organic (58)

Tea is quite likely the oldest drink in the world.  It is said that a person brought tea to their people when, heating water to drink, some branches fell into the pot.  Pulling the pot from the fire and waiting for it to cool slightly before they were able to pull the leaves out, the leaves steeped in the water and tea was born.  Tea has maintained its integrity and charm ever since.  

Infused with any herbs you like, teas can be used to heal, calm, invigorate, center, or soothe.  The art of making tea is a meditation in itself.  Each tea drinker seems to have their own preferred ritual.  

Recipes are not set in stone.  A recipe comes from someone who created it, passed it on, you tried it, changed it, played with it, and  then passed it on.   Some people keep them a secret, which gives people like me a fun challenge, because I will  try to create something similar or even better. Then there are those who give with their hearts and share their recipes.    

Recipes are forever changing.   You need to add your spice to it, your enjoyment to it, what you crave to it,  take that recipe and add more of something,  or decrease an amount, or just omit an ingredient that you do not care for.  It is just that easy.  

Remember when you are creating your teas and herbal cocoas, roots, bark and seeds are the more tenacious parts of a plant, therefore it is a little harder to extract the constituents from these parts.  This means a slow simmer or an overnight infusion is often required.   When you use roots, barks and seeds, you will need to make a decoction

To make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.  Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes.  The longer you simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be. 

When you are using the leaves,flowers and aromatic parts ( aromatic plant part, like valerian root,some people call it poop root), you make an infusion.   These parts of the plant are more delicate.  These fragile plant parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than the tougher roots and barks.  

To make an infusion, simply boil 1 quart of water per ounce of herb.  Or 1 cup water to 1 - 3 tablespoons of herb.  pour water over the herb and let steep for 30 minutes.  

Pictured below is an Nourishing Herbal Infusion of High Calcium Tea.  The jar in the picture is a gallon jar. 

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High Calcium Tea Recipe: Make as a tea infusion or nourishing infusion

1 part dried horsetail

1 part dried Nettle

1 part dried oat tops

1 part dried oatstraw

Nourishing Herbal Infusions:  A Quart A Day

You will need herbs, a scale, two quart canning jars with lids, boiling water, and a strainer. Boil a quart of water. While it is heating, measure out one ounce of dried herb and put it in one of the quart jars. When the water boils, pour it into the jar, filling it to the very top. Using a wooden spoon, stir the herb down into the water. If needed, add a little more water. Cap tightly and let sit. After it has brewed for four hours or overnight, strain the liquid from the herb. Use your hands to squeeze the herb so you get every bit of nourishment.  Store the liquid, the infusion, in the refrigerator. Drink it hot or cold.

Sexual Energy Boost: 

1 part dried Damaina

1 part  dried dried Oats

1 part  dried Oatstraw

1 part Epimedium/Horny Goat Weed

Mix, put in a jar and label.

Directions:  1- 2 tablespoon of dried herb to 2 cups of hot water. Bring to a slow boil, cover turn heat down and simmer for 20 minutes.

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Kava Kava Root - has the unique ability to relax the body while awakening the mind.  It helps reduce tension, anxiety, and stress.   It's analgesic properties help alleviate pain.  

Kava Kava Hot Cocoa: 

Recipe: http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2011/02/kava-hot-cocoa.html

What I did differently: 

I added 1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips. 

I used coconut milk plus water. 

This is my recipe: you will need: 

Kava Kava Root

Sweet Cinnamon Chips

Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder

Organic Coconut Milk

Organic Vanilla Extract 

Directions:

1/2 cup Kava Kava Root

1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips

3 cups of spring water or filtered water 

Make a Decoction with the Kava Kava Root and Sweet Cinnamon Chips 

STRAIN: 

Heat strained herbal mixture, add: 

1/2 cup Organic cocoa powder, even better fair trade organic cocoa powder

1 can organic coconut milk

2 cups spring water or filtered water

Bring to a simmer: 

Add: 

1 Tbl. organic vanilla extract 

Stir

Drink 

Enjoy 

You could also top it with some wonderful Marshmallow Root Coconut Cream! Recipe below: 

http://sweetroots.blogspot.com/2012/09/peppermint-hot-chocolate-with-whipped.html

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Some other links to Herbal Cocoas: 

http://www.herbco.com/t-chocolate-recipes.aspx

http://bellavistafarm.wordpress.com/tag/herbal-hot-chocolate/

Hot Dandelion Root Cocoa:

 http://mountainroseblog.com/dandelion-hot-cocoa/

Creamy Turmeric Tea, Yummy! 

1 can organic coconut milk

2 - 3 cups spring water or filtered water

1 tsp. Turmeric ( or 2 tsp.)

1 tablespoon fresh minced organic ginger or grated 

pinch of cayenne

pinch of cardamom powder

pinch of cinnamon powder 

Heat coconut milk and water

Then add the rest of the ingredients, stir really good! .  Strain and enjoy! 

Link below:  Turmeric Tea 

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/creamy-turmeric-tea/#axzz2mU0AS2L3

Benefits of Turmeric: 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6873/25-Reasons-Why-Turmeric-Can-Heal-You.html

http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_ayurvedic_use.htm

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Herbal Tea Tasting: 

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First Round: 

High Calcium Nourshing Herbal Infusion of horsetail, nettle, oats and oatstraw

Hops- valued for its relaxing effect on the nervous system, and great for insomnia.  Useful for hypertension and eases tension and anxiety in men, as well as decreasing excessive sexual desire.  potent bitter and is excellent as a digestive bitter.  Useful for indigestion due to nervous energy and anxiety. 

Passion Flower - Calming and relaxing.  Has been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.   Can be used for hyperactive children as well as adults. Can be used as a pan reliever for toothache, headache, and menstrual pain.  

Rose Petals- http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail50.php

Lavender Buds- strong nervine and a mild antidepressant.  Offers great relief for headache sufferers. 

Chamomile - a calming, soothing herb, this goes will with the end of the day or before bedtime to ensure restful sleep.  Also beneficial for the skin, used with calendula in teas or baths.  It soothes irritated skin or rashes.  medicinally, it can be used to ease headaches, nerves, and menstrual cramps. 

Valerian Root (described by some of you, as poop root, do to the strong smell)

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Second Round

Hibiscus - high in vitamin c and bioflavonoids.  has slight astringent properties.  useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Elderflower - is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Rosehips -  contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit.  Antioxidant with disease fighting abilities.  

Elecampane Root - an expectorant and stimulating tonic, used for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, chronic lung ailments, and even tuberculosis.  

Elderberry- is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Lobelia (  This one made some of you really dry in your throat) - used for serious respiratory problems.   stimulates the respiratory center in the brain, producing  deeper and stronger breathing.  It is a powerful antispasmodic herb, meaning that it relaxes the chest and opens constricted bronchial passages, it is a superb expectorant,  and excellent for spastic or dry coughing and wheezing.   Great for asthma and bronchitis.  Applied externally, lobelia soothes inflammation  and reduces the pain of boils and rheumatism.    This is one powerful herb and it is best to formulate with other herbs and taken with moderate amounts of water.  Please use tiny amounts when you first try this herb.  It would be best to read more information on it, so you can have a good experience with using it.  http://www.herballegacy.com/King_Dosages.html

Lemongrass - aids digestive health. 

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Third Round

Astragalus Root- energizing and tonic herb,  builds up immune strength and it is energizing to the entire body, particularly the spleen and lungs.   It is used to treat chronic imbalances.  It stimulates the rebuilding of the bone marrow reserve that supports and regenerates the body's protective shield.   It is used to prevent and treat long term infections, including chronic colds, recurring flus, and candida.  It promotes circulatory health.  

Fennel- a licorice tasting herb, a little goes a long way.  don't let it over power your tea.  In addition to easing flatulence, this herb tones and strengthens the stomach, cleans the liver, and helps with chest afflictions. Externally it's said you can crush the herb ans use it as a flea powder.  Besides the digestive combination of fennel, anise and licorice, it's also nice with lemony herbs, lemongrass, lemon balm or fresh lemon. 

Raspberry Leaf - another bright red tea maker, this is nice in combination with clover and hibiscus ( the latter is another strong flavored herb, so just a little bit).  A good one for pregnancy, it strengthens, tones and cleanses during or after pregnancy.  It can also be used to soothe menstrual cramps. 

Burdock Root- is truly a superior tonic herb.  It is simply the best herb for the skin and can be used internally and externally.  It is a specific for the liver and because of it's pleasant flavor, it is often formulated with other less tasty "liver herbs." 

Damaina Leaf - has a strong reputation as an herb of passion and romance.   It is an herb to add to your longevity herb formulas  because it is completely restorative.  It restores exhausted nerves, exhausted dreams, and exhausted spirit.  It will help restore sexual vitality, can strengthen the reproductive systems of both men and women.  Great to use for nerves, a relaxant and antidepressant.  

Combo: Sassafras, rosehips and cinnamon

Sassafras - Traditionally this was the herb used in Root Beer tonic drinks that were made from roots and barks for seasonal cleansing.   Cleansing and stimulating for congestion in the liver and gallbladder.  It has a ground action (yang).   A powerful astringent, used externally for insect bites and internally for diarrhea.   A great herb for male tonic drinks.  

Cinnamon - is a wonderful and used in combination with clove ( just a pinch), all spice, nutmeg and orange peel.  It is said that cinnamon awakens all five our our senses, allowing us to enjoy meals more thoroughly as well as clear the path to our sixth sense, intuition.  This is a warming herb, along with ginger.  Drink it to fight off the winter chills

 I use sweet cinnamon chips for teas and regular cinnamon chips for salves and liniments.  

Last Round

Longevity Chai- Ashwagandha, astragalus, fo-ti, burdock root, dandelion root, ginger root, cardamom seeds,  sweet cinnamon chips, organic black tea, water and organic original oat milk. 

Other Tea Ideas and Recipes:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/making-herbal-teas-warming-winter-tea-recipe.aspx#axzz2mI3PwpVY

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2012/12/hawthorn-tea-for-the-winter-heart/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/7-herbal-teas-that-will-make-you-healthy

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Heart Health - Holding Onto To Much

These days there is a lot of talk about heart health.  It is the number one killer of men and women.  There is tons of information out there on the top healthy foods for a healthy heart, but I want to dive into the emotional side of it.    You can eat all the organic healthy, holistic, awesome food out there, take the best herbal tonics, exercise regularly  and still have heart problems if you are not taking care of the emotional side of your heart.   Not only can you build walls in your arteries from a bad diet, but you can also build walls in your heart due to the negative emotions, fears, loss, sadness, ego, anger, that you do not process or let go of.     There is only so much your heart can take before it implodes or hardens and stops.  

