Buckwheat Hull Pillows

After getting some great reviews from my sister, I finally took the plunge and bought an organic buckwheat hull pillow.  I have been having some neck and upper back discomfort at night and wanted an alternative from the wool pillow I have been using.  I also grind my teeth at night sometimes, probably due to the neck and back pain.

I have been completely happy with my new pillow!  My neck and back pain is gone and I also noticed that I am not grinding my teeth at night anymore, a side benefit that I was not expecting!

Photo credit: www.northernaturals.com

These pillows do take a few nights to get used to, as they are firmer and have a very different feeling than your "normal" cotton, feather, or wool pillows.  But, they do a beautiful job of conforming to your head and neck and providing support like no other pillow I have every tried.

I also love that they are a natural source of filler and there are many places that will sell them organically grown.  You can also make your own, as my sister did.

I bought my pillow at Northern Naturals, and you read more about the pillows and their benefits, here.

Whole Foods Friday - Chick Broth and Tots

This is a great post to follow up my post from earlier this week, about things you can do to combat colds and flus.  Having a toddler, I know the challenges of getting broth into them!  Here are some tips from my sister Christy, over at Whole Foods on a Budget.  

Have a wonderful, fall weekend!!

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Well, it's October and I'm already getting emailing from friends and family who are sick - yikes!  Cold and flu season is upon us!!  And, unfortunately, all the candy consumption at Halloween only seems to escalate things.

I'm already preparing our family and working hard to strengthen our immune systems through a healthy diet and various supplements.  Every family will look a little different in terms of what works for them, but I thought I would give you all a list of some of the things that I am doing for our family.

1) Limiting sugar consumption!  I know that it is nearly impossible to keep candy away from kids during Halloween, but we will be limiting the amount of candy my son has and I am working to keep him away from other sweets in the meantime.  Eating sugar lowers your immune system functioning and makes you more susceptible to sickness, especially within the 4-8 hour time frame of consumption.

2) Incorporating bone broths in our diet.  I try to have plenty of homemade stock in the freezer ready to use.  We drink it plain, add it to soups, or cook it up in rice.  If you can find a farmer and have access to organic chicken feet, then add those to your broth.  They add a nice healing boost!

3) Consuming fermented foods (rich in probiotics).  I try to ferment foods on a regular basis to have plenty of probiotic rich foods on hand.  Probiotics are great for helping to strengthen the immune system.  One of the best to have on hand is 10 week fermented sauerkraut.  If you make this anaerobically, you will have an amazing, inexpensive source of probiotics.  If you are not able to make fermented foods at this time, considering buying some high quality probiotics.  I use Udo's for all of us.  

4) Elderberry Syrup.  I keep a big bottle of homemade elderberry syrup on hand through the winter.  We take a dose almost daily.  It's very easy to make, delicious, and a great immune builder.  You can also buy it, but it's much cheaper to make your own.  HERE is the link to my recipe.  This is very kid friendly!  It's a great chaser for fermented cod liver oil.

5) Daily fermented cod liver oil.  Fermented cod liver oil is one of the best supplements you can take in my opinion.  It is an excellent source of vitamins A and D.  Taking it fermented, preserves the maximum nutritional benefits.  You can read more about it HERE, where I order mine.  You can get it in capsules or flavored liquid.  I have had no problems having my son take his, especially when he gets a chaser of elderberry syrup.

6)  Vitamin C.  I like to have plenty of vitamin C on hand for either daily dosing, or dosing when I think sickness is coming on.   I like my supplements to come from natural sources, so I use Dr. Bob Marshall's version.  I have been using his supplements for years and I highly recommend them.

7) Bovine Colostrum.  I keep powdered colostrum on hand for times when we are either feeling sick, under stress, or going to be in crowds.  This is another good immune booster.  It comes in capsules or powder.  For children, small doses can be added to things like applesauce or yogurt.  I use Dr. Bob Marshall's colostrum.

8) Echinacea.  Echinacea is a great general bug fighter.  I always have this one hand.  For my son, I use the Herbs for Kid's version.  For my husband and myself, I have the dried root and leaf on hand to make teas and have also made my own tincture, as it is more cost efficient.  This herb can be purchased inexpensively from Mountain Rose Herbs (link on the right side of my blog).  If we are going to be in crowds or around germs, I give a dose the day before, day of, and day after.  If we are sick, I dose us for at least a week.

Photo Credit: mynaturalmarket.com

While it would be difficult to cover every herb and supplement I have on hand, these are a few good standbys to start with this fall and winter.

What are some of your favorite standbys?


(I am an affiliate for Mountain Rose Herbs.  I only recommend companies and products that I use.  Using the link I provide helps to support the upkeep of this blog.  Thank you!)

