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Category Archives: Beauty Foods

Natural Remedies for Hair Loss

November 3, 2011

Hair loss can be a both physically and emotionally uncomfortable. So, it is important to have the tools to help heal the problem, naturally, rather than simply treating the symptoms with dangerous chemicals. All skin and hair conditions are the result of an internal imbalance. For hair loss, as with all skin and hair conditions, it is essential to heal internally and treat externally at the same time.

Natural External Treatments for Hair Loss

Morrocco Method Organic Hair Care

To begin heal hair loss with organic products I recommend a combination of Zen Detox Hair & Scalp Therapy and treatment with the Morrocco Method Shampoos & Elixirs.

Healing Internal Treatment for Hair Loss

If it is hair loss related to male-pattern-baldness, the main cause of hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgenic hormone. Normally, DHT plays a major role in male sexual development but an increased level of DHT leads to hair loss. When there is too much DHT in the scalp, it binds itself to the hair follicles, blocking the blood supply to the follicle. If the hair follicle cannot get the nutrients it needs from the blood, it stops growing and then shrinks. This leads to hair thinning at first and then over time leads to baldness as the hair follicle begins to die.

The solution to the hair loss is therefore to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.

Some of the most effective natural hair loss treatments are the following:

Saw Palmetto. An herbal DHT inhibitor. It stops the process that converts testosterone into DHT. It is completely safe, natural, and far less expensive than prescription drugs.

Pumpkin seeds. Help in the breakdown of DHT by the liver.

Zinc. Zinc, like Saw Palmetto, prevents conversion of testosterone into DHT. I recommend the liquid Zinc supplements by Mother Earth Minerals or Premier Research Labs.

Take these supplements/foods individually or look for a formula that contains these ingredients at your local health food store. There are many natural formulas available. They’ll often be labeled “Prostate Health,” as the same ingredients benefit the prostate, as well. Women that are experiencing hair loss, will often have a very similar hormonal imbalance, and these same ingredients will benefit women too.

Other Tips for Healthy Hair and Scalp

Plant-Derived Organic MSM

1) I highly recommend taking Organic MSM internally for detoxing and for clearer scalp and stronger, fuller hair.

Take with MSM with a high quality food-based Vitamin C. The Vitamin C helps the MSM work in the body.

2) Other Nutrients that are beneficial are food-based supplements like: Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex: PABA, Folic Acid, Biotin.

Here are my absolute favorite whole-food multi-vitamin/mineral supplements. For Men. For Women.

3) And of course, PLENTY of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. My favorite vegan sources are: (Golden Algae Oil, Chia, Hemp, Flax, Pumpkin Seed, Seabuckthorn, Pomegranate – Seeds & Oils).

As always, leave a comment below if you have any questions! – Jill

Also posted in Beauty, Hair, Healing, Health, Men – 1 Comment

How you can enjoy Beauty, Immunity, and Longevity with only 5 minutes of your time each day!

April 9, 2011

I have something very special to share this week!

An Exclusive Interview with the stunningly Radiant and the uber knowledgable Bethanne Wanamaker, Co-Author of Superfood Beauty Elixirs.

Superfood Beauty Elixirs is my FAVORITE recipe book for super nutrition. I blend several radically beautifying and rejuvenating Elixirs from this cutting-edge Ebook every day. These Elixirs are the foundation of my diet and the nutrition I consume for ultimate health and beauty. You can survive on standard whole foods, smoothies, and juices, but to truly THRIVE at our highest potential, Elixirs like these are essential!

Interview with the Radiant Bethanne Wanamaker, Co-Author of Superfood Beauty Elixirs

Bethanne Wanamaker is a passionate Certified Nutrition and Natural Beauty Educator and Author who is wholeheartedly devoted to empowering women to take control of their own health, make conscious lifestyle decisions, and become responsible and accountable for their actions and results.Her mission is to help women understand the power they hold with regard to their health and the irresistible potential that lies within when we commit to ourselves! Her story, as written in Volume 3 of Thank God I: Stories of Inspiration, was the catalyst experience for transforming her own health, as well as finding her true purpose in this blessed life.

Bethanne is the founder EdibleGoddess.com, a company dedicated to sharing the truth about nutrition, cutting edge health and natural beauty strategies, and a growing range of products that lead to everything you could want for yourself. She studied at Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition to become a Certified Nutrition Educator and has pursued an immense level of continuing education and teaching others in topics relating to holistic nutrition, cleansing and detoxification, longevity, raw foods, Superfoods, super tonic herbs, natural beauty, flower essences, human potential, self-development and discovery.

1. What inspired you to create Superfood Beauty Elixirs?

We had been making simple versions of our elixirs for some time with MSM and whole food vitamin C and then just kept taking it to the next level – for taste, benefits, and to maximize the synergy between the ingredients we chose. It really started with these MSM/Vitamin C drinks (such as the Morning Beauty, Orange Snow Breeze, Pink Limeade) and then a cascade of ideas poured in!

The Green Supreme was created because I was traveling to Southern CA to work the LongevityNOW Conference and wanted to make a powder blend that covered all my needs while I was on the road and working super long hours. I needed to be able to mix it with just straight spring water and have it taste good, and keep me going throughout the weekend. This is one of our longest list of ingredients for our recipes (which I’d like to change in a future edition of the book) because of this. It’s the “all-in-one” – the one to make ahead of time if you have limited access to your Superhero goodies while away from home. I remember driving back home with friends, drinking my Green Supreme (which did not have a name at the time), and my friends kept saying, “you know, everyone loved your elixirs this weekend – you could really do something with this.” And from the moment I got home, Christian and I played in the kitchen taking our original simple elixir ideas combined with our recent inspiration, and created the book.

