Natural Is Good

Swine Flu - H1N1 - better to prevent than...

2009-10-26T20:50:00.003-04:00

I just received an e-mail on Swine Flu prevention that I understand has been widely circulated (several of the people I know have indicated they have received it). When I first read it I thought, "another one of those" - but, I decided that all the advise in it is doable, simple, cheap and definitely sensible:

-Wash your hands frequently - most important to prevent an array of diseases and infections- not expensive, nor difficult, and as a matter of fact, very refreshing.

-Hands off the face - oops! When I perspire, all that perspires in me is my nose, so this is proving to be harder than the tip above, but I am trying.

-Gargle twice a day with warm salt water - who doesn't have salt at home? not a budget breaking article and very appreciated by most, and in the United States of America, beloved land, there is running water available everywhere. Believe me, it isn't painful at all. Use a brand mouthwas if salt is not ritzy enough.

-Clean your nostrils with warm salt water at least once a day. A great advise from my late father-in-law; what can be bad about it if in addition to prevent Swine Flu will keep your sinuses clear and your head free of pain? I for one, feel great since I started.

Boil water, put about one ounce in a glass container or a cup, add 1/4 teaspoon salt and let it cool a bit; when warm, put some on the hollow of your hand and inhale - yes, you are allowed to inhale!- you will feel good!

Of course, you might choose the alternative: Blow your nose hard once a day and swabb both nostrils with q-tips dipped in warm salt water.

-Vitamin C galore! Fruits, foods, tablets (better if with Zinc). Love fruits! They not only are fresh but help clean up your system and are full of good, nutritious elements.

-Drink as many warm liquids as possible and if you do not add sugar you might experience some weight loss - especially if before and after your meals you have some hot water with a wedge of lime (great to lose weight and keep your breath fresh).

My mother and sister have done this all their life and do not have to fight their weight the way I do; so, conclusion, all tips not only prevent Swine Flu, they also have other positive effects on you.

I suggest we all follow this advise: Does not hurt, is not amoral, is not expensive and maybe after all, we can defeat this monster.

White Vinegar

2009-10-20T14:41:00.003-04:00

About four weeks ago I fell on my knees and they were badly in pain, my friend Dixie told me that when her boys were little, whenever they got hurt playing she would wet a paper bag with white vinegar, put it pver the affected area and then cover it with a towel (no arnica here, just a plain kitchen have-it-always and let it dry; she said it always worked wonders.

Well, guess what, I did it that very night, just that I did not have a paper bag and used a paper towel instead, and the results were wonderful; No black and blues, no swelling. I was able to attend my Sumba class as scheduled; I stopped pilates and yoga for a bit and then last week I went back to pilates, danced and will rejoin yoga next week. I even danced Rumba tonight!

Not bad considering I have broken the meniscus in both knees and a "bad" doctor took cartilage from one (all that a long time ago, when I used to play some Tennis).

Who Wants Botox if Strawberries Can Do the Job? - Part II

2009-10-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

To continue with the interesting facts on these small giants, I would like to share with you some ways to make your strawberries last longer and some very interesting lore.

-Wash strawberries just before you eat them, never before. They are very perishable.

-To prevent strawberries from absorbing too much water, do not remove caps and stems until you have gently washed them under cold running water and patted them dry.

Ways to preserve strawberries:

-Wash, remove stems and caps and cut strawberries in four, place them in glass container and cover them with brown sugar; you might want to add some rum, brandy or port or simply some vanilla. Delicious. Place glass container in refrigerator until you are ready to eat them.

-After washing and removing stems and caps and dry the strawberries, you can put them whole in plastic bags.

-Better yet, start by following the same procedure and then line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and place them separated until frozen. This is the home equivalent of IQF (individually quick frozen). Place in plastic bags after freezing. Use them in pies, cakes, coulis, etc.

-Puree and freeze in ice cube trays to use in your favorite cocktails. Add sugar and a Popsicle stick and the children will have a healthy snack that is fun - and you don't have to call it fruit...

-Put one strawberry per ice cube and fill up with lemonade... mmmh... refreshing.

Interesting...

-Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, had a birthmark on her neck shaped as a strawberry; her enemies used this to claims she was a witch. By the way, it is said that her ghost can be seen in the Tower of London as an omen of bad things coming.

-Medieval stone masons carved strawberry designs on their works as a symbol of perfection and righteousness.

-The strawberry was the symbol of Venus, Goddess of Love.

-The strawberry was sacred to Frigg (or Fredja), the northern goddess of love.

-Mme. Tallien, of Emperor Napoleon's court, used twenty two pounds of strawberries to bathe... I wonder if she rinsed herself or just patted dry until next month...

-And, if you want the love of your life to love you as much, find a double strawberry, break it in half and share it with that person.

Who Wants Botox if Strawberries Can Do the Job?

2009-10-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few days after a dear friend shared with us that she had indulged in Botx (shared with her mom to avoid overwhelming guilt), I heard on TV something that immediately made me pay attention: "Strawberries are better than Botox".

Since the best way to know if something works is testing, so I did.

I convinced Dacey and Mike to smear our faces with what I thought was going to look as poultice...wrong.

I crushed two fresh strawberries (next time will use only one) with a fork and added like an eight of a teaspoon of plain yogurt, then we applied it on the face, it looked as a thin film over the skin. We left it on for fifteen minutes and then washed with water from the tap at room temperature and blotted dry. Our skin looked radiant and felt the softest ever to the touch.

Dacey, who is naturally beautiful and has no wrinkles, received more compliments that day than ever. About the wrinkles? I suppose Mike and I will need to do it more than once but the results on the health of our skin were immediate, evident and long lasting.

So, I decided to do some research and believe me, it got very interesting.

One single cup of cut off strawberries is loaded with goodness and only has between 45 to 50 calories; look below:

1 gram of protein
11.65 grams carbohydrates
3.81 dietary fiber
23.24 mg. calcium
0.63 mg. iron
16.60 mg. magnesium
31.54 mg. phosphorus
44.882 mg. potassium
1.16 mg selenium
94.12 mg vitamin C
29.38 mcg folate
44.82 IU vitamin A

Highly esteemed since the ancient Romans due to their medicinal properties, strawberries are the owners of very complex genetics, eight sets of seven chromosomes. It is said that one ounce of strawberries has more vitamin C than an ounce of any citrus fruit.

Wearing its seeds on the outside, this delicious and fleshy fruit has the shape of a heart and comes to us through the rose family. Although the peak of its season runs from Arpil to July, strawberries are available all year thanks to modern logiestics.

Strawberries protect your heart, fight cancer and are great anti-inflammatories (without steroids); while drugs used for these purposes can cause serious side effects, strawberries cause none.

Strawberries, their leaves and their roots are used to promote health and have been know to treat ailments such as melancholy, apathy, fainting and kidney stones. Their potent antioxidants are also known to:

Help protect cell structures in the body
Prevent oxygen damage in all organ's systems
Lower the risks of gastrointesninal and other types of cancers
Protect against herpes simplex
Protect against skin disorders, including acne
Fight tretro-viruses, such as: HIV and T-cell leukemi virus, HTLV
Protect against macular degeneration
Protect against rheumatoid arthritis
Repair cells from damage caused by againg process
Prevent or slow down cognitive decline
Sharpen powers of perception
Control heart palpitations
Purify the blood stream
Cure nervous disorders
Lower your fever
Fight throat infections
Prevent and fight halitosis
Prevent gout
Fight blood, liver and spleen diseases

However, if you suffer of an existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problem, you may want to avoid eating strawberries. Please consult your physician.

Next post will be on how to preserve strawberries and also what lore has to say about them. Talk to you soon.

Baking Soda

2009-03-09T20:53:00.000-04:00

Well my dear friends, I am on the saddle again; it was about time! This time I have decided that no matter how busy I am and no matter the size of my postings, I will try to post something new once a week. Later on, I plan to reorganize my postings by ailment/need/use.

When I was little we always kept baking soda at home, so it was only natural that when I got married and moved out, I should also keep it in our shelves. Through the years, I have discovered many uses for this wonderful "home-must-have":

I learned that before toothpaste existed or became popular, baking soda was widely used and teeth were... white and the mouths were fresh. I know that now, in this very era, some people use it once a week to keep their teeth white - others use a small amount of peroxide in water to rinse them. Works well! I have seen those teeth...
Being an amateur gardener, many years ago I ended up in muddy soil and caught a fungus in one of my toe nails; the doctor prescribed some pills and a topical cream after ordering blood tests; I found this type of nail polish that promised to kill the invader but nothing worked. Finally, after losing the nail several times and having the podiatrist threaten to surgically remove it, I went to my local "natural" grocery store and bought Sphylantex - maybe I should have taken it orally, but I didn't... I applied it directly on the ugly subject for a few weeks; in addition I also put a dropper in the water to soak my feet at pedicure time. It worked! But, I decided I had to do something to keep fungi away; I remembered that when our children had a rash, I used to add a tablespoon of baking soda to their bathtub to change their skin's PH and it did work, so I decided to do the same to my feet; now every time I am going to have a pedicure, I put one Tbsp. of baking soda, about an ounce of peroxide (to keep the nails white) and a dropper of Pau D'Arco; mmhhh, perfect!
And, how about that special mix against dandruff? See my posts on haircare.
In January, my good friend Carmencita came to visit and I showed her my washing machine, wonderful appliance! Saves energy and water but gets this horrible smelly, mouldy ring that I could not get rid of. Guess what, she got an old toothbrush and... baking soda! Hoorray!
Carmencita also told me she uses to clean her counter when it gets stained; also her refrigerator, her microwave, etc.
My son Peter says that I should use it to clean my glass stove top instead of using those commercial chemicals that leave and everlasting smell and my hands coarse (obviously I don't use gloves). I am going to have to listen to him.
Do you grow your own pumpkins, I just read that spraying each pumpkin with a mix of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 of corn oil in 1 quart of water will keep fungus far away from your patch.
I can also keep your suitcase smelling fresh.
Remember to add a dash baking soda to your cup of hot water with cider vinegar for its neutralizing effects (refer to my reflux or sinus postings)
Add some to your pet's bed, leave it for about one hour and then shake it off - it will be fresh.
Use it to may play clay (not play dough): 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 1/4 cups cold water and the food coloring of your choice; put dry ingredients and mix well, add water and food dye and set on the stove over medium hear stirring continuously for some 10 to 15 minutes; it should look a little like mashed potatoes. Be careful not to overcook. Let it cool on a plate at room temperature covered with a damp cloth. After cooling you can store it in the fridge in a plastic bag up to 8 days.
Besides getting rid of your child's heat rash, if you add that tablespoon of baking soda to his/her bath, you can ease mild diaper burns, the itching caused by bug bites, sunburn, poison ivy and if he has chicken pox, you will find that baking soda could become your best friend!
And, finally! Make a great scrub for your face, mix 2 heaping spoons of finally ground, uncooked oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, add water a bit at a time until it is a nice manageable paste.

Talk to you soon!

You Too Can Have a Healthy Prostate

2008-12-15T22:21:00.001-05:00

Eat cauliflower and broccoli!! Think about it, you can prevent and control an enlarged prostate and other related ailments with food!! Easier than tha...?

Below the list of goodies:

Veggies:
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Asparagus
Beets
Cabbage
Lettuce
Onions
Parsnip
Radishes
Spinach
Tomatoes

Fruits:
Pomegranate Juice
Bananas
Coconuts
Cranberries
Dates
Figs
Kiwi
Strawberries
Prunes
Gooseberries

Grains & Nuts:
Barley
Flax seeds
Oats
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Wheat bran
Wheat germ
Whole grain cereals

Mineral Supplements:
Zinc Pilollinate
Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Potassium
Selenium
Silicon
Sulphur

Other:
Saw Palmetto
Alfalfa
Bee Pollen
Golden Seal
Pigeum Africanum
Nettle Rood
Rue grass [p;;em extracts
Fish oil (with caution)

Enlarged prostate is also called Beningn Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) or Hyperplasia. There are not known causes, except that it happens.

Let's start at the beginning; the prostate is a male reproductive gland, whose only apparent funcion (and get this, according to some sources scientists don't really know! - You should have seen the reaction of my men when I mentioned this...) seems to be to stimulate the movement of sperm after ejaculation.

