Alternative

Liquid chlorophyll. Have you tried it? I've been drinking it for a week now and man, it took me by surprise. By day 3 I was spraying Des in the face every time he unlatched because apparently it boosts milk supply too. Awesome. There are a whole list of benefits but basically it does for us what it does for plants: creates energy, makes things function better, detoxes, and alkalizes. I've never paid attention to the pH balance of my blood but apparently most of us are out of balance. In an effort to neutralize all the acids we take into our bodies we need to eat more alkaline through leafy greens and such (or a nice shot of chlorophyll every day if you find it hard to eat enough of the right foods.) Otherwise the body is out of whack and stores up the wrong stuff in your fat creating cellulite. I'm doing a pathetic job of explaining why it's worth taking and there are many more reasons - just Google it or here's a nice article.

So now I drink this each morning before breakfast and another throughout the day. It's spearmint flavored and pretty palatable. Even the kids will drink it. Between that and the On Guard oils I had her take, Kenna's wicked sore throat lasted less than 24 hours. Pretty awesome. And I've found it really cuts down on my sugar cravings. I stopped eating late at night for Lent (my kids go to Catholic school) so that help has been priceless lately.

Is liquid chlorophyll in the same vein as aloe vera supplements and coconut water? I don't know, haven't gone there yet. I was introduced recently to spirulina too, looking forward to incorporating that, especially with the kids when they fight their veggies. It's basically seaweed that's considered a complete food source (used by NASA in space, and certain Japanese seniors have lived off only spirulina and water for 20 years.) It's a great way to boost nutritional intake especially for growing teens, little kids, athletes, elderly, pregnant women, etc.

Oh, and here's another one: Oil-pulling. Who's done it? Fascinating stuff to me. It took me a few days to get over the disgusting sensation of a mouthful of oil, but my teeth are whiter and cleaner than they've ever been. And of course there's a whole list of other benefits: detox, better sleep, curing various illnesses, oral health (as in healing your own cavities), etc.

I've always been a fan of coconut oil as you may remember from my previous post. I use it daily as a natural deodorant and moisturizer and have recently mixed up my own toothpaste, but that needs to be tweaked a bit before I replace my Colgate. It's just a mixture of coconut oil, peppermint essential oil, baking soda, dash of salt (I think I went too heavy on the salt.) Anyway, it continues to impress.

We've also been pleasantly surprised with GOOT - a concoction of fresh pressed garlic, olive oil, and coconut oil that a couple friends swear by. A nasty cold has been spreading through the fam, so each night I rub this concoction on everyone's feet (except Darren's because he doesn't want to "smell like Papa John's.") I especially love it on Des as it turns him into a little garlic baby that I just want to bite into. Here's a link to a similar garlic ear oil remedy that does wonders for ear infections, too.

My favorite part about all this stuff? Brilliant to have in your food storage! Cleaner, healthier, lasts longer and packs a punch in the nutrient department, which is pretty vital if you think about food/supplies becoming harder to get someday. Whether it's the end of the world or the end of your income, good to have some stuff on hand, right?

Coco Loco

So I've been rediscovering the magical world of COCONUT OIL recently and just can't help but share.

Have you heard of this gift of nature?? Did you know that virgin coconut oil is like a miracle drug for a plethora of ailments? Tropical cultures have thrived on it for centuries. All natural, edible, side-effect free, and cost-effective, seriously, you must try it before heading to the doc or medicine cabinet. Here are a few surprising powers virgin coconut oil possesses:

- aids weight loss (or gain, ie: balances metabolism)
- lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol
- balm for the skin (dry, itchy, cracked, flaky, oozing, brown spots, bumps... disappear)
- clears up acne/coldsores/eczema/dandruff/shingles/hives/diaper rash/athlete's foot
- prevents heart disease
- can be used as natural sunscreen
- can replace your deoderant and hair gel
- anti-aging effects
- helps prevent stretch marks and boosts milk supply
- anti-inflammatory (from swelling to arthritis to general aches & pains)
- prevents migraines and "brain fog"
- anti-bacterial AND anti-viral (not even meds claim to be anti-viral, we're talking flu here)
- aids digestion/acid reflux
- controls yeast and infections
- regulates thyroid function

So how do you utilize this amazing stuff? Simple.

You eat it (2-4 T per day.) 

You rub it on (anywhere you want.) 

You cook with it (healthier than all other oils.) 

You USE it. 

Be sure to purchase VIRGIN coconut oil, not some nasty processed, manipulated, augmented fake. It should be clear liquid or white solid with a mild coconut smell/taste. Glass jars are best and raw/organic is a plus, but as long as it's virgin, you'll be right. A little goes a long way and it lasts forever so go for the big jar.

Many people have purchased the stuff but are at a loss as to how to use it. Really it couldn't be easier. Here's a link to 52 Uses For Coconut Oil to get you started.

Want to get it in your diet but can't handle putting a spoonful of oil in your mouth? Try it instead of butter on your toast. Stir a spoonful into your tea, cocoa or morning oatmeal. Bake it into your breads and cookies instead of the oil/shortening. Amazing in homemade sweet potato fries. Use it to boost your yogurt or smoothies. Have a coconut aversion? Hide it easily in any Indian/curry dish or soups and stews. Make your regular rice "coconut rice." Whip up AMAZING raw desserts. My next try is in my homemade granola and granola bars. YUM.

Here are a few other ways we used it in the last 24 hours:

on blisters/cuts

as lip balm

child's rash and skin abrasion

infected hang nail

smoothest shave on the planet

mysterious skin bumps

facial moisturizer

dry, cracked heels and fingers

Of course there's plenty o' research to back this all up - I'm just serving up the highlights. Surf the web for the science/testimonials (people cured of everything from chronic fatigue to depression to AIDS) or check out any of Dr. Bruce Fife's books (the leading coconut expert):

Eat Fat/Look Thin
Coconut Cures
Virgin Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle Medicine
The Coconut Oil Miracle

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POST EDIT: In answer to some questions... It is a tad expensive. About $20 for a 650 ml jar, but some shops here can order larger containers for better value. And if you compare it to a nice bottle of olive oil it's pretty comparable, (but way better for you not to mention more versatile.) One guy said he hadn't been sick in the year he'd been using it - so there's some savings for you!
      Also, you may want to consider working up to the "3.5 Tbsp per day for 150 lb adult" mark. I haven't experienced this but some people get the opposite of constipation when they jump straight to 3 spoonfuls a day. Start gradual with a teaspoon and work up from there if you want. Also, it's used often to "cleanse" or flush out toxins in the body - so if you're using it for acne, you may experience an increase for a week before it clears up. Or in the case of oil-pulling (fascinating oral application I've gotta try) you may feel sick at the start as your body begins flushing out the bad stuff. 
     But remember, being all natural, this is not a product you need to be too careful about. Some people take a tablespoon full every few hours if they feel like they're coming down with something. As an immune system boost it can knock it right out without risking nasty side effects. That said, it can also be an energy boost on those midday slumps so maybe don't try it right before bedtime :)
     A friend just sent me this other post with 70 more uses - one of which I just discovered last night. You know those curry or spaghetti sauce stains that stay on your spatula or plastic high chair tray for a few days? Summer was playing with her spoonful of oil on her tray and it took it right off. 

   Have fun going coco loco then come back and tell me about it!