In the fall, when the nights turn cold and rainy winds blow the last of summer away, curling up with a blanket and a bowl of Wisdom-of-the-Ancients garlic soup will help you stay healthy and happy.<<<
Thanks for sharing, you are right it is a wonderful soup recipe.
All that good taste and good for you, both garlic and onions are very healing, perfect for the flu and cold days or anytime.
Someone called me tough as a boiled owl.
>There any hunters on the list?
>
> Would owl be tough if you boiled it?
>
> Deb
[]-[]-[]-
Debbie, I feel your pain.
Since no one else has come up with it.
Try this.
http://www.jackmtn.com/simplog/?p=399
“Â Tougher Than A Boiled Owl
By Warren Moody of Castle Hill, Maine (1979)
I’ll tell you a story of way back when
The men on the river were manly men
They cut the timber and sluiced the spruce
And never ate of the tender goose
Their grub was beans and salt pork fat
And pancakes tough as an old felt hat
Blackstrap molasses and biscuits too
Was what the cook fed to the rugged crew
It was 1:00pm by the cook’s old watch
The wanigan boat struck Ghost Landing Rock
The pork was lost and the beans flew wide
And flour was spread on the frothing tide
The grub was gone and the progress slow
And the still had many miles to go
The cook just smiled because he knew
Exactly what he would feed his crew
He put an owl in his big black pot
On top of that a sandstone rock
He boiled and boiled a whole half day
Until the sandstone rock melted away
The nights were cold and the wind did howl
And the men chewed away on the old boiled owl
And that is how they made their way
Down to the village and drew their pay
The tale is still told of way back when
The men on the river were manly men
Strong of back and strong of bowel
They dined for days on the old boiled owl.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ForageAhead/
This recipe sounds pretty much like the ones I make, but I do not put shredded cheese in with the meat/cabbage mixture; instead, I add a half slice of American cheese on top of the meat mixture before I seal up the buns. I’m sure the shredded cheese would be fine too.
Savory German Bierock Buns
1 (16 ounce) loaf frozen white bread
dough, thawed to package directions
1 pound ground beef
4 cups chopped cabbage
2 medium onions, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 egg, beaten
Thaw dough according to package directions.
In 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook beef, cabbage and onions until meat is browned and vegetables are tender, stirring often to break up meat. Continue cooking until most of liquid evaporates.
Drain off fat. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder and Worcestershire. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, then cool to room temperature.
Grease two cookie sheets. Divide bread dough into 10 equal pieces. On floured surface, roll each piece into 6-inch round. Spoon about 1/2 cup meat mixture onto center of each dough round. Bring edges over meat, pressing together to seal firmly.
Place on prepared cookie sheets. Cover and let rise in warm place 20 minutes.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Brush dough with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Teresa Rouzer
Burlington, North Carolina
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________________________________________________________________________
4. ALMOND COOKIES
Posted by: “best.recipes”
Recipe today is Almond cookies
1 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp almond extract
2-1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup blanched almond halves
read more: http://4best-recipes.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/frozen-assets/
Re: chickens
Posted by: “MotherLodeBeth”
Have done turkeys as well and its all about being organized.? I actually blindfold my birds which calms them down.? Then tie their legs and hang upside down on a tree limb which seems to help them bleed out faster.? Then using a new garden hose used just for cooling down the birds fast, I gut and then use the hose and its cold water to chill the bird down faster. Then I have a big pot of hot water on the Coleman stove going and use this to dip and count to ten, then remove and in less than two minutes I have the bird feather free. Just make sure the bird(s) dont have any food 24 hours before you slaughter, as it prevents a big mess. And have a bucket to catch all the insides so they dont make a mess.??Have knives really sharp so that when you cut their heads off they cut clean and fast.? ~Beth~
One reason I save the skin on the chicken, turkey, duck is it holds in the moisture better. And it adds great flavor to homemade stock. Once I get plucky it goes really fast.? And being organized and having everything laid out well means I can do one chicken and then another.? I do not allow the other chickens to see me slaughtering, since I am really serious about stress issues on any animal I cull.? My Dad used to wait a good fifteen minutes before taking?deer or elk down, because he wanted them to be calm. The theory being, that a stressed out animal causes blood to flood areas of their body, instead of blood being a quick bleed out after being killed.? ~Beth~
Some you do, the small game birds I do. Per an article in Feild and Stream they say don’t feather them, just gut and freeze as is. I haven’t tried this.
Then there is another method my grandpa did that I have yet to try. Cake the cleaned but unfeathered carcass in mud and bake. When done the mud takes the feathers off with it. Which sounds good, and one day I hope to try.
Jesse
Not just that,
It is the same when I fish for shark and other game fish, kill it straight away! Otherwise the muscles which is the meat will fill with lactic acid and adrenaline which can ruin the taste. And shark and such the flesh also fills with urea which will ruin the meat as well. Causing it to taste bad as well as decompose very quickly.
So it is not just merciful for the animal to give it a straight clean kill but also for the meat one will glean. Lest it be tainted or become tough because of chemicals that are released by its struggling.
Jesse
What’s In You’r Closet [Tools I mean, Tools]
Posted by: “Jesse W”
Deborahs post about chicken butchering has me thinking. And it made me whip out my upland game knife, its ancient from the family farm, a grandfathers or uncles or greatgrandfathers. Its one of those knives that looks like a three bladed pocket knife, one with a hooked blade, one with a saw and one with a narrow blade, all for preparing game birds. A proper tool for the task.
So it has me wondering what tools you folks have, do you have what you need?
I mentioned before:
1.) Excavation tools, and tools for demolition and rescue. Crowbars, sledehammers, ropes, axes etc. What happens when your house has colapsed and you need to rescue your supplies or family members trapped inside? Life that tree off the road so you can get out.
2.) Carpentry tools; basics, if you have trees you have wood, as well as making modifications to your home, or repairing and rebuilding. Saws, awls, hammers, planes and chisels.
3.) Mechanics tools, you want to be able to keep what machines you have going, as well as tinkering with new things, so pliers, wrenches, nuts and bolts, screwdrivers and such.
Those are the three main catagories, then you can get into specific tools, gunsmith tools, eletrical repair tools, vehicle tools etc. But, a basic tool kit is essential.
And of course let us not forget,
KITCHEN TOOLS!
Tools for butchering animals, fowl, small game and large. [Assorted knives, saws, cases for them and sharpering stones and such]
Processing and preparing raw grains and other foods, [grinders, mills and canning goods]
Basic handpowered tools, peelers, mixers, slicers, dicers, can openers and even mortar and pestals and similiar containers and such.
So do you all have the items you need?
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HunkerDown06/
Insurance boosts off-grid home sales!
Posted by: “solarman”
Thought you might find this article interesting. I have said many times that once contractors, lenders, and insurance companies seen the benefit of building off-grid homes there would be a big surge in people doing it and I think that time is near at hand!
ARTICLE:
The American Clean Energy and Security Act is best known for its controversial “cap-and-trade” carbon emissions program, but the bill also contains an entire subsection devoted to creating incentives for consumers and federal agencies to build and finance more energy-efficient dwellings.
Under the Bill, State governments would be required to ensure that homeowners whose energy technologies allowed them to become independent of utility companies for their power are not denied property hazard coverage by insurance companies.
That will make getting a mortgage on an off-grid property much easier.
It would be nice if you could just cancel theinsurance once you have the mortage, but sometimes it is as condition of the financing
At the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a new generation of energy-efficient mortgages is being rolled out, starting with FHA loans that offer 5 percent larger mortgage amounts to people who plan to undertake energy-efficiency improvements.
Possible additional incentives in the pipeline: Give applicants credit for a home loan in exchange for documentable savings in annual energy expenditures.
The FHA is directed to ensure a minimum of 50,000 new energy-efficient mortgages during the coming three years. An energy-efficient house is defined as one in which energy consumption is reduced by 20 percent following renovations.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are directed to develop new mortgage products and more flexible underwriting guidelines to reward energy-conscious borrowers and builders.
*Real estate appraisers would be required to take energy improvements and the money they save into account as they value houses. For example, if you spent $30,000 on a series of major upgrades, an appraiser would need to consider the annual cost savings in energy produced and the impact, if any, on market value. States would require licensed appraisers to undergo additional professional training for their new energy-efficiency valuation responsibilities.
Federal financial regulators would be directed to support the establishment of privately run “green banking centers” in banks and credit unions across the country. The centers would help consumers understand how best to obtain financing for energy-conserving home improvements, second and primary mortgages, and energy audits and ratings.
A Seattle-based real estate firm, G2B Ventures, which is raising $50 million for an Efficient Real Estate Fund to buy up and rehab houses, says green-certified, high-energy conserving homes in its area sold for 7.5 percent more per square foot and 24 percent faster between 2007 and 2008.
LaMar
www.simplesolarhomesteading.com
www.homesteadernews.com
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2.1. Re: Steel Container Living - Any Good Sites?
Posted by: “Detrick
I’m not sure if anyone has come across this or not. It looks like a
decent, albeit short, writeup on the general structural properties of
containers. Might be interesting reading if you’re considering
connecting 2 or more containers together for increased interior space.
Be careful cutting those side walls away!
http://www.runkleconsulting.com/Shipping%20Container%20Houses/ShippingContainerHouseEngineering.htm
To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplyoffgrid/
Tea Tree 100% Pure Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil (.5 fl. oz.) - Stock #1777-1
In 1923, Dr. A.R. Penfold discovered Tea Tree oil was 13 times stronger as
an antiseptic bacteriacide than carbolic acid, considered the universal
standard in the early 1900’s.
By 1930, Tea Tree Oil was being applied to pus-filled infections. It
dissolved the pus and left the surface of the wounds clean and without
apparent irritation to the surrounding healthy tissues.
Today Australian Tea Tree Oil is known to be an effective antiseptic and
fungicide and promotes tissue healing. The following is some suggested
therapeutic uses for this oil. This information is for educational purposes
only. For serious or persistant problems consult a physician.
General Use
Externally: Tea Tree oil may be applied directly to the skin to stimulate
regeneration of injuries and fight bacterial and fungal infection. If you
have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute it with a little olive oil. A
Massage Oil http://www.theherbsplace.com/essentialaccess.html can also be
used as a carrier oil since it is formulated especially for skin absorption.
Internally: To fight infections (bacterial or fungal) take a few drops well
diluted with water.
Specific Uses
Acne - Dab on pure or add to warm water and rinse. You can add it to any
facial wash you use.
