Herbals teas are excellent way to discover the amazing healing properties of plants. The powerful work they do helps to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, fight nausea, increase energy, support digestion, improve sleep and restore and revitalize your body in many more ways. Herbal medicine is supported by thousands of peer reviewed scientific studies. Herbal teas are affordable, simple to make, and are quickly absorbed. It is important to buy quality, organic tea. As they sit in hot water to steep you want to make sure you avoid toxic and harmful residue from bleached tea bags and pesticides. Always store herbs in opaque, glass, airtight containers and in a dark cool place to preserve taste and aroma if you are storing for long periods of time.
Brewing Herbal Tea:
AnxieTea:
Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C and benefits include: calms nervous system to reduce anxiety and depression; supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure; Drinking hibiscus tea after a meal helps the body digest fats, improving cholesterol levels and lowering LDL; antioxidant properties support liver function; restorative for balancing hormones and easing symptoms of PMS and menopause; great in iced teas as it has an immediate cooling effect on the body. Lemon Balm is rich in antioxidants and benefits include: calms nervous system to reduce anxiety, creates a positive mindset, and improves mental alertness; supports restorative sleep; boosts memory, recall and problem solving skills; eases cramping in the digestive, and urinary tracts and during menstruation; antiviral properties treat cold sores and combat herpes. Holy Basil is a powerful adaptogen and benefits include: supports a healthy response to chronic stress and anxiety reducing cortisol and significantly elevating mood and improving mental clarity; anti-inflammatory properties support everything from digestion to immune function to the treatment of cancer; excellent for treating respiratory conditions and when grown in and around your home effectively purifies the air. Passion Flower is a natural sedative and benefits include: fights feelings of nervousness, anxiety, pressure, and ADHD without causing drowsiness; improves feelings of depression; provides menopause relief; eases pain associated with cramps, headaches, toothaches and sore muscles; helps you fall asleep faster, especially for those fighting insomnia. ZZ Tea:
Chamomile is rich in volatile oils and benefits include: calms nervous system to prevent anxiety from disrupting sleep; sleep aid that works by relaxing and calming the mind and body; supports digestion and soothes stomach aches; helps treat fevers, the common cold, and soothes a sore throat. Lavender has an amazing range of benefits that include: contains powerful essential oils that help you fall asleep faster and spend more time in restorative sleep; calms the mind and body relieving feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation; supports digestive system to treat colic, infections, and symptoms of IBS; excellent for treating depression and stabilizing mood swings; treats migraines; promotes faster wound healing. Linden is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients and benefits include: promotes a deep sense of relaxation; soothes and calms nerves; eases tension that causes headaches and migraines; sedative properties promote restorative sleep; antibacterial properties that support respiratory health and fight off the common cold and relieve throat irritation; eases digestion and treats bloating, gas, diarrhea, and cramps. Hops contain beneficial compounds like tannins and flavonoids and benefits include: calms nervous system to relieve stress and anxiety and improve mood; combats insomnia and restless sleep; acts as a diuretic and eases bladder pain and infections; improves digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid and has anti-spasmodic properties. DigestiviTea:
Yarrow is an underrated herb and its many benefits include: improves digestion by encouraging the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices; encourages bile flow from the gallbladder; eases symptoms of stomach ulcers; promotes sweating in cases of flus, fevers and colds to help the body detox; a natural expectorant; lessens menstrual bleeding and promotes circulation; chewing on the leaves eases tooth aches. Strawberry Leaf is high in antioxidants and Vitamin C and its benefits include: treats diarrhea, indigestion, and dysentery; tannins help balance the acids and the bases in the digestive tract that help break down food; normalizes pH; eases upset stomach, reduces bloating and cramps; diuretic properties. Tansy is commonly used throughout Europe and its benefits include: improves overall digestion and treats gas, bloating, and stomach ulcers; improves appetite; reduces fluid retention; regulates menstrual flow. *Do not use while pregnant. Jasmine is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and benefits include: rich in antioxidants, it encourages a healthy digestive system and prevents some forms of gastrointestinal cancers; helps ensure the proper digestion of food; helps reverse damage caused by diabetes; improves circulation to support heart and brain health. ImmuniTea:
Elderflower is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants and its benefits include: abundant in antivirals, chlorogenic acids and flavanols, making it extremely effective in fighting seasonal allergies and boosting the immune system; analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties; studies show it is a superior herb for reducing symptoms and treating the flu. Rose Petals show up in medical archives dating back to the ancient Egyptians and benefits include: packed with Vitamin C to boost the immune system and prevent seasonal allergies; improves liver function to help detox the body; aids digestion of fats by stimulating the production of bile; nourishes the good bacteria in the intestines; treats headaches, chest, and abdominal pain; regulates menstrual flow; can calm the mind and enhance mood. Calendula (Marigold) is widely used in Europe and its benefits include: essential oils and polysaccharides quickly stimulate the immune system and protect you at the onset of a cold, flu, or other bacterial or viral infection; anti-cancer properties; increases blood flow to speed up wound healing; soothes sore throats; reduces inflammation to protect the lining of your digestive system; alleviates hot flashes, nausea, and headaches associated with hormonal imbalance. Safflower tea is drunk regularly throughout Asia and its benefits include: antioxidants help boost the immune system and repair damaged cells, helping the body effectively fight off diseases and infections; treats chronic coughs and soothes bronchial spasms; soothes frayed nerves and helps the body relax; excellent for lowing cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels. Flow Lightly Tea:
Red Raspberry is the most popular herb used to support women’s health and its benefits include: clinically shown to reduce menstrual cramps and regulate blood flow; strengthens the uterine wall to improve fertility and help prevent miscarriage; nutrient rich profile helps treat morning sickness; encourages the body to detox excess hormones helping keep the body balanced throughout menstruation and menopause. Sage is a desert herb native to the Mediterranean and its benefits include: effectively slows heavy menstrual bleeding; helps balance hormones and relieve hot flashes during menopause; diuretic properties ease PMS symptoms of bloating and gas; supports healthy digestion; helps boost memory and concentration. Red Clover is one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogen) and its benefits include: eases symptoms of PMS and regulates blood flow; helps reduce the possibility of developing endometrial cancer and interferes with the progression of endometrial cancer; reduces breast tenderness; significantly reduces hot flashes in menopausal women; may help prevent bone loss in pre and peri-menopausal women; supports cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood circulation.