So, here I will begin with my story of understanding I was Hopelessly Holding On.... 

Humans hold onto way to much.  To much storage of physical things and emotional things.. 

I have been concerned with heart health.  You can do all the right things with your health, like eat organic healthy food, finding out your food allergies, exercise, etc. 

But, if we don't laugh enough, get stuck in the fast pace of life, a life that does not feel like it  completes you, a stressful job, no community and holding on to the past,  this will  clog and malfunction your heart.     These negative emotions, will give you a traffic jam in your system. Broken Hearts, (either physically broken,emotionally or both) are the number one killer for humans.  

They say that you heart is your brain  and that 40,000 sensory neurons  relay information to the brain from the heart.   The heart connects to your nervous system,  it produces hormones and it receives energetic information from strong electrical and electromagnetic fields. 

The heart is a muscle and if it is not worked on it will become weak.  It provides the body with nourishment and oxygen.  If you are not being emotionally nourished it would be hard for your heart to produce it's breath of life (oxygen) to feed all the other organs of the body.  Therefore you get stagnation and stagnation brings pollution and pollution brings disease.  

Dis Eases of life.  

Your heart carries away waste, but if it is clogged with negative emotions and holding on to what will never be, how can it carry the waste away?  If your system is short circulating due to this process, where will this waste end up?  Holding on to waste is toxic and it can effect you physically and mentally.

The heart consists of chambers, arteries and more, which to me represents the paths that you have walked in your life and where you have lived.   And from the paths, if there was stress, hurt, anger, jealousy and unforgiving, these negative hurtful times are the brick and mortar of the cement walls that are being built in your arteries.   And for some, this process started at a very early age, literally ones heart is bursting from the overload of heartache 

There are two chambers, one chamber of your heart gives and one  receives.  

If the giving and receiving in life are off balance this can negatively effect your chambers and fill them up with waste.  If you give too much, because you do not set boundaries and people keep coming and taking from you, this negatively fills you up with emotional waste.The other side of this, is you do not give enough to community at large, family or friends and this leads to sour heart becoming tight and stiff (remember the story of the Grinch).  

Your receiving chamber of your heart, do you receive giving from others well?  Or do you expect it, Has your receiving made you a taker?  Hoarding and taking to much,  builds walls within this same system... 

As you can see with two chambers it is much like a yin yang symbol. It really is all about balance. 

Holding onto happy memories that are  dear to ones heart feels good, but if you hold on to them hoping you can have it back again, then this is not good for ones heart.  Which means you are  building cement walls within the tiny paths within the chambers of your life, a hardening of the arteries, stagnation and shut down in the system.   

Holding on to negativity eats your heart out like acid...  Acid Relfux, heart palpitation, insomnia, anxiety and stress induced asthma, 

I wish I could deny the fact that I have had serious turmoil in my life.  No glass slippers here.  It has been ongoing since I was a child.   My heart is stacked full.   I believe my heart has been speaking to me and I am glad I am listening.   Most people would either ignore it or medicate it.  Ignoring builds more walls and medicating it adds more toxic waste.  

It wasn't until I hit my two year anniversary from the bad accident, that  I had  been hit with some serious emotions from the past.    There was a couple of times that some serous quietness, deep thinking and depression had hit me for a couple of days in a row.  During these times I was seriously in my head, which really meant I was trying to break down the walls that have been built in my heart for to many years.  

I have been known to be a person who does not cry and if I do I stomp it out quick, I am full of fire, stubborn.   Being very connected to the earth, I find that at this age, I get even more angry towards,farmers, the city, the  county, with their chemical applications that they toxify the earth with.   I am also past the middle of my menopausal journey.. This means, I am going through a journey of my past, present and who I am going to become..  It is a bit painful at times but this process is important.  Just as important as a butterfly hatching out of its cocoon.  You can't help it otherwise it will be deformed.  Menopause is just the same, it is a process that can be hard, painful and joyous all at the same time.   I feel blessed to be on this journey and especially blessed that I am listening..  For the men out there, you also go through a process it is called Male Menopause.  Some might call it mid life crisis 

It was December 21st 2015, Winter Solstice, seven days from my TWO year anniversary date of my accident.   I was dealing with a lot of emotions.  I was feeling dragged down by all the things that have been left undone, physically and mentally in my life.  I already had  big list of to do's, prior to my accident.  The list is now bulging and I am feeling overwhelmed and trying to find a starting spot to continue the journey.

 When your activity has been reduced to a minimum and you have so little help with things, life just feels overwhelming.    Starting points seem unclear but you have piles and piles in front of you.  

On Winter Solstice, something was stirring in me.  My husband and I headed up the mountain with our animal family, tea pot, candle and smudge stick.  It was beautiful and quite.  We talked of changes, heart aches from our past, enjoyed a cup of tea, had prayers and mediation time.

That night I had something come to me that spoke so strongly that it stuck in my head.  The message was this "LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE YOU"   It was if I had a revelation of some sort.   A few days later, I am headed up the mountain to the spot that I had my accident.  I was going to sit there and have tea and work on letting go.    As my husband and I were walking the horses up the mountain they  made a turn down another road.    This never happens on this road.  I usually have to lead them down.   My husband asked me what I wanted to do, at that point they ran.   At first I got tense, but then a few seconds after I realized my message was happening right in front of my eyes.  "LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE YOU"   It was time to finally let go of what happened to me, not only from the accident but from everything that has been backed up, clogged up in my heart center.  This means a purging process has begun and that I need to make sure it does not get damned back up.  

I know most people were looking for a blog from my husband about our New Year.  They were probably expecting a funny story about his wife (me) and our empty nester experiences.  But our New Year experience has been about purging. We have been taking dump loads of stuff from our past or things that are just not going to get done, to the dump.    Believe it or not some of these things have been holding me back without me realizing it. Storage is nothing but a place to store things that do not serve you.  Some of those things you hold on to tightly hoping to feel that feeling again... These things effect your heart,  your center and they take you off balance.

As I am purging I am getting things done, as I purge it is opening up opportunity's in my life to heal and have new experiences.

Today January 8th 2015 marks another step.  We had a old dodge van.. She just left to live the rest of her life to be scrapped out and become something new again.   As the man was loading her up. I kept having to hold back tears.  I thought how funny that would be if this strong woman started crying as the man was towing away a rusty old metal dodge van.  I held strong, took a few pictures, helped him out of the drive way and cried as he drove away.     

 I am going from a Mom that was needed, to a Mom that is finding herself as her kids find out who they are because they have spread their wings in the flight called life.  

That beast of a van held so many fun memories when we were a family of 8..    Memories that I cherished and loved.  It was a time of me being mommy and step mom.  I loved being a mom ( I am still mom)  Kids laughing in the back seat, singing, sleeping, being grumpy, being excited, fourth of July fun on the beach and so much more.  I can still here the kids singing we will rock you in the van.   I can still hear my son Brandon laughing in the back seat and years later on my birthday I sat in back as he drove us home from the beach.  

Having a mixed family was not easy and this is what I have held on to.  Hoping for the good memories to come back. This has built up in my heart and letting this beast of a van go is the last purge of the past.  

The "Time Of The Van", there were life changes, people changes, people come and go and we all had to to except that without it affecting our hearts.   

Holding on to that which is not...

To much hope and change, without change becomes stagnation and no growth

Holding on to happy memories is what  also creates holding onto  to much hoping to create that situation again

You never know until you finally release something that holding on was holding you back

Yes, there is such a thing as hope but one must realize that holding hope for too long can hold you back

Release breaks up stagnation

Release is what brings in the new

You can't fix what has been lost

Let Go Of What Does Not Serve You

What serves your heart? 

 

This is my year of new,  It is my new birth year, a new year to birth out new ides, more happiness, more nature, more epic adventure out in the Oregon Wild, success, community, knowledge, love, peace and for me it is the year  to 'LET GO OF WHAT DOES NOT SERVE ME)

 

Besides a fantastic diet, herbs  and exercise this is what will heal my heart and yours.   For the heart is the brain and this brain controls the functions of you... 

If you don't take care of  your body,

where are you going to live?

Mickey Spillane

What Is Good Heart Medicine?

21 Principles That Keep Your Heart Happy and Healthy

1. Put your emotional life in balance

2. Keep it  corny, laugh and play frequently

3.  Make life juicy, not dry

4.  Peel the extra layers of heaviness off of your life

5.  Size matters, eat many small healthy meals a day

6.  Reject violence with your whole heart, but if violence is used on you, fight back with your whole heart

7.  Practice daily acts of kindness towards yourself and others

8.  Keep it cool in life

9.  Shake it up,  dance more

10. Perfect you smile, use it more

11.  Light you fire, kindle the flame inside you, what are your desires?

12.  Rest your head, nap when you can, cat nap when you can, go to bed early, winter time get more sleep

13.  Ease back on stimulants and addictive substances (if you can’t fall asleep at night by 20 to 30 minutes you could             be drinking to much coffee,  eating to much sugar or having to much screen time) 

14.  Remember a negative environment breeds illness.   Positive grows  happiness

15.  Exercise, this is a must

16.  Eat simple, delicious, unadulterated foods and liquids

17.  Eat organic berries

18.  Eat good clean sources of protein

19.  Summer lovin,  get your daily dose of sun, as much as you can

20.  Make bone broth

21.  Include the cardiovascular nurturing herbs in your daily diet

Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry– Cardiovascular tonic -Motherwort—Calms the heart, reducing heart palpitations—Ginkgo– peripheral vasodilator( Peripheral vasodilators are agents which act on the most distal parts of the vascular system i.e. the arterioles and venules. They dilate these distal blood vessels and lower the blood pressure, therefore makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through these peripheral blood vessels).—Passionflower– calms—Yarrow– vascular tonic—Garlic normalizes blood pressure -Cayenne and Ginger—circulatory stimulants

 

Recipes For Heart Health

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Hawthorn Leaf, Flower and Berries

Grandmother Hawthorn, the tree of the heart. Hawthorn is the 6th tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham, representing Love, fertility, protection, the release of blocked energy and preparation for spiritual growth.

Hawthorn is the prime remedy for the heart, the circulation and is safe to take over long periods,  The flowers, leaves and berries can all be used as a safe heart tonic,  Hawthorn is helpful for high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart palpitations and all heart conditions. The leaves, flower and berries also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety They bring calm sleep if drunk at night.

