I have been working on a lot of small details for my website. I redesigned the main page of the site The Natural Living Site by adding some smaller pictures at the top of the page to dress it up a little. These were all pictures that I or my family have taken of our area.
I am still putting out a weekly newsletter. If you haven't signed up, click here The Natural Living Site and enter your name and email and you will recieve the newsletter each week, plus have access to the archives!
I have joined Twitter and try to post on there regularly during the week.
I have joined SelfGrowth.com and submitted articles there.
And I'm promoting my ebook: Natural Cold and Flu Remedies Cold and flu season arrived here in the fall and I used several of the remedies. I especially like my herbal honeys I put up this fall.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Benefits of Onions for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Oops! Been a few weeks since I've been on here. I finished my 100 Articles in 100 Days Marathon over at EzineArticles.com !! Whoo hoo! I've worked really hard to finish this in time. I finished about a week ahead of schedule. Here is one of the articles that has had a lot of views, well over 1,000. So I thought I would pass it along.
Benefits of Onions for Cold and Flu Symptoms
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
Most of us are aware of the powerful odor of onions. Did you know this is their secret weapon against viruses and bacteria? That pungent odor is caused by the rich sulfur compounds that promote health and well-being. Throughout history onions have been held in high regard for their culinary and medicinal qualities. They have even been used as a currency in Egypt to pay the workers who built the pyramids.
Onions have phytochemicals and quercetin which assist the body by moving and breaking up the mucus in the head and chest. The powerful odor causes the eyes to tear and the nose to run. It is this affect on your body that stimulates the immune system to fight the virus or bacterial infection. This is helping your body shed the virus and reduce the inflammation from congestion.
The onion is a warming, stimulating and penetrating herb. It is used in soups and even cough syrups. But you don’t have to eat it to experience its healing affects. Apply them externally as a poultice and inhale and feel their pungent effects. Onions bring heat to the area and this action brings the fever to that part of the body to control how far the infection spreads.
You can also cut them in slices and put them in a bowl by your bed at night or in any room in the house. It is said they absorb the viruses and bacteria from the air. A doctor during the 1918 Spanish flu discovered a farmer and his family doing this very thing and they did not catch the flu, so the story goes.
Onions are anti-bacterial, ant-viral, and anti-parasitic. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, chromium, fiber, manganese and vitamin B6. So eat onions every day, learn to make poultices and syrups and continue a 5,000 year old remedy.
Benefits of Onions for Cold and Flu Symptoms
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
Most of us are aware of the powerful odor of onions. Did you know this is their secret weapon against viruses and bacteria? That pungent odor is caused by the rich sulfur compounds that promote health and well-being. Throughout history onions have been held in high regard for their culinary and medicinal qualities. They have even been used as a currency in Egypt to pay the workers who built the pyramids.
Onions have phytochemicals and quercetin which assist the body by moving and breaking up the mucus in the head and chest. The powerful odor causes the eyes to tear and the nose to run. It is this affect on your body that stimulates the immune system to fight the virus or bacterial infection. This is helping your body shed the virus and reduce the inflammation from congestion.
The onion is a warming, stimulating and penetrating herb. It is used in soups and even cough syrups. But you don’t have to eat it to experience its healing affects. Apply them externally as a poultice and inhale and feel their pungent effects. Onions bring heat to the area and this action brings the fever to that part of the body to control how far the infection spreads.
You can also cut them in slices and put them in a bowl by your bed at night or in any room in the house. It is said they absorb the viruses and bacteria from the air. A doctor during the 1918 Spanish flu discovered a farmer and his family doing this very thing and they did not catch the flu, so the story goes.
Onions are anti-bacterial, ant-viral, and anti-parasitic. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, chromium, fiber, manganese and vitamin B6. So eat onions every day, learn to make poultices and syrups and continue a 5,000 year old remedy.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
7 Health Benefits of Yogurt
Do you like yogurt? Sometimes spelled yoghurt, this fermented milk product has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it is believed that it originated in Bulgaria. From the Gaelic people to the Mongolians, yogurt has been a staple food for many traditional cultures. These cultures had no heart disease and lived on diets chiefly of fermented milk products and meats! The key was their milk was raw, not pasteurized. Pasteurization destroys many helpful enzymes in the yogurt and other cultured milk products.
