If you don’t know much about HFCS, read this description from Wikipedia. The first paragraph tells you  most of what you need to know:

In the US, HFCS is among the sweeteners that have partially replaced sucrose (table sugar), due to governmental subsidies of U.S. corn and an import tariff on foreign sugar, raising the price of sucrose to levels above those of the rest of the world, making HFCS cost-efficient for many sweetener applications. Critics of the extensive use of HFCS in food sweetening argue that the highly processed substance is more harmful to humans than regular sugar, contributing to weight gain by affecting normal appetite functions, and that in some foods HFCS may be a source of mercury, a known neurotoxin. The Corn Refiners Association disputes these claims and maintain that HFCS is comparable to table sugar. Studies by The American Medical Association suggest “it appears unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose” but calls for further independent research on the subject. HFCS was classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1976. Over 85% of the corn syrup produced in the United States is a genetically modified product.

So, according to a standard source….. HFCS:
1. Is extremely refined
2. Causes more weight gain in humans than standard table sugar
3. Contains mercury (a neurotoxin)
4. Is over 85% genetically modified. Here (Science Fiction Horror Story) is a simple read about genetic modification

I’ve also noticed videos online talking about how fructose feeds cancers and causes WAY more growth (of that cancer) than glucose by itself. Video from CNN

AND I’ve seen commercials telling people that HFCS is just the same as table sugar.
Watch this commercial spoof, it contains more information!

So, uh…. do you try to avoid HFCS?

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When I married my man, I thought his mother and siblings sure did a lot of complaining about aches and pains and went to a doctor or chiropractor more than was necessary. But since finding out in the last couple years that their mother had Lyme for over 35 years and had passed it to 4 of her 6 children, I now understand why they seemed so unhealthy to me. One brother got especially bad after going through some real stressful situations and became bed ridden. After years of doctors, tests, surgeries, and traveling to clinics, he was diagnosed with chronic Lyme. The info was overwhelming to him, esp. with brain fog, so he came to our house for a couple weeks while I researched, cooked his special diet and just tried to help him understand the protocol and diet his Lyme Dr. put him on. His was a long hard road, but in about 18 months he was near 100%. This experience really sparked my interest and when I realized how huge and complicated the Lyme world is, I couldn’t resist the challenge of learning more.

Now that I understand a lot about Lyme, I’ve been able to help quite a few friends consider the fact that they may have Lyme and helped them find a diagnosis, hope, and healing. One friend, after moving to our community, was flat on her back with pain, fatigue, racing heart, and air hunger. She had some health issues previously, but the stress of the move really brought out the worse. After many tests she was diagnosed with several conditions and at the time I met her it was Epstein Barr Virus. After 10 minutes of hearing her story I encouraged her to get a Western Blot done at IGeneX Labs. She did indeed have Lyme and is now following a Lyme protocol under a Dr’s. care.

Here is some basic information about the disease:

First off, Lyme Disease is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease in America. Caught in its early stages, following a known tick bite, it is easy to treat. But when a person has no idea that they’ve contracted it and the bacteria is left to thrive in the body for years, it becomes a chronic condition that is VERY difficult to treat.

When one contracts Lyme (via ticks, mosquitos, mother to baby inutero or breastfeeding, sexually transmitted, and through many bodily fluids) the Lyme bacteria, a spirochete named Borrelia Burgdorferi, enters the bloodstream and, because of its spiral shape, can drill its way into tissue, muscle, and every organ including the brain. Thus it effects every and any area of the body and can manifest itself as a rheumatoid, musculoskeletal, or neurological disease. Because of this, a person infected with Lyme can and will experience a variety of health problems and after consulting Dr. after Dr. and test after test will only have their symptoms addressed while the spirochete is growing and multiplying inside them. And along with Bb (Borrelia Burgdorferi) come many vector-borne co-infections, Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia. They each carry their own set of pathogens which add to the complexity of the disease and treatment needed.The symptoms of Lyme disease are too many for me to type out, so here is a link to a fairly exhaustive list: Symptoms of Lyme

If you or someone you know has nagging health issues and have been through a myriad of tests and Dr. visits, have unexplainable pain, fatigue, or have a nagging feeling that something isn’t right in spite of the many positive health changes you’ve made, I think its time to consider the possibility of Lyme. It is truly the fastest growing epidemic in the nation. For every three people who have Lyme, there is an expected one more with a maximum possibility of two more and and expected increase of at least 80,000 Lyme disease cases per year and up to a maximum increase of 160,00 per year by the year 2012.

