Emu oil for perfect skin

Emu oil is refined oil that comes from the fat of the emu, a giant bird that looks like an ostrich native to Australia. The oil's PH is very close to that of human skin. So whatever your skin condition may be (itching, burns, cuts, scratches, rashes, eczema, etc.) emu oil helps heal, treat, and improve your skin quality overall. Hard to believe? Try it! I kid you not! I have used emu oil on small burns and my skin heals up so quickly. I have also used emu oil on unbearable itching areas and as soon as the emu oil touches my skin, the itching stops! And believe me, I try everything! Emu oil can also be used as a pain reliever. If you've got bruises or arthritis, applying some emu oil can help ease the pain dramatically. www.nfbotanicals.com carries quality emu oil. Though some of you might think it's a little expensive, the ROI (return on investment) is unbeatable! You really pay for quality and more. Emu oil can also be used as facial cream, and boy, talk about your skin getting soft, smooth, and porcelain-like. What gal doesn't want this? Safe and pure all the way, I totally recommend emu oil for pure and alternative skin remedies. Next to coconut oil, emu oil is a must have! Unfortunately, emu oil can't be found over the counter, probably due to legal reasons. But you can purchase emu oil online. Emu oil equals perfect skin - believe in miracles!

Alkaline vs. acid foods

PH balance refers to the alkaline or acidic level of one's urine after a urine test. PH balance is basically the acid/alkaline balance in your system. While this may sound complex, it's pretty simple to understand and very important to know. Basically, bacteria/viruses cannot live in alkaline environments. Therefore, the more alkaline your body, the more resistant you are to catching colds or diseases. But while too much of anything is always a bad idea, balancing the PH is best. And while you are making the effort to balance your PH, keeping it slightly more alkaline is wise. This way, you create an environment in your body where bacteria/viruses cannot survive. You create an environment in your body where your strengthened immune system can resist and fight intruders. So where do we get alkaline foods from? Green foods. Veggies. Fruits. Can't ever go wrong with these! But remember, organic is your best bet! Here's an informative website that discusses the acid/alkaline phenomenon further: (http://www.advancedhealthplan.com/foods.html). This site also lists in detail foods that are acidic or alkaline so you can be smarter about what you eat. I'm not promoting vegetarianism here (meat is a rich source of protein and nutrients), but eating a lot greens can benefit you in many, many ways. So go for the greens!

Clove love

That numbness in the gums, that bitter taste, those drills, the white coat... Ahhh...the dentist!!! That common taste we often leave the dentist office with is precisely the taste of cloves my friends. Cloves - sometimes used in baked dishes likes hams. Cloves - sometimes used as food garnishes. Cloves are so versatile, yet they seem so under appreciated. Cloves are the flower buds that grow on the clove plants. They are more common to us as dried clove flower buds. And they have such a potent taste and smell. Clove oil (essential oil that is) is also used in many ways. For instance, for a toothache, you can rub some clove oil on the affected tooth or teeth. You could also bite down on a piece of dried clove if you've got some in the kitchen. You can also dab on some clove powder too. This temporarily eases pain and helps you deal with toothaches, which can be quite discomforting. Clove oil is also antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal... Clove oil even helps aid digestion! Rubbing some clove oil on your stomach can help ease indigestion. Clove oil can also be used for insomnia!!! Rub 3-4 drops of clove oil on the bottom of your feet...feel the slight warming effects...and enjoy restful sleep!!! Clove oil carries mild sedative properties and therefore can really help you relax. How wonderful! Clove oil helped me get some restful sleep last night! I thank the good Lord for such natural remedies!