Here are just a few of the health benefits you will receive from including yogurt in your daily diet:
• It’s loaded with friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus that is tolerated and assimilated better by those with allergies.
• Vitamins B and C are increased when raw milk is fermented into yogurt and other products, like kefir and raw cheeses .
• It protects you from bone loss.
• Fermenting milk breaks down difficult to digest milk proteins, so those that are lactose intolerant can usually enjoy the healthy benefits of yogurt.
• Lactase is an enzyme in fermented milk that breaks down the lactose in the digestive system, so yogurt improves your digestion.
• Yogurt is very beneficial for young nursing mothers, children, the elderly and those that are ill.
• Yogurt helps you fight infectious diseases.
Yogurt is easy to make at home and can be used in many different recipes. Smoothies are delicious when yogurt is added to the recipe. Also you can use it to make yogurt cheese, or a drink with lime juice and honey, herbal breads and dough for tart shells. Soak fresh ground wheat in water and a little yogurt overnight to neutralize the phytic acid in the wheat that inhibits digestion. It gives a wonderful sour flavor to breads!
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
Here are just a few of the health benefits you will receive from including yogurt in your daily diet:
• It’s loaded with friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus that is tolerated and assimilated better by those with allergies.
• Vitamins B and C are increased when raw milk is fermented into yogurt and other products, like kefir and raw cheeses .
• It protects you from bone loss.
• Fermenting milk breaks down difficult to digest milk proteins, so those that are lactose intolerant can usually enjoy the healthy benefits of yogurt.
• Lactase is an enzyme in fermented milk that breaks down the lactose in the digestive system, so yogurt improves your digestion.
• Yogurt is very beneficial for young nursing mothers, children, the elderly and those that are ill.
• Yogurt helps you fight infectious diseases.
Yogurt is easy to make at home and can be used in many different recipes. Smoothies are delicious when yogurt is added to the recipe. Also you can use it to make yogurt cheese, or a drink with lime juice and honey, herbal breads and dough for tart shells. Soak fresh ground wheat in water and a little yogurt overnight to neutralize the phytic acid in the wheat that inhibits digestion. It gives a wonderful sour flavor to breads!
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"Grub" ideas for an urban organic kitchen
I have been reading a book called "Grub" by Anna Lappe`. The author calls grub "organic and sustainably raised whole and locally grown foods, produced with fairness from seed to table, and is good for our bodies, our communities, and our environment." I am about half way through the book and am amazed at the research she did. She talks about how the chemical companies are indifferent to and twist research that shows how the pesticides and other chemicals affect our health.
One interesting chapter is on the organic brands and what companies actually own them. For instance, Kashi, Morningstar Farms and Natural Touch are owned by Kellogg. Celestial Seasonings, Arrowhead Mills, and Garden of Eatin' are owned by Heinz. And the list goes on. It makes me wonder when I buy organic, who am I really supporting?
She talks about trends in food. One is the variety--or I should say lack of variety of fruits and vegetables that we actually consume. In 2000, only 3 veggies were half of the servings in our nation's diet--iceberg lettuce, potatoes as frozen, fresh and potato chips, and canned tomatoes. I watch what people put in their shopping carts at the store and I would believe that statistic. I was one of those statistics at one time.
And then I came across this quote that I put on my newsletter blog: "Every time you spend money on food, you are voting for the world you want." That was by John Kinsman, an organic dairy farmer and the founder of Family Farm Defenders.
I am enjoying the book and looking forward to the recipe section and trying them out.
One interesting chapter is on the organic brands and what companies actually own them. For instance, Kashi, Morningstar Farms and Natural Touch are owned by Kellogg. Celestial Seasonings, Arrowhead Mills, and Garden of Eatin' are owned by Heinz. And the list goes on. It makes me wonder when I buy organic, who am I really supporting?
