Monday 19 March 2012

Make your own MILK!!!



Beautiful Fresh Almond Milk made by you!!!


On the weekend, I was asked to represent Young Living at a local event, in Sandgate.
Its was an absolutely LIFE Transforming event : hosted by a husband and wife team (Kristine and Wayne Matheson) who have both overcome cancer. They empower others towards living a life full of natural health, happiness and longevity. Using a plant based lifestyle, RAW foods as their medicine and incorporating fitness and meditation into their daily lives to achieve optimal health. A truly inspirational couple who have brought me one step closer to my naturally healthy and abundant lifestyle.


That is the reason I finally made my own milk...... (and I'm not talking breast milk :) ) I have been contemplating it for awhile now, sometimes we all just need a little push in the right direction.


Last year I began to stop drinking cows milk, my main reason was that I felt sluggish and not quite right after drinking it and I also started reading more and more about the dairy industry which just turned me off dairy milk altogether!


For instance did you know, according to Animals Australia that "To keep producing milk for human consumption, a dairy cow must produce a calf each year..... Calves are taken from their mothers within 12-24 hours of birth. If nature was allowed to take its course—calves would suckle from their mother for several months, even up to a year. Mother cows, like most mammals have a strong maternal bond." 


I know that I would be absolutely guttered if some random just came in and took my girls off me straight after going through all of the emotional and physical exhaustion of child birth... why do humans have the right to do this to animals? It's pretty terrible!


Did you know that: MILK depletes the CALCIUM from YOUR BONES!!!


According to Vivian Goldschmindt who has studied Nutritional Science and Biochemistry;


Many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurised), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony this is!


Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutraliser and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilised to neutralise the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.   


Wow how many parents know that? We were all introduced to it by our parents, a cup of milky goodness, its known to be comforting and filling..... why, our parents taught us, they learnt from their parents and their parents and their parents....


Well, here is a great alternative that is oh so easy, healthy for kids and yummy.....
100g of almonds = 300ml of calcium


Almonds have so many amazing health benefits, they contain absolutely no cholesterol, have high levels of Vitamin E, contain magnesium, potassium, folic acid, zinc, phytochemicals, selenium, copper, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron, making them a true nutritional powerhouse!

MAKE YOUR OWN ALMOND MILK!



All you need is:
1 cup of Raw Almonds (organic if possible)
Soak overnight
3 cups of filtered water
I vanilla pod
Blender
Stockings from wooleys..... cut from about the knee..... (of course you can use a proper nut bag, however I am yet to purchase one!!)

Add the one cup of soaked almonds to your blender, add the 3 cups of water, blend.



Pour blended ingredients out into stocking, I found it easier folding it over the juice container to separate the milk from the almond pulp.



Pull the almond pulp stocking out of the container and squeeze remaining milk out of stocking.




Place milk back in the blender and add the vanilla pod seeds (you can also add raw agave or maple syrup if you are a bit of a sweet tooth) and blend for a second!
I can not wait to  try cinnamon and nutmeg essential oils too!

And Voila!
Here is you Fresh Home Made Milk... made with LOVE!

This morning I made a smoothie out of mine;
Banana, Balance Complete (a daily super food & nutritive cleanse from Young Living), Maca powder and maple syrup....
Delicious!


Hope you all enjoy making your own milk, give it a go and tell me what you think :)
Well, it's time to go and pick up my gorgeous gals!
Untill next time, smile often,


Joyous Health and Harmony,


Amy*
Naturally Joyous Oily Mama




Thursday 15 March 2012

What's In Your Juicer?

Getting your kids to eat beans, carrots and spinach............. Without them realising it!