0 Comments
Losing and maintaining weight is not always as simple as calories in minus the calories you work off. Eating healthy and exercise, while still a large part of the weight loss/maintenance equation, are not the only factors at play. Glucose intolerance, chronic stress, lack of sleep, imbalanced hormones, wide spread inflammation, and exposure to toxins will sabotage your efforts and goals to achieve and maintain optimal health. Glucose Intolerance: Isulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that attaches to and signals cells to absorb sugar in the bloodstream. This sugar comes from the carbohydrates that you eat in food and is needed by the body for energy. After you eat, the levels of sugar in your blood naturally rise and beta cells in the pancreas signal the release of insulin. If there is more sugar in the body than required for energy, insulin helps to store sugar either in fat cells, the liver, or in muscles as glycogen. Insulin will also help release these sugar stores for energy as it is needed. Your muscles are the main organs involved in the absorption of glucose in response to insulin. Type 2 diabetes and weight gain are both a direct result of your cells becoming insulin resistant. This occurs when cells in your muscles, liver, and fat tissues are no longer efficient at absorbing insulin and regulating the amount of sugar in your blood. As a result, the pancreas tries to pump out more insulin as it sees blood sugar levels continue to rise. The pancreas can’t maintain this pace for creating insulin, preventing cells from receiving the energy they desperately need. The leading risk factors for developing insulin resistance include being overweight or obese which causes high amounts of free fatty acids in blood cells, having increased visceral fat, having a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in fructose from added sugars, inflammation, and damaged gut microbiota. Chronic Stress: When your body perceives or experiences stress one of its first reactions is to send out a message via cortisol telling the body to stop storing energy. The cells in the body immediately become unresponsive to insulin. This helps the body break down stored fat for energy, the liver starts to produce more glucose, and muscle cells begin to break down protein into amino acids that the liver can use to make more glucose. This is exactly how the body should act under true moments of stress or danger. However, our brain is unable to tell the difference between real danger or stress-like being attacked by a lion, and perceived danger or stress-psychological stress. Studies have shown that perceived stress is more damaging to your body than true physical danger. Chronic stress and feelings of anxiety mean that your body is constantly and unnecessarily releasing cortisol that is referred to as highly catabolic cortisol. At the same time your body has reduced the amounts of anabolic hormones it is secreting like DHEA, testosterone, and human growth hormone. This combination causes you to store fat, lose lean muscle mass, and slow your metabolism way down while your appetite increases. It takes your body hours to normalize cortisol levels, which keeps your appetite running on high that entire time. During chronic stress, levels of insulin also rise, and together with cortisol send a powerful signal to your fat cells telling them to store as much fat as possible and to hold on to stored fat. This will make it even more difficult for you to lose or maintain weight and keep your blood sugar levels steady. Studies have shown that lowering your levels of cortisol by just 14% is associated with a weight loss of more than twelve pounds. Research on mindfulness and meditation shows that these practices support weight management and prevent insulin resistance, as those with higher levels of optimism are less likely to gain weight during high levels of stress. They are also better equipped to manage stress and keep cortisol levels from spiking. Mindfulness and meditation support sustainable weight loss through visualization, so you change your body from the inside out. There are several peer-review studies that document the health benefits of meditation. Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard physician who has researched mindfulness said, “Meditation can change your metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and brain chemistry”. Practicing mindfulness or meditation specifically for weight loss/management has been shown to balance hormones, reduce cravings and overeating, and creates a calm, motivated mindset. Deepak Chopra, a holistic health practitioner and proponent of meditation, believes you can see positive change through the rewiring of your brain in a little as eight weeks. Lack of Sleep: According to published research in the Annals of Internal Medicine, sleeping less than seven hours per night can reduce and even undo the benefits of dieting or healthy eating. Dieters on the study who received adequate sleep saw half of the weight they lost come from fat. Those on the same diet but deprived of sleep lost half as much fat, and felt hungrier, lower levels of satiety, and lacked motivation and energy to exercise. Researchers from the University of Chicago coined the term “metabolic grogginess” to explain the effect lack of sleep has on fat cells. After just four days you become insulin sensitive, which leads to excessive amount of fats in your blood that get stored as fat, usually in the liver. Sleep is when the body heals and repairs, protecting itself from chronic inflammation and muscle loss. Lack of sleep causes cortisol levels to rise. Sleep also interferes with your hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin. Imbalanced Hormones: Leptin is called the king of hormones because it regulates fat metabolism and energy. It is made and released from your adipose tissue (stored fat) and travels to your brain to let it know how much stored fuel you have on hand. Your brain relies solely on this information to gauge nutrition and energy reserves. When leptin is low, your brain sends signals to stimulate your appetite and when leptin levels are high, your brain can send signals that you are full and satisfied. Once leptin levels are full, the brain signals your metabolism to run at high speed. When leptin levels are low, your brain immediately sets your metabolic rate at hibernation mode to prevent malnutrition. Leptin is constantly regulating the rate at which your body creates energy or the amount of energy available for every function of your body. Excess insulin interferes with the communication between leptin and the brain, sometimes causing you to stop producing leptin at all! Meaning, you never feel truly full or satisfied. High levels of fructose also induce leptin resistance. Avoid all sugars, especially high fructose corn syrup, agave, and artificial sugars. A great way to promote leptin levels in your body is to eat protein at every meal or snack. When the small intestines detect protein they create a hormone called PPY that stimulates leptin levels to help ensure satiety. When empty, your stomach and upper intestines produce the hormone ghrelin to stimulate your appetite. Ghrelin frustrates you with hunger pangs when you diet and have a reduced caloric intake. The longer you go between meals, the more ghrelin that is produced. It has been clinically shown that high levels of ghrelin cause you to crave high calorie foods. You can avoid high levels of ghrelin by not skipping meals, eating five to six small meals per day, eat 35-40 grams of fiber per day, or making sure your snacks between meals contain protein and fiber to slow digestion. Ghrelin is also produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates the