Watermelon Lemon Balm "Soothing, Refreshing, and Hydrating"
It's Tuesday! What are we juicing?
Watermelon Lemon Balm
6 cups of distilled or purified water
1/2 cup of lemon balm sprigs
unlimited chucks of watermelon (remove the seeds)
Directions:
1. Boil the water and lemon balm sprigs. About 10-15 minutes until water is at a rapid boil.
2. Let the liquid steep and cool down.
3. Strain the sprigs.
4. Once the liquid is cool then add the watermelon in the blender. *optional - you can add more lemon balm leaves - remove stems
5. Liquefy the ingredients.
6. Serve chilled or room temperature.
Lemon Balm Benefits:
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) A member of the mint family Calming Herb
Helps with insomnia and anxiety
Heal herpes (cold sores)
Menstrual cramps
Relaxes muscles in the bladder, uterus, and stomach
Helps treat Grave's disease
Anti-viral properties
Help treat thyroid issues* (due to the powerful healing of this herb - If you are taking thyroid medication, consult with your doctor and let your physician know. Lemon Balm can interfere with thyroid medication.) Lemon Balm has the ability to regulate thyroid hormone production.
Helps Alzheimer's and Dementia - improves memory and lengthen attention span
Relieve PMS
Fights bronchial inflammation
Relieves indigestion
Relieves heartburn
*Lemon Balm is an health investment. A perennial herb and aroma of lemon scent when you rub its leaves. Fresh lemon balm is sold in most Farmers' Market. So, stop by a market and invest in optimal health!
Repotting and gardening can be a tedious task to do and a exercise work out as well. It requires lifting, bending, standing, and walking. Gardening is a stress relief benefit and calorie burning activity. I like gardening because it alleviates my stress and it's peaceful. A good nurturing for the soul.
Recently, I had purchased several plants from vendors at a Farmer's Market and a Nursery. I try to buy edible plants that are hard to find in stores and gives me the healing benefit for my health.
Why is potting or repotting important to do?
Repotting helps keep houseplants healthy and expands more growth for the plant.
What materials and tools do I need?
A new bigger pot, new soil, and water (watering before transfering helps make the transfer easy and loosen up the roots and soil).
What edible plants am I repotting?
Wolf Berry Known as "Goji Berry"
Goji berries are very expensive.
You would mostly see dried goji berries in health food stores costing in range of $16.99-$26.99).
Fresh goji berries are hard to find in supermarkets and health food stores.
I stumbled upon this goji berry plant at the Union Square Farmer's Market from one of the vendors - selling at $5 a pot. I was surprised to see the fruit plant on the shelves because I haven't seen any market selling it. I grabbed one real quick!
Fresh organic Goji Berries "The fruit of immortality"
Why are Goji Berries important?
Wolf berry, known as Goji Berry, is a bright red fruit of the lycium babarum perennial tree shrub grown in Asia. In Chinese mythology, goji berry is the fruit of immortality. Today it is considered as the "longevity fruit." Goji berry is one of the most powerful healing plants that was used in two ancient medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Tibetan Medicine over 2,000 years ago.The people in Tibet and Mongolia cherish the red berry for the medicare benefits.
Benefits of Goji Berry
"A report in a 2004 issue of The Journal of the the American Nutraceutical Association concluded that wolf berry juice has the high levels of antioxidants and showed beneficial immunomodulatory (immune-boosting) effects in mice."
Rich in carotenoids
Beta carotene
Lycopenne
Anti-Inflammatory
Vitamin C
B Vitamins
Vitamin E
Eye protection
Protection against free radicals
Promote muscle growth
Enhance immunity
Protect liver
Improve sexual function and fertility
Strength legs
Promote weight loss
Improve circulation
Improve skin and hair health
Protection against cancer
Lower cholesterol levels
Reduce blood glucose
Antioxidants
What does it taste like?
Goji berry has a slightly sweet and sour taste.
