Blue Moon and Full Moons

   

What is the blue moon?

A blue moon (from wiki) can refer to the third full moon in a season with four full moons. Most years have twelve full moons that occur approximately monthly. In addition to those twelve full lunar cycles, each solar calendar year contains roughly eleven days more than the lunar year of 12 lunations. The extra days accumulate, so every two or three years (7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle), there is an extra full moon. Lunisolar calendars have rules about when to insert such an intercalary or embolismic ("leap") month, and what name it is given; e.g. in the Hebrew calendar the month Adar is duplicated. The term "blue moon" comes from folklore. Different traditions and conventions place the extra "blue" full moon at different times in the year. In the Hindu calendar, this extra month is called 'Adhik(extra) masa (month)'. It is also known as purushottam maas, so as to give it a devotional name.

• In calculating the dates for Lent and Easter, the Clergy identify the Lent Moon. It is thought that historically when the moon's timing was too early, they named an earlier moon as a "betrayer moon" (belewe moon), thus the Lent moon came at its expected time.

• Folklore gave each moon a name according to its time of year. A moon that came too early had no folk name, and was called a blue moon, retaining the correct seasonal timings for future moons.

• The Farmers' Almanac defined blue moon as an extra full moon that occurred in a season; one season was normally three full moons. If a season had four full moons, then the third full moon was named a blue moon.

Here is the Farmers Almanac’s list of the full Moon names.

• Full Wolf Moon – January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.
• Full Snow Moon – February Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.
• Full Worm Moon – March As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.
• Full Pink Moon – April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.
• Full Flower Moon – May In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.
• Full Strawberry Moon – June This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!
• The Full Buck Moon – July July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month’s Moon was the Full Hay Moon.
• Full Sturgeon Moon – August The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.
• Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon – September This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.
• Full Hunter’s Moon or Full Harvest Moon – October This full Moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it’s time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean from the fallen grains. Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter’s Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.
• Full Beaver Moon – November This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.
• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon – December During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

Lunar Effect on People

They say more babies are born during full moon than any other time of the month.  This is because when a woman is healthy, she is supposed to cycle during full moon. So naturally, when she gets pregnant, that is when the baby is due.  If our bodies are are more than 50% water it makes sense that the moon would effect us.  Look at what it does to the tides in the ocean. Read more about the moon from one of the books below

Cumin - Benefits of the Spice Cumin

Health Benefits of Cumin

The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid in digestion, improving immunity and treating piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer.

Some of you might remember seeing Cumin in some of your Grandmother's or Mother's food dishes which had roasted or fried seeds in them, when you

were children, because they looked like small black insects. However, you liked the taste. So, some of your Mother would sort them out before she served you. Yes, that was Cumin.

Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum Cyminum, belongs to family Apiaceae and is extensively used in culinary in Indian Subcontinent and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries, as a condiment or spice. Those who are of the opinion that spices are bad for health should note that cumin can be beneficial for some of their most dreaded diseases, beyond their expectations. Here are some of the great health benefits of cumin:

•Digestion:

 Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems. The very smell (aroma) of it, which comes from an aromatic organic compound called Cuminaldehyde, the main component of its essential oil, activates our salivary glands in our mouth (the mouth watering flavor), facilitating the primary digestion of the food. Next is Thymol, a compound present in cumin, which does same to the glands which secrete acids, bile and enzymes responsible for complete digestion of the food in the stomach and the intestines, due to its Stimulating properties. Cumin is also Carminative i.e. relieves from you from gas troubles and thereby improves digestion and appetite. Due to its essential oils, magnesium and sodium content, it promotes digestion and also gives relief in stomach-ache when taken with hot water (like aqua ptycotis and mint).

•Piles: 

The main reason behind piles is constipation added with infections in the wound in the anal tract, which again is caused by constipation. Cumin, because of its dietary fiber content and carminative, stimulating, anti fungal and anti microbial properties due to the presence of essential oils comprising mainly of Cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines, acts as a natural laxative in powdered form, helps healing up of infections or wounds in the digestive & excretory system and speeds up digestion too. Cumin would definitely help a patient whom have piles.