2. Do you drink elixirs like these every day? Give us an example of how you work them into your schedule.

I do drink the elixirs every day, and typically between 1-3 each day. During the 6 months it took to write our book, we made elixirs every night to test, re-test our sweet creations. Ever since, we’ve gotten in the habit of making an elixir as a “night cap” just a few hours before bed (maybe an hour after dinner or so) and we’ll enjoy it that evening and then I save a cup for myself in the fridge so I have something ready for me when I awaken the next day. We brew tonic herbal tea multiple times per day: we use it as part of the base in a seed/nut mylk for a Superfood smoothie, on chilly afternoons to keep warm and cozy, and in the evening as a nice hot cup of satisfying tea (sweetened with stevia). We go in phases with the kefir, but usually have at least one batch per week which will make us a few ultra-refreshing coconut kefir elixirs. The kefir recipes have become some of my favorites in the book and because of the high probiotic content, each drinks FEELS massively healing, which I love. There is something unbelievably quenching about the kefir recipes, and it’s always an exciting moment when we have the kefir ready to make chilled elixirs.

3. Why Superfoods and Superherbs? Can’t we just eat plenty of fruits & vegetables or drink plenty of juices?

This is a question that will always come up in the raw food movement and that’s great because many of us want simple answers to complex issues. Yet, in each of our own experiences with eating solely fruits, vegetables, and freshly made juices, it was great in the very short-term, but felt there were something missing ultimately – even with a diverse selection of local produce. Bringing wild foods, Superfoods, and tonic herbs into the diet really do take your health to the next level and it’s usually a level of health that was not imaginable beforehand. With environmental pollution so prevalent, and the fact that our soils are not even close to being as healthy as they were 100 years ago, even organic fruits and vegetables do not have the potential to allow your body full gene expression. Christian and I want seriously be as healthy as we can be, and that means hand-selecting from different dietary approaches and taking the very best of them, and compiling our own version of the optimal individual diet. Wild foods, Superfood, and tonic herbs bring with them an immense potential for activating the innate healing regenerative energy within us all and considering it is we that have the ability to heal ourselves, we are willing to step outside the super extreme purists diet and emphasize foods correlated with longevity, genius, and spiritual growth.

4. One common comment I hear about people being resistant to superfoods is are that they’re too expensive and not realistically affordable. What do you have to say about that? How do you make it work?

Packaged Superfoods certainly can have a high price tag, yet so can all packaged raw and organic foods as well. All wild foods are considered “Superfoods” and they are free and offered to us in abundance. Consider that if you buy a bottle of wild blue green algae (which happens to be very pricey because it also happens to be one of the foods EVER we could consume – a little goes a long way, so you’re not going through the bottle in 1 month. Each bottle lasts a long time (even has a great shelf life), so it’s not like you’re going out buying this stuff on a weekly basis. There IS a start-up cost, just like anything though – you may pay more initially and then the expenses go down depending upon your usage and chosen maintenance amount.

I also feel that I am my greatest investment, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep myself not only well, but getting younger and healthier as each year passes. Since putting health as my #1 priority, I’ve gone through my expenditures for the month and taken a close look at how I spend my money – and found ways to whittle down other expenses so I could create the life I wanted. We all spend money every day, it’s just a matter of HOW you spend it. I could look at anyone’s finances and help you determine ways to eat healthier and continue to up-level your health, even on a strict budget, and after being laid off (or any financial downfall). With my own health, I am not willing to compromise – that would be too easy and full of symptoms to do.

5. If you could pick just a handful of superfoods or superherbs to have at home, say top 5, what would they be?

Wild blue green algae, seaweeds, fresh aloe (from whole leaf), spirulina/chlorella (have to have both for various reasons), and medicinal mushrooms (#1 being Reishi)

6. What differences have you noticed in your health and beauty with these elixirs in your life?

I have definitely felt more deeply nourished since incorporating these elixirs into my life, without question. I love that I can get an infusion of mouth-watering goodness in a divinely delicious way, and not have to rely on taking pills. Consuming tonic elixirs are a liberating choice and they have the ability to address so many issues and layers at once. Specifically, my diet feels much more well-rounded since making them a staple in my routine. I have less cravings because of the deep nourishment they offer – like they’re filling in nutritional gaps that supplements just aren’t able to do. The elixirs are made with 100% food – no “supplements”, so our bodies respond much more favorably to whole food nutrition than vitamins and minerals in isolated form. Also, I’ve noticed a preserving youthful effect on my skin (which is just a reflection of what is going on internally) and that is an amazing and clear sign that I am more mineralized and truly healthier, and therefore my skin skin appears more radiant. There is also a mental satisfaction when drinking the elixirs – they’re like non-alcoholic sweet, yet super low-glycemic cocktails, so you get the magic potion in a glass that is actually going to leave you feeling much better the next morning!

7. Are elixirs like these essential for external beauty? If so, why?

I believe they are based upon what I’ve personally experienced and what I’ve witnessed in others. As we all know, radiant beauty comes from within, so not only do we want to release accumulated toxins and poisons from the body, but just as importantly we want to infuse our body with super nutrient-density to restore, regenerate, and repair us from top head to toe. We’ve found the elixirs to be the most delicious, cost-effective, and practical way to get medicinal quality foods into the diet with the greatest potential for producing immediate results – something which is likely enticing to us all. Not to mention, with liquid nutrition the absorption level is at an all-time maximum (highly bio-available), so the drinks really deliver on their promised results.

8. If you had to chose one elixir recipe that is the ultimate for gorgeous skin, hair, and nails, and overall radiance, what would it be?

#1 Green Supreme, #2 Ancient Wisdom, #3 Tropical Quench (I had to list three… But if you were to say the “ultimate” one – it’s a hard choice, but I feel Green Supreme is THE overall best beauty tonic elixir in our book with Ancient Wisdom a close 2nd.

9. What’s next for you?

The Conscious Goddess Cleanse: Bethanne is leading women from all over the world in a purifying detox program. It includes all the Healthforce products you’ll need to complete the cleanse, private phone sessions with her, and weekly teleseminars with leading experts – including me!

