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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Old Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Old Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies / une gamine dans la cuisine























makes about 25-30 cookies

Ingredients
1 3/4 cup unbleached flour
3/4 teaspoon baking Soda
1/2 cup Fat Free Vanilla Chobani Yogurt
3/4 cup Reduced Fat creamy peanut butter
1 1/4 cup tightly packed, light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons Fat Free milk 
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 large, room temperature, egg
1/2 to whole bag milk chocolate chips
1/4 to 1/2 cup oats

Method
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour & baking soda.  Set aside.
 
In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the yogurt, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat on med-high speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg and beat for about 30 seconds - until just incorporated. Add the flour mixture, chocolate chips, & oatmeal and beat on low speed until just combined.
 
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. {Note: I let mine chill for 6 hours.}
 
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
 
Using a small cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them onto the prepared sheets, allowing about 2-inches of space between each cookie. {Note: Each of my cookies weighed approximately .23 grams.} Slightly flatten each ball of dough with the tines of a lightly-floured fork, creating a crisscross pattern.

Bake for 7-8 minutes - do not exceed 9 minutes. The tops should look underdone - they will firm up as the cookies cool. {My cookies were Perfect after only 7 minutes.} Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to rest for about 10 minutes before removing transferring to a cooling rack.
 

Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds

Crock Pot Cinnamon Almonds

Great holiday gift idea! 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp. Cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 Egg White
2 tsp. vanilla
3 Cups Almonds
1/4 C. Water

Directions: 
In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until it’s a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure the almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add cinnamon mixture to the almonds and toss until coated.

Thoroughly spray with the stoneware of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and add the mixture of almonds and sugars.

Cook on low ( with the lid on) 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. In the last hour, add the 1/4 C. of water and stir well. This ensures a crunchy yummy coating. (*make sure after you’ve added the water that you continue to cook the nuts for another 45 minutes to an hour.)

You have to stir really well, especially as it gets later in the cooking process.

Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread the almonds flat to cool. The almonds will be sticky at this point, so make sure you separate them a little and have no large mounds.

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 Ingredients:

 1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp. Cinnamon
  1 Egg White
2 tsp. Vanilla
3 Cups Almonds
1/4 C. Water

Directions:
In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, & cinnamon. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until it’s a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure the almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add cinnamon mixture to the almonds and toss until coated.

Thoroughly spray with the stoneware of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and add the mixture of almonds and sugars.

Cook on low ( with the lid on) 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes. In the last hour, add the 1/4 C. of water and stir well. This ensures a crunchy yummy coating. (*make sure after you’ve added the water that you continue to cook the nuts for another 45 minutes to an hour.)

You have to stir really well, especially as it gets later in the cooking process.

Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread the almonds flat to cool. The almonds will be sticky at this point, so make sure you separate them a little and have no large mounds.
 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Top Medicinal Herbs Listing - Most Popular Herbs



