How Diffusing Essential Oils Benefits Mothers and Babies During Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum

Essential oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from a variety of plants including herbs, flowers, and trees. They constitute some of the most concentrated natural extracts known, exhibiting significant antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, hormonal and psychological benefits. They penetrate skin and cell membranes and transport oxygen and nutrients to organs and muscle tissue, thereby promoting healing.
 

Scent is the only sense directly connected to the emotional center of the brain, giving aromatherapy the completely unique ability to change one’s emotional state with one sniff.

Essential oils are one of the original medicines of mankind and their benefits have been known since ancient times.  In fact, their effectiveness and value was known by the ancient Egyptians and written about in the Christian Bible as well.  Essential oils were utilized for their wide range of therapeutic actions both on the mind and the body for different diseases.  Aside from the treatment of disease, however, they have long been used to assist in creating smooth, healthy pregnancies and labors by women and to promote the health and calmness of newborns.  

Pictured Above:  The Aria Cold Air Essential Oil Diffuser from Young Living Essential Oils 

One of the gentlest, safest, and easiest ways to benefit from essential oils during your pregnancy, labor, or postpartum period is to diffuse them into the air, which allows them to be absorbed into the lungs and provide systemic benefits.  

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy:

• Gentle Baby Oil Blend:  A soft, fragrant combination of essential oils designed specifically for mothers and babies. It helps calm emotions during pregnancy
• Thieves Oil Blend:  Provides immune system support
• Lavender Oil:  Promotes deep relaxation/sleep, relieves headaches, and eases stress

Aromatherapy for Labor/Birth:

• Peace and Calming Oil Blend:  Promotes mental and physical relaxation and eases fear around labor
• Peppermint Oil:  Eases nausea and can stimulate energy/alertness during longer labors
• Clary Sage Oil:  Encourages labor
• Lemon Oil:  Stimulates oxytocin in the brain, encouraging labor to progress normally

Aromatherapy for Postpartum Support:

• Claraderm Spray (applied topically rather than diffused: This blend of essential oils of, Melaleuca, Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum are mixed in a base of fractionated coconut oil and speeds the healing of the perineum or any tears after birth
• Joy Oil Blend, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense or Rose Oil: Uplifting, Anti-depressant, and promote feelings of joy, happiness and contentment
• En-er-Gee Oil Blend:  Invigorates, alleviating tiredness and giving women energy after having given birth
• Gentle Baby Oil Blend:  Diffused in the nursery, it helps to calm fussy babies and promote sound sleep

If the air that we breathe is clean and full of oxygen, we feel our best. Essential oils freshen the air and have a number of "bonus" therapeutic properties, such as those mentioned above that are specific for pregnancy.  Diffusing therapeutic grade essential oils into ANY environment also has a number of general benefits worth noting…  

Diffusing Essential Oils into ANY Environment will: 

a)     Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind

b)    Help with weight management

c)     Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity

d)    Stimulate neurotransmitters, which results in increased feelings of well-being and better moods

e)     Stimulate the secretion of endorphins

f)     Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity

g)    Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida, an unfriendly fungus that underlies digestive health issues

h)    Improve digestive function

i)      Improve hormonal balance

j)      Relieve headaches

k)    Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors

The importance of choosing and using quality oils and a quality diffuser

About Quality Oils:

To achieve the best effects from essential oils and avoid toxic reactions, it's imperative that you use only therapeutic grade essential oils, of a quality suited to medicinal aromatherapy.  The gold standard in top-quality essential oils is the AFNOR standard : make sure that all of your oils are AFNOR-certified, each batch tested in an independent lab. 

(Even many so-called pure, organic or "Grade A" oils cannot match this standard.  Shortcuts are often taken in production, or chemical fillers are added to extend the oils or enhance their fragrance.  All of these lead to poor quality oils, which are — unbelievably — still marketed as pure, organic and Grade A.)

About Quality Aromatherapy Diffusers:

Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oils so that their aroma fills a room or an area with the natural fragrance. From the simple to the elaborate, many different methods exist for diffusing essential oils into a room. There are numerous diffusers and diffusing devices available for purchase from aromatherapy vendors.  Some involve the use of heat, which destroys some of the therapeutic properties of the oils being used.  Others disperse the oils, but not in a form that is readily absorbed by the lungs, making their therapeutic effect minimal at best. 

