Merry Christmas

Mad King Ludwig -purchased at Kathe Wohlfart

My absolute favorite acquisition from my travels this past fall was a hand carved nutcracker I purchased in Rothenburg, Germany. Rothenburg is an ancient walled city like no other I have ever been in. I mean really, where's Cinderella?

Rothenburg, Germany

I love the nutcracker so much I think I'm going to get a second one exactly like it to have the pair.  It looks so perfect on my console. 
Funny how certain things and smells  can trigger emotions, memories and warm fuzzies.  The nutcracker in and of itself really isn't anything most people would fawn over, but for me it just makes me think of everything cozy about this very special holiday.  I love the crackling fire in the fireplace, the busyness in the kitchen, decorating and above all the time spent with friends and family.  My hope and prayer is that you will also have a wonderful Christmas.  May you enjoy everything that makes this holiday so special!

Have a wonderful Holiday!

The Healing Benefits of Clay

There's nothing like the holiday season to make my head spin with a thousand things to get done.  Today is another full day and I can't just wait for a lull in the schedule. I have to carve out the time or else I'll never get to another post.  So today I want to discuss the medicinal properties of clay, yet another fantastic product of nature that needs to be showcased.  I choose to keep some on hand and have it stored right next to my container of charcoal.  My clay is European Green Clay I purchased from Hope for Health.   If there is one word I would choose to describe clay, it would be detoxification.  Clay is actually aged volcanic ash.  An area that has high concentration of this substance is located in Benton, Wyoming- hence the name, Bentonite Clay.  Never heard of it?  I'm sure you've seen it.  Many facial masks are made with clay.  Clay is by no means limited to facials and is very beneficial in drawing out toxins from the body.  You may be familar with some of the behavioral practices of parrots of Central and South America.  They eat berries and foods that contain toxicity.  In an effort to protect themselves from sickness, they congregate at clay licks.  These birds have an innate knowledge that clay will neutralize the toxicity they ingest from the foods they eat.

The Many Uses Of Clay

Aside from facials and bird clay licks, clay has many uses and can help in several situations.  Clay can help to absorb toxins, heavy metals, impurities and chemicals.  If you have followed this blog for a while, you may remember me stating that maintaining alkilinity in the body is very important.  The way to do this is to eat at least 75% raw.  An alkaline body is one that successfully fights disease and is on the offense when it comes to airborne pathogens, bacteria and invading "bugs".  (Not to mention that this practice would help to reverse a myriad of medical conditions!)  Wouldn't you know, clay actually helps to alkalize the body, just what you need if you are ever sick.  Clay aids in nutrient absorption, helps to neutralize the body from radiation exposure and is rich in minerals.  As a side note, one of the things that was done to help those exposed from the nuclear fallout at Chernobyl in the Soviet Union,  was to mix clay into chocolate bars for the people to eat.  If that wasn't enough, clay has also been shown to fight MRSA and flesh eating bacteria according to this article.  Talk about packing a serious punch!  So often I find that the the overlooked and in this case a substance that is actually tread underfoot contains powerful healing abilities. Yet again, it is a solution that is ignored because of it's lack in profitability. 

Here is more information about clay that might interest you.  Clay helps to cleanse the skin even helping to remove spots left from acne.  It helps the liver in the the process of cleansing the body. It helps to strengthen the immune system and can help in the removal of parasites.  It also has been seen to help with allergies, colitis, viral infections, diabetic neuropathy, diarrhea, stomach ulcers and anemia.  Although clay is seemingly inert, it actually carries a negative electrical charge.  A negative charge coming in contact with the body behaves like an antioxidant help the body to neutralize free radicals and aids in healing the body.

How To Use Clay

When mixing powdered clay with water it is beneficial to not actually mix it.  Because of it's charge, it should be scooped out with a non-metal spoon.  A plastic or wooden spoon should be fine.  I also just pour water onto it slowly until it is aborbed.  I don't even mix it.  Use just enough water to make a paste or poultice to use externally or a few tablespoons of it in a full glass of water to drink as a slurry.  This past summer I used clay on my son's face when he got poison ivy.  Clay will not stain the skin like charcoal can.  (I also use clay for bee stings.)  Another tip to remember is to try not to use natural remedies on a day to day, regular basis. You do not want your body to become accustomed to an herb or treatment rendering it ineffective when you really need it.

Happy Holidays

Okay, I think this time sitting down at the computer has helped me catch my breath from my pre-Christmas whirlwind of activity.  I love this time of year and enjoy getting together with family, baking cookies and making the house sparkle with holiday decor.  Obviously we do not have crown roast for our christmas meal but do it  veggie-Guatemalan style.  My mom takes the lead with our help and makes vegetarian tamales which is an all day group effort.  My husband and kids absolutely love it!  Once a year do we enjoy this very fun, festive activity.  My kids count the days and we all revel in every aspect of this time of year.  Hope you are enjoying this season as well!

Have a great day!

Cultivating An Attitude Of Gratitude

My Thanksgiving with some wonderful friends

There is so much to be sad about these days, just turn on the news.  (My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims in the Phillipines and Illinois.)  The fortunate thing is that most of us are not living through tragedy all the time.  Most of us can be grateful for the good that does come our way.  Instead of lamenting what is lacking in our lives, learning to be thankful for what we have been blessed with can go so far in regards to our health.  It really can make or break the process of healing.  I have heard several interviews of naturopaths in the field of healing cancer naturally and one of the crucial ingredients of success is having a positive mental attitude.  Gratitude, therefore is an attribute we should strive to cultivate. 