•Insomnia: 

This is a very peculiar property of cumin. It is a stimulant as well as a relaxant at the same time. This property cannot be attributed to a single component alone, just as causes of insomnia cannot be attributed to a single cause. But studies show that a proper intake of vitamins (particularly B-complex) and a good digestion help induce a sound sleep. Cumin helps both of these. Some of the components of the essential oil are hypnotic in nature and have tranquilizing effects.

•Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis etc.

 Presence of caffeine (the stimulating agent), the richly aromatic essential oils (the disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anti congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as Asthma, Bronchitis etc.

•Common Cold:

 Common Cold is a viral infection which affects our body frequently when our immune system goes weak. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight viral infections which cause common cold. Cumin also does not let cough formation in the respiratory system as it is supposed to be hot and dries up the excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron and has considerable amount of Vitamin C, which are essential for a good immunity and keeps infections away.

•Lactation: 

It is rich in iron and thus very good for lactating mothers as well as women who are undergoing menses or who are pregnant, since they are more in need of iron than others. Moreover, cumin is said to help ease and increase secretion of milk in lactating women due to presence of Thymol, which tends to increase secretions from glands, including milk which is a secretion from mammary glands. It is more beneficial if taken with honey. Cumin has remarkable amount of calcium (above 900 mg per 100 grams) which accounts to over 90% of our daily requirement of calcium. This calcium is an important constituent of milk and hence cumin is very good for lactating mothers.

•Anemia:

 Remember as stated above, cumin is very rich in iron (above 66 mg. in each 100 grams) which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the main constituent of haemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles of blood. It is haemoglobin which transfers oxygen (as oxide of iron) to the body-cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. So, cumin can be a nutritious additive to daily diet for anemic people.

•Skin Disorders: 

Almost all of us know that vitamin-E is good for skin. It keeps the skin young and glowing. This vitamin is also present in abundance in cumin. The essential oils present in this have disinfectant and anti fungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from affecting the skin.

•Boils: 

Boils are just outlets for removal of toxic substances and foreign matters such as microbes etc. from the body. So, they are rather symptoms which show that a lot of toxic substances have accumulated in the body. Here cumin can help you a great deal. Those who regularly use cumin in food have been seen keeping free from boils, rashes, pimples etc. Components such as Cuminaldehyde, Thymol, phosphorus etc. are good de-toxicants which help in the regular removal of toxins from body, through excretory system of course, and not through boils.

•Immunity: 

As discussed above, abundance of iron, presence of essential oils and vitamin-C & vitamin-A in cumin boosts up our immune system.

•Cancer:

 Cumin itself has detoxifying and chemo-preventive properties and accelerates secretion of detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic enzymes from the glands, as it does to other secretions. As well as, it has nice anti oxidants like vitamin-C and vitamin-A in it, in addition to those essential oils, which, besides having countless other benefits, have anti carcinogenic properties too. It is particularly good for cancer of colon.

•Other benefits: 

More gifts! Cumin is also beneficial in treating renal coli, weak memory or lack of concentration, insect bites and bee stings etc,

As you see Cumin does more than just giving your food flavor, Cumin heals the body.

How to Regrow Scallions

How to Regrow Scallions

The next time you have green onions, don't throw away the white ends. Simply submerge them in a glass of water and place them in a sunny window. Your onions will begin to grow almost immediately and can be harvested almost indefinitely.

 

Stress and the Effects of Stress on the Body

Stress and the effects it has on the body & Stress Management

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. Many events that happen to you and around you and many things that you do yourself put stress on your body. You can experience stress fr

om your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

How Does Stress Affect Health?

The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress-related tension builds.

Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.

Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to try and relieve their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems. Consider the following:

•Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

•Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor's office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.

•Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

•The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.

Stress is when an individual encounters a stressor, the body part that first notes the stimulus passes the signal to the brain. The message passes through the reticular activating system to the hypothalamus and thalamus. When the hypothalamus experiences the stressor signal, it simultaneously activates the two major stress pathways: the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. When the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system is activated by the hypothalamus, involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and body fluid regulation are affected. At the same time, the pituitary gland is stimulated, which in turn orders the release of several chemical hormones. The chemical cortisol provides fuel for the "fight or flight" response by increasing blood sugar so that there is energy for action. Aldosterone increases the blood pressure. Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine are also produced, along with thyroxine.