Getting accurate test results is also very difficult because the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has established such rigid criteria for standard testing. So, if you’ve been tested for Lyme through your Doctor’s office using an ELISA screening test and it was negative, that doesn’t mean you don’t have Lyme disease. Only a few medical professionals understand the complex pathogenesis of Lyme disease because this information is not taught in medical schools, conferences or seminars. This makes it difficult to recognize, diagnose, and treat. The best way to be properly diagnosed is clinically, by a LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Dr.) or a holistic/natural Dr. who is familiar with Lyme. There are a couple labs that specialize in Lyme testing that have a good percentage of accurate results: Igenex and Central Florida Research.

If you discover that you have Lyme you’ll want to begin treatment as soon as possible. There are many different opinions and protocols out there for curing Lyme and the best place to start is with education. Read, read, and read some more. Here are some good books to start with:
The Top Ten Lyme Disease Treatments
Cure Unknown
The Lyme Diet

And you can also find Lyme forums or contact someone you may know of who has suffered from Lyme and find out what works for others.

Because of the spirochete’s ability to morph into 3 different and hard-to-treat forms, due to the complexity of co-infections, and because everyone is different depending on their health and lifestyle before and since contracting the disease, you will need to experiment and find the best treatment plan for you. A Doctor who is experienced in this is the best route to go, IMO. You can search for Dr. referrals in your area here at the Lyme Disease Association: In left side bar under “Resources” click on “Doctor Referral”.

Many of us don’t want to hear the idea that we may have a DISEASE. We, or our Doctor, want to address our health issues for what they are- inflammation, leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems, depression, pain- and treat them through meds, diet, detox, and/or supplements. And we will experience some relief and healing so we think we’ve found the answers. What we don’t realize, until we really understand Lyme disease, is that all these conditions have been brought on BY Lyme. And if we don’t KILL the Lyme bacteria, Borelliosis, we will fight those maladies forever and never really attain healing.

- Brenda

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I’ve been sitting around, wondering what to post about and the only thing that comes to my mind is: I want to go swimming.
So, that’s what I’ll write about. Swimming was my sport! From the age of 5 or 6 I was on the summer Country Club swim team and I still remember the 2 or 3 blue ribbons hanging on my wall. By the time I was 8 – I was swimming year round and competing at the Junior Olympics (called the J.O.’s) and getting into the finals. Super fun! I heavily competed through about age 13 or 14 – at which age it’s hard to be almost naked around peers. And once you are at that level you need to practice before school and after school…. and smell like chlorine all the time.

So – I decided it would be more fun to make money using swimming skills rather than racing other girls my age (and to be honest, I’ve never had much of a competitive drive. stubborn drive: yes, compete to win: no). I then got my lifeguard and swimming lesson certifications and started working. It’s the only real way I’ve made money so far – besides scholarships and working with my husband in our business. I lifeguarded, taught private lessons, taught million kid swimming lessons camps, adult classes, baby classes, water aerobics, and coached swim teams. I really like the pool! I can’t wait till my kids are grown up enough not to possibly drown, so I can have a big pool in my yard.