She talks about trends in food. One is the variety--or I should say lack of variety of fruits and vegetables that we actually consume. In 2000, only 3 veggies were half of the servings in our nation's diet--iceberg lettuce, potatoes as frozen, fresh and potato chips, and canned tomatoes. I watch what people put in their shopping carts at the store and I would believe that statistic. I was one of those statistics at one time.
And then I came across this quote that I put on my newsletter blog: "Every time you spend money on food, you are voting for the world you want." That was by John Kinsman, an organic dairy farmer and the founder of Family Farm Defenders.
I am enjoying the book and looking forward to the recipe section and trying them out.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Soy for Babies--Not a Healthy Alternative
Wrapping up our month long study of the harmful effects of soy on our health. This last post is how dangerous it is for our babies. Please read and pass on to anyone you think would benefit.
This article is by Dianne Gregg:
Here in the United States we have an excess of soy consumption that is causing health problems for babies as well as adults. Unfortunately, all the hype about how good soy is for you keeps many moms for being aware of the dangers.
Mothers, through magazines and advertising have been convinced that soy formula is a good alternative for babies that cannot tolerate milk. Soy for babies is not a healthy alternative because it contains high levels of phytoestrogens that contain growth depressing trypsin inhibitors – which have been know to cause zinc deficiency. Zinc – which is important to the development of the nervous system. In addition, the aluminum content of soy formula is 10x greater than milk and has a toxic effect on the kidneys. Read article http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/infant.html.
In addition, soy formula is not always easily digestible and can cause cramping, gas, colic, diarrhea, and early puberty. If an infant is lactose intolerant a better alternative might be goat milk, almond or rice milk. This would also apply to toddlers – do not give them soy milk.
Once consumers start reading labels carefully – they will be amazed at the soy content in snack foods, fast foods, and pre-packaged frozen meals – a staple in a child’s diet. Since it’s often disguised as other ingredients – you have to know what to look for.
For a detailed list of foods containing hidden soy go to: http://www.hiddensoy.com/yahoogroups.php
Dianne Gregg, author of "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" decided to write this book after developing a severe allergy to soy and nearly dying. She has done extensive research on this subject and wants to share this crucial information with others.
To claim your free chapter of The Hidden Dangers of Soy (including) soy free recipes. http://www.hiddensoy.com/soy-health-risks.php
Listen to Dianne on the radio Tuesdays, 4pm - 5pm EST interviewing experts in the health and wellness industry. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Health-Watch-Radio
This article is by Dianne Gregg:
Here in the United States we have an excess of soy consumption that is causing health problems for babies as well as adults. Unfortunately, all the hype about how good soy is for you keeps many moms for being aware of the dangers.
Mothers, through magazines and advertising have been convinced that soy formula is a good alternative for babies that cannot tolerate milk. Soy for babies is not a healthy alternative because it contains high levels of phytoestrogens that contain growth depressing trypsin inhibitors – which have been know to cause zinc deficiency. Zinc – which is important to the development of the nervous system. In addition, the aluminum content of soy formula is 10x greater than milk and has a toxic effect on the kidneys. Read article http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/infant.html.
In addition, soy formula is not always easily digestible and can cause cramping, gas, colic, diarrhea, and early puberty. If an infant is lactose intolerant a better alternative might be goat milk, almond or rice milk. This would also apply to toddlers – do not give them soy milk.
Once consumers start reading labels carefully – they will be amazed at the soy content in snack foods, fast foods, and pre-packaged frozen meals – a staple in a child’s diet. Since it’s often disguised as other ingredients – you have to know what to look for.
For a detailed list of foods containing hidden soy go to: http://www.hiddensoy.com/yahoogroups.php
Dianne Gregg, author of "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" decided to write this book after developing a severe allergy to soy and nearly dying. She has done extensive research on this subject and wants to share this crucial information with others.
