Articles in the alternative medicine Category

Hi, y’all!

I’m so glad that you enjoyed my last post, on emotional eating, food labels, and judgments. It’s nice to know that you can relate, and that you appreciate my (raw) honesty – and it’s soooooooooooooo nice to have it off my chest once and for all!

Remember, we need to be KIND to ourselves so we can achieve ultimate health. Take my hand and let’s skip along together.

Good News!

I wanted to share with you that Zeenat Syal has allowed me the fantabulous opportunity to share a bit about my story of healing (including tips for you!) – thank you, Z!

Here’s my guest post, in case you want to read it:

Healing Your Heart, Holistically 

Zeenat (and I!) would love it if you share your thoughts and suggestions about my story on my guest post over there (if you have time, of course)!

And… here’s a sneak peek at Zeenat’s beautiful blog…

Zeenat is a beautiful lady. She shares her heart so openly and honestly, and is one of my favorite bloggers – and people! You can see by this glimpse of her blog, that she emanates peace, inspiration, hope, serenity, love, and healing…

You  might even remember Zeenat wrote a beautiful, informative guest post for us a while back: Onions–A Pungent Surprise of Natural Healing 

Do check that out, too. Zeenat is a Practicing Counseling Psychologist & Naturopath with degrees in Motivational and Counseling Psychology. She also holds degrees in various fields of Holistic and Naturopathic Medicine. <— Full of wisdom, she is!

Thanks for letting me share! Big hugs to everyone, and I hope your day is fantabulous!!!

Hi, y’all! I’m pretty nervous but there’s always a first time for everything, right? And I decided that today was as good a time as any to publish my first-ever YouTube video!

I realize the quality (lighting, really) is weird. I’m not sure why. I did sit near a window in hopes that would help – but it seemed to only make it weirder when the sun went behind the clouds!

Oh, and this video length is 10 minutes! I thought 10 minutes would be really hard to reach – apparently, I’m a chatterbox on video just like in real life. *giggles*

And if you want to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts, here’s my channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RawJuiceGirl

Thanks for watching!

Contest Alert

As promised in the video, here are the links to the two contests I mentioned:

Averie Sunshine, over at Love Veggies & Yoga, is giving away a 2 pound bag of chia seeds!

And don’t forget about the contest I currently have running. The winner receives a 4.5 ounce container of pure, raw, eco-friendly, organic clay mask. The contest is sponsored by Lisa Ann Turkel, owner of ShimmerOrganics.

Video Advice

Feel free to share any tips you might have so I can make future videos better for you!

Just stopping by? Have you tried my coconut peanut butter honey overnight oats yet? Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls or raw tuna fish-less salad.  Check out my interview with ShimmerOrganics owner, Lisa Ann Turkel, or read my thoughts on Julie & Julia.

Remember a while back when I shared Eli’s story with you? You know, the young guy pictured below?  The inspiring fellow with a heart of gold – yet a heart that wouldn’t work correctly?

Well… I have a fantabulous update to share with you!

Juicer for Eli

First of all, a juicer was anonymously – and very generously – purchased for Eli by one of YOU not long after I posted about his situation. What a blessing!!!

The juicer made it safely to Eli’s family and they’ve been juicing for him non-stop ever since. And… Eli is getting stronger!!!

Enthusiastic Eli

I know a friend of the family and she keeps me posted on Eli’s progress as often as she can.

Here’s the latest:

"He’s been through the mill, testing wise, but is finally coming out of it. He had to have a bone marrow tap three weeks ago and the results aren’t fully in yet – but so far, so good. His echo has shown quite a bit of improvement over the one done last month. He has also been able to keep his blood cell counts up.

This is AFTER receiving the juicer and juicing DAILY.

He will get to go home for Christmas, pending his heart cath on the 22nd. Eli is telling everyone: Never give up and always look for the positive in every situation. When the road gets rough, stand your ground and fight!"

The family friend also says:
"And Eli wants that passed along. He is truly thankful and can’t wait to feel even better as time progresses."

Isn’t that RAWsome?!

