Archive for December, 2009
Quinoa, also referred to as “the Mother of all grains,” is from the Andes region of South America. Unlike wheat or rice, which are both low in lysine, quinoa contains a balanced set of amino acids, making it an unusually complete source of protein. It is gluten-free and very easy to digest. Quinoa is high in fiber and phosphorous as well as a good source of magnesium. It is being considered as a possible crop in NASA’s controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration manned space flights.
Qunioa can be prepared like rice and eaten as a cereal. It is very nutritious. Here is a simple recipe for Qunioa Crunch with Seasonal Fruit and Yogurt:
- For each cup of quinoa, mix with one tablespoon of agave syrup and one tablespoon of safflower oil.
- Spread in a layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Let cool and serve with yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Serves at least four people. Store in an airtight container.
Agave nectar is one of the healthiest natural sweeteners you can use. It has a lower glucose level than honey, (making it safer for diabetics), and it tastes especially good with cereal. Agave 
nectar comes in either dark or light varieties. Agave nectar is from Mexico.
Organic Cocoa Gives Brunette Hair a Deeper, Richer Brown Color
It doesn’t matter if you have natural brown hair or if you color-treat your brunette hair. There’s always room to vibrance and shine. Don’t rely on a funny, bottled enhancer for results. Instead, restore your shade with nourishing foods from the pantry. Julie Gabriel, author of “The Green Beauty Guide,” developed this natural intensifying color glosses for all hair shades. She says that you will get similar results from store-bought products, but without the dyes, fragrances or chemicals. All it takes is a few minutes once a week and a few key ingredients.
If you are a brunette, you can rely on cocoa or chocolate. These are the ingredients you need :
- one-half cup cocoa powder
- one-half cup plain yogurt
- one teaspoon honey
- one teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Follow these preparation steps:
- Whisk ingredients into a paste.
- Shampoo hair, squeeze out the excess moisture and apply the herbal mask.
- Keep on the mask for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drape a towel around your neck to prevent moisture from dripping. It might stain skin temporarily.
- Rinse, then style as usual.
It works to successfully color and brighten brunette hair because the honey moisturizes while the yogurt (lactic) and the vinegar (acetic) penetrates the hair shaft, allowing the cocoa’s pigment to sink in. Gabriel says, ” Natural acids open the cellular doors to the pigmented molecules and make the results more pronounced.” It is exciting to use natural cocoa to get these intense results for prettier hair.
- Whether you are a natural blonde or if you are “blonded by science” like me, there is a DIY hair treatment you can give yourself to make your yellow tresses softer, brighter and shinier. Instead of depending on store-bought products, loaded with chemicals and unhealthy substances, you can easily condition your hair with natural food products and it is fun (and creative) to make your own conditioner.
You will need one lemon, one-half cup chamomile tea 
and one raw potato at room temperature. Here are the steps involved:
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon.
- Grate the potato and blend with the lemon to form a paste.
- Add the chamomile tea and stir.
- Shampoo, then spread the mask throughout your hair, massaging lightly.
- Cover your head with a PVC-free shower cap or plastic wrap, then lightly heat with a hair dryer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rinse, then style as usual.
The chamomile and lemon act as whitening agents, and the acidic lemon juice allows potato enzymes, which help to brighten blonde hair, to break through the tough, keratin outer layer of the hair. You will love the results – stunning!
Lentils are super foods. They are economical as they cost less than two dollars per pound. One half cup of lentils has eight grams of protein and nine grams of protein, not to mention loads of iron, folate and potassium.
There are several varieties of lentils. One of these varieties is the French green type, also called Lentils de Puy. They have a fresh, green peppery flavor. Due to the fresh taste of these lentils,
they make a wonderful cold salad. Here is the recipe:
- Simmer one cup of lentils in two cups of water until tender; then drain.
- Whisk together four tablespoons olive oil, two teaspoons red wine or sherry vinegar, one teaspoon Dijon mustard and salt with black pepper to taste.
- Toss with lentils and fresh tarragon or dill.
- Crumble goat cheese on the top. Makes four servings. Enjoy!
If you are ever alone and snowed in, (just like I was this whole weekend when it snowed for a continous 24 hours), don’t eat any hot peppers. Whether they are chile, jalapeno or habanero peppers, these vegetables contain capsaicin, a plant chemical that helps speed up blood flow and spur an endorphine release similar to what the body experiences when sexually aroused. Cayenne, jalapeno, chile and habanero peppers can all heat up your sex drive right away. Therefore, that is why I advise everyone to stay away from these “hot” spicy babies unless you can reach out and touch your significant loved one in intense moments of passion. The capsaicin in these peppers also wards off infection and boosts your immune system.
Another powerful botanical remedy for a flailing libido is damiana leaf. It comes from a shrub which is native to Mexico and has been used by the Mayan population to enhance relationships by improving sexual responsiveness. Certain plant compounds in the damiana leaf may offer libido-boosting effects much like those of progesterone, a female hormone involved in regulating sex drive.
