Mountain Marys

Good Earth Garden School...

2010-03-13T16:53:00.000-09:00

Gardening by Asking Mother Nature
GEG Bulletin
March 13, 2010

Dear Eco-Gardeners,

Slugs in your lettuce?

A wasp nest on your deck?

Weeds invading your yard?

Trees to cut down?

Is there is a way you might work with nature?

Yes! Come learn to consult the wise consciousness of nature itself.

Co-Creative Organic Gardening

April 10-11, 2010

Anchorage Alaska

You’ll learn how to

--Select organic fertilizers

--Perfect your composting

--Reduce pests without poisons

--Consult directly with the joyful Devas and Nature Spirits

--Reduce pests without battles or poisons

Saturday –Sunday April 10-11 from 10 am - 6pm

Information and registration: see flyer attached, and please register on line to hold your place at www.goodearthgardenschool.com

I’d love to have you. Please come join the fun!

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

“We farmers and gardeners are responsible for the health of this nation. As growers, we can do more to keep people healthy than all the doctors and hospitals combined. Human health is an agriculture issue.” --John Kempf

Good Earth Garden School....

2010-03-13T16:49:00.001-09:00

Classes,Seminars,Workshops,Films,Training
GEG Bulletin
March 13, 2010

Dear Sustainable Eco-Gardeners,

The sun is scribing an arc ever higher over the horizon. Warm rays stream into our windows. Underfoot, can you feel the sap of cottonwood, birch, willow, and spruce creeping upward? Like the first quiet notes of a symphony that builds to a furor, so do ancient and powerful forces conduct the glorious acceleration into spring. We are riding on a planet that is once again hurling us toward Spring Equinox.

Just as buds will soon swell and burst open, so is my head about to burst open. I am full to popping with exciting news. I don’t mean to overwhelm your INBOX, but wow, I have much to tell you. There is an explosion of opportunities for you to indulge in—new gardening courses, workshops, and conferences!

At last, we feel waves of electric enthusiasm about sustainable agriculture—local food, growing food, community-building, healthy diets, root cellars, and alternative energy systems. So if seed catalogs and spring fever are quickening your heart rate, read on!

In this bulletin:

Co-Creative Organic Gardening Workshop

How to Build Powerhouse Soil Fertility

Terra Bella Eco-Seminars

Terra Bella Wed Night Movies

Food Films in Mat-Su

Local Foods Class

Gardening for Market training

Small Scale Livestock class

Compost Class

Healthy Food Class

Spring Creek Farm classes

Okay, this is the comprehensive list. I’ll be sending out reminders of the individual classes as I am able to.

But check my website for reliable assistance.

Gardening Courses and Films

Opportunities, 2010

Through Good Earth Garden School:

Register through www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Co-Creative Organic Gardening Workshop

With Ellen Vande Visse, Sat-Sun Apr 10 -11-Anchorage

How to Build Powerhouse Soil Fertility - Palmer

With Experts Bob & Christine Greig of Alaska Sea-Agriculture

Two repeat sessions at their warehouse site in Palmer:

Sunday, April 18th, 2-4 p.m. and Thursday, May 6th, 3-5 p.m.

2- Hour Seminars at Terra Bella Café in Anchorage

To register for classes at Terra Bella Café: Go to www.goodearthgardenschool.com and sign up for the courses you would like to take.

Ask Mother Nature: Spiritual Tools for Gardening…Tue March 16 at 10am-noon

Shopping for Food You Can Trust………………Tue March 23 at 4-5:30pm

Grow Your Own Windowsill Greens……………..Tue April 6 at 10am-noon

Grow Your Own Windowsill Greens….Repeated Wed April 7 at 10am-noon

Breaking the Chemical Habit—

How to Choose Organic Fertilizers ……………..Tue, May 11 at 10-11:30am

Wednesday Night Movies —Sustainability, Food, & Health

at Terra Bella Bakery Café

Anchorage on Dimond Next to Bed, Bath, & Beyond

All start at 6pm. Come hungry! When you come, get a free packet of coffee grounds to fertilize your garden and repel slugs! For complete list of titles and descriptions, please go to www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Other Opportunities not to be Missed

Alaska Sea-Ag

Film Showing of “FRESH”…………. Mon Mar 22 -Wasilla

Film Showing of “ Dirt” ………………Tue Mar 23 -Wasilla

Both at 7 - 9 pm at The Alaska Club in Wasilla. For more information call 745-5725.

Also, see above for Bob & Christine Greig’s class “How to Build Powerhouse Soil Fertility” both April 18 and May 6.

Anchorage Gardening Series

Compost and Soil …………….......…….. Wed Mar 31, 7-9pm -Anchorage

Healthy Food ………………………..….…Wed Apr 28, 7-9 pm –Anchorage

Community Planting at the C-St Garden.....Wed June 2 Time TBA-Anchorage

Sponsored by Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Alaska Center for the Environment,

UAF Cooperative Extension Service, and Alaska Women’s Environmental Network http://akcenter.org/sustainable-communities/local-food/gardening-workshops For more information or to register, contact Diana at ACAT at diana@akaction.org 222-7714 or Alli at ACE at alli@akcenter.org 274-3662

Spring Creek Farm

Spring Gardening Series for 2010: Classes and programs in Palmer, including:

Ÿ Seed Starting for Herb Gardens,

Ÿ Home Chicken Flock,

Ÿ Seed Starting for Vegetable Gardens,

Ÿ Apple Tree Grafting Workshop,

Ÿ Planning a Children's Garden

Spring Creek Farm Garden & Art Event Sat June 12 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Come on out and visit the farm. Events for all ages includes: Valley Arts Alliance "Second Saturday" Fireside Books gardening books, Soaring Crane Natural Health Center & many others.

http://www.springcreekfarmak.org/eventannouncements.htm

Call 746-2714 for information & to register.

Mat-Su College Palmer

Organic Gardening………………….……….Agri 138 credit course Fri Mar 19-Apr 17 (Class full)

Gardening-Cultivate & Grow…………………. CED A049 non-credit M-W Mar 15-29

Local Food Sources………………………... CED A049 non-credit M-W Apr 5-19

Small Scale Livestock: Raise & Nurture…CED A049 non-credit M-W May 3-17

Market Gardening: Grow and Sell ………. CED A049 non-credit M-W May 24-June 9

To register for classes go to www.matsu.alaska.edu. Need help? Call 745-9746 or stop by Mat-Su College at Mile 2, Trunk Rd, Palmer, AK.

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

“We farmers and gardeners are responsible for the health of this nation. As growers, we can do more to keep people healthy than all the doctors and hospitals combined. Human health is an agriculture issue.” --John Kempf

Kitchen Cosmetics Blog Party!

2010-01-21T09:55:00.008-09:00

I'm so glad my friend Cindy (Sagescript Institute and Colorado Aromatics) asked me to join in this Blog party. I don't blog often enough, I usually convince myself that I have nothing to say, lol, but subjects like this are near and dear to my heart, as these are the things I love and enjoy! Thanks Cindy for getting me off my butt! :O)

I have always liked the do it yourself approach to most things. I also believe that if you can do it inexpensively and with things you already posses, all the better. I love the natural approach...so with that in mind...open your cupborads & refigerators and get 'beautified" without breaking your bank!

Coffee Body Scrub
Coffee tightens and rejuvenates skin (and who doesn't love the smell of coffee?!), raw sugar exfoliates (contain calcium, iron and vitamins) and is antibacterial, and olive oil seals in moisturize.

Ingredients
2 cups of coarse (to fine, dependant on your preference)ground coffee
1/2 cup Turbinado raw sugar (you can sub any kind of sugae, however there will be more benefit form the less processed sugars)
3 Tbsp olive oil (or other oil of your preference)

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Take a warm bath or hot shower to open your pores and hydrate your skin. Rub the coffee mixture into your skin in large circles with even, firm pressure. Shower to rinse, pat dry, and follow with unscented body lotion or light vegetable oil.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Lemon Salt Glow
Sea salts(rich in minerals and microelements) bring a healthy glow to dull, dry skin, exfoliates it, and helps it better benefit from the antioxidant properties of lemon and the nutrition of almond oil(rich in proteins and vitamin D).

Ingredients
½ cup sea salt (there are many to choose from, any one will work)
½ cup sweet almond oil (you can substitute other skin loving oils)
½ tsp finely grated lemon zest

Instructions
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Before showering, stir the ingredients again, then apply to body in firm scrubbing motion with hand or soft washcloth. Step into the shower and let power of the water stream rinse off the mixture.

I'll be posting other recipes on my other blog that I also do not spend enough time on :O) http://peacefullivingnews.blogspot.com/

For more on the Blog Party go here: http://sagescript.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-blog-party.html

Winter Herbs, Oils & First-aid

2009-10-30T15:24:00.002-08:00

With the first winter chill breezing into town it's time to start thinking about how to keep the sneezes and sniffles away. While there's talk of the value of vitamin C, echinacea and garlic as natural treatments, herbalist claim herbs can prevent colds and flu. There are three main herbs, as well garlic, which are widely used to ward off winter woes. They are Echinacea, andrographis and astrolagus.

Echinacea is effective for the early treatment of colds and flu because it's an immune stimulant but is best taken before a cold sets in, however, it can help shorten the duration of flu if you take it once you've become ill and can assist with treating respiratory infections.

Andrographis and Astrolagus work in much the same way. Andrographis is also used for coughs and sore throats. These herbs are highly effective alone or in conjunction.

The frequent use of Garlic, referred to as nature's antibiotic, puts you well on your way to preventing a winter cold.
And don’t forget your vitamin C. Citrus, grapes and strawberries are high in C, and it doesn’t hurt to add zinc from beans, nuts and whole grains.

You may wish to try this herbal remedy, shared by a friend who swears by it. She hasn’t had a cold/flu in years.
Total Tonic Formula
1 Handful of split Garlic cloves
1 Handful of chopped Onions
1 Handful of chopped Ginger
1 Handful of chopped Horseradish
1/2 handful of chopped Habanero Peppers.

Throw in a blender and chop, then cover with
an inch or two of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Let tincture for a week or two (shake now and then)
and strain, then drink a little of the juice daily,
or twice daily. (It is very HOT)
A small amount in V8 Juice is good and Turmeric can be added for extra benefit.

Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too much winter, but also the causes of colds and flu… Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuring vitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in the body. In addition to the herbs already mentioned, some herbs to keep on hand in your “medicine chest” are:
Ginger, Elderflower, Yarrow, Sage, Rose Hips, Mullein, Thyme, Fenugreek & Marshmallow.

Other beneficial ingredients to your chest would be
Winter Essential Oils
Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the form of essential oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Winter essential oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against the cold weather and can be beneficial in treating winter ailments. Some useful winter oils are:
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary & Tea Tree.

Try these Essential Oil remedies in a massage, a bath, infused in the air or in a “sniffy” bottle. In all of them combine the oils listed.
WINTER WARMTH BLEND
10 drops of cedar wood
25 drops of bergamot orange
15 drops of fir needle
30 drops of juniper berry
20 drops of sandalwood
SINUS CONGESTION BLEND
5 drops of Eucalyptus
3 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Tea-Tree
2 drops of Pine.
PICK ME UP BLEND
7 drops of Bergamot
5 drops of Grapefruit
3 drops of Rosemary
SUNSHINE BLEND
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Orange
3 drops of Geranium
2 drops of Peppermint

