REALLY TASTY PORRIDGE

Now, now, don't roll your eyes, go eeewww or think how boring ...

Porridge doesn't have to be bland and boring.  It makes a highly nutritious start to your day; it only takes  5-10 minutes to prepare and cook and you can add any number of delicious flavours to jazz it up and create a delicious morning meal.

Starting your day with a fast, easy and delicious meal such as this, will cover some very important nutritional 'm ust haves' for the day ...

Oats provides - beta-glucan (bad cholesterol fighter), fibre, skin repair and is immuno-supportive; Amaranth is chock full of - protein, amino acids lysine and methionine, dietary fibre as well as iron, phosphorus, copper, calcium, manganese and silicon. Cinnamon offers Vitamins C & K; Nutmeg aids  digestion; Vanilla for the nervous system and Maple Syrup offers extras such as Potassium and  Magnesium as well as Vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin.  Add to that your recommended 2 serves of fruit per day and WOW ... ... what an easy, tasty and very nutritious way to kick off your day. 

Bonus - You won't be looking for a sugar hit by mid morning! 

NOW, THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE PORRIDGE!

The quantities in this recipe will do one or two people, or keep a serving for brekky tomorrow!

Start with:                                           Add flavour  with:

approx 1 cup Rolled Oats                     1/4 tsp cinnamon                 1 TBspn Maple Syrup

¼ cup Amaranth Cereal                       Pinch of nutmeg                 Splash of vanilla extract

around 2 Cups water  

• Amaranth is optional of course

Cooking your porridge ...

• Place all the above ingredients into a pot
• Put it on a hotplate. Bring to the boil and then turn the heat down a little so as not to burn your brekky.
• Keep your porridge stirred. You'll know it's cooked when the oats have softened and the mixture looks creamy - around 5 - 7 minutes.

NOW THE REALLY TASTY PART ...

• Turn the heat right down and ADD YOUR CHOICE OF FRUIT. You only need to stir the fruit in for a few minutes to warm it through your porridge.

NOTE:  If you are adding grated Apple and/or Pear, grate the fruit into the pot at the start with all the ingredients so it cooks well and releases some of its juice.

Adding fruit will give you the recommended one to two servings of fruit for the day depending on what you add as well as jazz up your porridge!  Berries, especially blueberries are a great natural antioxidant and will sweeten up your porridge.

Some Fruity ideas:

• Grate a small apple or ½ a large apple
• Try Pear - it's just as tasty
• Add a handful of seasonal Mixed Berries or your favourite Berry - Frozen berries are always in season! Definately my Favourite
• Peaches - fresh or goulburn valley sliced peaches - roughly chop or smash up with a potato masher ... ... Goulburn Valley brand peaches have no preservatives
• ½ a passionfruit - if you don't like the seeds, just strain the pulp
• Mango - mmmmmmmmmm ... roughly chop or smashed
• Apricots - fresh or bottled - check for no preservatives - roughly chopped or smashed
• Try adding a combination of two of the fruits ie.,
  1. peaches and passionfruit;
  2. Mango & apple;
  3. Pear & apple;
  4. Peaches & mango;
  5. Apple & passionfruit;
  6. Apricots & pear
  7. Mango & Passionfruit
  8. Your favourite fruit

What about Sultanas!  ... You could try Sultanas and Pecans (roughly chopped) - add with the dry ingredients so as to cook and soften a little.

... ... CREATE YOUR OWN SIGNATURE COMBINATION ... ...

Serve your brekky hot and add a little more Maple Syrup over the top if you like things sweet.

So you see - Porridge can be very very tasty.

Not only is the mix of Oats, Amaranth, sweet Spices and Fruit really yummy, it is an extremely nutritious way to start your day; full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

You will certainly kick start your metabolism and energy levels for the morning.  Best of all you can cook and eat your breakfast inside of 15 minutes.

Let's look at the 'The Queen of Grains' a little closer and see just why Rolled Oats or 'Porridge' is a great breakfast and an easy way to nourish your skin from the inside-out.

OATS (Botanical name Avena Sativa)

The humble Oat is perhaps the most nutritious of all the grains and has been referred to as the "Queen of Grains'.  Oats have been around for a long time, dating back to around 2,000 B.C. in the Middle East and back to around 1,000 B.C.in Germany. Recent research has focused on the ability of the oat to reduce blood cholesterol.  High in fibre, oats are an effective laxative and also feature Protease Inhibitors (an enzyme that breaks down proteins) - a combination that has been found to inhibit certain cancers. 

In laboratory studies reported in the August 2004, a compound discovered in Oats called Beta-glucan was found to significantly enhance the human Immune System's response to bacterial infection. Beta-glucan not only helps Neutrophils (the most abundant type of non-specific immune cell) navigate to the site of an infection more quickly but also enhances its ability to eliminate the bacteria it finds there.  According to study leader, Jonathan Reichner (of the Department of Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University), priming Neutrophilswith Beta-glucan helps these Immune defenders quickly locate the bacterial mother-load within infected tissue. This more rapid response to infection results in faster microbial clearance and healing.

Since our non-specific Immune defenses are the body's first strike forces against invading pathogens, starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal may boost your Immune response in addition to your morning energy levels.

OAT-FACTS

• Beta glucan, a soluble fiber in whole oats, stimulates repair of skin cells. It may help reduce wrinkles, protect against UV damage, help heal wounds and improve hair strength.
• Oat beta-glucan increases immune function which decreases the risk of herpes virus infection.
• Oat beta-glucan reverses chemically-induced immuno-suppression.
• Oat beta-glucan improves immune function and enhances resistance to parasites.
• Oat beta-glucan improves multiple immune functions and increases resistance to staph infection (Staphylococcus aureus).

MORE NUTRITIOUS FACTS

Amaranth -  Available at Health Food Shops and some supermarkets

Amaranth is an exceptionally complete protein.   It contains protein and amino acids lysine and methionine.  Amaranth's amino acid/protein profile is even higher than that found in meat and other animal products. Amaranth provides a good source of dietary fibre as well as iron, phosphorus, copper, and especially manganese.  It contains more calcium and the supporting calcium co-factors - magnesium and silicon - than milk. It has a cooling thermal nature, a bitter sweet flavour; it dries dampness and benefits the lungs.

Several studies have shown that like Oats, Amaranth seed may be of benefit for those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease; regular consumption reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters.  It is especially helpful for those with consistently elevated nutritional needs such as pregnant and nursing women, children and those who do heavy physical work as well as those with auto-immune conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, allergies etc.  Health workers have reported that in parts of Africa and Latin America where it is eaten, there is no malnutrition.

Amaranth was used in several Aztec ceremonies, where images of their gods were made with Amaranth mixed with Honey. The images were cut to be eaten by the people. This looked like the Christian communion to the Roman Catholic priests, so the cultivation of the grain was forbidden for centuries.

Because of its importance as a symbol of indigenous culture, and because it is very palatable, easy to cook and its protein particularly well suited to human nutritional needs, interest in the grain Amaranth was revived in the 1970s.

It was recovered in Mexico from wild varieties and is now commercially cultivated. It is a popular snack sold in Mexico City and other parts of Mexico, sometimes mixed with chocolate or puffed rice, and its use has spread to Europe and other parts of North America.  

Amaranth and quinoa are called pseudo-grains because of their flavor and cooking similarities to grains and both contain exceptionally complete protein from plant sources.

EXTRA NUTRITIONAL TIPS

Cinnamon-Balances out your blood sugar levels; rich in calcium, iron, manganese, fiber and Vitamins C & K.

Nutmeg- A very good source of manganese, can enhance digestion, supports the adrenal glands and assists the nervous system.

Vanilla- Nerve stimulant and Aphrodisiac.

Maple Syrup - A source of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Manganese as well as Vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin.

Here is a fantastic recipe for good old fashioned Chicken and Vegetable Soup to keep you warm on a chilly winters' day or help you get through a cold or flu.  Serve with Finger Toast for a warm comforting meal.