Be sure to check out Bethanne’s Conscious Goddess Cleanse - where I’m a featured guest speaker!

Here is Bethanne’s phenomenal Ebook, Superfood Beauty Elixirs:

Superfood Beauty Elixirs

<- Click here to THRIVE at a new level!

Here are some of the Superfoods featured in the Ebook. These are some of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make the Elixirs:

Vitamineral Green & Vitamineral Earth
Vitamineral Green is a superior, nutrionally dense therapeutic green superfood powder. Vitamineral Green nutritionally supports blood sugar, detoxification, the immune system, liver, kidneys, blood, bones, colon, regularity, circulation, and longevity.
Earth Sacred Healing Food contains essiac herbs, healing roots, barks, and seeds. Soothes colon, supports blood sugar, colon health, detoxification, immune system, and longevity. Earth can can be used on its own as a grounding superfood blend, or ideally taken in the same day as Vitamineral Green for a balance of yin and yang, a grounding to Vitamineral Green’s more etheric qualities.

<- Click here to CLEANSE, REJUVENATE, and THRIVE at a new level!

Plant-derived MSM Crystals: The Ultimate BEAUTY Mineral!
MSM works to build collagen, helping to create smooth skin, thick lustrous hair, and strong nails. MSM also restores and maintains healthy joints, increases flexibility, speeds recovery time from sore muscles, and is excellent for recovery from injuries. MSM makes the tissues more permeable so that they may move nutrients in and toxins out with greater ease. MSM has a remarkable effect at neutralizing foreign proteins (i.e. allergens, toxins, undigested food) making it anti-inflammatory. It provides a source of organic sulfur for the amino acids that are essential for internal cleansing.

I mix these MSM Crystals into drinks twice a day. This is the highest quality MSM available and is the only one I have found that is NOT derived from Petroleum sources.

<-Try MSM for true beauty from the inside out!

Truly Natural Vitamin C
The essential companion to MSM. MSM and Vitamin C work together synergistically. Vitamin C helps the body fully absorb the MSM. Truly Natural Vitamin C is food, not an Vitamin C synthetic or isolate. This is a naturally occuring Vitamin C in powered form. Unlike synthetic or isolates, neither of which occur in nature, this Vitamin C is non-toxic in any dosage amount and is highly absorbable. I take Vitamin C at least 3 or 4 times a day. Vitamin C not only boosts our immune systems, but it also required for collagen production. Vitamin C also speeds up skin healing and protects it from environmental aggressors.

<-Get your Vitamin C the way nature instead – an essential nutrient for health and beauty!

Also posted in Beauty, Food, Healing, Health, Nutrition, Recipes, Skin and Body – 0 Comments

3 Reasons The Vegan Diet Fails For Most People

October 16, 2010

These is a teaser for the much longer article I am writing on Veganism. This upcoming article discusses and dispels all myths, concerns, and questions I have ever heard come up around eating a Vegan diet.

I completely believe in Bio-Individuality. We are all very beautifully Different! We have different body types, blood types, constitutions, sensitivity levels, to name a few. AND, we are ALL designed to be Vegan.

Most people define their attachment to animal foods as a need. The fact is, we do not need animal products of any kind to survive, live, or thrive. In fact, humans are natural vegans! Animal foods actually became part of our diet long after we evolved into who we are today.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell, professor emeritus at Cornell University explains that:

“The birth of agriculture only started about 10,000 years ago at a time when it became considerably more convenient to herd animals. This is not nearly as long as the time [that] fashioned our basic biochemical functionality (at least tens of millions of years) and which functionality depends on the nutrient composition of plant-based foods.

In the book The Power of Your Plate, Dr. Neal Barnard, President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, states that:

“Early humans had diets very much like other great apes, which is to say a largely plant-based diet, drawing on foods we can pick with our hands. Research suggests that meat-eating probably began by scavenging–eating the leftovers that carnivores had left behind. However, our bodies have never adapted to it. To this day, meat-eaters have a higher incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other problems.”

The premier authority on anthropological science, paleontologist Dr. Richard Leakey, explains that

“[y]ou can’t tear flesh by hand, you can’t tear hide by hand…. We wouldn’t have been able to deal with food source that required those large canines” (although we have teeth that are called “canines,” they bear little resemblance to the canines of carnivores). We lack sharp claws to seize and hold down prey. Our hands are actually perfectly designed for grabbing and picking fruits and vegetables. Also, we have the intestines like other herbivores, ours are very long (carnivores have short intestines so they can quickly get rid of all the rotting flesh they eat).”

We do not have instinct to chase, kill, and devour the raw carcasses of animals (at least most of us are, hopefully). Most of us also feel bonds with and love for animals. If we were only designed to hunt and kill them, we would have absolutely no feelings for animals.

There were times of great scarcity thousands of years ago when we were hunter-gatherers. At that time, we may have needed a little meat in our diets, but we don’t need it now! Especially when we are living in a time of severe Global Warming and 51% on the planet of all Greenhouse Gases are caused by the Meat and Dairy Industries (EVEN your Organic meat and dairy!). The UN has even published a public report which says that Vegan diet is vital to save the world! http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/06/02-7

Download the full UN report here:http://www.unep.org/resourcepanel/documents/pdf/PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Report_Full.pdf

The 3 Reasons a Vegan diet EVER fails for ANY One

1) Lack of High Nutrient Density.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, etc are NOT enough! We need wild and ancient, pre-hybridized food to thrive to our highest potential.

For example, Spirulina has 3.6 billion years of evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA! A hybridized fruit you buy at the market, created to be more desirable to our over-sugared dulled taste buds (to be super sweet and often seedless), has some nutrients, but not enough to thrive on alone.