Wolf Berry "Goji Berry" Repotted Mother Nature's Gift that keeps on giving
Here is a mini documentary segment from the Medicine Hunter on goji berries...
Nagami Kumquat (Fortunella Margarita)
The first time I saw a nagami kumquat was when I was in Phoenix, Arizona. A road trip driving from Flagstaff, Arizona to Phoenix airport with my friends. I told them we have to stop at the "True Food Kitchen" restaurant which Dr. Andrew Weil and Fox Restaurant Concepts owns. We could not leave the state of Arizona without eating at this restaurant. There was a garden elevated raised bed in front of the restaurant and the nagami kumquat was planted in the raised bed - from that point on I had to find out how can I taste or purchase a plant like that. Over a month ago I saw the plant in a local nursery in Long Island. The nursery was having a sale with a 40% off coupon on anything in the store. I bought the plant for just $32. A good deal!
Nagami Kumquat is a citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, in the genus, Fortunella. Kumquats are native to the South Eastern parts of China. They are known to be called "the little gems" of the citrus family. There are several varieties of kumquats. Kumquats look like tiny baby oranges. The Nagami or Oval Kumquat is a common variety in the United States. Nagami kumquat was introduced into Florida from Japan in 1885.
Nagami Kumquat Repotted
What are the health benefits?
Fiber
Antioxidants
Lutein
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Protection against free radicals
B complex Vitamins
Calcium
Iron
Potassium
Zinc
Nagami Kumquat Mother Nature's Gift that keeps on giving
Dwarf Curry, Holy Basil, and Vietnamese Coriander
Dwarf Curry, Holy Basil, and Vietnamese Coriander
These herbs are unique and has excellent health benefits. The herbs are hard to find in your supermarkets. Most likely, you would have to venture out to ethnic stores. If you are lucky, it may pop up in your local Farmers' Market. I found the herbs at Union Square Farmers' Market.
Dwarf Curry has a strong curry aroma.
Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is a powerful herb native to India and known as "tulsi." It is sacred in the Hindu religious tradition and it is worshiped in the mornings and evenings by the Hindus. Holy basil is the most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. In Hindu mythology, tulsi, symbolizes the Goddess Lakshmi. The herb has a strong aroma, can be used in cooking, and making teas. Holy basil was used centuries ago to treat a variety of medical aliments.
Healing power of Holy basil?
Sharpen memory
Helps the nerves
Strengthen the stomach
Fights fevers and colds
Fights bronchitis
Helps asthma
Respiratory disorders
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces stress
Mouth infections
Skin disorders
Bad breath
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory properties
Vietnamese Coriander (Polygonum Odoratum) a spicy flavor with hints of cilantro. Vietnamese coriander is known as "Rau Ram" in Vietnam. A perennial herbal plant.
Benefits
Helps the digestive system
Lavender and Mums
I've planted more perennials at the side of the house. My local supermarket had 1 gallon lavender plants on sale for $3.99, of course I had to grab some quick! Mums were on sale too!
After all that repotting and gardening - I had to pour myself a nice glass of ginger wine...
It's our Juicing/Blending day! I made a nice refreshing litely sweeten punch that will quench your thirsty for the days that are scorching hot and humid. The punch beverage will satisfy your dehydration. Do you noticed when you drink something really sweet you are thirsty more? Well, this particular punch will make your body satisfy. Plus you won't be hyperactive. Therefore, you won't go into a sugar high drive crash and burn mode like other fruit punches.
Saffron Lemon Balm Punch
What's the ingredients that makes it so red?
Berry Medley Shopping List
1/2 cup of organic fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup of organic fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup of organic fresh or frozen raspberries
10 fresh organic lemon balm leaves
7 or 8 cups of distilled or purified water
3 or 4 saffron threads
3 or 4 tablespoons of raw coconut nectar*
Essential Tools: Blender, 12 cup tea Kettle, and Glass Pitcher
Spanish Saffron & Raw Coconut Nectar "Secret"
What the heck is this?