It is not complicated; it just requires throwing together a selection of your favourite vegetables, a whole chook, and a couple of flavour makers (herbs/spices).  It beats anything you can buy in a tin, is highly nutritious and tasty and of course has none of the nasty additives that you may find in processed tinned or packet soups.  It is filling, easily digested, non- fattening and most of all, as Ned Flanders might say . .. scrum-diddly-doodly-umptious!

Winter is a time of year when we are mostly looking to warm foods for our meals.  Mmmm, soup, the perfect winter meal.  Soup can be whatever you want it to be.  There are no great secrets; you can create your own personal recipe according to the foods you like.    Preparation time is minimal - however long it takes to collect a few ingredients and chop up your vegetables.  Cooking time, however, is the key.  Use plenty of water and with the lid on and the heat way down low, allow 1.5 - 2.5 hours for your soup to boil gently - cook it slowly (the key), this way you retain the flavours and most importantly the nutrition - the all important vitamins and minerals.

This soup is very easy.  You can use the same vegetables as in this recipe or choose your own favourites according to the vegetables you like and the ones you are not allergic to.  The vegetables I use are because I like them; because of their nutritional value to my immune system and skin and because they cause me no allergic response.  The quantities used will of course vary according to how many people you are cooking for.  This recipe makes enough for 2-4 people and extra serve or two to go in the freezer.  

Organic chicken or not organic chicken, that is the question?  Even though it is a little more expensive when it comes to chicken, I stick with Organic chicken, raised free range and free of antibiotics and other growth stimulators.  I believe it important to my overall health for the long-term; and personally, I find the way caged chickens are raised and fed offensive. 

Always use a whole chicken.  Using a whole chicken offers much more nutritional benefits than using breast meat or thigh fillets.  When you have a cold or flu, chicken soup (amoung other things) is an excellent remedy for warmth, nutrition and fluids.  Foods consumed during a cold or flu or even emphysema should aid in the clearing of mucus from the body.  Chicken soup is good for these conditions because the chicken contains Cysteine, which thins mucus and is useful for all respiratory problems. 

Let's get cooking ...

SOUP INGREDIENTS

Approximately 3.5 to 4 Litres of water in a large soup pot

1 Whole Chicken

1 tsp Salt

1 medium to large onion                        - roughly chopped

2-4 cloves of Garlic                               - just squash with flat of knife

1 - 2 Bay leaves                                   - fresh or dried

½ bunch parsley                                   - washed & dried then roughly chopped

1 large carrot or 2 medium carrots         - roughly chopped into bite size pieces

1 bunch Bok Choy                                 - washed & dried then roughly chopped       

A sizeable chunk of Pumpkin                  - skin removed, roughly chopped into bite size pieces

1 medium Sweet Potato                         - roughly chopped into bite size pieces, skin on or off - up to you

A generous handful of snow-peas           - cut or broken into bite size pieces

-or any other seasonal green vegetable

that you like ie., zucchini, broccoli. 

Something to remember: Wash all your vegetables well.  Use a soft nylon kitchen brush to scrub away pesticide residue.    

HOW TO

• Firstly remove your whole chicken from its packaging, quickly rinse inside & out in cold water and place in a large saucepan or soup pot. 
• Add 3.5 to 4 litres of water (filtered or spring where possible). 
• Toss in the salt, garlic, onion and Bay leaf then place the saucepan on the stove with the lid on and set element on high so as to bring the water to the boil.
• While you are waiting for the water to come to the boil, start chopping your other vegetables adding them to the pot as you go.
• Once the water is boiling well, reduce the element heat so the water boils gently - simmer with the lid on for up to 2.5 hours.  Every so often, carefully take off the lid and push the vegetables around a little.

To give your soup some weight, add a generous cup of barley or brown rice at the beginning of the cooking process.  Keep an eye on the water though; the grains will soak up a portion of the water; so, as you see the water level drop, just top up the soup pot with hot water from the kettle (so as not to lose your boil).

You'll know when your soup is ready because the meat of the chicken will fall away from the bones very easily and fall apart in shreds.  When the soup is ready, remove from the heat and allow it to sit and cool for a little while, long enough to be able to handle it without scalding yourself.  

• Remove the whole chicken (and any bones that have come away), from the soup pot into a strong standing colander/strainer.   Strip away the meat from the bones and return it (the meat) to the soup pot.  Do not include any skin or gristle.  Discard the bones, gristle and skin.  Soup-making tip - If you use a standing colander you'll have both hands free. Stand the colander in another dish - you can catch juices from the chicken carcass and return into the soup. 
• Pour your soup into a container with an airtight lid (or use plastic wrap over the container and place in the fridge overnight.  A layer of solidified fat will form on the surface of the soup.  You can use a spatula or a kitchen ladle to scrape off the top layer of fat.  Underneath you will find your delicious chicken and vegetable soup.  Another soup-making tip - If you want to stretch your soup a little further, at this point you could add another litre of water. 

Your soup is now ready. To serve it needs reheating, which is as long as it will take to prepare some yummy Finger Toast. Now, that wasn't so complicated or difficult. 

You do need to allow yourself time with soup, especially chicken or other meat soups.  Refridgeration solidifies the fat and makes for easy removal thus giving you very low fat soup. 

Purely vegetable soups do not need this procedure so you can tuck in as soon as it's ready!

FINGER TOAST

This way of preparing bread has been around for a long time; I don't know where it originated, except that whilst growing up and into my adult years I enjoyed many a meal with people of mediteranean backgrounds and this was often an accompanyment to soups.  The bread they used, however, was often thick, crusty, chunky and home baked - mmmm, mmm!

Whatever bread you choose to use is entirely up to you.  You may have discovered some of the safe and healthy breads at the Health Food Shop in their freezer.  If you haven't yet, go and check it out.  You may even be making you own.  My local Health food shop has several types of alternative grain breads such as , Buckwheat bread, Rice bread and other specialty gluten free breads.  

Ok, back to the Toast ...

Ingredients

Choose your Bread 

Rice Bran Oil

Salt - Rock-, Sea- or Herbamare - My fave is herbamare

How To...

Place your bread into the toaster - while the bread is toasting, prepare on a flat dish a thin spread of Rice Bran Oil covering the plate. 

Lightly sprinkle your favourite salt evenly across the oil.

When the toast is ready, lay it flat on the plate for a couple of seconds - to soak up a little salted oil - not too much!

Remove to a clean plate and cut the toast into sticks.

Repeat this for each slice of toast.  You may have to replenish the salt and oil as you go depending on how much toast you have.

Your Finger Toast is now ready to dip into your soup. Bon Apetite.

YOGA

The practice of Yoga dates back over five thousand years to the time of ancient forest dwellers called "Rishis", Sages who dwelt in the Indus Valley, in what is now Northern India.  Observing nature and searching within themselves, they evolved physical postures and breathing exercises which stretched, cleansed and centered the body, cultivating states of vitality, clarity and focus.  Yoga means ‘union', to yolk or unite and comes from the Sanskrit root yuj.  Through the practice of Yoga we aim to integrate the body, mind and emotions to bring about a state of balance, drawing ourselves deeper into the present in search of the eternal moment.  There are several different forms of yoga , including Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Astanga Yoga.  The aim of each form is UNITY of being, achieving a balanced mind by natural methods.  The most practiced form of yoga in the west is Hatha Yoga for it gives us a tangible system of physical culture, training the body, breath and mind towards a ‘one-pointedness' or single focus.  Yoga gives us a superb total physical training system of realignment and health. 

Human beings are made up of three components: body, mind and soul.  Corresponding to these are three needs that must be satisfied for a contented life.  The physical need is health; the psychological need is knowledge; and the spiritual need is inner peace.  When all three are present there is harmony.

