Cold and Flu Cocktails/Remedies – What you Should Have on Hand!
06 Oct 2010 6 Comments
in Allergies and Asthma, Baby & Child Health, Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, Preggo Mama, Stress, tea, vitamin d, Vitamins & Supplements Tags: balm, cold, Colostrum, Echinacea., flu, garlic, green, health, Herb, homeopathic, Immune system, immunity, immunity boosting herbs, Influenza, Joe Shmoe, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, natural cures, olive, organic herbs, Oscillo, Oscillococcinum, Smoothie, thyme, tincture, Vodka, winter
Is there a cold or flu virus lurking around the corner? Did you just go to the store and open up the refrigerated section then a few minutes later rub your eyes?
It’s amazing how easily we are exposed to nasty viruses and bacteria. All it takes is for Joe Shmoe to sneeze and cough right on the handles of the store refrigerators and then you come strolling along completely unaware that the door handles are covered in yuck. You open them, get your goods and go on your merry way. A few minutes later you robotically rub your eyes or nose and whala – the connection is made. Those nasty germs are on their way into your body.
First let me lovingly say that if you are a Joe Shmoe, please do us all a favor and COVER YOUR MOUTH when you cough or sneeze. Carry a pack of tissues with you so you can use and discard as needed. Also be sure to cleanse hands after each explosion of germs. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to know that you’re sick and sneeze and cough all over the place without covering up and washing your hands afterward. You are promoting sickness in the community of pregnant moms, babies, young adults, parents, the elderly and even pets.
So what are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting sick and or help you if you do get sick? What I am going to say might shock you but it’s often overlooked.
SLEEP.
Yes, if and when your body is under attack you must sleep. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of un-interrupted sleep at night although 9 hours is ideal especially when the body is under stress. Your body can survive for days and days without food but your organs can start to shut down after just 5 days without sleep. So please get your rest if you can, it’s very important. Another important factor is water intake. Your body needs water at least 8 to 10 glasses a day in order to function properly. Your brain alone is composed of over 75% water. Not to mention the rest of your body consists of about 60% water.
Just think of a raisin all shriveled up. That could be your brain or your lungs you know. It’s actually been studied that people with asthma that drink more water and stay hydrated were found to have less attacks. So hydration with good old water is very important at all times.
Now to the other stuff.
Before I start giving you what I use let me make it clear that if you want to be healthy you have to act like your trying to get healthy. Yes, organic herbs and supplements can help a body under attack but you must deal with the problem from the inside out and not simply treat a symptom. If you eat a diet mainly of cooked foods and do not take additional enzymes, probiotics and minerals you are going to run your body down and in turn have a weakened immune system that will fall prey to any and every viral or bacterial infection floating in the air. A healthy diet is the key to maintaining a strong immune system.
OK, now that I got that out of the way, lets talk about my health cocktails. I have all kinds of cocktails: bath cocktails, breakfast cocktails, immunity cocktails, you name it I’ve got it.
- Some of the foods, ingredients & herbs I use in my emergency cold and flu cocktails are: Organic Olive Leaf , Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Ginger, Organic Garlic, Organic Thyme, Greens and Grasses in smoothies, Colostrum, Organic Herbal Baths, Organic Powdered Rose hips (Vitamin C), vitamin D3, herbal salts, Organic Cayenne Powder, Organic herbal antiviral antibacterial tinctures & glycerites.
- Want to boost immunity then do a smoothie with Organic Greens. We drink one every morning for breakfast and add in powdered Colostrum and powdered Rose hips. La Chica Organica has a fantastic blend of Greens/Grasses available, please email me for product information and pricing.
- Making pasta be sure to crush lots of fresh garlic. If you have a mortar and pestle make a paste with a pinch of Cayenne and toss it over your cooked pasta with some olive oil. Garlic is a fantastic antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb. Cayenne has been used for years as a nasal decongestant and has been used for centuries to treat asthma, fevers, sore throats, respiratory infections, and digestive problems.
- Take a bath in Thyme or Mama’s Cold & Flu Rescue bath that helps when the body is fighting a cold or flu. Be sure to check out a 2 part audio teaching I did on bathing with Thyme, here.
- Got the stuffy’s and congested? I enjoy using an awesome Organic balm that I make called Mariana’s Winter Balm. It’s gentle but effective for rubbing on a congested chest and feet. I have 3 samples to give away for anyone interested. Please post a comment below by 8pm Friday October 8th 2010. The first 3 comments will be contacted via email and will be mailed a sample within the next 2 weeks. I just ask that you cover $3.99 for packaging and shipping costs. This balm will be available for purchase soon.
