March 2012 Newsletter

From Daughter Beth

Thursday, February 23, 2012

It's The Little Things

This story is about six months late. I have talked before about wanting a grain mill to make my own bread. A grain mill at Breadbeckers cost $259, which I didn't have at that time. After about nine months of wanting a mill, saving money toward it, and then having to spend that money on other things, I gave up. One morning I told Todd, "Well, it looks like I will never get a mill. Whatever."

Not two days later a couple of friends and I were talking. I said that it looked like I would never get a grain mill. One of my friends said, "Oh! That reminds me!" and walks outside. She comes back with THIS GRAIN MILL. She had been helping someone clean out old junk in their house and they were going to throw this grain mill away because a tiny piece on it had come unglued. She had brought it back to me knowing that I wanted one.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's about what I felt. Sometimes God is just too amazing for words.

February 2012 Newsletter

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Catnip

From The Herb Patch

From My Perspective

It’s February! Why is it that February always seems like it is much shorter than the other months when it’s really only two days shorter, unless there’s a leap year? So, far this winter we have not had any snow here in our area except a slight (I mean really slight) dusting a couple of weeks ago. For those who work outside the home and have to travel, especially in the rural areas, snow and sleet (ice) can be quite treacherous. For the ones who don’t have to venture out in such weather, we look forward to some snow in the winter. I especially enjoyed the snow when my youngest daughter Grace lived at home and we romped outside with our Malamute Husky dog named Mikey (who is still alive) and made a snowman or threw snowballs for fun. Everything seems to come to a screeching halt and becomes awesomely quiet after it snows. This is not so in all places that folks live. Years ago we moved to Montana in the summertime, but also endured the winter in a place named Havre. Believe me when I say nothing stops moving there in the winter (work wise). Those people just throw dirt down on the snow and keep moving. That is, until the Chinook winds come through and warm everything up! It was a totally different living experience! It’s the first time we actually experienced 40 degrees below zero temperatures with a wind chill factor at times of 70 below! I know you probably think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. We had to put heaters that plugged up to the engine in the car to keep the motor from freezing up. It was so cold outside that the ice would build up “inside” the windowsill and folks ran fans to melt the ice.

This month I decided to write about an herb that is very good (and usable) for children. This time of year there seems to be more for the children to endure due to the weather and all the other people that are sick. There are some herbs that are far better to use on babies and children than any of the medicines that are so readily available in the stores. Think! What did people a hundred years ago do before Tylenol and Sudafed, etc. came into our lives? And also, think about all the possible side effects from these over-the-counter drugs. Yes, drugs!!! We have really made ourselves sicker by relying on these things mainly because they mask symptoms and don’t provide the healing our bodies need. Plus, there is a chance of getting liver disease from these medications. I know, I was one of those moms that readily used these things when my children were growing up, when finally one day after many bouts of children’s sicknesses that continually came back after all the antibiotics and medicines, I looked into alternatives. And wished that I had done this much sooner.

What Is Catnip? Catnip Cepeta Cataria is a mint and perennial herb. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Himalayas and grows well in many regions of the world. From a gardener's standpoint, catnip can either be a pesky plant that easily takes over any flower bed or a welcome addition. If you're just starting an herb garden, it's a great first plant because it's so hardy, grows fast and survives most conditions. Catnip also makes a great potted plant. That makes it easier to access the plant.

Catnip is Easy to Grow You can easily start catnip from seed. You'll also find starter plants in the spring at your local retailer or garden center. Catnip can easily be grown in any sunny garden. Catnip leaves loose some of their potency once they bloom (photo) so it's best to harvest leaves to dry before plants bloom.

Delicious Catnip Tea

Tea drinkers like catnip for its soothing properties. It is known to induce sleep, relieve upset stomachs and calm nervousness. Some Europeans still use catnip as a cure for colic in babies. In 2003, catnip oil was discovered to repel cockroaches, termites and other undesirable insects.

To make a nice cat lover and tea lover gift package fresh-dried catnip in a plastic bag or tin with a metal tea spoon or tea bag. Add a little gift tag with instructions: start with 1 tsp of dried catnip per cup, adjust to taste. One of the most thoughtful cat gifts, and cat lover gifts, is to give catnip. Why Do Cats Like Catnip? Approximately 75-90% of all cats are attracted to catnip. The attraction is a genetically-inherited trait. Cats react to nepetalactone chemicals using their vomeronsala or Jacobson's organ, located in the roof of their mouth. The Jacobson's organ gives cats a pleasant sensation that combines smell and taste. Some cats act very silly after getting exposed to catnip.