Modern society faces problems which affect all these aspects.  Today's lifestyle with its technological wonders is a mixed blessing.  Convenience and speed are obtained at some cost to physical health.  Labour-saving devices minimize physical exertion, resulting in stiffness and muscular weakness.  A sedentary life causes backache, neck problems, heaviness in the limbs and difficulty walking.  The extensive use of visual media leads to headaches and eye strain.

The mental anxieties of a competitive world deplete inner resources, inviting stress-related problems such as insomnia and digestive, respiratory and nervous disorders.  If pressures are not balanced with time for quiet reflection, the quality of life is impaired.

Modern trends of thoughts are a melting pot of old and new ideas.  Artificial values stemming from acquisitiveness and self interest lead to alienation from the spiritual purpose in life.  The loss of belief can bring a sense of loss of one's own true identity.

From the psychological viewpoint, Yoga sharpens the intellect and aids concentration.  It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern for others.  Above all, it gives hope.  The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind.  Its philosophy sets life in perspective.  In the realm of the spiritual it, Yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still.  Through meditation, inner peace is achieved.

‘Yoga is an immortal art, science and philosophy.  It is the best subjective psycho-anatomy of mankind ever conceived for the experience of physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being.  It has stood the test of time from the beginning of civilization and it will remain supreme as a precise psycho-physical science for centuries to come.  There are many different types of cells in the body with physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual and spiritual functions.  It is known that each cell has a life of its own.  These cells are the pearls of life. 

In the practice of Yoga every cell is consciously made to absorb a copious supply of fresh blood and life-giving energy, thus satiating the embodied soul.  With serenity, one then experiences the self by the self and rests the self in the lap of the soul.'

Yogicharya B. K. S. Iyengar

This form of relaxation or stress management is available to people of all ages and aside from being an effective tool in learning how to calm the mind and focus and not get stressed it is also a great way to stay in shape.  It is challenging physically, but never impossible.  I understand the problem faced by those with eczema of getting all ‘hot and sweaty'.  As this happens your body starts to itch from the heat and the perspiration on the skin.  Whilst working out in a yoga session, stretching and strengthening you body and your mind, you will definitely warn up, but you won't overheat.  This is a definite plus as far as exercise goes.  Sweating it out in a gym, aerobics and other high impact sports can be tricky when dealing with the issue of sweaty itchy skin. 

Yoga encourages you mentally and physically to push your own boundaries as to what you can achieve, it teaches you clarity of mind to help you focus and through concentration and meditation in movement, the deeper purpose is to still the mind and open the heart.   For myself, yoga has taught me ways to deal with the stress of eczema and the intensity of the itch.  Learning breathing techniques to quiet my body and mind has been invaluable.

Yoga has become a popular ‘new age' form of exercise even though it has been around for thousands of years, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a Yoga class near you.  If you go to one and you find it does not suit, look elsewhere, you will find a class and a ‘yogi' (instructor) to suit your needs.  If you'd rather not go out to a class, there are plenty of DVD's around.  Check out your local sports equipment store, department store, shopping centre temporary market carts, bookshops, health food shops and the like.  Although not completely necessary, a rubber yoga mat is most helpful in keeping your feet from slipping.  You can buy a yoga mat just about anywhere these days, I have seen them in Coles and Woolworths, sports stores, department stores etc as well as Clark Rubber where you can buy it by the meter which is great if you are tall and it also works out cheaper.

I prefer to do Yoga at home.  The privacy of my home is a more comfortable situation for my Yoga practice and meditation because I can practice when it suits me and go at my own pace. I used to attend a class outside the home for many years, many years ago, where I was taught the fundamentals by a very good Yogi.  That experience has helped me greatly in motivating myself to practice at home. 

Try to put aside the same time for doing it at home as you would if you had go to out to a class.   Pick an appropriate time, where you are free of distractions and can give your session the same degree of attention as you would in a class.  I you feel more motivated by going out to a class, by all means, it's really up to you and your level of comfort when it comes to this condition.

Yoga, in conjunction with other stress management treatments or therapies, is another very effective natural stress management application. 

Next time let's look at Meditation and the stress relief that it offers.  Meditation is an age old therapy that is thought to have many positive therapeutic effects on the human body.  It's really not as hard as you may think, there are a couple of little tricks to learn, and once you have these mastered, it's as easy as breathing!  As with any form of therapy it will require some input from you.  I hope you'll enjoy a nice quiet relaxing read.

We are all familiar with the powerful need for sleep.  You may not realize that sleep is as essential for your well-being as food and water.  When dealing with eczema and allergies; sleep and the bed can become issues.  Overheating in bed is a problem for most of us with eczema so the issue of bedding is quite important.  Let's first observe that powerful and primitive urge to sleep and what it actually means to the state of our overall health and wellbeing.  

Until the 1950s, most people thought of sleep as a passive, dormant part of our daily lives. We now know that our brains are very active during sleep. Moreover, sleep affects our daily functioning and our physical and m ental health in many ways that we are just beginning to understand.

Sleep - A vital and natural alternative and one that is often overlooked; it's not just the flu and other illnesses that require adequate and healthy sleep habits; things such as hay-fever, allergic symptoms and eczema are exhausting and can be helped by making sure that you get adequate rest and the right amount of sleep to allow your immune system the time it requires to rejuvenate and actively fight off allergens and inflammation.

The Practicalities

The first requirement of a good nights sleep is obviously going to be the bed.  We all know how expensive they are.  At the same time we need to accept that the bed you sleep on each night is of great importance.  When it comes to allergies and eczema, this is especially so.  Dust mite is a huge factor as well as bed hygiene. 

Firstly, please I beg of you, if you have eczema or allergies or your child has eczema and allergies and you allow your pet, the family dog or cat, to sleep in the bed, please, I am begging you DON'T do it.  Dogs and cats are known allergens to those with eczema and asthma and respiratory problems.  The animal might get a good night's sleep, but I can guarantee that the sufferer will not.  Even if you don't realise it, you are probably scratching in your sleep or you may even find your breathing is impaired whilst you sleep. Find a more suitable place other than the sufferer's bedroom, for the family pet to have its own comfortable and personal space to sleep. Humans and animals alike benefit from a good nights sleep, but each to their own habitat please!

As far as bed hygiene goes, it is important on the list of priorities.  It was and still is a weekly routine for me to change my bed sheets and pillowcases;  throw the quilt and pillows and woolen under-lay over the clothes line outside on a nice sunny day, this helps to kill off dust mite and air the dust out of the fabrics.  Give it a bit of a bash and shake before returning it to its rightful place. It's a little old fashioned I know, but it has always worked for me.  In between bedding changes if you notice skin flakes in the bed, run over the sheets with a hand held vacuum cleaner.  This gives any dust mite less of a smorgasbord!

THE MATTRESS

I have used the mattress covers that are designed against dust mite.  Although they do their job of restricting the movement of dust mites throughout the bed etc, for me it was more than uncomfortable.  The biggest problem was that the cover was a plastic or nylon type material and regardless of summer or winter, I would sweat all night long, scratching away whilst I slept and sweat and then of course dealing with constant ‘sleep debt'.  It got to a point where I preferred to deal with dust mites in a more conventional way than sweat it out like that, so once a week whilst changing the bed sheets, I would turn over the mattress and run a hand-held vacuum cleaner over it.  Around once a month, I'd enlist some help to drag the mattress out into the sun for a few hours.  Dust mite does not survive 50 degrees celcius or more and leaving a mattress & bedding in the sun a few hours will achieve this.  Before you bring it back in give it a bash with a large stick or the broom handle. 

Recently we had to replace our bed and after a little shopping around we came across a mattress called Tempur.  This mattress is in my eyes, perfect.  It has all the qualities it needs to be outstanding and then some.  You can check it out for yourself  at www.tempur.com.au but for now I'll give you a brief idea:  The manufacturers have designed it for total comfort and body/spine support and it is recognised by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation.   Tempur Mattresses and Pillows are resistant to bacteria, mould, mildew, dust mites and odour-causing germs.  They are 100% CFC-free (chlorofluorocarbons) and they have been allergy tested and approved. Amazing!  