But don't ever believe that this is simple or non important because thanks to the fluid it secretes in order to perform its function, the vaginal canal becomes less acidic; in other words, its job is to nourish and transport the sperm - so, there, that is its function, loud and clear!! My men feel better now...

There are several descriptions of the prostate; they all seem to be good and they all have diagrams to prove it. The prostate is a group of small glands that surround the urethra (tube that serves as conduit of urine out of the body) exactly at the point where it leaves the bladder. The bladder's starts as a pea and it attains its full size when the individual reaches the age of 25, that of a walnut.

Nobody really knows why the prostate gets bigger; it is believed that age has a lot to do as well as the testicles. It has been found that men who have had their testicles removed at an early age do not suffer of BPH and also that if the testicles are removed after they have developed this condition, the prostate gets smaller.

If you have experienced any or all of the following symptoms:

Need to urinte frequently
Difficulty starting to urinate
Bladder does not emp;ty completely
Urine dribbles/drips after you are done
Strem of urine is weak and may go on a start/stop cycle
Wake up to urinate two or more times in the middle of the night
Sudden and strong urge to urinate
Urinary issues become a big "issue" in your daily life

Your doctor probably will order one or all of the following exams:

Digital rectal exam
Blood test
X-rays or a sonogram
Urine flow study
Cystoscopy (a thin tube with lenses inserted through the urethra)

The paths to follow are:

If your symptoms don't bother you much, wait and watch while you consume products from the lists above; have regular checkups and if down the road you decide for another alternative, you can do it.
Medication, to either shrink or relax the prostate.
Non-surgical procedures that will allow doctors to remove parts of the prostate. The prostrate is reached through the urethra with thin tubes.
Surgery, in cases when the prostate is particularly large.

Please remember, BPH does not mean you have cancer. Some cancer patients suffer BPH but a BPH patient does not necessarily suffer cancer. BPH by itself is not a serious condition unless the symptoms bother you too much, however, you have to keep watch as you could develop urinary tract infections.

If you can't urinate at all, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. This could happen after you take over-the-counter cold medicine.

Hypoglycemia, the findings

2008-08-09T15:01:00.001-04:00

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which you need to be intimately in tune with your body to recognize its symptoms and act immediately, as my dear Friend Freya does.

Freya had an extremely serious incident in which she had to be taken to the hospital emergency; ever since, she has made a point getting to know her body and its reactions; she keeps recommended foods always at hand and she has also informed some of her close coworkers of this condition.

Before I go on I would like to say that hypoglycemia must be taken seriously; our brain needs glucose to function and ignoring hypoglycemic symptoms might lead us to: Seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.

What is hypoglycemia?

Simple: An abnormal low level of sugar in the blood.

It is also called a “low-blood sugar emergency” or an “insulin reaction” because it occurs when there is too much insulin and not enough sugar in the system.

The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation Inc. in its internet site http://www.hypoglycemia.org/hypo.asp quotes an excerpt from “The Do's and Don'ts of Hypoglycemia: An Everyday Guide to Low Blood Sugar” by Roberta Ruggiero, its founder and president: “hypoglycemia is the body's inability to properly handle the large amounts of sugar that the average American consumes today. It's an overload of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and stress.”

Hypoglycemia manifests itself in a variety of physical and psychological symptoms:

· Irritability	· Forgetfulness
· Nervousness	· Mental confusion
· Palpitations or erratic heartbeat	· Short attention span
· Tremors (shakiness)	· Learning disabilities
· Exhaustion	· Lack of sex drive
· Faintness	· Lack of concentration
· Fatigue	· Intense itchiness
· Dizziness	· Crawling sensation under the skin
· Cold, clammy skin sweats	· Blurred vision
· Cold hands and feet	· Sugar addiction
· Migraine	· Drug addiction
· Digestive problems	· Numbness or tingling of the fingertips or lips
· Hunger in some cases, extreme	· Nausea
· Weakness	· Poor coordination
· Slurred speech	· Blurred vision
· Seizures or convulsions	· Insomnia
· Potential loss of consciousness	· Nightmares
· Alcoholism	· Crying spells
· Nervous breakdown	· Depression
· Fears	· Mood swings
· Phobias	· Anxiety
· Hostile behavior	· Difficulty walking
· Excessive sweating	· Low body temperature

It might also be the cause of bedwetting in small children. A hyperactive child might be showing a sign of hypoglycemia as well.

It is recommended that as soon as a sugar low is recognized it be treated with a fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice or if you can carry them along, glucose tablets.

There are also devices to self test your glucose levels. Please consider having one at hand if you risk suffering hypoglycemic episodes frequently.

Keep in mind that the symptoms might vary with each episode, it is important to keep in tune with your body to recognize those symptoms. In healthy people fasting sugar levels are between 70 and 99 mg. If it falls under 70 mg you might experience either a mild, moderate or severe episode depending on how low the level of sugar is in your blood.

Your doctor will study your medical history, will order a lab test and perform a physical examination. Visits to the doctor on a yearly basis are recommended.

You will need to tell your doctor about your symptoms, when do they occur and how long they last.

Make sure you tell your family, friends and coworkers about your condition and what needs to be done if you appear to be sleepy or loose consciousness so they can call emergency or act immediately; they should also know whether you take insulin or not. This is very important!

It would be ideal if you could wear a medical tag or bracelet, they can be found in drugstores.

If you are a friend, family member or coworker of a person presenting hypoglycemic symptoms, use the quick fix if needed and as long as the person is able to swallow:

Quick fix: Fruit juice or glucose tablets (if available).

Remember, treating the symptoms with a quick fix is good, but preventing future episodes is better; if medicine is causing the episodes, tell your doctor so he can find an alternative, the doctor will determine if it is also consequence of a long-term illness and will take action as necessary.

It could also be that all you need is to change some behaviors or routines.

A sensible exercise plan and appropriate diet is recommended as well as keeping a diary (same as with other conditions or ailments).

If you suspect hypoglycemia in your life, I would advise that you take the “Hypo Quiz” found in http://www.hypoglycemia.org/hypo_test.asp.

I also recommend that you take a look at the diet recommendations found in the pages of The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation Inc. http://www.hypoglycemia.org/diet.asp as well as in the next pages that I found so helpful.

http://www.dietitian.com - For general nutritional questions

http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/Research_HGdiet.htm great site with good info.

Please be advised that I did ask for authorization to post these links in this site and it was granted by the interested parties; I have the corresponding e-mails.

There is also a forum online that I did not explore, you might want to join.

It is also important to know that dieting as a hypoglycemic is not a bad thing as there is a vast array of foods that can be consumed; you will not be deprived! In fact, the list is sooo big that it pushed me into only listing the sites instead of posting it here.

As a last note to this article I would like to add that research on this condition is active and that there is hope.

Ants in your sugar?

2008-08-08T13:15:00.000-04:00

No more! Just make sure to put a whole clove in your sugar bowl - ants dislike the smell of cloves with a passion!

My friend Karla swears by it!! I believe her.

Warning

2008-08-08T12:57:00.000-04:00

As indicated in a post a while ago, what I publish here are the results of conscious research; however, I always advise that if you are planning on serious changes or you know or suspect a serious or delicate health condition please consult your physician. Remember, I am not a doctor nor a nutritionist. I am convinced though that there are natural remedies for all ailments and situations and that the natural way is the way to go.

What this blog brings are new ideas on how to deal with this life in a natural way, therefore you will not only see what can be done about health, but also your house cleaning, your garden, small tips on how to get rid of or control pests in a natural way, without chemicals. In addition, we all will be learning on the nutritional and curative values of the different foods we find in the grocery store (vegetables, fruits, spices, etc.).

I am back

2008-08-08T12:54:00.000-04:00

Above all my friends, my apologies for being so late but my computer was infected by a very aggressive and daring virus that came through an unrequested e-mail that opened an unrequested ad and although my virus detector acted super fast, by the time it had killed Trojans and viruses the bad guy had already installed about other thirty offspring and every time we killed them, more came on board. It took our son three days to get rid of all malignancy. WOW!

Anyway, the virus is gone and here I am. Hypoglycemia findings to follow soon.

Hypoglycemia

2008-07-29T10:11:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, I was requested to write on a good hypoglycemic diet and my research on the subject has taken me far and wide. I have plenty of jotted notes, I have contacted some of the experts who have graciously responded and allowed me to quote them as well as post their links on this blog; however (always a however!) my notes are not in order and therefore (good companion to however) I will not be posting all the results until mid or the end of next week. Let's be patient - I promise that after I finish with hypoglycemia, I will be posting some very interesting and "easy-to-do" information on skin care.

Talk to you soon!!

Insomnia

2008-07-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

In the last few weeks I have found that more and more young women suffer from insomnia; it used to be that insomnia was exclusive to people with tremendous responsibilities, horrible problems or extremely bad habits. Well, it is a misconception.

The women I have met are very young and in one of the cases with almost no cares in this world, so I have decided to investigate into the matter and this is what I have found:

According to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute in the page of US Department of Health and Human Services, one in three adults suffers insomnia occasionally and one in ten adults suffer of chronic insomnia. Not get this, more women suffer from insomnia than men (no wonder we are loosing our hair!!).

Symptoms (daytime hours):

Tiredness
Lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability

Possible risks:

Depression
Poor health
Accidents
Poor relationships
Poor job performance
Lower grades

Insomnia is perceived as a difficulty to fall asleep or a difficulty staying asleep.

The US Department of Health and Human Services describes only two types of insomnia:

Primary
Secondary

Other sources describe up to four:

Transient insomnia (short time)
Intermittent insomnia (on and off)
Acute insomnia (3 weeks to 6 months)
Chronic insomnia (years)

Common complaints of insomniacs:

Inability to rest their minds
Unable to close their eyes

Insomnia also has different patterns:

Difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night
Wake up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning and having difficulty to go back to sleep
Wake up in the middle of the night or difficulty to stay asleep

Causes for insomnia:

Psychoactive drugs (cocaine, ephedrine, amphetamines, etc.)
Stimulants (coffee, tea, chocolate, some herbs, etc.)
Hormones (such as menopause, PMS or menstruation)
Emotions (fear, stress, anxiety, anger, emotional pain)
Unsatisfactory sex life
Mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Post surgery effects on our sleep pattern
Jet lag (frequent travelers)
Shift work
Brain lesions or injuries
Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Abuse of sleep aids
Lack or poor sleep hygiene
Nightmares
Sleepwalking
Believe it or not, full moon is also blamed for insomnia
Fatal familial insomnia
An overactive mind
Physical pain

Do not confuse insomnia with Delayed Sleep Syndrome or Sleep Apnea

Things to do:

Keep a sleep diary (at least one week) with your sleep patterns, your routine, how you feel while awake, food intake, any of the 19 circumstances above
Consult and discuss with your doctor the notes on your diary
Try to go to bed at the same time each night
Try to get up at the same time each morning
Avoid any stimulant either late in the day or at night, better yet, avoid them (coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, tea, etc.)
Exercise regularly and better if in the morning
Eat early dinners (2 hours before going to bed)
If light is a problem, keep your bedroom dark or use a sleeping mask
If noise is a problem, keep your bedroom quiet or use earplugs or a table water fountain
Establish a routine that will relax you and stimulate sleep such as reading, listening to music, taking a bath, etc.
If you cannot fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes of going to bed get up and do something peaceful as reading, drawing, etc. and then try again.
If worry does not let you sleep, make a to-do list before going to bed.
Do not use your bed for anything else but sleep and sex
Avoid having a TV in your bedroom
Choose soothing colors for your bedroom
Avoid overcrowded bedrooms (for example too much furniture)
Keeping a clean and orderly bedroom helps (I know it by experience)
Drink soothing herbal teas such as Linden or Chamomile about 30 minutes before bedtime
Making a tea with the core or two leaves of lettuce has proven to be fantastic
Include in your diet foods that help relieve stress such as turkey and potatoes and of course, lettuce!

Call the doctor if:

Your insomnia lasts more than four weeks
You suspect your insomnia is a symptom of another medical condition

Visit the emergency room if:

You notice poor coordination and attention lapses
If you suffer pain
If you experience any difficulty when breathing

In a nut shell, you might need to:

Improve your sleep habits
Correct your sleep misconceptions
Control your environment
Manage your behavior
Attend therapy
Take medications

Always consult your physician before taking any medication, over the counter or prescribed, it is very important! And, please, follow his instructions.

I will continue to investigate to keep us up to date.