Did you know that drowning is second only to car accidents for children’s accidental death? I know of at least 3 families that have either lost little ones or had major brain damage because of almost drowning – and most of the time the child drowning is within 25 yards of other people? Here’s a very interesting article about recognizing the signs of drowning – the signs aren’t what is shown in the movies: Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

But, the reason swimming is so heavy on my mind is because I’ve started swimming again for exercise! It’s short lived because we will soon be away from the free babysitters who actually want to sit by the pool or pond and watch me and my bigger kids swim while holding my baby (these strange creatures are also known as grandparents). I’ve been going 3-4 times a week and been able to swim laps, jog in the water, tread water, and throw kids around in the pool. All good exercise! And I’ve noticed some weight loss and muscle toning once I added in the on purpose work out. So, if you need any sort of encouragement to get out there and swim (who cares if you have to redo your hair – just don’t do it that morning), read this article from Web MD – Swimming Is For Everyone Hope you are having as much fun as I am this summer!

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• Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation. The LEADING cause! I could not believe it! Everyone thinks that because iodine was added to the salt – that we are okay. But even in developed countries there is a serious problem of Iodine Deficiency.
• There is a correlation between Iodine Deficiency and Breast Cancer – And Iodine Deficiency and Hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland and breast tissues actually hold Iodine (and use them).  Here is an interesting article by Dr. Howenstein, MD, called Iodine Is Vital For Good Health
• Iodine is put into animal feed as a supplement.
• There are A LOT of different types of Iodine….. Iodine – 131, Iodine 124, Iodine, 129, etc. Some are used to enhance our health and some are used as Radiation Treatments to destroy cancers. For a chemistry lesson read more at Wikipedia.
• There is some evidence that the fluoride we encounter in our water system and toothpaste prevents proper absorption and use of the Iodine we need. This is complicated to me, as the two Chemical Elements are similar and can be combined (I GUESS??). I didn’t take high level chemistry. Can you tell?
• Iodine shouldn’t be added just because or recklessly. As in any food element – it’s best in a whole food source so the body can process it correctly. This article from  Natural News recommends taking Kelp (it’s a whole food) to regulate your Iodine levels. They claim that taking Kelp can help a too skinny person gain weight and an obese person loose weight (again, linking thyroid function to proper Iodine absorption).
• There is an opposing view point that says too much Iodine messes with the thyroid and makes it not work properly. I’m really not sure about the evidence, but I’ll post the links so you can have the information yourself:                                                                            Jillian Michaels, Master Your Metabolism
  it says on pg 220: ”Don’t supplement with iodine. Many “holistic” nutrition websites recommend that you take supplemental iodine or kelp to support your thyroid. Don’t. The average American diet has plenty of iodine-and when the thyroid gland senses high levels of iodine in the blood, it will release even less thyroid hormone.”
  The New England Journal of Medicine article published new research from China that looks at the relationship between iodine intake and thyroid disease. Reporting in the June 29, 2006 issue, the researchers concluded that “more than adequate or excessive iodine intake may lead to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.”

I personally take Iodine as a supplement in Kelp form. I think I need it because I have a family history of hypothyroidism and have personally experienced pregnancy induced thyroiditis.

So, there ya go! I recommend everyone know there thyroid functioning levels (You can get a blood test from your doctor) AND make sure you are consuming enough whole foods that are high in Iodine. It sure helps me!

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My husband and I are in the final stages of production for our second DVD with Bulk Herb Store – actually it is already at the “presses”. Making Herbs Simple  II is a fabulous addition for anyone’s herbal collection, especially beginners. It’s funny, but everyone time I watch it, whether to edit, spell check, or some other project – I learn something and am inspired all over again!

I’ve uploaded two excerpts from the video for you to see – and really excited about it.

Herbal Art Project – Excerpt from “Making Herbs Simple: Volume 2 (HD)

Poison Ivy Remedy – Excerpt from “Making Herbs Simple: Volume 2 (HD)

It really was a fun project to work on, I remember shooting the Mullein Steam segment and the sun being so incredibly bright and then my husband added a light reflector, which only makes it more bright! My eyes were tearing and I could hardly open them. All while he is impatiently saying “No, you can’t wear sunglasses in a video…..if you can’t do it that’s fine, we’ll just get someone else.” Have you ever worked with or for your husband before? Do you notice how it doesn’t quite mesh when he treats you like a minimum wage worker? Well – it only fired me up, thinking “If someone else could do it, then I’m definitely going to have to do it, even if my eye makeup is totally smudged.”