Ultrasonic or nebulizing diffusers take essential oils and break them into separate molecules before dispersing the smaller molecules into the room. These smaller molecules can be more readily absorbed by the lungs and thus have greater therapeutic value.  Another advantage of both of these technologies is that they do not heat the oils in the process of diffusing.  Because of this, 100% of the oils’ medicinal constituents remain intact and are dispersed into the air for your benefit. 

Where to Purchase Both:

Quality, therapeutic grade essential oils that meet the aforementioned standards, as well as quality diffusers that use ultrasonic or nebulizing technology, are both offered by a company called Young Living Essential Oils.

Go to www.youngliving.com and use distributor/sponsor number 820049 to purchase oils or diffusers under my distributorship. 

An American Comfort Food Reimagined: Butternut Squash French "Fries"

One of the keys to a healthy diet is to eat a diverse variety of vegetables on a weekly basis.  This recipe gives you a unique, healthy way to serve one of most people's favorite foods to eat regularly, French Fries!

Butternut Squash French "Fries":

(adapted from a recipe in The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook 

by Neal Barnard, M.D. and Robyn Webb)

Ingredients-
Butternut Squash
Extra Virgin Coconut or Red Palm Oil
Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt
Paprika

1.  Preheat your oven to 425 F.
2.  Peel and cut the squash into French-fry shapes. 
3.  Melt the Coconut or Palm Oil and add enough to lightly coat the squash.  Stir. 
4.  Sprinkle with Paprika.
5.  Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the inside is tender and the outside has a beautiful golden brown color.  (Keep an eye on them the first time you make them because baking times vary according the the size of the fries.) 
6.  Sprinkle with sea salt and serve! 

These "fries" pair nicely with black bean veggie burgers and a fresh, green salad.

Some good reasons to eat Butternut Squash...

Many of the carbohydrates it contains come from beneficial sugars called polysaccharides, which studies show have special anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties.
It contains potent antioxidant cartenoids, Vitamin C, niacin, manganese, B Vitamins, and heart-healthy folate.
It reduces inflammation in the body, which helps prevent inflammatory diseases like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is an excellent source of immune-supportive Vitamin A.
It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits including increased absorption of minerals, reduced blood cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of many types of cancer.


Resources:

The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook, Neal Barnard, M.D. and Robyn Webb
The World's Healthiest Foods Website, www.whfoods.org
"Power Foods:  Butternut Squash," Whole Living Magazine On-line, www.wholeliving.com

   

Black Bean Soup with Roasted Kabocha Squash, Russet Potatoes, Sweet Yellow Peppers, Zucchini and Rosemary

Black Bean Soup

Roasted Potatoes, Yellow Peppers, Zucchini, and Kabocha Squash

Have you ever tried Kabocha Squash?  If not, you are in for a pleasant surprise.  I find it even more delicious than Butternut with a texture and a sweetness somewhere between a typical squash and a sweet potato...

Ingredients for the Soup-
2 cups dry black beans or 6 cups cooked black beans
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots (2-3 carrots)
1 cup chopped celery (2-3 stalks)
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. ghee or red palm oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp. sea salt
fresh cilantro

If using dry beans, soak 2 cups overnight; then drain, rinse, cover with water, and cook until tender.  If using canned beans, drain and rinse 6 cups and set aside.  In a large tockpot, saute onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the olive oil and 1 T. Vegetable Broth.   Add 1 cup broth along with the cooked beans and combine everything thoroughly.  Simmer 10 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.  Add the salt and simmer 10 more minutes.  You can stop here, as this makes a delicious black bean stew.  For a soup consistency, add the rest of the broth and simmer 10 minutes more.  Blend with a hand blender if you'd like a creamy black bean soup!

Garnish with fresh cilantro and raw vegan cashew sour cream or cultured raw sour cream.

Adapted from a recipe from another of my FAVORITE recipe books- which is also packed full of holistic health tips and information...

Roasted Kabocha Squash, Russet Potatoes, Sweet Yellow Peppers, Zucchini, and Rosemary:


1.  Cut into medium sized cubes:
Kabocha Squash
Russet Potatoes
Sweet Yellow Peppers
Zucchini

2.  Coat the veggies with melted red palm oil and a generous amount of Bragg's raw apple cider vinegar.  Sprinkle generously with dried or fresh rosemary.