Traditional Herbal Medicine Under Threat

2009-10-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

www.cropwatch.org
THE FIRST TRULY INDEPENDENT WATCHDOG FOR THOSE
WORKING WITH NATURAL AROMATIC MATERIALS
E: info@cropwatch.org T: ++44 (0)7771 872 521
Traditional Herbal Medicine Under Threat.
The purpose of this Cropwatch emergency mailing is primarily to ask
all of you to seriously consider signing the Save Our Herbs petition at
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-herbal-medicine.html This
organisation not only campaigns on behalf of the general public, but
also represents a very significant proportion of medical herbalists of
both Eastern and Western traditions, practising in the UK.
Time is very short - if you want to support this very worthy campaign
ensuring the continued availability of safe Herbal Medicinal Products,
the continued free use of a wide range of our safe endemic &
imported Herbs by ordinary people according to our traditions,
preventing the takeover of small Herbal Medicine Suppliers by
pharmaceutical concerns, & opposition to Statutory Regulation of
Herbalists, you will need to sign the petition by 31st October 2009.
The Save Our Herbs campaign’s official website can be found at
http://www.saveourherbs.org.uk/index.html and provides a wealth of
background information to this potential crisis for Herbal Medicine.
Cropwatch strongly recommends you to read through the
comprehensive information to be found there.
Cropwatch’s Own View.
There are a number of inevitable consequences for Traditional Herbal
Medicine as a result of the implementation of the EU Commission’s
Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive 2004/24/EC, which
came into force on 30th April 2004.
§1. Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products (THMP’s). All THMP’s
placed on the market post the implementation date of the new EU
2
legislation, must have a national authorisation to be marketed, and
whilst several EU member countries have had national schemes in
place, the UK has previously enjoyed a virtually unregulated market.
In the UK, for products already on the market prior to the introduction
of this legislation, marketing concerns have until 30th April 2011 to
obtain authorisation (from the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency - MHRA) and to work to GMP. The MHRA’s
Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme, and its relative lack of
uptake – undoubtedly due to the excessive costs involved (as shown
by the low cumulative total of THR registrations) can be viewed at
http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Howweregulate/Medicines/Herbalmedicines/
PlacingaherbalmedicineontheUKmarket/TraditionalHerbalMedicinesR
egistrationScheme/index.htm As we have witnessed in other seento-
fail & discriminatory areas of EU legislation (that pertaining to
Biocides regulation for example), unnecessary, over-intrusive and
crippling financial burdens are placed on the SME’s which market
natural products, a situation which plays straight into the hands of the
pharmaceutical / chemical companies. It should also be remembered
that the MHRA themselves have been severely criticised as being too
close to the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. in House of Commons
Health Committee Report (2005) entitled ‘The Influence of the
Pharmaceutical Industry’:
“A House of Commons Health Committee Report from 2005, entitled
‘The Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry’ is highly critical of the
MHRA and its close relationship with the pharmaceutical industry. It
states, ‘(t)here are regular interchanges of staff, common policy
objectives, agreed processes, shared perspectives and routine contact
and consultation. Many of the senior staff of the MHRA have previously
worked with the industry …’1 It is therefore doubtful whether the
MHRA can be trusted to serve the best interests of herbal
medicines, herbalists and their patients”.
For a breakdown of expected MHRA fees for THMP’s, please refer to
a document drawn up by Dave Blackwell of Herbs4Healing Ltd. under
Appendix A at the end of this document, and reproduced with his kind
permission.
§2. The Possible Illegality of Actions by Regulatory Officials Meddling
with the Free Availability of Natural Remedies in the UK.
The UK differs from other European Member States, since there has
long been a legal recognition of Herbal Practitioners, dating back to
3
Henry VIII’s Charter, which defines a Herbalist and the right to
practice & minister:
Common Law set down by Henry VIII defines a herbalist '…henceforth it
shall be lawful to every Person being the King's subject. having
Knowledge and Experience of the Nature of Herbs, Roots, and Waters,
or of the Operation of the same, by Speculation or Practice, within any
part of the Realm of England, or within any other the King's Dominions,
to practice, use, and minister in…'
(see Watt 2009: http://www.aromamedical.com/articles/traditionalherbalists.
htm, reproduced by kind permission). Cropwatch
understands this Charter has never been repealed.
It should also be remembered that there is a clause in the Treaty of
Rome of 25th March 1957 which can be interpreted as preventing
interference with the availability of natural remedies: “2. The Union
shall respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms signed in Rome on 4 November 1950 and as they result
from the constitutional traditions common to the Member States, as
general principles of Community law.” Watt (2001) discusses the
validity of the above argument and further protections of natural
remedies afforded by other clauses in the Treaty of Rome at
http://www.aromamedical.com/articles/mlx249.html (scroll down to
“Controls on Natural Remedies.”
The interference with free availability of natural herbs and medicines
also impacts on religious freedom & worship and use of herbs in both
the Islamic and Judaeo-Christian traditions. Cropwatch understands
that representations to Ministers / MP’s by a delegation representing
views of individual members of the Islamic and Christian faiths
respectively, are in progress, in order to avert any possibility of the
prospect of religious or cultural discrimination by the regulatory
authorities.
§3. Statutory Regulation of (the Title & Function of) Herbalists.
A Consultation Document was published by the Department of Health
(DH) of the UK Government on 3rd August 2009: A joint consultation
on the Report to Ministers from the DH Steering Group on the
Statutory Regulation of Practitioners of Acupuncture, Herbal
Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Other Traditional
4
Medicine Systems Practised in the UK. The consultation period ends
on 3rd Nov 2009. The Save Our Herbs campaign has produced a
draft response to the consultation at
http://www.saveourherbs.org.uk/files/Download/Response%20To%20
Consultation%20Document.pdf which Cropwatch strongly
recommends you read.
We are told by the Department of Health (DH) that the purpose of
Statutory Regulation (SR) is / was to safeguard public safety but
many herbal practitioners would maintain that this is a nonsense,
since existing self-regulation is already proven adequate. The Pitillo
Report (see below) further states: “Statutory regulation can more
effectively assure the standards of those regulated, protecting the
public from poor or bad practice, because legal sanctions exist to
remove individuals from a register. Statutory regulatory bodies
determine standards of practice and competence.” But as Cropwatch
pointed out in 2008, CAM is not the issue. The UK-based inquiry
started in 2000, decided that the medical practitioner Dr Harold
Shipman allegedly killed up to 250 of his patients, some 218 of whom
have been subsequently identified. Similarly the confidence &
assurance in health officials supposedly assured by regulation did not
help the victims of Nurse Beverly Allit, knicknamed the ‘Angel of
Death’ by the popular press. Health care authorities had to
subsequently carry out heavy modifications to medical practice,
belatedly increasing patient protection. Conversely, we are not aware
that any practicing Herbalist has killed or injured anybody in the UK
(an MHPRA document (July 2008) “Public Health Risks with Herbal
Medicine: An Overview” only identified (only) a single major incident,
in a Belgian slimming clinic, where an irresponsibly prescribed herb of
the Aristolochia spp. resulted in 100 women developing kidney failure
many of whom allegedly went on to develop cancer). Further, in spite
of 22 million annual visits to herbalists in the UK (Thomas et al. 2001
thro’ The Pitillo Report) and with one in three US citizens taking
herbal medicines on a regular basis, no safety assessment of herbal
medicine has ever taken place, either in the UK or at an international
level. Attempts to demonize widely used herbal medicines such as St.
Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum by the pharmaceutical industry,
pale into insignificance when it is realised that the herbal drug has
been found to be as effective as major conventional synthetic antidepressants,
and to have fewer side-effects (Linde et al (2008)
5
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 8 (4)). In conclusion, under the
government's own protocol, before Statutory Regulation can be
established, a risk assessment tool for herbal medicine would have to
be established, and no such assessment tool exists. There is also a
requirement for an established knowledgebase to be in place, and
this is also not established.
On the other hand, with regard to conventional medicine, for some
curious reason we hear relatively little in the media about the
statistics surrounding the failure of MD's working in the National
Health Service (NHS) to correctly diagnose & prescribe the
appropriate treatment for a given patient's ills (a major concern). The
British Medical Journal (BMJ) Evidence Centre at
http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ceweb/about/knowledge.jsp reveals
that of around 2500 [commonly used NHS] treatments covered, 13%
are rated as beneficial, 23% likely to be beneficial, 8% as trade off
between benefits and harms, 6% unlikely to be beneficial, 4% likely to
be ineffective or harmful, and 46%, the largest proportion, as
unknown effectiveness.
Further, tens of thousands of patients die or suffer serious sideeffects
from certain prescribed (and by now, notorious)
pharmaceuticals. It has been admitted that in the decade up to the
year 2007, 80,000 patients had died from iatrogenic disease and that
a further £46 million had been spent by the NHS on treating the
survivors. Since that time reports have been issued that this state of
affairs has further deteriorated, in part blaming the increasingly
complex MHRA approved drug regimes employed. By comparison,
those therapies now being attacked with the threat of regulation are
becoming ever increasingly safer! (Information provided by Robert
Scott).
Finally, let us turn to the darkly hilarious but thorough reporting of an
extensive study by the Union of Concerned Scientists to the effect
that embarking on a course of conventional drug treatment appears
to statistically increase the chances of shortening your life. This is
quite aside from the serious chances of dying or losing limbs from
hospital acquired infections, or recent media reports of lack of care &
attention and even cruelty shown towards elderly NHS patients. Yes,
the conventional medical profession / NHS is in serious need of
effective statutory regulation, whereas any need for increased
6
regulation of CAM is, by comparison, not only completely
disproportionate to the degree of health risk posed, but, is essentially,
nothing but a sideshow, and a waste of taxpayers money.
4. The Government Reconsiders the Need for Statutory Regulation.
There are some strong signs that the Government is re-examining
any need for the imposition of Statutory Regulation (SR) of Herbalists
whatsoever (in spite of a House of Lords Select Committee
recommendation and the recommendation of three DH working
groups in favour of SR). At the same time they are apparently
reconsidering any need and the practicality of changes to the 1968
Medicines Act Section 12.1 (bear with us: this is an exemption from
various medicines licensing requirements in the Medicines Act which
allows herbal practitioners to prepare or obtain from a third party,
unlicensed herbal medicines to meet individual patient needs
identified in a consultation). Instead some reports indicate that they
are considering a less severe licensing system, perhaps based more
around self-regulation or self-licensing. This follows the publication of
the Report to Ministers from The Department of Health Steering
Group on the Statutory Regulation of Practitioners of Acupuncture,
Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Other Traditional
Medicine Systems Practised in the UK May 2008 (‘The Pitillo Report’)
which can be accessed by following links from
(www.dh.gov.uk/en/consultations/liveconsultations/DH_103567).
However, one of the recommendations of the above report is that
Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) should come under statutory regulation by the Health
Professionals Council (HPC), a body totally unsuited to the task.
It was pointed out by Robert Scott in a letter to the Health Authorities
(seen by Cropwatch), that the proposal to regulate Herbal Medicine
by Mr. Marc Seale, registrar of the HPC, was made after aggressive
lobbying by the chairman (a certain Mr. Michael McIntyre) of the
European Herbal Traditional Practitioners Association (EHTPA) who
sat as one of three stakeholders on the committee chaired by
Professor Pittilo mentioned above. The recommendation to ‘strategy
regulate’ was originally sent by Marc Seale to Alan Johnson in his
role as the previous Secretary of State, although we believe the
matter was handled by Ben Bradshaw a junior Minister of State at the
Department of Health. It appears that both these gentlemen have
7
now been transferred to different departments. But to quote from the
letter mentioned above:
“The chairman of the EHTPA, by his own admission, had a major
influence on the Pittilo report. As he is also closely associated with
the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), this establishes a
somewhat troublesome incestuous link between these organisations,
which jeopardises the integrity of the final report.
Although the EHTPA likes to put forward that its stance in favour of
statutory regulation is supported by the majority of practising
herbalists, this claim is not supported by their voting record. The
largest body within the EHTPA certainly is NIMH, but only a
ridiculously small amount of its membership actually voted in support
of this move. The vast majority either abstained or voted against.
The membership of the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners,
another organisation that is a member of the EHTPA, was threatened
with expulsion from their professional register if they voted against
this proposition.
The lack of support for statutory regulation from the membership of
URHP had even been acknowledged in writing by the chairman of the
EHTPA.”
These extracts seen by Cropwatch only touch the tip of the iceberg
regarding the political manoeuvring and ‘behind the scenes’ power
games invisible to the hapless regulatory officials who are only
served up selected titbits by those players who would seek to control
the direction of the regulation of Herbal Medicine. If Cropwatch can
find the time, we may open this can of worms further and dissect the
odious contents a little later on.
As you can gather then, the basis of the HPC’s support for Statutory
Regulation based on the recommendations of the above report is
therefore totally undermined – not only has it failed to take into
consideration the unique character of Traditional Herbal Medicine but
it is also in danger of acting contrary to the principles of the Islamic &
Judaeo-Christian religions (see §2 above).
Thanks to Martin Watt & Robert Scott for kind permission to include
their material.
8
Appendix A – by kind permission of David Blackwell.
CRITIQUE OF THMPD AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE UK
The latest information and detailed explanation on costs are attached.
Dried Herbs and simple Tinctures (Reduced categories I and II)
Many herbal suppliers currently offer a wide range of dried herbs or tinctures for
direct sale to the public (e.g. Baldwins and many internet shops). The fee per
item (£577 - £864 every 3 years) plus other costs such as inspection and
preparation of dossiers will mean that many raw herbs and simple tinctures will
cease to be available to the public. The costs are considerably higher where a
herb has not previously been included in a product which has been granted a MA
or THR, which the vast majority in the western herbal pharmacopoeia have not.
In this case the fees rise to an eye-watering £5,185 per herb/tincture. Each
different preparation requires a THR. This means that if you supply a single herb
as a dried herb (tea), powder, capsules, tinctures of different strengths, alcoholfree
extracts, fluid extracts, infused oils and essential oils, plus the organic
versions if marketed separately, each would require a separate application. For
example Baldwins currently offer in the region of 550 products of which between
10-15% will be considered for the Reduced categories, while the rest will be
Complex i.e new registrations. This adds up to an estimated £2,600,000 initially
then £360,000 every 3 years thereafter.
This is a very unfair system, since the first to apply for a previously unregistered
product will have to pay the full cost (Complex), while subsequent applications
will fall into the Reduced category.
Herbal Remedies (Reduced categories I and II) - usually referred to as
Complexes, but this term is avoided to avoid confusion with the THR category
In theory this applies in a similar manner as for simples (above), but in most
cases will be subject to higher fees if there are more than 3 ingredients, ranging
from £864 for teas to £1,297 for other preparations and £7,7791 for previously
unregistered ingredients. However Herbs Hands Healing have been told that it
will not be possible to register very complex products and to consider issuing
them as kits containing all the ingredients separately. The MHRA Public
Assessment Reports reveal that where a product includes 2 or more active
ingredients genotoxicity data will need to be provided, at least by the time the
registration has to be renewed. EC genotoxicity testing involves expensive in
vitro and in vivo (live animal) procedures. The assumption here is that
combinations of herbs pose a significantly elevated risk and ignores the long
history of herb combining and the lack of evidence to suggest that a potential
problem exists. If we compare hospitalizations and deaths through food
1 Applies to combinations of 2 or more ingredients
9
consumption (e.g. allergic reactions and food poisoning together with the health
risks of long term poor food choices) with that arising from the use of herbs, it is
clear that food is far more dangerous. Yet it is ludicrous to imagine a time when
a simple aubergine bake in tomato sauce with oregano, black pepper, salt and
topped with cheese could be subjected to similar concerns and regulations, but
here it is happening with herbal medicines. Also we are well aware of the
limitations of such testing when it comes to protecting the public from
unforeseen adverse effects, as has happened with many pharmaceuticals.
It is anticipated that most specialist herbal suppliers, which can be classed as
small to medium businesses, will be unable to finance the registration of their
existing range of products and those consulted have come to the conclusion that
they will have to wind up their businesses.
Oriental and other World Herbs
Many products will fall foul of the 15 year rule. This includes complex products
and herbs from traditions such as Ayurveda and Unani-Tibb, which have no longestablished
OTC history in the EC. TCM products are more widely available in the
UK and tend towards traditional i.e. fixed formulations, however it may still be
difficult to establish 15 years use in many instances. Furthermore the “applicant
and registration holder must be established in the Community”, meaning that the
onus falls upon importers to arrange THRs. This means that ethnic communities
and those who show a preference for oriental medicines are likely to be more
disadvantaged by the new rules.
Potential Outcomes
The regulations will undoubtedly change the face of herbal medicine within the
UK. It is anticipated that there will be an upsurge in the marketing of a small
range of commercially viable herbal products; those that have entered the wider
public consciousness and which have gained a reputation as being cures for
certain conditions. Examples would be Black Cohosh for the menopause,
Feverfew for migraines, Valerian for stress, Echinacea for colds etc. Other herbal
ingredients and remedies are likely to disappear from the nation’s shelves or be
drastically reduced in range. There will be a shift in public perception of herbal
medicine towards a more pharmaceutical model where herbs are treated as
drugs for specific conditions rather than to treat individual symptom patterns.
THMPD will also enable mass marketing of products and will usher in a transition
towards supermarkets and chemists as the primary outlets.
Many existing businesses will be severely impacted by the new regulations
(wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers) and it is envisaged that many will
close as a result, either as April 2011 arrives in the following 3-5 years. The
impact of this restructuring of the herbal industry will be felt by herbal
practitioners in 2 ways. Firstly the increased demand for certain ‘popular’ herbs
10
and the buying power of larger corporations will lead to an inevitable price rise
and possible supply problems for these. Secondly, the contraction in demand for
other less popular herbs due to the closure of businesses may see a reduction in
the range stocked by wholesalers. It is impossible to foresee the full
consequences of this, just as no one predicted the sharp rise in world food prices
and shortages caused by biofuel production.
The effects could be devastating. Without wishing to be alarmist, the vast
majority of small to medium UK herbal businesses could rapidly disappear,
leaving many unemployed. Pharmaceutical companies, Chemists and
Supermarkets will gain from increased freedom to market products and will no
doubt increase their market share and profits. It’s somewhat akin to selling
mineral and timber extraction rights in the Amazon; the big conglomerates move
in and extract everything of value, leaving behind cultural and environmental
devastation.
The system is unwieldy, expensive, overly bureaucratic and unnecessary. If
anyone truly believes this will protect the public, they are sadly mistaken. There
is simply no evidence that there is any significant health risk to be protected
from, plus it will be impossible to prevent internet purchases from abroad,
thereby creating an uncontrolled marketplace where before there were
responsible UK companies who were subject to regulation.
MHRA Charges for THMPD Registration, not including site inspections,
stability testing, genotoxicity testing or other miscellaneous costs
CATEGORY
£
FEE
Standard
All products unless Reduced or Complex
3 or fewer existing herbal active ingredients 2,593
More than 3 existing herbal active ingredients 3,890
Reduced
Category I
Herbal teas, excluding ingredients not previously registered*
3 or fewer existing herbal active ingredients 577
More than 3 existing herbal active ingredients 864
Category II
Tinctures, Essential Oils, Oils, or Capsules, excluding ingredients not
previously registered*
3 or fewer existing herbal active ingredients 864
More than 3 existing herbal active ingredients 1,297
Complex*
Applies where an active ingredient has not previously been included in a
11
medicinal product which has been granted a MA or THR
Single new herbal active ingredient 5,185
2 or more new herbal active ingredients 7,779
The definitions for fees categories are as follows:
"Reduced registration application category I" means an application other
than a complex registration application for a traditional herbal registration
relating to a medicinal product which is presented in the form of a herbal tea;
"Reduced registration application category II" means an application, other
than a complex registration application, or a traditional herbal registration where
the application falls within one of the descriptions specified in sub-paragraphs (a)
to (d) as follows -
(a) the application relates to a medicinal product which is presented in the form
of a herbal tincture;
(b) the application relates to a medicinal product which is presented in the form
of an essential oil;
(c) the application relates to a medicinal product which is presented in the form
of a fatty oil; or
(d) the application relates to a medicinal product which contains only herbal
substances in a capsule;
"Standard registration application" means any application for the grant of a
traditional herbal registration which is not a complex registration application, a
reduced application category I, a reduced registration application category II or a
change of ownership application;
"Complex registration application" means an application for a traditional
herbal registration relating to a medicinal product containing an active ingredient
that has not previously been included as an active ingredient in a medicinal
product in respect of which a marketing authorization (other than a product
licence of right) or a traditional herbal registration has previously been granted

Winter Detoxification & Remedies

2009-10-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

Detoxifying is the process of releasing accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our bobies. Every day we are bombarded by toxins, both externally from environmental sources, and internally as our organs give off waste products that accumulate in our bodies. Emotions also take part in polluting our system with excess chemicals such as free radicals, homocysteine and cortisol.
Detoxifying is essentially an easy process. Our bodies do much of the process through urination, defecation and perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken, we sometimes need to lend extra help. That is why conscious detoxing is a great way to get back to optimum health.
One of the best ways to start your detoxification is with the body's biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through the organs of elimination: the skin, intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.
TIPS FOR DETOXING
1. Eat a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables & fruits.
2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise.
4. Avoid drugs, alcohol & processed foods.
5. Take a high potency multi vitamin and mineral supplement.
6. Take nutritional and herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver function.
7. Go on a three day fast, four times per year.
8. Fasting at the change of the seasons is a good rule to remember.

MAKE YOUR OWN WINTER REMEDIES Seasonal trends-dropping temperatures, fading light, and your body's dipping defenses-invite all manner of ailments: colds and coughs, flues, and the winter blues. But with a few herbal tinctures, simple yet powerful remedies that you can make yourself, you'll be ready to ward off these ailments and, if they do find a foothold, minimize your discomfort and speed up your recovery.
Tinctures, which are concentrated liquid extracts of medicinal plants, are excellent remedies for wintertime ailments because of their sheer potency. Taken by the dropper-full, they work well, and they work fast. Also called herbal extracts, tinctures have been made for thousands of years by soaking fresh or dried herbs in a solvent, such as vodka or brandy, to extract the plants' medicinal properties. While mass manufacturers use more complicated exacting methods, the traditional technique is simple. It requires only easy-to-find ingredients and common kitchen tools, yet makes some of the most effective tinctures available—for pennies per dose.
Medicinal herbs can be tinctured alone or with other compatible herbs. The herb combinations here are among the most trusted, time-tested remedies. Echinacea, goldenseal, and turmeric make up Super Support, for fending off infections. Cold & Fever Buster contains elder, yarrow, and peppermint to help ease colds and fevers. Cough & Throat Relief features soothing, lung-supportive mullein, licorice, and wild cherry bark, plus ginger for a little kick. Garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, and horseradish give Fire Tonic its warming, infection fighting kick. And Mood Lifter, for easing seasonal depression, includes hawthorn, oat tops, lemon balm, and St. John's Wort
Whether you make one or all of these recipes, keep in mind the two essential principles of herbal medicine making. 1. Quality ingredients make quality products. If you can't grow your own herbs, buy them from reliable growers or distributors. When choosing your solvent, the medium used to extract and deliver the plants' medicine, choose the best. 2. Just as important, intention matters. Native American healers, who used many of the herbs in these formulas, had a deep reverence for the plants' healing powers. When they dug the plants, they did so with respect and prayer, and when they made them into medicine, they also prayed. Without prayer, they said, the plant's medicine, its essence, stayed in the ground. Among people who use "green medicine" today, there is still a deep sense of respect for the plants. Apply this technique as you gather your herbs and brew your tinctures. Herbal remedies made with clear intention and an appreciation for the plants are much more effective.
SIMPLE TINCTURE MAKING
1. Gather the materials. Keep it simple and make small batches, tinctures are highly concentrated and taken in very small doses—a little goes a long way. To make about a pint of tincture, you'll need a clean, dry, quart-sized jar with a tight-fitting lid, enough herbs to fill the jar halfway, and roughly a pint and a half of solvent (the herbs will soak up some solvent). Most of these formulas call for 100-proof brandy or vodka (use what you prefer). If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute vinegar.
2. Prepare the herbs. If you have any fresh herbs, use them. High-quality dried herbs, however, are just as potent, and available year-round. If you are using fresh herbs, rinse them with water to remove any dirt, dry thoroughly, then chop them finely. Pack your jar halfway with herbs. For a strong, effective tincture, be sure the herbs in the jar are packed firmly.
3. Add the solvent. Pour the solvent over the herbs until they're completely covered, then add an additional 2 to 3 inches of solvent. The herbs must be completely submersed to prevent bacteria from growing (this is also why the fresh washed herbs should be dried before adding to the jar). Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid. Herbs may swell as they soak up the solvent, so you may need to add more solvent to keep the herbs covered. Note: If using vinegar, warm it, do not boil it, on a stovetop before pouring it over the herbs; this helps facilitate the release of medicinal properties.
4. Let the tincture sit for 4 weeks. During the process of soaking the herbs in the solvent, the plants soften and break down (a process known as maceration), releasing their medicine. Most Western herbalists recommend letting tinctures macerate for 4-6 weeks. The longer tinctures macerate, the more effective they are, so consider a month your minimum. When starting the maceration process, label and date your jars so that you remember when you started.
5. Shake daily, with intention. Shaking the tinctures while they're soaking facilitates the breakdown of medicinal properties and prevent the herbs from remaining packed at the bottom of the jar. It's also an opportunity to add some magic to the science of herbal medicine. When you shake your tinctures, do so with your best healing intention. Remain focused and visualize the end result, your remedies will be the better for it.
6. Strain the herbs. After at least 4 weeks, your tincture will be ready for use. Line a stainless-steel strainer with cheesecloth or muslin, and place over a large glass jar or measuring cup. Pour the liquid slowly through the strainer. When finished straining, squeeze the herb-filled cheesecloth or muslin to wring out every drop. Reserve the liquid, this is your medicine, and discard or compost the herbs. Pour the finished tincture into a clean, dry glass jar with a tightly fitting lid. Label your tincture with the contents and date.
7. Store the tincture properly. When stored properly, tinctures can last for years. Both light and heat can break down the medicinal properties, so keep your jars of tinctures in a cool, dark place. It's a good idea to keep a small supply of the tincture ready for use in a 1- or 2-ounce amber-colored bottle with a dropper top.
Dosage and Use varies depending on the individual and the herbs being used. For chronic problems and for remedies you're using as a tonic, the general adult dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon three times daily. For acute ailments, small, frequent doses are much more effective: for adults, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon every hour. Tinctures can be taken directly under the tounge, however some have a strong flavor, so most people prefer to dilute them in a small amount of water and “shoot” them rather than sip them.

