Category: On Health

Posted on by

Eating With the Seasons

By Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG)

Editor’s note: brrr it’s cold out there! Here on the East Coast we are experiencing a winter storm now, we may have up to 10 inches of snow by tonight! Eat healthy and stay warm 🙂 

Enjoy your winter vegetables and spices: Eating with the seasons is a good way to stay healthy and a great custom to pass onto your kids. Changing your diet as the seasons change is how human beings have survived and thrived for thousands of years. These days, most peoples’ food choices usually remain the same, even as the weather changes. However, that may not be the best way to nourish ourselves and our families. Although our commerce has evolved, our bodies have not. Our bodies still have to endure the heat of the summer and the oppressing cold of the winter. So while our food choices can remain the same with each season, they should not. Eating dense foods with lots of nutrients can help us maintain our strength and our warmth in the winter.

As the blistery weather approaches, root vegetables are especially important. Root vegetables are able to continue growing as the weather becomes cooler in the fall, and when harvested before the winter, they can maintain their vitamins as they are stored throughout the season. Root vegetables have been the main source of nutrients for centuries when most other vegetables were hard or impossible to find. Our root plants are categorized by: tubers, rhizomes, and bulbs. As these vegetables grow, they anchor themselves into the ground, where they absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. Our typical winter vegetables are: onions, yucca, potatoes, carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, ginger, taro, turmeric, yams, garlic, and leeks.

Root vegetables are warming, which is of course beneficial for those of us who have trouble keeping warm in the winter. In addition, root vegetables are very filling and are more nutritious than filling up on starches that are from breads and pastas. For people who have to diet, root vegetables are low in calories and rich in complex carbohydrates; which the body metabolizes slowly, providing good long lasting energy.  

Root vegetables have lots of important nutrients. For instance, beets and parsnips are great sources of folate, a B vitamin that protects our DNA and lowers our cancer risk. Rutabagas and turnips provide a compound that stimulates enzymes that deactivate carcinogens (poisons) in our bodies.

Another issue people have in the winter months is that they tend to be less active. When we don’t move around enough, the blood can thicken causing health risks; so an increase in your intake of onions and garlic can help prevent blood from clotting.

Although spices are not root vegetables they are vital for the winter. Warming herbs like peppercorns, mustard seeds, cayenne, chili pepper and thyme help circulate the blood keeping us warmer. Try my yummy roasted vegetables recipe to help stay warm!

Sweetsquash

Sara Chana is a Classical Homeopath, Registered Herbalist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and has worked with over 10 thousand moms over the past 20 years. Her new app called Breastfeeding For Boobs has 103 original videos, 350 articles and hundreds of pictures. The app is not free, but is worth every penny! It is an encyclopedia on breastfeeding and has a special section on alternative medicine.  

Posted on by

Get Your Weight Back on Track, and WIN Cash! (Round#4)

WeightLossCompetition#4By request, Balaboostas is featuring their 4th Weight Loss Competition this year!

If you want to work off those extra pounds that seem to pile up during Chagim, or in the winter months, then this might be perfect for you! Come join the Balaboostas Weight Loss Competition, where other women like you, compete for a CASH prize and shed those pounds at the same time (with the support of a trainer). Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! The last Winner won a total of $280 USD and lost 20.6lbs! The competition starts on November 1st and will run until January 15th. The closing date to join is November 15th, so if you would like to join, hurry up and apply!

Read here for the terms.

Shout out to past competitors: please share your success stories! 🙂 Good luck to all the contestants!

Posted on by

Natural First Aid Kit for the Summer

By Sara Chana Silverstein

Hey you, working so hard to pack for your summer family trip—I see you’re forgetting something! Oh, and you, over there, struggling to pack up your teenage boy for sleepover camp! You both are leaving out the most important part of your preparations: your “Natural First Aid Kit For the Summer!” Besides rubbing alcohol, band-aids and a thermometer, you should bring a little box filled with treasures for your natural first aid kit. I will quickly introduce you to a few wonderful items to help you treat bug bites, cuts and bruises. These natural products are safe and easy to use and most of them are available at your local health food store. If not, ask them to order them for you. You can easily teach your children going away to summer camp or traveling on their own, how to use these items.