A note from Alice: I have been growing catnip for about 5 years which I started from seeds. It is true that catnip will take over other plants. I planted mine in a circle with lemon balm and regretted it later, mainly because it spreads quickly and it looks similar to the lemon balm plant. Also, while staying with my daughter Grace a couple years back, at the time she had a cat and I decided to throw some dried catnip (that I had brought for my grandson who was teething and not sleeping well at night) on the floor to see if the cat would react the way I had heard. To our amazement that cat started rolling all over the catnip and acting very frisky!! It made a believer out of Grace and me and we had a good laugh over this! So, I also made some catnip toys which I give as gifts and also am intending to sell very cheaply.

How to Dry and Harvest Catnip

The favorite form of catnip is dried. Dried catnip is best harvested prior to bloom. Blooming reduces the potency. Dry in a basket or on paper towels on top of a refrigerator, or in a cool, dry area. Dried And Fresh Is Best. Most cat toys usually include older, dried catnip. Before deciding whether or not your cat likes catnip, make sure to try freshly dried catnip. Dried catnip looses its potency when exposed to air for long periods of time. http://streambankgardens.com/Catnip_Catmint.html

Another note from Alice: I harvest mine when it is tall by cutting the plant and tying a rubber band around the ends, then hanging inside a cool area so that air can get through easily. This works for all of the herbs I dry.

Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used to promote menstruation. Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations. Catnip oil is great for aromatherapy. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties. Recently found in a University Study to be 10 times as effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes. www.altnature.com/gallery/catnip.htm

From Jerry Baker’s HERBAL PHARMACY

If you don’t want to count sheep or take a sleeping pill, you can easily fall into a peaceful slumber with this special soothing recipe:

1 tsp. dried catnip leaves                                 1 tsp. dried mint leaves

1 tsp. dried marjoram leaves                          1 tsp. dried chamomile leaves

Blend all of the herbs together thoroughly. Scoop out 1-2 teaspoons of the mix and stir it into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs, and then sip yourself into dreamland!

Food for Thought

Last month I started a series on foods that our Lord created and that is mentioned in the Scriptures. One of my friends reminded me that one of the foods that I didn’t mention last month in the “g” section was gourds. Thanks friend! I thought I’d spend a little time this month talking about gourds, which somewhere in my past I tried to grow. Our family once rented from an elderly man who planted gourds, hardened them and made dippers, etc. out of them. He sold these for extra profit. After reading the scriptures below, I don’t see where these gourds were actually good to eat, although I know gourds, squash and pumpkins are in the same family. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that the gourds had something wrong with them as far as eating. I will do some more research on the eating of gourds!

II Kings 4:39 Jonah 4:6-7; 4:9-10

Squash—Packed with Beta-Carotene—And More

Taken from Healing Remedies by Editors of Prevention Health Books

Healing Power: Can Help Prevent lung problems and Reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

When researchers talk about the healing powers of squash, what they’re usually referring to is winter squash such as hubbard, acorn, and butternut, which are distinguished by their deep yellow and orange flesh colors. These colorful squash are both rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, two antioxidant vitamins that have been shown in studies to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related conditions such as problem with the eyes.

While zucchini other kinds of summer squash don’t have the rich nutrient stores of winter squash, they have a generous amount of zinc and they do contain a lot of fiber, but only if you eat the peel.

_________________________________

Proverbs 24:30-34

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Solving Problem Skin

Winter Months seem to especially take a toll on our skin and hair. The following recipes are

from the Herb Quarterly with information written by Janice Cox who has written many workable solutions for skin care.

Apple-Cider Vinegar Scalp Treatment

Psoriasis is a common skin problem that often affects the scalp leading to dandruff in many cases. Work this apple-cider vinegar treatment into your skin at the hair roots to calm the itch and treat chronic dryness.

2 Tbls apple cider vinegar

2 Tbls water

2 Tbls olive oil

Mix together all of the ingredients.

To use: Massage into your scalp and let sit for 20 minutes before shampooing. Rinse and shampoo hair as normal. Repeat weekly, if necessary. Yield: 3 ounces

Epsom Salt Bath

People have used Epsom salts for years to soothe sore muscles, but they also relieve dry, flaky skin, thanks to the salt’s magnesium sulfate, which softens the skin and draws out toxins and impurities.