Antiseptic - Many antiseptics are harsh on delicate tissue or are hampered
by the presence of pus and other organic matter. Tea tree oil is very
effective in the presence of pus and it does not harm healthy tissue.
Instead, it promotes the growth and repair of healthy tissue, which lessens
the chance of scarring.
The oil has been proven effective in dilutions up to 1 part in 200 for
streptococcus, staphylococcus, typhosis, diphtheria, pneumoccoccus,
meningosus, anthasis, and gonocooccus.
According to researchers at the Department of Research, Lombard, USA, the
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Plant-Remedies/tea-tree-oil-research.htm
oil works by activating white blood cells, the body’s first line of
defence. In addition, the oil has been proven effective against gonococcus
at a dilution 1:12,800.
Diluted 250:1 in a water base, Tea Tree Oil was effective against
Pseudomonas auruginosa, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and
Aspergilluls niger. Apply full strength to the infected area and/or take
internally well diluted in water.
Athlete’s Feet - Being a fungal based problem, Tea Tree Oil does a great job
eliminating the problem. Put 2-3 drops in your palm and add a carrier oil or
lotion and apply at least once a day.
Boils - Wash the area surrounding the boil thoroughly and then apply full
strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day for four days. A
gauze pad saturated with the oil may also be applied directly to the boil
for up to twelve hours.
Bug Buster - We keep a spray bottle mixed with 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil and
a quart of water to repel insects. In the summer ants tend to come in our
patio door or along the exposed wall. When we see that begin, we spray our
natural Bug Buster several times a day for several days and they’ll find
somewhere else to go. Natural doesn’t work fast like chemicals, but then it
doesn’t kill a little bit of you either! Another favorite bug repellant is
Clove Oil which can be found in our Essential Oils area of the site.
Burns - Being a non-greasy and volatile oil, Tea Tree Oil is excellent for
burns. Any of the oil which has not been absorbed within 10 minutes will
evaporate, allowing the skin to breathe. Speedy treatment is essential. The
burn should be put under cold running water or packed in ice for one minute.
Then, alternate applications of Tea Tree Oil and cold water for ten more
minutes. The oil may be poured from the bottle directly over the burn. The
oil can be applied liberally twice daily for three to four days if
necessary.
Candida Albicans -Dilute one drop of Tea Tree Oil in an eight ounce glass of
water, juice or herb tea. Drink this mixture once per day for one week. The
next week use two drops of Tea Tree Oil in the liquid. Each week thereafter
increase the amount by one drop until you reach a maximum of five drops of
Tea Tree Oil per day. Continue to take five drops of Tea Tree Oil in eight
ounces of liquid for two months. This should be used in conjunction with
dietary changes, Acidophilus supplements, pau d’arco and other aids to
overcoming Candida. For children, use one drop in a quart of liquid.
Cankers (Mouth Ulcers) - Apply the oil full strength directly to the canker
sore several times until sore heals. One or two applications are reported to
do the trick for most people.
Cold Sores - Apply the oil full strength daily for a week.
Cuts - Clean the wound and apply the Tea Tree Oil directly to the cut two to
three times the first day. You can continue to apply the oil twice daily for
up to seven days thereafter.
Dandruff - Add Tea Tree to your shampoo for dandruff, dry or oily scalp, and
itchy scalp. Use 10 drops to an 8 ounce bottle.
Diaper Rash - Apply 2-3 drops of oil mixed in your palm with a carrier oil
(not baby oil - it contains mineral oil which causes Vitamin A
deficiencies).
Disinfectant - Use 15 drops to quart of water in a spray bottle. Use on
countertops or for general cleaning. Tea Tree Oil along with Sunshine
Concentrate will give you all the cleaning and laundry supplies you need in
your home.
Ear Aches - Rub two or three drops of the oil on the outer ear or dilute
three drops of the oil in one teaspoon of olive oil and put a few drops of
the diluted mixture in the ear twice daily.
Fleas - Use 10 drops to 8 oz. of water and spray on animal’s coat as you rub
it in. It will be good for their skin also. This needs to be done daily
until the problem is under control in the home. After all fleas are gone you
can put it in a spritzer bottle and give your animal a spritz all over once
or twice a day if fleas are in the area.
Fungus Nails - Andrew Weil, M.D. in “Natural Health, Natural Medicine”, says
Tea Tree Oil will clear up fungal infections of both toenails and
fingernails even if they are resistant to strong systemic antibiotics.
Gums/Teeth - Add 2 drops to a little water and swish around mouth -— or add
a drop to your toothbrush and apply while you brush. Does a great job for
receding gums, pyorrhea, gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath from dental
sources.
Infected/Sore Nails - Applied several times a day.
Insect Bites and Stings - As soon as possible, apply the oil full strength
directly to the bite with a finger or cotton ball.
Laundry Disinfectant: Add one teaspoon per load to disinfect laundry such as
diapers or to prevent transmission of fungal infections.
Lice - Mix five drops of Tea Tree Oil in a teaspoon of shampoo and wash the
hair. Repeat this treatment twice daily until the lice are gone. Paw Paw
Lice Shampoo http://www.theherbsplace.com/pawpaw.html
has Tea Tree and
more for an effective solution to lice and fleas
http://www.theherbsplace.com/pawpawfleas.html
Mites - Cats and dogs get ear mites. They are not transmittable to humans,
but infestations are very contagious with pets in contact with other
animals. We have used TEA TREE OIL diluted. I use 10 drops in a tablespoon
of olive oil (you can use another kind). Then I take a small eyedropper and
squirt it in one ear at a time, instantly covering the opening with the ear
flap. I spend a full minute massaging the ear to keep the animal from
shaking it all out before it gets into the ear canal and begins doing its
work. Massage as long as you can and rub the animal’s head to make it a
plesant experience so you can repeat this twice a day for a week.
Consistency equals results.
Pimples - Apply full strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day
for four days.
Scalp Problems - Itchy, dry, scaly or oily scalps can be helped with Tea
Tree Oil. Use as shown above under “Dandruff.”
Sinus & Bronchial Congestion - Rub a few drops of the oil on the nose and
sinuses and/or rub the oil on the chest. The vapors may be inhaled by adding
five drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming hot water or to a vaporizor.
Skin Problems - Use one teaspoon in a tub of bath water for a very
invigorating bath. It is reported to help sooth and disinfect the skin in
cases of psoriasis, eczema and so forth.
Splinters - First, soak the afflicted area in hot water to soften the skin.
Then, apply Tea Tree Oil full strength. Remove the splinter with a
sterilized needle. Clean the cut, dry the area and reapply the oil. For deep
slivers, Black Ointment, pine tar or lily of the valley herb applied to the
area and covered with a dressing will help to draw the sliver to the
surface.
Sunburn - Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or
coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is reported to
be soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People
have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.
Thrush in Infants (Mouth) - Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in the
child’s saliva to reduce the strong taste and paint onto the afflicted areas
with a swab. This can be repeated twice per day for two days. Discontinue if
there is no improvement.
Ticks and Leeches - Apply Tea Tree Oil to the live tick or leech and
surrounding skin. Leave for 20 minutes. The tick may fall off. If not,
remove it carefully (make certain no part of the tick is left in the skin).
Continue applying the oil to the bite three times per day for up to seven
days.
Vaginal Yeast Infections (Monilia) - Use one teaspoon of the oil in a 500
ml. douche daily. You can also soak a tampon in the oil and insert. It can
also be taken internally. See the directions for Candida Albicans.
Tea Tree Oil is one of three oils that make up the “Pocket First Aid Kit”.
Easy to use and you can carry in your purse or pocket.
Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook -101 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil by
Cynthia Olsen is an excellent resource for using Tea Tree Oil for a
multitude of problems. A bottle of Tea Tree Oil and this book will go a long
way for helping the health of your family and pets.
Read more online about Essential Oils
http://www.theherbsplace.com/essential.html
Tea Tree Oil Succcess Stories
ATHLETE’S FOOT
“My hubby, a natural skeptic about herbs, broke out with athlete’s foot a
few weeks ago. He allowed me to put a few drops of TEA TREE OIL on the
problem. I massaged the oil into the area and overnight the athlete’s foot
was gone!” A.K.
ECZEMA & RASH
“I suffer with eczema in the winter months, especially my right thumb, which
cracks open in one spot and never seems to heal until the warm weather comes
in. The past few days, I’ve also developed a painful rash between my second
and third fingers of my right hand. After reading your comments on TEA TREE
OIL this morning, saying that it is good for wounds, I applied some to the
rash. An hour later, I noticed that my finger was no longer bothering me.
When I looked, I noticed that the rash was completely gone. I then applied
it to my hard-to-heal thumb and, although the split is still there, it seems
to have closed up a bit. I’ve also used
http://www.theherbsplace.com/herbsalv.html
Golden Salve on that thumb with
great results. I love this stuff!” Joanne
HARD BUMP ON DOG
“I noticed a hard bump on the side of my dog, Tasha, and was concerned. I
decided to try a natural approach and began using TEA TREE OIL four (4)
times a day. I also added BLACK OINTMENT
http://www.theherbsplace.com/herbsalv.html
beginning the next evening. I
applied that four (4) times a day also. I noticed it was shrinking in a
couple of days. ONE WEEK LATER, Tasha’s bump is completely gone...zappo...it
is gone! No trace of it. Great news!” Margot
LICE
“It seemed the whole school had an infestation of lice and somebody told me
about using TEA TREE OIL. I was feeling really horrible about putting all
those chemicals on my children’s scalp, knowing they were being absorbed
into their bloodstreams, so I decided to give it a try. It worked so much
better than the drug store stuff. Tea Tree is used for so many things that I
feel like I have a first aid kit in a bottle.” Mary T.
NAIL FUNGUS
“I began putting TEA TREE OIL on my nails and the fungus around my cuticles
died over night.” Kellie
PLANTER’S WART
“I had a planter’s wart on the bottom of my left foot that just would not go
away. Instead of going to the dermatologist for an acid treatment, my wife
wanted to try something “alternative.” She put a drop of Nature’s Sunshine
Tea Tree Oil on the wart and then followed it up with a dab of Nature’s
Sunshine Black Ointment
http://www.theherbsplace.com/herbsalv.html
and
then we put a waterproof Band-Aid on it to keep all the “alternative
medicine” on it. We did it morning and night, and by the second night (after
three treatments), the wart was flat and there was a “divot” in the middle
where it looked as if the seed had drawn itself out.” Steve
TEA TREE OIL DOES IT ALL
“We took our kids camping this past weekend and of course I had my handy
little bottle of TEA TREE OIL (I love this stuff). We were camping and when
we were taking our tent down, we found we had planted one of our spikes
right into a sappy pine root. My husband had sap all over his hand. Well,
anyone whoever gets that pine sap on themselves knows it’s very hard to get
off. I threw the bottle of TEA TREE OIL to my husband and said, “Try this it
works on everything else!” Guess what? He rubbed it into his hands, rinsed
with water, and it was gone! So, my advice is, “Don’t leave home without
it!” Pam in Atlanta
TICKS & TEA TREE OIL
“I had read somewhere that Tea Tree Oil was helpful when removing ticks.