JUICE IS AWESOME!!! (and I'm not talking about poppers!)
Juicing has been a really significant and important part of our (myself and my girls) morning routine! Toddlers just love juice and when you get them to help you feed the fruit and veg into the juicer they think thats extra special! ....... and it gets them away from the TV... :)

Raw Juices can save your life
"I have seen it work miracles in some of my patients who were stuck in the merry-go-round of drug therapy. The juice from raw fruits and vegetables has powerful healing and rejuvenating properties that can help people with all sorts of health problems" Dr Sandra Cobot


I have spoken to other mama's and it seems a common occurance to have your young children screw their noses up, while pushing there dinner plate of yummy food away to the other side of the table. They just dont realise how much love, preparation and thought you have put in, not to mention the time. I find this a real disappoint to experience food rejection and feel a fraction hurt when my kids dont even want to try one spoon full... ("please just one, try it, you'll love it!" I plead)


My girls are usually fine with eating their dinner, however lately Zola has become very picky with what she puts in her mouth, as she would rather keep eating nutty snacks, olives, cheese, rice crackers and some form of savory chips! She has been knocking back beans, carrots and most green stuf (except broccoli!)


So I have been making more time for morning juicing.... and getting those vital vitamins and minerals into my girls little bodies with ease!


The juicer I use is called a Compact Juicer. I love it because it slowly squeezes the juice out allowing all of the vital living enzymes, minerals and vitamins to remain. These living enzymes assist with the digestive process, which means your gut, liver and pancreas do not have to work too hard to provide you with vital nutrients. Juicing can reduce acidity and toxicity in the body by stimulating the function of the bowels, liver and kidney, which increases the breakdown and elimination of toxic chemicals and waste products from the body.


You can also use this type of juicer to make lots of other fresh things like nut butters, wheat grass juice, baby food, purees, fresh fruit sorbets (with no sugar added), pasta and noodles, mince, dips and salsa and it also grinds coffee beans! Very handy little machine.




One of our favourite concoctions:
(that Zola and Indie are making here)


4 or 5 Granny Smith Apples
1 Carrot
1 Cucumber
2 Sticks of Celery
Handful of Green Beans
1 Lemon/Lime, peeled




other additions:
For a sweeter juice add some yummy fresh pineapple - useful for arthritis, bronchitis, asthma (and assists in weight reduction which is always a good thing to know after having kidlets!)
Ruby Red Beetroots - liver cleanser and great for iron deficiency
Immune booster - garlic or ginger (both a natural antibiotic for the whole body!)
Oranges - natural antibiotic, anti inflammatory and cleanser
Cabbage - detoxing the liver, cleansing skin of acne, digestive and intestinal aid
Watermelon - helpful in depression
Tomatoes - helpful in high blod pressure and reducing cholesterol



                                                CHEERS!




Healing Properties of certain fruits and vegetables:
Apples - High in soluble fibre pectin, which soothes the intestines and reduces constipation. Improves colonic flora, reduces unfriendly bacteria & parasites. Excellent for childhood diarrhoea.

Broccoli Excellent for weight loss.
Helpful for high blood pressure, liver problems and constipation.

Carrots - Excellent for skin problems, reduces imflammation of the digestive and intestinal tract. Liver cleanser and tonic. Increases vitality and vigour. Contains an insulin-like compound, therefore can be used in juice mixtures for diabetics. Promotes high quality breast milk and healthy pregnancy, great for growing kids!
  
Celery - Reduces acidity, which is beneficial in cases like arthritis, toxicity and gout. Natural diuretic, which reduces fluid retention. Calms the nervous system. Excellent for weight reduction as it lessons a 'sweet tooth'. Helpful for insomnia, kidney/bladder problems and constipation.

Green Beans - are thought to strengthen the kidneys and liver, according to Oriental Medicine. Excellent source of protein. Help keep blood sugar levels stable, as their glucose content is released slowly. Great for diabetics.    

Cucumber - Has excellent diuretic properties, reducing fluid retention. Anti - inflammatory, reduces hair loss, high potassium levels helpful for high blood pressure. Reduces acidity in cases of arthritis and reduces kidney stones. 

Spinach - Heals the lining of the digestive tract. Reduces arthritic pain, fatigue, contipation and heavy menstral bleeding. Improves vision.                  