SOLVENTS
The solvent is the liquid used to extract the herbs’ medicinal properties. The solvents used in these recipes have different benfits, however can be interchanged to your preference.

Alcohol extracts most plant constituents, including fats, resins, waxes, and most alkaloids (some of the strongest plant compounds). The body rapidly assimilates alcohol tinctures, and their effects are quickly felt. Alcohol makes an excellent preservative, maintaining the integrity of the tincture for many years. Brandy and vodka are perfect for the traditional tincture method . Both can be purchased at 100 proof, which provides an ideal alcohol-to-water ratio. (Water extracts many important constituents, like vitamins and volatile oils.) For preservative properties and extraction purposes, you must use at least 50-proof alcohol.
Vinegar is completely nontoxic, and well tolerated by most people. While it is not as strong or effective a solvent as alcohol (it does not break down as many plant components), it's a good alternative for alcohol-sensitive people and children. You can easily integrate vinegar tinctures into your daily diet, using them in place of vinegar in cold foods (use apple-cider vinegar if possible). Reports state that vinegar tinctures have a short shelf life, however when stored in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed when not in use, they can last for several years.

WINTERTIME FORMULAS
Note: If you have a serious condition, are pregnant, or take medication, consult your health-care provider before using these or any herbal remedies.
Super Support
Take 1/4- 1/2 tsp. per hour at symptom onset.
Solvent: 100-proof vodka/brandy
2 parts echinaces root, flower and leaf
2 pa1 part turmeric
1 cultivated goldenseal root (Use cultivated goldenseal; this herb has been over-harvested.)
Cold & Fever Buster
Take 1/4-1/2 tsp. per hour at the onset of symptoms.
Solvent: 100-proof vodka/brandy
1 part elder flower and elder berry
1 part peppermint leaf
1 part yarrow flower and leaf
Cough & Throat Relief
Take 1/4- 1/2 tsp. per hour at the onset of symptoms.
Solvent: 100-proof vodka/brandy
2 parts mullein leaf
1 part licorice root
1 part wild cherry bark
1/2 part gingerroot
Fire Tonic
Take 1/4- 1/2 tsp. per hour at the onset of a cold, or as a daily warming tonic. Makes a great salad dressing.
Solvent: apple-cider vinegar
1 part garlic
1 part onion
1/2-1 part freshly grated horseradish
1/2 part ginger small pinch cayenne
honey to taste (add to finished product)
Mood Lifter
To prevent or ease the winter blues, take 1/2 -1 tsp. three times daily.
Solvent: 100-proof vodka/brandy
2 parts hawthorn berry, plus flower and leaf if available
2 parts lemon balm
1 part St. John's wort
1 part milky green oat tops

Winter Herbs, Oils & First Aid

2009-10-14T15:18:00.003-08:00

With the first winter chill breezing into town it's time to start thinking about how to keep the sneezes and sniffles away. While there's talk of the value of vitamin C, echinacea and garlic as natural treatments, herbalist claim herbs can prevent colds and flu. There are three main herbs, as well garlic, which are widely used to ward off winter woes. They are Echinacea, andrographis and astrolagus.

Echinacea is effective for the early treatment of colds and flu because it's an immune stimulant but is best taken before a cold sets in, however, it can help shorten the duration of flu if you take it once you've become ill and can assist with treating respiratory infections.
Andrographis and Astrolagus work in much the same way. Andrographis is also used for coughs and sore throats. These herbs are highly effective alone or in conjunction.
The frequent use of Garlic, referred to as nature's antibiotic, puts you well on your way to preventing a winter cold.
And don’t forget your vitamin C. Citrus, grapes and strawberries are high in C, and it doesn’t hurt to add zinc from beans, nuts and whole grains.
You may wish to try this herbal remedy, shared by a friend who swears by it. She hasn’t had a cold/flu in years.

Total Tonic Formula
1 Handful of split Garlic cloves
1 Handful of chopped Onions
1 Handful of chopped Ginger
1 Handful of chopped Horseradish
1/2 handful of chopped Habanero Peppers.

Throw it all in a blender and chop, then cover with
an inch or two of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Let tincture for a week or two (shake now and then)
and strain, then drink a little of the juice daily,
or twice daily. (It is very HOT)
A small amount in V8 Juice is good and Turmeric can be added for extra benefit.

Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too much winter, but also the causes of colds and flu… Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuring vitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in the body. In addition to the herbs already mentioned, some herbs to keep on hand in your “medicine chest” are:
Ginger, Elderflower, Yarrow, Sage, Rose Hips, Mullein, Thyme, Fenugreek & Marshmallow. Other beneficial ingredients to your chest would be
Winter Essential Oils
Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the form of essential oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Winter essential oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against the cold weather and can be beneficial in treating winter ailments. Some useful winter oils are:Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary & Tea Tree.
Try these Essential Oil remedies in a massage, a bath, infused in the air or in a “sniffy” bottle. In all of them combine the oils listed
WINTER WARMTH BLEND
10 drops of cedar wood
25 drops of bergamot orange
15 drops of fir needle
30 drops of juniper berry
20 drops of sandalwood
SINUS CONGESTION BLEND
5 drops of Eucalyptus
3 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Tea-Tree
2 drops of Pine.
PICK ME UP BLEND
7 drops of Bergamot
5 drops of Grapefruit
3 drops of Rosemary
SUNSHINE BLEND
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Orange
3 drops of Geranium
2 drops of Peppermint

The Alaska Local Food Film Festival

2009-09-13T10:37:00.001-08:00

Mark Your Calendars!

Great Movies Oct 2-8th, 2009

Join Alaska Center for the Environment, the Beartooth Theatrepub & Grill, Delicious Dave Catering, AK Root Sellers, NOLS, and Bioneers Alaska for the first Alaska Local Food Film Festival! The festival will take place October 2nd-8th at the Beartooth Theatrepub in Anchorage, and will feature the Alaska debut of Food Inc, as well as the films The Garden, Eating Alaska, FRESH, and The End of the Line. There will be opportunities to eat fresh Alaskan food and discuss the films, as well as to learn more about how you can get involved with the Alaska local food movement.

The Beartooth Grill will be preparing specials made with local ingredients brought in by AK Root Sellers from the Valley. Ellen Frankenstein, filmmaker and feature of Eating Alaska, will be in town to answer questions after screening her film, and Dave Thorne of Delicious Dave Catering along with Kathy Ciarimboli brings you FRESH the movie with an opportunity for discussion after the film. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about how you can get involved with the Alaska local food movement! Additionally, Bioneers Alaska will host a dessert, coffee, and Q&A opportunity on the last night of the Film Fest, Thursday 10/8th - stay tuned for details!

========Clip and post this film schedule======

10/2 - 5:30 - FOOD, INC.

10/3 - 5:30 - THE GARDEN

10/4 - 5:30 - EATING ALASKA with discussion w/filmmaker Ellen Frankenstein after the film

10/5 - 5:30 - FRESH with discussion after the film

10/5 - 8:00 - END OF THE LINE

10/6 - 5:30 - THE GARDEN

10/7 - 5:30 - END OF THE LINE

10/8 - 5:30 - FOOD, INC.

These are exciting and well worth coming out for!

Thanks to Alaska Center for the Environment for this bulletin and support.

Harvest blessings,

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Retirement

2009-07-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

IT'S A TOUGH JOB, BUT SOMEONES GOTTA DO IT!

Melon Panzanella

2009-07-10T11:03:00.003-08:00

Makes 6 servings, about 1 cup each

4 ounces whole-grain bread, torn into bite-size pieces (about 2 ½ cups)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ounce thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips (about ⅓ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups torn arugula leaves
2 cups cubed firm ripe melon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. Spread bread pieces on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat and stir in vinegar, salt and pepper.
4. Place arugula, melon, basil and the toasted bread in a large bowl. Add the prosciutto mixture and toss to combine. Let the salad stand for about 20 minutes before serving so the bread can absorb some of the dressing.

Cantaloupe Ice Pops

2009-07-10T10:37:00.003-08:00

Makes eight 2-ounce pops
Equipment: 8 popsicle molds or small (2-ounce) paper cups

1 small cantaloupe
½ cup water
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely slivered fresh mint leaves
¼-⅓ cup lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the melon

1. Cut cantaloupe in half; remove and discard the seeds. Scoop out the flesh and transfer to a food processor. Puree until smooth; measure 1 1/3 cups puree and transfer to a small bowl. (Reserve any remaining puree for another use, such as a smoothie.)
2. Pour water into a small saucepan, add sugar and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in mint and immediately remove from the heat. Let stand for 1 minute.
3. Stir the mint syrup and lemon juice into the cantaloupe puree. Pour the mixture into 8 individual popsicle molds or small (2-ounce) paper cups.
4. Freeze until beginning to set, about 1 hour. Insert frozen-treat sticks and freeze until completely firm. Dip the molds briefly in hot water before unmolding

Shrimp & Pasta

2009-07-07T18:57:00.004-08:00

I just made a really great shrimp pasta :O)
The huge shrimp were on sale so I had to!
I didn't have enough pasta so I grabbed a box of
Pasta Roni, Butter & Herb Italiano. It worked out
great because the seasoning mix I was planning to
use anyway was my very own Sundried Tomato Pesto
blend Pasta Sauce Mix. (you can find it on my web site :O)
They complimented each otehr very well!
Here is a pic of the finished product...
top with parmesean cheese & cracked pepper if you like!

Alaska Garden and Art Festival

2009-07-07T08:05:00.003-08:00

"The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses."
- Hanna Rion

Hello, Sustainable Green Thumb-ers,
So many wonderful things are happening —enjoy the opportunities

In This Issue:
1. Alaska Garden and Art Festival
-book signing WHOOEE, I’M PUBLISHED! & event details
2. Worm Composting Class in Anchorage
3. Food Blog in Anchorage Daily News

1. Alaska Garden and Art Festival—this Saturday July 11
Book signing- Come find me and my book Ask Mother Nature—A Conscious Gardener’s Guide. Look for the Fireside Books table
This is one of the few books about organic gardening under Alaska conditions.
Grab one for you and gift for a friend. I’ll sign them for you, and you avoid shipping costs, tra la! (Buy from Amazon and nobody makes any money.)

-What else?
Hands-on workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities, food, entertainment, and garden-related vendors. Tour the amazing Fair gardens, and quiz horticultural master artist Becky Myrvold.
Where: Alaska State Fair grounds in Palmer
When: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Red Gate Entrance Adults $5; Children 11 & under- free
For more info, please see www.alaskastatefair.org

2. Worm Composting Class—Anchorage July 16
Wriggle into class & learn about buying or making a bin, set up, feeding, preventing flies, and harvesting the castings. Lowly the Worm & I will be teaching.
Date: Thursday morning July 16
Time: 10:30am - 12 noon
Place: Terra Bella Bakery Café in Anchorage Next to Bed Bath and Beyond, across from Dimond Mall
Tuition $10 (bring with you)
Please sign up to squirm into a space—call 907 745-0758 or email me at
information@goodearthgardenschool.com

3. Food Issues Blog in the ADN
Kim Sollien asked me to take over her on-line column. Check in and comment on the discussion of where your food comes from, and what’s happening for locavores.

The community Blog spot is called
AK Root Cellars
Anchorage Daily News on line
http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/blog/69017

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Simple Pleasures

2009-07-03T08:57:00.002-08:00

Everyday Love Fest

2009-07-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Actually, everyone is reasonable.
They just have their own reasons.

And usually it's worth trying to learn what
they are to maximize chances of a full-blown,
60's style, psychedelic lovefest.
Which is always a good thing.

Groovy you,
The Universe
www.tut.com
If each of us strives everyday to understand someone else, someone outside our comfort zones, our friend & family circles, our culture, our race, our neighborhoods....We are one step closer and ever advancing to World Peace, Harmony & Joy! Love your fellow man, even if he is not related to you.
MM

TEA

2009-06-28T16:42:00.001-08:00

When I drink tea
I am conscious of peace
The cool breath of Heaven
rises in my sleeves, and
blows my cares away

Chincese Poet Lotung

Summer Solstice: Seasonal Simmers

2009-06-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
Simmers are a special mixture of herbs and spices, which are combined
into a blend or potion, created to bring the power of aromatherapy
and intention into your life. They are also designed to capture the
attention of those around you.

Based on folk remedies, grandma's recipes and the ingredients
provided by nature, these simmers are recipes used to make your
kitchen smell delightful. They can be used along with a "special
intention" and later, can even be enjoyed as tea!

Summer Simmer

Used for: scenting the kitchen/any room with aromatherapy, inviting
Summer, honoring the Solstice, invoking Summer love, as a cooling
iced tea.

-Blend 2-4 quartz of water with:
-1 lemon, sliced
-1 lime, sliced
-sprig of mint
-1 tsp. vanilla
-4-6 tsp. of two of the following herbs: Jasmine flower, Chamomile
flower, Chrysanthemum flower, Rose petals.

Slowly simmer on the stove. Allow the smell to permeate the room.
Cool and refrigerate for iced tea.

Peppermint Simmer

Used for: scenting any room with aromatherapy, creating a cooling
iced tea or used as a insect repellant.

-Blend 2-4 quartz of water with:
-15 - 20 peppermint or spearmint leaves
-1 orange, sliced
-two drops of peppermint, spearmint or wintergreen essential oil

Slowly simmer on the stove. Allow the smell to permeate the room.
Cool and refrigerate for iced tea.

Special Notes:

With each simmer you can:
-take advantage of their aromatic properties.
-say a positive affirmation, invoking words, a special prayer or give
thanks.
-use them at the start of each season to give honor to yourself and
your intentions for that season.
-as it cools, share, drink, these simmers as a tea.
-the health properties of these ingredients are appropriate for each
season, relate to the internal organs and are associated by taste,
temperature and color.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

2009-06-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

TO: Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
http://www.peaceful mind.com
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
For sharing all of his wonderful knowledge so freely!

Summer Crystal Reiki Grids

2009-06-25T08:01:00.001-08:00

Good Morning!
Many Healers are called to facilitate 'distance' energy sessions for
people that do not have access to in-person care. Often, this
includes seriously ill clients/friends/ family that could use Reiki or
healing energy each and every day. Distance energy work in the
same way as sending a 'prayer'. A prayer is energy that transcends
time/space to interact with a situation/person/ event. The
requirement for any distance energy to be effective is a strong,
concentrated intent from the person sending the energy/prayer.
This includes Reiki work and all other forms of 'sending energy'
across a distance.

There are many props that can be used to assist us in 'sending' our
healing energy in a coherent and concentrated manner. First, we
must adequately establish a connection with the receiving person.
Photo's, personal items, or a previous meeting with the receiving
person (ie, someone we already know) are usually the best ways
to connect. Second, many Healers find it very useful to facilitate a
full session on a proxy... like a stuffed animal, with the other items
(if they are available) close by.

You may also want to create a grid for the season's solstice. This
grid allows for the purification of the energy around you in your
home, office, meditation space or garden! Creating your own grid
with your crystals is a personal and balancing way of manifesting
good energy for a good season! There are many combinations you can
create! Here is one suggestion:

Evoking the Element of summer, which is fire, make a space that is
for your crystal grid. This should be in the south direction of your
home, garden, meditation space or office. Use a fire stone in the
center of your grid such as garnet, ruby or red spinel. Evoke the
other seasons and directions by placing 4 crystal quartz points
around the center red stone with the points facing away from the
center. in between the 4 quartz points you may put 4 complementary
color to red, which is green (such as jade, aventurine or peridot).
Bless the grid with incenses, herbal sage or sweet grass or simply a
prayer for a bountiful harvest (which is surely a metaphysical
metaphor for our lives) and then allow the grid to do its work.

Working with Reiki Energy

Many Reiki Practitioners and Energy Workers add the
subtle vibrations of stone energy as a complement to their
healing sessions or daily lives. Usually this includes the
laying on of the appropriate colored stones to coordinate
with the Chakra centers, meditating with a particular
stone, or wearing the stones as jewelry when the
inspiration hits. There are, however, even more uses when
stones are set up in a 'Grid' and are properly 'activated'.

A 'Grid' is more simply put, a way to arrange the stones in
a sacred geometric pattern. They are then consciously
'activated' by connecting a 'line of Light' between the
stones so that they radiate an energy field in the immediate
environment in which they are constructed. Those of you
who are sensitive to energy will be able to tell immediately
that there is a shift of energy in the room where you
construct a Grid. Depending on which stones you choose,
there will either be a gentle shift... or a very tangible one.

Creating a Sacred Space:

We live and work in a variety of environments. Many of these
environments have a specific function to fulfill that can be
consciously and energetically supported. The current attention on
Feng Shui and similar 'getting the energy in the room just right'
techniques have shown that we, as a society, are becoming more
aware of how our immediate spaces can either be harmonious or
disharmonious to our goals. Constructing a Crystalline Grid in an
environment that supports the function of the room is yet another
way to contribute to the overall energy flow.

Most people wish to create a Sacred Space in personal rooms;
such as, Healing, Meditation, and even Bedrooms. Healing rooms
should be warm, inviting, supportive, loving, and full of Light
(Selenite, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Crystal Points, etc.). Meditation
rooms should be soothing with an added emphasis on reaching
high vibrational states of consciousness (Amethyst, Azurite,
Moldavite, Angelite, Celestite, Selenite, Crystal Points). Bedrooms
are the alchemical combination of dreamtime, regeneration, and
(hopefully) intimate bliss (Herkimer Diamond, Rose Quartz,
Garnet, Lapis, Azurite, etc.). These are all examples of rooms one
might wish to support with appropriate Crystalline Grids... but
certainly not the only kind.