                  
Common NameBotanical NameOther Names
Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera
Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
Apple Apple Malus domestica Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar
Fruit Tree : In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Apple cider vinegar can even lower cholesterol ...
Bitter Melon Bitter Melon Momordica charantia balsam pear, bitter gourd
Gourd : The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances...
Black Seed oil Black Seed oil Nigella sativa Kalonjii, Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flower
Annual Herb : Black cumin seed oil is used as a healthy dietary supplement. Black seed oil contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in a unique cell structure. Native to Western Asia, black seed oil has long been valued for it's health benefits...
California Poppy California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Gold Poppy
Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids...
Catuaba Catuaba Erythroxylum catuaba caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba
tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen male stamina...
Cinnamon Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar...
Coconut oil Coconut oil Cocos nucifera
Tropical tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs...
Comfrey Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Perennial Herb : Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns and just about any skin irritation...
Dandelion Root Dandelion Root Taraxacum officinale Priest's crown, Swine's Snout
Perennial Herb : Dandelion root is high in many micro-nutrients including potassium. Dandelion supports the liver and improves digestion and helps to flush toxins from the body...
Devil's Claw Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens grapple plant, wood spider
Perennial vine : Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility ...
Epimedium Epimedium Epimedium grandiflorum horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo
Perennial Herb : Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac...
Garlic Garlic Allium sativum Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang
Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections...
Ginger Root Ginger Root Zingiber officinale Luyang Dilaw
Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger root combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes...
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba L.
Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines and ginkoglides, which inhibit a chemical involved in asthma and allergies. Ginkgo helps to restore better blood flow to the brain, which ...
Ginseng root Ginseng root Panax ginseng Ren-shen, X-yang-shen, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng
Herbaceous perennial : Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic ...
Hemp Oil Hemp Oil Cannabis sativa marijuana, pot, gunja, weed
Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves ...
Hops Hops Humulus Lupulus Hops
Perennial vine : Aged hops are sedatives, fresh hops provide bitters that stimulate digestion; these bitters are also found in the aged herb...
Passion Flower Passion Flower Passiflora incarnata
Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs...
Pomegranate Pomegranate Punica granatum
Fruit : Pomegranates and pomegranate juices are touted for their heart protective antioxidants today, but ancient Egyptians loved them for their ability to kill tapeworms and other parasites ...
Rosemary Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
Saffron threads Saffron threads Crocus sativus
crocus : Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. Saffron has been used to reduce fever, to regulate the menstrual cycle, to combat epilepsy and convulsions and to treat digestive disorders. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile ...
Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Nettle, Common Nettle
herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
Wormwood Wormwood Artemisia absinthium L.
Perennial Herb : Wormwood is used today mainly as a bitter tonic, and in natural pest control. As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, ...




http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Herb Gardens

  1. Garlic: Garlic is one of the most amazing plant foods ever. It is actually among the remedies studied in pharmacology classes. Here are some of its benefits: antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral, antioxidant, immune stimulant, anti-parasitic, anti-vampiric (OK, I just thought that would be funny to throw in), anti-inflammatory and lowers cholesterol. You can take this as a supplement, but I prefer to use things in their natural state because they are just so yummy. My daughter and I eat garlic-gone-wild (pickled garlic cloves) right out of the jar with crackers.
  2. Turmeric: This spice supports healthy joint function, gives you radiant skin, improves digestion, helps maintain healthy bones and joints, maintains healthy cholesterol levels, promotes healthy blood and liver functions and gives immune system support. Turmeric is a component of curry powder, which is another way to work it into your diet. I like drinking an infusion of turmeric when I'm not feeling well. Warms me from the inside out.
  3. Thyme: Thyme is very aromatic and is a great antiseptic. It is also great for respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis. The aroma is reputed to increase memory function as well. Thyme lends itself well to many types of foods: stews, soups, meat dishes and salads.
  4. Lavender: One of my favorite herbs because of its delicious smell. I spray a little lavender water on my pillow at night to sleep better. Lavender is also an antioxidant. This can be used in aromatherapy, an infusion to drink, or throw them in some scones. It also helps prevent bloating.
  5. Basil: This little dynamo can calm your nerves, detox your liver, great source of fiber and if you boil a little and strain, you can spritz on your face to clear up blemishes. I have given this little remedy to people with severe acne and it works great. It's also an anti-inflammatory. Use basil in your spaghetti sauces or drink as an infusion.
  6. Cilantro: Helps purify your body of heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, by drawing them out of your tissues. It's also a great source of fiber and iron. Cilantro lends itself naturally to Indian and Mexican cuisine.
  7. Sage: Has antiseptic and antioxidant, fights fatigue, improves memory, and helps reduce anxiety. A cup of sage tea helps reduce muscle aches and pains that often accompany the flu.
  8. Parsley: Packed with vitamins A, C and K (for healthy blood) and a great breath freshener.
  9. Cinnamon: This reduces blood sugar, so it's great for diabetics. Also anti-viral and anti-microbial benefits. Sprinkle it on your oatmeal (which also lowers cholesterol) in the morning and get a double whammy. Cinnamon helps with menstrual cramps (add some to your warm tea) and can reduce arthritic pain.
  10. Cayenne: As an anti-irritant, cayenne has the ability to ease an upset stomach, ulcer (seems contradictory, but it's true), sore throat, spasmodic and irritating cough, and diarrhea. It is also an anti-cold and flu, anti-fungal, and can prevent migraines. Cayenne is an anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid (stimulates the digestive tract, increasing flow of enzymes), relieves intestinal gas, detox support, joint pain reliever, antibacterial and mixed with a little unscented lotion, can relieve sore muscles.