Raw Coconut Nectar comes from coconut trees. It is a very low glycemic (GI of 35) natural liquid sweetener that is derived from the liquid sap of the coconut blossoms. When the coconut tree is tapped it produces a nutrient rich juice or sap from the coconut blossoms. The coconut nectar is minimally evaporated at low temperatures for 1 hour to remove excess moisture than raw agave nectar is heated at high temperatures and longer hours. Raw agave nectar has 90% of fructose and coconut nectar has 16% sucrose. Raw coconut nectar is 1.5% fructose, 0.5% glucose, and 82% inulin.
Nutritious Value of Raw Coconut Nectar
17 amino acids
Vitamin C
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6
Prebiotic
Neutral PH
Grown without chemicals
Potassium
Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
Unprocessed, unfiltered, and unbleached
No additives or Preservatives
Raw Coconut Nectar has a naturally mild sweet flavor.
For benefits of Saffron (see posting on Saffron)
Saffron Lemon Balm Tea "Cooling Down"
Directions
Thoroughly wash fresh berries and lemon balm leaves.
Boil 7 or 8 cups of distilled or purified water.
Add the saffron threads and 5 lemon leaves - steep for 10 minutes.
Once steeped then let it cool down.
Pour the saffron tea in the blender with the berries.
Add the raw coconut nectar.
Then blend to liquify.
Served chilled.
Tip: I used frozen berries. I had bought fresh cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries. I washed and stored some in freezer ziploc bags to preserve the berries from spoiling. The berries in the picture are my leftovers of months in the freezer. You can decrease or increase the amount of serving of the raw coconut nectar to your sweet taste. Or you can double the ingredients to make a big pitcher.
Garlic is the member of the lily or Allium Sativum family including onions and leeks. It is a vegetable but known to others as a herb or spice. Garlic is used either as medicine or food. Herbalist and folk healers have used garlic for over thousand of years to treat diseases. For example,
Ancient Egyptian healers used garlic to build physical strength,
Greeks used garlic for a laxative,
Chinese used garlic to lower blood pressure,
Indians used garlic to strengthen the heart and keep blood fluid,
and during the middle ages garlic was hung on doors at night to repel evil spirits.
Did you know...
Garlic was featured in ancient medical textbooks from China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. There are over 500 pages on the study of garlic done by researchers and scientists. The benefits of garlic and natural chemical compounds are published in medical journals. Garlic contains compounds that act as a powerful natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents. It's active ingredient is "allicin" which transforms into organosulfurs. Garliccan zap viruses faster from your body.
"Eat me daily"
Japanese research suggests eatingone or two raw garlic cloves daily can boost your immune system up by 40%. Garlic is packed with 70 different sulfur compounds that has the ability to fight off:
High blood pressure
Viruses, infections, germs
Prevent cancers - such as, colon, stomach, endometrial, prostate, lung, brain, etc.
Maintain a healthy cholesterol level (fight off atherosclerosis)
Diabetes
Asthma
Gout
Stress
Hemorrhoids
Respiratory issues
Fungual infections
Food poisoning (neutralize Helicobacter pylori)
Thin blood
Lower risk of heart attacks
Prevents colds
Aging skin
Oral candidiasis
Alopecia areata
Even though garlic has super powers, it does have minor drawbacks:
Bad breath
Can cause indigestion in some people if eaten raw
Can flare up acid reflux in some people
Can irritate the skin and mucous membranes
But on the other hand, garlic is an excellent source of the following minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health:
Selenium (an important antioxidant that fights free radicals and protects DNA cells)
Manganese
Zinc
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Today garlic flavors almost every cuisine in the world.
"I'm beneficial crushed/chopped and sitting for 15 minutes before using"
Above all garlic is super beneficial to our bodies. Try adding it daily to your healthy diet. Garlic brings a nice aroma flavor to all dishes.