  1. Green Clay — This has to be one of my most favorite healing tools. French green clay is pure clay from the earth. Green clay is fabulous for bug bites. Mix one teaspoon of green clay in a cup with just a few drops of water to form a paste. Paint over the bug bite with the paste and let the paste dry. If the bite is very sore you can paint over the existing green clay 2-4 times (letting the clay dry in between) or every hour until the healing begins. The bug bite should stop itching and will heal quickly. Green clay paste is also wonderful for kitchen burns: apply as above and you will be amazed at the way it cools and heals burnt skin (not for use on sunburns). Also, you can use the powder directly (not mixed with water) on diaper rashes and heat rashes.
  2. Arnica 30c — This is a homeopathic remedy that is placed under the tongue for falls and bumps. When you use any homeopathic remedy put a few pellets under the tongue and let it dissolve slowly. (It is best if you refrain from eating 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the remedy, but this is not necessary in an emergency.) Ordinarily this remedy is given every 3 hours as needed for pain in about 3 doses, but if it is a true emergency the remedy can be given every 15 minutes until you seek out medical attention.
    Arnica
  3. St. John’s Wort Oil — I just love this oil; it is wonderful and soothing. The oil is great for sunburns, muscle aches and stiff necks. You can liberally apply this oil after a nasty sunburn (but do not go out in the sun directly after you put on the oil; let it soak into the skin first). You can also add two drops of pure lavender oil to the St. John’s Wort oil to help soothe the burn. This can also be used with aloe vera gel. The oil can also be massaged into sore and bruised muscles. It is also very helpful if you wake up with a stiff neck. The best quality oil is from Woodland Essences at (315) 845-1515.
    Oil
  4. Yunnan Paiyado powder — Wow, great name! This is a superb Chinese powder mix. It will almost instantly stop a cut from bleeding. Two summers ago, I was in the country and a neighbor sliced her finger while opening a tuna fish can. She had been trying for almost one hour to stop her bleeding finger. She was on her way to the doctor but stopped at my place first. I put some of this powder over the cut as she was on the phone deciding who was going to take care of her children while she was at the doctor, and by the end of the phone call her finger had stopped bleeding. It works like magic. It also helps promote healing of the wound. If you suspect a wound needs stitches do not apply this powder unless under the guidance of a professional. If stitches are needed I would take Arnica homeopathic remedy under my tongue on the way to getting those stitches! You can order this powder from New York’s Chinatown by calling (212) 962-0447.
    YannaPayo
  5. Rosemary, Lavender, Citronella Essential Oils — These oils are great as a bug repellent! You can purchase a small water spritz bottle. Fill the bottle up with water and add 20 drops each of all three of these oils. You can then spray on you or your children’s clothes all day long as needed. You can also burn these oils in a diffuser (You can find most essential oils and diffusers at your health food store.).

There is so much more to learn but my time has run out. Start with these items this summer and you will be amazed at how much you can help yourself, your kids, and your neighbors heal. Have a safe and productive summer, and happy healing!

Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG) is a lactation consultant, classical homeopath, registered herbalist, doula and mother of seven children. She has worked with over 10,000 new moms and babies.  You can like her Facebook page ‘Sara Chana’ and/or follow her on twitter @sarachanas. On August 1st, she will be launching her Breastfeeding App with 102 original videos at www.sarachana.com! 

Posted on by

Are You Using the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type?

By Dena Schupper

Note: Article references are posted on the forum, in this thread.

First of all, there is no perfect skincare regimen for everyone. What’s right for me may not be right for you.

Start by figuring out what you want to accomplish. Are you looking for acne control? Help for dry, flaky skin? Sun protection? There are so many products out there that you may need to narrow the selection down before you even start looking.

What are the general products? Again, you probably won’t need every item in the following list (but it should help you get started): cleanser, exfoliator, toner, serum or hydrator, other anti-acne or anti-aging treatment, moisturizer or oil, and sunscreen (I’m not getting into each one for now—like I said, narrowing your focus is important at first!).