 

Hawthorn Recipes: 

http://natural-healing-guide.com/Therapeutic-Teas/Hawthorn-tea.htm

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Linden Leaf and Flower Tea, relieves nervous tension, calms the mind, could help with insomnia, soothes the digestive system and is a great heart tonic

2 tsp. linden leaf and flower

1/2 tsp. rose petals or a couple of rose buds (organic only)  

Bring a cup of water to boil, add herbs, cover and steep 10 minutes, strain and enjoy. 

I personally make 4 cups at a time in a french press and steep it longer.   I also make linden leaf and flower infusions.   For more information on herbal infusion click on link below. 

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September08/anti-cancer.htm

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Kale and Nut Pesto

Small bunch of kale (4-6 leaves, remove the thick part of the stems*)

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted or soaked dehydrated almonds or  soaked and dehydrated pumpkin seeds.

1/2 to 1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup olive oil (or more for a smoother pesto)

Juice & zest of one lemon

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: grated raw cheese, or organic Parmesan 

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
  2. Blanch kale for about 30 seconds, remove and place in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  3. Dry the kale a bit, squeeze out some of excess water and set on a towel for a few minutes more.
  4. Blend everything together in a food processor. Pulse to create a chunky pesto, blend longer to create a smoother one. Taste and adjust, adding more salt, pepper, lemon, olive oil, as necessary.

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High Vitamin C Tea

Ingredients:  rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemon grass, cinnamon chips

Note:  Vitamin C is a noted antioxidant with disease-fighting abilities.  

Rose Hips:  They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit when measured gram by gram.  

Hibiscus:  high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has slightly astringent properties.  It is useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Lemon Grass:  http://planetwell.com/lemongrass-health-benefits-and-healing-proper...

Cinnamon:  Although cinnamon is considered to be simply a spice by most Westerners, herbalists have been using it for centuries as a warming digestive aid.  It is a wonderful mild stimulant and can be combined with ginger to treat circulatory and digestive problems.  It has antiviral and antiseptic activities, making it useful for fighting infections.  

High Vitamin C Tea Recipe: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips 

Information on beef heart:  

Beef heart is a muscle like other cuts of steak, but more dense with a higher content and additional protein. Beef heart contains all essential amino acids, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. It has more than double the elastin and collagen than other cuts of meat and a highly concentrated source of coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10.  Make sure you purchase organic grass-fed beef rather than grain-fed beef because it may have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Below is the link to the information about how to cook the beef heart: 

http://ruhlman.com/2011/08/how-to-cook-beef-heart/

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My Earth Day

My earth day is everyday.  I walk up a mountain for exercise.  I have a variety of  tea  sit spots like, up in the mountains, in the garden, in my special garden spots, in the trees listen to the birds and in the sun.   I put my hands in the dirt in a daily basis, I eat local organic food and organic food,  I use petroleum free products.  We are growing our own food,  I limit my car trips, I do not consume much, I work on a daily basis to keep my earth foot print small and simple.   These are just a few things that I do to take care of the earth.  I would love to see photos and/or hear from you about what you do to take care of the earth... You can create just a blog with photos and statements if you like.  Pictures say a thousand words  

Nettle, very nutritional and not to late to go find some, collect it and cook it... 

13417463495?profile=originalGreen House

13417464101?profile=originalLove Garden Peas

13417465074?profile=originalVertical Growing - Strawberries 

13417465892?profile=originalGarden Baby Salad Box 

13417466484?profile=originalCelery,..... Yum!

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Comfrey- A wonderful bone healer 

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Shallots

13417468281?profile=originalRed Ranger Chicks.  

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Salad from the green house 

13417470062?profile=originalTea time bright and early this morning with a  mountain view 

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My Wellness Plan And Progress Update

My  big dog Rocky, pulled me under a horse last weekend.  I was airborne in a matter of seconds from one simple yank, then I was stomped on by the horse.   Next thing I new I had holes in my mouth and blood all over... 

I lost a tooth, I had one dangling, I thought I had lost more teeth but I had two others shoved back in the back of my mouth.  The roof of my mouth felt like an accordion.  My nose stung,     My hip was stomped on, my neck and lower back were out of whack.  

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Something I did not do was go to the emergency room.  I know most people would have.  Most  people would have transported themselves in an ambulance.  .  But I had too many reasons in my belief system not to go.  Don't discount the seriousness of my accident just because I did not go to the emergency room.   I am also not by any means telling you to do the same.  If you feel you need to go to an emergency room, then please do!

My first stop was, Dr. Oliver at All About Smiles.  He was calm, and went right to work.  This man is wonderful  and positive,  I am forever grateful for this.     My tooth was  put back,  another pushed back in, the other ones moved back into place,  I got stitches on my upper lip, I had a fracture on the upper roof of my mouth and I now have braces on the top front teeth.   Besides the accident, because of my MCS, we needed to get help immediately to detoxify all the dental products out of my body.    Next stop was Dr. Meloche.  Again the most caring Doctor you can have for you physician.  I feel blessed to have such great doctors in my life.  

December 28th, 2013

13417463298?profile=originalDecember 29th, 2013

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January 1, 2014

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January 4,2014

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January 7th 2014

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Comfrey Root Tea 

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Started December 28th, 2013 My Wellness Plan and Progress: 

Comfrey Root tea

Golden Seal, Oregon Grape and Echiinacea Tinctures

High Calcium Tea

High Vitamin C Tea

Turmeric Tea

Vitamin D

Bio-Inflammatory.  A herb and food type

Comfrey Gel

CQ10

Kava Kava Root

Deep Healing Tissue Warming Balm

Self Heal Salve

My Wild-crafted St. Johns Wort Oil 

Restorative Chinese herbs

Clay toothpaste with herbs and colloidal silver

Green and fruit smoothies

Bone Broth with blended veggies

Lipoic Acid

Massage, thank you Joseph!

Little walks, 

Longer walks

Light duty work only 

 

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Organic Nutritious Food Made Into Smoothies 

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Organic Smoothies

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Today January 7th, 2014, I had my first appointment since the accident with Dr. Oliver, everything is looking really good.  I had some type of scan done to check my jaw.  Thankfully it was not broken, and my fracture was already healed!  My stitches were taken out and we made a four week appointment.  At this point we are still at the waiting game, but I am confident, that everything is going to work out.  

I also took a longer walk  today to the spot where the accident happened.  I can't tell you how many times my mind has had flash backs of this incident.  I am so happy to be alive. 

 I feel nervous  about taking the dogs and horses up together but, I need to do this.   Thursday or Friday will be the day, time to heal emotionally. 

I am still healing, time, patience and positiveness is what's on the menu.

Someday I am going to get back to doing my forms.... I Will! 

 

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Mountain Mama Wellness Box August 14th 2014

Mountain Mama Harvest: This weeks abundance: Collard greens, kale, comfrey, potatoes, onion, peppers, cucumber, zucchini, egg plant, green beans, carrots, sage mint tea, hops, stevia, tea mix of lavender cleavers, mint, parsley, celery, dill seed, nasturtium mix, nettle, basil, tomatoes ( roma, cherry, purple cherokee, green zebra) and cabbage  

Whew! Now it is  time to make a lot of herbal skin care products. Have a beautiful day 

Zucchini Pizza Crust: 

http://www.myhumblekitchen.com/2013/09/best-zucchini-recipe-ever-zu...

Honey Sweetened Refrigerated Pickles: 

http://www.realfoodallergyfree.com/2011/08/honey-sweetened-refriger...

Sweet Zucchini Relish: 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/food/sns-food-sides-zucchi...

Tomato Basil Salsa:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-basil-salsa-10000000223735/

Information on Dill Seed:

http://wholespice.com/blog/?p=2222

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Dill Seed Braid Bread:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/dill-seed-braid

Digestive Churan (dill seeds, plus you will need to purchase a few more seeds)

http://www.tarladalal.com/Digestive-Churan-31529r

Warm Dill Potato Salad: 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/warm-dill-potato-salad

Nasturtium Pesto:  

You need 6 cups nasturtiums.  Because you have about 2 cups of nasturtiums, I would add some nettle and basil to this recipe to equal out your 6 cups. 

http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/01/nasturtium-pesto/

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Spring Green Breakfast

Today's Breakfast: 

When I cook, most of the time I just throw things together.  The spices I use depend on the mood I am in, what I have in stock and what country I feel like eating from.  Today, I had some snow peas from the garden so the mood was Asian stir fry.   There are no exact measurements here.   I am thinking that I should have added some  freshly grated ginger and saute it with the celery.  

What would you add to this?  

From our garden: 

Snow peas, celery, garlic chives,arugula, cilantro, salad greens and mustard greens.

Other Ingredients: 

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbl. sesame oil/or more

sunflower oil 

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar/or more

2 tsp. miso

sushi rice

I blanched the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute, strained

Stir-fry:

Add celery, onions and chopped garlic- stir fry about 2 minutes

Add snow peas- stir fry 2 minutes

Add 2 tsp miso, sesame oil and balsamic vinegar stir until blended

Add sushi rice mix well

Serve on a plate and top with chopped cilantro and chopped arugula

Ready to eat and enjoy it with a big salad 

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Mountain Mama Wellness Box-Ninth Week

"Changing How You Eat, Will Change The World"... "If You Eat Bad Foods, Your World Is Toxic, Your Body Is Toxic, If You Eat Organic Nutritious Foods Your World Becomes Healthy...."

Prescription for Good Health

Choose it or lose it! 

Your health, that is..... There are more than four million tons of farm chemicals spread on U.S. soil every year..... 

The standard American Diet ( S.A.D.) has a hidden agenda.  Missing on the labels of most foods are the dozens of chemicals used to grow, make, or preserve that bit of something about to go into your mouth.  Just imagine your reaction if organic farmers could take back their native tongue, and their organic strawberries were simply strawberries again and their counterparts were called " chemical or genetically engineered or irradiated strawberries."  Their certified label would have to list the 25 or so chemicals or procedures that had become a part of the strawberries very makeup.   And they would pay for an annual inspection, instead of the organic farmer (Organic farmers pay thousands of dollars every year to "certify" their food that they grow).  With the label table turned around, I think chemical foods would die a slow death on grocery store shelves.  

Would you buy a carton of strawberries with a  skull and crossbones on it?  

Remember, what you can't see can hurt you. 

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  If you do not belong to my CSA then make sure you are shopping the farmers market. Search the farmers markets for  organic produce and organic meat.

 If you have not done this yet, what are you waiting for?  Make a goal this week to get over to the next farmers market near you.  

This Weeks Farm Produce: Nettle, comfrey, fennel fronds, apple mint and nettle tea mix, basil, celery,  salad mix (nasturtiums, rose petals, sheep sorrel, Swiss chard, beet greens, spinach, lambs quarters, bitter lettuce, lettuce and baby kale), kale, collard greens, carrots, onion, beets, zucchini and  cabbage.