Stephanie, our youngest, has had three ticks so far. All three times, I’ve
put some Tea Tree Oil on the tick and waited until the tick let go so I
could flush it down the toilet. It worked everytime! It takes about 30
seconds but I like the fact that I don’t have to worry about getting “all of
it out”. It must be very toxic to them. I love it!” Giselle
“A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the
simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3
Bohemian Revolution.com
Homemade butter mint candies
Posted: 27 Sep 2009 05:16 AM PDT
Butter mints are those little guys you used to find in a bowl by the cash register at restaurants. They were soft enough to melt in your mouth, and they tasted like buttercream with mint flavor. They’re pretty rare these days, now that everything has to be wrapped individually lest someone catch a germ.
But they’re delicious, and wonderful to serve to guests at a party, and you can make them yourself.
Homemade Butter Mint Candies
Here’s a video from Sue Mallick that talks you through all the steps of one recipe (I’ll type up instructions below):
Instructions:
Put 2 tablespoons of butter and a half packet of cream cheese into a medium saucepan on low heat. Use a whisk to break up the cheese. Once the mixture is smooth, add one box of powdered sugar (10X) bit by bit, whisking as you go. You can also add paste food coloring if desired. Once you’ve added all the sugar, make sure the mixture is smooth with no lumps and remove it from heat. Add a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract and a quarter tablespoon of vanilla and stir them in well.
Put the mixture onto a sheet of tin foil and let it solidify into a round shape for a couple of minutes. Cut it into pieces like a pizza. Take a “slice” and roll it between your hands, then on a sheet of wax paper, until it forms a well-shaped log. Repeat the process with each slice. Slice the logs into bite-size mints. Let them air dry until they reach a dry, somewhat hard consistency.
FDIC Says Bank Failures To Cost Around $100B
FDIC Looking To Shore Up Diminishing Bank Insurance Fund
MARCY GORDON, AP Business Writer
POSTED: 1:00 pm MDT September 28, 2009
UPDATED: 9:35 am MDT September 29, 2009
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators expect bank failures to cost the deposit insurance fund about $100 billion in the next four years and the fund to be running at a deficit Wednesday.
That is higher than an earlier estimate of $70 billion in failure costs through 2013.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. made the projections Tuesday as its board voted to propose requiring banks to prepay an estimated $45 billion in regular insurance premiums for 2010-2012. The proposal could take effect after a 30-day public comment period.
continued.........
The messages typically have a subject line that reads, “Notice of
Underreported Income,” and they encourage victims to either install the
Trojan attachment or click on a Web link in order to view their “tax
statement.” In fact, that link takes the victim to a malicious Web site.
The IRS http://www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=179820,00.html?portlet=1
says not to open attachments or click on links included in e-mail that
claims to come from the tax-collection agency.
What makes this campaign particularly ugly is that the malware that
accompanies the fake IRS messages is a variant of the hard-to-detect Zeus
Trojan. This software hacks into bank accounts and drains them of money as
part of a widespread financial fraud scheme. Researchers estimate that the
Zeus criminals are emptying more than a million dollars per day out of
victims’ bank accounts with the software. Small businesses have been
particularly hard-hit by this fraud, because banks have sometimes held them
accountable for the losses.
Testing a recent variant of Zeus on the VirusTotal Web site, Warner found
that only five of the 41 antivirus detection systems used by VirusTotal
managed to spot it.
Although antivirus vendors have other techniques for blocking the malware —
they can stop people from visiting the malicious Web sites, for example —
the spam is giving the companies a run for their money.
“It’s difficult to stay ahead of it via antivirus because the Zeus binaries
are changing a few times a day to evade detection,” said Paul Ferguson, a
researcher with
http://blog.trendmicro.com/social-engineering-watch-another-irs-scam/
Trend Micro, via instant message. “It’s definitely a problem.”
Toyota, Lexus Recall 3.8M Cars After Firey Santee Crash
The government is warning owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles about safety
problems linked to removable floor mats after a firey crash in Santee killed
four people. They say the mats could interfere with the vehicle’s accelerator
and cause a crash.
MORE DETAILS: http://www.10News.com/tu/5K9SdtULV.html
How to Build a PVC Hoop House – Gardening Tip
Posted By TipNut On March 4, 2008 @ 1:22 pm In DIY Projects, Garden & Plants | No Comments
Today’s feature is from Westside Gardener with instructions for How to Build A PVC Hoophouse For Your Garden [1]:
An unheated PVC hoophouse can be a useful addition to your garden. It keeps excessive rain off the plants, blocks the wind, raises daytime temperatures 5-10 degrees (and often much more), and keeps frosts and heavy dew off the leaves. This can extend your warm-season gardening a month or more at both ends, and makes it possible for year-round gardeners to grow a wider variety of plants through the winter.
PVC hoophouses are inexpensive to build, and can be put up in about an hour. Take a look, and decide for yourself!
Where I live there are plenty of things that don’t grow well because the season’s too short. My yard’s a bit small for a hoop house, but I do have good success with cold frames [2], it’s a temporary solution for holding bedding plants and seedlings. When the weather turns nice, just take them out and plant in your garden and containers.
A cold frame’s not as great as a hoop house (where you could grow large amounts of plants directly in the ground, protected), but it’s a nice perk.
For more DIY greenhouse and gardening projects, see Sherry’s Greenhouse Projects List [3], that’s where I found the hoop house plans.
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* How To Build A Cold Frame With An Old Window [2]
* How To Build A Raised Garden Bed – Cheap [4]
* Diggin It: No Dig Gardening [5]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/how-to-build-a-pvc-hoophouse-gardening-tip/
URLs in this post:
[1] How to Build A PVC Hoophouse For Your Garden: http://westsidegardener.com/howto/hoophouse.html
[2] cold frames: http://tipnut.com/how-to-build-a-cold-frame-with-an-old-window/
[3] Sherry’s Greenhouse Projects List: http://www.sherrysgreenhouse.com/pages/structures/greenhouses-build.html
[4] How To Build A Raised Garden Bed – Cheap: http://tipnut.com/how-to-build-a-raised-garden-bed-cheap/
[5] Diggin It: No Dig Gardening: http://tipnut.com/no-dig-garden/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Cat & Dog Hair Cleanup Tips
Posted By TipNut On December 29, 2006 @ 11:56 am In Cleaning, Pets | 3 Comments
When the lint roller just can’t get the job done while trying to remove pet hair from upholstery and carpets, here are a few tips to try (most will work well for detailing your vehicle as well):
Pet Hair Cleanup Tips
* Wrap clear packing tape (or wide masking tape, duct tape) loosely around and across your hand (sticky side out) then wipe/pat down furniture and areas where pets tend to hang out. Works well on clothes too. It aint pretty but it works.
* Mist area well with water, then briskly brush hair together into a pile and garbage–vacuum. Use a stiff bristle brush for this, the stiffer the better.
* Try a thick, dense sponge. Look in pet stores for special pet hair cleanup sponges–they need to be quite dense to work best (a couple options: Walmart’s Pet Select Magic Pet Hair Remover Sponge or Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter). They’re about $5 or $6 and can be washed and reused over and over again.
* Wear rubber gloves and wipe, pulling hair together in a pile. Regular yellow, dishwashing gloves, rubber gardening gloves or surgical rubber gloves work well for this. Wash hair off, dry the gloves, then get at it again. Vacuum up the piles of hair wads you accumulate with the process.
* Wipe down with a dryer sheet–lifts and attracts hair.
* Try a good, portable wet vac.
* Take a spray bottle, give two good squirts of Downy and fill the rest of the bottle with lukewarm water. Shake to mix well, then spray area. Let dry and vacuum. This seems to help lift the hair from carpets.
* Spray with Static Guard, dry then sweep, vacuum or sponge the area.
Dog Hair Cleaner Recipe
Bucketful of warm water and a splash of Murphy’s Oil Soap
* Wet a sponge with the water, squeeze to release excess then wipe area in a circular/rotating motion. Don’t use the sponge dripping wet. Rinse hair from sponge in a clean bucket of water, submerge again in the Murphy’s Oil Soap water and repeat process until all hair is picked up. Pretty sure this works for cat hair too .
When all else fails:
Put on your favorite, nicest pair of black slacks or your most expensive, cute black dress and walk through your house. Voila! Hair from miles around will be on them .
Did you know:
* You can save your dog’s hair (clean hair!), have it spun and then knit items from it?
* You can also save & bag both cat and dog hair, set it out in Spring for the birds to take–they’ll build their nests with it.
*edited to update image & formating
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Tips to Fight Flyaway, Static Hair [1]
* Easy Pet Brush Cleanup [2]
* How To Make An Outdoor Cat An Indoor Cat [3]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/cat-dog-hair-cleanup-tips/
URLs in this post:
[1] Tips to Fight Flyaway, Static Hair: http://tipnut.com/tips-to-fight-flyaway-static-hair/
[2] Easy Pet Brush Cleanup: http://tipnut.com/easy-pet-brush-cleanup/
[3] How To Make An Outdoor Cat An Indoor Cat: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-an-outdoor-cat-an-indoor-cat/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
1. Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries Clone
Posted by: “missvergie”
Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries Clone
1 (32 oz) bag frozen French Fries
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese — (An excellent suggestion is to use the cheese that is labeled as “Taco Cheese” cheese for Tacos.)
6 pieces Bacon — cooked
Divide the fries into half, and use the other half later.
Heat oil to 350º F. (If you do not have a thermostat, make sure the oil is hot enough, so that when you set a French fry in there it will cook immediately. If the French fry sinks to the bottom, and barely bubbles, it is not hot enough.)
Fry the potatoes in small batches, they are done when they are golden brown, and float to the top of the skillet. ( I like to use a Dutch oven).
Be sure to drain the potatoes on paper towels.
You can keep them warm in the oven while the other fries are done.
When all French fries are done cooking, and drained place them onto a platter. Salt the French fries if you like, and sprinkle on cheese and cooked bacon. Pop these back into a warm oven until the cheese begins to melt.