3.  Bake at 375 F for about 45 minutes.  (Baking times vary depending on the size of your cubes as well as your oven.

4.  Just before serving, sprinkle with a bit of Sun Fire Salt or Himalayan Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Most people routinely used extra virgin olive oil for roasting:  However, this is not a practice that I recommend to my clients.  EVOO does not stand up to heat well and is best eaten raw in my opinion.  It tends to cause weight gain when routinely eaten cooked and is somewhat difficult for the liver to process.  For cooking, tropical oils like Palm or Coconut are much better choices.  (Ghee can also be used.)  Red Palm oil has some unique characteristics, but it is often overlooked as a cooking oil.  It has a buttery flavor.

According to Bruce Fife, N.D., author of The Palm Oil Miracle, Palm oil, particularly virgin or “red” palm oil, is a traditional fat that has been a part of the human diet for at least 5000 years. For generations red palm oil has been revered as both a nutritious food and a valuable medicine. It was prized by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt as a sacred food. The oil was so highly valued that it was entombed with the pharaohs so that they would have access to it in the afterlife."

Palm oil: 

• supplies fatty acids essential for proper growth and development
• is packed with an assortment of vitamins, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients important for good health 
• is rich in carotenes such as beta-carotene and lycopene
• used supplementally in a breastfeeding woman's diet can double the amount of Vitamin A in her breastmilk (crucial for the growth/development of her child)
• can remove plaque build up in arteries and therefore, reverse the process of atherosclerosis 
• can improve cholesterol values
• helps maintain proper blood pressure
• has a high antioxidant content, which quenches free radicals and keeps inflammation under control
• contain Tocotrienols, which strengthen the heart so that it is more resistant to the negative health effects of stress
• is protective against neurological degeneration
• is protective against a variety of health problems including osteoporosis, asthma, cataract, macular degeneration, arthritis, and liver disease due to its unique antioxidant profile
• slows down the aging process holistically
• is a potent anticancer food due to its Tocotrienol content (found to be superior in its cancer-protective effects to other antioxidants.  Researchers have discovered that Tocotrienols not only prevent cancer from taking hold but actively block its growth (in the case of skin, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, colon, prostate, breast, and other cancers
  
  
  Source:   The Palm Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife, N.D.
  
  
  Clearly, when it comes to oils, it pays to diversify!  I recommend rotating cold pressed, raw oils pumpkin seed, red palm, coconut, sesame, olive, flax, and hemp as healthy, easily obtainable options.  Most health food stores and Whole Foods carry them.
 

         

Diffusing Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils Purifies the Air You Breathe, Improves Oxygenation Levels, and Improves Your Mood!

If the air that we breathe is clean and full of oxygen, we feel well.  However, the air we typically breathe in our homes, our cars, and our offices, is typically polluted by the chemicals used in the manufacture of wall paneling, furniture, upholstery, even clothing--not to mention the cleaning products, disinfectants, chemically based "air fresheners," and perfumes that are loaded with synthetic chemicals that can be literally sickening.  All of the aforementioned items contain one if not more known carcinogens, in fact.  Indoor air is also typically low in oxygen because, unlike the outdoors, it is not filled with plants.  Being in low oxygen environments for too long tends to put us in a low energy, fatigued state. 

Essential oils can freshen the air  naturally as well as add healthy levels of oxygen to it.  These oils also provide a number of additional benefits worth noting:  For exaample, diffusing essential oils in office environments has been proven to reduce mental errors by 50%.  Diffusing essential oils in your bedroom can help you fall asleep, deepen your sleep, and boost body repair processes that occur during sleep.  A travel diffuser is  remarkably effective for preventing fatigue when driving for long periods of time in automobiles.