Licorice (Regaliz in Spanish)

2008-07-13T22:21:00.000-04:00

Also known as sweet root, it is said to be fifty times sweeter than sugar; licorice candy has been popular for centuries.

But being sweet and looked after in its candy form is not all there is to licorice; licorice is also known for its medicinal effects and can be used over a long period of time with no toxic effects.

Studies done on licorice indicate that it has anti inflammatory, antiviral and anti allergic properties. It is said to be good for:

Reduce pain caused by peptic ulcers
Bladder ailments
kidney ailments
Arthritis
Congestion due to colds
Sore, hoarse throat
Tuberculosis
Heartburn caused by reflux
Inflammatory disorders
Skin diseases
Stress relief
As an expectorant
To lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides

In addition:

It is being studied as a retardant to the growth of certain cancerous tumors
It is said to help prevent cavities
Its role in the treatment of heart disease and HIV is being studied

And if I were to continue pointing out the many studies that are being conducted to analyze licorice's beneficial effects in countless ailments, I would not finish tonight.

Before using, please consult with your health provider as it has been known to cause:

Headaches
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Water retention and/or bloating
Deplete the potassium levels in the body (extremely dangerous!)
Muscle pain
Numbness in arms and legs
Weight gain

Do not use if:

You suffer from PMS - avoid during those specially difficult days!
Suffer from high-blood pressure
You are pregnant or breast feeding
By men with decreased libido or any sexual dysfunction
You suffer from obesity, diabetes, heart or liver conditions

Remember, always consult with your physician before use.

Flatulence

2008-07-10T22:13:00.001-04:00

You don't have to suffer from painful gas and you really don't have to depend on over the counter medicine that eventually becomes ineffective. There are several natural and easy ways to help relieve flatulence.

Change your coffee for tea
Reduce fats and sugar
Exercise daily (low impact such as walking or biking, swimming is good too)
Do stretching exercises.
Chew your food slowly and completely
Try not to drink soda or at least limit its consumption
Consider being lactose intolerant; try eliminating milk from your diet or consult your doctor for an alternative.
If you discover that certain foods aggravate this condition reduce or eliminate their consumption
Chamomile tea, one cup before going to bed. It will help relax you intestines and therefore reduce spasms.
Ginger is also a good antispasmodic and good for most digestive ailments. Peel about one one inch of a ginger root, slice and boil in 3 cups of water for some 15 to 20 minutes. Drink through the day. Of course, you may take ginger capsules instead - just follow the directions on the bottle.
You might want to try chewing on fennel seeds or use them to make tea.
Star anise tea, used commonly for women right after delivery and for newborn babies; it is not only good for your tummy, but good to your palate.
Massage your tummy clockwise for 10 minutes - this will relieve discomfort and push gas out.
Take Yoga classes, it does relieve from gas.

And, last but not least, lay on your back, pull your knees to your chest and then rock in a circular motion.
Thank you for your visit. Come back again. Narda

Hair is a never ending story!

2008-07-09T21:05:00.000-04:00

A few more things about your hair.

Did you know that perms can cause allergic dermatitis on yours scalp, your forehead and your neck?
Don't forget a well-balanced diet to keep your hair healthy and shiny, especially if you like to perm, dye or iron it constantly.
Always rinse your hair after swimming in the ocean or the pool.
If Chlorine changes the color of your hair (if you are blond, it will turn green) rinse your hair with this mixture:

4 crushed aspirins in two onces of water; leave on your hair for no less than 10 minutes.

I was told many years ago that it is important to have several shampoos in use so you can alternate them and avoid residue; I have to report that it has worked very well. Keep in mind that it is said that regular shampoos contain around 15 ingredients, whereas the ones that have the conditioner included might have up to 25 ingredients. This is a lot to put on your hair. I should say that unless you really need the conditioner, avoid it. It might be a green measure as well...
Remember to rinse your hair for at least one minute after shampooing, that helps to eliminate residue.
Make sure to choose the shampoo with the right PH. The ones that are said to be better are the neutral or the acidic PH. Keep in mind a PH 7 is neutral, if you want it acidic look for a lower PH. And, to use lower PH for damaged or chemically treated hair. The problem is that in all the bottles I have bought, I never saw the PH specified. If any of you know how to identify the PH, please let us all know!
Avoid an alkaline PH for they will weaken the hair and will make it look dull. Again, where do I find the PH on the bottle??!!
Since most shampoos do not specify the PH, I read that you could test shampoos with litmus paper (used commonly in chemistry and found in drugstores). Litmus is extracted naturally from lichens and reportedly has been in use since the 1300s AD.
All I know is that if I use a shampoo that does not make my hair look good after the first wash, I never buy it again.
Please, please do not shampoo everyday unless absolutely necessary. If you can't go a day without washing your hair use a non-fragrant shampoo to avoid more ingredients than you should have.
Also, use medicated shampoos wisely; it is not good to shampoo with them on daily basis.
Did you know that conditioners, gels and mouse weight down your hair and attract dirt? One more reason to use them sparingly.
An the last but not the least, want to give more body to your fine and oily hair? Condition it before the shampoo, not after.

Y, colorín colorado, the hair story se ha acabado - the hair story has ended!!

About hair again!

2008-07-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Freya shared with me the other day a prescription to get rid of dandruff that her cousin, who used to be a stylist in New York, shared with her some years ago and that worked very well:

Listerine
About 24 aspirins
A small amount of peroxide

Make a paste and apply with a tooth brush on the scalp. Do it as many times as necessary until dandruff disappears. The only thing though, is I forgot to ask how often... I will and will report.

And here some more good advice:

Did you know that the sun can change our hair color? Well, according to the experts, it is so, therefore we should do as in the movies from the 40's, use a scarf (or a hat) whenever we go outdoors, even if you are using products with ingredients to block ultraviolet rays, their protection is not enough.
Remember what our old aunt used to say? Do not rub your hair with a towel after shampooing, blot only. Hair is very vulnerable when wet and rubbing will only damage it.
Do not brush when wet, use a wide-toothed comb and like grandma used to say, better if tortoise shell, otherwise rubber should be our second choice; plastic combs so popular due to their price are a big "no-no" and don't even think of metal!
And here goes what we all know very well but pay very little attention to: Blow driers, hot rollers, curling irons, straightening irons and all those fancy items that helps us look orderly and neat ARE NOT GOOD! Let's be smart and choose a hairstyle that will be easy and attractive to maintain without those harmful aids - I used to be smart, I am letting my hair grow long once more, I suppose I should prepare to look my worst most days not to go bold before I turn 80; I would not be ready to use a wig at that age.
But, if you insist (like most of us) on using a blow dryer, do not use it when it is still dripping water because you will get split ends due to the excessive amount of heat needed to dry your hair.
Do not use your blow dryer when your hair has dried either, it is as bad.
Set your blow dryer on medium or low, never use the high setting, even if you are late to work; what is worse, a nasty look from your boss and co-workers or no hair on your head?
Remember they use to tell us to brush 100 times every night? Well, they were wrong, 15 to 20 strokes should suffice, according to my sources more can damage your hair instead of helping it.
Brushing at night is a very good idea, as normally your hair is totally dry and that is what we need to distribute the oils from the scalp to the tip of our hair, which will make it look shiny and healthy. Of course a natural bristle brush is what we need to use, no fake stuff for the hair miladies! Or, gentlemen too, of course!
Want to get rid of that dreadful static? Apply a drop of hand cream to your palms, rub well and run your hands over your dry hair, or... get this... rub your hair lightly with a fabric softener sheet! I rather use the cream or put hair spray on my hairbrush or buy one of those miracle bottles that the hairdresser insists is a must for a hair as electric as yours.

Well, that is it for tonight, more on hair to come soon, but please don't forget: Brush gently, brush gently, brush gently - your hair can be either your best friend or your worst... (I won't say that ugly word) so, be nice to it.

More about hair

2008-06-26T22:08:00.000-04:00

When you take a sauna or go to the steam baths, put conditioner in your hair, the heat will help your hair to absorb it.
Dilute your shampoo with water (equal amounts of water and shampoo), not only is cheaper but it won't change the effectiveness of the shampoo and will also cut down on the residue buildup.
To prevent dandruff, use lemon use as a rinse once a week
Before using an anti dandruff shampoo it is good to clean your scalp with a mixture of 4 parts water 1 part mouthwash

Did you know that:

An inactive thyroid can cause sudden hair loss
That medications for ulcers, arthritis and high cholesterol could also cause sudden hair loss
Any abnormality in your immune system can cause hair loss
That although coloring and perming will dry your hair it will not aggravate hair loss
Hair loss can also be caused by extreme stress (as happens after giving birth)
You lose hair after surgery
If you have a bald spot you need to apply sunblock to it as it is very sensitive to the ultraviolet rays which might result in even more hair loss
Most dandruff is cause by too much oil
Conditioners, setting lotions, mouse, gel and sprays can aggravate a dandruff condition
Tar shampoos may discolor your hair and irritate your scalp
Dryness caused by central heating could be the reason for dandruff to occur
It is not recommended to shampoo your hair everyday, rather try to do it every 2 or 3 days
If you insist on a daily shampoo, make sure to use a non fragrant, non medicated shampoo

Hair brushes

2008-06-26T22:03:00.000-04:00

Want to make sure your hairbrush is really clean? Use the following mixture:

Add 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons colorless mouthwash to enough water to cover bristles; soak brush for some twenty minutes and then scrub using an old tooth or nail brush. Rinse and let dry.

Hair day!

2008-06-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

How about treating hair in a natural way because "natural-is-good"? Herbal infusions have been used for hundreds of years to enhance the natural color of the hair or to add shine to it, to make the infusion follow the instructions below:

Shampoo your hair as normal
Add the equivalent of a tablespoon of the desired herb to two cups of water and allow to boil for 30 minutes
Pour onto hair and work into the scalp. Allow to set for 20 minute
Rinse throughly with lukewarm water
If you want extra shine, let cold water run through your hair at the end

The herbs used for different hair colors are:

Clover blossom, cornflower or chamomile for blonds
Orange pekoe or red zinger for redheads
Rosemary for brunettes

In addition, consider washing with a fennel or nettle infusion to treat dandruff.

If you want to make your hair grow faster, use the water in which you washed the rice before cooking.

Toenail health

2008-06-21T23:46:00.000-04:00

It is so easy for a fungus to invade your toenails. Stepping on a puddle on a rainy day or while working on your garden can do it, not to mention the use of contaminated scissors.

I have only allowed one wonderful lady to do my pedicure but she lives in Ecuador and when we moved to Martinique I had to start doing my own because I always have misgivings about letting somebody I don't know cut my nails or even worse, my cuticle.

So, as careful as I was in other aspects, I was not all that careful while working in the garden, which is something I love to do - not only relaxes me, it cures my melancholy or soothes my anger, depending on the circumstances.

One day I discovered I had a small white spot on my toenail and in a process that lasted several weeks, slowly the toenail separated itself from my toe. Scary and not pretty. I took some pills for several months (not before going through a blood test to check my liver) and also covered my nails with the recommended tincture in addition to some creams. My toenail kept growing and falling for approximately two years.

Needless to say I was embarrassed and could not wear sandals - I live in South Florida people! Wearing close shoes all the time is a crime punishable with an urgent desire to be home at all times to be able to wear sandals without exposing your feet to the world.

Finally one day I saw the light, I went to the natural food supermarket and went straight to the remedies aisle and looked for information. They recommended something called Sphilantex - I bought and not only took it orally but also applied it directly to all my toenails.

It worked!

Sphilantex was pulled out of the shelves, but in its place I was recommended Pau D'arc. So, this is what I do now, because I believe in prevention: I soak my feet once a week in the following:

Hot water
1 tablespoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of peroxide
1 full dropper of Pau D'arc

And, when I have finished filing and beautifying my feet, I apply one drop of Pau D'arc to each nail. It works my friends!

Sapodilla, Chico or Zapotillo

2008-06-18T20:10:00.000-04:00

To see a beautiful picture of this deliciously sweet fruit, go to BoloKids.com : Network for Children

Click on the Nature tab and look for Sapodilla, The Chewing-gum Tree or, you can simply click on this title.