There are other spaces that can be supported by a general 'vibe'...
such as living rooms, children's spaces, offices and workspaces,
etc. In a living room, one may wish to add a Grid that supports
harmony of a group or general feelings of Love and Comfort
(Crystal Clusters, Rose Quartz). A Grid in a Child's space might
include nurturing, creative, and joyful energies (Moonstone,
Citrine, Rose Quartz, Kyanite). An office Grid might include
harmony of a group, calmness, grounding, and shielding (Crystal
Clusters, Amethyst, Black Tourmaline, etc.).

There are no right and wrongs.... you choose the space, you
choose the Crystalline Grid to support it the way your intuition
guides you. Familiarizing yourself with the various metaphysical
properties of minerals can be very helpful to you as you make your
choices. You can get a nice list of stones you may want to use and
then use a pendulum to figure out which ones would be the most
effective for you.

The Star of David Pattern

Place quartz crystal points under our massage table in a pattern
called the Star of David layout. For this, place crystals on the
points of an imaginary Star of David: one each below the head and
foot, one each below the shoulders and hips.

This layout creates a very stable and relaxing energy pattern which
seals in the Reiki energy. We also recommend it for meditation.

There are many possible variations to this pattern. Amethyst or
citrine may be used instead of quartz, and the points may be
alternated with stones of another kind (rose quartz for a love grid,
aventurine for healing, aquamarine for creativity, hematite for
psychic protection).

Hands On
Often clients enjoy holding a crystal in one or both hands during the
treatment. You can either let them choose the one(s) to which they
are attracted, or make suggestions, such as:

For grounding issues: hematite, tiger's eye, black tourmaline, red
jasper, smoky quartz

Anxiety/nervousness : amethyst, rhodochrosite, aquamarine

Love issues: rose quartz (for relationship issues); emerald, for
feeling cut off from divine love or one's spirituality

Opening up spirituality: clear quartz, chrysocolla, amethyst

Spiritual Teaching Grid
(suggested by Zoe Lan)

For my grid I use stones which I purchased specifically for the grid.
They happen to be phantom amethyst raw chunks from Africa. I have
this great shallow bowl which I have filled with sand which I
reikied, and then I program each crystal to sit *proxy* for a person
or a situation. I then arrange them in any formation I wish.
Often, I will put a crystal in my grid representing a spiritual
teacher - Sai Baba, the Dalai Lama, Sri Ganapathi - others who I
consider avatars or great teachers who I feel are able to also focus
grace into my grid. For our circle, I begin by washing all the
crystals I have at my disposal. It is quite a ritual for me since I
just enjoy that sort of thing. I often prepare myself by taking a sea
salt and soda bath.

I invite my reiki guides and any other beings who have the permission
of my higher self to come and assist me. I then *ask* the pile of
clean crystal *beings* who would like to sit proxy for so-and-so.
Invariably, one of them speaks up or I perceive a light from them. I
then program that crystal just as one might program a piece of paper
for distancing reiki. I state the name and the request and I place it
in the grid and move on to the next one.

Then program the entire grid itself stating that by the law of
correspondence, whenever I reiki the grid that the people the
crystals are sitting proxy for will receive a complete reiki
treatment. During our circle I spend much more time and individually
connect with each crystal since I put them in an order and know who
is who. But in between circles, I reiki my grid as a whole. I find it
also easy to add crystals as the need arises...more requests in
between etc.

For me, it is sort of a mini-medicine circle or my personal
stonehenge! It is also like walking a labyrinth in a way since I work
my way with the energy step by step.

I top off my grid with a gold-plated pyramid which surrounds the grid
and creates a standing columnar wave...I find it very powerful to
reiki right over the apex and I am also able to perceive that the
sacred geometry shape has an effect as well being over them. I am
also into pyramid energy so have thrown that into the mix because it
works for me!

Healer's Energy Grid
(suggested by Laura Kuaffman)

The first thing to do is develop clear intent of the purpose of your
grid. It is best to start with a grid to help you with your distant
healing, then if you want you can move on to grids for specific
projects or situations.

Do a prayer of intent that you wish to the perfect grid to assist you
in your distant healing work, and be guided to select the right
crystals for it.

It is best to use single terminated quartz or quartz-like for the 6
outer crystals (unless you receive strong guidance to use something
else). They can be any color of quartz or quartz-like i.e. clear,
rose, amethyst points, citrine, etc.

For the central crystal select something "special" i.e. a cluster, a
sphere, a pyramid or just something particularly meaningful to you.

Then you need a crystal that feels powerful and strong to you for
your master crystal. I feel that a crystal that is a blend of
masculine and feminine energies is most powerful for me. i.e. it is
very clear in areas and cloudy and filled with inclusions in other
areas. It will probably be slightly larger than the 6 outer crystals.

Allow a couple hours to create this tool the first time. It deserves
a sacred space in your life and is very worth the time. After it is
created it only takes a few minutes each day to maintain the energy

Preparing the Crystal Grid

-Cleanse the crystals
-Hold them one at a time and put all the Reiki symbols in them,
intending to charge them and asking them to serve as channels for the
Reiki energy. This can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes per crystal
depending on your guidance
-Place them in formation. ( uses a Star of David Pattern with a
cluster or other special crystal in the center.)
Then take your master crystal in your hands and pray to have the full
power of the Reiki energy flow through you as you empower your grid
to heal with love and light. Create an affirmation to do this
something like:

"I empower this grid to heal, to heal, to heal, with love, with love,
with love, with light, with light, with light".

repeat this three times as you connect the grid lines moving counterclockwise around the grid.

To connect the grid lines start by pointing the master crystal toward
the central crystal holding it a few inches above the grid . . . when
you feel the energy flow move the master crystal up to the crystal at
the top of the grid drawing a line of energy, then move diagonally to
the crystal on the left, then back to the center, then retrace the
line you just drew, then move to the next crystal on the left. Go
back to center and then retrace that line you just drew, then
continue around the grid as you say your affirmation.
It actually looks kind of like you are cutting a pie, except you are
retracing each line from the center back out. When you feel that you
are finished come back to the top crystal and then move to the
central crystal . . . let the final burst of Reiki flow into the
central crystal. You can then draw a power symbol over it if you
want, intending that you are increasing the power of the grid.
(connecting the lines and affirming the healing power is done daily
to keep the grid active 24 hours a day)

Next you just need to link the names of the people you want to send
Reiki to or the situations. I have my grid on a table that has a
drawer. The grid is on top and the names are in the drawer. You can
also can put a bowl under a table or simply keep a bowl or basket
with pieces of paper with the people's names on it near the grid and
intend that it is linked to the grid.

For crystal healing in person:
The crystals and stones can be placed:
-Upon the subject in a grid or pattern.
-Be extra careful when placing crystals or stones in particularly
sensitive areas such as eyelids.
-You can use a pre-planned grid or pattern, or place the stones on the
chakras, or use your intuition to access healing information from the
-Divine and use a pattern of your own devising.

Below the subject.
-Again, you can use pre-planned grids or patterns or use your intuition.
-Be careful of accidentally causing stone bruises, and pad the stones
if necessary when placing them under the healee.

Around him or her.
-Near or touching the body in a pattern around the healee can work
well for healing. You can effectively make the healee part of the
pattern in this way.

For long distance healing:
You can use a substitute to stand in for the actual healee who is at
a distance from you. A photograph of the healee is a great
substitute, however, if no photo is available, writing down their
name and using that is good also.

For ritual magick:
After preparing for your magickal ceremony, use the stones to help
focus the energy of your ritual magick, or as specified in the spell
or charm you are working with.

See our Stone and Crystal community files for great Reiki Grids!
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/StonesandC rystals/files/

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
http://www.peaceful mind.com/ specialties. htm
Alternative medicine and therapies
for healing mind, body & spirit!

Summer Solstice Week: Summer Essential Oils

2009-06-24T08:22:00.002-08:00

Good Morning!

Summer is a time of full growth, red, hot, joy, spiritual awareness
and traveling. Life is at it's greatest potential in the summer.
Trees, plants, grasses and seeds are now at their full peak offering
up the "fruits of their labor"! Take a minute to enjoy this most Yang
time of energy and production! These essential oils are great for
your first aid kit, as insect repellent, for soothing sunburn,
freshening and cleaning! Enjoy these soothing scents for relaxing and
letting go.

Tea Tree:
antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antibiotic, antifungal,
expectorant, insecticide, cicatrisant (wound healer), etc.
infections, ringworm, athlete's foot
sunburn
shaving and other cuts
warts, pimples, etc. May irritate sensitive skin.

Lavender:
antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, diuretic,
analgesic, nervine, immune stimulant, sedative. antiviral,
carminative, decongestant, fungicide
burns and blisters
wounds (cell regenerator, minismizes swelling and scarring)
insect bites. stings
heat exhaustion, Avoid during the first trimester of preganancy

Peppermint:
digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, febrifuge,
nervine, analgesic, astringent, decongestant. expectorant, stomachic,
vermifuge
indigestion, flatulence, halitosis
skin irritations
flu, colds, coughs, fever
headaches, migraines
fatigue, toothache
flea and ant repellant May irritate sensitive skin and mucous
membranes. Avoid during pregnancy and while nursing. May antidote
homeopathic remedies.

Eucalyptus:
vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic,
insecticide, stimulant, analgesic, antiviral, decongestant,
expectorant, febrifuge
coughs, colds
cystitis
sunburn, heat exhaustion
insect repellant Avoid if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.
May antidote homeopathic remedies.

Citronella:
antiseptic, antidepressant, deodorant, insecticide, stimulant,
parasiticide
bug repellent (mosquitos, moths, fleas)
to refresh tired and sweaty feet after exercise
germ killer

Chamomile :
antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic,
sedative, anti-allergenic, antidepressant, stomachic, vulnerary,
antiemetic, carminative. digestive, febrifuge, nervine
external inflammations
teething
nervousness, irritability, depression
burns, sunburns
asthma, hayfever
sprains, strains
nausea, fever Avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Clove:
antiemetic, antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, carminative,
insecticide, stimulant, stomachic
toothach
digestive problems, nausea
sinusitis Skin irritant. Do not use in massage

Rosemary:
antiseptic. analgesic, antirheumatic. antispasmodic, antidepressant.
astringent. carminnive. cicatrisant. digestive, diuretic. stimulant.
vulnerary, stomachic, nervine, etc.
muscular aches and pains
sprains
fatigue (mental and physical)
headaches, migraines
coughs, flu

Seasonal Healing is one of the best ways to remind ourselves that it
is time to evaluate our health. Our moods and bodies change as the
seasons change. See more on seasonal healing:

http://www.peaceful mind.com/ seasonal. htm

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
http://www.peaceful mind.com/ oils.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

Summer Solstice Week: De-Cluttering, Cleansing and Feng Shui

2009-06-24T07:58:00.001-08:00

Good Morning!

1. Cleansing the Body
This is one of three processes that should be done 4 times a year.
Using the seasons as a guide, allows us to work with the "flow of
nature" and change as our bodies change. Consider a healthy detox or
work with the power of an herbal cleanser.
Here is a nice Detoxification Bath to get you started:

Detoxification Bath
2 Cups Sea Salt
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder
Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes
Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body
and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done
2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and
mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative
properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it
comes in contact with water. This forms a gelatinous mass and keeps
the feces hydrated and soft. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex
contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.

De-cluttering the space around you can make all the difference in the
way you feel. Start small. Try organizing a drawer or desk, your
closet or one room in your house, first. Then move on to a bigger
project. Learn the secrets to de-cluttering and re-organizing your
life with the proponents of Feng Shui

2. Cleansing the Mind
This is the 2nd in the trilogy. Learn how to think in "affirmations"
that are positive! These are statements that you make either aloud or
to yourself. Always approve and accept yourself. You cannot love
yourself unless you first, approve of and accept yourself.

A disciplined mind is a free mind. Gain control over your thoughts
and you maintain control over your life. Retrain your mind and you
regain your freedom. Calming the mind is a behavioral technique used
to interrupt, minimize and eliminate "psychological noise".
Obsessive, repetitive thoughts, anxiety and fears are all apart of
negative, self-destructive patterns that can benefit from the
positive affirmations and mind quieting.

"Love Thy Self"
I am perfect, whole and complete NOW, the way I am.
I deserve all that I require.
I am worthy, loveable and strong.

3. Cleansing the Spirit
This is a life long lesson and third in the trilogy. Utilize the
strength of yoga therapy. What is your belief system ? Does it serve
you well? How about discovering some great meditations !
The Sun Salutation in yoga is a great wakening and cleansing
exercise. This is a flowing combination of some of the asanas in
hatha yoga.

Sun Salutation
Stand in Tadasana, take a deep breath, clasp thumbs in front of you
and raise arms in front of you over head. Arch back from the waist.
Now, fold over at the waist as you exhale, placing palms on the
floor, Uttanasana, step your right leg back into Lunge, step your
left leg back to Plank, come into Bhujangasana, flow into Adho Mukha
Svanasana, step your right foot forward to Lunge, left foot forward
for Uttanasana, inhale up to Tadasana. Repeat, stepping your left leg
back into Lunge.

Sun Salutation can be found at:
http://www.peaceful mind.com/ yoga_therapy. htm

Cleansing Meditation

Breath is life! Exchange of electrons. Flow of energy. Air is the
primary nutrient. Survival without it is measured in minutes. It is
so important that you do it without thinking. Your breathing is the
voice of your spirit. It's depth, smoothness, sound, and rate reflect
your mood. If you become aware of your breath and breathe the way you
do when you are calm you will become calm. Practicing regular,
mindful breathing can be calming and energizing. With the addition of
music and it's rhythm, the "musical breath" can even help stress-
related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive
disorders. Fall into the rhythm of the music and breathe. Focus on
your breathing and the music.

Focusing on the breath is one of the most common and fundamental
techniques for accessing the meditative state. Breath is a deep
rhythm of the body that connects us intimately with the world around
us.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply and regularly, and observe your
breath as it flows in and out of your body. Give your full attention
to the breath as it comes in, and full attention to the breath as it
goes out. Whenever you find your attention wandering away from your
breath, gently pull it back to the rising and falling of the breath.
Inhale through your nose slowly and deeply, feeling the lower chest
and abdomen inflate like a balloon. Hold for five seconds. Exhale
deeply, deflating the lower chest and abdomen like a balloon. Hold
for five seconds. Do this three or four times, then allow your
breathing to return to a normal rhythm. You will begin to feel a
change come over your entire body. Gradually you will become less
aware of your breathing, but not captured in your stream of thoughts.
You will become more centered inward. You will just "be there."

Feng Shui for summer can be a great experience. For more Feng Shui
tips:

http://www.peaceful mind.com/ feng_shui. htm

Seasonal Healing is one of the best ways to remind ourselves that it
is time to evaluate our health. Our moods and bodies change as the
seasons change. See more on seasonal healing:

http://www.peaceful mind.com/ seasonal. htm

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
http://www.peaceful mind.com
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

The New "It" herb for summer

2009-06-19T06:38:00.003-08:00

Here’s a finishing touch you can add to any salad or burger patty to really jive up your health this summer:

CHIVES
Those pungent, tender green shoots are packed with vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, and folic acid, according to Maoshing Ni, a doctor of Chinese medicine and author of Second Spring.

Chives are used in many parts of the world to do more than spruce up the flavor of bland dishes. In traditional Chinese medicine, chives are used to relieve congestion, stomachaches, and even bad breath. They are also believed to help improve circulation -- a nice bonus if you’re prone to having cold hands and feet.
www.realage.com

2009-06-19T06:35:00.001-08:00

GEG Bulletin June 18, 2009
Worm into this Class!

Worm-crazy Ellen will hold forth about

WORMS & WORM COMPOSTING

Definitely try this at home!

O boy O boy!

How can you pass this up?
Even Lowly the Worm will be there

Wriggle into a seat and learn about:
Worm bins purchased or home-made
Setting up your bin
What kind of worms will work?
What to feed them?
What to do if…
How to harvest the compost

Date: Tuesday July 7

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Place: VCRS (Valley Community for Recycling Solutions) on Palmer-Wasilla Highway

Tuition $10

Instructor: Ellen Vande Visse, Good Earth Garden School
Sign up to reserve a place (seating is limited unless you are very skinny): information@goodearthgardenschool.com or 745 0758

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

8 Super Food Swaps for Longevity

2009-05-27T07:42:00.007-08:00

Trying to change your habits and routines can be daunting, even when you know the changes are for the better. Try these 8 simple switches below to slim down and live a long and healthy life.

1. Swap green tea for coffee
For many people, the first thing they reach for in the morning is coffee. Caffeine acts as a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant, causing you to experience stress, anxiety, a racing mind, and even insomnia. For a calmer energy boost, cut the coffee and go for green tea. On average, a cup of green tea contains about one sixth of the amount of caffeine you would get from the same cup of coffee. Even better, green tea is full of powerful antioxidants that ward off cancer, and tea is a proven preventive and treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Also, when combined with exercise, green tea can help you lose weight.

2. Try trailmix in place of fatty snacks
Carry dried fruits and nuts with you as healthy snacks to replace any unhealthy ones you usually eat. Just a handful every day can help improve circulation and muscle tone. Research shows that many of these nuts and seeds are rich sources of vitamin E, lignans, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease and protect you from the ravages of aging.

3. Switch brown rice for white rice
Modern staples around the world often include refined bread, pasta, rice, and corn. These carbohydrates that have been found to be the culprits in serious conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, arthritis, and allergies. And there is no question that refined carbohydrates contribute directly to weight gain. So change to whole grains to get complex carbohydrates; said another way, swap "white" for "brown". Substitute white rice, bread, and pasta with brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pasta. Other "browns" will bring you anti-aging benefits also. Quinoa and amaranth are two tasty grains rich in protein and easy to cook. Millet, sorghum, and buckwheat are packed with B vitamins.

4. Swap fish for red meat
Red meat does have some health benefits-when eaten in moderation. However, studies have shown that men and women who eat meat every day are three times as likely to develop breast cancer and prostate cancer as those who almost never eat high-fat animal foods. Of all animal products, fish is the healthiest because of its high protein and low-fat content. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish, along with other nutrients, protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce inflammation, and prevent high blood pressure. If you just can't leave the red meat behind, choose only free-range, grass-fed, and hormone- and antibiotic-free lean meat, and eat it no more than three times a week.