½ to 1 cup Epsom salt

As you fill your tub, pour the Epsom salts under the running water and stir well to dissolve. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes in warm (not hot) water. Pat skin dry and moisturize well with a rich cream or natural oil to lock in moisture. Yield: 4 to 8 ounces.

For more information visit her website at JaniceCox.com

Recipes from Alice's Kitchen

The following recipe comes from an Amish recipe cookbook:

OVEN FRIED POTATOES

6 large potatoes             ¼ cup oil                          2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon salt               ½ teaspoon pepper           ½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Scrub potatoes well and cut in wedges lengthwise, leaving skins on. Combine rest of ingredients in a plastic bag. Add potatoes and shake to coat. Spread potatoes onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake uncovered in a 400º oven 25 minutes, stirring once.

______________________________________________________________________________

I made this casserole for my lady boss at the Chiropractic Office a few years back and we both thought it was great!

POTATO CASSEROLE

6 large potatoes                             2 cups shredded cheese                   ¼ cup butter

4 teaspoons chopped onion              paprika                                       1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups sour cream                       ¼ teaspoon pepper                  2 tablespoons butter

Cook potatoes with skins on. Cool, peel and shred. Over low heat, combine cheese and ¼ cup butter in saucepan, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Blend in sour cream, onions, salt and pepper. Fold in potatoes and pour into 2 quart greased casserole. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes. Enjoy

Until Next Month

Writings from Beth's Blog

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A New Body

I can't wait to get my new body. Even though I enjoy life now, there are limitations to what this fleshly shell can do. It aches sometimes. It's stiffer than it used to be. It gets tired easy, and it gets hurt easier than it did twenty years ago.

I ask my kids what they want to do when they get their new, pain free body. A body that is not physical, but spirit, able to go through walls, swim in the deepest part of the sea, free fall from a cliff without getting hurt. Kids say the craziest things, and they get excited about the prospect of doing things they've only read about. Want to fly? I ask them. I make up wild stories of riding on a dinosaur's back, dropping through the crust of the earth's surface, hopping from cloud to cloud. Want to travel to another galaxy?

In this world of fantasy, witchcraft, murder, and mayhem, it is my way of fighting back. Why box yourself in to this shallow world when the sky's the limit? Harry Potter has nothing on stepping on the moon and flying without a broom. The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings can't give me an immortal body that will see a perfect King sitting on the throne in Jerusalem. They can't give me streets of gold to walk on, and the idea of playing fetch with a full grown lion.

Kids are spiritually dying in a constant stream of the same ol', same ol'. They are turning their back on stale Christianity that bores them to tears. Why not give them something that's better than what the world can offer them?

 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Vote the Right Way!

The kids and I are reading in Daniel for school, and I came across this verse:

Daniel 4:17

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

This verse ties in with the beginning of Romans 13. I have noticed recently all of the bashing of the president (and it is hard not to!) and the downright anger of Christians who are about to draw blood over who is going to be president.

But we can see from scripture that God is in control and prayer changes things. He gives the kingdoms to whomever he wants!  It would be better to bow on your knees to vote, trusting in God, than to go into a booth after months of worry and stress, only to have that vote tallied by corrupt people.

January Newsletter 2012

January, 2012

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Parsley

From The Herb Patch

Hello once again friends!

Hope this new year has started off right for you! I know that yesterday it was terribly cold here in my neck of the woods. I actually ventured outside to hang clothes on the line. Yes, I hang clothes on a “clothesline” and have ever since I can remember. This is another way that I have a chance to show my frugality and also get some fresh air and exercise. And, even if I had a lot of money, I would still hang my clothes outside unless, of course, the outside air is so “stinky” that it would defeat the “natural” purpose, if you know what I mean!

Right now I am sitting here in front of my computer waiting oh so patiently for my email (send a message) to come available so that I can send in a Medical Transcription quiz that I am doing from my home. Yes, it is very “involved” but it is something that I feel is necessary, as it is a “go anywhere” job prospect. I have been meaning to get back to transcription work since graduating from college in 2006, except I really had no intentions of going into the medical aspect due to the fact that “I Don’t Like the Drug World”, and the understanding that “Doctor’s Can Kill You!” Well, enough of that.

