Diet and Depression (Making the Connection, for Liberation)

Haven't blogged for a while. Depression, and my means of keeping my head above it has kept me away. Journaled (pen to paper) on occasion. Fought like hell to try to relax, meditate, and Have Faith. Beginning to realize my judgment about the very process prevents me from allowing; whatever's begging to be noticed in my brain, I find it's better to simply allow it. Don't fight it. When I judge it, then the struggle ensues.

Wasn't planning to write this. Didn't know how I was going to maneuver this latest bout; especially since I felt like my latest relaxing, healing getaway had put me back on track. Seems as soon as I declare something, I am invariably challenged to stand up to it. Almost didn't pass the test.

The thing is, "shit" invariably happens. The test is, how will I choose to respond to it?

One negative response to a given scenario is all it takes seemingly, for me. It's like somebody trying cocaine for the first time, and getting hooked. Or in my case, my former "drug of choice" was sugar. I would detox and would be feeling fine... Until I came into proximity of some sugary treat of my choice and take a taste. Leading to another taste; and another, until I find myself on a runaway freight train! I find myself out of control, and all the adverse effects would return including weight fluctuation, skin eruptions, stress/anxiety, and sluggishness in energy and in my digestive system.

Until recently, I felt I had to stay out of social settings, because EVERYBODY eats sugar and starch. Now, what others are doing doesn't affect me like that anymore. I simply think of the affect ingesting it will have on my body, and that's enough. Besides, I'm not obsessed with food as I was in my past; I don't feel I'm "missing out" or that other people are getting something I'm "not allowed." To the contrary, now I feel liberated; special that I don't have to be a "lemming" and follow what everybody else is doing, to my detriment. I feel that if others around me only knew; if they could kick their unconscious addiction, they'd be a lot better-off too! They'd be able to finally get a handle on the allergies, yeast infections, weight gain, digestive disorders, lack of energy, stress/neurosis, and numerous other afflictions...

NOW -- as I'm writing this, I'm realizing what triggered my relapse! Winter and cold caused me to veer away from eating predominantly raw. When it's colder, I allow myself some cooked foods, (mostly pureed soups); the heaviest I might go is a little quinoa with lightly-sauteed greens. But this season, I was eating things I don't normally eat. Like bread. I NEVER eat wheat, but even eating whole sourdough rye and at one point kamut (which I'm not accustomed to eating), it was still not something my body was agreeing to. I felt it primarily in my digestive and nervous system. No surprise, in that they are very-much connected.

Reuniting with relatives recently helped me realize how fortunate I am to have the health that I do manage to maintain. I also felt sad and a bit frustrated that my family members seem to accept poor health as a fact of life, not realizing they are addicted (just as I am -- I'm simply a recovering addict) to a diet of DEATH. This is why they behave as if they aren't intelligent enough to make the connection that what they are putting in their mouths as "food" is methodically KILLING THEM. It's not about being "intelligent" enough, because these people aren't "stupid" -- THEY'RE ADDICTED. HOWEVER -- the problem with this level of unconscious addiction is that eventually, that stuff they're eating as "food" WILL eventually create a "dumbing-down" effect in the brain, because the constant consumption of uric, lactic, and carbonic acid (in meat, milk, and starch products, respectively) is already eroding the cell structure of the central nervous system; not to mention creating plaque deposits and blockages in other parts of the body.

How was I able to escape it? How was I able to see something different? I am from the same "cloth" as they are. This is just one of the many mysteries of My Life. I just feel ever-so-grateful this particular aspect of alternative living was revealed to me. At least with my present state of health (such that it is), it affords me strength, energy, stamina and in affect, buys me more time to continue my Journey of Self-Discovery. ('Cause I ain't out of the woods, either!)

IRISH MOSS GEL CONCENTRATE; SMOOTHIE FORTIFIED W/IRISH MOSS

IRISH MOSS GEL CONCENTRATE RECIPE
IRISH MOSS, or "Sea Moss" can be purchased in several forms in its dry state. For this recipe, we are only interested in the WHOLE or GRANULATED/CUT variety. Do not use powdered Irish Moss for this recipe. I will give you an example of use of the powdered variety for use in smoothies, but tor this recipe, you can use the gel for virtually anything. YOU WILL NEED:

• 1/2 Cup GRANULATED Irish Moss - OR...
• If you are using WHOLE Irish Moss, take a large handful and COMPRESS IT in your hand into a fistfull.
• 2 Quarts DISTILLED WATER

Rinse the herb in water; check to see if there is any shells or debris. Soak in PURE WATER for 10 - 15 minutes, to allow any possible debris to settle to the bottom of the bowl so that it can be rinsed away. This is easier to do with the WHOLE herb than the GRANULATED.

