Nutrition Frenzy

Thyme is a Greek name for “courage”. In ancient times people would carry thyme on their person for courage. Both magically and medicinally thyme is used for purification. It is thought to banish evil and drive away fear. It can purify bad energy and renew the spirit.
Medicinally it is used to purify the skin, and the body from fungus, parasites, bacteria, mucus, etc. It is also used to treat epilepsy, melancholy, gastrointestinal problems, lung and bronchial congestion, and skin parasites. The essential oil is very powerful and should always be used sparingly with a carrier oil such as olive oil. It can be diffused to purify the air and increase mental clarity. Another name for the oil is thymol.
I like to put thyme with rosemary on pizza. Brush olive oil onto the dough instead of sauce. Add sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and then sprinkle the herbs on top. Finish with some freshly cracked black pepper and you have a nice herbal pizza.

The word Oregano is a Grecian word meaning “Joy of the mountains”. Oregano has the ability to can grow heartily at high altitudes with little oxygen. Oregano is one of the more medicinal herbs. It works like an antibiotic to kill bacteria. Yet, unlike an antibiotic, it can also kill fungi, making it a great defense for Candida. It is a good cleanser for the lymph system and the liver. For tired joints and muscles you can put a handful of leaves in a mesh bag and tie it to the bath tub faucet and run hot water through it for a therapeutic soak. Some people use the oil of oregano in their mouth wash.

Oregano is bound to Venus and air. It is thought to promote psychic dreams as well as happiness, good luck, and tranquility. The incense is burned for letting go emotionally.

I personally love to use fresh oregano on baked chicken. Drizzle a little olive oil over a 9×13 pan of fresh chicken, pour two small jars of marinated artichokes around the chicken and top with fresh oregano and thyme. Salt and Pepper. Bake for 2 hours and serve with rice

Lavender is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It calms and sedates and can be used for depression and anxiety.

If you only own one bottle of essential oil in your home it should be lavender. It is great to have in your first aid kit and is one of the safest essential oils. Lavender has so many uses; Cuts, burns, bruises, headaches, anxiety, infection, the flu, and can even help ground someone in shock.

Lavender has the same energy as the law of attraction. It is bound to Mercury and air. Its fragrance is light and its flavor is sweet and flowery. Magical practices with lavender for attracting money date back thousands of years ago.

Lavender can be made into a tea and the tea makes great lemonade. (Use in place of water.) Six drops of lavender oil in homemade ice cream is wonderful in the spring time.

You might want to have a separate planter pot just for basil. There is so much you can do with basil I find myself using quite a lot of it. Last night for dinner we had spaghetti and meatballs. But with no sauce. I just sautéed cooked spaghetti with basil leaves, chopped tomatoes, and meatballs in some olive oil. (Yes, I eat meat)

Basil and thyme are great with scrambled eggs and basil with rosemary dresses up any pizza. I also like to put basil leaves on a tomato sandwich instead of lettuce.

The Italians have believed for years that Basil is the herb of love. It is said that if a woman puts a pot of basil outside her room, she is ready to receive her suitor. There is a ritual where you burn crushed dried basil while you announce your desire.
Basil is bound to Jupiter and Fire. Putting basil near the doorway to your business or cash register is said to bring you prosperity.

Basil is a member of the Mint family. Its medicinal qualities are mainly for the digestive system, stomach cramps, vomiting, gas, constipation, and bloating.

Putting chopped rosemary in your bread maker when making bread will make the whole house smell delightful. Warm rosemary dipped in vinegar and olive oil makes a great afternoon snack. (This is the herb they use in the bread at Macaroni grill.)

Rosemary has a long list of medicinal uses. It’s used to treat depression, headaches, muscle spasms, late menstrual flow, and eczema and gallbladder issues. Rosemary also helps with memory and learning.

Rosemary is bound to the fire element and the planet Jupiter. In Medieval times it symbolized love and friendship. Rosemary wreaths were placed on the door for protection and were also thought to ward off bad dreams. The fragrance is said to lift the emotional spirit and give a youthful outlook.

What makes an herb so special? How are herbs any different from other edible plants?

Herbs are special in that they have more concentrated amounts of nutrients, giving them medicinal qualities. They go way back thousands of years with a history of having magical qualities as well.

Herbs are classified into 1st degree 2nd degree and 3rd degree herbs according to their medicinal quality. 1st degree or nutritional herbs are everyday spices we consume in our recipes to maintain optimal health. 2nd and 3rd degree herbs are more medicinal and should be used with skill for short periods of time to overcome dis-ease. Adding fresh herbs to a salad can increase the antioxidant level of the salad by 200 percent.

