised anise seeds

2 tsp. bruised fennel seeds

3 tsp. powdered red clover flower tops

Honey and/or lemon, to taste

Bring water to a boil in saucepan. Add seeds and clover and remove from heat. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain. Add honey and/or lemon. Drink cool or reheat.

Healthy menopausal women may use up to 3 cups a day. If headache, rash, stomach ache, or other side effects develop, discontinue use. As this is a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, USE THIS FORMULA ONLY IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

Emotional Eating and Weight Loss

Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually "comfort" or junk foods -- in response to feelings instead of hunger. Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Many of us learn that food can bring comfort, at least in the short-term. As a result, we often turn to food to heal emotional problems. Eating becomes a habit preventing us from learning skills that can effectively resolve our emotional distress.

Depression, boredom, loneliness, chronic anger, anxiety, frustration, stress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and poor self-esteem can result in overeating and unwanted weight gain.

By identifying what triggers our emotional eating, we can substitute more appropriate techniques to manage our emotional problems and take food and weight gain out of the equation.

How to Identify Eating Triggers

Situations and emotions that trigger us to eat fall into five main categories.

• Social. Eating when around other people. For example, excessive eating can result from being encouraged by others to eat; eating to fit in; arguing; or feelings of inadequacy around other people.
• Emotional. Eating in response to boredom, stress, fatigue, tension, depression, anger, anxiety, or loneliness as a way to "fill the void."
• Situational. Eating because the opportunity is there. For example, at a restaurant, seeing an advertisement for a particular food, passing by a bakery. Eating may also be associated with certain activities such as watching TV, going to the movies or a sporting event, etc.
• Thoughts. Eating as a result of negative self-worth or making excuses for eating. For example, scolding oneself for looks or a lack of will power.
• Physiological. Eating in response to physical cues. For example, increased hunger due to skipping meals or eating to cure headaches or other pain.

To identify what triggers excessive eating in you, keep a food diary that records what and when you eat as well as what stressors, thoughts, or emotions you identify as you eat. You should begin to identify patterns to your excessive eating fairly quickly.

How to Stop Emotional Eating

Identifying emotional eating triggers and bad eating habits is the first step; however, this alone is not sufficient to alter eating behavior. Usually, by the time you have identified a pattern, eating in response to emotions or certain situations has become a habit. Now you have to break that habit.

Developing alternatives to eating is the second step. When you start to reach for food in response to an eating trigger, try one of the following activities instead.

• Read a good book or magazine or listen to music.
• Go for a walk or jog.
• Take a bubble bath.
• Do deep breathing exercises.
• Play cards or a board game.
• Talk to a friend.
• Do housework, laundry, or yard work.
• Wash the car.
• Write a letter.
• Or do any other pleasurable or necessary activity until the urge to eat passes

Other Emotional Eating Tips

Sometimes simply distracting yourself from eating and developing alternative habits is not enough to manage the emotional distress that leads to excessive eating. To more effectively cope with emotional stress, try

• Relaxation exercises
• Meditation
• Individual or group counseling

These techniques address the underlying emotional problems which are causing you to binge and teach you to cope in more effective and healthier ways. For more information on these techniques, contact your doctor.

As you learn to incorporate more appropriate coping strategies and to curb excessive eating, remember to reward yourself for a job well done. We tend to repeat behaviors that have been reinforced, so reward yourself when you meet your weight loss goals. Buy that blouse, take that vacation, or get that massage you wanted. By rewarding yourself for a job well done you increase the likelihood that you will maintain your new healthy habits. 

What is GOUT and what can HELP

What is GOUT?

The understanding of gout gets into some of

the most interesting questions about the history of

medicine and the understanding of physiology and its

relationship to human disease. It is also interesting

because there are many misconceptions that abound

about gout, among both laymen and medical

professionals. Gout is one of the oldest and probably

most painful diseases known to mankind. We know of

cases of gout dating back at least 500 years as some

of the most notorious of the England’s monarchs were

apparently afflicted with the disease. There are

treatises explaining the causes and treatments of gout

that also date from the Middle Ages. 