To claim your free chapter of The Hidden Dangers of Soy (including) soy free recipes. http://www.hiddensoy.com/soy-health-risks.php
Listen to Dianne on the radio Tuesdays, 4pm - 5pm EST interviewing experts in the health and wellness industry. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Health-Watch-Radio
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Herbal Honeys for Colds and Flu
This week I learned how to make herbal honey. I had sage, mint and roses in the garden and tried my hand at that. The rose petals were beautiful mixed with the honey and I've sampled a taste and it is so good. I made sage honey and that will be really good for sore throats. And the mint was delicious, I can't wait to taste it as tea. All of these can be made as a tea or spread on toast or used in whatever recipe I find. I've written how to make them on my new website blog at The Natural Living Site Newsletter if you want to check it out! It will be published on Friday...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Surprising Places Soy is Hidden
If a little is good, then a lot more must be a lot better--isn't that the way we think? Well, it seems the food industry thinks that way....look at all the places they hid soy...
Another great article by Dianne Gregg...
Although advertising has led many of us to believe that soy is healthy, the fact of the matter is that for many people it creates, rather than prevents, health problems – including obesity, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis and indigestion.
Even those who know have trouble avoiding unhealthy soy. Soy is found in over 60% of food products, even in places where you would not expect it to be. For example: Soy can be found in most canned tunas, canned soups, chocolate, pizza, frozen dinners, breads, muffins, donuts, cake mixes, hot chocolate, some baby foods, and thousands of other popular products.
One reason soy is so hard to detect is that it has many aliases. Manufacturers do not always list soy as an ingredient, instead the labels read:
• Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• Textured plant protein
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
• Vegetable oil (which often contains soy oil)
• MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• Lecithin
• Broth
Keep in mind that food labels and ingredient lists change without warning, and manufacturers often switch the ingredients of a product. That’s why it’s so important to learn to check labels.
And believe it or not...
Vitamins, over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions may contain an unwanted dose of soy as well. For example: Pills with soy oil bases; Vitamin E derived from soy oil, and soy components such as isoflavones. The inhaler Atrovent is one Rx products that contain soy.
You may also be surprised to learn that soy can be found in...
Green oriented industrial products. While they may be green for the environment, they can also be potentially harmful for those with a strong allergy to soy. Inks, paints, plastics, carpets, mattresses, etc. are just a few on the list.
Dianne Gregg, author of "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" decided to write this book after developing a severe allergy to soy and nearly dying. She has done extensive research on this subject and wants to share this crucial information with others.
Discover more soy health risks by claiming your free chapter of The Hidden Dangers of Soy with soy free recipes.
Listen to Dianne on the radio Tuesdays, 4pm - 5pm EST interviewing experts in the health and wellness industry.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Health-Watch-Radio
Another great article by Dianne Gregg...
Although advertising has led many of us to believe that soy is healthy, the fact of the matter is that for many people it creates, rather than prevents, health problems – including obesity, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis and indigestion.
Even those who know have trouble avoiding unhealthy soy. Soy is found in over 60% of food products, even in places where you would not expect it to be. For example: Soy can be found in most canned tunas, canned soups, chocolate, pizza, frozen dinners, breads, muffins, donuts, cake mixes, hot chocolate, some baby foods, and thousands of other popular products.
One reason soy is so hard to detect is that it has many aliases. Manufacturers do not always list soy as an ingredient, instead the labels read:
• Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• Textured plant protein
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
• Vegetable oil (which often contains soy oil)
• MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• Lecithin
• Broth
Keep in mind that food labels and ingredient lists change without warning, and manufacturers often switch the ingredients of a product. That’s why it’s so important to learn to check labels.
And believe it or not...
Vitamins, over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions may contain an unwanted dose of soy as well. For example: Pills with soy oil bases; Vitamin E derived from soy oil, and soy components such as isoflavones. The inhaler Atrovent is one Rx products that contain soy.
You may also be surprised to learn that soy can be found in...
Green oriented industrial products. While they may be green for the environment, they can also be potentially harmful for those with a strong allergy to soy. Inks, paints, plastics, carpets, mattresses, etc. are just a few on the list.
Dianne Gregg, author of "The Hidden Dangers of Soy" decided to write this book after developing a severe allergy to soy and nearly dying. She has done extensive research on this subject and wants to share this crucial information with others.
Discover more soy health risks by claiming your free chapter of The Hidden Dangers of Soy with soy free recipes.
Listen to Dianne on the radio Tuesdays, 4pm - 5pm EST interviewing experts in the health and wellness industry.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Health-Watch-Radio
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