OK, let’s focus on the first item for this article: CLEANSER. Now, not everyone needs to cleanse his or her skin both AM and PM. There are some people who have such sensitive skin that over-cleansing is actually detrimental.1

Beauty

Why might cleansing very often cause a problem? Because everyone’s skin has a lipid barrier that coats the skin with a thin layer of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol, and using a product that strips this protective lipid barrier off makes the skin more vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria (breakouts!). Removing the lipid barrier with a cleanser may also lead to dry, dehydrated skin since that protective cover is no longer there to trap moisture next to your skin.

What kind of cleanser would do such a thing? Typical soap, for example, is not a good cleanser because it is too alkaline for skin. Although the inside of your body is happiest at a neutral-to-alkaline pH of 7-9, your skin needs to maintain the lipid barrier (also known as the “acid mantle”) at a neutral-to-acidic pH level of just below 5.

Cleanser ingredients that are too alkaline, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), may trigger an allergic reaction that shows itself as dry, itchy skin. After cleansing, the lipid barrier typically normalizes to a neutral-to-acidic pH about an hour and a half later, but repeatedly washing with an alkaline cleanser can hurt your skin’s ability to repair itself. And, if you’re using a medicated cleanser that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or another antibacterial, try not to use them every day since their alkaline pH of 9-10 can cause skin irritation with too-frequent use. In a lab setting, acne bacteria grows at a near-alkaline pH of 6 to 6.5, but grows less when the pH is reduced to under 6—so don’t trigger more acne by accidentally raising the skin’s pH with the wrong cleanser.

So, what are some examples of brands that produce cleansers with a skin-friendly pH? Cetaphil, Avene, Aquaderm, Dove, and Elovera all offer cleansers that supposedly won’t disrupt the skin’s pH. BUT don’t just run out and buy their products. You need to know more.

This is something that can drive even a person with a neutral disposition crazy: ANY cleanser, even one with an appropriate pH, might STILL not be right for you. And what works on your facial skin will probably be fine for your body, but not the other way around. Why? Let’s take a look at what’s in a typical cleanser: water, surfactants (to break up debris), moisturizers, binders (to stabilize the formula), lather enhancers (sudsy!), fillers, preservatives (to prevent the growth of bacteria), fragrance, and dyes or pigments. Any one of those things could potentially irritate your skin. Even water! And that’s not even including the natural ingredients intended to appeal to seekers of green products everywhere. Do not assume that an ingredient is safe because it is natural. For example, lemon or lime oil, parsnip, parsley, celery, and figs all contribute to photo-toxicity in the presence of UV light. That means that squeezing out some all-natural lemon juice on your skin can cause you to develop patches of irritated or darkened skin if sunlight hits your face. Lavender oil, which generally has a reputation for being mild, is cytotoxic to human skin cells in a lab environment at concentrations of 0.25%. Catch that? Toxic. Basically, never try to make your own cleanser at home with ingredients found in your kitchen unless you research them thoroughly first (and by research I don’t mean that you read about a famous actress using it in an interview, or heard that your sister-in-law’s cousin swears by it). A small amount at the bottom of your ingredient list probably won’t hurt, but using undiluted essential oils in your skin care may lead to increased sensitivity or worse. Other natural things can be both good and bad for your facial skin, depending on what your particular skin type can handle. For example, unrefined shea butter and coconut oil can make wonderful moisturizers because they create an occlusive barrier over the surface of the skin, or they can lead to terrible breakouts because in some people that extra barrier will clog their pores and lead to breakouts. The key is to do your research, then test it on a small area of skin before trying it out on the whole face.

So, let’s say you are at the beauty counter, or the supermarket, or you are shopping online and you see a cleanser that says “non-comedogenic!” or “dermatologist-recommended” or the sales associate praises:“how effective yet mild!” her product is. If a product is recommended by someone you trust or (even me), should you buy it? Not necessarily. Google the item, or turn it around in your hand, and check the ingredient list! But
what are you looking for? You now know that any number of potential cleansing ingredients could cause irritation. Do you keep a spreadsheet of everything you’ve tried and chart out potential triggers? You could, sure. You could totally memorize a long list of ingredients (all well as all their derivatives) that don’t agree with your skin. Or, if you are looking for a quick way to determine what’s potentially irritating or comedogenic while standing in the store, you could pick up your smart phone, type in www.cosdna.com, and choose the “analyze cosmetics” tab. Copy and paste the ingredient list and it will give you a breakdown of what each ingredient is used for (if it is a foaming agent, a preservative, a bonding agent, etc). More importantly, it will tell you how likely that ingredient is to cause an acne breakout or irritate skin. Amazing! Now you can actually verify those “non-comedogenic” claims. And one other thing about ingredient lists. Very often, the ingredients appear in order from the ingredient that makes up the bulk of the product to the ingredient that is so tiny, that you can hardly tell it is there. If there is one ingredient that ranks as mildly irritating in Cosdna but it appears as the very last ingredient in the list, there’s a chance that it won’t bother your skin too badly, since the amount should be small.