Here are some articles that I have come across that state this very important truth.  The Huffington Post also has this article worth reading.

Just as a side note.  More than 50% of the world's population lives on  less than a dollar a day.  Here in the United States we do not live hand to mouth.  Even in a down economy I do see abundance on a regular basis.  I believe in taking every moment to savor the blessings.  I love to feel sunlight on my face when I walk my dog.  I love to be with my family and friends and enjoying something as simple as laughter.  Another idea we should always remember is that life is never a snapshot.  Things do change and we never know when we finally have our dreams realized.  Until then, we can always count our blessings!

I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The End Of Antibiotics?

I have mentioned my concern for the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistant superbugs on this blog.  I saw this very important article which include an excellent PBS documentary and had to share it.  Not only are there virulent strains of bugs that have become stronger than the antibiotics we have on the market, but pharmaceutical companies no longer plan to invest in making any new ones.  Not enough profit to make it worth it to them.  The implications are serious to say the least.  It is for this reason I have been emphatic that we become familiar with "antibiotics" we can find in nature.  Two I have mentioned are garlic and oregano (used in conjunction with hydrotherapy. ) Please take the time to read this article and strongly consider self-educating in regards to natural remedies.  I believe it very well may be what we need to fall back on in the future.

Coming up soon:  Natural Remedy- Bentonite Clay

Finding Health Food in Europe and a Gluten Free Summit

I loved this bike I saw in Winterswijk, Holland

I have returned home and as I much as I love to travel, I love coming home.  Nothing like the coziness of my own house and bed.  When I left on this trip I wondered what I would encounter food-wise.  I knew that Europeans are more conscious of gmo's and having more healthful ingredients but sourcing food that is both gluten-free and vegan can be a challenge.  To be honest, I did fall off the vegan wagon. (I tend to fall off when I travel.)

 I was invited for a meal a few times and when someone offers me hospitality and makes the effort of preparing a meal that is gluten-free, vegetarian but not vegan, I would rather err on the side of kindness and eat what they offer.  Sure my stomach was resentful but I popped a few charcoal pills and all was good.  Here are some grocery stores that carry healthful alternatives in Europe.

Reformhaus is a high quality healthfood store I found to be most prevalent in Europe.  I was able to locate this grocery store in Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands.  I wanted to take a shot of the interior but a lady scolded me, "nein! nein!"  Fine, I won't take a picture!

Edeka is also a German company which isn't exclusively a health food store but carries a lot of health food selections.

Italy was a bit of a challenge.  My husband and I joined a group of his colleagues for a continuing educational tour on the reformation so with such a tight schedule, we did not have the freedom to search for health food stores.  There was a grocery store walking distance from our Hotel and we had no trouble finding dairy free milk.  As for gluten free, the Italians prepare vegetables very deliciously.  In Italy I ate potatoes, rice and vegetables and all manner of variations using these three types of foods.

In Prague, Czech Republic, we ran into Adventist owned Country Life Restaurant and Health Food Store.

There is no way I can provide a complete list of health food stores but if you are traveling to Europe, you could always search Yelp.

Just a note to let you know that there is a gluten-free summit going on now.  Check out their facebook page to tune in.

Have a great day!

A Success Story, The Latest GMO News and a Teenage Reverses Her Cancer Naturally

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

I'm checking in from Venice with this post.  I received some interesting emails I thought I would pass along.  I really enjoy reading healing testimonials and thought you would too.  Dr. John McDougall is the first nutritionally informed physician I started to follow many moons ago.  Read this story of a woman who conquered her rheumatoid arthritis by changing her diet.  Very inspirational!

I so want such biotech industries like Monsanto to collapse.   As we are touring Europe, we really don't worry about gmo's here.  They are not allowed in Europe.  The U.S. is blatantly in the dark about genetically modified foods. This has created so much mistrust of our government and media for me.  I don't even bother to turn on the news anymore.  It upsets me that someone else is deciding for me what I should be informed about.  I don't like for my opinions to be pushed and swayed by someone who has an agenda.  I'll find my own news, do my own cross comparisons and think for myself. Here is the latest on GMO news.  This bit of news gives me hope.

Lastly, another great cancer reversal story from Chris' blog.  A teenager reverses her cancer with a raw food diet.  So awesome!

Brief post, I know but I'd rather be walking Venice right now.  I'm sure you understand!

Have a great day!

Herbal Products To Use While Traveling

My husband, Nathan and I at Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg, Austria

I'm writing from Berlin, Germany, which is part of a month long European excursion for us.  I so enjoy traveling whether at home in the U.S. or abroad, and I savor every moment I get to do it.  I love appreciating new vistas, flavors and unusual experiences.  It just feels like an adventure to me.  I love getting lost in some town and just exploring it and discovering the hidden paths and alleys.  Some can be really inviting!  The one thing I have found out is that a wonderful traveling experience can be ruined by unexpected sickness.  Blah!  It has happened to me!  No fun at all.

The good news is that we can do certain things to help prevent and treat some of the more common ailments.  You probably remember my love for Dr. Schulze and his products.  Here are some tips and herbal products that I have discovered  can be useful to help deal with the unexpected.

Increase Immunity Before Leaving

First, it is important to boost your immune system before going on a trip. Avoid sugar for the weeks leading  up to a trip.  There is nothing like sugar to compromise your immune system.  If you want to be healthy and well, just skip it.  Increase the amount of raw food you eat prior to your trip. Consider using echinacea and adding oregano, turmeric and garlic to your diet. I recommend also purchasing echinacea extract to take along.  Avoid foods that can trigger a reaction.  I know my joints begin to act up soon after I eat gluten so I try my best to not crumble under temptation!  My husband had to scold me for trying some crusty, scrumptious, freshly baked European bread.  Ahh!  Torture!  But I know that I will be walking a whole lot and I don't want to be in pain so I do my best to endure! 