These brain chemicals, elicited by the fight-fight response, in turn, cause the following to occur:

• Acceleration of heart rate
•Dilation of coronary arteries
•Dilation of bronchial tubes
•Increase in force of heart contractions
•Increase in rate of metabolism
•Increase in anxiety
•Increase in gastrointestinal motility
•Increase in rate and depth of respiration
•Decrease in feeling of tiredness
•Decrease in Salvation (dry mouth)
•Dilation of pupils

The physical problems related to chronic stress include the lowering of the immune response, chronic muscle tension, and increased blood pressure. These problems can eventually lead to serious life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks, kidney disease, and cancer.

Some health problems that may be caused by stress

•diarrhea
•nausea
•indigestion
•sphincter of Oddi spasms
•spastic colon
•irritable bowel syndrome
•constipation
•colds and sinus infections
•vaginal yeast infection
•bladder infections
•fiber myalgia
•arthritis
•high blood pressure
•heart disease
•hyperventilation
•asthma
•headaches
•migraines

Stress Management

It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming and your career and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But managing stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, and the way you deal with problems.

Identify the sources of stress in your life

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried about work deadlines. But maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that leads to deadline stress.

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

•Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?

•Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”).

•Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

Start a stress journal

A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal. As you keep a daily log, you will begin to see patterns and common themes. Write down:

•What caused your stress (make a guess if you’re unsure).

•How you felt, both physically and emotionally.

•How you acted in response.

•What you did to make yourself feel better.

Look at how you currently cope with stress

Think about the ways you currently manage and cope with stress in your life. Your stress journal can help you identify them. Are your coping strategies healthy or unhealthy, helpful or unproductive? Unfortunately, many people cope with stress in ways that compound the problem.

Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run:

•Smoking
•Drinking too much
•Overeating or undereating
•Zoning out for hours in front of the TV or computer
•Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
•Using pills or drugs to relax
•Sleeping too much
•Procrastinating
•Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems
•Taking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)

Learning healthier ways to manage stress

If your methods of coping with stress aren’t contributing to your greater emotional and physical health, it’s time to find healthier ones. There are many healthy ways to manage and cope with stress, but they all require change. You can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose, it’s helpful to think of the four As: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept. Since everyone has a unique response to stress, there is no “one size fits all” solution to managing it. No single method works for everyone or in every situation, so experiment with different techniques and strategies. Focus on what makes you feel calm and in control.

Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s

Change the situation:
•Avoid the stressor.
•Alter the stressor.
Change your reaction:
•Adapt to the stressor.
•Accept the stressor.

Stress management strategy #1: Avoid unnecessary stress

Not all stress can be avoided, and it’s not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be addressed. You may be surprised, however, by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

•Learn how to say “no”: Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, refuse to accept added responsibilities when you’re close to reaching them. Taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.

•Avoid people who stress you out: If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely.

•Take control of your environment: If the evening news makes you anxious, turn the TV off. If traffic’s got you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If going to the market is an unpleasant chore, do your grocery shopping online.

•Avoid hot-button topics: If you get upset over religion or politics, cross them off your conversation list. If you repeatedly argue about the same subject with the same people, stop bringing it up or excuse yourself when it’s the topic of discussion.

•Pare down your to-do list: Analyze your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you’ve got too much on your plate, distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts.” Drop tasks that aren’t truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them entirely.

Stress management strategy #2: Alter the situation

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it. Figure out what you can do to change things so the problem doesn’t present itself in the future. Often, this involves changing the way you communicate and operate in your daily life.

•Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. If you don’t voice your feelings, resentment will build and the situation will likely remain the same.

•Be willing to compromise. When you ask someone to change their behavior, be willing to do the same. If you both are willing to bend at least a little, you’ll have a good chance of finding a happy middle ground.