OK, so let’s pretend that you have just found a great cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients. Think about how you want to apply it. Do you douse your face with water, rub in the cleanser, and scrub it off? Not exactly. Avoid really hot water or steam, which causes broken capillaries, redness, and irritation. And avoid excessive rubbing (or using a facial brush too often) because irritation can lead to cracks in skin, which may allow more pathogenic bacteria in. Try to pat the skin dry (or let it air dry) and apply a hydrator or moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to help trap moisture near your skin.

What else can you do in the interest of improving your skin’s barrier function? Applying a lactic acid treatment (an alpha hydroxyl acid with a pH of 3.7-4.2) can reduce sensitivity to SLS (that too-alkaline component found in many cleansers) after 4 weeks. And an occlusive barrier cream can help keep dry skin from cracking. Please just remember that not everyone can use lactic acid or a rich moisturizer. If your lipid barrier is compromised, you may not be able to tolerate a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. If your skin is oily, acne-prone, or dehydrated, you may want to try a cleanser that contains a humectant like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to add hydration (but not oil) to your skin. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, you may want to find a cleanser that contains beta hydroxy acid to help clear out pores, or pre-cleanse with astringent oil, like grape seed or possibly hazelnut, before following with a mild cleanser. Dry or sensitive skin types may benefit from reducing the number of times they cleanse and switching to a very moisturizing cleanser, or even cleansing oil like mineral or extra virgin olive on damp skin. Common sense says not to introduce more than one new product at a time and not to use a new product all over your face right away. Patch testing products will help you discover what works for your particular skin type and what doesn’t, whether your skin is dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive, dehydrated, or your own combination of all of them.

Good luck! Hopefully, you now have the tools to find a cleanser that works for you.

Posted on by

Using Pesach Foods to Heal

By Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG)

Pesach used to be considered a time of constipation and ‘bad-food’ but today, we know that Pesach can be a time of ‘great-food’ filled with foods that cleanse, heal and rejuvenate. There are so many ways to use Pesach as a time to revitalize the system—you just need to know how.

Kneidel soup, macro.

  • Carrot juice is the best way to start the day. Carrot juice prevents and relieves constipation. It is important to keep your system flowing freely especially after you eat Matza. Drinking carrot juice first thing in the morning, before you eat is suggested, but you can drink it anytime.
  • Hot water with lemon is a great cleanser for your body. Lemon is a wonderful antioxidant and a great soothing form of vitamin C. Drinking this warm lemon drink throughout the day will also soften your stools. You can add honey to the warm drink if you use honey on Pesach.
  • Almond butter is easy to make and a delightful treat. Almonds are a powerful food with lots of medicinal benefits. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar, they reduce inflammation in the body by lowering C-reactive protein levels, and the monounsaturated fats and vitamin E in almonds help maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. To make almond butter, lay almonds out on a pan, bake for 45 minutes at 275o. Cool, and then put into a food processer. You do not need to add sugar or oil. The almond will first shred into flour then will congeal into a paste. One of my favorite Pesach snacks is to slice a banana, put a dollop of almond butter on the plate with a drizzle of honey and eat one banana slice with a little almond butter at a time. Wonderful!
  • Turmeric roots are a great addition to Pesach. Turmeric is a root that you can peel and add to your favorite recipes. Add it to soups, chicken, even kugels. It may not be our custom, but remember avocados did not grow in Russia! Turmeric reduces blood pressure and stops the growths of tumors. It is a powerhouse that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and is an anti-oxidant. Researchers are just beginning to recognize the amazing healing qualities of turmeric. Turmeric has been proven effective in treating: Arthritis, cancer, alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, inflammation, urinary tract infections, gallstones, bronchitis, colds, headaches and diarrhea.
  • Chicken soup is considered a medicine all over the world. When making your soup, be sure to add lots of vegetables. Adding vegetables like onions, turnips, zucchini and sweet potatoes makes the soup super-healing. When you eat your soup, take a minute to relax. Take a deep breath, exhale, and then sip it slowly breathing in the vapors and allowing the soup to heal your body.
  • Horseradish is world renowned for its healing properties. Horseradish is considered a super-food. The Glucosinolates found in horseradish are responsible for the hot taste of horseradish, and a recent study from the University of Illinois indicates that the substantial quantities of glucosinolates in horseradish can increase human resistance to cancer. Horseradish is a natural antibiotic and a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown that horseradish root helps with sinus infections. So don’t just eat horseradish at the Seder. Add it to your salads, meat dishes and soups.