For me it is the MOST comfortable bed I have ever slept on.  It is not just the support it provides that gives me comfort, it is the fact that I am not over-heating and itching all night from plastic/nylon materials and dust mite.

It was definitely a financial investment, but with the quality of sleep it provides, no mattress dust mites to deal with and the fact it has a 15 year warranty makes it a worthwhile investment.  Oh yeah, and I dont have to drag the mattress out into the sun once a month!  Now I just run over it with a hand held vaccuum.

We sleep a lot better each night without me scratching around and we take comfort in the fact that we will not have to buy another bed for at least 15 years!

I urge you to recognise the importance of the mattress you sleep on as well as the mattresses the children are sleeping on.  This is vital for normal growth and development and particularly important for anyone with auto-immune diseases such as eczema that are exacerbated by allergens like dust mite.  Look around for a suitable mattress one that includes chiropractic care as well as taking into consideration the issues associated with dust mite.

THE BEDDING

Sheets

The bedding you use is also very important.  Always choose bedding made with natural fibre.  Choose 100% cotton sheets, pillow cases and quilt covers where possible.  Most bed sheets are a cotton/polyester mix and a little cheaper.  Go for one that has more cotton and less polyester where you can, preferably 100% cotton if your budget allows.  

Nylon sheets and satin sheets don't allow your body to breathe through the bedding and you may overheat through the night, waking up sweaty and itchy.  I find that Flannelette sheets, although cotton, really really irritate my skin, they are too rough and make me itch, so I steer clear of them.

Blankets/Quilts

Feather quilts are full of allergens, they collect dust and dust mite and will probably drive you mad.  Nylon/polyester quilts and blankets are made from crude oil.  They do not allow your body to breathe through the bedding causing the body to overheat and yes ... you wake up sweaty and itchy.  Stay away from nylons in your bedding.  Where ever you can, stick with natural fibres, fabrics and materials.   

Natural fibres would include materials such as Cotton, Hemp, Wool, Rayon and Tencel.  They are a much healthier alternative, they allow the body and skin to breathe and not overheat thus reducing some of the discomforts that can come with sleeping. The eczema and allergic body retains a lot of heat which adds to and causes itching. 

One style of Quilt I have had success with in the past is 100% wool filled quilt with a 100% cotton outer cover.  Even though I cannot tolerate wool directly against my skin, it is fine when there something like cotton between it and my skin.  Wool breathes and allows your body heat to move through it thus overheating and sweating is less likely.  My woolen quilt was a worthwhile addition to a comfortable nights sleep.   

I've also seen Cotton filled quilts onthe market, which of course makes alot of sense when in comes to bedding.  They are a little expensive though but certainly worth consideration.

Another natural fibre quilt I have recently come across and now currently use, is called Tencel. This is a new age Australian innovation and made from Plantation Forests of Eucalyptus Tree wood pulp which makes it human and earth friendly. Tencel fibre also has therapuetic properties - It has excellent moisture management and prevents the formation of bacteria which keeps it cleaner and fresher therefore less washing and laundering.  Tencel is gentle to the skin, it has a cooling effect and the smooth fibres prevent skin irritation. It is breathably warm in winter, so you don't get hot & sweaty & itchy, it is cooling in summer. 

This winter I had to replace my woolen quilt and I have chosen a Tencel Quilt.  What a difference it has made to my sleep.  It is warm and light, fresh and comfortable.  You'll find it at most bedding suppliers and some online suppliers as well.  I picked mine up at Target, they offer them at a very good price, even better I happened to be in the right place at thte right time and managed to purchase mine whilst they were having a 40% off manchester sale - lucky me!! 

BRAINI-FACTS

Nerve-signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters control whether we are asleep or awake by acting on different groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. Neurons in the brainstem connect the brain with the spinal cord and produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin andnorepinephrine, which keep some parts of the brain active while we are awake. Other neurons at the base of the brain begin signaling when we fall asleep. These neurons appear to "switch off" the signals that keep us awake. Research also suggests that a chemical called adenosinebuilds up in our blood while we are awake and causes drowsiness. This chemical gradually breaks down while we sleep.

Since sleep and wakefulness are influenced by different neurotransmitter signals in the brain - foods and medications that change the balance of these signals a ffect whether we feel alert or drowsy and how well we sleep. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and drugs such as diet pills and decongestants stimulate some parts of the brain and can cause insomnia, or an inability to sleep. Many anti-depressants suppress REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Heavy smokers often sleep very lightly and have reduced amounts of REM sleep. They also tend to wake up after 3 or 4 hours of sleep due to nicotine withdrawal. Many people who suffer from insomnia try to solve the problem with alcohol - the so-called ‘night cap'. While alcohol does help people fall into light sleep, it also robs them of REM and the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. Instead, it keeps them in the lighter stages of sleep, from which they can be awakened easily.

The amount of sleep each person needs depends on many factors, including age:

• Infants generally require about 16 hours a day,
• While teenagers need about 9 hours on average and pre-teens up to 10hours
• For most adults, 7 to 9 hours a night appears to be the best amount of sleep

Some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day. Women in the first 3 months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual. The amount of sleep a person needs also increases if he or she has been deprived of sleep in the previous days. Getting too little sleep creates a "sleep debt", which is much like being overdrawn at a bank. Eventually, your body will demand that the debt be repaid. We don't seem to adapt to getting less sleep than we need; but while we may get used to a sleep-deprived schedule, our reaction time, judgment and many other functions remain impaired.

The Science of Sleep

Although scientists are still trying to learn exactly why people need sleep, animal studies show that sleep is necessary for survival. Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects the immune system in detrimental ways.

Sleep appears necessary for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out math calculations. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop. Some experts believe sleep gives neurons used while we are awake, a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy, or so polluted with by-products of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Sleep also may give the brain a chance to exercise important neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity.

Deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormone in children and young adults. Many of the body's cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep." Activities in parts of the brain that control emotions such as the decision-making processes and social interactions are drastically reduced during deep sleep, suggesting that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while they are awake. 

Sleep and sleep-related problems play a role in a large number of human disorders and affect almost every field of medicine. For example, problems like stroke and asthma attacks tend to occur more frequently during the night and early morning; perhaps due to changes in hormones, heart rate and other characteristics associated with sleep. Sleep also affects some kinds of epilepsy in complex ways. REM sleep seems to help prevent seizures that begin in one part of the brain from spreading to other brain regions, while deep sleep may promote the spread of these seizures. Sleep deprivation triggers seizures in people with some types of epilepsy.

Neurons that control sleep interact closely with the immune system. As anyone who has had the flu knows, infectious diseases tend to make us feel sleepy. This probably happens becausecytokines (chemicals our immune system produces while fighting an infection), are powerful sleep-inducing chemicals. Sleep may help the body conserve energy and other resources that the immune system needs to mount an attack.

WELL ... GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT ... DON'T LET THE DUST-MITE BITE!!

Let me share with you a great recipe for a decongestant.  This recipe was passed on to me by a very good friend of mine, Maria.  She comes from Italian background and it is something she grew up with.  My guess is that this recipe has been around for generations and may probably be around for many more as we collectively see the extraordinary benefits of Natural Remedies.  Thank you Maria for passing on this fantastic natural cold & flu remedy.

1 small - medium onion very thinly sliced in rounds

(For some, onions cause unpleasant reactions in their stomach and digestive systems, so if this is you, then it is fair to avoid it.)

Good quality Honey

(If honey is a sensitivity or allergy issue for you, then don't use this recipe)

Garlic (optional)

It is important you use a good quality honey to maximize the use of its healing properties.  Many commercially produced honeys are highly processed and heat treated which may interfere with the quality.  UMF [Active] Manuka Honey is probably the best around for the active healing properties it contains.  It is pure and untreated and has many great healing qualities.