The typical

description of a patient with gout was a wealthy,

corpulent aristocrat, particularly one with an

enormous appetite for food, drink and women. It was

almost always associated with men, and in fact still

has a male predominance, and was considered a

consequence of overindulgence.

The symptoms of gout are intermittent, excruciating

attacks of pain in the joints, although typically each

gouty episode only affects one joint at a time. The

most common joint affected is the joint at the base of

the big toe, which often becomes red, swollen, hot and

so painful that the patient cannot even bear the

weight of the bedsheets on his affected toe. Other

joints, particularly the knees and elbows, can also be

affected, but, again usually one at a time. The

individual episodes usually last about two weeks then

subside, only to recur at some seemingly random time

in the future. The episodes can vary from every few

months to every few years or longer. In some cases,

the symptoms do not go entirely away between episodes

and the patient has some degree of joint pain all the

time.

In the twentieth century, through the use of

microscopic examination of the fluid removed from

affected joints of those with gout, the "real" cause

of gout was identified. That is, in the inflamed,

painful joints pointy crystals of uric acid create the

excruciating pain so vividly described by those with

gout. In some patients, there is so much uric acid in

their system that they develop yellowish chalk-like

deposits around the joints or in other places such as

the ear lobes. The blood of patients with gout often,

but not always, contains elevated levels of uric acid,

a fact that usually confirms the diagnosis of gout.

The next step in unraveling the mystery of gout was to

find out how this excessive uric acid is produced and

why it is associated with a "gluttonous" lifestyle. It

turns out that uric acid is a by-product or a

breakdown product of purine, a type of protein found

in many common foods. It therefore seems logical to

conclude that gout is caused by excessive protein

intake, particularly of proteins that are rich in

purines, such as organ meats, fatty fish, shell fish

and game.

As a result of this information patients are put on

low-protein, or at least low-purine, diets and given

drugs that prevent the formation of uric acid, or

stimulate its excretion through the kidneys.

Typically, patients also receive advice to choose lean

meats, low-fat dairy products and limit fat intake.

This simple explanation, however, does not account for

all the facts about gout. For example, high-protein

intake is not necessarily connected with obesity so

why are many gout patients overweight?. Also, we now

know that gout attacks can occur with almost any

change in diet, even to a better diet, or even to a

lower-protein diet. In fact, it seems that the

precipitating factor is often change, even the

particulars of the change. And finally, there is a

connection with fat, as your doctor suggested,

although the solution is not to eat less fat.

The newer theories about gout recognize the fact that

the disease is not simply a result of high-protein

intake. For example, we have discovered that uric acid

levels are high in those patients with syndrome X,

otherwise known as insulin resistance. This means that

excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly of

refined flour and sugar, foods that in previous times

were solely the domain of the wealthy, can also raise

the uric acid levels and precipitate gout. This fact

also explains the frequent finding of obesity in those

suffering from gout.

Another overlooked factor is the fact that traditional

peoples always balanced protein intake with plentiful

fat intake as well as gelatinous soup broths. Thus,

gout is better understood as a situation of excessive

protein intake compared to the fats and gelatin

intake, two factors which balance the protein intake.

This is why people with historically high protein

intake who also ate lots of fats and soup broths, with

no refined carbohydrates, rarely if ever suffer from

gout.

Finally, it will probably come as no surprise to the

readers of Wise Traditions that the specific nutrient

that seems to prevent the buildup of uric acid is

vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is particularly

associated with the kidney. In fact, gout can be seen

as a problem of the kidneys not being able to excrete

enough of the uric acid to prevent the buildup, rather

than simply a matter of excessive protein intake.