But, seriously this is a great DVD because it incorporates herbs into our daily life; like cooking, the perfect brew for women, making salves, homemade cards, what herbs you can find in your yard. Oh – and I forgot the extras of the video – they are absolutely hilarious. At one point the ladies on camera (Debi and Shoshanna) did not know we were rolling and we just let them go at it – so so so funny! Can’t wait for everyone to see it.

Coming Soon!

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Even so – it describes our last two weeks. Living on the outskirts of Nashville, we were hit by the torrential rains and flooding. Since we (used) to live on the banks of Cane Creek we knew we had a chance of flooding. One year ago – exactly – a “100 Year Flood” hit and our house had about 4 inches of water come into it. We were not living there at the time – but at least we knew our house had the propensity to flood. Many in the area had no idea.

So, when the rains began and the creek started to rise my husband wisely removed us and our vehicles from the property (our house is a lot higher than where we park the vehicles). After we were settled into an out of town friend’s home (on a hill!) he went back and lifted everything off the floor and carried many things to the upstairs office. All the while thinking “Well, it probably won’t flood into the house, but just in case.”

The next day when he went to check on everything – but on the way stopping to rescue several families – he saw 6.5 feet of water in our downstairs!! He literally boated to our place and saw our couch floating in the living room.
After helping many others – and after the waters receded we were left with mud mud mud! I used to think of flooding as just water, clean water even, but flooding usually involves about 3 inches of muddy slime on everything also.

Just so you aren’t too worried about us, I’ll let you know that so so so many people have been incredibly generous with the their time and resources and we really are okay! We are staying with family in South Carolina and our place was cleaned out and whatever could be was salvaged. Since it was a rental we don’t have the issues of replacing and repairing the structure.

So, what is in the flood water besides mud? Mostly poo! Septic systems overwhelm and break, the cow field next to us was cleaned off, and the waters running from the cave (think bats) was also freshly scrubbed. That is a lot of poo – and a lot of bacteria – and a lot of other human made products that spill and shouldn’t become mixed with water that goes and touches everything and everyone. While our little kids were not at the clean-up for very long, it’s hard to keep their hands out of their mouth – or even clean them with no running water and the soap covered in sludge.

That gets to where charcoal helped us out big time!
So, onto the day when we were leaving to drive to SC. My almost five year old daughter began throwing up, and throwing up, and throwing up. This is my kiddo that uses her digestive system to eliminate! Anytime she is exposed to something her system doesn’t like – her gut gets rid of it. If a stomach virus, or bad food comes her way – we know it because she throws it all up. It’s a good method! And what a lot of bodies should do, rather than writhing in pain for days.

Even though we knew she’d be okay within 24 hours or so, we couldn’t drive like that, but didn’t really have anywhere else convenient to go. So, my friend mixed up activated charcoal in applesauce. My daughter was completely cured within 10 minutes. Completely. Going from puking and diarrhea every 10-20 minutes to begging to go outside and play is a HUGE improvement.

So, how does Activated Charcoal work?

Mayo Clinic says this:
Activated charcoal is used in the emergency treatment of certain kinds of poisoning. It helps prevent the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body. Sometimes, several doses of activated charcoal are needed to treat severe poisoning. Ordinarily, this medicine is not effective and should not be used in poisoning if corrosive agents such as alkalis (lye) and strong acids, iron, boric acid, lithium, petroleum products (e.g., cleaning fluid, coal oil, fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner), or alcohols have been swallowed, since it will not prevent these poisons from being absorbed into the body.

Bulk Herb Store says this:
This powerful substance has been used as an effective anti-poison remedy for centuries. It works as an adsorbent of toxins in the digestive system, relieves gases, can eliminate fungi, viruses and bacteria, and may promote recovery from food poisoning. Preliminary research shows that regular high dosages may lower cholesterol and fat levels.