•Be more assertive. Don’t take a backseat in your own life. Deal with problems head on, doing your best to anticipate and prevent them. If you’ve got an exam to study for and your chatty roommate just got home, say up front that you only have five minutes to talk.

•Manage your time better. Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. But if you plan ahead and make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you can alter the amount of stress you’re under.

Stress management strategy #3: Adapt to the stressor

If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself. You can adapt to stressful situations and regain your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude.

•Reframe problems. Try to view stressful situations from a more positive perspective. Rather than fuming about a traffic jam, look at it as an opportunity to pause and regroup, listen to your favorite radio station, or enjoy some alone time.

•Look at the big picture. Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year? Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.

•Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress. Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others, and learn to be okay with “good enough.”

•Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy can help you keep things in perspective.

Stress management strategy #4: Accept the things you can’t change

Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than railing against a situation you can’t change.

•Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control, particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.

•Look for the upside. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.

•Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.

•Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

Stress management strategy #5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come.

•Go for a walk.
•Spend time in nature.
•Call a good friend.
•Sweat out tension with a good workout.
•Write in your journal.
•Take a long bath.
•Light scented candles.
•Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.
•Play with a pet.
•Work in your garden.
•Get a massage.
•Curl up with a good book.
•Listen to music.
•Watch something funny.

Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

•Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.

•Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.

•Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

•Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Stress management strategy #6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle
You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health.

•Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.

•Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

•Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

•Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.

•Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Adjusting Your Attitude

How you think can have a profound effect on your emotional and physical well-being. Each time you think a negative thought about yourself, your body reacts as if it were in the throes of a tension-filled situation. If you see good things about yourself, you are more likely to feel good; the reverse is also true. Eliminate words such as "always," "never," "should," and "must." These are telltale marks of self-defeating thoughts.

***** Stress Relief Soap *****

The emphasis of our farm is freshness. Our soap is made fresh when you order it. Because of this, your soap will take at least 10 days to ship. BUT, you have a one of a kind fresh batch of soap :). Here's how it works. First, select your scent. Next, select a second scent if you wish. Then add your stuff, and you have a custom batch of soap made especially for you! Soaps are best left nakid. All soap needs air to breathe. If you are giving it away as a gift, there is an option for wrapping, but I strongly suggest that you order them nakid :) If you do order them wrapped, the wrapping is clear shrink wrap with a maple springs farm label.

How To Order Handmade Soap 1. Pick 1st Scent 2. Pick 2nd Scent 3. Add "Stuff" 4. Add to Cart!

Stress Relief: 

Top notes of peppermint and spearmint are believed to reduce fatigue and increase mental alertness. Essential oils of lavender, clary sage,and juniperberry are considered to be calming and uplifting to the spirit. Additional accent notes include laurel leaf, coriander, mandarin, and menthol. A warm and woody drydown is created from amber, sandalwood, jasmine, clove, pine needle, and opoponax resin.

***** Order Stress Relief Soap *****
	1st Scent- Stress Relief Handmade Soap 4oz Bars Quantity 5 = $20.00 2nd Scent: None None Camphor Cedarwood Citronilla Clove Euclyptus Lavender Lemongrass Lime Litsea Mint Tea Tree Stuff: NoneNoneCocoa CinnamonClovesCoffeeMint NutmegOatmeal Wrapped: NoYes

Tumeric - Benefits of the Spice Tumeric

Here are 20 reasons why you would want to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. I use it in several of my recipes, cooked and raw dishes. I'm also starting to take one spoonful of Turmeric a day, just because it's wonderful benefits.

#Note: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Get Informed, Get Healthy & Stay Healthy!

Angel and Brushing your Dog

Angel and brushing your dog

This is my angel.  Here she is looking miserable.  She is an old dog.  She was born Sept 20, 2001 which means she was in her mothers womb when 911 hit.  I think somehow, the trauma of what the country was going through and what her mother was feeling (absorbing traumatic emotions from absolutely everyone) caused her to be a drama queen.  We got her as a puppy at 8 weeks old but this dog definately has a mind of her own and is nothing but drama. My son always says she has more issues than sports illustrated. 