In a large STAINLESS STEEL or other NON-REACTIVE COOKING POT (NO ALUMINUM), bring the 2 QUARTS DISTILLED WATER to boil. After adding the Irish Moss, REDUCE THE FLAME TO LOW IMMEDIATELY, and simmer UNCOVERED for about 30 minutes.

IMPORTANT: This mixture boils over quite easily! To avoid having to clean up a big mess on your stove, keep the flame LOW; allow to simmer until the pieces are soft.

Once the herb is cooked fill your blender container NO MORE THAN 3/4th FULL. DO NOT FILL TO THE TOP; MIXTURE IS HOT, AND THE HEAT WILL CAUSE THE BLENDER TOP TO POP OFF, POSSIBLY CAUSING SCALDING INJURY. BEFORE TURNING ON THE BLENDER, remove the "plug" from the blender top that allows you to add things into the blender while it is blending. This will allow any steam to escape, rather than jarring the top loose when you turn the blender on.

You may want to strain the mixture into a glass container for storage in the refrigerator, to ensure there are no additional shells you may have missed in cleaning. Allow to cool in the refrigerator. As it cools, it will "gel up."

The Sea Moss Gel Concentrate serves as a base for many soups, sauces, smoothies, and desserts. It’s great for adding "body" to your recipes as a thickener. More importantly, it is a tremendous cell nourisher, supplying the body with an abundance minerals that make up the body. It is specifically high in Organic Calcium. So use liberally, To Your Health!

IRISH MOSS-FORTIFIED SMOOTHIE
You will need:

• A Blender
• Your favorite Fruit (If you like FRESH GINGER, grate some!)
• Apple Juice, Orange Juice, or Pre-Made Nut or Seed Milk (Nut/Seed Milk is easy to make; simply add a heaping tablespoonful of pre-soaked Walnuts, Sesame Seeds or Hemp Seeds or a combination in the blender bowl with just enough water or juice to cover, then liquify) - OR you can just use plain Spring Water, and/or Coconut Sugar to sweeten to taste.
• One Teaspoon IRISH MOSS POWDER (or 1 CUP SEA MOSS GEL)

If you’re making your NUT/SEED MILK, do that first, as instructed. Then add the FRUIT. If you are using the IRISH MOSS GEL instead of the powder, you can add it now.

IF YOU ARE USING THE IRISH MOSS POWDER: After adding the FRUIT to the blender bowl, turn the blender on; add more LIQUID if that will help the blade to turn. GRADUALLY sprinkle the teaspoon of IRISH MOSS POWDER into the blender bowl (so it won’t "clump" or stick to the sides of the blender). Add more LIQUID as it blends, to get the consistency you desire. Add COCONUT SUGAR, to sweeten to your taste. Pour into a large glass - and ENJOY NOURISHING YOURSELF to your Heart’s Content!

ESSENTIAL HERBS for Boosting Immunity and Health Maintenance

Winter can be rough for keeping the illnesses at bay, if one doesn't have the proper information and tools in their "arsenal" to ward off contagions, and maintain health in general. Over years of trial and error; being my own "guinea pig," I've discovered certain essentials that have warded off so-called "colds" and "flu," and if my immune system happened to be compromised by some contagion, I was able to arrest the dis-ease before it could "take hold" in my system.

