Oregano Oil? What Do I Do with That?

OREGANO OIL, did I just fall off the Oregano Truck?  Why hadn't I heard about this wonder oil before?

Last summer a friend of mine told me about Oregano Oil and how it is an immune system strengthener and that it was also good for several other healthy benefits, skin, etc.  So, being who I am, I went home and looked it up immediately, started talking to other people who had used this fragrant oil as well and I began to comprise a list of the pros and cons.   Let's get started -


History:
Oregano Oil was used by Ancient Greeks, as well as some others. However, they were one of the first. The Greeks saw the medicinal value this oil had and how it affected their health.  It was used as an anti-fungal, pain reliever, anti-bacterial, an inflammation reducer and it was known to successfully fight infections, which I imagine with all their fighting, they needed a good natural remedy!

Hippocrates used Oregano as an Antiseptic, Respiratory Cure and Stomach Ailments. Hippocrates said "Let Food be thy Medicine and Let Medicine be thy Food".   I think they were onto something!!

This herb is closely related to the Marjoram herb and is also known as wild Marjoram. 

Pros:

Skin Issues -This oil helped to keep my Roseaca under control due to it's ability to knock out organisms that were hard at work causing flare ups. I used this topically as well as in my tea. Once again, 2 drops was sufficient. Always read the instructions on the bottle as some tinctures recommend mixing with an oil.  This works great as well for skin infections and itchy skin.

Digestive Issues - Destroys organisms that supply fuel for tummy troubles.  I used 2 drops in some warm water with lemon or with tea for a calm and properly digesting system. Oregano Oil contains large properties of Thymol and Carvacrol. These relax your digestive system.

Immune System - Strengthens your system and since it's working on your gut simultaneously, you are automatically improving your health. Your gut is the tell all of your health and your immune system. When your body is keeping mucous and your sinuses are feeling congested,  try Oregano Oil for 3-5 days and notice a breathing difference. Same for your lungs, feeling congested, a few drops in juice, tea, water, and voila! you should begin feeling better!

Cons:
Ladies! Oregano Oil has been said to reduce the bodies ability to absorb iron.  This caught my eye and immediately as many women are low in iron to begin with. So, if you are using this oil on a regular basis, you may want to take an iron supplement. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT USE OREGANO OIL.  BABIES NEED IRON!

Some people have allergies to Oregano, Mints, Basil, and Thyme.  These are all in the same family and may give you allergic reaction you didn't count on! So, avoid!!   You may want to avoid Marjoram too!

As with any herb, oil, supplement, if you are not sure if its right for you, talk to a Naturopath or Dr. and get another opinion.

SUGARS MANY NAMES

We all know sugar has a bad rap and for very good reasons.  Sugar depletes your body, raises risk of  diabetes, heart disease, contributes to obesity, asthma, mood disorders, sleep issues and the list goes on!  Of course no one forces us to eat sugar, and yet... we cannot stop, as if it were a drug and it's giving us our fix.

First off, I'd like you to aware that sugar is in most of the foods you consume on a daily basis.  Store bought Juices are loaded with sugar, your breads, pasta sauces and condiments all contain sugar.  These items usually contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) as well, but that's another post all together.

Being aware of what's in your food is a first step to controlling what you are putting into your body.  Sugar is labeled under a variety of names in your food.

The next time you're eating something you think is healthy, check to see if any of these sugar labels are part of your ingredients:


High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Fructose
Sucrose
Fruit Juice or Concentrate
Dextrose
Barley Malt
Glucose
Honey
Sorbitol
Mannitol
Anything with Syrup

and... these are not even all of them! 

Just remember, Sugar is not working with your body, but against it.

Take the Sugar Challenge for 7 days and see if you don't feel better after eliminating all sugars from your diet.  If you have headaches within the first few days, that's your body detoxing.  Drink extra water and eat extra green vegetables during this time.  Skip the coffee, switch to tea and skip the what?  You got it.. SUGAR!  


YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Another Reason to eat a Plant Based Diet

What are your risks from eating PORK?

Yes, we’ve all heard the frightening tales of tapeworms entering the brain, because of eating undercooked pork, so let’s add to that nightmare with this disturbing piece of information. According to Huffington Post, don’t worry about the tapeworms, but keep an eye out for their larvae, as they could be eating holes in your brain as we speak.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a fancy term for brain tapeworms, is the most common parasitic disease of the nervous system, Medscape reveals. Let’s break this down for you.
Brain tapeworms produce larvae that can latch themselves onto the cranium in the form of large white cysts. Now, larvae are used to traveling through a pig’s bloodstream and attaching to its muscles. So, in turn, if you eat undercooked pork you’re eating larvae. Sounds delicious right?
When the larvae enters a human it still thinks it’s inside a pig and as a result, “It flows through the bloodstream and gets stuck inside fluid-filled cavities in the brain, then latches on and masks itself from the immune system. These larvae can form vast networks on the brain and completely mangle its function if not treated,” Huffington Post explains.

Someone who comes in contact with such larvae can enter into a coma, lose motor functions, have violent seizures and even go blind.
According to Dr. Theodore Nash of Maryland, who spoke with Discover Magazine, more than 2,000 people in the United States have tapeworms, while 29 million (or more) may have them in Latin America.