In my years of treating patients with gout, a program

of decreasing protein intake along with liberal use of

all the usual animal fats and the regular use of

gelatinous stocks has been the key to preventing uric

acid buildup and further attacks of gout.

As for other medicines, cherry juice is a virtual

specific for preventing uric acid buildup and further

attacks of gout. I have patients with gout take 1

teaspoon 2 times per day of cherry juice concentrate

(without the sugar), literally for the rest of their

lives. I also make sure they take 1 teaspoon per day

of high-vitamin cod liver oil to supply the vitamin A,

which antagonizes the uric acid buildup and also

nourishes the kidneys. Of course, the patient should

avoid refined carbohydrates and alcohol (which

contributes to syndrome X).

As for medicines, I use arginex from Standard Process

at a dose of 1-2 tablets three times per day. Arginex

is made from fermented beets and helps stimulate

excretion via the kidneys. For acute attacks, I use

the antiinflammatory Boswellia comp from Mediherb 1-2

tablets three times per day. Hopefully, with these

measures your client will be able to overcome the

tendency for these painful attacks.

About the Author

Tom Cowan, MD is a physician in private practice in

San Francisco, California. Visit his website at

http://www.fourfoldhealing.com

***

Pineapple, Turmeric, Ginger & Cherry Drink to Help with Gout

Gout is a complex form of arthritis, and although it’s shrouded in mystery and often overlooked by those who don’t suffer it, it can be excruciating and debilitating to those who do. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which is the product of the breakdown of waste substances that usually dissolve in the blood and get processed by the kidneys. For people that suffer gout attacks, their kidneys don’t get rid of the uric acid fast enough and it crystallizes and collects in the joint. Symptoms include sudden pain, tenderness, heat, and redness in joints. In many cases it is at the base of the big toe, and the pain can be so unbearable that even a feather light touch will be too much to bear. Gout is chronic, and there are a good number of people out there who don’t want to be on aspirin for the rest of their lives. By making a blend of these ingredients and tapping into their natural healing properties, you can help relieve/prevent your symptoms, similar to how a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory would.

Gout Drink Remedy- with pineapple, tart cherry juice, turmeric & ground ginger.

Ingredients: Pineapple, turmeric, ginger root, tart cherry juice.

Why pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation. The theory behind why it works lies in that it affects prostaglandin synthesis (basically, it interferes with the hormones that send the signal that something should swell up.) Bromelain is also an enzyme that digests proteins (hence why pineapple is so popular for tenderizing meat) and gout has been linked to diets high in protein, which can cause an excess of uric acid to build up in the blood.

Why Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has seen great success with pain relief lately. Curcumin blocks the production of the protein that tells blood vessels to enlarge.

Why ginger root: Ginger root contains gingerols, an active component that is related to capsaicin. Gingerols are structured much like capsaicin on a molecular level, which means it may help inhibit the signals sent to your brain that trigger pain. They also lessen the enzymes causing inflammation.

Why tart cherry juice (optional): Cherries have been linked to lowering levels of uric acid in studies, and although the studies were not specifically done on gout, it is very possible that it would help prevent an attack if consumed regularly.

You will need…

-1 pineapple

-1-2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric

-2-3 teaspoons of powdered ginger, or 1 inch off of a fresh ginger root

-1 cup of tart cherry juice

-Honey (optional)

-Blender, food processor, or lots of elbow grease

-A glass container with a tightly fitting lid

-A strainer

gout drink ingredients

Directions

Cut the skin and stem off of the pineapple. You can either chop up and use the stem and strain the drink, or you can opt not to use it. The reason why you might include it is because the stem has a high concentration of bromein, but using just the fruit is ok too. Slice the pineapple into chunks that are roughly the same size and toss them in your food processor or blender. Whirl them around until they are pretty evenly mashed up, pour in 1 cup of tart cherry juice, and then sprinkle in 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric and 2-3 teaspoons of ginger. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to a week and a half. You can add honey to taste if you’d like, and also choose to use the greater or lesser amount of turmeric and ginger depending on how you like it.

pineapple turmeric drink

Notes: Like nettle tea, if you can have some of this daily, go for it. It might help prevent a gout attack in the first place. Otherwise, you can grab a glass as needed for the pain when it flares up. The drink will keep up to a month in the refrigerator. If you make it on a regular basis, just make one big batch and then do a new one at the end of the month. If it is not practical or possible for you to get a pineapple, there are bromein supplements out there. Do not get any sort of canned or preserved pineapple as the enzymes will have been killed off by heat used in the process of making the product.