Protein is NEVER something to be concerned about when going Vegan! The most common question I receive as a Vegan is “what do you do for protein?” That’s SO easy, plant foods, such as algae, green-leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado have plenty of bio-available protein to nourish our bodies, helps us thrive, feel amazing, and even be a body-builder or tri-athlete! Spirulina has more protein by weight than any other food on the planet! The high-protein diet is only an outdated fab and untruth! We only need ten percent protein maximum daily. Beileve, I was a non-believer too – I thought I needed animal protein to live or even feel okay, until I took the time to detoxify my addiction to it. And – I am an O+, Vata-type that feels better with more protein and fat than some others.

Taking the the time and patience to end my dependence on animal foods, is an expression that I am thinking about and feeling other beings and the health of the planet in my food and product choices, other than just myself and my own needs. And, I am infinitely healthier, happier, and more spiritually attuned to the planet and all beings!

2) Lack of Proper Detoxification Methods.

If you are ever transitioning to a more pure, plant-based diet – detox will and does happen! You body needs help discarding of the masses of toxins being dumped into your elimination organs as you detox from the less ppure diet you were eating before. Colon Hydrotherapy, Colon Cleansing, and other organ cleansing is a MUST!

Without additional cleansing, toxins are being dumped into the body faster than they are eliminated. This results in ‘Feeling Bad and Weak’ – continual cravings, loss of energy, etc. This so often leads people to say that a ‘vegan diet just didn’t work for me or it isn’t for me’. This is understandable, because to few of us actually know what is happening inside our bodies when we make this kind of diet change.

3) Lack of Balance in what you are eating and drinking.

ALL processed and refined foods must be eliminated in order to ever be healthy and feel good. Many people on a new vegan diet, will stop consuming animal foods, but continue to eat these foods, even if occasionally at restaurants or from boxes and bags you buy at your natural foods store. Yes, most food at the natural/health food store is processed or refined and not optimal for a helping our bodies thrive! AND, even if you eat a 100% whole food diet - fruits, veggies (and even additions of grains and nuts) alone will never lead to long-term success!

We need to be eating a VAST spectrum of different types of foods and always eat with the Seasons - like herbs, roots, spices, Chinese herbs, Ayurvedic herbs, medicinal mushrooms, wild foods, etc. which balance our body’s nourishment, temperature, constitution, etc. in addition to the typical foods we may eat (fruits, veggies, grains, etc.).

More to come. . .

Thank you!

Also posted in Food, Healing, Health, Nutrition – 2 Comments

Toxic Skincare Products And Unsafe Cosmetics That Are Lurking In Your Home and IN YOUR BODY (And How To Let Go Of Them!)

October 12, 2010

- Do you eat whole, organic, unprocessed foods, even massively powerful superfoods, yet still buy soap and shampoo at the drug store or department store?

- Do you believe that a commercial, chemical-based anti-aging product is the only EFFECTIVE way to protect yourself from wrinkles and aging?

- Do you read the labels on your skincare, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other body products as carefully as you read the ingredients on a box of food?

For many of us, all the products we use on a daily basis ‘slide under the radar’ when they come into our home! We never think to question what ingredients may be in our makeup, or a hand soap, or our facial cleanser.

It was a revelation when I woke up to the fact that every single product that touches my skin (or I inhale, in the case of cleaners, perfume, candles, anything that has ‘fragrance’) HAS AN EFFECT on my body and on my wellness!

Skin care has always been a great passion of mine. It is a heavenly way for me to deeply care for myself. I also lived most of my life with Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema, Rashes, and highly reactive skin. For many years, I was using a ‘normal’ regimen of cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and eye serums from popular department stores, online stores, and even natural food stores. I always bought the ‘organic’ brands that promised beauty with beautiful labels. I kept trying new ones and spent hundreds of dollars a month in the hopes that something, anything ‘might help me get rid of my skin conditions and stop the breakouts!’

As I began eating a healthy, natural diet many years ago, I also started using natural skin and body care. My evolution toward purity in my diet grew hand-in-hand with the purity I sought in skin and body care products. As my diet became more pure, it also felt intuitive to me to use more pure skin and body care products. It wasn’t until I began living a 100% Raw Vegan lifestyle, that I realized the degree to which purity is not only important, but also essential for our bodies and spirits to thrive!

With my new way of eating came increased sensitivity – I simply couldn’t use any of the ‘Organic’ and ‘Natural’ skin and body care products I was using before without feeling sick or getting worse breakouts. I was also in a place where I no longer was willing to accept having bad skin. I desired beautiful, healthy skin so much that I studied and researched endlessly, and constantly experimented with different products for skin and different ways of healing my body and my skin. I did this for years. And also for years, I searched for skin and body care that would be both radically healing and effective

‘Why would I eat chemical-free food, yet use any chemicals on my skin?!’

(even the chemicals in supposed ‘natural’ skin care’)

This became not only a question for me to ask, but to answer and live that answer. That was a life-changing decision! My skin immediately started clearing up! And it is not only clear, but also radiantly beautiful now! I was so used to having bad skin for so long that when I receive compliments on my skin, which is a very frequent occurrence now, I am still surprised!

I healed multiple chronic diseases in my body and have beautified my skin by removing chemicals from my life and choosing food and skin care that are as close to nature as possible.

I knew that the Purity I found through toxin-free organic skincare, shampoo, and body products was my gift to share with the world!

That’s why I’ve created Purify My Life!

This is a FREE downloadable .pdf report that will teach you:

WHY Purity is an essential secret to Beauty

And WHAT you can do to take your body from toxic to Pure!

That’s it – I am giving away this program to you today, because I care! No catches! I strongly encourage you to download it immediately! (Link is at the bottom of this post.)

Now – I’ve got a SURPRISE for you!

In addition to creating a free .pdf report, I am going to COACH you through the 10 days of purifying YOUR life.

This is called the Purify My Life 10-Day Coaching Program!

Enjoying my Clear, Radiant Skin!

A 10-Day Coaching Program for FREE! Available INSTANTLY!

(Now, if you just want to download Purify My Life, go ahead and scroll to the bottom of this post. You’ll see the link there.)