 

The Core Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils into Any Environment Are:

Reducing bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors
Promoting relaxation, relieving tension, and clearing the mind
Assisting with weight management
Improved concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
Stimulating neurotransmitters, which result in increased feelings of well-being and improved moods
Stimulating endorphin production
Stimulating growth hormone production and receptivity (which is associated with longevity and faster  healing/recovery rates)
Improvement in the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida, an unfriendly fungus that underlies digestive health issues
Improving digestive function
Improving hormonal balance
Improved immune system functioning
Helping to relieve headaches
Relieving breathing difficulties and congestion

To receive the benefits of diffusing essential oils, therapeutic grade oils must be used as well as a type of cold-air diffusion technology.  (Diffusers that heat the oils actually destroy their therapeutic constituents in the difusion process.)  Visit http://healingilluminations.younglivingworld.com.  to learn more.  From this site, you can also purchase therapeutic oils and diffusers on-line.

 

Naturally Sweetened, (Vegan) Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

The Magical Ingredients:
1 3/4 c. sweet brown rice flour
1/4 c. raw coconut palm sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. grated lemon rind
1 c. almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or rice milk
1 T. extra virgin coconut oil, melted
1/2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. raw coconut nectar
10 ounces wild blueberries, fresh or defrosted

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare your muffin pan by lining with paper cups or greasing with coconut oil.

2.  In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and lemon rind.  Stir together with a wire whisk.

3.  In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, fruit puree, maple sytrup, and blueberries.  Stir gently to just combine.

4.  Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and combine gently.

5.  Scoop into the muffin pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  An inserted toothpick should come out clean. 

Adapted from a Recipe in The Chopra Center Cookbook, one of my favorites because of the extensive use of flavorful herbs in all of the recipes and the emphasis on Ayurvedically balanced flavors:

   














Why use Coconut Palm Sugar/Nectar?
Coconut sugar and sap is a pure, raw, delicious, low glycemic sweetener rich in nutrients.  It is an abundant source of minerals, 17 amino acids, vitmain C, broad-spectrum B vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.

   













Extra Tip:

If you own a Vitamix or BlendTec blender, you can make your own FRESH flour by simply placing any whole grain in the blender and blending it for a few minutes until it is a powdery consistency.  I highly recommend this for maximum freshness, nutrition, and pranic quality of your food-
   

10 Reasons to Make a Snack Date with a Date

Dates are also known as "nature's candy," as they are the sweetest among all fruits.  They are grown on date palms (pictured above), which produce up to 200 fruits in a cluster.  Date palms are one of the oldest cultivated trees, having been grown in North Africa for at least 8,000 years.    There are many varieties of dates- all with a pleasant and slightly unique taste.  The most popular variety most stores carry is the Medjool date.  The Medjool date is twice as big as other dates. 

10 Reasons to Make a Snack Date with a Date:

Dates are...
1.  An excellent source of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and sulfur.
2.  Satisfy sweet cravings without promoting weight gain.
3.  High in fiber.
4.  Benefit the nervous system.
5. Help to reduce mental fatigue.
6. Are cancer-preventive.
7. Help to relieve constipation.
8. Assist with muscle development.
9. Promote heart health.
10.  Are delicious on eaten their own or, as an addition to dessert recipes, they add a new depth of flavor far above & beyond conventional sugar!

Strawberry Date Shake
with Kefir:

1 c. Kefir
3 Medjool dates, pitted
1 c. strawberries, fresh or frozen
optional:  1 tsp. Synergy whole food Vitamin C berry powder

Step 1- Blend the kefir and dates until smooth. 
Step 2- Add the strawberries and blend until smooth.

* Note:  If you're using fresh strawberries and still desire "shake" consistency, add some additional ice cubes.

Sources:
- The Complete Guide to Nutritional Health by Pierre Jean Cousin and Kirsten Hartvig
- The Encyclopedia of Whole Food Medicine by Don Tolman
- www.organicfacts.net


    

Kefir: A Legendary Probiotic Drink You Can Make at Home

Kefir came from the people of the Northern Caucasus Mountains located between Russia and Asia, who are known for their longevity.  For centuries these people have used its powerful health benefits to survive the harsh winters deep in the mountains.  It was often known as a source of family and tribal wealth.   In fact, they kept the secret of kefir grains and its process for thousands of years, even to the extent of protecting the art and the grains with their very own lives

The people of the tribes of the Caucasus Mountains, when asked about the origin or kefir, say that kefir grains (starter) was gifted by the Prophet Mohammed over 1400 years ago.  In Turkey it is said that kefir grains were a gift from angels to Noah on the ark.   Other legends are also told, all of which allude to a mystical origin of this 'miracle' food!.