The healing benefits of raw juices are AMAZING! Those fresh juices Eli’s family is making for him is helping to strengthen his weak, little body. It’s such a JOY to know that Eli is most likely going to have the opportunity to wake up on Christmas morning in his own bed, in his own home!!!

And even through the most difficult times of his little life, Eli has a positive attitude. What a precious soul he is!

My heart and prayers are with Eli’s family, friends, and Eli himself…

And, in honor of Eli’s courage and determination, I leave you with a few of his words that touched me the most:

“When the road gets rough,

stand your ground and fight!”

Amen, Eli! Amen!!!!

Latest Update (as of 12/24/09)

“"Eli’s Cath went GREAT yesterday so he is FREE for the next 2 1/2 weeks!" He is home with his brother and Dad for the holidays!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ELI AND HIS FAMILY!!! AND MY 2010 BE THEIR YEAR OF ABUNDANT HEALING AND HEALTH!!!!!

Just stopping by? Have you tried my coconut peanut butter honey overnight oats yet? Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at my  chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls or raw tuna fish-less salad. 

And… the news you’ve been waiting for…

Winning Number

There were 131 comments on the E3Live + BrainOn contest post. I visited Mr. Random (random.org) to select a winner.

The number result was 99.

Owner of #99

Why, that’d be Cyn from www.writeforehow.com!!

Cyn’s winning comment:

If this is your first time visiting, be sure to enter my latest contest for E3Live products (a value of over $200!) and check out my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. They’re easy (and fun!) to make.

And now I have a special surprise for you: We have a talented and inspiring guest today!

Zeenat Syal is sharing her wisdom of the healing benefits of raw onion. You know how I love the healing benefits of raw foods!

Take it away, Zeenat!

Onions – A Pungent Surprise of Natural Healing

The onion, a pungent edible of the lily family, is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. It is considered food of exceptional value for flavoring and seasoning.

The onion is a biennial herb, usually grown as an annual. All its parts produce a strong odor when crushed. It has a superficial root system, a very short flattened stem at the base of the plant, which increases in diameter as growth continues. Leaves are long, linear and hollow. A bulb is formed by thickening of the leaf bases when the plant reaches a certain stage of growth.

The onion is believed to have originated in Central Asia, possibly in the Iran-Pakistan region. It has been cultivated since ancient times in the Middle East and India. It was a popular food in ancient Egypt, where it is depicted on the tombs as early as 3200 BC and has been found in mummies. Almost all religions in their holy scriptures have mentioned onions in some way or the other.

Onion is now cultivated in most parts of the world, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Philippines, China, Egypt, West and East Africa, tropical South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Food Value:

Onion which derived its name from the Latin Onio and French Oignon, has been described by some one as the dynamite of all natural foods. Compared with other fresh vegetables, it is relatively high in food value, moderate in protein content and is rich in calcium and riboflavin. There is considerable variation in composition between different varieties and it also varies with the stage of maturity and the length of storage.

The odor in onion is due to organic sulphur compounds, and is produced only when they are cut or injured, by enzyme action on a water-soluble amino acid. Heating, freezing and drying prevent the enzyme action. That is why cooking produces a different odor, flavor and pungency. The pungent flavor is appreciated by many people in many countries. The strong odor lingers for a considerable amount of time after consumption. It is said to be due to small particles retained is the mouth which cannot always be removed by brushing.

Onion is one of the vegetables which has the best keeping quality. The dried cured bulbs may be kept for several months without deterioration and can stand rough handling.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties:

Onion is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. It has been used as a food remedy from time immemorial. The physicians of ancient Egypt prescribed onions in various diseases. They are stimulant, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient.

The white onion is preferable to the red and yellow varieties. Onions should be taken with meals preferably raw as fried or cooked onions are comparatively difficult to digest. For therapeutic purposes, it is advisable to use onion juice instead of the whole onion as it is an all round medicine. Onion being stimulating and irritating food, its consumption in excess should be avoided.

Several parts of the plant have a place in traditional medicines. The seeds of onion relieve dental worms and urinary diseases. The stalks of onion are a source of Vitamin A, thiamin and ascorbic acid. They are used in both tender and mature stages.