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2. Horn and Hardart’s Macaroni and Cheese Clone
Posted by: “missvergie”
Horn and Hardart’s Macaroni and Cheese Clone
1 Cup Elbow Macaroni, (cook according to package directions)
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 1/2 Cups Milk
2 Tablespoons Light Cream
1 1/2 Tablespoons Butter
1/4 Cup Canned Tomatoes
1 1/2 Tablespoons Flour
1/2 teaspoon Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese
Salt — to taste
White Pepper — to taste
Preheat oven to 400º F.
Combine milk and cream in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. While the milk warms, heat the butter in another saucepan over low heat for 1 minutes until
foaming.
Add the flour and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter / flour mixture and cook, stirring with a wire whisk or wooden spoon for a few minutes, until thickened.
Add the cheese to the white sauce, about 1/4 cup at a time. Stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cayenne, salt and white pepper to taste.
Stir the tomatoes and the sugar into the cheese sauce, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
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3a. Babe Ruth Bars
Posted by: “vergie_e”
Babe Ruth Bars
Boil together:
1 cup white Karo Syrup
1 cup sugar
When it boils, turn off the heat
Add:
1 1/2 cup peanut butter and mix well. Then pour over 4-5 cups Rice Krispies in a large bowl and stir to coat evenly.
Press into a 9 X 12 greased pan (butter your fingers as it is pretty hot or use the back of a greased spoon).
Melt 8 ounces butterscotch morsels in the microwave and spread on top evenly. Cut into 2 inch squares before serving.
Tip: . I have found that it is easier to cut any kind of “krispy” dessert immediately after putting it into the pan because it is harder to cut after it cools. Run a knife through the cut lines again when completely cool and before serving.
.
My other groups: favoritefamilyrecipes@yahoogroups.com and moderator of BisquickRecipes@yahoogroups.com.
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cookingandbakingmixes/
Delicious Peanut Butter Marshmallow Spread (kid Friendly)
Posted by: “luvmygroops”
From the Recipe Zaar website...
~~~~~
Delicious Peanut Butter Marshmallow Spread (kid Friendly)
5 min 5 min prep
6 cups (approx)
1 (18 ounce) jar peanut butter
1 (13 ounce) jar marshmallow cream
2 cups light corn syrup
In a large mixing bowl, mix all three ingredients; beat hard until well blended Store in or out of fridge Spread on bread— enjoy!
—
Rhonda G in Missouri
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RecipesLostandFound/
Baby Back Ribs
2 1/2 pounds pork baby back ribs, cut into serving size pieces
5 cups water
1 medium onion, sliced
2 celery ribs, cut in half
2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup plum sauce
1 dash hot pepper sauce
Place the ribs in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the water, onion, celery, 1 teaspoon garlic and peppercorns. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until meat is tender.
In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, plum sauce, hot pepper sauce and remaining garlic. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until heated through. Remove ribs. Discard cooking juices and vegetables.
Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Brush ribs with sauce. Grill, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally and brushing with remaining sauce.
Dorie
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Momsmenuplan/
_Pesticides Cause Childhood Brain Cancers_
(http://www.naturalnews.com/027121_pesticides_cancer_brain_cancer.html)
By David Gutierrez, staff writer
September 29 - Children living with parents who use pesticides around the
home are significantly more likely to develop brain cancer than children
who are not exposed to such chemicals, according to a study published in
the...
Turkey MeatLoaf with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Turkey-Meat-Loaf-with-Sun-\Dried-Tomatoes-1560
Bon Appétit | March 1996
A crowd-pleasing standard gets a makeover with ground turkey instead of
beef; sautéed vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor. Round
out the meat loaf with the mashed potatoes, some green beans and dinner
rolls. Pour a dry white or light red wine.
Yield: Serves 6
[ingredients]
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs made from soft white bread
2/3 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
½ cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoons ground pepper
Ketchup
[preparation]
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x5x3-inch glass loaf pan. Heat oil in
heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes.
Add celery; sauté until vegetables are very tender, about 15 minutes
longer. Transfer to large bowl.
Add all remaining ingredients except ketchup to vegetables in bowl. Mix
thoroughly. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 1 hour. Brush with ketchup
and bake until thermometer inserted into center registers 165°F,
about 15 minutes longer. Cool 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
There was a thread recently about using applesauce to extend fruit in jams when you are running short. I do this all the time. Here is a great recipe that I did three batches of tonight.
4 cups frozen/fresh berries mix (Sams Club, Blueberries, Balckberries, raspberries or any mix of the fruits)
2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 box powdered pectin
Combine ingredients, mash berries and bring to a boil.
Add 7 cups sugar and bring to a hard boil for 2 minutes. Pour into jars, wipe rims and process for 10 minutes.
I find berries to be really intensely flavored. You really don’t notice the applesauce at all. The berries hide the applesauce flavor.
I got about 6 pint jars from this recipe.
This is SO good! Berries tend to be expensive too compared to Applesauce.
chat later,
Kathy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/home_canning/
Healthier desserts
Posted by: “*~Tamara~*”
I have a group called LowFat Desserts but, even though I am keeping the name because it would be too much trouble to change, it is now going to be for all healthier desserts. That will also include low sugar, no sugar, diabetic and hopefully some low carb ones. Won’t you please join me and send in your favoritees, too?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LowFat-Desserts/
Food Facts
Researchers in Sweden have discovered that you can make yourself 2-1/2 times less likely to catch colds from now on simply by eating yogurt.
One bushel of wheat can make 90 one-pound loaves of whole wheat bread.
Tasty Tidbit...
Dice up an apple and toss in 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and a dash of apple pie spices. Top with a sprinkle of oats. Then warm it all up in the microwave. Sweet!
How To Not Suck At Everything: Frugal Dad
How To Not Suck At Everything
Posted: 29 Sep 2009 03:00 AM PDT
The following guest post is from Neal Frankle of Wealth Pilgrim. Wealth Pilgrim is on my short list of daily reads. After reading the post, head over to Neal’s site and sign up to receive his posts.
You probably don’t suck at anything….but your mind tells you that you do.
I just finished reading Adam Baker’s great post on How To Not Suck at Blogging. Besides being a great read, it inspired me.
Just as Adam laid down some rules any blogger can use to “not suck” at blogging, I believe there are certain tools you can use to have a “suck free” experience while you are here on this planet – even if you aren’t a blogger.
The first and most important rule is this:
1. You Only Suck If You Tell Yourself You Suck
Be honest. Besides your teenage kids, when is the last time anyone said to you, “You suck”? Unless you are still in high school or are a full-time Hells Angel, my guess is, it’s been a very long time.
In fact, I’ll bet the last person who told you this…was you. Am I right?
For some terrible reason we are very proficient at treating ourselves worse than our worst enemy would – if we had an enemy (which we probably don’t).
I don’t know where this comes from and I don’t give a damn anymore. I am officially declaring war on attacking anyone from here on…so Neal won’t be attacking Neal anymore.
Your Solution:
If you find yourself attacking yourself with negative crap talk, write down 5 reasons why you love yourself and then call somebody and tell them. Be brave. I know this is a hard thing to do but I will absolutely guarantee that the negative thoughts will stop if you take this action.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Anyone
My dad always told me that the only thing that really matters in life is trying your hardest. If you do that, you are successful.
This makes sense. If I’ve tried my hardest, what more can I do?
So why is it that I compare myself to others despite already having put in my best efforts? I’m sick of it. I’m declaring war on that too.
By any objective measurement, there is no part of my life that sucks.
* I have the family that I literally dreamed of having when I was a kid.
* I have a fine business that serves great people and provides for my family.
* I have time to write my blog and I’ve received some nice responses to what I write.
* I am healthy.
* I get to play music with some very cool people.
What sucks about that? Nothing.
Yet I’ve barraged myself with negative self-talk for years on almost all the blessings I have. And of course the easiest way to hurt myself is to compare myself to others.
Let me give you a few examples;
When I compare myself to other business owners, I ask myself why I’m not doing as well as some other friends in my industry. Rather than be grateful for still having a profitable business, I find a way to put myself down by comparing myself to others.
In terms of my body, I’m not obese but I’d like to lose about 20 pounds. Rather than be thankful for the problems I have, I compare myself to the Brad Pitts of the world and lament my bad fortune.
Music. I am not an accomplished musician but I play well and get to play with some great musicians. They keep calling me back so I must be doing something right. Yet when I listen to the radio and hear kids half my age doing things on the drums that I can’t even understand, I tell myself that I have no talent. Why? In college, I even stopped playing for 10 years because when I got there, I met players who were so much better than I was. What a shame and waste.
Am I the only person who does this? Nope.
I’ll never forget the time I spent an hour with a super rich and successful buddy of mine. Believe it or not, this cat makes over $1 million a month! Do you think he’s happy about it?
He isn’t. He told me how much money his buddies from law school make and was feeling sorry for himself.
REALLY?
REALLY?
Your Solution:
You’re making it all about you…and it’s not.
You’re spending too much time in your head and it’s getting boring. Here’s an idea – do something for somebody else. Don’t wait to “want “ to be of service…..just do something despite how you feel about it. This can be as involved or as simple as you want.
Here are a few quick ideas you can do right now:
* Go read a book to your kid.
* Go take a walk around your neighborhood and pick up trash.
* Ask your spouse if he’d like a back rub (are you reading this honey?)
3. Create Humility
One of my favorite people in the world explained that humility means being on the same level with everyone. Not better. Not worse. The same. If you tell yourself you suck at something that implies that someone else is better at it (which may be true) and therefore better than you (which is certainly not true).
So let someone – or everyone be better than you are at some activity. Just because someone else does something better than you, it doesn’t mean you suck. Who cares? Why let that mean anything? Understand that the only person who gives that fact any credibility at all is you. Stop it. Right now.
Your Solution
My experience tells me that the solution for lack of humility is spiritual in nature. It’s asking for help from a higher power. However, I believe there are practical things you can do to solve this as well.
When you lack humility, you lack self esteem. Do estimable acts. Things that prove to yourself that you aren’t worthless. You might have years and years of practice telling yourself what a piece of crap you are so this is going to take work.
But believe me, if you do estimable acts over a long enough time, sooner or later, the evidence is going to pile up and you’ll have more self-esteem. You won’t be looking around for evidence to support that notion that you suck because you’ll know that you don’t.
4. Get a New Currency In Your Life
We measure our success in life by how thin we are, how many readers we have for our blog, how big our house or apartment is (or isn’t), how much money we have, how much we travel etc.
It’s very “me” based and it turns “me” off.