Enter your name and email right here, and I will immediately start you on the coaching process to Purify YOUR Life!

(Again, there’s no catch, it’s totally free and we DO NOT share your email with anyone else. Integrity always. Spreading the Love only.)

Thank You for joining me on this transformational journey! Here’s to Purity!

WITH LOVE,

***

Click Here To Download Purify My Life

Also posted in Beauty, Food, Healing, Health, Skin and Body – 1 Comment

Beauty Breakfast Porridge

October 4, 2010

Photo Credit: little blue hen

Chia Seeds and Goji Berries two of the most beautifying foods in the world.

Chia seeds contain the highest amount of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) known. They are loaded with over 60% essential fatty acids. Chia seeds are an excellent source of complete protein (about 20% protein) and contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy. Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid – contributing to a long shelf life.   Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, copper, zinc and phosphorus. They stabilize blood sugar  by slowing down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. Chia seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a body hydrator. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer. The Chia seed gel is a hydrophylic colloid that has a medicinal affect for many digestive health issues, helping to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.

Like Chia seeds, Goji berries are also extremely high in antioxidants and protein. They are one of the highest antioxidant containing foods. They are a complete protein, with nineteen different amino acids, including all eight essential amino acids. Goji berries contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E, as well as 21 or more trace minerals. They also contain polysaccharides, iron, betaine (liver-healing), linoleic acid (EFA), beta-sitosterol (anti-inflammatory), sesquiterpenoids & tetraterpenoids (anti-aging). They are the only food known to stimulate our bodies to naturally produce more Human Growth Hormone, making it one of the best anti-aging foods on the planet.

Breakfast (or snack or dessert) Beauty Porridge

(All Raw and Organic, as always)

Base
3 Tbs Chia seed
1/2 cup fresh vanilla almond milk (see recipe below)
1 Tbs Goji berries

Flavor options
fresh ground vanilla
cinnamon
nutmeg
dash himalyan or celtic salt

Sweet options
stevia
flavored stevia (English Toffee flavor)
raw honey

Additions

(depending on your preference and what you have on hand)
sliced banana
soaked (and dehydrated if prefered) walnuts and or almonds
cashews
soaked Pumpkin seeds
Black Sesame seed
raw Cacao nibs
handful of fresh berries
raisins or other dried fruits

Vanilla Almond Milk Instructions

Soak almonds in pure water for at least 8 hrs.

Drain (or water plants with soak water) and rinse several times

1 cup soaked almonds

3 cups water

1 vanilla bean, seeds scooped out or 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground vanilla

Stevia or honey to taste

Blend the soaked almonds with the water until smooth. Pour into a nut milk bag over a bowl. Twist and squeeze until all liquid is in the bowl. Save the almond pulp in a container and put in the refrigerator for use in other recipes.
Pour the almond milk back into the blender and blend with the vanilla and sweetener until smooth.
Milk will last in the refrigerator for about 5 days. Shake well before using.

Porridge Instructions

With Love:

* Pour Almond Milk over Chia seeds and Goji berries in a bowl. Mix and let sit for 10 min to an hour (depending on how thick you would like the porridge). Chia seeds will thicken into a gel-like consistency. The longer they soak, the more they will absorb the liquid. Stir as the porridge begins to thicken to make sure all Chia seeds are covered and do not clump together. When it reaches desired consistency, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. I find it best to add in any other liquid and powder ingredients first, mix well, and then add in solid ingredients.

Enjoy!

Also posted in Food, Nutrition, Recipes – 2 Comments

Beauty Foods Recipe: 5-minute yum salad with Ginger Mint Tahini Hemp Dressing

May 13, 2010

fast easy yum salad

I literally made this salad spontaneously while sitting on the floor of our tiny RV (the RawVee). Don’t worry – the floor is very clean, carpeted, and no food touched it. I just used the ingredients we happened to have here in our little refrigerator and fruit and veggies basket. My husband, Jed, gushed over how good it was, so I thought I’d share it. It took me only about 5 minutes to make!!

Salad

All Organic & Raw:

Add any greens you happen to have around to a bowl the size of your hunger. I used Spinach.
I did not have an abundance of spinach, so I added handfuls of fresh curly Parsley and fresh Cilantro.
I tore all of these up into pieces.
Next, I diced 2 stalks of Celery and tossed it in.
Then, I diced a Radish or two.
I cut plenty of Cherry Tomatoes in half and added them to the bowl.

Dressing

Add the following to your Vita-Mix or blender.

All Organic & Raw:

1/2 inch fresh Ginger
6 -10 fresh Mint leaves, depending on your love for mint
2 Tbl Tahini
3 Tbl Hemp Seeds
Half a Lemon (seeded) or Lemon Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 – 1 clove garlic
1 Tbl of Flax, Hemp, or Olive Oil (optional)
1 tsp Billy’s Infinity Greens
5-8 Shakes of Herbamare (to taste) or Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt
add Living Spring Water, or at least purified water to just cover the ingredients in blender, or depending of how liquidy or creamy you want it.

Blend until smooth, pour over salad, and toss.

Enjoy in love and gratitude!

Also posted in Food, Recipes – 1 Comment

Ode to the Miraculous COCONUT

March 17, 2010

Photo Credit: pielad

The Endless Health Benefits of the Coconut

Known as the “tree of life” in tropical cultures the wonderful fruit of the coconut palm has possibly the most health, skin, and functional benefits of any food on Earth. In recent years the incredible coconut has finally begun escaping the myths that had tarnished its name. Many still believe that it is fattening and will clog arteries because of its high saturated fat content, while in fact the opposite is true! Processed coconut products, such as sweet coconut cream, coconut sweets, and anything that has added sugar, trans fats, and chemicals will hurt your body and your waistline. Yet, fresh, pure Coconut is one of the most health-giving plants on the planet!