Make this Pesach a spiritual and physical time for growth and healing. You do not need to feel full and uncomfortable; you need to feel stronger, wiser and joyful.

Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG) is a lactation consultant, classical homeopath, registered herbalist, doula and mother of seven children. She has worked with over 10,000 new moms and babies. Please like her Facebook page Sara Chana and/or follow her on twitter. On May 1st she will be launching her Breastfeeding App with 102 original videos at www.sarachana.com!

Photo Credit: OhNuts!.com

Posted on by

Homeopathy: What is it and How Does it Work?

By Sara Chana, IBCLC, RH (AHG)

This is an exclusive article that was first published in the SELECT magazine. We reached out to Sara Chana to shed some light on this discussion that we had on the Forum: Do You Believe in Homeopathy? and she sent us this to publish here. This is part one, part two to follow next week. You can hear more from Sara Chana on her Facebook and Twitter. You can also browse her website for more information about homeopathy. 

SaraChana

Why isn’t homeopathic medicine very popular in America? Maybe it is because the tenet of homeopathy is ‘less is more,’ and for most of us, this is an unusual concept considering our present societal belief that ‘more is better.’

When homeopaths suggest a homeopathic remedy, the medicine is administered in small pellets that are dissolved under the tongue. Sometimes a person will need to take the homeopathic remedy three times a day to feel better, or sometimes, only taking the remedy once will be enough to stimulate the person’s body to heal itself! If the remedy is only administered once, and the results are positive, the conventional wisdom is to ‘wait and see’ how the body responds. Patience is a virtue when it comes to healing a problem deep at its core, where the illness originally began.

When I first graduated from homeopathic school one of my first clients was a woman who suffered from chronic depression. Let’s call her Leslie. She had been on and off psychotropic medications since the birth of her second child. With the help of her doctor, she had just discontinued her current medications. She came to me with the hope of finding a homeopathic remedy so she could continue to stay off of her medications. Although her medications allowed her to function on a daily basis, she was still haunted with bouts of depression and the side effects of the medication were often more debilitating than the depression. After spending one and half-hours with her taking a complete history, I suggested she take one dose of a remedy. The next day, she called me sobbing. She told me that she had had a restless night of sleep, woke up crying, and she was not able to function. Leslie whispered that she was fearful and felt more depressed than she had in years and recalled only feeing like this immediately after the birth of her second child, which was the first time that she required psychotropic medication. She continued communicating with me throughout the day saying that she was getting worse and that she needed her husband to come home from work. As he walked through the door, she crawled into bed and went into a deep sleep. After twenty-four hours, she did not return my calls. As a new homeopath I was anxious. Six weeks later I was surprised to learn that Leslie had made a follow-up appointment with my secretary. As she walked into my office and sat down I was a little nervous and unsure about how this follow-up appointment was going to advance. She then proceeded to tell me what had occurred during the past six weeks. The day after her crying experience, as she walked into her office, she bypassed her desk and walked directly into her boss’s office. She informed him that after 15 years of dedicated work, she was quitting. Her boss was shocked and asked what he could do to change the situation. She told him that there were eight things that had been bothering her all these years. He begged her not to quit and promised to fix those eight bothersome problems. The next week, she proceeded to take her two children out of their private school, never having liked the institution, but with the persuasion of her husband, had allowed her in-laws to choose their children’s school. The week after that, she put a down payment on a new apartment. It had been years, she told me, that she felt their family had outgrown their apartment and desired to move into a larger space, but because her husband dreaded change, he was unwilling to move. By the end of six weeks she had also set up a little workspace in her mother’s basement in order to begin painting again, a favorite hobby she had discontinued after the birth of her children.