It’s a system designed to perpetuate misery. There will always be someone who is smarter, better or faster. Always.
When I was in junior high school, I remember reading about a tribe in Africa that measured their wealth by what they gave away rather than by what they had. This story had a huge impact on me.
What if all our running around trying to have “more” is wrong? What if it doesn’t mean anything. I can tell you from working with people and money for the last 25 years, nobody has ever said that their greatest achievements in life had anything to do with money. Nobody.
What if our true wealth is derived from how much we try to help others? Close your eyes and imagine that for just a minute.
When you do…it’s really hard to have the “I suck” conversation with yourself….isn’t it?
5. Bonus Soution – Laugh at Yourself
I hate to tell you this but in less than 100 years, you and I will be dust.
Let’s enjoy the time we have. Even if we are a klutz or not great at volleyball, who cares? So what if you aren’t Angelina or Brad? Who cares if you aren’t Bill Gates or Madam Currie? It sure won’t matter in 100 years. It probably won’t matter in 100 days. Actually, it probably doesn’t matter now.
As long as you try your hardest, you can’t possibly suck at anything. You may not do something as well as others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be proud of yourself for your best efforts. Believe me, I’d rather be around a person who tries her very hardest with modest results than a person who doesn’t put any effort in and seems to have everything flow his way. Wouldn’t you?
Post by Frugal Dad.com
This recipe is for Annie.
Fried Apple Pies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
2 apples
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup vegetable oil
1.Peel and dice apples. Add sugar and cinnamon. Cook in a saucepan on low heat. Cook until soft, then mash with fork to form a thick applesauce.
2.Sift flour and salt together. Cut in the shortening. Add water and mix with fork.
3.Roll out to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured board. Cut with a large cookie cutter (4 inches in diameter).
4.In each round, place 1 heaping tablespoon fruit. Moisten edges with cold water, fold and press edge with a fork.
5.Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Fry pies, a few at a time, 2 to 3 minutes on each side; cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Serve warm.
TIP: Apple pie filling may be used.
Patty
For Wendy:
This may not be the version Wendy is looking for, but I think it must be similar. It comes from Todd Wilbur’s site, Top Secret Recipes, and it is a copycat of Houston’s restaurant’s recipe: It is delicious!
Honey-Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
1 1/2 teaspoons minced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced onion
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
pinch salt
1. Combine all ingredients in a small glass or ceramic bowl. Stir well.
2. Heat dressing in the microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble. Remove dressing from microwave and whisk for 1 minute. This will emulsify the dressing and it should begin to thicken as it cools.
3. Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving. Makes 1 cup.
Pat Hartung
Home Remedy: Vicks Vapo-Rub
I wish I’d known this when my family was young during winter colds and coughs. I am going to try it myself. Share with young parents. Isn’t life strange. When we had a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can ‘taste’ it. Some of us have used Vicks Vapo-rub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I’ve never heard of this. And don’t laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren’t sure why. To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vapo-rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure. Just happened to tune in AM. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was a surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly. My mom tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it. If you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the effect!
Not a recipe, but worth sharing!
Sherry
Hi Kaylin,
I agree with all the others who have told you how great it is to receive this ezine. I have a wonderful collection of tried and true recipes from you and the readers. I have a recipe for “thank you squares.” This recipe came from the back of the label on a can of Thank You brand cherry pie filling. With it’s almond extract flavoring and pretty red color, these are a huge hit in the sweet department, especially at Christmas time.
Thank You Squares
350 degrees 30 minutes
2 sticks margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (I use almond)
1 to 1 1/2 cans (regular size pie filling - we prefer cherry) Use one lrg. can if you can find it.
walnuts optional
‘Mix all ingredients well and spread in a sprayed 9 x 13 pan, using about 3/4 of the mixture. Pour the pie filling over this. Drop the remaining dough by a teaspoon here and there over the pie filling. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Finish off by drizzling in a decorative pattern with confectioner’ s icing.
Hope this is what she is looking for. If not, try it anyway - it’s yummy.
Ann Taylor
Conversion Charts: http://www.realfood 4realpeople. com/convert.html
Archives: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/RealFood4RealPeople/
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_whole_grains_recipes?utm_source=EWTWNL
9 great grains to improve your health deliciously at every meal.
Whole grains provide a healthy boost of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients and are also rich in carbohydrates, the body’s main fuel supply—no wonder we need to eat more grains. In fact, the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults consume around six ounces of grains daily, and that we make half those grains whole. Brown rice just recently joined the ranks of healthful whole grains recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Start your day with whole-grain muffins or yogurt topped with granola; try hearty salads with wheat berries or quinoa; swap out white rice or potatoes for sides of brown rice at dinner tonight.
More good news: you’ll feel fuller longer, since whole grains and fiber take longer to digest.
This page is full of good recipes,
granny
Heartburn
The production of hydrochloric acid for the digestion of food is about a quart of the acid every day on average in a normal human being. The protective mucus lining or the intestinal mucosa effectively shields the stomach from the corrosive effects of the acid and it has no effect whatsoever on the stomach. However the esophagus or the food tube is not lined with intestinal mucosa and is very likely to be damaged by any acid that runs up its length, for example when vomiting, the highly acidic semi digestive food can corrode the esophagus, this is why vomiting time and again is not good. Whenever for any reason, the acid reaches the tissues or the lining of the esophagus, burning sensation is produced because of the corrosive effects of the acid on the tissues, this sensation is what is commonly known as heartburn, medically it is defined as gastroesophageal reflux.
Because of the actions of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, the acid produced in the stomach rarely enters the esophagus, and it is effectively restricted to the stomach itself. During normal digestive processes, this sphincter relaxes to let in the masticated food and liquids and immediately constricts again, leaving the stomach to carry out the processes of digesting the food with the help of the acid and other enzymes. The problem begins when some of the content of the stomach somehow escapes into the esophagus, because of improper constriction of the LES; this can lead to heartburn.
Heartburn can be brought about by several underlying internal and external factors. Smoking as a habit can contribute to the weakening of the LES and bring about heartburn, obesity or being overweight are also causes for heartburn, and pregnant are susceptible to it compared to other women. The reason that smoking is a contributory factor is that it leads to the drying out of saliva, one of the functions of saliva is that when swallowed it leads to the neutralization of any acid that may have entered the esophagus, that is saliva washes acid away or back into the stomach, a dry mouth such as induced by smoking reduces salivary output and affects the esophageal acid content. The relaxation of the LES can also be induced by the actions of certain types of food items, these include fatty foods such as chocolate, drinks containing alcohol, and herbs like garlic and onions, several drugs and prescription medications can also bring about this state of affairs. Excessive acid levels can come about in the stomach because of the ingestion of certain acidic food items including citrus fruits, vegetables like tomatoes and even coffee. The contents of the stomach including acid can be forced upwards because of wearing certain tight clothing, especially those that pinch around the abdomen or waist. Prolonged output of acid can result because of overeating which also increases the pressure in the stomach and can lead to the oozing out of excess acid into the esophagus. The position of the body can also play a role, and one should not lie down too soon after a meal as this can increase the chances of acid entering the esophagus, because of the tilt.
Supplements and herbs
The supplements provided here will give relief from heartburn, and can be used for the effective treatment of the disorder, those underlined provide immediate relief and are for use during sudden attacks. Each supplement or combination of supplements may work differently in different people; you will have to try out different combinations of supplements to see what can be effective to your particular body type. These supplements have no side effects whatsoever and can be combined and used along with prescription drugs and medications suggested by a doctor to treat the symptoms of heartburn.
For occasional refluxes and heartburn, the commonly used mineral in antacids, calcium carbonate is effective, and is utilized in tablets like Tums. Relief form heartburn can also be obtained through the use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL); this substance helps in the restoration of the mucus lining of the inner stomach and will prove useful in combating heartburn and related symptoms. The irritation in the esophagus can be soothed and relieved through the use of the juice of the aloe vera, this juice is very soothing and its mucilage can provide healing.
All the supplements and herbs suggested above are for use against an attack of heartburn, and are effective in combating it as a therapeutic measure. However it is beneficial to strengthen the digestive process in the body, for long term prevention of heartburn from occurring, this preventive approach is an excellent way to go about dealing with heartburn, and can help many people avoid getting chronic heartburn. With regard to this, a long-term use can be made of gamma-oryzanol, which is an extract of the rice bran. This compound may affect the digestive process in the body by an indirect action through the central nervous system and will prove useful in the long term against heartburn. Additionally other treatment options in the long term include the use of a combination of the B vitamins and related compounds like choline, thiamin and pantothenic acid, these should bring preventive relief in about a months time and the symptoms of heartburn should recede. Approach your physician if this has not happened and heartburn still surfaces from time to time even after long term supplementation.
What else you can do
To bring down the excessive production of acid in the stomach, change your dietary habits to include frequent but small meals and avoid overeating. It is advisable to limit or reduce your consumption of alcohol and to stop drinking coffee altogether, this include decaf, also reduce or avoid your intake of oily and fatty foods. Eating just before sleeping is not a good idea, and make sure that an interval of at least three hours exist between your last snack or meal and the time of sleep. For better protection against accidental reflux, let gravity help you by using a large and comfortable pillow or by adjusting the head of the bed about six inches higher than the rest of the bed.
Usual dosage
* Aloe vera juice, two cups of aloe vera juice, containing 98% aloe vera and no aloin or aloe-emodin, three times daily between meals.
* Licorice (DGL), two wafers (380mg) of deglycyrrhizinated licorice, three or four times daily between meals.
* Vitamin B1(thiamin), 500 mg daily, should be taken in the morning on empty stomach. Combine with vitamin B5 and choline for chronic heartburn.
* Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), 1,000 mg two times daily. Use in combination with choline and vitamin B1 for chronic heartburn.
* Calcium carbonate, 250-500 mg thrice daily.
* Choline, 500 mg thrice daily. Use in combination with vitamin B5 and vitamin B1 for chronic heartburn.
* Gamma-oryzanol (rice bran oil), 150 mg thrice daily (on an empty stomach).
More useful herbs
* Anise
* Barberry
* Cinnamon
* Devil’s Claw
* Fennel
* Horsetail
* Meadowsweet
* Peppermint
* Slippery Elm
* White Willow
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/heartburn.htm
http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-09-08_tamiflu.htm
New H1N1 Treatment For Patients With Tamiflu-resistant Viruses
A group of doctors have recently stated that a new and unauthorized medication for swine flu may be brought to use to treat patients suffering from Tamiflu-resistant viruses. A group of British doctors have detailed the manner in which they made use of intravenous variety of the anti-viral Relenza to cure a 22-year-old woman who had been suffering from acute swine flu. The details of the treatment process adopted by these British doctors have been published in the medical journal Lancet. It may be mentioned here that Relenza is normally breathed in through the nose and is not licensed for administration as an intravenous injection.