Using Supplements

I like to take Dr. Schulze' Superfood every morning.  I feel better knowing that I am covering my bases nutritionally.  I purchase it in powder form and mix it with water and down it first thing in the morning.  My husband and kids mix it with juice.  On this trip we purchased the Superfood bars that are really convenient for packing along.  No mixing required! 

Some Other Effective Herbal Products

There's nothing worse than dealing with food poisoning or other digestive issues when away from home.  But that's where certain products come in to fix the situation.  If there is food poisoning or diarrhea, use charcoal in slurry or tablet form. Use more than you think you need.  Most people make the mistake of taking too little.  Dr. Schulze Intestinal Formula No. 2 is also effective in dealing with diarrhea.  If you are dealing with constipation from trying so many new foods that plug you up, use IntestinalFormula No. 1. Better take Intestinal formula No. 1 with food.  It contains  a lot of garlic and can cause a stomach ache if taken on an empty stomach.  Another fantastic product is Dr. Schulze's Digestive Tonic.  It helps settle nausea or an upset stomach.

Drink Plenty Of Water

It is easier to get dehydrated when traveling.  Be mindful of getting enough water and get in the habit of always carrying a bottle of water.  My husband has a small filtration bottle he carries just in case we cannot find bottled water to purchase.  Doesn't taste as great but it beats the alternative. 

Here are some lovely, inviting, vistas and paths I have found during our travels.

We rented a spunky standard shift Citroen.  Here we are in a village in the Bavarian countryside.  So lovely!  Driving on the autobahn was interesting! I didn't feel comfortable driving faster than 90 miles per hour.  Some cars flew past me as if I were standing still!

San Souci, Potsdam, Germany

One thing that I enjoyed was when I thought Ihad seen the most breathtaking view, I would turn the corner and my breath would be taken away...again!

View from our hotel window in Salzburg.  Amazing isn't it?

Gardens by a cathedral in Salzburg

Had to add these guys.  I was meeting them when the Ram head butted the others as if to say, "Hey, I want to meet her too!"  I love it!

My month of travel in Europe isn't over yet.  I hope to post more as long as I can access the internet.


Have a great day!

Watch- The Cause Is The Cure

I love, love, love Chris Wark's blog!  He shares so much amazing information! It's such a shame that the conversation of reversing cancer naturally is one that flows in the undercurrent and is so far from being mainstream.  Before I fall off the radar, I wanted to share a documentary, "The Cause is the Cure" that relates the testimonials of five people who reversed their cancer without chemo or radiation.  Chris Wark was asked to share it far and wide.  I also wanted to help spread the word.  Here is a great video by Maximized Living that you should watch which features the book Cancer Killers.  You can also get more information about Maximized Living from their website.  The cure is so basic, so easy and sadly has been purposefully hidden from view.  Here is Chris Wark's post on the documentary, "The Cause is the Cure".  Be sure to watch it on October 5! 

Fighting Cancer With Food, Pink Ribbons Inc. and a New World Record by Vegan Athlete Patrick Baboumian

Vegan Athlete Patrick Baboumian

Update

I have been very emphatic in this blog on how we have more control over cancer than we think.  We can change how hospitable our bodies are to cancer by the food we eat, the chemicals we expose ourselves to and the positive or negative thoughts we have. I wanted to bring a very interesting lecture to your attention.  Roots Market in Olney, MD will be hosting a program titled,"Fighting Cancer with Food".  It will take place on Monday October 21st.  You can find more detailed information here.

There is also a documentary titled,"Pink Ribbons, Inc." which is an expose on this seemingly humanitarian fund raising event.  You can view it here on Chris Wark's latest blog post.

Power Vegan Athlete Patrick Baboumian

I can't tell you how many times I encounter crazy biases against a plant based diet.  I remember one woman who heard about the way I eat and she said in response, is her hair falling out?  People with zero knowledge about nutrition are usually the most outspoken.  The idea that there is no possible way to be healthy without eating meat is so pervasive that it sometimes drives me a little crazy.  Truth, studies and science be told, the healthiest most longest lived people in the world thrive on a plant based diet.  And no, vegans are not a bunch of weak waifs!

I absolutely loved an email I received about vegan athlete, Patrick Baboumian.  He recently carried the most weight ever and broke the world record for most weight carried for 10 meters.  You can read the article here.

October Hiatus

I will have very limited internet access for the month of October.  I hope to post but I can't make any promises.  I'm not falling off the face of the Earth and I'll tell you all about it when I get the chance!  Happy October!

Have a great Day!

Healing Spiritually

In God We Trust is written on our dollar bill, but in this age of political correctness the mention of anything spiritual can lead to ruffled feathers, offending folks with sparks and words flying left and right.  If I followed Buddha, I don't think many would have a problem with that.  If I discussed an experience of sheer ecstasy over achieving nirvana, I think many would just accept it without complaint.  My desire to share my spiritual experience is not to offend anyone.  That's the last thing I want to do.  I believe in the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit and it is in that vein that I share this post.  To me, the message of health and healing just wouldn't be complete if I didn't touch upon this topic at least once.  If this topic doesn't interest you, feel free to skip this post.