That is the power of homeopathy. A properly prescribed homeopathic remedy will allow the body to discover what needs to happen in order to allow healing to begin. Leslie could have gone from medication to medication, but until she changed the things in her life that made her feel uncomfortable or ‘blocked’, she could never really begin to heal. She still had to work with a therapist to learn how to continue listening to her true feelings, but she finally felt she was gaining the skills needed to achieve a life without depression. And although the psychotropic medications had helped her to feel better at times, they did not give Leslie the tools needed to make the true changes in her life that would lead to permanent healing. A proper homeopathic remedy will allow the body’s own ‘vital-force,’ to heal itself. And homeopaths believe, given the proper environment and support, the body has an innate ability to heal itself at its core.

What to expect from a visit with a Homeopath:

A visit to a homeopath typically involves asking and answering many questions, which on the surface might seem irrelevant. These questions include information concerning: natural tendencies, food choices and physical or emotional ailments. The answers to these questions are important because, from the Homeopath’s perspective, the primary concern is how the individual is being affected, more than just knowing the name of the affliction. Homeopathy investigates the ‘entire person’, looking to see where there are ‘imbalances’, in order to balance the body as a whole. Yet, homeopathy stabilizes the body in a way that is specific to the individual person, and who she is. For example, if five people come down with the ‘flu’, each person will have contracted the same virus, but it will manifest with different symptoms, depending on the individual. One person may have a high fever while another will have a low-grade fever. One may suffer from muscle pain and sweating, while the other will have bone pain and feel chilled. Five different people with the same flu might require five different homeopathic remedies, because everyone’s body will react differently to similar experiences.

Homeopaths study and learn the characteristics that define the active agent of each homeopathic remedy, in order to prescribe them appropriately. It is this knowledge that is key to the success of homeopathy and has proven to be most effective in diagnosis and treatment.

To a homeopath, like a loving parent, each person is seen as an individual being. Homeopaths strive to discover whom a person truly is, in order to prescribe a remedy that both match the illness, as well as the unique qualities of that person. Although it is often a long and arduous process for a homeopath to really know the person, it is ultimately necessary. Once a homeopath knows a person as a multi-faceted human being, the results of homeopathic medicines are safe, long lasting and easy to use, with no uncomfortable side effects.

Homeopathic remedies, how to take them:

So, you have decided to venture into the world of homeopathy and have purchased a little vial of homeopathic medicine and want to know, “How am I supposed to take this?” Let’s take a moment to learn the best way to take ‘remedies’, to ensure that they are most effective.

Most homeopathic remedies are sold in vials that contain pellets (little white balls). Some remedies come in sprays and some in water, but for now we will discuss the most commonly used form — the pellet. For the most common size pellets that are sold in health food stores, the typical dosage is three pellets at one time. For children, many homeopaths will use extra small pellets—the size of poppy seeds, and the dosage can range from four to nine pellets, depending on the age of the child. The pellets are administered sublingually (under the tongue) where they dissolve easily. A person is asked not to touch the pellets with their hands, rather pour them from the container into the cap, and then dispense them directly under the tongue.

For babies and children under the age of three, it’s okay to let the pellets dissolve on top of the tongue, but it is suggested to ask the child to suck on the pellets rather than ‘chew’ them. A current study showed that homeopathic remedies only require being under the tongue for thirty seconds in order to be effective.

Although it was believed that a person should not eat or drink for twenty minutes before and twenty minutes after the remedy was given, the current thought is that five minutes before and after eating is long enough. Our main concern here is that the mouth should be clean and clear when taking the remedy, and not in close proximity to a meal.