"Rosemary been living in the household for over 2 years"
My Rosemary plant demised at the hands of INSECT PESTS! She fought a long battle but the tiny sucking multiplying creatures - white flies and pear aphids (green) invaded and conquered her land of living.
the invasion of the aphids
Rosemary was recently put into isolation on the east side of the sunroom. She was given
alternative natural treatments - a cold water shower wash in sink, sprayed with natural liquid soap and tea tree oil water, parts of leaves, stems, and top soiled removed. Unfortunately, the pests infestation was in the advanced stage. The only other option was to throw her in the recycle bag for Wednesday's recycle pick up.
Rosemary branches held with strength to the very end...
Rosemary will be dearly missed. We loved her strong flavor of taste and her fragrant aroma smell in which she gave when you touched her leaves. She loved to be cooked in a nice saute bath of vegetables, other herbs, and spices. Her pungent flare brought us a good chicken dish, a raw pesto sauce, and a side dish of roasted zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, thyme, and oregano cooked in a cast iron pan. Rosemary supplied our bodies with beneficial health benefits of the following:
Powerful antioxidants.
Protects the body's cell and DNA from free radical damage.
Stimulates the liver enzymes.
Cancer protection.
Prevent aged related damage, wrinkles.
Stimulates hair growth.
Reduces disorders of menstrual cycle.
Reduces peptic ulcers.
Boost mental activity (alertness).
Aids digestion.
Boost immunity.
Kills germs.
Relieves headaches.
Relieves stomach pains.
Pain reliever.
Prevent cataracts.
Improves kidney functions.
Lowers high blood pressure.
Relieve respiratory problems.
Reduce disorders in urine flow, prostate, gall bladder, intestine, sperm mobility, and kidney stones.
Helps fight leukemia and breast cancer.
Improves circulation.
Relaxes spasms.
Anti-inflammatory.
Fights bad breath.
Fights dandruff.
Fights eczema.
Fights exhaustion.
Fights balding.
Fights hysteria.
Fights worms and wounds.
Fights arthritis.
A few months ago we lost Rosemary's distinct relative, Oregano, who we had for over a year. His demise was pests and disease. Oregano fought hard but the tiny creatures and disease spread all over his land of living as well.
Life has to go on. Rosemary would have wanted that. So, her vacant spot on one of the bay windows will be replaced by up and coming seedlings...
Vegetables
Brussels Sprouts (Falstaff) and Kohlrabi
Rosemary will be remembered and replaced in future. We will miss how she gave our home an ENERGIZING SCENT.
Have you heard of it? Had it? Saw an outbreak of someone going through it? Yesterday, I got a request from someone if I knew any natural remedies to help treat the painful virus infection. Everyone knows I'm a natural remedy person at heart where I don't like taking drugs. I always try my best to look at alternative routes to help heal the body naturally. As a reminder if seeking natural remedies and taking supplements as always let your doctor know what you are doing and keep a journal of how the remedies are working for you. Please be aware not all doctors like alternative methods. Natural remedies can work quick or it can take time to work. Do not be discourage.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes rashes, blisters, and pain on one side of the body. It is an acute central nervous system infection caused by Herpes Zoster Virus - like the chicken pox.
Who is affected?
Shingles normally attacks ages 50+ but it can attack younger people with a weakened immune system caused by stress, diseases, who had the chicken pox, or certain drugs. Symptoms can last for months or even years. Pain ranges from moderate to severe. You can experience stabbing, shooting, burning, and throbbing of pain. As you get older an increase risk for long term nerve pain may increase.
Building up the immune system is the key to prevention.
How do we begin in treating it the natural way?
Cayenne Pepper: Can help relieve itchiness, pain, and discomfort. Creating it as an ointment - mix a little pepper in a no chemical fragrance free lotion. Apply 4-6 hrs.