While at the grocery store several weeks ago, I was delighted to see that they had one of my favorite fruits next to other of my favorite fruits - chicos next to mangoes and quinces; immediately i grabbed about four that were in different stages of ripening so I could enjoy them for several days and then could not wait for the first one to feel soft to the touch regardless of where I pressed with my fingers. Mmhhh, I can still taste its sweetness.

Although the chico flesh is soft and creamy, it can also feel a little grainy.

The sapodilla or chico is a Central American native and is cultivated as far as India and Thailand.

The whole tree is useful, starting with its latex, which is the source of chicle, the beginning of chewing gum. The wood, due to its durability, is used in construction and furniture making.

When eating sapodillas make sure that they are fully ripe, otherwise you will be tasting the chewy sap.

Besides eating them "au naturel"; sapodillas can be prepared in many forms, depending of their location.

The sapodilla is found as a fruit sauce, added to an egg custard; it can be fried or stewed; added to bread dough or pancake batter; sapodillas can be baked as pies or made into wine.

I read that the bark is so rich in tannins that in Philippines fishermen use it to tint their sails and fishing lines.

Now to the part that interests us as much as the taste of it, its medicinal uses:

A tea made with the green fruit is used to stop diarrhea
A tea made with the green fruit and the flowers will help relieve pulmonary ailments
A tea made with its dried leaves is a good remedy for coughs, colds and diarrhea
A tea made with the bark will stop diarrhea and dysentery
Its crushed seeds are good diuretics and are said to be good to expel bladder and kidney stones, but please do not eat more than six seeds or you might end up suffering abdominal pain and vomiting
The juice of the seeds is supposed to be a sedative and soporific
A tea made with sapodilla and chayote leaves is said to lower blood pressure
In some areas a paste made of the crushed seeds is applied on the stings of venomous animals
And, if all that were not enough, the latex can be used as a filling for tooth cavities when necessary

Why is this blog important?

2008-06-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, this blog is important because we need to know and understand that food is not there only for our palate's delight or to widen our hips; there is more than one purpose on every single edible item or being; sometimes non edibles can also be beneficial. As you have seen, in many cases not only the fruits are good, but the leaves and even the bark of some trees can be used for more than one "malady".

We need to explore our world and what has been placed on it. Now that we all want to go "green" this becomes very important, by using what is natural and ready, we are helping not only ourselves but also our world.

Many years ago, our naturist doctor was very clear when she explained to us that beauty and health enter our bodies through our mouths and she was right.

Please post your comments and also share with us all what has worked well with you or people you know; let us all help each other!

Another trip to the past

2008-05-28T18:26:00.000-04:00

When our ancestors suffered of an irritable stomach, they would add a few drops of lime or lemon juice to some water, mixed it with milk in equal amounts and then took the mixture by the tablespoon through the day, as needed.

Didn't feel well (malaise) and didn't know why? Took a handful of barley and washed it in cold water changing the water several times; at the end left 4 cups of water and allowed this to boil until the water had reduced to 2 cups, added lemon rind and sugar for flavor and ate it without straining.

Without energy and looking forward to a long and hard day? Took a handful of oats and mixed with two quarts of cold water; allowed it to stand for 30 minutes and drank it through the day - as needed. This very much sounds like Orchata, doesn't it? All we have to do is blend it, add sugar and maybe cinnamon or vanilla.

Tamarind

2008-05-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

I grew up with tamarind juice for lunch; I never really liked it until now, when it is hard to get... strange? No! very common indeed to yearn for something when we don't have it anymore.

I thought tamarind was a Guatemalan tree and now I find out that it is actually African and that India and Mexico claim it as their own as well.

At any rate it is a tropical evergreen, which requires dry soil during fruit development.

Tamarind has diverse uses in the kitchen, like the juice I used to drink or as an ingredient to prepare preserves or chutney; to make meat sauces, marinades an to pickle fish.

Candy can be made by mixing the pulp with dry sugar and molding it into colorful balls leaving the pit inside so you can roll it in your mouth at the end. You may always eat the fresh fruit, it might be a little tart but it is agreeable to the taste.

I also found out that it is an important ingredient on Worcestershire sauce, I suppose the English learned that from the Indians.

And here are some of its uses:

The wood is used to make furniture and wood flooring because it is dense and durable
In some places in Asia, the pulp is used to polish brass
The tea of the leaves is used to reduce Malaria fever
In Guatemala the tamarindo juice is used to relieve constipation - the stronger the juice the faster its effect
In the Caribbean, the tea is given to individuals suffering measles
Also in the Caribbean the tea is used to bathe individuals suffering measles, small pox, chicken pox and body ache
Again, the tea can be used as an eye wash to reduce the red and the swell
The tea made out of its roots is used in the Caribbean to control hemorrhages
and if all of the above were small, the tea of tamarind leaves can also be used when suffering chest colds, cough, sore throat and of all thing, Diabetes!

I believe a tamarind tree would probably make a beautiful Bonsai.

Ginger

2008-05-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

I had a plant of edible ginger once; it grew beautifully - white flowers at the end of long, healthy green stems. We enjoyed using the root for teas, soups and Chinese dishes.

One of the reasons I planted the root I bought at the grocery store, is because at the time I was chronically suffering of a sore throat and I had been told to drink the tea or broth (depending on what I liked more - sweet or savory). Since the results were excellent, my curiosity was piqued and I had to research on it.

Please note that only the root is edible and that only of the Zingiber Officinale.

Here is what I found out:

Ginger is a good decongestant - nose and chest. Therefore recommended for asthma, coughs, colds, and the flu.
It stops the production of mucus (see above)
It purifies your breath (that's why it is always served right next to sushi)
It is a great digestion aid
It is used to aid gastric problems
It is great for a sore throat
If you are shivering, have some ginger tea, it will warm you up and will eliminate toxins through your skin
If you are having a headache, it is good to chew on a piece of this spicy and delicious root
In the islands of the Caribbean the powdered ginger is made into a paste and then spread on brown paper that is made into a sort of envelope and then applied on the forehead to relieve a headache

Uses in the kitchen: Add a piece of ginger root and two sprigs of mint to the chicken soup, it is delicious and very healthy.

Ginger tea or broth on the stove: Great for colds and chest congestion, take a 3 inch piece of ginger root, peel and cut into little pieces, add three cups of water and bring to a boil until it goes down to two cups, if you like it savory add a chicken bouillon; if you like it sweet add plenty of sugar and juice of one lime. WARNING: If done like this it will be very spicy, not good if you suffer of stomach ulcers.

Ginger tea in the microwave: Take a piece of about 1 1/2 inch of ginger root, peel and cut in slim pieces, put in a mug, add water and microwave for two minutes. Add plenty of sugar and the juice of a lime - it is delicious.

Bad memory? Here is what our forefathers did

2008-05-13T17:17:00.000-04:00

No vitamins, no complicated exercises, just try this one:

1. Lie down, take three strips of raw bacon and place it on your forehead. Your memory should return soon.

More advise from years past

2008-05-13T08:17:00.000-04:00

"After breakfast, work awhile;
After dinner, sit awhile;
After supper, walk a mile."

If you want to make sure your baby won't be crossed eyed, make sure that he does not look at himself in a mirror.

And this is one of my favorites:

If your ears are burning, name one person you think could be talking about you for each ear. You will know who is talking about you when that ear stops burning.

How to regain good health - lore

2008-05-12T17:12:00.000-04:00

Find your best dairy cow and take it to a meadow, milk and pronounce out loud:
"The health is in the milk!". Now, somehow get the cow to kick the bucket full of milk and spill it over - lick the spilt milk - see how you recover your good health.

Strange, but I wonder... when I was little and later on when my boys were little, I used to hear that children should be allowed or be exposed to dirt, that this unappreciated element would for sure strengthen their immune system.

On my part I would be so happy drinking the fresh milk that I would probably not leave much in the bucket to be spilled by the cow's kick.

On the other hand, how about if the cow feels lazy, does not want to raise its foot or simply does not want to move - can you coerce it to kick - the equivalent to twist somebody's arm, in its case its front leg?

How about if you get to close to that kick? I think I better stop here!

Old time folk cures

2008-05-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

"For every illness under the sun,
there is a cure or there is none.
If there is a cure, go and find it.
If there is none, never mind it."

Now I would like to go back in time, to the 18th and 19th centuries here in our United States.

Remember, if you feel tempted to try any of the remedies or procedures, think about it, be careful.

Now if you feel tempted to smile with skepticism, think that many of these remedies were amazingly efficient and some became the platform that launched our modern medicine.

Before syrups and pills, there were teas, ointments, tonics, poultices and salves and several strange and effective processes to get relief if not cured.

So, let's move on to the first of my findings.

White Vinegar

2008-05-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

My apologies to all my readers for being absent. Here I am again.

Yesterday I was with my good friends Leslie, Myriam and Janet and among many things we shared a few secrets about white vinegar.

1. Get rid of all chemical residuals in your hair. After shampooing your hair and before the rinse, pour some white vinegar in it; it will not only eliminate all chemical residuals but will also leave it soft and manageable. Myriam said that the first time she used it, there was this plastic-like substance coming out of her hair. Now she is a believer!

2. Clean your clothes washer periodically. Then I remembered what I have been doing for several years since a Venezuelan lady shared this with me. Once a month or every two months (depending on when I remember to do this) I put 1/2 a cup of coarse salt and 1 cup of white vinegar in the washer, then run a cycle and it is ready to go. This will eliminate all the fuzz and guck (slimy matter) that accumulates even if we don't see it. Clean washer = cleaner clothes.

3. Wood cleaner and polisher. When I was little living in Guatemala, long before commercial cleaners in their multiple variations would invade the market, my mother used to make a mixture of cooking oil and vinegar to clean the wooden furniture once a week. I remember a glass bottle with something not precisely attractive and smelling rather sour, however, her furniture always looked shiny and clean.

Simple ways, environmental ways and not too expensive. What do you think?

Headaches

2008-05-02T19:33:00.000-04:00

I don't know if this happens to you, but when I have a headache, I have a headache! I can't think clearly, I don't see very well, I do not want to talk, I do not want to be touched, and everything and anything ignites a spark that makes me "not a nice person".

Of course there are plenty of over-the-counter medicaments that work fairly well, however, they do alleviate the symptom... they do not go to the core of the problem.

A headache could be caused by a million things: Stress, menstruation in women, "growing pains" in young men, indigestion, bad posture, lack of sleep, allergies, hunger, anger, heat, cold, sinusitis, prolonged exercise, prolonged sun exposure, vision problems, inappropriate prescription glasses or lenses; the list could go on and on.

Here are the several things I have found we can do besides taking the well known over-the-counter medicine.

Reduce all external stimuli, such as light and noise
Exercise outdoors
Do not smoke
Do not drink alcoholic beverages
Open the windows and allow fresh air in
Turn off the radio and the TV or, that infamous electronic game
Try to relax using one of the many techniques available

We can also:

Refer to my posting on parsley from March 28th

Use acupressure: Using the tips of your index finger and your thumb to put pressure over the bridge of your nose

Rub the soft area between your index finger and your thumb

Put your feet in water that is at 95 degrees Fahrenheit and gradually add hot water every five minutes until it reaches 115 degrees; once the water reaches this temperature, leave your feet for five minutes and then add cold water until it is lukewarm. Dry your feet, put on socks and lay down for 20 minutes.

Cover yourself (warm sweater and pants) to make sure your whole body is warm, put your feet in cold water for 10 minutes dry your feet and put socks on.

A quick way to get read of your headache will be to add a few drops of lime juice to a sugarless cup of coffee and drink it very slowly. However, be aware that this could irritate your stomach.

It is believed that kava kava alleviates headaches caused by stress and that ginkgo biloba can prevent migraines.

There are some poultices that can be used to alleviate a headache and I will dedicate a post to them.

Pineapple a bromeliad!

2008-04-30T17:35:00.000-04:00

A Flower? Juicy, sweet and delicious.

Pineapples are rich in: vitamins A, C, E, K, vitamin B1/2/3 (thiamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B12, niacin, fiber, abundant in water plus calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Besides having about 75 calories per serving and zero cholesterol, it contains no saturated fats or mono fats; it does have though omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It does contain some amino acids and citric, organic and malic a acids.

