Thursday, 28 March 2013

Healthier Nut Butter Cups


My daughter and I decided to make a healthier version of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups today. I found a recipe I liked a while back at Tessa the Domestic Diva's web site. She calls these Healthy Paleo "Peanut Butter" Cups.  I modified the original recipe some and we used almond butter and a little bit of peanut butter instead of sunflower seed butter as in the original recipe. These are very delicious but they need to harden in the freezer otherwise they are little bit too runny. Almond butter is little more runny than some other nut butters so you can use any nut butter you like if you want them more firm.  I don't mind keeping them in the freezer since it is warm here in California and it tastes great eating cool nut butter cups. We just let them defrost a little before we eat them. The original recipe also calls for 1/2 teaspoon vanilla but we forgot to put it in and I couldn't tell the difference.


What we used
  • 1 cup nut butter. I used almond butter with a tiny bit peanut butter, but the original recipe calls for sunflower seed butter. 
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup honey. 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt. We used Pink Himalayan salt
  • 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

How we made them
  • We blended all the ingredients until smooth in a mixer. (Not the chocolate)
  • We melted the chocolate in a water bath (we don't use a microwave)
  • We put the melted chocolate in paper liner and brushed chocolate on the sides and put in the fridge to harden before we added the nut butter mix. We let the mixture harden some in the freezer before we added rest of the melted chocolate on top.

These nut butter cups are very delicious but they need to be eaten cold otherwise the filling is a little bit runny. You can experiment and add any nut butter, I used natural almond butter and it is more runny since it doesn't have hydrogenated oils in it. I will definitely make these nut butter cups again.

Oh, you might want to use smaller paper liners than what we used.  Natural nut butters are filling so these cups are big enough to split with two people. 



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Emergency Preparedness – Allergies


This is my fifth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies. 

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?

 In my first post, Emergency Preparedness, I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied.  I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My previous posts cover  high blood pressure, anxiety & depression,  pain ,and  diabetes 

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?
  • You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
  •  They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed. 
  • They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil. 

Treat the body holistically
It is important to remember to take a holistic approach to healing and not only rely on natural remedies. Dietary changes, living a toxin free life, exercise, sufficient rest and sleep, and incorporating other healing therapies into your life should also be considered. 

Okay, here we go:

#4 Allergy medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in our country

It is said that 35 millions suffer from allergies and many of them need prescription medications. 
  • A German study found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids decreased the allergy symptoms. A Swedish study found that children who regularly ate fish prior to the age of one had much lower allergies by the time they were four. Omega-3 fatty acids sources are eggs, krill oil, and grass fed meat.
  • Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to allergies and more severe asthma in children. 
  • Horseradish, hot chili peppers, and hot mustards are natural decongestants. 
  • Locally produced honey which contains pollen spores, may act as a "natural allergy vaccine" according to many. They introduce a small amount of allergen by eating the honey and the immune system is activated, over time can build up the immune system against it.
  •  Historically, quercetin rich food such as red grapes, red onions,  capers, black tea, and apples have been used to prevent a histamine release, meaning they are natural antihistamines.
  • According to Steven Horne, the body needs to be purged from toxins and the immune system needs to be stimulated. All processed food with artificial chemicals add to the toxic burden of your body. Refined products are mucus forming and they don't do anything to relieve your allergies.
  • Increase wholesome food, dark leafy vegetables, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices in your diet. 
  • According to Steven Horne, other nutrients that may be beneficial are selenium, zinc, pantothenic acid, and antioxidants.
  • Other things that may play an important role in allergies are adrenal insufficiency, liver problems and leaky gut syndrome according to Steven Horne. 

Time for the oils:
It is said that lavender has anti-histamine properties. Studies also show that luteoln-7-orutinoside in peppermint has antihistamine properties. Gary Young says frankincense may help with allergies and Battaglia says it may be helpful for asthma. . Read my post, Essential Oils & Allergies for more detailed information. 



Remember
Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.




Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.






Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
Julie Behling  (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults  E-book
This post is linked to:
Natural Living, Simple Lives Thursday, The Homeacre Hop, The Busy Bee,  All Things Thursday, Hearts 4 Home, Fight Back Friday, Small FootPrint Fridays, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Homemade Mondays, Natural Living Monday, Mop it Up Monday, Fat Tuesday, Healthy Tuesday Hop, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesday, Domestically Divine, How to Tuesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday,  Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Real Food Wednesday, Mama Moments Monday

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

How to Calm a Jittery Horse with Aromatherapy


Have you ever seen or ridden a very jittery horse that spooked at everything it saw? Maybe you have been trying to introduce your horse to a new environment or train it for something it has never done before. If you have ever been around horses, you know how hard this can be and probably ask yourself  if there is something you can do to ease this stress.

  The answer to that question is yes, something can be done.  You can use essential oils......