Using fresh herbs in your recipes rather than dried spices can add so much more flavor and health giving qualities because they haven’t lost their enzymes or essential oils during the drying process.

Now is the time to plant your herb garden. I actually do this the lazy way. Rather than using seeds, I go to the nursery and buy the starter plants and put them all together in a big pot with some potting soil. I keep this pot on my porch and snip some off when ever I need some for a recipe. The picture above on this blog is a picture I took this morning of my actual pot of herbs.

The next few days I will highlight the medicinal properties of different herbs and give ideas of how to use them in your diet. And of course I have to include the superstitions and magical uses of herbs. It wouldn’t be as fun without that aspect.

Scientists have identified eight special saccharides from fruits and vegetables. Fucose, glucose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, mannose and xylose. These are a class of glyco-nutritionals that are very powerful in strengthening and balancing the immune system. Glyconutrients aid in cellular communication and play a role in building enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. They are anti viral, anti bacterial, and anti fungal. They have also been shown to kill tumor cells and increase bone marrow production. They are used for all types of allergies, hormone imbalances, and auto-immune disorders.

Pharmaceutical companies are developing medications using glyconutrients and you can get them in many natural combinations in supplement form at the health food store as well. If you have a serious condition you might want to take them concentrated in supplement form but, for general well being, you can receive the benefits just by eating more fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that, although these nutrients come from sugars, you cannot get these glyconutrients from refined processed carbohydrates.

My favorite glyconutrient supplement is Nature’s Sunshine Glyco Essentials. This particular brand contains all eight saccharides.

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

• Grief counseling
• Memorials
• Communication expenses
• Comfort expenses
• Incidental needs

If you plan to give, please click the link below:

Inflammation shows its face in various forms. Arthritis, seasonal allergies, food allergies, fibromyalgia, lupus, diabetes, headaches, and general pain and swelling.
Here are some foods that fight inflammation while balancing the immune response.

Water - #1 most important inflammation fighter
Greens – kale, Swiss chard, turnip green, mustard green, and spinach.
Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cranberries.
Pineapple and Papaya – Their enzymes break up inflammation even in the joints.
Spicy Peppers – This increases circulation and acts as a catalyst to deliver nutrients.
Supplements – Quercitin, Vitamin E, B-complex, MSM, Bilberry, ALA. (Alpha Lipoic Acid), CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid) CLA and fish oil together increase the hormone Leptin which promotes weight loss and lowers inflammation.
Essential Fatty Acids – Nuts, avocados, flax seeds, fish, and eggs.

Be sure to avoid foods that can trigger inflammation such as fried foods and processed foods.

“Nothing on earth is more gentle and yielding than water, yet nothing is stronger!”
-Anonymous

The philosopher brings to light that which is hidden, uncovering new knowledge. She is able to envision what can be, and critical of what is.

This element is associated with winter. This element houses the willpower. It is meditative, restful, solo, and honest The yin organ is the kidney and the yang organ is the bladder. They govern the fluids in the body, maintain balance in electrolytes and ph. The kidneys store Jing or the life force. The bladder is the eliminator. The ears are the indicators. The spiritual aspect trusts the process of life, has faith, and knows the truth.

An imbalance might look like this; fear, phobias, apathy, isolated and lonely, dread, stiff joints, urinary problems, deep fatigue, bone and teeth issues, ear infection, tinnitus, loss of libido, low back pain, sciatic nerve pain, aversion to cold, lack of motivation, emotional inaccessibility, and telling lies.
To balance this element it is good to drink the right amount of pure water. (The right amount depends on the person, season, and activity level.) It is important to get in touch with the truth and to be honest. Restore faith and the will to live “your” life.
Salty
Beef
Butter
Soy sauce
Eggs
Cheese
Salt water fish
Olives
Seaweed
Tofu

The alchemist seeks perfection. He makes order from chaos, he molds the environment, builds, organizes, defines, and refines. The alchemist is the keeper of the rules and the standards. He has moral values and defends virtue. He appreciates beauty and surrounds himself with a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Metal can also be considered as mineral or rock. This element is associated with the fall or autumn. A time of harvesting that which has been sown. The yin would be the lungs and the yang would be the large Intestines. They both eliminate toxins and they both bring oxygen to the blood. The large intestine is often called the third lung. This element governs taking in and letting go. The indicator is the skin.

An imbalance to this element might bring stiff muscles, dry skin and hair, sensitivity to climate, self-righteousness, distant, nit picky, inability to adapt and change, and toxicity.

To achieve balance in the metal element you can extract order from chaos by clearing out clutter, doing a colon cleanse, taking in life and letting the little things go, and eating spicy foods.