5. Use olive oil instead of butter
Butter is the bad kind of fat. Also included in this saturated fat category: peanut oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and lard. All of these elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to an increased chance of heart attack and stroke. Switch for olive oil or one of the other monounsaturated fats, which increase good cholesterol and protect you from heart disease and premature skin aging. Others include canola oil, rice bran oil, walnut oil, flaxseed oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil. Like butter on your bread? Try hummus instead.

6. Swap sweet potatoes for potatoes
While filling, potatoes just do not contain the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. Yams and sweet potatoes are powerhouse foods that contain higher amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin C than carrots, more protein than wheat and rice, and more fiber than oat bran. They are also rich in plant DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)-a precursor hormone that is essential for the body's anti-aging defenses to work.

7. Swap berries for refined sweets
The average American consumes nearly 240 pounds of sugar per year. Most of the excess sugar from candies, pastries, sodas, and other refined sweets end up being stored as fat in your body, resulting in weight gain and elevating heart disease and cancer risk. Instead, satisfy your sweet tooth with a berry tasty treat: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, and cherries. Berries are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and can also help remove toxic residue from the system, which is often the cause of chronic fatigue and low energy.

8. Switch to water in place of soda
Soda pop is very high in phosphorus, which in excess actually causes calcium loss from your bones, possibly leading you to osteoporosis. Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin, which have shown dangerous results in tests with laboratory animals. Your best beverage is filtered water, which flushes your system of the chemicals and toxins that you encounter every day. If water by itself doesn't appeal, turn to juice and tea. One caution about fruit juice is that it tends to be filled with sugar. Cut back on sugar content by watering down your juice: one part juice to three parts filtered water. Unsweetened herbal tea, brimming with health benefits, is another way to go. For a selection of healthy teas that promote total body wellness, click here.

Make these switches and you are on your way to a healthier you!

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

--Dr. Mao
by Dr. Maoshing Ni a Yahoo! Health Expert for Alternative Medicine

Don't forget to check out these, and other, "power foods":
eggs, raw chocolate, buckwheat honey, avocado, pumpkin, black tea, cinnamon, tomato paste, blueberries, wasabi.

May Feldenkrais Classes

2009-04-19T13:51:00.002-08:00

Happy Spring!

Now Announcing…our Yukon Island Women’s Weekend Retreat!
Invite a friend & join us for solitude, scenic beauty, beaches & trails, fresh air & friendship as we journey across Kachemak Bay from Homer to relax & rejuvenate. Save the dates August 28-30 and join us for a Feldenkrais & Bones for Life Retreat that will refresh, restore & revive you! Sign up now for our Early Bird Special!

Take a May Feldenkrais class to limber up for summertime activities as you regenerate agility, balance and ease. Let Shari’s soothing voice guide you through gentle, easy moves that reduce stiffness & pain, so you can feel your best again!

Hands-on Individual Feldenkrais sessions are available at Shari’s Movement Options Studio and at two medical offices in Anchorage (Eastside & Midtown) where you can use your health insurance. Contact me for more info, or contact the office directly to schedule your session with me at either clinic location. Or, take advantage of the lower cost convenience of self-pay at Movement Options. Call 274-3539 or email me feldenlee1@aol.com to schedule your app't here at Movement Options studio.

Think Sun!!!
Shari

Move Freely Without Pain
Tu/Th 11:15-Noon May 19, 21, 26, 28
4 days $65/ Drop-in $18/class

Yukon Island Women’s Weekend Retreat
August 28-30, 2009
Includes: 2 nights lodging, All meals & snacks, Water taxi from Homer,
Six Feldenkrais or Bones for Life group movement explorations, Sauna,
45 private acres, 2 Beaches, Berry picking-in season, Walking Trails.

Individual Feldenkrais sessions available for additional fee.
Early Bird Special $425+tax when paid in full by May 15, 2009

Individual Feldenkrais Sessions Insurance Billing at
Natural Health Center
561-2330
3330 Eagle St.
Known to many of you as “Hope Wing & Rick Abbott’s Clinic”. Choose a Naturopath or Chiropractor to initiate your Feldenkrais treatment plan of neuromuscular re-education. Use your health insurance to pay for your Feldenkrais sessions.

My current schedule here: Monday afternoons & Thursday mornings.

Medicare patients: *IF you have secondary insurance coverage from a group policy that covers you to see a Naturopath, you MAY be able to use your secondary insurance to cover your sessions with me for neuromuscular re-education. *Be sure to check with your secondary insurance carrier to confirm this!

Insurance Billing at
Alliance Chiropractic
337-6770
Dr. Rich Tieszen 4316 Kingston Drive

Bill your insurance directly for sessions at Alliance, just pay your deductible & co-pay out of pocket. My current schedule here: Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.

Self-pay at Movement Options Studio
274-3539

Schedule your sessions at Movement Options and make payment in full. Receipts are available upon request if you wish to submit them to your health insurance carrier, or use pre-tax dollars from your health care reimbursement account.

My schedule here: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri mornings and Wed & Fri afternoons.

***Total cost of sessions with Shari at Movement Options Studio is substantially less than the price of sessions at the above medical offices. Out of pocket expenses at Movement Options may be higher or lower than at one of the clinics, depending on your health insurance coverage.

Shari Lee
Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner
Certified Bones for Life® Teacher & Trainer

Movement Options LLC
907-274-3539
feldenlee1@aol.com
www.FeldenkraisJourneys.com
Feldenkrais® is a registered service mark of the Feldenkrais® Guild of North America.

Contemplative Calm

2009-04-16T07:18:00.002-08:00

A calm mood can color your perception of the world around you today, inspiring you to put aside your worldly cares so that you can focus on your inner world needs. As you quiet your thoughts through meditation or meditative activities, you may find that you feel compelled to contemplate your life as it has unfolded up until this point in time. Reflection may not come easily to you today, especially if you are confronted with parts of yourself you do not care for, but the effort you put into introspection will likely make it entirely worthwhile. This can be the perfect time to call to mind issues that may be having a negative impact on your earthly experience as a whole.

The art of living a contemplative life is one that few every truly master, but even our unpracticed attempts to incorporate reflection into our lives can help us attain a more conscious command of our thoughts and feelings. Contemplation promotes calm because it encourages us to get to the bottom of issues that might otherwise have the power to negatively influence our moods. Thinking critically about the unnecessary baggage we have carried for so long provides us with a much-needed opportunity to gain a new understanding of the circumstances that have contributed, in one way or another, to our development. We are then empowered by our conscious awareness of the self to let go of hurt, anger, and resentment. You will feel wonderfully peaceful today after you take the time to bring unaddressed issues into the forefront of your mind.

re-printed with permission from Daiyl Om (April 16,2009)

" A Nice Cup of Tea"

2009-04-12T12:34:00.003-08:00

By George Orwell
Evening Standard, 12 January 1946.
If you look up 'tea' in the first cookery book that comes to hand you will probably find that it is unmentioned; or at most you will find a few lines of sketchy instructions which give no ruling on several of the most important points.
This is curious, not only because tea is one of the main stays of civilization in this country, as well as in Eire, Australia and New Zealand, but because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent disputes.
When I look through my own recipe for the perfect cup of tea, I find no fewer than eleven outstanding points. On perhaps two of them there would be pretty general agreement, but at least four others are acutely controversial. Here are my own eleven rules, every one of which I regard as golden:

• First of all, one should use Indian or Ceylonese tea. China tea has virtues which are not to be despised nowadays — it is economical, and one can drink it without milk — but there is not much stimulation in it. One does not feel wiser, braver or more optimistic after drinking it. Anyone who has used that comforting phrase 'a nice cup of tea' invariably means Indian tea.

• Secondly, tea should be made in small quantities — that is, in a teapot. Tea out of an urn is always tasteless, while army tea, made in a cauldron, tastes of grease and whitewash. The teapot should be made of china or earthenware. Silver or Britanniaware teapots produce inferior tea and enamel pots are worse; though curiously enough a pewter teapot (a rarity nowadays) is not so bad.

• Thirdly, the pot should be warmed beforehand. This is better done by placing it on the hob than by the usual method of swilling it out with hot water.

• Fourthly, the tea should be strong. For a pot holding a quart, if you are going to fill it nearly to the brim, six heaped teaspoons would be about right. In a time of rationing, this is not an idea that can be realized on every day of the week, but I maintain that one strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes — a fact which is recognized in the extra ration issued to old-age pensioners.

• Fifthly, the tea should be put straight into the pot. No strainers, muslin bags or other devices to imprison the tea. In some countries teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets under the spout to catch the stray leaves, which are supposed to be harmful. Actually one can swallow tea-leaves in considerable quantities without ill effect, and if the tea is not loose in the pot it never infuses properly.

• Sixthly, one should take the teapot to the kettle and not the other way about. The water should be actually boiling at the moment of impact, which means that one should keep it on the flame while one pours. Some people add that one should only use water that has been freshly brought to the boil, but I have never noticed that it makes any difference.

• Seventhly, after making the tea, one should stir it, or better, give the pot a good shake, afterwards allowing the leaves to settle.

• Eighthly, one should drink out of a good breakfast cup — that is, the cylindrical type of cup, not the flat, shallow type. The breakfast cup holds more, and with the other kind one's tea is always half cold before one has well started on it.

• Ninthly, one should pour the cream off the milk before using it for tea. Milk that is too creamy always gives tea a sickly taste.

• Tenthly, one should pour tea into the cup first. This is one of the most controversial points of all; indeed in every family in Britain there are probably two schools of thought on the subject. The milk-first school can bring forward some fairly strong arguments, but I maintain that my own argument is unanswerable. This is that, by putting the tea in first and stirring as one pours, one can exactly regulate the amount of milk whereas one is liable to put in too much milk if one does it the other way round.

• Lastly, tea — unless one is drinking it in the Russian style — should be drunk without sugar. I know very well that I am in a minority here. But still, how can you call yourself a true tealover if you destroy the flavour of your tea by putting sugar in it? It would be equally reasonable to put in pepper or salt. Tea is meant to be bitter, just as beer is meant to be bitter. If you sweeten it, you are no longer tasting the tea, you are merely tasting the sugar; you could make a very similar drink by dissolving sugar in plain hot water.

Some people would answer that they don't like tea in itself, that they only drink it in order to be warmed and stimulated, and they need sugar to take the taste away. To those misguided people I would say: Try drinking tea without sugar for, say, a fortnight and it is very unlikely that you will ever want to ruin your tea by sweetening it again.

These are not the only controversial points to arise in connexion with tea drinking, but they are sufficient to show how subtilized the whole business has become. There is also the mysterious social etiquette surrounding the teapot (why is it considered vulgar to drink out of your saucer, for instance?) and much might be written about the subsidiary uses of tealeaves, such as telling fortunes, predicting the arrival of visitors, feeding rabbits, healing burns and sweeping the carpet. It is worth paying attention to such details as warming the pot and using water that is really boiling, so as to make quite sure of wringing out of one's ration the twenty good, strong cups of that two ounces, properly handled, ought to represent.

(taken from The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell, Volume 3, 1943-45, Penguin ISBN, 0-14-00-3153-7)

Recent Benenfits Of Tea

2009-04-11T15:43:00.001-08:00

We've all seen positive research results about the benefits of green
tea. Well now there's a study documenting positive benefits resulting
from drinking both green or black tea.

Dr. Lenore Arab, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine and Dept of
Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
explained, "This Meta analysis suggests that daily increase in
consumption to three cups of tea per day could lower the risk of
ischemic stroke by 21 per cent." Stroke is the second most common
cause of death globally, claiming 5.4 million lives per year. It is a
major cause of disability and has a significant impact on quality of
life. Of the two types of stroke - ischemic and hemorrhagic -
ischemic stroke accounts for around 83 per cent of all
stroke cases.

The study results indicated that drinking three or more cups of green
or black tea a day may reduce the risk of stroke by 21 per cent. And
the more you drink, the greater the cuts in stroke risk, according to
this meta-analysis conducted at UCLA on nine studies involving 4,378
strokes among 194,965 individuals.

Green tea contains between 30 and 40 per cent of water-extractable
polyphenols, while black tea (green tea that has been oxidized by
fermentation) contains between 3 and 10 per cent. Oolong tea is semi-
fermented tea and is somewhere between green and black tea. The four
primary polyphenols found in fresh tea leaves are epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG),
and epicatechin (EC). Though no one is certain which compounds in tea
are responsible for this effect, researchers have speculated that the
antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or the amino acid
theanine may be what helps. Antioxidants are believed to help prevent
coronary artery disease.

"And we do know that theanine is nearly 100-percent absorbed," the
head of the research team reported. "It gets across the blood-brain
barrier and it looks a lot like a molecule that's very similar to
glutamate, and glutamate release is associated with stroke. "It could
be that theanine and glutamate compete for the glutamate receptor in
the brain,".

"In recent years, a body of scientific evidence has shown that
regular tea drinking can have an important role in healthy fitness,"
says Douglas Balentine, Ph.D., Lipton Institute of Tea. "This new
study provides further support that regular tea drinking may be one
of the most actionable lifestyle changes a consumer can make to help
maintain heart health."

All these studies continue to contribute to our belief in the power
of tea

Adoption Status

2009-03-29T17:13:00.005-08:00

These are 2 early pictures of "Annie" her first Holloween with us and shortly after her arrival at 5 months old. I will find a recent picture to post, we take enough of them!
People are asking about our adoption status, so her it is :O) We went to the termination(TPR termination of parental rights) trial on the 11th, the mother did not show so it was automatic termination. The judge though to "make a good case and make it stick" went through every article of the termination law and sited abandonment (that just for not showing up), failure to maintain resonable contact with the child, failure to utilize the resources avaialble to her to become and stay substance free, failure to obtain safe adaquate housing, etc.
The father was ternminated as "unknown" and the judge granted the termination even though no public notices were posted. Judge said "even if the man somehow recognized himself in the notice, he would not likely come forward and claim the child because he was likely a client of Ms xxxxx and not willing to admit to that."
Then he gave a speech that nearly made us cry, telling us how wonderful and selfless we are and how we saved a child's life. People like us are a god send to these children. He also said we were brave at our age! LOL He said "at the ages of most of us in the court room (the stenographer was a young man in his early 20's) I can imagine you'd rather relax after a long day than chase a 2 year old around". (and I thought...especially one with a 6 year old on her heels)

Our adoption date is May 15th! Party on the 16th!

A New Book

2009-03-28T16:15:00.005-08:00

If you have a chance you've got to check out my friend Ellen's book "Ask Mother Nature, A Conscious Gardener's Guide. For more information on Ellen,her book and Good Earth Garden School, go to http://www.goodearthgardenschool.com/index.htm, you'll be glad you did!

5 Foods That Take Years off Your Skin

2009-03-27T11:44:00.002-08:00

Perhaps the only food you associate with skin is a little whipped cream on Saturday night. But plenty of other foods (ones you can eat in public) can help protect your skin, so you look and stay younger:

1. Legumes, avocados, soybeans, nuts, and egg yolks: These contain biotin, and a lack of this chemical can lead to dry skin and brittle hair and nails.

2. Salmon: The carotenoid that gives this fish its pink color, astaxanthin, also improves your skin’s elasticity. And it’s full of the good fat -- DHA-omega-3 -- that makes your skin and hair look younger and healthier.

3. Green tea: Its polyphenols act to protect you against sun damage and help thicken your epidermis, your body’s primary barrier to the outside world.

4. Pomegranates: In addition to thickening your epidermis and helping to produce more collagen and elastin (the stuff that keeps your skin firm and springy), pomegranates contain antioxidants that seem to accelerate wound healing.

5. Tomatoes: The nutrients in tomatoes reduce the chance you’ll get a sunburn (but you still have to use an SPF 50 and 4-star titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreen!). It may be due to their lycopene content, but we really don’t know the active ingredient. So if there’s a choice between a lycopene supplement and the real tomato, choose the product from the vine.

from www.realage.com

Movie, "Cancer, Nutrition & Healing"

2009-03-18T07:28:00.001-08:00

Well, Dear Eco-Gardeners,
we all know loved ones who are dealing with cancer. Here is an inspiring way to learn and to help.

Please join us in Anchorage on Saturday from 4pm to 6pm.

Free Movie! Saturday Matinee

Come watch and then discuss the film, Cancer, Nutrition, and Healing.

Seven years ago, eco-consultant Jerry Brunetti received word that without aggressive chemotherapy treatment he would be dead in as little as six months from an aggressive form of lymphoma. He opted not to travel that route, and instead embarked on his own journey seeking advice, treatments, alternative protocols and hands-on care from a wide variety of sources. The result has been depth of understanding that is almost beyond compare, steady improvement in his own overall health, and a return to normalcy of the affected lymph nodes. Oh, and he’s very much alive.

Learn about: strengthening immunity, holistic treatment protocols, health-boosting recipes, supplements and detoxification, supplementing conventional therapies, foods to eat, and foods to avoid.

When: Saturday March 21 Time: 4 – 6 pm. Cost: free!

More Information: Linda at 562-2259
and www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Location:
Terra Bella Bakery Café
601 E. Dimond, Anchorage
Next to Bed, Bath and Beyond, across from Dimond Mall

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Creating Better Intentions

2009-03-06T08:46:00.003-09:00

Good Morning!

Creating Better Intention and Essential Oils

Finding focus is a welcomed clarity in order to bring awareness to
our lives. How many people do you know who lead an almost incomplete
and unexamined life? Art of any kind is the ability to tune in and
make it your own. The attaining of your goal through intention is one
of the most rewarding and self gratifying accomplishments we can do
for ourselves. And guess what? You deserve every single bit of it!

Tuning in to any energy is the ability to quiet the mind, allowing
your inner self, or intention, to perceive truth. By practicing this
art, we develop a sensitivity toward inner information and the
ability to condition our mind to listen on a much more subtle level.
This developing can give us the ability to sense energy and actually
perceive our intention on an even more subconscious plane.

Techniques are vast and varied, all of which, can be used in calming
and clearing the mind, therefore, achieving clearer perception.
Include some of the following:

1. Clear intention is a result of meditation: Meditation is a time-
honored technique that can take you into infinite dimensions of
consciousness. It is a simple effort that becomes effortless as we do
it more and more. One major principle to meditation is the ability to
completely quiet your mind. By quieting our mind, it can allow us a
clearer picture of what we really intend.

2. Become more mindful: Mindfulness is the act of being fully aware
of what happens in each moment. Try living in the NOW. Be present.
Honor each moment you are given. Acknowledge each task you take.