The question always arises whether a person is allowed to use mint products while under homeopathic care. I would not recommend smelling camphor oil (which is purported to lessen or negate the effects of homeopathy), but most homeopaths these days do not mind if clients use mint toothpaste or occasionally chew mint gum.

Part two coming soon.

Posted on by

Savory Garlic Greens – Kale

If you are looking for a nutritional bang for your buck, kale is where it’s at! This beautiful winter-hardy vegetable is currently in season, and it’s one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can eat! There are many different ways to enjoy kale, but here I will share with you my go-to recipe for delicious and savory dark-leafy greens.

 

A one-cup serving of kale provides 180 percent of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for Vitamin A, 200 percent for Vitamin C, 1,020 percent RDA for Vitamin K, as well as 5 grams of fiber- with only 36 calories and 0 grams of fat! Per calorie, mineral-rich kale has more iron content than beef, and more calcium than milk. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its high fiber content. It’s also high in antioxidants, folate and magnesium. Kale even contains omega-3 fatty acids (10% RDA in a 1 cup serving)! It’s really worth the effort to add this great-tasting and nutrient-rich vegetable to your diet!

Here’s what you will need to cook up some savory garlic greens:

  • 1 big bunch of kale (or any dark leafy greens of your choice‹)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 3 tsp tamari soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp ‹olive oil

Directions: wash greens well and check for any bugs. De-stem the greens, then chop the leaves into thin strips. Coarsely chop the garlic, then coat your frying pan with olive oil and turn onto medium high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic is just starting to brown, about 1 minute. Add in the greens and sprinkle the tamari on top, then stir to coat the greens with the olive oil and tamari. Sauté on medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the greens have wilted, then cover and turn off the heat. Let the greens sit in the hot pan covered for 3-5 minutes. Even with the heat turned off, the greens will continue to steam and become more tender if left covered. These savory greens make a great side dish for most meals, and can be served over basmati rice or any whole grain of your choice.

Yield: 3-4 servings

I hope you enjoy your greens!

Do you want more ideas? See this current thread where Balaboostas members share their favorite kale recipes. They include soups, salads, and even kale chips! Yum. 

Posted on by

Organic Gluten Free Latkes

Are you looking for a perfect gluten free latke recipe for your family or guests? Look no further! These mini latkes have a classic taste and texture, and make a great appetizer for your Chanukah parties. These latkes are made extra small for an appealing presentation, and look beautiful when served with a big green salad and a side of organic applesauce!

Why make organic latkes?

Did you know that potatoes are one of the top 12 pesticide-contaminated foods? These top 12 most contaminated foods are known as “the dirty dozen” and include the fruits and vegetables that are most heavily laden with potentially harmful pesticide residue. The following is a list of the 12 most contaminated foods, followed by list of the 12 least contaminated foods. For those of us on a tight budget, simply substitute organic for the most contaminated foods whenever possible, and when buying conventional produce, stick to the least contaminated foods.

12 Most Contaminated:

â–Ș Peaches
â–Ș Apples
â–Ș Sweet Bell Peppers
â–Ș Celery
â–Ș Nectarines
â–Ș Strawberries
â–Ș Cherries
â–Ș Pears
â–Ș Grapes (Imported)
â–Ș Spinach
â–Ș Lettuce
â–Ș Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated:

â–Ș Onions
â–Ș Avocado
â–Ș Sweet Corn (Frozen)
â–Ș Pineapples
â–Ș Mango
â–Ș Asparagus
â–Ș Sweet Peas (Frozen)
â–Ș Kiwi Fruit
â–Ș Bananas
â–Ș Cabbage
â–Ș Broccoli
â–Ș Papaya

Now back to the latkes!  Here is what you will need to make your golden crispy gluten free latkes:

  • 2 pounds organic Yukon gold or Russet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup olive oil

Yield:  14-18 latkes

Directions: Peel your potatoes and place in a bowl of cold water. Using the grating disc of a food processor, grate the potatoes and place into a bowl. Using a cheesecloth, cloth napkin, or a strainer, squeeze as much liquid out of the potatoes as possible, reserving the potato liquid in a separate bowl. Let the liquid settle for five minutes, (your gluten free potato starch will settle to the bottom of the bowl). While the potato liquid settles, process the onion until smooth in the food processor and add to the grated potato. Slowly pour off the liquid from your bowl of potato liquid, and add the remaining potato starch to your grated potato mixture. Add in the egg and the salt and stir well.