growth hormone. Ghrelin produced by the hypothalamus helps with learning and cognitive adaption to a changing environment, so you never want to completely deplete yourself of this hormone. However, you don’t need the excess! Wide Spread Inflammation: Inflammation is one part of the body’s immune response to protect, care for and heal itself. When injury is caused near the surface of the skin it is expressed through symptoms such as redness, heat, swelling, pain or loss of function. However, when inflammation occurs deep inside the body only some symptoms, if any may be felt. Chronic inflammation has been linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, osteoporosis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia and severe allergies including asthma and food intolerances. Diet and lifestyle contribute heavily to chronic inflammation. During the inflammation process immune cells call on free radicals to kill off any pathogens or foreign invaders in the body. These free radicals live up to their name by being unstable particles that damage and puncture all the cells around them. This is perfect for killing bacteria and virus strains, but free radicals often get out of control and damage healthy cells. Chronic inflammation results in an increase of free radical or oxidative stress on the body. Free radicals damage blood vessels, joints, cell membranes, nerves and pretty much any part of the body they are exposed to. Free radical stress essentially ages us. The body naturally responds to excess free radicals with anti-oxidants. Chronic inflammation depletes the natural stores of anti-oxidants, increasing damage to the body. The diet and lifestyle factors that promote inflammation include:
Exposure to Toxins: The Environmental Working Group conducted a study on hundreds of volunteers to see what types of toxins people are being exposed to. They found per person, on average, 91 industrial compounds, pollutant and chemicals. According to their research, 76 of these cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain or nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development. Toxins also contribute to excess weight. The chemicals used in plastics, food packaging, cosmetics and foods are stored in fat. Your liver simply is unable to keep up. Taking a supplement like Liver Care or Milk Thistle will help support the function of your life and prevent toxins from further invading your body. Toxins also influence hormones, which directly affect metabolism and body weight. Common ways you are exposed to hazardous chemicals include:
In women estrogen is made by the pituitary gland before menopause, but postmenopausal is made by the adrenal glands and fat cells. Estrogen is converted from testosterone in men, and is converted at a higher rate when carrying extra pounds. There are actually three hormones, estradiol, estrone, and estriol that make up estrogen; although estrogen is commonly just referred to as estradiol. Estradiol is the most abundant estrogen hormone. It has many roles in the body such as stimulating the cells that build bones and supporting cardiovascular health. It plays a part in blood sugar balance. Estrone is the least favorite part of estrogen as it has been linked to breast and uterine cancer. It is produced after menopause in fat cells, making women with excess stores of fat to be estrogen dominant. High estrone also blocks the benefits of estradiol in the body, and increases stress on the liver. Estriol is only produced when estradiol and estrone are converted into estriol. It helps block the negative effects of estrone on breast cells, and helps with autoimmune functions throughout the body. There are two ways in which you can develop excess estrogen. Either your body produces too much or you become exposed to estrogens from the environment or the foods you eat. Toxins, pesticides, plastic, herbicides, and growth hormones given to animals like cows and chickens, all have compounds that act like estrogen in your body. These toxins also cause weight gain, which means you produce more estrogen from fat cells. Unfortunately, we’re not done! Weight gain leads to insulin resistance, which is directly linked to a risk of estrogen dominance. Poor digestion, liver function, stress, not getting enough sleep and a lack of exercise are all related to excess insulin. Alcohol and diets high in omega 6 fatty acids increase estrogen in both men and women. There are several ways to determine if you are estrogen dominant. Excess estrogen affects men and women differently. In men, testosterone is more frequently converted into estrogen, causing weight gain in the chest and abdomen. In women, estrogen is converted into testosterone causing fat to store in the abdomen, breasts to shrink and sag, and abnormal hair growth on the face, acne, and even male pattern hair loss. Both men and post-menopausal women with excess estrogen will have an apple body shape, meaning high deposits of stored fat in the abdominal area. Premenopausal women with high estrogen will have a pear shape, meaning weight will be stored in the hips. If you are premenopausal you will have many symptoms of PMS, and difficulty losing weight. Excess estrogen can also cause gallstones, urinary tract infections, and have a history of endometriosis or ovarian cysts. For men is will be seen in poor libido, a lack of motivation, loss of lean muscle mass, and even depression. Estrogen dominance is one of the leading causes of breast, uterine and prostate cancer. Low estrogen can also impact insulin levels causing them to rise, and causing body fat to accumulate at the waist. Since estrogen helps protect the heart, low levels put you at risk for heart disease. It is important to understand and listen to your body to achieve and maintain weight loss. I’ve also found the following products to be helpful: ★Holy Basil - lowers cortisol and keeps me sane ★Stress Care - lowers cortisol and prevents me from pigging out on chips ★DIM - helps estrogen, metabolism and belly fat ★Mind Care - helps with focus, depression and repetitive thoughts ★Liver Care - balances hormones, helps with digestion and prevents fatty liver ★Probiotics - prevents obesity and helps the stomach when antibiotics are used ★Maca - provides hormone balance, energy and overall sexiness ★Garcinia Cambogia – suppresses appetite, blocks body’s ability to make fat ★Green Tea – the L-Theanine, found in green tea helps manage stress, anxiety and increases dopamine helping to prevent emotional eating and increase satiety ★Coconut Oil – boost thermogenic rate, targets abdominal fat, reduces appetite ★Cleanses – helps you detox from addictive sugars and carbohydrates that spike insulin and inflammation ★Alpha Lipoic Acid– antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage, improves insulin sensitivity in adults with Type 2 diabetes. ★Berberine – increases the number of gut bacteria, improves function of fat regulating hormones, and regulates blood sugar. The Environmental Working Group conducted a study on hundreds of volunteers to see what types of toxins people are being exposed to. They found per person, on average, 91 industrial compounds, pollutants and chemicals. According to their research, 76 of these cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain or nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development. Toxins also contribute to excess weight. When you are constantly exposed to chemicals used in plastics, food packaging, cosmetics, household cleaning products, pesticides and foods they get stored in fat. Your liver simply is unable to keep up and efficiently detox your body. Toxins affect hormones, which directly affect metabolism, body weight, insulin resistance, and eventually contribute to illness and disease.