Angel likes to go for swims. It's not something that I exactly like her to do but guess what she does it anyway. It doesn't matter whatever I say she jumps in the pool anyway.  She perfectly understands english, but like I said she has a mind of her own and does whatever she wants.  Before we had our pool, she's already gone next door to the neighbors and jumped in his pool.  Boy was he mad...

Anyway, see all that hair on her back? She's hot.  I don't mind her swimming in the pool it doesn't hurt anything but also

what I did for her this summer is to get her the furminator.

See that bucket in the background? That is TOTALLY full of angel's dog hair. She totally hated it when we were brushing her. She layed on her back to Ethan couldn't get to spots. But he kept at it. He kept out it till that whole entire bucket of dog hair was full. See the end result? That is her happy dance. Don't be afraid to take the hair off your dog.  If it looks like it's too much or too thick it probably is.  The furminator totally thinned out her hair. Also, it actually made her look like she lost 10 pounds.  It was all hair. She looks and feels way better now.

As you can see, the result is one happy puppy... She is way cooler for the hot summer. You can read more about angel and when she had her puppies here.

Herbs that Promote Hair Growth

Herbs That Promotes Hair Growth

1. Horsetail

The foremost herb known for adding beauty and luster to the hair when taken orally is horsetail.The herb horsetail contains rich concentrations of the minerals silicon and selenium, both of which help promote circulation to the scalp. This herb is packed with a nutrient called silica. Silica is a substance that strengthens bones, nails and hair. Horset

ail helps maintain the hair and may even promote hair growth. The herb provides the most benefit when taken internally as a tea or when topically applied to the hair and scalp. To make horsetail tea, steep 1 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain. Drink a cup of the tea daily or massage the liquid into your scalp each night before bed. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the morning.

2. Sage

A traditional herbal remedy for increasing hair growth, the culinary herb sage may help stimulate the hair follicles and increase circulation to the scalp. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends using an apple cider vinegar and sage rinse regularly to encourage hair to grow. To make, steep 2 tsp. dried sage in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, and then strain. Combine the resulting liquid with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, transfer to a plastic storage bottle and shake well before each use. Massage the solution into the scalp and hair after shampooing, and leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing.

3. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, a widely used herbal remedy for increasing skin and hair health, may also promote hair growth in some people. To increase circulation, healers once suggested lightly tapping the scalp with fresh stinging nettle leaves. This treatment is painful and no longer recommended, but a nettle vinegar tincture may help without irritating the scalp. Stinging nettle can be purchased in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto. You can steep 1 cup dried nettle leaves in 4 cups boiling water and 2 cups apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes. Strain and store in a clean bottle. To use, rub the mixture into the scalp each night before bed.

4. Saw Palmetto

An extract made from saw palmetto berries may also promote hair growth. Saw Palmetto, a common herbal remedy used to treat prostate disorders, is also believed to prevent Dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for hair loss, from binding to the hair follicles. For the best results, take standardized saw palmetto capsules labeled as concentrated and purified with 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Take 160mg twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, but don't expect to see results for at least six to eight weeks or the fresh leaves can be submersed in olive oil in a glass jar. Seal and place in a cool, dark spot for 2 to 3 weeks. Apply the oil in an invigorating scalp massage. Stinging nettle essential oil is frequently an ingredient in organic shampoos and conditioners.

5. Lavender

Lavender, native to the Mediterranean, is now grown in temperate climates worldwide. For centuries, lavender has been used by herbal practitioners to prevent baldness and to encourage new hair growth. Lavender contains potent anti-bacterial agents that soothe and heal scalp infections. It is useful in treating dandruff and adds volume to the hair shaft and helps increase shine and gently cleanse deposits that dull the hair. Place a few sprigs of lavender in a glass container and cover with extra-virgin olive oil and cover tightly. Place in a cool, dark spot and allow to age for 3 to 4 weeks. Use the lavender infused oil as a daily scalp massage. Apply and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash hair with a gentle organic shampoo and style as usual. A daily rinse of lavender water (bring water to a boil, add a few sprigs of lavender, reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, then cool) will impart a delightful fragrance and shine to hair. Apply lavender as a daily rinse after shampooing.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an excellent herb to use topically to promote hair growth and increase scalp health. Rosemary has been used for centuries in cultures worldwide to promote hair growth and delay the onset of gray hair. When applied to the scalp rosemary increases circulation and helps to gently remove excess sebum and dandruff, which can inhibit healthy hair growth. A refreshing daily rinse of rosemary leaves simmered in water retains hair color. The rinse is most effective on dark hair. A few drops of rosemary oil can be added to olive oil and used as a scalp massage oil.