This month I have decided to talk about a little herb called parsley. About 8 months ago, (yes it’s been that long) I planted some parsley (heirloom) seeds in a long container in the shade side of my porch and believe me it is still growing. I have watered it and fertilized it with fish emulsion (not much) and tea and even through the extreme cold weather it keeps coming back! I am totally surprised and have the last few months let it grow, then cut it back before it “bolted” which means goes to seed. I am learning that I can keep growing parsley this way until.....

I will let you know when it gets too old to stop growing..

Description: A frost-hardy biennial, growing a short, stout taproot to 1-2 ft., it has triangular, three-pinnate leaves, curled at the margin. Yellow-green flowers are borne in umbels in its second year. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, found in fields and on rocky slopes.

Growth: Parsley requires rich, moist but well drained soil and a sunny position, or partial shade. It is both a medicinal and culinary herb. According to Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy, parsley’s role in life goes far beyond being a mere plate garnish. Its high chlorophyll content helps explain why it makes for such a great natural breath freshener. Herbalists have relied on parsley leaves and seeds for three main therapeutic needs: ridding the body of excess water, stimulating the menstrual process, and easing gas pains...And we all could use the last one, right? You may not know this, but there are actually two types of parsley: curled and Italian. Curled parsley is distinguished from its foreign cousin by its tightly woven, crisp foliage. Although both can be used in cooking, curled types are chiefly used as a garnish. Italian parsley has broad, flat leaves and yields a more pungent flavor. This is the one chefs prefer in their soups, stews, vegetables, salads, meats, and poultry dishes.

Harvesting Tips: You can snip away at the leaves as soon as the plant is 6 inches tall. Be sure to harvest the outer leaves to give the inner ones time to mature.

Storage Tips: To keep a steady supply of fresh parsley on hand, store the cleaned leaves (patted dry with a paper towel) in an airtight plastic bag or glass jar in the refrigerator. Store dried leaves in sealed glass jars away from sun and heat.

Dig Into Indoor Gardening

Think you need a plot of land to be a gardener? If you have a sunny spot in your home, you can enjoy fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs without ever touching a tiller. Start plants from seeds, or purchase seedlings from a nursery.

Vegetables such as leaf lettuces, spinach and kale are easy to raise from seeds in a small window box. Root vegetables such as radishes and small varieties of carrots and beets are container candidates, too. With adequate light, cherry tomatoes can yield a good harvest indoors. Select a high-quality potting soil, and don’t let it dry out.

Herbs are low-maintenance plants and are pretty and practical. Keep a few small pots near a kitchen window, and fresh basil, chives, rosemary, thyme and other seasonings will be just a snip away.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold, therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 20:4

Dental Problems

Most of my life (after all my teeth became permanent) I have had an obsession of wanting to keep my teeth! I mean I used to have nightmares where I would lose a front tooth or something. I know that sounds foolish to some but for me it is a big deal. For all of my readers out there that would like to have some good advice on how to keep those dental visits at bay, especially those of us who do not carry dental insurance or health insurance due to extreme costs (never mind the “out of pocket” expense) the following information was accidentally discovered by me after a library visit about a year ago, and now since going to one of those dentist who uses advance technology and being told all this outlandish stuff about me teeth, (and especially the cost) I wish I had taken the advice of the dentist mentioned below. Of which at this point I do not intend to do all the stuff that I was told needed to be done.

The book entitled Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye by Dr. Ellie Phillips provides a lot of insight on how to keep bacteria and acidity out of the teeth and gums and have a healthy living environment for your mouth and teeth. I didn’t seriously get involved with this mainly because in the past I had great dental checkups and didn’t want to use fluoride in my mouth. Even now I believe there is a way to eliminate the fluoride situation. So, hopefully the book and website will be of help. She also has a blog that has questions and answers which are very helpful. www.cleanwhiteteeth.com

RECIPES FROM ALICE'S KITCHEN

The following recipe comes from an Amish cook book. Instead of using just chopped onion, try varying the recipe with chives/onions and any other chopped herb of your choice. Some great flavor examples would be rosemary, oregano and/or basil, garlic powder. This recipe is very flexible and turned out well for me which is saying a lot in the bread category.

Onion Dinner Rolls

¾ cup milk       1 ½ tsp salt         ¾ cup onion, chopped fine       1 Tbsp yeast

¼ cup honey        ½ cup warm water      3 Tbsp butter               4-5 cups flour

Combine milk, onion, honey, butter and salt. Bring to simmer and cook 5 minutes. Cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add cooled milk mixture to yeast, mix well. Stir in flour. Knead 5-10 minutes. Let rise until doubled. Divide dough in 12 pieces. Roll each in a ball and flatten slightly. Place 2” apart in greased 9” X 13” pan. Let rise until doubled. Brush rolls with lightly beaten egg. (optional). Bake at 350º 20-30 minutes.