Once your batter is ready, coat your frying pan with about 1/4 inch of olive oil, then turn up the heat. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into the oil at a time, and flatten them slightly with your spatula.  Fry latkes until golden on the bottom- about 3 minutes on medium-high heat- then flip and fry until golden on the other side. When they are crispy and golden brown, remove from the pan and drain on paper towels if desired. Continue frying until all the batter is used up, adding in more oil to the pan as needed. Serve with organic applesauce and generous helping of your favorite green salad – and enjoy your delicious gluten free meal!

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Chanukah!

Posted on by

Get Your Weight Back on Track, and WIN Cash!

By request, Balaboostas is featuring their 3rd Weight Loss Competition this year!

If you want to work off those extra pounds that seem to pile up during Chagim, or in the winter months, then this might be perfect for you! Come join the Balaboostas Weight Loss Competition, where other women like you compete for a CASH prize and shed those pounds at the same time. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! The last Winner won a total of $250 cash prize and 20lbs! This round, the cash price is the same and may climb. Closing date is tonight at midnight, so if you would like to join, this is your last chance.

(If you cannot join yet due to the power outage caused by the hurricane comment here we will consider another few day extension). Read here for terms.

Shout out to past competitors: please share your success stories! 🙂 Good luck to all the contestants thus far.

Posted on by

Living with the Seasons

Our bodies are designed to be in tune with the natural changes that occur in each season of the year. When we regulate ourselves to the natural rhythm of the changing seasons, we can find more physical, spiritual and emotional balance, resulting in better health and less frequent illness. In the fall, we are transitioning from long, hot, active summer days into cooler weather and shortened daylight hours; hence we need to focus on warming foods that will give us the nourishment we need. This is a season when we are particularly susceptible to illness, and by following a few basic and simple steps, we can safeguard our health during this time of transition.

400xleaf

1) Avoid or limit consumption of ice-cold foods and beverages. Ice-cold foods and beverages can chill our bodies and significantly weaken digestion, leaving us more prone to illness. This season, focus on warm cooked foods such as soups and baked dishes, while seasoning your meals with ginger root and black pepper for added warmth.

2) Eat seasonal foods to help boost immunity. One great way to allow our bodies to be more in tune with the changing seasons is to shop for fresh, locally grown and seasonal foods that offer us optimal nutrition in every season and support us as we adapt to the changing weather. Some great seasonal foods for the fall include:

  • Squash varieties: butternut, acorn and delacata.
  • Root veggies: carrots, beets, and potatoes.
  • Dark green leafy veggies: kale, collards, broccoli, and cabbages.
  • Seasonal fruits: apples, pears, and grapes.

Onions, leeks and garlic are also great seasonal foods that can help boost your immunity in the fall months. Farmer’s markets are a great place to find the most fresh and seasonal foods available in your area.

3) Stay well hydrated to avoid chapped lips, and chaffed skin. In addition to drinking enough water, warm herbal teas are a great addition to your fall diet, especially those that include ginger and cinnamon for extra warmth. Be sure to use extra moisturizer on your hands and lips to avoid dryness from the cold weather.

4) Dress for the weather by making sure you layer up on cold mornings and chilly evenings. It is especially important to keep your neck, ears, and feet warm, so wear a scarf and warm leggings, break out your fall boots, and be sure to keep your kiddos covered up and cozy on cold days to help prevent illnesses.

5) Be sure to wash your hands and your children’s hands before eating! Never underestimate how much this simple step can protect you from unwanted germs and pathogens floating around this fall.

6) Allow time for creative introspection. As we shift from the long, hot, active days of summer into the colder and shorter days of fall, now is the time to release what is old or unneeded, and accept new changes in our lives. Finding meditative and creative outlets like writing, drawing, stretching, walking, or even reorganizing your pantry can help offer us creative ways to process, release, and adapt to the changes and challenges in our lives.

Look out for a nutritious, and warming recipe, coming soon!

Wishing you all a healthy Fall!

Photograph by Rivka Bauman Photography