One can get overwhelmed by the number of herbs and supplements out there that are supposed to provide whatever their proponents profess they can do to help. From my experience, the following practices have aided me immeasurably:

• First and foremost, a diet that is PLANT-BASED has made all the difference for me, in terms of arresting and preventing dis-ease. When I say "plant-based," I'm referring to green plant food. Even if you insist on consuming flesh, make sure first of all that the flesh you are consuming is of the highest quality available (organic, grass-fed and better still, natural animal meats such as bison or wild Alaskan salmon), and that it is consumed in SMALL QUANTITIES. One may consider eating flesh only a few days a week, as opposed to every day, if one must eat it. And the proportion should necessarily be no more than 20% of what is on your plate in relation to green plant food. Meat is DEAD; therefore, if one is going to eat it, one must take into account the necessity of "bolstering" the system with green plant food to move the dead flesh out of the body in the most timely manner. I make no judgement as to what individuals determine they need for their own health and longevity. Though I eat certain fish on occasion, I chose not to make animal flesh a consistent part of my dietary regimen.
• And as for milk and dairy products - compared to eating meat, it behaves even worse in terms of creating "pus"/infectious mucous in the body. Milk products are VERY BAD for immune health. The main component in curing Sickle Cell Anemia includes removing milk, dairy, starches and meat from the diet, cleansing/removing the damaged cell tissue through an intracellular cleansing, and administering MEGA DOSES of ORGANIC IRON.
• Starches (i.e. rice, beans, soybeans and soy products, corn, potatoes, wheat products, barley, millet, carrots, and others) create carbonic acid when it combines with the hydrochloric acid in the digestive system, resulting in excess mucous production in the intestines, and leading to other gastrointestinal disorders. The aforementioned items can be substituted with natural grains and plant foods, which I will identify later. And even the natural alternatives should be used sparingly. Sugar should also be avoided. Even the so-called "unrefined" variety.
• Many people wonder how "vegetarians" end up being overweight or constantly having some sort of malady, when a "vegetarian diet" is supposed to be "healthy." Many making the transition to vegetarianism unfortunately try to compensate for the absence of meat in their diet with starch and milk/dairy products. And in an effort to get "full" and feel satisfied, they tend to overdo it, to the point they injure themselves. I've been there. You can read about my "bout" with soy as a young vegetarian in my book, the CARBON factor: healing from our perspective. Which brings me to another important point: Once one begins to supplement their diet with NATURE-MADE Plant Food (which comes in the form of herbs, but also includes a few items one can find growing naturally, or even in supermarkets, like dandelion greens, nopal cactus, burro bananas, watercress, and seaweeds), one will find they do not need to eat as much, because their bodies are being truly fed from the mineral supplementation of the natural plant food.
• CLEANSING THE SYSTEM. VERY IMPORTANT in maintaining optimal health. I remember "back in the day," hospitals used to give patients a laxative or enema as a matter of procedure. They almost NEVER do such nowadays. Back then, while some may have used an herbal-based laxative, for the most part they probably used some irritant like "Milk of Magnesia" or "Epsom Salts." And although intent of giving enemas was noble, enemas in and of themselves are not the best method of cleansing the system, unless in an extreme situation where there is no other alternative to do so (a person in a coma, with lockjaw, unconscious, or other medical emergency). The valves of the intestinal system are ONE-WAY VALVES. They were not intended to have anything forcing pressure on them from the opposite direction! The best way to cleanse the system would be with a natural vegetable substance. Cascara Sagrada Bark has proven to be a very safe and effective cleanser not only of the intestines, but also of the liver and lymphatic system. BUT - one must be certain that they purchase Cascara Bark that has been PROPERLY AGED, to prevent "griping" of the intestines. CAUTION: ALL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS ARE NOT AS "WHOLESOME" AS ONE WOULD PREFER. MANY LISTS "GELATIN" AS THE INGREDIENT IN THE CAPSULES, WHICH IS TYPICAL OF AN ANIMAL SUBSTANCE (i.e. SWINE) READ THE LABELS. The recommended dose on the bottles tends to be inadequate. Try doubling the dosage at bedtime with LOTS of water, and if you do not move your bowels at least 3 - 4 times a day, increase the dosage - and stay near a TOILET! It is important to clean out the old, dead waste in the body because the intestines will absorb that old waste back into your system, creating a "gateway" to dis-ease. Also, when the body has not received this level of cleansing maintenance, it behaves like a laboratory "Petrie dish," receiving infectious "hosts" for further "development" in your body!
• And it is also VERY IMPORTANT to STAY HYDRATED. Drink clean, fresh WATER. Try to do a gallon a day, if you can. It's easier to accomplish if you have a quart container, and drink one 4 times a day. Spring water is best, in that it has the minerals in it that are in you, prepared by Nature for you to assimilate it without difficulty or complications.