In fact, the woman treated by the British physicians for swine flu had of late endured chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. The woman’s lungs were filled with fluid and she was even put on a ventilator to facilitate her breathing following the swine flu infection. Incidentally, the condition of the patient continued to worsen irrespective of the fact that she was being administered Tamiflu, inhalable Relenza and other medications for several days.
Consequently, the doctors attending on the woman settled on trying out an unusual technique to administer the medicine into the patient’s body as her lungs were incapable of absorbing the anti-viral medications in the normal method. Having obtained the requisite permission from the woman’s family as well as the hospital authorities, the doctors administered the patient an unauthorized intravenous form of anti-viral zanamivir or Relenza made available by the drug’s manufacturer Glaxo-Smith-Kline PLC. Soon after the unlicensed intravenous administration of the inhaler, the patient recuperated. And surprisingly enough, there was no adverse side effect owing to the experimentation by the British physicians!
According to Michael Kidd, the lead author of the study undertaken by the British physicians and a scientist of the University College London, the outcome of this medical experimentation is likely to offer a third alternative to cure patients who are not responsive to anti-viral therapy as the lungs are unable to receive active medication. Kidd further said that though they are now certain that the woman did not suffer from Tamiflu-resistant virus, the intravenous zanamivir may perhaps be administered to cure similar ailments.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has, in a statement, declared that the treatment adopted by the British physicians to cure the woman may only be applicable in exceptional situations, as the availability of the medication is not only difficult, but the process is also unauthorized. Nevertheless, the healing process may prove to be beneficial for patients who have a poor immune system, for instance, people who have had chemotherapy or are suffering from ailments like HIV, as they are at an extreme risk of having viruses that are resistant to medicines. According to a WHO spokesperson Gregory Hartl, the alteration in the use of the anti-viral drug from being an inhaler to an intravenous injection is a rational alternative in such instances. It may be mentioned here that while Tamiflu is the most common preliminary healing drug for swine flu, at times, physicians also make use of the inhaler Relenza.
Though just a few swine flu viruses that are resistant to the drug Tamiflu have been selected thus far, the virus is capable of transforming into a resistant variety as it continues to spread more. In fact, extensive resistance to the Tamiflu drug has been observed during a recurring breed of H1N1 that is vaguely associated with swine flu. At present, the countries that provide the Tamiflu drug include Britain. In fact, these nations may also accelerate the materialization of viruses that are resistant to the medicine. Although the WHO recommends that Tamiflu should be saved for the most susceptible people, such as pregnant women and children, Britain offers the Tamiflu medication to any individual who is suspected to have been contaminated by the virus.
According to Michael Kidd, the inhaler Relenza, which was administered as an intravenous injection despite being unlicensed, may also prove to be beneficial to cure other acutely ailing patients who are affected by flu and may even reduce the period of their hospitalization. In fact, this may actually lessen the burden on the hospitals, as people would be less inclined to occupy the hospital beds during the ensuing winter. Incidentally, it is apprehended that the swine flu endemic may stage a come back.
Apart from the use of the inhaler Relenza as an intravenous injection to cure the woman in Britain, a similar case has been reported from Australia. Incidentally, this particular patient in Australia is said to have been cured of swine flu infection.
Meanwhile, it needs to be mentioned that majority of the countries in the northern hemisphere are now endeavoring for a desperate preparation to tackle the swine flu season that is in the offing. However, it needs to be noted that no inoculation capable of combating the swine flu virus is likely to be available before October.
While the spread of the swine flu virus is still not vigorous, the Word Health Organization (WHO) apprehends that as many as two million people may be affected by the virus across the globe. And in a situation like this, the pandemic is able to overpower the health system worldwide.
http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-07-08_acetaminophen.htm
Acetaminophen Taken In Excess Can Harm Liver
There are lots of people who consider acetaminophen, an analgesic for mild pain that is used as an antipyretic to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers as one of the beneficial drugs and prefer to store it in their medicine cupboards. However, when you take this apparently harmless painkiller in excess, it may lead to the non-functioning of the liver. In other words, if not used judiciously, acetaminophen may really prove to be fatal.
According to the head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Dr. David Juurlink, that acetaminophen is being considered by many as a beneficial medication suitably emphasizes the fact that it is the dosage that actually makes a difference between a medicine and a poison.
Meanwhile, a two-day meet of experts was organized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently to talk about ways and means to lessen overdoses from acetaminophen - an element present is several drugs sold without valid prescriptions. Such medicines include painkillers such as Tylenol and cough and cold medicines like Nyquil.
It may be mentioned here that similar to the majority of the drugs available in the market, acetaminophen too is removed from the body through the liver. But the drug is eliminated from the body only after it is absorbed by the liver, which transforms it into different amalgams. Dr. Juurlink states that one of the metabolites, known as NAPQI or N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinone imine, may prove to be poisonous for the liver in high measures.
It is shocking to note that thousands of Canadians are admitted to the emergency departments of different hospitals every year with liver inflammation caused by overdoses of acetaminophen. According to Dr. Juurlink, while many of the patients take the drug on purpose to cause them harm, there are many others who ingest excessive dosages of the drug unwittingly. It is possible that some of the patients who take overdoses of acetaminophen may do so by ingesting different medicines containing the drug at the same time. Dr. Juurlink is of the view that they may be taking Tylenol to cure arthritis and soon ingest Percocet, Sinutab or any other medicine containing acetaminophen. Moreover, many of these patients may be taking twice the daily dose prescribed for them assuming that it would help them to recover faster. It may be noted that though the primary ingredient in the prescribed painkiller Percocet is the narcotic oxycodone, the medicine also encloses acetaminophen and this often makes the pain reliever a deadly medication.
Dr. Juurlink, however, pointed out that people cannot be blamed for taking acetaminophen over dosages for they are not aware of the threats associated with this drug. Most people consider acetaminophen to be a beneficial drug and hence they may be simultaneously taking Tylenol to get relief from pain and Percocet without actually realizing the perils. Besides, it is very simple to take acetaminophen beyond the prescribed dose as people often get tempted to take more of the medicines containing the drug thinking that it would help them to alleviate their problems faster, Dr. Juurlink said, adding that eventually this procedure only spells trouble for these unsuspecting patients.
According to Dr. Juurlink, the consumers should be cautious while using medicines containing acetaminophen and whenever they purchase any cold and cough medication without a valid prescription they need to essentially go through the ingredient list of the medicine to find if it contains acetaminophen. At the same time, he advises the consumers never to take over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol beyond the prescribed dosage falsely assuming that it would alleviate their pain more rapidly. This may damage the functioning of the liver and eventually prove to be fatal. In addition, the patients must always inquire from their physician or pharmacist about the ‘hidden’ sources or elements in drugs such as Percocet or Vicoden, Dr. Juurlink counseled.
He warned that as long as a patient took anything between one and four grams of acetaminophen daily there is no threat of any harmful reaction in the liver. However, exceeding this dosage, which is the existing highest daily dose of acetaminophen recommended for adults, is bound to invite problems for the patient. “One to four grams of the drug daily is beneficial, but when it is eight grams, it is dangerous,” Dr. Juurlink cautioned.
It may be mentioned here that the medical experts at the FDA have already recommended lowering the present maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen bought without valid prescriptions from four grams or eight tablets of a medicine like Extra Strength Tylenol that contains the drug. However, it is unfortunate that these FDA experts were not asked to suggest a substitute daily maximum dosage of acetaminophen. As a result, no change could be effected in the daily maximum dosage of the drug.
http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-09-25_antibodies.htm
Antibodies And Severe Diseases
If the claims made by a group of Australian researchers are true, the medical science already possesses a weapon that could be exploited to effectively combat the deadly swine flu and largely decrease the death toll owing to the pandemic. According to a group of researchers in Australia, they have discovered a hint regarding the reasons that make swine flu a life-threatening disease. During the course of their research, these scientists found that when women become gravely sick after being infected by the new H1N1 virus during their pregnancy, the intensity of a particular antibody that is identified for its role in combating viruses as well as enable the body to respond to vaccine depletes drastically.
In addition, the scientists have found that the levels of the antibody were not as low or restrained in women who were somewhat sick. According to Dr. Lindsay Grayson, the director of infectious disease at Austin Health - a group of three hospitals in Melbourne, they think that they might have chanced upon something very exciting. The scientist further said that they believe that it was for the first time ever that a link or relationship has been noticed between critical flu of any type and a restrained, but conceivably significant immune deficiency.
The researchers stumbled upon the detection when Dr. Claire Gordon, an associate of Dr. Grayson, called for an examination that observed the levels of antibody, not merely by their category, but also scrutinized the separate sub-groups enclosed by those categories of antibody. The order for investigation was given in the case of a critically ailing person whose condition was deteriorating exceptionally rapidly and the group researches was deliberating if administration of immune globulin, a blood produce enclosing antibodies collected from donated blood would be of any help to cure the patient. The examination confirmed that the level of the antibody known as IgG2 was deficient in the patient. According to Dr. Grayson, the results of the test came as a surprise to them. As a result of this, the scientists began calling for similar tests on all the patients admitted to the hospital’s ICU owing to swine flu infection.
In an interview from San Francisco, where the findings of the report were presented at the annual convention of the American Society for Microbiology - ICAAC, Dr. Lindsay Grayson said that during their examination of all the patients admitted to the ICU with swine flu infection, they came across a startling revelation. Surprisingly, they discovered nearly all the patients suffering from a deficit IgG2. The researchers found that the level of IgG2 in the acutely ill patients was approximately one third of what was present in patients who were somewhat ill.
So far, the researchers have only conducted examinations of pregnant women suffering from swine flu infection. However, Dr. Grayson and his colleagues are of the view that it would be worthwhile to expand the purview of their research and include other patients too as subjects of their study, to find out if the IgG2 deficit is able to make clear as to why only a small number of victims of the swine flu infection suffer seriously, while the majority of such persons simply endure the flu only for a short while.