Healing a Muscle Strain Naturally

The other morning my toddler woke up and refused to walk.  He kept complaining of pain in his ankle and refused to put weight on it.  We knew it was not broken (if there is ever ANY doubt, please speak with your health care professional); he had been romping pretty hard the night before and I suspected a minor sprain or muscle strain, which can come on delayed.

Since he is only two, it was difficult to figure out exactly what was going on, but I saw some minor puffing around his ankle and decided to try some treatments that day for muscle strain since I really wanted to avoid using tylenol.

The first thing I did was to give a dose of homeopathic arnica.  I gave a few doses over the course of the day, both in spray form and oral.

I then rubbed some diluted lavender essential oil into the sprain and spent some time icing the foot.  He was not a very big fan of the ice, but since it was slightly puffy, I wanted to get some ice on it.

A little while later we tried an epsom salt bath.  Epsom salts are very healing for muscle strains and sprains, so I made up a little foot bath and let him soak his foot - he loved that!  I think this was one of the best treatments I could have tried for him.

Picture credit: www.real-noni.com

After his Epsom salt bath, I rubbed my all time favorite Noni lotion all over the ankle area.  I cannot recommend this lotion enough.  It also comes in an ice hot version, which my husband loves.  I just used the regular version on my son.  We ALWAYS have this lotion on hand.

I'm happy to say that by the evening, he was walking around a little and by the next morning, he was running.  No need for tylenol!  Gentle, natural remedies did the trick!

Whole Foods Friday - Carrot Zucchini Soup

With fall arriving, this Carrot Zucchini soup recipe sounds delicious and is a great way to use some of that last summer squash still floating around!  This soup is easy to make and easy on the wallet, especially if you are using homemade stock.

So, hop on over to my sister, Christy's blog, Whole Foods on a Budget, for the recipe!

End of the Summer Roasted Vegetable Medley

While summer is still going strong here (we will hit at least 100 degrees today!), this roasted summer veggie dish looks delicious and could be done on the grill if you are facing a similar heat wave.  Hop on over to Whole Foods on a Budget to check out this delicious grilled vegetable dish!

Cultured Mondays - Curtido, the Pickl-it Way!

Happy Labor Day!  I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend.  Today I am featuring a recipe by Melanie, at Pickle Me Too.  I have wanted to try this recipe for a long time and can't wait until I find the time to squeeze it into my busy schedule.

Curtido is a yummy mix of fermented cabbage, carrots, onions, hot peppers, and cumin seeds.  This kraut will ferment for 8-10 weeks, though some wait as long as 6 months to eat it.  What a delicious way to get your probiotics!

So, hop on over to Melanie's blog for the full recipe, and enjoy this South American style of sauerkraut!

Whole Foods Friday - Colorful Double Bean and Veggie Salad

Are you rolling in tomatoes like I am here?  Not that I'm complaining!  We LOVE tomatoes in this house and I love finding all kinds of fun ways to use them.  I found this delicious recipe on my sister's blog, Whole Foods on a Budget.

So, hop on over to her blog and check out this recipe for a delicious double bean and veggie salad.  Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

Homeopathy and the Broken Toe

Two days ago, it was a busy morning as usual.  I was packing my husband's lunch and set a pyrex dish with some leftover lasagna in it onto the kitchen counter.  What I didn't realize was that it was not set firmly on the counter and over it went, with the pyrex handle smashing directly onto my middle toe.

Wow - I don't think I have ever experienced pain like that!  I stuck my foot into a bowl of ice water immediately but knew that I needed to do something else right away as my toe was immediately turning purple and starting to swell.

Thankfully, I have a homeopath that I see who is available as needed via email and phone.  I had also bought the home remedy kit that she recommended (pictured below and found HERE).

I took the arnica and hypericum that she recommended and within a few hours the pain was gone (except for walking) and the bruising and swelling were improved.  To look at my foot, you would not know right off that I have a broken toe (well, suspected since I never went in for an xray).  Though I cannot walk on it yet, it is doing much, much better than I ever imagined it would.

I highly recommend this kit.  You will save a lot of money buying all these remedies in kit form.  It comes with a very simple booklet with a list of symptoms and matching remedies.  I also recommend Homeopathy, An A-Z Home Handbook and The Family Guide to Homeopathy.

(I am an affiliate with amazon.  Using the links I provide is like leaving a tip and helps with the costs of keeping up this blog.  Thank you!)

(Featured on GNOWFLGINS)

Sealogica on Sale!

Just wanted to let all my readers know that Sealogica is currently on sale!  Take advantage of this sale to try this wonderful, whole food, a vital source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and so much more!

Below are some questions and answers about Sealogica:

Why Sea Vegetables?
Today our foods are loaded with chemicals and preservatives, and our soils are sodepleted of nutrients that our foods are nutrient poor. We must get our food from sea vegetables if we desire nutrient-rich, chemical-free whole foods as nature intended for ultimate health.