Every morning when I wake up I have a very special routine.  I begin my day by spending a half hour in prayer and the study of the Bible. (I have a neat Bible app that makes this convenient and doable.)  Take this time away from me and you might as well take away the air that I breathe.  I depend on it and enjoy it like you just cannot imagine.  Scripture reading challenges my brain like no other book I have ever read, yet it has the most simple principles that are so easy to grasp.  Scripture provides a soothing balm for my soul when I ache.  I have been to hell and back a few times and in moments when I felt like I was drowning in the problems of life and struggling for the next breath, I learned to lean on prayer and scripture reading.   By doing this simple routine I found peace, hope and strength to just keep going.  During sunnier times of my life it has provided me with a wellspring of vitality and joy for living.  I do not place myself on a pedestal and by no means consider myself perfect.  I have character flaws to boot- just ask my family.  I learn from Scripture to never judge others but on the contrary to always show kindness and love.  My daily half hour has given me the strong desire to walk the high road and do the right thing even if it hurts.  Why do I share this?  My heart bleeds when I see people furiously spinning their wheels looking for happiness.  Maybe they'll find it in the next pay grade, relationship or toy, but somehow they always seem to come up empty.  I have found out that peace, hope, strength, and dare I say joy? - Yes!  To overflowing! - is available irrespective of the less than desirable circumstances of life. If you want to read more about this radical and seemingly upside-down way to a full and satisfying life, you must read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  I believe in spiritual healing.  I have found that it is the only thing that truly and genuinely satisfies me.

"He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:39



Have a great day!

The Medicinal Properties of Charcoal

Update

I would like to share with you a valuable resource.  Go Healthy for Good is a program on the Hope Channel that features natural remedies from time to time.  Dr. Nerida McKibben, MD is the host and her husband Daniel McKibben, CMT participates on occasion.  My children were involved with the filming on some of these programs.  

The Medicinal Properties of Charcoal

When I attended the Natural Remedies and Hydrotherapy Workshop at Andrews University in Michigan last summer, I was already familiar with the use of hydrotherapy and herbs. However, I was totally blown away by the lecture on charcoal. I had little experience with it and had no idea what charcoal was capable of.  Why it isn't used more for problems like brown recluse spider bites is beyond me. I believe every household should have some (both in tablet and powder form) around at all times in case of some emergency. Charcoal or charred, blackened, powdered wood is an absolutely powerful product of nature.  Being familiar with it and how to use it can mean the difference between life and death in certain situations.

Becoming Acquainted with Charcoal as a Natural Remedy

Absorptions is something that is familiar to most of us.  What a sponge does to water is called absorption.  Adsorption is what a magnet does to iron.  Charcoal's star power is it's ability to adsorb and neutralize all kinds of toxins and poisons.  In 1830 a pharmacist, P.F. Touery, set out to prove to himself and others that charcoal was indeed a powerful adsorbent and did something that was pretty daring if you ask me!  He swallowed strychnine,  10 times the lethal dose, mixed with charcoal.  He suffered no ill effect from this experiment.  Charcoal is very porous, and looks like a sponge under a microscope.  It is this endless surface area that makes it able to adsorb so much  toxicity.  Home made charcoal, which is not activated, has spots where it will not adsorb.  Activated charcoal on the other hand has had these spots removed making it even more effective.  Therefore, the best quality charcoal is activated charcoal.  Inactivated charcoal is still very effective and should not be disregarded in an emergency.

The following is excerpted with permission from Home Remedies Manual by Harold Cherne MD and Daniel Mckibben CMT

"Charcoal will adsorb gases, solids, liquid, bacteria, viruses, bacterial toxins, hormones, products of wound secretions, carcinogens and... will reduce swelling by taking up excess tissue fluid and products of allergies.

Internal Indications: Flatulence, nausea, colic, jaundice (The need for exchange transfusion in babies with jaundice has been cut by more than 90% with the use of charcoal.), Crohns, IBS, Ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers...Prostatitis, Colostomy odor, poisons, food poisoning, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sore throat,  toothpaste, toothache, bad breath, bacteria and viruses. 

Will adsorb: tylenol, aspirin, opium, cocaine, amphetamines, phenobarbital, lead, DDT, hemlock, mercury, chlorine, pesticides, penicillin, kerosene, radioactive substances and cobra venom just to name a few."

External uses include: Gangrene, infections, spider bites including the brown recluse, snake bites, bee stings, mosquito bites, poison ivy and other poisonous plants.  This is by no means an exhaustive list.

A Few Facts to Consider

As a side note, you may need to consider the fact that drugs are adsorbed by charcoal, including birth control pills.  Take proper precautions and don't blame me if you get pregnant from taking charcoal!  Food can interfere with charcoal's effectiveness.  Charcoal is messy and becomes airborne in a black cloud from the slightest disturbance.  It also can stain fabric very readily.  Internally, charcoal must be taken with water as a slurry.  Please note that over time it can cause constipation. Use charcoal only when necessary.  Extended use can make your body accustomed to it, thereby losing it's effectiveness.  Externally it can be made into a paste or poultice.  Start with powdered charcoal and add water to a yogurt consistency.  Add some flax meal to the paste so that it can retain  moisture for a longer period of time.  Please note, If placed on open wounds, tatooing will occur.  My suggestion is for you to pick up a couple of books to read up on the uses, indications and contraindications of charcoal more thoroughly.

Suggested Books

The first book I suggest is Charcoal Remedies.com - The Complete Handbook of Medicinal Charcoal and It's Applications by John Dinsley.  This book is available on Amazon.

This book reads more like a novel and chronicles the experiences of the author and his amazing stories helping people with the use of charcoal.  As the title of the book suggests, he also has a website where people have submitted their testimonials with the use of charcoal.  Check it out here.