Step 1.  Place the sliced onion (and garlic if you choose) in a container that can be sealed.  Pour a generous amount of good quality honey over it to cover the onion.  With the lid on, allow the onion and honey to stand on the bench.  Don't refrigerate it or the honey will harden.  The honey becomes very syrup-y as the onion infuses with it.  When it is very syrup-y, it is ready.  A teaspoon or two of this at a time, throughout the day and night, will break up the mucus in your lungs and nose and throat and allow better breathing.

This decongestant will allow you to cough - this is a good thing; you need to cough and cough-up the infected mucus.  Yes, I know ... yuck! But it's a fact of life, and a bronchial infection is certainly better OUT than in.  Swallowing the mucus keeps the infection within the body and can make you feel quite nauseous.  Deposit it into a tissue and dispose of thoughtfully so as not spread your germs around, perhaps flush it down the toilet; or for those who are tougher about these sorts of things, ‘hawking-up' and spitting directly into a basin or toilet.  The shower is a great place to expel any mucus; the heat and steam from the shower loosens it up in your chest and it is easier to cough up and get rid of under the running water. 

This decongestant recipe combined with a few other ‘home remedies' will help you get through a cold in half the time than you would relying on toxic medications which many doctors and pharmacists now admit have no real effect on the cold itself.

Take it as often as you like.  The taste is unusual but not disgusting and when you're used to it and feeling game, want an extra boost - try adding squashed fresh garlic.  Honey is such a great healer.  In this recipe it will soothe the throat and is antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. If you are sick with colds and influenza, you should be at home resting and in bed, away from the general public, so the way you smell should not be an issue!

The Looking for Alternative Product Guide will have other tips on terrific remedies for getting through the common cold and flu.  Of course, if you have any doubt as to the severity of your cold or flu, visit your doctor or health care professional.  Infection can lead to complications, so always take the time, care and effort you need to aid your body in healing and allowing your body to recover from something as common as the human cold.

HEALTHY TID-BITS

Honey Health

Honey has so many wonderful healing qualities it's hard to know where to start.

Honey's anti-bacterial activity was recognised as early as 1550bc by the ancient Egyptians. Aristotle recommended it for assisting natural healing of infected wounds. Any type of honey may be called Active if it has antibacterial properties. However this anti-bacterial activity can vary widely in potency. 

New Zealand UMF Manuka Honey's anti-bacterial activity has an equivalent concentration to Phenol (a common antiseptic). It supports the natural healing of wounds, and can help soothe the digestive tract as well as the throat. It can be taken by eating or by application to the skin surface. Manuka Honey is a superior treatment for wounds and infections. It is gathered in New Zealand from Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium), which grows uncultivated throughout the country. Dr. Peter Molan and his research team at the Honey Research Unit, Waikato University, New Zealand, found in some specific strains of Manuka Honey, a second natural, more powerful and more stable antibacterial property now called UMF- Unique Manuka Factor. In laboratory tests the UMF property has been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria including: Streptococcus Pyogenes which cause sore throats; Helicobacter Pylori - this bacteria causes most stomach ulcers; Staphylococcus Aureus And Escherichia Coli - the most common cause of infected wounds as well as MRSA - Methicillin (or multiple) Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: an increasingly common dangerous bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics and is responsible for outbreaks of infection in hospitals. 

The Hydrogen Peroxide antibacterial property of other honeys (including ordinary manuka honey) is not effective against Helicobacter Pylori. The UMF is additional to the hydrogen peroxide activity and is very stable.  It gives the honey a wider range of uses and effectiveness. It is heat resistant and more resistant to being broken down by the catalase effect of body fluids, than Hydrogen Peroxide activity on its own.  Studies are showing UMF [Active] Manuka Honey with high levels of UMF could be very effective not only in digestive care by helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis but also wound care by assisting the natural healing of skin ulcers, diabetic ulcers and MRSA; wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin, pressure sores, eczema, and dermatitis; as well as relieving sore throats.  In oral hygiene it may inhibit acid production and help prevent cavities developing in teeth.

A superb product bought to you from Nature's Pantry.

The Noble Onion

The onion has long been known for its healthy contribution to the human condition. The Onionis as powerful an ally as garlic. Whether raw or cooked, onions are anti-bacterial and anti-viral, helping to fight off colds, relieve bronchial congestion, asthma and hay fever.  It is also reputed to be good for arthritis, rheumatism and gout.  It is a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that has been linked to the prevention of stomach cancer.  It is said that eating ½ a raw onion each day will thin the blood, lower the LDL cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol by around 30%.  What this means is that cholesterol is transported away from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.  So why wouldn't you want to eat it every day? "Well, because it makes me fart!" you say.  Well, I say ‘time get over it', farting is good for you, it releases the gases that build up in your digestive system whilst digestion takes place as well as releasing swallowed air.  Imagine if you couldn't fart! I know of people who suffer this problem and believe me it definitely worse than farting.  Perhaps discretion is the key here.  Mostly our families can live with it and it seems we all have a giggle at it; after all, it is a primitive bodily function. 

GARLIC

Garlic is well known for its cancer-prevention properties, not to mention its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties when eaten raw.  Cooking it does not, by any means, inhibit its anti-cancer, blood thinning and decongestant capabilities.  Garlic has also been found to lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, boost the immune system, lift mood and have a calming effect.  So why wouldn't you want to eat it every day?  "oh, but it stinks!"  I hear you moan.  Personally, I think it smells fabulously healthy!

Washing and personal hygiene are essential tools in maintaining good health all-round especially when it comes to the health of your skin.  Clean, moisturised skin is very important to those who suffer with eczema.  The big issue facing those with sensitive skin, particularly eczema skin is what to use as a cleanser; what is available that will not irritate the skin and cause further itching and rashing?  As previously discussed in the article on water, the problems of irritants arise firstly within the water so finding a cleanser or ‘soap' to suit your sensitive skin really can be an issue.

Soap has enjoyed a very long history of invention and use throughout mankind's journey to the present day.  The earliest recorded evidence of soap-like materials dates back to around 2800BC in Ancient Babylon where a recipe for soap was discovered (written on a clay tablet) consisting of water, alkali and cassia oil.  It is indicated that ancient Egyptians bathed regularly and combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create a soap-like substance.  

Ancient Soap Stories

The word ‘soap' (from the Latin word - sapo) first appears in a European language in Elders Historia Naturalis by Pliny an ancient natural philosopher, author and naturalist, which records the manufacture of soap from tallow - a hard fatty substance extracted from the fat of sheep and cattle mixed with ashes, but the only use he mentions is as a pomade -perfumed oil or ointment used to make hair look smooth and shiny.  

Another popular claim is that soap takes its name from the supposed Mount Sapo where ancient Romans sacrificed animals.  Rain would send a mix of animal tallow and wood ash down the mountain and into the clay soil on the banks of the Tiber.  Eventually women would notice that it was easier to get their clothes clean with this ‘soap'.  The location of Mount Sapo is unknown as is the source of this ancient Roman legend.

True soaps were made from vegetable oils such as olive oil and aromatic oil such as thyme oil and lye were first produced by Muslim alchemists in the medieval Islamic world.  The formula for soap hasn't really changed since then. 

From the beginning of the 7^th century soap was produced in Nablus (West Bank), Kufa (Iraq) and Basra (Iraq).  Soap as we know it today is a descendant of the historical Arabian soaps.  Arabian soap was perfumed and coloured, some were solid bars and others were liquid and they even produced a special soap for shaving! Recently a manuscript was discovered from the 13^th century detailing more recipes for soap making. 

Modern Soap Making

In semi-modern times soap was often made in the home made by mixing animal fats with lye (a sodium hydroxide)  or potash (potassium hydroxide) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) which were leached from the ashes of a hardwood fire for soap-making at home. Because Lye is caustic it was a dangerous procedure which could result in serious chemical burns or even blindness.