As our diets change (not exactly for the better) and more people experience high blood pressure, instances of gout are becoming more and more frequent. Finding out what foods might trigger you will be hugely beneficial, as well as following a “gout” diet. Remember that just because something is natural doesn’t guarantee its safe-if you are on medication or if you don’t know how these ingredients might affect you, always check with a medical professional before using.

Tip: If you’re not in the mood to have a drink, turmeric, ginger, and bromein all come in supplemental form for preventative measures. Again, make sure they are safe for you to take!

*******************

Banana for Breakfast anyone??

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many illnesses. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Rose Hips How to and Recipes

I picked rose hips in Maine when we lived on the east coast and made rose hip jelly.

It was great, and then since I haven't had rose bushes that produce rose hips. So the other day my daughter said "mom, I think I have rose hips on my rose bushes you need to come see" and walla it turns out she does have and so I will be making Rose Hip Jelly once again this year. I'm so happy


Do you know what rose hips are? well here is some information and pictures too



Preparing rosehips


1




 These are yet to be trimmed, both ends need cutting off to remove stems and petal ends.

Cut the rosehips in half and remove the seeds. This is easiest done with a sharp knife and a small spoon. As this is a more time consuming task, it's good for small quantities, such as if you only have one or two rosebushes.

Rosehip jam


1 Measure the weight of the prepared hips and add about half the amount of weight in water. For 450g (15.8 oz) of hips, 250ml (8.4 fl. oz) of water is a close approximate guide.

2 Simmer the hips and water together until soft. This will take about 15-20 minutes; it takes less time if they're covered with a lid. Puree the hips or push them through a sieve or mouli to pulp them. Measure the pulp's weight.



3 Add equal weight of sugar to the pulp. Bring to a boil. Test the readiness by placing a sample on a cold plate to see if it gels. If it does, then it is ready for storing in hot, sterilised jars. If it does not gel, boil rapidly for another minute and test again.



4






Spread straight onto toast.

Rosehip jam can be stirred into muffins and biscuits or cookies.

Stir into meats. Rosehip jam has an interesting flavour that works well with chicken, pork, or other white meats such as turkey. It can be blended with a little mustard for an interesting sweet and sour sauce, or with BBQ sauce and soy sauce (to taste) for a flavour similar to Hoisin sauce.





Rosehip jam tart


1 Use frozen pie base, or make your own short crust pastry. Preheat your oven to 180ºC / 350ºF in advance. Use a standard pie plate at least 15cm (5.9") in diameter, but a 20cm (7.8") pie plate is recommended. It's a very flexible recipe, so you can make it in a variety of sizes.



2 For a tart to serve 4, you will need:
1 cup of the above rosehip jam

Strained juice of one lemon (about 50ml / 1.69 fl oz)

10g (0.35 oz) of melted butter

Cinnamon to taste (one or two small pinches)

Dried ginger (either 1 teaspoon chopped candied ginger or approx 1/4 teaspoon of powdered)

1/2 cup of ground almond meal.




3 Combine the jam and lemon juice, beating well to soften the jam. Add the spices and melted butter and stir through. Add the ground almonds last, stir well and pour into the pie case.



4








This tart has latticework on top for a special touch Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden. Serve warm with cream or vanilla ice cream.