*A note from Alice- When making these rolls I decided to pinch off small amounts of dough, roll them out and make crescent rolls with them. They were delicious so will go in my herbal cookbook. Enjoy!

What is the Difference

Between a Spice and an Herb?

Taken from the Herb Companion Magazine

A: Many people use the words “herb” and “spice” interchangeably, but there actually are subtle differences that distinguish one from the other. Herbs are obtained from the leaves of plants that do not have woody stems. They tend to thrive in more temperate climates, and can be used fresh or dry. Spices, on the other hand, can be obtained from woody or non-woody plants and are always dried before use. Except for the leaves, all other parts of the plant are spices, including the seeds, fruits, flowers and bark. Spices are usually native to hot, tropical climates. Additionally, while herbs sometimes seem to have more medicinal properties than spices do, most herbs and spices have both flavoring and healing properties. All these definitions mean that the same plant can, in fact, be an herb and a spice. Take cilantro, for example. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander leaves and because of this, cilantro could be classified as an herb. However, dried coriander seeds (a spice) are frequently used in cooking, making it completely legitimate to refer to coriander as either an herb or a spice, depending on what part of the plant you’re using.

CURRY POWDER Is a tantalizing mixture of finely ground spices. It may contain as little as six spices or as many as 20 or more, with flavors ranging from mild and savory to slightly spicy and sweet, and even fiery hot. Each region has its own distinctive taste. Customize the heat and flavor of the curry by making your own blend from scratch.

Curry Spices

Commonly used spices are chile, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger and turmeric, which gives curry its distinctive yellow color. Other spices can include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek seeds, mustard and most any other spice. Cinnamon helps sweeten the blend, while chile, black pepper and mustard turn up the heat.

Tips for Making a Blend

To make curry powder, dry-toast whole spices over medium heat in a nonstick or heavy-based pan, stirring constantly for two to three minutes or until the spices give off a rich aroma. Don’t overcook, as burning may make the spices bitter. Allow the spices to cool, then crush in a coffee or spice grinder, or with a mortar and pestle. Add powdered spices such as ginger and turmeric to your blend after whole spices have been dry-toasted and ground.

Store the powder in an airtight glass or ceramic jar in a cool, dry location—such as a cupboard or pantry—for up to six months.

Curry Blends

Looking for a few ideas? Try one of the following blends, from sweet to spicy:

Sweet Blend

1 tablespoon: cinnamon, ginger, chile powder, turmeric, 2 teaspoons whole, toasted coriander seeds and cumin seeds

Medium Blend

1 tablespoon: ground coriander, cumin, chile powder and ginger; 2 tablespoons turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground mustard seeds

Until Next Month!!!

January 2012

Well, we made it into another year! I have to admit that I didn't think that I would live to see 2012 in my lifetime back there after all my children got grown. And even now there is always that doubt as to whether or not we will survive the potential danger that lurks around us night and day! Especially among the christian people.

I just had a good visit today with my youngest daughter and son in law and their two children, Xander and Alanis! I enjoyed their visit. It was a nice day the Lord gave us today. He gives us many "handfuls on purpose" that we don't deserve.

December Newsletter

December, 2011

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Aloe Vera

From The Herb Patch

Hello friends!

Once again it is time to put together another newsletter! I don’t know what’s wrong with me, it’s certainly couldn’t be Age.  I think I have too many irons in the fire. Anyway, there are probably some of you who wonder why I keep writing and spending the time and money on these newsletters. The answer is that for a long time prior to actually starting to do this, the Lord kept putting into my heart and mind a desire to do a newsletter. At the time I was working a minimal part-time job at a Chiropractic Office and wanted to start a newsletter for my Lady Boss (Dorothy), but she declined. I had this desire and started tossing the idea around in my head about an Herbal Newsletter. So, the idea was born and still remains a part of me and my Lord Jesus Christ! I do believe it is helping someone out there to focus on what we have naturally around us and I know it is helping me to write this because I have to read and write the information I am sending to you. It helps me to learn more about plants and how to use them. Okay, I admit it’s in my blood!