In recent modern times the use of soap had become universal in industrialised nations due to a better understanding of the role of hygiene in reducing pathogenic microorganisms. Manufactured soap bars first became available in the late nineteenth century, and advertising campaigns in Europe and the United States helped to increase popular awareness of the relationship between cleanliness and health.  Until the Industrial Revolution, soap making was done on a small scale and the product was rough.

Andrew Pears started making a high-quality, transparent soap in 1789 in London. With his grandson, Francis Pears and they opened a factory in Isleworth in 1862.  William Gossage produced low-price good quality soap from the 1850s.  Robert Spear Hudson began manufacturing a soap powder in 1837, initially, by grinding the soap with a mortar and pestle. William Hesketh Lever and his brother, James, bought a small soap works in Warrington in 1885 and founded what is still one of the largest soap businesses, we now know as Unilever.

In Chicago in 1888, one of the first manufacturers of soap was the Armour & Company. The soap was made from tallow, a by-product of the meat production process. In 1948, Armour soap became Dial soap, the first deodorant or antibacterial soap introduced in the USA. 

In addition to the traditional sale of many kinds of soap products by pharmacists through retail outlets, soap itself has found numerous applications in pharmacology, such as pill making, lotions and liniments, dentifrices, plasters, enemas, suppositories and poultices, in addition to veterinary applications. The use of soap in pharmacology is long established.

Current Soap Manufacture Practices

So there you have it, soap has a long standing history of invention and use dating back to ancient times, although this is probably a lot more information on soap than you may have thought possible. 

With the introduction of the industrial age and the large scale production factories, soap has taken a more chemically based route.  Sadly the chemicals used in the large scale production of soaps have many side effects for th ose with sensitive skin and for young babies and children. It is my opinion that modern chemical based soaps are not just hazardous to sensitive people but to all of us.  

A typical analysis of a modern bar of soap or a liquid soap wash includes (and usually second on the ingredients list) such chemicals as SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLES - Sodium Laureth Sulphate which just on their own have some very nasty side effects such as stress related illnesses; lowered sperm counts; cataracts; corneal damage; improper eye development in infants and children; dry skin; liver toxicity; dermatitis; mouth ulcers; impaired hair growth and corrosion of hair follicles; teratogen; and is on the NIH Hazards list.

Is it any wonder that many soaps are not recommended for use with babies and young children?  Is it any wonder that most soaps will irritate sensitive eczema skin when one of the main ingredients can cause dry skin and dermatitis? 

SAFE SOAP

I've always searched for suitable soaps and cleansers and even those soaps advertised for sensitive skins or allergy skin have always irritated my skin.  I even tried sorbolene cream as my soap for many years and tolerated its use because there wasn't much else available.  

In recent years I came upon this soap in the supermarket.  Surprise, surprise, it is inexpensive, readily available and free of nasty chemicals.

I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU ...

PRIYA Natures Olive Oil (Soap) Bar is my personal favourite in the shower.  It smells lovely and feels silky on my skin.  It does not irritate my skin nor does it dry my skin.  Used as a skin purifier for over 3,000 years, olive oil provides your skin with essential oils and nutrients to leave it invigorated and refreshed.  This bar contains 100% Olive oil, Palm Oil and an exclusive blend of essential oils to leave your skin smooth and aromatic every time you use it.  It contains no animal fats and is made in Australia. 

It does not contain chemical additives, colours or aromas and lives up to my expectations every single time.  I purchase this soap at Woolworths at around $1.50 - $2.00 per soap bar.  When trying a new soap or body cleanser, firstly try just washing your hands with it.  If it irritates your hands you can guarantee it's going to irritate the rest of you.  If it does irritate your hands, leave them under the running water and thoroughly rinse, then lightly dry your hands and apply moisturiser.  Actually you should ALWAYS apply moisturiser  after washing your hands.

Other soaps I have tried have been purchased at health food shops and local markets supporting natural and hand crafted products.  Natural soap making has become very popular recently and you will often find beautiful natural hand crafted soaps at market stalls throughout the country.  These soaps are made using all natural ingredients including essential oils that nurture the skin rather than strip your skin of its own natural oils.

When you buy these products from market stalls, talk with the person who made it, explain that you have a skin condition and it is important for you to know what is in the soap.  Most people who make these natural products are quite willing to discuss it with you as most of these people recognise that the manufactured soaps can be dangerous to sensitive skin.

Look around, shop around, there are many more alternatives available than what you find advertised and on the supermarket shelf.  Support your local hand crafters, those that make products with love and devotion to their craft and your skin rather than those whose devotion lies only with your hard earned dollars.

My favourite salad is the mixed leaf variety.   It's great alongside just about any meal and makes a really yummy light meal such as a salad sandwich. Some Fruit & vege markets have a lettuce mix which you can help yourself to as much or as little as you like.  These premixes can be a little pricey, although I find less waste this way. 

You can purchase salad packs already prepared, make sure you check the use by date and be warned...some pre-packaged leaf mixes are preserved by spraying the preservative solution to the inside of the plastic bag, please make sure you always gently wash and dry your leaves before using, even if it says ‘already washed' on the packaging - Pesticides are not safe for human consumption.

You can also make your own mix by buying several different types of lettuce heads and herb leaves; separate and wash the leaves carefully, tear apart the leaves and - if you have one - dry off the leaves in a salad spinner.

Don't use a knife on salad leaves as it bruises them, just tear them.  If you don't have a salad spinner, carefully wrap the washed leaves in a cotton tea towel and go outside and spin the towel around to remove excess water.

Of course, a great alternative is to grow your own lettuce at home; in the garden or in pots on your verandah. Even if you feel you don't have a green thumb give it a go, buy a book or check out the internet for info on how to grow your own lettuce.  Growing lettuce in pots on your verandah keeps them close by and they will get the attention they need, right outside the back door.

To store your washed and dry salad mix, use a large airtight container, place a layer or two of unbleached, recycled plain paper towel on the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture and store it in the fridge. Use a large container so as not to squash and bruise the leaves. It will last up to 5 days depending on the freshness of the leaves. 

... HOW TO ...

Make your GREENsalad into a SPLENDID salad.

Place your salad leaves in a large salad bowl. Quantities are entirely up to you, this is just a rough guide.

In a seperate container prepare the following:

• 1 medium Carrot - Grated
• ¼ medium sized Beetroot - Grated
• A handful of Snow peas - chopped
• ¼ Spanish(red)Onion - thinly sliced

Give the vegetables a good mix up and add a few handfuls of the vegetable mix to the salad leaves, then simply add your favourite dressing.

Toss the ingredients around gently and vwalla... you have a splendid and highly nutritious salad, great all year round for dinner or your lunchbox.

Simple Dressing

The most basic dressing to make is Lemon Juice, Olive oil (or Rice Bran Oil) and a little salt & pepper -  all ingredients are to your own taste.  All the ingredients go into a glass jar - lid on and give it a good shake.

A little fresh crushed garlic adds a lot ‘o' pizzazz to this dressing. 

Time Saver Tip...

If you can spend a little extra time here washing and drying (preparing) your salad leaf mix, relative to the size of your family, you save time over the next 3 - 5 days by having it ready everyday to throw on a salad sandwich for lunch, in your lunchbox or with your dinner.  My family and I eat salad just about every day all year round!  I would rather prepare salad leaves twice a week rather than every day, I don't have the time each day.  You will find that when it is washed and ready to go in the fridge you are more likely to eat it rather than spending that extra time each day to wash and prepare salad.  

The same goes for the vegetable mix.  Have everything grated and sliced and mixed in an airtight container in the fridge ready to add to your salad leaves.

So why are salad leaves so very good for you?

Although all types of salad leaves are around 90% water, they contain useful amounts of vitamins and minerals, particularly folate, iron and the antioxidants vitamins C and Beta-carotene, especially the dark green types such as baby spinach.  The outer, darker leaves on say a Cos lettuce tend to be more nutritious than the paler leaves in the centre.  