With all those good things said, I would like to tell you that my husband got chicken pox when he was 35 years old; the boys had gone through it, a young girl that worked for us also got it and then, when I thought all had passed, he got it! At the time we were living in Ecuador and because of his age I expected something horrible to happen, but we had a wonderful doctor that came to the house everyday and gave him these great anti-inflammatory medicine based on pineapples and papayas, plus indicated that he should follow a bland diet. He hardly had one or two blisters, and in general it all went very well. After that I decided to investigate a little more on those two fruits. I found out that pineapples are:

-a great anti-inflammatory

-a great protection against macular degeneration

-a great digestive aid, get rid of constipation

-provide antioxidant protection

-a great booster of the immune system

-energy booster

Pineapples are used not only as a dessert but also in the preparation of main dishes, in addition to making great fresh juice and ice cream; and I mention ice cream separated from desserts because ice cream is ice cream!

Pineapples have been so important throughout history that King Charles II of England posed for a portrait receiving a pineapple as a gift.

Sculptures of pineapples have been displayed outside homes as a sign of hospitality – welcoming friends and strangers.

In the north east of the United States, having pineapple served during important events said a lot about the host and hostess social status and it is said that pineapples were rented by the day so they could be exhibited at these events.

It is also associated with warm memories.

Pineapples are peeled, cut and cored before eating. The core is so fibrous that it could cut small incisions on the tongue making it a little difficult to eat; the “eyes” of the pineapple should also be avoided, they are prickly.

If possible, the best way to present it is the way the people from Thailand do (I am sure there is a great method to follow, I’ll do my best to explain):

Cut the crown and put aside

Cut the base and discard

Peel by sections starting at the top towards the bottom

Once all peel is gone, make diagonal incisions to eliminate the “eyes”

Core with a long, thin knife (in Thailand they have a special device for this)

Slice

Put slices together on a platter forming the pineapple

Cut in sections and top with the crown

It not only looks beautiful, it is ready for guests at a buffet table

Enjoy!!!

Tea

2008-04-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

Tea, is more than a waker upper and a delicious brew that can be enjoyed at any time during the day.

-Controls and prevents gas. I learned this during a women's retreat last year. Most women have serious problems using public bathrooms and even more problems when the bathroom is in a shared cabin. I learned this from two Colombian ladies when searching for the farthest, most hidden bathroom in the compound. Drink tea, it will make your stay more comfortable.

-Contains fluoride. Good not only for your teeth but also for your bones. I read a long time ago that fluoride fixates calcium to your bones.

-Menstrual cramps? Put a pair of socks to warm your feet and have a delicious cup of tea with plenty of sugar; wait a few minutes and you will see how good it feels. You can also add a warm towel to your tummy.

-Pink eye? Why use antibiotic creams or drops if you have tea handy and it actually works faster! Boil about half a cup of water or less, put two bags of tea in it and then put it in the freezer to cool as much as possible without allowing it to freeze. Put a bag on each eye and allow the tea to go into your eyes, you can always let some drops in with a dropper. It feels fresh and soothing in addition to improve your eyes dramatically. I have used it many times not only for pink eye but when my eyes are tired or irritated.

-Bought your nylons in a shade too pale for your skin? Let your nylons boil in tea for a few minutes - it works! We all did when I was in high school.

Melissa or Lemon Balm - Toronjil

2008-04-28T20:47:00.000-04:00

I remember that when I was a little girl, adults would joke about giving Melissa tea "agua de toronjil" to anybody that was sour, edgy or plain rude.

Melissa or Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family. It is known to have been used in the middle ages as a calming herb to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep. It is also used as a digestion aid and to calm menstrual cramps or colics.

Melissa was brought from the middle east to the west by the Benedictine monks and later brought to the North American colonies not only as medicine but also as a seasoning herb.

Because of its fragrance, Melissa attracts bees, therefore its name, which means "honey bee".

When used as essential oil, it can even be used to calm stressed or overactive children: put a few drops in a humidifier or in one of those essential oil heaters (I don't know their name).

Melissa also alleviates respiratory difficulties in cases of allergy, asthma, cough, colds, etc.

In addition to the above, it heals cold sores: Take a drop of Melissa's essential oil and add a drop of water, apply over the sore or blister.

It also can be used to alleviate itchiness caused by insect bites: Add 1 teaspoon of Melissa's essential oil to 3.5 ounces of petroleum Vaseline, mix well. Rub lightly on bites.

To alleviate the pain caused by herpes zoster, add 5 drops of Melissa's essential oil to 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Rub it lightly and regularly over affected area.

The tea is made by adding 3 leaves to a litter of boiling water; turn off and let brew. Drink as much as needed. If given to children, instead of three leaves, use only one.

NEVER apply Melissa's essential oil directly on the skin as it might irritate it; always use water, Vaseline or olive or jojoba oil to dilute.

Backache

2008-04-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

Are you suffering from backache and not sure what is causing it? X-rays show nothing abnormal? Lab tests come back normal?

Try putting your feet one at a time under the water before the rest of your body when you take a shower; just as you were taught to do when you were little.

This was good advise given to my husband by an older and wise friend when we lived in Costa Rica. It worked very well.

We both have adopted that ever since.

Milk to treat a congested cold?

2008-04-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not! Maybe it was because at the time milk was not contaminated with all the extra "good things" they have added.

What I remembered last night is that when I was little, I suffered from asthma. My mother used to cook milk with thyme, cinnamon and coconut and give it to me. It always was good, but as I said, milk was pure then.

Nowadays, milk makes me sneeze, get a stuffed nose and sometimes gives me the sensation of an oppressed chest; of course that does not happen when I drink organic milk.

This all reminds me that thyme is also very good for many things... but, that is subject for another post.

Want to get rid of the phlegm?

2008-04-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

My niece, who is attending fourth year of med school, was taken to the hospital last week with pneumonia.

My mother who just turned 79 started showing symptoms of pneumonia. Needless to say, we have been extremely worried, as this happened just after she had almost stopped eating for several weeks and had lost a considerable amount of weight.

The doctor prescribed a strong antibiotic for my mom and other medication for the phlegm and the cough. The antibiotic started working and her fever went down, however the syrup was not doing its job and the doctor has to be very careful in what he prescribes since she is taken medication for high blood pressure and some heart issues.

One of the neighbors, a doctor's wife, came to visit and advised the following, which by the way has been extremely helpful and... with no side effects!

1 carrot
1 clove of garlic
1 1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil, let it go down to two cups
Drink the tea sweetened with honey

Proven to be effective!

Freckles

2008-04-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

I always liked my freckles until we moved to South Florida, then maybe because of the unavoidable exposure to the sun all of a sudden my freckles became so big that they started joining one another making the equivalent to the America's map on my left cheek.

I have been using several prescription lotions and even a sunscreen with an SPF 80; it has been a long, long, long process and just now one of those horrendous freckles started to fade somewhat.

Searching, searching, I found that dandelions have proven to be quite successful in the treatment of freckles and I will start using the two mixtures below as soon as I find dandelions. I am going to the natural food store this week - they probably have them.

Here are the recipes I found in a loose page of what must have been a very, very old book.

#1:

Get a handful of dandelion flowers in a litter and 1/4 of cold water. Let boil for 20 to 30 minutes, sieve. Wash your face in the morning and at night with this.

#2:

Make a cream with the following:

100 grams of dandelion flowers fresh juice (I have no idea how to make this though)
100 grams of rice starch
Starch glycerate (a trip to the natural food store is a must now!)
Apply every night

I am going to look for the ingredients and will keep you posted. However, if any of my readers decides to go for these two items and find the ingredients sooner,please share with us the results.

Chayote Squash (Guisquil) - The Latest!!

2008-04-20T21:43:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Diane and her friend Sheryl spent yesterday morning with me; I baked bread and Diane brought German Pancake a.k.a. Deutsch Baby complete with all the trimmings. Needless to say we had fun and ate too much; naturally the conversation veered towards weight loss sometime during this feast. A feast is not a feast unless we feel guilty about it...

Sooo, this is what I learned yesterday:

Make a smoothie with a chayote squash, water and honey. Drink it, it will curb your appetite; in fact, you will be so satisfied you will not need to eat for quite a while.

Because of what I heard, it is my understanding that it could also be a great cure for constipation.

If you try it, let me know what happens.

Cornstarch for Reflux!

2008-04-18T16:58:00.000-04:00

My mother told me last night that there is nothing as refreshing nor that guarantees a good night sleep as to drink the following after the last meal of the day:

2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/2 a glass of water, move with a spoon and drink.

Of course she says that individuals must exercise their good judgment as to the time when they eat in the evenings and also sleep in a semi-sitting position.

She says that if for any reason the individual cannot have a special bed, or adapt the one he's using; old phone books under the mattress at the head of the bead have worked for some people.

Arthritis, Painful and Unwelcome

2008-04-18T16:25:00.000-04:00

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that could have rheumatic or traumatic origin. Traumatic when it shows its ugly head after a fall or a fracture.

Those who know, recommend that individuals suffering of arthritis include in their diet the following: Pineapples, asparagus, plantains, artichokes, cabbage, endives, wheat, honey, cherries, potatoes, grapefruits, tomatoes, redcurrant and grapes.

Here is a tea recommended for arthritis:

1 tablespoon of artichoke leaves
1/2 liter of cold water
Make this boil for 5 minutes, sieve. Drink a glass of this tea half of an hour before the two main meals of the day at least for 10 to 12 continuous days.

Let me know how that works!

Honey, Honey – Sweet and Golden

2008-04-17T22:48:00.000-04:00

Ooh, the things to be said about honey!

If this were a historical blog, I could type an entry that would easily take a good day and a half to red, but, I will concentrate on this blog’s objective as much as I can.

It is said that beekeeping with the intention of producing honey started around 700 B.C.

For a long time in history, honey’s use in cooking was reserved only for the wealthy because it was so expensive only they could afford it.

For millennia, honey was a queen in the culinary world until the advent of sugar. Although honey is still used as a sweetener, sugar is widely used because of its price.

Honey has been regarded as sacred, being used in religious ceremonies, as a tribute to the gods and to embalm the dead. I has been attributed mythical and mystical properties. Ambrosia, the drink of the gods, was said to be made of honey, bestowing immortality on those who drank of it.

We find many customs and traditions associated with honey among almost all cultures and races.

In modern times, we have focused on its therapeutic properties, its use in confectionery and pastry making, as well as its use in cosmetics.

Honey can be pasteurized or raw. Raw honey is the one that has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered. Always look for 100% pure honey; it is normally indicated on the label. Remember that its flavor is directly related to its color. The darker the color, the deeper the flavor.

You might also look for honeydew varieties, which have been found to have higher levels of disease-fighting antioxidants.

Look for honey that has been produced by beekeepers that do not use refined sugar as a feed source or use harmful insecticides.

Do not give to children less than a year old; it contains clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening, paralytic disease. Honey is safe for older children and adults.

Storage:

Keep hone stored in an airtight container and in a cool dry place; it will keep for a long, long time and its flavor will continue unaltered.

Cooking with honey:

· When honey has crystallized, place the container in hot water for a few minutes.

· Do not heat honey in the microwave.

· If you do not want honey to stick to spoons, use it in its liquid form.

· Honey is sweeter than sugar – use less: Approximately one half of a cup of honey to a cup of sugar.

· When using honey to cook, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe; approximately one quart of a cup.

· Reduce the cooking temperature by 25° F.

Therapeutic uses:

· A source of energy.

· Physical weakness due to sickness or stress.

· It calms the mind allowing strengthening and peaceful sleep; prevents and treats insomnia.

· Alleviates indigestion.

· Used to treat cardiovascular disease.

· Used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, dissolves mucus: Mix some honey with one teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme and take as often as needed.

· Great skin disinfectants and small wounds healer: it dries water excess, reduces swelling and prevents infections by destroying germs. Just apply on the wound and cover with a sterilized bandage.

· Chapped lips healer. Apply as you would Vaseline.

· Used to treat coughs and colds: Make syrup with a quart of a cup of honey and the fresh juice of a lime. Take by the teaspoon through the day.

· Use it as a relaxant: Take two tablespoons of honey and three drops of lavender oil; add to you bath. You will sleep like a baby!

· Hay Fever. Use honey produced locally.

Mmhh… Yummy!!!

· As a sweetener in your tea or fresh fruit juices

· In a banana/strawberry smoothie.

· On apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon.

· With yogurt.

· On French bread or a slice of any bread with white cheese.

· On a banana with peanut butter.

· On a banana with sour cream.

· On toast.