7. Hops

Hops are not only a main ingredient in beer. They make an excellent natural hair conditioner and softener when applied topically. The herb also contains silica so it helps fortify the hair from within. Many popular hair supplements use this to add strength and resilience.

#Note: every herb that may promote hair growth may not be listed.

Get Informed. Get Healthy. Stay Healthy

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Water Retention and How to Treat

How to treat Water Retention

Lessen your intake of salt and salty foods. Too much salt in the body can cause fluid retention to worsen. Many processed foods contain high values of sodium that should also be avoided, so check the nutritional information on products you eat to make sure that they do not contain high levels of sodium. Avoid adding additional table salt to your food, and stay away from salty snacks like chips, peanuts and pretzels.

Drink plenty of water if you are aware that your fluid retention is due to premenstrual syndrome, too much salt in your diet or another minor cause. You may feel that you have enough water in your body already, but being well hydrated will help you flush out excess water instead of storing it in your body.

Eat foods with diuretic properties. There is a long list of diuretic foods such as celery, lettuce, carrots, onions, asparagus, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Take vitamins daily that will reduce fluid retention.

•Vitamin B6 is known to reduce the effects of fluid retention, especially in mild cases such as fluid retention due to premenstrual syndrome. Large quantities of Vitamin B6 can also be found in foods such as red meat, salmon, tuna, bananas and brown rice.

•Vitamin B5, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin D will reduce water retention and can also be found in foods such as fresh fruits and low-fat dairy.

•Supplement minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium can help with water retention as well, and are known to act as mild diuretics to help the body release excess water. Calcium is also found in yogurt, milk and dark leafy greens like spinach. Potassium helps the body to get rid of excess fluid in the body, but also stabilizes the amount of sodium within the body. Potassium is found in fruit such as bananas citrus and melons.

Consider using herbs as diuretics to release excess water and lessen the effects of fluid retention. There are many herbs that work as diuretics; among them are dandelion leaf, parsley, corn silk and hawthorn.

Take a ginkgo supplement or drink it in a tea. Ginkgo can help with circulation, so it may benefit you if you have water retention due to circulation problems.

Exercise often to release excess body fluid and increase circulation. Exercise can greatly help with fluid retention problems because the body will heat up and sweat out excess water, and better circulation will reduce and prevent fluid retention in the future.

Avoid drinks that will dehydrate the body such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Although caffeine and alcohol is a diuretic, consuming it will only dehydrate you and worsen fluid retention.

Sleep with your feet elevated higher than your heart. Just place pillows under your legs to make then higher then your heart when you lay down.

Tips

•Dehydration can cause fluid retention because when the body is dehydrated it holds onto water instead of allowing the body to dispel it. In order for the body to process fluid correctly, it must be properly and consistently hydrated. The body will then use the fluid that is necessary to keep it hydrated, and dispel excess fluid instead of holding onto it, causing fluid retention.

•If you believe fluid retention may be the cause of dehydration you may be experiencing thirst, lack of urination, weakness, dizziness, cramping, headaches and dry mouth.

Warnings

•Do not take any new supplements before consulting your doctor, especially if you are currently taking any medication.

•Do not consume large amounts of water to treat fluid retention if you have chronic liver problems. Consult your doctor if you have liver problems, or believe you may have liver problems and are experiencing fluid retention in your abdomen or other parts of the body. Water consumption can have a negative effect on organs trying to process excess fluid in the body already.