Oatmeal: It soothes burning and itching irritations. Creating a paste and apply it to the blisters or red spot areas. Mix uncooked (raw) oatmeal with water to make a paste (do not use a lot of water when mixing it). You can soak in a oatmeal bath - adding oatmeal to your bath water. Helps you to relax and alleviate the irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar: With a 100% cotton ball dab it in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area. Relieves the irritation and itching.
Vitamin B complex supplements: Relieves stress and maintains a healthy immune and nervous system.
Acidophilus Probiotics: Take daily. Look for a non-dairy. Keep it in the fridge to preserve freshness.
Vitamin C: 1000mg Take daily. Builds up the immune system.
Vitamin E: Apply the oil on the affected areas. Heals the skin and scars. Make sure it is 100% vitamin E - no added ingredients.
Mediation & Yoga: Reduces stress, helps circulation, and breathing.
Acupuncture: Insertion of needles to various key points of the body to bring circulation throughout the body and strengthen the organs to balance the yin and yang. When seeking for an Acupuncturist - make sure the person is Certified Licensed, does not reuse the same needles, and make sure he or she wipes the body down with alcohol before starting inserting the needles. Look for an Acupuncturist who is well experienced in the area.
Daily Teas: Drinking several cups of tea daily can help soothe, heal, and prevent shingles.
Licorice
Echinacea
Ginseng
Nettle
Red clover
St. John's Wort
Lemon Balm
Green Tea
Turmeric (see posting on Pain Killer Tea)
Clove
Cinnamon
Aloe Vera: "Miracle Plant", "Silent Healer", "Plant Immortality" Applying the gel of the aloe vera to the affected areas will heal the shingles. Can be mix with herbs to create an ointment or a tea wash.
Making a Tea Wash
Lemon Balm, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Echinacea, Hyssop, or Golden Seal - Boil in distilled water. Once cool down make a mixture of the herbal tea and mix in vitamin E oil and fresh Aloe Vera gel. Apply with a cotton ball to the affected areas at least 3x a day.
Amino Acid Lysine: Eat foods that contain lysine, such as, watercress, legumes, carob, spinach, fish (wild), shrimp (wild), parmesan, gouda, or gruyere cheese, eggs, soybeans (NO GMOs), seaweed (spirulina, kelp etc.), tomatoes, carrots, orange juice, apples, mangos, bananas, apricots, pears, pumpkin, peas, beets, cauliflower, celery, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, figs, and sprouts.
Flax Seed Oil: Essential fatty acid supports a healthy nervous system and skin. Take 1 tablespoon a day
Selenium: 100mg a day.
Vitamin D3: Take 1000iu or 2000iu daily.
Tea Tree oil and Lavender Oil: Mix equal parts of oils and apply on the affected areas. Lavender helps the skin heal and relaxes the body (nerves). Tea tree is antiviral - kills bacteria, soothes the skin, and reduces inflammation. * other oils can be combined as well - Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Geranium, and Bergamot.
Zinc: 25mg Take daily. Builds immune system.
Vitamin B12: Studies have shown by getting an injection of B12 works quicker than supplement pill form. It helps with pain relief and drying out the rash. If you can't get to a doctor for a shot than try taking liquid form but make sure there isn't no preservatives, soy, additives, corn, or artificial colorings in it.
Ice pack or cool cloth: Will have numb the pain.
Turmeric and fresh mint: Mix turmeric powder with mint juice (juice up some mint leaves) or use aloe vera gel and apply to the affected areas.
Water: Drink lots of purified water to flush out the toxins.
Dandelion root and Burdock root: Helps detox the liver.
Celery juice or Celery tea: Can alleviate the pain and help tone up the nervous system.
Lemon: Can be rubbed on the affected area to relieve pain.
Allspice paste: Grind cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg with a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder. Add purified water. Apply to the affected areas. (You can buy the spices ground)
Hopefully these natural remedies can help those who are suffering with Shingles.