And I believe them both! Activated Charcoal proves in our nasty flood water case to be extremely effective in absorbing whatever toxic substance my daughter came into contact with. And what a blessing to NOT have to drive 10 hours with a sick child. I assume that activated charcoal would not have worked if the throwing up was caused by a true stomach virus, even so, I’ll try it again next time!

Thank you Activated Charcoal! I have found a new emergency remedy.

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Better late than never…. this is what I used in strong teas (mixed with honey for taste):
-Red Clover, which is known for it’s anti-coughing agents (was the choice herb for Pertussis), and because my kind neighbor brought it over for me.
- Double E Immune Booster Tea
- Extra Elderberry
- Extra Echinacea

Non-Herbal Tea Actions:
The BEST cough syrup
Vitamin C (pill form)
No sugar/ Corn Syrup (it decreases your body’s capability to fight disease)
No processed foods
Lots of fluids (water & tea)

The cough didn’t go away immediately (I should have started treatment at first sign), but it did decrease and in a few days was gone!
Others, who had the same virus, eventually developed Bronchitis or had a cough that lasted 3-4 weeks-Terrible!

You really can avoid many illnesses through the use of high quality foods (including herbs)….. and I am thankful that we have access to the knowledge and the herbs all around us available for use – Red Clover, Elderberry & Echinacea all grow within walking distance to my front door.

ABC Herbal is one of my favorite books to get you started in taking care of your family- naturally.

This post is linked over at HeavenlyHomemakers (a blog I enjoy) for Gratituesday!

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A little less than four years ago I was home from a sadly typical hospital birth experience, tired, sore and having a *lot* of trouble nursing my precious newborn girl. After a few helpful phone calls with a lactation consultant, she recommended  the herbs Blessed Thistle, Fennel, and Alfalfa to increase my milk supply. I thought to myself “What!? She is not recommending an FDA approved drug to help me? This probably won’t work…..” 

But, I decided to try it and the herbs DID help! I was able feed my baby without both of us ending up in tears at the end of the nursing session. At that moment I became a true believer in herbs! it’s amazing how one comment can turn your life upside down, for after that experience my husband and I began to see all the resources God gave us through His wonderful creation!

Just the other day I took some photos of 3 “weeds” in our yard that are edible and healthy. Oh- I could go on and on about our quest of researching and successes we’ve had with whole foods, natural birth, baking, gardening, animal husbandry…. but wait, this is a post about herbs  

There are hundreds of herbs, many right in your yard, that are useful for nutrition and healing. But after some careful consideration I decided that if I HAD to limit my herb cabinet to 5 items Echinacea, fresh Garlic, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Elderberries, and Red Raspberry Leaf would be the keepers. Here’s why:

Echinacea

Recent research has shown that Echinacea boost T-cell production (or your “disease fighter” cells), it also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Surprisingly enough, you have probably seen this herb in your neighbor’s flower garden, people call it Purple Cone Flower. It tall, beautiful, and considered the King of Herbs!

I use this herb in teas, tinctures, and salves. And I truly notice a difference in the length and severity of illness – The more echinacea I take, the less the virulent the virus is, it’s amazing! My favorite way to take echinacea is mixed with peppermint, rosehips, elderberry and ginseng- THAT is a super immune tea!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Sprinkled in the shower, the steamy scent of Eucalyptus opens plugged nasal passages and airways, helping my kids (and me) breathe better whenever they get stuffy. For sore throats and colds, I drop a few drops on a washcloth and place it near the (sometimes loud) breather.

Eucalyptus oil is also known to kill the bad bacteria in our throat and lungs. What could be better- Kills the bad stuff, opens the passages, and soothes the throat. Definitely a keeper!

Warning! Eucalyptus oil can burn the skin, so keep it out of reach of the kiddos.

Elderberry

If you live anywhere near creeks, you have seen the Elder Tree! It’s small and shrubby with stems that have wart-like bumps. It ranges from 5-12 feet in height and blooms a white flower from about June to July. These blooms mature into a purplish black berry- that is Elderberry and the part of the tree you want to use (the roots, bark, and leaves are toxic).