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For those of you who have not figured it out I love different types of pesto.  Here is another version of an awesome nutritious pesto:

Kale and Nut Pesto

small bunch of kale (4-6 leaves, remove the thick part of the stems*)

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted or soaked dehydrated almonds or  soaked and dehydrated pumpkin seeds.

1/2 to 1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup olive oil (or more for a smoother pesto)

juice & zest of one lemon

salt & pepper to taste

optional: grated raw cheese, or organic parmesan 

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
  2. Blanch kale for about 30 seconds, remove and place in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  3. Dry the kale a bit, squeeze out some of excess water and set on a towel for a few minutes more.
  4. Blend everything together in a food processor. Pulse to create a chunky pesto, blend longer to create a smoother one. Taste and adjust, adding more salt, pepper, lemon, olive oil, as necessary.

Kale and Basil Salad

4 cups finely chopped organic dinosaur kale
1 lemon, juiced
½ orange, juiced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup finely chopped basil

½ cup diced organic red bell pepper
4 teaspoons hulled  toasted sesame seeds
1 cup chopped organic walnuts

1/4 cup chopped organic sweet onion

Optional:  You could add some chopped apples or orange slices

Wash the kale thoroughly, then roll up the leaves together tightly (like a cigar) and chop across the roll, making very fine ribbons. Unravel and place in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar, and massage the kale for a couple minutes (so it softens), then set aside. Chop the basil the same way as the kale, and add to the kale mixture. Chop the bell pepper and add as well. Add the sesame seeds and walnuts last, and toss everything together.

Notes: You may also use other types of kale, as well as collard greens. 

Cabbage and Bean Salad:

Ingredients
1/2 head small-medium green cabbage, very thinly sliced (about 4 cups), core removed
2 carrots, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 ribs celery, diced or one  cup of chopped celery from your wellness box 
3 green onions/scallions, chopped
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 
1 1/2 cups cooked organic garbanzo 
1 organic avocado, diced

1/2 of a organic red bell pepper chopped

Dressing:
2 lemon, juice from (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons organic Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
ground black pepper to taste

Options:  If you want to add color, add in a little purple cabbage,

Directions
1. Slice the cabbage so that the strands are very thin, and place into a large bowl. Add to this the grated carrots, celery, onion, cucumber, basil, beans, and avocado. Toss.

2. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and blend with a fork. Add dressing to bowl of vegetables and toss thoroughly. If you are making this ahead of time, add the diced avocado just before serving.

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Mason Jar Sauerkraut:

I can't wait to do this one myself! 

Click on link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=397Dua09VUI

For those of you who are  ready to get really serious with your sauerkraut skills: 

http://nourishedkitchen.com/homemade-sauerkraut/

Four Thieves Vinaigrette

Variations of this recipe have been treasured since Medieval times.  Legend has it that four grave robbers first used this strong antibacterial formula to protect them against the deadly plague.  Turning this classic remedy into a delicious salad  dressing helps the medicine go down easy. 

1/4 cup organic lavender flowers

1/4 cup organic sage leaf

1/4 cup organic rosemary leaf

1/4 cup organic thyme leaf

raw organic apple cider vinegar

organic extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves organic garlic, crushed 

sea salt and pepper

Place the herbs and garlic in a pint jar and fill to the top with gently warmed apple cider vinegar.  Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep he vinegar from touching the metal.  Allow the vinegar concoction to extract for four weeks in a sunny window.  

Strain the vinegar into  a clean glass jar.

To make the vinaigrette, add 1 part vinegar to 3 parts olive oil.  Add the salt and pepper to taste.  Blend until well combined 

Zucchini Chips: 

http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/zucchini-chips/

Chocolate Zucchini Bread or Muffins 

1 cup rapunzel organic whole cane sugar

1 cup organic sunflower oil or coconut oil 

3 organic eggs

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups organic wheat, spelt or  organic white

1/2 cup organic baking cocoa

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups organic shredded peeled zucchini

Optional:  1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of all spice and a 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

  • In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, cinnamon; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in zucchini. Transfer to two 8-in. x 4-in. oiled loaf pans
  • Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. 
  • Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: 

Special Notes:  When we bake with Gluten Free Flour we never use products that contain (or when we make our own gluten free flour mix), potato flour or starch, soy flour, corn starch and corn flour.  We do not use these food products because they are toxic.  If you can find a potato flour or starch that is organic then go ahead and use it.  But stay away from the non- organic soy and corn products, they are highly toxic... Also, stay away form xanthan gum, it is made in a lab!

Stick with products that have guar gum.

2 cups sorghum flour OR gluten-free all purpose flour mix

1 1/2 teaspoons Guar Gum (don't add gum if using a GF flour mix that contains guar gum)

Never use products that have xanthan gum 

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup organic agave or Rapunzel organic whole cane sugar

2 large organic eggs

1/2 cup organic light olive oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup organic sour cream (for dairy free version substitute organic applesauce)

3 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini

Optional:  1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of all spice and a 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350° F / 176° C 

Oil two 8-inch loaf pans OR two 12-cup muffin tins with sun flower oil or coconut oil 

Place flour, guar gum, salt, baking soda and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Use a wire whisk to combine.

In a large bowl, place oil, sugars, eggs and vanilla and mix with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. Stir in sour cream (or dairy free substitute) and shredded zucchini. Stir flour mixture into batter until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Divide batter between prepared loaf or muffin pans and bake for 50 minutes for loaves or 25-30 minutes for muffins or until a toothpick inserted in the center of loaf or muffin comes out clean.

Allow to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before turning out.

Yields about 24 muffins or 8-10 slices per loaf

13417429659?profile=originalI had some questions about amounts of bees wax to use, when you are making salves.

 This is what I do: 

1 cup herbal infused organic olive oil

1/4 cup shredded bees wax

Always, test your salve before  you add more bees wax.  It is easier to fix, if you do not have enough bees wax than if you put to much in. 

Take a spoon and dip it into your salve and put it on a plate in the freezer, wait a few minutes.  

Then test the  consistency of your mix, by rubbing some on the back of your hand.  

I will be teaching a  salve making class, end of August or September (2013)  Details will be coming soon. 

Feeling the herb connection?  Need more information?  Here is a great site to join and it is well worth the $9.00 a month! 

http://public.herbmentor.com/

More information and recipes coming soon: 

Nut Spread

Pizza Dough

Pumpkin Gluten Free Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Picky kids and waste

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Rosemary For Headaches and Migraines

Today I had a bad migraine. I made a cup of tea and decided it was best to go outside and get some fresh air. The greenhouse has a relaxing atmosphere. I sat on our cob bench and zoned out. My migraine was not letting up. I wanted to curl up and lay on the bench. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths and then opened them. The little voice said Rosemary. I was sitting there looking at my three big Rosemary plants. It was a light bulb moment. I took a few snips of the plant and started taking deep breaths of Rosemary's heavenly scent. I think it took less than five mintues to get rid of my migraine. Yeah!! I tucked the Rosemary in my pocket and finished doing my greenhouse chores. Next time you get a headache or a migraine and you have a Rosemary bush, you might want to try this.

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Should You Be Able To Buy Food Directly From Farmers,  Yes!  

But your government says NO...

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http://www.alternet.org/food/should-you-be-able-buy-food-directly-f...

Global Food Security: 

http://www.naturalnews.com/041280_small_farms_food_security_agricul...

Ag-Gag Laws, protects evil big food corporations: 

http://billmoyers.com/2013/07/10/alec-activists-and-ag-gag/

And 

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Educational Film about our food system that needs help with its funding. 

https://www.wf-iframe.com/fb/21961/pages/5b36f8adf6c93b38

Pictures Say A 1000 Words

Quotes Speak To You 

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This Beautiful Baby Turkey Has A Great Organic Life

13417440495?profile=originalMy Ending Statement: 

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What Are You Doing To Protect The Real Farmers and  The Real Food ? 

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Weapons Of Mass Destruction: 

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My Progress And Hard Core Advice

One of my favorite teas that I have been drinking is creamy coconut turmeric tea.   Turmeric is great for inflammation and many other things.  

Recipe: http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/creamy-turm...

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I am healing really good.   I am at a point that I need to make sure I stick with my wellness plan and I do not forget anything.  

I have left all my tinctures, herbal supplements and vitamins on the table, that way it is right in front of me and I will not forget  to take them.  

I will be seeing my doctor once a week, at least til the beginning of February. 

One more adjustment with Dr. Seward, and  my body will be aligned. 

Smoothies until February.  I am getting really creative with my drinks.  

Stretching, all body, but specially the head, neck, and hip area.  I  am also using my Deep Tissue Warming Balm on injured areas and it is working great. 

Singing, it moves my jaw around, unplugs my ears and makes my heart happy.

Massage to the face to heal  nerve damage.  I am using my own wild crafted St. Johns Wort Oil, my Self Heal Salve and my Doctors comfrey gel.

I have post traumatic stress syndrome.   I did not realize it (well I kind of new) until someone bumped into me with a grocery cart yesterday and I freaked out.... I laugh at it now.  We are adding an herb formula called  Adernal Support Formula.

My biggest struggle is, it is that time of year that I need to be prepping  and repairing things on our farm.  But I can not do it.  This is really hard for me.   I have to heal first. If I do not listen I could create more damage to my body.  I have been known to not listen....   But I have to listen this time.  

I have walked up the mountain a few times.  I have already  led the horses up the mountain.  I will need to work on some emotional fears that I am having.  This means getting back on the horse, so to speak, up the mountain with the horses more and more.   I choose courage over fear.... 

I did sneak in about two sets of 15 push-ups.  I was really sore... 

My advice below is HARD-CORE.  For most it will feel like to much.  I have had at least 15 years to get this way.  Take this list and start with a few, make a habit and add another few.  But remember this, this list is easy compared to walking around in pain, being depressed or having constant fatigue.  This list is easy compared to getting your gallbladder taken out, heart surgery, taking expensive pharmaceuticals that have side effects, losing a loved one to a preventable disease or dealing with an un-balanced child or teenager due to lack of nutrients.    All diseases are preventable. Take for example gallbladder removal.  People loose their gallbladders do to bad diets.

When scrolling down, instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself what can you change in your life to be the healthiest you have ever been.  This is possible no matter what your age is. 

The advice I have to all, take care of your bodies, take care of your health, take care of your fitness.  Eat organic food, organic veggies, clean sources  of meat that are GMO free.  Eat GMO Free foods.  Stay away from junk food even organic junk food.  