The following is from the Coconut Research Center , www.coconutresearchcenter.org/:

For thousands of years in traditional medicine around the world coconut has been used to treat a wide variety of health problems including: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Published medical and scientific research also shows the following benefits:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
* The caprylic acid found in coconut kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
* Provides a nutritional source of quick and lasting energy.
* Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
* Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
* Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
* Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
* Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
* Helps protect against osteoporosis.
* Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
* Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
* Improves digestion and bowel function.
* Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
* Reduces inflammation.
* Supports tissue healing and repair.
* Supports and aids immune system function.
* Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
* Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
* Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
* Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
* Functions as a protective antioxidant.
* Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
* Does not deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
* Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
* Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
* Reduces epileptic seizures.
* Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
* Dissolves kidney stones.
* Helps prevent liver disease.
* Is lower in calories than all other fats.
* Supports thyroid function.
* Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
* Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
* Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
* Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
* Protects from the UV Rays of the sun
* Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
* Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
* Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
* Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
* Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
* Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
* Helps control dandruff.
* Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Coconut Oil: The “Healthiest Oil on Earth”
What makes coconut oil so amazing?
“The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, and long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids, also known as medium-chain triglycerides. The vast majority of commercial fats and oils, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids.” – Coconut Research Center
All animal fats are extremely damaging to health. Refined Vegetable oils should also be avoided. Only use oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and FRESH.

“Our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of long-chain fatty acids more commonly found in unhealthy foods. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. Medium-chain fatty acids help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.” – Coconut Research Center

Isn’t Coconut Oil Fattening?
Absolutely not! Coconut oil promotes weight LOSS. Long-chain fatty acids nearly always go to fat storage, while the medium-chain fatty acids are burned for energy. It is a high energy, long-lasting energy superfood! Coconut oil also helps to stimulate metabolism, so you burn more calories each day, which helps with weight loss and energy levels.

Coconut Oil is a Potent Immune Booster
Coconut Oil is overflowing with powerful Lauric Acid.   Lauric Acid boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil is actually one of the closest foods on Earth to human breast milk.
And Coconut water is the closet thing found in nature to human blood plasma. Drinking it is like receiving a blood transfusion! The water of the coconut is also beneficial to the detoxifying organs, such as the kidneys and liver, it recharges you full of electrolytes, and it is the perfect thirst quencher.

“Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted by the body into monolaurin. The action attributed to monolaurin is that of solubilizing the lipids, in the envelope of the virus, causing the disintegration of the virus envelope.” – Tom Mountford, The Health Benefits of Coconuts

“Scientists in the Philippines researched the effects of coconut oil and lauric acid on patients with the HIV virus that causes AIDS. Most of the AIDS patients showed a dramatic drop in the HIV virus count, in some cases to “undetectable” levels.” -Sheryl Walters, citizen journalist   (NaturalNews) Hopefully, more research will further substantiate these findings.

P.S. Good News: If you are allergic to coconuts, you may use coconut oil. Proteins in the coconut meat, not the oil extracted from it, cause the allergy.

Coconut: One of the most perfect Skin and Hair Beautifiers on the planet

The following except for ‘Coconut Oil for Hair and Scalp’ is from http://www.coconut-connections.com, Adapted from The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil by Bruce Fife

Conventional body care products that are made with refined vegetable oils and animal oils generate free radicals both in and outside the body. If you use a lotion or cream with refined oil in it you are in fact causing your skin to age faster. Though it may seem to bring temporary improvement, the product will actually accelerate the aging of the skin and even promote skin cancer through the free radicals that are formed from the refined vegetable oils.

The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over-exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn’t sag and wrinkle. In some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause. Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing long-term damage.

Coconut oil for Hair and Scalp
Saturating the hair and scalp with coconut oil and leaving in for 30 minutes or even overnight for greatest benefit will condition and soften the hair and scalp and help clear dandruff and other scalp conditions.

How Coconut Oil Protects the Skin in total Harmony
Healthy skin has a pH of about 5, making it slightly acidic. Natural skin oils, also known as Sebum, also contain medium chain fatty acids, in the form of medium chain triglycerides. The combination of slightly acid pH and medium chain fatty acids in Sebum provides a protective chemical layer on the skin that prevents infection from disease-causing organisms. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain fatty acids. Coconut also has about the same pH as the skin, supporting its natural chemical balance.

When bathing or showering, soap washes the protective layer of oil and acid off our skin. By using a coconut oil product you can quickly help reestablish the skin’s natural antimicrobial and acid barrier.

Gorgeous Products Featuring Beautiful COCONUT OIL!

Radiant Love Butter
Delectable edible love lotion for moisture, massage, and play. For body, hands, lips – everywhere. A body or massage oil that glides, slides, smoothes and soothes skin. An organic orange swirl of vanilla and cinnamon dipped into raw oils of cococreme, jojoba and cacao butter for body, hands and lips.

Jai Baby Joy
Fresh infused vanilla beans dipped in coconut crème, jojoba and marula creating a loving oil to glide over a baby’s Jubilant skin. A beautiful libation for the whole family: beauty and baby massage oil for all faces to tiny toes, a blessing for pregnant tummies, for soft supple skin after bathing, and a very kissable men’s aftershave. Babies and bellies get yummier!

Everybody Loves the Sunshine
Let the sunshine in! Nourishment for sun-soaking and sun-soaked skin. Rich oils of the desert: jojoba plant, virgin coco-crème, red raspberry, seabuckthorn, schizandra berry, immortelle, carrot, rose, cape-chamomile, lavender, turmeric, lemon, palmarosa are a cooling canopy to restore and adore your heavenly body. So nourishing it is, the deep drink your whole body has been thirsting for. This Beautiful formula harmonizes your time in the sun.

Best Skin Ever and Ultra Restore & Ultra Sapphire also feature Coconut Oil

Enjoy the Coconut Love!