Grass fed cows

We are often oblivious when it comes to the quality of foods we eat. Meats, for instance, often contain hormones and antibiotics (and other chemicals) because the animals were treated with these drugs for mostly economic purposes, not humane reasons. So, if we eat meat that has been treated with these drugs, then we eat the drugs too! Organic grass fed cows, free-range (uncaged), promotes your health the most. Same goes for chicken, pork, lamb, and any other popular meats. Bison meat is great too. Basically, you want to eat meats that have been raised in a humane way and have been fed quality food such as fresh green grass - the way God made them and intended it to be! You always want to read the labels for meats and make sure it says "no hormones, antibiotics, etc." Whole Foods Market carries grass fed quality meats. So does Trader Joes. Local Farmer's Markets sometimes have vendors that bring fresh grass fed meats to your neighborhood! But while the prices of these meats may intimidate some people, what you get in return is priceless. You lessen conventional doctor visits and prolong your health this way!!!

Now a word on raw milk. We are so not accustomed to drinking raw milk, let alone hearing about it. What is raw milk? Pure milk straight from organic grass fed cows that has not been pasteurized. This last part is really important. Raw milk, unpasteurized, carries lots of goods (like enzymes and probiotics) that helps digest the lactose (natural sugar in milk) we drink. Pasteurized milk has no enzymes and probiotics (and a minimal amount of nutrients), which explains why so many people get stomach aches and claim "lactose intolerance". This is also why pasteurized milk is often "fortified", meaning nutrients have been added, after they've been taken out! One cup of raw milk gives you a health-promoting, life-prolonging, nutrient/vitamin-rich drink!!! Sounds unusual right? Raw milk is legal in California, by the way, but in other states, it's illegal. Something else we weren't aware of. So where does one get raw milk? Whole Foods has them. Sometimes Farmer's Markets. And of course, farms. But who lives in farms or visits them these days? Basically, access is very limited. Raw milk is a rare, safe, and precious food in the 21st century. But while getting raw milk may be challenging, trying to consume raw milk and raw milk products as much as possible is best for our health and nutrition overall. So take the challenge!

Probiotics - can't live without it!

Probiotics are unfamiliar to us, while antibiotics are. These days, it seems like whenever we take a visit to the conventional doctor, prescribing medicine/drugs is the first thing they offer, as if these synthetic drugs will guarantee healing. Among these drugs are antibiotics. I must say, I am so -anti- for antibiotics. But I am so -pro- for probiotics. Sound strange? Well, let me explain it simply. Probiotics are good bacteria. Antibiotics kill good bacteria and antibiotics kill all bacteria. Let me repeat - antibiotics kill all bad and good bacteria in your system. You just don't want this to happen. The good bacteria live in our system to fight off the bad bacteria. If you kill off the good bacteria, you reduce your body's ability to fight off foreign invaders. The key is - get more good bacteria in your system! Good bacteria. Probiotics! So where does one get these probiotics? Easy...raw milk, yogurt, kefir (preferably, yogurt & kefir are made with raw milk), and even acidophilus supplements. Acidophilus is just another fancy word for probiotics or good bacteria. (I'll talk more about raw milk in another blog.) Probiotics are particularly important and essential for the intestines (small & large). Probiotics helps with digestion and strengthens your immune system. All around, you just can't live without probiotics. Miso (Japanese bean paste) even has probiotics! Daily consumption of probiotics is totally recommended. You can't go wrong with probiotics. Now if your body starts to react after you take probiotics, then my guess is your body is trying to adjust to the new "food" you're introducing. Bacteria, by the way, are living microorganisms. But you want more of the good and friendly ones. Not the ones that cause diseases and crap! Let's go pro!

Apple Cider Vinegar

The thought of sour vinegar, like medicine we don't want to take, often makes people cringe. But the health-promoting aspects of vinegar are astounding. In particular, apple cider vinegar (organic, raw, of course) has amazing healing properties. First, let me define what apple cider vinegar (ACV) is. Simply, it is apples that have been fermented and the juices of the apples are now alcoholic and acidic. (Fermentation is the process of turning sugars into alcohol.) So with this chemical change, the ACV is now loaded with goodies for our bodies. ACV helps lose/maintain weight, indigestion, constipation, softens skin, helps alkalize your body's PH, soothes sore throat, helps heal colds, headaches, and much more! Basically, a shot of apple cider vinegar a day will help keep the [conventional] doctor away! Ha! If you can get used to the taste (it's actually pleasant after awhile), then you will reap plenty of benefits with ACV. ACV can also be used as a facial toner! Yes, facial toner! After washing your face, you can dab a cotton pad with ACV and spread all over face and neck. Your face will soften like you won't believe. It's also good for your hair. It softens the hair, making it silky smooth. And no, your hair won't stink! Your face won't stink too! The smell is natural, but you won't smell of ACV. Try this really inexpensive little remedy - it is eye-opening!