Elderberries have been known throughout the ages as THE flu herb. You may even recognize the natural flu medication Sambucol, that is Elderberry syrup.
I most often use Elderberry in teas or syrups, and it tastes great! We’ll take a swig of a yummy Elderberry syrup anytime I know we’ve been exposed to a nasty cold or flu bug, and I think it works great!

You can make your own syrups or tinctures, or buy it. Here is a brand I’ve used with great success, and my kids really like it!

Red Raspberry Leaf

If there ever was an herb made perfectly for women- it’s Red Raspberry!

It’s use is known to:
-Strengthen and tone the wall of the uterus and entire female reproductive system.
- Decrease profuse menstrual flow.
Alleviates morning sickness and nausea.
Prevent hemorrhaging during labor (by strengthening uterus).
Assist labor, and relieve after pains. Increases and enriches milk for lactation.

Red Raspberry Leaf is also full of vitamins! Calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C- just to name a few. I drink a cold mixture of Red Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Peppermint, and Alfafa daily. I absolutely love it!

Garlic

You know the smelly root, but did you know it’s the ultimate natural healer? Currently, it’s being studied because scientists have found out it’s one of the only things that kills the dreaded Staph infections.

Properties: Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antifungal, anthelmintic, immune-stimulating, hypotensive, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic. Whoa! 

It’s Active against: Tuberculosis, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Proteus mirabilis, influenza, and many many more. 

Uses: We use garlic anytime we start feeling run down….. you know how the beginning of a cold or virus feels! 

Eating it: I’ll chop up a clove into tiny pieces and just swallow it like a large vitamin. However, everyone else in the house prefers it on a spoonful of honey followed up by a swig of water. Come to think of it- I bet it decreases disease transmission simultaneous because people don’t want to get too close to the stinky family- HAHA! 

Poultices: Just like everything else, garlic soaks into your skin and gets into your bloodstream. To make a poultice, break off two or three large cloves and lay them on your counter. Get some hot water together, and place the cloves on a clean cloth. Smack the garlic cloves with the bottom of a heavy glass a few times till you can see the juices coming out- and you get hungry for homemade lasagna! Now fold the cloth over and pour warm/hot (but not boiling) water over it. Let it sit for a few seconds then squeeze out the excess water. Place the warm (not hot) poultice on the chest, the back, and the soles of the feet (rotate) for about a minute each. You can do this several times a day. This also works well for babies who won’t swallow fresh garlic.

Garlic Oil for earaches: Slightly warm a few tablespoons of olive oil with crushed (fresh) garlic in it. Let it sit a few minutes then thoroughly strain out all of the garlic. Now use as standard ear drops (make sure it is not hot!). You can also use a garlic poultice over or behind the ear for suspected mild infections. 

Warning: it can burn the skin, don’t leave on directly on skin for more than a minute or two. 

Important note: To utilize all the medicinal qualities of garlic it must be used within 15 minutes of the clove being crushed. chopped, or bruised. After that, the Allicin loses 90% or so of its effectiveness…. So sorry, you’ve got to remake that garlic oil and poultice each time.

Now it’s your turn! Comment and tell me the herbs you use most often!

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www.simplykristen.com/audio/OrganicDoesItMatter.mp3

You’ve heard, “You are what you eat”, so listen and find out what you’re made of!

Rebekah Anast, owner of a health forum, tells us all about what the food labels really mean. She answers: What does Genetic Modification, Organic, Natural, Free Range, MSG, and Hormone Free mean and how does it affect our bodies? Also, what to do if you can’t afford standard grocery store Organic prices.

I learned a lot while interviewing Rebekah, and I think you will too!

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Three Herbal Healers
Have you ever started researching something new, bought a bunch of supplies just sure it would work out just right, then be disappointed and feel like you spent money carelessly? Well, if you haven’t – I know I have a few too many times!

Herbs, just like any hobby or new research area, can be a waste of money in the beginning if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why I’m going to share three Herbal Healers that cost next to nothing and you’ll find easy success with- I know I have!