Russian scientists, who became aware of the remarkable properties of kefir, attempted to replicate kefir, but were never able to do so.  It wasn’t until late 1908, when Irina Sakharova brought the first amounts of kefir to Moscow, where it was used medicinally in Russia with great success.  From there, it has spread and benefitted people around the world

  

Kefir is a creamy, slightly sour cultured milk drink that beneficial strains of bacteria and  yeasts.  Kefir has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Some of the more prominent of these are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B2, and B12, vitamin K, A and D.  The following attributes have given kefir it's reputation as a 'wonder drink':

• It cleanses the digestive tract
• It provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins
• it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, and cancer
• It has been used to treat metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, allergic disease, tuberculosis, cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders with success
• Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• Consuming it regularly can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system
• It can eliminate unhealthy food cravings by creating a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive tract
• It is an effective immune stimulant and antimicrobial against a wide variety of harmful bacteria
• Its cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balanced inner ecosystem for optimum health and longevity 
• It regulates the body's immune system and improves resistance to diseases. 
• It regulates the blood pressure, blood sugar and cures diabetes. 
• It heals the lungs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, allergies and migraine. 
• It has a positive influence on the heart and blood, heals circulatory conditions. 
• It helps with eczema, all skin disorders and for some people, has led to cure of acne 
• It benefits the kidneys, the urinary tract and protects prostate
• It has as a positive influence on cholesterol, osteoporosis and rheumatism. 
• It supports enzymes production and heals the pancreas
• It improves the liver and gallbladder, regulates bile production, and positively influences hepatitis
• It helps in cases of colitis, diarrhea, catarrh, reflux, leaky gut syndrome, candidasis and more 
• It produces its own antibiotics, eliminates unfriendly bacteria, cures internal and external inflammations
• It pre-digests dairy products, making them edible to individuals who have lactose intolerance 
• It produces own anti-cancer compounds 
• It slows the aging process, smoothes and improves skin, hair and muscle tone
• It  increases energy and feelings of well-being
• It produces all necessary vitamins and beneficial bacteria needed for our healthy daily life

Almost a century of scientific and medical research confirming the above is available from Dairy Research Institute in former USSR.  Kefir is gaining popularity because of its effects in lowering medical cost. With increasing resistance to antibiotics, intensive research of the real kefir is conducted in Europe and Japan. The results are supporting the experience of generations.

Kefir can be purchased from health food stores or you can make it easily at home.  When purchasing, look for brands that are free from 'nonfat milk powder' (which contains harmful oxidized cholesterol) or refined sugars.  Kefir can be made from cow's milk, goat's milk, coconut milk, coconut water, rice milk, or almond milk.


A good source of quality kefir starter can be ordered on-line from www.bodyecology.com.


Sources:
www.kefir.net
www.bodyecology.net
Diets of the Masters by Michael Paul Patterson
"History and Benefirs of Kefir: A Cultured Dairy Product," www.suite101.com

KEFIR RECIPES...

Kefir Smoothie
Begin with a cup of Kefir and add as many of the following as you wish.   

1 tsp. of unrefined coconut oil
Ground flax seeds
Natural flavorings or herbs such as stevia, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla or natural fruit flavoring
Fresh or frozen organic fruits, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, kiwi, mango etc.
Raw honey, palm sugar, or Stevia Clear flavored stevia to sweeten
Natural source vitamin C powder such as Camu Camu Berry or Acerola Cherry

Blend together for a delicious, nutritious breakfast, lunch, or snack. 

Kefir Milk Chocolate Drink
3/4 c. kefir
1/4 c. water
1 scoop raw, organic chocolate     whey powder or 2 tsp. raw
    cocoa powder
1 tsp.-1 T. (depending on your tastes)
         palm sugar or raw honey

Whisk or blend until creamy.  Serve.

 Lemon-Thyme Kefir Sauce
or Salad Dressing:

2 cups Kefir
1/4 c. water
6 T. lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
2 T. finely minced fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Blend or whisk all ingredients together except thyme until smooth.   Add thyme and blend for a few moments until thyme is well incorporated.  Serve or store in the refrigerator. 

Where can I find Kefir, Stevia, Natural Vitamin C Powder, & Flax Seeds?