Air purifying house plants

Green plants not only provide food for us in many ways, but also they play an important role in producing oxygen, which we can't live without, and purifying the air. Yes, purifying the air!!! Common house plants such as the "pothos or devil's ivy", "weeping fig", "snake plant" and "peace lily" benefit us doubly by producing oxygen AND purifying the air of toxins around us. How amazing! This phenomenon was even studied and confirmed by NASA. While I'm an advocate of technology, instead of buying expensive air purifiers, having house plants that naturally and organically purify the air seems best for our health in my opinion. Also, as these plants purify the air and produce oxygen for us, they also provide pure beauty and relaxation. I love green. These green plants especially make me feel peaceful. And the more green and luscious plants I see, the more I'm reminded of the Garden of Eden, God's glorious handiwork, and His beautiful royal creation. I'm also reminded of God's character in that He is really stylish, beautiful, and artistic. And of course, smart! So the more green plants you have around the house, the better off you will be. These plants will certainly help you improve your health! Who can say, "no" to clean air, fresh oxygen, and green beauty? Not me! :o)

Hemp - you won't get high!

I'm wearing a dress that's made out of hemp fibers right now (a stylish one, thank you). I also take 1-2 tablespoons of hemp oil every day. I also eat hemp seeds from time to time. No, I don't get high and yes, I feel healthy. Hemp gets a bad rap because of its association with marijuana, its cousin. These plants belong to the same family called Cannabis. Industrial hemp, hemp that has been harvested for food and commercial use, has very little (if none) traces of the chemical that gets people "high". By the way, hemp is harvested everywhere, except for the U.S.A. (Why? I'm guessing for legal & political reasons.) So why do I invest in hemp? Well, aside from the exotic clothing which I like, hemp foods are rich in nutrients and excellent sources of essential fatty acids (EFA). EFAs - omega 3, 6, 9s - are important to our health. Hemp oil has all three: 3, 6, 9! EFAs are necessary fats in our bodies. These are good fats. Necessary fats. Without these fats, we risk our health. And EFAs actually help us lose and maintain weight! Like coconut oil, hemp oil is a rich food. But you don't want to cook with hemp oil because it's a living food. The oil is green because of the chloroplasts (stuff that make plants green). And as I keep mentioning in my blogs, if you cook with it, the high heat will destroy the nutrients. It is best to keep the oil refrigerated as this will keep it fresh. It does not turn hard or rancid in the frig. Hemp milk is tasty too; it's like soy milk. I give hemp milk to my dogs from time to time and they love it. Manitoba Harvest is the brand that I get (http://www.manitobaharvest.com/). Here's another plant that's rich in nutrients and promotes our health! Thank you God.

Garlic ~~ the wonder herb!

Garlic adds great flavor to so many dishes - worldwide! Many ethnic cultures revere garlic and it is basically a staple ingredient for so many tasty recipes. But while we enjoy the taste that garlic adds to a variety of dishes, we are often unaware of the great health and medicinal benefits that garlic yields. "Allicin", the stink/strong odor in the garlic, is precisely the medicine in the garlic. And the medicinal benefits of garlic are astounding! To name a few, garlic lowers blood pressure, it's an anti-fungal/anti-viral/antioxidant/antibiotic, aids the digestive system, destroys yeast infections such as Candida, and much more! But for garlic to have its full medicinal affect, it is best eaten raw. Yes, raw. As I mention in my other blog entries, cooking food causes nutrient loss due to the high heat. So when garlic is added to cooked dishes, a lot of its nutrients and medicinal properties are destroyed by the heat. I know some people can't stand garlic. That's ok. But as a medicine, it doesn't get any better than this. You can chop or slice the garlic into tiny pieces and simply swallow with water (or juice or whatever) as if you were swallowing capsules or pills. You don't have to chew! I convinced my father to try raw garlic this way for one week to lower his blood pressure - and it worked!!! Garlic is also affordable and can be used whenever you want. Two or three cloves of garlic a day is good. And of course, organic garlic is best. Garlic, by the way, is the bulb of the garlic plant. When the garlic bulb is planted, the roots grow into the ground from the garlic bulb and the green stems and flowers grow upward from the bulb. And as the plant grows, more garlic bulbs grow in the ground. Amazing! God sure knew what He was doing when He created the plants for us to eat such as garlic! The healing properties of garlic are fascinating!