Although rich in calories (a tablespoon has 64), honey has no fat and no cholesterol; is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, glucose, fructrose, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, niacin, and vitamin C.

Honey is not considered a vegan food.

Interesting info on honey:

· Honey was believed to be the symbol of the purest and noblest in Nature.

· It was used as a talisman, a protector from all evil.

· Germanic and Slavic races ate honey on Maundy Thursday to gain protection against all diseases.

· Honey was sprinkled in a room on Holy Saturday to kill mice and rats.

· It was given to cows to prevent pestilence.

· Honey was poured into wells to prevent contamination.

· A string dipped into honey at sunrise and tied around a fruit tree would produce a rich fruit crop.

· Blessing the fields with honey was an old custom.

· In ancient Germanic, farmers poured milk and honey after plowing the first furrow.

· It was believed that the honey combs of a stingy or quarrelsome individual would be dry.

· It was good to send honey to the neighbors.

· Denying honey to the sick meant no honey in the combs in the future.

· To refuse honey to children was a sin against Mary and Joseph.

· To send honey to a dying person was bad luck.

· Menstruating women would turn the honey sour.

· A tree with bees nesting on it was believed to be magic.

· In Finland if a girl bakes a honey cake on Christmas Eve, keeps it in her bed overnight, and then gives a piece to her sweetheart, he will be faithful forever.

· Bees nesting on a home bring prosperity.

· Lightning will not strike a home were bees are nesting.

· Bees are believed to have originated in India.

· Honey is mentioned in many ancient manuscripts, including the Talmud and the Bible.

Cinnamon and Honey for Arthritis

2008-04-14T21:59:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Clarita told me this past Saturday after her son's wonderful performance that she has been drinking a mixture of honey and cinnamon to control the inflammation of her finger joints.

She says to be cautious though, because the prolonged use of it might irritate your stomach. She told me she was going to start putting the honey and cinnamon on her morning toast. She will keep us posted on the results.

Coconut Oil

2008-04-14T21:27:00.000-04:00

This has been a great week! I have learned quite a few things and one of those is that virgin organic cold-cold pressed coconut oil is fantastic for our health. My good friend Adolfo has been using it on daily basis for the last nine months.

He told me that in four months his "good" cholesterol levels improved whereas the "bad" cholesterol diminished and in addition the gap between the two cholesterols became a lot smaller.

He also called my attention to something all of us would be so happy to have, a great skin, shiny and soft - he showed me his elbow and I could not believe it. His face and arms looked absolutely smooth and healthy. I want that skin!

Then I remembered that I was told that when people are dehydrated coconut water is very good; somebody said in a conversation that it can even be used intravenously - I don't know if that is true though.

I also had heard that a human could survive for a long time drinking the water and eating coconut because it is so complete. So, if we ever are stranded in a solitary island, let's hope it is a tropical island.

What I know is that when we lived in Martinique, a lady told me that she had been prescribed coconut water and coconut itself to prevent fatigue and depression. I thought that was a great prescription because I love coconut.

I started investigating a bit on it; the first thing I read is that it does not clog our arteries, then I found out the following:

It is an important ingredient in baby's formulas
It is used in the diet of seriously ill patients
It is recommended for digestive and nutritional issues
It is recommended as protection against heart diseases
It has showed positive effects on people suffering from hemorrhoids, psoriasis, bladder infections and even the flu

Adolfo tells me that he uses this oil in lieu of butter or other oils; he adds it to the soup and to almost everything he eats. He says to keep it in the refrigerator to keep it solid to make it easier to spoon it out and that he consumes 5 tablespoons of coconut oil every day.

Coconut oil is not cheap, he told me of a place where he buys it for $42/gallon; I found a web site where they sell it at $70 and that is their "sale" price!

At any rate this is something very well worth considering; I know I am considering it very seriously.

Cider Vinegar For Thought...

2008-04-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

My friend Adolfo told me this afternoon that he has been taking cider vinegar for many years. Sometime ago he noticed the enamel on his teeth had worn off and by process of elimination, he got to the conclusion that it was the vinegar. So, he stopped taking it; due to its many great qualities, he decided to start drinking it again - now he uses a straw and immediately after, he rinses his mouth with baking soda to counteract the alkaline effects of the vinegar.

He also told me about coconut oil, but... that is material for another post. I will return...

Stinging Nettle for Diabetes and Other

2008-04-10T18:38:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the expression "7-minute itch"? It originated on the sting caused by the sharp spines on the nettle leaves. It can easily be cured by rubbing the leaves of mint, rosemary or sage over the affected area.

Nettle has among many things: histamines, chlorophyll, enzymes, hormones, mineral salts, formic acid, and vitamin C.

Nettle is said to purify the blood stream due to is diuretic effects and its detoxifying agents.

Reduces sugar levels in the blood.
Stimulates the metabolism.
It s a digestion aid.
Works as an analgesic.
Alleviates arthritis and gout discomfort.
Promotes a clean and healthy skin.
Prevents premature hair loss.
Helps prevent kidney stones.
Those with enlarged prostates might find it helpful to urinate without difficulty.
Cures anemia.
The new and tender leaves might be added to salad or soup as a digestion aid.

Blood Purifier Tea:

1/2 ounce nettle leaves
1/2 ounce dandelion leaves
1/2 ounce birch leaves
1/2 ounce rose hip

Mix well and put a teaspoon of this mixture in a cup, add boiling water and let it sit for ten minutes. Drink this tea twice a day.

This might also work well for acne.

Tea to cure anemia:

1/2 ounce nettle
1/2 ounce yarrow (milfoil)
1/2 ounce St. John's Wort
1/2 juniper cones
1/4 ounce mint leaves

Mix well and put one to two teaspoons of this mixture in a cup, add boiling water and let it sit for ten minutes. Drink this tea half an hour before each meal. Add honey - I read it is delicious.

Tea for arthritis and gout:

1 ounce nettle
1/2 ounce mint
1/2 ounce meadowsweet
1/2 ounce willow bark

Mix well and put three tablespoons of this mixture in a one-litter container, add boiling water and let it sit for five minutes, sieve. Drink this tea through the day for 3 weeks. Stop for ten days and then repeat.

All of the above I have obtained through different sources, I have not tested any of the teas. However, if you would decide to try any of the teas above, please let me know on the results.

Acne, Self Esteem's Foe

2008-04-08T20:42:00.000-04:00

This enemy to emotional peace and comfort is believed to be only for young people (teen to 30 years old) however, it could raise its horrible head again at fifty!

Sometimes if an individual eats too much, has difficult digestions and constipation, bad circulation, or some disorder of the endocrine glands, it might manifest its presence.

A very simple diet is recommended for individuals affected with acne: Light meats such as rabbit, chicken or veal. Abundant raw vegetables and fresh fruits. Avoid as much as possible over seasoned, spicy or fried dishes, coffee and tea.

I read in a natural medicine book that my mother gave me, two ways to treat it; use both at the same time as one is by ingestion and the other one is for external use.

Tea:

Mix equal parts of crushed burdock root and crushed nettle root. Take 2 tablespoons of this mixture and add to 1/2 litter of cold water. Allow to boil for 20 minutes and sieve. Drink preferably hot, half before breakfast and half before going to bed.

If the individual suffering acne also suffers constipation, add to the mixture above one tablespoon of licorice.

WARNING: Make sure that you use burdock root only as indicated. Mixed with other ingredients can be poisonous.

To apply on the skin:

100 grams of fresh juice made of burdock leaves
30 grams of lime juice
Starch glycerate (starch glycerol)
20 grams of buckwheat

Make a cream with it and apply every afternoon after washing skin with a herbal soap.

Please keep in mind I have never used the treatments above, I cannot attest to their effectiveness, all I can say it is in a book that has given me good advise before.

Burdock is known for its diuretic and blood purifying qualities; good for boils, scurvy and rheumatic affections. Good for ulcers, scaly skin and chronic indigestion.

As a poultice is good for tumors, gout, bruises and inflammation.

Buckwheat is commonly used for baking, as its flour is considered very nutritious and of easy digestion.

It is used to treat erysipelas and to restore the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

Buckwheat may cause a rash on allergic individuals when ingested.

Olive Oil

2008-04-07T21:14:00.000-04:00

My sister just started using a mixture of 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the content of two vitamin E capsules. She says just to rub it on the nails and they will get stronger. I will start this coming weekend and will keep you posted.

But what I know for sure is that in Guatemala teething babies are given what is called French bread, it is hardened or toasted in the oven and then sprinkled with olive oil and a few grains of salt. The baby scratches his gums with the bread and the olive oil coats his tummy so when he picks up dirty objects and puts them in his mouth they won't harm him. Babies get diarrhea often when they are teething.

Also, many years ago one of my loved ones got very sick to his stomach, I did what I do every time I am desperate and don't know what to do: I called my mom; source of all my inspiration.

She simply said, give him two tablespoons of olive oil with a dash of salt or a drop of lime juice. I asked her if that would make more harm than good and she explained to me that unless it would be a very bad infection, what it would do is kind of sweep it clean in one shot and immediately after all diarrhea would stop. I did because I trust her and presto, chango ala kazoo! He felt better in no time.

There are plenty of good things about olive oil; I will continue tomorrow.

Chamomile The Lady of The House

2008-04-04T18:32:00.000-04:00

Our first baby suffered of colics. His colics seemed to get worst every night at 6 p.m. and the horrendous session would last approximately one hour. He was in pain and I cried alongside. I tried many things, anise tea, Chamomile tea, warm towels on his tummy and also on his feet - the colics lasted 3 months.

When he was five, he was having some digestive problems and I took him to the naturist doctor, she advised the following: In a shallow pan, heat up two tablespoons of olive oil, put one tablespoon of Chamomile flowers and let them stand for a few hours. Give him the oil through the day - it did work.

When our second son was born, he had a very delicate skin; sometimes his pajamas would leave marks on it - I was told to add Chamomile tea to his bath to strengthen the skin - again, it did its job.

Different applications, good results!

We like to drink it after a big dinner as a digestive, relaxing tea.

Here a list of great things Chamomile can do for you:

-Menstrual cramps.
-Asthma.
-Diarrhea.
-Gall bladder stones.
-Tooth ache - hold the tea in your mouth for a few minutes, several times a day.
-Jaw throbbing.
-Cystitis,
-Middle ear infections
-Drastic mood changes: Stubbornness, irritability, impulsiveness, anxiety.
-Difficulty to sleep at night and drowsiness in the daytime.
-Emotional aches.
-Fear of rejection.
-Baby's teething.
-When one cheek is cold and the other is hot - hold the tea in your mouth for a few minutes.
-Indigestion.
-Painful flatulence (gas).
-Frequent burping.
-Constipation.
-Nauseas after drinking coffee.
-Sweats after eating.
-Hot feet.
-Numb and weak hands.
-Sciatic pain.
-Joint pain.
-Muscle cramps.
-Heavy leg sensation.
-Eczema.
-Gingivitis.
-Hemorrhoids.
-Conjunctivitis, eye irritations.
-Cold sores.
-All skin irritations.
-Ulcerative colitis.
-Minor wounds; as a poultice, will reduce swelling and might even prevent gangrene.
-Irritable bowel syndrome.
-Migraines.
-Crohn's Disease.
-Burning and tired eyes - use a few drops of the tea without sugar; when applied externally will relieve puffiness and black circles.
-In some of the Caribbean islands, they rub the tea on the skin as an insect repellent.

As in previous entries, I am sure I will be back with more.

Action is Needed to Boost the Inmune System

2008-04-03T17:51:00.000-04:00

Here are some tips that have been given to me to boos the immune system. Everyday:

A balanced diet.
Deep breathing, the kind they teach you in Yoga class.
Regular, moderate exercise (if possible one hour a day).
1,000 ER - Vitamin A (1 carrot).
60 mg. - Vitamin C (1 orange).
8 to 10 mg. - Vitamin E.
Gentle taps for 5 minutes on the mid of the breastbone to stimulate the Thymus, the organ or gland that produces the T-Cells, very important for our immune system.
Keep your home's humidity between 30 and 50% to prevent dryness of the nose. That will protect the Cilium - the hair in your nose - that protect your respiratory system against unwanted germs.
Start your day with a few minutes of a hot shower; then change the temperature to lukewarm or cold.
Always put your right leg in first when you shower. I wish I had a logical explanation for this one, but that is the way I was told since I was very little.
Practice relaxation techniques regularly. Prepare Valerian, lettuce, mint chamomile, Alice Grass or Linden teas. GET RID OF STRESS!!
Lymphatic massages.
Oxygen therapy.
Eat garlic, horseradish, fresh onions to hinder the growth of bacteria.
Put mint oil in your bath.