This month I have decided to write about a plant that most are familiar with—the Aloe Vera! It is a plant that I feel is terribly neglected. I have had an Aloe Vera plant for the last few years and even now hardly take advantage of its medicinal value. It is sitting on my porch in a BIG Pot. I neglected this plant last winter after I brought it inside and thought it was dying, but lo and behold after replanting it in the late spring, it started thriving again! It’s a wonder plant.

Description: Aloe Vera . A tender succulent plant 2-3 ft tall, with clusters of elongated, very fleshy, greeny-grey leaves, spiked at the edges, and tubular yellow flowers. (Mine has never had flowers). It needs a well-drained soil, full sun and a minimum temperature of 41 ºF. In cold climates it can be successfully grown as a conservatory or house plant. Pot up in gritty compost (soil mix), do not overwater, and allow to dry out completely between waterings.

Parts used: Leaves, sap. The leaves are cut and the sap is used fresh, preserved and bottled or dried to a brown crystalline solid for use in creams, lotions and medicinal preparations.

According to Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy, the U. S. Navy once stockpiled Aloe Vera for use against radiation burns in case of an atomic attack.

Aloe Vera is jam-packed full of special enzymes and antibacterial and antifungal ingredients that ease swelling, reduce redness, and keep the area from getting infected. Plus, it doesn’t hold heat the way oily ointments or salves can. In the winter, Aloe Vera can help against frostbite as well. And don’t forget: Aloe Vera is a favorite ingredient in many hair-care products and skin lotions because of its natural moisturizing qualities.

The easiest way to use Aloe Vera as a medicine is to snap off a lower leaf near the center stalk. Remove any spines and then split the leaf in half lengthwise. Scrape out the gel and apply it directly to sunburn, minor wounds, or dry skin. The fresher the gel, the faster the healing. Aloe Vera works well on first-degree kinds of burns, often preventing scar tissue from forming.

I didn’t know this!! You can also make an ointment out of Aloe Vera by collecting gel from a few leaves. Put the gel in a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until it cooks down to a thick paste. Store the paste in clean glass jars with lids—in a cool place—and use as needed.

It is taken internally for digestive tract problems and there is also some evidence that it may help conditions where the immune system is not functioning well. It has laxative properties and “bitter aloes” is the name for the strong, purgative medicine that is made from the leaves.

Caution: Should not be taken internally by pregnant women.

Cool-Aid for Sunburn

Fend off minor sunburn pain with this fail-safe concoction. In a small bowl, mix together:

4 oz. of aloe gel ½ tsp. of lavender oil

2 capsules of Vitamin E

(just use a knife tip to open 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar

and squeeze out the oil)

Carefully dab this mixture directly on the sunburned area. Add as much as you need to keep your skin feeling cool, clean, and comfortable.

 

Storage Tips: Aloe Vera is what professionals call a ready-when-you-need-it medicinal botanical. You can make and store an ointment (as I explained earlier)—but better yet, just snap off a leaf or two the next time you get a minor burn, cut, or poison ivy and apply the fresh gel to the affected area. Easy as pie!

Tips for Health

Last month I said I would write a little this time about osteoporosis and dairy products, but I am going to wait until next month for this. I feel it is more important to introduce to some of you the concept of eating the Biblical way! Before entirely shutting me off, allow me to explain myself.

Due to having problems a few years back with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), whenever I went anywhere I had to first “case the joint” to see where the nearest restroom was. Of course, I would always sit as close to the restroom as possible. It was a horrible life. IBS is very debilitating. It can cause severe cramping in the stomach and bowel area and on and on. The medical professionals will put a person who has this on medication which not only relaxes the bowel, but also relaxes the bladder, etc. which causes other problems. So goes the drug world! I have had many problems with medications in the past and at all cost I will always seek an alternative way of dealing with physical problems. That is a whole story in itself! Sometime in the future I will talk about it.

Somehow the Lord allowed me to find out about a young man by the name of Jordan Rubin who almost died from a severe disease known as Crohn’s Disease. This type of disease doesn’t allow anything that is eaten to actually be nutritionally used by the body. There is constant diarrhea, fever, etc. until the person (in his case)becomes emaciated. This went on for a long time and his parents spent a lot of money taking him to all kinds of doctors until he finally was put in contact with a doctor who told him he needed to find out from the maker of our bodies what we needed to eat to take care of it and to keep us well. Jordan Rubin decided to follow this advice and in a matter of days began to get the healing he needed for his body. He eventually got well from this and started using his experience to help others become aware of available help for physical problems.