Digestion

Enzymes, among other things, help us digest the foods we eat in our stomachs and intestines. The more enzymes we have, the smoother the digestion. Where do these enzymes come from? Raw foods. We overcook our foods to death! Literally. By cooking food and exposing food to high heat, we destroy so much of the enzymes, nutrients, vitamins, etc. As such, we often face indigestion because the stomach is stressed out and working extra hard to digest the "dead" food we just ate. It's pretty simple. The more raw foods we eat, the easier digestibility we have. The more cooked foods we eat, our digestibility gets harder!

Digestibility is a big issue. Many people gain weight because of poor/weak digestibility. Poor digestibility means fats aren't properly digested and absorbed, so the body starts to collect and store fats in places where they shouldn't be! Imagine all the processed foods, which are mostly cooked, we blindly and unknowingly eat - we don't know how they were processed, where the food comes from, what oils were used, etc. Even restaurant salads can't be trusted. And once these processed, overcooked foods enter our system, imagine the stress and workload we cause for our stomachs and intestines! And you wonder why people get indigestion, heartburn, stomach aches, etc.

Now people often cringe at the sight or thought of eating raw food. But back in the days when mankind had not discovered fire yet, food was eaten raw! And many indigenous people were vegetarians. Don't get me wrong. I love meat. It's one of the richest sources of protein. But you have to eat organic, grassfed, uncaged, no hormones, no antibiotics, no pesticides treated meat. Hard to find? Perhaps. But stores like Whole Foods carry them - for a steep price. But I think it's well worth it. I read somewhere that Japan is like #1 in health. Maybe the culture of eating raw foods such as fish has something to do with it.

Raw sprouts (any kind) are rich in enzymes. So are raw vegetables and raw fruits. Trader Joes carries a bottle of enzyme supplements made from pineapple and papayas (come in purple bottle). No harm in giving your stomach a boost of enzymes this way! If you don't like raw fish (nothing wrong with that) take the raw vegetable and fruit route - and the enzyme supplements. We can never get enough of enzymes. Your stomach will love you for it.

Stressed out?!

The adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney in our bodies are responsible for fighting off and dealing with the stresses we endure, be it physical, emotional/mental, chemical, and thermal (temperature-related stress). The adrenal glands produce important hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when we're stressed out so we can deal properly with whatever stresses life throws as us. If we are over-stressed, then we face burnout - literally, we overwork our adrenal glands. The fatigue we often feel is a result of this organ burnout among overworking other organs since our major organs are interconnected in our bodies. Too often, we don't even realize what's happening inside our bodies.

Chamomile tea is excellent for relaxation. So is peppermint essential oil. Massages are also good (simple self-rubs and massages are sufficient, but spas are great too). Deep breathing is important too (1..2..3..4..5..6..7..reverse). Positive thinking exercises are also useful. Hot salt-baths are excellent! The company of loyal friends is always positive. As for food, green leafy vegetables really help relax you. Eat lots! Raw organic celery or celery juice is excellent for relaxation. Most herbs help your body in multiple ways! Now these are some immediate tips. There's a lot more out there if you're really interested in alternative ways to relax and relieve stress. We've all had our share of stress. Sometimes every day!! This world is a rat race and the speed of the race keeps accelerating! And for those of us living in major cities, it's worse! So while we face this monster called "stress", at least know that there are little things you can do to help your adrenal glands while they do their job. But ultimately, leaning on God should help us deal with stress: Psalm 55: 2 "cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" & Matthew 11:29-30 "take my yoke upon you and learn from me...you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light". Trust Him.