Now, I'll move on to some of the NATURAL FOODS one can consume on a daily basis for healthy maintenance:

• IRISH MOSS - A remarkable sea vegetation in that it contains a high-quantity of the 140+ minerals the body needs - with the exception of iron. (Iron is only found in trace elements.) In addition, Irish Moss (a.k.a. "sea moss") is a demulcent, rich in ORGANIC CALCIUM and has the ability to remove radiation from the body. In the Austin Area, it is available in powder and granulated form at THE HERB GARDEN. But BE CAREFUL as to WHERE you purchase this herb. Unscrupulous merchants have been "cultivating" Irish Moss by "simulating" the natural wave action of the sea in artificial tanks filled with common salt water. You can tell this "Irish Moss" is ARTIFICIAL by the way it looks: It will have a pale pinkish color, a "rubbery" texture and most notably, unnaturally CAKED with salt. I will provide a recipe for making Irish Moss from the solid/granulated state into a "gel," which can then be used in smoothies, sauces, and soups.
• ORGANIC IRON HERBS (i.e. Mulicle, Elderberry, Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Tila Estrella) - IRON is most important in that it is the mineral that is the "magnet," attracting all other minerals. This is why when one is deficient in IRON, they experience what is known as "anemia" or "weak blood." Yellow Dock (because of it's "bitter" property) is best taken in capsule form (unless you're "hard-core," like me! LOL!!). Dandelion Greens can be found most-anywhere. I have some growing in my yard right now, which is the optimal means of obtaining them. But one can always go to most health food stores and buy them by the bunch. The fresh ones from the yard I have been enjoying in salads, sliced thinly with romaine or other lettuce greens. I tend to mix them because of their slightly "bitter" property. I find the young greens are not as bitter. But dandelion greens can also be enjoyed as a green drink juiced with cucumber, apple, and kale. If you don't have a juicer, you can liquify the ingredients with a little water or juice (apple or orange) in a blender. Not as effective as a juicer, but better than nothin'! Elderberry is well-known for its healing properties in warding off colds and flu. Good quality syrups and tinctures of Elderberry are available at most health food stores, but a glycerine tincture of Elderberry is easy to make (see previous blog). You can also take a heaping teaspoon of the berries and infuse in a cup in water, like you would make hot tea. In Austin, THE HERB BAR  and the NATURAL GROCER have Elderberry. One can also buy Elderberry in capsule form. Occasionally I have found Elderberry tincture in health food stores made by a company called Herb Pharm. One should note that most Herb Pharm tinctures in the health food stores are alcohol-based; this should be considered when administering tinctures to children. The last 2 herbs, Muicle and Tila Estrella are not as readily available, but I was delightfully surprised to see Mulicle at an Austin store - MR. NATURAL. The spelling wasn't the same on the container (it was spelled "Mulitle"), but it was most-definitely the same herb. Mulicle is a tropical herb that is VERY HIGH in ORGANIC IRON. I believe Tila Estrella is also available at Mr. Natural as well. These herbs can be made in the form of a tea. Using boiled distilled water, you can combine the Mulicle, Tila Estrella, and Elderberry for a very potent tea rich in ORGANIC iron.
• You notice my emphasis on ORGANIC iron? Or ORGANIC MINERALS, in general? This is because many health practitioners are erroneously prescribing minerals that are insoluble in water, therefore making it IMPOSSIBLE for the minerals to assimilate into the body. ONLY PLANT-BASED MINERALS CAN READILY ASSIMILATE. And ONLY NATURAL PLANTS can convert solid minerals into water-soluble, digestible, mineral food. THIS is why your common garden-variety plants have little to nothing to offer in terms of nutrition, because being hybrid (as in MAN-MADE), they are incapable of converting the minerals into digestible nutrient food. At best, hybrid plants provide chlorophyll, and not much else. This is a common mistake health practitioners make when prescribing IRON, in particular. They will typically recommend an INORGANIC form of iron (i.e. ferrous oxide, ferrous sulfate), which is tantamount to ingesting a ROCK, and expecting it to dissolve and assimilate into the system. Hence the resulting constipation one experiences from taking "ferrous" iron. Ionthroferosis is the process GOD-MADE PLANTS utilize to process solid minerals into water-soluble, digestible plant food. Hybrid plants are incapable of this, thus are devoid of true nutrition.
• As far as getting an idea of the best things to eat on a daily basis, I suggest going to http://www.drsebiproducts.com/ for a listing of "hybrid" and "recommended" foods; that would be foods to avoid (hybrid) and foods that are least harmful (recommended). But I can give you a "short listing" of some "grains" and nuts that produce less of an "acid flora" in the body. They include quinoa, spelt (although spelt doesn't agree with me, personally), rye, teff, kamut, amaranth, wild rice. Also, if one MUST have potatoes in their life, the ones that are best to consume are the small "red rose" potatoes. They are closer to the original potato that was discovered in Peru and hybridized by the Irish. Recommended "nuts" are Brazil nuts, walnuts, macadamias and hazelnuts. ALL nuts and grains should be used IN MODERATION. Hemp and sesame seeds are also recommended. It's better to use the Nut/Seed Butters from the items recommended.
• I'm outlining the more "bulkier foods" because these are the "foods" that most people are the most concerned with. AND - the ones that cause the most damage to the body. I included them to offer alternatives to those that can be more harmful.