Also posted in Coconut, Coconut Oil, Food, Healing, Health, Nutrition – 1 Comment

Oral Health from the Inside Out

February 25, 2010

Photo Credit: sweetbeetandgreenbean

Proper oral care is extremely important, but the health of your teeth and gums is also primarily determined by how healthy your body is on the inside. Using the best oral care products possible and brushing 10 times a day will not protect against decay if your diet is high in refined foods. The further away a food is from it’s natural state, the more harm it can bring your teeth. Refined foods lead to higher acidic levels in your body. This damages teeth and gums. When the body is acidic, it borrows the calcium and other minerals it is depleted of from teeth and bones.

A diet high in vitamins and minerals is essential for oral health – particularly calcium and vitamins A and D. Vitamins A and C are needed for the absorption of calcium, and calcium is an important element in our teeth.

Choose these foods that are abundant in vitamins and minerals and foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath:

1. Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are very rich in calcium and they also contain large amounts of vitamin C. They also has contain Fluorine, which fights tooth decay.

2. Vegetables
Green plants have large amounts of chlorophyll, phosphorous, and vitamins A and C, all of which are needed for calcium absorption. Chlorophyll helps build enamel and prevents tooth decay. Vitamin C helps reduce plaque from building up. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin are all vegetables that contain large amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables also bring health to gums by cleansing and stimulating them.

3. Fruits
Most fruits contain good amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C creates the cement that holds all of our cells together. It is vital for beautiful skin, and for the health of your gum tissue. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Kiwis are particularly high in vitamin C. Berries such as Goji Berries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Camu Camu berry, and Cloudberry are bursting with large amounts of vitamin C.

Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or brush immediately after eating fruit, so that the sugars and acids are not sitting on your teeth. If you eat citrus fruit, rinse with water, but wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging enamel.

4. Onions
Onions contain powerful sulfur compounds, which kill various types of bacteria. Their antibacterial compounds are most potent when eaten freshly peeled and raw. p.s. There are some tips below for natural breath fresheners.

5. Celery
Celery protects your teeth in two ways: The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that causes cavities. Additionally, chewing on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.

6. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are high in calcium, which helps preserve the bone around your teeth and gums. Eating Seeds (in their whole form) also slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel.

7. Shiitake Mushrooms
Lentinan, a sugar found in shiitake mushrooms, prevents mouth bacteria from creating plaque.

8. Water
Water cleanses the mouth, allowing the saliva to work wonders depositing essential minerals back into the weakened teeth. Drinking water keeps your gums hydrated and is the best way to stimulate saliva–your body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water also helps wash away trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth and cause bad breath. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, be sure to rinse your mouth with water.

Sources:

Berry, Lynn, Beyond Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Tips for Healthy Teeth, NaturalNews.com, December 8, 2007
10 Most Healthy Foods for Teeth, Dental Health Magazine, April 16th, 2009
Knittel, Linda, 10 Foods for a healthy, beautiful smile: protect your teeth and gums with these stellar foods – Diet and nutrition: how to eat right, Natural Health, Dec, 2002, Weider Publications, Gale Group

Also posted in Health, Nutrition, Oral Care – 0 Comments

Secrets of Nature-Empowered Oral Care

February 25, 2010

Nadine, Oral Care Goddess

Nadine Artemis is the gifted beauty visionary behind Living Libations. She handcrafts essential oils, elixirs, serums and perfumed poetry. She gathers the purest ingredients found in nature, working with the intelligence embodied in plants. Her famous oral care elixirs offer the most pure and effective oral care available.

In these recordings, she reveals her immense knowledge of oral care, and teaches how to take care of teeth, gums, and mouth with her revolutionary products, including Yogi Tooth Serum, Health Gum Drops, and Neem Enamelizer. Enjoy!

Successful Oral Care (28 minutes)

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Successful Self Dentistry (53 minutes)

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Also posted in Beauty, Health, Oral Care, Skin and Body – 1 Comment

Beauty Foods: Stinging Nettles!

November 3, 2009

Stinging Nettles

*Please see below for the sources of the following text.

Nettle is a magical medicinal plant. It has amazing astringent, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic properties and it is an important source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, C and E, iron, calcium, phosphates and minerals. It is a powerful remedy against hepatic, arthritic or rheumatic affections, and in treating allergies, anemia and kidney diseases.

Nettle is a blood-purifier of the highest caliber. Because of it’s high alkaline-mineral content (silicon and iron) and blood-building properties, it is a beautifier of the highest order. Nettle leaves are highly alkaline. They neutralize and dissolve acidic wastes in the blood. Their diuretic properties simultaneously help flush the blood and cleanse it through the action of the kidneys. Since both neutralizing and flushing characteristics are important for blood purification, stinging nettle is an excellent choice for complaints where toxicity and/or over-acidity of the tissues are the root of the problem, including poor skin quality, weak nails, damaged teeth, and loss of overall luster. It power to purify the blood will do wonders for chronic skin ailments. It is effective against eczema on the upper body, especially the face, neck, and ears.

Nettle leaves increase the function of the thyroid gland, increasing metabolism and helping to burn away fat while increasing energy. Nettles also help relieve excess mucous in the colon allowing for the release of excess waste.

Nettle leaves are so mineral rich that they satisfy hunger. Overeating can often an outward manifestation of a search for minerals. Eating food that is fully mineralized eventually makes us fully mineralized and provides us with the food-mineral cosmetics necessary to express true inner and outer beauty.

nettle

Properties

Nettle contains a great number of amino acids, glucidic substances, amines, sterols, cetones, ketones as methyl heptenone, acetophenone, volatile oil, fat substances, sitosterols, formic and acetic acid, panthotenic acid, folic acid, chlorophyl 0.3 – 0.8, protoporphyrine and coproporphynine. It also contains vitamins C, B2 and K, beta-carotene, Ca, Mg, Fe and Si salts, phosphates etc. Because of these compounds, the plant has anti-anaemic, anti-diabetic, hemostatic and diuretic properties.