Don't put soda in your body ever, don't eat artificial colors ever, hydrogenated oil and toxic preservatives ever.  Just cut that toxic crap out of your life.  It does nothing but create disease, weakness and depression.  

Support a local organic CSA.  Add herbal knowledge to you life.   Exercise daily.  Add nature hikes to your life, add creativity to your life,  add love to your life, add kindness to your life, add getting more sleep to your life, add meditation to your life, add kung fu forms to your life.  

Get rid of hand sanitizes, petroleum based soaps and cleaners, nail polish,  perfume, cologne, toxic deodorant, febreeze, synthetic scented candles, toxic air freshener, dyer sheets etc... 

Get rid of video games, they destroy your health

Only pull your cell phone out for important things.  Stop staring at it so much, it WILL take away your intuition.   

Get rid of the addiction of TV.  Those TV series are toxic to your mind and body.  

Music.  If you listen to Techno and Dubstep, you are creating dis-harmony to your body.  

This is what keeps you and your family  healthy.  This is what will help you in the event of an emergency.  Your recovery and emotional state will be able to heal faster...

Pictures of progress.  I know when I think back to what happened it sends shutters through my body.  But at the same time, I am healing so well it is hard to believe it even happened.  

December 28th,  2013

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A few days after.

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January 13th 2014

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January 14th 2014, My son Brandon is moving  to San Diego. I am excited for his new adventures in life.    My lips  are not ready to smile yet.  I am trying to learn how to smile with my eyes... :)  

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“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” 

 Nut flour crust, wild weed pesto, my own canned sauce, mozzarella cheese and all organic.

The wild weed pesto is made out of dandelion leaves, plantain leaves, nettle leaves, yellow dock leaves, olive oil, raw cheddar, dehydrated ground up nuts and raw garlic.   

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13417456092?profile=originalYellow Dock

13417456701?profile=originalDandelion 

13417457458?profile=originalNettle 

13417456899?profile=originalCollected and Ready to Make Wild Weed Pesto 

13417458285?profile=original1 cup or more of edible weeds (make sure no one has sprayed any chemicals on or around them!!)

1/2 to 1 cup organic olive oil 

1/2 cup organic raw cheese of choice

1/8 cup ground nuts or seeds

3 cloves raw garlic ( or more if you are a garlic fan) 

Blend in a  mixer 

13417457886?profile=originalUse on crackers, rice, meat, pizza dough or as a veggie dip. 

 

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Mountain Mama Wellness Box-First Week

Our First Week: We have been working10 to 12 hour days since March.  All that hard work paid off for a wonderful first start.  I am grateful for the abundance. 

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Week One Product:  Nettle, comfrey, calendula, garlic scallions, mustard greens,  salad, arugula, basil, radishes, carrots, spinach, herbs, evergreens,  kale and collard greens. 

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Nettle:

Nettle Pesto

Makes: 1 generous cup

1/2 pound nettles
4 large garlic cloves, smashed or garlic scallions
1/2  teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup grated raw organic cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer for the nettles. Add the nettles directly from their bag and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. (This denatures their sting.) Dump into a colander to drain. When the nettles are cool enough to handle, wrap them in a clean dishtowel and wring out as much moisture as possible, like you would for spinach. You’ll have about a cup of cooked, squished nettles.

In the food processor fitted with the paddle attachment, whirl the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste until finely chopped. Add the nettles, breaking them up as you drop them in, and the lemon juice and whirl until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, and process until smooth. Add the cheese, pulse briefly, and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spring-time-super-tonic-food-nettle

More Nettle Recipes: 

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

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Comfrey: Comfrey Infused Grapeseed Oil/Olive oil is  used in  salves, creams and lotion recipes.  I like to apply the salve to acne scars and inflamed skin rashes.  You can also just use it as an infused oil.  The magic of Comfrey is from the active component contained in the leaf and root called allantoin which helps to boost the production of new skin cells.  In fact it works so fast that you should NEVER use it on open wounds, dirty wounds or broken skin.  You should only apply it to areas that have already scabbed over.

A Recipe for Infused Comfrey Oil:

You will need:

• A clean, dry jar
• Cut and dried Comfrey leaves
• An oil of your choice, enough to fill the jar.
• A spoon
• A square of thin cotton material, or a sieve.
• A clean, dry, glass bottle.

Carrier oil: The oil can be chosen to suit your needs:
Pure sunflower oil is cheap, cheerful and perfectly good; olive oil is a little more luxurious and my favourite for medicinal purposes; other possibilities include sesame, jojoba, avocado, hemp seed, almond and many others.

Method:

• Fill a third of the jar with Comfrey leaves.
• Fill the jar to the top with a carrier oil.
• Using a clean spoon press the Comfrey leaves down to ensure that there are no air bubbles.
• Put the lid onto the jar and leave in a warm, sunny window for at least one week and no more than two weeks.
• Strain the mixture and pour into the glass bottle.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

This oil can be used to hasten the healing of abrasions, bruises and sore muscles.
It must NOT be used on deep cuts as it is capable of healing the skin’s surface so quickly that the deeper part of the wound could fester.

http://www.freshpickedbeauty.com/2012/01/comfrey-infused-oil.html

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

Calendula Tea: 

The simplest use of calendula flowers - it's just weld Calendula as tea.
Pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flowers OR one to two teaspoons of dried calendula petals. Steep for ten minutes, then strain. By drinking two to three cups daily there will be a great improvement in blood circulation.

To help in the healing of skin wounds:
Soak a compress in Calendula Tea, and apply to the wound for 30 minutes twice daily.

Calendula can also be used to treat sore throat. Gargle with warm tea several times a day. This will help relieve the inflammation caused from the common cold.

Other Calendula ideas:

http://blog.esgreen.com/2010/04/marigold-flower-tea.html

http://mountainroseblog.com/healing-calendula/

Evergreen Tea: 

½ cup of pine needles (or other needles from fir or spruce trees)

Crush the needles slighly & add to a pot of boiling water (3-4 cups). Simmer for 15-20 mins, or simply steep the needles in not yet boiling water.

You can add a spoon of honey or other liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc), as well as herbs such as rosemary or green tea, to this wonderfully aromatic brew.

Left over tea can be added to a bath, poured over the stones in a sauna, or used as a rinse for the hair to combat dandruff!

Evergreen Tea: 

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Other ideas for evergreens: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/evergreen-healing

Evergreen Infused Olive Oil.   Infuse for 6 weeks, strain and drizzle on meat, rice, bread etc. 

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Arugula  And Spinach Stir Fry: 

Spinach  arugula, coarsely chopped.

Garlic scallions chopped

Basil chopped

Balsamic vinegar

A few dashes of coconut aminos or organic Brags liquid aminos 

Link to coconut aminos:http://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html

Heat pan with oil of choice: 

Add chopped garlic scallions, cook until tender

Add arugula and spinach, sauteing for about one minute

Add chopped basil, sauteing for about a minute

Add 4 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar and then steam it down for another minute or two

Add coconut aminos or Brags

Optional:   add some organic cooked and chopped turkey bacon, or organic beef sausage

Serve with couscous, quinoa, or any one of your favorite starches!

Mustard Green Stir Fry or use your wild greens: 

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mustard_greens/

Make sure you use organic broth

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2009/07/balsamic-glazed-chickpeas-and-mustard.html

I would take out the soy sauce and use organic Brags or use coconut liquid aminos

Thank you Mountain Mama Members for your awesome support.  If you have any questions please e-mail me.

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Hungarian Mushroom Soup

13417452082?profile=originalHungarian Mushroom Soup

1/4 cup organic butter 

1 organic red onion, or onion of choice

4 to 6 organic garlic cloves minced

3/4 lb mushrooms, sliced

2 cups water 

4 tsp dill weed ( or a little more)

4 tsp. paprika ( or a little more)

2 Tbs. coconut amino acids ( optional)

2 Tbs. favorite red wine ( I used Copper Mountain)

1/4 cup organic butter

1/3 cup organic white flour or use a little arrow root powder

2 cups organic whole milk

3/4 cup organic sour cream

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Saute onion  and garlic in butter until tender.  Add water, mushrooms, dill weed, paprika, coconut aminos and red wine.  Bring to a boil, then simmer until mushrooms are tender.

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 In the meantime, melt the other 1/4 cups butter, stir in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly to keep smooth.

 Add milk to roux and blend, while heating, until smooth.  Add to soup.  

Lastly, stir in the sour cream.  

Serve with fresh rolls, rice and salad.  

Serves 4 - 6 

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This also worked great for blending in a blender to be able to drink it through a straw. 

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Mountain Mama Wellness Box-Eighth Week

 Weekly Wellness Box :

This weeks goodies:  ZUCCHINI (lots) collard greens, nettle, brassica stir fry mix,  sage, rosemary, tea mix of lemon balm peppermint, pineapple sage and a honey suckle flower, lettuce/flower mix, kale,  a mix of wild spinach, orch spinach arugula, swiss chard and a few mustard greens, fennel fronds,  a mix of garlic and onion chives, cucumbers, basil and a few green beans

If you do not have a membership with a CSA, it is time to hit the farmers markets.  They are all over the place with loads of incredible fresh food.  Make sure you are supporting local organic farmers or no spray farmers.  This is vitally important for your health, your family's and the earth.  

Here is a list of foods you should be (or at least try) adding to your life.  

Arugula, spinach, salads, kale, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, swiss chard, fennel fronds, sage, rosemary, lemon balm, peppermints, chives, celery, tomatoes (for some areas) collard greens, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, all sorts of brassica leaves, carrots, beets, green beans,onions, new potatoes, strawberries (organic only), blueberries (organic only) flower salads, mustard greens (almost at the end of the season, coming back for fall) and the wild foods, curly dock, yellow dock, cat's ear flowers, lambs quarters, sorrel, honeysuckle, raspberry leaves (for tea).  

As you can see this is a great list of many healthy foods that you can add throughout the day.

A great way to start on your path to longevity and being robust: 

Cut out ALL fast food (yes ALL)

Cut out ALL  Soda (yes ALL )

Cut out All artificial colors, artificial flavors, natural flavors

Cut out boxed food

Cut out crap meat, example hot dogs, deli meat, injected chicken breasts, canned meats, etc.  

Say NO to the junk food.   Bake things at home.  

(When I say bake, that does not mean open box of Betty Crocker!   Betty Crocker is not a food, it is an item that feeds cancer cells)

Shop your farmers markets, buy local organic food, local no spray food, and make sure the meat you purchase is grass fed/pasture fed and/or organic feed only 

Get rid of the word diet in your life, it as a negative connotation.  It is time to think about wellness, longevity, being robust and vigorous!  It is time to eat, eat, eat, but, eat the right foods.  