http://familyshare.com/herb-gardens-a-good-way-to-teach-children-about-natural-remedies

Friday, July 19, 2013

Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls















Photo by Rumsey Liebes

1  8 ounce Fat Free Cream Cheese
1  Pound Powdered Sugar
2  Teaspoons Vanilla
1/2 Cup Fat Free Vanilla Chobani Yogurt

Mix all ingredients in electric mixer.  Use Fat Free milk to dilute if to thick. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake



Photo Credit: peacockcoffeehouse
Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 40 squares of graham crackers (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine (melted)

  • Mix above ingredients. Press into top and sides of 9 x 13' cooking sprayed pan. Reserve 1/2 cup for top.
Filling:
  • 10 1/2 oz. large marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
  • 3/4 cup Fat Free milk
  • 2 - 8-oz. packages of cream cheese (Fat Free)
  • 12-oz. Container of fat-free Cool Whip

  • Melt marshmallows and milk over low heat. Beat cream cheese; add marshmallow mixture. Cool. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread into crust and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set.
http://justlovefoods.blogspot.com/2013/05/marshmallow-whip-cheesecake.html

Friday, July 12, 2013

Histamine and Cough

So to help with the fullness in my ear and the dizziness I experience from Meniere's Disease, I have tried 3 different drugs.  The first was a diuretic.  It made me more dizzy, and I had several other side effects with it.  The second was some drug that dialated the blood vessels, it was like a blood thinner.  It gave me weakness, weird vision, headache, and a number of other bad symptoms.  This third drug they have tried is a liquid histamine.  It causes this cronic dry cough.  At night I cough all night to the point of near vomiting.  During the day I cough up green chunks.  My head feels a bit congested too.  I am the only one out of five in my family with the cough.  When researching I found that histamine can cause this type of uncomfortable cough.  So I guess this med is not going to work for me either.  There isn't much more that the doctors can do except to inject into my eardrum this Gentamicin.  This is supposed to do something to help the balance problems.  Kinda scares me to be honest.  So today I stop the histamine, and go back to being dizzy again, until I can decide what to do, or get brave enough to have a needle stuck in my ear drum.  Just can't keep coughing like this.

Update:  I took two or three days off of the histamine, then I took one dose of it at night.  I woke this morning with a dry and scratchy throat.  I think I'll skip today or tonight, and try a dose of it tomorrow night, if my throat feels fine, and I'm not coughing.  I do feel less dizzy from this medicine, but it certainly is not worth the awful cough, and the crud that I cough up.  Hoping to find a happy medium with this medicine.  I want to try some essential oils that are supposed to help, but they are really expensive!  

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Oatmeal Cream Pies
















Photo by Rumsey Liebes

1/2 Cup Fat Free Vanilla Chobani Yogurt
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
1 Cup White Sugar
1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Cups Unbleached Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
3 Cups Quick Cooking Oats

Cream Yogurt, Applesauce, White and Brown Sugars together.  Beat in Eggs, then vanilla.  Add Cinnamon, Baking Soda, and Flour to Creamed mixture.  Mix in Oats.  Cover and chill in fridge for at least an hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Cooking Spray cookie sheet.  Spoon dough onto cookie sheet.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.  Cool on cooking rack.

Cream:  Any frosting or Fat Free Cool Whip works.  I prefer Cream Cheese Frosting.
  

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/soft-oatmeal-cookies/

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Crayons Burn

If you ever get stuck in a blackout without candles or a flashlight ...

30 minutes might be stretching it, but a regular sized crayon will easily burn for more than 15 minutes. The paraffin used in crayons is very flammable, but slow burning. Handy to know!
If you ever get stuck in a blackout without candles or a flashlight ...

30 minutes might be stretching it, but a regular sized crayon will easily burn for more than 15 minutes. The paraffin used in crayons is very flammable, but slow burning. Handy to know!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Vestibular Meniere's

I do have Vestibular Meniere's.  It has caused some very uncomfortable days.  That is why I am posting about it.  I am trying to find some essential oils, or something besides all the weird meds they keep trying me on. 

Meniere's Disease

 



Meniere's Disease is not fun. Not fun at all. If you or someone you know has this condition, you have my sympathy.