Health cocktails:

3 carrots
1 orange
1 apple
1/2 beet

Use either the juicer or the blender, drink daily. I was told to give this to my 1-year-old son because he was always catching colds. It did help big time.

We all drank every morning for a year and a half:

A quart of a pound of grapes
7 strands of parsley
1 stalk of celery
1 carrot

If you use the blender, use cheesecloth to strain. Delicious, refreshing, energetic and effective.

Honey

2008-04-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

Did you know that honey is good for cracked lips? Use it as needed. Wait for more, tomorrow it will be about honey, the golden sweet gift from God.

And You Thought Chives Were Only Chives...

2008-03-31T21:14:00.000-04:00

Chives were used in the middle ages to cure the "blues". Nowadays we know that chives and their flowers are rich in vitamins A and C, folic acid (one of the B vitamins), calcium, iron, and potassium. Its high concentration of sulfur compounds and essential oils are responsible for their healing qualities.

This is what I have learned about chives, have not tested them as a health aid, only in the kitchen and love them.

-Chives soothe upset stomachs.
-Effective against heart disease.
-Stimulate appetite.
-Clear a stuffed nose.
-Relieve flatulence.
-Believe it or not, sweeten your breath.
-Combined with a low-salt diet, reduce high blood pressure.
-Diuretic.
-Antibacterial.
-Reduces cholesterol levels.
-Good for cold prevention.
-Expectorant and mucus reducer.

Always:

-Chop chives just before using.
-Never heat them up, always add before serving.
-Flowers have a milder taste than leaves.
-Flowers can be added to the salads.
-Flowers good for garnishing.

If you plant them at home put in pot near a window. Cut when chives reach approximately 6 inches. Do not allow to blossom unless you want to use the flowers.

Chives can be frozen: Chop chives and place them in ice cube trays, add water. Defrost by placing cubes in a sieve before using.

Chives salt:
Chop chives
Add salt and mix
Place on cookie sheet
Place in oven at very low temperature until dry
Keep in hermetic container

Chives oil:

1 litter olive oil
3 chives buds
Let stand for a week or until it changes its color to a soft lilac
Keep refrigerated

Sage, The Saving Herb

2008-03-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

Sage, in Spanish Salvia - from the Latin Salvare, which means to save or heal. In Guatemala it's called Salvia Santa, Holy Sage. Wow!

Did you know that there is not part of the sage plant that isn't good for us? This means we can use the leaves, the flowers and the stems. Every piece of it!

I remember that when I was little, every time someone would go through a very emotional moment, somebody would run out to the garden, cut some Salvia Santa leaves and make a cup of tea for the affected individual.

I saw it being administered to a person that was suffering what I now believe was Delirium Tremens.

Sage has three essential oils - Thuya, Camphor, Eucalyptol; it also has substances that help control sweat and have same effects as estrogen.

-In the middle ages it was used to extend your years on earth - longevity...

-I just read that chopped leaves when added to the toothpaste act as a powerful antiseptic that helps eliminate plaque, works as a disinfectant and strengthens bleeding gums.

Sage tea:

Pour a cup of hot water over two sage leaves, let it brew for ten minutes.

Sage vinegar:

Add sage leaves to non-distilled wine vinegar.

Rest while you sleep, use a sage pillow:

Just add sage leaves to your pillow.

Use sage extract to make gargles for a sore throat.

When using sage's essential oil for massages, make sure to add water; never use it whole.

Sage uses:

-As a soother for the nervous system.
-As an anti inflammatory.
-To control nocturnal or nervous sweating.
-To treat respiratory infections.
-Nasal congestion.
-As a cough suppressant.
-To treat tonsillitis.
-Sage stimulates a healthy appetite.
-Alleviates indigestion.
-Is good for the liver.
-Used to lower fever.
-Good for the kidneys and urinary system.
-It is also used as an aid to control menopause symptoms.

Parsley Good For Neuralgic Headaches, the Circulatory System and to Loose Weight

2008-03-28T19:56:00.000-04:00

A little over a year after our first son was born, I started having headaches, which was completely a new experience to me. I started taking over the counter medication and when I realized the headaches only got worse went to the doctor who ordered X rays and gave me some very strong medication that kept me under the radar. Not a good thing when your first baby is barely a year old and your family has been transferred to a new country where you have many things to learn and do.

The headaches kept increasing in length and strength; they would start over my right eyebrow and slowly would creep down the right side of my neck, my back and my leg. I still functioned but under duress. Several years passed by until I finally found a naturist doctor that prescribed the following:

7 strands of parsley
The juice of 3 limes
Put it all in the blender (if you need you may add a little water) and then sieve
Drink that juice 3 times a day

I love parsley, I love limes and what I did is add a little salt to make believe it was some kind of salad (may be...) and wonder of wonders, my headaches improved the very first day and altogether disappeared.

As an added bonus, I lost weight - hooray!!

Later on I read that Parsley is very rich in iron; iron helps oxygenate the blood stream, vitamin C is needed to metabolize the iron.

At any rate, although I do not take the parsley juice anymore, those horrendous headaches disappeared.

Now, I have found that that Ste. Hildegard von Bingen, in the middle ages used to prescribe parsley wine to improve the blood circulation; it was believed that that would help a heart condition as well; here it is:

10-12 parsley strands
1 litter of wine - red or white (I am partial to red)
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
Boil 10 minutes and then add
9 ounces of honey
Sieve and keep in glass bottles
Take 1 tablespoon three times a day

One day while talking to a French nutritionist, my neighbor, who had worked in Guatemala, she told me that the Indian women in the mountains took parsley tea in abundance as a "family planning" tool. Since then I have found that it is not recommended to pregnant women in big amounts because of its hight apiol content, this oil stimulates uterine contractions.

This same oil is also very good to stimulate kidney function.

I have heard that in Guatemala, lactating mothers eat parsley and also put strands of it on their breasts when they want to stop the flow of milk.

Here are some good things about parsley:

-Medicinal herb known for more than 2,000 years.
-Good to sweeten your breath, if you are a smoker try it, it works beautifully. That's also the reason why it often accompanies garlic dishes.
-The Greek used its seeds and roots for its diuretic and soothing effects when affected by kidney and bladder ailments.
-It strengthens the digestive system.
-It is good for the liver.
-Good to regulate the menstrual cycle.
-Its diuretic effects are good for those women suffering PMS.
-Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamins A and C.
-Good in the treatment of anemia.
-Purifies the blood and accelerates the elimination of toxins.
-Helps to stabilize metabolism.
-Diminishes stomach aches and nausea.
-Alleviates the symptoms of arthritis.
-Helps prevent cardio-vascular disease.
-Good in the treatment of cancer due to its high content of the amino acid histidine, which inhibits tumor growth.
-It reduces the cardiac rhythm.
-Reduces blood pressure.

Cooking tips:

-Never cook it, the heat destroys its nutritional value. Always add parsley when food is ready and just before serving.
-Do not use dry parsley, is not as tasty or nourishing.
-Choose Italian parsley over the curly type, higher nutritional value and better flavor.
-Parsley can be frozen.
-If you want to keep it fresh, sprinkle it with water and wrap in paper towels, put it in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate.
-It may also be placed in a container with water, just as you would do with a flower bouquet and then put it in the refrigerator.

Bananas, Ooh Bananas - The Miracle Fruit!

2008-03-27T23:34:00.000-04:00

When I was little I was forced to have oatmeal with sliced bananas for breakfast. If I had know what I know now, I would have never complained... bananas boost brain power, keep us alert and make learning easier. To think I could have been a genius...

Bananas are more than an item in our kids' lunch box; here some reasons for their greatness:

-Bananas are the most complete fruit we have.

-Bananas contain amino acids that our body does not produce.

-Bananas contain vitamins C and E, phosphorus, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, niacin and pantothenic acid.

-Contain sucrose, fructose and glucose, all natural sugars.

-Bananas contain trytophan, a protein that our bodies convert to serotonin which helps us relax and feel happier.

-Feeling blue? Stressed? Eat a banana - you will feel better.

-Bananas' B6 vitamin will regulate blood glucose levels - glucose levels affect our mood.

-Anemia? Eat bananas! They stimulate the production of hemoglobin.

-It is also used to control blood pressure due to its high potassium content - this reduces the risks of a stroke up to 40% - now I know why the older you get the more important bananas become.

-Constipated? Eat bananas, lots of fiber, no need of laxatives.

-Banana vinegar is good to unclog drains, I learned this during our two-year-stay in the "Banana Capital of the World".

-Bikers consider bananas a source of energy.

-A banana milkshake with honey is said to be a quick cure for a hangover.

-Bananas are also used to sooth heartburn.

-I have been told they are good for morning sickness - I have to ask a pregnant woman about this...

-Bananas are rich in Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin needed to prevent the anemia during pregnancy and very important during infancy.

-I just read that the inside of the banana peel can help reduce the swelling and irritation of a mosquito bite.

-Because of all the B vitamins, they are good for the nervous system.

-Good for ulcers. Even chronic ulcers.

-Banana flowers are used to treat bronchitis and diarrhea. Cooked flowers are also used to treat diabetes.

-The banana plant sap is said to be used in cases of hysteria, epilepsy, leprosy and hemorrhoids.

-My husband just told me that many years ago, when bananas did not travel in boxes but on their stem, the stems were used to make fiber for the stuffing of mattresses.

-Green bananas are used as cattle feed in Ecuador.

-And to add to all this goodness, I just read that the banana peel is also good to kill warts: Take the peel and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out and secure with a band aid or surgical tape. If you try this one, please let me know how it works and how long you have to keep the peel over the wart.

-If you run out of plates, you can confidently use banana leaves; it would be interesting to see the reaction of your guests.

There are many ways to eat bananas:

-Banana cream pie

-Dried, they are very sweet and delicious

-Banana milkshake

-A smoothie made of bananas, strawberries and oranges

-Raw, sliced on your cereal

-Flambée

-Banana bread pudding

-Banana bread

-Raw bananas with sour cream and brown sugar on top

-Cut open with peanut butter

-Green banana soup for babies

-Dice green bananas and add them to your beef soup while still cooking, mmh... good!

-Banana chips - a great alternative to potato chips

If you want to share your favorite banana recipe, please do so! I love banana cream pie, but never learned to make it…

Natural Is Good - Appropriate Medical Counsel is Advised

2008-03-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

It is time that I tell you all that although my first choice to treat any ailment will be natural I strongly advise to exercise wisdom. There are times when modern medicine is necessary. Surgery might be the only alternative to get rid of some serious condition; strong medicine the only way to treat an ugly and destructive disease.

Each case is different and everyone should seek appropriate medical counsel.

What I write here is sometimes based on personal experience; sometimes based on the experience of people I know. Sometimes I heard or read about it. I believe that everything that was placed on earth was meant for our benefit if used wisely and in moderation.

Awesome Garlic!

2008-03-26T19:06:00.000-04:00

Many years ago we lived in a quaint Atlantic town in Costa Rica; our home overlooked the ocean and we got used to have lunch and dinner on the terrace. Of course nothing is perfect and there was a "long, black" problem: Snakes! The kind that bites you and allows you to take three steps before you find yourself in paradise.

I was afraid because although the houses in the area were built above ground, many of those snakes had been found on the terraces or climbing the stairs; our first son had just been born and I wanted him protected.

My mother suggested that I leave small plates with milk downstairs to distract the snakes but the lady that used to come and help me with the housework said, pointing out to the kitchen door, that I did not need it because the snakes would never come into our home. She went ahead and told me that as long as I had that "braid" of garlic hanging on the door snakes would look the other way, they loathe the smell of garlic. Next day I went out, bought a pound of garlic and distributed the cloves in every possible corner of the house and garden. You got it! I never had a snake come near the house. Maybe it was pure luck, I will never know, I am convinced it was all those garlic cloves growing around.

I have kept the practice all these years, I love gardening and want to feel secure while enjoying my favorite activity and we all know that snakes love the tropics and other not so tropical places. Every three months I go and buy a good amount of garlic and spread it around. Of course, garlic is "thankful" and you don't have to plant it to have a beautiful plant growing quickly. I have used those "cloves" in the kitchen and the flavor is outstanding.