- Another fantastic food to keep on hand is Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil does not contain Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties. Coconut oil is a fantastic way to aid and support your overall Immune System functions.
If you would like a 10 ounce container of La Chica Organica’s Coconut Oil you can order by emailing me at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com. Each container is at an affordable price of just $4. I add a teaspoon to my smoothies 2 times a day. It’s so yummy.
- I also have found that drinking a tea several times a day with 1 or more of my immunity boosting herbs is a wonderful way to stay healthy and aid the body during sickness. But if teas are not your thing or you simply don’t have time you might consider making a tincture like the one in the picture below. A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. You only need a few drops several times a day. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
You can make these with little to no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit that comes with 2 bags of organic herbs, 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully.
Grab this kit while it lasts as it is specially priced for winter and will go quickly. Click here to order
Choose from:
Immunity Rescue – Intense immunity booster with over 8 organic herbs possessing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.$25
Help my Tummy – fantastic blend or organic herbs that help with stomach upset, gas and indigestion. $25
Nighty Night – A mixture of organic herbs to help you unwind and relax. $25
AstraE (Astragalus & Echinacea) – Immunity booster and viral infection fighter. $25
Fever Assist – made with herbs that promote perspiration which in turn cools the body down resulting in a lowering of fever. $25
**You can also purchase additional tincture bottles for $3 each or four tincture bottles for $11** Click here to order
- If you are really miserable with a flu you can take homeopathic meds which are a fabulous alternative to pharmacy drugs. We love Oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo®), one of the world’s most popular natural flu medicines, it can reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset of symptoms. Oscillo works without causing side effects, does not interfere with other medications, and is safe for both children (older than 2 years of age) and adults. For $2 coupons you can use at your pharmacy or grocery store click here
- Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
- Great taste and convenient to take
- No side effects or interactions with other medications
- Good for everyone 2 years of age and older
- Weekly consumption of Vitamin D3 is very important during cold a flu season. You can read about which vitamin D3 to take by clicking here.
- One last thing to remember is that green is good. The more green you consume the better your overall health will be.
That’s all for now.
Signing Off! La Chica Organica
May the Green be with You™
Most amazing Green Smoothie Ever
12 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in God's Green Herbs, Green Living, Nursing Super Mommy, organic food, recipes, Smoothies & Juices, Vitamins & Supplements Tags: Amazing Grass, green, healthy, herbs, HERBS FOR KIDS, Smoothie, wheat grass
Yeah I know what your thinking. Green smoothie, come on its gotta be nasty!
Nope not so. I am actually enjoying a yummy green smoothie as we speak.
A few years ago I found a great company called Amazing Grass. They have fantastic powdered greens and wheat grass for those days you can’t juice all the veggies or blend them yourself.
This morning I used 2 cups of organic rice milk, 1/2 cup of organic strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen mangoes, 1 scoop of organic wheatgrass powder by Amazing Grass, one banana and 1/2 of a zucchini unpeeled.
Blendy Blendy in my manly Vitamix and done, ready for the green mustache!
My kids even enjoy these smoothies but if your kids are anti green you might try adding in a spoon of organic raw honey or organic coconut sugar and then giving it to them in a cup that’s not see through, with lid and straw so that they can’t see whats in it. Be sure to use frozen organic fruits or ice so that it comes out more like a slushy.
Then when they are done you can tell them what they just drank so that next time you can give it to them without all the extras.
Check out the Amazing Grass company where you can order the Organic Wheat Grass I use from time to time. You can also find it at your local health food store.
But if you are really into greens then I can recommend a fantastic product I keep on hand that is powdered and has several antioxidant rich greens that help boost immunity and promote overall wellness. Email me at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com I will send you the information and how to purchase.
Enjoy
May the Green be with you!
Green Living: Is there poison in your cosmetics?
22 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Baby & Child Health, Green Living, Organic Living Video's Tags: carcinogens in makeup, earth, green, green Living, herbs for skin care, lead in lipstick, recycle, story of cosmetics, story of stuff, toxic cosmetics, waste
Since I have been on to all the petro-chemicals in makeup, beauty and skin products I thankfully don’t use any of them. I use herbs and grains along with homemade herbal oils for balms and salves.
But I realize that most of the men and women I know use tons of toxic, cancer causing stuff. There is that word again.
And to make matters worse, millions of people un-knowingly purchase toxic baby washes and lotions thinking they are doing their bambinos good.
So what’s wrong with the cosmetics today? Well I could type up about 5 pages but I found a video that expresses some of my points except for the comment on me being an animal which I disagree with because God created me, I did not evolve from an animal. :0
It’s a fantastic piece of work and very educational.