My husband’s aunt had Meniere's, but no one really understood it. She always seemed to be having “one of those days”. At family reunions, if she did come, she preferred to eat alone in the kitchen rather than with everyone else. She stopped working, stopped being her normal vivacious and outgoing self. And no sympathy or understanding from anyone that I could see.

No, it’s not fun at all. If you have Meniere's, is this all you can expect? Or is there some hope?

What is Meniere's Disease?



Meniere's Disease is (also called Vertigo disease), is generally described as an inner-ear balance disorder. A person with this disorder experiences “attacks” which happen suddenly, without notice, any time, anywhere.

You feel like you're spinning (vertigo), you have ringing in your ear (tinnitus), you have a feeling of pressure in your ear and your hearing may come and go. This might last a few minutes, a few hours, or even several days. You may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion and intense fatigue during a prolonged attack of Meniere's.

Is there any cure? This question has a good news – bad news answer. Bad news first? It seems there is no cure. Good news is – you can take action to help yourself and lessen or even possibly end your attacks.

What Can I Do to Help Myself?



First of all, there is no “one size fits all” cure. The attacks you are experiencing may not be as bad as another person, or they may be worse. You may find some of the suggestions work better for you than others. The good thing is that most of the following suggestions cannot possibly harm you, so there is no reason not to give them a try.

If you are a Meniere's sufferer, you probably already know what to do during an attack:
“Lay down on a firm surface. Stay as motionless as possible, with your eyes open and fixed on a stationary object. Do not try to drink or sip water, as you would be very likely to vomit. Stay like this until the severe vertigo (spinning) passes, then get up SLOWLY. After the attack subsides, you will probably feel very tired and need to sleep for several hours. If vomiting persists and you are unable to take fluids for longer than 24 hours (12 hours for children), contact your doctor. Your doctor may wish to see you and may prescribe some medication.” 1. http://www.american-hearing.org/index.html (Menieres Disease, 2008)

But the real answer is to avoid these Meniere's attacks altogether through lifestyle changes. Do they really work? For most people, they do.

• Limit your salt and sodium intake
A normal diet has between 1100 and 3000 mg of salt/day. You should keep your salt intake under 1000 mg/day, even as low as 400 mg/day is good. Generally, processed foods and restaurant meals all will have a high salt content. Prepare or buy fresh, natural foods – and don’t add salt! Almost everyone finds this one action alone brings some improvement. Don’t forget that you still absolutely need some salt in your diet, you do not want to eliminate salt altogether.

• Drink, drink and drink

Yes, remember the eight glasses of water a day? You probably need it. But don’t drink it all at once and “get it done”. You need to distribute your fluids throughout the day evenly. If you’re sighing and thinking of all the trips to the bathroom (!) don’t worry, that only happens when you’re dehydrated. If you drink enough water consistently every day, your cells absorb more and you don’t have that problem. And you might find that when you start drinking lots of water that you actually feel thirstier. Again, this is showing you that you really are dehydrated. This won’t last, either. And please don’t think that milk, juice, coffee, tea etc. replaces plain old H2O. They don’t.

• Don’t drink, drink and drink

No, I’m not really contradicting myself! But everyone agrees. No caffeine. No alcohol. No hot chocolate. No soft drinks. Sorry, but you’ll find that the rewards of avoiding these drinks far outweigh the sacrifice you’ll be making. Reducing the frequency of Meniere's attacks is definitely worth it!

• Eat foods that are good for you

Fruit, vegetables, whole grains. You might find you do better if you avoid dairy products and MSG. Avoid foods that are high in sugar. Avoid processed, instant and canned food.

• Medications

Avoid Aspirin and medications that include aspirin and/or caffeine. If you are taking prescription medications, pay attention to whether they are making your Meniere's attacks worse and talk to your doctor about it if they are.

• Butt Out!

Just think about how well you’re going to feel and how much energy you will have when you follow all these suggestions! And when you stop smoking, you’ll have so much more money to spend on having fun as well! Seriously, cigarettes restrict your blood vessels and will make your symptoms worse.

• Reduce stress

Not always easy, I know. But if you can rearrange your life to be a bit kinder to yourself, that would be good.