Damiana may decrease blood sugar and deliver low levels of cyannide-like compounds, so avoid high doses of damiana and stick to short-term use until researchers find out more about damiana’s safety. We do not know much about any side effects of this powerful herb. Damiana does help reduce anxiety levels and lift mood to more positive elevations.
Always check with your primary care physician before you start using this and other herbs on a regular, ongoing basis. This information has been taken from the book entitled “The Inside-Out Diet”, written by Dr. Cathy Wong, a naturopathic doctor. Resource: Body and Soul Magazine, September, 2009 edition. A Martha Stewart publication.
Spice up your sex life with organic dark chocolate, also known as cocao. Chocolate contains antioxidants shown to increase levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical compound which is known to heighten sexual functioning in both male and female genders. It has been scientifically investigated to improve levels of libido for not just women, but for men too.
Everyday, just eat approximately one ounce of organic and raw dark chocolate. The chocolate you select should contain about 60% of cocoa to produce the desired pleasurable benefits. There are extra added health benefits for us too. This delicious sweet treat no
t only tastes good, but it could lower your blood pressure as well. According to past studies, cocao, or chocolate, could also keep inflammation under control.
Always check with your doctor before consuming this or any other spice or herb on a daily, regular basis. Chocolate tastes great and it is a wonderful stimulant. This information about natural aphrodisiacs was taken from Dr. Cathy Wong, N.D, author of the book entitled, “The Inside Out Diet.”
Dandelion, Burdock and Licorice Help to Ease Feline Skin Allergies
After I asked her why her sweet oci-cat was sniffling and congested, my good cat-loving friend disclosed to me that her cat of 10 years was suffering from asthma; the same kind that humans get. Not only was the cat diagnosed with asthma, but she also was beset with skin sores, complete with swelling and itchiness. Her veterinarian prescribed predisone, which stopped the symptoms quickly. Long-term use of predisone, however, can result in weakened bones, weight gain, diabetic conditions and increased risk of infections.
I would recommend the use of predisone only to stop severe pain and inflammation, but not over a long period of time, simply to avoid the negative side effects listed above. For your pet to avoid chronic, long-term pharmaceutical therapy, it is best to treat your pet with a holistic approach. If your pet can tolerate baths, it is good to give him/her an herbal body wash once or twice per week or whenever possible. Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial; try starting out with 500 mgs. of DHA or EPA two times per day.
Herbal remedies include inflammation-reducers such as burdock root, dandelion and licorice
. Your veterinarian may also suggest the use of milk thistle to keep the liver healthy and the gastrointestinal tract clear. The intestines are the places in which allergens erupt and the liver acts as a detoxifying organ. Lastly, ask your vet to recommend a diet low in animal by-products and free of chemical preservatives. A proper diet can prevent skin from flaring up and reduce inflammation from the start. Just like humans, natural, homeopathic diets can prevent illness and maintain the wellness and health of our animals too. After all, we are both mammals.
Guarana is grown in Brazil. It is an herb which actually boosts metabolism. Due to its’ thermogenic properties, guarana lends itself to burning of fat cells and losing weight. Since it is not water-soluble, it absorps into the body slowly, thus giving a longer lasting surge of energy. Caffeine, such as that found in coffee, increases energy quickly but after the energetic effect of the caffeine wears off, one usually feels fatigued and sluggish. Guarana 
maintains a constant rate of higher metabolism throughout a much longer length of time.
You can brew guarana just like you brew coffee. Just grind the guarana seeds into a powder and place in a coffee filter; or, you can place the guarana seed extract in with the coffee while brewing. I use an automatic drip machine after I grind the guarana seeds in my coffee grinder. In Brazil, guarana is popular as a soft drink. Guarana is a natural herb, however, be careful not to drink too much. Remember, even too much of a good thing can hurt if used in excess. Please drink in moderation. If pregnant or nursing a baby, do not drink it at all.
Shatavari root has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over hundreds of years. It eases symptoms of PMS and it helps to prepare the female reproductive organs for fertilization. It stimulates the womb for reproduction. It also cleanses and purifies the organs. For women who are in menopuase, this wonderful Ayurvedic
herb helps to replenish moisture for sexual satisfaction and is also rumored to be an effective aphrodisiac.
Shatavari root also promotes fertility in males and makes it easier for men to help reproduce. In children, it helps to foster growth and overall healthy functioning. It is reported to have little to no side effects. It is used in Ayurvedic medical science in India where it grows freely.
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, with scientific name, Ocimum sanctum, is an Ayurvedic herb which has been incorporated over thousands of years as an anti-viral and as an anti-bacterial agent. Holy Basil 
or Tulsi has been believed to boost overall health in general. This wonder herb may prevent illness when used regularly, over time.
Tulsi makes a delicious tea, believe it or not. You can find it in packaged form or you can brew your own tulsi tea with loose leaves. Decide to get healthy and to stay well by making a commitment to drink at least two to three cups per day. You’ll be glad you did! Let’s see that big smile coming on.