Music, food for the soul..................
As I write this with a huge smile on my face, I am excited, exhilarated and energised at 10pm at night listening to Triple J, Roots n All by Sarah Howells (who just happens to be the funkiest presenter ever) I have decided that thursday nights are my stay up late and research nights just so I can listen to this wonderful presenter. The music she plays is fresh, unique, folkie, indie, bluesy and just makes your heart sing...... la la la la la :)
'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' by Tiki Taane very beautful version......


Juzz (my husband) just came down to my office and asked if I had been smoking some happy herbs :) ha ha well, no I replied, "I feel fantastic! Who needs that, I'm writing about my passion, natural health, spreading the JOY and listening to terrific tunes...." oh and the girls are peacefully asleep which helps!


When I am cooking in the kitchen or cleaning (picking up after my fabulously creative, inquisitively messy gals),  I love listening to Florence and the Machine, Jabaru, Camille, Mamas and Papas, Sia and Xavier Rudd just to name a few.......
What music do you love to listen to while sweeping away or wiping the benches?


"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" - Hippocrates

Thought I would mention two very common illnesses that I have come across many times in my Raindrop Practice;
These recipes are from Dr Sandra Cabot's book - Raw Juices can Save your Life!

ARTHRITIS
Some possible causes: Excess process foods, dehydration, trauma to joints from sports injuries, excess weight, lack of exercise...


Celery Balancer Juice:
This juice will reduce acidity and inflammation in the joints. Helpful for all types of arthritis.
4 stems of celery
1 medium carrot
2 medium apples
20g alfalfa sprouts
1/2 clove garlic
1 sprig parsley


THYROID DYSFUNCTION - Underactive Thyroid
Some possible causes: Deficiency of minerals such as iodine and selenium, auto-immune disease, viral infection of thyroid gland, genetic factors; family history.

Juice for the Thyroid Gland:
1cm fresh ginger root
1 red radish and leaf
2 carrots
1 medium beetroot and top
3 lettuce leaves
1 tsp kelp powder (stir thru juice at end)


*helpful natural supplements:
-Kelp and other seaweeds (wakame salad from Lawnton seafood house is delicious, stir through your salads) these are an excellent source of iodine and other trace minerals to support thyroid function.
-Young Living has lots of synthetic free natural supplements, one that the EODR
 recommends is Sulfurzyme. These provide temporary relief from pain, containing three active ingredients, including MSM, NingXia wolfberry and Copaiba essential oil. (helpful for both Arthritis and Thyroid)


One more juice idea..... Beetroot, apple, lemon and celery with.... 30ml of NingXia Red! This is the power juice that will wake up your body with a nutrient infusion of epic proportions!!! The most potent antioxidant juice on the planet!! 
More on NingXia Red Juice in my next blog....... stay tuned :)

Well, I hope I have inspired someone to open their pantry, get out their juicer, blow off the dust and head down to their local country markets. It gives you a sense of empowerment creating your own personal flavours and watching your little ones eat half of the chopped ingredients before stuffing it into the shoot.


Thank you for spending the time reading my blog in this crazy, busy, fast paced world.
Please take a moment and share with your friends....


Enjoy your JOYOUS juice,
Joyous Health and Harmony,
Love Amy***
www.naturallyjoyous.com
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous


References:
RAW JUICES can save your life; Dr Sandra Cabot, 2001
EODR; Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th Ed, 2009

Monday 5 March 2012

PEP UP with Peppermint Essential Oil!


Invigorating, stimulating and energised!!

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Originated from North America, the Mediterranean and Great Britain.
It was one of the main ingredients used by grave robbing bandits to protect themselves during the black plague in the 15th century. (Part of Thieves essential oil blend) It is a highly regarded digestive stimulant, Medical Doctors in France have been known to use it to treat liver and respiratory disease for years.

Peppermint essential oil's main chemical constituent is, Menthol. This is one of the most synthetically reproduced compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. It is in many products from mouth wash, toothpaste, chest rub, body wash, shampoo, mints and ice cream, lots of things have been created from peppermint! So instead of buying a peppermint essence made from alcohol in the supermarket, you can have the real thing, pure, potent powerful, safe and very concentrated!!
I love cooking with it, I have added it to chocolate ice cream and chocolate drinks, and this is one of my favourite easy recipes choc peppermint brownie slice that my Nana gave me (well she use to make it without the peppermint oil, wish she could be here to taste the new and improved version!)