• Nutritional Supplements

Have you heard the story about the guy who went to the doctor and said, “I need a pain reliever for my head. My head hurts when I bang it against the wall.” Predictably, the doctor says, “Well, stop banging your head against the wall!”

But that’s what you’d be doing if you try to stop your Meniere's symptoms with medications or nutritional supplements, yet ignore all the suggestions above. But you might need a little more help.

I don't have Meniere's myself, so I can't tell you from personal experience how well these products work, but I'm listing two that come well recommended. They give you nutrients that you need, and they are anti-inflammatory and help to improve circulation.

Menotrab
One product is Menotrab from Oslo Health Solutions in Norway. It is an herbal remedy made up of natural ingredients combined in a certain way to work well for Meniere's. It has been clinically proven, and if you use it for a three month period and for some reason don’t like it, they will refund 100% of your money. The price is $79.99 for a one month supply with free shipping.

Meritin
Another product I like is Meritin, a homeopathic remedy from Berlin Homeo Products in Germany. They also have a 100% guarantee of satisfaction. Their product costs $48.00 for a one month supply, and $85.00 for a two month supply. They also have no shipping or handling charges.

 http://www.all-about-earcandling.com/menieres.html

Help with Hearing Challenges-Using Helichrysum EO

Help with Hearing Challenges-Using Helichrysum EO
My son has hearing damage from playing the drums, is there an Essential oil that can help that?

Linda, CA.

HELICHRYSUM
Helichrysum italicum is a sub-specie of the more commonly known plant Everlast or Immortal. The essential oil distilled from it has a distinct fragrance and a unique chemical composition. Its traditional uses include nervine, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antitussive, cicatrizant, febrifuge, antiseptic, antihematoma, anticoagulant, cholagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, emollient, mucolytic, splenic, cytophylactic, and expectorant.


Helichysum italicum will be the oil of choice to help with Hearing Challenges, because of its ability to regenerate damaged nerves.
About the Ear
With in the ear canal or the cochlea, there are Hair Cells that Amplify sound waves and transduce auditory information to the Brain Stem. When these hair cells are underdeveloped, broken, or damaged by loud noises, ear wax, or infection, decreased hearing sensitivity can result.
Loud noices can break the hair cells. Ear wax keeps the hair cells together and from vibrating. Age causes a degeneration of these hair cells. Also, some people are born with underdeveloped hair cells. Helichrysum italicum can help all of these problems, and may restore hearing. (It can not help if there is a bone deformatey with in the ear. )

Helping Hearing Challenges
Before beginning the application, review the steps.
Check the condition of the recipient’s hearing (#14)
  1. Put 2-3 drops of Helichrysum in the hand
  2. Hand the oil bottle to the recipient to sniff and hold. See #10.
  3. Apply to ear canal rubbing it lightly around the canal.
  4. AVOID ENTERING THE EARDRUM AT ANY TIME! See caution below.
  5. Then, follow along the mastoid bone outside the ear and on down and around towards the center of the neck.
  6. Repeat in the other ear.
  7. Put fingers in both ear canals, push in and “rock” fingers pulling up, down and back in the canal several times.
  8. Tug on ear lobes.
  9. Repeat steps 1-8 using the Geranium essential oil. (For emotional balance)
  10. The recipient should hold the bottle just below the nostril and inhale deeply. (at least 3 times on each side). Holding the bottle is another connection to the oil.
  11. It is important to balance the applications of any oils you use, so do both ears even if only one is affected.
  12. After the ears have been treated, have the person “rest”. The person should sit quietly for a moment and then walk around the room.
  13. You may have to apply Geranium to ease the emotions that can well up from the experience of sudden sound. An emotional reaction (emotional or irritable) is okay and should be handled with Geranium.
  14. After a minimum of 5 minutes, test the hearing.
  • Speak softly behind the damaged ear. Avoid speaking torwards the good ear.
  • Rub your fingers together behind the damaged ear.
  • Determine how far away you should be by how severe the hearing loss is.
  • If there is no noticeable improvement in the hearing, repeat steps #1-9.
Restored hearing may be minimal; it’s a process that takes time.
Let the recipient know that his/her hearing can improve more if they will repeat the process twice a week for as long as they feel it is necessary to gain optimum hearing.
CAUTION: If you accidentally get helichrysm in the ear drum, IMMEDIATELY add carrier oil to dilute the helichrysum. There is potential for the ear drum to blister, but if you're cautious in application, no problem should arise.