Other than the obvious (washing hands, avoiding sick people, avoiding surface contact), TO WARD OFF A CONTAGION that has invaded your system, I recommend the following:

• INUNDATE YOURSELF with the ORGANIC IRON HERBS I outlined earlier in this blog.
• CLEAN OUT THE SYSTEM with the CASCARA (take 7 capsules at bedtime with PLENTY WATER).
• SWAB THE BACK OF THE THROAT with TEA TREE OIL. Also, SWAB THE NASAL PASSAGES (this may cause INTENSE SNEEZING, but don't worry); do this several times until the itchy-scratchy "raw" feeling in the nose and throat subsides.
• This can be INTENSE, so BE CAREFUL: Put a DROP of CLOVE OIL on the tongue. Do this several times, until the sensation in the nose and throat subsides.
• If you feel you're suffering from FOOD POISONING or other contamination, CLOVE OIL is GREAT for killing the pathogens. I have even used GROUND CLOVE; I arrested a recent food poisoning bout by taking a heaping teaspoon of Ground Clove in hot water to steep for 15 minutes, sipping the entire cup down (sediment and all) while hot. Along with mega doses of ORGANIC IRON, I laid down to rest, sweat some, and woke up BRAND NEW.
• IN CASE OF FEVER - Make an INFUSION of ELDER FLOWER (2 ounces to 2 pints boiling water). Add a little FRESH GINGER, if you have it. Boil water (DISTILLED, if you have it) and pour it over the herb; place in a 300 degree oven COVERED for 30 minutes; strain, sweeten, if you have it (COCONUT SUGAR is best - but NEVER CANE SUGAR), and sip a cup WHILE HOT while covered up in bed. Put a HEATING PAD at your feet if you have one, and stay CLOSELY COVERED, so as to produce sweating, to break the fever. One should also take SEVEN (7) CASCARA SAGRADA CAPSULES before taking the Elder tea and retiring. The combination has been known to break fevers.
• Once you're feeling better, you will probably experience some NASAL and THROAT CONGESTION. In the morning and perhaps twice a day, IRRIGATE THE SINUSES with WARM SEA-SALT WATER, WITH A DROP OF TEA TREE OIL in it. Use a "Neti Pot" or Syringe and irrigate one nostril with the water coming out of the other nostril, then irrigate the opposite nostril. Takes a little practice and "tolerance" to get used to, but it really serves to clear out the excess infectious mucous.
• BREATHING EXERCISE (to clear the lungs) - INHALE, counting slowly to 5; allow the BELLY to "BALLOON". HOLD BREATH for at least 10 seconds, then EVACUATE THE LUNGS FULLY; squeeze the air out of the lungs until there is none left. Then, repeat at least 3 times, or until you begin to cough-up copious mucous from your lungs. This exercise is great for any pulmonary congestion.
• My HomeGirl turned me on to CAMU CAMU BERRY POWDER and REISHI MUSHROOM POWDER.  CAMU CAMU really keeps any "bug" at bay, if taken in MEGA DOSES.  According to an article on the Pure Healing Foods website (http://www.purehealingfoods.com/camuInfo.php), it "has astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient and nutritional properties."  And for those of you who believe in "alphabet nutrition," Pure Healing Foods says it has "Vitamin C - more than any other food."  I can personally attest to the efficacy of Camu Camu. As for REISHI, I haven't worked with it as much but I trust the experience my dear friend is having with it.  Here's a LINK to its properties:  http://www.naturalnews.com/021498_reishi_mushrooms.html

These things should help. ALL THE BEST!