Make yourself healthly, your family and the earth  buy Piling those plates with massive green leafy veggies! 

 

13417453259?profile=originalTea Mix:  lemon balm, pineapple sage, peppermint and a honeysuckle flower

Gallon glass jar

Spring or filtered water

Empty bag into gallon glass jar, pour water over herbs.

Let sit in the sun for 8 hours

Strain

Sweeten with honey (optional)

Refrigerate for a few hours and then enjoy! 

Pineapple Sage benefits:  digestion, heartburn, balance the nervous system, general tonic

Lemon Balm benefits:  sedative properties, lowers fever, improves digestion, relaxes spasms, antiviral, antibiotic, insect repellent,  helps anxiety, depression, nerve disorders and tension headaches.

More on lemon balm:  http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-melissa.htm

Peppermint benefits:  helps with morning sickness, nausea, digestion, gallbladder, bile ducts, 

More information on Peppermint: http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-peppermint.htm

Honeysuckle benefits:

In traditional Chinese medicine honeysuckle tea is used to treat ailments of the heart and lungs, fevers, and dysentery.

Honeysuckle tea is used to ease sore joints and reduce inflammation.

Honeysuckle tea helps improve circulation and relieve fatigue.

European honeysuckle can help treat coughs and colds.

Honeysuckle tea is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and infection in the bladder. The tea is said to inhibit the bacteria that causes salmonella, strep, staph and tuberculosis infections.

Honeysuckle tea can help alleviate headaches.

Honeysuckle tea can help treat nausea and vomiting.

Honeysuckle tea can help make eyes brighter.

Rosemary:  http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-rosemary.htm

Rosemary is one of my most favorite herbs! Here is a recipe for apple rosemary coffee cake.  I actually made them as muffins instead and they were intoxicating! 

I used used honey instead of sugar.  I used about 1/4 cup of honey.

I never use baking powder so I just used 1 tsp. baking soda.  If you use baking powder make sure you are using one that is aluminum free! 

I used organic spelt flour.  

Awesome Apple Rosemary Coffee Cake Recipe

http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2012/10/apple-rosemary-coffee-cake/

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13417454678?profile=originalHoney Basil Simple Syrup:

1 Cup honey

1 Cup Water

1 Cup fresh basil coarse chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Stir ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until honey is dissolved, but don’t boil
  2. Remove from heat, pour through a wire-mesh strainer into an airtight jar or container, discarding leaves
  3. Let cool completely before using
  4. Store in a covered jar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks

Fruit Salad With Basil and Lime

1 lb ORGANIC strawberries
1 medium cantaloupe
7 - 10 basil leaves
1 lime
 
Wash and cut strawberries into fourths.
Cut cantaloupe in half. Scoop out seeds. Using a melon baller, scoop out flesh of cantaloupe into melon balls.
Roll up basil leaves and cut into thin strips.
Combine strawberries, melon balls, and basil in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice all over fruit. Toss and
enjoy.
Basil, Onion and Garlic Chive Infused Olive Oil
1 glass bottle or mason jar (4 cup size)
1/2 cup chopped chives
1 tsp peppercorns
1 cup basil
3 cups olive oil ( or a little less) 
Chop the chives, tear the basil, bruising the leaves to release the essential oils. Stuff the basil, chives and peppercorns into the bottle or mason jar.

Pour the olive oil into a heat-proof pot or dish and place over a low flame — I used a large, glass, Pyrex measuring cup. Heat the oil until warm, DO NOT BUBBLE OR BOIL.

You’ll know it’s getting close when the oil’s texture appears to “thin”… you’ll sort of see “swirls” in the oil as this happens. DO NOT let it boil!

Warm you mason jar up, make sure there is no water in it and it is completely dry.  

Once the olive oil is heated, pour the oil over the herbs and cover.

Let stand in a dark place for a week or two, 

Strain

Refrigerate and enjoy! 

Sophia's Basil Bed:

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ZUCCHINI LASAGNA:  
This recipe is a little different, it has no pasta.  So, if you are in the mood for lasagna and you do not have any lasagna noodles here is a great recipe to try.  
You could also add the lasagna noodles to this recipe.
  • 1 lb organic beef
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp organic oregano
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • sea salt and pepper
  • 28 oz can organic crushed tomatoes
  • 1 organic red pepper sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick
  • 15 oz organic ricotta
  • 16 oz  organic mozzarella cheese, shredded 
  • 1/4 cup raw cheddar

In a medium sauce pan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked drain in colander to remove any fat. Add olive oil to the pan and saute garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan,  add red pepper, tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8" thick slices, add lightly salt and set aside or 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel.

In a 9x12 casserole spread some sauce on the bottom and starting layering your goodies.  

Bake 45 minutes covered at 375°, then uncovered 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Side Note:   Try a little drizzle  of your basil syrup on your piece of lasagna,  Yum! 

5 Ways to Use Fennel Fronds: 

http://www.thekitchn.com/top-5-ways-to-use-fennel-stalks-and-fronds-ingredient-spotlight-183057

Our visitor this morning while we were harvesting

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Scholarship Available

Wild and Weedy Apothecary is sponsoring a scholarship for the Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop.

Scholarship covers class but not book.  Book cost is $17.00.  Book pick up is  Saturday October 24th 2015. 

See details below

How to apply for the scholarship: 

Send me an e-mail with your name, age and e-mail addresses with the following: 

What are your hobbies?

How active is your present life style?

Do you cook?

Do you have type one or type two diabetes? 

Do you have other health issues or concerns? 

What would you like to gain out of this workshop? 

I must receive your e-mail by Friday October 23rd by 8:00 PM  

Send To: wildweedyherbs@gmail.com

This workshop requires a commitment to yourself, the group and me. Only serious inquires please.  

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Seven Steps To Wellness Workshop Details

It is time to take action and take back your health.

 Why wait for a New Years Resolution, when you can start now. Yes, this class starts right before the holidays and what better time to start a wellness program!   We will be getting healthy together and working on life style changes right through the holidays.   

The Seven Steps To Wellness class will be using the book "The Blood Sugar Solution" by Mark Hyman, MD  as our guide.  

You will learn how to boost your nutrition, regulate your hormones, reduce inflammation, improve your digestion, maximize detoxification, enhance  energy metabolism, gain cooking skills,  and soothe your mind. 

This is an ultra healthy program for preventing disease and feeling great.

Class meets weekly for 7 weeks and there will be reading homework each week. 

Don't wait , act now, Isn't it time to take your health back? 

PRE-PAY by Oct 17th 2015 

Cost:  $160.00 (includes book) 

You can pay through Eventbrite, visit Wild and Weedy Apothecary or come by the Farmers Market On Third St. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seven-steps-to-wellness-weekly-workshop-tickets-18638067963

When:  Saturdays

Time 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Class Schedule: 

Oct 24th  10:00 am - 10:45 am Intro class, pick up book

Oct. 31st 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Nov. 7th 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

THURSDAY Nov. 12th 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Nov. 21st 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

NO CLASS NOVEMBER 28TH 

Dec. 5th 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

LAST CLASS WILL BE TWO HOURS

Dec 12th 10:00 am - Noon 

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Our food is becoming more toxic, our food traditions that are passed down are  toxic.  These food traditions that are passed down, are toxic choices that need to stop.  It is NOT ok to eat a candy cane with red 40 in it, it is NOT ok to eat a valentines day cup cake with Red 40 in it, it is NOT ok to eat marshmallow throughout the summer on your camping trips, they are full of GMO ingredients and toxic food coloring, it is NOT ok to eat at the sports snack shack, it is NOT ok to eat the candy thrown to you at the parades, it is not OK to eat the Little Debbie Snacks with a Capri Sun after soccer practice, it is not ok to eat at Izzy's pizza, it is not OK to eat elephant ears, it is not OK to eat the Halloween candy, It is not ok to eat the Thanksgiving Turkey that is injected with toxic substances, it is NOT ok to eat colorful Christmas candy, It is Not ok to eat the yellow and pink marshmallows for Easter or the Easter candy that is full of dyes and GMO's, it is NOT ok to eat that fourth of July red and blue food coloring.  As you can see this is a big list and I could keep going.  

I made this partial list because I wanted to show you how we go from one fat food fest to the next.

This list is 12 months of many once in a whiles, now add the birthdays in there.  As you can see by this list. that telling a child or teen that it is OK to have a toxic food once in a while, is far from being once in a while.  

American lives are fast and split up  and because of this once in a while becomes almost all the time. 

Mom says it is OK to eat that once in a while, since we have a high divorce rate we have Dad says it is OK to eat that once in a while, grandma said it is OK to eat it once in a while, Auntie said it is OK to eat that once in a while, at my sleep over little Suzie's mom said it was OK to have that once in a while, my coach said it was OK to have that once in a while, my baby-sitter said it is OK to have it once in a while, my teacher said is is OK to eat that once in a while and so on and on and on.  Guess what eating something that is not so healthy has become a (almost) 7 day a week theme.   If you look around like I do you can see it.  The obesity rates are skyrocketing and you see a lot of children that are just not strong like they used to be.  

I just love the voice of "It is only once in a while" or that person who tells you, you can eat a bad food once in a while.  Now days we are so busy and so split up in our lives that  just once in a while is becoming toxic and has become a sorry excuse that we use more than once in a while.  

This toxic saying is allowing us to justify in our minds to do unhealthy things weekly and  now daily that we should not be doing at all.  

Here is my first example that I hear a lot parents, grandparents and most adults who talk to children do.  The child hears that their fruity pebbles, red licorice,  snow cones with red syrup, red frosted cupcakes, valentines day candies are unhealthy.  They share this information with the adult about what they learned.  What happens after that, is that 98% of the adults that are talking to those children tell them, "It is OK to eat it once in a while".  

First, I want you to think about this, how is it OK to let child eat something that has toxic ingredients in it?  Just because they are not being rushed to the emergency room does not mean that the food ended up being safe.  Let me remind you that the cancer rates are at their all time highest.  Diabetes is at an all time high and America is getting more obese by the minute.  

Little Suzie is at a community event and someone is selling snow cones and she wants one.  The adult in charge say's OK, it is only once in a while.   That adult just told her that it is OK to eat unhealthy food.  The once in  a while does not matter in her mind and there was no consequence on the parent or child for eating that toxic food.  Little Suzie feels pretty good, so it can't be bad.  But, here is where all parents,grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult friends, adult cousins went wrong.  That food did affect her.  It is toxic because it has carcinogens  in it.  The worse part about it is that Little Suzy will keep eating those types of foods over and over again into adult hood.  She has been educated wrong by the Adults who could not stay away from toxic food themselves.  These same adults are struggling as adults with their health.  Little Suzie grows up and some day gets cancer from all the once in a whiles that were to many in her life time.  