For Ringing in the Ear (Tinnitus)
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves. It is not a single disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from this disorder. In almost all cases, only the patient can hear the noise.
What causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. Some tinnitus or head noise is normal. If one goes into a sound proof booth and normal outside noise is diminished, one becomes aware of these normal sounds. We are usually not aware of these normal body sounds, because outside noise masks them.
Anything, such as wax or a foreign body in the external ear, that blocks these background sounds will cause us to be more aware of our own head sounds. Fluid, infection, or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum (tympanic membrane) can also cause tinnitus.
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment, and consequently tinnitus.
Today, loud noise exposure is a very common cause of tinnitus, and it often damages hearing as well. Unfortunately, many people are unconcerned about the harmful effects of excessively loud noise, firearms, and high intensity music. Some medications (for example, aspirin) and other diseases of the inner ear (Meniere's syndrome) can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus can in very rare situations be a symptom of such serious problems as an aneurysm or a brain tumor (acoustic tumor). http://www.medicinenet.com/tinnitus/article.htm



To help with Tinnitus or Ringing of the ear, follow the same procedure as above for hearing.
  • For a mild case, just apply with your finger, 1-2 drops Helichrysum inside the bowl of the ear and around the ear. (Do not drop straight oils inside the canal)
http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/2009/01/help-with-hearing-challenges-using.html

Proposed Natural Treatment For Meniere's Disease

 

 

Proposed Natural Treatment for Meniere's Disease

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between someone having Meniere's Disease versus someone having the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. Meniere's Disease is not identified by a cause, rather it is identified by a set of symptoms. Thus, for example, if one person gets the symptoms of Meniere's Disease because of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and another person gets the symptoms of Meniere's Disease because of a food allergy, they are both said to have Meniere's Disease. It should not be a surprise, therefore, that no one knows what "causes" Meniere's Disease for the simple reason that there may be many things that cause it. However, according to the book: The Calcium Bomb - The Nanobacteria Link to Heart Disease and Cancer, by Douglas Maulhall and Katja Hansen, Meniere's Disease is caused by calcification (page 4). The book also states:
  • "The inner ear regulates balance with fluid. Sometimes tiny stones in the ear seem to undergo a chemical change from calcium carbonate to calcium phosphate and then roll around in the fluid, leading to loss of balance. The cause [of the calcification] is unknown. There is no cure."
    The Calcium Bomb, page 11
This means that one cure for true Meniere's Disease may be oral chelation therapy or EDTA chelation by I.V. It may well be that a microbe is responsible for the calcification. Also, the treatments for kidney stones may also be effective against Meniere's Disease. However, we must also consider the treatment of diseases that cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease.

KNOWN CAUSE of Symptoms: Aspartame

First of all, aspartame, the sugar substitute, also known as NutraSweet, Equal, etc., that is found in virtually all diet soft drinks and many other products, has been proven to cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. It also causes depression and a lot of other things. RULE #1: Avoid aspartame AT ALL COSTS Likewise, the ubiquitous food additive MSG, or monosodium glutamate (to be discussed next), can also give a person the symptoms of Meniere's Diease. Since both of these substances are called "excitotoxins," I suspect any and all excitotoxins can cause the symptoms of Meniere's Disease. But let's talk more about MSG because it is "hidden" in virtually every processed food you eat.