Honey...

Honey - it's not only heavenly and sweet to the taste buds, but also beneficial medicinally in numerous ways! Organic, raw, natural honey is your best return for your money. Honey can be used in foods, of course, and for facial masks, as a scar reducer, as an antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant, fighting infections, restoring damaged tissues, indigestion, and much more! Those bees sure are busy, aren't they. They go from flower to flower to produce this magnificent honey comb, all for the Queen Bee as she nurses her young baby bees, and voila - the results of all the hard work of the worker bees is wonderful! The abundant healing properties in honey are amazing and it makes you stand in awe of the God who created it all! But beware, if you cook with raw, organic honey in high heat, you will risk destroying many of the nutrients. (this is true for most natural foods.) So enjoy - in moderation - the mouth-watering and tantalizing sweetness of honey. Your body will love you for it!

By the way, as a facial mask, for women and men, spread a thin coat of honey on your face for about 30 minutes and afterwards, enjoy the softness and wonder of how nourished and soft your face feels. Repeat as many times as you want. Ever scraped a knee? Have a cut or an open wound? Dab on some honey! Feel the heal!

Baking Soda

Baking soda is something every household should keep - at all times. Baking soda can be used for many, many things! Baking soda can be used for cooking, baking, cleaning, odor control, cold/flu remedy, antacid for indigestion (don't need pink stuff), facial cleanser, and a whole lot more! Yes, facial cleanser. Just rub a teaspoon full of baking soda in the palm of your hands with some warm water, gently scrub your face while washing, and voila - it's better than any name-brand soap I've ever used. Men can do this too! And baking soda is so cheap to get! As a cold/flu remedy, baking soda helps to alkalize your body, creating an environment where the cold/flu virus can't survive. Bacteria/viruses can't survive in alkaline environments; they thrive in acidic environments. Baking soda can also be used as a deodorant. I use baking soda in my kitty litter to reduce the smell and it works! Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate - it tastes salty and it makes you burp! If you mix baking soda and vinegar, you'll get a "volcanic" reaction - lots of fizzling! (for those of you who are curious and enjoy experimenting) Basically, baking soda is so versatile - it can be used in so many ways.

While Arm & Hammer is the common brand on the market (which is fine), I recommend aluminum free baking soda. Bob's Red Mill is the brand I use (http://www.bobsredmill.com/). Can't go wrong with the purest as possible products. Don't confuse baking soda with baking powder. Baking soda is versatile, while baking powder is mainly used for baking/cooking. Baking powder is the stuff that causes the leavening in baking (gas, air bubbles, so mixture expands). I experiment with a lot of things and baking soda is one of my favorite health promoting products!

Satisfying your sweet tooth...

Everyone loves sweets in some form or another. Desserts always seem to fit in our stomachs even after large stuffy meals. I especially have a sweet tooth. It is a curse and a blessing! I've recently discovered a couple of sweeteners that brings me to my knees! Agave nectar and chicory syrup - they are even sweeter than refined sugar. You can get agave nectar at local stores like Whole Foods. But chicory syrup is hard to find. Agave nectar comes from a plant that looks a lot like the Aloe Vera cactus. Chicory syrup comes from the chicory plant (root), which looks a lot like nappa cabbage - the cabbage that serves as the staple for the historically popular Korean dish called "kimchee" (김치). The great thing about agave nectar and chicory syrup is that the "sugar" is not absorbed by our bodies, unlike refined sugar. They also contain something called inulin, which is a prebiotic, and inulin helps nourish the friendly flora (good bacteria/probiotics) in our intestines! How wonderful! After I learned of this, I just stood in awe of how awesome, creative, and brilliant God is! So now, I don't feel as guilty eating sweets now and then with agave nectar and chicory syrup. I also make sure that the products I buy contain agave nectar and chicory syrup as an ingredient for sweetener.