We have to start thinking about what we are really teaching our children about health. You can't use the parenting style of consequences and making choices when it comes to food.   If you tell the child that a snow cone with red flavored syrup is bad for them and you give them a choice to have it or not, they will eat it and there is no consequence for eating it.  They feel fine. But it is affecting them deep down in their bodies.     As of right now  the children and teens of America are being taught that it is OK to cheat and eat bad food and that they are supposedly to busy to exercise.   It deeply saddens me to hear that most high school kids have no PE and the rest only have it twice a week if they are lucky.  

If you as the adult do not change your habits, and you keep the cheating going on, with "It is OK eat that once in a while",  on the toxic food then you are doing a dis-service to your family, yourself and this world.

42% of us will be obese by 2030 (actually, I think we are already at that percentage), our children are expected to have a shorter life span than us and 41% of us are going to inevitably get cancer. .

We are becoming a Wall-E World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1BQPV-iCkU).  I do not want this and I am pretty sure you do not either.  But, we all need to change.  It is time to get rid of this thought process that was introduced to us many years ago, (I bet by a corporate commercial) because it has caught up to us.  To many kids with adhd, add, autism, obesity are everywhere and at an all time high, cancer is at an all time high, diabetes is at an all time high.  We can alter this trajectory if we spread as much information about the chemicals in food as possible – specifically the chemicals that can be directly linked to obesity and cancer and that are slowly poisoning us and making us suffer as a society. 

The most widely used dyes, Red 40, Blue 1,  Yellow 5 are contaminated with known carcinogens, linked to cancer and known to cause hyperactivity in children.   “Carmel coloring”  sounds natural,  and is anything but! Caramel color is often manufactured by heating ammonia and sulfites under high pressure, which creates carcinogenic compounds that are also linked to cancer.

More information on Food Coloring: 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/24/are-you-or-your-family-eating-toxic-food-dyes.aspx

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Just Have To Stop, No More Once In A While: 

McDonalds, Burger King, Arby's,Taco Bell, KFC, Soda, hot dogs, non organic candies, deserts with artificial colors and artificial flavorings, frozen food, foods with artificial coloring and artificial flavors, the snack shacks at sports events and packaged process foods.  This list is just a small list of foods to say NO to.  

Remember,nothing is going to change until we realize, that healthy food, food without toxins with absolutely no fudging is what we need to be eating. This world is either going to become a Wall-E world or a healthy world.  We are at the tipping point for this.

Wall-E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1BQPV-iCkU

Parents be parents, protect your children.  There should be no choices when it comes to eating a food with toxins or not eating it.  It is your job to protect their health and safety, so this decisions is yours,  Be strong and say NO

Americans 'Just Have To Stop"  this is what is going to change their health, their families health, the future generations of America and it will help our oceans, land and air become toxin free to. 

 

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Mountain Mama Wellness Box-Thrid Week

This Weeks Goodies  

Pictured, self heal (purple flower), pineapple weed (daisy look a-like) and st. johns wort

It is time to start harvesting these items.  Take a nature walk and start picking.  You can infuse these in oil, make a tincture or dry them for later use.

Never pick anything that has been sprayed

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St. Johns Wort is in the far right paper bag

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This Weeks Wellness Box: Collard greens, lettuce, spinach,kale, mustard greens, garlic scallions, celery, onions, radish, wild greens mix, tea mixes,  sage, nettle, lemon balm, self heal, pineapple weed, st. johns wort

Self Heal: http://onlineathens.com/stories/071011/liv_854927721.shtml

The common name "self-heal" derives from the use of some species to treat a range of minor disorders. It is reported to have an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, and to be particularly good in cases of food poisoning. Highly revered herbalist Keewaydinoquay used self-heal to pull heavy metals out of the body.  On the physical body it acts as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, mild antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, haemostatic and vulnerary (a substance used to help heal external wounds). Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help as a gargle for sore throats and as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.A tea, diluted tincture or fresh plant poultice is effective topically to stop bleeding from cuts or wounds, reduce swelling from insect bites, and to reduce the swelling from varicose veins, hemorrhoids and eye inflammations (sties, conjunctivitis). Self-heal can be used internally and externally to help dissolve nodules in the neck (such as goiter), lymphomas (fatty tumors).

You can make a tea, tincture or an infused oil.  

Mayweed:  Make a warm cup of tea with this one.   Known as wild chamomile, it is not a true chamomile, but it does have similar properties.

St. Johns Wort:   The unique therapeutic benefits of St. John's wort may not appear for several weeks, and the remedy must be used for at least a few months to produce lasting effects. This medicinal herb is prescribed for mild to moderate depression and anxiety and is also applied externally to heal wounds and reduce inflammation.

In natural medicine, the herb St. John's wort is considered to be the psychological counterpart of arnica, which alleviates physical pain. The benefits can temper emotional discomfort, lift depression and calm the nerves.

St. John's wort is also very similar to some types of antidepressant medications. It's believed to raise the concentration of serotonin in the brain and enhance its activity. This neurotransmitter (or chemical nerve messenger) helps to regulate mood. You can also make a tea from this medicinal herb and is known to relax and soothe the psyche without causing sleepiness or addiction.

St. Johns Wort Infused Oil.  Use for injuries. 

8 oz jar

St. Johns Wort

Olive Oil

Place herbs jar, fill the jar to the top with olive oil.  Place in the sun for 6 weeks.  Shake daily

Strain and enjoy! 

Lemon Balm:  Is the elixir of life, it sweetens the spirit, powerfully chases away melancholy and it strengthen's the brain.  It calms the nervous and digestive systems.  

Culinary:  http://3squaresproduce.com/recipes/item/8-lemonbalmrecipes

Lemon Balm Herbal Butter: 

1/4 cup finely minced lemon balm

2 tablespoons, finely chopped thyme

1 cup of organic butter 

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp garlic granules

Cream butter and stir in herbs. Chill for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. Use on roasted meats, rice, vegetables and bread.  

Lemon Balm Sun Tea 

2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for each cup water

Place lemon balm and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours

Strain add honey and, or lemon

Add mint for a refreshing lemony mint tea

Lemon Balm Roasted Chicken: 

Roasted Lemon Balm Chicken

Handful of fresh lemon balm leaves, stems removed 
1/4 cup or so of fresh sage leaves 
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) organic butter softened 
Salt and pepper, to taste 
1 large roasting chicken 
4 minced garlic cloves or 6 garlic scallions
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 350

Trim herb leaves from stems; wash and pat dry. Set sprigs aside. Chop two-thirds of the leaves, and combine with the butter, minced garlic and/or garlic scallions, salt, and pepper.

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Loosen the skin in several places and insert the herbal butter underneath. Rub chicken with salt and pepper.  

Insert the remaining herb sprigs into the cavity of the chicken.

Place breast-side-down in a roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, then turn chicken over. Bake about 20 minutes longer.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Lemon Balm Cordial 

From Adele Dawson’s Herbs, Partners in Life:  “A fine home-made liqueur can be made by taking two handfuls of crushed Melissa leaves, putting them in a glass jar or crock, pouring over them a fifth of vodka, three-quarters of a cup of honey, and a grated lemon peel.  Shake well and let stand for a week.  Strain, bottle, and wait an additional three weeks before using.

Lemon Balm Infused Vinegar

 Make sure you use a plastic lid with your vinegar/not metal

I like to use organic raw apple cider vinegar, but you can start with any vinegar you like.

Thoroughly clean about two cups of fresh lemon balm.

Allow them to dry, or gently dry them with a hair dryer set on cool.

Lightly crush the herbs with your hands, and place them in a clean jar.

Cover with vinegar that has been warmed almost to a boil, screw on the lid, and shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place.

Shake every day, and then turn the jar upside down.

After one to two weeks, strain the vinegar through a coffee filter, and pour into sterilized glass bottles. Place a sprig or two of fresh herbs in the bottle, and screw on the top or insert a tight cork.

As long as herbal vinegar's are protected from light, they will keep for up to a year. 

Lemon Balm Tincture:

To make a tincture, you will need a 1 quart canning jar, lemon balm herb, 2 cups of either vodka, gin or brandy and 1 cup water. The liquid acts as the menstrum and will preserve the tincture for up to 5 years.

Sterilize the jar.

Fill the jar half way with the lemon balm herb.

Pour the 2 cups of alcohol over the herb until it comes up over the top of the herb.

Next, pour the 1 cup of water into the jar.

Shake well.

Leave in a warm place for 4 weeks. Shake it every day or so.

If after a few days, the herb is not still fully immersed, add a touch more water. Herb needs to stay totally submerged under the liquid for the 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks strain out the herb.

Place tincture in a dark bottle, and label with herb and date.

Take 20 drops of tincture in juice, warm water, or tea  3-4  times a day. Do not take it for more than 2 weeks at a time. Give your body a rest, and take it again for 2 weeks if necessary. If the condition persists, contact your health care provider or herbalist.

If you don’t want the alcohol of a tincture, you can use vegetable glycerin or honey to make a glycerite.

The formula for making the glycerite is the same as a tincture. Follow the above steps, and replace the vodka with either the vegetable glycerin or honey. Allow the 6 weeks and then strain. Dosage is 1/4 tsp. 3 – 4 times a day.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on hypothyroid medication as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

Pictured Lemon Balm

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Wild Food Mix: Use as a stir-fry, omelet or a frittata:   Sweet cicely leaves, dandelion leaves, yellow dock leaves and plantain.  

Sweet cicely appears to have been used medicinally since Roman times. Today, it is used exclusively in cooking.  An infusion of the herb was once recommended for flatulence and coughs, and it was an ingredient of wound healing ointments.   The sugary tasting leaves have an anise-like taste, and they are traditionally cooked with tart fruits, such as rhubarb and gooseberries and used to flavor fruit salads and fruit pies.  The fresh leaves impart their own sweetness and are, therefor e helpful for diabetics and those on low-sugar diets.   Sweet cicely has been long appreciated in Europe for the sweet anise flavor of its young shoots, leaves, and fruits, sweet cicely has yet to make many inroads into American cooking. 

Leaves may be harvested from early spring to early fall; they are best used raw, as they lose most of their scent and flavor when dried.   The leaves sweeten salad dressings, omelets, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes.