KNOWN CAUSE of Symptoms: MSG, HVP, Cysteine

MSG is ADDED to over 30 different substances, thus allowing the food vendors to HIDE the fact that MSG is in their products. Food vendors ADD MSG on purpose to make the food more flavorable and to make the food more addictive. However, they HIDE the fact that MSG is in their products because if they admitted it, no one would buy their products. I went to the grocery store one day and looked at the sliced turkey section. None of these products mentioned that they contained MSG, yet every product I saw did contain MSG hidden under another name. Here is a PARTIAL list of foods that contain MSG that the food industry does not want you to know about. The list was compiled by Shoshanna Allison, M.T.P.: Food Additives That ALWAYS Contain MSG    Monosodium Glutamate [MSG]
   Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [HVP]
   Hydrolyzed Protein; Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
   Plant Protein Extract
   Sodium Caseinate
   Calcium Caseinate
   Yeast Extract
   Textured Protein (Including TVP)
   Autolyzed Yeast
   Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
   Corn Oil Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG    Malt Extract
   Malt Flavoring
   Bouillon
   Broth
   Stock
   Flavoring
   Natural Flavors/Flavoring
   Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring
   Seasoning
   Spices Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins    Carrageenan
   Enzymes
   Soy Protein Concentrate
   Soy Protein Isolate
   Whey Protein Concentrate
   Also: Protease Enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins For more information about MSG fraud, see:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/ Note that orthodox medicine states that a Meniere's patient should avoid salt. Since virtually ALL processed foods have both salt and MSG added to them, it is quite possible that MSG if the real culprit. However, added salt should be avoided by everyone. RULE #2: Avoid MSG, HVP, cysteine, etc. AT ALL COSTS

Possible Cause: Food Allergies

Allergies frequently cause inflammations in the body. These allergies show up in different places in the body. It is possible one of those places causes the symptoms of Meniere's Disease.
  • "Recently, attention has been mainly focussed on the immunologic function of the endolymphatic sac; thus, immune disease may contribute to a substantial percentage of Meniere's disease. However, for the most part, the underlying cause of Meniere's disease is unknown. It is most often attributed to viral infections of the inner ear, head injury, a hereditary predisposition, and allergy."
    http://www.american-hearing.org/name/menieres.html

Possible Cause: Microbes

In one study, 21 Meniere's Disease patients were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus. As you may remember HSV-1 is a very common virus and causes cold sores. HSV-2 is an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). 20 of the 21 patients had the HSV-1 antibodies. However, whether this study is significant or not is not known. Most people have the HSV-1 virus and once they get it they have it for life. While Meniere's Disease may be caused by a virus, there is insufficient evidence that it is generally caused by a virus. Having said that, a review of the natural substances that have successfully treated Meniere's Disease leads to a list of items that are generally antiviral, antifungal and antibacteria treatments. An example of this is colloidal silver, which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Meniere's Disease. In alternative medicine colloidal silver is generally used to treat bacterial infections and viral infections.

Other Things to Avoid

Meniere's Disease may be caused or exacerbated by poor circulation. Things like caffeine and nicotine are well-known to cause circulation problems. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes also cause circulatory problems. There is a list of supplements below which improve circulation. Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be found elsewhere on this website.

Treatments

Here are some alternative treatments that are claimed to treat Meniere's Disease: Note: Some mutivitamins may meet several of these requirements. Manganese, 50 mg a day,
Chromium Picolinate, to control blood sugar, which is a problem with many MD patients,
Magnesium, 200 mg a day,
Calcium (get coral calcium, which also has trace minerals),
Vinpocetine (mentioned on several sites),
Lipase enzyme (Meniere's has been known to be caused by a lack of this enzyme)
Niacin - Vitamin B3 (improves circulation),
Cayenne Pepper (improves circulation),
MSM (improves circulation),
Ginko Biloba (improves circulation),
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (improves circulation),
Alpha Lipoic Acid (Lipoic Acid) (for hearing loss)
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (keep arteries free from plaque),
Supplement High in B Vitamins,
Vitamin B12
Colloidal silver (antiviral, antibacterial) Noni Concentrate AND Samento (antiviral)
  Noni Concentrate Vendor
  Buy BOTH Samento and Noni Concentrate liquids and take in equal doses. See this article on viruses to get doses for Noni Concentrate and Samento (use the "flu" dosage for 7 straight days):
http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/noni/howenstine.html

All Causes Listed

1) Aspartame (KNOWN cause),
2) MSG, HVP, Cysteine (KNOWN cause),
3) HSV-1 virus (may or may not be a cause),
4) Food allergies (probable cause),
5) Lack of lipase enzyme

Nerve Regeneration

If true Meniere's Disease is caused by nerve degeneration, there are several items which are known to regenerate nerve damage. They are: 1) DMSO, [see: DMSO Article] 2) Helichrysum essential oils (my recommended vendor is Young Living - all other U.S. brands are junk). There is one testimonial of helichrysum helping a Menieres patient significantly. Young Living vendors can work with you on how to use cotton balls to administor the essential oil. 3) EFA's, which are a type of omega-3 fatty acids (source: The pH Miracle for Diabetes, by Robert O. Young, PhD), it is best to make the omega-3 water soluble, see:
Making Omega 3 water soluble 4) Insulin (source: Treating Cancer With Insulin Potentiation Therapy, by Ross A. Hauser, M.D. et. al.), Please let me know what works and doesn't work so I can pass it on to others.

http://www.cancertutor.com/Other02/Menieres_Disease.html

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Pop Rock Cupcakes















Photo by Rumsey Liebes

Cake mix, substitute oil for Vanilla Fat Free Chobani Yogurt.