My daughter is 12 years old and she loves horses and aromatherapy. She wants to become a holistic veterinarian when she grows up and she has already started learning about using essential oils for horses. Hop over to her blog to learn how you can  make a jittery horse relax. Read more at Paola's Horse Blog


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.





The post is linked to:
Simple Lives Thursday, The Homeacre Hop
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Essential Oils & Menopause Part 2 - Hot Flashes


This is my second post in my series about menopause and essential oils. This time I will talk about hot flashes. It can be embarrassing when you suddenly break into sweat or turn red when you're around other people. Experiencing hot flashes is one of the unfortunate discomforts many women experience during menopause. The irregular function of the blood vessels when they constrict and dilate is what is causing the hot flashes and sweating. It increases the blood flow, slightly increases the heart rate and raises the temperature. It is a good idea to avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol during this time.

Fortunately there are some essential oils that have historically been used for hot flashes that you can try to see if they relieve your symptoms. Many women have found relief using peppermint which has a refreshing and cooling effect and they think it is an easy and effective way.

Peppermint, clary sage, bergamot, fennel, and have traditionally been applied to the ankles at the ovary and uterus Vita Flex points. 






Battaglia recommends the following formula for hot flashes:
Clary Sage 10 drops
Geranium 10 drops
Sage 5 drops
Lemon 5 drops
Evening primrose oil 50 ml

Valeri Worwood's formula is slightly different:
Clary sage 10 drops
Geranium 11 drops
Lemon 7 drops
Sage 2 drops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil


You can also make a spritzer and use as a cooling body spray:

2 oz. glass bottle
1 ¾ oz. distilled or filtered water
10-30 drops essential oils
Optional:
¼ Add witch hazel or vodka to emulsify the oils. Important for thick oils like jasmine and myrrh.


Remember, each person is different so you have to find what works for you. You also have to consider that it may take a while to see a positive change so you have to stick with it and not give up right a way. Please check out my previous post in this subject to learn more about menopause and see what other oils traditionally recommended for menopause.




Before you leave:


I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.










Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Produce Pretenders



When is produce not Mother Nature's finest?  When it is packaged with added sugars, fat, and saturated fat. While you should be consuming at least 4 ½ cups of fruits and veggies daily, in an attempt to fight heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes, some of your choices may actually be Produce Pretenders (produce that is pretending to be healthy).  Here are some examples:

Produce Pretender No.1: Veggie Sticks 
Photo Source: AD Blake

The Real Deal: A quick glance at the ingredients label on the “veggies” in the package will shed light on what is really in these sticks: potato flour, potato starch, vegetable oil, cornstarch, rice flour, tomato paste, salt, and spinach powder.  Besides potatoes, the only main ingredient missing is the other veggies. At 140 calories for 2 cups, very similar to potato chips, your waist would be better served with a handful of raw veggies dipped in a low calorie dressing. Tip: For even a leaner snack and double dose of Mother Nature's finest, dip your veggies in salsa for an added kick.

Produce Pretender No.2:  Banana Chips
Photo Source: Nutrition and You

The Real Deal : Don't go bananas over these chips as a measly ¼ cup has 150 calories (the equivalent to 1 ½ bananas), 8 grams of fat, and 7 grams of heart-unhealthy saturated fat, due to the added coconut oil. Tip: Buy a bunch of saturated fat-free bananas, the way Mother Nature intended, and tote one along daily for a boost of potassium and fiber.

Produce Pretender No.3: Yogurt Covered Raisins
Photo Source: Nutrition and You

The Real Deal : A handful (about 16) of these sugar-coated raisins provides very little yogurt (and hence, calcium) but 140 calories and 6 grams of fat, with 5 grams coming from artery-clogging saturated fat, thanks to the partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil, coconut, and palm oil added.  Tip: Add a tablespoon or two of raisins to your yogurt for a calcium-rich snack.

Produce Pretender No.4:  Mixed Fruit Juice Drinks
Photo Source: AD Blake
 
The Real Deal:  Beware of some fruit juice beverages boasting to be 100% natural.  A bottle of a combination of spring water and real juice blends actually contained spring water followed by pure cane sugar and then white grape juice and strawberry juice concentrate.  Yes.  All the ingredients are “natural” but I am not sure you are shopping for all natural cane sugar.  Another mixed fruit flavored juice drink was beautifully packaged with raspberries and apples pictured on the front of the package but contained only water, high fructose corn syrup, and apple juice, in that order, on the ingredients label.  Raspberries were missing in action.  Since the ingredients on the label are listed by descending order by weight, both beverages mainly consist of water and sugar.  Tip: The terms “drink”, “cocktail”, and “beverages” on the label are code words for added sugars and less actual fruit juice in the container. 

                                                    Follow Joan on Twitter at: joansalgeblake
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)