The second book I recommend is by Agatha Thrash, MD and Calvin Thrash, MD.  Charcoal - Startling New Facts About the World's Most Powerful Adsorbent.  Available at the Potomac Adventist Book and Health Food Store.

Finally, I also recommend the manual from which I excerpted.  Home Remedies Manual - Treatments for Arthritis to Herpes Zoster (A to Z) Using Water, Herbs, Stretching Exercises (Similar to Chiropractic), Massage and Common Sence By Harold Cherne MD and Daniel McKibben CMT

This manual is available from the Potomac Adventist Book and Health Food Store. 

Make Your Own Charcoal at Home

Making your own charcoal at home is not complicated.  It's just burned wood.  But there are some steps that make the process more effective.  In this link, you will find instructions on how make your own charcoal at home.  Harder wood such as Oak or Manzanita does make for better charcoal, but make sure to use untreated wood.  Charcoal briquettes for grilling are not to be used medicinally.  Store your charcoal in a food pantry in an air tight container.  If you happen to store it with other chemicals, it will adsorb the chemicals in the air.  Most definitely not what you want.

I like the secure feeling of knowing that I won't be helpless in certain situations.  If, God forbid, all hell were to break loose and hospitals were unable to help me, I have an extensive reliable list of  home remedies to rely on - just in case.

Have a great day!

Rise of the Superbugs, Dr. Greger's New Lecture and Reaching the GMO Rejection Tipping Point

Updates:

In my last post, I should have included this documentary.  I didn't see it until after I posted, however.   I love Dr. Mercola's site - so informative ( I butt heads with him on promoting animal products as healthful though.)  Please take a look at this documentary called, "Rise of the Superbugs."  I have discussed how bad it is for people to use antibiotics like they're drinking water.  It is causing serious problems for the future.  Luckily, we are an informed crowd and know about alternative home remedies of healing like juice fasting, hydrotherapy and herbs.  DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THEIR VALUE!  Make it a priority to get the books I have recommended just in case you need them.  Have high quality medicinal herbs stocked in your home.  You never know when they can come in handy.  Make it a priority to read as much as you can about these methods.

I'm gearing up to do my post on Charcoal.  I just attended a seminar in Silver Spring, MD to brush up on my facts.  I also picked up second charcoal book to cross reference.  I'm totally blown away but what this simple, humble product of nature is able to do.  I've heard it been called "black magic."  Yep, it's pretty darn close to it.  Next post!

Lecture by  Dr. Michael Greger. 

Dr. Greger has recently posted his lecture, "More Than An Apple a Day: Combating Common Diseases."  It recently went viral!  His delivery is also quite humorous (not for younger viewers).  I love the power of a plant based diet in being able to prevent and reverse the most common diseases.  He reviews the latest nutritional literature and has daily, weekly videos that are very informative.  Check out his lecture here.

 Reaching the GMO rejection tipping point

When I went to Jeffrey Smith's lecture in D.C.  He mentioned that when we reach a enough people who reject GMO's, manufacturers will begin dumping them from their products.  I keep hearing that we are not far off.  I recently saw a map of the world that showed how many countries have GMO labeling laws or have banned GMO foods altogether.  What is so disturbing is how the United States is completely blank on this map.   You may view the map here.  There must be some caustic miasma that hangs thick in the air in D.C. that makes all these politicians fall into a trance and forget their campaign promises.  I am not singling out any political party.  Both sides have their hands dirty with hush money.  This is why it is up to everyday people to reject GMO foods.  Do we really want the makers of DDT, Agent Orange and Roundup tinkering with the genetics of our food?  Certain businesses recognize the need to go GMO free.  Trader Joe's private label has been GMO free for some time now.  Whole Foods seems to be heading in that direction.  You can see where they stand on GMO's here.  Chipotle's will begin to label their GMO foods and eventually eliminating them from the menu altogether.   I say, let's support the businesses that are transparent and working towards eliminating GMO's from their foods. 

As for the those that don't well, Kroger's will begin to carry GMO salmon.  Tsk Tsk Kroger!  If you eat salmon, you may want to consider getting Alaskan wild caught instead.

I recently read that wild animals prefer non- gmo foods as well.  Too cute!  Check it out here.

Have a great day!

Some Interesting Documentaries and a 10k Mud Run

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post.  Sorry.  My life has been very busy spending time with family.  My grandmother passed away in Guatemala so the kids and I spent time with my dad in Boston.  My sister joined us as well.  In the lapse of time I've noticed a few documentaries. They have caught my attention since they cover topics I have discussed in previous posts.  Here they are:

 Some Interesting Documentaries

I have mentioned my concern for the loss of bees.  This should concern everyone.  A loss of polinators means a loss of food production.  Shortly after I shared my concern, I noticed a documentary I had not seen.  This documentary highlights  a problem that is nothing short of alarming.  Don't count on your politician to rectify the situation, regardless of what side of the political aisle he/she may be on. The alarm must be sounded loudly at the grass roots level to raise awareness and demand that something be done about it.  Please watch the trailer to the film here.

The next film will be shown free of charge at the Roots Market in Olney, MD.  I will not be seeing this one because I just can't stomach it.  I cannot stand how animals are treated in conventional farms.  It sickens and haunts me to no end.  If people want to eat meat, I really don't have a problem with that.  But there is a big difference in how animals are raised in small organic farms as opposed to conventional corporately raised farms.  I do have strong feelings against the inhumane treatment of conventionally raised animals.  (This trailer really is tame.  Try watching Earthlings.  I couldn't even watch the trailer to that film.)  What becomes of a society that can care less about other creatures? Creatures also made by the hand of God?