Some of the most toxic products in your home are in your cleaning products, which contain on average 62 noxious chemicals. Chlorine bleach, when mixed with ammonia, vinegar or any other acid based cleanser, will release dangerous chloramine gas. This contributes to asthma and respiratory disease. Petroleum distillates are found in metal polishes and long-term exposure damages the nervous system, kidneys, eyes and skin. Phenol and cresol are found in disinfectants and when inhaled or digested cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage. Nitrobenze is found abundantly in furniture and floor polishes and when inhaled it makes breathing shallow and labored. Ingested, it is very poisonous and can result in death. Nitrobenzene has also been directly linked to cancer and birth defects. Formaldehyde is a preservative that is a suspected human carcinogen that is also irritating to the eyes, throat, skin and lungs. Hydrochloric acid (sodium acid sulfate) is found in toilet bowl cleaners and can burn the skin and cause blindness if splashed into the eyes. It will also burn the stomach if ingested. Phthalates are the fragrances found in nearly every household product, even toilet paper! The law does not require companies to disclose their scents and so they are masked under the word “fragrance”. They are known endocrine disruptors and reduce sperm count in men. Perchloroethylene (PERC) is used in dry cleaning solutions, spot removers and carpet or upholstery cleaners. PERC is a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen. Triclosan is in most liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps that are labeled “antibacterial”. This aggressive antibacterial agent actually promotes the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. There are harmful levels of triclosan building up in rivers and streams and it is extremely toxic to algae. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS) are used in fabric softener liquids and sheets and most “antibacterial” household cleaners. QUATS help propagate anti-biotic resistant bacteria, are a known skin irritant, and contribute to asthma and other respiratory disorders. Ammonia is a polisher for fixtures, sinks, and jewelry and is also found in glass cleaners. It is a powerful and immediate irritant. It is especially harmful to those with asthma or elderly people with respiratory disorders. People who are constantly exposed to ammonia, like housekeepers, develop chronic bronchitis and severe asthma. Sodium Hydroxide (lye) is extremely corrosive and thus used in oven cleaners and drain openers. It can burn the skin and the esophagus. Coal Tar Dyes are in the majority of cleaning products. They are derived from petrochemicals and are contaminated with heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium and lead. Heavy metals harm the nervous system and synthetic dyes are known carcinogens. They are easily absorbed through the skin, causing immediate adverse health effects and are completely unnecessary, as they do not contribute to the cleaning properties of any product. MEA (monoethanalomine), DEA (diethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine) are found in detergents, all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, car wash products, and all other types of household cleaners. They react with other chemicals to become known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Making your own cleaning products at home is easy, healthy, and will save you money. From kitchen and bathroom cleaners, to your own laundry detergent, the ingredients you need to get started will delightfully surprise you.
Essential Oils: In addition to providing wonderful cleaning benefits, essential oils fill your home with wonderful scents. Essential oils provide antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic benefits when used in house cleaning.
All Purpose Cleaner: 1 tbsp white vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp Castile soap 1 tbsp Borax Combine all ingredients and add to a spray bottle. Disinfectant cleaner add 20-30 drops of tea tree oil Kitchen & Bath Scrub: 1 cup baking soda or washing soda ¼ cup kosher salt 10 drops citrus essential oil 5 drops tea tree essential oil Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight tub Oven Cleaner: 1 small box baking soda or washing soda 1 cup liquid Castile Soap Combine ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply to a cloth and wipe onto oven surfaces. It may help to let sit for 10-20 minutes before scrubbing off. For tougher jobs: ½ cup salt ½ cup baking powder ½ cup hot water ½ cup vinegar Combine ingredients to make a thick paste. Apply to oven wall and leave overnight. Combine ¼ cup water and ¼ cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe off the paste. Dishwasher Detergent: 1 cup borax 1 cup washing soda ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup kosher salt 5 drops of essential oil White vinegar Mix the first five ingredients together. Put one rounded tablespoon in the soap compartment for each load. Fill the rinse agent with white vinegar. Degreaser: ½ cup lemon juice ¼ cup baking soda or washing soda 5 to 10 drops essential oils Combine to make a paste and use a wet cloth to wipe off. Toilet Bowl Cleaner: 2 tbsp baking soda or washing soda 1 tbsp olive oil 3-4 drops of essential oil Mix & pour into your toilet bowl & scrub with toilet brush. Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda in the drain. Pour 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 cup vinegar into the drain. Dribble boiling water down the drain and let stand for at least 2 hours and then rinse through with hot water. Furniture Polish: 1 cup olive oil ½ cup lemon juice Mix in sprayer bottle, shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Finish with a dry cloth for top shine. Room Deodorizer: 4 cups hot water ¼ cup baking soda ¼ cup lemon juice 5-10 drops of essential oil Combine in a spray bottle and use it to freshen up any room in the house. Glass Cleaner: 1 cup hydrogen peroxide 1 cup water 1 tablespoon white vinegar 3-6 drops essential oils Mix in a sprayer bottle. For a stronger glass cleaner add 1-tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia. Laundry Soap: 1 bar of Castile soap grated 2 cups washing soda 2 cups borax 1 cup baking soda 20-30 drops essential oil Combine grated soap and essential oils. And the rest of the ingredients and store in a covered jar. Dish Soap: 2 cups liquid Castile soap ½ cup water 1 tsp lemon juice 5 drops of essential oil ½ cup white vinegar Stir all ingredients together until blended. Store in a squirt top bottle. Hand Sanitizer: 1 cup pure aloe vera gel 1-2 tsp witch hazel 8 drops of essential oils-tea tree, niaouli, ravensara, citrus scents Combine all ingredients until you have your desired consistency. Bathroom Mildew Remover: 1 cup water 1 cup hydrogen peroxide ¼ tsp lavender essential oil ¼ tsp tea tree essential oil Mix in a spray bottle and spray on trouble spots. Oils break down the mildew. Motherhood, while rewarding, can be exhausting. Many mothers sacrifice their physical, mental, and emotional needs for their children. There are no sick days or sleeping in when you are a mom. You are the rock of your family. Constant pressure and stress takes a tremendous toll on the body. Essential oils can be the saving grace a mom needs to help rest and refuel.