What is Sealogica?
Sealogica is a whole food blend of seven wild-harvested sea vegetables, harvested from  the coldest waters from around the world in their region of origin. TheSealogica synergistic blend of sea vegetables contains every vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and amino acid in Natureʼs perfect balance—plus enzymes, antioxidants, flavonoids and many other powerful nutrients found in nature required for ultimate health.
Why is Sealogica considered a raw food?
Sealogica uses a special eco friendly proprietary hand-harvested process to select and collect 7 types of Wild Sea Vegetables from their region of origin. Then it goes through a special cold water scrub, wash and rinse process to insure the purity of the sea vegetables. [No Chemicals are used just pure cold water] Then sun dried for 48 hours and blended into this proprietary rawsuperfood.

Why is "Wild Harvested" important?

Wild harvesting is the act of harvesting natural resources direct from their native environments. Nature imprints our food with more than just the physical substance we need to live. Kirlian photography has shown that there is a subtle energy or "prana" in food our as well. Modern agricultural methods intervenes in this process. Eating foods grown in the wild means that you receive the energy from the plant directly from Nature with no intermediary. All the energetic and vibrational qualities are present as intended. Also wild harvest - assures the products' ecological purity.

What can Sealogica do for me?

We can't say what it will do for you because each person's nutritional needs differ. However, 99% of consumers report an increase in energy in just a few days, and many report a significant weight loss, blood pressure normalization, blood sugar stabilization in approximately three months, reduction or elimination of hot flashes, an end to constipation, disappearance of painful menstrual cycles, elimination of headaches, improved sleeping, and an overall feeling of well being.
Do I need to take any multi-vitamin and mineral supplements while takingSealogica?
No. Multi-vitamin and mineral supplements are synthetic and actually do more harm than good for your body. Almost all health care professionals recommend supplementing your diet. Sealogica is afar superior alternative, plus it will enhance the effectiveness of other whole foods and whole food supplements such as herbs or herbal combinations.Sealogica is a Superfood and contains a tremendous variety of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients in natures perfect balance. Try Sealogica and Experience Nature's Power!

I’m a vegetarian—can I take Sealogica?
Yes. Sealogica is vegan certified and is an excellent source of plant-based whole-food nutritional support.Is Sealogica gluten free?
Yes.

Is Sealogica raw?

Yes. All of the ingredients in Sealogica have been "cold processed." Many sea vegetables found in the health food store have been heated and dried, a process which harms the enzymes which are senstive to heat above 120 degrees. By cold processing the sea vegetables in Sealogica, we insure that all that Nature intended for you is delivered to you!

Is Sealogica Sugar Free?

Yes. Stevia is used to sweeten the berry flavor and studies have shown that Stevia is one of the few "sweeteners" available safe even for diabetics as it has a low glycemic index and will not raise blood sugar levels.

What ab

out the bottle—is it BPA free?
Yes, our bottles are free of Bisphenol A and Phthalates (BPA is a high-production industrial  chemical used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy linings of tin cans).

Does Sealogica contain any preservatives?
No. Sealogica is 100% preservative free because the sea vegetables contained in this product are very high in antioxidants which act as a natural preservative.

(As with any supplement, please consult with your health care practitioner before starting Sealogica, especially if you have a thyroid condition or are currently taking any thyroid medication.)

(Featured on Real Food Renegade)

Cultured Mondays - Green Bean "Pickles"

We have been swimming in green beans the past few weeks.  I wanted to make something a little different than just plain salt brine with these, so I added pickling spices and boy, these came out good!

Green Bean Pickles

*5 L Pickl-it
*4-5 pounds green beans
*2-3 fresh stems dill
*1 T yellow mustard seed
*1 T brown mustard seed
*1 T coriander seed
*1 T peppercorns
*1 tsp cardamom pods
*10 cloves
*3 cinnamon sticks
*4-6 dried bay leaves
(If you do not have these individual spices, you can use 4 T pickling spices.)
2% brine (19g salt to 4 cups water)

Wash off the green beans and remove the stem end.  Pack densely into the pickl-it.  Add spices, and lastly the brine.  Place airlock and leave in a dark, cool place for about 3 days, or until bubbling stops.  The ideal fermenting temperature is around 70 degrees, so in warmer weather, they may be done sooner and if it is cool, then leave out for an extra day.

Enjoy!  These are great for dipping, chopped on salads, or just plain!

Whole Foods Friday - Creamy Roasted Tomato-Eggplant Soup

When I saw this recipe on my sister's blog, Whole Foods on a Budget, I decided I just had to make this!

What a delicious way to use the bounty of summertime tomatoes that we have right now!  So, hop on over to Whole Foods on a Budget and try this delicious recipe!