*Onions*

Food Value                                                     Minerals and Vitamins

Moisture                                    86.6%              Calcium                                     47mg

Protien                                        1.2%                Phosphorous                              50mg

Fat                                              0.1%                  Iron                                           0.7mg

Fibre                                            0.6%               Vitamin C                                   11mg

Minerals                                       0.4%             Small amount if Vitamin B Complex

Carbohydrates                            11.1%

______

100%               Calorific Value: 51

*Values 100 gms edible portion.

Respiratory Diseases:

Onion possesses expectorant properties. It liquefies phlegm and prevents its further formation. It has been used for centuries in cold, cough, bronchitis and influenza.

Tooth Disorders:

Onion also possesses bactericidal properties. Hence, consuming one raw onion everyday, chewing thoroughly, can protect you from a host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onions for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.

Anemia:

Onions are noted for their easily assimilable iron content. They are therefore, beneficial in the treatment of anemia.

Heart Disease:

Onion is an excellent preventive food item against heart-attack. Its beneficial because of the composition of the essential oils, calcium, iron, phosphorous and vitamins. The onions are very valuable in heart diseases as they correct thrombosis and also reduce blood cholesterol.

Skin Disorders:

Onion is irritating to the skin and stimulates the circulation of blood in the mucous membranes. Warts also sometimes disappear if rubbed with cut onions. Roasted or otherwise, onions are applied as a poultice to boils, bruises, wounds, etc., to bring the boils to maturity by its heaty sensation.

Ear Disorders:

Onions juice dipped in cotton wool and put into the ear is a popular Russian remedy for ringing sound in the ears. Dropped hot in the ear, it relieves earache.

Urinary System Disorders:

Onions are highly beneficial in the treatment of urinary system disorders. Regular intake of onion juice will bring about considerable amount of relief to patients suffering from burning sensation as well as to patients suffering from urine retention.

Bleeding Piles:

Onions are a very valuable treatment in bleeding piles. Onion juice mixed with a pinch of sugar taken twice daily by the patient will bring relief in a few days.

Uses:

The onion can be used in innumerable ways. The immature and mature bulbs are eaten raw or they may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are used in soups, salads, sauces and for seasoning many foods. They may also be fried. Onion oil, produced by steaming distillation, is used to a limited extent for flavoring foods.There has been an increasing demand, in recent years, for dehydrated onion products. The onions are sliced and dried. They are used for flavoring food and in canned meat products, sausages, canned and dried soups and ketchups. Dried onion flakes can be reconstituted by cooking in water. Chopped and dried green onions are a kind culinary herb for culinary purposes.

Zeenat Merchant Syal is a Practicing Counseling Psychologist & Naturopath with degrees in Motivational and Counseling Psychology. She also holds degrees in various fields of Holistic and Naturopathic Medicine. Her Blog “Positive Provocations” focuses on Positive Thinking through Healing the Mind, Body, Heart &Soul-Trying to heal the world one blog post at a time-Spreading Positivity, Motivations, Inspiration, Love & Happiness.

Thank you so much, Zeenat!

Okay, y’all. Get busy adding those onions to your meals and enjoying their natural healing benefits!

And be sure to stop by Zeenat’s blog. She’s so inspiring and knowledgeable. Her posts are a joy to read and I know you’ll be glad you took the time to visit her!

(Onion) photo credit: Vic Lic

A lot of us take our healthy heart for granted. We get up each morning, go about our day-to-day lives, and don’t even give a thought to how our hearts – or any other part of our bodies – are working properly, allowing us to live carefree and healthy lives.

Eli isn’t as blessed. He’s living with his third heart – and he is still struggling to stay here on this beautiful planet!

My friend actually knows Eli personally.

Following is a snippet of what she knows about Eli’s condition:

“Eli’s second heart came eight months after his birth.  That heart lasted him quite some time, but his body went through late rejection and he was put back on the transplant list and his third heart arrived not-so-long ago.  Along with this heart transplant, Eli has undergone radiation to wipe out his lymph system and help prevent rejection later down the road.  This process has really left Eli not feeling up to par.”

Donation Drive

She has taken it upon herself to host a drive focused on raising enough money to purchase a new, eco-friendly juicing machine for Eli.