Sleep Lack of sleep leads to chronic health issues. When you are sleeping your body is healing and repairing itself. During sleep the brain is able to clear out toxins, repair daily wear and tear, catalog information made during the day to improve memory and cognition, and create and store memories. The body manufactures hormones during sleep that promote tissue growth throughout your body to help you recover from injuries or your last workout, and prevent premature aging. Blood pressure drops when you sleep, giving your hard working heart a rest and a chance to repair. Your immune system produces white blood cells as you sleep boosting the immune system and protecting you from illness and disease. A good night’s rest can help a mom feel more patient, focused, and energized. There are essential oils that effectively increase the quality and quantity of sleep. Lavender: One of the top oils for sleeping, lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure putting the body in a more relaxed state. Researchers have monitored the brain waves of subjects that smelled lavender before bed and saw that it increased the amount of deep or slow-wave sleep. It was also shown that lavender helps you fall into restorative slow-wave sleep more quickly and that it will help you stay asleep for longer periods of time. The subjects reported deeper sleep and felt more vigorous in the morning, confirming the findings. (National Sleep Foundation; https://sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/smell.php) Another study found that infants cried less and slept more deeply after a bath with lavender oil. *Lavender is safe during pregnancy, safe when breast feeding at a 1% dilution and is gentle enough for use in baby and childcare. Roman Chamomile: Researchers have reported that this oil can serve as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce nightmares, insomnia, and other sleep difficulties. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/) *Roman chamomile is safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding at a 1% dilution and is gentle enough for use in baby and childcare. Ylang Ylang: European psychotherapists treat emotional exhaustion and insomnia with ylang ylang. It relaxes and calms excited emotional states and lowers blood pressure. A study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that inhaling the aroma of ylang ylang helped increase feelings of calmness and help release negative emotions. Ylang Ylang has an immediate positive effect on mood and is said to expand the heart. *Ylang Ylang is safe during pregnancy and when breast feeding at a 1% dilution. Do not use on infants. Only safe for children 2 years and older. Sleepy Time Blend (makes one roll on)
Fill the rest of roll on with a carrier oil of your choice such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. Apply on pulse points and temples before bed for best results. *Not safe for use on children under 2 years of age. Energy & Mood What mom doesn’t want or need more energy? Many moms express feeling moody and own frequent or unexpected changes in mood as their new normal after having children. Lack of energy and mood imbalance can be due to adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands are responsible for the fight or flight response to stress and support the healthy function of your thyroid to regulate metabolism and hormones. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body is continually exposed to acute or chronic stress and your adrenal glands can no longer meet the physical demands of stress. Moms experience stress in life from all spectrums. Lack of sleep and constant stress make moms more susceptible to adrenal fatigue resulting in a lack of energy. Essential oils and herbs act as adaptogens to help protect your body from stress and help your body heal and restore natural levels of energy and endurance while promoting a positive and stable mood and outlook. Lemon: Lemon essential oil refreshes the mind and builds optimism. It helps restore and improve dopamine levels. Dopamine is a chemical in your brain that regulates emotions and the motivation to act. It is the neurotransmitter that mediates ‘rewards’ or pleasure. A team of Vanderbilt scientists mapped the brains of “go-getters” and found that they had higher dopamine levels in their prefrontal cortex. (http://blog.idonethis.com/the-science-of-motivation-your-brain-on-dopamine/) Lemon can help you overcome obstacles and provide a clearer perspective. It makes it easier for you to get out of stress and depression that can cause fatigue. *Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is safe for infants and children at a .25% dilution Basil: Basil essential oil fights fatigue, improves mental alertness, and has a clarifying effect on the brain. It stimulates adrenal glands and relieves mental fatigue. *Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is safe for children 2 years and older at a .25% dilution Peppermint: This oil will perk you up when feeling fatigued. It helps provide relief from stress and anxiety, depression and mental fatigue. Peppermint supports and balances the adrenal glands. *Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Is it safe for children 6 years and older at a 1% dilution. Tulsi Holy Basil: This powerful oil is used to protect the body from stress and anxiety. It supports uplifting feelings of radiance and joy to the mind, body, and spirit. An effective adaptogens, it helps support and prevent adrenal fatigue. *Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Holy Basil is not safe for infants or children under the age of 6. Anise: Anise stimulates the secretion of enzymes and hormones to give the metabolism a boost. It supports the optimal function of the nervous system and the brain to increase alertness. Anise helps to support and balance the adrenal glands. *Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is safe for children 6 years and older at a .25% dilution. Energy/Adrenal Aid Blend (makes one roll on)
Fill the rest of the roll on with a carrier oil of your choice such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil. Apply to pulse points or over adrenal glands located on your back above your kidney area. *Not safe for children, pregnant women, or when breastfeeding. Beauty For many moms it is not uncommon to place themselves last on the care list. One of the most common needs that get looked over is a skin regimen. After a long day they may skip washing their face or go days without moisturizing. Over time neglecting your skin can cause early aging, excessive acne, and skin conditions. It is important that you put as much effort into yourself as you do others. Doing things for yourself allows you time to relax and rejuvenate. When you set aside time for yourself your body has a chance to heal and refuel. Get back your glow by incorporating essential oils into your skin regimen. When using essential oils, it is important to choose carrier oils that nourish your skin and support the absorption of the essential oils. Jojoba oil is packed full of vitamin E, vitamin B, silicon, and minerals such as copper, zinc, and chromium. Jojoba’s rich antioxidant profile makes it a superior healing oil that naturally slows signs of aging, soothes fine lines and wrinkles, prevents breakouts, and alleviates dryness. This versatile oil can be applied anywhere on the body because it mimics the same oil that we naturally produce. Jojoba works by forming an oily layer on the surface of skin that traps water in the skin providing deep moisturizing benefits. Frankincense: Frankincense reduces the appearance of sunspots, aging and works to even out skin tone. Frankincense protects skin cells, and reduces