Refined sugar has now become a nightmare all over the world! Stay away from refined sugar as much as possible! Sugar is popularly and commercially used as a food preservative and taste enhancer. Cancer feeds on sugar! Sugar feeds bad bacteria and viruses (fungus) in your body! Even brown sugar is untrustworthy. A lot of brown sugar is white sugar that has been dyed with caramel coloring or molasses. The sugar cane (a plant!) is the originator of the popular sugar we are familiar with today. But this poor plant has been processed, chemically treated, and abused by mankind to the point that sugar is now almost a drug! It's addicting! If we all had years of Nutrition 101, then there would be less ignorance in the area of food and nutrition. But we don't! Often, we remain in the dark and eat anything we want without discretion and discernment. How dangerous this can be. If anything, cutting out processed refined sugars from your daily diet will be one of the greatest favors you can do for yourself. So take this first step! Health & Blessings!

Crazy over Coconuts!

Organic virgin coconut oil is the BEST oil to cook with. It can withstand high temperatures and still retain its nutrients unlike other oils. Coconut oil is food from heaven. Coconut oil helps regulate thyroid issues. Coconut oil helps lose weight! Check out all the literature on the benefits of coconut oil online - run a search on Google - it's quite amazing what people have to say. Coconut oil also contains caprylic acid, which is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial. Coconut oil just about does everything good! Coconut oil is NOT saturated fat and it doesn't turn rancid. The oil is clear and watery in room temperature, but then hardens like ice in cold temperature. This is totally normal. You can also take about 2 tbsp straight up. But if you eat too much coconut oil, you may get diarrhea - but this is also a good thing because the coconut oil is cleaning out your intestines.

Coconut oil is great for the skin! A wrinkle and scar reducer! I use it as a "night cream" and in the morning, my face feels baby soft! Coconut oil is also great for pets! My dogs love it! And so does my cat! Tropical Traditions is the brand I use. Brown fibrous coconuts are mature and aged, whereas young coconuts are green. Often, young coconuts are sold with the green shell cut off in stores. Young coconuts contain coconut water inside that's sweet. But the coconut water in older coconuts sometimes taste bitter. Either way, both young and old coconuts are useful, and the flesh is also edible! I even read somewhere that coconut water was used by nurses and doctors as an IV for wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War when medical supplies ran short because coconut water contains lots of nutrients. How brilliant for God to create such a nutritious food for us!

Liver detox

I've been drinking 2-4 cups of organic toasted dandelion root tea every day for the past few weeks to help cleanse my liver. The tea tastes great. And I feel better. The liver is one of the major organs of our bodies and it does a lot of work in cleaning toxins. Imagine the crap that must pass through the liver (not to mention other organs). One of the effects of a weak liver is itchy skin I think, and I've been itchy man. Sometimes, it can be scary if you aren't even aware of the effects you're experiencing. Dandelion is the green weed that grows around sidewalks, backyards, streets, etc. It has elongated pointy leaves and even produces yellow flowers. When the flowers mature, the seeds look white, cloudy, and cottony and they start to blow with the wind. Amazing how God created His plants. Koreans eat seasoned dandelion as a side dish. Raw dandelion leaves, bought from the grocery store (not picked from backyard!), tastes somewhat bitter. But you can easily eat it raw, added to a salad, sprinkled with a favorite dressing. And dandelion leaves are bursting with nutrients!

Fighting colds/flu...

It's possible to get a cold/flu from touch or being around someone who's sick, but after reading up on it, the stinking virus is airborne and it lands in your ear canal. From there, if your ear wax can't fight it off, then the virus takes over your nasal and throat canals and starts to spread. And then you start to feel the effects of this miserable virus. Is this scientifically proven? Dunno. Someone probably did a study on it. But if conventional doctors, after all this time, can't find a cure for the common cold/flu, there's something seriously alarming with the medical system and medical research/education. We always hear people say drink a lot of orange juice or fluids and get plenty of vitamin C. While this is great advice, it's not enough for a lot of people. By the way, vitamin C and citrus fruit juices like orange juice will help raise the alkaline level in your body. By raising the alkalinity level in your body, you create an environment where the virus can't live. Bad bacteria/viruses cannot survive in alkaline environments. Thus, the more alkaline your body, the better your chances of healing from the cold/flu. (More on acid vs. alkaline - PH Balance - later.)