Mold, Yeast & Breathing Don't Mix!

Okay, I'm seeing a pattern here.

I did a major cleanse a year ago, and afterwards stopped consuming sugar, fermented alcoholic beverages (specifically beer and wine), and corn products. Prior to my cleanse, I had some small bumps that appeared on my legs and also on the back of my arms. And whenever it would rain, I would experience wheezing, as if I was about to have an asthma attack. After the cleanse, the bumps disappeared. And they did not appear again, until very recently. The lungs weren't put to the test because during my "clean" period, there has been little to no precipitation. And with the rain comes mold where I live. And the mold affects my breathing.

I've recently allowed the "banned" elements to be reintroduced into my body in the form of red wine and popcorn. Last week I went to a festival and had some water ice that, although made with real fruit, was sugar-sweetened. I noticed the bumps returned and in addition, my lungs are experiencing congestion with the recent rains we've been receiving in our area.

I admit, I've gotten lazy with doing breathing exercises that keep my lungs clear. I also noticed that when I take ORGANIC IRON herbal compounds, I can feel the congestion building up, but instead of escalating into wheezing, it's as if the mucous is unable to "stick" to the surfaces of my lungs and bronchial tubes, allowing me to expectorate it.

Which brings me to another discovery I peeped a few years ago: When the lungs discover a "threat" in it, it produces more mucous to protect itself from the threat. If the body is not being inundated with acid foods, or foods that introduce harmful mold and yeast (like the wine and popcorn), the mucous does not "latch on" to the epithelial cell tissue, causing the obstruction of the lungs. Rather, if the body is more alkaline, the mucous serves more like a "broom"; collecting the impurities, allowing them to be cleared out of the system.

I was talking to a friend of mine this past week who is experiencing asthmatic symptoms and like me, the rain exacerbates their condition. Prior to our conversation where they revealed their dis-ease,they had a beer and what looked like a "shot" of alcoholic spirits. From what I observed, my friend also consumes foodstuffs that create an acid flora in the body.

From my experience, once I cleaned out my system and didn't introduce the yeast-producing elements in my body, at worse I experienced congestion which I was able to clear. This congestion would take place only when I was introduced to certain allergens. Now I'm discovering the mega-doses of organic iron have served to save my ass! The main reason why the yeast-producing foods were reintroduced was because my financial situation has caused me to purchase cheaper, poorer-quality foods.

Which brings me to ANOTHER observation: I am actually eating MORE than I did when I was able to afford my hemp seeds, seaweeds, find burro bananas, and was able to harvest the natural plants like the dandelion leaves and agave shoots. I've been subsisting on popcorn, watermelon, lettuce, red quinoa, collard greens from my garden, walnuts, and these "baby bananas" (which I notice don't have seeds). I still drink my "power smoothie," but not everyday (trying to conserve my resources). But the herbal supplements are helping me to stay nourished. I forgot I have some seaweed in reserve; I need to start preparing that.

I do "imbibe" on occasion. I notice when I started drinking wine again, I would feel a irritation in the back of my throat, like I'm coming down with something. I'd quickly swab the back of my throat with some tea tree oil, and the symptom subsided. However, when I drink pure agave tequila (as a shot; not sugared down in a margarita, and without the table salt) along with a very high quality mineral sea salt, I feel none of the symptoms I get with the wine. Plus, with just one glass of wine, I experience a headache (guess that's what's considered a "hangover") whereas with one shot of tequila with lots of lime, the mineral salt, and pure water to "chase" it, I don't experience any side effects. In fact, I remember my last birthday I was treated to TWO SHOTS of tequila (I'm a "1-shot wonder!") and while I was feeling "really nice" afterwards, once the intoxication wore off (in less than 2 hours), I felt totally refreshed!

I just finished the last of the popcorn I had in the kitchen. Took my natural vegetation cell food. It's raining steadily right now, and I'm feeling no congestion. Think I'll treat my lungs to the cleansing breathing exercises. I plan to go out to a jam-session party later tonight; want my lungs to be clear to sing! And I hope they have tequila!

Time to get PRO-ACTIVE! Boost Your Immunity! Make Your Own Elderberry Tincture!