acne, blemishes, and the appearance of large pores and wrinkles. It strengthens your skin by improving elasticity. Reduce the appearance of surgery scars or marks from pregnancy by applying Frankincense to areas of damaged skin daily. *Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at a 1% dilution, and is safe to use for children 2 years and older at a 0.25% dilution Lavender: This powerful antioxidant improves cellular function of skin by fighting free radical damage and encouraging your body to produce more antioxidants. Lavender is a great oil to use at night to promote restful sleep, relaxation, and beautiful skin. *Lavender is safe during pregnancy, safe when breast feeding at a 1% dilution and is gentle enough for use in baby and childcare. Grapefruit: Uplift your mind & body with grapefruit essential oil. This oil is great for promoting detoxification while leaving the skin soothed and clean. Its disinfectant properties make it effective for acne & skin rashes. The rich vitamin C content of grapefruit extract helps to neutralize free radicals that damage skin. Adding a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner will give you shiny healthy hair. *Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at a 1% dilution and is safe for children 6 months and older at a 0.25% dilution. Carrot Seed oil: Retain your youthful skin with carrot seed oil and look younger than all your friends! The antioxidant profile in this oil helps to repair damage done to your tissues by free radicals, helps to prevent further damage, and protects your skin from wrinkles. Carrot seed oil works to detoxify tissues and nourish skin. *Avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding. Carrot Seed oil is safe for children 6 months and older at a 0.25% dilution. Anti Aging Serum (makes 1 dark 1 oz glass dropper bottle)
Passion Passion in life is the energy to do, be, and achieve the things that fulfill your desires. Passion inspires you to create the life you want. Women feel passionately about many elements in their lives. Personal goals, jobs, projects, friendships, partners, and families each host a sense of passion that helps fulfill life. As wonderful and authentic as passion is, it is often suppressed by the same factors that once nourished it. When daily life, stress, disappointment and financial strain take precedent, the things that incite passion can feel put on the back burner. If you don’t take the time to cultivate passions that bring you joy, life can feel tedious and empty. Thankfully the sense of smell is tied directly to memory and emotion. Using essential oils to reconnect with the passionate part of your being can be very empowering. Frankincense: This oil is known to uplift and calm, allowing the mind to connect to inner vision and personal understanding. This aroma has the ability to help the mind channel energy away from negative feelings and anxiety. The molecular structure of Frankincense mimics the body’s natural occurring sex hormones encouraging the body to awaken sexually. Frankincense allows your body to release built up energy and worries that get in the way of your passion. *Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at a 1% dilution, and is safe to use for children 2 years and older at a 0.25% dilution Myrrh: Myrrh is commonly used in meditation to open channels and release your ego in order to expose your true essence, allowing your soul to express real passion. Adding myrrh to massage oil stimulates the circulatory system and gets the heart pumping. The strong earthy aroma makes it a lovely base for a natural perfume. *Avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It is safe for children 2 years and older at 0.25% dilution. Neroli: A gentle floral smelling oil that creates a refreshing sense of energy during periods of stress. Neroli is known to create some serious heat. It has aphrodisiac qualities that create a sense of healing and empowerment. It is known to rekindle desire and romance. *Safe during pregnancy and breast feeding at a 1% dilution, and is safe for children 6 months and older at a 0.25% dilution. Ylang-Ylang: Ylang-Ylang energizes passion by reducing reactions to everyday stressors and increasing motivation and desire. It will help attract the love and affection you desire. Increase personal connections by diffusing Ylang-Ylang in an area you and your loved ones congregate. *Ylang Ylang is safe during pregnancy and when breast feeding at a 1% dilution. Do not use on infants. Only safe for children 2 years and older. Patchouli: Known for its use in tantric ceremonies in India, patchouli has a long history of inspiring passion. The deep, musty, earthy aroma can be used for depression and to enhance feelings of passion and happiness. You can wear this as a perfume to emit pheromones that attract passion and desire. Diffusing patchouli will create an ambient environment, release performance anxieties and welcome a lover’s touch. *Safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding at a 1% dilution, and is safe for children 2 years and older at a 0.25% dilution. Rose Absolute: This oil provides a calming aroma that symbolizes love, purity and innocence. Rose Absolute is closely tied to memories of romance and friendship. Roses, commonly given as an omen of appreciation and affection on Valentine’s Day hold a tie in the subconscious mind as an expression of love. It is a stimulating aphrodisiac that promotes feelings of love and trust and helps one overcome frigidity and impotence. *Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at a 1% dilution, and is safe for children 6 months and older at a 0.25% dilution. Romance Blend (makes one roll on)
Safety Disclaimer The FDA has not evaluated the statements about this class. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of these formulas, products or oils. Products, information, and descriptions presented here are for educational purposes of the traditional uses of essential oils only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. Individuals with serious illnesses should consult a qualified health care professional. Safety Guidelines Essential oils are very highly concentrated and potent and it is important to always check the specific safety data provided. Keep out of reach of children, the elderly, and pets. For external use only. Avoid contact with mucus membranes and eyes. If any essential oils have contacted your eye, wash out with a vegetable oil such as olive oil, not water. Some oils may cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. It is recommended to perform a patch test before use. To patch test, place one drop on the back of your wrist and leave for an hour or more. If irritation or redness occurs wash the area with olive oil then cold water and do not use the oil. We do not recommend the ingestion of essential oils except while under the care and direction of a qualified health practitioner. The Treasure Valley is a hardiness zone 6 growing area. This relates to the amount of cold a plant can stand without freezing and dying. Ideal transplanting times begin in mid March for spring planting and continue through November for fall gardening. It is best to water your plants in the morning. This will help to avoid mildew and disease. Always rotate your crops. Each plant takes and gives back different nutrients. It is essential that each plant have adequate space for full growth. Place your tall plants in the east and shorter plants on the west. The long growing season and mild temperatures of our zone offers a large variety of planting and growing options. The fruits, vegetables and herbs listed below all do exceptionally well in this hardiness zone and work great for first time gardeners.