It reminded me of an Evangelist by the name of Lester Roloff who preached the same thing. And later in life I read a book by a Jewish author entitled “God’s Key to Health and Happiness”. In this book the author talks about why the Levitical law given by Moses is so vital for health. After reading about what the “hog” eats and the fact that in four hours what he has eaten has turned into the flesh in his body, and also realizing that all the seafood that is mentioned as unclean are the known scavengers in the water....it makes one realize the truth behind the scripture that God said this is for your health! Of course it is not only about the meat we eat, but also about herbs and plants, nuts, seeds, and grains, etc. that we need to eat (especially raw food with enzymes).

Jordan Rubin’s first book is entitled “The Makers Diet” and if you can get a copy it is well worth the reading. Another book worth reading is “The Great Physicians Rx for Health and Wellness”. He has since developed his own nutritional products.

I have recently started using a product he sells “Garden of Life” Perfect Food. It is a combination of dried organically grown greens, fruits, enzymes, etc. and I have just about stopped taking any other supplements. As I stated in the past, it is very important to grow and eat organically grown (no pesticides, etc.) food for health benefits. He is a big fan of buying local produce instead of food shipped from other countries in which you don’t know what has been put on them and how long it has taken to get them to the market before we eat them. I hope you will take the time to find out more about this person.

Enough of that!

RECIPES FROM ALICE'S KITCHEN

The recipes I feature in my newsletters will eventually find their place in an Herbal Cookbook (the Lord willing). As I said before, this cookbook will feature herbal recipes and remedies, as well as some family and friends’ recipes. But, that is down the road a little further. Most of the recipes I put in this newsletter have been tried by me before actually featuring them. I wouldn’t want someone to cook a bad tasting batch of something. But, I also know we all have different ideas about what taste good and what doesn’t. Some things have to “grow on you”.

The following recipe was taken from a Grandma’s Molasses jar!

Molasses Crinkle Cookies

¾ cup softened shortening (I used butter and coconut oil)

1 cup light brown sugar (packed) (I used raw sugar)

1 egg ¼ cup Grandma’s Molasses 2 ¼ cup flour

2 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cloves

1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp ginger

(I used more)

Directions

Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses. Stir in remaining ingredients. Chill dough. Heat oven to 375º. Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts, dip tops in sugar. Place sugared side up on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with 2-3 drops of water each for a crackle surface. Bake 10-12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.

*Get your grandma out more often!

For more great recipes visit grandmasmolasses.com

A note from Alice: I thought this was funny and worth passing on! I made these cookies and they actually turned out great—to my surprise. I deviated a little from the directions. After making the dough, I rolled it into a log form and wrapped in waxed paper; then put this on a plate in the refrigerator for about ½ hour. After chilling the dough, I unwrapped it and cut in thin slices, put on cookie sheet and sprinkled sugar on top (a little), then sprinkled a little water on them. They were great and crispy! Delicious!

______________________________________________

This next recipe is a favorite from my husband’s side of the family. It has always been a favorite made by my mother-in-law (who is deceased) for her Christmas dinner. When I was in college, I made this for a Speech Class in which I had to demonstrate. I also made it for an Office Party with some variations and everyone enjoyed it! And I have been making it ever since. I’m going to name this Me Me’s Cheeseball mainly because I have added some stuff to make it even better.

Me Me’s Cheeseball

2-8 oz packages cream cheese 2 teaspoons lemon juice

(at room temperature) 2 tablespoons bell pepper, grated

2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese dash of salt and pepper (optional)

1 teaspoon onion-grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder or granules

1 cup pecans, finely chopped 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Shape into large ball. Roll in chopped pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.

Serve with crackers.

Note: There is an option of using red bell pepper instead of green or both. I have tried it both ways and also have put the pineapple in it. Also, to make the cheeseball easier to handle it can be put into the refrigerator for a few minutes and then shaped into a ball. It is delicious.

ENJOY!!

I found out a while back that the recipe that I gave in a summer newsletter for Fruit Cobblers actually was very tasty (according to my daughter Beth) but the pan needed to be bigger. Thought I would pass this on. I always like feedback on the things I write.

I am presently preparing to put an ad in the Mecklenburg Cooperative Magazine for January in hopes of selling my organic salve, however, it will be under the name of Me Me’s Organic All-Purpose Herbal Salve. Watch for it!!

UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!