Making herbal tinctures is easy; time does the work!
I make Elderberry tincture all the time; about due to make some more!
Vegetable glycerine tinctures are a great alternative to alcohol tinctures, particularly if you have children. Plus, it's pleasant-tasting; won't have a fuss giving it to the little ones!

Glycerine Extracts (Excellent for Children)

To make glycerine extracts, you need a quart-sized GLASS bottle. Use 2 to 4 oz. dried herb, 1/2 to 1 pint vegetable glycerine, and 5 to 11 ounces distilled water. In the glass bottle mix glycerine and water, then add the herb and stir thoroughly. Make sure to close container tightly and agitate (shake and mix) daily for 14 days (2 weeks). NOTE: Write the date that you started the tincture on the bottle top. After 14 days, double strain; press herb through cheese cloth, then pour liquid through a strainer and store in amber-colored bottles in a cool place.

Nutrition isn't all that complicated as THEY make it out to be...

MINERALS
© 2006 Chandra Y. Washington

In his biochemical experiments,
western man found the same 140+ elements
in every God made thing that exists.

On the African continent,
minerals exist
that western scientists
have yet to classify.

No wonder why
we who were colonized
on our own soil
or displaced
in a strange new place
currently know diseases
we have never known before.

What’s missing in our nutrition?
Minerals. It’s that simple.

Yet, we are told we can find nourishment
in an artificial elements like
carrots, beets, wheat and soybeans.
What I mean is - man made these things.
There’s little or no nutrition in it
because man has put his hand in it.

So, where do we get our nourishment?
Why not use herbs - like Hippocrates?
The foundation of modern medicine
is supposed to be built on his teachings.

Instead, the physician prescribes
B-12 shots and vitamins supplements.
While nutritionists -
even herbalists recommend
coral calcium for bones and teeth;
ferrous oxide for iron and immune deficiency.

Taking inorganic things like these
compromises the body;
leaving it constipated,
and feeling generally lousy.

But there seems to be a contradiction.
They contain minerals.
Misinformation brings confusion
to what’s really very simple.

What doctors,
nutritionists,
and even herbalists don’t calculate,
only plant-based minerals
can readily assimilate.

Solid minerals can’t dissolve in H2O.
These are the simple,
common-sense things we need to know
before we unknowingly ingest
things that can potentially harm us.

Information Is Power.

Information tells us
that a vitamin
is just what it implies:
Vita-lity - at its bare min-imum.

Information tells us
we can’t receive nourishment
from a fraction of
a manipulation of
a whole.

It’s safe to say,
most everything we eat is
molecularly compromised.
So it’s best that we supplement
what only serves to make the belly full
with simple, God-made,
mineral-rich plant food - like

Irish Moss and Horsetail
for organic calcium;
Yellow Dock and Elderberry
for iron and immune deficiency.

But don’t be fooled -
Artificial herbs are out there, too!
Echinacea, garlic, and comfrey,
to name a few.

By now, some of you are thinking
"That’s B.S.!"
But no need to debate or guess.
We can all make a truthful determination
through simple, common-sense observation.

A natural plant grows
in "the wild," on its own.
In other words -
Natural plants are Divinely placed by Nature.
A hybrid plant - you’ve gotta make a garden
and cultivate her.

But if you really want to
confirm this yourself,
do a simple pH test and see for yourself!
A substance below 7 pH is acid.
It can’t support life.
In fact - it is known to destroy it.

So at best,
when you ingest
hybrid herb supplements,
you’re wasting time and money.
At worst,
the affects could be adverse;
even life-threatening.

So to fill the nutritional void,
take plant-based,
water-soluble,
God-made minerals.
It really is that simple.

So-called "Swine Flu?" Not an issue! Boost your immunity NATURALLY!