Eventually dues need to be paid.  Case in point: In the Shenanandoah Valley, VA there are some conventionally raised chicken farms.  (My stomach turns every time I drive by.) Not far there is an organic farm. This farm was featured in the documentary film, "Food Inc."  The animals in the organic farm are happy, healthy and are raised humanely.  However, there was a great loss of thousands of chickens at the conventional farm.  No kidding! How can the conventional approach to raising animals be sustainable in the long run?  Of course they blamed their losses on the organic farm.  How they spun that story would be quite interesting!  Abuse nature, use chemicals with reckless abandon, abuse animals, in the end, we only hurt ourselves with poor health and the loss of our all important natural resources.  Being a lover of animals, I'm more than glad to just eat vegan.  Here is more information of the screening of this film at Roots.  Peacable Kingdom - The Journey Home trailer is viewable here.

My son has dyslexia and probably would be diagnosed with ADHD.  We chose the drug free route for our son.  Our choice requires a lot of sacrifice, but when I consider the alternative, it is a choice I have no regrets about.  I just spoke to a woman who had both her children on Ritalin.  She said that the the amount, type and frequency of the drugs only escalated.  But she felt pressured to medicate them by the school they attended.  One of her sons is now dead.  He became addicted to other forms of  recreational drugs and eventually committed suicide. Below is a documentary film that is very moving and incredibly informative. If you don't have the time to view all of it, at least watch the first ten minutes of it.  I watched the entire film and it was well worth the time it took to watch it.  The film is titled,"The  Drugging of Our Children."  You may view the entire film here  You may also be interested in this article by natural news which states that ADHD is an invented disease.  This is no surprise to me.  Take the time to watch this film, it is very eye opening!

 Pill Poppers documentary film

The last film I want to share with you is one produced by the BBC.  "Pill Poppers" exposes the fact that the production of medications is not an exact science but more like shooting from the hip and standing back to see what happens!  And why not invent some diseases along the way to sell more medications?   Very interesting!  View the youtube documentary here.

A 10k mud run

Lastly, I ran a 10k mud run in July (Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run).  I can't tell you how thrilling it was for me.  In dealing with arthritis, I really wondered if I would be able to run again.  I was able to conquer my arthritis by altering my diet. It just reinforced my belief that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made (psalm 139:14).  They are designed to heal in the most amazing way given the right tools and conditions.

Have a great day!

Vegan Treats and Delicious Non-Dairy Ice Creams

One of the things I love about summer is how things slow down and are more relaxed.  I enjoy day trips to quaint towns, strolls in the cool of the evening after a scorching hot day, wearing flip flops and cheating on my diet with some ice cream twirls.  Yes, I do cheat!  When I first started on my journey towards vegan foods, I would cheat with real ice cream.  I think if I were to cheat with dairy ice cream today, it would probably hit my gut like a ton of bricks.  I can't cheat with dairy anymore.  The cleaner your body gets, the more it reacts to foods that aren't healthful.  So now I cheat with non-dairy ice cream.  To those of you who think that non-dairy ice cream has got to be gross, I must beg to differ!  You probably have not tried the good stuff yet!  There is a great vegan dessert shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, called Vegan Treats.  If you ever head to Bethlehem for Musikfest or what have you, you must stop by and pay this little shop a visit!  They have wonderful ice cream as well as a slew of other kinds of desserts.  Pure vegan decadence!  (Sugar is never healthful, but hey, I believe in a little room for treats every now and then.)

 

 

Their wall of fame

Me and my kids

I recently attended a dinner and the cook was so gracious in preparing dishes I could eat.  The gluten free, vegan combination can be a bear to deal with when I go out.  It can get a little depressing for me when everyone else is eating all this great food that I cannot indulge in. (It's the gluten foods I miss.  I had to choose between arthritis or gluten free diet.  I chose a gluten free diet.) The cook, understanding my plight, prepared foods just for me.  One of the things he set out was vegan ice cream.  I absolutely raved about it and all the people at our table had to try my ice cream.  I should have kept my mouth shut!  They ate their dairy ice cream and then they cleaned up on all the non-dairy ice cream.  Smart move, Missy!  Anyhow the company that makes it is called Wayfare.  It's so creamy and delicious!  I'll be driving out to Hagerstown, MD.  which is a good fifty minutes from where I live, to pick up mine.  (I noticed MOM's organic market in Frederick and Rockville carry some of their products, but not their ice cream)  This company is fairly new and not available in many places.  I'm going to ask my health food store to carry it.  Check here for their store locator.

Vermont Maple is incredibly delicious!

Other brands that I like are Trader Joe's Soy Creamy "Cherry Chocolate Chip."  I also like Tofutti brand ice creams.

Kimberly Snyder recently posted on great non-dairy easy to make sorbets.  I printed out the recipes and my daughter made a couple of them.  Really good, easy to-prepare healthful alternatives!

Here is a blog post on 29 non dairy ice cream recipes.

Lastly, a friend of mine, Nancy Meissner, made some vegan ice cream for me and my family.  So delicious and creamy.  Here's the recipe:

3 cups cooked brown jasmine rice

1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt (I use pink Himalayan)

2/3 cup maple syrup

1/3  to 1/2 cup honey

2 cans coconut milk

1/2 cup silk soy milk

5 cups blueberries or fruit of choice

* All ingredients should be at room temperature before preparing.

* Nancy said she reduced rice content to 2 1/2 cups and liked it. 