Spicy Foods

Basil
Cayenne
Peppers
Curry
Garlic
Mint
Onions
Parsley
Ginger
Rhubarb
Vanilla
Thyme

The peacemaker sustains relationships and nurtures connectedness. She can assume the attributes of those around her, putting everyone at ease. She is loyal, secure, and predictable. The peacemaker builds communities.

The season for this element is late summer. The yin organ is the spleen and the yang organ is the stomach. The indicator is the lips. This element is associated with the color yellow and works with the solar plexus charka to hold the center. This is where you can find balance, stability, groundedness, connected and fulfilling relationships, boundaries, identity, and self esteem.

Imbalances include worry, obsession, self-doubt, sweet cravings, spreading ones self too thin, tired, irregular appetites, water retention, and muscle tenderness.

To balance this element you can practice meditation, enjoy simple pleasures in the outdoors, and nourish the self with naturally sweet foods.

Sweet Foods

Nuts
Beans
Corn
Cucumber
Dried Fruit
Coconut
Peas
Honey
Sugar
Rice
Jicama
Potatoes
Maple Syrup
Milk/Cream

The wizard is one who is enchanting and persuasive. He manifests miracles with catalytic energy. He transforms the power of love and light. He is one of expression and feeling.

This element is connected with the summer. The heart and blood circulation are the yin and the small intestines are the yang body systems associated with this element. The heart pumps about 3000 gallons of blood in a day, circulating hormones, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and carrying away waste product. The small intestines are where the body receives its nutrients through the food we eat. Together they nourish the body. This governs the body rhythms and empowers the other organs.

Emotions with this element are unconditional love, excitement, joy, intimacy, courage, sensitivity, intuition, enthusiasm, passionate, dramatization, assimilation of ideas, and spiritual discernment.

Symptoms of imbalance include: Hormone imbalance, nervousness, dizziness, bi-polar, speech problems, insomnia, anxiety, hypoglycemia, sweating, low self confidence, overwhelmed, poor circulation, and soreness in the ribs.

To achieve balance in this element it is good to be involved in activities you are passionate about. To give and receive love with openness and forgiveness. Enjoy aerobic exercise to pump the blood and circulate the hormones.

Bitter Foods

Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocados
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chinese Mustard
Chocolate
Endive
Gelatin
Green Vegetables
Heart
Leeks
Mushrooms
Napa Cabbage
Spirulina
Tea
Turnips

The pioneer is driven by adventure and change. He is adaptive, curious, independent, and ready for action. He is eager to innovate, and revolutionize.

This element is connected with spring. The climate is wind and the organs are the liver and gallbladder. The liver being yin (It is dense) and the gallbladder being yang (It is a sack). In Chinese medicine the liver is called “The Great General” and the gallbladder is called “The Great Judge”. The general motivates to make new plans, has vision and drive. The judge is the decision maker.

This is the center of the metabolism and general detoxifier of the blood. The eyes are the indicator of the condition of the liver and the spiritual center for this element is “The house of the soul”; inspiration, understanding, insight, and wisdom.

If you have weakness in this element your symptoms may include; addiction, seasonal allergies, frustration, depression, impatience, high blood pressure, self destructive, blocked creativity, anger, obsessions with movement, difficulty relaxing, indecisive, headaches, vision problems, cysts, growths, PMS, pain, tendon injuries, numbness, tremors, muscle spasms or cramps.

To balance weakness in this element you’ll want to increase movement, cleanse the body and eat sour foods.

Foods of the wood element:

Buttermilk
Chicken
Lemon
Collards
Fresh water fish
Raw Fruits
Liver
Red meats
Pickles
Rose Hips
Vinegar
Sour cream
Kefir / Yogurt
Tomatoes

We tend to think of ourselves only as physical beings. In actuality, we are energy beings that attract physical matter to give us form. –Anonymous

You have probably heard of Feng Shui in the home. Balancing your world by balancing the elements of the environment in which you live in.

The five basic elements in Feng Shui are fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. These elements also go along with the five tastes. Fire goes with bitter, earth goes with sweet, metal goes with spicy, water goes with salty, and wood goes with sour.

In Chinese medicine you can tell a lot about your body by the flavors that you crave. You can use these different flavors to balance the energies in the body much the same way you would use the elements to balance your home.

Every element has a yang side and every element has a yin side. The yang is the sunny side of the hill and the yin is the shady side of the hill. Yang is male, yin is female. Hot/cold, Light/dark, expands/contracts, gives/receives, etc. Symptoms arise when any one element is out of balance.

Each element has its own archetype.
Fire is “The Wizard”
Earth is “The Peacemaker”
Metal is “The Alchemist”
Water is “The Philosopher”
Wood is “The Pioneer”

The elements also correspond with the seasons and the organs of the body. In the next few days I will write about each element, how to balance your pantry and your body.