Squash (summer and winter): Similar to pumpkins, squash and zucchini love well-composted soil, lots of sunshine and they need plenty of space- an area of 3 to 6 feet is recommended. Water squash at soil level (base of the plant) to avoid leaf rot. Use your fresh zucchini to make breads, noodles, and healthy casserole dishes. Radishes & Carrots: Radish seeds are natural companions to carrots. Mix radish seeds with carrot seeds before you sow, especially if your soil tends to develop a tough crust. Radish sprouts will push up through the soil, breaking it up for later-sprouting carrots. As you harvest the radishes, carrots will fill the rows. Radishes need to be watered every 4-6 days. Carrots and radishes are great for pickling or adding to a summer salad. You can also try making a carrot cake from scratch! Pumpkins: These greedy eaters love compost rich soil. Pumpkins retain 80-90% moisture and only need to be watered when soil begins to dry out. If your plant looks droopy be sure to give it a deep, long drink. Planting seeds on a mound or in a roomy area gives them plenty of space for their vines to sprawl. Enjoy decorating your home with beautiful pumpkins from your own backyard. You can roast pumpkin seeds in your oven with coconut oil and your favorite spice blend or just a little bit of sea salt. You can easily make a base for holiday pies by boiling chunks of pumpkin. Mash with your favorite spices and freeze to use year round for pies, cakes and other treats. Pumpkin also tastes great in a protein smoothie. Lettuce: This versatile plant does fine in partial shade and extremely hot weather. Lettuce grows slowly in the shade and it also germinates slowly. If you desire full heads of romaine and head lettuce, be sure to thin your seedlings. Allow 8 to 10 inches of space between plants. When thinning young plants save the small delicate leaves for your summer salad. When plants have matured, water every 4-6 days. Lettuce is ready to eat at any size, making it a great addition to every garden. Kale: This super food is a member of the cabbage family and is easy to grow. Plants can be set out any time from early spring to early summer. Kale will grow until it’s too hot, making it a shade friendly grower. Plant it again in the fall, as kale gets sweeter in the cold weather. Kale plants need to be well watered. Keeping the soil moist will keep leaves sweet and crisp. You can make homemade kale chips by removing the stems and rubbing the leaves with coconut oil. Roast the kale for just 8-10 minutes with a pinch of sea salt or your favorite spice blend. Enjoy kale in salads, smoothies, omelets, casseroles, or wherever you’d use spinach. Strawberries: These juicy fruits are easy to grow. Provide your strawberries with a sunny location, good soil, air drainage and shelter from strong winds. Only water at the beginning of the day, and only give them a maximum of two inches per week. It is best to use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to avoid getting the fruit wet which helps prevent rot. Use mulch when planting to suppress weeds and protect your fruit. The best time to get your strawberry plants outdoors is April. Harvest your berries every two to three days, in the morning and when the berries are fully colored. Tomatoes: Tomato plants germinate easily, and love the Treasure Valley weather, thriving best with six hours minimum of sunlight. Water early morning at the root prior to the days heat. Be sure to prune your plants accordingly for healthy growth and production. Tomato plants have small sucker leaves that can be confused with larger leaves, however these sucker leaves take water from the fruit of your plants. Removing these sucker leaves ensures adequate water reaches the stems that are producing fruit. Harvest when tomatoes are a red color and still firm. Can tomatoes for winter salsa, tomato soup, and spaghetti sauce or toss fresh garden tomatoes in your salad. The Benefits of Composting: Soil rich with organic matter will produce fruits and vegetables with the highest nutrient content. Compost allows your plants to root around in the soil to find exactly what they need for optimal growth. It is like allowing your plants to be “free range”! Compost is creating new earth from old organic matter such as kitchen scraps, lawn clippings, garden pruning’s, leaves, twigs and manure. For people who are beginners to composting you will want to start with two covered bins or cans. You will keep two composting bins going at all times to help rotate the kitchen scraps or yard clippings that you add. You can also have a compost heap in your backyard. You can place your compost starters on a heavy tarp to help you easily turn and mix your compost as it grows. Keep in mind compost heaps have rancid smells as the materials decompose. Microbes that do your dirty work require water for survival, adding too much water will make it challenging to decompose making compost smelly and slimy. Adding too little water will starve off beneficial bacteria making the compost process impossible. The more green material you add the less water is needed. If you add dry ingredients such as straw or hay, soak the material first. Keep your compost balanced by layering it with different materials such as coffee grounds, grass clippings, and eggshells as compost with carbon and nitrogen yielding materials will provide beneficial nutrients to your garden plants. Being strategic about filling your bin with a well balanced diet will ensure that composting doesn’t take too long and you don’t end up with a slimy heap. Compost also needs oxygen to decompose, so turn and stir it every few days. Compost is ready when it is dark and rich in color, crumbles easily and you cannot pick out any of your ingredients. The smell should now be sweet and earthy. If it is clumpy and stringy it is not quite ready. It can take anywhere between 3 and 12 months to produce compost. Fixing a Nitrogen Deficiency in the Soil: Correcting a Nitrogen deficiency organically takes time, but results in an even distribution of added nitrogen over time. Planting a green manure crop such as red clover, borage, or traditional clover works to release nitrogen and other nutrients stored in plants and soil. Adding coffee grounds to your soil also works to increase nitrogen levels; tomatoes specifically are an acid loving plant. Leaves of comfrey can be mulched and worked into ground that is being prepared for a new crop. Additionally, the high nitrogen in comfrey helps break down compost faster and more efficiently. Natural Pesticides: You should only use pest control remedies to prevent or ease a specific pest problem. You do not want to harm beneficial insects or disturb pollinating insects. It is always best to apply natural pesticides in the evening to avoid burning plants and to protect pollinators. Never use on plants that are stressed from drought or overwatering. Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Microscopically this natural product is like glass to an insect. When planting apply DE at the base of the plant by working it into the soil with your hands (try not to disturb the roots.) When insects with an exoskeleton attempt to cross over to the plant the DE lacerates the hide of the bug causing it to dehydrate and die. Please Note: DE is very harmful to honey bees. Only apply DE when bees are not present (evening and early morning) and NEVER apply near or in blossoming plants. Apply DE to your potting soil prior to germination to help protect seedlings from fungus, gnats and other pests during the germination phase. Neem Oil: This oil comes from the Azadriachta indica tree in Southern Asia and India and has many insecticidal traits. It is nearly non-toxic to birds, fish, bees and other wildlife. Neem is best used when applied to the soil of young plants, and then added throughout the gardening season as it will last 22 days in soils versus a four day maximum in water. Neem gets pulled through the soil into the vascular system of the plant and insects intake it when feasting on the plant. Neem reduces or ceases feeding and can prevent larvae from maturing. It also reduces or interrupts mating behavior and coats the breathing holes of insects to kill them. It is effective as a repellant for mites, aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and over 200 other species of chewing or sucking insects. Neem oil is also a great fungicide for mildews, rusts, root rot, black spot and sooty mold. It should be used as a fungicide in a 1% solution and never higher than 3% as an insecticide. To create a 1% solution of neem insecticide use 2 teaspoons of cold pressed neem oil plus 2/3 teaspoons organic biodegradable dish soap and mix in one quart of water. Before applying, test a small area of your plant to make sure it will not be harmed by the neem oil. In addition, neem oil has nutrients that help make it a broad-spectrum fertilizer and it will not kill earthworms! Neem helps controls these main insects: ants aphids armyworms bagworms bed bugs beetles billbugs black headed caterpillars blister beetles boll worms boring insects (many types) cabbage worms cankerworms caterpillars Colorado potato beetles corn ear worms cotton stainers cutworms eriophyid mites flea beetles fruit flies fruit sucking moths fungus gnats gall gypsy moths houseflies Japanese beetles lace bugs leaf hoppers leaf miners leaf webbers locusts mealy bugs Mexican bean beetles midges mites (not an insect) moths and moth larvae mushroom flies mosquitoes pod bug pulse beetle red palm weevil root grubs root weevil adults sand flies sawflies scale semi loopers spider mites spindle bugs spotted beetles squash bugs tea mosquito termites thrips white grubs whiteflies Essential Oils: Eucalyptus oil is antifungal, antibacterial, a natural insect repellant, anti-rodent, and a weed killer. Sprinkle eucalyptus oil around plants where insects are found for immediate results. Orange essential oil is pressed from the orange peel and contains d-limone, which can kill insects. Mix 20 drops of orange oil per 1 cup of water into an 8-ounce spray bottle, shake well and apply to plants and soil. Do not use orange essential oil around cats as they easily build up toxicity. Clove oil is an effective insecticide and fungicide, helping rid your garden of weeds and unwanted insects. It is effective for keeping insects and worms from infesting fruit trees. It can kill cockroaches, ants, dust mites, flies, wasps, spiders, crickets, fleas, aphids and mites. Add 10 drops of clove oil per 1 cup of water into an 8-ounce spray bottle, shake well and apply to plants and soil. Other essential oils with effective garden insecticide properties include peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood. Red Pepper Spray: Red Pepper powder can be used safely as a homemade pesticide in vegetable gardens. Combine 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper powder, 6 drops organic biodegradable dish soap and 1 gallon of water and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into a garden sprayer and thoroughly cover the vegetables with spray once a week to keep garden pests, like beetles and aphids off plants. Rodales Organic Life All Purpose Spray: This works against any leaf-eating pests as a repellant and natural insecticide. Chop, grind, or liquefy 1 organic garlic bulb and 1 organic small onion. Add 1 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper and mix into 1 quart of water. After steeping for one hour strain it through cheesecloth and add 1 tablespoon organic biodegradable dish soap, mixing well. Spray your plants thoroughly, including the undersides of the leaf. You can store the mixture for up to a week in the fridge. Attract Ladybugs! Ladybugs are fantastic in the garden; they work to reduce harmful insects such as aphids and mites that cause damage to your growing plants. Some ladybugs consume 5,000 insects in their short 3-6 week lifespan. They also lay hundreds of larva that will continue this fun helpful garden control. Some plants that ladybugs love are calendula, cosmos, dill & dandelion. If you aren’t attracting as many ladybugs as you would like, you can purchase ladybugs from your local nursery. Release them at night, as they do not fly during this time. This will allow the ladybugs to snack on garden pests and begin laying larva. Tips & Tricks
All about the Bees: Many have heard about the massive decline in bee populations. What you may not realize is the effect this will have on mans most vital source of life. A whopping third of all food depends on pollination by bees. A world without pollinators would be devastating for food production. Bee-killing pesticides pose a direct risk to pollinators. The main reasons for this devastating decline in bees are linked to industrial agriculture, parasites, disease and climate change. These issues directly affect honeybees and wild pollinators. What can you do? There is an urgent need to stop chemical-intensive industrial agriculture that is only benefiting monster corporations. It is recommended that you do not purchase your garden or flower plants from corporate businesses such as Home Depot, Lowe’s or Wal-Mart. Many of these corporations carry plants that are genetically modified and have been treated with harmful chemicals that will cause damage to the bees. Choosing organic non-GMO foods sends a message to industrial agriculture that we will not support their environmental destruction and we care about the future of our planet and mankind. Growing bee friendly plants such as lavender, borage, strawberries, sunflower, asters, dandelion, clover, wisteria, cosmos, and many more herbs provide a beautiful food garden for the hardworking bees. Spread the word and give the gift of organic plants to help save the bees. Mushrooms for Bees: Did you know mushrooms are helping save the honeybees? Currently Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is affecting 41% of managed bee colonies nationwide. Some scientists estimate that ALL managed bee colonies could face total decimation from CCD within five years. Bacterial and viral infections are dramatically harming the bees that already face challenging environmental damage from GMO exposure, pesticides, fungicides, and parasitic mites. Currently the Host Defense Bee Friendly Research Initiative is conducting experiments using extracts containing Reishi and Chaga mushrooms. Colonies that have been exposed to these mushroom extracts showed substantial improvement and saw benefits that included extended longevity and reduction of viral burden by 75%. Cultivate mushrooms whenever possible in and around your garden. Buying Organic Plants and Flowers: Organic nurseries grow their plants without applying pesticides and from heirloom seeds that have been passed down for generations, or that are hand selected for a specific trait. Heirlooms can vary, but typically they are at least 50 years old, and are often pre-WWII varieties. In addition, they tend to remain stable in their characteristics from one year to the next making them a great choice when gardening. Some locations that sell organic heirloom & hybrid seeds and plants are: Edwards Greenhouse 4106 Sand Creek St Boise, ID (208) 342-7548 North End Organic Nursery 3777 W. Chinden Blvd Garden City, ID (208) 389-4769 |
Archives
December 2016
Categories |