3. Energy follows thought. As you think of your intention, you are
made aware of it. As you are made aware of it, you are able to bring
it to fruition by asserting your energy. When you program thought to
be positive, your intention will be positive. The outcome is
inevitable. Especially when you see it as such.

4. Moving is the action to your motivation!: There is a mountain of
proof that movement is the best thing for mind, body and spirit.
Moving helps with depression, increases our cardiovascular system,
moves energy (Qi) and blood, stimulates the brain, increases hormone
production and takes us from one place to the next. Use movement as a
tool to move intention forward.

5. Intention reverberates. When we throw a stone in a calm lake, we
can see how the ripples start at the center point, where we dropped
the stone (our intention) and move outward from that point. When we
specify our intention, it moves out through the Universe as do the
ripples in the lake.

6. Intention is a reflection of many values. Our values are a direct
reflection of our beliefs. When we have strong, sensible values, your
beliefs reflect it. These same beliefs are an expression of our
experiences. Most often, people who have relatively good or tolerable
experiences have a better outlook on their beliefs.

7. Make Room for Change: Make it a nourishing, self respecting place
for change to take place in your mind. In the same way, create a life
affirming, positive path to reach your goal. Make no excuses.
Procrastination is the bi-product of feeling unworthy. Self worth
leads us in the right direction.

8. A lack of awareness + not being grounded + being unfamiliar =
FEAR: Become familiar with what your intention is. Once you are
familiar with the reasons why your intention is important and
familiar with the information you did not know or understand about
reaching your goal, this takes the fear out of it! Take initiative
and responsibility in seeing your true goal through to completion.
This all begins with the intent. Once you are familiar, there is less
fear and you become more grounded in your approach.

9. Make Every Effort: to do something each day that brings your
intentions closer to your goal. You will do this now, because you
understand why you want to reach this goal, what it means to you and
the fear behind it is gone. You will make the effort now because your
are aware of the fact that you love and respect yourself more and
deserve to make the effort.

10. The Honoring of Ourselves: This is something we tend to lose
sight of, especially as we grow older. "Excuse instead of action"
seems to be the norm, instead of the exception. Honoring everyone
else first (husband, wife, children, family, friends, colleagues) is
the path we so often go down first, before we take care of our own
needs. If you are not in tip top (mind, body, spirit) shape, how can
you effectively care for others?

Essential Oils for Intention

The power of our senses can be harnessed as an unbelievable tool that
you can use to your life's advantage! Diffusing essential oils
stimulate our olfactory nerve. These essence can restore balance and
harmony to your body and to your life. The energy of a scent can
invigorate your intention. Here are some of the most interesting oils
below:

Basil: This oil is wonderful for poor concentration, nervous tension,
digestive problems and insomnia. Basil is used to support the process
of deep change. Rich, sweet and pungent, use this oil to evoke
intention.

Bergamot: Uplifting, refreshing and encouraging. It can help relieve
anxiety and depression, ease grief and sadness and increase mental
alertness.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon bark was first recorded in Chinese formularies as
early as 2700 B.C. The herb has been used as a healing aid for
stomach upset and gas, diarrhea, rheumatism, kidney ailments, and
abdominal pain. Cinnamon bark contains the essential oils of cinnamon
and can stimulate concentration focus and memory.

Frankincense: Sedative, elevating, warming, used for anxiety,
apprehension, fears, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.
It slows down and deepens the breath, which makes it helpful for
meditation. This oil is helpful for bringing about clarity in
decisions.

Lavender: Balancing, stimulating, strengthening, good oil for mind
clearing and focus.

Peppermint: Refreshing, increases concentration, increases memory,
strengthens the nervous system and is used for fainting, headache,
mental fatigue, migraines and stress. Peppermint oil is used to
pinpoint intention and stimulate action.

Rosemary: Stimulates the adrenal cortex, used for nervous and
emotional exhaustion, apathy, depression and stress. Clears the head,
improves memory and concentration, reduces mental fatigue, combats
headaches.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://peacefulmind.com/intention.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

2009-03-05T14:58:00.001-09:00

Taking Time For Yourself

2009-03-05T14:54:00.000-09:00

Modern life compels us to rush. Because we feel pressured to make the most of our time each day, the activities that sustain us, rejuvenate us, and help us evolve are often the first to be sacrificed when we are in a hurry or faced with a new obligation. It is important we remember that there is more to life than achieving success, making money, and even caring for others. Your spiritual needs should occupy an important spot on your list of priorities. Each task you undertake and each relationship you nurture draws from the wellspring of your spiritual vitality. Taking the time to engage in spiritually fulfilling activities replenishes that well and readies you to face another day. Making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish and everything to do with your well-being. Regularly taking the time to focus on your soul’s needs ensures that you are able to nurture yourself, spend time with your thoughts, experience ! tranquility, and expand your spiritual boundaries.

It is easy to avoid using our free moments for spiritual enrichment. There is always something seemingly more pressing that needs to be done. Many people feel guilty when they use their free time to engage in pursuits where they are focusing on themselves because they feel as if they are neglecting their family or their work. To make time for yourself, it may be necessary to say no to people’s requests or refuse to take on extra responsibilities. Scheduling fifteen or thirty minutes of time each day for your spiritual needs can make you feel tranquil, give you more energy and allows you to feel more in touch with the universe. Writing in a journal, meditating, studying the words of wise women and men, and engaging in other spiritual practices can help you make the most of this time.

Making time to nurture your spirit may require that you sacrifice other, less vital activities. The more time you commit to soul-nurturing activities, the happier and more relaxed you will become. The time you devote to enriching your spirit will rejuvenate you and help you create a more restful life.

www.dailyom.com

CHOCOLATE!

2009-03-02T10:39:00.002-09:00

If you love chocolate!
You will love this site!

http://www.xocoatl.org/history.htm

Agave--Healthy??

2009-02-27T06:39:00.002-09:00

From RealAge.com (for the record...I'm a Stevia fan myself :O)

True or False: Agave’s the Healthiest Sweetener Out There
Could it be true? Is there really an all-natural, low-calorie sweetener -- with no aftertaste -- that doesn’t send your blood sugar into the stratosphere? Fans say agave (ah-GAH-vay) nectar fits that description. And to judge by the flood of agave-sweetened foods and drinks on supermarket shelves -- hundreds have been introduced in the last 2 years -- the new sweet stuff has a lot of believers. It’s even showing up in cocktails at trendy bars. So, is it true? Or too good to be?

T or F: Agave is super sweet.
True indeed! It’s four times sweeter than white sugar. Just 1/4 teaspoon of agave nectar/syrup approximates the sweetness of 1 teaspoon of sugar, costing you just 4 calories instead of 16.

T or F: Agave is all natural.
True, sort of. But “all natural” doesn’t mean “not processed.” Agave comes from the desert-dwelling succulent Agave tequilana, which is also the source of tequila. However, turning the plant’s juicy sap into a syrupy nectar you can drizzle on yogurt or stir into tea takes some doing. Some manufacturers heat the sap; others use enzymes to convert it into table-ready syrup.

T or F: Agave has no flavor.
True and false. It depends on whether the syrup is light or dark. The lightest types are virtually flavorless, but darker varieties have a maple- or caramel-like taste that you may take to . . . or not.

T or F: Agave has a low glycemic index (GI).
True. Because agave nectar is mostly fructose, it makes a pit stop for processing in the liver, which lowers its glycemic index (GI) -- a measurement of how quickly a food makes blood sugar rise. Table sugar is about half glucose, which goes straight to the bloodstream and sends blood sugar zooming in minutes.

T or F: Agave is a healthy sweetener.
More false than true. The major health benefit is that you may use less agave than sugar to get the same sweetness. But that’s about where the health-buck stops. People who’ve heard all the bad press about high-fructose corn syrup -- and avoid it like the plague -- need to realize that agave nectar is a high-fructose syrup (at least 75% fructose). Many health experts believe high-fructose foods are not good for you. “Perhaps most worrisome is that excessive fructose may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes,” says Richard Johnson, MD, author of The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That is Making You Fat and Sick (2008). It also triggers a combination of unhealthy effects that can eventually lead to a host of troubles, including heart disease and stroke, according to Johnson and others.

Bottom line: If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, a little agave syrup now and then may help you control calories and blood sugar spikes. But that’s as far as it goes -- and the trade-offs aren’t great. Sorry about that.

IN YOUR GARDEN (Meditation)

2009-02-26T10:33:00.002-09:00

Meditation channeled on the 7th January, `2008 by the group Lazarus.
This is a guided meditation for the beginning of a circle, or just
for a reprieve to ground yourself after a stressful day.

Sit comfortably, feet on the floor and hands resting gently on your
lap. Take three deep and cleansing breathes and centre yourself.

Now with eyes closed, let your subconscious bring into your vision a
gate! Let it come as it will and take gentle note of it, what it is made of, the height, width and structure.

Approach the gate and although you may see a lock on it, know that
it will open for you.This is your own boundary, one you have put there; no-one else can get in except you. Now the gate will open and you will walk in to YOUR garden.
Take a moment and turn around to look at the rest of your boundary, see what the gate is attached to, or not as the case may be. Just take gentle note, then turn around and face your garden.

Here there is perfect peace, here you can see all there is to see.
Look around and take note. No-one else can come here and the only living beings will be animals, so if you see them take a note, and then explore where you are.

Please do not have any perceptions of what you will see, allow the
higher guide (your sub-conscious)to show you what is you, a meadow, a lakeside, a beach or a mountain side, it depends on you.

Take a few minutes to look and relax, and when you are ready, sit
down and breathe in the air.Just relax with yourself knowing that you cannot be disturbed, and when you are ready to come back look at your feet.

When you look at your feet, you will see a beam of white light
touching them.On looking up at the beam you will see that it stretches in the far
horizon and is without end.Watch as the beam gentle moves over you and completely encompassesyou within its light.As the light enfolds you, you are surrounded by protection, by love
and by the divine healing that is your right.

The light will transport you back to your chair, safely and with
gentleness, and when you are ready,you will open your eyes and be back again.

Footnote:

The garden represents you, the inner you. On reflection of what you
have been shown, a great deal of where and why things are as they are should/could be made easier to understand.

Please remember that you and only you are the only one allowed in
the garden.If another being is there, even a guide, then there is a problem
with your control.You are allowing others to control you and even when it is with
love, it is truly in my opinion, not the best state of affairs.

Walk in light
Rose
www.onebigcircle. org

Woman

2009-02-23T15:08:00.000-09:00

My Birthday Extravaganza!

2009-02-20T09:06:00.003-09:00

My birtday is on the 17th of Feb. but we celebrated on Monday the 16th because everyone was off for a holiday. Since we (Greg & I) had some willing friends on the way to where we were going, we dumped the kids and went to dinner at Maxine's in Girdwood:O)We were the only ones there so it was very quiet. The staff is really nice, it's a neat place, a little hippie & very Alaskan :O)

Expensive, but we were so full, we liked everything. I told the waitress I was going to lick the plates it was so good:O) Greg said it was the first perfectly cooked medium rare steak he has had in AK, and as many of you know he doesn't compliment much of anything,lol.

It's actualy called Maxine's Glacier City Bistro. I found it, looking at different cuisines, under French. Never would have guessed we would like a French place especially Greg. If I hadn't seen what it looked like on the web site, we wouldn't have noticed it...the sign was missing,lol, no one else was there, and like I said, it's AKN!

They served this bread that's hard to describe, airy and dense at the same time, with a dipping sauce that was balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic and I think walnut oil. Then we shared 2 appetizers, crab & artichoke spring rolls with wild arugula emultion, wild alaskan weathervane scallops with pistachio butter and lemon thyme gastrique. I really did want to lick the plate LOL did my best with my fork, and couldn't help dipping my finger :O)

Greg laughs at me when I get around really good food.

My meal was Rosted red pepper stufffed with quiona zuchinni served on swiss chard with saffron cream. Greg had a filet (duh!) served with bacon, shrimp & cornbread stuffed portobello with burbon pepper sauce & yukon gold mashed potatoes. You should have seen his face when they served it piled up and all fruffy! HUH?! He really liked it though.:O) I also had to try Maxine's chef's version of creme brulle, it was good if you like that sort of thing :O)

We also had beer (duh!) and mine were really good! I don't remember if his were or even what kind he drank,lol, it was all about ME :O) I drank 2, wonderfully perfect with the food, porters who's name escapes me. Something about mud and fish. Darn! wish I could remember so I could get some more..Oh well! guess I'll have to go back to Maxine's to find out!

I love the names of micro beers and wines, the micros have some great names and labels besides being really good!

Maxine's floors and walls are crooked, the ceiling noticably sectioned, and decorated in a eclectic casual upscale kind of way and felt very warm and inviting. They replaced all their chairs last year when the Alyeska Prince sold theirs :O

It was a wonderful experience! And so nice to be "alone". :O) Peace and Joy to you all :O) Mary

Organic Gardening class

2009-02-18T06:57:00.001-09:00

Learn How to Garden— Organically!

5 Friday evenings + a Saturday field trip.
Starts this Friday Evening 6 to 8:30 pm
Come join the fun—You’ll learn how to:

Control slugs, aphids, and other pests without poisons

Make fantastic compost (a hands-on lab experience)

Optimize soil for great flowers, fruits, and vegetables

Protect plants from the cold

Go home with an arm-load of:

information, catalogs & expert help

What: 1 credit, Pass/No Pass. Lab fee: $15

Where: Mat-Su College, Snodgrass Hall, Room 117

Dates: Feb 20, 27, March 6, 20, 27, and field trip on Saturday, March 28

Instructor: Ellen Vande Visse
TO REGISTER: Call 745-9746 for information or register on line at www.uaa.alaska.edu and follow Wolf Link for Organic Gardening,

Agri 138, Spring 2009

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Herbs for Love, Passion & Healthy Heart

2009-02-14T13:56:00.001-09:00

February is the month of the heart, for love, lovers and passion. Throughout history herbs and oils have been used in ritual, magic & everyday potions to invoke passion and attract, strengthen and keep love, and to strengthen the hearts ability to sustain life. Love and passion do not necessarily mean physical love or sexual attraction, but rather bringing into your life the things that you are passionate about …a cause, a job, a new goal. Try the following ideas to attract, renew or strengthen your passions, your love & your heart.

Love
If you love spiced wine as much as I do, you will enjoy this unusual variation. And don’t worry; if you are not a drinker, you can substitute grape juice or cider. LOVE WINE: combine 3t cinnamon, 3t ginger, 1 one-inch piece of vanilla bean, scored along it’s length, 2 cups of red wine and 2t rhubarb juice (if available). Try substituting lemon juice for the rhubarb. Store for 3 days before drinking. The recipe can also be gently heated, served warm and enjoyed immediately. Don’t forget to share with a friend!

Passion
Anoint yourself, or use in ritual, a combination of 3 drops ginger oil, 2 drops rosemary oil, 1 drop of clove oil and 1 drop of petitgrain to invoke the powers of fire…energy, courage, strength, love, passion & will power. Add the same to salts or an oil base of your choice and add to your bath water, soak in it 15-20 minutes while visualizing the desired effects. The herbs can also be burned as incense or simmered in a pot to achieve the same effects. Some other useful herbs/oils: Basil, Bay, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, Frankincense, Galangal, Juniper, Lime, nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rose Geranium & Tangerine.

Healthy Heart
Protecting, maintaining and optimizing your hearts health will insure you will be able to enjoy your loves and passions. The most researched herbal remedies for reducing blood fats and for obtaining other cardiovascular benefits include, garlic, hawthorne, ginger, horse chestnut, bilberry, reishi mushroom and guggul. Other herbs, like mineral rich, alfalfa, horsetail, nettle & pau d’arco, calming black cohosh, oat straw, passionflower, valerian root, skullcap, and strengthening hawthorne berries, motherwort, ginger root, and ginkgo biloba, can all help strengthen, regulate & protect your hearts function.

And don’t forget the antioxidant properties of green tea!

The opinions and ideas of the author and this publication are in no way intended to be taken as sound medical advice. When using herbs, oils or any new product; “natural” or not…educate yourself, about the use of herbs and possible drug interactions, and when necessary consult a medical professional, before deciding whether or not to use them.

Inspiring Herbal Creations

2009-02-13T07:47:00.004-09:00

At this time each year with Winter coming to a close and Spring not quite here there is a yearning for something new, something different, something that will inspire and satisfy the need to create. Try these projects, inspired and created by natural gifts around you. You can add your own personal touch and energy to make the projects even more powerful in their intent.

WARM A HOUSE with an herbal gift inside a fresh bell pepper. Choose any color bell pepper, slice off the stem end and clean out the seeds and membranes. Line a plate or shallow basket with herb sprigs (or greenery) and colorful whole spices (or berries). Place the clean pepper in the middle and fill with a variety of fresh herb sprigs. This heartwarming and thoughtful gift may “inspire” the recipient to cook “creatively”! Try using a squash, pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable.

SEND A NOTE or make a set of note cards made of herbal paper. Place a 2 foot wide piece of waxed paper on a non-porous work surface. Scatter (aprox 1-2 tablespoons) flower petals, leaves, herbs, spices or similar material all over the waxed paper. Separate enough facial tissues into single ply to cover the petals, overlapping ¼”. In a spray bottle, combine ½ c white glue and ½ cup water. Spray the top of the tissue, covering the entire area. You may not use all of the mixture. Gently dab glue mixture on any tiny areas not covered. Let dry for 24 hours. Loosen any part that may have stuck to the work surface with a kitchen knife. Cover the wax paper side with light cotton fabric and iron on medium heat. Press each area for only a few seconds to avoid scorching. This assures all areas will adhere. Cut your paper the size you want the outside of the card to be, and fold it in half. Use decorative scissors around the edges if desired. Next, cut a piece of card stock paper, in any color, ½” smaller than the flower paper. Fold it in half and glue it to the inside. Now your paper is ready to share.

Make ANGELS FROM THE GARDEN to bless a beloved home with warm tidings of love. This angel may last for years if handled gently. Use fresh herbs, if possible, for a heavenly scent as the herbs dry. Or use dried herbs and spray with scent(s) to match the herbs. Attach an 8” piece of ¼” dowel across a long stemmed poppy pod, wrapping with raffia in a crisscross fashion, knot tightly. Cover the dowel with lavender stems, burlap, grasses or cornhusks. Wrap with raffia ½” from the ends (to form hands) and crisscross across the center (bodice). Trim hand ends. Create a small bouquet of herbs, flowers, leaves, etc and secure with a rubber band. Attach with raffia just under the arms. Cover the bodice area, across and over with colorful leaves. Secure the back ends with raffia or hot glue. Tuck a few more leaves under the front leaves to form an apron. Tightly wrap raffia around the midsection, forming a waist. Knot tightly. Hot glue 2 leaves to the back for wings & Spanish moss for hair. Add tiny bits of herbs, flowers etc to the waistband for decoration. Glue or tie a raffia loop on back for hanging. Fill in any blank spots as needed. Bless a loved one.