Here are some quotes from the video:
“The average woman in the U.S. uses about twelve personal care products daily… each product containing a dozen or more chemicals. Less than 20 percent of the chemicals used in cosmetics have been assessed for safety by the industry safety panel, so we just don’t know what they do to us when we use them.”
“It’s like a giant experiment; we’re using all these mystery chemicals and just waiting to see what happens… The FDA doesn’t even assess the safety of personal care products or their ingredients… they don’t even require that all the ingredients be listed on the label!”
“Pantene contains a chemical linked to cancer. And lots of other products in my bathroom, from sunscreen to lipstick and even baby shampoo, also contain chemicals linked to cancer or other problems like learning disabilities, asthma and even damaged sperm.”
Watch it now, you won’t be disappointed! Oh and you can easily look up what toxic things are in your products just scroll down and look on the bottom right side of this page for an image titled “Are your cosmetics toxic”, then click on it.
Green Living: Do you really need that?
21 Jul 2010 4 Comments
in Baby & Child Health, cancer, Green Living, Organic Living Video's, Words for the Soul Tags: earth, green, green Living, recycle, story of stuff, waste
You’ve all seen it.
It comes in hundreds of colors, shapes sizes and uses. Some people buy it to feel better while others buy it because they think they need to keep up with the trends of today.
Kids need it and can’t live without it. We train our babies also to want it.
But what are we doing to ourselves?
In an attempt to be technologically savvy and rock the latest espadrilles or sports cars we have become a nation consumed by STUFF.
Yes – Stuff, is the Stuff we just can’t live without.
Most Americans have been raised to consume, consume and consume without ever understanding what our consumerism is doing to other developing nations, not to mention what it’s doing to our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Why do I need the bigger better, fatter, most expensive, 90210 pair of shoes every couple of months just because Hollywood says so????
Who is Hollywood anyway and why are they dictating what brand of lingerie and what type of jeans I need to wear to be part of the inn crowd.
I am tired of the junk we are pushed into thinking we can’t live without. Why not revolutionize our world with one random act of kindness at a time. Don’t buy for yourself all the time, instead find a person or family in need and buy for them. Maybe its a single mom who cant afford a new pair of shoes for her little one. Don’t just walk past consumed in your bubble.
Even in our own home. Do we really need 32 pairs of shoes and 12 purses to match each color of shoes? Do our husbands and kids need to have the latest X-box, Wii, and Nintendo thing-a-ma-jigs that gets released?
I hate to break it to ya- but News Flash – When you die your stuff aint going which-cha. So for the love of our planet, God, our health and those poor factory workers all around the world.
TAKE A STAND WITH ME – WILL YA!!!
Make it a point to do something unconventional every week at least. I personally enjoyed having people including well meaning friends and family make cracks on my 4 yr old phone that I refused to stop using until it was completely broken. I used it for the past two years on speaker phone because I could no longer hear sounds out of the earpiece. It was really funny all the nasty looks I would get at school, the store and in line because people assumed I was doing it on purpose.
Finally my phone broke and I was blessed to receive a new one as a gift which I will use until it too does not function anymore, not when a new upgrade comes out.
Many years ago it took me lots of time in thought and prayer to come to the realization that Stuff is just Stuff not a definition of who I am or what I am worth. This is something that has escaped from the modern day world. Again, in our attempt to be fashionable and sexy we have forgotten about loving our neighbor as our self. But we don’t know how to love ourselves because we have been taught to love stuff because stuff will make us feel better and it will define who we are.
WRONG!
Stuff hurts more than it does good and in the end stuff will just end up in the garbage along with my hard earned money.
So will you join me in taking a stand against STUFF? Make it a point to go against the grain. Be a feather ruffler for the fashion and stuff industry. Wear your clothes over again every week or month. Use one or two pairs of shoes with every outfit and when people ask you just say your tired of stuff and your taking a stand against it.
It breaks my heart to see so many young women consumed by stuff. Instead of searching for whats important in life they are consumed by all the stuff they have and are going to buy so that they can be regarded as cool or modern. Some of these women are really hungry inside and they may feel a certain emptiness that their stuff promises to fill. But the sad truth is that we can own the biggest home and all the fashionable clothes and cars and still be broken and empty inside. Just look at Hollywood or pick up a magazine at the check out in your grocery store. Magazines are permeated with tons of stories that share the same common denominator – people, very wealthy people with all the stuff in the world still feel hurt, worthless and empty inside. Often these feelings lead many to life altering addictions. I don’t know about you but I don’t want my children to grow up thinking that stuff or what they have is a definition for who they are because it’s not.