More importantly, like other green leafy vegetables, their anti-oxidant content has been found to guard against the risk of many cancers.  Salad leaves are usually eaten raw when the nutrients are at their strongest.  Lettuce is reputed to have a calming sedative effect.

HEALTHY TID-BITS

Carrots-

A single Carrot will supply enough vitamin A for an entire day and is reputed to cut the risk of lung cancer by half, even amoung ex-smokers.  According to one American doctor, eating an extra carrot a day could prevent 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the USA.  This may be due to the high level of the anti-oxidant Beta-carotene that carrots contain.  Beta-carotene may also reduce the risk of Prostate cancer in men.

Beetroot -

Beetroot has long been considered medicinally beneficial and is recommended as a general tonic.  It can be used to help disorders of the blood including anaemia; it is an effective detoxifier and; because of its high fibre content it is recommended to relieve constipation.  Beetroot contains calcium, iron, Vitamins A and C - all at their highest levels when it is eaten raw.

Snow peas -

Belong to the bean family.  When peas are at their peak of freshness they are delicious and have a delicate sweet flavour.  The taste diminishes when not fresh because their sugars rapidly turn to starch.  Peas and beans are a good source of protein and fibre.  They are rich in vitamin C, Iron, Thiamine, folate Phosphorous and potassium.  A really versatile whole food.

Spanish (Red) Onion -

Belonging to the onion family, the red onion offers a sweet juicy taste.  Onions and garlic are highly prized as two of the oldest remedies known to man.  Both contain Allicin which has been found to stimulate the body's anti-oxidant mechanisms raising levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and combating the formation of clogged arteries.  Numerous studies highlight the healing powers of the onion.  It is a rich source of Quercetin, a potent anti-oxidant that has been linked to preventing stomach cancer.  Eating half a raw onion a day is said to thin the blood, lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol by about 30%.  This means that cholesterol is transported away from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.  Whether raw or cooked, onions are antibacterial and antiviral helping to fight off colds, relieve bronchial congestion, asthma and hay fever; they are good for arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Lemons -

Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, beta-carotene and fibre.  Pectin, a soluble fibre that is found in the flesh and particularly the membranes of citrus fruit has shown to reduce cholesterol levels.  The membranes also contain bioflavinoids which have powerful anti-oxidant properties.  Use fresh lemons where you can.  Bottled juices have reduced levels of Vitamin C.  Choose lemons that are deep yellow, firm and heavy for their size with no hint of green in the skin as this is a sign of immaturity.  A thin, smooth skin is a sign of juicy flesh

This natural preparation provides for me mental, emotional and physical relief within a short period of time and that time may vary according to my level of stress. 

I have been using this remedy for pain and stress relief for many years now and I feel that my body grows more and more responsive to it the more I use it.  Rescue Remedy is the first thing I reach for in any stressful situation. The itch of eczema is not only stressful on the body, but also stressful on the mind and emotions.  There are of cours e many antihistamines on the market which will block the itch; sadly, these drugs also have toxic side effects and for me, rather than calm my body and mind, they simply make me numb.  You'll find further information o n these drugs at a later stage on this website.

...Back to the good stuff 

After taking a dose of Rescue Remedy the first thing I notice is a sense of calm that flows through my emotional & mental being.  My state of emotion relaxes and my mind - that is my thought processes - (which can become manic) quieten down.  As my mental and emotional state quiets, that same relief flows throughout my physical body and a settling of my itching and other physical symptoms occurs.

TheBach Flower Remedies are a simple and natural method of healing and stress relief through the use of certain wild flowers.  The remedies treat the personality disorders of the patient rather than the individual physical condition.  They were discovered by Dr Edward Bach.  After many years of practice in modern medicine as well as Homeopathy, Edward Bach was led to the realisation that what characterised the physical disorders of different people were not so much the many categories of disease, but the psychological conditions that generate them.   Over a period of years he was able to recognise these psychological conditions and find, in each case, an appropriate remedy.  The remedies were found in the flowers of the field and the trees of the countryside - in natures healing power. The 38 remedies were discovered by Bach by a combination of intuition and suffering.  He was an extraordinarily sensitive man and having once recognised the condition that he sought to heal he was able to sense the appropriate remedy.  Many of the states (for which he later found an antidote) he experienced in himself as an intense suffering both mental and physical. 

Bach found the remedies by searching the countryside for those plants which he instinctively knew were suitable to help specific psychological states.  The classification of these states was arrived at by careful observation of human nature and more especially by observation of the way that different people react when suffering from an illness or when under stress.

Man has always made use of medicinal herbs and until recent years all pharmaceutical preparations relied upon the use of natural substances.  The Bach remedies however, do not use the physical material of the plant (as with aromatherapy) but rather the essential energy that is found within the flower.  This healing energy is extracted in a precise way and stored in a preserving liquid such as brandy or grape alcohol solution.  This subtle substance is used to treat the cause of illness at the subtle level.  While most medicine treats the physical complaint with a physical material, the Bach remedies treat the unseen or psychological cause with an unseen energy.  It is summed up in his dictum, "Treat the Patient, not the disease" for no matter what the patient is suffering in the physical body - be it asthma or athletes' foot - the prime cause of that condition can be eradicated if we ascertain and counteract the imbalance that is in the psyche of the patient. 

Man is "a chil d of the universe no less than the trees and stars" and yet we live in daily conflict with the rest of the natural world.  Much of the disease to which we are prey at this time is generated by this conflict, in particular the nervous conditions that are so prevalent in urban life.

Homeopathy has similar basis and the remedies used include not only plant, but animal and mineral as well.  In the field of what is popularly called ‘alternative medicine' there are forms of healing that are more or less in sympathy with Dr Bach's discoveries. 

It is well to stress that no one form of healing has the privilege of being the best or the most effective; everything is appropriate in its own way.  One of the most striking features of this form of healing is that it is entirely benign.  It involves no physical discomfort and is associated only with the most pure and beautiful elements in nature.

Rescue Remedy is a combination remedy consisting of five of the Bach Flower Remedies:  Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis.  The characteristics and essence (personality) of each flower is described as follows:-

For Despondency and Despair - Star of Bethlehem:  for shock, grief, distress, for those who need consolation and comfort, for bad news, an accident, fright, a narrow escape, for delayed shock, to neutralize effects of any shock past or present, even the shock of birth.

For Loneliness - Impatiens:  for those impatient people who dislike restraint, preferring to work alone at their own speed, they like haste in all things, are critical of others' shortcomings, irritable, impulsive, impetuous, active and intelligent though prone to nervous tension, overexertion and accidents. Symptoms may include sudden pains, cramps, tension in back, neck, jaws, hands, shoulders, indigestion.  Children may be irritable and demanding.  Body often slopes forward, they lead, going ahead and act quickly, will finish a sentence for other people who think more slowly and are given to outbursts of temper though it quickly subsides.

For Fear - Cherry Plum:  for desperation, fear of insanity, loss of control, an uncontrollable impulse, nervous breakdown, suicidal, obsessive fear, delusions.  Symptoms usually build up over a period of time; pallor, staring eyes, agitation, sometimes nervous talk or obsessive questioning, imminent mild insanity.  It is like mental gangrene, very offensive to the self.

For Fear - Rock Rose:  For emergencies, sudden illness or accident, for very great fear, terror, panic, hysteria, when life is despaired of, for the horror and dread of nightmares, when there has been a close encounter with evil.   Symptomsmay include paralysis, unconsciousness, sudden dumb/deaf, icy coldness, trembling, and loss of control.

For Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances - Clematis:  clematis people are dreamers, absent minded, lack concentration and vitality, quiet people without proper interest in the present, absorbed in thoughts and fantasy, sleepy and unobservant, romantic, imaginative, unrealistic. Symptoms may include drowsiness, constant inclination to sleep, drifting feeling, marked pallor, slowness, sensitivity to noise, numbness, faintness, indifference, make little effort to get well and may even welcome prospect of death, often stumbling, drop things through inattention, ‘float off' in conversation, lackadaisical (unenthusiastic) air.