I read somewhere that Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) can help the healing process for colds/flus. So me being me, I tried it. I put a few drops of H2O2 in my right ear and then my left. I waited about 5-7 minutes for each ear. As soon as the H2O2 hit my ear, I heard fizzling sounds like that of soda pop and this lasted until I switched ears! Apparently, the fizzling sound means that the H2O2 is killing the bacteria! Gross! But yay! The fizzling was itchy too at first, but after awhile, I got used to it. After I cleaned out each ear, boy, did I feel good! It felt refreshing and my sinuses cleared up! But I had to repeat this process every 2-3 hrs since the symptoms return. If you do this in the beginning stages of your cold/flu, you may stop it entirely. But if you're full blown and you do this, then repeats may be necessary. Never drink the H2O2! There are edible kinds that the Health Store carries. H2O2 is basically water with extra oxygen. Basically, for fast relief, this is a great little remedy. But the most important of all is to get a lot of REST so that you allow energy for your immune system to do its thang.

Our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139. The Creator knitted us together and knows every tiny detail. When sick, trust that the immune system, which the Creator made, will do its healing miracles, while you take care of it by filling up on vitamin C and liquids and stuff. If only we can see with our naked eyes what goes on inside our bodies. We only feel the effects. But perhaps this was intentionally done by the Almighty. I'm so glad He's the Master.

Think organic!

Organic is the way to go. You just don't want to load your body with pesticides and synthetic chemicals and crap that are in a lot of refined and processed foods. Matthew 22:39 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Love yourself - love your body. And take care of it! And surely, sharing good news, such as this one, demonstrates your love of others/neighbors. Different definitions and standards exist for "organic". And "Certified Organic" is the latest buzz. But I trust the organic products at stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes as you can tell by the products' texture, quality, taste, among other things. For instance, an organic banana will ripen really fast. So will other organic fruits, most of them at least, unless you buy them green and unripened. Same goes for vegetables. Unless you have your own farm or grow a garden in your backyard and cultivate your own organic food, be sure to eat organic as you will be doing a great favor to your body, yourself, and to the healthy and longevity of your life. Health & Blessings!

Molybdenum

The quality of my health determines how I feel on a day to day basis. Recently, I've been experimenting with legumes, one of earth's richest source of Molybdenum (don't ask me how to pronounce it). In particular, I've been feasting on Organic Japanese Azuki Red Beans. I boil about a handful for about an hour, drain, and mix with Organic Agave Nector, and voila, you get heaven. Koreans call this "paht" and the sweet red bean is used in a variety of dishes. From baked goods to rice cakes to ice desserts (paht bing su), the red bean is used a lot in dishes. So do the Japanese. Just make sure that the sweetness of the red beans does not come from white refined sugar. White refined sugar, as flat out bad for you (more on this in another blog). Legumes are rich in Molybdenum, which helps regulate moodiness. "Moly" is also great for your small and large intestines, not to mention they are bursting with nutrients. I'm no certified nutritionist, but I can tell you that I read up on this stuff a lot. And I believe in it. I'm passionate about it. I love food and I want to feel healthy and great. Load up on legumes as much as you can.

Organic edamame, soybeans, is also a great source of Moly. Edamame also tastes great by itself. If you're worried about gas, I'll be lying if I say that beans don't cause gas. But, gas is a part of the digestion process. If your digestibility and intestines are strong and healthy, then gas shouldn't be a problem or a bother. But if you're finding bloating and gas-related pain, then this is a sign of a weak digestibility and intestines - this calls for another blog entry. As Genesis 1:29 says, God gave us all the plants, herbs, seeds, fruit, for food. Although obeying His commands can be tough at times, this command is certainly one I truly enjoy obeying!