Wild Food Frittata:  Serves 2/ Double if you need four servings

This recipe is so easy and satisfying. It can be adapted for just about any edible plants growing in your garden. Of course, any veggie, cheese, herb combination can be substituted as well. 

Ingredients

4 local, organic, free-range eggs
1/2 cup grated organic parmesan, feta, or raw cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp plain organic yogurt
1 bunch of wild greens
1/2 organic onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves organic garlic, crushed or 3 garlic scallions 
Sea salt and fresh cracked organic pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Sauté onions in olive oil using a small cast iron or another oven-safe skillet over medium heat until they become nice and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Toss in the nettle leaves and dandelion flowers and sauté with onions and garlic for another minute or two.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and season with salt and pepper.

Spread veggie mixture evenly on bottom of the skillet. Pour egg mixture into the skillet and gently stir together until the veggies are covered, then allow to cook for a few minutes.

When the egg mixture is about half set, put the whole pan in the oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until your frittata is puffy and golden around the edges. Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts and let stand for several minutes.

Nettle Frittata http://mountainroseblog.com/dandelion-frittata/

More options: http://kimwiney.blogspot.com/2013/04/dandelion-frittata-truly-radical-food.html

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Wild Tea Of The Week: Mayweed,chamomile,lemon verbena,lemon balm, lemon verbena and valerian flower tea: 

Wild tea mix

2 to 4 cups of water

Bring water to boil and pour wild tea mix in, turn off burner and steep for 2 to 5 minutes.

 If you would like to have the mix stronger for more health benefits make an infusion. 

Lemon Verbena:  http://www.healthyliving-herbs.co.za/index.php/herb-articles/568-lemon-verbena-aloysia-triphylla-lippia-citriodora

More recipes for lemon verbena: http://oldfashionedliving.com/lemonverbena.html  

Sage:  is a superb aid in the digestion of rich, fatty meat.  It also helps lower cholesterol levels and is a bitter tonic for the liver.  It is an excellent herb for rebuilding vitality and strength during long-term illness.  Sage is a well-known cold and flu fighter.  Because of its astringent, antiseptic, and relaxing action on the mucous membranes, sage is the classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat, and tonsils.  It is one of the best remedies for laryngitis, tonsillitis, and sore throat.  Sage has many more healing qualities, for more information on this herb I suggest getting Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide.  13417451879?profile=original

Sage Pesto: 

This is a great recipe for a healthy, healing herb paste.  Sage dominates the flavor of this pungent, strong pesto.  You can use less sage fi you find it overpowering.  If you would like to add more healing nutrients try adding fresh wild herbs such as dandelion greens, chickweed, and plantain.  

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's book:  Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1/2 cup parsely

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, first time making it try the 1/4 cup version and if you would like it stronger than next time add more

3 cloves garlic

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts or a mix

1/4 cup raw cheese (optional) 

Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt 

To make: 

Combine the herbs, garlic and olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy.  Mix in the nuts or seeds and cheese (if using) and salt and pepper ot taste.  

To use: 

Serve on toast or crackers, pasta, steamed grains, omelets, vegetables or organic meat.

Sage Stress Reliever Tea

Handful of fresh sage leaves

Handful of fresh mint or small amount of fresh rosemary

Handful of fresh lemon balm 

These measurements are the playful way to connect with yourself and make tea.  

Gather your ingredinets and listen to what your body is telling you.  If you body says little more or a little less listen to it.  

I would start with about 4 cups of water, bring to boil add herbs turn the stove off and steep for 2 to 5 minutes. 

Enjoy it outdoors or with a loved one. Make sure all electric gadgets are turned off. 

Pictured, Sage and Lemon Balm

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Nettle Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits:  Makes 12 - 15 Biscuits

2 cups organic unbleached flour 

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, aluminium free! 

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

5 Tbls. organic butter

1 cup of organic buttermilk, (when I can not find organic butter milk I use yogurt.  I mix 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup  water and mix)  

4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed or 4 finely minced garlic scallions

1 cup finely chopped fresh Nettle leaves, thick gloves for  chopping the Nettles

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly.  Using two better knives or a pastry cutter, add butter until mixture resembles a crumbly meal.

Ina separate bowl, combine buttermilk with garlic and nettle leaves.  Add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold together to forma soft dough. 

Turn dough onto a floured cutting board, kneed gently until it just comes together, adding a little more flour if needed, and roll the dough out until it's about 1/2 think.  Using the rim of a small glass, cut the dough into 2 1/2 - 3 inch rounds and place on an un-greased baking sheet.

Bake for 18 minutes or until light golden brown.

Remove immediately from baking sheet to avoid over-crisping the biscuit bottoms and serve warm with butter. 

It Is Time To Drop The Potato Chips!!!! Make Kale Chips

Spicy Kale Chips

1/3 tsp ground cumin 
1/3 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne (add 1/8 tsp for spicier chips)
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ lb kale (about ¾ a bunch), large stems removed, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces 

How to make it:
1. Preheat the oven to 275ºF. In a medium bowl, combine the spices, salt, and oil. Stir to dissolve. Add the kale and toss to coat. 
2. Spread leaves in a single layer on two baking sheets. Try to flatten any folded-over pieces for optimum crispness. Bake until the tips of leaves are slightly crispy, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the leaves over, and continue to roast until the leaves are crisp and slightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes more. Makes 4 servings.

Pizza Kale Chipshttp://www.youngandraw.com/pizza-kale-chips-by-chef-amber-shea/

More Recipes For Kale Chips: 

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/dish/kale-chips/

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The Best Gift In The World "Nature"

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome tha the most luxurious Persian rug.

 “The woods are  Ritalin. Nature calms all, focuses all, and  excites your  senses.” 

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“If getting our kids out into nature is a search for perfection, or is one more chore, then the belief in perfection and the chore defeats the joy. It's a good thing to learn more about nature in order to share this knowledge with children; it's even better if the adult and child learn about nature together. And it's a lot more fun.” 
― Richard LouvLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Di...

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Mountain Mama Food Blog November 14th 2013

Mountain Mama  Food Menu: 

Morning Tea:  High Vitamin C Tea:

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1 quart size mason jar

1 glass bowl

Mix herbs in glass bowl then put in jar with lid, label 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus flowers

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips, (sweet cinnamon chips it you can find them)

To make tea add 1 tablespoon of herbs into boiling filtered water, turn down to the lowest setting and simmer 1 minute.  OR turn off and steep for 5 minutes 

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The first two meals listed were made from the left-overs from the night before: 

Breakfast: Rice pasta, cabbage, arugula, organic beef hot dogs chopped, onions, garlic, dill and celtic salt

Snack:  Rice pasta, cabbage, arugula, mustard greens, organic beef hot dogs chopped, onions, garlic dill and celtic salt. 

The turkey I used throughout the week was cooked last Sunday: 

Lunch:  Cabbage, carrots, beets, onions, garlic, turkey with organic homemade ranch dressing tossed in with it.  

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Organic Ranch Dressing: 

About 1 1/2 cups organic butter milk,

about 1/4 cup organic olive oil,

about 6 plus shakes of organic balsamic vinegar,

about 1 tablespoon of organic lemon concentrate,

2 tablespoons of dill,

4 tablespoons of parsley,

1/8 cup finely chopped organic red onion,

1 tablespoon of paprika,

1 tablespoon of mustard powder,

1 tablespoon garlic granules,

lots of pepper and celtic salt ,

Shake, shake, shake, refrigerate.

Enjoy!

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To The Market We Go..

Building Connections In Your Community

Tis the season, to support your local artisan,  crafter's, knitters, honey bee farmers and farmers.  I would like to challenge you to go to farmers markets, craft markets, arts and craft markets and local artisan markets,  This weekend.................

There are  Saturday Markets and Sunday Markets.  

Supporting  small local business owners will give you such an empowering feeling.  You are face to face with the person that  has either made or harvested their products.  You can ask questions directly, without punching in numbers or waiting on hold forever. You will build community in your life by supporting these people at the markets.

Community is what all of us need, this builds strength in our environment. 

Some of us even have great local organic even bio-dynamic winery's around us.  Take advantage of this and go check it out.  I love going to Maysara and purchasing my wine and talking to them directly!   I also have some friends in Pacific City that have a wine tasting room and sell their wine, (Basket Case).  You can also purchase their wine at  the PSU Market on Saturday's  

My daughter Sophia will be selling Christmas Wreaths at the Market At The Grange.  Her wreaths are beautiful and a great price.  She will also be selling her lip balms, tinted lip/cheek balm and a new Body Butter called Summer Bliss.  I will be selling different Salves, a massage oil and a Body Butter called Heavenly Holiday. Heavenly Holiday Smells incredibly good! Not only am I there selling herbal products, I am  there to offer help, if you would like to stop by and ask some questions about health and herbs please do.  At this market you can find all kinds of gifts from gorgeous cutting boards, knits, necklaces, wood pens and pencils, organic produce, canned goods and local honey (bee keepers are right there to talk to).

Sophia and I will be at the Market At The Grange this Saturday:

Information on Salves and Body Butters:

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/salves-balms-and-massage-oils-available-for-purchase

Date: Saturday December 21st. 

Time:  10:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Where:  Market At The Grange, on SW Old Sheridan HWY 

The next thing you should support this weekend is your local small businesses in your area.  This does not mean your local Walmart, your local Costco,  your local Safeway or your local Starbucks.  None of these are local, they all belong in the big box category.  They are the big, the bad and the ugly.  If you have a down town strip, go check our what is there.   Our downtown is very cute, with lots of little stores.  We even have a small  locally owned, toy store, called Hop Scotch. 

Farmers and Crafters Market At The Grange: SW Old Sheridan HWY 

Map To The Grange

http://itouchmap.com/?d=1639207&s=OR&f=building

Facebook Page For The Market At The Grange

https://www.facebook.com/McMinnvilleGrangeFarmMarket

Hop Scotch Toy Store: 

http://www.hopscotchtoys.com/

McMinnville Downtown:

http://www.downtownmcminnville.com/

Maysara

http://maysara.com/

Basket Case Wine - Pacific City

http://www.twistwine.com/basket-case/

PSU Market - Portland Oregon 

http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/psu/

HOW TO FIND A FARMER OR MARKET NEAR YOU: 

http://www.localharvest.org/

Remember Tis The Season Is About

Helping Each Other Out in Your Community

This Is How We Build Strength 

 

A Christmas Wreath Is A Symbol Of Strength 

Circular shape represents eternity,

For it has no beginning and no end

It is a symbol of growth

A wreath over the hearth brings a warmth to our hearts as we Stop to reflect upon what is the  true meaning of this very Special day

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