Boost your creativity with the inspirational herbs lavender, rosemary, chamomile, fennel, feverfew, calendula, vervain & mugwort.

I'm not sure anymore where I found these projects, but remember the Angel came from Herb Companion, so the others likely did as well. Enjoy! Mary

Eco-Seminars

2009-02-12T19:50:00.000-09:00

To Register for all classes:
www.goodearthgardenschool.com
and sign up for the courses you would
like to take.

When you come, get a free packet of
coffee grounds to fertilize your garden
and repel slugs!

More Information:
Linda at 562-2259
www.terrabellacoffee.com

Location:
Terra Bella Bakery Café
601 E. Dimond, Anchorage
Next to Bed Bath and Beyond,
across from Dimond Mall

Make & Take an Indoor Greens Garden
Grow Your Very Own Baby Greens(Babies due in April!) Yum!
Create and take home a window sill garden with proper seed mix for flavor and color.
Become the first kid on the block to savor your own succulent baby greens—before the snow melts outdoors! Learn about soil nutrition as well.

When: Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18
10 am–Noon
Two identical, repeated classes.
Room for 10 participants each.
$25 for materials and instruction.
Register early.

Free Movie!
Saturday Matinee
Come watch and then discuss the film: Cancer, Nutrition, and Healing
More than 7 years ago, eco-consultant Jerry Brunetti received word that
without aggressive chemotherapy treatment he would be dead in as little as
six months from an aggressive form of lymphoma. He opted not to travel that
route, and instead embarked on his own journey seeking advice, treatments,
alternative protocols and hands-on care from a wide variety of sources. The
result has been depth of understanding that is almost beyond compare, steady improvement in his own overall health, and a return to normalcy of the affected lymph nodes. Oh, and he’s very much alive.

Learn about: strengthening immunity, holistic treatment protocols,
health-boosting recipes, supplements and detoxification, supplementing
conventional therapies, foods to eat, and foods to avoid.

When: Saturday, March 21
Time: 4 – 6 pm.
Cost: free!

Shopping for Foods You Can Trust
Join us to sample fruits and vegetables grown both chemically and organically. Taste ‘em. Compare ‘em. Hear their childhood stories.

Find out…
*when to choose organic and when it is not so crucial
*how to shop for the highest nutritional density for the cost
*how to take control of your diet, nourishment, and health

Go home feeling empowered, no matter what your grocery budget.

When: Wed, February 25. Time: 4-6pm (come hungry)
Cost: $16 or $12 ea for 3 or more signing up together.

Good Earth Garden School Schedule of Classes
Feb-Mar 2009

Tue Feb 17 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Wed Feb 18 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
(Repeated Class) Terra Bella, Anchorage

Fri Feb 20 - Organic Gardening
Agri 138 credit course starts
Mat-Su College

Wed Feb 25 - Sampling Foods You Can Trust
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Sat-Sun Feb 28 & Mar 1
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat-Sun March 7 & 8
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Anchorage

Sat March 14
Advanced Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat March 21
Free Movie Matinee at Terra Bella, Anchorage
Terra Bella Bakery•Café Announces

Eco-Seminars, 2009
With Ellen Vande Visse, sustainable agriculture instructor, Good Earth Garden School
and author of Ask Mother Nature, a Conscious Gardener’s Guide

Reiki Training/Certification

2009-02-11T15:29:00.003-09:00

REIKI I and II Training and Certification
This is an intensive class designed to provide you with the initiations, training, and practical experience for Reiki I and II certification. Upon completion, students are eligible to join a number of national and international Reiki practitioner associations for further recognition and fellowship. Students may also elect to move into mastership and teacher training. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
(907)275-3397
Sunday, March 22, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM $240.

REIKI Master/ Teacher Certification
The Reiki Master/ Teacher certification program involves a commitment of instruction and training through six months, with 4 in person classes and outside classroom homework. The first class is an intensive and all day. The subsequent three classes will be schedules after the first meeting. Reiki I and II certification are prerequisites. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and initiation techniques and well as develop and fine tune there Reiki practice to the master level. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
(907) 275-3397
1st class: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Three additional classes TBA $490.

Heaven Smiles

2009-02-11T15:20:00.001-09:00

The Pure Energy & Vital Force of Plant Healing

2009-02-09T15:16:00.000-09:00

AROMATHERAPY & ESSENTIAL OILS
The pure energy and vital force of plant healing

What is Aromatherapy? An ancient healing art that has been around since the pyramids, aromatherapy heals and revitalizes the body and mind. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and well being by means of aromas derived from the plant kingdom, is the science and art of using the volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing. The power of fragrance is used to influence and alter our emotional moods. Aromas assist in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the body. Medicinal aromatherapy brings about healing on 3 planes; physical, mental and spiritual.

What are Essential oils? They are therapeutic grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots and seeds. They are oxygenated to help carry transport nutrients to the cells of the body. Essential oils are among the strongest antimicrobial agents; eliminating toxins in the body and fighting infection. Essential oils are also used to open and heighten spiritual awareness. They contain numerous therapeutic properties, and have the ability to donate or receive electrons. The recognized healing effect is believed to be carried out mainly through tissue stimulation. Essential oils have an analgesic neutralizing effect on chemicals carried by the sensory nerve endings.

How are essential oils used? There are many ways essential oils can be incorporated into our daily lives. Bathing, Massage, massage therapy, compresses, inhalation, steam inhalation & spray mist air treatments, as well as pet, garden & houseplant care and house cleaning are some of the most common well-known methods.

Energize Body Mind & Soul with a therapeutic blend of rosemary, orange, melissa (lemon balm), and jasmine. Combine 3 drops of each oil in a diffuser and breath the aroma as it fills the room. For a stimulating, sensual bath, stir the same amount of oils in your bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Sedating scents of geranium, jasmine, lemon balm, Roman chamomile and rose will help sweep you off to dreamland. Combine 3-5 drops of each (or use just one) in a diffuser in your bedroom. (If you use a candle powered diffuser, diffuse in the air prior and blow out the flame just before climbing in)

Bathe away the blues by soaking in a tub of clove tea. To do it: simmer 1 ½ teaspoons of whole clove in a nonreactive pan of 3 quarts water for 25 minutes. Strain and add the decoction to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes.

Bring the healing, rejuvenating qualities of solar energy into your home by using orange oil as an all-purpose household cleaner. Not only will orange oil cut grease and grime on surfaces, remove stains from carpets, fabric and clothing, its bright and cheerful aroma will lift your spirits even on the darkest day.

A few Essential Oils and their uses:

Basil-ease mental fatigue
Bergamot-open your heart to love and life
Cedar wood-enhance one’s connection to Spirit
Clary Sage-tranquility and balance
Cypress-peace, comfort and strength
Geranium-balance body, mind and emotions
Juniper-promote well being and inner strength
Patchouli-feel comfortable, safe and grounded
Rosewood-enhances meditation, eases anxiety, depression and moodiness
Sandalwood-opening and centering
Vetiver-promotes security and stability, “the oil of tranquillity

Sixth Picture Meme

2009-02-09T14:42:00.007-09:00

the definition of meme given by wordnet.princeton.edu: "a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)."

The rules of this meme are:
1.Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures
2.Go to the 6th Folder, then pick the 6th picture in that folder
3.Post that picture on your blog and tell the story that goes along with the picture.
4.Tag 6 other people that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

I was tagged for this meme by Cindy Jones at Sagescript Institute & Colorado Aromatics. Since all my pictures are in one giant file :O) I just chose the 6th picture.

This photo is of my son Alex and his friend Anthony (Anthonini). WE are a foster home and this picture was taken the first night Nini was at our home. It's hard to tell, because his eyes are covered, that he is terrified. He began his day boarding an airplane form his native village and ended it at our house. He and Alex formed an instant bond (they were already sharing pj's) which I believe made life at our house much easier for Nini. Even though Anthony has since been adopted, and has a family of his own:O) We still miss him(it's been almost 3 years now. Alex askes about him frequently and wants his brother Anthonini back.

I tagged these people to play meme with me:

heartgaia.blogspot.com
Robbie Cardenas (my friend)
www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog
Robbie Pull (my friend)
Jennifer at www.twodogstrading.com (also my friend)
katrinasbackyard.blogspot.com

A Handy Herb Use Glossary

2009-02-06T15:02:00.000-09:00

Today herbal remedies, supplements and therapies are everywhere. Some offer little or no understanding, for the layperson, of how the herb(s) should be used or how they work. With our ever-increasing mindfulness of what is “good for us” and “healthy”, when choosing to use a natural or herbal approach to our health and wellness, it is important to know what herbs might DO to you, in you or for you. It is important to know WHY you are choosing an herb and not enough to know that the herb was listed on your favorite message board, or that it “worked for my friend”.

In order to help you understand how you might use herbs, following is a glossary of common terms, what they mean, and some herbs that each term applies to.
ADAPTOGEN
These herbs have immune system enhancers which help the body adjust to change, regulate stress and restore natural immune resistance. Herbs that are used for this purpose include Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, goldenseal, pau d'arco and suma
ALTERNATIVE
Alternatives are considered useful in altering body chemistry gradually. Herbs with alterative properties stimulate gradual changes in metabolism and tissue function in acute and chronic conditions and increase overall health, energy, vigor and strength. Alternatives are similar to tonics, which help both the overall systems as well as organs, tissues and cells. Alterative herbs, include aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, blue vervain, capsicum, cascara sagrada, chamomile, damiana, dandelion, echnicacea, elecampane, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, gingo biloba, goldenseal, hawthorn, horsetail, milk thistle, red clover, red raspberry, schizandra, suma, yarro and yellow dock root.
ANALGESIC
Analgesic herbs are used to relieve pain without loss of consciousness. Some of the herbs commonly used as analgesics include feverfew, lobelia, mullein, pau d'acro, skullcap, willow bark and wood betony.
ANESTHETIC
Anesthetics are used for their ability to cause physical insensitivity. Examples of herbs with this property are caraway, kava and tea tree.
ANODYNE
Herbs with this property have the ability to soothe and reduce the intensity of pain. Herbs with this ability include anise, chamomile, cloves, juniper, pleurisy root and rosemary.
ANORECTIC
Anorectic herbs help to reduce appetite. Herbs with this asset include chickweed, ephedra, fellel, garcinia and guarana.
ANTACID
An antacid is used to neutralize acids in the stomach and intestinal tract. Herbs used for this include dandelion, fennel, ginger, kelp, Iceland moss and slippery elm.
ANTHELMINTIC
Herbs with anathematic agents either expel or destroy worms in the body. Other similar terms to describe such agents include vermifuge, mermicide and taeniacide. Herbs with these fighting abilities include black cohosh, blue walnut, gentian, goldenseal, mandrake, prickly ash, pumpkin seed and senna.
ANTI-ASTHMATIC
Anti-asthmatics are used to help relieve the symptoms associated with asthma. Some of the anti-asthmatic herbs are elecampane, ephedra, gotu kola, lobelia, prickly ash, wild cherry and yerba santa.
ANTIBACTERIAL
Antibacterial herbs are those that fight and destroy bacteria and include alfalfa, basil, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, parsley, peppermint, rhubarb, turmeric, uva ursi and yucca.
ANTIBIOTIC
Herbs that work as natural antibiotics help the body's immune system destroy growths of microorganisms. Some herbs commonly used as natural antibiotics include buchu, chaparral, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, myrrh, red clover and yellow dock.
ANTICATARRHAL
These are herbs that help dissolve and eliminate, as well prevent the formation of mucus and inflammation of the mucus membrane. Herbs that are considered to be ant catarrhal include comfrey, elecampane, ephedra, fenugreek, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein and wild cherry.
ANTICOAGULANT
Anticoagulant herbs help the body prevent clotting of the blood. Herbs with this constituent include garlic, turmeric and yellow maillot.
ANTIEMETIC
Antiemetics prevent vomiting, and herbs with this ability include clove, Iceland moss, raspberry and spearmint.
ANTIFUNGAL
Antifungal agents act against and destroy various fungi. Herbs in this category include alfalfa, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, kava kava, kombucha, parsley, St. John's wort, skullcap, thyme and turmeric.
ANTIGALACTAGOGUE
Herbs with this property work opposite to herbs with galactagogue properties. Sage and black walnut are examples of herbs in this category.
ANTIHYDROTIC
Antihydrodics reduce levels of perspiration. Herbs with this ability include astragalus and sage.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Herbs with this ability reduce inflammation in the body without acting directly on the cause of the inflammation. Herbs in this category include birth, chicory, cranberry, elder flowers, eucalyptus, fennel, feverfew, ginger, licorice, marshmallow, papaya, passion flower, peppermint, pine tree bark, queen of the meadow, rhubarb, rosemary, safflower, turmeric, wild yam and witch hazel.
ANTILITHIC
Antilithic herbs work to prevent the formation of stones in the gall bladder and kidney, as well as aiding the expulsion of those already formed. Antilithics are similar to lithotriptics. Some herbs used for this purpose are buchu leaves, hydrangea and uva ursi leaves.
ANTIMICROBIAL
Antimicrobials helps the body destroy microbes by affecting their growth and multiplication, Herbs with this ability include fennel, feverfew, myrrh, pau d'arco, rhubarb, tea tree and uva ursi.
ANTINEOPLASTIC
Herbs with this quality destroy, inhibit and prevent tumors. Herbs in this category include aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, cat's claw, chickweed, flaxseed, garlic, hops, horsetail, ho-sho-wu, irish moss, mistletoe, pau d'arco, periwinkle, pine tree bark, rhubarb, saffron, St. John's wort, slippery elm and turmeric.
ANTIOXIDANT
Antioxidant herbs counteract the negative effects of oxidation on body tissues. Included in this category are barley, billberry, cat's claw, chaparral, gingo biloba, milk thistle, pine tree, rosemary, sage and turmeric
ANTIPERIODIC
This constituent counteracts the effects of periodic diseases (intermittent) like malaria. Herbs in this category include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, chinchone, eucalyptus, golden seal and willow.
ANTITUSSIVE
Herbs with antitussive agents are cough suppressants. Herbs in this category include coltsfoot, comfrey, horehound, mullein and wild cherry bark
ANTIVENOMOUS
Ant venomous agents counteract venom, as from snakebite. Herbs with this quality include pennyroyal and plantain
ANTIVIRAL
Antiviral agents act to destroy viruses in the body. Herbs with antiviral qualities include aloe vera, astragalus, barley, boneset, calendula, echinacea, ho-shouwu, licorice, maitake, reishi, pau d'arco, red raspberry and turmeric
APHRODISIAC
An aphrodisiac is used to help restore normal sexual potency and function and improve sexual desire. Some herbs used as aphrodisiacs include astragalus, damiana, false unicorn, fenugreek, ginseng, kava kava and saw palmetto
ASTRINGENT
An astringent acts to contract and tighten, similar to styptic. This constricting action can help eliminate secretions and hemorrhaging. Some herbs with astringent actions are amaranth, blackberry root, black walnut, capsicum, elecampane, ephedra, fenugreek, horsetail, hydrangea, mullein, oak bark, queen of the meadow, St. John wort, slippery elm and witch hazel
BITTER
This is an agent that acts on the mucous membranes in the mouth to promote appetite and encourage digestion. Herbs in this category include alfalfa, blackberry, blessed thistle, bugleweed, chaparral, chinchona, eyebright, feverfew, gentian, licorice, quassia, watercress, wild cherry and wild lettuce
BLOOD PURIFIER
Agents that clean and remove impurities from the blood, similar to depurative. Examples of blood purifiers include birch, buckthorn, calendula, centaury, couch grass, dandelion, plantain and watercress
CARMINATIVE
Herbs that can help eliminate gas from the stomach and intestine are considered carminatives. Some of the herbs commonly used are angelica root, capsicum, caraway seeds, catnip, chamomile flowers, echinacea, fennel, ginger, hops, lemon balm, parsley root, peppermint, saffron and valerian
CHOLAGOGUE
This herb property increases the flow of bile which aids digestion, as well as acting as a mild laxative. Herbs which are used for this purpose are aloe vera, barberry, culvers root, dandelion, goldenseal, hops, licorice, Oregon grape root and wild yam
DECONGESTANT
Agents that relieves congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Herbs with decongestant properties include ephedra, lobelia, pennyroyal, valerian and yerba santa
DEMULCENT
These herbs work internally to help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the body. Some herbs with this property are aloe vera, burdock, chickweed, comfrey, echinacea, fenugreek, flaxseed, Irish moss, kelp, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, oatstraw and psyllium
DIAPHORETIC
Diaphoretic herbs help the body produce perspiration to help the skin eliminate toxins, similar to sudorific. Herbs with diaphoretic properties include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, borage, butchers broom, capsicum, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, garlic, hyssop, lemon balm leaves and yarrow.
DIGESTIVE
Digestives promote or aid in the digestion process. Such herbs include anise, capsicum, centaury, echinacea, garlic, horseradish, mustard, papaya, safflower and sage
DIURETIC
A diuretic is used to increase the flow of urine to relieve water retention. Some herbs used for this purpose are alfalfa, blue cohosh, buchu leaves, burdock, butchers broom, damiana, dandelion, devils claw, false unicorn, fennel, hawthorn, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, lily-of-the-valley, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, saw palmetto and uva ursi
EMETIC
An emetic is used to induce vomiting. Emetic herbs include bayberry, boneset, buckthorn, culver, false unicorn, lobelia, mandrake, mistletoe, mustard seed, pleurisy, quassia, rue and senega
EMMENAGOGUE
Herbs with emmenagogue properties promote menstrual flow. Some herbs that help with this situation are angelica, aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, gentian, ginger, goldenseal, horsetail, juniper berries, mistletoe, myrrh, pennyroyal and saffron
ESTROGENIC
Estrogenic herbs promote or produce estrus. Herbs with estrogenic properties include blue cohosh, dong quai, false unicorn, fennel and licorice
EXPECTORANT
Expectorants help the body expel mucus from the lungs, nose and throat. Herbs used for this purpose include anise seed, blue cohosh, blue vervain, comfrey root, elder flowers, elecampane root, ephedra, flaxseed, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, horehound, hyssop, Irish moss, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein leaves, slippery elm, wild cherry bark and yerba santa leaves
FEBRIFUGE
Herbs with this property help reduce fevers, similar to refrigerant and antipyretic. Some febrifuges are bilberry, boneset, borage, buckthorn, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, hyssop, pleurisy root, sarsaparilla, white willow bark and wormwood
GALACTAGOGUE
Herbs with these properties stimulate lactation in women. Herbs in this category include anise, basil, blessed thistle, borage, fenugreek, horsetail and vervain
GERMICIDE
Germicides are known for their ability to destroy germs and other microorganisms. Herbs in this category include cloves, eucalyptus and tea tree
HEPATIC
These herbs help to strengthen, tone, and increase bile flow to promote normal liver function. Some herbs with hepatic properties are barberry bark, cascara sagrada, dandelion root, gentian, goldenseal, horseradish, mandrake root, milk thistle, olive oil, Oregon grape, parsley, queen of the meadow and rhubarb
HEMOSTATIC
Hemostatics stop blood flow by acting as antihemorrhagic agents. Herbs in this category include bistort, blackberry, bugleweed, calendula, nettle, periwinkle, shepherds purse and witch hazel
IMMUNOSTIMULANTS
Immunostimulants enhance or boost the body's natural defense against illness and disease. Herbs with this ability include astragalus, barley, dong quai, kombucha, maitake, queen of the meadow, reishi and shiitake
INSECTICIDE
Insecticides are used to kill insects. An example of an herb with this ability is bayberry
LITHOTRIPTIC
These are herbs that help dissolve and eliminate urinary stones from the body. They include buchu leaves butchers broom, cascara sagrada, cornsilk, dandelion devils claw, horsetail, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, uva ursi and white oak bark
MUCILANT
Herbs that are considered mucilants have mucilage properties that have a soothing and demulcent effect. They coat and protect mucous membranes from irritations. Mucilants have a wide variety of applications including coughs, sore throats, and irritated stomach bowels, bladder and kidneys. They can also be used for laxatives, cream and ointments because of their soothing effects. Mucilant herbs include aloe vera, chickweed coltsfoot, comfrey, flaxseed, Iceland moss, marshmallow plantain, psyllium seed and slippery elm
NARCOTIC
Herbs with narcotic agents can be used to soothe intractable pain or to induce anesthesia. Herbs with these agents should be used carefully. They include bugleweed, guarana and wild lettuce. Herbs that can be used to counteract narcotic effects include alfalfa (for addiction) and marjoram and mustard (for poisoning)
NEPHRITIC
These are used in healing kidney problems. Herbs with nephritic properties include buchu leaves, couch grass root, goldenseal, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, Oregon grape and queen of the meadow root
NERVINE
Nervine herbs help soothe, calm and nourish the nervous system. Some of the nervine herbs are black cohosh, blue vervain, boneset, catnip, chamomile, cramp bark. damiana, gotu kola, hops, lady's slipper, lemon balm, lobelia, oatraw, passion flower, skullcap, valerian root and wood betony.
NUTRITIVE
Nutritive agents nourish the body. Herbs with nutritive properties include alfalfa, amaranth, barley, bee pollen, chickweed, comfrey, guarana, Iceland moss, Irish moss, kelp, marshmallow, nettle, oatstraw, papaya, pumpkin, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, suma, watercress and yellow dock.
OXYTOCIC
These are herbs that help stimulate uterine contractions to assist and induce a safe labor and delivery. Herbs with oxytocic properties are black cohosh, blue cohosh, pennyroyal and red raspberry.
PARASITICIDE
Parasiticides are those that destroy parasites in the body. Herbs with parasticide agents include chaparral, feverfew, figwort, horseradish, mandrake, papaya, parsley, peach, pennyroyal, plantain, pumpkin, rhubarb, sage, thyme, vervain, wild cherry and wood betony.
PECTORAL
Pectoral agents give relief and remedy pulmonary and other respiratory conditions. Examples of pectorals are chickweed, coltsfoot, couch grass, hyssop, Iceland moss and wild cherry.
PURGATIVE
A cathartic or purgative herbs used for purging and stimulating the action of evacuating the bowels. This action may be mild or strong depending on the need. Purgatives and cathartics are similar to aperients and laxatives, which are mild purgative used to relieve constipation. Herbs considered to be purgative include aloe vera, barberry bark, boneset, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada, elder flowers, goldenseal, mandrake, Oregon grape root, psyllium, rhubarb root and senna leaves.
RUBEFACIENT
Herbs with rubefacient properties are reddening agents that help to increase the flow of the blood to the surface of the skin to aid in healing in cases such as sprains and muscle soreness. Some herbs used for this purpose include camphor, capsicum, cloves, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mustard seed, peppermint oil, pine oil, stinging nettle and thyme oil.
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs are used to relieve irritability and promote calm and tranquil feelings. Some are catnip, chamomile, cramp bark, dong quai, hawthorn, hops, kava kava, lady's slipper, lobelia, passionflower, red clovers, St. John's wort, schizandra, skullcap, valerian and wood betony.
SIALOGUGE
Herbs with this property help to promote the flow and secretion of saliva to aid in the digestion of starches. Some herbs include bayberry, capsicum, echinacea, gentian, ginger, horseradish, hydrangea, licorice, prickly ash, rhubarb and yerba santa.
STIMULANT
These herbs help to increase the function of the body energy levels, circulation, and help eliminate toxins. Herbs with stimulant properties are angelica, boneset, capsicum, damiana, devil's claw, echinacea, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, false unicorn, garlic, gentian, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, ho-shou-wu, milk thistle, prickley ash bark, saffron, sarsaparilla root and suma.
STOMACHIC
Stomachic strengthen and tone the stomach. Herbs in the stomachic category included agrimony, anise, barberry, basil, caraway, celery, chinchina, cloves, dandelion, gentian, ginseng, gymnema, hops, horseradish, papaya, peach, pennyroyal, quassia, rhubarb, rosehips and watercress.
VASOCONSTRICTOR
Herbs with vasodilating agents expand the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Herbs in this category included fever few, hawthorn and ho-shou-wu.
VULNERARY
Herbs with vulnerary properties are used to help promote the healing of wounds, cuts and abrasions. Some used are aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, capsicum, fenugreek, flaxseed, garlic, gentian, goldenseal, hops, horsetail, mullein, oatstraw and plantain leaves.