Dr. Grayson has stated that previous researches have shown around two to twenty per cent people normally suffer from some type of antibody shortage. However, not everyone among these people would be suffering from deficiency of IgG2. He further said that three of the four seriously ill patients who were treated with immune globulin managed to survive contrary to the forecasts made by people who looked after these patients. Chief Microbiologist at Toronto Mount Sinai, Dr. Donald Low said that although the findings of the Australian researchers are basically a sort of groundwork on the subject, they are definitely likely to explicate the reason as to why the natives are more vulnerable to acute illness if they happen to be infected by the new H1N1 virus. According to Dr. Low, the theory regarding the use of immune globulin to treat acutely ill swine flu patients needs to be researched further.
Dr. Donald Low says that a further research into the subject would be something similar to a fishing exploration, but, at the same time, he asserts that such a move would definitely be valuable. He said that the end result of the matter is that this hypothesis is something that needs to be thoroughly investigated. According to him, the research may well result in a remedial inference and possibly will be an indicator for women who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill when they are contaminated by the H1N1 virus. Contrary to the views of Dr. Donald Low, Dr. Anand Kumar, an expert on intensive care unit (ICU) from Winnipeg who has attended several critically ill swine flu patients during the last spring and early summer, was not very positive regarding the findings of the Australian research team.
In a e-mail message, Dr. Anand Kumar said that the findings of the research by Australian team of scientists was nothing surprising to him as this is what he had anticipated in any person falling gravely sick following infection by the new H1N1 virus. Dr. Kumar who is also an expert on infectious diseases said that during serious illness it is very natural that the level of all antibodies would decrease and it is directly proportionate with the acuteness of the ailment. In other words, the more severe the ailment is, the greater is the fall in the antibody level. At the same time, Dr. Kumar was of the view that treating the swine flu patients with antibodies collected from other people does make sense. However, he emphasized that the immune globulin should be essentially harvested from people who have convalesced from a bout of swine flu and possess the antibodies that are precise to the H1N1 virus.
Dr. Lindsay Grayson has acknowledged that at this juncture, his team members were not sure whether there is a cause-and-effect association at work in this case. In other words, this means that lower level of IgG2 in patients incline them to suffer more acute illnesses once they are infected by the H1N1 virus. However, Dr. Grayson is not ready to accept that the opposite is at work, meaning that the contagion by the virus results in low levels of IgG2.
Dr. Lindsay Grayson asserted that he does not believe that the swine flu is responsible for the low IgG2 levels, but it is on the contrary. It is this new virus H1N1 that is affecting people who are already suffering from a deficiency of the IgG2 antibody. According to Dr. Grayson, the number of people who become severely ill following contagion by H1N1 is still definitely very less and the issue needs to be explored further, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. At the same time, he pointed out that the cases of swine flu infections are on the decline in Melbourne. Nevertheless, Dr Grayson admitted that presently around 16 out of 19 acutely sick swine flu patients suffered from extremely less content of IgG2 antibody in their system in comparison to three out of 20 patients H1N1 infected patients who endured restrained sickness.
The group of researchers from Australia examined healthy women enduring pregnancy and discovered that approximately 60 per cent of them suffered from low IgG2 antibody levels to some extent. This finding has actually made them think that this may perhaps be one of the alterations in the immune systems that happen in order to enable pregnant women to hold a foreign body, a fetus, without discarding it. However, Dr. Grayson has pointed out that it is important for them to find out if the IgG2 level in these women goes up to the standard level after giving birth to their babies.
Dr. Lindsay Grayson has admitted that although his team’s findings are yet to prove their theory, it is essential for the medical practitioners in the Northern Hemisphere treating the most acutely suffering swine flu patients in the ensuing weeks and months to consider examining their IgG2 antibody levels as well as making use of immune globulin - a blood product that is frequently administered to gravely sick patients infected by some kind of bacteria.
He said that in several respects this means application of the universal rule that most medical practitioners use to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections. Now, they have made a significant study and the same may be applied to treat patients suffering from flu, especially those who are critically sick following infected by the new H1N1 virus, Dr. Lindsay Grayson concluded.
http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/1_beauty_skin.htm#top
Herbal Skin Care
The surface of your skin needs to be kept moist as well as clean, to protect it from the harmful effects of drying wind, burning sun and environmental pollution. All preparations used either to cleanse, tone, moisturize or nourish the skin should be used in moderation. Always remember that your skin is alive, breathing and eliminating, and that its delicate balance of pH, moisture and immunity can easily be damaged by too much cleansing, toning, and moisturizing which clog the pores.
The preparations you use on your skin will vary according to your skin type, the time of year, your general health and the atmosphere you live in. When applying anything to your skin, always be gentle; do not drag the skin or rub it too vigorously. Avoid extremes of temperature such as facial saunas or cold water splashes to wake you up in the morning. Make-up is best avoided as far as possible as it tends to clog up the pores; it dries and ages the skin as well as making it look dull and lifeless.
Herbal ingredients can do much to help your skin to look and feel better. As the recipes show, you can use ingredients derived from plants to produce bracing astringents, soothing emollient lotions and creams, and deep-cleaning masks and steam facials. But remember that the health of your skin depends on a number of factors age, diet, heredity, stress, exercise, and sleeping habits as well as environmental influences such as humidity and sun exposure.
Sage astringent
This can be especially refreshing if kept in the refrigerator and applied while cold. Tincture of benzoin, a preservative, is sold by specialty druggists. This preparation is for external use only and should not be taken internally.
* 1/2 cup dried sage
* 1/2 cup vodka
* 4-5 drops tincture of benzoin
Put half the sage in a jar and pour the vodka over it. Cap the jar tightly and let it stand for a week. Strain, reserving the liquid and discarding the sage. Put the rest of the sage in the jar, add the liquid, and let it stand for another week. The liquid should have a strong herbal odor. If you would like it to be stronger, repeat the process, using another 1/4 cup sage. Strain the astringent into a clean bottle, using a fine filter, such as a coffee filter. Add the tincture of benzoin, cap the bottle tightly, and shake well.
This astringent is even better made with fresh sage. Use about 1/2 cup, loosely packed, each time you fill the jar.
A milder astringent. Dilute with distilled water or substitute a less astringent herb, such as chamomile.
A more bracing astringent. Add from 2 to 4 tablespoons of witch hazel extract or substitute a more astringent herb, such as yarrow.
Rose water-glycerin lotion
Quite likely a favorite of your grandmother, this traditional mix makes an effective basic moisturizer and hand lotion. A version is sold at any drugstore, but if you make your own, you can vary the proportions to suit your skin and its seasonally changing condition.
* 1/2 cup rose water
* 1/4 cup glycerin
Use prepared rose water or make it by adding 1 teaspoon soluble rose oil to 1/2 cup distilled water. Blend the rose water with the glycerin until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour it into a clean bottle and cap.
A thinner lotion, for oily skin. Mix 2/3 cup rose water with 2 tablespoons glycerin.
A thicker lotion, for dry skin. Mix V3 cup rose water with 1/3 cup or more glycerin.
Rose water-glycerin gel. Dissolve I teaspoon plain gelatin in 1/2 cup hot water; blend in 1 teaspoon oil of rose and 3 tablespoons glycerin.
Aloe vera cold cream
Aloe adds an interesting texture to this traditional cleansing and moisturizing cream. An 18-century-old formula calls for expensive oil of roses, but olive oil and rose water make a good, moderate-priced substitute. Anhydrous (water-less) lanolin is available from specialty druggists. Beeswax can be found where sewing notions are sold. Pick a favorite essential oil for scent: oil of rose or lavender will heighten the cream’s floral fragrance; oil of eucalyptus or peppermint will give it a refreshing, healthful smell.
* 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
* 1/3 cup olive oil
* 1 tablespoon white beeswax
* 2 tablespoons anhydrous lanolin
* 2 tablespoons rose water
* 2-3 drops essential oil (rose, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint)
Use a wire whip or a blender to mix the aloe gel thoroughly into the oil. Set the mixture aside. Melt the beeswax with the lanolin in the top of a double boiler. Slowly stir in the oil mixture. Then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rose water and the essential oil. Keep stirring as the mixture cools and thickens. Just before it begins to solidify, pour it into a jar with a screw-on lid.
An herbal steam facial
Steaming moisturizes the skin, cleans out the pores, and increases the surface blood flow. Herbs can make it both more stimulating and soothing. For the ingredients below you can substitute other aromatic or astringent plants, such as dried sage and yarrow leaves, lavender flowers, and fresh or dried parsley. Make herbal steam baths in a large bowl instead of the sink; the herbs can clog the sink’s drain.
* 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
* 1 tablespoon dried peppermint or dried spearmint
* 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
* 1 tablespoon dried elderberry flowers
* 2 teaspoons powdered licorice root
* 1 quart boiling water
Crush the fennel seeds with a spoon. Then put them together with the other herbs in a large heat-proof bowl, and pour the water over them. Put your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel, forming a tent. Keep your face about 12 inches from the water. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pat your face dry and apply a moisturizing cream to keep the absorbed moisture from evaporating.
Cleansing
Removing dirt and make-up is best done once a day at night, unless your skin is very oily, in which case it may be necessary to cleanse in the morning as well. Cleansing creams and lotions are preferable to water and most soaps, which can over-dry the skin and damage its pH, especially if your skin is dry and sensitive. However, unperfumed natural soaps and rainwater are suitable for many people for face washing.
CLEANSERS FOR OIL SKIN
For simple cleansers you can use tepid infusions of either elder flowers, yarrow, sage, lady’s mantle, calendula or chamomile to rinse the face. Rose water is also useful. Cucumber is an ideal cleanser for oily skin. Mix a little cucumber puree with half a pint of milk and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Shake well before use. Alternatively if you grate half a cucumber and boil it in half a pint of milk gently for three minutes, cool, sieve, and bottle it, it will keep for a week.
Fennel helps to remove dirt and impurities from oily skin. Bran, oatmeal, or cornmeal can be used daily as facial scrubs to help absorb excess oil on the skin. Take a small handful of fine oatmeal and mix a little water, milk or buttermilk with it to make a paste, and wash the face gently with it. This will help prevent blackheads.
Almond milk cleanser
* 2 teaspoons ground almonds
* 1/4 teaspoons rose water
Blend for 2 minutes, strain and bottle.
Buttermilk and fennel cleanser
* 1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
Heat the milk and crushed fennel seed slowly for 30 minutes in a double boiler. Leave to cool and infuse for 2 hours. Stain and bottle; this keeps in a refrigerator for up to a week.
CLEANSERS FOR DRY SKIN
Apricot oil is nourishing and moisturizing and makes a good cleanser. Wash off any excess oil with a tepid infusion of chamomile or elderflower. Lemons will help restore the acid pH of the skin.