She’s on a mission! She wants to help Eli have the opportunity every child should have, without even giving it a thought – to be home for the holidays.

This fantabulous boy has endured more than one heart transplant and has spent entirely too much time in the hospital, at doctors’ offices, and in various treatments. If his health doesn’t improve; if his immune system is still too weak, he may have to stay in the hospital a lot longer than originally anticipated. And this means he may not get to be home for the holidays. As an adult, I can’t imagine being in the hospital during the holidays. From a child’s point of view…. I can’t even fathom. It’s heartbreaking!

This new juicer will allow Eli to enjoy unlimited raw juices that will not only overflow his cup with nutrition and health, but his heart and life with joy and time spent at home, like a boy should be. It’s Mysti’s desire (and my own) that we search our hearts and start thinking about holiday gifts a little early, so that a sweet boy can sit at his family’s table for Thanksgiving fellowship and wake up on Christmas morning in the warmth and comfort of his own bed, in his own room, with his own belongings.

Hope for Health

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’ve battled for my own health. Raw juices have been instrumental in my healing process, and that’s why I started this site – to share hope and healing through raw foods and juices. What do you say? Let’s help Eli get a new juicer so he can enjoy fresh, raw juices and a stronger immune system.

Let me know if you’d like to be a part of Eli’s journey to new and improved health!

Hopefully, he’ll be fishing again and enjoying the outdoors like he was here….

By

Michele L. Tune

A Little History First…

I’m very honored – and perhaps just a teeny, tiny bit biased – to share with you this fantabulous health site. Why am I biased? It’s my mom’s website – yes! Isn’t that amazing? My mom has studied, used, and taught herbs for 20 years now. As I mentioned before, her knowledge of herbs and natural remedies has been instrumental in my own health journey. For that, I’m forever grateful. She’s my rock, my inspiration, motivation, best friend, and a continuous source of wisdom I am privileged to glean from (thank you, mom!).

Anyway, mom has sold herbs for years now. She loves setting up at farmers markets and festivals, too. She finally decided to go virtual…

Hillbilly Heaven Herbs Comes to the Web!

First, don’t ya just love that name? My mom just had to have this cabin featured on her design. She’s received a ton of positive feedback already and most folks agree the design is truly in keeping with the whole theme and feel of her herb business. I think it’s a way cool design – thanks to Goofy Girl Designs!

Visit the site here: www.HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com

The Herb Lady is Already Blogging!

I’ve been blogging for a while now and I knew when mom finally got a website, she just had to have a blog. Like the above design, folks are loving the blog design, too. It’s fun and it makes ya smile. Although Goofy Girl Designs is behind the technical part of the design, mom had the idea for the herbs and tea cup exploding out of her head like that. It is, she says, because she has so many years of herbal information crammed into her brain!

Visit the blog here: www.HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com/Blog

Why You Should Visit

Joking – and bias feelings – aside, you really should visit Hillbilly Heaven Herbs and the blog. Why? Because my mom has a wealth of knowledge and she presents it in a down-to-earth, personable way. She has a real knack for breaking alternative medicine down into bite-sized pieces a reader can digest. Go ahead, you’ll love it! Still not convinced?

Here’s a few things you’ll find there:

• free alternative medicine recipes
• alternative medicine information
• snippets of knowledge it’s taken her 20 years to acquire
• how to care for your body naturally
• how to build up your immune system
• it’s fun
• and much, much more!

Oh, It Runs in the Family

And, so it goes. I have grown up to be like my mother! I now have excessive amounts of herbal information floating around inside my head. What I don’t know, I either ask her or research for myself. I’ve even considered going after an Herbalist Degree! Hey, you never know.

And, how crazy is it that we’re both blogging?!

I’ll leave you with one last sneak peek. This is a funny picture mom added to her contact page. Don’t worry. We weren’t really in jail! The photo was taken at a festival, just because of our kooky sense of humor. Go ahead and laugh. Yes, I had to play actress and “cry”!

Left: Mom                                                                                         Right: Me

Don’t miss out on upcoming featured health sites (yours just might be one of them)! Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.