Choline acetyltransferase is present in stinging nettle plants, as well as choline, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Presence of these compounds categorize the nettle as food for the nervous system.

Nettles also contain one of the highest levels of the beautifying mineral silicon found in any food.

Mixtures and Treatments

Perhaps the most well known property of nettle is that it stings. The stems and leaf-tops are covered with thin, hair-like protrusions. These protrusions, if touched, release a stinging fluid containing histamine and formic acid. The sting produces a temporary inflammation. The sting of the nettle is annoying to the skin, but not poisonous.

When nettles are eaten, the saliva neutralizes the sting, so that one cannot be stung in the mouth or throat.

It is said that if the plant did not sting, it would not have lasted through time. As a matter of fact, the Swiss priest, Kunzle, shows that nettle would have been destroyed by insects and animals by now, had it not defended itself by stinging. However, popular medicine has proved the usefulness of this property: fresh nettle leaves placed on the skin, and especially on the kidney area (a practice named urticaria) induces a stinging and burning sensation, with the effect of easing more profound rheumatic pains. Ancient shaman healers used to purposely strike their paralyzed patients with nettles in order to bring blood flow back into the muscles and skin.

Here are some of the ways to enjoy all the benefits of this wonder-plant:
nettle

Eating the Leaves

Come at the leaf from the bottom, folding it along its central crease, yanking it gently from the mother plant, and then rolling it up so as to enclose the top of the leaf (the stingers are most commonly found in the top of the leaf).

Nettle Tea

It cures diseases and inflammations of the urinary system, and also urinary retentions. It has a slightly laxative effect, being recommended in depurative remedies. For hepatic, biliary affections as well as for affections of the spleen, the treatment with nettle tea will last for a number of weeks. Nettle tea can also be of great help to those who suffer from diabetes, because it leads to the decrease of blood sugar and implicitly, of the glycaemia level. It is useful in eliminating virosis, and bacterial infections. Preparation: the tea can be prepared through soaking the fresh or dried leaves in boiled water. This method allows the retention of active substances.

Nettle Infusion

Washing the scalp with nettle (leaves or roots) infusion helps regenerate, grow and thicken the hair. Preparation: to prepare the infusion, 60g of finely crushed nettles are mixed with two and a half cups of water. The mixture is boiled, and then covered for 10 minutes. It can be consumed either hot or cold.

Nettle Tincture

It eliminates dandruff and leaves the hair silky. It also strengthens and revitalizes the hair. Preparation: for ten days, six-seven fresh leaves or two spoons of dried plant are kept macerating in half a liter of alcohol. The mixture is then used to rub the hair root.

Nettle Juice

Running nettles through a juice machine is a unique way to access the the high-quality minerals and oils present in fresh nettles without having to risk being stung.The juice from stinging nettle leaves acts as an antidote to the sting when applied topically. Due to its rich iron content and ease of absorption, nettle juice is more effective than spinach juice in building blood. Given its propensity to neutralize and flush out acidic waste, nettle juice is perfect for weight reduction. Nettle juice can also be used as a hair rinse to restore natural color.

For hypertension half a glass is drunk right before the most important meals. It has the effect of regulating arterial pressure and straightening blood vessels. In case of renal insufficiency, one glass of nettle juice per day should be consumed in the morning after waking up. In case of anemia and demineralization – one-two glasses of nettle juice are consumed daily for a period of two weeks. Preparation: nettle leaves and stem are gathered and put into the juicer.

Nettle Root Powder

For frail dry hair 60 day treatments can be done, during which half a teaspoon of root powder is administered three times a day on an empty stomach. Preparation: the dried nettle roots are finely crushed using an electric coffee grinder.

* The above text in italic comes from Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe

The plain text above comes from http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/nettle.html

Huge thanks to both of these wonderfully rich resources.

My Love For Nettles

The absolute BEST way to enjoy nettles in all of their glory is to juice FRESH nettles. I feel so blessed have access to freshly picked nettles. I do not even have to go hunting in the forest for them. One of the wonderful organic farmers at my local Farmer’s Market has bunches of nettles quite frequently. I get so excited when I see them at the stand amongst all of the beautiful herbs and wildflowers. It costs only $1.00 for a whole small bag full of nettles, on the stalk! However, if you do live where nettles might be growing in your area, I highly suggest going on a nettle-picking adventure (look near streams, especially in California).

Nettle Leaf Powder

Another way to enjoy nettle nutrition is to eat them in a dry powder form. Billy’s Infinity Greens (coming soon to the Living Earth Beauty Store) contains a high concentration of this powder in its amazing superfoods formula.

How I Juice Nettles

I often juice a wide variety of green leafy vegetables, herbs, and hard veggies – what I find organic and in-season at the farmer’s market. I so look forward to growing all of this in our own garden someday soon! A typical juice blend will consist of items such as: dandelion greens, pea shoots, sunflower sprouts, kale, rainbow chard, parsley, cilantro, lemon balm, holy basil, fennel, cucumber, celery, etc. I always save the nettles for last. This is because I wear rubber gloves to handle them to avoid getting stung. Once I have juiced everything else, I pull out my rubber gloves, rinse the nettles with purified water and feed them into the juicer (I use the Green Star Gold) one stalk at a time. The stalks are usually thin enough to get pulled right in by the blades (which is always fun). Once I have finished juicing a large handful of nettle stalks and leaves, I pour the juice into the rest of the juice I already have put through a nut milk bag. I always double-filter my juice through a nut milk bag to remove all of the plant fiber for ease of absorption and digestion. I then stir the juice up, pour a tall glass for me and for Jed and put the rest in the fridge. The final step is to wash the juicing tools and the juicer with the gloves on, since there are often stray leaves and pieces of the nettles still intact. Wearing rubber gloves for the washing phase of juicing is also an excellent way to preserve the beauty and softness of your hands!

Enjoy your nettles! Here’s to wellness, joy, and timeless beauty!

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