Chamomile cleansing milk
* 1/2 cup (125 ml) full fat milk
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chamomile flowers
Heat together very gently in a double boiler for half an hour, but do not allow to boil. Leave to cool for 2 hours, strain, refrigerate and use within a week.
Lemon cleansing milk
* 1/2 small pot of natural yoghurt
* 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) safflower or almond oil
Blend the ingredients together and use within 3 days.
CLEANSERS FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN
Sweet almond oil is cleansing and nourishing and is excellent for removing dirt and make-up. Remove excess oil with elderflower or chamomile in tepid infusion.
Orange flower cleansing cream
* 1 oz (25 ml) Soya oil
* 1 oz (25 ml) almond oil
* 1 oz (25 ml) orange flower water
* 1 oz (25 g) cocoa butter
* 1 tablespoon (15 g) beeswax
* 5 drops essential oil of neroli
Mix and warm the oil. Melt the cocoa butter separately, then stir into the oils. Melt the beeswax and stir it into the oil mixture. Add the orange flower water, leave to thicken and cool. Stir in the essential oil as the mixture thickens; spoon into jars. Neroli stimulates the formation of new skin cells.
Glycerin and rose water cleansing cream
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) lanolin
* 2 oz (50 ml) almond oil
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
* 3 tablespoons (45 ml) rose water
* 6 drops essential oil of rose
Melt the lanolin in one pan and heat the glycerin and almond oil to the same heat in another. Mix the two together, slowly stirring all the time. Add the rose water gradually, leave to cool and stir in the rose oil.
CLEANSERS FOR ANY SKIN
Buttermilk makes an excellent cleanser and can be mixed with juice or puree of lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, honey or beaten egg white.
Olive oil cleanser
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon honey
Mix together and apply; rinse off with a tepid infusion of chamomile or elderflower.
Sage cleanser lotion
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 2 drops cider vinegar
* 2 teaspoons sage infusion
Combine the oil and honey, and warm. Add warm sage infusion and the vinegar; stir well.
Toning
Regular toning after cleansing, a bath or facial steaming, is important to keep the skin firm and fine in texture. It counteracts any tendency to large pores, and sagging of the skin, and will help eliminate excessive oiliness and any residue left from the cleanser. Skin tonics are generally prepared with astringent fruits or herbs which have a refreshing and stimulating effect on the skin.
Cucumber juice
Wash a cucumber (organically grown for preference) and put it through a juice extractor (or in a blender, then strain off the juice). Wipe the juice over your face and leave it to dry.
Horsetail toner
* 1 tablespoon oatmeal
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) horsetail infusion
Simmer oats in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain and use the water as gruel. Combine one teaspoonful with horsetail infusion and bottle. Keep in a cool place for 2 - 4 days. Apply it to the face and neck and leave for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water or rose water, pat dry.
Rose water and witch hazel toning lotion
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) lemon juice
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) witch hazel
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) rose water
* 3 drops essential oil of lavender
Mix all the ingredients together and bottle. Shake well before using. This lotion will help to restore the acid skin mantle, close the pores, tighten and freshen the skin
Several herbs can be used in tepid infusions as skin fresheners; these include chamomile, yarrow, sage, mint, lady’s mantle, elderflowers and fennel. Add one or two drops of tincture of benzoin, to help preserve the lotion a little longer, per cup of infusion.
Moisturizing
Light oil, creams or lotions can be applied to the skin regularly to protect the skin from the effects of winds, sun, central heating, and environmental pollution. Avoid using heavy oils or creams as they do not allow the skin to breathe properly. It is best only to moisturize in the morning and leave the skin to breathe freely at night.
Simple moisturizes can be made using the oils of avocado, wheat germ, almond, safflower, apricot, sunflower, and olive which are all moisturizing and penetrating. Apply the oil lightly to the skin, leave to soak in for a few minutes and then wipe off any excess. Egg yolk, cream, melon juice, brewer’s yeast, buttermilk, honey, oatmeal, almond meal and peach juice are also moisturizing.
MOISTURIZERS FOR OIL SKIN
Avocado and nettle moisturizer
* 1 teaspoon beeswax
* 2 teaspoons emulsifying wax
* 4 teaspoons (20 ml) avocado oil
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) strong nettle infusion
* 4 drops essential oil of cedarwood
Melt the waxes together, warm the oils and stir in to the waxes. Mix in the infusion. Allow to cool and mix in the essential oil.
Witch hazel and buttermilk moisturizer
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) witch hazel
* 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml) apricot oil
* 2 teaspoons almond oil
Put the ingredients in the jar, screw on the lid and shake well.
MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN
Rose moisturizer
* 1 teaspoon beeswax
* 1 teaspoon lanolin
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) almond oil
* 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) wheat germ oil
* 3 tablespoon (45 ml) rose water
* 6 drops essential oil of rose or rose geranium
Melt the beeswax and lanolin together while stirring. Warm the oils and gradually mix into the wax mixture. Slowly add the warm rose water while stirring. As the mixture cools and thickens, stir in the oil of rose. Spoon into jars.
Avocado moisturizer
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
* natural yoghurt
Put the stoned avocado in the blender, add the honey and lemon juice and enough yoghurt to make it into a stiff cream. Cool for half an hour, massage into the face and neck, leave on for a few hours then rinse.
MOISTURIZERS FOR ANY SKIN TYPE
Buttermilk and calendula lotion
* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoon apricot oil
* 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon calendula infusion (steep until cold)
Put the ingredients in a jar, screw the lid on and shake well.
Witch hazel and rose lotion
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon rose water
* 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) witch hazel
* 1 teaspoon honey
Warm the ingredients and combine them in a glass jar, screw on the lid and shake well.
Elderflower and cucumber lotion
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) almond milk
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon cucumber juice
* 1 drop tincture of benzoin
Combine ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid and shake well.
Face masks
If you have normal to dry skin and keep it cleansed and toned regularly, you need only occasionally use face masks for deeper cleansing and conditioning. If your skin is particularly oily you could use a face mask about once a week to tone the skin, particularly after steaming the face. When you have chosen and made your recipe, spread the mask mixture evenly over clean skin, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes and lips. Lie down and relax, leaving it on for about ten minutes or until it sets. Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water and apply toners or fresheners to enhance the tonic effect. Herbal infusions to suit your skin type can be mixed with fuller’s earth to make “mud” packs.
An oatmeal face mask
This recipe combines two ingredients-oat-meal and almonds-traditionally regarded as deep-cleansing agents that are highly beneficial to the complexion. You can use prepared almond meal or you can make it by grinding almonds to a fine powder in a blender or food processor. For a smoother-textured mask, substitute the special colloidal oatmeal sold at the drugstore. Refrigerate the leftover infusion and use it as a face wash.
* 1/2 cup boiling water
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
* 1 1/2 tablespoons regular oatmeal
* 1 tablespoon almond meal
Pour the boiling water over the rosemary, steep for 15 minutes, and strain. In a separate bowl, crumble the dried oatmeal with your fingers; then mix in the almond meal. Add just enough of the rosemary infusion to make a thick paste. To use the mask, first wash your face and steam it or apply a warm, wet washcloth for a few minutes. Gently spread the paste on your face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Leave the mask on for 15 to 30 minutes, letting it dry completely. Wash it off with a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water.
An astringent mask.
For oily skin, substitute an astringent, tannin-rich herb such as agrimony, lady’s-mantle, raspberry leaf, or yarrow for the rosemary.
A stimulating mask.
Instead of rosemary, use peppermint, elderberry flower, eucalyptus leaf, or some other herb that has an invigorating effect on the skin.
A smoothing mask.
To help soften rough, dry skin, heat 1 or 2 teaspoons flaxseed, kelp, or another mucilage-rich herb in water until it thickens. Then add it to the oatmeal-almond mixture instead of the rosemary infusion. Dampen the dry mixture with a little water first. Aloe vera gel can also be substituted.
A richer mask.
For dry skin, substitute an egg yolk mixed with 1/4 cup honey for the rosemary infusion. If the mask is too thick to apply easily, add a little milk or yogurt.
Papaya skin treatment
The enzyme in papaya (a fruit that resembles a melon) helps remove dried flaky skin. Do not leave the papaya on your face too long, since it also tends to dry the skin.
* 1 wedge of papaya fruit
Cut a wedge from a ripe fruit and save the rest to eat. Scrape off the seeds. Scoop out the fruit pulp and mash it. Smooth the pulp over your face. After a couple of minutes, wipe it off with a washcloth. Splash your face with cool water.
MASKS FOR OIL SKIN
Egg white and lemon face mask
* 1 egg white
* 1/2 teaspoon honey
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Beat the egg white stiff, and add a few drops of lemon juice and the honey.
Brewer’s yeast and witch hazel face mask
* 4 oz (120 g) brewer’s yeast
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) witch hazel
* 2-3 drops peppermint oil
Mix together into a paste and apply.
Strawberry face mask
* 4 oz (120 g) mashed fresh strawberries
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) powdered milk
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
Mix together and apply. Rinse off with a little lemon juice or cider vinegar in warm water.
MASKS FOR DRY SKIN
Brewers yeast and comfrey face mask
* 3 teaspoons (15 ml) ml strong comfrey leaf infusion
* 1 teaspoon runny honey
* 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast
* 1 teaspoon natural yoghurt
* 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
Blend together the honey and yeast. Then add the yoghurt and comfrey, stirring until it makes a paste. Pat your face with the oil then apply the paste.
Egg yolk and olive oil face mask
* 1 egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
Beat the two ingredients together, and apply.
MASKS FOR ANY SKIN TYPE
Egg yolk and lemon face mask
* 1/2 lemon
* 1 egg yolk
Hollow out a space in the cut lemon just big enough to hold the egg yolk. Put the unbroken egg yolk in and leave overnight. Cover your face and neck with the egg yolk which will have absorbed some of the oils from the lemon. Leave for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse. This combination will cleanse, nourish and tone the complexion.
Comfrey face mask
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) comfrey leaf infusion
* 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot
* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) apricot oil
Stir the arrowroot into the warm comfrey infusion; heat in a bowl or jar in hot water until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat, add the oil and shake well; cool. Apply to face and neck.
MASKS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Chamomile and honey face mask
* 2 tablespoons unprocessed bran
* 3 tablespoons (45 ml) chamomile infusion
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) runny honey
Mix ingredients together and apply. After 10 minutes rinse off with chamomile infusion.
Marshmallow face mask
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) strong decoction of marshmallow root
* 2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
* fine oatmeal
Mix the infusion and yoghurt together. Stir in enough oatmeal to make a paste. Apply to the face.