Here are other known and not so known uses:

-Toads don't like it either, ours is the only house in the block without toads.
-I discovered that if I dig a hole at the root of my fruit trees, ants go away.
-I read many years ago that the juice of a pound of garlic gets rid of bacteria in a hectare.
-I have been told that Roman soldiers used to wrap garlic on their feet to prevent fungi.
-It is said to be effective against viruses.
-It is said that it was used against the plague in the middle ages.
-It also has antibiotic properties- I read it can be as strong as Penicillin.
-In Latin America we say that the reason mosquitoes attack so fiercely the foreigners is because they have not eaten enough garlic.
-It is used to lower cholesterol levels.
-It is used to lower high blood pressure.
-It is used to treat colds.
-I heard that in some places they use boiled milk with garlic to treat the cough and as a decongestant.
-I was always told to eat garlic to keep parasites where they belong, out of our bodies!
-It is used to treat heart disease.
-I read that studies have been done about its effect on atherosclerosis.
-It is also said to be good to treat cancer.
-And in addition to all this, garlic keeps vampires away!!

Now, as with all in life, use caution; here are some non-positive effects:

-In Ecuador they say not to eat garlic, onions or anything that could cause irritation after a surgery - you might not heal as fast.
-I read that it thins your blood - like aspirin.
-Some people can be allergic to it - rash, temperature and headaches.
-If you are taking medication to treat HIV/AIDS, consult your doctor as it could cause harmful side effects.
-It could be a powerful kiss deterrent.

Cider Vinegar Worked!

2008-03-26T08:15:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, I can't wait until tonight to report that this is the first morning in a long time that my head is not heavy; the cider vinegar did its job, so I took one more cup this morning.

One thing about natural methods is that we have to learn to be patient sometimes. For example, instead of popping a pill with a cup of tea, I had to look for the forgotten cider vinegar in my fridge, look for the baking soda, look for a mug that looked as if it contained 8 ounces of water, put the water in the mug and then both in the microwave before adding the vinegar and soda.

This solution worked faster than others, sometimes it takes two doses to start seeing the results (most of the times is immediate) and we get desperate in this world of instant gratification but the great thing about natural is that there are not side effects; after the cider tea last night I was not drowsy (even the non-drowsy pills put me to sleep) and this morning I am not suffering from the leftovers in my system. I can confidently drink another cider tea this morning because I know I will be able to work. Nothing can beat that!

Wonder of Wonders ! Cider Vinegar

2008-03-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well, tonight I was going to write about bananas and how they are good for a lot more than our children's lunch boxes, but I cannot wait to write about cider vinegar; I just found out two very important things about it.

I knew three things:

-Two tablespoons of cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and honey makes a delicious tea at any time.
-Cider vinegar is good to lower your cholesterol.
-Drinking a glass of water with one tablespoon of cider vinegar before breakfast helps to lose weight.

What I did not know and has worked for people I know:

-One tablespoon in the morning before breakfast will keep H. Pylori at bay. That means no heartburn, no reflux! My friend assures me it has changed her life. H. Pylori had her with back and leg aches and sometimes even feeling that she was having minimum a severe anxiety attack. No more! She drinks religiously her vinegar every morning and now she feels normal.

-Two tablespoons in an 8 ounce cup of hot water and an eight of a teaspoon of baking soda (to control the alkalinity) will relieve your sinuses; my colleague assures me that she drank it last night in desperation because the over the counter pills were not working and she was able to sleep after several difficult nights. Needless to say, I drank my 8 ounce mug as soon as I came home. I will keep you posted...

If I don't learn anything that has the sense of urgency I felt about cider vinegar tomorrow, I should be telling you how wonderful bananas are. Now I am preparing for a good night sleep under the influence of cider vinegar.

Luscious Avocado

2008-03-24T21:22:00.000-04:00

Avocados are simply delicious, no matter how you eat them: In salads, in soups, guacamole or like in some South American countries, as smoothies with honey and milk or ice cream.

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, E; they are also rich in iron, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, magnesium, niacin and biotin. Its fatty acids are highly digestible and like many other fruits (because avocados are fruits), they are good for more than a few things:

-Avocados are good for weight control (contrary to popular belief); its fat is mono unsaturated and I read that this speeds metabolism.

-Its fat gives a feeling of fullness quickly. That is good to stop overeating.

-I read that it is good for diabetics because it balances the sugar in the blood.

-It is widely known to reduce cholesterol.

-Because it is rich in antioxidants, it is a good weapon against cancer.

-It is good for pregnant women for all of the above.

-Its vitamin E is good to delay aging.

-I was told many years ago that one small avocado has enough protein to substitute an 8 ounce steak.

-In the Caribbean islands, a tea is made with the leaves or the bark to fight colds, cough, asthma and high blood pressure.

-They also boil a leafy branch to control diarrhea.

-I just read that if you mix the seed with cheese, you can get rid of the rats in your barn - ough!

-I heard many years ago of a Peace Corp volunteer that allowed her fiancées Central American Indian family to put avocado leaves on her head to ease a headache.

-To nourish your hair and scalp. Take a very ripe avocado, puree it and then put it in your hair for about 15 minutes, then shampoo as you always do. If you want to add an egg yolk and oil, go ahead, it won't hurt, just will make your hair oilier and you will need to shampoo it more than twice.

-As a face mask for dry skin.

I like to buy them when they are still green and hard to the touch; then I leave them in a basket on my counter and wait two or three days until they are soft (but not too much) and then cut them open.

It is good to add a few drops of lime juice so it does not get black. When making guacamole it is also good to leave the pit in until you are ready to serve. One more thing, do not use metal when preparing it, use plastic or wooden utensils; this will also prevent its getting black.

Well, this is it for now. Will come back tomorrow with more things, I am debating whether I should talk about bananas or garlic; what do you think?

Salt... Sweeter Than Sugar?

2008-03-22T09:49:00.001-04:00

Soo, we all enjoy salt in our food, right? What is a good steak without the appropriate amount of salt? What is a delicious green mango without salt? I can keep on going and not finish today; but I am here this morning to tell you that there is more to salt than seasoning.

-My father in law used boiled water with salt to relieve his sinuses.

-Salt is good to get rid of slugs (it kills them!). Don't try it on snakes though; it does not work; I tried it after using oil and bleach; the only thing that worked was a pot of boiling water... it was a small snake.

-When I was little we used to put the lettuce in salt water to make sure parasites would get off the leaves. I never had amoebas, but it could have been good fortune and good selection of veggies...

-Cooking chicken or fish in the oven over a bed of salt (nothing else) enhances the natural flavor of the meat. A friend from Paraguay gave me the secret. Just make sure you don't over do it with the amount of salt you use.

-Soaking your feet in warm water with a tablespoon of salt will relax your feet.

-And, something I was told to do recently... salt is great to wash your stainless steel pans when you burn the food in them - which is something I do very often!

Soak your burned pan or pot for a while, remove the water, add soap dish and a teaspoon of salt. Rub with the sponge and voilá! The pan is clean and shiny.

As with Aloe, I am sure I will be back with more. Don't go too far...

Aloe, A Gift From God

2008-03-20T20:43:00.000-04:00

Aloe is in shampoo, creams and sunscreen. However, beauty is not its only aim.

My father-in-law used to grow it in in his garden and used it for any and every skin ailment; even his dogs benefited from it. We have followed his example. Here a few things that I know and others that I have been told:

-A few years ago I burned my stomach with boiling water; my husband put an open leaf on the burn and on top a bag of ice; he made me keep both all night. Even though the burn had been bad to the point that my clothes were sticking to my skin, next day I had not blisters and in two days my skin looked as though nothing had ever happened.

-I have also used it for cuts, bruises and rashes. It is especially good for little children because it does not burn and is very soothing.

-The owner of a nursery nearby told me that she made a point of blending the pulp every morning with orange juice (Aloe is extremely bitter) and drank it to prevent varicose veins. She said that she was over 55 at the time, to me she did not look older than 40 years old.

-A Colombian friend told me that in her country the potential candidates to Miss Colombia are groomed since an early age and one of their beauty secrets is to drink a beverage made as follows:

To a big jar of water they add dark brown sugar (panela) and then add the pulp of the Aloe previously cut in little squares, they let it stand overnight and drink it through the day.

-At a ladies meeting, I was told that to help with a stomach ulcer, it is good to broil the leaf on both sides and then eat the pulp - now how do you do that? I don't know. I still have to find out... in our next meeting I'll make a point of asking.

-In Ecuador you can see it often hanging from the roots with a red ribbon behind the main door; it is believed to protect from evil eye and bad vibes.

I am sure there is a lot more to tell about Aloe and as I find out I will share with you.

Delicious Apple

2008-03-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

Several years ago when we lived in Ecuador I underwent major surgery and when I was back home had serious problems going to sleep; a combination of the anesthesia, the stress and the many times they woke me up while I was in the hospital.

One of the young women that worked for me at home, suggested that I drink "colada de manzana". What she did was cook one apple with sugar in abundant water, then put it in the blender while still warm and made me drink one cup every evening. It did work! In a matter of days I was back to my regular schedule and very rested.

Do you think that's the reason why that is the first fruit we give to babies? Who knows... but it would make sense - when babies are young we need them to take long naps so we can rest a bit.

And are you ready for this? Apples belong to the rose family! Yeap! I was also surprised; but now I know why I like them so much and understand why they smell sooo good. And guess what? Archaeologists have discovered that apples were already in people's pantries more than 6, 000 years B.C.

Apples are good not only because they are very low in calories (only 80 calories estimated in a medium apple), but because they also have fiber they have no fat, no sodium and no cholesterol. Although I like to peel my apples, the advise is not to peel your apple - most of its fiber and antioxidants are in it.

Apples are one of the world's wonders; in addition to all of the above, they relieve constipation and get rid of lead and mercury in your body. Raw apples also clean your teeth and freshen your breath.

Do you think the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is true? I do!

Humble, Mild Lettuce, Yet a Queen!

2008-03-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

Can't sleep? Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Don't go beyond the produce aisle in your local grocery store!

Get a lettuce, any lettuce; Iceberg (or Crisphead), Romaine, Butterhead or Leaf, all are good.

You can make tea with the leaves and drink a cup or two and prepare for a wonderful night of sleep or long nap. Simple: Put two cups of water in a small pot, bring to a boil, drop two leaves of lettuce and turn off the heat. Wait 5 minutes and drink.

Even better, make a lettuce core salad... separate leaves from core and chop in little pieces, add lime juice, a bit of olive oil and salt, perfect for a snack (it will not be a big salad!).

Add lettuce to your salads and whenever you see a leaf, eat it! You will never regret it.

Many years ago, a very dear lady told me that the lettuce was know as the "body's broom". Try it, results are evident.

Refresh your feet

2008-03-17T20:18:00.000-04:00

Did you know that when your feet are tired and aching soaking them in warm water with salt works wonders?

Glorious Mango

2008-03-17T18:59:00.000-04:00

I love mangoes, always did! I love the fruit in all its shapes, sizes and flavors.

Let me share with you now one more reason to love mangoes. A few months ago I read that by drinking two cups of mango leaves three times a week I could lower my blood pressure! Not a hard thing to do; as soon as I got home I changed my shoes and went outside to cut two big leaves from my adored mango tree.

I left the leaves drying overnight (as I read you must do so for at least 14 hours) and next morning put them in a pot with 3 cups of water; I left this boil for 3 minutes and then waited until it cooled off a bit to drink my first cup of mango tea.

It did work!

After having enjoyed low blood pressure all my life, having high blood pressure is very scary. Now I drink mango leaves tea three days a week.

But mangoes' benefits do not stop there; did you know that the fruit also favors sleep in small children? Well, it does! If you have one of those tots that refuses to take a nap because he believes he is missing a great production, well make sure he eats some mango.

Mangoes have vitamins A and C, beta carotene, potassium, antioxidants and fiber! They are said to be also a good soother for tummy ache.

I will continue to find out new uses for mangoes, but in the meantime try making a pie with green mangoes - it will taste very much like apple pie. Bake a pie with ripe mangoes, mmhh... delicious! Try cooking them in water with sugar and cinnamon - serve them cold and enjoy.

Should we say: Eat a mango a day, keep the doctor away? I believe so!