Two of the three Herbal Healers can be found at most large grocery stores, and one right in your yard! They are: Aloe Vera, Plantain, and Garlic!!

Aloe Vera

My grandmother always had a few aloe plants around the property and whenever I got bit by a fire ant we’d quickly cut off a piece of aloe, open it up and rub the juices on my bites. Almost instantly the itching was better and I knew the healing process was started. That’s because aloe contains a pain relieving agent and is a contact healer!

Aloe vera is also used for burns, sores, circulation improvement, and expulsion of pinworms! Gross- but it’s true. Many people drink Aloe vera juice (you can find it at your Health food store), because it is anti-parasitic, promotes internal healing, and sometimes used in the treatment of diabetes and other auto-immune disorders. Aloe vera is truly one of the great healers. Go try it for yourself- it’s so easy!

Plantain

Unless you live in Antarctica, you have plantain growing close to you. Plantago lanceolata is one of the most common weeds that people complain about- Oh! If they only knew the healing powers of this little plant!

Plantain is THE first rate “First Aid” plant that is thankfully close at hand. A few fresh leaves chewed or crushed can be immediately applied to any wound to help stop bleeding, reduce the pain, remove the inflammation of stings, and relieve itching from rashes or bites.

Plantain is one of my three year olds favorite things to find. A few times she has been bit by a bug and we immediately found some plantain. I chewed it up (just like any good Mom) and slapped in on her bite. A few seconds later she’ll tell me “Momma! It doesn’t hurt anymore!” Just make sure the plantain you are chewing or using hasn’t been visited by the dogs or the herbicide sprayers first

Click here to watch a video of me making a Poison Ivy Rash Remedy using plantain and aloe vera gel.

Note: There are a lot of weeds that can look like plantain. Study some close-up images before you start using it.

Garlic

You know the smelly root, but did you know it’s also nature’s antibiotic? Currently, it’s being studied because scientists have found it’s one of the only things that kills the dreaded Staph infections.

Properties: Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antifungal, anthelmintic, immune-stimulating, hypotensive, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic. Whoa!

It’s Active against: Tuberculosis, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Proteus mirabilis, influenza, and many many more.

Uses: We use garlic anytime we start feeling run down….. you know how the beginning of a cold or virus feels!

Eating it: I’ll chop up a clove into tiny pieces and just swallow it like a large vitamin. However, everyone else in the house prefers it on a spoonful of honey followed up by a swig of water. Come to think of it- I bet it decreases disease transmission simultaneous because people don’t want to get too close to the stinky family- HAHA!

Poultices: Just like everything else, garlic soaks into your skin and gets into your bloodstream. To make a poultice, break off two or three large cloves and lay them on your counter. Get some hot water together, and place the cloves on a clean cloth. Smack the garlic cloves with the bottom of a heavy glass a few times till you can see the juices coming out. Now fold the cloth over and pour warm/hot (but not boiling) water over it. Let it sit for a few seconds then squeeze out the excess water. Place the warm (not hot) poultice on the chest, the back, and the soles of the feet (rotate) for about a minute each. You can do this several times a day. This also works well for babies who won’t swallow fresh garlic.

Garlic Oil for earaches: Slightly warm a few tablespoons of olive oil with crushed (fresh) garlic in it. Let it sit a few minutes then thoroughly strain out all of the garlic. Now use as standard ear drops (make sure it is not hot!). You can also use a garlic poultice over or behind the ear for suspected mild infections.

Warning: it can burn the skin, don’t leave directly on skin for more than a minute or two.

Important note: To utilize all the medicinal qualities of garlic it must be used within 15 minutes of the clove being crushed. chopped, or bruised. After that, the Allicin loses 90% or so of its effectiveness…. So sorry, you’ve got to remake that garlic oil and poultice each time.

That’s the Three Easy Herb lesson for the day! I don’t know all the answers, but I can find the people that do! You can follow my videos, audio podcasts, and herbal, homesteading, and natural health adventures here, so keep checking in with me. Tomorrow I’m posting about my Five Favorite Herbs!

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