Blend rice to soy milk in a high powered blender.  Add honey, maple syrup, coconut milk and salt.  Fold in berries or fruit.  Place in ice cream maker and follow machine directives.  She used an electric White Mountain ice cream maker.  Gotta get me one of those!

Here's a carob or chocolate variation on the same recipe:

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (completely cooled to room temp.)

1/2  to 2/3 cup carob or chocolate chips, melted

1 Tbsp raw carob or cacao-cocoa powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 Tbsp almond butter

1 cup maple syrup

1/3 - 1/2 cup honey

2 cans coconut milk 

1/2 - 3/4 Tbsp Roma (coffee alternative, grain beverage)

1/2 cup silk milk blend

Blend and add to ice cream maker.

Hope you enjoy the recipes!

Have a great day!

Modern Medicine- The Multi-Billion Dollar Hustle

True healing is easy and inexpensive.  Yes, you read that right.  It's easy.  Healing comes about when we seek to instruct ourselves in the unwritten laws that come from the natural world.  They are the laws that do not come from illustrious medical institutions or the venerable pharmaceutical laboratories.  True healing can be found in the humble foods, plants and methods that are usable and attainable by everyone.  These methods are not difficult to learn; it only takes time and willingness to read and research. You might read the title of this post and think that I have anger or resentment towards professionals in the medical field.  Please don't misunderstand me,   I believe that there is a place and necessity for modern medicine.  I do wish, however, that the governing institutions which decide what gets taught in medical school or what information is shared publicly - such as the A.M.A. and F.D.A. - would be forthright with the information they disseminate.  I believe that truth is suppressed in order to promote more financially lucrative treatment methods.  How many countless lives could have been spared such pain if truth were allowed to flourish?  I will say one more thing: Benefiting at the expense of others who suffer needlessly and often die prematurely is nothing short of evil. I say this because so many submit to conventional medical "wisdom" while trusting the prescribed remedy and those who have promoted such treatment. Now if it is known that such "remedies" are not only inferior to alternative natural healing methods, but often times completely ineffective - or worse, harmful to the patient - and yet, for the sake of profit, they are still promoted and prescribed as the patient's best source of hope, THAT is nothing short of evil.  It is comparable to a thug on the street killing for money, except these A.M.A. and F.D.A.thugs have gleaming white coats and impressive letters behind their names.

The must-see articles and videos

I have been coming across several articles in regard to this topic that I would like to share with you (check links for articles).  Those in power know that if Doctors were to instruct their patients how to live to create health, they will no longer be able to make money.  Things may be changing in California.  A bill was introduced to mandate doctors to receive training in nutrition, but the California Medical Association is already fighting to stop the bill (Really?  Who will it harm for doctors to know the effect of eating an orange on the human body?)  Watch it here.  To add insult to injury, the Supreme Court has granted immunity to pharmaceutical companies from litigation because of side effects by drugs.  Despite efforts to suppress the truth and protect big pharma, there are doctors who are stumbling upon information and forced to make a decision.  The arrogant ones will always scoff, but there are physicians with a conscience who cannot turn their back on the information they learn.  What they incorporate into their way of living changes not only their lives, but also the lives and health of patients who come to them for healing.  Read this testimonial of a physician, Dr. James Loomis, who is now informed and transforming the way he practices medicine.

Healing begins in turning to nature

Nutrition is the first step in healing.  a high raw plant based diet will correct about 80% of conditions.  Turning to herbs, hydrotherapy, charcoal, massage and chiropractic can help in many others.  My upcoming natural remedy posts will cover charcoal, green clay, and massage.

Have a great day!

Mango Green Smoothie and Greens/Fruit Salad With Maple Cider Vinaigrette

When I come home from grocery shopping, there is a sight I see weekly that I want to share with you.  My fruit basket overflows.  I am very grateful for this considering so many in this world go without.  What is amazing to me is that in this country, many go without by choice!  Several times I've seen people at the grocery store struggling with failing health.   A quick peak into their carts reveals why they struggle.  Their carts are filled to the brim with dead, processed, chemically laden foods.  Don't they see the correlation?  I wish I could overhaul their diets, get their bodies moving outside in the sun and fresh air.  It's as simple as returning to the foods that grow from the earth. I love the color, textures, aromas and flavors of fresh food, REAL FOOD!  Food that can be found shopping the perimeter of the supermarket.  Food that doesn't come out of box.  (Forgive the spackling on the wall in photo, my kitchen is a work in progress)

Here are the veggies

I was not raised a vegan or vegetarian for that matter.  But my mother always cooked from scratch.  She gave us plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  She also paid extra for better quality meat and dairy.  Today my parents are vegetarian and go without dairy products.  My mom and dad eat lots of excellent fresh food.  My parents' peers always discuss what medications they are on, what ailments they suffer from and so on.  My parents just cannot fit into the conversation very well because they are in excellent health. 

You may wonder what I do with so much produce.  I juice a lot, make green smoothies and salads.  I like for my kids to snack on fruit so I keep plenty of it around for them.  Here are a couple of my recipes I think you might enjoy.  I made this mango green smoothie this morning.  It is so delicious!  Hope you like it.

Mango Green Smoothie

2 cups water

2 generous fistsful of spinach

2 red chard leaves

2 leaves of dandelion greens

2 apples

2 oranges pealed and quartered

1 lemon pealed and quartered

1 bag of frozen mango equivalent to 3 cups cubed (or more if desired)

2 to 3 tbsp hemp seeds

Blend in high powered blender

Adjust ingredients to suit your liking.  Add dates, stevia or coconut palm sugar if not sweet enough.