Winter Herbs, Oils & First-aid

2009-02-06T15:00:00.001-09:00

(a little late but useful information)
With the first winter chill breezing into town it's time to start thinking about how to keep the sneezes and sniffles away. While there's talk of the value of vitamin C, echinacea and garlic as natural treatments, herbalist claim herbs can prevent colds and flu. There are three main herbs, as well garlic, which are widely used to ward off winter woes. They are Echinacea, andrographis and astrolagus.

Echinacea is effective for the early treatment of colds and flu because it's an immune stimulant but is best taken before a cold sets in, however, it can help shorten the duration of flu if you take it once you've become ill and can assist with treating respiratory infections.

Andrographis and Astrolagus work in much the same way. Andrographis is also used for coughs and sore throats. These herbs are highly effective alone or in conjunction.
The frequent use of Garlic, referred to as nature's antibiotic, puts you well on your way to preventing a winter cold.

And don’t forget your vitamin C. Citrus, grapes and strawberries are high in C, and it doesn’t hurt to add zinc from beans, nuts and whole grains.

You may wish to try this herbal remedy, shared by a friend who swears by it. She hasn’t had a cold/flu in years.

Total Tonic Formula
1 Handful of split Garlic cloves
1 Handful of chopped Onions
1 Handful of chopped Ginger
1 Handful of chopped Horseradish
1/2 handful of chopped Habanero Peppers.

Throw in a blender and chop, then cover with
an inch or two of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Let tincture for a week or two (shake now and then)
and strain, then drink a little of the juice daily,
or twice daily. (It is very HOT)
A small amount in V8 Juice is good and Turmeric can be added for extra benefit.

Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too much winter, but also the causes of colds and flu… Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuring vitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in the body.

In addition to the herbs already mentioned, some herbs to keep on hand in your “medicine chest” are: Ginger, Elderflower, Yarrow, Sage, Rose Hips, Mullein, Thyme, Fenugreek & Marshmallow.

Other beneficial ingredients to your chest would be Winter Essential Oils

Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the form of essential oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Winter essential oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against the cold weather and can be beneficial in treating winter ailments.

Some useful winter oils are: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary & Tea Tree.

Try these Essential Oil remedies in a massage, a bath, infused in the air or in a “sniffy” bottle. In all of them combine the oils listed.

WINTER WARMTH BLEND
10 drops of cedar wood
25 drops of bergamot orange
15 drops of fir needle
30 drops of juniper berry
20 drops of sandalwood

SINUS CONGESTION BLEND
5 drops of Eucalyptus
3 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Tea-Tree
2 drops of Pine.

PICK ME UP BLEND
7 drops of Bergamot
5 drops of Grapefruit
3 drops of Rosemary

SUNSHINE BLEND
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Orange
3 drops of Geranium
2 drops of Peppermint

Feldenkrais® - Bones for Life®

2009-02-02T06:56:00.001-09:00

Hola!
Take a look at our schedule for Daytime February & March Feldenkrais classes and enter them on your calendar NOW! Space is at a premium, so reserve your space and learn to feel your best with little or no effort! Surprise yourself at how freely, easily & comfortably you can move!

Hands-on Feldenkrais individual sessions are available at 2 medical offices in Anchorage (Eastside & Midtown) where you can use your health insurance. Contact me for more info, or contact the office directly to schedule your session with me at either location.

I continue to offer the lower cost convenience of self-pay at Movement Options. Call or email me to schedule your app't here at Movement Options studio.

Shari

Feldenkrais Classes

February/March Schedule

ALL Gain….NO Pain…The Feldenkrais Way!

Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Feb. 24, 26 & Mar. 3, 5 4 days $65 or Drop-in $18/class
Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Mar. 10, 12, 17, 19 4 days $65 or Drop-in $18/class
Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Mar. 24, 26, 31 3 days $50 or Drop-in $18/class

Individual Feldenkrais Sessions

● Insurance Billing at Natural Health Center 561-2330
3330 Eagle St.

Known to many of you as “Hope Wing & Rick Abbott’s Clinic”. Choose a Naturopath or Chiropractor to initiate your Feldenkrais treatment plan of neuromuscular re-education. Use your health insurance to pay for your Feldenkrais sessions.

My schedule here: Monday afternoons & Thursday mornings.

Medicare patients: *IF you have secondary insurance coverage from a group policy that covers you to see a Naturopath, you MAY be able to use your secondary insurance to cover your sessions with me for neuromuscular re-education. *Be sure to check with your secondary insurance carrier to confirm this!

● Insurance Billing at Alliance Chiropractic 337-6770

Dr. Rich Tieszen 4316 Kingston Drive

Bill your insurance directly for sessions at Alliance, just pay your deductible & co-pay out of pocket. My schedule here: Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.

● ***Self-pay at Movement Options Studio 274-3539

Schedule your sessions at Movement Options and make payment in full. Receipts are available upon request if you wish to submit them to your health insurance carrier, or use pre-tax dollars from your health care reimbursement account.

My schedule here: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri mornings, & Wed & Fri afternoons.

***Total cost of sessions with Shari at Movement Options Studio is substantially less than the price of sessions at the above medical offices. Out of pocket expenses at Movement Options may be higher or lower than at one of the clinics, depending on your health insurance coverage.

Shari Lee
Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner
Certified Bones for Life® Teacher & Trainer
Movement Options LLC
907-274-3539
feldenlee1@aol.com
www.FeldenkraisJourneys.com

Feldenkrais® is a registered service mark of the Feldenkrais® Guild of North America.

Winter

2009-01-27T06:22:00.001-09:00

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you. In spring, summer, and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."
-Ruth Stout, 1955

2009-01-26T11:23:00.002-09:00

(From Daily Om)
Self-Body Scan
Blessing Our Bodies
As the living vehicles for our spirits, our bodies deserve loving attention and care. We can positively affect our health, prevent illness, and heal injuries by regularly focusing our mental and spiritual energy on the workings of our bodies. This can be done by performing a body scan on yourself.

Begin by lying in a comfortable position and taking three deep cleansing breaths. Imagine, if you will, a sunbeam entering the top of your head. Feel this light slowly scanning each part of your internal body. Allow it to scan every cell in your body and keep breathing. Every time you exhale, blow out negative energy you may feel. Notice any changes in your body. Sensations may vary from person to person. You may feel a shift in body temperature, see a color or flash of light, or hear a voice offering you guidance. If you feel a block in a certain area of your body, sit with that block and feel into it. Ask your body why that block is there and what you need to do to release it. Try not to judge or analyze the wisdom that comes to you. Often, we experience energy blocks in our body because our body is trying to tell us something. You may want to breathe into that area until you feel the block dissolving. When you have finished your scan, take one last deep breath and exhal! e any energetic residue that you are ready to release.

The body doesn’t lie, and it has much wisdom to share with us. Any injuries or blocks that exist in our bodies are there so that we can learn from having them in our bodies. An existing injury can teach us to slow down or help us recognize that something is out of balance in our bodies. The more you scan your body, the better you will become at it. If you sense that something is not right in your body, you may want to visit a doctor and tell them about your experience. When you have finished your scan, don’t forget to thank your wonderful, amazing body.

Eco-Gardening

2009-01-23T07:24:00.001-09:00

Dear Eco-Gardeners,

Boy-o-boy, we have an exciting line-up of courses for you—long & short!

Co-Creative Gardening workshops based on my book, Ask Mother Nature

Free movie, make-&-take your own greens tray, and finding nutrient-dense food

Intensive university training: growing by the organic method

Check out all the details and registration at www.goodearthgardenschool.com

(See below for overall schedule)

YES, you can garden cooperatively with nature.

Slugs in your lettuce?

A wasp nest on your deck?

Weeds invading your yard?

Trees to cut down?

Is there is a way you might work with nature?

Yes! Come learn to consult the wise consciousness of nature itself. I am teaching courses based on my book, Ask Mother Nature, a Conscious Gardener’s Guide.

You’ll learn methods to talk directly to the wise consciousness of slugs, wasps, weeds, and trees themselves. Learn how to obtain the guidance from these Devas and Nature Spirits. Discover ways to reduce pests without battles, poisons, or force; and cut down a tree without trauma. (This focus is non-religious.) You’ll come away with new skills to heal the Earth—from the convenience of your own backyard! Choose the Co-Creative Gardening class in Anchorage or Palmer. Also advanced class. Please see attached flyers and schedule below.

YES, you have very sweet 2-hour options.

Get your hands in the soil-come plant a windowsill greens garden,

Watch and discuss a free movie,

Hear (and taste) how to select safe, good food you can trust.

All at Terra Bella Café & Bakery in Anchorage. See: schedule below, attachments, & website.

YES, there is still room for you in the Organic Gardening intensive.

Ready to produce more backyard food bonanza? Come join the fun, as we actually build a compost pile, learn what organic fertilizers to apply, and map strategies to ward off pests without poisons. All this in 5 evenings at Mat-Su College, plus a Saturday field trip! Personally tour actual greenhouse, vegetable, and fruit tree growing operations. Please see details in attachment and website.

Starts Friday Feb 20th at 6pm. Mat-Su College: Register now by calling 745-9746 for information or register on line at www.uaa.alaska.edu and follow Wolf Link for Agri 138,

Organic Gardening. (Potential for Thursday night section.)

Class Schedule for Feb-Mar 09

Tue Feb 17 ----identical & -----Grow Your own Windowsill Greens, Terra Bella, Anchorage

Wed Feb 18 ---repeated class-- Grow Your own Windowsill Greens, Terra Bella, Anchorage

Fri Feb 20------------------------Organic Gardening Agri 138 credit course starts, Mat-Su College

Wed Feb 25---------------------Sampling Foods You Can Trust, Terra Bella, Anchorage

Sat-Sun Feb 28 & Mar 1st -----------------Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat-Sun March 7 & 8------repeated---------Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Anchorage

Sat March 14-------------------Advanced Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat March 21--------------------------------Free Movie Matinee at Terra Bella, Anchorage

Gardening makes us feel rich and connected to our bounteous planet. I would love to see you in one or more of these opportunities. So come jump into the fun.

Ellen

As always, let me know if you want off this list.

Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

2009-01-20T15:17:00.000-09:00

6 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

2009-01-18T14:02:00.002-09:00

this information from www.realage.com

The steady stream of good news about green tea is getting so hard to ignore, that even java junkies are beginning to sip mugs of the deceptively delicate brew. You'd think the daily dose of disease-fighting, inflammation-squelching antioxidants -- long linked with heart protection -- would be enough incentive. But wait . . . there's more! Lots more.

1. Cut Your Cancer Risk Several polyphenols -- the potent antioxidants that green tea is famous for -- seem to help keep cancer cells from gaining a foothold in the body by discouraging growth and then suppressing the creation of new blood vessels that tumors need to thrive. Study after study has found that regularly drinking green tea reduces the risk of breast, stomach, esophagus, colon, and prostate cancer.

2. Soothe Your Skin Got a cut, scrape, or bite, and a little leftover green tea? Soak a cotton ball in it. The tea is a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling. Try it on inflamed blemishes, sunburns, or puffy eyelids. But that's not all. Green tea has been shown to help block sun-triggered skin cancer, whether you drink it or apply it directly to the skin -- which is why you're seeing green tea in more and more sunscreens and moisturizers.

3. Steady Your Blood Pressure Having healthy blood pressure -- meaning below 120/80 -- is one thing. Keeping it that way is quite another. But people who sip just half a cup of green tea a day are almost 50% less likely to wind up with hypertension than nondrinkers. Credit goes to the polyphenols again (especially one known as ECGC); they help keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure.

4 . Protect Your -- or Your Mom’s -- Memory Green tea may also keep the brain from turning fuzzy. Getting-up-there adults who drink at least two cups a day are half as likely to develop cognitive problems as those who drink less. Why? It appears that the tea's big dose of antioxidants fights the free-radical damage to brain nerves seen in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

5. Stay Young The younger and healthier your arteries are, the younger and healthier you are. So fight plaque buildup in your blood vessels; the sticky stuff increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, adds years to your RealAge, and saps your energy. How much green tea does this vital job take? About 10 ounces a day, which also deters your body from absorbing artery-clogging fat and cholesterol.

6 . Lose Weight Oh yeah, one more thing. Turns out that green tea speeds up your body's calorie-burning process. In the every-little-bit-counts department, that’s good news!