Stewed fruits with rosehips


1 Place 125g (4.4 oz) of hips with the same volume of water and 50g (1.7 oz) of sugar or honey to taste. Simmer 10 minutes.



2 Add other sliced fruits such as 1 apple, 2 stems of red rhubarb, or 1 pear or 1 peach - you can use them all or mix and match.



3 Add water to just cover the fruits. Taste syrup for flavouring and add more sugar if desired, or lemon juice if you prefer a sour flavour.



4








Simmer 10-15 minutes more. Simmer 10-15 minutes more. The hips will just start to break down, but the other fruits should still remain intact.



5 Serve with oatmeal, custard, a slice of vanilla cake, or ice cream.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yzftj3kJkd0#t=174



This video shows how to pick the rosehips and provides a wealth of information on the benefits of rosehips.



Tips

Don't harvest your rose hips too soon; the first week of frost can actually improve their flavour.
This old fashioned ingredient has an acquired taste but does blend well with other flavours. It's good for adventurous cooks and food historians, and as the yield of hips per bush is not huge, it means that making small batches is more feasible as a little can go a long way.




Most rosehips are suitable for use but the more commonly used ones include the wild dog-rose (often growing on hedgerows) and the hips from Rosa rugosa.[4] Always verify that the hips are pesticide free before using, and always wash well.
Rosehip tea is a great source of vitamin C and can help you to ward off a cold or to get through it a little more easily.[5]
Note that both spellings "rosehip" and "rose hip" are accurate.[6]



(NaturalNews) Rose hips are the small, colorful bulbs that stay behind when a rose dies. They are roughly the same size as berries and vary in color from orange to red. Oftentimes overlooked because gardeners trim the dead flowers before the rose hips can form, rose hips are a great source of Vitamin C and can be harvested and prepared as a natural way to boost intake of this important vitamin.

With a sweet tartness, rose hips are part of the apple and crabapple families. Almost all roses create rose hips, as they are the natural product of a dead flower, but the ones that are said by many to be the best tasting are rugosa roses. In addition to tasting the best, these roses also produce the largest and most numerous hips.

Harvesting rose hips is very straightforward. They should always be removed from the stem of the rose plant after the first frost, when they are the sweetest. At the time of harvest, hips should be firm with a little give in texture and bright red or orange in color. If any of the hips on the plant are shriveled or are not the right color, do not collect them; they will not go to waste, as they will provide a great treat for the birds, rabbits, squirrels, and deer in the area.

Preparing rose hips is also simple; however, make sure that they are prepared as quickly as possible after being harvested, as waiting to do so will compromise a lot of their nutritional value. Once they have been collected from the rose plant they can be used whole, but they have seeds inside of them that have a hairy surface and can cause irritation if eaten. If the rose hips are to be incorporated into anything other than a jam, it is recommended that the insides of the hips are removed before further preparations are conducted. To remove the seeds, trim the ends of the hips and then cut them in half using scissors (the hips will be too small to accurately trim and slice with a knife). Then remove seeds, rinse the hips in cold water, and drain them thoroughly.


After the rose hips have been drained, they should air dry to remove any additional exterior moisture. Once the rose hips are trimmed and ready for use, they can either be prepared fresh or dried. To dry them, lay them out evenly with a lot of space between them. Place them in a dark, dry, and warm location until they shrivel up, much like a raisin. Once dry, rose hips can be refrigerated or frozen.

Rose hips are great to use in jellies, sauces, soups, seasonings, or tea. If the recipe in use calls for them to be cooked, do not use aluminum pots, pans, or utensils, as it will deplete the vitamin C levels and alter the color of the rose hips.


Vitamin C is an important part of a balanced diet, and rose hips are a wonderful source of Vitamin C. Anyone looking for a natural, delicious, and easy to prepare source of this important vitamin will benefit from harvesting his/her own rose hips and from the beautiful roses that will grow in the process!


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033673_rose_hips_health_benefits.html##ixzz2hfoGodx3