Greens and Fruit Salad With Maple Cider Vinaigrette

2 cups spinach torn

1 head of romaine lettuce cut

1 orange cut in wedges

2 kiwi peeled and cubed

5 strawberries hulled and chopped

1/4 cup walnuts chopped

shredded coconut

Other options:  I like sliced red onions, raisins or dried cranberries in this salad.  

 Maple Cider Vinaigrette recipe courtesy of my friend Carol Ryan

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp dijon mustard

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Three more natural remedies posts coming up soon!

An Herbal Reference Book, Consequences of Abusing Chemicals and Happy Fourth!

Sorry for the weak image!

An herbal reference book

I wasn't planning to continue on with another post on herbs.  But certain things have happened since my last post and I thought I would pass on the info to you.  I have a friend in California who, in response to my last post, gave me a great tip.  She attends Danny Vierra's Health and Healing Crusades in Lodi, California.  She shared with me the herbal reference book Danny uses at Bella Vita,  the house where his guests go for cleansing and healing.  Thank you, Jolene!  Bella Vita means “beautiful life” in Italian.  The name “Bella Vita”  is also the inspiration for the name of my blog, Live Beautifully.  Paying attention to our lifestyle choices and living in harmony with, and turning to, nature for healing solutions is to live beautifully.  I can get carried away and wax rhapsodic about this topic, but I will spare you my over- the- top enthusiasm for this way of living!  I have mentioned before that Danny has incredible success in guiding people to healing.  Because of this you can understand why his reference book of herbs is so valuable – a must have to add to your natural healing library.

The consequences of abusing chemicals

I am very concerned at the ignorance that seems to pervade society in regard to the use and abuse of chemicals.  Some people are vigilant and mindful in this regard, but the masses don't really seem to care.  If they don't hear about it on the tube, then it isn't a problem, right?  Wrong!  Whatever is harmful to the environment is going to be harmful to the human body.  We may go on years or decades without suffering consequences, but eventually dues need to be paid and the outcome is never fun.  Chemicals,  pesticides and other man-made influences are destroying honeybees as well as other pollinators.  California has had an abysmal almond crop this last year.  There just weren't enough pollinators to do the job.  Legislators are avoiding addressing this problem and probably pocketing some change from chem manufacturers to sidestep the issue.  The mainstream media also isn't sounding the alarm loud enough to inform the public. If this avoidance trend continues, we will see crop failure on a much larger scale. 

Another area where I think people have gone overboard is on the use of antibiotics.  The masses turn to big pharma to solve their problems, not knowing that the abuse of antibiotics is creating superbugs that are becoming stronger and more resistant to the treatment most people turn to.   (Sometimes antibiotics are necessary, but I think they should be a last resort.)  How much better to use the plants that grow so readily from the soil.  The solutions are out there in nature, we just need to educate ourselves in regards to the proper use of them. 

Solutions can be found in nature

My family and I were recently at a church sponsored camp.  My son had  cut himself on the foot.  He should have come to us sooner so that we could treat it, but he chose to run around with his buddies.  He was tromping through creeks and mud wearing flip flops and by the time he got back to our room, his foot was well on its way to being infected.  I brought some essential oils with me for that very reason.   After his foot was washed and just before bedtime, I applied lavender oil to it.  By morning, there was no sign of infection and his cut healed very quickly.

There was plenty of junk food at this camp and my kids are like all other normal children and love to indulge in the junk.  My daughter began to show signs of sickness.  I pulled out my oil of oregano and put some on the bottom of her feet and back of her neck.  She did not stay sick for very long.  The difference between antibiotics and herbs is that while antibiotics cannot penetrate the cell membrane of a virus, the essential oils of medicinal herbs can. 

I got a call from a friend of mine who was beside herself because her children had become infested with lice.  (Just the conversation about lice sends shivers down my spine.  Aye, aye, aye!!! Disgusting parasites!)  She told me that she was spending hours upon hours using the conventional chemical approach to dealing with the problem.  She just couldn't seem to get rid of them.  By the way, lice are becoming resistant to the the usual products that are used to kill them.  I got online and searched for natural treatments.  I found out that melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) obliterates them to shreds, quite literally.  She treated her children and herself with tea tree oil and called me a few times with absolute amazement in her voice.  The treatment not only took care of the lice problem but it also took care of her lifelong problem with dandruff.  I love it when there are unexpected and welcomed side effects from natural treatments!

 So what are the deaths using natural methods attributed to?

What about the small percentage of deaths that happen using natural treatments?  I recently attended a lecture by Dr. Pamela Compart, M.D. and Dana Laake, R.D. H., M.S., L.D.H. in regard to the best diet and supplements for ADHD and Autism.  According to this physician, these fatal incidents occur when a toddler finds a bottle of his mother's iron supplements or something similar to this type of incident.  I believe that care should be taken to use herbs in an educated way.  Can the herb be used internally or just topically?  Are there any contraindications?  This is why I suggest collecting good reference books by trustworthy professionals.  I would be afraid to harvest wild herbs; I wouldn't want to accidentally harvest hemlock!  Yeah, that would be quite the fatal problem!  Growing herbs from seed is the best way to know we are using the right herb.

I find the use of herbs to be a lot safer and much more satisfying than using chemicals that have a long list of side effects, creating more problems than what one first started out with.  Having good side effects with the use of herbs can be an unexpected bonus!

Happy Independence Day!
I love the Fourth of July!  I love the picnic food, fireflies and warm summer nights with fire works.  I also love the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation!


Hope yours is a good one!