Lots of blue and red sprinkles on white frosting.

Red and/or Blue Pop Rocks = Fireworks in your mouth.

Happy Independence Day!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

How to Naturally Deter Snakes And Rodents From Your Home

Plant Herbs 
Herbs are amazing for your health, are beautiful in your garden, and smell wonderful. In doing research online I also found some people who think that herbs can deter snakes. These include: wormwood, rosemary, marigold, bay, comfey, and garlic.
Bay leaves are also amazing in your home. All you need to do it get some fresh leaves and throw them behind toilets, in cabinets, and under furniture. You won't smell them but insects and rodents hate the smell. You will need to replace the leaves with fresh ones every month or so.
Garlic Spray
If you really want to be green and protect the exterior of your home mix crushed garlic cloves with water and spray once a month. You can use the large spray containers that are usually used when spraying chemicals, but instead of buying the chemicals just crush up 5-7 garlic cloves and add water. I would also let the mixture sit for about an hour and mix occassionally so the water can absorb the garlic.
This deters snakes, bugs, and some rodents. You will also reduce your environmental impact, save money, and reduce your families exposure to toxic chemicals!
Clear Your Yard
Snakes love tall grass, messy hedges, stacks of lumber, and any other area around your home that they could easily hide. Be sure to keep the areas around your home neat and trimmed to discourage their intrusion.
Clove and Cinnamon Spray
Like the garlic spray above cloves and cinnamon are great deterents. Simply mix equal parts of clove oil and cinnamon oil in a spray bottle (you can add some water, but it needs to be strong). Spray this around your home's walkways and around the edge of your yard. I suggest doing this once a month or after a heavy rain, but some sources say every 2-3.
Have A Good Storage System
A good storage system for dog food, cat food, bird seed, etc. is highly advised. Mice and other rodents love to get into these things and the snakes around your home are most likely looking for small rodents.
You can also set out mice traps, I like the old fashioned ones because they do not use chemicals and are very effective. I know I said I don't agree with killing wildlife, but mice reproduce fast, get into food, and have diseases (carried by fleas) that could harm your pets or even your family.
Tighten Up Your Home
I have read that most snakes within 100 feet of your home are also within 25-50 feet of their home. Snakes like dark, secure, and damp areas to nest so be sure to block areas like under decks, porches, and basements.
*I also suggest having some knowledge about the different types of snakes in your area. There are some good snakes that you might want to keep around!

http://greenlifepages.com/green-tips/item/468-how-to-naturally-deter-snakes-from-your-home

Monday, July 1, 2013

Chicken Tortilla Soup

3 Frozen Chicken Breasts
1 Lg. Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Can Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Cup Fresh Salsa
1 Pkg. Taco Seasoning
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Mild Green Chilis

Put all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.
Remove Chicken and shred.
Return shredded chicken to crockpot.
Serve with Fat Free shredded cheese, Fat Free sour cream, and baked corn tortilla chips.

http://mymixofsix.blogspot.com/2009/09/fall-soups.html

Letter From Elder Rumsey

Got an email today from my nephew who is serving in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma LDS Mission.

Everything is fine.  I'm doing great.  Thanks for the money, it is very helpful.   Just busy, so not enough time to type.

White Soup

 1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock
1 can Fat Free cream of chicken soup
1 medium white onion, diced
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded into thick chunks
2 cans cannellini (white) beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper, to taste
Low Fat shredded cheese

Bring the chicken stock and cream of chicken soup to a boil, stirring periodically until smooth.  Add the diced onion and simmer until cooked through.  Add the chicken and beans; heat through.  Salt and pepper to taste before topping with cheese.