Things You'll Need to treat Water Retention

•Water
•Diuretic vegetables
•Multivitamins
•Mineral supplements
•Diuretic herbs
•Daily exercise

FOODS THAT CAUSE INFLAMMATION

VEGETABLE OILS

Inflammation is a condition that damages healthy tissue, raises blood pressure, and can potentially encourage cancer cells to grow, Since consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids (in relation to omega-3s) can increase the risk of inflammation, swap omega-6-laden soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower. Switch out mixed vegetable oils and use extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

MARGARINE OR SPREADS WITH PARTIALLY-HYDROGENATED OIL

Trans-fatty (partially-hydrogenated) acids definitely increase inflammatory biomarkers in the body So avoid them in general. Ghee (clarified butter) is a good alternative: “Yes, butter contains omega-6 fatty acids, but clarified butter has an intense flavor, so you can use a lot less of it than normal butter." A way to get a rich, buttery taste without a heavy dose of omega-6 fat in recipes is to take half a teaspoon of ghee and blend it with some olive oil.

FATTY MEATS/PROCESS MEATS

Inflammatory foods increase risk for chronic health problems such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disease. And though the jury’s still out, a couple of studies point to saturated animal fats as inflammatory culprits. Instead of fatty meats like burgers, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, or ribs, studies suggests eating more omega-3-rich fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, as well as beans and nuts.

WHOLE OR 2% MILK

To lower your saturated fat intake, limit your consumption of whole and 2% milk; instead, opt for (organic) skim or 1% milk. Other ways to top your cereal include organic almond, rice, hemp, hazelnut, oat beverages.

CREAM CHEESE

Instead of cream cheese, substitute small amounts of naturally soft, spreadable cheeses like goat cheese (which I'm against) or part-skim ricotta when topping toast or making dips they're naturally lower in saturated fat.

PROCESSED CHEESES (SUCH AS AMERICAN)

Pass up processed cheese and enjoy small amounts of natural, hard cheeses for more flavor (and less sodium). If you can find it, vegetarian or vegan cheese or made from the milk of grass-fed animals is best.

SUGAR-ADDED CEREALS

There are some studies that show that a high sugar diet fuels inflammation. Cut back on sugary cereals and choose low-sugar, high-fiber varieties instead. Another anti-inflammatory breakfast option? Oatmeal especially minimally-processed steel cut oats.

FULL-FAT, SUGARY YOGURT

Even yogurt with “fruit on the bottom” can have a surprising amount of sugar. Choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt (preferably organic), or go for Greek yogurt to get an extra dose of protein. Sweeten plain yogurt with a teaspoon of agave or brown-rice syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and some diced fruit.

WHITE BREAD

As with sugar, eating too many refined carbohydrates can lead to inflammation. Limit white flour bread (and pasta) and eat more high-fiber, 100% whole-grain varieties.

PRE-SEASONED FOODS AND SEASONING MIXES

A high sodium to potassium ratio in your diet is thought to create an inflammatory response. Season your side dishes and entrées with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, sage, and rosemary, or try no-sodium-added spice mixes.

COFFEE

A recent study showed that coffee drinkers who have more than 1 cup a day have increased levels of C Reactive Protein. Men had a 30% increase and women had a 38% increase in CRP levels. Since coffee drinkers also tend to smoke more, exercise less, and eat fewer fruits and vegetables more studies need to be done to establish coffee as an independent risk factor.

HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX CARBOHYDRATES/TRANS FATS

these foods cause excess production of insulin which incites the inflammatory process by producing arachidonic acid. These are quickly digested carbohydrates such as foods with high concentrations of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined baked goods and snacks, and soft drinks. Many of these foods are also high in Trans fats like processed baked goods, chips and snack foods, and deep fried fast food. Limit your intake of processed and fried foods that contain trans fat.

COOKING FOODS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

This results in a browning effect, where sugars and certain oxidized fats react with proteins to form glycotoxins in the food. Glycotoxins are known to be inflammatory and form in the skin, arteries, joints, cartilage and other places in the body. Avoiding foods cooked at high temperatures also helps prevent the formation of numerous gene mutating toxins that are known to be carcinogens. Some of these foods are: French fries, hamburgers, other deep fried foods, and chips.