A couple of days ago, I got an informative e-mail from my cousin about practical ways one can ward off the so-called "Swine Flu." Good suggestions, including:

• washing hands frequently
• irrigating nasal canal w/warm salt water (I'd use sea salt and a drop or 2 of tea tree oil)
• stay hydrated

I would add - loading up on ORGANIC IRON.
There's confusion about IRON. I'm not talking about the inorganic variety; the "ferrous oxide" or "ferrous sulphate." These forms of iron cannot assimilate into the body because the iron has not been converted into a water-soluble, digestible plant source. You're basically talking about trying to ingest a ROCK. This is why the "ferrous" iron constipates the body.
Only a NATURAL PLANT can perform the ionthroferosis process of converting solid minerals in the soil into a digestible mineral food source. About the only useful process a hybrid plant can accomplish is the process of photosynthesis, which produces chlorophyll, but it cannot convert and absorb minerals like a natural plant.
Which brings up ANOTHER misnomer: What is a "natural plant?"
The stuff you see in the supermarket? The "organic" produce? Not necessarily.
In fact, most of the fruits and vegetables in the supermarket - and even in "natural food stores" - are NOT NATURAL. "Natural" means the molecular structure of the plant is complete. In other words, not hybridized. Natural plants are the ones that grow naturally in nature; think dandelion, burdock, yellow dock, green jelly coconut, elderberry, nopal cactus, lamb's quarters, lily of the valley, saw palmetto berries, perslaine, watercress, Irish moss, dulce, nori, kelp, mulberries, mustang grapes, mesquite beans, amaranth, to name a few.
A NATURAL PLANT does NOT need man to survive. It grows in the so-called "wild"; on its own. On the other hand, most of the produce in the supermarkets - even organic produce - is the product of hybridization. They are literally a manipulation of a whole. A fraction of it. With a hybrid plant - like a carrot (a cross between the Queen Anne's lace and the wild yam) it necessarily grows in a garden. Plus, in order for this plant to survive, one must fertilize and use pesticides (either natural or chemical) to make sure the plant doesn't get eaten up by "Nature's little friends" who are simply doing their job! If something comes in these little guy's environment that isn't Natural, their job is to clean it up! Get rid of it! It's not supposed to be there, because it is not natural to the environment. Instead, we kill the bugs; the "defenders," to save the hybrid. We save the nutritionally-devoid hybrid and KILL the dandelion plant because it's an "eyesore" in our lawn.
And I need to speak on this: Seeded vs. Seedless fruits. This should be obvious. How can a fruit be "natural" and not have a seed that is naturally fertilized to germinate? How can this seedless "frankenfood" nourish anyone if it is not whole? Those of us sold on seedless grapes and seedless watermelons need to think about this. Are we eating for NUTRITION, or a false sense of "convenience?"
Okay, with the Natural definition covered, one can better equip the body against the "Swine Flu Monster" by...

• loading up on ORGANIC IRON (elderberry is the best high-iron phosphate/iron fluorine source available in most conventional "health food stores"; followed by yellow dock and fresh dandelion leaves. Why organic iron? Organic iron is the "magnet"; it attracts all the necessary 140+ minerals into the system. It is essential for energy; it oxygenates; it is essential for carbon maintenance in the pineal gland. As we are all carbon-based, without carbon we would not be electrical; we would not EXIST.
• CLEANING THE COLON. If one has never taken time out to give the body a rest by fasting (or at least by doing a cleansing diet for a period), the intestines become backed up; caked up with old, dead fecal matter and mucous that serves to tax every organ and bodily function, including lowering immunity. Properly-aged cascara sagrada (available in capsule form) not only cleanses the colon, but it also cleanses and tones the liver, as well as restores the natural peristaltic action of the colon.
• Eating a more healthy, balanced diet in general. If you're a meat eater, make sure you don't over eat meat. Eat it in smaller portions; at least 80% green plant food ratio to meat on your plate. One could also stand to not eat meat every day. And back up off the milk and dairy products, as they lower the immunity and create excess mucous in the body, which creates a "Petrie dish" environment for all types of infections and pathogens to make a "home." And those who are on plant-based diets need to be careful not to "starch-out." A "starchatarian" is just as bad - perhaps worse - than someone who eats meat everyday. The "starchatarian" (one who adopts a plant-based diet that is heavy on starch) risks creating a "Petrie dish" environment in their body by consuming too much mucous-forming starch, and would do better to adopt the 80% green practice too. Take a vacation from the cakes, pies, ice cream and pastries. Say "bye-bye" to sugar and sugary soft drinks. Replace sodium chloride "table salt" (ex. - Morton's salt) with a very high quality mineral sea salt.

Above all, just use COMMON SENSE. Listen to your body, every time something goes inside it. So-called "Swine Flu" doesn't have to be an issue!
HEALTH AND HEALING TO ALL!