Luckily, there is a cure called praziquantel. However, there are side effects such as brain swelling, along with problematic seizures. A full proof treatment is still in the works.
Are you ready for another “comforting” fact? Tapeworms can lay up to 50,000 eggs each in your intestine. To avoid such a nightmare, all you have to do is cook meat all the way through and wash your hands methodically. Here’s another tip. Just stop eating meat all together and you’ll have no worries of tapeworms and larvae.

To learn more, read the full article by Discover Magazine who recently wrote an expose

Source :http://www.ecorazzi.com/2012/05/19/if-you-ate-pork-tapeworm-larvae-could-be-eating-your-brain/

BLOSSOMING LOTUS - A Trip to Downtown Portland Oregon

One of my favorite new places is called the "Blossoming Lotus".  This Restaurant serves Vegan and Raw Food that any food lover would appreciate. The atmosphere is airy, yet intimate and is modern with a fresh and yet nostalgic feel. I truly get pangs of excitement when I know this will be my place of dining!

Their dishes are flavorful, colorful and truly nutritious.  Some of my favorite yummy dishes are the Garden Veggie Wrap made of pesto & white bean spread, carrot, tomato, cucumber, purple cabbage, romaine, micro greens (if available), and roasted garlic vinaigrette, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla; Smoked Maple Tempeh with romaine, tomato, micro greens (if available), and stone ground mustard, served warm with choice of whole wheat tortilla or whole grain bread. I personally like to add avocado to this one; Green Goddess Salad made with steamed greens, mixed greens, micro greens (if available), with avocado ranch and roasted garlic balsamic vinaigrette, topped with sesame seeds, served with a choice of brown rice or quinoa.  I personally switch off between the brown rice and quinoa, although I seem to be drawn to the quinoa more often than not.

Ok, quick nutritional lesson: 
Quinoa - Seed, not a grain.  Grown in the Andes of South America.  Eight Grams of Protien per serving.. Contains all 8 of the 8 amino acids and is loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Definitely not new, but is now considered in North America to be on the Superfood list. When prepared correctly, quinoa has a soft little pop in your mouth, can take on a nutty flavor or whatever the influence of your dish may be.
Tempeh - Highly fermented Whole SoyBean Product.  Loaded with protein, vitamins and dietary fiber. Has an earthy flavor, which in this case I would describe as meaty, nutty and almost mushroom like.  Tempeh's flavor will be influenced by the ingredients that are being used to prepare it.
Micro Greens - Micro, meaning small, is exactly what they are. Tiny little seeds that are grown from plant seeds like broccoli, beets and radishes to name a few. They range in color from purples to light greens and these little guys contain protien, calcium, vitamin A and are phytonutrient rich.  Phytonutrients contain disease preventing compounds. Micro greens can range from a bitter bite to mint, lavender, lime, peppery and spicy and several other flavors.

GRATITUDE, NOT ATTITUDE - Food For Your Soul

Gratitude not Attitude is really a philosophy that when practiced, reminds you that everything you need, you already have.  When you enjoy what you are surrounded by, you do not wish for more.  You delight in what is right in front of you.  You live in the moment and feel the joy of the people around you or perhaps you are a better friend, better human.

The best recipe for Gratitude, not Attitude is:
Stop right where you are
Breathe in all the positives
Appreciate the people in your life, past and present
Share your wisdom

Smile and be kind daily and remember your focus is being grateful

I like to begin my day with meditation.  I use the first 5-10 min. or so to focus on gratitude.  I do not wish for things I do not have, or didn't get or want but I cannot have them.  I focus on the love I do have, the people in my life who are blessings, my son, my dog, my home, and creature comforts that make my life easier. I focus on a mantra I created for myself, honoring loving, gratitude I feel.

It's not to say that I don't have heartaches or challenges or obstacles that need to be overcome, it's to say that I am not focusing on what I cannot change, however I am appreciating the positives, now. 

Each night before you go to sleep, write down a few things you were grateful for throughout your day.  It can be as simple as being in gratitude to the person who asked "How are you today" to you having the opportunity to open a door for someone.  Daily Kindnesses.  It can be your child's laugh or funny story, it can be a moment in nature that caught your eye and captured your heart.  The point is, reflect, feel and write.

Sincerely,
In Gratitude

Best Cantaloupe Smoothie

This morning I made the most refreshing Cantaloupe Smoothie!!

Check out my facebook page and get the recipe and benefits of fresh Cantaloupe!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Healthy-Life/234964589895351

It's truly a Mornings Delight! I am actually drinking it right now!!   

The benefits of eating this delicious melon, which is a part of the cucumber family, are truly amazing! Vitamin A & C, Beta Carotene, it's good for lungs, stress, skin and your cardiovascular system.

To make a wonderfully refreshing smoothie - pop these ingredients into your Vitamix or high powered blender:

1/2 Cantaloupe
1 Apple
1 banana
small handful of Spinach
Coconut Water - maybe a cup -- could be more...
Large handful of Ice

Blend and enjoy. Serve with a fresh piece of mint! ♥