The combination of these five flowers is described in short as thus, Cherry Plumfor loss of control, Clematis for unconsciousness, Impatiens for stress, Rock Rosefor terror and Star of Bethlehemfor shock.  

Rescue Remedyis so useful for any situation major or minor that it is wise to have it prepared and on hand for emergencies.  If it is taken immediately when an accident or incident occurs, upon receipt of bad news, when in any distress, even if just a headache, it is very beneficial.  Countless cases have been cited when Rescue Remedy has been used to overcome all manner of conditions.  It is also prepared as an ointment and may be applied to bruises and any damaged or inflamed skin condition.  Dr Bach first used this combination when going to the aid of two men shipwrecked off the Cromer coast.  The men were quickly recovered from their ordeal.  

Using Rescue Remedy as a part of your stress management regime in the treatment of eczema ie. The itch attacks, when running a fever, the skin pain, when you are sad and even the loneliness you may feel with this condition; it is a gentle and effective anti-itch and anti-stress application.  Rescue  Remedy is now widely available through Health Food Shops, some supermarkets and other boutique or specialty shops supporting natural healing.  Ask around while you are shopping and always keep your eyes open for shops offering items on sale at reduced prices.

In preparing Rescue Remedy for use, it can be taken several ways. 

For some 2 - 3 drops from the stock bottle, under the tongue and washed down with a glass of water;

Similarly, 2-3 drops from the stock bottle can be added to a glass of bottle of water and sipped on all day;

or a diluted preparation can be made - in a 12-15ml dropper bottle fill up to ¾ with a 50/50 solution of brandy and purified water and then add 7 drops from the stock bottle: Use orally, when necessary, by squirting a dropper-full in your mouth;  

I tend to squirt about half a pippette of stock (which is about 6-7 drops) into a small glass of water and drink it straight down.  Experiment a little with it and you will find a dosage to suit your condition.

YOGA - another alternative form of Stress Relief.  Exercise is well known as being necessary for maintaining good health and for enabling stress relief through the expenditure of energy.   I have found Yoga to be an effective alternative not just for stress relief, but also in keeping with a healthy excercise program.  Check out the article on this website.

Wheat free, Dairy free, Egg free, Peanut free, Corn Free.

Schnitzel refers to veal or chicken fillet with a coating of breadcrumbs.  Traditionally one would dip the fillet in flour, egg and then coat in breadcrumbs. 

Not being traditional is the idea here, so first point of order is to ditch the egg, now the flour - excellent. They are not really necessary; the crumbs will stick to the meat without them and as a result the schnitzel is not so heavy with coating.  If you are dealing with cholesterol issues, this style schnitzel should be a better alternative.

The first thing you need to know for this meal is how to make your own fresh and tasty Crumbs.  Once you have this mastered, all you need do then is crumb the fillets!  Too easy!!  Invest in a good quality food processor.  It's worth it every time the family wants schnitzel for dinner. 

There are a number of ways of making your own crumbs.  I'm sure some recipes have been around since the invention of bread.  I am offering you a very quick and very easy way, without the use of bread at all!

CHICKEN SCHNITZEL

•  1 - 2 cups Yummy Crumbs
•  ½ to 1 kilo Organic Chicken Breast Fillet (I use ½ kilo for two people)
•  Rice bran oil

YUMMY CRUMBS

§  2 cups oat bran (omit if oats are a problem for you and increase amaranth & quinoa)

§  1 cup Amaranth cereal

§  1 cup quinoa flakes

§  1 cup rice flakes

§  ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional)

§  1 tsp Herbamare or sea salt or table salt

§  4-6 cloves Garlic (that depends on your love of garlic)

13px; font-size: 11px; ">§  1/4 cup Flaxmeal (highly nutritious) -or use a suitable flour such as buckwheat < /p>

§   ½ cup fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried parsley

§  1 tsp dried rosemary

§  1 tsp ground caraway

This should make enough breadcrumbs for a few meals.  Always store your yummy crumbs in an airtight container in the freezer.

I don't know exactly how long your Home-made Yummy Crumbs will keep in the freezer, because mine are always used up fairly quickly; not just for schnitzel but also for fish and as an ingredient in burgers.   

I hope yours won't last long either!

... ... HOW TO ... ...

Step 1. Prepare your chicken fillets by removing any skin or fatty bits and with a sharp knife fillet each breast into 2 or 3 thin slices.  You can tenderise the chicken fillets a little with a kitchen mallet or your fist - gently though not the chicken will fall apart.

Step 2.    Add all the Yummy Crumbs ingredients into the food processor and process on the high setting until all the ingredients resemble crumbs.  The consistency of the crumbs is your choice. I prefer a fine crumb which may take a little longer.  If you like yours a little chunkier and thicker, just don't process it for as long.

Step 3.  Pour out some Yummy Crumbs onto a flat dish.  Coat each side of the fillet with your breadcrumbs by pressing the crumbs into the meat on both sides then put aside ready for cooking.  Repeat this for each fillet.

Step 4.  Using a large flat frying pan, heat enough rice bran oil to just cover the bottom of the pan.  When the oil is very hot, using tongs gently place a few schnitzels into the oil, do not overcrowd the pan.  Allow the schnitzel to cook on each side for at least 4 minutes or until golden brown.  As you remove your schnitzel from the pan, place them on a wire draining rack on a tray so as to drain away excess oil.  You can place the draining schnitzel uncovered in the oven on a very low temperature to keep them warm and not soggy.

Serve your schnitzel warm with Twisted Tabouli or some steamed fresh veggies, perhaps Salad in summer. You could make yourself a schnitzel sandwich for lunch tomorrow -

if there is any left over that is!

Healthy Food tips:

• If you eat chicken regularly, think about going organic or at least free-range so as to avoid the added antibiotics and hormones in mainstream cage-fed chicken.
• Fresh herbs are always the better option when cooking. It won't matter if you don't have any, because luckily dried herbs are widely available as an alternative. Before you run any fresh herb through the processor, make sure it is washed and completely dry. Wet herbs especially parsley do not chop well! Try using a salad spinner for your fresh herbs to get them nice and dry.
• Crumb your meat (or fish) using a separate dish than the container you store your crumbs in. Throw away any leftover crumbs - DO NOT put them back in the fresh container as it will contaminate your crumbs with raw meat bacteria.

NUTRITIONAL NOTES:

QUINTESSENTIAL QUINOA

The Incas, who held the crop to be sacred referred to quinoa aschisaya mama or mother of all grains, and it was the Inca emperor who would traditionally sow the first seeds of the season using 'golden implements'. During the European conquest of South America quinoa was scorned by the Spanish colonists as food for Indians, and even actively suppressed, due to its status within indigenous non-Christian ceremonies. In fact, the conquistadors forbade quinoa cultivation for a time and the Incas were forced to grow corn instead.

The quinoa seed is high in protein, calcium and iron, a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. It is exceptionally high in lysine, cystine and methionine-amino acids typically low in other grains. It is a good complement for legumes, which are often low in methionine and cystine. The protein in quinoa is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all 8 essential amino acids. Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa's protein content, but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa. Quinoa is 12% to 18% protein and four ounces a day, about 1/2-cup, will provide a childs protein needs for one day. The 6-7% fat of quinoa is relatively high when compared to other grains, but it boasts a low sodium content and also provides valuable starch and fiber. Quinoa also contains albumen, a protein that is found in egg whites, blood serum, and many plant and animal tissues. The seeds are gluten-free which makes this a nutritious and flavorful alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivity. Quinoa would be a worthy addition to anyone's diet, supplying variety as well as good nutrition. 

The above information was sourced from http://chetday.com/quinoa.html and www.wikipedia.com