Chocolate Peppermint Brownies (Vegan)
You will need:
1/2 cup pure organic coconut oil
3/4 cup organic maple syrup/agave
3 drops of peppermint essential oil
1/2 silken tofu
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
3/4 organic SR flour
1/4 cup cocoa



Melt coconut oil and cocoa in saucepan. Mix until smooth, beat in maple syrup/agave and silken tofu. Add peppermint oil, walnuts, sifted flour and mix well.
Place on lined baking tray, (don't forget to let your little one lick the spoon, like Zola here, best bit about baking!) Then, cook for about 25 minutes at 180 degrees. Cool before cutting. ENJOY!

*(This recipe has been taken out of my book: "An Aromatic Life" -Natural Lifestyles using Essential Oils. Such a handy book covering lots of topics including; Pregnancy, babies and kids, Chemical-free Cleaning, Intuition, Diffusing for a healthy home, Essential Aid written by a Naturopath, Natural Beauty, Emotional Clarity and Oils with Animals!)


The variety of uses for peppermint oil is incredible!
Take today for example; I have used it as an energiser instead of having another cup of coffee, around mid afternoon, (or if you are into those sugary energy drinks, get the boost without the fat!) I put one drop on the back of my hand and lick if off, instantly feeling a boost and full of life!
Or you can place one drop in a cup of very warm water or green tea for a pure energising tea!
I then used it on the back of my neck and shoulders, to ease my tight muscles as i sit here at the computer. It also has worked in helping me keep cool during this sticky humidity.

In the past I have used it with my girls, on the soles of their feet to reduce their high temperatures and also in my diffuser as they have started getting a runny nose. (they both love smelling oils from their bottles especially this one, not that they need any MORE energy!)

If i feel a bit blocked up and stuffy in the sinusy department, it clears my head staight away and helps me think more clearly!
Medicinal properties of peppermint oil include: Anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, is a pain reliever and curbs appetite.
Many uses include arthritis, respiratory infections, candida, headaches, nausea and indigestion.
Sometimes I need a bit of motivation to go for a walk or do some sit ups or any exercise really, so I’ll just inhale out of the bottle, with about 10 deep breaths, going over my intention for that moment and I find it does push me to just get in there and start moving! You can really feel the oxygen flowing in your mind.

Diffusing or inhaling this oil improves alertness, concentration and accuracy. It has been massively researched and studied and one of my favourite studies from the University of Cincinnati found that it improved mental accuracy by 28% when inhaled.  It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind. Therefore I think it would be another nice oil to have during meditation as it can bring more awareness and focus.

I have also used it while traveling in the car, my husband sometimes gets travel sickness, I rub it on his belly to stop the feeling of nausea.

***Peppermint oil and water in a glass spray bottle to freshen yourself up outside in the sun, re awaken, uplift or spray around the house in the morning to give a fresh energy….***

A great pest control as it deters rats, mice, ants and cockroaches. I place a few drops on cotton wool and rub the area where they are coming from and leave it there. Or have a spray bottle and spray the surface.

“The very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirit” Peppermint oil enhances our receptive capacities on both mental and spiritual levels, and like clary sage it benefits those in need of inspiration and insight.  Known as a visionary oil.

So as you can see Peppermint oil is highly beneficial in so many ways! This is one oil that I never leave home without!

If you would like any more info you can connect with me via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous
Website www.naturallyjoyous.com

Thankyou for stopping by, I hope that something caught your eye and made you smile. These beautiful oils are truly life changing and I would love everyone to experience the same health benefits that I do everyday - Naturally!

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy Marais
xo


References:
-My own personal direct experience
-Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, 1999
-Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2009
- An Aromatic Life, 2011


This information is from my direct personal experience and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any illness or dis-ease. Please seek medical advice from a qualified health professional.