If we all start doing little things and exposing the nasty lies behind stuff we will and can make a difference to liberate the many souls that are victims of the “More Stuff is Better Mentality”.
Here are just a few ideas on how you can take a stand:
1 – Kids birthday coming up? Don’t by them the latest stuff. Instead opt to take them to watch a character building movie, visit a local strawberry farm and pick your own strawberries, visit a planetarium, have a picnic at the beach and take turns creating treasures in the sand with shells.
Show your kids you love them not by what you buy them but, by the time, love and effort you spend everyday investing into their emotional and spiritual bank accounts. And if you really want to make a difference, host a birthday party and instead of gifts collect cash donations for a needy single mom or poor family in a developing nation. You can easily find a reputable non-profit like Cross International, Operation Rescue the Children or World Vision, where your donation will be used wisely.
2- Anniversary coming up? Skip the diamonds and take a vacation to a remote fishing village if you’re into fishing and enjoy a meal the old fashioned way by catching your fish and then grilling it yourself seaside while embracing the beauty of Gods blue creation. Why not buy an edible herb or plant for every year you have been together and present them to your spouse as their gift so you both can plant your own garden as a sign of your love? You can also email you spouse a virtual gift certificate with lots of discounts and coupons. You can easily type up your ideas on Microsoft Word and then turn them into a PDF online for free. Email the document to your spouse telling him or her that they can use any of the coupons and or discounts for different things. This activity can actually get to be a lot of fun if you put your heart into it.
Want to have an enriching experience? Volunteer as a couple to feed the homeless or hand out blankets to families living on the street. Sign up for a missions trip to a country of your interest. Trips can often run a weekend up to several weeks. A great place to check for trips is Short Term Missions, there you can search by region and length of time.
3- Planning a corporate Holiday or Christmas Luncheon. Do what I did and put your staff to work instead. Don’t overspend, in the end they will still complain about it. I found that one of the most rewarding luncheons I planned was just a simple inexpensive lunch and then I directed all the staff to go out into the community and deliver much needed items like food, money for groceries and shoes for homeless families. They really enjoyed it.
4- Do you have a pair of shoes that has a hole in the bottom and are scuffed? Don’t toss them. Instead get the hole repaired for about 5 to 10 bucks and wipe them down to keep using.
5- Got a dress you don’t wear or too big. Grab your scissors and make it into a scarf or shawl. I actually with the help of my dear mother in law designed a lovely shawl from a long maternity dress. It was sowed together on a used sewing machine I purchased online for ¼ of the cost. I use this super long spandex shawl when I am out and need to nurse. It’s fashionable and cost nothing extra.
6- Does your child have to do a class project? Use things in your own home and make it a point to not buy anything for the project. Only use what you have already. We did an entire solar system by using a recycled box and crumbled up wads of paper. We then colored them and adjusted their size and glued them onto the box. The end result was a beautiful solar system we did using all green recycled projects. We do this all the time. The very last project my son had to do was on history and we used toothpicks and made picket signs with recycled papers to make a pop up poster board using the cover of a large shoe box.
7. Is there a young man or woman who seems lost in their stuff and spiraling down? Make it a point to offer your council, prayers and support . There are so many young people who don’t have a mom or dad at home right now to teach them good Godly values about modesty, contentment, love etc.. Maybe you will be the only voice of hope they hear. Even if they don’t have a problem with stuff, our youth is struggling these days with so much pressure and enticing options that faithful committed concerned people must step up to the plate and lend a helping hand to a dying world.
Possibilities are endless. And if your teachers ask whats the deal, just forward them my article with love!
Are you a parent interested in holistic health and green living?
27 Apr 2010 1 Comment
in Baby & Child Health, Nursing Super Mommy, organic food Tags: green, holistic, moms, Organic, parenting
Did you answer yes to the above question? Then you might like this Organization.
The Holistic Moms Network is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. They encourage moms to trust their instincts, parent from the heart, use their innate sense of what is best for their children, live in balance with the Earth, and learn about the pros and cons of all healthcare and parenting options.
Living healthy and living green is not an endpoint, but an ongoing journey. No matter where you are on your parenting or holistic living journey, you are welcome at HMN! They are a diverse and open-minded community — a place where your choices are respected and where you can learn and become informed!
Many of us are new to this journey, others more experienced. Wherever you are, you can benefit from the wisdom, support, and resources that Holistic Moms have to offer!
Visit them at – http://www.holisticmoms.org/
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