Hi, y’all!

It’s winner time!

Thanks so much to all who entered the Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit Giveaway.

I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and it was pure awesomeness to read which products you’d like to try or love most – and why.

But you know how it goes. Only one entry can be chosen to receive a Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit.

I always depend on Mr. Random (random.org) for selecting a winner. And the winning number is…

Comment #15 belongs to Nancy. Congrats, Nancy!

In Nancy’s first comment, she mentioned she’d like to try African orange mango red tea. Enjoy your wellness kit!

And thank you so much once again to Celestial Seasonings for being so generous with us and for working so hard to bring us such an amazing company with awesome, healthy products!

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

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.

]]> http://healingwithjuices.com/2009/02/alternative-medicine-hillbilly-heaven-herbs/feed/ 8 http://healingwithjuices.com/2009/01/health-alternative-medicine/ http://healingwithjuices.com/2009/01/health-alternative-medicine/#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:59:03 +0000 Raw Juice Girl http://healingwithjuices.com/?p=152 By

Michele L. Tune

Health Websites and Blogs

Health sites and blogs are abundant all across the Web, but which ones should you invest your time in? Which ones share accurate information? I’m sure there are a ton of other fabulous health sites out there, and I might have even come across them, but today I want to focus on just three of my recommendations and why I recommend them.

KathEats.com

Health Blog: KathEats.com

Health is #1 priority with Kath. I’ve been reading this blog for quite a while. I love the fact that Kath reached her goal weight and successfully maintains it by exercising, eating healthfully, and staying focused on ultimate health. Kath isn’t a vegetarian but she doesn’t eat a lot of meat. She also finds ways to incorporate tofu and veggie burgers into her meals. You’ll find lots of salads as Kath loads up on the veggies. And, you’ll be absolutely amazed at her creativity when it comes to eating oatmeal almost every morning! She even has a special Tribute to Oatmeal page that she updates once in a while. Kath is so personable, you can’t help but be inspired to live a healthy life when you read her posts. I can’t say enough great things about KathEats.com (a.k.a. KERF). Enjoy your visit!

Wellsphere.com

Health knowledge made personal

I’ve been visiting Wellsphere.com for a while now and recently shared with you that I’ve been welcomed to the Wellsphere Health Community as a Top Health Blogger (which I’m thrilled about!). The variety of topics at this site is simply amazing. From vegetarian to weight loss to sports to fitness and exercise to information on various illnesses and green living, there is a massive amount of resources in the Wellsphere Community. I guarantee you won’t be able to get to it all in one visit – you’ll have to visit time and again and absorb it in snippets. Wellsphere.com is definitely a health site you’ll want to bookmark and return to from now on. You can also join the Wellsphere Community and actively participate in healthy conversations. I’ll see you there! (Add me as a friend if you join.)

Dr. Emily Kane

Health and Alternative Medicine

This health site is new to me. I discovered it when Esculon Magazine (owned by Alexandra Mihaescu)  mentioned HealingwithJuices.com in an article about juicing: “Learn all about juice fasting and what it can do for you from Dr. Emily Kane and Michele Tune.” I hadn’t heard of Dr. Emily Kane so I went to check her out. Her site is full of alternative medicine-related articles. One of her articles that I enjoyed immensely and find to be a fabulous resource is Tips for Reducing Stress. Be sure to take your time and have a look around, dig through her archives, and gobble up the natural health knowledge she so willingly shares with her readers. You’ll be glad you did!

I’ll be sharing more fantabulous health sites in upcoming posts – including a new one I’ve been working on – so 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 tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Have you ever visited any of these health sites? Did you bookmark them? Did I leave out any important aspects about these sites? So, which health sites do you frequent? Join in (or start up) the conversation and spill the beans!

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)

Michele L. Tune

January is a month for resolutions, dreams, promises – to ourselves and others – and a time to reflect on what the previous year held for us, as well as ponder where the new year will take us. Instead of making resolutions that are so hard to keep, why not set some goals you know you’ll actually attempt reaching? How can you do that? Let’s have a look at the following suggestions.

• Set short-term goals instead of focusing on the overall picture. Have 50 or 100 pounds to lose? Work on losing 10. That’s right. Just 10. If you focus on losing weight in 10 pound increments, you’re more likely to keep going when you reach an 8 pound weight loss. If you lose 8 pounds and keep dwelling on the fact you have 92 more to lose, you might get discouraged and give up. (For more tips on losing weight, read this article.)

• Work toward your new health regimen gradually. Don’t stop enjoying your favorite foods and drinks cold turkey. If you’re drinking 4 sodas a day, knock off one, then another – until you eventually only drink a soda on occasion, if at all. By easing into your new health regimen, you’ll find yourself being able to stick with it.

• Invest in a quality juicing machine so you can experiment with fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices. Not only are these raw juices filled with living enzymes and vitamins that are beneficial to your health, they taste delicious! Also, be sure to check out: “Creating Juice Recipes for Weight Loss“.
  

• Not a fan of juice? What about creamy, rich smoothies? Look for a blender so you can make smoothies at home. They’re less expensive and you’re in control of the ingredients. (Check out these smoothie recipes.) You can also toss in ground flax seeds (for Omegas), powdered vitamins, or even nut butters for extra health benefits!

• Find a fun exercise – like rebounding.  Jumping on a mini trampoline – even for just a few short minutes a day – can help you achieve better health. You’ll be increasing your lung capacity, cleansing your lymph system, and will get those endorphins going. The best part of rebounding? It makes you feel like a kid again!

Don’t spend 2009 being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Take your life – and your health – back. Follow these tips and focus on the short-term, ease into your new health regimen, invest in a juicing machine (or blender) and add just a little exercise so you can be accomplishing your goals by this time next year. Hey, hopefully you’ll reach all your goals before then!

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 tips to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health.

Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices (and smoothies!)